project you Pursue your passion one dream at a time.
Celebrate Your Age
Create a Luckier Life!
A Role Mommnye Magazi 012 Febrary 2
Love Yourself PLUS! Valentine Gift Ideas
RoleMommy.com Role Mommy is an online community, events company and a resource for busy parents to rediscover what made them tick before kids. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, an entrepreneur, parenting expert or a mom in need of a good laugh, answers and inspiration, then RoleMommy.com is the perfect place for you.
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Table of Contents 4 Editor’s Note
Love Yourself 5 Gifts to ask for
Getting Gorgeous finds items that will help you love yourself
7 DIY Valentine’s Day
Great ideas to pamper yourself or a special someone
8 Valentine’s Gift List
What’s a Valentine’s without some sparkly gems
9 Celebrate Your (Pro) Age
A Q&A with BOOM! Founder Cindy Joseph
11 My Valentine’s Weight Loss Challenge This time I’m really going to do it...
Between US 13 The Role Mommy Book Club
Parenting
19 Missing Drew
A mother’s lament
20 In the Market for a New Pet? Buy this, not that
21 Re-connecting with your hubby A vacation getaway without the kids
22 Personality Parenting 101
How to raise a family when you and your spouse don’t see eye to eye
Good Times 23 Oscar Viewing Party Roll out the red carpet at home with these great entertaining tips
26 Tech will keep us together Favorite tech tools to reheat your love life this Valentine’s Day
14 Kid Dictionary
28 Create a luckier life
15 Live and Learn
29 Planting seeds
The latest words of kid wisdom from our resident Role Daddy
Advice for Your Younger Self
16 Learning Resilience
Nobody ever said that raising a family was going to be easy
Finding good fortune is a matter of fine tuning your thinking
Are the seeds we’re planting ones that will grow and nourish our souls, our children and our world?
30 Something Pink A simple and healthy recipe to get you started, pink for Valentine’s Day
Pursue your passion one dream at a time. Editor in Chief
Beth Feldman Passion: To inspire others to stop talking about what they want to do and show them how to just do it!
Managing Editor
Jeanne Muchnick Passion: To live life to the fullest.
Art Director Katie Schlientz Passion: To make the world a more beautiful place, one page at a time.
Contributors
Brad Bessey Maria Colaco Danielle Feigenbaum Carley Knobloch Elizabeth Mascali Deborah Mayblum Eric Ruhalter Dawn Sandomeno Alma Schneider Angel Tucker
RoleMommy.com
Role Mommy is an online community and events company dedicated to inspiring today’s busy parents to pursue their passion while raising a family. Role Mommy hosts online writing and career workshops as well as events that bring entrepreneurs, authors, parenting experts and bloggers together to share how they’ve reinvented their lives while raising a family. For more information, visit www.ProjectYouMagazine.com and www.RoleMommy.com.
Contact us
ProjectYouMagazine@gmail.com cover photos: ©www.istock.com/ SavchenkoJulia
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editor’s LETTER
TK
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elcome to the 2nd annual Love Yourself edition of Project You Magazine. While Valentine’s Day is a time for many of us to connect with the ones we love, what I’ve realized this year, is that you don’t need one day to celebrate how much you love your spouse, your kids, your parents and even your pets. Why not do it every day of the week? In this issue, we’ve got articles from a slew of amazing contributors including TV producer Brad Bessey who shares a heartfelt essay about sowing seeds in our kids that instill the importance of feeling good about themselves while making our world a better place. Plus this month, we welcome the gals from Getting Gorgeous, Vera Sweeney and Audrey McClelland who share their top fashion picks for Valentine’s Day. And we’ve got some great gift ideas that you will love from our shopping guru extraordinaire, Maria Colaco. Dawn Sandomeno and Elizabeth Mascali at Partybluprints are back with their always fabulous entertaining advice and our very own Danielle Feigenbaum shares why it’s so important to rekindle the spark in your relationship by vacationing alone with your spouse. Trying to figure out how to lose weight and nothing seems to be working? Then why not set out on a husband and wife weight loss challenge? I did just in time for Valentine’s Day and I’m happy to report, it’s actually working! And if you’re in the market for a pet, I’ll give you the inside scoop on which creatures to avoid at all costs. Finally, the Love Yourself issue wouldn’t be complete without our celebrity crush and this month, “Big Miracle” star Drew Barrymore is the object of our affection. There’s much more to love with our latest issue, so what are you waiting for? Start reading, click away and if you like what you see, please share with friends. Best wishes,
Beth Feldman Editor in Chief
project you
Love Yourself
By Audrey McClelland and Vera Sweeney
And last but not least, why not treat that sweet tooth of yours? Cookie Panache offers a scrumptious collection that no one can refuse. Brownies, Blondies and 2 heart-shaped hand decorated sugar cookies will round off any meal with a smile.
