CONTENTS
18 The Cover Story
7 Special Feature
Enter Andrea’s World of Baking, Motherhood “Motherhood is not a status symbol, prize, or reward. Motherhood is a responsibility.”
Power Women - More Than Just A Job The world’s most powerful women aren’t waiting for permission to take their careers to the next level, they’re doing it for them-selves.
Career Management
Fashion & Beauty
6 Importance of Selecting the Right Management Institute
12 6 Simple Steps to have Spa at Home
Special Feature
13 Home made remedies can be used for beauty
7 Power Women - More Than Just A Job
Culture & Art
Celebrity Style
8 Merit of a Maasai woman 10 The red occasion, A Chinese wedding day
14 Amazing changes of celebrities
16
Fashion Trends 16 Advantages of wearing heels Pamper your baby without going broke in the process 17 Pearl Jewelry, Keeping fashion simple and stylish
The Cover Story - INTERVIEW
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18 Andrea Thomas-Schwartz Enter Andrea’s World of Baking, Motherhood
8 Culture & Art
31 Parenting
MERIT OF A MAASAI WOMAN Before scrutinizing one, Maasai love is overwhelmingly generous by and large.
Five Ways to Secure ‘Me Time’ as a Single Mother It is vital that taking time for yourself to strengthen and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul is essential to function especially as a single mother.
Home Decoration 25 Creating teens curtains for their room
Health & Fitness 26 Myths About Food and Diet
Parenting 31 Five Ways to Secure “Me Time” as a Single Mother
Weddings 32 Snap up the big day 33 Thank you one and all
Cuisine
27 Dark Choko Cake Summer Crunch salad
Travel & Destinations 28 Most Ideal Tourist Destinations in Fall 2011
Women’s Issues 30 Domestic Violence
32 , Woman’s Essence Magazine 3
www.womans-essence.co.cc
Edito r’s note
Editor-in-chief Soraya Deborggraeve
Contributing writers Jemima Owen Ojay Milah Henry Oguttu Tiffany Jasper Carol Hymowitz Rehana Khan John Stevens David Bryan Umar Sale
Cover photo Bryan Thomas
Design Grafx Passion www.grafxpassion.weebly.com
grafxpasion@gmail.com
photography www.gettyimages.com
Find us on facebook! www.facebook.com/womans.essence
Woman’s Essence Magazine www.womans-essence.co.cc womans-essence@live.com
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This issue of Women’s Essence is very varied this month. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the world of Andrea’s World of Baking. A powerful woman who made a lifechanging decision after being diagnosed with cancer. She left a successful job to make a living with her passion: baking. Even though her most famous product might be the diaper cake (a handy gift for expecting parents), she strives for perfection for every single client, no matter what the order might be. She multitasks as a mom and business woman and does it very successfully. Very inspiring! Brides-to-be will find some very handy tips about wedding photography, sending thank you notes (which can be a very chaotic task to perform in the aftermath of a beautiful wedding!) and even a recount of a traditional Chinese wedding day.
And as usual Women’s Essence touches several subject that will keep your interest. Are you looking for tips about home made beauty products, jewelry, how to secure me time to take a minute in your home made spa or would you prefer to read more reasons to kick off your flat shoes and step into those heels you’ve been saving for a party? Are you planning on a trip, but have no idea where to go? Or are you one of those women who feels the need to go back to school and educate yourself further? Get a piece of your homebaked dark chocolate cake (yes, the recipe is in this issue. And it’s yummie!), get a coffee, turn off the telephone and get comfortable. Enjoy reading!
Soraya Deborggraeve Editor Your comments, letters and Suggestions are most welcome. Write to womans-essence@live.com
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Career Management
Importance of Selecting the Right Management Institute ith the growing demand for higher education, a large number of students migrate from their native places, specially villages and small towns, to the metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc. for pursuing their education. Studying in metropolitan cities gives them advantage of getting best in terms of both education and career opportunities.
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Catering to numerous educational institutes, Delhi is one of the most desirable education destinations in India. The presence of large number educational institutions such as top B school Delhi draws students even from other countries to pursue their education in Delhi. In the line of higher studies, MBA is one of the most sought after higher education degrees.
