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WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
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Table of Content
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Editors Note
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Summer Break
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To Get The Vaccination or Not
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Set Those Goals!
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Brown Beauty Of The Month
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Little Note To My Love
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Summertime Fun In The Windy City
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Athlete Of The Month
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Get Ready To Grill
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Why helllloooooo Summer!!
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Capture The Perfect Moment
Deborah S. Risper Nyla Wright
Deborah S. Risper Christina Marie
Stephanie Mitchell Deborah S. Risper Nyoki Lewis-Hunt
Sean Brown-Coley Brandon Orr
Deborah S. Risper
Tiffany A. Green-Hood
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Editors Note Deborah Risper Happy July!!
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owwwww…..can you believe it’s July already?! Where has the time gone? I think most of us can probably answer by saying we were busy getting our lives back after the sudden interruption of Covid last year. What I do know is covid did interrupt many things and one of those many things was milestones. Weddings, graduations, engagements, and much more. The good news is now that we are in 2021 things have been looking up. I’ve gotten the privilege of seeing so many marry the love of their life while celebrating with family in a safe manner. I cannot imagine what each bride and groom went through last year to plan their big day for it not to happen. I can recall July 14, 2007, being a bride, and the stress of wanting the perfect day is tedious, to say the least. I am happy to share this edition with you because I love, LOVE! This year The Risper turns 14 and I am Grateful for our journey because each bride and groom journey is unique in its own way. Here’s to love and happiness! XoXo, Deborah
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Summer Break Nyla Wright
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ummer is the time when families get together and do fun activities together. Some families go on vacation, have outdoor cookouts, go on hikes, or to amusement parks. Due to the children being home during summer break our homes can become very disorganized from all the extra summertime fun. Summer break is the perfect time to work on getting everyone on board with setting up organizing systems that can be fun. Children are more likely to enjoy being a part of keeping their homes organized if parents are not always making it feel like a chore. Children are like sponges, they absorb and take in what they are taught and apply it to their everyday routines. Parents have to set examples of how to stay organized so they are not always overwhelmed with a disorganized home. Parents that have children that have ADD, ADHD, or any other mental health disorder would really benefit from creating organizing systems. Many parents are overwhelmed over the summer break and would love to have “SUMMERTIME FUN” but don’t know how to get there because of disorganization in their homes. I would love to help families get on track with creating organization systems and maintaining them all year round, all while having fun.
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TOP 5 WAYS TO GET CHILDREN ORGANIZED •
Morning/night routines
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●Accountability
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●Rewards
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●Whole family organizing together
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Hire a Professional Organizer (Eye For It Organizing)
Reach out to me, I have an AAS degree in Advanced Behavioral Health and also provide services as a Professional Organizer specialized to help people with mental health disorders. My contact info is listed below. Website: www.eyeforitorganizing.com Email: nyla@eyeforitorganizing.com Facebook: Eye For It Organizing Instagram: eyeforitorganizing
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To Get The Vaccination Or Not.......... That Is The Question! Deborah Risper
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ere we are in 2021 and covid is YET alive. For many, the question that is at hand is the covid-19 vaccination. While there is great information that can be found on the internet, some are still puzzled by the development of such vaccination in such a short amount of time. I know personally, I have concerns. I, like others, understand that technology has changed and cures or preventions can happen in a shorter time than before. The source that many are turning to is the CDC(Center Of Disease Control). While their site is an ever-changing tool, just why is the vaccination so popular? I would conclude that several factors may come into play with the widespread of information and now access. While I am not a health expert I believe that their push for this vaccination is centered around people wanting to get back to whatever we will call “normal” these days. Our economy needs to also grow and as humans, we are relational beings so we need a mixture of interactions for sanity and safety. Think about this time last year, the first few weeks were ok and we all got to learn more about the people we dwell with; but that wasn’t enough relational activity because our minds are used to other people, places, and things. Not that our family/friends/roommates aren’t enough, sometimes leaving our homes brings a sense of belonging to the world. Our economy took a hard hit. Doors of many businesses shut leaving people unemployed and suddenly depending on unemployment insurance just to pay bills. Not only that, people began to tap into
