SUMMER 2018
LIVE. DREAM. INSPIRE.
DIABETESFRIENDLY TIPS FOR LIVING WELL IN THE SIZZLING HEAT
, sundresses sandals,
, s n o i t a c y sta AND A SAVINGS PLAN
G N I C A REPL TH I W S E LI H T U R
T S ’ D GO
an ley Morg y a H d n a nolly evotional, Jess Con d y a d 0 10 ch share new ugh Never Too Mu no Always E
sensational
jar salads
A HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
5
5
Nail Co You’ lors Lovell
QUESTIONS THAT DRAMATICALLY BOOST YOUR CHANCES FOR REACHING A GOAL Valorie Burton
Family Fun in the Sun!
Start planning your summer getaway today
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CONTENTS
/ The Healthiest Happy You
In this issue: 7
14 12
In Every Issue
Delightful Food 12
5
7
HELLO GORGEOUS
Angie’s LETTER Focus on YOU more often
Live
6
RELATIONSHIPS
FEATURE
“Thru Thick & Thin” NUTRITION
8
Clean Eating...In 3 Easy Steps and No Dieting!
Finding the right places and people to give you peace
You Don’t Even Have To Become Vegan To Do It
Adopting Standards for Peaceful Living
Diabetes-Friendly Tips for Living Well in the Sizzling Summer Heat
9
10 Cover Photo by Gina Zeidler
Sensational Salads
Give your summer salads a fresh, colorful spin with these quick and easy salad recipes.
3 Summer Salads in A Jar
Are you on the mission to maintain a healthy lifestyle? Here are 3 easy mason-jar salad recipes to get you through the summer!
Dream STYLE
14
Fashion
Summer’s Sweetest Trends! You’ll want to sprinkle these pieces into your wardrobe ASAP!
18
Beauty
5 Attention-Getting Nail Colors Nail Colors You’ll Love for Summer
SUMMER 2018 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 1
CONTENTS
/ The Healthiest Happy You
28
22 23
HOME
Inspire
20
24
28
Jess Connolly and Hayley Morgan share new 100-day devotional, Always Enough Never Too Much
30
26
31
Patio Perfection
Summer Ready!
21 Transform Towel Toiletry Supplies
Simplify the Clutter
22
CAREER
Want to reach your goal this time? 5 Questions that Dramatically Boost Your Chances for Reaching a Goal
23
MONEY
Summer Essentials Sundresses, Sandals, Staycations, and a Savings Plan
2 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
COVER: REPLACING LIES WITH GOD’S TRUTH
ENTERTAINMENT (BOOKS)
Hit the Books with These A+ Reads! Back-to-school books for women, teens, and children
FEATURES
Cara Whitney
An Investment of the Heart
1-2-3 Steps to Making Morning Workouts Your Thing Mixing Up the Menu
How Our Family Collaborate to Bring Excitement to the Table
32
END NOTES
Simple Joys Any Moment Can Be
A lifetime of wisdom from Elizabeth’s heart to yours
E
lizabeth George has taken her internationally popular approach to Scripture study and integrated it directly into this beautiful Bible crafted specifically for today’s busy woman. You’ll find study aids, biblical biographies, applied teachings, a daily reading plan, and practical teaching for your day-to-day life. Take your first step toward becoming the woman God wants you to be—with Elizabeth by your side!
Experience the entire book of John for free—visit Kregel.com/GeorgeBible
Trusted, biblically based resources A Woman After God’s Own Heart® trademarks and copyrights are licensed exclusively by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon.
A HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018 Used with permission. All rights reserved. SUMMER 2018 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM A
HOPE FOR WOMEN Q2 (Summer 2018) HEALTHIEST HAPPY YOU! VOL. 11 NO. 14
PUBLISHER & FOUNDER ANGELIA L. WHITE ART DIRECTOR / GRAPHIC DESIGNER INGRID LYNCH SENIOR EDITOR TENITA JOHNSON BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE LADY EMMY CONTRIBUTORS MAURITA SUTTON BROWN, VETTA CASH, ELIZABETH CHANEY, LISA MARIE CONKLIN, EMERALD LAVENDER, MORGAN MCMURRIN, CARRIE SCHMIDT, ANGEL RENEE SCOTT, STEVE VAN DINTER SPECIAL GUEST CONTRIBUTORS VALORIE BURTON, ANNESSA CHUMBLEY, BRI MCKOY, MELISSA MICHAELS CANDACE PAYNE, NORMA RIXTER, TAMIKA STEMBRIDGE, ESQ EDITORIAL ASSISTANT NATALEIGH MOSLEY MARKETING/PR COORDINATOR ANGELA THOMAS COPY EDITORS NATALIE MERRILL, STACEY SHANNON, RACHEL SWEARINGEN
HOPE FOR WOMEN MAGAZINE LLC P.O. Box 3241, Muncie, Indiana 47307 www.hopeforwomenmag.com HOPE FOR WOMEN IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OWNED BY HOPE FOR WOMEN MAGAZINE LLC COPYRIGHT 2018 4 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
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EDITOR’S PAGE
/ LIVE. DREAM. INSPIRE.
HELLO,
Beautiful!