Gifts to ask for. . . images courtesy of vendors
A woman looks her best when she is filled with confidence and joy. This month, Project You is focusing on “Loving Yourself” and Getting Gorgeous found several items that can help you do just that. After a long day at work or with the kids, don’t just throw on a pair of flannel pants and an old beat up tee. Get comfortable while staying glam and fabulous. This short silk kimono from Le Fee Verte will make you feel sexy and soft and all woman! Statement jewelry is an easy way to get noticed without spending a lot of money. This amazing ring from Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow is a treasure in itself! The graphite colored arrowhead is both modern and on trend. Snag it for $79
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Two toned and fabulous: Color Blocking has come back in a big way. Not many people feel comfortable yet with the look, so take baby steps with this button-shoulder sweater from The Gap.
J oin us ok! on Facebo ous
Getting
G o rg e
Gifts to ask for. . .
Do you own an infinity scarf yet? This timeless cable knit accessory will add the layer your outfit needs to take it over the edge. If you want to look completely put together, you need several layers for your look.
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Colored jeans have become a Getting Gorgeous favorite as of late. Pair them with a neutral colored shirt (think beige, white or black) and put on your favorite pair of heels. Do you have a blazer? Then pair it with a tank, a long necklace and a smile.
DIY Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is about love and pampering. You can pamper yourself or a special someone. Here are some great ideas to make as gifts or just treat yourself! By Erika Katz
Love Yourself Bubble Bath
❑ 1/4 cup liquid Castile Soap ❑2 drops Red food coloring ❑1 0 drops rose oil or your favorite essential oil ❑ Rose petals. To make: Mix the castile soap, food coloring, and rose oil. If this is a gift, pour it into a pretty bottle and attach a fresh rose. If you are using it right away, add your mixture to running bath water and sprinkle your bath with rose petals. Soak for as long as you like.
©www.istock.com/ courtneyk; ©www.istock.com/ zeremski
Strawberry Peppermint Foot Scrub
Exfoliating Lip Gloss
❑2 tablespoons Crisco solid vegetable shortening ❑1 teaspoon cherry or strawberry flavored powdered ❑ 2 pureed strawberries drink mix ❑ 1 tablespoon of olive oil ❑ l ip balm container or clean contact lens container ❑ 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil To Make: ❑ 2 tablespoons of granulated Heat the Crisco in the microwave for 30 seconds or white sugar until it looks like a liquid. While it is still hot, mix in the ❑ 4 drops peppermint powdered drink mix. Then, pour the mixture into the essential oil lip balm container. Let it cool for 10 minutes. To Make: Mix all the ingredients well and put into a pretty jar. Erika Katz is the author of the book I like to use strawberries in this Bonding Over Beauty, A Mother-Daughter recipe because they are rich in Guide to Self-Esteem, Confidence and salicylic acid which helps dead Trust (Greenleaf Press, March 2011). skin shed more easily. The She uses her beauty expertise sugar granules also help to help moms bond with their ‘tween daughters. A to exfoliate skin but are former child model and super gentle on delicate Bonding Over Beauty actress, Erika appeared skin. You can keep this in over 100 commercials, in the fridge for up to a print ads, and films. As the week. To use your scrub, mother of a ‘tween girl, she simply rub your feet gently now writes a popular beauty in circular motions and rinse blog for mothers tackling the with warm water. drama of the ‘tween years.
