Women2Women Michigan Magazine

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WOMEN CONNECTING WITH WOMEN FOR GOOD!

Appearing at Flint Women's Expo Sept. 6th

RY TA EN

Dr. Partha Nandi

IM PL

Meet

M CO

Women Women MICHIGAN

2014 Women’s Expo

Flint ~ Sept. 5&6 Saginaw ~ Nov. 7&8

Sept./Oct. 2014 • $3.95

Lin Klaassen

Expert Face Reader and Healer of Lives

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From Our Publisher



Letter From The Publisher To create the life of our dreams, we must take the time to listen to our hearts. What is calling us to invest more time? What motivates and inspires us to dream bigger? Is it art, music, physical activity, soulful retreats, business, family, travel? Are you creating the life of your dreams?

Stay tuned for our new feature “Living The Dream” that is currently in the works.

It will focus on just that... women that are creating the lives that they decided they are going to have. How inspiring is it to know that there are women deciding their future and making it happen!

Women2Women Michigan Magazine has been in existence for nearly 5 years and has featured many phenomenal women throughout its pages. Our Women2Women Michigan expos allow us to offer our readers the chance to meet some of these inspiring women in person as we bring the magazine to life.

Our Flint expo will be held at the Perani Event Center on September 5th and 6th; and our Great Lakes Bay Region expo will be held at the SVSU Ryder Center on November 7th & 8th. The expos promise a great time where you will be able to experience new ideas, products, services, and be inspired.

We hope you join us at one or both of our upcoming events and create a new comfort in your life!

"Our aspirations are our possibilities" - Samuel Johnson Debra K. Collins Publisher/Managing Editor

From Our Editor  Letter From The Editor

Enjoy the magazine and I will see you at the expo!

Susan Rosenhauer Editor/Executive

Michigan

Connecting With

Women for Good!

Our Mission:

Women2Women Michigan was created to connect women with women for good to encourage, support, have fun, do business and provide links for women’s resources.

DO YOU KNOW A MICHIGAN WOMAN WE SHOULD FEATURE? Submit your stories online at Women2WomenMichigan.com. Article guidelines are under the magazine tab.

WHY ADVERTISE WITH US? Women make the majority of purchasing decisions.

They buy goods and services for their homes, gardens, businesses, entertainment, health and nutrition, the list is endless. They want to be informed and connected in their communities. Event-driven marketing makes education fun and rewarding. You can reach these women in a heartwarming environment at Women2Women Michigan events and through our magazine.

READERSHIP & DISTRIBUTION Women2Women Michigan magazine is distributed to subscribers via US mail. It is also available at every Women2Women Michigan event, chamber events, and women’s organizations. It is professionally delivered by Miller Marketing Group to over 400 locations with 25 outside vendor racks throughout the area including restaurants, hospitals, retail locations and medical offices in southeastern Michigan. Interested in hosting a distribution location? Call 810.694.2326 or email at info@W2Wmichigan.com Women2Women Michigan prints 10,000 copies of each magazine.

Would you like to subscribe?

Subscribe online or email us at info@W2Wmichigan.com.

Women2Women Michigan magazine is published bimonthly. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher. Interested in a franchise?

Contact our office at 810.694.2326 • fax 810.694.2507 536 Perry Rd., Suite 7 • Grand Blanc, MI 48439 info@W2Wmichigan.com, Women2WomenMichigan.com.

The advertisements and articles included in this publication are independently developed by our customers and writers to inform others about their business, expertise and related activities. Women2Women Michigan is not aware of, and makes no representation as to, the truth or accuracy of such information and, therefore, makes no warranties of any kind, express or implied, with respect to the same. Accordingly, the respective advertisers and writers are solely responsible for the accuracy and contents of their own advertisements and for all claims, losses, costs, expenses or damages whatsoever, directly or indirectly, that may emanate there from.

Sept/Oct • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

The themes of this issue are Comfort and Create. No two answers are alike when I ask people what their definition of these two words are, just like no two faces are alike (I’ll get into that in a minute). Everyone has a very definitive definition of comfort, from fuzzy slippers to reading a book curled up on the couch, riding their motorcycle or watching their children sleep at night. With create, I get the same type of response. Folks create gardens, a happy home, sew quilts, and design artwork of all kinds. I have concluded that the words comfort and create are words of self-expression.

Back to no two faces are alike. I would like you to meet Lin Klaassen, our Cover Girl for this issue. Lin brings us an interesting view on reading faces so make sure to read her interview. Lin will actually teach us some pointers on reading faces at our expo on September 5 & 6. She will be on our main stage on the 6th at 12:00.

Lin will also have a vendor booth and will be available for mini face readings both days. So come join us and be amazed by one of the top Western Face Reading experts in the world.

Sponsored by Al Serra Auto Plaza, Dr. Partha Nandi will be speaking on our main stage at 1:00 on Saturday. Dr. Nandi has over 60-million people tuning into his cable show, Ask Dr. Nandi. He has been compared to The Dr. Oz Show, however, he presents his topics with a more in-depth spin. I look forward to a great turnout in support of his presentation.

A special shout out goes to Jennifer Tremaine of Tremain Real Living Real Estate for sponsoring our main stage. Jennifer will be speaking on our main stage both Friday and Saturday at 4:00, with her topic being “Getting From Goals To Great”.

2 Women

Women Women

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Contents

Feature



10 Lin Klaassen

Expert Face Reader and Healer of Lives How did I end up here again? I’m feeling so disappointed and terribly hurt by some of those closest to me. Relationships – ugh!? I can’t figure out why my loved ones act as they do; sometimes I feel like I don’t even know them.

Departments

Books Bytes & Beyond

3 6 8 9

Shades of Faith

12

Ask Shuntai

12

I Dare You

14

Simply Living

16

Letters from the Publisher & Editor Contributing Writers Calender of Events

The Nun That Cared

Dealing with Depression

Create the Life You Love

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

Silence the Critic Cultivating the spirit releases creativity

4

Articles





12

Shades of Faith

12

Ask Shuntai

18

Pink Night

20

Dr. Partha Nandi

22

Susan’s Healthy Eating

23

Old News Boys

26

Fun Themed Birthday Parties

The Nun That Cared

Dealing with Depression

Gazpacho

No Child Forgotten Not Just for Kids

Susan’s Healthy Eating

22

Art @ Work

24

28

The Ultimate Guide to Turn Media into Mania

Flint Cool City

32

29

Your Biggest Competition

Leslie's Learnings

34

Living on Both Sides of Comfort

37

Don't Tell My Wife I Wrote This

38

Gazpacho

Depression Who Me?

The Second Half

Contributing Writers   Eileen Button is the

author of The Waiting Place: Learning to Appreciate Life’s Little Delays. She can be reached at buttonhouse@juno.com.

 FaLessia Booker is a

cheerleader for the city of Flint, business owner, wife, and mother of two. You can reach her at falessiabooker2011@ gmail.com, or through her website, www.sociallybusy.com.

 Shuntai Beaugaard

Your Forgiveness & Personal Transformation Expert P. (888) 445-7073 Email: reconnectmylife@gmail.com Visit my website: www.re-connectmylife.com

 Susan Rosenhauer is

the Editor and Executive Development Director for Women2Women Michigan and is a Certified Raw Food Chef and Instructor.

 Lori Nash Byron is the

founder of FamousinYourField.com, where leaders and professionals build a powerful brand, attract more clients and position themselves as experts in their industries through speaking, publishing and publicity. Go to FamousinYourField.com to get a free workbook, 97 Ways to Build Your Fame Factor.