Focus on YOU more often. One thing I’ve learned is that a key to living your best life and being genuinely happy is taking care of you. You are a woman of value and worth more than you likely give yourself credit for, but it’s time to make a change—it’s time to focus on you. I know that I’ve been making more conscious efforts in my life lately to incorporate healthier habits. I’ve been working out and eating more nutritious meals, and I will tell you right now that I’ve noticed such a difference. Not only do I feel better physically, but I feel better about who I am as a beautiful creation of the Lord. When you truly focus on making improvements in your life and start to accomplish the goals you set before yourself, you’re able to see the hard work you put in come to fruition, and it feels so refreshing. I’m so excited for this issue of Hope for Women! It’s full of content that will not only inspire you to believe in yourself more but also remind you that you are more than enough as you are. In “Replacing Lies with God’s Truth,” God-loving and powerful forces Jess Connolly and Hayley Morgan share why they co-wrote Always Enough, Never Too Much and how they hope it helps women everywhere in every walk of life to see God for who He is and to know that they are sufficient in Him. Hoping to eat better in the coming months? We’re here
BY ANGELIA WHITE
to help! We have some delicious salad recipes for you as well as how to pack your salads easily for those on-the-go days or to take with you to the office—“Sensational Salads” and “Summer Salads in a Jar” are perfect reads for making sure you eat (and enjoy) all of your greens. I can think of one important outlet that always motivates me and reminds me of my self-worth: books! Avid reader and book reviewer Carrie Schmidt provides a list of must-reads for you and your family this summer. I know that I’m excited to get a copy of Carey Scott’s Unafraid: Be You. Be Authentic. Find the Grit and Grace to Shine. Scott knows that God doesn’t apologize for the way He created us and challenges us to live confidently as we were created to be rather than conforming to ways of the world. Thank you for being on this journey with us, and thank you for being you. You are bold. You are beautiful. And you are enough. In Hope,
Angelia White Hope for Women CEO SUMMER 2018 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 5
RELATIONSHIPS
/ A Space to Chill
FINDING THE RIGHT PLACES
AND PEOPLE TO GIVE YOU
peace
DON’T BE BUSY; BE INTENTIONAL AND PURPOSEFUL. In a world of social media, and 24-hour news cycles, it seems like excessive busyness is an indicator and requirement for success. Lies! Being overly busy doesn’t lead to success; it usually burns you out before you get there. I have learned that even though I wear many hats, I can’t wear them all at the same time. However, more importantly, I don’t need too. I have traded busyness for focus, intention, and purpose. Every Sunday afternoon I sit with a cup of tea, my planner and a beautiful pen to plan my week. The simple question that drives my planning 6 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
Adopting Standards for Peaceful Living BY VETTA CASH
is: What do I need to do this week to achieve my goals. I’m not planning my life; I’m planning my week with the understanding that there are only so many days and hours available for productive work. I focus on purposeful actions, and I complete each of them one at a time, with peace. DON’T SACRIFICE YOUR PEACE. Most women are nurturers and often put the needs of others before their own. The result is a population of women who are living their lives for other people instead of for themselves; a community of women with little or no peace. If you desire success and true joy, then you must get comfortable with putting your peace of mind above the needs of others. Train yourself to ask two questions before every decision, be it lending money to a cousin, attending an event, booking a flight, or signing a business deal: “Do I have peace about this? Do I really want/need to do this?” Sit with the question until you have a definitive answer and only move forward if, and when you have genuine peace about it. The absence of peace is one way God warns us about potentially harmful situations, so accept His protection by allowing peace to guide your choices. i
Photo by Easton Oliver on Unsplash
I am a wife (a pastor’s wife), a mom, a Bible teacher, and public speaker, the host of two annual conferences, a writer, a contributor to a few magazines, websites and blogs, and a friend/family member to many. I’m often asked how I gracefully manage all the demands on my life. “How do you get all it all done”? I have two answers to the question, and I believe they are valuable pieces of advice for any woman. I encourage you to incorporate them into your thinking about the various hats you wear. The first is “I am not busy; I’m intentional and purposeful” and the second (my favorite) is “I never, under any circumstances, sacrifice my peace of mind for the benefit of others”. Adopting these standards has empowered me to build relationships and life experiences that bring me peace and joy. I know they’ll do the same for you.
FEATURE
/ Spotlight Dana Rosser
QA &
“THRU THICK & THIN,” DANA ROSSER PRESSES ON Author shares what led her to write her new book and how to love and support someone struggling with obesity BY ANGELIA WHITE Dana Rosser captures the importance of compassion, love, and support for family members affected by obesity in her book Thru Thick & Thin: Facing Obesity Thru the Eyes of a Loved One. What originally inspired you to write? My need for support. I looked online, in books, on blogs, etc., and I found very little information on how to support a loved one through the journey of obesity. Because the topic is so sensitive I was very afraid to put hubby’s and my business out there. But, with God’s strength, I was able to finish the book in October 2015. “If there is a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” ~ Toni Morrison What led you to write Thru Thick & Thin? Honestly, I felt God was pushing me out there. I knew I wanted to write it, but I kept procrastinating because of fear. Every day, God would tap me on the shoulder and say, “OK, Dana, let’s get to work.” I would run and ignore it, but as you know, what God wants, God gets, so I just released it to Him, and He brought me over the finish line. Share about your continual message of Hope. I have always lived my life by this mantra: “Hope is the little voice you hear whisper ‘maybe’ when it seems the entire world is shouting, ‘NO.’ The challenge is to get quiet to hear that
“whisper of hope”—it will always be there. What advice would you give to someone coping with her loved one’s obesity? Always make sure that your obese loved one knows that you love them whether or not they lose a pound. Having that firm foundation before you start the delicate conversation will always help. Is there a difference between loving an obese man or obese woman? No, I wouldn’t say so. Love is love. In my case, it has been a bit of a challenge to get my husband to go to the doctor, but I think that’s a “man” thing. The common denominator (man or woman) is the supporter’s concern for [the loved one’s] health and quality of life. What is the main inspiration you hope people take from this book? That it will bring awareness—that fighting obesity is definitely a family affair. In what ways have you pursued your passions? Since I was young, my passion has always been to help others—it just comes so naturally for me. I exercise that passion every day with my family. I put my all into being present and being the glue that keeps our family together. Secondly, my book is a labor of love, for sure. I feel like I’m giving back. By sharing my testimony, I know that it will help others face their challenges.
What challenges have you faced? Balancing family obligations and my own goals and aspirations. I also face fear daily—fear of not being good enough or worthy enough. Constantly second guessing myself. How have you overcome these obstacles? Do “it” afraid. Whatever challenges I face, I just keep taking one step at a time (trembling), but I kept moving. #Stumbling forward. What did writing and sharing YOUR story teach you? It taught me that I can do anything once I make up mind to do it. I learned that God’s ways are not my ways. I would beat myself up because I felt like my book should have been published years ago, but God had different plans. I also learned that I don’t always have to know how everything is going to turn out. Just be obedient, work hard, and let God take care of the outcome. What is your greatest JOY? My greatest joy is being a mom. Nothing can compare to the love and joy my five angels bring me daily. What’s next for you, Dana? I’m currently working on a companion workbook to Thru Thick and Thin. I would love to start a family support group for those whose loved ones suffer from morbid obesity. I’m currently developing a curriculum for that. i SUMMER 2018 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 7
NUTRITION
/ Clean Eating
CLEAN EATING
3 easy steps
AND NO DIETING! You Don’t Even Have To Become Vegan To Do It BY NORMA RIXTER
1
2
3
Start with an eight or 10-inch plate. Mentally divide your plate. One half is going to be all vegetables, preferably fresh or frozen ...no canned veggies. Remember to include lots of your favorites.
Fill one quarter of your plate with nutrient-rich, fiber-filled whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, or farro. These are all delicious and much better choices than white rice or pasta. Note: try to limit or avoid white bread.
Pick a protein. Complete the last quarter of your plate with the highest quality protein you can afford. If it’s animal based, get organic, grass-fed, or hormone free. If it’s Vegetarian... consider organic tempeh, tofu, beans or lentils.
AND THAT’S IT! Remember variety is the spice of life. The color of every vegetable signifies a different nutrient, and they all have their own health advantages.
“Eat to Lose”, is a plant-based, non-boring recipe book! It’s heavy on veggies but remember this is not about becoming a Vegetarian or Vegan. It’s about getting you a slimmer waistline and a healthier life!
Oops, there’s actually one more, and this may, in fact, be the most important, Water. Your goal here is to drink 8 to 12 ounces of water every four hours between 6 AM and 6 PM. I guarantee, your skin will absolutely GLOW!
