Hope for Women Spring 2016

SPRING 2016

Win a Trip to HSN &

OVER $2000 IN BEAUTY PRODUCTS 3 STEPS TO BREAKING FREE FROM SELF-DOUBT

WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG? STAYING DEDICATED TO YOUR WORKOUT ONE ESSENTIAL AT A TIME

Spring Trends

TO GET EXCITED ABOUT

Brunchin’ Munchin’ & MAGICAL MOMENTS WITH

STRESS-FREE BRUNCH PLANNING GUIDE

Jennifer

ALLWOOD

$4.95

DISPLAY UNTIL JULY 2016

CALM IN THE CHAOS

FIND

Kids bickering? Schedule jam-packed? Dishes and laundry both piled up high?

Perhaps it’s time you pressed pause.

The 100 encouraging devotions in Pressing Pause will offer you a calm way to start your day, to refresh yourself in Jesus and drink deeply of His presence so that you are ready to pour out love, time, and energy into the people who matter most to you.

Just a few minutes each day can help you center your heart and mind on what God has for you as His beloved daughter.

SO RESIST THE RUSH. HALT THE HUSTLE. PRESS PAUSE.

Available in Bookstores Everywhere

IN THIS ISSUE FEATURES

8

3 Steps to Breaking Free from Self-Doubt Powerful steps you can take to break free from doubt and NEVER go back!

10 Angie Tops the List

30

12

With Jennifer Allwood

B Y A NG EL A H ER R I N G TO N

Website cofounder finds her niche in helping people refer others to great services

Just “Faith It” Girlfriend

BY L ESL I E G R I F F I N

MAGICAL MOMENTS B Y AN GELI A WH I TE

BEAUTY

16

Classic Glam Tips & Tricks

BY K ATI E BEL L

FASHION

20 What’s in Your Bag? Staying Dedicated to Your Workout One Essential at a Time

BY BETH A NY C L E G

21

Spring Trends to Get Excited About

BY NI CO L E W E I D E R

IN EVERY ISSUE 5 Editor’s Page B Y AN G ELI A WH I TE COVER P HOTO : AI M EE D ECK ER , R AD I AN T P H OTOGR AP H Y, K AN SAS CIT Y

CAREER/EDUCATION 24 The Power of Saying “No”

BY V ET TA C A S H

26 Diversity & Inclusion A candid conversation with Nicole Bell

BY LO R I M O R G A N

MONEY 29 Stock Market Basics for Beginners

BY SH A NNO N LE O N A R D

ENTERTAINMENT 34 The Hidden Darkness of a Shining Star: Tamika Catchings

BOOKS 35 5 Books You Should Read (or Reread) This Year

BY CH A ND R A S P LO N D

RELATIONSHIPS 101 36 Are You the Woman

HEALTH 41 Positive Thinking Leads to Positive Living B Y B ET SY CH ACKO

FITNESS 42 Start Your Weight

Loss Journey NOW! B Y SELEN A M OOR EH EAD

NUTRITION 44 Respecting Yourself

in Your Relationship?

by Creating a Healthier Lifestyle

BY D R . NI CO L E L A B E AC H

B Y CL AUD I A D EM AR CO

DELIGHTFUL FOOD 38 Brunchin’ & Munchin’ Stress-Free Brunch Planning Guide

BY TO R I W I NK E R MA N

40 Foodie Friendship Eating like you love yourself

BY SA R A H BL AC K MA N

HOME 46 Passion for Personality B Y M AUR I TA SUT TON B R OWN

TRAVEL 48 Weekend Getawat: The RitzCarlton Reynolds Plantation

B Y ALI SON STOR M

Q1 2016

Believing in YOU! VOL. 8 NO. 7 PUBLISHER & FOUNDER ANGELIA L. WHITE COPY EDITOR TENITA JOHNSON ART DIRECTOR / GRAPHIC DESIGNER SARAH THOMPSON CONTRIBUTORS KATIE BELL, SARAH BLACKMAN, VETTA CASH, BETHANY CLEG, RACHEL CRUZE, CLAUDIA DEMARCO, TONYA DIXON, LESLIE GRIFFIN, ANGELA HERRINGTON, DR. NICOLE LABEACH, SHANNON LEONARD, SELENA MOOREHEAD, LORI MORGAN, CAMISHE NUNLEY, MAURITA SUTTON BROWN , CHANDRA SPARKS SPLOND, ALISON STORM, NICOLE WEIDER, TORI WINKERMAN MEDIA RELATIONS LEAH HUNT SOCIAL MEDIA ANGELA HERRINGTON INTERNS TEAIRA CHARLTON, ANDREA CROWLEY, ANYEA GOOCH, ELIZABETH SUTHERLAND

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 2016

4  HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

EDITOR’S PAGE

LIVE. DREAM. INSPIRE.

HELLO, BEAUTIFUL. BELIEVING IN YOU HAS NO DEADLINE

DON’T LET THE FEAR OF FAILURE KEEP YOU FROM MAKING YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE Life can often feel like a broken journey, full of failures and setbacks. But it’s important that you use those trials to strengthen yourself into the brave woman God created you to be.

I started Hope for Women magazine 10 years ago, and I have seen it grow into something I never imagined. One thing I started to envision along the way was a conference hosted by Hope for women to attend and be changed. I wanted to create an experience for them that they could keep with them forever—something that would make them feel alive and inspired.

But our visions are not always so simple.

It took three years and three separate attempts for the conference I dreamed of to become a reality, and I can say with absolute certainty that it was well worth the wait. I truly believe the women who were in the room that weekend at the Live. Dream.

Inspire. Conference will never forget the people they met, the speakers they heard and the moments that spoke to their hearts.

The speakers genuinely poured into each woman present to make it a more personal experience. You could see and feel the love that radiated in the room. There were tears.

There were smiles. There was a tremendous amount of laughter. It was an unforgettable time, and I’m sure the ladies who attended are still trying to comprehend what transpired in those two days we all gathered together. God always shows how amazing

He is, and He sure set the stage in a BIG way at our conference.

That vision I had was now something real— something I hadn’t let myself give up on.

If I’m being perfectly honest, I spent a large portion of my adult life not believing in myself.

I allowed fears and doubts to overshadow the hope I had to do bold things. I have spent years now using Hope to inspire other women and remind them of how beautiful and wonderful they are—yet I still lacked confidence in myself. But then I realized that I am more than that. It’s so easy to conform to your situation and let defeat take over, but you must always know your worth and value.

Remember that you were created for amazing things by a God who loves you more than we can ever explain or understand.

This entire issue of Hope for Women is dedicated to reminding you to be confident in yourself and the dreams you have. I believe in you. He believes in you. It’s time that you start believing in you.

In Hope, Angelia White Hope for Women CEO SPRING 2016 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 5

QUOTE JENNIFER ALLWOOD

If you’re going to have a dream about a business, and you’re going to be a strong business owner, you have to be around other strong business owners who can encourage you. So I think that it’s crucial whom you hang out with.

- JENNIFER ALLWOOD

6 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

1 in 5 children faces hunger.

There’s more than enough food in America for every child who struggles with hunger. Help get kids the food they need by supporting Feeding America, the nationwide network of food banks. Together, we can solve hunger™.

Join us at FeedingAmerica.org

FEATURE 3 STEPS TO BREAK FREE FROM SELF-DOUBT

3

STEPS TO BREAKING

m o r f free T

B U O D F L E S

BY ANG E L A H E R R I N GTON

As a Christian life coach, I meet many women who struggle with self-doubt.

They doubt their ability to be an amazing mom, wife, daughter, sister, employee or even entrepreneur. They spend tons of money and time reading self-help books that tell them success is right around the corner, but they never find it.

Frankly, we all have doubts! Even the most confident women get tripped up by negative thinking, feelings of worthlessness and guilt. The good news is that you don’t have to let those thoughts overwhelm you. Here’s how to break free from selfdoubt and never go back!

8 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

WHEN DOUBT SAYS: YOU ARE NOT WORTHY OF LOVE.

WHEN DOUBT SAYS: YOU DESERVE TO SUFFER FOR THE MISTAKES YOU’VE MADE.

SAY THIS INSTEAD: LOVE IS GIVEN, NOT EARNED. EVERYONE DESERVES LOVE, EVEN IF THEY’RE NOT VERY GOOD AT GIVING IT. I DESERVE TO BE LOVED!

SAY THIS INSTEAD: GOD’S GRACE IS BIG ENOUGH TO COVER WHAT I’VE DONE. I WILL STOP PUNISHING MYSELF, OR ALLOWING OTHERS TO PUNISH ME, FOR THE MISTAKES I’VE MADE. RELATIONSHIPS.

1Choose to listen to the voice of truth; block out the rest.

Don’t give the voice of doubt any authority in your life. When life gets rough, we tend to put too much value on the words that hold us back. Maybe you hear your self-absorbed ex, the teacher who didn’t get your learning style, the so-called bestie who was never around for you, or the boss who doesn’t trust you. Their words cause your pulse to quicken and your eyes to drop to the ground.

Everyone hears negative things, but you don’t have to listen to them. Hearing something is being aware of the noise. Listening to something means giving it your attention. Don’t give those negative words your attention! You were born to create something beautiful and you have the authority over your own life to do it! Keep your head up high and your eyes focused on your dream. Step confidently into who you were created to be!