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

 Ron Estrada resides

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with his wife, Kelly, two children, two cats, and a terrier-mix in Oxford. When not pursuing the spiritual gift of napping, he’s at work on his latest novel or some freelance project (he accepts cash, check, PayPal, or smoked pork shoulder). You can email him at rmestrada@ameritech.net or visit his website at ronestradabooks.com.

 Mary Ellen Jones is

a freelance writer living in Harrisville, MI. She can be reached by email at mejonmv@gmail.com

 Meredith Carson lives in

Midland but has roots in the south and spent five years living abroad in Great Britain. Her three unique little girls and one brilliant husband provide ample inspiration for her writing. You can read more of her ramblings at mamcarsom.blogspot.com.

 Beth Bryce, MS,

CMCC, is a Career Strategist, Author and Founder of Girls2Women Coaching. Beth is a featured Co-author in the newly released book, “Women on Fire Book 2” by Women on Fire Press.

To find out more about coaching or workshops with Beth, visit www.bethbryce. com or email beth@bethbryce.com

 Helen Hicks is

an award-winning administrator and motivational speaker living in the Detroit area. You can reach her at helenk7306@ hotmail.com.

 Elaine Stenger, Ph.D.

is the Director of College Application Advantage.

Through One-to-One Coaching and Group Presentations, Elaine helps Students stand out from the crowd and get into the college of their choice.

(513) 328-5300 or contact@elainestenger.com

 Leslie Toldo is a writer and

blogger, who also worked on-air in TV and radio for nearly 25 years. Leslie officiates weddings and funerals. She lives in Fenton with her husband and three dogs. She is an avid runner and serves on the Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Genesee County. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and at www.leslietoldo.com.

 Dawn Drozd is an

award-winning Certified Business Coach and Founder & CEO of ClearVision Business Coaching. Contact Dawn at (586) 323-5150 or info@clearvision.us.com

2

Women Women Michigan

Debra K. Collins Publisher/Managing Editor Susan Rosenhauer Editor/Executive Development Director Taffy Jones Special Projects Director Account Executive Cheryl Rak Account Executive Joy Martinbianco Account Executive Sheri Harvey Creative Director Jennifer Chartier Graphic Designer Kelsey Rosenhauer Graphic Designer Courtney Simpson Photographer Susan Lamphier Executive Assistant

Proof Reader Elaine Stenger

Advisory Board Carol VanBuren Advisory Board Director Teresa McClelland - Sargent Karen Borton • Jet Kilmer • Lynn Sorensen • Christine Stephens • Jill Watson • Theresa Yochim

Photographers Pop Mod Photo: Ryan Garza & Courtney Simpson

Elaine Stenger takes us literally....

Here is her submission to our Hear Us Roar Contest.

You Go Girl!

2014 September & October Calendar September

September 25 Rosh Hashanah

October 13 Thanksgiving Day – Canada

September 1-30 Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month Show your library card and receive a discount See your favorite branch for participating businesses www.thegdl.org

September 27 Fall Harvest Festival Applewood, 5 pm (810) 233-3031 www.ruthmofffoundation.org /applewood

October 14 Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon Detroit (313) 222-6676 www.freepmarathon.com

September 1 Labor Day

September 28 Michigan Science Center Detroit Metro Parent’s 19th Annual Education Expo 10 - 3 www.mi-sci.org

October 17 9 X Nourished Flint Farmers Market, 7:30 pm Tickets $12-16 (810) 237-7333 www.thewhiting.com

September 2 “Armchair Traveler” Travel Videos Flint Public Library Every Tuesday, 12:15 (810) 249-2569 www.fpl.Info September 4 The Piano Guys / Concert Fox Theatre, Detroit Info@olympiaentertainment.com (313) 471-3200 September 6 Running 4 Hunger Downtown Flint, 10 am www.Running4Hunger.com September 6 Cooking Demo and Author Talk Kathleen Flinn “Burnt Toast Makes You Sing Good” Davison Library, 2 pm (810) 653-2022 www.thegdl.org September 7 Grandparents Day September 8 Full Moon

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

September 11 USA Patriot Day

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September 11 – 14 5th Annual Boating and Outdoor Festival Lake St. Clair Metropark Harrison Twp www.Boatingandoutdoorfest.com September 12-16 Bikes on the Bricks Downtown Flint, 4 pm www.BikesontheBricks.com September 24 - October 12, 2014 ArtPrize Downtown Grand Rapids www.artprize.org September 21 UN National Day of Peace September 22 Autumn Begins

October October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 18 Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk Flat Lot, Downtown Flint makingstrides.acsevents.org

October 4 – 31 Crossroads Village Ghosts & Goodies Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad, Flint (800) 648-7275 www.geneseecountyparks.org

October 18 Huey Lewis and The News Whiting, Flint, 8 pm (810) 237-7333 www.thewhiting.com

October 2 Pink Night 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 pm Blackstone’s Pub and Grill, Flint (810) 244-2323 www.pinknightflint.com

October 18 Author Talk Susan Barry “Dying to Be Perfect” Davison Library, 2 pm (810) 653-2022 www.thegdl.org

October 4 Friends Book Drop Off Flint Public Library, 10 am (810) 232-7111 www.fpl.info

October 8-10 Jazz Festival Riverbank Park, Flint

October 4 Flint Zombie Walk Downtown Flint, 1 pm $10 donation www.flintzombiewalk.com

October 20 Library Halloween Bash Genesee Valley Mall Center Court, 12-2 pm (810) 230-9613

October 4 Yom-Kippur

October 20 Shout Out To Kenny Daniel – Happy Birthday

October 8 Full Moon

October 25 Islamic New Year

October 10 2nd Friday Artwalk Downtown Flint, 6 pm (810) 238-2787 www.greaterflintartscouncil.org /events.html

October 25 Flint Horror Con Riverfront Banquet Center www.facebook.com /flinthorrorcon

October 11 Children’s Author Talk “Real Heroes Read – Heroes A2Z” Fenton Library, 11am Davison Library, 2 pm (810) 230-9613 www.thegdl.org October 13 Columbus Day

October 28 The Things They Carried Whiting, Flint 7 pm October 30 “Starve a Vampire” Halloween Blood Drive Grand Blanc McFarlen Library, 2-7 pm (810) 694-5310 October 31 Halloween

Download or pick up these titles @ thegdl.org or any GDL branch.

10% Happier

By Dan Harris

Printed Material

Kelly Flynn is a book reviewer for the Genesee District Library and the author of The Teachers’ Lounge (Uncensored): A Funny, Edgy, Poignant Look at Life in the Classroom.

ND

BOOKS

BEYO

BYTES &

E-Book

Audiobook

In this first person narrative, ABC News correspondent Dan Harris chronicles his quest to manage stress and tame the critical voice in his head without losing his competitive edge. After a brief stint of drug use and an on-air panic attack, Harris realizes he needs help. The crisis dovetails with his assignment to the religion beat, and he begins interviewing a wide variety of spiritual teachers. In spite of being highly skeptical, Harris tries meditation. In an irreverent and appealingly conversational voice he describes the sometimes humorous, sometimes painful struggle to quiet his mind, and provides suggestions for the beginner. Eventually Harris comes to believe that meditation is a superpower, allowing him to create better health, increased focus, and a deeper sense of calm.