70 percent of what you are looking at in the mirror is your food and “Eat to Lose!” will undoubtedly give you a different view! i
If you’re concerned about running out of choices regarding your new plant-based diet, I’ve got some great news for you! I’m not big on the word diet, but I do like a plan. A plan that actually fits everyone is easy, and works! My first e-book, titled,” Eat to Lose!” will definitely help to keep you on track while you eat and lose those unwanted inches that have worn out their welcome long ago!
NORMA RIXTER MS, CN, CPT, AS SEEN ON NBC AND OPRAH Author of “Eat to Lose!” and “ Norma Can COOK!” Norma is a leading Health Expert. Certified as a Nutritionist and Personal Trainer, 10+ years of successful experience working with Corporations and Individuals. Some of her appearances include Nutrition expert on TV segments, Health Columnist, Radio features and Health Fairs Founder of Soarthru Llc, Health, and Wellness Consulting. For more information, she can be reached at Norma@Soarthru.com and www.Soarthru.com Please follow me on my Instagram and Facebook page at Soarthru
8 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
Photo by Anna Pelzer on Unsplash
I can show you that, “Eating Clean” aka “Plant-Based”, is as easy as 1, 2, 3...really! Seriously. NO STARVING! Just good clean eating! So, let’s get started!me on my Instagram and Facebook page at Soarthru.
DELIGHTFUL FOOD
/ Best Summer Foods
DIABETES-FRIENDLY TIPS
FOR LIVING WELL IN THE
zzling Summer Heat
Si
BY LISA MARIE CONKLIN
It’s the season for kicking back and enjoying lazy beach days, fun family picnics and poolside lounging. We don’t want to be a buzzkill, but when you have diabetes, summer is no time to take a vacation from managing it. Thankfully, all it takes is a little preparation and you’re good to go! IT’S GETTING HOT OUT THERE! Summer heat can be a serious issue if you have diabetes. Evidence published in the 2016 Multidisciplinary Biomedical Journal, Temperature stated people diabetes may not sense heat as well or sweat as efficiently compared to people without diabetes. Nerve damage is a common complication with diabetes and when the nerves are damaged, your body’s sweat glands aren’t as effective at cooling you off. That doesn’t mean you have to stay inside and miss out on the fun. But before heading, check the heat index and not just the temperature. The heat index can be 15 degrees higher than the actual temperature. While you’re outside, take a look at your shadow. If it’s shorter than you are, get in the shade or rest in an air-conditioned building. Of course, hydration is key, not just to quench your thirst but to keep your
blood sugars from spiking. Steer clear of sugary sodas, caffeinated drinks, and booze. They’ll just fake you out and make you feel hydrated but the caffeine, sugars, and alcohol actually make you pee more and cause further dehydration. By the way, if your pee is a dark yellow, and you feel tired or dizzy, you probably need more healthy hydration, like good old water! If you can’t hack the taste of plain water try infusing it with sliced fruit and a little ginger or a few sprigs of fresh mint for a refreshing thirst quencher. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen. Besides, increasing your risk for skin cancer, sunburn causes stress to the body and can cause a blood sugar spike. HYPOGLYCEMIA CAN SNEAK UP ON YOU We know that people with diabetes may not sweat as much as those without diabetes yet profuse sweating is an early sign of hypoglycemia. So, by the time you are shaky and
have sweat rolling off your body, it could be serious. Check your blood sugars right away. According to the American Diabetes Association, hypoglycemia is characterized by abnormally low blood glucose levels, usually less than 70 mg/dl. Your individual target may be different so make sure to discuss the numbers with your doc. If your blood sugars are too low, consume 15-20 grams of simple carbohydrates like 4-ounces of juice or take a fast-acting glucose tablet or gel. Recheck your blood sugar after 15 minutes and repeat the steps if necessary, consuming another glucose tablet or simple carb. PROTECT THOSE FEET! We’re probably preaching to the choir here, but it is so important to protect your feet, especially if you have nerve damage. One quick walk on the beach sans shoes could lead to serious complications. Nerve damage prevents you from feeling a glass shard that pierces your foot or the burn from walking on hot sand and if you don’t realize you’re foot is injured you won’t know you have an infection. As always, check your feet on a regular basis and you’ll be walking through summer with happy feet! i SUMMER 2018 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 9
DELIGHTFUL FOOD
/Sensational Salads
sensational
SALADS Fresh, crisp, and healthy BY BRI MCKOY
Give your summer salads a fresh, colorful spin with these quick and easy salad recipes. The star of this salad is the fresh herb dressing! We make this dressing at the beginning of each week and use it on salads, for veggies, with wings. It is so versatile and uses clean ingredients!
WEDGE SALAD WITH FRESH HERB DRESSING
FRESH HERB DRESSING INGREDIENTS: • 3 scallions, white and green parts, chopped • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill • Juice from one lemon (about 2 TBS) • 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 7 ounces Greek-style yogurt • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
processor fitted with the steel blade. Puree for 15 to 20 seconds to make a smooth mixture. 2. Add the yogurt and heavy whipping cream and blend until smooth. Transfer the dressing to a container, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour for the flavors to develop. WEDGE SALAD:
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Place the scallions, basil, dill, lemon juice, mustard, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in the bowl of a food 10 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
• Tomatoes • Avocado • Bacon (optional) • Red onions • Gorgonzola cheese (optional) Place a wedge of iceberg lettuce on each person’s plate. Load the wedge up with desired vegetables, bacon and cheese. Drizzle with fresh herb dressing!
• Head of Iceberg lettuce, cut into 4-5 wedges
Photos by Bri McKoy
SERVES: 4-5 PREP TIME: 15 minutes
DELIGHTFUL FOODS
/ Sensational Salads
MEDITERRANEAN SALAD BOWL This salad appears on my weeknight meal plan almost once a week! It is the perfect fridge-clean-out meal to use up all those veggies you have on hand. The fresh ingredients from the tzatziki sauce and the spice from the chicken is the perfect summer combination! This meal is also perfect for having people over and letting them put their own bowls together! SERVES: 4-5 PREP TIME: 20 minutes COOK TIME: 15 minutes
MARINADE FOR THE CHICKEN INGREDIENTS: • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 5 garlic cloves, minced • 1/2 teaspoon paprika • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric • 1/2 teaspoon allspice • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon pepper • 1 teaspoon salt • 6 tablespoon olive oil INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In a bowl mix together all the spices. Add the olive oil to make a paste. Place the chicken breasts in an airtight container or large bag. Pour marinade over the chicken and rub mixture over chicken. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight. 2. Heat a grill on medium high heat. Oil the grill grates. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the grill. Cover the grill and cook for 6 minutes. Turn the chicken breasts and allow to cook
for 4-5 minutes. The chicken is cooked when it registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit with a meat thermometer. Remove the chicken to a plate and tent with foil. Allow to sit for 5-8 minutes for the juices to concentrate. TZATZIKI SAUCE: INGREDIENTS: • 7 ounces plain Greek yogurt • 1 English Cucumber, chopped • Juice from 1/2 lemon • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 tablespoon fresh dill • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/8 tsp pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano • 2 teaspoons salt • 1 cup olive oil INSTRUCTIONS:
Add all the ingredients to a mason jar or salad dressing bottle. Give a good shake. Before pouring on salad be sure to shake to reincorporate the oil and vinegar. SERVE WITH:
• Leafy greens • Hummus • Fresh tomatoes • Bell peppers • Red onions • Feta Cheese
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Add all the ingredients to a bowl with an airtight lid. Mix to incorporate. Place lid on bowl and allow to chill in refrigerator for at least one hour for all the flavors to come together.
