the
REALITY of TRUTH
MIRROR C RORRIM on the wall
FIND YOUR
WORK
Rhythm
SHANNON KRING
Volume 3 • Issue 10
E Just the Remedy October 2014
about Hat Trick (noun): 1. A sports metaphor for three achievements by a single player in a game. 2. A magic trick. We happily accept both definitions. Hat Trick Magazine is a special project targeted at sharing spiritual and professional growth with likeminded people from around the world. We share strategies that truly will change your life, business and career (with a little help from some pro friends). We’ve all been there: under/un/employed, in a bad situation, in transition, wondering what the options are and not knowing the skills we would need to get us there. We won’t lie to you. Coming out the other side isn’t easy, but we can show you what we learned along to way and help you get the confidence to turn that leaf over and pursue that which is your destiny. Knowledge is power. Not everyone fancies themselves to be an entrepreneur but the truth is, even when seeking employment these days, pulling together your resume requires some sly articulation to showcase your skills, be keywordoptimized and with a strong, personable presentation to get noticed. We feature inspirational people who have great careers, amazing businesses, tips and a host of amazing stories will inspire and amaze you. Our editors and contributors are some of the most connected in their industries and specialisms. Hat Trick Your Life! Take control of your lifestyle, your career, your dreams and your journey. We’ll share what we know and we invite you to join us. If you or your business would like to be featured or simply would like to contribute a feature in an upcoming issue, please email us on content@hattrickmagazine.com
Hat Trick Strategies cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited coverage made by our contributors including reviews, articles, manuscripts or photographs of products, services. While every care is taken, prices, details or availability of items are subject to change and we cannot accept responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit letters or correspondence received via email, social media or other communication. All advice is given in general terms or as a matter of opinion, for entertainment purposes only, and may not be exhaustive nor suitable for all situations. Always seek specialized professional advice, specifically suited to you or your business needs. Absolutely no part of this magazine should be taken as medical, professional or other advice - always seek the advice of a qualified practitioner. © Hat Trick Strategies, 2013 All Rights Reserved
Make Somet hing Magic al Happe n
Published by
Hat Trick Strategies
TM
Unit 4 Vista Place, Coy Pond Ingworth Road, Poole BH12 1JY, United Kingdom Registered in England and Wales Number 07819796 UK: +44 1383 279 879 US: +1 501 588 2248 clientcare@hattrickstrategies.com
Editorial Team
Michelle Fitz Editor-In-Chief, Page Design
Michael Hartley Associate Design Editor
Michelle is originally from Arkansas and the head of Hat Trick Strategies, a UK firm for Emerging Technologies, Business Change and Corporate Strategy. Her firm has served US and UK household names, government departments and a portfolio of business coaching clients, based globally. Michelle produces all page layout, custom graphics and ad designs for this publication. She holds professional qualifications in LEAN Six Sigma, PMI PMP, is a Practitioner in both PRINCE2 and MSP and is a leader in digital synergies linking content, the customer journey, social media and customer care words/SEO.
Michael is a British entrepreneur based in Manchester, England and is an expert in graphic design, digital artistry, branding and design management. He is a trained violinist, and brings a tremendous breath of creativity to projects. His firm, Michael Thomas Designs, are experts in brand research for target demographics, image and the production of a consistent brand identity for mid-sized companies. Michael understands how to get at the heart of a firm’s offerings and customer base and works closely with select web designers to implement a consistent look and feel across digital, print and online platforms.
Eleni Sofroniou Illustrator
Andrea Sullenger Business & Tech Editor
Eleni is an illustrator based in London and owns Fall Into London.
Andrea is a mix of “kick butt” sales/marketing coach and inspirational possible-i-tarian. She has been working with solo-entrepreneurs for the past 16 years, helping them build their own thriving transactional businesses all while creating streamlined and successful digital products to maximize and leverage their income streams.
She produces the majority of the illustrations which appear in Hat Trick Magazine (which compliment and give our magazine its distinctive look and feel). She has previously created pieces for ELLE Magazine, Essex Style Magazine, and The Female Entrepreneur Association. As well as creating personalised illustrations, Eleni’s illustrations can be purchased from her website.
Andrea shares many of her strategies via Hat Trick Magazine, but to get the latest, subscribe to her list.
Editorial Team
Sandra Cunningham Career & Learning Editor
Shalanda Turner Style Editor
Sandra contributes to the Careers column for the Financial Times and is the owner of Outside In Coaching and Communications, where she helps mid-career women make a successful transition from a soul-sucking, dead-end job to a meaningful and fulfilling career, while creating a lifestyle they can afford and enjoy. Sandra truly believes it’s possible to be wildly successful doing work you love whilst having the work/life balance most people can only dream of. Visit her website for free articles, resources and to sign up for your free e-booklet “21 Pointers to Sharpen Your Career Edge.”
Shasie has a B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering and works as a Project Engineer for a Specialty Chemicals company in Houston, Texas.When Shasie is not at work, she moonlights in the Fashion Industry. She is the creative voice behind the top Fashion Blog; Live Life in Style, Founder of Houston Fashion Bloggers, Style Editor for online media site FashionMingle.net, Fashion Brand Ambassador for Monarch Magazine, Owner of Shop Shasie’s Closet and Houston Fashion Examiner for Examiner.com.
Charlene SanJenko Wellness & Learning Editor
Rachael Pontillo Beauty Editor
Charlene SanJenko is a serial entrepreneur with a successful lifestyle and fitness practice serving Canada. She is an accomplished figure competitor and has served her community in local government.
Rachael Pontillo is the creator of Holistically Haute™, and is the bestselling author of Love Your Skin, Love Yourself, and The Sauce Code. She’s also an award-winning AADP-certified holistic health and image coach, licensed aesthetician, natural skincare formulator and educator, and has just launched the new online course, Create Your Skincare™: a comprehensive 6-week online course where students learn to design their own custom products for luminous skin using all-natural and organic ingredients.
As a social entrepreneur, she believes there is an intrinsic link between physical and emotional fitness, leadership and excellence. She is a thought leader whose emphasis is in helping transform ordinary ladies into “HIP”, High Impact Performance women www.powHERhouse.com
Editorial Team
Tanya Jackson Food, Home & Family Editor
Karen Salmansohn Faith & Self Help Editor
Tanya is the author of our popular Southern recipe column and the editor for our Food & Home section. She is married to a pastor, her high school sweetheart, and is a proud Southern mother and grandmother. Tanya has lived all over the US, but wherever she has lived, she has brought her love and curiosity for local foods and flavors. Tanya believes the best aspect of having cooked in the four corners of the US, was learning to cook what grows around us; because it is our families that make a difference in our lives and sharing our love and enjoyment of good food together goes hand-in-hand.
Karen is an ex-Senior VP, award winning ad writer/creative director (at age 27) who left her successful advertising career (having worked as a writer/creative director/ image consultant for numerous household names), to pursue her passion of writing. She owns notsalmon.com, is an Oprah columnist and a best selling author and book packager with over 1 million books sold. Some titles: How to Be Happy Dammit; Enough Dammit; The Bounce Back Book; and many more. Journalists call Salmansohn “Deepak Chopra Meets Carrie Bradshaw�, merging empowering psychology/ philosophy tips with edgy humor and stylish graphics.
Contributers
Lorraine Hill Head of Global Planning
Michelle Holmes Business Contributor
Sorelle Amore Style Contributor
Mina Muirhead Health Editor, Lifestyle
Gina Hussar Lifestyle Contributor
Manuela Wahnon Lifestyle Contributor
Mellissa Mallaya Lifestyle Contributor
Dara Avenius Career & Learning
Suzanne Perry Faith & Self Help (Victim Support)
Katie Clifton Faith & Self Help (Christian)
Cherie DeBurger Home Contributor (Life & Family)
Sukh Pabial Career & Learning
Marina Berberyan Style Contributor
Lisa Wynter Style Contributor
Joey Phelps Cartoonist
Amber Hamilton Henson Associate Home Editor
Ann Pissard Graphic Artist
Michael Phelps Cartoonist
Kate Spencer Lifestyle & Wellness
Nathalie de Ahna Lifestyle & Wellness
Katie Geddes Business Contributor
16 From the Editor
Business & Tech Tips
14 30
When to Take the Leap From he Corporate Ladder
30
What Can You Learn From Your Vacuum Cleaner Bag?