Believe that God determines your value, not your actions.

2

There’s nothing more harmful to the pursuit of your dreams than feelings of worthlessness. You are going to make mistakes. But if you’re downing in

WHEN DOUBT SAYS: YOU’RE NOT AS BEAUTIFUL OR SUCCESSFUL AS OTHERS. SAY THIS INSTEAD: PEOPLE ARE UNIQUELY GIFTED TO FILL DIFFERENT ROLES. I WILL STOP COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHER PEOPLE BECAUSE IT DOESN’T SERVE ME AND IT DOESN’T FOSTER HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS.

doubt, let grace float you back to the surface.

Your worth is not tied to your lowest moment and neither is your future. God has more than enough power to heal the guilt and pain of past mistakes— even the big mistakes. Nothing is too broken for Him to redeem, including you.

believing in who 3 Start God created you to be.

Once you shut down those negative voices, you’ll notice that you have more room in your head and heart for the things that really matter.

Be careful not to get stuck here! There are always going to be people who want more of your time, but it’s crucial to keep your eyes focused on where God is calling you to go. Don’t fill your newfound space with the same old junk that tied you to your past.

Start asking yourself how you can move closer to who you are created to be. Fill that space with people who challenge you to think bigger and activities that stretch you. Remember, God has big plans for you!

Maybe you’ll never be a bazillionaire, but there is an abundant life waiting for you. It’s a life where you don’t give those negative voices any authority and you put your lowest moments behind you. It’s a life filled with laughter, play, rest, worship, love and service, and it all begins with knowing God says you’re worth His time. You are loved by the Creator of the universe and He knows exactly what you are capable of! Break free and stay free!

SPRING 2016 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 9

angie tops

FEATURE ANGIE TOPS THE LIST

the

WEBSITE COFOUNDER FINDS HER NICHE IN HELPING PEOPLE REFER OTHERS TO GREAT SERVICES

BY ANGE LI A WH I T E

If you need help, chances are pretty high, Angie Hicks, chief marketing officer and cofounder of Angie’s List, knows someone great who can assist you. If she doesn’t, it’s probably just as likely someone in the more than three million households who check the popular e-commerce website can point you to someone who can help with more than 720 services covering everything from home improvement to health care.

Hicks founded the popular fee-based service in 1995, and it now receives more than 60,000 reviews every month from across the nation about companies subscribers have used. Companies are also given the opportunity to respond to the reviews.

She was able to take time from her multi-million-dollar empire to talk to Hope for Women.

10 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

What’s a day in the life of Angie Hicks like?

During the school year, my day starts out with me getting the kids ready for school before I head into the office. I have a lot of meetings, as you can imagine, dealing with a lot of high-level stuff but also diving deep into my areas of focus: marketing, member service and operations. My favorite days of the week are when I can have office hours. I love those times because I always end up learning something fun about someone on the team—and often they have great ideas for us to implement. I try to get home for dinner every night.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love interacting with my team. We have a huge array of personalities, ages and cultures, and I always walk away impressed with their energy or intellect. Hiring highly motivated people is a great thing, and not just because

Hiring highly motivated people is a great thing, and not just because they bring great energy and ideas to the table— it also makes you keep to your A game. they bring great energy and ideas to the table—it also makes you keep to your A game.

What have you learned about leadership, entrepreneurship and mentoring others?

I tell people all the time that a great team working on a mediocre idea will always outperform a mediocre team working on a great idea. It’s the people that are most important.

Not that great ideas are unnecessary, but my point is that a team of people pulling in the same direction will always outlast the competition. So find people who complement each other, bring in the talent to fill all your needs and give them the support and freedom they need to succeed.

How would you define success?

For me, personally, it’s feeling like I’m making a solid, positive contribution

both at home and at work. I don’t think it’s possible to be superwoman or superman—always 100 percent great in all aspects of your life. But if you can end the day feeling good about how you’ve contributed to the areas of your life that are most important to you, I think that’s success.

What is the hardest lesson you learned as your business grew?

To let go. To delegate authority and trust that the job will get done. I was the sole employee at Angie’s List for a long time, and I kept a lot of those day-to-day tasks for myself even after I hired staff to manage for me. One great example is when I went off on maternity leave but planned to make all the decisions of the ad buy myself.

Someone convinced me to leave that in the hands of a talented, energetic employee so I could concentrate on

my new baby. I resisted, thinking I could do it all. But I let it go and you know what? She got a better rate than I would have. I should have trusted her to take it all on a lot sooner than I did. That experience showed me that I should trust my staff to do their jobs—and it’s been great for all of us.

What do you do daily to grow as an entrepreneur?

I like to read about other entrepreneurial leaders—whether it’s books they’ve authored or just articles about them. I love the NYT Corner Office, for example. And I talk to a lot of people. No one has cornered the market yet on good ideas. I also learn a ton from talking to some of the most highly rated service companies on Angie’s List. We have an annual conference, and I always walk away from there inspired.

SPRING 2016 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 11

‘

FEATURE JUST ‘FAITH IT’ GIRLFRIEND

JUST ‘FAITH IT’ I happen to have a special girlfriend in the faith. I call her mom. And yes, she is my mother— a beautiful and brilliant woman who is unwavering.

12 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

girlfriend

BY L IFE COAC H L E S L I E J . GRI F F I N

For centuries, women have shared a unique and uncompromising bond. The sisterhood of girlfriends is what we call it today. From relentless moments of protecting family and each other during slavery, birthing and raising children, to organizing marches that lobbied for human civility and equal rights, and being pioneers of movements and becoming firsts of groundbreaking traditions, women remained a cemented force and source of empowerment.

Add the element of faith and you begin linking hearts, tears, triumphs and souls across the globe.

FAITH­—THE ABILITY TO BELIEVE FOR AND RECEIVE THE IMPOSSIBLE­—IS THE ONE ADJOINING ELEMENT THAT TRANSCENDS RELIGIONS, PERSONAL JOURNEYS, EDUCATIONAL STATUS, FINANCIAL PORTFOLIOS, RACE AND PERSPECTIVES. IT IS THE COMMON THREAD THAT SOLIDIFIES LIFE PURPOSES AND EVENTS BETWEEN GIRLFRIENDS.

Faith--the ability to believe for and receive the impossible--is the one adjoining element that transcends religions, personal journeys, educational status, financial portfolios, race and perspectives. It is the common thread that solidifies life purposes and events between girlfriends.

I happen to have a special girlfriend in the faith.

I call her mom. And yes, she is my mother--a beautiful and brilliant woman who is unwavering.

She believes she can count the sands of the sea one by one if given the task to do so. She sits in the front row in my life because I placed her there. No matter what I encounter, be it loss of a relationship, a challenging day at work, health setbacks, a poor decision or loss of emotion, her implementation of faith invades my circumstance and empowers me to believe that life is always full of possibilities.

Girlfriends of the faith are sometimes people we’ve never met personally, but in the spirit. They can be our supporters on social media, the people cheering us on in the stands as we give a speech, or the lady that says, “I understand. I’ve been there, and you

will get through this.”

Oftentimes, faith is considered a barrier because religion and girlfriends become separated by idealism and personal views. However, show me a Christian mother who cannot identify with a Muslim mother over the death of a child or spouse.

Show me a little Catholic girl who is more or less fearful of being bullied than an Indian girl. Show me a Jewish teen that doesn’t have concerns about acceptance and self-esteem more than a teen of Baptist principles. We’re all linked by DNA and the codes and principles of sisterhood. And we are surrounded by common moments that seek to break us internally and annul our faith.

Who have you seated in your life? Are they in your front row? How well do you know them? Does their energy replenish or deplete yours? Who have you chosen to believe with you through every imaginable roadblock? Who speaks your faith language? Make sure your girlfriend is also ‘a friend of ’ your faith.

Just faith it!

SPRING 2016 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 13

#MakeMeOver2 16 TAKE TIME OUT FOR BEAUTY. Let Hope For Women magazine treat you & your bestie to an all-expense paid trip to Tampa, FL where you BOTH will receive $2,000 worth of makeup from Your Best Friend Beauty & a chance for you both to get a gorgeous makeover on a nationally televised courtesy of YBF Beauty Founder Stacey Schiefelin. For Official Rules Go To: www.hopeforwomenmag.com.

We can’t wait to hear from you and your bestie!

Hope for Women magazine wants you & your bestie to have fun, be fearless & enjoy a fabulous summer! Summertime is the perfect time for you as well as your best girlfriend to reconnect as you hit the refresh button at the beach. Longer days and hotter summer nights call for a redefined beauty regimen that includes skin friendly cosmetics that protect while they beautify. We are excited about helping you embrace your fabulous, and we know exactly how to jumpstart your summertime sizzle status- let us treat you!

We are so excited to share this awesome giveaway with you and your bestie! But we have to tell you that the fun doesn’t stop there, as both you and your best friend will also be appearing in the pages of Hope For Women’s summer issue! This is just the beginning of all the awesome things Hope is doing this year. So enter the #MakeMeOver2016 contest today for the chance to enjoy a sizzling summer getaway in sunny Tampa, FL with your bestie, Hope & YBF Beauty!