TO SERVE:
GREEK DRESSING: INGREDIENTS: • 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar • Juice from one lemon • 2 garlic cloves, minced
Pile up some leafy greens on a plate and add fresh veggies such as tomatoes, red onions and bell peppers. Drizzle with Greek salad dressing. Cut the chicken breasts into cubes or diagonal slices. Add about 4-5 pieces to each plate. Add a good dollop of the Tzatziki sauce to the bowl. Add a scoop of hummus into the middle of the bowl. Sprinkle with feta cheese! i
SUMMER 2018 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 11
DELIGHTFUL FOOD
/ Summer Salads in Jar
SUMMER
SALADS
JAR
IN A
A HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
DELIGHTFUL FOOD
/ Summer Salads in Jar
Are you on the mission to maintain a healthy lifestyle? Here are 3 easy mason-jar salad recipes to get you through the summer! p PROTEIN PROVIDER
BY ANNESSA CHUMBLEY RD
SALAD JAR t BALSAMIC KALE STRAWBERRY SALAD JAR INGREDIENTS: • 1/3 cup cooked quinoa • 1 1/2 cup Mann’s Kale Beet Blend bagged salad (or baby kale leaves) • 1/4 cup sliced strawberries • 1 tablespoon toasted walnuts • 1 tablespoon crumbled gorgonzola or feta
DRESSING:
Photos by Rebecca Welch
INGREDIENTS: • 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar • 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup • 1 small clove garlic, grated • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
In a small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients with a fork. Pour into a 16-ounce clear jar. Layer in the next ingredients: quinoa, then kale (or salad mix), sliced strawberries, toasted walnuts, and feta. Cover with a lid and refrigerate until lunch time! When you’re ready to enjoy, pour salad out into a bowl and toss together.
p CHILI LIME CHICKEN SALAD JAR
INGREDIENTS: • 4 ounces baked chicken • 1 1/2 cup Mann’s® Superfood Blend bagged salad (or use fresh spinach) • 3 tablespoons canned black beans, drained and rinsed • 1/3 cup red bell pepper, cut into strips or diced • 1/3 ripe sliced avocado
DRESSING: INGREDIENTS: • 3 tablespoons lime juice plus 1 teaspoon lime zest • 1/8 teaspoon chili powder • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt • 1 teaspoon raw honey
In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients. Pour into a 16-ounce clear jar. Add in each ingredient in order: baked chicken, salad mix, black beans, red bell pepper. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to eat, top with avocado, pour into a bowl, and enjoy!
INGREDIENTS: • 2 hardboiled eggs • 2 cups salad mix, such as Mann’s® Rainbow Salad mix • 1 carrot, peeled into ribbons • 1/4 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 2 asparagus spears, rough end sliced off
DRESSING: INGREDIENTS: • 1/3 avocado • 1 tablespoon roughly chopped dill • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/4 teaspoon grated garlic • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
In a small bowl, mix dressing by mashing avocado and stirring in the rest of the ingredients. Spoon dressing into the bottom of a 16-ounce glass jar. Next, layer in ingredients: slice eggs and place on the bottom, then salad mix, carrot ribbons, and chickpeas. Slice asparagus lengthwise and slide them vertically into the jar. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to eat, pour salad into a bowl and enjoy. i SUMMER 2018 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 13
FASHION
/Summer’s Sweetest Trends!
SUMMER’S Sweetest
TRENDS! You’ll want to sprinkle these pieces into your wardrobe ASAP! BY MORGAN MCMURRIN
Rompers will melt-away your styling dilemmas! I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream … and cute ROMPERS this summer! Not only are they fashionable, but they’re super comfortable too. Throw one on with some cute flats and simple accessories, and you’ll be out the door in no time looking and feeling beautiful. MODEL: STEPH WEBER (INFLUENCER) STRIPED SKIRT- RED DRESS BOUTIQUE (SHOT BY ERICA DILDINE); PURPLE TOP, COLORFUL DRESS, AND ROMPER ARE ALL FROM SHOP GOLDYLOX (SHOT BY COLLIN WEBER)
14 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
FASHION
/Summer’s Sweetest Trends!
Off-the-shoulder dresses are the perfect treat for your closet! Last summer was all about off-the-should tops; however, this summer is all about OFFTHE-SHOULDER DRESSES! They give a fresh taste to the chic trend and thanks to the variety of playful patterns and bright colors they come in; there’s a perfect off-the-shoulder dress for everyone. A HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
SUMMER 2018 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM A
FASHION
/Summer’s Sweetest Trends!
Ruffles are the cherry on top of your summer outfit! Don’t let the hot temperature outside dull down your fashion game. Instead, embrace all things RUFFLE! Just make sure you don’t go too overboard with the trend. Instead, focus on finding one piece that includes the girly embellishment and compliment it with something sleek, so the two items don’t compete against each other. 16 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
FASHION
/Summer’s Sweetest Trends!
Tie-front tops are the new “IT” item! Say goodbye to plain T-shirts and hello to TIE-FRONT TOPS! They put a fun twist on the classic wardrobe staple and go with pretty much anything. So, pair them with jeans for an afternoon out with your friends or with a skirt for a date night look that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
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BEAUTY
/ Nail Colors
5
attention-getting
Nail Colors You’ll Love for Summer BY EMERALD LAVENDER
Sunny days on the beach, cookouts, sundresses and warm nights are just a few things we love about summer. It’s the perfect time to gather all your girlfriends together for a garden party or brunch. High temperatures give us a reason to show off our nails and feet with gorgeous colors. Something as small as trying a new polish color can brighten your mood and add an extra pep in your step. Here are a few attention-getting polish colors that will make you stand out for all the right reasons. ESSIE’S GOLD GLIDING is the perfect feminine shade. SHIMMERING BRONZE
is coupled with a light and airy pink that’s luxurious yet practical. Whether you’re dressed up or down, your digits will look amazing in this shade! GINGER + LIZ delivers daunting color with their “NO WORRIES,” shade. This
dark but vibrant hue is pretty and daring. It’s a powerful color that allows your personality to shine through in a subtle way.
of gold and peach. This shade feels like the happy ending to long summer days. Whether you decide to go for a night on the town or just hanging out with friends, this color is a winner.