36
Career & Learning
46
Finding Your Rhythm
46
Does ROI Come During or After Leadership development
54
10 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
Cover Story
58
73
Style & Beauty
74
Confessions of a Hollywood Stylist
74
Your Natural Skincare Might Not be as Natural as You Think
78
Faith & Self Help
58
Karen Salmansohn
60
Christian Columnist: Why I Write
68
The Truth & Nothing But the Truth
Lil Nipper Snapper Cartoon
Lifestyle & Wellness
90
Women We Celbrate: Julie Miller
90
Make Your Own Toxin Free Perfume
104
Mirror, Mirror: The Law of Reflection
108
116
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Food, Home & Family
116
Peanut Butter Haystacks
118
The Perils of Packing School Lunch
Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com •
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From the Editor
The Courage
To Change Course A few months ago, I was talking to my friend, who happens to be one of the most revered self help authors of the moment. I was pretty beaten up about an opportunity that didn’t go the way I wanted. I expected a philosophical blurb about “keeping true to myself” and how “everything always comes out in the end” but instead I got a confessional about changing gears, herself. My friend confided that she had made a number of very public announcements which, on reflection, were draining her life and proving to be, well, not-so-fun. She had arranged ISBNs, taken meetings, taken content and model calls, and she even started on collating the first issue of her magazine. She had taken meetings with retail chains, sourced an agent, drummed up a cult following from within her existing cult following. Then boom, like an incense stick that had filled the room with warm, sultry promise, it fizzled right out. That’s right. My amazing, rock star friend, who wins at life on the regular, had invested a metric shit tonne of money into a magazine and then decided that it was draining her of happiness and quite flatly she didn’t want the hassle. 14 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
There are a million things that inspire us or present with glossy financial opportunity and for every one of them, a million complexities come as part of the deal. My friend described the experience as oxygen-sucking, something that took a huge amount of planning, coordination and a healthy tolerance for drama from all angles. Sometimes it’s just time to let it go. It’s hard to describe, but general indicators include when showing up brings feelings of loathing or dread, or the people you are interacting with are rife with drama and bad vibes. Even if the idea/opportunity is by all accounts great, if it feels toxic or simply no longer resonates, pulling the plug is the healthiest thing you can do for your emotional health, business, and resume. Good ventures, jobs, products and relationships simply fit. They suit you in a way that a good coffee, perfume or flavour tantalises and comforts, inspires and invigorates. They’re the things that make you rise upon waking, ready to face whatever is next. The things that make you feel whole, excited and content. They fill you up emotionally and spiritually. Like, yeah. This is exactly what I’m here to do. If you find yourself in anything other ... that’s when you know: it’s time to change course.
By MICHELLE FITZ, Editor-In-Chief
Michelle Letter From the Editor, Michelle Fitz •
15
Cover Story
Shannon Kring Just The Remedy FIND ME ONLINE HERE
By Shalanda Turner 16 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
Shannon Kring
Shannon Kring is a documentary
filmmaker who is no stranger to being featured in Hat Trick Magazine. We first featured Shannon Kring in our December 2012 issue when she debut her documentary film on the Mayan Calendar, entitled 2012: The Beginning. Since then Shannon has been keeping busy pursuing her continued dreams of documentary film-making and dabbling in Herbal remedies. Her latest travel documentary series, Secrets of the Ancient Healers: Medicines in Americas features Shannon with co-host Nick Polizzi as they travel the Americas examining ancient remedies. They focus on indigenous plant medicines, sacred food, and ancient herbal remedies that bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and the modern world. Shannon is an inspiration to all of us here at Hat Trick and a real go-getter; someone who overcame hardship and continues to pursue her dreams.
18 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
You are always doing something cool and exciting! Tell us about some of your current projects? I just wrapped Secrets of the Ancient Healers: Medicines of the Americas, a 28-episode docuseries and companion book that took us from the Amazonian jungle to the Pacific Coast, and from the Caribbean bush to the Maya cloud forests and beyond. Our journey was guided by ethnobotanists, medicine men and women, shamans, and scholars. They took us into the fields and forests, showed us their lives and work, and their sacred ceremonies and healing rituals. Our goal with this series is to show that anyone, anywhere, can call on natural plant medicine to heal their bodies, minds, and spirits—as well as our planet—today.
How did you come up with that as a documentary topic? My co-host, Nick Polizzi of The Sacred Science and I have dedicated our lives and work to exploring the sacred traditions of indigenous peoples, and how ancient practices may heal the modern world. Documenting over 135 plants was a huge task! A task that was best accomplished with a Shalanda Turner: Engineer By Day, Fashionista By Night •
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...who better to care for your own health than you? Our docuseries is a great starting place for the novice. partner. We learned so much along the way, and can’t wait to share it with all of you!.
Exactly how does one go about getting into the herbal remedy field? One needn’t travel to a sacred site to experience the healing power of ritual and self-care. For many cultures, a huge part of this is the use of plant medicine. Since ancient times, herbs have been used for protection, nourishment, and healing. Anyone at any skill level can use plants to better their quality of life—even if it’s just swapping your body wash to something organic and herbal. In the docuseries, we show people how to make their own oils, salves, teas, and much more. It’s fun and affordable, and who better to care for your own health than you? Our docuseries is a great starting place for the novice. 20 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
Speaking of novice, a lot of people these days (especially women) are trying to stay away from pharmaceutical medicines and are testing out herbs for the first time. What herbs would you recommend for women for everyday ailments and why? Basil is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and tonic—meaning it gives you energy. A teaspoon of dried basil added to boiling water eases PMS, aids in healing after childbirth, and treats nausea. Cacao, used to make chocolate, is a stimulant and tonic. It helps with PMS, vaginal irritation, and even self-esteem. Some of the healers we met advised eating a small square of 70% dark chocolate about a half hour before going into a stressful meeting or social situation. Who knew? A personal favorite of mine is hibiscus. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, eases tension, and lightens menstrual flow, among many other things. When I moved to the Maya lands to recover from a painful and unwanted divorce, I discovered rosa de Jamaica, the popular drink served everywhere in my new home of Copán, Honduras. Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com •
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22 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
It’s cool to see. I’m doing all those things I played out as a child.
Made with iced hibiscus tea, a bit of raw sugar, and sometimes a splash or two of fresh-squeezed lemonade, it was a refreshing treat that I drank nearly every day. A couple of weeks into my stay, a shaman with whom I was studying, remarked that hibiscus tea was the best-possible drink for me. Since childhood, I have suffered from inherited hypertension and was experiencing heartache. “It’s not only good for physical heart health,” she told me, “but also for emotionally pained hearts.” After living for decades on hypertension medication that caused unpleasant side effects, I decided to stop taking my medication. I’ve had normal blood pressure levels and a happy heart for six years and counting.
That’s amazing and definitely a blessing since you travel so much! Have you always had a passion for travel? I never set foot on an airplane until I was in college. I went to Philadelphia to accept an award from the Associated Collegiate Press, and have been traveling ever since. Some of the earliest memories I have are of me playing traveling games. I always knew that I would travel the Shalanda Turner: Engineer By Day, Fashionista By Night •
23
world. My other lifelong dream was to work in film and television, to interview people, and to write. It’s cool to see that today. I’m doing all those things I played out as a child.
Where will you travel to next after you scour America? In addition to my work as a director/producer/host, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to speak at different events around the world. Next I am off to speak at a gathering of global wisdom keepers in the Midwest. I travel most weeks, and next I’ll be off to Las Vegas, Chicago, Wisconsin, Houston, and Honduras. I am excited to return to Scandinavia soon, too. I lived there after I left Honduras and love it. The weather, not so much. But my husband’s home country of Norway has much to teach us about humility, grace, and a true work-life balance. In the New Year I am returning to Copán, Honduras, with a retreat group. I’ve been leading retreats since 1997 and it’s one of the most rewarding things I do. Witnessing the beauty of spiritual awakening is beautiful.
Do you have ideas for your next documentary film? I’m actually planning on taking a few months to return to publishing. I have worked almost exclusively in film since 24 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
2010, and I have a novel that’s been waiting patiently for me. It’s a passion project for me, my first work of fiction, and a subject matter near and dear to my heart. I look forward to coming back and sharing it with you when I finish.
A woman of many talents I see! We look forward to hearing all about your book. What drives you to continue the pursuit of these goals? I didn’t come here to mess around. Life is short, and I don’t believe there’s any time to waste. I’m just getting started. Shalanda Turner: Engineer By Day, Fashionista By Night •
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What are your future dreams and goals? I used to set very specific goals, which I checked off a list. A literal list. Sell a book by 30, check. Get a national television series, check. I am grateful for all that I’ve been able to accomplish, but I wasn’t very happy back then. Instead of celebrating the accomplished tasks, I was focusing on the ones without check marks. It sounds cliché, but my goal today is to just be as content as possible, something that’s always been both a gift and a blessing for me. Now my goals are prayers, ones in which I ask to be used in the best possible way, to serve the most people as possible.
