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Do You Love
MOMENTUM?
In Mud-Kicking Cowboy Boots, Dallas Publicist Shines Brightly ISABELL ROSSIGNOL
WATERMELON PERFECT
Summer BLUES Fashion Beauty Takeover
Summer Recipes July August 2016
JosĂŠ Eber in Person! The Stylist to the Stars! In from Los Angeles for Makeovers on
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FROM 3906
I believe each day gives us something; a few minutes of afternoon light casting intricate shadows on a dining room wall, or a delicious Pesto because the basil got knee-high. Maybe some things broke my heart....... I write about them all. My name is Becca. I live in Dallas but I left my heart in Florence, Italy. I'd like to thank you for reading.
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ON THE COVER
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July August 2016
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Publisher & Editor femme = femme, sister = sister Robin & Becca The Dog Days of Summer, so aptly named for the sultriest period of the summer months, tend to keep us enjoying outdoor activities, vacations to hot spots, refreshing recipes, and cool fashions. The wonderful writers in this issue cover it all. There are suggestions for how to dress and look fabulous in the trendy blues, and you will find light, summer-inspired recipes for watermelon salad and specialty smoothies. You will learn solutions for sun damage, how to repel mosquitoes, and ways to naturally fight insects and infections. Featured in WOMEN ON FIRE, a series about femmes who are blazing new paths globally, is Isabell Rossignol. She will knock your boots off! A publicist, entrepreneur, mother and grandmother, she will give you much to think about regarding your business branding. Issues for women in business are covered in articles for recharging your batteries and how your story matters. Robin Austin, in a new finance series, talks in financial lingo you can understand. Are you a speed freak with dreams of flying along in your car at 100 miles per hour? If so, you will definitely identify with the first in a series from Claudia Herrmann on her Autobahn Adventures! Check out the outstanding products and services offered by our loyal advertisers who have a wide variety of valuable offerings. So many phenomenal items! Hydrate and stay informed so you and your family and friends enjoy these dog days! Robin & Becca
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In Mud-Kicking Cowboy Boots, This Publicist Shines Brightly By DeeDee Lowder Looks can be deceiving! She speaks eloquently
Under her direction, the Isabell Rossignol PR &
but she knows how to stomp through the mud
Marketing team has flourished with exceptional
and the alligators, without smudging her high
international business relationships, providing
heels. Growing up in Lafayette, (pronounced
and leveraging opportunities worldwide for
laaaa-fay-ette), Louisiana, Isabell Rossignol
firms looking to grow not just one business, but
learned how to ride, fish, and spit the length of a
an entire empire. Her commitment to the client’s
pickup truck. According to her, in the bayou
image and reputation makes her an invaluable
state you learn discipline, self-reliance, and
and trusted resource for any company.
problem solving, which was good practice for her first career, working for what is known as the
Building a multi-million-dollar construction
Marines of high tech. There you learned you
business gave Rossignol time to hone her sharp
were only as good as your last effort and to be
negotiating skills, and much practice using those
paranoid about the competition.
sturdy ‘Luziana’ boots served her well as she entered and excelled in the public relations
“I may wear heels, but I still have my cowboy
industry. According to her, “Being a publicist is
boots. There is nothing more exhilarating than
not an easy endeavor. It takes dogged
the thrill of the hunt. Considering the art of the
determination and fortitude to reach the
possible, the nuances of different markets, and
important decision makers and it requires
the eyes of a client when they know they have
finesse in gaining the apple at the end of the
reached their pinnacle, is exciting and rewarding.
rope! Intricate and refined delicacy are
Nothing beats a creative strategy that brings my
necessary when you are trying to accomplish
clients or sponsors recognition, new business, or
public relations exposure. You have to use your
great marketing and public relations. And that is
cowboy boots in a subtle and gentle manner.”
where I shine; brainstorming a new marketing program or approach, designing the story and
Many entrepreneurs do not truly understand
bringing it to life. There’s no better way to
what public relations is and does, states
provide value.”
Rossignol. It is so much more than just writing a press release and emailing it to select
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destinations, hoping for coverage. “People ask
commanding persona by building a relationship
me all the time, ‘Why do I need a publicist?’
between them and the public.”
Chances are you probably need one if you are asking the question. Why? Because by not
The formal practice of what is now commonly
knowing the rules of the game or having valuable
referred to as public relations, dates to the early
contacts in place, there are too many angles,
20th century. In the relatively brief period
stories, and opportunities you might miss. I ask
leading up to today, public relations has been
them, ‘Would you ask someone to run your
defined in many different ways, the definition
business while you take a vacation, if they knew
often evolving alongside public relations’
nothing about it?’ Same principal! One’s zeal to
changing roles and technological advances.
tell the world their story, often results in stumbles
that
cannot be corrected. They send pitches that are too long, or send them to the wrong person. Or they get a media person on the phone and
fumble
their
elevator pitch. You only get one first impression and that is why a publicist can
The earliest definitions emphasized press
be instrumental to success.”
agentry and publicity, while more modern definitions
incorporate
the
concepts
of
When posed with the question of what public
engagement and relationship building. The PRSA
relations really is, she replied, “the professional
National Assembly initiated a crowdsourcing
acquisition and/or maintenance of a favorable
campaign
public image by a company, organization or a
following definition:
famous person. You are basically giving a client a
strategic communication process that builds
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in
2012
and ‘Public
produced relations
the is
a
mutually
beneficial
relationships
among
educated through the ranks of business
businesses, organizations, people, and their
participation and interaction with the best in the
publics.’ And this is why, Rossignol says, “Never
industry. Her strength in strategic planning,
burning bridges is key to becoming an effective
branding and market research make her an asset
publicist.”
when directing public relations and marketing strategies.
Specializing
in
word-wrangling,
By definition, a publicist is one who is in charge
storyboarding and concise billboard messaging,
of publicity. While this may sound easy, a great
she is able to weave a campaign around a single
publicist not only generates a positive image for
word. The combination is incomparable!
their client, but also successfully spins any negativity. Rossignol explains the importance for reputation
management.
“Companies
and
people garner lots of baggage along the informational highway and as a publicist it is my job to spin a positive picture. I LOVE this challenge. One of the favorite aspects of being a publicist, is for me, creating a storyboard. While it might sound like an extra step in the process, trust me, it's a step you must not ignore because it allows you to map out the game plan. It shows a client, existing or potential, a picture of what you envision from start to finish and gives you a visual of your plan. You are able to use it as a checklist, so nothing falls through the cracks. For me, it is my creative palette. And it makes it infinitely easier for others to understand your concept.”
Rossignol carries more than 25 years of experience when she walks in the room. Born and raised with that pleasant southern etiquette model, Isabell is a seasoned professional, 12
Living in Paris for a number of years, traveling
with, the foods you eat, and the entertainment
extensively, both with work and for pleasure,
you attend daily. If you do not encounter new
and seeing much of the world, has allowed her
experiences from other places, people, cultures,
to think on a broader, more open plane when
you may find you have become very rigid in your
planning effective campaigns. One of her
thinking, eating, and living. Now imagine that
favorite adventures was to Thailand with her son
like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, you are plopped
a few years ago. “It is a beautiful country that
down in a strange land where absolutely
transcends modern cultural differences,” she
EVERYTHING is different. People look and speak a strange language; they eat food you have never seen, tasted or smelled before, and they entertain themselves in completely different ways.