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Most of the students seek for admission in top B schools in Delhi having reputation for delivering high quality business degrees. However, with so many institutes offering management education, choice becomes a challenge. Especially for students coming from regions other than Delhi and NCR, it becomes difficult to select the right institute.
pending upon the institute you choose. In order to take wise decision, make sure your MBA education should not affect your budget drastically. Consider living expenses, fees and tuition should fit into the budget. In fact, one should also concern things like scholarships and finance options offered by the institute to support education.
If MBA is the focus of your career and you want to take admission in any top B school Delhi, it is essential to consider some important things in mind. Students should judge an MBA institute on the basis of some important parameters such as institute’s approval from AICTE, affiliation, ranking in various reputed surveys, infrastr ucture, faculty and placement percentage. For most of us, money matters and fee structure is also an important element while seeking for admission in any top B schools in Delhi. Fee structure of MBA courses in Delhi business schools vary between Rs. 30000 to 60000 and more, de-
Never select any MBA institute just by going through its website or information received through promotional means such as advertisements, educational fairs etc. It is advisable to visit the institute and check if the claims made by institute are valid as well as matches your expectations. An MBA degree demands great in terms of money , efforts and time, it is important to research a lot for taking admission to right institute and move your career in right direction.
Power Women
Special Feature
- More Than Just A Job by Carol Hymowitz
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he world’s most powerful women aren’t waiting for permission to take their careers to the next level, they’re doing it for themselves. And they’re seeking much more than just a job.
Elizabeth Smith
When Elizabeth Smith left her job as Kraft Foods’ group vice president in charge of the company’s U.S. beverage and grocery businesses to become brand president at Avon Products, some of her colleagues wondered if she was committing “career suicide.”
At Avon, Smith has now advanced to president of the company and is the No. 2 exe-cutive under Chief Executive Andrea Jung. She oversees all of Avon’s global product-to-market processes and systems, including marketing, sales, supply chain and information technology. And instead of focusing only on U.S. business, as she “People couldn’t understand why I’d go from running a $6 did at Kraft, she travels all over the world and has become deeply bi-llion business at Kraft to a job at Avon with a less presti- knowledgeable about the cosmetics industry. gious title,” she said at a conference earlier this year. At Avon ( AVP - news - people ) she initially was in charge of strategic management of the company’s brand and product categories, but she lacked the profit-and-loss responsibilities she’d had at Kraft ( KFT - news - people ). Welcome to the new career map of many of the world’s most powerful women. Instead of sticking with one employer and patiently Yet for Smith, now 45, the move-which would allow her to learn an waiting for promotions that advance them just one management entirely new industry and also get global experience-made perfect rung at a time, women are snagging the top jobs in business, gosense. Over the course of her career, in fact, she has often taken vernment and philanthropy by making daring and unconventional jobs she says “made no sense on paper” but which she found exci- moves. ting and believed would enable her to grow. By zigzagging across companies, industries and between the public and private sectors, they are gaining a breadth of In her 30s, for instance, after working at Kraft’s core Jell - O busi- experience and making big leaps with each change. ness, she transferred to a newly acquired unit that had just 25 employees and “no infrastructure” and was then a little-known brand. Having already demonstrated success, women like Smith often are “People thought I was crazy to work there,” said Smith. In fact, the more enticed by a job they think they’ll enjoy than by a lofty title. business - Altoids mints-saw explosive growth during her two-year If they’re putting in 12-hour workdays, their jobs had better be tenure and “it was enormous fun” building the brand, she said. engaging, enriching and, yes, fun.
Bold Movers
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Culture & Art
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efore scrutinizing one, Maasai love is overwhelmingly generous by and large. Not because it’s thought through, but because the definition of a ‘’woman’’ in Maasai Mara explains beyond reasonable doubt why loving one another is crucial. A woman by all stands is a married woman. From as memory allows she does what she does generation after another. Get married at a youthful stage, hold your breath until you’re able to conceive, and then do as taught, or at least, as you see. In a home, all allegiance is to the husband. The distinction between roles was/is very clear, and this is her legend.
MERIT OF A MAASAI WOMAN W
ith children and a husband to take care of, she wakes and sleeps like a guard. Early morning at around 5am she’s up preparing the gourds in which she’s to milk, as many cows as they are in the pen. The milk is breakfast, lunch and supper
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(if not alone, then with whatever else luck might have brought) and part of the babies diet too. She’s to organize by 7am that all animals are out of the pen for herding and be vigilant that no young ones come along or else someone might get a beating may danger occur.