“Positively t

ransformin g

.”

BEAUTIFUL ONE DAY, PERFECT THE NEXT. CONTEST RULES No Purchase Necessary to Enter or Win, the #MakeMeOver2016 contest. Sponsored by Your Best Friend Beauty. Beginning May 9, 2016 at 6 p.m. (EST), through May 20, 2016 at 6 p.m. (EST) (the “Entry Period”), go to www.hopeforwomenmag.com on a computer or wireless device and complete the submit entry form pursuant to the onscreen instructions. IMPORTANT NOTICE: You may be charged for visiting the mobile website in accordance with the terms of your service agreement with your carrier. Odds of winning will depend upon the total number of entries received. Two (2) Winners will each receive a Prize Package consisting of (i) a collection of makeup from Your Best Friend Beauty. (ARV: $2,000) and (ii) an all-expense paid trip to Tampa, FL to appear on HSN (Home Shopping Network).

.”

YBF h t i w l u tif

eau “Bestie b

Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law.

Sweepstakes subject to complete official rules, available at www.hopeforwomenmag.com.

“The most colorful name in cosmetics.”

SPONSORED BY YOUR BEST FRIEND BEAUTY

DISCOVER BEAUTIFUL.

Liz Evere tt, HFW Sty le Editor

der lin, Foun Schieffe y e c u ta S Bea ty of YBF and CEO

CLASSIC BEAUTY

CLASSIC GLAM TIPS & TRICKS

GLAM TIPS & TRICKS B Y K ATI E P O W E L L B E L L

Whether you’re looking for a completely new look or perfecting the one you rock on the daily, we’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled tips and tricks for looking your most radiant this spring!

Butter London Cheeky Creme in Honey Pie $20

Model: Liz Everett Photo: Georgina Vaughn Photography Hair: Geovanna Hilton Makeup: Sarahy Delarosa

16 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

Nyx Cosmetics Cream Blush in Rose Petal $6.99

Revlon Cream Blush in Charmed Enchantment $12.99

Rosey Your Cheeks Want to look glam, but only have 30 seconds? Get that flushed, youthful glow from dabbing a creamy blush or stain in the centers of your cheeks. Be sure to blend it out and down for the most natural-looking color. Blot the same color over your lips with your finger, and you’re ready to walk out the door!

Shimmery Black in Black Light by Lorac $12

Shimmery Gold in Gorgeous Gold by MAC Cosmetics $16

Smoke Out Your Eyes

Pull out that black eyeliner and don’t be shy! Aside from being one of the most sultry makeup techniques we know, it’s also one that can easily be created quick and is impossible to look messy. Use a shimmery gray or gold shadow to your lid to amp up this look even more. If you’re really feeling bold, add exaggerated wings to your liner.

Shimmery Black in Black Light by Lorac $12

SPRING 2016 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 17

BEAUTY

CLASSIC GLAM TIPS & TRICKS

Pair Old With New It’s perfectly fine to mix classics with trend pieces. Use hot rollers or your best curling iron to create siren waves and pair that with a chic, modern shirtdress. Pearl studs scream #throwback! So why not rock those with an edgy ear cuff?

Tommy Hilfiger Belted Shirt Dress $99

Hot Tools 1 1/4” Barrel Curling Iron $39.99

Pearl Studs from Henri Bendel / Debutante Pearl Stud $48

Remington Style Curl Envy Ionic Rollers $15.99

18 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

FOLLOW

@HopeMagStyle ON INSTAGRAM FOR INSPIRING FASHION & BEAUTY LOOKS

SPRING 2016 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM  19

FASHION

WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG?

WHAT’S in your bag?

STAYING DEDICATED TO YOUR WORKOUT ONE ESSENTIAL AT A TIME

BY BE T H A N Y CLE G

The biggest problem women have is staying dedicated to their workout. In order to stay consistent, try packing your gym bag with the following essentials. When you come prepared, it makes it that much easier to stay comfortable and confident.

WATER BOTTLE/SHAKER. You need to stay hydrated and refreshed. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, not just during your workout.

If you’re using a protein shake or any kind of supplement, a shaker is necessary and doubles as a water bottle. Check these out at bodybuilder.com’s top shakers of 2016 list. According to WebMD, staying hydrated is key to success. It is also very easy to get dehydrated in weather as cool as 72 degrees.

THE OUTFIT. Whether you’re in it for the yoga pants, or some good old-fashioned sweatpants, make sure you have the right clothes for your workout.

See Fitness Magazine’s best workout 20 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

clothes for your body to get some ideas. Don’t feel pressured to spend hundreds of dollars on a new wardrobe. Start with one or two items, and go from there.

GYM SHOES. Seriously, invest in a good pair of gym shoes. It is best to keep a pair just for the gym. Make sure they are breathable and supportive. Women’s Health Magazine has some excellent tips on shoes for women. Be willing to purchase the right shoes so that you can keep your body not only in shape, but in good health. The wrong shoes can lead to arch and foot problems.

BEATS. I’m not talking just the headphones here. It’s not only helpful, but it has been proven by the folks at Scientific American that listening to music while you work out is good for you.

“When listening to music, people run farther, bike longer and swim faster than usual—often without realizing it. In a 2012 review of the research, Costas Karageorghis of Brunel University in London, one

of the world’s leading experts on the psychology of exercise music, wrote that one could think of music as “a type of legal performanceenhancing drug.” Even if you don’t have the money to spend on music, try Pandora or IHEART radio apps on your phone.

MONITORING DEVICE. Now, please don’t rush out to buy the latest and greatest monitoring equipment. Typically, gyms have something to measure heart rate, but you want to track your own progress. A simple step counter or free app can help you track your workouts. Of course a Fitbit or smartwatch will do the job as well, but for those of use who want to start simple, there are other options.

Wired.com provides a great read on the information behind all the latest tech.

With these essentials, you are guaranteed to be more comfortable and ready for your workout. Now that the bag is packed, the only thing left to bring is a positive attitude!

SPRING FASHION SPRING FASHION TRENDS

TRENDS

TO GET EXCITED ABOUT

BY NICOLE WE I D E R

1

2

3

4

Ah, Spring. The season where the sun comes out of hiding, flowers start blooming and everything comes to life once again. Winter was fun but with Spring comes so many fresh smells and sights to get excited about, and you better believe I’m looking the most forward to the fashion! Here are a few of the fresh Spring trends to get excited about…

CROPPED JACKETS One of my favorite trends for 2016 is cropped jackets! And in my opinion, a classic cropped jean jacket is always in style. The great thing about cropped jackets is that you can wear a cold color, like red or dark blue, over an otherwise monotone look for a splash of color to liven up the look! Here are four of my favorites:

1. BDG Raw Edge Denim Trucker Jacket $69 2. Larz’ Drape Front Faux Leather Jacket (Plus Size) $102 3. ASOS Cropped Jacket with 70s Styling $66 4. New Look Herringbone Zip Front Crop Jacket $31 SPRING 2016 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 21

FASHION SPRING FASHION TRENDS

1

ATHLETIC WEAR AS FASHION Clothing companies are expanding their athletic collections, and it’s now seen as a completely normal fashion look to wear sneakers and workout gear in public, even when you’re not working out. You can leave those frumpy sweats at home! This trend is all about cute patterns, pretty colors or kitschy prints.

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Here are a few of my favorite pieces!

4

1. Go-Dry Compression Crop (20’) 18.50 2. Wunder Under Pant (Hi-Rise) $94 3. ONZIE Indo Mix Graphic Leggings $74 4. Nike Women’s Free Flyknit 4.0 Running Sneakers from Finish Line $99.98 5. SCOUT WOMEN’S COCO HO $32.99 6. FITBIT Charge HR Wireless Activity Wristband $149.95

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BOLD, COLORFUL AND ORNATE BAGS 1 Although classic black and white handbags are always in style, try the bolder handbag trends in 2016! Now’s the time!

Here are some fun bags at various price points: 1. River Island Embellished Tassel Clutch Bag $27.50 2. Rebecca Minkoff ‘Mini MAC’ Convertible Crossbody Bag $175

22 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

2

FASHION SPRING FASHION TRENDS

THE COLORS OF THE YEAR: ROSE QUARTZ AND SERENITY BLUE Every year, there’s a new “in color.” This year, however, there are two colors that are noted as being big in the fashion industry. So pull out any items in your closet with soft shades of pink, think blush and soft blue. Other colors work beautifully together as well, such as these: Furla Linda Large Tote Magnolia $348 Only follow fashion trends that make you feel beautiful, and most like yourself! But also remember, it’s fun to play dress-up and experiment with new looks from time to time. Have fun, and be bold! However, there are many crazy fashion trends that come and go, and I may choose to pass on one of them (the high water jeans trend right now that would cut off my legs). So remember, try not to be a slave to fashion and feel like you have to wear everything you see celebrities wearing. Embrace the trend that feels right to you, but more importantly, have fun!

1

Nicole Weider is a former model who founded the online community Project Inspired and authored the book by the same name, released last year, which focuses on helping girls find their inner beauty. Nicole is married to Eric, and lives in California with their son.