Glitter and Glue

By Kelly Corrigan

Printed Material

E-Book

Audiobook

Author Kelly Corrigan’s parents fall into all-too-familiar roles: dad glitters with a playful sense of fun, while mom has the less glamorous role of doling out rules and discipline in an effort to raise productive human beings. After college, Corrigan sets off for Australia in search of adventure. When she runs out of money she takes a job as a nanny for two grief-stricken children whose mother has died. And after years of dismissing her mother’s advice, suddenly it is her mother’s words that Corrigan remembers as she struggles to comfort the youngsters who are missing their own mother terribly. Ultimately, Corrigan comes to appreciate the role her mother played as the glue that held her happy family together.

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Cover Story 

Lin Klaassen:

Expert Face Reader and Healer of Lives

By Elaine Stenger, Ph.D.

H

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

ow did I end up here again? I’m feeling so disappointed and terribly hurt by some of those closest to me. Relationships – ugh!? I can’t figure out why my loved ones act as they do; sometimes I feel like I don’t even know them.

The good news is Lin Klaassen can help! She is an expert in Face Reading (yes I said Face Reading) and helps people deal with conflict and resolve problems in business and personal relationships.

In her book, Introduction to Face Reading, Lin explains: “Face Reading looks at each facial feature and compares it in terms of its placement on the face, its size and prominence.

Each facial feature contributes to an accurate indication of the character and personality of a person and how and why they think and behave the way they do.”

“Our total personality is a combination of genetics, nature and nurture. The human face is created and etched by our inherited facial traits, major events in our life and the choices we make and repeat over and over again.”

10

Photo by Courtney Simpson

“The accuracy of face reading is amazing. You couldn’t lie if you wanted to. This is why people find it such a valuable diagnostic tool for team building, finding love, career and jury selection, and law enforcement.”

Reassured Lin could help me through my confusion and pain, we set about the interview.

How do you describe what you do professionally?

I take the guess work out of understanding yourself and all the people in your life. I do individual readings: provide mini-face readings for trade shows, events and parties of all types.

What is your expertise?

I am one of the top Western Face Reading experts in the world. People hear face reading and they think it means reading the body language on the face. I do that too - but body language is the momentary expression or reaction to what just happened.

Few people know that Face Reading has been practiced for over 3,000 years and has been scientifically validated to 92% accuracy. It is based on reading the physical structures and lines and indents on the face.

How did you get into it?

I was in Corporate Retail and managed several stores in Michigan from as far north as Midland to as far west as Holland. I began to study face reading to make better hires and understand how my managers and hourly sales people were likely to behave when I wasn’t around.

Why do you do what you do?

During my studies I realized I had misunderstood many people in my life including myself; and if I had had the knowledge of face reading, I might have preserved my marriage and many personal relationships. I would have definitely raised each of my sons based on their unique individuality. If we can see from the other person’s perspective it makes harmony so much easier to attain.

How do you do it?

Face reading in the courtroom is very different than applying it to sales and business – Relationships and dating is different again – and when I apply it to poker and law enforcement it is different again. Each area of application puts the focus on different facial features. In the courtroom it is my job to create a profile of a juror who will best be able to understand the case my attorney is going to present. In business it is about placing the best people in the right positions. In relationships it is helping the person understand that certain behaviors are hard wired in our brain and no matter how much you love someone they won’t change. I take my knowledge of face reading and teach people how to understand the truth of the people they are interacting with. I currently have clients in 17 countries.

What has been your biggest lesson or insight?

At our core we are more alike than we are different. We see life through our personal perspective and assume everyone else’s perspective is the same as ours. It definitely is NOT.

I can teach them to read the people in their life. In less time than it takes to drink a cup of tea, without asking a single question, they can understand the truth of a person. The human face displays the history-to-date of the person you are looking at – all you have to do is learn how to read it and apply it to every person – anywhere in the world. If you can see it you can read it.

Sept/Oct • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

What do you absolutely want readers to know about you?

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Shades of Faith 

The Nun That Cared

By Helen Hicks

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

Nestled on the outskirts of the wealthy Michigan city, Grosse Pointe Park, and directly across the street from the big city of Detroit, sits a small private school with an impossible name: St. Clare of Montefalco.

Comically, some parents and their children practice how to spell the name before they enroll.

Though this school is a traditional private school with small classes, it is really so much more. It’s the place where a nun, named Sister Kathy, earns her wings. Or, maybe her red or blue hair!

You may think of a nun – or as they say, “Sister,” as proper, prim or stoic. You might even picture someone who glides down a shiny hallway in a long skirt with little facial expression. But at St. Clare of Montefalco, that sort of nun is nun-existent!

Sister Kathy does important stuff.

She brings kids into her office to chat about what matters to them and what they like to eat. She buys books that have children in them whose faces are black, white, cocoa, and beet red. She reminds the students that people like Sojourner Truth, an African American slave, Pope Francis, who abhors greed and cares about serving the poor, and the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., whose message of peace and tolerance changed the world - are inspirational leaders. She tells the kids that they can and must be leaders as well. Sometimes, when a child is struggling or has a learning disability or an emotional issue, she defuses the situation by hugging them or telling them how wonderful they are.

To celebrate the hundreds of books the students read over their summer break – she stands on the roof of the school or dyes her hair an obnoxious color just to make the students laugh. There’s talk of her possibly riding a motorcycle around the building with flaming hair flailing behind her (but that might require thousands of books be read).

On silly days or serious ones, when cash is flush or parents are struggling, when the children are angels or they test their teachers’ last nerve - this sister, this nun, this angel, puts everyone else’s needs before her own and uses creativity, humor and prayer to change lives.

With almost no fanfare and in the humblest of ways, Sister Kathy teaches everyone she meets that education, values and true learning go beyond the classroom.

They can be demonstrated in the flash of a smile, the whisper of an encouraging hug and in the humor of a nun who thinks she is superwoman.

And she is.

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Q&A 

Ask Shuntai Dealing with Depression

By Shuntay Beugard “Every man or [woman] has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad.” ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Dear Shuntai, I believe my sister is dealing with depression. What are some of the signs and what can I do to help her.

Dear Sister, Unfortunately, 15.2 million Americans experience a major depressive episode. Most of these episodes can be contributed to our bodies’ natural response to a significant loss such as; bereavement, financial, losses from a natural disaster, or a serious medical condition. However, other causes off depression can be attributed to genetics, alcohol, drugs and medication.

Here are some of the symptoms of depression: Depressed mood most of the day nearly every day Decreased interest or pleasure in all activities Significant weight loss or gain Sleeping a lot or not sleeping Agitation observed by others Fatigue or loss of energy Feelings of worthlessness, excessive guilt or inappropriate guilt nearly every day Decreased ability to concentrate Suicidal thoughts or plan for committing suicide Unfortunately, I am unfamiliar with your sister’s history. However, If your sister is experiencing any of these symptoms, I would urge you to help her to seek the services of a find a mental health professional right away. Another great resource is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.

I wish you and your sister much strength.

Deborah St.Hilaire deb@TheDivalution.com 989.402.5414

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I Dare You 

Create the Life You Love

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

By Beth Bryce, MS, CMCC

14

“Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” ~ Bob Marley About four years ago I sat down at a table with a poster board, stack of magazines, glue stick, and a pile of dreams of what I wished my life looked like. I carefully ripped words and pictures that reflected my future identity; Coach, Teacher, Author. Coincidently or not, those words were surrounded by pictures of the desert, mountains, and ocean. Who would have imagined two short years later I was just that - a coach, teacher, and author who has traveled to those magazine images on a poster board? “Me” I shout, wildly swinging my arm up in the air. I created this amazing life that I’m living today.