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ith the usual morning chores of a mother, she sets out to collect firewood an integral part of the home. This because the fire has to be kept alight around the clock so that it needn’t be asked from the neighbours, therefore for whatsoever the distance is, weights of over 40kgs are carried, but with slow burning wood like African olives not next door, the fetch may last only two days. Exhausted on returning, a milk refreshment, a short tendering of the children and off the well she slides. Keeping in mind how long it has to take her to prepare lunch and hopefully praying for no visitors. The meals are to the children first, the husband and her last in case anything is not enough. She has got to monitor any sick animals and update the husband if necessary. Be at the pen to receive the herd back ready to milk supper.
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ow with only a trickle or her purpose and life spilled let alone building houses, collecting herbs and farming, nurturing etc., it’s logical to concur that polygamy is for the best. Maasai women love each other and work together for their husband be it two or four of them. They all love their husband and are happy regardless of the fact that they never own anything and yes, they own nothing at all. But have to work the hell together to manage.
by Henry Oguttu , Woman’s Essence Magazine 9
Culture & Art
The red occasion, A Chinese wedding day
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raditionally before the wedding day, the bride-to-be and her closest friends go solitude in a time where they adhere and mourn their coming losses from each other. In the Chinese society, girls often have themselves and their families up until marriage. Somewhere still in the count down, her groom-to-be fleets gifts in red wrappings, boxes or baskets to her home. And in the same meanwhile, her belongs are secured at his house in that by the time the wedding is done, she’s got no reason to ask out. The gifts received are sorted by the bride and a partial of them might feature in the mutual act-women from the bride’s side too appear bearing gifts at the grooms home, three days to the wedding. Clinical and well observed through astrology and age old norms, the marriage is orchestrated to occur at the half-hour rather than the hour mark. For in such away the marriage kickoff is at an upturn symbolising good instead of a downturn if the minute hand was at twelve, which sign is bad. And by this time all tables will have been turned red. From their homes, the invitation cards, some of the gifts, cash envelops, the decorations to the beautiful gown she will have dressed. Her boy will pick her up from her parents’ home the wedding mourning dishing out some red envelops to her friends as a symbol of ‘’thank you for letting her come.’’ She who knows her traditions, in between the chapel and the reception, will serve teas to her in-laws in a formal ceremony. After which the couple can opt for a photo session then the reception. At the reception
View more photos on: www.womans-essence.co.cc
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the main event will be the cake, but before, an occasional speech is made. The cake is multi-layered to symbolize the steps to be taken by the couple to success. They both cut and while entwining feed each other and serve the room after. Entertainment also varies but as observers will tell you; her perfect day honoured its name. And at the end of the day, in a red sedan, the couple will be marched to the groom’s home where she will vice. Red is the principle color of the wedding day. As much red as can be made will be turned and that there will be love, joy and prosperity in Chinese tradition. by Henry Oguttu
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Fashion & Beauty
Do-It-Yourself Spa at Home
3rd step:
To copy the spa sensation, do not forget your comfortable slippers and If you are thinking to go to the spa so the next things you think about dressing gown. are time and money. You need to have at least 2 hours to take your time in 4th step: the spa. Sometimes, the spa fee is too costly. Now you are lucky because Arrange nice music such as easy listening song. And prewe will let you know that the spa is as close as your hand. pare aroma therapy candles such as lavender aromatic to your You could have a change to relax yourself at home and you won’t feeling. need to spend money for getting to the spa. Tonight you can simply make 5th step: your aroma-therapy spa in your home. To make your dead skin peel off, prepare pumice, aroma We shall begin to the steps to relax: In order to make a spa at home, you need to do the simply steps be- therapy lotion, Epsom salt, and aroma therapy body oil. low. You need to finish the following six steps so you will take a rest in your 6th step: own spa at home. Be sure that you have around twenty minutes for the spa time. Place Ep som salts a couple of spoon and a few aroma therapy lotions to the bath 1st step: tub. Switch on your hot water by using both your faucet and shower to get Clear everything away from your bathtub to make it ready. a lot o steam, then fill up the bathtub. Light up your aroma therapy candles. 2nd step: Open your arranged easy listening music to relax. Take off your cloth and Prepare the comfortable towel near the bath for later using. get into the bathtub. Grab pumice and scrub your skin. Relax by your song and aroma therapy candles. Gentle massage your body by aroma therapy lotion. Then apply moisturizer over your body. And clean out by water. When you feel you are relax and ready to climb up from the bathtub then slide into your comfortable slippers and dressing gown. Lastly, give yourself bonus by your favorite herbal tea or peppermint. So now you have already known that you can make your own spa at home and it is not costly. It is also easy to create. Enjoy yourself!