You can’t wish a dream into reality. You can help it along by setting intentions, but you can’t make it happen unless you try. 26 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
What are some challenges you have faced in achieving your goals? Like most people who came from an impoverished, rural community, my journey out was not easy. It also wasn’t as hard as what others had to overcome. My biggest challenge was my own self. I wasn’t always kind to myself—to my body—with the things I thought in my own head, and my intolerance of my own shortcomings. When we have inner turmoil, it manifests on the outside. The good news? When we’re kind towards ourselves, it ALSO manifests on the outside. The amazing relationships and opportunities in my life today are a result of me being more comfortable in my own skin.
What tips would you give to someone looking to pursue their passion? Go for it! You can’t wish a dream into reality. You can help it along by setting intentions, but you can’t make it happen unless you try. I would also tell them to shoot for the best possible outcome. What is the life of your dreams? I’m talking pie-inthe-sky dreaming here. Shoot for that, because there’s no point in settling.
When the going gets rough, get back up and try again. And again, and again, and again. I say that, but at the same time, you have to know when something is simply not meant to be. If there’s too much resistance, there’s probably a better path you’ve yet to explore. Don’t burn energy beating on brick walls. I did that in my younger years. So much wasted energy! Today, if there is too much resistance, or if I feel even the slightest unease or discomfort with a person or opportunity, I know that there’s something better coming. I move on and make room FOR that something better to come...
...THE LIFE YOU WANT CAN’T BE ACHIEVED IF YOU’RE STILL CLINGING TO THE ONE YOU DON’T WANT. 28 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
e r e h k c Cli t u o d n to fi t u o b a more g n i r K n Shanno e! onlin
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Business & Tech Tips
When To Take
The Leap From The
Corporate Ladder
FIND ME ONLINE HERE
By Andrea Sullenger 30 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
IT’S
a question that most entrepreneurs face at one time or another. Some are risk takers, they leap and hope the net appears and others are more calculating with their analysis for when and how to make the transition. How do you know when or if you even can safely and securely leave that comfortable cubicle and bi-monthly paycheck to chase your dreams? “Guru’s” all over the internet and coaching space all have their own philosophy’s on this very topic. I have had clients tell me they have had things said to them like, “if you aren’t working your business 100% of the time you aren’t committed”, or “if you are building a business on the side of a full time career or job I won’t work with you. You aren’t serious about what you are creating.” In my non-guru mind this is a bunch of bull. Entrepreneurship isn’t a one-size-fitsall or here-is-the-same-path-for-all…just follow along type of gig. Entrepreneurship is highly individualized and you and I see it all the time. We see it with success and the crash and burn stories highlighted through media regularly. In every single case, whether they were making it big or they lost it all, each story is unique and your story will have to be also.
“...you are the only one that is the author and creator of this story. You be the guru of your success and navigate your own success pathway.”
When to Take the Leap From The Corporate Ladder •
31
There are a few questions to place into your strategy of knowing when to leap and when to keep juggling in the cubical, however, remember you are the only one that is the author and creator of this story. You be the guru of your success and navigate your own success pathway. The questions and strategy I generally purpose to my clients are these…
You need to be seeing traction in your business before you even consider taking the corporate leap. That means, you should be seeing your numbers increase with each passing month because of your efforts before you even consider jumping from a secure income stream.
Is the business, the way you have set up now, scalable? Could you produce enough income to replace and or give yourself a raise once you leave that secure income stream? 32 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
“Take time to dissect all areas of your business before you take the leap.You want to be one of the success stories and not the crash and burn ones.” Do you have a concrete branding and marketing strategy planned out? If not, you need one first. It will save you time and lots and lots of money wasted doing the wrong things. Do you need to hire an expert? If yes, (for most of us this is a yes) how much will you need to invest?
My suggestion is that you always have at least 6 months—but better to have at least a years worth of— income saved to fall back on. This way you can work on creating and building out of a place of peace, security and abundance. If you are working out of lack you add undo pressure. When to Take the Leap From The Corporate Ladder •
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Do I have money set aside to invest in growing my business? How much do I have? Do I have money set aside to invest in my own personal development? How much do I have? This is the number one thing I see people ignore. They think they will just make money and then allocate that into investing but the reality is it doesn’t always shake out this simply. It is a much smarter plan to have money set aside to continue to scale the business and invest in your own knowledge.
Take time to dissect all areas of your business before you take the leap.You want to be one of the success stories and not the crash and burn ones.
34 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
WITH ES M L O H E L MICHEL Click to Watch Online!
Embody Your Sexy Geek Quick Techie Tips to Let Your Sexy Geek Shine
What Can You Learn from Your Vacuum Cleaner Bag? A Story of Service FIND ME ONLINE HERE
By Katie Geddes 36 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
What’s it take to get where you need to go as a daring entrepreneur? What have you endured along the way? And what’s your vacuum cleaner bag got to do with it? As my business has taken its twists and turns, becoming the lean, mean grateful machine it is today, as many of you may relate to, it and I have gone through learning, growing, exploring and being broke before not. In this process of entrepreneurship, if you’re lucky, you’re likely to learn things you wouldn’t have had everything been handed to you on that proverbial silver platter. Embody Your Sexy Geek •
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Life having the sense of humor and poetry that it does, Zen lessons came to me via my vacuum cleaner bag. One diehard, well-functioning, intrepid mighty bag. It went like this:
On my journey to financial plenty,
it came to pass that I couldn’t afford a new box of vacuum cleaner bags. This became a stumbling block. Being somewhat tenacious, I decided to reuse the same bag. Many times. Like years. Seriously. I pulled the dirt out of the bag instead of throwing it away when I realized how expensive they were and figured I’d see if I could re-use just one. I could. For a helluva long time.
The proud day eventually came when I was able
to get a new box of bags. But I waited way longer than I had to to get that new box because of all I had learned from my stalwart bag along the way and wanting to linger in the knowledge of its lessons. To be sure to truly take them in. I share with you here a few of the worthy concepts gleaned from my long-standing bag.
38 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
Do You Have Staying Power?
Stick-to-it-ive-ness. A fine quality that will take you where you want to go. My bag stayed with me through thick and thin, use after use, far beyond expectations. This builds trust and reliability. No kidding.
Are You Over-Complicating Things?
My bag was built to do one thing and do it very well. Simplicity harbors greatness. In the words of Steve Jobs:
Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains. Steve Jobs
Are You Ready to Serve?
I’ve got many rugs because I have an offshoot of my design business creating artistic rugs. These rugs require vacuuming. My bag was always ready to serve.
Are You Streamlining Tasks?
Single-minded focus achieves great things. All my bag did was absorb dirt. Do you hone in on the task at hand? Put Embody Your Sexy Geek •
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aside your many distractions and focus on one and see how much you get done.
Do You Present Fine Craftsmanship?
There’s nothing like a well built machine. Whatever you produce, take pride in your craftsmanship, whether it’s a product or a service. Finely made things last. They are honorable.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Dirty
Life is full of dirt. You can try to avoid it but it will find you. When it does, don’t be afraid. You can handle it, I know it.
Know Your Real Value
While you deserve to be paid well for your expertise, when you offer greater value than you cost, your real value soars. You’ll reap the rewards in bucket loads of clients.
Genuine Ability is Always in Style
Performing a task well never goes out of style and will always be wanted. Do what you do well and your avatar (ideal client) will find you, have no doubt. Trusty performance is remembered.
If You Stick Around Long Enough, You’ll Find Your Way
Endurance will reward you. It’s not how many times you fall; it’s how many times you get up. My dirty bag with chipped parts served again and again and again and kept working
despite wear and tear. I gained calm, gratitude, humor and frugality.
These are valuable qualities that every
entrepreneur can use. Wishing you these many excellent qualities and a smile of understanding as you make your way with whatever seeming hardships you must endure. There may be hidden treasure where you never expected.
Fine Technology
Shouting out the superior technology behind my vacuum cleaner and its bags, made by the brilliant German engineering firm, Miele. Life sometimes needs to be Embody Your Sexy Geek •
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vacuumed. When your swanky office, whether at home or with others, calls for it, I highly recommend these elegant machines.
What About You?