I wish I could say it was that easy and tell you there is fairy dust in the glue stick and magically your new life appears just how you envisioned it. It’s not easy. Reinventing yourself is likely one of the hardest things you’ll ever do in life; but you do have access to a secret weapon, The Law of Attraction. What is this? It’s a principle that says the more you focus on things you want, the more time you spend paying attention to your purpose, the more you draw your desired items and experiences into your life. Surrounding yourself with visual representations of what you desire helps to elevate your energy in the direction of those things.

Creating a Vision Board, a collage of inspiring images and words will help empower and manifest your goals and wishes for the future. Want to finally start living the life you imagine? Step one is to create your map, a GPS, to guide you to your future destination. This is a perfect rainy afternoon exercise, alone listening to the encouraging thunder. Or, how about a fun filled evening with your best girlfriends and a couple bottles of wine?

It’s also a great birthday party idea for your young daughter and her friends helping them shine an empowering light on their future. They, more than anyone, need to understand they already have everything stored inside of their hearts and minds to succeed in life.

Today, I have a new vision board today hanging in my walkin closet so I see it at least once every day. I can’t share with you what’s on it because I don’t want to ruin the surprise. Just know it’s a BIGGER dream because we must continue to dream bigger to be truly living. Hanging right beside this is my “old” board. I leave it there to remind me of the power I have, that we have, to create our own destiny. Quite simply, it starts with a poster board and a deep unwavering belief in your dreams.

No my dear it’s not easy, but it is so worth it.

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Simply Living 

Silence the Critic

Cultivating the spirit releases creativity

‘‘’ ‘‘ ’ Worthiness doesn’t have prerequisites.

Brené Brown

Life isn’t about worthiness; it’s about willingness.

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

Elaine Stenger

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By Eileen Button Those who know me best know me as a simple, happy person with a Tigger-like enthusiasm for life. But there’s a darker side to this Tigger that too-often shadows my joy. That’s what I’m thinking about in these early days of autumn.

Confession #1: I am my worst enemy.

Like many women, I battle that internal voice that says I’m just not good enough. It doesn’t take a sniper from the outside to take me down. I am perfectly capable of taking myself out all by myself. Too often, I hit the negative replay button on the tape recorder of my mind. At 3:00 am, I rerun an ugly scene until I’m too exhausted to sleep. It’s not my favorite personal trait in the world, but it’s an honest one nevertheless.

Confession #2: I am a people pleaser.

To keep me from being my worst enemy, I seek to please. I jump higher, work harder, help more. My efforts are authentic; after all, I really love people. But people can be unpredictable and, quite frankly, sometimes they just don’t need or appreciate my efforts. And when they don’t, I feel misunderstood and fall into confession #1, mulling over the ways I’ve failed once again.

When paired, my confessions can be deadly, squashing not only my joy but any sense of creativity, movement and risk-taking, which are all important to fully living. There are days when I just can’t seem to put my big girl panties on and just get over it, whatever ‘it’ is. Sometimes,

I become paralyzed. I disappear from both my real-life and online social networks. I hide.

In her book, The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are, Brené Brown writes, “If we can’t stand up to the never-goodenough and who do you think you are? we can’t move forward.”

I get that. And it’s time to change.

Lately, I’ve been working on creating a safe space within myself where neither self-inflicted criticism nor outside opinions penetrate. It’s a safe, light and airy space, free of negative clutter, where I can be who I truly am without shame or apology. This is where I meet God. Yes, I know … God is everywhere. But I’ve always found it difficult to hear his whisper in the loud and crowded spaces. So, I’ve been doing those things that cultivate that safer space and strengthen the spirit. I take long walks in the woods. I monitor what I listen to on the way to and from work. I lean into silence. And I spend time with trusted friends.

As I’ve done these things, my tendency to be my worst enemy has softened and my desire to please, tempered. Freed, I am once again able to create with confidence and offer help without fear of rejection.

No doubt, I’ll lose my footing at times and fall into old patterns. After all, I’ve lived with myself for a very long time. But I’m working to extend grace to myself in order to live the creative, love-filled life I’m meant to live.

When I do, life expands.

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Written by MICHAEL ROHD Directed by JANET HALEY Devised by MICHAEL ROHD & FYT

Performed onsite at the new Flint Farmers' Market

Oct 17– Nov 2 810.237.1530 FlintYouthTheatre.org

A stunningly original play celebrating the new home of our treasured Flint Farmers’ Market

Sept/Oct • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

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WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

Financial Plus kicked off its 8th annual Pink Night with a ribbon cutting ceremony held at Blackstone’s Pub & Grill 530 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, August 6 at11:00 a.m. The event brought over 50 attendees including CK 105.5, Nash FM 95.1, 92.7 WDZZ, Club 93.7, Cars 108, NBC, 25, ABC 12, Pink Night sponsors and donors, and many local community advocates to the pink carpet.

The ribbon was cut to officially kick off the Pink Night season.

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“We were so elated to host our 2nd annual ribbon cutting ceremony to kick off our 2014 Pink Night fundraising efforts. It gave the community a chance to come together and build excitement for the upcoming event,” said Olga Long, Senior Vice President of Financial Plus. “The key to Pink Night’s growth has been rallying passionate and like-minded community leaders together. Every person and business can help make a difference.” The goal for Pink Night is to celebrate the lives of those touched by breast cancer and to raise funds to support the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. In 2013, Pink Night was rated a top 20 fundraising team in the U.S. for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Financial Plus’ goal for this year is to raise over $55,000 for the foundation. Financial Plus is hosting their 8th annual Pink Night event on Thursday, October 2 from 5:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. at Blackstone’s Pub and Grill.

Autumn Bridal Expo Join Cumulus Media and save the date for the

Autumn Bridal Show and Wedding Expo At The Holiday Inn Gateway Center Sunday, October 26, Noon til 4 pm Title Sponsor:

Collect information from vendors to help you plan your big day!

Bring your appointment book and plan to start making your reservations right on the spot for things like dress fittings, hair and nail appointments, menu planning for the reception, the cake, the DJ, the photographer and of course‌the honeymoon!

Or collect brochures and business cards and put your feet up when you get home and start your planning!

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Sept/Oct • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

If you would like to promote your business and be a vendor at the Autumn Bridal Show and Wedding Expo, call 810-238-7300. www.autumnbridalexpo.com

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Dr. Partha Nandi

By Leslie Toldo

If all you did was look at Dr. Partha Nandi, you might think, “of course he has his own TV show; he is movie-star handsome.” But as I quickly learned, there is so much more to Dr. Nandi than meets the eye. There would have to be, because he has over 60-million people tuning in to three different cable networks, seven days a week, to watch his show, Ask Dr. Nandi.

Though he was courted by Hollywood, Dr. Nandi chose to stay right here in Michigan, to tape his show in a Detroit studio because, as he puts it, “movies are made here, why not tape this show in Michigan, too?”

Dr. Nandi is a graduate of Wayne State Medical School.

His wife, Kali, is from Fenton and they are raising their children here. While Partha Nandi is the star of the show, he says Kali, the show’s executive producer, is its heart and soul. “Without her partnership, this show wouldn’t happen.”