ESSIE’S GO GO GEISHA
is a soft pink color that looks great whether you’re wearing jeans and a tee shirt or a flirty dress. If you’re looking for a minimalist and delicate shade, this one is for you. OPI’S STRAWBERRY MARGARITA is an
effervescent mix of red and pink for when you feel your sassiest! Wear this color with a neutral ensemble to get the full effect. LET IT GLOW by ESSIE reminds us of a
gorgeous sunset, complete with streaks
So which shade will you try? Go for something different and you may end up with a new favorite! i EMERALD LAVENDER is an experienced Marketing Copywriter who helps lifestyle brands engage readers and increase sales through targeted content.
HERE’S THE LINKS TO THE NAIL POLISHES: ESSIE’S GOLD GLIDING: https://www.essie.com/nail-polish/longwear/metallics-glitters/gold-gilding GINGER + LIZ, NO WORRIES: https://www.gingerandliz.com/product-page/no-worries ESSIE’S, GO GO GEISHA: https://www.essie.com/nail-polish/enamel/nudes/go-go-geisha OPI’S STRAWBERRY MARGARITA: https://www.opi.com/nail-products/nail-polish/strawberry-margarita ESSIE’S LET IT GLOW: https://www.essie.com/nail-polish/enamel/nudes/let-it-glow 18 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
BEAUTY
/ Nail Colors
NAIL COLORS
A HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
SUMMER 2018 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 19
HOME
/Patio Perfection
Make Your
PATIO or PORCH a Summer Oasis! BY MAURITA SUTTON BR OW N
Your summer oasis can be a patio or a back porch. Where I reside, I can sit on my patio and gaze at the stars late at night or Bar-B-Q during the hot summer days. Creating the ideal place for you, your family and friends are not as complicated as you might think. Just keep in mind “Summer Ready Oasis.” I have added some encouraging ideas
your oasis. Create a theme based on what you and your guest like to do when gathering. I have a 4-seater table conversation set. We love the low and cozy feel, and our guests do as well. We have folding outdoor chairs for extra guests when needed.
below to make or create a new look for
ACCESSORIZE WITH YOUR TASTE
your backyard escape.
I love the idea that our summer patio/ porch idea can be our bonus room to our home. The fun part is creating a theme. Our local discount stores have themed items for outdoors that makes the seeking easier. Themes: picnic (red & white), daisy flowers (yellow and orange), stripes or polka dots (black & white).
Here are Five Tips to help you create your “Summer Ready Oasis.” COOL DOWN & SHINE BRIGHT
The first thing I think about is heat in the summertime. If you have backporch lighting replace it with lighting that includes a fan. Greatest idea ever! Stringing lights over your space adds a fun and festive tone, even when your porch is not in use. Just turn them on! SEATING FOR EVERYONE
Patio furniture is needed to pull off
EATING FROM THE GRILL OR COLD SANDWICH STATION
Summertime is the best time for Bar-B-Q dinners and cold sandwiches with chips and lemonade. Creating the menus for your summer
20 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
gatherings can be fun. Whether you make them or cater them in, food brings joy to your outdoor patio/ porch gatherings. COZY AND RELAXING MOMENTS
Now, for me, I love cushions on my outdoor furniture. If you prefer your seating to be lounge furniture or regular patio furniture, remember outdoor rugs, outdoor pillows, and throws cozy up the space nicely. If your outdoor area has no roof, add umbrellas to shade off the sun. Also, add lamps and floor lights to add ambiance. No matter what you choose in creating this summer oasis, have fun doing it. The bottom line is merely to create a functional, cozy and fun patio/porch oasis. For more design information contact me at lifecoachmaurita.com or www.thebellabellaboutique.online. i
HOME
/Transform Towel Toiletry Supplies
TRANSFORM TOWEL TOILETRY SUPPLIES /// SIMPLIFY THE CLUTTER BY MELISSA MICHAELS
It’s easy for our bathrooms to become overrun with towels and toiletries. It may seem impossible to have 80 million products in the shower and no conditioner, but it happens. Moreover, all those towels on the floors and counters— which ones are clean or could have been used again? Pare down your towel stash to only the best of the best (perhaps to simplify, set a goal of just two bath towels per person, two hand towels, and several washcloths). Make a note to invest in a new set if your towels look as if they’ve seen better days. I like using an all-white color scheme for my towel collection. They always match, and a little bleach keeps them looking fresh. This is also a great way to avoid those bleached-out spots that facial cleansers leave on colored towels. Install extra rods and hooks on the back of the door to maximize your space for hanging and drying towels. It’s easier to avoid the temptation of throwing your towel on the floor when it’s just as easy to hang it up on a designated hook. Keep track of your towels. Sew on simple colored tabs or ribbons to distinguish whose towel is whose. You can also purchase decorative numbered hooks or stencil numbers above hooks and assign a number to each family member. Bonus: Hanging up the towels helps them dry quickly! Store extra supplies (toilet paper, soap, shampoo, and conditioner) in another location but keep track of what you need to repurchase as you run out. It saves money to buy in bulk, and fewer trips to the store also saves significant time. Do you really need to display decorative items on your bathroom counters and shelves? Attractive containers for items you actually use are decoration enough. A basket filled with colorful bath bombs or a mirrored tray holding a few favorite lotions will give the bathroom that simple spa vibe. Taken from: Simple Organizing: 50 Ways to Clear the Clutter. Copyright © 2018 by Melissa Michaels. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon. www.harvesthousepublishers.com Used by Permission. i SUMMER 2018 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 21
CAREER
/ Reach your Goals
WANT TO
REACH YOUR GOAL THIS TIME?
3 QUESTIONS THAT DRAMATICALLY BOOST YOUR CHANCES FOR REACHING A GOAL @VA LOR I E B U RTO N
Reaching goals isn’t just about know what steps to take. It’s also about how you handle discouragement, fear and stumbles on the way to goal. Research shows that the most successful people actually think differently on the path to success — and that mental toughness helps them to be resilient in the face of frustrations and obstacles. Here are ten ways to boost your chances of reaching your goals this year and the questions you can ask to coach yourself along the way.
1 2
KNOW YOUR “WHY.” COACH YOURSELF: What will this goal give you that you don’t have right now?
Purpose fuels perseverance. Have a strong “why” behind your goal and you are far more likely to stick with it when it becomes difficult.
PLAN IT ON YOUR CALENDAR. COACH YOURSELF: What will I need to put in place in order to support my goal?
Most people set goals, but don’t have a realistic plan to achieve them. Look at your calendar now and block some time (whether 15 minutes for a small goal or a whole day or more for a big goal) to brainstorm how you will achieve the goal and plan your timeline. Identify your potential obstacles and put plans in place to help you avoid them. Identify and put in place the things that will help you reach the goal. Is it a new, healthier grocery shopping list? An automatic withdrawal from your paycheck so you can boost your savings by 25% by the end of the year? Hiring a resume writer to make you stand out from the crowd?