What unusual lengths have you gone to to save a dime? I’d love to hear and I know others would too. I’ll share some of the best ones in print (with your permission), giving you an extra boost of visibility. Send me your brilliance at: sexygeek@embodyart.org.
Lovin Bytes, Katie xx
Katie Geddes can be found geeking it up at Embodyart.org, where she’ll show you how to profit from your passion. Katie designs thriving businesses for playful, spiritual entrepreneurs. E-mail Katie at sexygeek@embodyart.org to say hi, ask a question, sing a song or apply for a FREE discovery session that’s worth a friggin’ fortune.
Embodyart.org
42 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
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LINDSAY MARINO Medium, Author, Speaker
Email Lindsay@LindsayMarino.com
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Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com •
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Career & Learning
Finding Your
Rhythm
FIND ME ONLINE HERE
By Sandra Cunningham
Like many high-achieving professionals, you may have days when you speed through your agenda smoothly and effortlessly, and still have plenty of energy to spare. You may also find sometimes that you have a surprising ability to persevere through long periods of activity, with very little that can possibly get in the way. On those days, life has a certain ease and flow to it. On the other hand, most of us can relate to times when we’ve felt completely out of step with our lives. You may even feel like that now. On those days, work can seem like a struggle; blockages emerge in our relationships; obstacles seem to lurk around every corner; and we feel tense, pressurised and exhausted. We are out of balance. We might try to wrestle with the situation, in order to win back control, or simply give in to it, and render ourselves powerless. Either way, our attention is placed on factors that are external to us, and there is a strong likelihood that we have disconnected from our own, natural rhythm and beat. Finding Your Rhythm •
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So What Do We Mean By ‘Rhythm’? And is it realistic to trust it, let alone align with it? When you think about it, the concept of rhythm permeates all of our lives. It has featured across cultures for as long as man has existed, from rap singers to military marches, to tribal dancing and church choirs. And in even in our language, we often use expressions like ‘getting into our groove’; ‘beating our own drum’; ‘stepping up’; and ‘being in or out of sync’. More than a metaphor, rhythm is the energetic heartbeat of life. It is movement. We see it in the tides, in the moon cycles, in the seasons - everywhere. And it exists within all of us. Just think back to a time when you were in your most rhythmic flow. The experience can differ from person to person, but for many, it feels like we’re unstoppable. We notice that we perform our daily tasks more quickly and with seemingly less effort, than when we’re forcing ourselves or pushing against the tide. We become more creative. Our thinking is clearer – of a higher quality, you might say. We 48 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
are more present or mindful to what’s happening around us, while staying calmer and relatively detached. We’re also less inclined to be triggered emotionally.
This is often a great time too, to tackle any challenging or complex tasks that we’ve been putting off. What’s more, we’re often much better able to withstand external distractions, or those familiar worries and concerns that normally threaten to hijack our efforts. It’s a happier place to be, all round; a lot more fulfilling, satisfying and really quite joyful. We are more effective, innovative and productive in our endeavours and our relationships seem to flourish. The rest of the world gets to benefit too. Because when we show up consistently as our best Selves, when we are more aligned to who we really are, we bring our true qualities, gifts and talents to everything and everybody that we touch. This state of ‘being’ and its resultant impact, usually comes as a consequence of finding a natural rhythm and pace that suits our needs.
How You Can Feel Your Natural Rhythm
We all move to our own vibration, and finding that vibration is possible by tuning in to our bodies and becoming more aware, more connected with the rhythm of life. Finding Your Rhythm •
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Here are three of my favourite practices for connecting with your rhythm and finding your natural state of being.
Heartbeat The heartbeat rhythm is primal—the mother of all rhythms and the rhythm we first heard inside our mother’s womb. Its cadence ranges from a resting heart rate of seventy-two beats a minute, or adagio, which literally means “at ease,” to andante, or moderate, like a walking pace. Simply placing your hand on your heart connects you to your own rhythm, and is a steadying reminder that this inner beat is pulsing within you always. If you’re alive, you have rhythm.
Breathing The rhythm of breathing is a natural, balanced pattern of inhale and exhale, giving our bodies the chance to receive and release. How we breathe has a significant impact on our health and wellness, and our breath is a barometer of our state of being. Relax, and we breathe more deeply. Under stress, our breath becomes shallow. Become aware of this breathing 50 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
rhythm, and you will be more present and connected to your body.
Walking Walking is a two-beat pattern, a double beat, which in music is known as “duple meter.” In the walking beat, we learn the subtle contrast between downbeat and upbeat. In the downbeat, we feel a sense of grounding, like steps walking on the earth. In the upbeat, we feel lifted powerfully in the space between each pulse. Walking in solitude allows you the chance to find your own pace, as opposed to keeping in step with others, causing you to take on their momentum and energy. Allow your walking to synchronise with your breathing: Breathe in (step 1-2-3); breathe out (step 1-2-3). Extend it out if you wish: Breathe in (step 1-2-3-4); breathe out (step 1-2-3-4). Slow it down, speed it up, vary it, and soon you’ll settle into your own pace.
The Power To Regulate Our Being
With these practices, and many others too (you may have a favourite way to access your own rhythm), we give
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ourselves the power to regulate our ‘being’ and return to balance whenever we choose. We can also more easily detect the rhythm, or energy, that exists within other people and in situations that we meet. Once we learn to tune in to life’s groove and start to trust our own, natural way of being in the world, we are greeted with a stronger sense of inner knowing and strength. Not only are we better able to create ease and flow whenever we want; we feel better equipped to start taking risks, trying out new projects, and putting ourselves ‘out there’ in more ways than ever before.
A completely new adventure awaits us, once we find our own rhythm and groove.
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SUCCESS
IS MORE A FUNCTION OF CONSISTENT COMMON SENSE THAN IT IS OF
GENIUS 53
Does ROI come During or After Leadership Development
FIND ME ONLINE HERE
By Sukh Pabial 54 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
For all I rail against ROI and the measurements we provide as internal L&Ders, I’m not immune to it. I still have to report back to the board what the outputs are from internal initiatives and solutions I provide. I still have to report back about bums on seats, number of learning sessions, number of hours invested, costs, and whatever else. I am part of the machine, as much I am trying to adapt the machine. I’m in the midst of developing our senior management development programme. It’s going to be awesome. I’m swallowing my own medicine. Like the hype I’m building around it? In truth, I thoroughly enjoyed the delivery of our management development programme to our front line managers, as I wrote about last week. So what’s different here? Firstly, there’s a smaller group. That helps a lot as it means less large scale co-ordination and more room for personalised agendas. I’m totally flowing with that as a thing and we’re arranging that the programme will be flexible enough to fit around people’s diaries where Doe ROI Come During or After Leadership Development? •
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possible, instead of mandated course dates. The bit I’m particularly interested to watch unfold is the take up of content. We will have some core modules, which most people will be asked to attend. We are also providing a range of 7 optional modules, and suggesting that people select a minimum of two, with the option of attending all if that fits with their development needs.
Now, one of the pieces which I’m still grappling with is the inclusion of a project as a method of collaboration and delivery of organisational objectives. In a discussion with one of the directors, we were talking about how we would know if a programme like this were successful at all. What would we actually notice/observe/ feel? We discussed the usual suspects. Better decision making. Improved engagement of teams. Yada yada yada. We got onto the bit about the projects, and the impact of the projects, and this was where things got interesting. It was suggested that it probably makes more sense that the project happens after the development is done, as this would be a directly correlatable (totally a word I just made 56 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
up) to the programme. This made me stop and think quite carefully about what that means. I’m sure we’re not the first to have thought an approach like this might work, and I know I’ve tried to do the project thing in mid-programme previously. So, the question is, is that correlation possible?
As with most things in life, the answer is, possibly. What I don’t have the luxury of is a control group to make that assertion with confidence. I am not of the mind that I don’t want to put a group through development, give them the same projects, and then evaluate the solutions to see who produced better results. Although quasi-scientific, it’s not fair, and certainly morally very shaky. I am intrigued by the face value of it though. By developing the skills, knowledge and attitude of our senior managers, we are equipping them to be their best self at work. Once the programme is complete, they then are given a project to work on collaboratively, with clear parameters and brief, and expected to deliver a solution as part of the project. What that solution looks like, and the delivery of it, would be a reflection on the development programme. So there’s a level of pressure I wasn’t expecting to be attached to the programme!
What do you think? Doe ROI Come During or After Leadership Development? •
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Faith & Self Help
FIND ME ONLINE HERE
58 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
By Karen Salmansohn
Why I Write I’ve been asked to
join a blog tour. I’m not actually going anywhere (unfortunately, because traveling with writers and speakers and meeting you, sounds like Heaven); instead, I’m just writing about a certain topic and featuring another writer who will share the same topic next week.