Erika Katz
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Bestie Necklace $18, fredflare.com Valentines is not just for the one you smooch. This year don’t forget your bestie with this retro bestie necklace. Your friendship will be sealed… just like when you were 14!
By Maria Colaco
Lush – Lots of Love ($49.95) Contents: French Kiss, Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner, Soft Coeur, Lust soap, Rose Queen bath bomb, Sex Bomb bath bomb, 1000 Kisses Deep perfume. If you have not discovered LUSH products you are clearly missing out. These delectable all natural products smell so yummy and look so very tempting they are in danger of being gobbled up! I recommend indulging in long fizzy baths with the Rose Queen bath bomb or French Kiss Bubble Bar. 7 goodies nicely wrapped in a beautiful hatbox, Lush makes it easy to give lots o love this valentines.
Valentines Gift List
And what’s a Valentines without some sparkly gems, right girls? How about a subtle little something to adorn the wrist. This delicate little gift is a classic Roberto Coin complete with an 18K double chain with two diamond stations and not to forget the signature ruby on the clasp. Roberto Coin - Exclusive Pave Cross Medallion Bracelet. $740.00. Available at Bergdorf Goodman.com Nails inc. Crystal Colour in Charing Cross (maraschino red) $19.50 Sephora.com How about crystal incrusted nail polish for that gal who has everything. This fiery hue is sure to turn a few heads at the local PTA.
Maria Colaco writes about her life at NewYorkMom. WordPress. com. She is a dancer and choreographer in NYC and lives in the burbs with her husband, kid and giant dog. You can find her on Twitter at @pluslily. 8
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images courtesy of vendors
Handmade and hand painted Decoupage Trays by John Derian. The perfect detail to any room. Stash your odds and ends in these irresistible additions to any décor. $66 a piece available at NeimanMarcus.com
Celebrate Your (Pro) Age
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A Q& A with BOOM! Founder Cindy Joseph
t a certain age we realize there’s only so much we can cover up when it comes to our wrinkles We also realize – at least for those of us who’ve been slathering on anti-aging creams for a while – that, at a certain point, we really need to embrace the lines on our face. After all, there’s wisdom and living in those crow’s feet. Which is why we find 61-yearold makeup artist turned model turned makeup maven Cindy Joseph so inspiring. Her message: “You have lived a long and rich life. Your face tells a wonderful story. Why hide it?” Read below to see what we mean. Project You: Can you tell us a little bit about the how and why behind Boom!?
©www.istock.com/ svetikd
Love Yourself
Cindy: As a longtime makeup artist, and then a model for the last 12 years (Editor’s Note: Cindy didn’t start modeling until age 49), a friend asked me why I don’t develop my own makeup line. To be honest, at the time,
I didn’t see the need for more cosmetics. But the more my friend prodded, the more I started to think seriously about it. Although I knew the world may not need more cosmetics, I realized, it’s not just about make-up. Women identify with the image, packing, style, i.e. branding, of a cosmetic line. Choosing a cosmetic line is like joining a club. A woman may choose the sophisticates club or the girl next door club, or the gothic club. However, every cosmetics line suggests you conceal cover and hide what you look like in an attempt to look younger and different. They are all anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, anti me clubs! I decided right then and there to design a pro-age line of cosmetics, the pro-age club for every generation. And the name?