6
Simple Steps to have Spa at Home
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Home made remedies
Can be used for beauty by Rehana Khan
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kin care is main concern for every woman in her life. Every woman wants to look elegant, gorgeous and unique beautiful lady among the people. They wish that every person admire her beauty and praise her beauty in words. And for this appreciation she can do any thing. She works hard to get the fresh youthful look. She tries every method of skin beauty as she know about it, and she can waste a lot of money and time too for her passion.
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e know very well that the prices of high-quality beauty products are very high and every one can’t buy it easily. Only the prosperous ladies can afford these all, but this is fact that every woman desire to be good looking lady. The working ladies and the middle class or lower class ladies, who can’t afford the skin products of high quality then what can do they for their skin beauty and for care?
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he house wives , the middle & lower class ladies don’t need to worry for their skin care and beauty because they can made low price and easy remedies for their skin attractiveness and care. For the skin freshness and unmarked beauty the ladies can use the honey mask, the ladies who have pimple or acne problem can use the egg mask. For oily skin we only use the eggs white part and for dry skin we can use the yellow part of eggs, if we put a little quantity of rose water in it then it can becomes marvelous.
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he home remedies are not only the cheap one but it can make without any problem in home in a seconds. Home made beauty skin care products have really amazing effects and these can work as other superior cosmetics.The women’s can make facial masks and lotions and creams too in their houses. Fresh fruits masks can use for face and also for hands and feet. These mixtures remain amazing results on skin and hairs and the ladies can get that luxurious look which they think that only the costly products can. Now this has proved that the home made tonics and therapies are 100% successful, cheap and very easy to make.
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Celebrity Style
Amazing changes of celebrities by John Stevens
Have you ever wondered how celebrities looked in the past and whether they look as perfect as present? In fact, as Hollywood stars that are world-famous and the center of attention worldwide, they always change their look as well as their appearance that makes fans around the world a little shocked such as Evan Rachel Wood from a wild and simple girl to a stylish female star. Let’s have a look at amazing changes of celebrities in the following article:
Nicole Kidman looks m
The 19-year-old Disney Channel ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ actress Selena Gomez, one of the most beloved and successful teen diva, inspires millions of fans to experiment with various haircuts as well as style ideas. In June 2011, Evan Rachel Wood appeared at the premiere of True Blood Season 4 with a completely new hairdo: a blonde short hair. When asked about her new amazingly striking look, she announced that “It just felt right.” In fact, Evan Rachel Wood changed her strawberry blonde long hair to a short blonde crop. “I had my hair super long and I was just ready for a change.” she added and continued saying that it was something she wanted to try at least once: “I’ve always wanted to do it and never really had the guts and I just thought. I wanna do it at least once, just chop it off.”
Emma Stone
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Carr
Rose Byrne
more and more youthful and graceful
rie Underwood
Evan Rachel Wood changes her style dramatically with her new short hairstyle
Jenifer Lopez
Selena Gomez
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Fashion Trends
Advantages of wearing heels
by Alisonjza
Woman have loved high shoes as far back as I can remember, I wonder if they know the true advantages and disadvantages of wearing them?
Advantages Appearing to be taller: Wearing high heels help to increase the appearance of height. Most women feel more attractive by appearing taller. Style: High heels contribute to the stylish look and overall physical appearance of women. Nothing can make a woman’s legs look sexier than a pair of high heels or in some cases ladies boots. There are some that would advocate that the wearing of high heels assists body posture, this is however highly contested.
Disadvantages Most regular high heel wearers often suffer from foot pains as well as back pain. The foot pain occurs if the heel is too high and the wearer has been on their feet for periods longer than 2 - 3 hours then the weight that was concentrated onto the ball of the foot would contribute to this effect. The back pain can be contributed to similar reasons. Don’t forget to accessories, be it with ladies handbags, jewelry or scarves.