This is a really incredible opportunity for me to share the truth of why I do what I do, and to share with you some of my favorite fellow writers. So, why do I write? I began blogging at the encouragement and nudging (pressure) of close friends and family. I feel that I have something to say. Not because of anything I am or am not, but because of who Jesus FIND ME ONLINE HERE
By Katie Clifton, Christian Columnist 60 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
Christ is and what He has done in my life. I write because I love to read real stories, of real women, who have found Jesus, been set free, healed and redeemed by their Savior.
I love truth. I love passion and honesty. I
find transparency breathtakingly refreshing. As I have read and studied scripture taught by sold out women, God began showing me that I have a story to share and all I have to do is be obedient to tell the words He provides me. I write because I have been broken. I know I am not the only woman who has ever been crushed, walked through seasons of loneliness, darkness, doubt and fear. I write because I’m a wife. I’m not the only woman who has faced divorce. I’m not the only woman who struggles with pride, submission, score keeping and insecurities. I write because I’m a mom. I’m not the only woman who sometimes wants to lock herself in the closet and hide from her children. I am not alone in idolizing my husband, children and comforts. I am not alone in my frustrations or failures. God did not create me as the only woman who had
“...and I write because I am not the only woman on earth who has a desire to love Jesus and seek obedience.”
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passions for adoption and missions and the least of these. I write because I believe I am not the only grown woman who craves a community of sisters. And I write because I am not the only woman on earth who has a desire to love Jesus and seek obedience. But throughout my life I have felt lonely in all of these areas, through different seasons. As I began writing I realized that God was giving me a voice to share honestly about the issues I wrestle with. And through writing The Lord provided the words, the topics, and the readers. I believe writing is something He has called me to do for Him. That’s tough for me to say, if I’m being honest. Lately, each time I write I have undergone a spiritual attack (so as you read, please always pray for me). The most recent attacks have been with my self image and perception. Recently I have fallen asleep at night praying that The Lord would allow me to see myself as He sees me and that He would bind satan from me so I wouldn’t mentally tear myself down and pick apart this body He created – the one that’s in His image.
I write, because I want to be honest. We can’t grow or change hiding behind our masks. I went through a season of “writer’s block”. Truthfully, it was a season of disobedience. God kept telling me to write and I was scared. It isn’t always easy for me to share my dreams and passions publicly. It’s much easier for me to
I know God wants me to use my voice with words and writings to draw this generation of His daughters, to His throne. Because, sweet sister – you are His beloved tell you how I fail and fall short. But through the past year and a half of writing God has shown me that this is a gift. All gifts come from Him. I want to use this gift to glorify Him. I know The Lord has plans for me to share His truth with the lost, the worn out and the weary, the ones braving this life surviving on coffee and dreams, hopes and prayers, callings and aches.
I know God wants me to use my voice with
words and writings to draw this generation of His daughters, to His throne. Because, sweet sister – you are His beloved. I write because my heart is ministry. I write because I love, love, love talking. And for me, writing is talking only my eyes can hear. God has put us on this earth at such a time that anyone has a platform for sharing their ideas – and there are many ideas floating around cyber space. I can find validation and affirmation anywhere, I simply have Christian Columnist: Why I Write •
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to look for it. My prayer, is that my writing would validate the miraculous power of Our Creator (although He does not need defending). What He has done in me can not be explained by man. What I have been delivered from, only a Savior could do. The amount in which I have been forgiven, is only the work of the lover of my soul. I write because I believe freedom is readily available for all who call upon the name of Jesus. Afterall, it is for freedom we have been set free.
I write because
words rouse emotions. Words hold a power unlike anything else.” In the beginning our Lord spoke and said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3) Words can breathe life, encouragement, hope. Words can provide comfort when we are broken. Words remind us we are not alone. Words can make us laugh or cry. I want the words that I share to allow you to feel what I feel, to allow you to connect with me on a more intimate level than mere black and white words can offer. I am so thankful that anyone would take the time to read the ramblings of my heart. I am humbled that you journey with me. So very thankful. Maybe one day this “blog tour” and writing will turn into book writing and speaking at churches and conferences. Until then, I will simply write and pray the weight of my words are always a reflection of the Lord I serve.
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I want to introduce you to a dear friend of mine: Katie Prescott Beasley. Our husbands are two of the pastors planting Renew Church. She is crazy awesome, hilarious, brilliant and gifted with words!
“I am a teacher-momwife-runner (stopping frequently)-bona fide Jesus freak (heavy emphasis on the freak) who periodically finds great satisfaction ticking away on her computer and happily clicking that most wonderful of buttons— publish! From time to time I stop at the intersection of North and Main Streets where I take a quick look over my shoulder at where I’ve been, gather a little insight, and then press on. Check it out at lifeatnorthandmain.com.”
Christian Columnist: Why I Write •
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The Truth & Nothing
But The Truth
FIND ME ONLINE HERE
By Gina Hussar 66 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
YES
I am an inner peace coach. But I am also human. And sadly, I am reminded of this fact a gazillion times a day. Last week I had plans to swim at my friend’s house. I got my three small children changed, sun screened and ready to go. That is no small feat. My youngest just turned one and getting him ready to go to the pool has become a three person job and one of those people better be a member of the Olympic Wrestling team. I am convinced that dressing this baby has adequately prepared me to wrestle an alligator should the need ever arise. I get to my friend’s house and no one is there. I carry my ridiculously heavy, awkwardly large pool bag around back to see if they are already swimming. Nothing. I call one of their cell phones and learn that plans had changed last minute and that they were all at the park. I was fuming. I get in the car and tell the kids. They are sad. We start to make the half-mile drive home and in that 1.5 minute drive here is what happened in my head:
I can’t believe they forgot to call me. So inconsiderate.
Clearly they don’t cherish my friendship. They are probably sitting there now talking about me. The Truth & Nothing But The Truth •
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What did I do to them ? I don’t remember do ing anything to deserve this. This really hurts.
e s lo c s a t o n t s ju m a I e b May to them as I thought I was Mind you, these are two of my closest lifelong friends who have ALWAYS been there for me and always had my back, but I had already had a hugely challenging morning and was exhausted from the night before. But do you see what I did right there? I made up a bunch of “truths.” And my body reacted to those truths. And so did my children. I was angry, breathing heavily, speaking in a dialect I like to call bitter staccato. Long story short, my friends felt awful. It was a miscommunication. They each thought the other had called me and three hours later we were totally fine, hugging it out, back to normal. Amazing that just shortly before then I was devastated and mentally convinced they were ending the friendship. Pay attention to how many stories you tell yourself throughout the day. Someone is late and immediately you think they must not value your time. You pass an 68 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
acquaintance from your kid’s school and she doesn’t speak to you. You walk away ready to tell everyone who asks what a mega-bitch she is, or worse, you walk away wondering why you aren’t good enough for her to say hello to. Guess what? It’s all crap. You are making it up! You are one hell of a story teller aren’t you? We all are. And it sabotages our peace.
Inner Peace Principle: Seek the truth In every situation you encounter ask yourself this question: “What do I know to be 100% true?” Usually you will find that the answer is a big, eye-opening “Not much!”
YOU. DON’T. KNOW.
Maybe you have a friend who never calls you. She is always happy to hear from you, but if you were keeping score, (and many of us are), you are ALWAYS the one who calls. Odds are, you start putting some checks and balances on the relationship. You think back, checking the score card, coming up with all sorts of bullshit and false self-righteous thoughts like “I’m done! If she wants to talk The Truth & Nothing But The Truth •
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to me, she can pick up the phone.” Perhaps your friend is struggling and breathes a sigh of relief when she hears your voice. Perhaps she thinks of you often, but with a bunch of kids at home just doesn’t find the time to chat with friends during the day. You don’t know. Read that again. YOU. DON’T. KNOW.
There is one thing we are all masters at and
that is the art of Ego Story-telling. Ego Story-telling is when we have trouble getting out of our own heads. We assign blame, judgments and mis-placed anger. We weave tall tales about people we know, and don’t know, making assumptions about their lives, their character, their feelings about us. It’s all crap. I had a client call me a couple of weeks ago. He had been stood up twice by two different women and felt a dive in his self worth. “I’m just not good enough. Since the divorce, I’m broken and they can sense it.” I said, “Ok maybe. Or maybe they saw your pictures on facebook, were completely intimidated by how handsome you are and didn’t feel ready to put themselves out there. Hell you made up the other story, why not make up one that’s a little more fun and empowering?”