Ask Dr. Nandi has been compared to The Dr. Oz Show, something he considers an honor. “It’s an incredible tribute to be compared to that show.” But Nandi strives to take the doctor show concept to a new level. First of all, he tackles topics other shows might shy away from, like health care reform.

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

“I have a one-on-one relationship with my patients.

I want to affect their lives in a positive way.”

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Ask Dr. Nandi also presents topics differently by offering a more in-depth spin, “Other shows cover multiple, rapidfire topics. Our show focuses on one topic for the entire hour.”

Dr. Nandi has a gastroenterology practice in suburban Detroit. “I have a one-on-one relationship with my patients. I want to affect their lives in a positive way,” he says. Those patients are the inspiration behind many of his show topics. One thing he’s discovered is that patients what to know more than just traditional information about their health, they want to feel informed.

“We ask people to be their own health advocate,” which is why he says he tries to cover both Eastern and Western philosophies of medicine in his show. He uses a panel to get the most in-depth answers possible for his viewers.

His quest to inform viewers comes from a very personal place. When Nandi’s father had a stroke, he wanted to make sure his father had the best care. He may have graduated in the top 10-percent of his class and he may be a gifted doctor, but when his father’s health was in crisis, Dr. Nandi was a son with questions and who wanted the best for his father.

Dr. Nandi was not trained at a broadcast school, but you would never know that watching him. He is brilliant and genuine; he wants you to feel comfortable watching his show with your kids. He mostly wants you to walk away feeling like you learned something, “I became a physician to affect people’s lives in a positive way.”

Mission accomplished, Dr. Nandi.

To find Ask Dr. Nandi in your area, visit the website www.askdrnandi.com. He is also on Facebook and twitter.

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Healthy Eating With Susan 

Gazpacho

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

By Susan Rosenhauer Gazpacho is soup of Spanish Gazpacho is soup of Spanish origin made of raw vegetables and served cold. This recipe can be made this time of year just by making a trip out to your garden or to the farmers market. There is nothing like a meal made with farm fresh ingredients; it just screams healthy and nutritious.

Vegetables actually are one of the best sources of vitamins and minerals. The ingredients used here consist of mostly water and therefore are low in calories. The fiber found in them keeps you feeling full and helps control hunger.

I hope you venture out and make this recipe. Before you know it, winter will be upon us and we will only be able to dream about the taste of fresh Michigan vegetables.

Combine tomatoes, red pepper,

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Gazpacho 1 ½

½ 1 ¼ 2 1 3 1 1 ½ 2 2 1 3

pounds tomatoes, remove core and seeds, chopped red pepper, chopped cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped cup red onion, chopped cloves garlic, minced lime, juiced cups tomato juice teaspoon salt teaspoon freshly ground black pepper teaspoon minced jalapeno, if desired tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped tablespoons fresh basil, chopped tablespoon extra virgin olive oil tablespoons balsamic vinegar

cucumber, onion, and garlic in a blender or food processor. Pulse until the vegetables are coarsely chopped, or until you reach the consistency you desire. Be careful not to over process.

Transfer blended veggies into a large bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Adjust ingredients to taste. You may want to add more salt, vinegar, or jalapeno. Chill gazpacho overnight, as the flavor will improve greatly.

Serve the soup in individual bowls and top with a little olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, and green onion. Another variation would be to top it off with crabmeat, shrimp or lobster.

No Child Forgotten

By Linda Campbell

What a surprise it must have been for the children, ears straining and eyes peering through the ice frosted glass, to discover that Santa Claus wore a top coat and felt hat. In 1924, 210 children who would have found empty stockings on Christmas morning instead found clothing, shoes, toys, games, and candy. Since then, 787,000 needy children have found gifts under the tree thanks to the Old Newsboys of Flint.

The story of the Old Newsboys of Flint starts ten years earlier with the Old Newsboys’ Goodfellows of Detroit. In a tale straight out of celluloid melodrama, James Brady, a city tax collector, was troubled by the number of struggling families. At the suggestion of friend and Detroit News Managing Editor E.J. Pipp, Brady devised a plan to provide food, clothing and Christmas toys for those children. Brady and Pipp enlisted the help of the Detroit’s Old Newsboys Association, former street corner hawkers turned successful businessmen, professionals, and politicians. They hit their old stomping ground, raising cash by selling papers on the same frigid corners they worked as kids. Gifts were purchased and delivered to needy tykes by Boy Scouts and kindly cops just days before Christmas. Ten years after the formation of the Old Newsboys’ Goodfellows in Detroit, they were at the Buick Body Plant, pitching the program in Flint.

It didn’t take much to convince O.W. Young, factory supervisor, of the need for such a program. There were hundreds of orphaned and neglected children in Flint. All they lacked was a champion. It’s said that “Youngie” was quite a dynamo, and it was just as easy for him to recruit police officers, judges, and doctors as it was friends and coworkers. He was the catalyst for Flint’s Old Newsboys. The first paper sale raised $987 (more than

$13,000 in today’s money). Technically, less than half came from the paper sale and the remainder from community donations and the Old Newsboys themselves. That first year the Old Newsboys collected information about needy children, garnered the funding, purchased the products, packed the boxes, and delivered to all 210 children personally.

Children from low income families or who suffer from special circumstances— sudden situation changes like homelessness or parental job loss— qualify for the Christmas Program. The enrollment period runs from early November through late December. In 2013, 6,937 children received a Christmas box containing: a sweat suit, socks and underclothes, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, a new ageappropriate toy or gift.

A lesser known but equally important program is the Warm Hearts Healthy Starts coat and shoe program. A child missing school or play because they don’t have a coat or pair of shoes is both tragic and very easy to fix. The ONB issues referrals to elementary schools across Genesee County to provide coats and shoes to children in need. In the 2012/ 2013 School Year, the ONB provided 384 boys and girls with new coats and 584 with new shoes.

Working with the Red Cross or Resource Genesee, the ONB also sponsors the Emergency Box Program for families who have suffered a catastrophic loss from fire, flood, or other emergency. Depending upon what is available or can be gathered from friends of the Old Newsboys, the family receives clothing, hygiene products, and more. This is the only program in which the ONB utilizes gently used products. In 2013, 6 families received Emergency Boxes.

FINANCIAL PLANNING Teresa McClellandSargent, CFP® Financial & Tax Planning (810) 733-5140 mcte1129@yahoo.com

Question:

FINANCIAL & TAX PLANNING

I am in my 50’s and my parents are currently in an assisted living facility.

The cost of their care has used up all of their resources, should I consider long term care insurance for myself?

Answer:

Yes, it is a good idea to evaluate the benefits and cost of purchasing a Long Term Care policy.

The best time to consider long term care insurance is between the ages of 50 and 65 years old. The cost of waiting is immeasurable. The older you are at time of purchase the more expensive it will be. It is important to take care of financial matters early. 85% of all long term health decisions are made during a medical crisis. When there is a medical crisis, it could be too late. Long term care insurance could allow you to stay in your home if you choose and receive in home assistance, be in assisted living or offset a portion of nursing home costs. There are many different carriers with many optional riders available. It is important to seek the advice of your Certified Financial Planner, or someone you trust to pick the plan that is best for your needs.

Securities and advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/ SIPC. Advisory Services and insurance offered through Financial Planning Advisory Corp., a Registered Investment Advisor, which is not affiliated with Royal Alliance. Financial & Tax Planning Inc. is not affiliated with Royal Alliance or registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor.

Build a financial plan today for a confident future. Help provide a positive future for generations.