For me, that is exactly the reason why you need to travel. By exposing yourself to new cultures where everything is unfamiliar yet wonderful, you create a life-changing
states and says she was influenced by the vastly
experience.
different values shaped centuries ago by their
As a publicist, by having the opportunity to see
religion, culture, and unique history, as well as
how other people live, work, and play, you open
the hustle and bustle of the cities contrasted
your mind to new creativity and see things in a
with the quiet elegant serenity of the
new light, both stimulating and educational. For
countryside. “It is like a two-sided coin and I try
me this is reflected in the stories I weave, giving
to look at strategies for clients in the same
my clients a broader base for market appeal and
manner.
share. I would not have this if it were not for personal exploration and growth.”
“You become accustomed to the sights and DeeDee Lowder lives in Dallas with her family and enjoys
sounds around you, the people you interact
writing about outstanding women
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THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER By Nikki Vincent
My youngest child has finally left the coop to pursue his dream as a professional soccer player in the UK. It is HIS time now. I, however, find myself across the other side of the world on a little old continent called Australia – single, alone and officially an Empty Nester. I have been soul searching and reflecting on these feelings of lost and heartbroken. I had to break through. Why was I feeling lost? Because all that I felt I needed to feel worthy of love and belonging, had so abruptly been ripped from me. My last child has gone. How am I going to re-invent myself? I’m still a parent, but part of me feels I have lost my identity as a parent, and being a single parent, I feel I have lost my absolute reason for being.
As I sat pondering yet another breathtaking, roseate Sydney sunset (avoiding going home as the house felt so empty), I found myself seeking, but feeling more lost than ever, and contemplating the cycles of life in relation to the grander rhythms of our planet. I visualized my life as Seasons. Spring, a time of exceptional renewal, exploding with new life. Early into my Spring, at 21 years old, I bore my first child. A time full of hope, opportunity and wonder, building and growing a future. Then I moved into my Summer and realized Summer days are not only longer but, symbolically the sun’s rays have the potential to annul all the shadows in our lives. I raised four children, 15
shifted continents, arrived at the pinnacle of my 20-year TV career, and dragged myself in a daze through an acrimonious divorce. Every last tiny, deep and hidden perception I ever held, including my values, was plunged into the glare of the midday sun. The height of Summer, however, is also a season of rest and rejuvenation, taking the time for introspection on the legacy I shall leave moving forward. So how do we cope, apart from reaching out to friends, or perhaps a support group of like-minded Empty Nesters? (Darn even those words, Empty Nesters, can quite frankly increase the feelings of sadness and isolation. I prefer to now call myself a Butterfly Bloomer!) It’s important to allow yourself ample time to mourn the loss of your child, and not to suppress those emotions of the loss of him being there. Absolutely cry, mope for a week or two, even break through those feelings, but realize this is a new chapter, a new beginning in both your lives; that YOU are still loved and this is not an abandonment of you. Allow this to motivate you even more to start living and step into your power, and to believe in your heart that love truly is an energy that transcends time and distance.
Autumn is a season of transition – nature’s last fling before hibernating into Winter’s calm. There is a busyness surrounding Autumn: A time of preparation, a time to re-discover your interests and delve back into them. Time to focus on YOU, your passions, and desires. Maybe start a new business with all the valued wisdom and experience you have accumulated, or travel even change the world. Perhaps we can choose to approach our Autumn with a sense of excitement. (Every situation we face presents us with a choice on the outcome or how we respond to it.)
March into your Autumn with courage and daring pulsing through you, embrace the unbridled possibility ahead of you. In the meantime kick back, reflect, and embrace the dog days of summer. Emerge, oh Blooming Butterfly!
(Nikki Vincent - TV Host & Women’s Creatrix® Transformologist® www.nikkivincent.com tel: +61 404 019 993 email: info@nikkivincent.com
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Danielle Girdano Rides Route 66; ‘Highway for Health’
What is the ‘Highway for Health’ Project? Childhood obesity and bullying are preventable epidemics in our country. Parents, families, teachers and friends can prevent a child from scars that will never fully go away and pain they will never forget. Nutrition, activity and behavior patterns develop early in childhood and children learn from what they are exposed to. For the first time in history we have a generation of Americans that are not expected to outlive their parents. The Highway for Health Foundation, a registered 501 c 3, is proud to present the Highway for Health cycle across America project! Obesity and Bullying Are Epidemics! It will consume our children and devour our very future. It’s time we all take responsibility, no more excuses. It’s time we all take true action and accountability to break free from the painful and intolerable prison that is obesity and emotional devastation of bullying. Our goal is to raise awareness and support for childhood obesity and bullying. Danielle Girdano is proof that childhood obesity, adult obesity and bullying can be prevented with the proper information and compassion. The ‘Highway for Health’ Project will feature one of the most elite professionals in the fitness industry, Danielle Girdano. She will begin an endurance bike ride across the United States following historic Route 66, starting in Chicago and ending in Los Angeles. She will attempt to break the current US and World record biking across Route 66 in 43 days or less; while helping people live longer, stronger lives through proper nutrition education and active lifestyle training. Proceeds raised through the ‘Highway for Health’ Project will be allocated to mission programs including, The Cooper Institute - Play60/FitnessGram program, developing community gardens for healthy eating and plantbased nutrition, child’s bike giveaway and equipment and education materials for the Highway for Health Foundation programs. ‘Support the Ride on Route 66’ MISSION: To bring awareness to childhood obesity and bullying through proper nutritional facts, fitness training programs, counseling programs and educational seminars on obesity facts, effects and bullying prevention. ATHLETE: The ‘Highway for Health’ Project is led by Danielle Girdano, a Certified Master Personal Trainer and Exercise Physiologist who received many of her certifications at the prestigious Cooper Institute in Dallas, TX. Danielle is a motivational speaker and advocate for health and fitness, providing specialized attention to childhood obesity as it was a great part of her personal life.
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DATES: The ‘Highway for Health’ Ride will start in September 2016 (exact date TBA, tentative date Sept 18th). Danielle Girdano will begin an endurance bike ride across historic Route 66, starting in Chicago and ending in Los Angeles in an attempt at break the current US and World record in 43 days or less. (The current record is 44 days held by Iris Klein of Germany.) Multiple events will be hosted prior to the bike ride, kick off launch party, major city pit stops during the ride and the grand finale in Los Angeles. OBESITY & BULLYING FACTS: • Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years • The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2012. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12– 19 years who were obese increased from 5% to nearly 21% over the same period. • One in three students (33%) are ‘severely’ bullied in American schools. Obese children are the highest population segment of these students. • In 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. • Overweight is defined as having excess body weight for a particular height from fat, muscle, bone, water, or a combination of these factors. • Obesity is defined as having excess body fat • 84% of students observed students perceived as overweight reported being called names or getting teased during physical activity.• Overweight and obesity are the result of ‘caloric imbalance’— too few calories expended for the amount of calories consumed—and are affected by various genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. • More than 4,400 youth suicides per year are contributed to bullying. CHILDHOOD OBESITY EFFECTS: It is important to understand that the effects of obesity and bullying have a direct correlation to early death, emotional complications and impaired life abilities. Some effects include the following physical and emotional complications; Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes in children is a chronic condition that affects the way your child's body metabolizes sugar (glucose). Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome isn't a disease itself, but a cluster of conditions that can put your child at risk of developing heart disease, diabetes or other health problems. This cluster of conditions includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol and excess abdominal fat. High cholesterol and high blood pressure. Your child can develop high blood pressure or high cholesterol if he or she eats a poor diet. These factors can contribute to the buildup of plaques in the arteries. These plaques can cause arteries to narrow and harden, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke later in life. Asthma and other breathing problems. The extra weight on your child's body can cause problems with the development and health of your child's lungs, leading to asthma or other breathing problems. Sleep disorders. Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which your child may snore or have abnormal breathing when he or she sleeps, can be a complication of childhood obesity. Pay attention to breathing problems your child may have while sleeping. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This disorder, which usually causes no symptoms, causes faQy deposits to build up in the liver. NAFLD can lead to scarring and liver damage. Early puberty or menstruation. Being obese can create hormone imbalances for your child. These imbalances can cause puberty to start earlier than expected. SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND BULLYING COMPLICATIONS: Low self‐esteem and bullying. Children often tease or bully their overweight peers, who suffer a loss of selfesteem and an increased risk of depression as a result. Behavior and learning problems. Overweight children tend to have more anxiety and poorer social skills than normal---weight children have. At one extreme, these problems may lead overweight children to act out and disrupt their classrooms. At the other, they may cause overweight children to socially withdraw.