???
Similarly, I had another client who had a friend of the opposite sex that suddenly stopped speaking to him. He 70 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
had reached out but to no avail. She was treating him totally differently, as though a five year friendship never existed. He was devastated, spent weeks trying to figure out what he had done, convinced maybe he had made her uncomfortable, or said something wrong. I asked what he knew to be 100% true. He replied, “Nothing. She won’t talk to me.” Exactly. He knew nothing. He had no idea why she had stopped speaking to him. Maybe it was because her husband didn’t like the friendship. Maybe it was because she had developed feelings for him. In this case, the truth may never be known so I encouraged him to let go of his attachment to it. In this situation, you make up a truth you can live with, one that empowers you and assigns love to them, and you move on.
We always have that choice. In any situation or any relationship we have the option to choose love, assume good intentions, be who we are despite who they are. We have no idea what someone else goes through 24/7. We don’t know their internal struggles, we might not know their goals, their feelings, their insecurities. What we do know is how we want to feel. We want to feel loved, validated and happy. So rather than coming up with a block buster worthy tale that fills you with resentment, try a happier script; one that offers love and forgiveness to the other person and power and peace to yourself.
Save the drama for when Hollywood calls. The Truth & Nothing But The Truth •
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By Joey Phelps & Michael Phelps Lil Nipper Snappers Cartoon •
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Style & Beauty
FIND ME ONLINE HERE
By Marina BerBeryan 74 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
RED
2014 MTV Music Video Awards
CARPET TRENDS
Ready to play Fashion Judge? Hollywood’s hottest entertainers walked the Red Carpet at the 2014 MTV Music Video Awards so let’s play style critic and judge the Stars’ red carpet looks!
Here are the LA Fashion Judge’s best dressed celebrities on tonight’s Red Carpet.
Beyonce was dressed to impress as she usually is. She looked absolutely gorgeous in a black lace and beaded gown by Nicolas Jebran. Jennifer Lopez stuns with a jaw dropping glittering gown with a major slit. She looked absolutely amazing in Charbel Zoe. Lastly, Nina Dobrev struck a fierce pose on the red carpet in a Zuhair Murad gown.
Midriffs galore were also popular looks on the Red Carpet tonight. Crop tops are still a big hit and continue to be a staple trend on the Red Carpet. Some of the celebrities who sported this look included Miley Cyrus, Jourdan Dunn and Becky G.
Just when we think we’ve seen it all, celebrities manage to push the envelope further. Dresses with revealing low plunging necklines have been stealing the spotlight at the MTV VMA’s, signaling perhaps a new era in Red-Carpet décolletage; Celebrities included Kim Kardashian, Rita Ora and Demi Lovato.
To stay up to date with my style, celebrity trends and runway fashion follow me on…
Your Natural Skincare
Might Not be as Natural as You Think
FIND ME ONLINE HERE
By Rachael Pontillo 78 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
Even though I knew my products were amazing
(I had countless students and private clients tell me they were the best they’d ever used), I always wondered if I was missing something in keeping the formulas so simple. After all, weren’t the higher-end natural skincare products full of magical blends of botanical extracts and antioxidants and even ingredients like plant stem cells? I had access to these ingredients, but I was cautious–and I also figured that since the products already worked so well, why complicate matters?
My curiosity eventually got the best of me though and
I began to research different natural active ingredients, vitamins, and extracts. While I was grateful to find that many were certified organic, I found that many weren’t. I was also reminded about something I’d learned back in aesthetics school that I had forgotten:
Your Natural Skincare Might Not be as Natural as You Think •
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Just because a natural skincare product claims to be
preservative-free doesn’t mean that the ingredients in the product are preservative-free.
This is really important information for anyone
who buys skincare products under the assumption that they’re all-natural, organic, or preservative-free. Though a company might not add extra preservatives to the formulation of the product, the individual natural ingredients themselves likely already contain a preservative of some kind, and that’s something that doesn’t always have to be disclosed on a product label, since cosmetics aren’t closely regulated in the United States.
Think about it. If you bought a preservative-free berry masque, wouldn’t you wonder why the supposed “berries” in the product remain intact?
I’ve been to countless spa trade shows where
“organic” skincare companies have a gorgeous assortment of colorful gels and masques out on a table that smell like the fruits or vegetables that they claim to be made from– with no added preservatives (or at least no “chemical” preservatives) on the labels. How is this possible? If you 80 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
were to puree some berries in your blender at home, put them in a jar and leave them out for a few days, they’d start to ferment and it’s likely that pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi would grow in that jar.
Fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other natural and botanical ingredients are perishable. To be usable in a shelf-stable skincare product, they
either need to be dehydrated and powdered, have their nutrients isolated in a lab, or made into an oil or watersoluble extract, infusion, or tincture. These liquid mixtures often consist of a carrier oil, vegetable glycerin, and some sort of preservative–often phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, ethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, or something from the paraben family. They might also contain glycols and other types of additives. However since these ingredients are used in such small percentages (usually 1-5% of the total product), the preservatives, vehicles, and other functional ingredients of the extract are left off the finished product’s label.
This isn’t always the case. Some companies label
their products according to INCI guidelines and most ingredient suppliers provide the correct labeling verbiage, but an everyday consumer would likely never know this information. Your Natural Skincare Might Not be as Natural as You Think •
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Why does it matter? I think it matters for a couple of reasons. First
and foremost, I believe consumers have a right to know what’s in the products they purchase for themselves and their families. This includes tiny amounts of functional ingredients as well as what’s in synthetic fragrances (though that’s nothing a consumer ever will know). Just like with cooking, the only way to know for sure what’s in your skincare products is to make them yourself. That way you get to choose the type and source of your ingredients. If an ingredient is preserved with a safer preservative, you can choose that over one that contains something with a higher risk factor. And just like with GMOs, I believe we should get to choose whether we want to use certain ingredients or not.
Secondly, while not all preservatives and functional
ingredients are harmful, some (like parabens and glycols) definitely have been liked to allergic and irritant reactions as
“…it’s false advertising. If you’re purchasing a product because you don’t see an ingredient like phenoxyethanol on the label, but have no way of knowing… that’s a bit of an issue.”
82 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
well as more serious health risks. These ingredients have the potential to accumulate in the body and cause damage to various organs and systems of the body.
Third, even if it’s not intentional on the company’s part, it’s false advertising. If you’re purchasing a product because you don’t see an ingredient like phenoxyethanol on the label, but have no way of knowing that an extract in the product contains phenoxyethanol, I think that’s a bit of an issue.
After several years of
formulating my own products, I can tell you that honestly not all of these “magic” extracts are all that they’re cracked up to be. Like I said at the top of this article, my products are very effective without the extracts. Most of the ingredients I use naturally contain high concentrations of antioxidants, healthy fats, essential oils, and other beneficial and therapeutic ingredients that don’t contain or require any preservatives. While there are some extracts and powder actives I do like and use regularly now I can tell you for certain that I believe many are optional.
To be clear, some natural skincare companies–
especially small artisan skincare makers like my friend Your Natural Skincare Might Not be as Natural as You Think •
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Jennifer Devlin-Waller of Celtic Complexion do a beautiful job and really care that their customers know exactly what’s in their products. But I have to tell you, these are rare finds.
I have a solution to this problem. My new online course: Create Your Skincare™ This course has been a long time coming, but it’s HERE and it’s enrolling right now! Watch the video below to learn a bit more about why I make my own products and how I can teach you to design your own custom products for luminous skin. Then jump on over to www.createyourskincare.com and enroll today!
“Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit” Napoleon Hill
Lifestyle & Wellness
Women We
Celebrate An interview with PowHERhouse Julie Miller, National Triathlete Champion
FIND ME ONLINE HERE
By Charlene SanJenko
“I promise myself to push as hard as possible when I can, to love as much as I can, to give whenever I can and surround myself with people who support and build others up rather than tear them down” Julie Miller is a PowHERhouse. She is a
successful entrepreneur, a wife and mother of two young children and an emerging rockstar in the world of triathlons. On September 21st, Julie will represent Canada at the 2014 ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships in Weihai, China. PowHERhouse recently had the opportunity to interview Julie between her hectic training, working and care-giving schedule.
Describe your Mission. My mission is to be my best, whatever that may be each
and every moment.
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Describe how you stay PowHERful and on the top of your game. I stay very organized. I remind myself how lucky I am
and this keeps me wanting to give back and do more for my community, my clients and myself. I surround myself with amazing people.