Teresa McClelland-Sargent CFP

®

810.733.5140 • G-4080 Miller Road, Flint financialtaxplan.com

Securities and advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Additional advisory services offered through Financial Planning Advisory Corp. which is not affiliated with Royal Alliance.

Sept/Oct • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

LIFE IS A JOURNEY THAT STARTS AND ENDS WITH FAMILY Call Today!

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Art @ Work 

Rosemary Gould Mixed Media Artist

By M. E. Jones

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

Gould is a Michigan native, who has returned to the Straits of Mackinac, after teaching and exhibiting art in Minnesota, Missouri, Connecticut, North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Currently an Adjunct Professor of Art at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey, she has found inspiration from Native American Traditions. Her new work results from opportunities to research and draw objects among the archaeological treasures at the Mackinac State Historic Parks, as well as personal contact with native peoples in Northern Michigan.

She currently produces jewelry and small sculptural forms in the Indian Pipe Series. These are based on carved limestone pipes found buried under layers of sand and gravel at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City, the Native American Medicine Wheel and Thirteen Moon Mackinac Turtles.

In Native American legend, Makinauk or Mackinac is a great Turtle Spirit who floats gently upon a world made of water and lends his back as a place for his friends to rest upon. In time, Turtle's shell, with its 13 large scales, came to represent the cycles of the moon, each with 28 days from one new moon to the next. Thus, Mackinac's back became a way to trace the changing seasons.

Her work is sold through the Mackinac State Historic Parks and at the Crooked Tree Art Center in Petoskey.

Gould explained, “I speak of ‘inspiration’ as a deeply felt interest in belief systems that are ancient, yet meaningful to our experiences today. Jewelry, for me, is much more than mere surface decoration for the body or part of a fashion statement. I create pieces that are more akin to personal amulets - objects that evoke the power to avert evil or to protect the wearer. Often

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these pieces are taken from forms in nature or interpretations of legends.

My hope is my designs reflect the rounded forms of our beautiful land and the textures of the rocks we collect along the beaches of the Great Lakes.”

Rosemary's newest inspiration involves the magic of Precious Metal Clay or PMC®. A pliable, putty-like compound containing pure silver powder, PMC® can be molded, textured and layered using simple modeling tools. Once the design is complete and the piece has dried, it can then be fired with a small torch or in a kiln so that the remaining water and binder are driven off. The resulting piece is identical to the object that was crafted but now of 100% pure silver.

After winning a "Teaching Excellence Grant" from North Central Michigan College in Spring 2011, Gould has become certified to teach PMC®, in specialized workshops and as a focus in jewelry courses at NCMC in Petoskey.

“All of my work is handmade in my studio overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. The PMC objects in bronze, copper and fine silver are then finished and given an antique patina.

I work in the mixed media tradition,

combining elements such as birch bark, beads, fiber, paper, photography, colored pencils, and metal in my small sculptural forms."

Mixed Media/Polaroid Transfer Weavings Homage to Chihuly I and Homage to Chihuly II are Mixed Media/Polaroid Transfer Weavings, which begin with slide photos of the various subjects. These are reproduced as Polaroid transfer prints, which are enhanced with colored pencils, cut into 1 ¼" squares and woven in a pattern of color, shape, line, and value; utilizing linen cord & glass beads.

Homage to Chihuly I

Homage to Chihuly II

Gould’s uses her own hand printed paper batik, enhanced Polaroid transfer printing, collage, fiber/metal combinations, classic and 21st century metalworking techniques to create unique papers, jewelry and books.

Visit her website at rosemarygould.com for detailed information on her art, exhibitions and classes.

Classes held by Rosemary Gould are sponsored by Mackinac Arts Council and North Central Michigan College. Details will be posted on Gould’s website once they are finalized. You can email her at: art@rosemarygould.com

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Sept/Oct • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

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Fun Themed Birthday Parties are

NOT

Just for Kids!

By Meredith Carson

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

As a mom of three girls, I have thrown my fair share of lively kid-themed parties. We’ve celebrated with everything from princesses to puppies to everyone’s favorite boy wizard. A few years ago, I wondered why I didn’t have a completely silly birthday party of my own.

Many of my British friends across the sea are big fans of over-the-top ‘fancy dress’ parties to celebrate special occasions; and I figured it was high time for me to give it a go. Why not plan a crazy, fun birthday soiree for myself? Andy and Laura Ault I invited (dressed as Agatha George and Meredith Carson a few of my Christie and Inspector Michigan friends Jack Frost) over to celebrate with an evening of fun and intrigue.

The theme: Murder Mystery. The instructions were somewhat vague, leaving tons of room for creativity: “Please come dressed as your favorite murder mystery  Jantz and Christy character.”

Black in fabulous 80s My friends did not disappoint. We had a wide variety attire of characters including: Dame Agatha Christie, Stephanie Plum, Magnum P.I., and even Scooby Doo. No one was surprised when I came to my own party dressed as my favorite geriatric murder mystery novelist, Jessica Fletcher from the 1980’s TV series Murder, She Wrote. After serving up mysterious refreshments like: Hunch Munch, Mystery Meatballs, Baskervilles Biscuits, Death by Chocolate, and Magnum’s Pina Coladas, we played a boisterous parlor game called Alibi.

I was on to something! My friends all agreed; this had been an incredibly fun and unique evening!

Since then I have played hostess to quite a few campy and fun adult birthday parties. We’ve re-lived our childhoods celebrating all things awesome and rad from the 1980’s. Member’s Only jackets, banana clips and leg warmers were donned as we honored a friend’s birthday with as much bodacious-ness as we could muster. Last summer I honored my husband’s long running obsession with bad zombie horror films when we invited friends to a zombie apocalypse-themed affair complete with ghoulish snacks, drop dead gorgeous friends and killer zombie trivia.

Why not have a little fun the next time you have an event to celebrate?

Choose a theme that is close to your heart and invite your friends over to express their creativity and escape the boredom of the everyday routine. Next up for us: an Unlikely Superheroes celebration in honor of my forever young Scott and Aimee Stachowiak (Zombie) husband’s 44th birthday. Don’t let the kids have all the fun!

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Business 

The Ultimate Guide to Turn Media into Mania (and it won’t cost a thing)

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

By Lori Nash

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Music, magazines, books and more

24/7 at thegdl.org

When you’ve got a media hit - whether it’s an article published, an appearance on TV or a mention on a blog - you want to make the most of it. But once the next issue it out, is it just “old news” or can you continue to get mileage from it?

Here are eight ways to make the most of articles, media appearances and mentions: 1. Create or add it to your “As Seen In” section on your website homepage.

Boost your credibility instantly by showing where your thoughts and expertise have been featured.

2. Add the As Seen In section to your marketing collateral: Mention it in your bio, your company overview and put those logos on the back of your business card.

3. Send out snippets of your coverage in your newsletter, with a link to the article or video.

Who knows, you might need to add a whole” In the News” section to share the good stuff happening in your world.

4. Write a blog post about it.

Share your good news and behind-the-scenes experience.

We all love a good story and your readers are curious - they want to know how you did it and what it was like.

5. Mention it in another blog post (with a link, natch) When it’s relevant to another post, you can mention your coverage with a link.

6. Put it on social media: Share snippets from the article as status updates.

Show your excitement about the media opportunity.

Send out a link to the item.

Quote yourself ! These are now super simple to do with apps like InstaQuote, QuotesCover, PicMonkey or Canva.