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Depression. Low self-esteem can create overwhelming feelings of hopelessness in some overweight children. When children lose hope that their lives will improve, they may become depressed. A depressed child may lose interest in normal activities, sleep more than usual or cry a lot. Some depressed children hide their sadness and appear emotionally flat instead. Either way, depression is as serious in children as in adults. If you think your child is depressed, talk with him or her and share your concerns with his or her doctor. (Reference: Mayo Clinic Website) CHILDHOOD OBESITY & BULLYING PREVENTION: Prevention of childhood obesity and bullying starts in the early years, right in the home with parents, family and childcare providers. Education is imperative! One simple step to assist in preventing childhood obesity and improve healthy eating in the home includes not purchasing processed foods, foods high in sugar content or GMO products. Our goal includes educating parents on understanding food labels, reading ingredients listed on packaging and avoiding the ‘dead aisles’ of the grocery store when at all possible. There is a need for direct involvement in what a child eats wherever they are. Better ‘behavior patterns’ are created when we as adults choose foods that will build the foundation for ongoing healthy eating patterns. Taste bud and eating habits develop early in a child and are hard to break after the age of 10. Involving your child in making dinner or choosing places to eat when on the go is very important. ‘fast food’ doesn't' have to mean empty calories or lack of nutrition, many places like Panera, Whole Foods or Sweet Tomatoes have ‘fast food’ options that allow you to keep your schedule on track and your child healthy! These same behavior patterns can build compassion in children to prevent bullying. Parents are setting the tone for their child's life in the early years which can prevent obesity, health concerns and bullying of others later in life. Children learn what their environment teaches them, what a parent does is overwhelmingly likely to be copied by the child, we must be the example. Being active and making physical activity a part of daily life is crucial. Children who are involved in after school sports or activities that require movement do better in school, have significantly lower levels of depression and higher self-esteem with a sense of achievement. A great example of bringing both the nutrition and physical activity worlds together is growing a garden in your backyard. A simple 4t X 4t space can feed a family of four for an entire summer. When kids learn how food grows they become attached to the understanding of nutrition and how it develops. They also feel a sense of accomplishment when their harvest starts to come in! Picking the fruits or veggies, weeding, watering and general care of the garden allows for physical movement and burning calories. A priceless benefit is the bonding that occurs between parent and child! There is always more we can do as parents, family, friends and a community. Our goal with the ‘Highway for Health’ Project is to educate children and adults, provide nutritional information, healthy eating choices and products while encouraging a positive active lifestyle. We know obesity and bullying can be prevented and cured, Danielle Girdano is an encouraging advocate and survivor of childhood obesity, adult obesity and merciless bullying who can help lead the fight to end these epidemics.
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EVENT SCHEDULE
The ‘Highway for Health’ Project will host multiple events prior to the bike ride (check the website for dates, times and locations) ‘Highway for Health’ kick off – Chicago (check the website for dates, times and locations) ‘Highway for Health’ pit stops (check the website for dates, times and locations) • Chicago • St. Louis • Oklahoma City • Albuquerque • Flagstaff ’Highway for Health’ finale in Los Angeles (check the website for dates, times and locations) Danielle Girdano D'fine Sculpting & Nutrition LLC President ‘Motivated, dedicated and highly recommended!’ 214-558-9768 www.dfineyourhealth.com Facebook.com/DfineSculpti ngNutrition
Women in Business By Sheryl Jones
The United States is home to 27.9 million businesses and about 30 percent of these businesses are owned by women. That is incredible and women are opening businesses at a faster rate than men. It’s a GOOD time to open the business of your dreams. Women give business LIFE, because we operate differently. Most women are naturals at business because most of them are managers of their home and family. I have spent over 20 years in my own company and I know I operate my company much differently than most men. I believe women have been given six Unique Characteristics that make them DYNAMIC in business: Women are caring. Most women began their business because they saw a void in the world that they knew they could fill. They really care about the product or service that they provide. For example, I knew I wanted to build a company that had a “HEART” because I have been a mother in need of services. I wanted a company that I would have chosen when my special needs son was alive, and I operate that company in honor of him today. Women become knowledgeable. When a woman decides to do something, she spends time researching the industry that she is pursuing. Personally I spent 2 years learning about owning a business in my field before leaving my job. Women ask for help. Women are 10 times more likely to ask for help when they realize something is not right. There comes a point in her life that she realizes that she must receive and share knowledge, and it is key to her growth. Smart women are always open to change. When women get new information, we do our due diligence. We look at the information and determine if it is better than our plan and decide if we should abandon our plan and go with the new plan. We always are willing to learn and hear new information if it can help our business, our clients or our family. Change is a constant in business. Nothing stays the same. Women are relentless. When women decide to go into business, we have no intention of failing. We will work longer and harder than anyone if we see the business is in trouble. We will win in the game of entrepreneurship due to our relentless behavior. We will change any and everything needed so our business can THRIVE. Women build community. One of the most unique things about women is they have the ability to build community. We tend to find similarities within minutes of meeting each other. When community is built, one’s business becomes a very exciting part of everyone’s live.
Women have the ability to change the world thru business ownership. Women, I encourage you to discover if business ownership is for you. It is an AMAZING way of life and I invite you to join me. If I can help you feel free to contact me.
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Sheryl Jones affectionately known as The Queen of Hearts, is a Social Worker turned International Motivator. Go to with Sheryl.
Sheryl Jones affectionately known as The Queen of Hearts, is a Social Worker turned International Motivator. Sheryl is on a MISSION to provide LOVE to everyone she meets. Sheryl began the LOVE OF HEART MOVEMENT Radio Show to help identify entrepreneurs, service providers and community volunteers who ALWAYS serve from the Love of their Heart when dealing with others. She truly believes what the World needs NOW is LOVE!!! Sheryl’s primary focus is on teaching STRESSED OUT women who can’t figure out how to earn money doing what they LOVE, to formulate a plan to spotlight their genius. Sheryl takes women from “CONCEPT TO CASH”.