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sources of income they didn’t believe they had before covid. While our government may have provided relief, some people struggled mentally to keep their heads above water with finances. Amidst of this business, ownership grew and now entrepreneurs know that one business plan will get you left behind. The good news is, we made/making it. Introverts probably found the time spent at home enjoyable while extroverts like myself found that Walmart trips were a form of “outside” to keep sane. The truth of the matter is humans are made to be relational. While we may all do it a different way, I believe covid-19 has taught us all to appreciate people, places, and things. Working in the travel industry was tough because you’d hear of how great celebrations had to be postponed. People traveled at their comfort level which was little to none. Now that we are in July 2021 an estimated 157.6( CDC.gov) million have been vaccinated. With this being said American is slowly beginning to remove the mask and go about getting back to showing their smiles and loving on their family/friends that have been far away. As data continue to grow, I believe that getting the vaccination should always be researched and understood. I, personally have not been vaccinated. I believe that many are shaming/bullied by others. In this area, we should certainly do our research to ensure the vaccination is for them. Below I have provided a link for some basic facts about covid in hopes that you would use the information to help aid in the decision of receiving the vaccination or not. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq. html#Vaccines
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Set Those Goals! Christina Marie
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he good news is this: whatever has (or hasn’t) happened so far, you can still finish the year
strong. The great thing about the middle of the year is that there’s still time to achieve your goals for the year! Reset your goals for the second half of the year. RE-EVALUATE AND REPRIORITIZE There was likely a reason you gave up on your goals. Think about why you lost momentum and what you truly want to accomplish next, Task says. “So much of the work of pursuing the goal happens when you set the right goal,” she says. When you’re thinking about what you want to happen by the end of the year, be sure to. Make sure this is the right goal that you’re tackling at the right time. Think about whether you have the time to dedicate to pursuing it. Ensure the goal is in line with your values. Set Yourself Up for Success No matter how the first half of your year has gone, you owe it to yourself to set yourself up for success and finish the year strong.
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Brown Beauty Of The Month Stephanie Mitchell
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y name is Stephanie, and I was born and raised on the west side of Chicago. I have 2 daughters and a fiancé and they are my entire world. In 2014 I decided I wanted to tap into my love for children and pursue my dreams in owning a childcare facility. I not only pursued my dream, I sustained and mastered it as well. My transition from a 9-5 was flawless because I knew exactly what I wanted. In February of 2017 Brandon and I welcomed our first daughter into the world, and she made our gears grind harder! We wanted to give her everything plus more, we wanted to lay a foundation for generational wealth. We wanted to cease the generational curses our families had adopted century after century. We wanted to grow our little family and give our daughter a sibling so in November of 2018 we welcomed our 2nd daughter into the world. When we sat back and realized we had 2 people that solely depended on us we knew we had to make a huge decision. That decision was to relocate from Chicago to Dallas, so in 2019 that is exactly what we did, in my opinion when moving from one state to the next and leaving your family, support system, friends, comfort zone etc you have no choice but to make it work because so many people are expecting you to fail. I immediately
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got to work, 9 months after relocating during a global pandemic I decided to open an online children’s boutique called BayLyn’s Closet. I always got so many compliments on how flawless I keep my girls, and so many people always ask where I shop. So I just figured why can’t I have my own boutique so when people ask where I shop I can just give them my card and say shop with me. I have my girls modeling the clothes, I even let them wear some pieces to daycare. They are already little entrepreneurs and don’t even know it yet. They are my marketing team, they are the face of BayLyn’s. BayLyn’s is already theirs I’m just wrapping it and adding a bow on it for them. It all makes to much sense to me, I love anything that has to do with children and I have been successful at loving and pursuing my passion. This is only the beginning I have quite a few things planned for this year and I can’t wait to continue to hit the ground running. That’s the Westside in me and that’s something that will never leave no matter where I am!