Post an image of the article, publication, or a screenshot if it’s video, with a link to the article.

7. Mention it on your email signature (if you have multiple articles or mentions, rotate them biweekly or monthly) 8. Email your prospects Maybe you have a short list of potential clients that you know should work with you. It could be your latest published article or appearance on local TV is just the shot of social proof they need to take action.

Your Biggest Competition

By Dawn Drozd

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Sept/Oct • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

A common question that I get asked as a business coach is, “Who do you think is my biggest competitor?”

Many owners focus on their competition. “How much are they charging?” “What are the new services or products that they’re going to roll out?” “What do they say about us?”

Frankly, searching for answers to those questions really has minimal value. The reality is that your biggest competition is not the other guy or gal, but YOU! The single largest limiting factor to your success is not outside, but inside. Instead of focusing on what others are doing, the best way to improve your business and realize success is to look in the mirror.

The reason for that principle is obvious. You can’t change the competition, but you can change yourself. If your competitors distract you from working on your business, they’ve won. Your number one job is to be the best person you can be, and to create the best business possible. If you focus on that agenda, what your competition is doing is not too important.

Here are some alternative questions you can consider: • How am I maximizing the value of my products and services, so that I attract the best customers that will pay for value not just the lowest price?

• How can I lead and train my team to consistently exceed customer expectations?

• What is it that my best customers want and need? Am I really listening to them?

• How do I express gratitude to my team, my vendors, and my customers?

• Where can I seek to build win-win relationships with strategic partners?

• What do I need to be learning and doing to be the best leader and business owner possible?

When you start to focus on changing you and your team, you won’t have to give much thought to your competition. Be the best YOU can be!

Back to School in Style with

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800-373-2333 • www.securitycu.org *APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rate subject to change without notice and may vary based on age of collateral, term of loan and loan to value. **Credit Union Auto Club Membership is a 1 year membership for 1 person and will be provided upon loan approval. Loan must be financed at Security Credit Union with a minimum loan amount of $5,000. Loan must close at a Security Credit Union office. Some restrictions may apply.

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minbcnews.com

Sept/Oct • WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN

EVERYWHERE

Flint City Cool

By FaLessa Booker Welcome to the latest edition of “Flint City Cool,” readers are introduced to women that are making a difference in cool and interesting ways in the City of Flint. Today it is my pleasure to introduce Sophia Janell Taylor, a singer, producer, playwright, actress, author, publisher, and artist!

To say that Sophia Taylor is a busy woman is an understatement. In this, her “down year,” she won a “Fli City” Award for best R&B Female artist, and will release the second installment of her “Oxymoron” Series, Honest Deception, in October. The first book in a trilogy, Faithful Liar, was released in 2012. In December, Taylor is planning a concert to further promote her Yuletide single, “La La La It’s Christmas.” She is also working on a nutrition blog, called “Health Me, Sophia” that will focus on healthy living. She has produced a home improvement reality TV show since 1999.”Rehabin’ the Hood teach homeowners how to make simple improvements that lead to a sense of community pride. Her grandmother, over 90 years young, makes cameos in the series, providing laughter and wisdom to the show. To top

it all off, Sophia is in the midst of securing a production deal that would nationally syndicate “Rehabin’ the Hood”.

After travelling the world, Sophia began using her comedic talent while acting in productions with singers such as R. Kelly, Howard Hewitt, and Jeffery Osborne and comedians Adele Givens and Joe Torry.

For more information on Sophia, contact her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sophia.j.taylor. Sophia Janell’s artist page is located at https://www. facebook.com/pages/Sophia-Janell.

Well, that’s it for this edition of Flint City Cool. Next edition, I’m looking forward to learning more about another awesome Flintstone. Until then…

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Menopause Has Put Life On Pause

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

Ask any 40+ year old woman about her health, and menopause will usually be one of the first things mentioned. Menopause symptoms drive women crazy. What woman wants to open the bedroom window in the middle of winter, sleepwalk her way through her workday, or yell and scream at her loved ones at the drop of a hat?

Women should be tired of getting prescriptions for depression just because they’re going through menopause. Menopause symptoms are horrible, and no woman should have to live with them. Well, with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), now they don’t. BHRT has been repeatedly featured

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on Oprah, and is fully endorsed by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

Unlike typical hormone replacement therapy drugs, like Premarin or Prempro, which are manufactured from horse urine and can increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, bio-identical hormones are made from natural plant-based ingredients like wild yams. Recent news stories have reported the increased risk of breast cancer from using Premarin and/or Prempro. These increased risks are not associated with natural bio-identical hormones.

BHRT is now available right here in Grand Blanc at the Natural Wellness & Pain Relief Centers of Michigan. Dr. Megan Strauchman, the center’s medical director, is expertly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of symptoms that respond well to bio-identical hormones, such as hot flashes, mood swings, chronic fatigue, migraines, loss of libido, and “brain fog.”

Dr. Strauchman is fellowship trained in anti-aging and regenerative medicine, and frequently uses BHRT to successfully Dr. Megan Strauchman - Medical Director Expertly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of symptons that respond to bio-identical hormones. treat her patients.

According to Dr. Strauchman, 8293 Office Park Drive, Grand Blanc, MI 48439 • (810) 694-3576 • www.nwprc.com

“Hormonal imbalances can be caused by a variety of outside factors and lifestyle choices. Chemicals in our makeup, toxins in our air and water, preservatives in our foods, and heavy metal exposure can all contribute to hormonal imbalances. My goal for each patient that I see is to figure out not just what is wrong, but also why it’s going wrong. That way I can correct the underlying cause of the symptom and keep it from coming back. This is the true essence of preventive medicine.”

Many physicians providing this therapy charge thousands of dollars and do not bill health insurance.

However, Dr. Strauchman is dedicated to making bioidentical hormones affordable to everyone.

“I believe that everyone should have equal access to this revolutionary therapy.

Our offices are happy to bill our patients’ health insurance plans as a courtesy to them, so patients may be at least partially reimbursed for their treatment costs.”

For more information on bio-identical hormones, or to schedule your initial one-hour consultation with Dr. Strauchman, please call (810) 694-3576.

You can also visit their website at michiganwellnessandpainrelief.com for information and blog updates.

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Leslie's Learnings 

Depressed?

Health 

By Leslie Toldo So here I sit on my balance chair. Ever heard of those? It’s a chair made from a big exercise torture ball that all of the gyms use nowadays. I got mine from the Gaiam catalog and it is supposed to help my ‘core.’ So far, I haven’t seen results. My husband says it might help if I gave up my Uncle Ray’s Ice Cream habit. That man has one smart-aleck mouth on him.

The Gaiam Company also sells all kinds of neat yoga stuff, including DVDs. I just love those DVDs because I can do them at home where no one sees me fall over or eat a donut instead of doing the routine.

The donut thing rarely happens; and unfortunately, the yoga thing rarely happens either. I don’t have time. I mean, I might have a little yoga time, but I’d have to cut into my Facebook time and miss what my friends had for dinner or breakfast. That would be awful!

Time is in short supply for me lately. I haven’t been keeping up with my running either and I have a marathon coming up in October. I just can’t seem to make myself get up a little earlier to get in my miles.

Is this column bringing you down? Well, don’t give up on me yet. Fortunately, my doctor didn’t when I shared my struggle with him. He didn’t repeat how important diet and exercise are for women of my age. Instead he asked how I’ve been sleeping.

Sleep? What is that?