Go to http://www.sheryljonesqueenofhearts.com to connect with Sheryl
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Don’t You Love Momentum? By Melinda Cooper As a child, I thought of being an Entrepreneur long before I really understood what getting a job meant. My parents were Entrepreneurs who ran their business working various schedules which gave them the freedom to take us to school, to sports activities, and to have family time for real conversations where we would discuss their ideas of one day we (the children) might take over their business so that we could build it even further. They let us know their goals; as they called it, to “get a piece of the American pie.” Their dreams and goals were building a business that would sustain us. They wanted to have a business that would provide for our private educations, our households, our vacations, while making certain to cover our everyday normal living. They sought out finding their way through trial and error while grasping at the opportunities to learn from others. They would discuss business ideas with other Entrepreneurs, ask questions, share their experiences and hopefully find answers that would take them one step closer to their dreams. To this day, I’m not certain if I could tell you what “normal living” meant to them, except I knew they focused on doing what was necessary to provide for our family while teaching other family members how to go after their dreams. They were hard working individuals who brought their wisdom and desire to build for a greater future, while as my parents would say, “so that we would have more than they had as they were growing up.” After all, isn’t every great parent’s dream to be able to provide for their family and hopefully provide more than they had as children? I now realize it was MOMENTUM that they instilled within us. Gratefully, momentum is still alive and living well within each of us and I am now seeing it within our children going forward. Or as my father would say it, Mr. Mo-Men-Tum was one of the greatest gifts they were giving us. The momentum to live our dreams, to work towards a greater future for our families and to be willing to keep going in a new the direction even when others may or may not be willing to join the journey. After all, “Once in Motion it remains in Motion,” said Isaac Newton. Knowing sometimes that our dreams might take us into uncharted waters, or into the deep end where we haven’t been before, which might be exactly where the high risks exists, which is exactly where our dreams thrive. It is our momentum that is taking us to commit to our dreams, we are the ones who put in the extra effort to make things happen, and finally when we need help we’ll have to be willing to ask or find the answer. Living the Dream might seem a little different to many people who are doing a job they no longer like, who are fighting to go to work because it is the only job they could find, or maybe they took the job simply because it pays the bills; however, it is deep within you. The MOMENTUM is deep within you to live a greater life and to do what you love while loving what you do. It is your inner self that sneaks into your heart, telling you to live life to the fullest.
livingthedreammagazine.com, Melinda@livingthedreammagazine.com
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The MOMENTUM is deep within you to live a greater life.
Can You Make Money at What You “LIKE” to Do? By Robin Austin
How do you add an additional income stream and improve your overall worth?
Most advisors today are ineffectual at best and whose advice is rendered based on how they are incented. What is the alternative? How do you choose affectively with confidence? One thing is obvious … it is not simple. There is no magic bullet and limited trust. Additional income streams, both passive and active, are a must have, not an option today.
Can you make money in a protected environment? Frankly, I
would never put my money in anything as fear based as the market. You talk about enormous risk. A diversified portfolio is what the experts see as hedging your bet. Exactly, bet. So when one stock does well and another poorly, you feel more comfortable because it kinda-sorta evens out.
Four to seven
percent is not what I call a good return for my money and that is typically a Wall Street return. Warren Buffett says, "In the short term, the market is a popularity contest. In the long term, the market is a weighing machine.”
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Let’s use our precious time here in this article and in the next nine articles to simplify this complex topic. We will work with a mass of indigestible slop to create simpler, bite size pieces that you can swallow easily and avoid heart burn. First, you must be involved either passively or actively in five revenue streams. That is the goal. Tough to do because of your limited time and resources, and with family and job priorities. The hardest concept to grasp is that you don’t know what you don’t know so even asking questions can be a challenge. Too, spending your precious time to learn what you don’t know is overwhelming. So, we opt for the best of all evils … a broker and Wall Street. Let’s begin … You can add an additional revenue stream and I am going to help you with criteria by which you can measure and follow. First, you must have passion for your choice. Be careful though, because passion does not make you money and doing something that is a passion to make money can dull the passion if executed in a consistent manner over a period of time. That is why people become dissatisfied on jobs. What is an illusion is that if you work for yourself, it will be different. You must be consistent in executing a number of efficient tasks over and over again until they become habit even if you are self-employed. “If it is to be it is up to me,” becomes your motto. Consistent behaviors refined through a process, make for a successful, efficient money making machine. Sounds a little dull doesn’t it. Most people in their life have aspired to be a star of some kind, either in entertainment, sports, or on air news reporting. So, although most believe it would be fun and exciting, it is still a job where you must practice over and over again, executing the same tasks in a manner that they become perfected. Singers sing the same song thousands of times. Quarterbacks execute the same play thousands of times. Still, you must be passionate enough about the business to do it every day, thousands and thousands of times. This is only the first criteria to help you choose. There are 12 in total and we will explore 10 here. Stay tuned for the second criteria in the next article. If you will stay committed to your learning through these articles, it will help you choose wisely. Robin Austin, Managing Partner, Honu Capital, www.honucaptial.com, 469-474-3062, robina@honucaptial.com
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Ready to level up your business? Enroll in
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Plants that Repel Mosquitos By Donna S. Barsky, PharmD Love being outdoors but sick of those annoying blood-sucking mosquitoes? With West Nile Fever on our doorstep and Zika Virus heading for our borders, it’s no wonder we don’t want to go outside.
Bug zappers are annoying, and leave you sitting among insect parts. Moreover, you may not be in the mood for smoky candles or incense. However, this does not mean you have to be bothered by mosquitoes. Most people know about citronella; it’s found in many products that keep bugs away, (beware, there are oils out there that say citronella scent, but may not have any citronella in them, only Lemongrass oil), but there are other natural products that can do the job.
Put down the sprays and nets, here are thirteen different plants you can grow that’ll help keep the mosquitoes away.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Mosquitoes hate the lemony scent of this plant. With some patience, you can easily grow this plant in your garden. You just have to buy stalks easily available in the market. Lemongrass prefers good drainage and full sun. However, it’s important to understand that this beautiful tropical plant does not tolerate freezing temperatures.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) For some gardeners, this is a perennial. For others, it is an annual plant. Catnip is considered about 10 times more effective than DEET for repelling mosquitoes. However, this plant has a tendency to be quite invasive.
If it’s in the garden bed, cats can crush this plant. But you can keep a couple of them in hanging containers to avoid both problems.
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Marigold (Tagetes spp.) This is a sun loving annual plant. Besides mosquitoes, this one can also repel aphids. It can be an exceptional companion plant for the vegetable garden. Marigold plants are very easy to maintain. You don’t need a lot of care to keep them healthy and flourishing, but be aware that rabbits love to eat them.
This is a border plant that offers the simplicity to collect seeds for next year’s planting. Due to this, Marigold is an excellent addition. However, you should never rub this plant on your skin.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary oil is considered heavenly to most humans. This shrub can easily repel mosquitoes, and keep your garden safe. This is one of the most attractive plants for herb and container gardens. It does not require a lot of water and can flourish with neglect. In addition to this, Rosemary is also delicious, and you can use it for cooking soups, bread, egg dishes and meat.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) This perennial plant has a somewhat silvery foliage. In most zones, this plant can be easily grown in full sun. This is one of the most unique border plants. The pungent odor of this plant can keep mosquitoes at bay. Once again, you should make sure this plant is not rubbed on your skin.