Pamper your baby without going broke in the process Thankfully, the proliferation of top-quality yet affordable high street baby fashion lines have made it possible for new moms to dress their little darlings in the latest styles without having to empty their bank accounts. What’s more, the growing popularity of internet shopping portals has also spread to the baby clothing industry. There are a number of online baby clothes and fashion accessories shops where you can get the latest designs at highly cost-effective rates. These online shopping destinations have also added tremendously to the range of choices available to little would-be fashionistas and their doting moms. Parents can choose from a range of designs and style aesthetics from preppy to hippy and from Goth to vintage. Finally, baby fashion enthusiasts will find plenty of fellow baby clothing buffs online. There are several blogs and websites devoted to baby clothing in general and celebrity baby clothes, in particular. A little bit of research will soon help you find one that can help you in your quest to remain on top of the latest baby styling trends. , 16 Woman’s Essence Magazine
Fashion Trends
Pearl Jewelry Keeping fashion simple and stylish
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he very purpose of jewelry is to enhance a woman’s beauty. The use of gems and precious stones can create splendid designs in jewelry. However simplicity is the ultimate sophistication and jewelry with simple designs can complement the graceful and demure aspects of a woman’s beauty in most splendid way. Simple pearl rings can look far more elegant and beauti- Pearls are also the zodiac stones for many people and men can ful on the fingers of a woman than flashy diamond rings. Pearl set their own style statement with fashion accessories such as necklaces, earrings and bracelets can be used on any occasion pearl cuff links and dress studs. for that simple yet classy look and can be the suitable jewelry by with any dress or outfit. David Bryan A pearl is called ‘the queen of gems and the gem of queens’. This in itself speaks volumes about the qualities of pearls. They are the very signs of purity, beauty, grace and refinement. Natural pearls have always been appreciated for their quality and elegant look. Pearls can come in various shapes. The spherical ones with a perfectly round shape are most desirable though some pearls may be pear shaped. Pearls may be formed in freshwater of rivers or saltwater of seas. Despite their formation through a natural process, pearls have the most opulent finish and refined look. This makes them ideal for all kinds of jewelry. Pearl jewelry is also crafted using natural colors such as black, grey, green, aubergine and bronze pearls, better known as Tahitian Pearls. Pearl necklaces with gold or silver clasps can be the perfect gift for a woman. These simple ropes of are really admired for their exquisite and dainty looks. Pearl earrings can also be found in a variety of styles and designs - from simple pearl studs for a formal look to elegant droppers for party and festive occasions. Pearl rings and bracelets are among women’s favorite options for light and stylish jewelry.
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Interview
I once read a great quote, “Motherhood is not a status symbol, prize, or reward. Motherhood is a responsibility.” As much as I have tried to teach my children about the world and life, they have taught me much more.
Andrea
Thomas-Schwartz Enter Andrea’s World of Baking, Motherhood by Ojay Milah , 18 Woman’s Essence Magazine
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other of two teenagers that mean the world to her, Andrea Thomas-Schwartz used to work at a Bank, until she was diagnosed of cancer thrice. After calling it quits with the finance industry, she went into her longtime passion, baking. Running her own company, Padding For The Pea in Stafford Virginia USA, she talks to OJAY MILAH for Woman’s Essence Magazine about how she manages to handle both motherhood and her personal business effectively, and how her experience with cancer has come to shape her world view.
Q
The way your cakes look, suggest to me that your children, and children in general are a big inspiration to you, am I right and why is that so?
My children are my biggest inspiration. I strive everyday to make them proud of what I do and of me. In some ways I am reliving their childhood. The magic and creativity that they brought me in what they did in their daily life has inspired me greatly to show off their brilliance.
Q
Cake making to you, is it a business or a burning talent you’ve always had for some time now? It is a little of both. I love to do crafty things and always have for as far back as I can remember. What started as a gift that I gave a good friend of mine has turned into a big hit. With a little push and perseverance, I decided to leave the banking industry and make the dream of owning my own business into reality.
Q
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How do you manage to combine parenting two teenagers and running your own business? As both require a great attention to detail, I haven’t yet decided which one is harder. Even though my business is an online business, I limit my work hours to those that an outside job would require. When my kids are home they have my full attention if they need me. My family has always come first and I will continue to run my business with that in mind.