SPRING 2016 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 23

THE POWER OF NO

THE POWER { OF

NO

BY V ET TA C A S H

24 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

The benefit of clearly stating what you do not want.

{

CAREER

FOR SOME WOMEN, THE WORDS, “NO THANK YOU” SIMPLY DISPLAYS MANNERS. For others, these words represent a powerful display of personal control and focus. The latter group of women knows a timely utterance of the word “No” is an essential key to securing success and obtaining goals. Could it be that not saying, “No” to certain things is keeping you from saying, “Yes” to your hopes and dreams coming true?

Here are four good reasons to say, “No.” They all add up to one big, “Yes.”

THE POWER OF NO

{ You can be polite and graceful. } Let’s be honest. A confident woman with a strong opinion is often misunderstood. People may label her as bossy or difficult simply because she speaks her mind. To avoid this, some women strive to display a polite demeanor by being agreeable with everyone and everything. A woman can be polite and boldly state her, “No” at the same time. Saying, “No” doesn’t require her to be nasty or harsh. It is simply the utterance of what she really wants, and it can be said in a respectful manner. Instead of not saying, “No” as a false symbol of respect for others, say, “No” with manners because otherwise, you disrespect yourself.

{ You don’t need to be everyone’s favorite person. } Not everyone will like you, and you have to be okay with that. Saying, “Yes” and being unnecessarily agreeable will not cause people to like you; however, it may cause you to dislike yourself. We’ve all had at least one situation where we’ve walked away saying, “Why didn’t I say something?” Failure to speak your truth will cause you to be disappointed in yourself. Be your number one fan by always being true to you.

{ Some opportunities are not for you. } You are a unique woman with unique needs and likes. Therefore, it benefits you to discern the new opportunities that come your way. Saying, “No” to new things doesn’t necessarily mean something is bad; it just means it’s not for you. When you are presented with ideas that are not a good fit for you at the time, simply say, “No.” This prevents you from having regrets down the road.

{ You, your expertise and your time are valuable and costly. } You are valuable. Your time and expertise are valuable and should not be wasted on things in which you have no interest. Every resource you spend on something that should have been a “No” is a resource you’re not spending on your “Yes.” Honor the value of you enough to say, “No” when you need to.

“

‘NO’ IS NOT A FOUR-LETTER WORD. IT SIMPLY ARTICULATES A LACK OF INTEREST IN A GIVEN OPPORTUNITY.

“

CAREER

“No” is not a four-letter word. It simply articulates a lack of interest in a given opportunity. It is a complete thought that does not require an apology or an explanation. “No” is a statement of power, and it is absolute. A woman who knows when to say, “No,” and who is comfortable doing so, is more likely to focus on her goals and achieve success. You have the option to say, “No.” Exercise it as often as you’d like.

Vetta Cash is the founder and CEO of Vetta Cash Educational Consulting. Her firm helps women identify and pursue educational opportunities that produce a greater quality of life. Her clients are women who want more. For more information, visit her virtual office at www.vettacash.com.

SPRING 2016 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 25

CAREER

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

DIVERSITY&

INCLUSION a candid conversation

BY LOR I M OR GA N

AS THE NATION CONTINUES TO DEAL WITH ISSUES OF RACISM AND SEXISM, THE CONCEPT OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION HAS BECOME A NECESSARY COMPONENT. Society is more decidedly impatient of antiquated and unfair practices based on ethnicity, gender, age, origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion or education. The shift in thinking and practice has been felt in nearly every facet of life, including Corporate America. Although most workforce professionals around the world are well-intentioned, compassionate leaders

26  HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

with nicole m. bell

Versatile, Smart, Talented and Cool.

The Women of Honda.

At Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, equal opportunities equal unparalleled success. For women that means a chance to shine in an inclusive, fast-paced environment where you’re judged on your talent, not your gender. Become a Woman of Honda and shift your career into top gear. Apply now at SPRING 2016 www.Indiana.Honda.com and follow us @HondaIndiana.

HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM  27

CAREER

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

DIVERSITY IS ACKNOWLEDGING AND CELEBRATING THE DIFFERENCES AMONGST PEOPLE AND SITUATIONS. who work hard to create a culture of fairness, equality and inclusion, the challenge still remains to improve female and minority representation in the boardroom and the executive suite of many global corporations.

A famous quote states, “Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.”

Hope for Women magazine recently spoke with Nicole M. Bell, Lead Diversity and Community Relations Associate with Honda Manufacturing of Indiana. She leads by example and works hard to overcome personal and institutional biases.

Typically, discussions about diversity and inclusion lack candidness, but Bell sincerely elevated the conversation.

Below is an excerpt of our candid conversations.

HOPE: NICOLE, WHAT DOES DIVERSITY MEAN TO YOU? Diversity is acknowledging and celebrating the differences amongst people and situations. It’s so much more than what you first think of – things such as race, gender and sexual orientation. But, diversity can go as deep as relationship status, being a parent or not, religion, hobbies and interests and education.

HOPE: WHAT DOES INCLUSION MEAN TO YOU? Inclusion is taking all those differences and creating an environment where one can be his or her whole and true self and feel accepted. I truly believe the more we work towards creating this environment, we will create truly engaged employees and the more successful and productive we will be as organizations.

HOPE: DOES AN ORGANIZATION NEED A DIVERSITY COUNCIL? Yes! There is so much value in diversity councils, particularly if you have support at the highest levels of your company.

At Honda, on a national level, we have a diversity committee, which is made up of senior leadership from across the country.

On a local level, at Honda Manufacturing of Indiana (HMIN), we also have a committee that we call our Inclusion and Diversity Committee, or I&D Committee. This committee is made up of our senior leadership and key subject matter experts in the company who assist in keeping a pulse on the I&D activities we implement. These individuals work very closely with me and help vet new ideas on how

28 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

to create an inclusive environment. They serve as my sounding board to talk through challenges.

Personally, I believe there is great value in having an I&D committee or council, and I think all organizations should strongly consider creating one. Most times, we end up creating a committee like this as a reactive solution to a problem; however, we should think more proactively. The value of having a group thinking about inclusion on a regular basis is that it allows organizations to get ahead of potential problems.

HOPE: WHAT POLICIES CAN A COMPANY PUT INTO PLACE TO MOVE AN ORGANIZATION TOWARD GENDER EQUALITY? I know a lot of companies are beginning to implement the Rooney Rule – which is used in football in head coach hiring – to look and ensure that qualified women and minority candidates are being considered for leadership roles in the candidate pool. So that is one option.

However, I do believe in addition to the Rooney Rule implementation, ongoing training of management at all levels, and I&D expectations

related to annual reviews help people change their mindsets. Not only is it exposing people to think outside the box and differently about gender equality via training, but on the review side, it holds management accountable for their part in creating an inclusive environment.

HOPE: NICOLE, WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED REGARDING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION? The best advice I have received is to take reasonable risks and share your work with others. To move the needle forward, you have to ask the hard questions and at times, try new things that may go against the status quo.

If you look at all the great leaders and change makers of our past and present, they weren’t afraid to ruffle a couple feathers to make inclusive forward progress.

Let’s make sure we remember that as we move into positions that have a voice and can execute change.

Lori Morgan is Senior Partner with MORGAN MULTIMEDIA, LLC, an Indianapolis-based diversity and inclusion consulting firm. She also serves as a D&I consultant for Hope for Women Magazine.

FINANCE STOCK MARKET BASICS

STOCK MARKET BASICS

FOR BEGINNERS

Shannon Leonard breaks down the basics of the stock market for beginners interested in investing.

MANAGING YOUR OWN STOCK PORTFOLIO CAN BE A DAUNTING TASK, BUT ONE THAT MANY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND SUCCESSFUL ADULTS ULTIMATELY MUST DO. While there are ways to invest that don’t involve direct control (such as buying into a mutual fund or trying peer-to-peer lending), many are intrigued by the idea of handling their own money and trying their luck in the market.

The reality of investing is that you’ll need to learn how to recognize a wide range of important terms and stock price patterns in order to make decisions more effectively.

$

GAPS

Gaps occur when a price opens higher or lower than the previous day’s close, and thus, signify that while the stock market “stops” at the end of a work day, shifts in price do not necessarily.

$

HEDGE

While a hedge fund is essentially a bundle of portfolios invested aggressively and in unison, hedging is simply about offsetting the risk of one investment by making another. It fits into the idea of diversifying a portfolio by purchasing unrelated assets in different industries so that gains or losses relative to one don’t necessarily correlate with those relative to another.

$

BULL & BEAR MARKETS

Bull and Bear markets signify upward trends and optimism and downward trends and pessimism, respectively, specifically in the context of 20-percent swings. We can say that an asset or market as a whole is “Bullish” if prices have gone up 20 percent in a given period of time, and “Bearish” if they’ve gone down 20 percent. These trends are viewed in periods of either oneto-three or five-to-25 years.

$

$$

$

CORRECTIONS

Corrections are price declines that stop an upward trend. That doesn’t mean that every downward dip in a stock price can be labeled as a correction; rather, these movements stop distinct, prolonged upward movement.

There’s some debate over how long or significant the movements have to be. But generally, a correction is a two-month or less slide following growth. This typically happens because a stock on the rise is “over-bought” by investors looking to ride the upward trend after it’s already begun, whereas other investors cash out while they can.