Mint (Mentha spp.) Many different mint oils are excellent for repelling mosquitoes. Thus, you should keep a couple of pots filled with these aromatic and hardy plants in the garden. Mints can spread easily, and they are best cultivated in small containers, this keeps them
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Floss Flower (Ageratum houstonianum) This is an annual plant that grows about 6-12 inches. It needs partial shade to full sun. Besides repelling mosquitoes, this plant is considered an excellent butterfly nectar plant.
Cadaga Tree (Eucalyptus torelliana) As the name suggests, this is a tree. It requires full sun to grow properly. This tree can attract wildlife to your garden. However, it is effective for repelling mosquitoes. With this tree in your garden, you may need a fence.
Catmint (Nepeta faassenii) Catmint is another perennial plant to repel mosquitoes. Its height is just about 2-3 feet. This plant is an excellent mosquito repellant. In addition to this, catmint is also a butterfly nectar plant. Your cats will just love it.
Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus) This is a popular perennial plant that flourishes in the USDA zones. This plant needs partial shade to full sun. The oil from this plant is also used to produce mosquito repellant candles.
Clove Tree (Syzygium aromaticum) This is another tree to repel mosquitoes. However, it’s not very tall. It needs partial shade to full sun. The flower buds of this tree produce spices, which are used in various dishes. It’s an excellent mosquito repellant.
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Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) This is a perennial plant. It provides nectar for butterflies. The flowers can be easily dried and kept in the garden to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Lemon balm is a perennial plant, and requires partial shade to full sun. The leaves can be used in flavor iced and hot teas. It can also be used as a substitute for lemon peel.
These are 13 popular plants to repel mosquitoes. With these plants in your yard, it will be easier to get rid of mosquitoes, and enjoy your time in the sun or while gardening.
Also, be aware that Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is also something that mosquitos do not like, so take 100mg 3 times daily with water or wear DEET impregnated clothing in the summer to keep the mosquitos at a distance.
If you have any other questions on repelling mosquitos or summer healthcare, please, contact us at Texas Star Pharmacy, 3033 W. Parker Rd., #100, Plano, TX 75023, 972-519-8475
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Contact me, Melanie Elliott, your Independent Cabi Stylist 214.908.3356 or m40elliott@yahoo.com. www.melanieelliott.cabionline.com
SUMMER BLUES TAKEOVER By Oyinkansola Jinadu-Adu
We are so glad summer is here; lots of fashion shows and tradeshows. Fashion trends and styles are so adorable and desirable on the runways. However, the ability to be adaptable by the everyday woman like myself, makes that fashion trend exquisite. And let’s not forget about the economic implications of keeping up with the latest trends. My fashion piece this season explores trending and inexpensive makeup, hair and fashion styles that are both attainable and appealing to our pocketbooks. Summer and designs. The bold and thick eyeliner trends are 2016 is super exciting with bold statement makeup colors making a comfortable home on the runways and party scenes. Bold colors on the water line on the lower lid, creates a pop and brightens any eye shape without looking over done. There’s statement hues of blue on the lids and lips. While blue is bold, loud, and proud this summer, it also offers a seamless blend with other neutral shades. Daytime makeup seamlessly transcends to a fabulous night out on the town. From the cool to the metallic sapphire, summer 2016 is definitely trending with all shades and tones of the color blue. Florals from spring to bold blocks of whites have also found a jolly companion with several shades of blue.
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Now, while I love a good vibrant makeup with bold colors, neutral shades like pastels and earth bronze tones are a staple for our summer fanatics. Sun kissed skin with velvety red lips are great for a fun easy day time look, and tussled pony tail hair is great for a day out in the park or at the beach, without looking over done. Gone are the days when red lips only came out to pout at night. Big braids are all you need for work, play or elegant formal outing. The bold ethnic statement of braids adds spice and flavor to any look. These braids are easily adaptable to every hair color, texture and shape. Summer hair should be easy yet flawless and manageable in every type of weather. This summer’s hair trends definitely offer the flexibility of the elaborate up do, or the tussled pony tail, and elegant braids fit for the work place, brunch with your girlfriends, or date night with the beau. Summer fashion is a blend of the old and the new, bringing us back to the good old days of midriff baring outfits. The crop tops are definitely a statement piece this summer, making a perfect match with maxi symmetrical skirts or free flowing palazzo pants. The beach is calling with lots of inspiration on the runway. Evening wear has slowly metamorphosed to needing less fabric this season, with swim wear or corset underneath, with see through net, chiffon, or lace over lay. With the latest trends in super hero movies, it’s no wonder capes are quickly catching on with our dresses and suits. These cape outfits are sure to get you noticed anywhere you go. Making an entrance has a new meaning with the cape dress, suit or evening gown. Floral and African print inspired dresses are all the buzz on the red carpets this season. From the bold to the abstract prints, these designs definitely take your style meter to a higher scale. Curvy and plus size fashion pieces are super stylish and easily adaptable to any body size. The miniskirts are classy and the jumpsuits sit so perfectly on the full figured lady. The possibility of transcending fashion designs along all body shapes is phenomenal with high quality fabric design innovations. No longer do we have to stereotype and assume a particular trend would be fitting to a particular size or color group. Fashion is a unifying force we can all celebrate as women. We can all find our place in fashion and feel at home knowing we are safe and beautiful in all shades and colors.
No Excuses for the Summertime Blues! Oyinkansola Jinadu-Adu/ www.missfashionandbeautyafrica.com/ 214-458-3777 / contact@missfashionandbeautyafrica.com
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child at heart By Becca Menig
Summer officially arrived a few days ago. It did not sneak through the screen door.....but slammed its way in, WAY ahead of schedule.
Yessiree, we're hitting record highs for June, here in Dallas.
Hot summers remind me of "the Betsy books" I read as a child. The stories revolved around a small group of neighborhood buddies and their mischievous adventures. Like the time they tried to fry an egg on the sidewalk.... Of course, I went out and tried it too.
In another story, someone in the group was having a birthday party and it was announced there would be a watermelon-seed contest. The kid who ended up with the most seeds from his or her slice of watermelon, would be declared the winner. That was a big deal back then.
This one guy got smart and began eating as much watermelon as he could for days or weeks before the party, saving the seeds to assure himself a win. Problem was, he had the wrong color seeds tucked in his pocket. Cheater! These were the books that first made me consider there really might be something to this reading business. Paper and ink put me by Betsy's side and I played with her and the gang all summer long.
Admittedly, it's been decades of summers since I read those stories. I now fry eggs in an All Clad skillet but don't let that fool you; I'm still well prepared for a hot, playful summer. So, bring it on July; I double dare you !
And hey June, don't let that screen door hit you on your way out..........
Becca Menig, www.from3906.blogspot.com
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Watermelon and Red Onion Salad
half of a medium red onion 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 5 to 6 cups watermelon, cut into chunks salt & pepper mint black sesame seeds (optional)
Make an oil and vinegar dressing by mixing 1 measure of vinegar to 3 measures olive oil. Whisk together and set aside. (A ratio of 1 to 3 tablespoons should dress six cups of melon.)
Peel the onion half and slice it very thin. In a small bowl, cover the onion slices with cold water and allow them to sit for about 20 minutes, changing the water several times. Drain, then pat the onions dry. Return them to their bowl (also dried) and pour the dressing over them, stirring to coat. Set aside.