He said, “Leslie, this is what happens when we are depressed.”

“Who me - goofy, silly Leslie - depressed? I am annoyed and frustrated but depressed?”

Even though I was a medical reporter for nearly two decades and had done stories about depression, I suppose I thought some voice inside my head would say, “Hey, girl, you are depressed! Let’s do something about this!”

After losing my beloved grandmother and my job in the span of a few months, I must have missed it. Depression is a sneaky thing.

It creeps in quietly and robs you of your desire for those things you love and that bring you joy and inspiration. Thankfully, I did hear a voice - it belonged to my doctor.

Hi, I’m Leslie and I’m fighting my way out of depression. If you are struggling and feel you’ve lost the ‘you’ you once knew, reach out for help and hope. Both of them are out here, closer than you know.

So I have begun lacing up my running shoes and reaching out to have lunch with trusted girlfriends. I couldn’t just snap my finger and ‘buck up’ like a good little camper; I’ve had to work at this. I shared my struggles with my girlfriends and my husband, and they are helping me through.

The first step back for me was accepting my depression.

You should be able to answer “yes” to the following checklist:

34

Do you ever experience neck or back pain when you stand up from sitting at your desk? If you are like most Americans the answer is yes. The fact is poor posture and improper computer workstation ergonomics are the key contributors.

Computer Workstation Checklist

1.

2.

3.

4.

Does your chair adjust?

Yes

No

Does your chair support your lower back?

Yes

No

Can your feet rest flat on the floor?

Yes

No

You have space between the end of your seat and the back of your knees?

Yes No

5. Are your wrists straight when typing?

(Raise/lower keyboard angle to correct)

Yes

No

6. Is a wrist support in place to promote proper position when you’re not typing?

7. Are your shoulders relaxed with elbows

directly at your sides?

Yes

No

Yes

No

8. Are your elbows bent 90-100 degrees?

Yes No 9. Is your mouse within close reach and at the same level as your keyboard?

Yes

No

10. Is the distance of your computer screen 18”-24” from your eyes?

Yes

No

11. Is your computer screen directly in front of you & eye level? (lower w/ bifocals)

Yes

No

close reach?

Yes

No

12. Are all frequently used items within

13. Are documents supported on an angle and close to the computer screen?

Yes

No

14. Do you have adequate lighting? (lower =computer work / brighter =paperwork) Yes No

15. Does the computer screen have a glare?

(Place computer horizontal to windows)

Yes

No

16. Do you maintain proper posture?

(Sit up straight, head directly over shoulders)

Yes

No

17. Is a headset used or phone held with hand?

(Avoid resting handle on shoulder)

Yes

No

18. Do you change eye focus to reduce eye strain every 2 hours?

Yes

No

19. Do you stand up to stretch several times a day?

Monitor screen Level with eyes Document Holder Wrists straight Shoulders relaxed Mouse and key Board on same level Hips / knees at 90-100 degrees Feet supported on floor

Yes

No

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Living on Both Sides of Comfort

“Snuggling together on the couch with my children soothed me as much as it did them.”

List with Lobb, Sold is my job!

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By Elaine Stenger, Ph.D. My children have lived all their lives on the opposite sides of comfort. As different as night and day, they responded to life from each end of the spectrum.

My daughter was born a citizen of the world, with a knowing that “everything gonna be okay.” She seldom wore shoes – like her grandmothers before her - or barely wore clothes. She was at ease anywhere, even in Kenya, Africa while attending Kalamazoo College. Rarely sitting still, she seemed fearless in many ways.

My son, on the other hand, was always on guard, waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop. He seemed uncomfortable in his skin, too tender to engage the world and its difficulties. Hours of back scratching seemed to offer him consolation and cozy contentment.

Uneasy even standing in the grass, he wore his gym shoes to run through the sprinkler.

Fear, worry, anxiety, and apprehension is the side of comfort my son lives on. Fear is the opposite of comfort and keeps us stuck in a perpetual state of disease and discomfort. And to move through fear, we first need to find a sense of comfort – each in our own way.

Comfort can be physical relaxation or satiation or relief from or absence of pain or anxiety.

We can receive comfort from a(n): • thing > food, old sweater, broken-in shoes or campfire • place > summer cottage, library, chapel or nature • experience > hug, walk in the woods, bike ride or electric blanket on a cold night • person > friend, family or a sales clerk who offers a hand or kind word Life throws enough difficulties at us; so finding comfort helps us walk through our fears, push the limits and live outside the lines. When we are comfortable, we are more likely to open our minds and hearts to inspiration and creativity. When we live in old-shoe comfort, feel wrapped in the worn sweater of love then we’ll know “everything gonna be okay!”

37

Don’t Tell My Wife I Wrote This 

The Second Half

By Ron Estrada

WOMEN2WOMEN MICHIGAN • www.w2wmichigan.com

This month I might sound a little more serious. Or not.

This could go either way.

As you, all six of my loyal readers know, my wife and I are in the gray region of life known as almost-empty-nesting. It’s a strange place. One filled with hope, despair, unmowed lawns, and an eye toward future possibilities.

While mowing the lawn so my son could sleep in last Saturday afternoon, I realized that there was nothing standing in my way of pursuing my dream of writing for real. Mind you, I’ve dabbled. Your average novelist has never been published but has six completed manuscripts to her credit. And possibly a divorce or two.

It’s always been difficult because my boss insists I show up to my real job every day and my family insists on eating. Throw in band concerts, curriculum nights, band concerts, basketball games, band concerts, and my thirdplace winning “Miracle of Decomposition” science project, I’ve had little time to be Stephen Carol Rowling.

But now, as I dare to peek beyond high school, I can see a faint sliver of time in which I can avoid lawn mowing and hammer out some sure-to-be best-sellers in the Amazon Sci-fi Zombie Apocalyptic Romance category. I mean, surely one can forego such luxuries as sleep and The Biggest Loser Season 26 to pursue one’s dream.

So I did it. I made up a real-writer’s schedule, bought a real-writer’s desk on our facebook buy, sell, & trade page, and found a spare monitor so I could look really professional. And watch YouTube videos on one screen while I write on the other.

38

I started writing more novels, but faster, and even a free serial novel for middle-graders (cheap plug time it’s called #AngelWarz and you can sign up on my website ronestradabooks.com).

While I distract my editor, y’all grab your kids and check that out.

I’ve been told I’m not the advice columnist at this here periodical. Nor do I offer career counseling, for which we are all grateful. We’ve got enough sailors and Marines. But I’d love it so if one of you wrote to me and said, “Rob! I did it! I’m going after the dream!”

I won’t even mind that you got may name wrong. You are in a heightened state of career-change-induced excitement, after all.

I guess I should stop referring to this awkward time in a young man’s life as “almost-empty-nesting.” Perhaps “The Second Half ” is a better description. The course of our lives do not have to be set in concrete once we hit fortysomething. Or fiftysomething. Or ninetysomething. By golly, we can be whatever we want when we grow up again.

So I hereby give you permission to let the grass grow to the windows. The fam can hunt and gather their own food at Little Caesar’s. And if somebody complains that there are paint easels all over the living room or that there’s an ordinance against a petting zoo in your backyard, just tell ‘em that greatness and insanity often share the same zip code.

And if you happen to stop by ronestradabooks.com and sign up for my FREE serial novel, I promise to autograph your Kindles when the Amazon mega-best-seller comes out.

Until next time...don’t tell my wife I wrote this.

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