$

HEAD & SHOULDERS

Like gaps, “head and shoulders” represents a price trend or chart pattern that can be observed visibly. What happens in a head and shoulders pattern is that an upward trend reaches a new high before prices drop off marginally. If the stock then rebounds to a new high, the pattern begins to become clear: the first high is the left shoulder, and the second is the head. A drop-off after the head should level off slightly higher than that following the formation of the left shoulder, and rebound to a peak below that of the head.

These are ultimately only a few of hundreds of terms that could be mentioned in a guide for beginner investors. As you can see, the education process is the most important part about diving into the stock market.

Shannon Leonard is a Los Angeles-based writer happily “living the freelance life.” She covers a variety of different topics, though she has a special interest in finance and investing. You can follow her on Twitter under the handle @STLeonard28.

MAGICAL MOMENTS FEATURE JENNIFER ALLWOOD

BY ANG E LI A L. WH I T E

WITHIN GOD’ S PLAN FOR US, INSPIRATION CAN COME IN MANY FORMS, OFTEN DISGUISED AS HARDSHIPS WHEN WE LEAST EXPECT THEM. When Jennifer Allwood purchased her first home at the age of 21, her innate creativity and passion for expressing herself first came to life. In any new space, she always wanted to feel comfortable in a place she could call home. As Allwood’s friends were off doing what 21-year-olds do, her own passions were consumed with spray paint and wall cackle. Since then, hobbies have sparked lifelong entrepreneurship.

Intent on pursuing a stable career in her mid-twenties, Allwood went back to college for a computer degree.

She graduated at 30 with honors and got a job making good money and while also attending painting school.

After being laid off, however, the small painting jobs that filled her weekends soon became much more.

“I was totally devastated, but in retrospect, it was one of the best things that’s happened to me. I thought, ‘Okay, well if ever there is a time for me to be gutsy and try to start my own painting company, I might as well do it right now.’”

Leaving her computer job and starting The Magic Brush was daunting, but Allwood trusted her plan in His hands and also the support of her husband.

“A strong support system is the most important thing for any relationship,” she says, “especially for entrepreneurs.” With their first pregnancy just three months after the start of the business, there were many challenges.

“I knew that I wasn’t willing to go back to work fulltime after a baby,” Allwood said. “But I also didn’t want to stop the momentum that my business was gaining, and I didn’t know how to reconcile the two.”

30 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

Jennifer

FEATURE JENNIFER ALLWOOD

WITH

ALLWOOD

“

“I just felt really convicted that I needed to be home with my kids.

I knew that if I made them my first priority, my family as my first ministry, then God would take care of all the rest. And He has just honored that like crazy,” she said.

“

To balance the workload, Allwood brought on her sister-in-law to help paint and then gradually, she added a few more girls. Balance and prioritization became key as taking care of babies, faxing builders and paying employees were all at the forefront of running a home and a business. Hectic patterns of life soon paid off when Allwood’s daughter went off to school for the first time and her business soared.

I love that I get to encourage people to make their houses beautiful on one hand and I also love that I get to encourage women to just chase their dreams.

If you feel like everyone else in your industry is passing you by, your time is coming, Allwood promises. She knows from her experience that God’s plan will work in His own time. Until then, she tells other female entrepreneurs to prioritize and focus on what they’re good at, and everything else will follow.

“Everybody has their unique way that they’re wired. If you just operate within your own giftings, your business just goes so much easier,” she said. “So I’ve tried to honor the Lord in every area of my business and tried to give Him the glory whenever I can.

I’ve just tried to honor the gift that He’s given me and stick with the stuff that I’m good at.”

After fifteen years in business, Allwood’s favorite thing about running The Magic Brush is coaching a group of female entrepreneurs.

In their monthly meetings, she encourages the group of fifty women within each of their business

endeavors to chase their dreams.

“I love that I get to encourage people to make their houses beautiful on one hand. I also love that I get to encourage women to just chase their dreams and enlarge their businesses.

I try to help them figure out things quicker than I did. I want to help them learn everything I’ve learned in the last 15 years, making the progress in their businesses easier. I love women.

I love women entrepreneurs and I love trying to encourage them to be all they can be in that area.”

In her coaching, Allwood often shares three of her most important tips. First, entrepreneurs must always pick one of their many creative ideas, and stick with it. Creative women have so many ideas they always want to explore, Allwood says, and the hardest part is picking one for which to commit.

Second, she encourages people to get involved in communities that cheer them on and support them.

“If you’re going to have a dream about

SPRING 2016 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 31

“

FEATURE JENNIFER ALLWOOD

When I think of hope the basic thing that I think about is that I can trust God’s word and His plan and I don’t have to have it figured out.

“

a business, and you’re going to be a strong business owner, you have to be around other strong business owners and can encourage you. So I think it’s crucial whom you hang out with,” Allwood said.

Last, but not least, never feel as though there is going to be a point in your business where there is no fear.

Allwood knows that with a successful business, fear doesn’t go away; it only changes and grows with you.

“I think the way that we grow and the way the Lord grows with us is by often putting us in situations where we are not totally comfortable. Try things, in the midst of being afraid, and don’t think that you don’t have to be afraid anymore before you do something.

A lot of times, that fear is never going to go away.”

32 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

For now, Allwood has a lot to look forward to in God’s plan for her and her business. This fall, The Magic Brush will travel to Belize to paint a client’s new home. With her book, “Hot Mess: Hot Your Typical DIY Book,” coming out this spring, she hopes to relate to readers through transparency and some less-thanperfect final projects.

“On almost every project, I show you where I had a hot mess moment and something went wrong. The thought of writing a book where everything is just a little bit off and just not quite right--but good enough--that is my deal. And those are my people.”

In her business and personal life, Allwood knows everything is a constant work in progress. In raising

her kids, managing family and The Magic Brush, she knows that doing her best within God’s plan is all she needs to do to fulfill herself and her family. Allwood strives to be as transparent as possible, knowing she’s not the perfect parent and doesn’t have the perfect family. However, she hopes people will relate to the beauty that is the mess in the middle.

“When I think of hope, the basic thing that I think about is that I can trust God’s Word and His plan. I don’t have to have it figured out,” Allwood said.

“My hope is in Him. I don’t have to have the next day figured out. I don’t have to have my whole career figured out. So I just believe in what God’s Word says. I believe in His plans for me and that’s all really that I need to know.”

ANNIVERSARY ISSUE HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM  33

ENTERTAINMENT

TAMIKA CATCHINGS

The Hidden Darkness

OF A SHINING STAR

WHILE MANY KNEW HER AS A SHINING STAR ON AND OFF THE BASKETBALL COURT, Tamika Catchings reveals with Hope for Women and readers around that world that behind a seemingly perfect life always lies the scars of past hurts and pain points.

Through her debut book, Catch a Star, Catchings encourages others to know without a shadow of a doubt that they can shine through adversity—because of the adversity—and come out a victorious champion on the other side! Here’s an excerpt:

I think sometimes people see me as a driven, no-nonsense person, and maybe they miss the deeper things inside me. I don’t know, but maybe because of my hearing loss, through the years the world outside has been more distant for me than for other people, and maybe I’ve developed more of a private, inner life instead. I think deeply, feel deeply, but those things don’t often come out visibly to other people.

When I could get away from basketball and classes, most of the time I would drive out to a small lake about twenty minutes from campus. It was a special place to me, a place apart, so far from everyone, quiet and hushed except for the music of nature. There, I would find my way to one of my private spots and sit, sometimes for hours, just looking across the water and thinking and sometimes praying. I would often write my ideas and thoughts, hurts and dreams in a notebook. I’d write about my life, about what was going on, about other people.

Eventually my deepest feelings would rush out, often in the form of poetry.

34 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

I keep a lot bottled up inside myself. That probably goes back to my childhood, I know.

Those feelings are often stuffed down inside, but they do come out eventually, and often onto the pages of my notebooks.”

“I think it was November 1999 when I was driving around town and passed a billboard that attracted my attention. It read, “Who’s Your Daddy?”

It was an ad for a guest speaker at a church, the sermon title for Wednesday Night Bible Study.

I thought this was an extremely appropriate message for me and my dormmates to hear. We were all at different points in our relationship with our fathers, and I still had my struggles because of my parents’ divorce.

That sermon seemed targeted right at us.

The guest speaker was Ken Freeman, and he was on the stage at Grace Baptist Church in Knoxville. His sermon was so powerful. One of his statements was, “No matter where you are, even though your earthly father may not be with you, your heavenly Father is always there.” For the four of us sitting there, the message became very personal.

I realized that I’d made basketball the most important thing in my life. I knew deep down that I needed God to be in charge. This changed my perspective and my life, although I’d need to be reminded again and again how I’d taken the ball of my life, run with it on my own, and taken my own shots for my own glory. I knew I needed to acknowledge that God was the one truly in control. Not easy for a stubborn girl from Duncanville, Texas. But I let go of my life.

And let God into my life.” (Excerpted with permission from Catch a Star by Tamika Catchings. Pages 154-155 and 157-158).