Cut the watermelon into chunks and place them in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add the onions to the watermelon. Gently toss together. Tear fresh mint leaves over the salad and toss again. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.............just for fun!
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COOL, REFRESHING SUMMER PLEASING SMOOTHIES
Watermelon Mint Smoothie Simply Perfect!
Ingredients 2 cups, tightly packed, dicedseedless watermelon1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves 1 teaspoon sugar, agave syrup or vanilla sugar 3 to 4 ice cubes (more to taste) Watermelon balls for garnish
Instructions Place all of the ingredients except the watermelon balls in the blender. Blend until frothy, about one minute. Pour into a glass, and garnish with watermelon balls. Serve right away.
Strawberry Chia Watermelon Smoothie Refreshing, hydrating, and the perfect summer breakfast or snack! Serves: 2
Ingredients 1 1/2 cups (240 g) fresh watermelon, cubed (black seeds removed) 1 cup (120 g) frozen strawberries 40
1/2 ripe banana (50 g), previously peeled, chopped and frozen 1/2 - 3/4 cup (120-180 ml) unsweetened plain almond milk 1 lime, juiced (~30 ml) 1 Tbsp chia or hemp seeds (optional)
Instructions Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until creamy and smooth, adding more almond milk to thin, or more frozen strawberries or ice to thicken. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more lime for acidity, banana for sweetness, or watermelon for a more intense watermelon flavor. Serves 2 - top with additional chia seeds to mock watermelon seeds! Best when fresh, though leftovers keep covered in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
Watermelon Cucumber Smoothie Fruit Veggie Rich!
Ingredients One 2-inch piece English cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped (about 1/2 cup), plus one slice reserved for garnish 3 tablespoons lowfat buttermilk 1 tablespoon honey, optional 1/2 small lime, juiced (about 1 tablespoon) 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon, frozen
Directions Put the cucumber, buttermilk, honey if using and lime juice into a blender. Blend on high until smooth. Add half of the frozen watermelon and blend until almost completely smooth, turning off the blender and pushing down on the ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon as needed to help the blending process. Add the remaining frozen watermelon and continue to blend until smooth. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water if needed to adjust consistency. Pour into a glass and garnish with a cucumber slice. 41
The Art of Dressing By Deborah Ricci
Can anyone guess how long it takes before we get judged by our appearance? It’s between three and five seconds … if we’re lucky! However, a POSITIVE first impression that tells a story of confidence and competence happens in about two. Not a lot of time! We are living in an age where a strong identity is going to set us apart from the rest and research continues to show there is an undeniable connection between image and success. It is also a fact, that people who look the part and feel great about themselves, lead happier and more productive lives.
Have you ever thought about the way our lifestyle directly influences the way we dress? Do you have a signature style? What if EVERYTHING in your closet fit you perfectly and looked fabulous? What if your image projected both style and confidence? Wouldn’t that be wonderful? The art of dressing is about creating our own signature style. This ultimately sends out the message we want to convey to the world around us … I am confident AND competent! The term dressing for success is pretty much a terminology that has been coined over and over again and can be different for every industry. I’m certain you have all heard this term. However, the difference between dressing for success and dressing with success is HUGE! That is where the art of dressing comes into play. Knowing what looks great on us, what a good fit is, and where to find the best choices for our lifestyle are the keys to the art of dressing. The MOST important part of putting yourself together is that you must consider three factors: Fit, Fashion, and
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Function. These three components play a huge part in projecting your best image. It has to fit, look appropriate for your figure and work image, as well as work for your life style Here are some very useful tips you can keep in mind to ensure you will be dressing WITH success.
Before you go shopping, take an inventory and decide what is missing from your wardrobe or needs updating. (You know, those black trousers that have been to the cleaners one too many times!)
Make a list. This way,
you know exactly what you need and will not be tempted to buy anything on impulse. Be sure you update your staple items … they get tired from year to year.
Okay, so, shopping
isn’t your cup of tea! Hire a stylist who will help you cut to the chase and save you loads of time and money.
If you implement the art of dressing, you will be sure to show up looking your very best and feeling GREAT in the process. Best of luck!
Deborah Ricci is a Fashion Stylist & Freelance Columnist living in McKinney, Texas. She can be reached through her business website: www.theclotheslines.com email her: theclotheslines@yahoo.com phone: 972-632-8925
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“Summertime … And the Seasons of Life” By Denise Ackerman
Summertime. That time of year everything seems ripe with deliciousness. The time of year when the pace is a little slower, the
school and watching them play, we are reminded of the summer times of our lives. What if we viewed the phases of life as seasons? Each season of life special and unique because of the reasons we are there. With the continual cycle of birth and death, happiness and sadness integrally a part of the passing years, our lives emerge one season at a time. We are born into the season of springtime. Fresh with newness we come into this world like a sprout just peeking through the soil into the air. Moving from our mother’s womb inhaling the breath of life, we grow daily into who we will become. With the innocence and energy of youth, we’re bendable, malleable, and spring forward into growth. Life is played out in our imaginations, believing we can be and do anything. A time of becoming independent, the spring of life is the time we grow from babe into adulthood.
weather warmer and when we relish life like a fresh ripe peach, juicy and cool on a hot, lazy summer afternoon. Kids are home from 44
And entering the summer of life, we turn 30. Who remembers this pivotal birthday? If we’re not married by that time, we often start counting the years clicking away on biological clocks. For many women, life is ripe with goodness as marriages are settling into a predictable pace, we nest in our homes and when children come, we are reminded of being a child ourselves. If we are blessed to have the role of being a mother, it is the season we learn what unconditional love is really about. The summertime of life is when we finally feel the fullness of adulthood and with increasing clarity know who we are. Like the actual season of summer, it’s a time of bearing the fruit from the years of growth, a time of pure potentiality.
Harvesting the fruits of our labor, the autumn of life is when we reap the richest rewards. No longer in the midst of raising children or climbing to the top of the corporate ladder, we can take a breath and find our souls. Dusting off the dreams that we thought might never have come true, we now have the opportunity to shine them again to see the brilliance in what they can become. Sensing the occasional blast of coldness coming, we are reminded that the autumn of our life will change to winter. And yet even as we move into our 70’s and beyond, the glistening of winter’s beauty can be the experience we choose. For in the time just before death, we know it is inevitable. It is how we use those remaining years, that will determine how cold the time will get. Nature is unpredictable. We never know her force or how the winds will blow. Like the warmth of a glowing fire, the winter of life can still be a time to savor the love we’ve wrapped around us. Moving slowly through the days, we can have purpose and even more meaning in our lives.
Like the turning of the leaves, the autumn of life comes as we enter midlife, starting in our mid-forties and then moving into the fifties and sixties. Like a tree with full branches, our bodies remind us autumn has come as we shed the child bearing years through the change. Like the dryness of the leaves, our skin becomes dryer, our limbs more brittle and in return our roots grow deeper. The deep hued colors of autumn liken to the richness of the life we lived raising children and building careers.
Life’s seasons turn year after year just like the seasons of nature unfold. It’s how we choose to move through these times that determines the quality of the life we live. No matter the season of your life, just know change is constant. Darkness and light, birth and death, tragedy and joy will always be in the continual cycles.
Seeing the winter of life on the horizon, it can be a time of doubt worrying about the years ahead, wondering what will happen to us. This pivotal time is when we must dig deep into the soil of our lives to find the depth of our souls. Purpose never seemed more important. The busyness of raising children and building careers has passed and it’s often at this season in life we wonder “What’s next? Who am I now?” Life takes on new meaning.