Q
You are definitely a strong woman having been diagnosed of cancer three times. How has this affected your outlook on life, and the way you relate with your family? I have always tried to have a very positive outlook on life but at times it did get hard. My family has been my lifeline. I can honestly say if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have been able to remain as strong as I did through it. I hate to give up and this was the one thing that I refused to allow control me and take over my life. I think it has made me a better person. I think the biggest change has been to my priorities in life; the things that I stressed over are no longer big things to me. Everyone is afraid of the “cancer” word and when you go through it, it turns your life upside down but I’ve come out of it a more positive person than I was before, a different person but more positive at the same time.
Q
As a matter of clarification for those who do not know, what is the concept behind the Diaper Cake? A diaper cake is a baby shower gift that is made of diapers, ribbon, toys, and other baby items. A diaper cake is nothing but multiple diapers, rolled up and wrapped around each other in a circular pattern, built on multiple tiers. Not only does this offer a chance to get the expectant mom some nice gifts, the gift-wrap is also very practical. New parents will always need diapers and this gives them dozens right from the start, presented in a very unique way. The diaper cakes are not something you eat. They are made of baby diapers and given to a new mom as a gift either before or after the baby is born.
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Q
Any regrets quitting your bank job? Absolutely not! I have learned to live without regrets. I left the bank due to going through treatment for breast cancer and as much as I loved my job, I realized it was time to take care of me and realize my dreams and my full potential. I am grateful for Do you have a business philosophy? my job there because it taught me a lot about how to My general philosophy is to provide a total run the monetary side of my business. positive experience for my customers. Whether it is adding certain personal touches to personal commuHow long have you been in this business nication, my customers always come first. Without of making cakes? creating perfection for them, I would just be another I officially started my company in the August of 2009 business. I want to be known for so much more than but I had been making diaper cakes for friends since my diaper cakes. 2008.
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Q
Q
As a mother and wife, what is your typical day like? I can’t say my day starts out any different than anyone else’s. With my kids being pretty much self-sufficient it makes it a lot easier on me to jump right into my emails and go through any sales I may have made the night before. I try to get less than a 24 hour turnaround on my cakes, so I spend most my days getting the cakes made and shipped out.
Q
How did you feel at the birth of your first child? Eternal joy, utter adoration, complete awe, indescribable love and a little scared thinking of the future and everything he was going to need from me. Your whole world changes when you hold your baby for the first time. Everything seems so perfect for those first moments and then reality sets in and you get scared to death about everything in this big world that could harm him. , 22 Woman’s Essence Magazine
Q
What’s your future plan for the business? This is a hard question for me to answer. I have so many ideas swirling in my head on where I want to take my business. I just recently added tutu’s to my business and that is doing really well. I would love to one day offer a variety of products for babies but I’m still not sure which direction to go in.
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As a woman in business, do you think the business world provides a level playing ground to both women and men? In my opinion yes! I believe over the years a lot of doors have opened up for women who want to start their own business, or have joined the work force after being a stay at home mom. If you’ve got the confidence and the ability, I think you can do anything you want to do. With more women staying home with their children they are becoming more resourceful with helping support their families. I have been very privileged to meet some extraordinary women who have started some really great companies and utilize their talents while they’re still able to stay home and raise their children.
Like she’s taught her pretty teenagers that “the sky is not the limit to their potential; to reach further and go for whatever they want”, Andrea has great plans for her business. “I have so many ideas swirling in my head on where I want to take my business.” Apparently we will be seeing more of this great achiever and mother in the coming years. Hopefully by then you would be among those to have had a taste of her cake. Till then, we could only wish her the best as she seeks to conquer the heavens.
Q
What lessons have you learned running your own business? The main lesson that I have learned is not to give up on your business. No company ever started with making their first million the first month they were up and running. It takes a lot of work and drive to get a business up and running and if you don’t feel like doing it for a day or a week then it suffers. I take great joy in the fact that everyday I learn something new about my business or running my business.