3
TELL YOURSELF THE TRUTH. COACH YOURSELF: What’s the self-sabotaging habit you most need to conquer in order to reach the goal?
Fill in the blank of this statement, “I hate to admit it, but ….” Be honest about what’s held you back from the goal in the past. Then make the goal about addressing it. So for example, rather than simply, “I’m 22 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
going to lose weight,” the goal becomes, “I’m going to find healthy ways to cope with my stress/insecurity/anxiety other than eating.” i VALORIE BURTON is founder of the CaPP Institute and the bestselling author of a dozen books, including Successful Women Think Differently and her latest, Brave Enough to Succeed: 40 strategies for getting unstuck. For more strategies, visit www.valorieburton.com.
MONEY
/Summer Essentials
TAMIKA
talks Sundresses, Sandals, Staycations, and a Savings Plan BY TAMIKA STEMBRIDGE
I’ve spent the last few weekends cleaning my home, organizing my closet, and testing out summer-ready hairstyles. Although I wish it were in anticipation of some island getaway, I am excited that all of these pre-Summer formalities are actually in preparation for a super cool summer AT HOME! I’m sure you’ve been bombarded with a slew of financial tools and tips… Pay yourself first. Get a side-hustle. Plan for the future. Buy some insurance. Get your credit together. Track your spending. Give back! This summer, I am lightening my load and gathering for the winters to come, instead of packing for pricey getaways, booking brunches, or hopping happy hours. I know this may sound like a recipe for a ‘Cruel Summer’, but I promise you I’m about to have a ball, and I hope you’ll join me. Here’s how:
1
Sundresses & Sandals… FOR SALE!!! I know we’re supposed to give back, but there are some things that I value way too much to toss into a bin at
the Goodwill. Translation – I paid way too much money to be throwing things away! So I sell them, for a reasonable price, and am a blessing to some other stylish gal who is looking to be cute AND save money! I use Poshmark, but there’s Facebook Marketplace, Shopify, and tons of other resale websites and apps. Pick one and get to posting! If they don’t sell within a certain time (30 days, maybe), then donate away!
2
Staycation on Fleek! I live in Philadelphia, and there is ALWAYS something happening for free or low cost. However, I spend so much time on the road that I haven’t explored all that my city has to offer. That, my loves, is why I plan on being “HOME” all #Summer2018! You can do the same, find undiscovered neighborhoods, parks or day trips that you can explore when not enjoying the comforts of your own home.
searching and life planning. Envision the future you truly desire and use the longer days to map out a strategy to get you there. For more Tamika Talks! Visit www.mydfree.org and sign up for our newsletter. Find me in the social media mix @TheFreeBlackGirl on Instagram, @OGFreeBlackGirl on Twitter, and connect with the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement @mydfree on all platforms. i
3
Set Your Sights on Summer 2020 and Beyond! Finally, as a good friend once told me, “…there will be more sunny days!” Use this summer to do some soul
Tamika ESQ TamikaStembridge, Stembridge, ESQ Exectutive dfree ExectutiveDirector, Director, dfree
SUMMER 2018 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 23
Jess Connolly, left and Hayley Morgan. A HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
COVER STORY
/Jess and Hayley
OLLY N N O C S S JE MORGAN Y E L Y A H AND 0-DAY 0 1 W E N SHARE ALWAYS , L A N O I T DEVO ENOUGH, NEVER H TOO MUC
G N I C A REPL H T I W LIES RUTH
T S ’ D GO Women are often guilty of comparing themselves, not only to others but also to standards that are sometimes impossible to meet, leaving us feeling like we either aren’t enough or too much. We’re not fit enough, too forward, not good enough, too emotional, not pretty enough, too quiet—the list could continue for days. However, those tiny whispers we hear that point out some flaws are lies of the enemy and don’t speak to the worth that we have in Christ.
Photo by Gina Zeidler
In Always Enough, Never Too Much, authors Jess Connolly and Hayley Morgan help to encourage women to cast those lies out of their minds and out of their hearts to replace them with God’s truth. These two women are cheering for you with hearts full of hope that you will embrace the completeness that Jesus brings in your own life.
to allow women to choose what they need most from the 100 topical devotions each time they open the book. Half of the book contains devotionals for days when you feel like you’re not enough, and the other half holds truths for the days when you feel like you’re simply too much. You can either turn to the specific topic you’re struggling with, or you can read the devotionals in order and use the book as a tool to encourage other women. “We constantly got asked to break down more specific teaching and encouragement for particular issues women face,” Morgan said. “Women wanted this for their daughters; daughters wanted this for their moms. So, we set out to create a really practical, beautiful tool that would meet women where they are. Plus, it’s always a treat when Jess and I get to write together.”
“I hope women will walk away with a bigger view of God and a sense that they can resist the pressure the world puts on them to be everything to everyone all of the time,” Connolly said. “I hope they’ll hear that they can live less under the expectations of everyone else, with a more heightened sense of the expectation of God.”
Cofounders of Influence Network, Connolly, and Morgan wrote Always Enough, Never Too Much together as a follow-up to their bestselling book Wild and Free. This particular devotional-style book was quite personal to the authors, as well as touching on emotions and topics that women constantly face in their day-to-day lives.
The flip book is uniquely designed
“I’ve had to learn to live out these
EL BY A N G
E IA W H IT
truths, and I still preach them to myself every day,” Morgan said. “It’s easy to feel like we should ‘arrive’ or grow out of our need for the gospel, but that’s not real life, and it’s not the way God designed it. He designed for us a path of sanctification, but it takes our whole earthly life. We don’t get to opt out of needing to apply the gospel to ourselves each and every day, and that takes an incredible amount of humility.” You can follow both Jess Connolly (@jessaconnolly) and Hayley Morgan (@hayley.e.morgan) on Instagram, or you can visit their websites (jessconnolly.com and hayleymorgan. com) to learn more about these two incredible women and their upcoming projects. However, whether they’re working on their next books or devoting time to their numerous other endeavors (Morgan even has her online boutique called Nellie Taft (check it out at nellietaft.com), both Connolly and Morgan continue to do everything they can to honor the Lord. “I don’t know that we all only have one purpose—except to make disciples,” Connolly said. “But I think it’s all about using what you’ve got in every season. In this season, I have a lot of words, and I’ll use them to bring God glory for as long as I can.” i
SUMMER 2018 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 25
ENTERTAINMENT
/Back-to-school Reads
HIT THE BOOKS WITH THESE
A+ Reads! Buckle up for
Called to Protect by Lynette
BACK-TO-SCHOOL BOOKS FOR WOMEN, TEENS, AND CHILDREN. BY C A R R I E S C H MI DT
Eason (Revell, July 2018). A K-9 cop investigating a human trafficking case and a US Marshall whose daughter is missing must learn to trust each other. Matt Miklatos’
The Crescent Stone (Tyndale, August 2018) delivers a relevant and entertaining Young Adult Fantasy with culturally-diverse characters and a powerful message.