The question to be asked must be, “What will be said at the end of your last season?” What is the legacy you will leave behind?
Denise Ackerman, The RadianceCoach.com
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“Can my sun damage really be reversed?” By Jessica Verma
“Can my sun damage really be reversed? Can you actually reverse the abuse my skin endured for years of baking in the sun as a teen and in my 20’s?” These are questions I get asked by clients on a daily basis, especially during the summer months when sun spots (age spots) appear darker on the skin. The answer is simple …YES! We can reverse sun damage. The skin is a beautifully resilient organ that appreciates a good medically cosmetic treatment. There are a number of inoffice and at-home treatments that can aid in repairing the years of damage. Intense Pulsed Light - IPL is the gold standard for reducing pigmentation on the skin that is caused by sun damage. With little to no downtime, this treatment is by far the easiest treatment for reducing sun spots and broken capillaries as well as offering an all over rejuvenation of the skin. Few treatments are needed, regular activity can be resumed, and makeup can be worn, immediately following each session. Photodynamic Therapy – PDT is a procedure that uses a photosensitizing agent with light therapy. When these two meet, they form oxygen that kills nearby cells. PDT is used to treat atypical sun damaged cells and precancerous cells on the skin. This treatment is used primarily for medical purposes and not typically used cosmetically for sun damage reversal. Chemical Peels – Chemical peels are a great way to reduce visible sun damage, smooth out uneven texture, and correct uneven tone by removing the upper surface layers of the skin. With chemical peels you have many choices to fit your lifestyle - from a series of gentle Glycolic Acid peels that have little to no peeling, to the VI Peel with 7-10 days of peeling, and everything in between. 48
Skin Lightening Creams – Products with ingredients such as hydroquinone, Kojic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Retinols, all aid in exfoliating and repairing sun damaged skin. My favorite skin lightening cream is NeoCutis’ Nouvelle+. This product combines Retinol with MELAPLEX© technology to reduce each sign of aging while still being gentle and less irritating than other creams. Skin lightening creams are at-home treatments and can be used alone but are most effective and have quicker results when used in conjunction with in-office procedures. Keep in mind that not all skin lightening creams are the same and these types of products are best purchased from a reputable physician’s office. Some of these types of creams are sold from individuals or retailers with little to no skincare knowledge and the over-the-counter products have such a small amount of active ingredients that they have very little positive effect on the skin. Other Topicals – Topical Antioxidants such as Vitamin C serum are a great way to gently reduce sun damage and prevent future damage. My favorite antioxidant is iS Clinical’s Super Serum Advance+. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals from the sun and other sources to protect against future damage as well as aid in repairing already damaged skin. Sunscreen is another must have when repairing sun damage and my favorite line of sunscreen is Elta MD. There’s a wide variety of sunscreens for every skin type and tinted sunscreens for those days when you just don’t want to wear makeup. It is very important to wear sunscreen on a daily basis but especially so for any type of treatment to reverse sun damage or aging. Correcting sun damage is a process that cannot be accomplished overnight or with just one treatment of any kind. Remember, it took many years to get the sun damage you have accumulated on your skin so you should have realistic expectations for even the most effective treatments. With any in-office treatment, it is important to continue the process with a physician recommended homecare regimen to obtain maximum benefits. Jessica Verma /Azure Med Spa – www.AzureMedSpaStonebriar.com – 972-294-6992 – AzureMedSpa@gmail.com
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Your Story Matters By Janet Bernstein
This is my first summer working for myself and so far, it’s been both rewarding and challenging. Many mornings I wake up so incredibly thankful to have this opportunity to work with women entrepreneurs, coaching them and helping them grow in their businesses and personally. But lately I have been waking up with an unknown sense of fear. I’m afraid of failure and I’m afraid of letting everyone down. I know it’s unfounded because I’m hitting those monetary goals, and my clients are pleased with me. But something is just ‘off.’ Today I figured out what it is. When people ask me about how I started my business, I begin with the story of losing my partnership in the corporate world, which ultimately caused me to become an entrepreneur. That story is still defining me. Even though I have stayed positive and made it appear as a learning experience, I haven’t released the emotions which accompany that story. Every time I share it, I think back to that fateful day in my life, and immediately feel the pain and anger that I felt that day. I replay the moments of packing up my office and walking into the house in the middle of a gorgeous Friday, holding a box of personal things. I collapsed into my husband’s arms just a few hours later, and shed many tears. And every time I tell that story, I feel all of those emotions. Instead of the feelings of gratitude and peace I feel from being an entrepreneur and being able to work from home, I keep getting stuck in those other feelings of sadness, failure and regret. Although I have grown in so many ways since launching this business last fall, I still haven’t rewritten my own story. So today I share a new story. I no longer focus on the negative circumstances that brought me to launch my own business. My new story is one of excitement, hope and inspiration. I have been blessed beyond measure in so many ways. I no longer have to drive in Dallas traffic to go to work. I can work in yoga pants or pajamas if I really want to. I have the freedom to take Fridays off and take my kids to the pool. My story matters not only to me. It matters to everyone I meet. Everyday someone new tells me how my story inspires them or encourages them to do better. Someone is always watching, always listening. So if your story doesn’t make you smile, it’s time for a rewrite. Janet Bernstein, SavvyGirlContent.com
Recharge Your Batteries By Katherine L. Clausen Take the time to recharge. Vacations are a luxury that all employers offer to their employees, so I find it funny that as business owners, this is the one luxury we often deny ourselves. Oh, for sure we take them, or at least most of us plan to take them, and some of us do, yet while on vacation we end up working a few hours each day. We do this for a several reasons. One reason could be we just need to check‐in to make sure everything is up and running. A second reason might be we are the only dependable worker we have and not working, means no income while we are gone. A third reason is people keep calling us for help or to just take care of this one thing, which of course, turns into a list of 10 things, none of them urgent. The problems are, with any of the above reasons, that we are not present to enjoy the activities and the people we joined for vacation. While we are dealing with the phone calls, emails, and projects, we miss out on the fun. This can really damage relationships with those we care about. They feel as if we have short changed them of our time and attention. Another huge issue that most of us do not even realize, is we cannot solve anything in a forever done fashion from far away. We have to go back to finish whatever we are dealing with while on vacation, so we have these problems hanging in the back of our minds causing us some stress. Lastly, when we allow our business to come with us on vacation we don't get any time to really relax our mind, body, and spirit, which is a true loss for being more focused, getting space in our brains for new ideas, not to mention reconnecting with those we care about, friends and family. A truly restful vacation can do all of this for us. Some tips to help make the vacation really happen. First, if you have employees make sure you have taught them everything they really need to know to run your business while you are gone. Make sure to give them enough time to do the tasks, correct any mistakes and ask questions before you leave. Second, have good systems in place for your employees to follow so things will be done and done correctly ‐ no need to check in. If you are your business’ only employee, take a good look at your calendar and set things up so you have a heavy week in sales before you go and things in place for a heavy sales week when you get back so the lost time doesn't cost you as much income. Add some luxury to your life ‐ take a work free vacation. I promise you will thank me for it. At Your Empowered Solutions, info@yourempoweredsolutions.com for complementary Solution Session