~Stephanie
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Lit le Note To My Love Deborah Risper
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his year Mitchell and I turn 14! 14 years of marriage is HARD work but even better love. I cannot Thank God enough for our union. The support Mitchell provides to me with all the hats I wear is breathtaking within itself. We have grown up together and just when we thought we were growing apart, God reminded us that we are just growing as people; better people if I must say. This year feels VERY different. It’s different because our children are now older and growing more independent which allows Mitch and I to work on our dreams, goals, and aspirations both collectively and individually. I have watched Mitch grow out of his shell to become a successful entrepreneur to becoming that person that many men look up to. I just wanted to drop this little note to say, Mr. Risper, I am proud of you. I admire your drive. I love our love and together we’ll continue to build the legacy that we can look back and be proud of. Keep impacting and imparting wherever you go. I’ll always have your front, back, side and middle. On the days when it seems tough if you need to shed a tear, I’ll be there to wipe it away because tears are nothing but water for a new harvest that you worked hard to plant. Here is to another. 14 years times three! I love you, Sweet Thang! Love, Deborah
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Summertime Fun In The Windy City Nyoki Lewis-Hunt
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remember when my kids were smaller and I was always looking for free ways to make sure that they had a good time because I was a young single mom struggling to make ends meet. And the fact that I struggled to make the ends meet I felt like it was my job to make sure that my kids did not feel the weight of that! Having that responsibility as a young mother has always kept me informed on How to not only entertain them but I also entertain myself on a budget. Despite how the media depicts Chicago we live in an amazing city! Wow, some neighborhoods may deal with violence, it is not the overall depiction of the city I was born and raised in. So how do you have fun on a budget in Chicago!? There are a ton of beautiful parks in downtown Chicago where are you can go and have a picnic you can watch the kids run around and play and you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery of it all. You can hang out and have a good time at the beach on Michigan Avenue, or you can walk around by the Buckingham fountain and take beautiful pictures from memories that will last a lifetime. Chicago lakefront stretch for miles from the north side to the south side where are you can also get amazing views if you love being by the water.
pier because there was so much to see and do even if you were working with a tight budget. And then we all know there’s always so much to do when money is not an option! On the 94th floor of the John Hancock building, there is the observation deck, which I honestly have not taken advantage of yet but I plan to do it very soon! There is plenty of sightseeing that you can do if you enjoy boat rides because there are a ton of them to enjoy. If you enjoy museums there is the Adler Planetarium, The Art of Museum and Science, or The Field Museum of Art and History just to name a few. And who doesn’t love to shop?! I love the shops along Michigan Avenue because you can tickle your fancy no matter your budget rather it is for you, your kids, your spouse, or someone else you love! The point is the world is opening back up and yes we want to take precautions and make sure that we are continuing to social distance and wear our masks, but there is PLENTY to do in my city and I’m sure there’s plenty to do in your too; but whatever you do make sure you make time to live your life and not just exist in it.
Are used to love taking them over to Navy
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Athlete Of The Month Sean Brown-Coley
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.O.E is always on the hunt for great talent. We recently spoke with Sean Brown-Coley who is an amazing and talented high school student. We are excited to feature him this month. Sean W.O.E wishes you great success in your sports career and more. We know your hard work will shine through all of this! Please take a look at what Sean had to offer us. W.O.E: Outside of your sport, who are you? Sean: Outside of sports, I am just like any other regular kid that just wants to have fun. I go outside and hang with friends and teammates. Also outside of sports, I take time out of my day to do my responsibilities around the house that need to be completed. I also focus on schoolwork to get a better understanding of different topics I’m not aware of. W.O.E: Why/how did you choose your sport? Sean: I chose this sport because I have a passion that’s run deep in my body. The bonds that have been formed while playing basketball is something I would never change in my life. I have learned real-life lessons about man/women hood and mistakes we make to learn from all have played a bit role in my character. It’s not just about the sport of basketball that I love but, it’s the things around the sport that help me keep going. W.O.E: How long have you played your sport? Sean: I played my sport since I was about 3 years old. I started off on a mini hoop in their park district with a bunch of other kids that I was always taller than. Eventually, I got good enough and moved up to play at my local YMCA’s youth league where I developed skills and drills that help me become the basketball player I am today. W.O.E: What is your position and how important is it to your team?