Unafraid by Carey Scott (Shiloh Run Press, July 2018) is for every woman who wants to learn how to live an authentic life with confidence.
The Daily Question For You And Your Child Your child will love this classic family of bears who continue to spread important life wisdom in The
Berenstain Bears Stand Up To Bullying by Mike Berenstain (Zonderkidz, August 2018).
(Waterbrook, August 2018) allows you to create a journal covering three years of your child’s life with a question to be answered together on the same day each year. i
CARRIE SCHMIDT IS AN AVID READER AND BOOK REVIEWER WHO LOVES JESUS AND THE STORY A WHOLE LOT. A FORMER REVIEWER FOR RT BOOK REVIEWS, SHE IS ALSO A CO-FOUNDER OF THE CHRISTIAN FICTION READERS’ RETREAT AND THE BLOGGER BEHIND READINGISMYSUPERPOWER.ORG 26 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
A HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
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FEATURE
/Cara Whitney
Cara Whitney with her husband, Lawrence Whitney (aka Larry the Cable Guy).
An Investment of the Heart
CARA WHITNEY OPENS UP ABOUT HOW HER LOVE OF HORSES EVENTUALLY LED TO HER FAITH IN CHRIST BY RACHEL SWEARINGEN
You may know Cara Whitney as the wife of “Larry the Cable Guy,” but her new book, Unbridled Faith shows readers everywhere that she’s so much more than that. Whitney’s inspiring, insightful account of faith through her work with horses brings hope from the pages to the hearts of the readers. Hope for Women: Your new book, Unbridled Faith, focuses on your experiences with horses and how they have influenced your faith. How did you come to start working with horses? CARA WHITNEY: I have always loved
horses. I was given my first pony
when I turned 5 years old, and since then, horses (and ponies) have always been in and out of my life. I currently have 12 horses, ponies, and donkeys on my farm in Nebraska. God willing, my farm is where they will be able to live out their years. All of them have revealed to me good parts about myself as well as the ugly parts of myself that I need to improve upon. HFW: Can you tell us a little bit about your relationship with your horses and how that inspired your book? CW: When I was 12 years old, a
horse came into my life at a time when I needed a friend the most.
28 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
This old quarter horse reciprocated unconditional love and taught me essential responsibilities and a thing or two about loyalty. A few years later, she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, and I had to put her down. I was crushed. For years, I would ride other people’s horses but would never emotionally invest in another again. That’s until I met a family with a riding sable outside Lincoln, Nebraska, when my daughter started taking riding lessons from them. Just about that time, I was really beginning to question the existence of God and my purpose in BY J OANNA LE FLO R E life. I took a huge leap of faith when
FEATURE
/Cara Whitney
I was asked if I wanted to purchase one of their horses. I was afraid to get my heart involved again but took a deep breath and jumped into horse ownership and a heart investment. At the same time, I made a jump toward learning more about God. One of my biggest stumbling blocks was the way some Christians behaved or represented Jesus Christ. My journey started with this thought: How Christians treat themselves and other people has nothing to do with whether or not Jesus was raised from the dead. Without the resurrection, Christianity does not exist at all. What was the truth? As I was performing all of the tasks that would come with new horse ownership, I would listen to sermons and Biblical scholars, and I joined a women’s Bible study group. As I scooped manure, I was also scooping away all of the lies that I was ever
taught to believe about God—that includes everything the world tells you about how God views women. HFW: Who has been your biggest inspiration? CW: My friend Char. She has been
an enormous encouragement to me. Coincidently, she is also the owner of the riding barn that influenced me to buy a horse and who convinced me to turn my writing into a book. She knows the importance of how God uses horses for healing and discovery. Char is a mother who has lost a son. Before I invited Christ to take over in my own life, I watched Jesus navigate hers. I have personally witnessed Char use the hope she has in Jesus to keep her going toward the goal of eternity. I just cannot even relate to that type of pain she feels, especially during holidays and birthdays. And, yet, Char perseveres. It is humbling
to observe such an amazing witness for Christ. She’s one tough mother. HFW: What do you most hope people reading your book will take away from it? CW: If they haven’t already, I want
them to start their relationships with God. I want them to be saved from their sins, and eventually, I’d like to see them with me in eternity. If this book can start them thinking that there may be some truth to all of this Jesus stuff, then giddy up! HFW: What’s one message you wish all woman could hear? CW: God loves them. No matter
what they’ve done or how they may be living their life in this moment. God loves you, and it is never too late to ask Jesus to take over your life. Don’t believe a word of what the world is telling you about God. i
Get away TO
Fort Wayne
Explore Indiana’s second-largest city this summer, and discover a heart-warming family escape!
A HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
SUMMER 2018 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM A
Find getaway ideas, overnight packages, & deals: VisitFortWayne.com • 1-800-767-7752
FITNESS
/ 1-2-3 Morning Workout Routines
1-2-3 STEPS TO MAKING MORNING WORKOUTS YOUR THING 2 BY ANGEL RENEE SCOTT
1
SCHEDULE YOUR WORKOUT & YOUR BEDTIME Morning workouts are only productive when you’re well rested. Sleep deprivation has been linked to everything from decreased energy and weight gain to diabetes. And trying to get up out of bed when you’re exhausted is nearly impossible.
Start by deciding your workout ‘call time’ then subtract 7-8 hours of sleep to calculate what your ideal bedtime should be. Then go to bed 15 minutes earlier every night until you reach that ideal bedtime. 30 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
FIND A SWEAT STRATEGY THAT WORKS FOR YOU If the mere thought of dragging your fitness essentials to the gym makes you want to hit the snooze button, it may be time to rethink your workout. Your favorite fitness DVD, a jog around your neighborhood or even an in-home Personal Trainer can help you stay accountable and motivated.
3
HAVE A PRE & POST WORKOUT STRATEGY The more morning obstacles you have, the more excuses you’ll have and the more likely you’ll be to ditch your morning workout. Pre-workout: keep things as simple as possible. Pack your workout clothes and gear the night before and put them close to the front door. Post-workout: have your work clothes washed and ready to go so you don’t waste time or get discouraged. i ANGEL SCOTT is a health & fit lifestyle coach as well as the creator of Simply Defined Fitness and the 7-Day Reset; a seven day guide to resetting your healthy journey – body & mind. Be sure to follow Angel online for more wellness tips: Instagram: @simplyfitangel |Facebook: @simplydefinedfitness |Twitter: @simplydfitness
Photo by Bruce Mars on Unsplash
Morning workouts are a great way to boost your energy and metabolism all day long. Meetings, deadlines and other last minute schedule changes can make it tough to keep your end-of-day workout commitment. It’s a common challenge with an obvious solution—work out in the morning. I know, firsthand, how tough it can seem initially but trust me, try these three steps and you’ll never want to start your day any other way.