Q
What’s been your experience in motherhood? Well to start, I have not lost my mind from it! I once read a great quote, “Motherhood is not a status symbol, prize, or reward. Motherhood is a responsibility.” As much as I have tried to teach my children about the world and life, they have taught me much more. My experience with motherhood has been the greatest gift I could have ever received. I look at them now and I sit in amazement at how fast they have grown and what great young adults they have turned in to. I hope that I have taught them that the sky is not the limit to their potential, to reach further and go for whatever they want. , Woman’s Essence Magazine 23
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Home Decoration curtain. There is a certain length of space located on each metal circle, making each loop exactly the same when it is attached in the curtain rod. • Pencil pleats. It is a very simple look, which only involves tiny pleats at the top part of the curtain. The equal size of pleats make it very uniform and neat looking. It is called pencil pleats because the pleats size is the same as the regular pencil. It is suitable for any window because it’s classically elegant. This will be very a very nice curtain to a teen girl specially if the fabric is printed with floral details. • Box pleats. Unlike the pencil pleats, the box pleats have large pleating. They make the room appear larger and formal. The materials used in box pleats are usually silk and heavy textured. This is great curtain for teenage boys room specially if the colors will be blue.
Creating teens
Curtains
for their room
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A curtain is a piece of cloth commonly use in the windows to block the light coming from outside. The curtains can be found in every household. It is the most used window treatment all over the world. It brings beauty and elegance in a room. It is made of different fabric materials and can be sewed in hundred ways. The more creative you can be, the more beautiful it is. Creating curtains for teens is not a very easy job. It is important to know the personality of the person, the style and color preference, the fabric that will perfectly match the bedroom and the style that you will create. There are many curtain styles in the market today, here are some: • Pole pocket curtain. It is a curtain with metal circle that is attached to the top part of the
• Case curtain. It has a very delicate appearance and made for lightweight material only. A small channel is sewn for a small rod to fit. The ruffles will be very appealing. This curtain is fitted to a teen room with windows that doesn’t need to be opened. • Goblet. A curtain designs that sewn at the top to pleat a glass or goblet shape. The pleats should be stuffed with cotton to make the shape visible. It is a nice curtain to teenage girls especially if the fabric is colored pink or red, will fit as a princess curtain. • Tab top. It is very popular and very casual as well. It’s very easy to hand sewn and any fabric will look good on this type. This teens curtain type will look good on both teen girl and boy because it’s not traditional. by Rainie
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Health & Fitness
Myths About Food and Diet
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habits.
n modern society, people often rush to fastfood restaurants and then cope with overweight, heart disease and health-related problems. Here are top ten myths about food, health and diet which can dominate people’s eating
Wine lowers blood pressure
Organic is better than conventional
Most people are doubtful about the fact that wine would lower blood pressure; however, it is an undeniable fact. Red wine contains of resveratrol which is proved to prevent blood clots and reduce bad cholesterol in our bodies. However, a study of the Australian Heart Foundation says that red wine is not a very good source of resveratrol antioxidants for preventing heart disease. Hence, red wine must be drunk in moderation and it is not a health supplement.
Organic food, which is grew up without pesticides, contains more nutritional than conventionally raised foods
All fats are bad
Avoid nuts as they are fattening
Low-fat products are better for you The “low fat” or “‘fat free” food does not always mean calorie free but is often made with sugar, carbs or salt to ensure the flavor. When shopping, it is advisable to pay attention to the nutrition labels and compare the calories-per-serving size
It is a long – perceived that all fats are bad to your health. How- Nuts and seeds are rich ever, there are some good fats can promote good health which can in proteins, minerals, be found in peanut oil, canola oil, avocado and olive oil vitamins and other plant chemicals that can keep Brown sugar is better than white sugar your stomach at bay The brown sugar is white sugar added more molasses; hence, it contains amounts of minerals Grapefruit and
Eating after 8pm causes weight gain
celery fat
can
burn
Most people believe that eating after 8 pm can store more fat. There is no food can burn However, the most important thing does not lie in when you eat fat but grapefruit and but what you eat celery have lowkilojoule status Eggs raise your cholesterol when eating with Eggs are good source of protein and peanut butter. most concentrated amount of cholesterol. People with heart disease must eat eggs with allowance from doctor but other people can eat in moderation.