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Sean: My position really depends on what team I’m playing for. If I’m playing AAU I would classify as a shooting guard/ forward. This is important to the team because I provide the team with depth on the offensive and defensive end which helps the whole team in general. They can relate to me as a next option if anything goes wrong and I’ll be there to make sure I’m aware of that next option. W.O.E: What has this sport taught you? Sean: This sport overall has taught me brotherhood. The people that you grow up with, never take them for granted. I have also learned to be grateful for the things that this sport has blessed me with. One last thing that I learned is real-life lessons that can help me as I get older and move more into the real world as a young man. W.O.E: What does teamwork mean to you? Sean: Teamwork to me means to trust your teammates even if they are having an off day. A team is nothing without trust and nobody can succeed without it. W.OE: Do you see yourself playing this sport for life or as a professional?Sean: Yes, I see myself playing this sport for as long as my body lets me. Whether it’s professional ball overseas, NBA, or the Euro league. W.O.E: What are your goals for this sport now and in the future? Sean: My goal for this sport is to keep learning things to help me become a better player. The big goal though is to make it to college to where I don’t have to put a burden on my mom to be able to send me away. W.O.E: What advice would you give to newbies in your sport? Sean: For newbies in the sport, some advice, I would give is to just keep working and everything will come to you. Don’t rush anything because you see your peers receiving notice, just know you have time before that window closes. W.O.E: Do you have any exciting things in your life or sport that you’d like to share? Sean: I don’t think that I have anything exciting to share about my sport or basketball. Interested in following Sean? Instagram-Sean.5x
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Get Ready To Grill Brandon Orr Well, that time of year has come yet again. Summer season, great weather, and lots of good vibes. This summer would be a lot different though. Coming off of a rough, lonely at times and quarantined 2020, everyone can definitely use some good company, and with company, you have to have some good food! And backyard grilled food soothes the soul. In this article, I’m going to share some simple tips that will set your soul On fire. (Not literally but you know what I mean) The first tip I have is the most important tip. And surprisingly, it has nothing to do with food. It has to do with you and your environment. Time to set with mood, so before you pick up any food or seasoning, go Grab your favorite drink, or set your favorite Pandora station or Apple Music playlist. This will help clear your head and put your mind at ease from any stresses from the day. Now that our mind is together, Next, let’s get our canvas ready. What’s on the menu? What meat(s), veggies, etc. Get the grill hot and ready. Next, Spray your grill grates with grill spray or whatever oil you have you can wipe it down so foods don’t stick. I’m a big fan of Lump Charcoal over the standard. It burns better and leaves a more smoke taste in your food. Try it. When grilling you can be creative. That’s the great part of grilling and cooking in general, you are limitless and there are no rules. You have a blank canvas and can season however you’d like. The only rule is don’t burn your food. If you’re looking for a more ultra smokey and packed with flavor meat, cook your food on a low temp possibly around 225 degrees or so. If you’re looking for more of a grilled or seared meat, go with high heat I would say around 450+. Control your temperature with the vents on your grill. Open them to allow more air and increase your heat. Close the vents
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to get a lower temperature and “slow smoke”. Adding wood chips or chunks is a great way to provide additional flavor. Don’t overcook your food and keep a water bottle by to keep flames low. Sometimes I put lemon slices in the water also for extra flavor. Lastly, be proud of your creation. Presentation is everything. Let’s add and garnish our meal with sauce if you’re a BBQ sauce person. Some choose to make their own and some people buy it. Either way is fine. Give that option to your guests. Have the drinks ready, the music flowing, and let’s have a great time! I hope at least one of these simple grilling and hosting tips helps. For now, let’s get back to business, and please follow me on Instagram at @DreamsN2motion to see a few of my creations.
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Why Helllloooooo Summer!! Deborah S. Risper Why HELLLLOOOOOO Summer!!
4. Outside Dining
Ah, summer…..one of the most loved seasons! Loved because children and teachers are out on summer break, backyard parties and gatherings, weddings, and fun in the sun! As we slowly transition back into the world I’m sure you have added some fun to your list. In case you were wondering about some cool things to do check out this top 10 list of “must do’s” for the summer.
Depending on what part of the world you are in, not all seasons allow for outdoor dining. The smell of fresh air and a kiss from the sun followed by a great dish is a sure way to say summer has arrived.
1. Go To The Beach The most loved and trusted place for sun and fun! What’s your favorite beach 2. Vacation With most people canceling last year, many people have credits are being put to use. Where are you headed? 3. Brunch Brunch with family/friends is NEVER a bad idea. Catching up on life and the perfect mimosa sounds like the perfect way to start a day. How do you brunch?
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5. Theme Parks Since covid, the kid in many of us is probably dying to come out! Are you a roller coaster rider or the person holding the bags? 6. Ice Cream, You Scream!………Ohhhhh my gooosshhhh!! Who DOESN’T love a good old scoop of their favorite ice cream in the summer? Yummies are in the air for sure! What’s your favorite ice cream? 7. Museums/ Zoo’s Depending upon if you’re a parent or not, you probably are looking to catch up on the latest artifacts in the museum or see the cuties’ fur babies in the zoo. Are you a zoo visitor or informational junkie?