ENTERTAINMENT

5 BOOKS YOU SHOULD READ THIS YEAR

5Books

SHORT ON TIME? THESE BOOKS WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

You Should Read (or Reread) This Year

BY C HA N D R A SPAR KS S PLOND

IF I’M NOT SURROUNDED BY BOOKS, I FEEL LIKE SOMETHING IS MISSING. It’s been that way for as long as I can remember. Books and I have history. If we ever meet, you can rest assure a book won’t be too far away from me—whether it’s a paperback on the front seat of my car or the Kindle app on my phone. Books and I go together like peas and carrots.

Over the years, there have been a few books that have really impacted my life, and what kind of book lover would I be if I didn’t share my must-reads with you?

The Bible always tops my list. It has more drama than any reality TV show, and it can move me to tears. Plus, it’s filled with people who struggle just like I do with the added bonus of offering solutions to whatever problem I’m going through.

Even though I’ve had a love affair with books my entire life, there have been moments when I have struggled to figure out my life’s purpose. Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life takes you on a 40-day journey to answer the question what on earth am I here for, and the answers you receive will change your life.

I first discovered Life Management for Busy Women by Elizabeth George more than 10 years ago when I was trying to balance all the different hats I had to wear. When I read the book, I felt as though I was getting advice from a trusted friend. George suggest things like waking up early in the morning before anyone else in your house gets up and spending time with God. The ideas were so simple and practical I wondered why I hadn’t thought of them, and I was able to implement them immediately.

Do you want to pray, but not sure what or who to pray for? I’m sure The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian will bless you as much as it has blessed me (and the 23 million other readers of her bestselling Power of a Praying series).

The book is filled with prayers for every area of your life, and there is also a study guide available so you can write prayers of your own.

As I’m sure you’re aware, loving books is a lot easier than loving people, but after reading The 5 Languages of Love by Gary Chapman, I was able to look at love from a whole new perspective. I never realized until I read the book that my primary love language is quality time.

RELATIONSHIPS

ARE YOU THE WOMAN IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP?

ARE YOUTHE WOMAN in your relationship?

BY D R . NI COLE L A B E ACH

ARE YOU IN A RELATIONSHIP? IF SO, ARE YOU THE WOMAN IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP? Before you answer, understand that both questions warrant a bit more than meets the eye. With so many conversations on the topic of authenticity, it begs to question how many of us send our representatives to do the real woman’s job. When you look at your relationship, how much of who you are really shows up?

We put a great deal of responsibility on our partner’s ability to see and understand who we are, when the truth of the matter is many of us are guilty of not believing in ourselves enough to introduce and be our authentic selves in our relationships.

Instead, we craft representatives that threaten our potential for real intimacy, connection and partnership.

Whether married or single, your mate deserves the opportunity to experience and build a life with the real you. The you that decides to be present, affirmed, and unapologetic in the acceptance that she is fearfully and wonderfully made. The you that declares she is good, worth believing in, and the best at being exactly who she is. The irony is, every solid relationship requires honesty and transparency, especially the relationship we have with ourselves.

Some of the signs that scream we may be fitting a mold that’s not authentically our own include: Dr. Nicole LaBeach is a sought-after master coach and the CEO of Volition Enterprises, Inc. As a success strategist, relationship expert, and author, her results-driven approach helps people realize their purpose, power, and potential. To connect with Dr. Nicole, visitwww.askdrnicole.com 36 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

YOU SEEK TO SILENCE YOUR GUT. Being yourself will never require you to abandon the still voice inside. If you find yourself needing to tell the voice to shut up or mind its own business, that alone should cause you pause.

IT’S NEVER ABOUT YOU. If your needs, desires, and thoughts are rarely on the list, you may be doing a lot more than compromising.

You may be trying to yield a greater sense of acceptance at a price you can’t afford—you.

YOU CHOOSE TO NOT BE VULNERABLE. There’s no such thing as authenticity without a willingness to be vulnerable.

Letting a trusted partner see who you really are will always include sharing vulnerabilities. If you’re not sharing, you’re definitely camouflaging. If you don’t trust who you’re with, well, that’s an entirely separate issue.

LIVING WITHIN PURPOSE IS NO LONGER THE QUEST. If you’ve abandoned finding and living within your purpose, just remember purpose is God-given by divine design. Therefore, you may want to check with Him before you convince yourself that’s a wise option.

YOU CHOOSE NOT TO SHARE YOUR FAITH. Quite simply, does he know who God is to you or the level of your faith? If you’ve stamped an “it’s personal” or “he wouldn’t understand” sign, the real question is how can he possibly know who you really are?

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DELIGHTFUL FOOD BRUNCHIN’ & MUNCHIN’

BRUNCHIN’ &MUNCHIN’ STRESS-FREE BRUNCH PLANNING GUIDE B Y TO RI W I N K ER MAN

ALL ABOUT EGGS! • To Hard boil Eggs, put 6 large eggs in a saucepan or pot, fill it with water that goes about an inch and a half over the top of the eggs, bring it to a boil, turn off the heat, cover and let sit for 10 minutes until peeling.

• How to tell if an egg is bad? If you drop an egg in a pot of water and it floats, it’s a bad egg! If it sinks to the bottom, yay, you’ve got a good egg!

• The fresher the eggs the better they are for poaching. Old eggs don’t hold up as well and may not turn out.

TOAST OF THE TOWN Want a fun drink, but don’t want to spend the time making and buying so many ingredients? Try Infused Sparkling Water! You can fill up pitchers of sparkling water and drop Berries, Cucumbers or Lemon slices in them, perfect when you’re on a time crunch!

38 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

S BISCUIT Everyone needs a go-to biscuit recipe that everyone loves and this recipe will become yours, they’re simple to make and can be whipped up in no time!

Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits Ingredients: 2 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour 1 Tablespoon Sugar 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder ½ Teaspoon Baking Soda ½ Teaspoon Salt ½ Teaspoon Pepper 6 Tablespoons Butter, cold and diced into chunks 2 Cups Sharp White Cheddar, shredded ¼ Cup Chives, finely chopped 1 ½ Cups Buttermilk Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the first 6 dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or a fork, cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs, then mix in the cheese and chives. Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the buttermilk blending it with a fork until it forms a sticky dough.

Drop large scoops with a ¼ cup two inches apart from each other on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Let cool before serving, makes about 18 to 20 biscuits.

SALAD BAR Just put salad mix in a big bowl and put the toppings and the dressings in separate small bowls so that your guests can dress their salads themselves. Toppings can include bacon bits, sliced hardboiled eggs, garbanzo beans, beets, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, you name it!

A TABLE TO IMPR

ESS

Whether it is a holiday, birthday or Sunday brunch, dress up your table, it doesn’t have to be extravagant just a few minor touches will do the trick. Labeling your food is a great way to make your brunch go from flat to fancy.

Putting your food on different levels also dresses up your brunch. Just place boxes or even board games underneath your tablecloth to raise the height of your food—it’s fun and gives the table an elegant feel!

ST BAKED FRENCH TOA Easy and stress free! You make this the night before your brunch, pop it in the fridge and bake it in the morning. A sweet way to end the meal…that is if you’re still hungry!

Baked Texas French Toast Ingredients: 8 Tablespoons Butter, softened 9 Slices of Texas Toast 1 ½ Cups Milk For the Topping: 4 Eggs 8 Tablespoons Butter, softened 1 Teaspoon Vanilla 1 Cup Brown Sugar 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon 2 Tablespoons Light Corn Syrup 1 Teaspoon Nutmeg 1/3 Cup Pecans, roughly chopped

Grease a 9 x 5 x 3 loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.

Lightly butter each side of the Texas toast and place them in the loaf pan like a loaf of bread. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg and pour over the bread, coating each one and getting in between each piece. Cover with foil and place in the fridge overnight.

In the morning, make the topping by mixing all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Using a spoon, scoop a tablespoon of the mixture in between each Texas toast slice, pressing the topping down with your fingers. Put the remaining topping on the top and the sides of the bread. Place foil lightly over the top, put the pan on top of a baking sheet to catch any juice and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for an hour. Take off the foil the last 15 minutes of baking to brown the top.

Let cool for 5 minutes and then invert onto a baking sheet and then invert back onto a platter so that the browned side is up. Serve with maple syrup, makes 4 to 5 servings.

DELIGHTFUL FOOD

FOODIE FRIENDSHIP

foodie friendship Your body is a temple. If you have your health, you have everything. Your body is the keeper of all things precious: heart, mind and soul. It’s time to start eating like you love yourself.

Food is not the enemy. We are. The way we think and talk about food, if in a negative manner, works against us. The first rule of Foodie Friendship is: Nothing is off limits. Love yourself and love your food. Just practice moderation. Here are five principles that will empower you to eat like you love yourself:

1

BY SAR A H B L ACK M AN

>> Cut Calorie Counting

Count nutrients, not calories! Calorie obsession is exhausting and nutrient scoring is undervalued. If weight loss is your goal, there is a big difference between eating 1400 calories in a day full of packaged foods versus healthy, whole foods. You will lose the weight regardless, but your body will lack proper nutrition to perform at its peak level when eating mostly processed foods. Throw out the numbers and focus on the nutrients.

The benefits in whole food outweigh the calorie content by leaps and bounds! Do not be afraid of that avocado. It will feed your skin and your soul.