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PORSCHE TOUR 2016 AUTOBAHN ADVENTURES By Claudia Herrmann Never in my wildest dreams did it occur to me that I would one day be the proud owner of a Porsche. Sure, in my youth I would longingly and maybe even leeringly glance at the occasional Porsche I got to see when I was living in my native Mexico City. I even had a friend who owned a 911 and he would occasionally take me out on a date in his Porsche. In 1992 I bought a Chrysler LeBaron because it looked sporty enough, the inside looked like a cockpit of an airplane, and it had a turbocharged motor. In hindsight, that car was nothing more than a turbocharged coffeemaker. But it looked nice and it could go fast. I tested it on a newly inaugurated highway that goes from Michoacán to Guadalajara. Nobody else was on that highway. I had a 100‐mile straight stretch just for myself. I felt I had a private racing track. I floored it and made close to 230 km/h or 140 mi/h. That’s when I fell in love with speed. Back in 1994 as I was touring through Europe in a VW Golf with two of my best friends, we got to experience the unforgettable rush of driving in a no‐speed‐limit German Autobahn. Of course, Ferraris and Porsches would just fly by us at more than 150 mi/h. Although we pushed the car to its absolute limit (about 200 km/h or 125 mi/h), there was no way we would ever catch up with one of those hotrods. But that’s when I really learned to looooooooove speed. Back in 2007 my significant other, Marston, and I drove from Munich to Berlin and back in a diesel BMW. We expected to get a comfortable but sluggish sedan, but we soon discovered that German diesel fuel is nothing like what trucks eat on this side of the world. Not only could we drive close to 600 miles on one tank, but also that our car could be pushed to 140 mi/h without even breaking a sweat. I was able to drive at that speed on a pretty much deserted Autobahn off of Suhl (in Thüringen) that goes into Nurnberg (Bavaria). I actually was tailing a Ferrari until he finally decided to break lose at more than 160 mi/h for which the BMW was no match, not even close. Also, Germany is (or used to be) a country where drivers on the highways know what they’re doing. When your driver’s license comes at €2,000 it’s because you have gone to a really good driving school and you get taught how to drive on an Autobahn. We had already driven in Germany and Austria in 2004, 2010 and 2013. We were familiar with the Autobahns and the rules of the road. We were ready to drive the Autobahns on a Porsche. Fast the clock forward thirty years and I now get to drive a beautiful white convertible Porsche Turbo S with red leather interiors. Of course, in Texas where the speed limit is 75 mi/h on some highways
(with the exception of one 41‐mile stretch of Texas State Highway 130 with a speed limit of 85 mi/h, making it the highest legal limit in the U.S), there is no way that I can drive the Porsche the way it is meant to. There are certain low‐traffic hours where I can drive the Porsche up to 130 mi/h on Highway 121 where usually cops are at lunch. However, cops can be lurking on the side of the highway, so I slow down after only a few minutes of driving fast. Also, I have to be mindful that Texas is not a state where people on the highways know what they’re doing. I see or hear of a major accident at least three times a week, all of them caused by some knuckleheads who were texting while driving or “Vicodin moms” driving under the influence…of something. Through the January 2016 newsletter of the Porsche Club America Maverick Region of Dallas‐Fort Worth we learned of Autobahn Adventures and the tour of Austria and Germany in a 911 Porsche, bundled with a luxury cruise along the Italian and French Riviera and tickets to the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco. So Marston called Tina and Mark Trewartha to sign up but to his disappointment, the tour was sold out. He Marston called Tina and Mark Trewartha to sign up but to his disappointment, the tour was sold out. He asked to be put on a waiting list should anyone cancel. Because of the terrorist attack in Belgium, some couples got scared and opted out. That’s when he got a call from Mark about an opening and immediately signed up for the tour. Mark then went on to explain that this was the first time he and his wife Tina were combining their annual Porsche driving experience in Austria and Germany with a luxury cruise through the Italian and French Riviera and the Formula 1 race in Monaco. The thought of going to the Grand Prix in Monaco and going
on a luxury cruise vacation for a week and getting to drive a 911 for another week sounded very appealing. I know from experience that F1 tickets are not easy to obtain, especially in a destination such as Monaco, which is the premier gathering point for the gazillionaires and bazillionaires of the world. Also, what was really a plus that the luxury hotels, breakfasts and evening meals, which turned out to be sumptuous Roman feasts, were taken care of. As we were already familiar with German and Austrian Autobahns, as well as with places like the Salzkammergut in Austria, and cities like Munich and Vienna where I have relatives, and the fact that German is my native language, embarking on another driving tour in Austria and Germany was a no brainer. The difference was that we had never driven a Porsche in Europe. What I liked was the idea of having an organized itinerary with some predetermined places, while at the same time having the freedom of driving around on our own and enjoying free time to explore places we had not seen before. Yes, even though Austria is a teeny tiny country, there are some places that I have never been to, even though I lived in that country in my teenage years. This type of trip would be impossible to organize on our own. First, because there’s no way to cram two big suitcases and smaller rucksacks/duffel bags in a two‐seat Porsche. Also, because the hotels luxury hotels we stayed at would be five times more expensive if booked individually. I have visited many countries in exotic places like India, Nepal, Morocco and the Balkans, and I have stayed in palaces turned into five star hotels, but this was definitely the very definition of a super luxury vacation. With five months to go, we planned our trip which included taking up on Mark and Tina’s offer to stay four days at the super luxury Boscolo Hotel in the heart of Rome and get some time to know the city and get an idea of the things we wanted to see. Neither Marston nor I had ever been in Rome before. We decided to stay some additional days in Europe and stay a few days in Berchtesgaden, spend a night in Munich, fly to Rome from Munich and spend our last night there before taking the long flight back home. Finally, the date for our departure arrived. I had already contacted my family and friends in Austria to meet up with them in Vienna on the day of my birthday as well as Ariadne, one of my best friends from law school who now lives in Torino (Italy) and practices law there, who was very kind to agree to take the train from Torino to Rome and spend a day with us and show us the city. Because I am an editorial/opinion writer for two Hispanic newspapers, I have a press credential issued by one of them. I obtained press accreditation in Italy and Austria. It was impossible to obtain accreditation from the F1 organizers. For that, you need to ask with at least six to eight months in advance, be a sports reporter for a newspaper with a circulation of at least 50 thousand issues and additional requirements which I do not meet. I was also unable to retrieve my accreditation from the Vatican. My idea was to obtain information and materials, and hopefully access to places of interest aside from what ordinary tourists get to see. Claudia herrmen, President, AMEP Asociacion para Mujeres Profesionales y Empresarias, www.amepusa.org/ All the pictures and videos of the trip, which will be a travel series in femmes INTERNATIONAL Magazine over the next few issues, can be viewed at: https://mamagatopics.shutterfly.com/6332 You may have to subscribe with Shutterfly to download the pictures and videos. Once you get to 3 each album page you will see “Show 25, 50, all” pictures, click on “all” to see all the pictures, or you can view the slideshows. For detailed information on the history of each place, I want to refer to you to Saint Google, the bearer of all of earth’s wisdom. Here, I am only giving a quick overview, being guilty of important historical omissions. This is a somewhat lengthy story of my experiences with a short description of the places we visited and includes a link to the pictures. If you don’t want to read the story, just click on the link to enjoy the pictures. See https://mamagatopics.shutterfly.com/pictures/17643 (the pictures of us, the Autobahn Adventures group)
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