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8. Jetski’s Dare to take the water by storm! Feed your water thrill by racing your way through the waves. Big or small, conquer them all! Are you ready to have some fun?! 9. Outside Concerts Who doesn’t enjoy sitting outside and enjoying the sound of their favorite artist and band? Perhaps when the sun is down
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one may say would be the best time to grab a blanket or lawn chair to open your ears to some tunes. 10. Backyard Party Woot, woot! Let’s get it started! Nothing says summer without a family/friend backyard gathering. Fire up the grill, grab a cold drink and let’s have a funky good time! What’s your favorite thing about backyard parties?
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Capture The Perfect Moment Tiffany A. Green-Hood
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idn’t we almost have it all? I’m sure you are wondering exactly what I mean pertaining to weddings. Well, let me explain. It’s wedding season and a great time for 2020 brides who were forced to cancel their wedding events in 2020 and reschedule for 2021, not really sure of that even being possible. Well, here we are in 2021, planning and executing wedding stories. As a wedding photographer for 16 years, I completely understand how important the wedding day is. My favorite episode of the wedding story is the details. The pieces are patched together to evolve into a beautiful wedding ceremony and the surrounding events. Like the bride, as the wedding photographer, I would always get the glitters before the wedding. Capturing the bride getting prepared with makeup, the bouquet, shoes, jewelry, and so much more was always the greatest for me. Okay enough about me, it’s the bride’s day. So, you are awaiting your wedding day in 2021. If Covid didn’t remind you I will. The number one thing on your list should be to avoid stress. We found out in 2020 that life is not promised and can be cut short in minutes. So, make sure you have an amazing wedding planner. You wedding planner, if he or she really knows their position and industry you won’t have to lift a finger. They will put it
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fires you never knew existed. This is the kind of team you want to have your back for your wedding day. Let’s go back to the photographer. Believe it or bot this will be the most important person of your day. Keep in mind, the only thing you’ll have left after the wedding will be your images. Your wedding images will last a lifetime and beyond. Don’t skimp on your budget for your wedding pictures. This is totally not the time for your favorite uncle to take your pics. Unless his work is deemed epic. Overall I would say to brides and grooms getting married in 2021, make the most of living your best life in 2021. Stay stress-free. Have convos with your future husband or wife about fulfilling your dreams and goals you have put on the back burner for years. Those days are over. Plan trips, and have business meetings with each other. Let’s remember life starts after the wedding day after all the guests are gone, and money is spent. The moral of the story is, allow your wedding plans to enhance your future lives.
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$22
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WHAT’S INSIDE? This And That All Purpose Seasoning (Low Sodium) Herbmonious All Purpose Seasoning (No Salt) Battered & Sauced Seasoned All Purpose Flour
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What’s New? Danyella Boutique new line up of merchandise includes: Flavored lip glosses, 4oz handmade candles, 1 oz. Body oils and body scrubs; all products are Vegan and Cruelty free. These amazing products will be available to order online 24/7. Linktr.ee/ErynnDanyell Please follow Danyella Boutique on social media to stay updated on new releases: Facebook: danyellaboutique IG: Danyella_Boutique Snap Chat: danyella_boutiq
ACCESSORIES • COSMETICS
Email: danyellaboutique@outlook.com
Contact Info
415-890-3111
Disorganization can cause stress, anxiety and a feeling of being out of control. Many mental health disorders such as depression, ADD, ADHD and hoarders etc, would benefit from the services of a professional organizer
Call us today to set up your consultation
833 695-2917 ext. 3 www.eyeforitorganizing.com
nyla@eyeforitorganizing.com Eye For It Organizing eyeforitorganizing
Thank You July Writers Stephanie Mitchell Nyoki Lewis-Hunt Christina Marie Sean Brown-Coley Brandon Orr Tiffany Green-Hood Nyla Wright
Thank You Advertisers Eye For It Organizing-Nyla Wright Transparency Motivator-Mikkita Moore The Sparkle Specialist-Brandi Readus Make It Mines-Jessica Rankins-Williams Danyella's Boutique-Erynn Danyell Veretta's Kitchen-Shelenn White
Thank You Designers Cover Photo-Perfect Capture Photography Cover Makeup-Decarah Myers Hair-Chopped By Tabatha Front & Back Cover Design-TA Media Co
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