>> Essential Eats

2

You know the stuff that is located around the perimeter of the grocery store? That’s where you should play, and play for keeps. Essential eating focuses on real, nutrient rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, legumes, etc. If you eat nothing but frozen meals and bagged sodium filled snacks, will your skin glow? Will you feel like peaches? No. If you want to feel like a peach, you must eat a peach. The nourishment will make you feel energized and in love with your healthy life.

40 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

>> Mindful Munching

3

Emotional eating is real and deep.

During times of stress or sleepiness, food seems like it will bring us contentment. We’ve had a hard day at work and it just sounds comforting to come home, cozy up in our favorite soft pants and devour a French bread pizza with ice cream for dessert. It may feel good in the moment, but you will end up feeling sluggish and overfull. It’s important to pay attention to how you are feeling before you go for that nosh. Really check in and ask yourself why you are making the choice. Notice your feelings and state of mind. Ever eaten an entire bag of carrots? A bushel of apples? Not possible. But those chips that have no nutritional value are easy to mindlessly munch on and before we know it, the whole bag is gone. Be present when you feed yourself. It’s the nicest thing you can do for yourself.

>> Stop Stuffing

4

Satisfy your hunger, don’t overstuff!

Overeating is the most heinous crime that you can commit against your body. Slow down to really savor your food and you will find that you walk away with eating much less.

If you know where your next meal is coming from, there is no need to

gorge yourself. You will have better energy and improved digestion when eating smaller portions. There is no reward in being a member of the Clean Plate Club.

>> Rhythmic Rations

5

SING: We are a part of the Rhythmic Ration! Our bodies are functional systems that thrive on rhythms. Our heart beat, our breath, our sleep.

Without rhythm, we could not live.

Finding a food rhythm is of utmost importance. Our bodies shine with a good routine and we work stronger because it is familiar and reliable. It’s important to eat our meals around the same time each day. To schedule meals is to be smarter. We have to schedule everything else. Why is it that most of us just grab whatever is easy or available when we realize that we are past the point of hungry?

Allowing oneself to become ravenous wreaks havoc. Rhythm leads to regularity. Show that you value yourself and really make the time for your meals.

Sarah Blackman is a native Atlantan writer who also works as an actress and model. Throughout her career she has played a variety of roles that have highlighted both her elegant demeanor and comedic timing. She maintains a personal blog at SarahBlackman.com.

HEALTH

POSITIVE THINKING

POSITIVE THINKING > >> > >>

LEADS TO

Positive Living B Y BETS Y CHACKO

YOUR THOUGHTS HAVE GREAT INFLUENCE ON HOW YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE. Thoughts have the power to uplift or discourage. Thoughts also shape your overall attitude, which influences how you act toward others. Throughout the day, we are all consumed by an overflow of thoughts, many times too many to count. Have you ever recognized how your thoughts impact your life?

Do they encourage you, or do they leave you feeling defeated? When negative thoughts are allowed to continuously take root in our heart, it will cause unhappiness, hopelessness and could even lead to depression.

If you were to take inventory of how many positive thoughts versus how many negative thoughts you have a day, which one would win? For most of us, negative thinking is a subconscious routine and it can be extremely difficult to rise above those negative thoughts.

Negative thinking is definitely a habit and, like all bad habits, the key to conquering it is to face it head on.

In order to overcome this pattern of thinking, we must understand how our mind works. First, a negative thought comes into our heads. Then, we dwell on that thought, allowing it to claim space in our hearts. Next, we announce the thought by saying it aloud or repeating it to another person.

Suddenly, something that started as a notion in our head has become our reality.

In actuality, we have complete power over our thinking and can defeat any negative thought by replacing it with a positive one. The more aware you are of those nagging thoughts, the more control you will have over them. Changing

the way that you think is a battle, and no soldier goes into war without having the right equipment. Have a journal or place sticky notes around your house with positive things such as Bible verses, uplifting quotes or reminders of your blessings. Write them down so the moment you get a hint of a negative thought, you are prepared to defeat it by proclaiming an optimistic one.

Simply put, you must start thinking about what you are thinking about. Don’t allow just any thought to creep in your mind and heart. Weed out those unproductive thoughts. We were created to do great things, and our thoughts shouldn’t be allowed to hinder us. Successful people aren’t those who have never had a discouraging thought. They are the people who never let those thoughts stop them from being the best.

If you are someone who has struggled with negative thinking for years, it is not an easy task to stop, but it’s not impossible. Negative thinking is a pattern. One bad thought leads into another leading into another. Make the choice today to be happy no matter the circumstances around you. When your heart and mind are at peace, your life will follow.

Positive thinking can lead to a positive life. It can provide encouragement and confidence in situations that seem disastrous. We must make up our minds every day to think positively on purpose. A negative thought can drain you, but a positive thought can fill you with renewed power. Let’s start living powerfully today!

SPRING 2016 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 41

FITNESS

START YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY

START YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY

NOW

Believe in yourself & get fit the healthy way

BY SE LE N A M OOR E H E A D

YOU CAN’T JUST THINK IT, YOU CAN’T JUST DREAM IT…YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE IT, SAY IT, AND DO IT! On again, off again, on again. Often times we think to ourselves, “I have to lose weight, get fit, and get healthy.”

But, in most cases, it ends up being a big rollercoaster ride. There are many reasons to maintain a healthy weight, including the desire to feel better and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Although exercise is the best way to #startyourweightlossjourney and maintain weight loss, eating a healthy diet plays a huge role as well. Unhealthy eating and physical inactivity are leading causes of death in the U.S. People are dying. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, unhealthy eating and inactivity cause 310,000580,000 deaths every year—similar to the number of deaths caused by tobacco and 13 times more than are caused by guns.

It really is quite simple. We all know that, for the most part, diets do not work. They are not sustainable for the long haul. We must recognize that any tactics we use to lose weight have to be a lifestyle change. Even though there are numerous weight-loss programs available, putting the focus on eating healthier and healthier-sized portions can help you #getfitthehealthyway. It is also very important to plan and keep track of your meals.

Being too restrictive in what you’re eliminating from your diet can sometimes cause you to rebound by overeating because you’re not satisfied. Eat all the foods you enjoy, but the key is to do it in moderation and/or consume smaller amounts. When you choose to cut back on unhealthy foods, it’s important to replace them with healthier alternatives. Choose foods that are 1) high in fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, 100 percent whole grains (brown rice, oatmeal), and legumes (beans, split peas, and lentils) and 2) lean protein, such as beans/le42 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

gumes, fish or skinless poultry and nonfat plain yogurt.

You can also choose low-sodium broth-based soups and unsalted nuts and seeds (KP.org).

Did you know that what you drink affects your weight just as much as what you eat? Rather than consume drinks that are high in sugar, fat and calories, try drinking plenty of water each day infused with lemon or lime. Sparkling mineral water, unsweetened coffee or tea, zero-calorie flavored waters, and nonfat milk are great alternatives as well (KP.org).

Some have experienced quick results just by taking this first small step. On the other hand, eating too much, even healthy food, can cause you to gain weight.

Controlling your portions can help manage your daily calorie intake. Some tips on portion control include eating meals at home more often and bringing a healthy lunch to work most days of the week, taking half your meal home for the next day when dining out, using a smaller plate, and serving food from the stove versus the table (KP.org).

Research shows that those who plan and keep track of their meals are much more likely to lose weight and keep it off. It also helps you be accountable to your goals and plans, learn about your eating patterns, and keep you motivated.

Selena Moorehead is an experienced coach and consultant specializing in the areas of health and wellness, small business development, and project management. Her desire is to help others live healthy lifestyles, build successful health and wellness businesses as well as educate, empower, and inspire others through her business success of over 25 years. Connect with Selena on Facebook | Twitter @selenamoorehead or @tw4life4all, or visit www.MooreheadConsultingServices.com| www.

TotalWellness4Life4All.com

www.nyscollection.com follow us @ NYSCollection

NUTRITION RESPECTING YOURSELF BY CREATING A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

respecting yourself

BY CREATING A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

44  HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

HOPE FOR WOMEN CATCHES UP WITH CLAUDIA DEMARCO TO TALK PLANT-BASED FOODS, HEALTH What initially motivated you to begin living a healthier lifestyle?

I always felt like I was ‘quoteunquote’ healthy when it comes to eating a certain amount of protein, watching calories and taking supplements. However, it got to a point when that wasn’t working. I was tired and exhausted from what was supposed to be the healthy way of losing weight and being healthy.

I just couldn’t take it anymore. I started doing a search for natural energy because I was a mom of four at the time, and I just needed to have more energy. I wanted to be present for my kids; I wanted to be vibrant. I wanted to feel healthy. I didn’t just want to be skinny anymore. I wanted to find ultimate health. That’s what motivated me to start looking for the plant-based eating method that I’m following now.

What advice would you offer women who feel they don’t know where to begin to change?

I think the first thing a woman needs to do is to think about herself the way she wants to feel.

She should honor herself in her thoughts and know her worth. No matter how healthy you eat, no matter how much you exercise, if you’re negative with yourself and you don’t love yourself, you don’t support yourself and you don’t empower yourself. None of it is going to matter. So the first step is to change the way you think and become more positive about you. Love yourself the way you need to be loved by speaking life.