What is your ultimate dream for your Mission and where you’d like to take it. As an athlete and individual, my ultimate dream is to
be a role model to women to follow their dreams, to show them they should never let anyone tell them what they can and cannot achieve. I hope to love myself and teach my girls that women have value and it all starts with loving ourselves for what we can do not what we look like.
As a business owner of Mountain Dreams Family Sleep Consulting, I hope to empower women to be better moms by giving them the tools they need to see success, get more sleep and feel confident in their own mom skills. Success for me is not about making money as much as supporting families to get healthy and be happy.
As an Eating Disorder Therapist, my dream for my work 92 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
is to teach teens to love themselves inside and out, and to love my work so it never turns into ‘a job’ I dread each morning when I get up.
Describe what success looks like. Success to me is happiness and contentment. Both of
which I have. Success is being in a position to not take things for granted and revel in the joys of each and every day.
Describe your success strategy in one sentence. “Do something you love every day with someone you love.” Check! Women We Celebrate: PowHERhouse Julie Miller •
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What are your Top 3 Excellence Habits (habits that ensure your success)? I never take no for an answer. I am way too stubborn
for that. I was told I would never have kids after a cancer diagnosis, and now I have two beautiful girls – love proving folks wrong. I implement this habit in all that I do.
I am very organized. Lists, lists and more lists. I am genuinely interested in the inner goodness of people, their success and happiness. I try to help and lift others as it has huge rewards and motivates me.
Describe your Top 2 Time Management Tips. I try not to waste time so I tend to be training, working or multi-tasking most moments of the day except when on mom duty. My girls get my undivided attention.
Write everything down. If I don’t write it down, it gets
forgotten.
Pre-prepare so you are not rushing all the time. Pre-
make meals for the following day, put my kids’ clothes out for the morning, look ahead so I can mentally prepare for work, clients, etc.
“Yes, I am a very competitive person, but not to the detriment of others. I am the first to stop in a race and offer a tube or support.” Describe your Top 3 Consistency Tips. Quality over quantity. As a mom, volunteer, business
owner and full-time therapist, I have to make the best of the time I have and not waste it. A workout means doing it well and not wasting time, and being organized when running errands so I hit things in order.
Be fair, treat people well and they will do that back. Have a splurge every single day – a treat, a luxury of some kind even if it’s just a ten minutes of quiet time for tea, a bath or a little bowl of ice cream.
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What is your definition of COLLABORATION and how does it show up in your life? I think collaboration means having many conversations all the time, being open to ideas, feedback and not being stuck in the ‘this is how we do it’ mode. Talking about things in our lives like loss and struggles so others can learn and grow from them. Eliminating walls of shame and embarrassment by talking about it all. We can all collaborate in making the world a better place if we just COMMUNICATE.
What if we all looked at people and how we could work together to help rather than compete? Yes, I am a very competitive person, but not to the detriment of others. I am the first to stop in a race and offer a tube or support. I chat and encourage others all the way up a big hill climb. I love people and want everyone to succeed at their goals. The more we work together, the more we can all see success and happiness.
Describe a favourite hobby or adventure. I love to travel. I went to India with my husband Ryan for
our honeymoon, what a great way to start our life adventure together. I also love to bake and make yummy healthy food. Muffins are baked weekly in my home as well as healthy cookies, my famous quinoa granola is a weekly staple I make too. Baking is a great stress reliever. 96 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
Favourite energy meal or healthy snack? My favourite way to start my day is oatmeal with cut up banana and chia seeds with cottage cheese and frozen blueberries on top for protein.
Favourite indulgence or treat. Homemade cookies. Mmmmmmmm, did I say, I love to bake?!
Top 3 things on your Bucket List: Kona Ironman – so close last year…less than a second away, ride the Tour De France route and all the famous climbs, and volunteer for Doctors Without Borders.
I never leave home without my… Morning kisses from my girls and hubby, snacks, or I get HANGRY (hungry and angry when not fed), and my running shoes.
What’s not being said? I am beyond grateful for the people in my life who support me. My sister, Lisa, is so encouraging and supportive.
She is my biggest cheerleader. She always shows up cheering at my races no matter how far she has to travel – Boston, China, you name it. She makes me feel like a rockstar, and even on days I don’t do well, she never makes me feel like it matters. She gets me laughing and let’s me cry if needed. My mom taught me to follow my dream and to dream big. She told me I can be anything I want to be and gave me the drive. My dad who is stubborn like me opened my eyes to sport. My husband gives me the opportunity to train and is an amazing dad so that I can achieve my goals. It truly is a Family Affair!
“In time, achievements will come if you work hard, stay true to yourself, are always kind to people and are a good person.” When I was younger I didn’t believe in myself. My selfesteem was low. I was over-weight. I lived for others – cared what other people thought, and tried hard to fit in. 98 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
Then one day after the end of a 7-year post-university, I found myself. I discovered rowing, and it was something I was good at – not at first – but through drive and perseverance, I got really good. Same with school. I went back to school, and struggled at first but then ended up with a masters working in a dream job. I feel it is important to never give up but also not to rush. In time, achievements will come if you work hard, stay true to yourself, are always kind to people and are a good person.
How can WE (the collective PowHERhouse WE) put some Muscle behind your Mission? As a mom of two kids in childcare, a full-time therapist for MCFD and a small business owner, I am always trying to make ends meet. Expenses are high in this day and age – I know we can all relate. I choose to do sport and it is a privilege, but as a Canadian athlete we are not funded so it is my personal expense to pay for all my races (average cost per race is $250-$500) plus travel and equipment. I am absolutely aware that I am privileged to compete, I have a dream and with support, I will make it come true. Women We Celebrate: PowHERhouse Julie Miller •
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Click below to help put some Muscle behind Julie’s Mission:
O T O G E I L U J P WWW.HEL
S P M A H C D L WOR
M O C . T N E V E .MY
Over the coming week’s leading up to her race, Julie will be experiencing her brand new FIRMA Energywear outfit while she trains. We can’t wait to hear if she loves it as much as we do! We will post a follow-up article on Julie and her experience of the 2014 ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships in Weihai, China this Fall. From all of us at PowHERhouse, good luck Julie! You are true champion and inspiration!
You are a PowHERhouse!
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Make Your Own Toxin Free
Perfume
FIND ME ONLINE HERE
By Nathalie de Ahna 104 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
As a holistic health coach and natural weight loss expert, I often work with people who are completely off balance both physically and emotionally. To help them get back on track, I help them transform their lives based on several pillars, one of which is detoxification. Step by step we’ll replace all kinds of artificial foods and products with all-natural, fun vitamin cures and DIY alternatives! Did you know, for example, that according to the EU Cosmetics Directive, “perfume is the second most common cause of allergy identified in patients with allergic dermatitis? I’d say it’s high time to stop using toxic fragrances!
You’ll need the following: A small, sealable glass container 1 Tbsp. organic beeswax beads 1 1/2 Tbsp. jojoba or avocado oil About 50 drops of your favorite essential oils (I love vanilla, jasmine and bergamot)
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Instructions:
Melt the beeswax in a small ceramic or glass bowl placed into a pot with simmering water. Use the end of a wooden spoon for stirring. Once the beeswax is melted, add the oils and stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined. Pour the perfume into your container and leave until cooled. Apply your solid signature perfume by rubbing it on the inside of your wrists, and I promise it won’t take long before people will ask you about the amazing scent you’re wearing.
g my in x o t e d d e t r a I st me o h d n a e f li n ow nd a , o g a s r a e y many ole h w a t o g w o I’ve n zing bunch of ama r DIY recipes fo g. in h t y n a t s o alm
106 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
natural
health & beauty.