FEATURE
/ Mixing up the Menu
MIXING up the
MENU HOW OUR FAMILY COLLABORATED TO BRING EXCITEMENT TO THE TABLE BY ELIZABETH CHANEY
Family dinner time is a priority at
our house, but I have found creating the menu every week to be a chore. I would often end up repeating dishes because I had run out of fresh ideas. Inevitably, at the end of a long day, one of the kids would say, “Mom, are we having that again?” My kids are accustomed to simple, healthy meals. Some of my staples are veggie burgers, rice and beans, pasta with an easy spinach-pesto sauce, and brown rice topped with flavorful len tils. On Friday nights, we traditionally splurge on pizza and cozy up together in front of a family movie. Saturdays used to be make-your-own-taco night, but even that has lost its novelty. The next time my daughter began to complain about what was on her plate, I decided to turn the tables. “Hey!” I said. “I know a great way for you to love what we’re having for dinner! You can make the menu all by yourself!” Her initial reaction was not to jump up and down with joyful anticipation, but I want my children to learn to participate in finding solutions to
things they aren’t happy about. As adults, they will be more successful if things that don’t work for them inspire some brainstorming. So, we sat down at the table together and made a plan. Each person would decide on the menu for one full week. We’re a blended family of five, so this schedule meant I was only responsible for the menu once every five weeks! Yee-hah! We created some basic guidelines to set them up for success. A vegetable must be a part of every meal. Ice cream sundaes do not constitute a main course, nor do cheeseburgers and chili fries if you plan to have them for seven nights straight. As our experiment progressed, we had a lot of fun searching the internet for new recipes and remembering old favorites. My son loves salmon, and I had forgotten how much I do too! My step-daughter is a macaroni and cheese fan, but she can’t tolerate dairy products. We discovered a brand of vegan cheese that tastes like the real thing. My husband is the best cook in the
family by a long shot. He picked out some Thai recipes that were quick and easy, but sophisticated too. One bite of a mildly spicy peanut sauce tasted not only of peanuts, but also of coconut, ginger, and lime if it was savored for a few extra moments on the tongue. What fun to stop and notice the different flavors unfurl! My son surprised us all by deciding he likes to cook as much as he likes to eat, and he’s pretty good at it. He can whip egg whites until they form stiff peaks for a tangy lemon meringue! My daughter, on the other hand, has discovered that cooking is not her favorite thing, and that’s valuable self-discovery! We learn what we like and what our strengths are only by trying new things. Perhaps the most important lesson they’ve learned is that in cooking as in life, things rarely turn out perfectly, and that’s just fine. Life is more fun and more interesting if we are flexible enough to have a plan B. Plan B at our house is called cereal night, and as my husband always says, “It’s all good if it’s made with love.” i
SUMMER 2018 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 31
END NOTES
/Simple Joys
SIMPLE
joys Any Moment Can Be BY CANDACE PAYNE
“My purpose for telling you these things is so that the joy that I exper ience will fill your hearts with over flowing gladness!” —John 15:11 TPT
emotionless, isolated, and unworthy. So, what has been one commonality found in the simple joys that lead to extravagant joy?
A few years ago, I put on a toy mask live on Facebook for all my momma friends to see, and in doing so, it stirred up the most raucous laugh I had experienced in about a decade. When I leaned forward to end my live video, the only thing seemingly fitting to say was this:
I know now that there are multiple “micro joys” awaiting our engagement every day. What a travesty that we miss most, if not all of them, because we take ourselves too seriously!
“Wow! Y’all have a great day. It’s the simple joys.”
“Candace, I honestly believe that nobody else thinks about me as often as I think about myself.”
Since that viral moment, I have had time to look back on the sum of many simple joys that have led to a life of abundant joy. There are a few commonalities shared in these simple moments that lead me to deep wells of joy.
Most people are too busy obsessing about themselves to even care if you wore matching socks or not.
You see, not every moment is a moment to laugh it up, cry uncontrollably, wheeze, and snort. As a matter of fact, I don’t have those fits of laughter often. Oh, but, friend, when I do…I give in. I let go. I engage. I lose myself in the joy of a simple moment. And, I only know to do this from spending years numb,
Friend, I am praying that above all else as you read this you will…
I once had a friend tell me a phrase that I will never forget:
Yep. Insecurity often leaves us on the outside of the party simple joys offers us.
“…be empowered to discover what every holy one experiences—the great magnitude of the astonishing love of Christ in all its dimensions. How deeply intimate and far-reaching is his love! How enduring and inclusive it
32 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
is! Endless love beyond measurement that transcends our understanding— this extravagant love pours into you until you are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God!” —Ephesians 3:18-19 TPT When you know this kind of love, you find joy in genuinely the simplest of moments and a quiet confidence that whispers, “you’re worth it.” Before you know it, simple joys lead to extravagant joy along the way each and every day. So, friend…lift your head. Abandon insecurity. Walk in a free confidence that you are perfectly loved. Then, laugh it up when you can! i CANDACE PAYNE is an author, speaker and viral sensation. Her 2016 Facebook Live video, which shows her trying on a Chewbacca Mask, holds the record for the most-viewed Facebook Live video in history (170+ million views) and resulted in her becoming internationally known as “Chewbacca Mom.” She has been featured in more than 3,000 media out lets including “Good Morning America,” “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” The New York Times, PEOPLE, and Cosmopolitan. She is the author of Laugh It Up, Defiant Joy and Simple Joys. Candace lives in Texas with her husband, two children, and ornery pugs.
#PowerOfThePurse Project Purse Indianapolis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to brinigng women together for the good of helping other women. By hosting Reverse Purse Parties and other community-focused donation drives, Project Purse Indianapolis has collected over 15,000 products, donated nearly 2,000 purses, and impacted the lives of countless women across central Indiana. From female veterans to struggling teenagers, sexual assault victims to young women living in the streets: #PowerOfThePurse lies in not only the products but the words written from one women to another in each purse gifted.
Toothbrushes Tampons Shampoo
Deodorant Lotion
Floss
notebooks Toothpaste
Pens/ Pencils
Above are examples of what our purses include and things you can donate!
projectpurseindy.com A HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
@projectpurseindy
@ProjectPurseIndy
Ball State Online
The Next Step with a High Return on Your Investment If you’re ready for a career promotion or a career change, a degree from Ball State University can help get you closer to those goals. Ball State offers more than 70 online degrees and certificates that allow you to work around your busy schedule. Our nationally ranked online programs prepare you for today’s complex workplace challenges and are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. Plus, our programs are competitively priced, and you’ll get all the personal attention that students have come to expect from Ball State. Learn more now at bsu.edu/online.
A HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SUMMER 2018