What struggles did you face when you first started this lifestyle change?

I think the biggest struggle was on a social level. I’m a social eater. I love to have big meals with my family and I love to go out and eat. I’m a foodie. So finding a way to really enjoy my plant-based meals was the most important thing for me. But, it was a challenge because I had to figure out how to prepare a meal that would be extremely satisfying.

I had to find ways to eat out and still have that family experience, yet stay healthy and follow my chosen method.

What struggles do you still face now, even after you’ve maintained a healthier lifestyle for years?

I think for most women, emotional eating can be a struggle. For me, it was always a huge issue-- emotional eating and overeating. I eat when I’m happy. I eat when I’m sad. I am a full on eater. This used to make me worried about weight gain. Now I don’t have to worry about that or overeating because I’m plant-based.

Now at times, I just emotionally eat on healthier things, which oftentimes makes me feel a little better.

What benefits have you seen from healthy eating?

Following a plant-based lifestyle has allowed my skin to clear up drastically. I’m more emotionally stable, which is amazing. I’m more mentally clear! My ADHD symptoms are more manageable without taking any medications. My weight is completely stabilized. I don’t have to worry about weight anymore.

And I have tons and tons of natural energy. I have to engage with a big family, run a business and be active in the community.

How do you overcome temptations when they arise?

I think it takes time and practice to overcome temptation, but you have

to be resolved at some point to just decline some things. Identify the significance behind your reason for eating healthier and let that be your driving force to continue. It’s a lot easier to overcome a temptation when you’re nourishing yourself.

When you’re starving yourself on a diet, it’s almost impossible to stick with it forever. You can’t. But if you’re nourishing yourself with the right foods, it’s a lot easier to overcome those little temptations. Lastly, reaffirming yourself after making a positive choice is key to motivate yourself to continue making good choices, which lead to good habits. Take a moment to tell yourself, “Good job.”

What encouragement would you offer women who have never been able to live healthy lifestyles before, but really want to start now?

My advice would be to just do it! Stop waiting! Every little step counts. Start by simply making educated decisions with your meals.

Stop starving yourself and start eating abundantly on the things that heal and strengthen your body. I’m suggesting natural plant foods that are not processed or deep-fried, foods that are rich in live vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

About TruVitality Method TruVitality™ is a boutique health and weight loss consulting firm designed to help you discover the effective secrets to losing fat, controlling your weight, and transforming your body into a healthy, most vibrant version of you possible!

TruVitality specializes in plant-based, whole food nutrition programs, weight loss coaching, cooking classes and corporate and small group eight loss challenges. Our method is simple and based on the three prongs to ultimate health: Think Healthy, Eat Nutritiously and Stay Active! Everything about the TruVitality Method™ is designed to help you transform your life and your body into the YOU of your dreams. www.tvmethod.com

HOME

PASSION FOR PERSONALITY

PASSION PERSONALITY IN YOUR FAVORITE SPACE

DECORATING IDEAS TO OWN YOUR GIRLYSPACE TOP LEFT: THE BALDWIN SOFA, TOP RIGHT: THE LANDSBURY SECTIONAL 46 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

B Y MAURI TA S UT TO N B R O W N

A WOMAN’S PERSONAL TOUCH TO HER HOME CAN ADD COMFORT, CONVENIENCE AND CHARACTER. Each space in the home can be decorated to express personality from its owner. But your very own personal GirlySpace can be decorated with items that will express you and leave your admirers in awe. Our homes are to be our safe havens...our refuge. So why not have a space that completely identifies you? When choosing items to reflect your personality, they should, therefore, bring you joy, peace, security and comfort. Here are a few ways to enhance your personality in your home office, reading area and even your walk in closet to show true reflections of your décor style.

WHAT’S HOT NOW:

Pillows are the new hot theme for décor spaces this season. The versatile rectangular shape sometimes referred to as “lumbar” pillows are beautiful show pieces. These style pillows can be in bright colors or even strong words such as, “Dream Big” on them. Place them in your office chair for support and for identity of who you are in your passionate state. Also, placing this style pillow on your book shelf will add more personality to your GirlySpace.

FOR PERSONALITY 1

The use of a mirror will allow you to add depth to your area and ambiance.

2

Adding candles with unique smells will give a relaxing mood for your space.

3

The use and appearance of a wall chalkboard/push pen board is a great way to stay organized and allows you to add some of your weekly vision to it.

4

Tabletop, desktop or shelving will always need a little bit of accessorizing (fancy or rustic vases, favorite nick-knacks or collectables).

5

We all have to find time, so add any size or style clock of your choice to your space.

6

Grounding the area with a rug of your choice will set the space with a bold pop of color.

7

Plush pillows can definitely define your style with patterns, cityscapes, word sayings, and pets.

8 By adding a bookcase or wall shelves

to hold your favorite novels, self-help books and magazines say a lot about your personality.

9 You can personalize your space with

your initial(s), spell out your name, your business or your passion, which adds a customized flare to your space (on wall or tabletop/desktop).

10 Lighting is very important. The use of

chandeliers, string lights and lamps will add that special touch to allow you to shine and be creative in your space.

Maurita Sutton Brown is the Owner and Interior Designer of Designs by M in Orlando, FL. She is educated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design and has over 18 years of design experience.

She has designed and decorated spaces from private homes, public school spaces, hair salons, hotel restaurants/hotel rooms and apartment club house areas.

TRAVEL

WEEKEND GETAWAY

weekend

getaway

48  HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM SPRING 2016

THE RITZCARLTON REYNOLDS PLANTATION

TRAVEL

WEEKEND GETAWAY

THE RESORT IS GREAT FOR COUPLES, GIRLFRIEND GETAWAYS OR WEDDING PARTIES, BUT ALSO WELCOMING TO CHILDREN FROM THE GET-GO.

places to check out in nearby greensboro, ga: YESTERDAY CAFE, famous for 3 THE its award-winning buttermilk pie.

114 N. Main Street

THING MARKET, a great 3 RIPE selection of local produce.

112 W. Broad St

OLD GAOL, believed to be the 3 THE oldest existing jail structure in the state. East Greene Street

BY ALISON STOR M

WHEN I THINK OF RITZ-CARLTON TWO THINGS COME TO MIND: EXOTIC LOCALES AND OUT-OFREACH PRICE TAGS. But recently my judgments regarding this high-end hotel chain were challenged when I discovered The Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation. Located on the pristine shores of Oconee Lake in Greensboro, Georgia, this impressive property is just 75 miles from Atlanta.

in” at their own miniature desk where they can sign the guest book and snag a scavenger hunt sheet.

The property’s namesake, Mercer Reynolds Sr. invented the process for solidifying cottonseed oil. He purchased the property more than 100 years ago and named it “Linger Longer.” Georgia Power dammed the Oconee River in 1979, which created the reservoir, and turned Reynolds’ land into lakefront property.

Mercer’s grandson decided to share the beauty of the area with the world by developing a 10,000-acre golf and lakefront community. The 251-room Ritz-Carlton Lodge opened in 2002 and also includes six lakeside cottages and the Presidential House.

Of course no good summer camp would be without great access to water and the infinity edge swimming pool is the perfect place to soak in some sun while enjoying great views of the lake.

Guests are instantly greeted by smartly dressed, and extremely friendly, valets. The resort is great for couples, girlfriend getaways or wedding parties, but also welcoming to children from the get-go. Kids are invited to “check-

With activities like fishing, boating, horseback riding, and skeet shooting available, it’s almost like posh summer camp for adults. The hotel even offers nightly S’mores at The Lodge Campfire where guests can roast their own unlimited supply of marshmallows.

Another great place to relax is the on-property spa, which just underwent a multi-million dollar renovation.

Guests are welcome to unwind in the 27,600 square-foot facility that features updated relaxation lounges and a new treatment menu. Pull on some slippers and a plush robe, hit the eucalyptus steam room and soak in the whirlpool before enjoying an Aromatherapy Massage or a Vichy Rain Experience.

For an additional charge of $40 per room, per night, guests can take part in the Resort Activity Package, which makes it even easier to enjoy your time without leaving the property. The

package includes fun stuff like one hour of tennis court usage (including balls and racquets), daily fitness classes and use of resort bicycles. The package also features use of non-motorized watercrafts like kayaks, canoes, Yolo boards, and pedal boats. You’ll also be invited to grab a set of TaylorMade clubs and practice your shot at the driving range and putting greens.

The property features several restaurants ranging from the casual Gaby’s By the Lake where shoes are not required to Georgia’s Bistro where everything is chef-prepared and the extensive wine list is recognized with Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence.

Here you can’t go wrong with the fried green tomatoes, paired with house-made pimiento cheese, bacon jam and crispy kale. The cornmealcrusted arctic char is ideal if the proximity to the lake puts you in the mood for seafood. And while diners may be tempted to forgo dessert, you will not regret sharing the Georgia’s Bistro Tasting Trio which includes the restaurant’s signature buttermilk pie, crème brulee and PBJ molten cake. The desserts, much like everything else at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Plantation, will leave you with lingering sweet memories of a beautiful weekend getaway.

SPRING 2016 HOPEFORWOMENMAG.COM 49

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