Find simple tips & recipes at VintageAmanda.com
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Mirror Mirror
The Law of Reflection
Part of the ‘Twelve Lessons’ series, available to read here
The Law of Reflection states that life is a mirror, literally reflecting back to us a version of our self in order to highlight and illuminate our attributes and flaws. This process shows us through people, situations and experiences that are drawn to us, what is really going on with us. FIND ME ONLINE HERE
By Kate Spencer 108 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
S
ometimes reflections are subtle and sometimes they are blatantly obvious. This can depend on lots of things such as how badly the universe wants to bring the reflection to your attention for your growth and development, and perhaps how many times you have missed the reflection in the past. In my experience reflections are often highlighted to us by the use of emotional triggers, which can make us feel uncomfortable, upset, angry or irritated with a person or situation. When you feel this way, take a step back and ask yourself what The Law of Reflection wants you to see. One of the easiest ways for the human mind to work with reflections is to view your life as a play being staged on the Earth. See each person in your circle as an actor that has a part to play in helping you to grow spiritually and personally, and to expand your consciousness. This way you can start to be in gratitude for reflections and not get tied up in anger, resentment, judgment or a lack of personal responsibility. Our greatest teachers bring us the most challenging reflections. It is of course far easier to ignore The Law of Reflection and instead blame others for not being enlightened or awake. When you are ready to work with reflections you will find that although challenging at times, that the gift of growth and self-realization that you receive is definitely worth it. The traits and examples that The Law of Reflection brings you will show you an aspect of your own consciousness to a lesser or greater degree. There may not be a Mirror, Mirror. The Law of Reflection •
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literal translation here, so look for the essence that is being highlighted to you, this may take some time and introspection. Like with Karma you may not get the exact information that gives you the exact match and detail you want.
You will need to be open and use your intuition to see what each reflection means to you, and how it serves you in a given moment You will need to be open and use your intuition to see what each reflection means to you, and how it serves you in a given moment. Start to view reflections as gifts, and the harder they are to swallow the greater the gift and the greater the shortcut to your own development and enlightenment. Once you are consciously aware that reflections are occurring in your life, you will become more tuned into them and feel the difference between a reflection and a random day to day occurrence. It would be contaminating, draining and tiring to go through every day of your life reading ‘the reflections’ into every single interaction and event. 110 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
Instead know that you are open to working with The Law of Reflection in order to better yourself, and then look for a gut feeling or emotional response to a person or event. Step back from this and pause for a moment, and ask for the essence of the reflection. It might come to you as a thought, feeling, knowing or realization, or you may need to get some distance and meditate on this. Once you have the reflection it’s time for you to take an honest look at the patterns and beliefs, relationships, behaviour and traits that do not serve you and how the reflection matches up. Now you are conscious of this, you
need to do your own inner work in order to change. You will know if the changes that you have made have been effective, because the universe no longer needs to highlight this information to you. Reflections of this particular nature will stop or wane and you will no longer attract (through Law of Attraction) the same people and situations. In other words you will stop bringing to you what was being brought to highlight your old patterns. Once the pattern has gone there will no longer be resonance and nothing to bring to your attention through The Law of Reflection. What reflections are you seeing in others that make you feel irritated, uncomfortable and upset? Which repeating reflections have you been given by different people and situations? Which thought, feeling or behaviour pattern do you need to release in order to stop attracting these reflections?
I am embracing the reflections that life is bringing me and I am in gratitude for the opportunity to grow
Love Kate 112 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
I can’t change
the direction
of the wind,
but i can adjust
my sails to always reach my destination
Jimmy Dean
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About a Homemade Year
Food, Home & Family
Peanut Butter
Haystacks If you are going to celebrate Halloween (or like we did with our church Âand celebrate with a Harvest Festival) then these snacks are easy to fix and kids love to make them! Some recipes use marshmallows but we love peanuts, or rather, I love anything crunchy! Asking your children for suggestions shoudl be done sparingly. Be honest about what can and cannot be negotiated in dealing with your children. They are your legacy. The following recipe is from allreciepes.com
By Tanya Jackson 116 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
Method! • First make sure all clothes are protected
INGREDIENTS 1 cup butterscotch chips 1/2 cup of peanut butter 1/2 cup of salted peanuts 2 cups of chow mein noodles
• Melt butterscotch chips and peanut butter on top of a double boiler, or in a microwave. Blend together • Stir peanuts and noodles gently into the melted peanut butter mixture. • Drop dough by forkfuls onto waxed paper. • Cool until set.
! y o j En
The Perils Of Packing
School Lunch
Cherie began as a weekly columnist for the main local newspaper in her area. Her articles focus on a humorous look at married life with five children and the ups and downs we can all relate to. She has won 2 international short story contests as well as being published in Our Canada magazine. Cherie is a breast cancer survivor and a huge advocate of self-exams.
By Cherie DeBurger 118 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
There are a lot of mixed feelings every fall when it is time to go back to school. Some children look forward to it, no really, there are kids that honestly do, like my youngest daughter. She was very upset when summer vacation started and didn’t know how she was ever going to endure eight whole weeks without school or seeing her teacher. Then you have the other side of the coin, that is the category my sons would fall under, which is the group of children that hate school and would do almost anything to avoid it. I spend the summer helping the boys figure out how many days and weeks are left before they are forced to go back. It’s not only the children that find themselves on an emotional roller coaster when it comes to the ending and the beginning of the school year, many of the parents do as well. When summer vacation begins I wonder how I am going to handle having the house full and all the kids home everyday all day for the next two months. By the time summer vacation ends I wonder how I am going to handle having the house empty and all kids in school everyday all day for the rest of the year. This is ONE situation where I will agree with my husband that there is no pleasing me. There is one thing that most of us can agree on and that is The Perils Of Packing School Lunch •
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the fact that basically no one looks forward to the daunting task of making those daily school lunches. It is not a difficult thing to do and the most time consuming part about it is thinking of what to put in them. I know when I am running around in the morning getting clothes set out, making sure everyone is awake, checking that backpacks are packed with the previous nights homework (hopefully completed but lets be honest probably not), getting breakfast, reminding my son to put his gym clothes in his backpack or take them out depending on which day of the week it is, and one hundred other different things, time to pack lunches is limited. I find myself standing at the counter picturing previous Martha Stewart episodes or those cute little recipes I come across in those parenting magazines with ideas that make lunches not only fun but also healthy. Suddenly I am snapped back into reality as one of the kids runs past me screaming “I HAD THAT FIRST!” Once again I realize I’m not even close to Martha Stewart as I throw the tuna sandwiches into the lunch bags and try to quiet the kids down without doing any screaming myself. I love buying those single packs of yogurt or cheese sticks and even though they are more expensive then buying bulk and putting them in personal servings myself I don’t care. We are “foodies” in this house and I have never claimed my 120 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
children were the normal kids on the block. They don’t care what or if their jeans are brand name or if they have the latest cool running shoes but try to pass off generic Bit’s n Bite’s and they will be planning mutiny before they make it home on the bus. My husband complained once about the expensive packaging of the kids lunch time snacks and how the grocery bills always increased when school is in. To be fair I offered to give him the chance to pack lunches every morning if he thought he could do the job so much better than I was doing and suddenly he was okay with the few extra dollars I was spending.
Habitually at least half of the sandwich is laying there squashed into something almost unrecognizable along with random pieces of what is left of their lunch. I pack more food in their lunch than what they can eat. I worry about them being at school and eating their lunch and still being hungry. Day after day I do this, I know I am packing too much but it is like some obsessive-compulsive disorder that I am unable to control. When the kids get home from school and clean out their lunch boxes there is always food left over. I try to keep an The Perils Of Packing School Lunch •
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eye out to see what hasn’t been eaten to make mental notes of what they are getting sick of and what they still like. I do this for the simple reason that if I were to actually engage in conversation and ask them what they would like in their lunch I can almost guarantee that I would get the usual answer “I don’t care mom”. Habitually at least half of the sandwich (dare I admit sometimes all of the sandwich) is laying there squashed into something almost unrecognizable along with random pieces of what is left of their lunch.
Is it just my kids that can’t seem to understand what they are supposed to throw away and what they are supposed to put back in their lunch boxes? I used to send real spoons with the pudding or apple sauce but my son would always throw them away instead of bringing them home. I would remind him over and over and finally when I no longer had enough spoons to set the table I resigned to go buy some new ones. From that point on I gave up reminding him and started putting plastic spoons in his lunch and guess what happened…yes! You’re right. Every day he brings home the dirty plastic spoon. I guess I should be happy that we have graduated to just the spoon dilemma, I used to constantly have to wash his lunch box because, of course, he would keep the opened 122 • Hat Trick Magazine • hattrickstrategies.com
juice box and bring it home because somehow that made sense to him. I realize there was some left but did he think he was going to get so thirty that he would have to suck up it from the bottom of his lunch sack on his four minute bus ride home? I constantly hear that there are things that I will miss doing when my kids grow up and I am not needed as much anymore, I wonder if this falls under that category? Honestly I don’t see it happening, making lunches falls into the same category for me as changing a stinky diaper and I can assure you that I have not experienced any moments of sentimental longing to relive those moments in my life and I can safely say I don’t think I ever will.
If you have any comments then please feel free to email me at lifes.moments@live.ca
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