Originally I thought of the name BOOM as a way to target baby boomers, but realized I didn’t want to commit reverse ageism. After all, this is a message for everyone: Men, women and
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A brand new pro-age line of cosmetics targets the boomer generation.
children. That led me to BOOM representing the sound of a Pro-Age Revolution.
the silver streak I had since my 30s, I was coloring the rest of the gray as it grew in. I realized that sharing my pro-age point And did this idea come to you because you of view, as I was covering my silver hair, was turned a certain age? not only hypocritical , no one would be able Yes, it did. As a woman. I have witnessed to see my age along with my joy and see they and experienced the prejudice our society go hand in hand. That’s when I threw my has about age my entire life. And it is not hair dye in the garbage. The very day I cut only about age, it’s about our features, the off the last bit of dye, I was approached on size and shape of our bodies, our hair, the street in NYC and asked to model. I our style choices, etc. Women often felt the universe was letting me know feel they are just not right lookI did the right thing. I was 49 years ing like themselves. I felt I had old and have been modeling ever to change the way I looked to BOOMByCindyJoseph since. match the latest trend in body type, hair type, face shape etc. And so how do you feel about agI started sharing with othing now? I understand you recently ers how life was getting better as I turned 61. became older. I also witnessed that with I love it. Life just keeps getting better as I my peers as well. We were wiser, gaining become more compassionate towards myself knowledge, and becoming more expeself and celebrate my age and life. I believe rienced. At one point I felt like a fraud as that how we feel about ourselves and how I was hiding the very thing that made me much we are enjoy our lives is what makes look older – my hair color! Though I kept us truly attractive. ■
For more informtion...
Makeup artist turned model turned makeup maven Cindy Joseph. 10
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Love Yourself
My Valentine’s Weight Loss Challenge This time I’m really going to do it…
©www.istock.com/ malerapaso
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don’t know about you, but the older I get, the harder it is for me to lose weight. I’ve been on every diet imaginable - from Weight Watchers, to Jenny Craig, to the Zone to no carbs and sadly, I’ve managed to gain and lose more weight over the last two decades than I care to remember. I have what I’d like to call a sliding wardrobe...I always have three to four different pant sizes available at any given time and this year, I was busting out of my biggest size and knew it was time to pull the plug on my out of control eating behavior and finally lose the weight once and for all. In early January, as I was struggling to pull on my jeggings, my husband threw down the gauntlet and challenged me to a weight loss battle. And after reading several positive online reviews, I arrived at the Biggest Loser Meal Plan which sends you meals each week that are fresh, un-processed and surprisingly spicy. My husband isn’t doing the meal plan but is opting instead to cut his calories and exercise. As the weight finally began to melt away (I’m down one dress size so far), what I’ve realized is that I’m feeling so much better about myself. I’m finally feeling so much more comfortable wearing fitted clothes instead of a dress with an oversized sweater covering my thighs and rear end. And
By Beth Feldman
while my husband’s initial motive really ticked me off, I realized that once he turned our diet into a competition, I was determined to win. So far, I’m down seven pounds and I’m “this close” to breaking through my first plateau. My ultimate goal is to lose 20 pounds before my daughter’s bat mitzvah this May but either way, if I can beat my husband and lose 10 pounds before Valentine’s Day, I will be the happiest mom in my neighborhood. Now I bet you’re wondering, what will you win if you beat your hubby? While I initially thought my husband would agree to drive down to Florida to see my parents (that’s what he initially promised to do if I won), I think that was just a ploy to get me to commit to a weight loss plan. I’m so determined right now to reach my first goal that it doesn’t really matter what I win. As long as I can finally wear my skinny jeans and my thighs don’t rub together when I walk, then honestly, that’s like winning an Olympic challenge. So here’s hoping that by February 14th, I’ll be 10 pounds lighter and two sizes smaller. I’m even willing to forego our usual romantic calorie laden dinner so I can continue to keep losing. Because as my former Weight Watchers instructor used to say: “Nothing tastes as good as thin feels.” ■ projectyou
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