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Summer
Cuisine
Crunch salad
The crunchiness of green beans works particularly well in this salad Ingredients
Dark
Choko Cake
Fudgy dark chocolate sponge, the perfect party cake, afternoon-tea cake or any-excuse cake Ingredients
FOR THE CAKE * 200g caster sugar * 200g softened butter * 4 eggs , beaten * 200g self-raising flour - swap 2 tbsp of the flour for 2 tbsp sifted cocoa powder (we used Green & Black’s) * 1 tsp baking powder * 2 tbsp milk FOR THE FUDGE FROSTING * 200ml double cream * 50g butter * 3 tbsp clear honey * 200g dark chocolate (use 70% cocoa solids if you can), broken into pieces * top with shaved or grated chocolate
200g pack small button mushrooms, finely sliced juice 1 lemon 200g green beans , trimmed handful soft green herbs , such as basil, chervil, parsley and tarragon 100g cherry tomatoes , quartered 3 tbsp olive oil 75g Parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), shaved into large curls.
Method In a bowl, toss mushrooms with half the lemon juice
and set aside - the lemon juice will soften the mushrooms. Blanch the beans in boiling salted water for 5-6 mins until they still have a crunch, but they are not squeaky, then drain and cool in iced water. Toss the beans and mushroom together in a bowl with the herbs and season with salt and pepper. Toss through the tomatoes, remaining lemon juice and the olive oil and scatter with Parmesan just before serving.
TRY
Or why not try... Tossing hot green beans with a finely chopped shallot and a good glug of walnut oil.
Healthy benefits Green beans are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. They also contain heart-friendly nutrients, including potassium and magnesium, which help to maintain a healthy blood pressure. Nutrition per serving 178 kcalories, protein 9g, carbohydrate 3g, fat 15 g, saturated fat 5g, fibre 2g, sugar 2g, salt 0.38 g
Method 1. Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Butter two 20cm sandwich tins and line with non-stick baking paper. In a large bowl, beat all the cake ingredients together until you have a smooth, soft batter. 2. Divide the mixture between the tins, smooth the surface with a spatula or the back of a spoon, then bake for about 20 mins until golden and the cake springs back when pressed. Turn onto a cooling rack and leave to cool completely. 3. For the fudge frosting, heat the cream until it just begins to boil. Take off the heat and add butter, honey and chocolate (broken into pieces). 4. Leave to melt for 5 mins, then stir briefly to combine - don’t over-mix or it will lose its shine. Sandwich the cakes with a third of the just-warm frosting and spread the rest over the top and sides. Top with shaved or grated chocolate, if you like. Nutrition per serving 548 kcalories, protein 6g, carbohydrate 44g, fat 40g, saturated fat 23g, fibre 2g, sugar 27g, salt 0.8 g
Recipe from ,Good Food magazine Woman’s Essence Magazine 27
Travel & Destinations
T
he beautiful summer is about to go by with the most meaningful moments you have with your lover and your family. It is time for all of us to look for most ideal tourist destinations for a fantastic fall of 2011. Let’s see the full list we compiled.
Most Ideal Tourist Destinations in Fall 2011 Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes in Croatia are also worldwide known for their extraordinary colors, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue which change constantly based on the quantity of minerals or organisms
Palawan, Philippines The limestone cliffs, coral atolls, mangroves, white sandy beaches, and coral reefs bring Palawan one of the Philippines’ most biodiverse terrestrial and marine environments
Uruguay A friendly trip with dimensions of only 68,036 square miles/176,215 square kilometers and lively and fantastic beach scene force Uruguay to become a favorite getaway for the South American jet set. , 28 Woman’s Essence Magazine
Founded in 1949, this is named the oldest national park in Southeast Europe and the largest national park in Croatia. One fantastic reason why Plitvice Lakes is voted for best fall trips 2011 is its important north-south road connection, which passes through the national park area, connects the Croatian inland with the Mediterranean coastal region. One more interesting reason is that this national park is worldwide famous for its lakes arranged in cascade and houses abundant wildlife including 261 species of birds.
Travel & Destinations Sardinia, Italy The second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is home to over 7,000 stone nuraghi towers, Bronze Age castles built between 1600 and 1100 B.C.
Fjord Norway This gorgeous scene is home to the world’s largest concentration of the saltwater-filled and glaciated valleys
Dominica Located between Guadeloupe and Martinique in Caribbean Sea, Dominica is a special place with a lack of white sandy beaches and an overabundance of rainfall
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Women’s Issues
Domestic Violence by Umar Saleh
T
n under developed countries domestic violence rate is much high, yet it is normally conducted behind the doors so it’s always hard to find the right figures. Women are mainly victim of this act and they try to hide the truth at large. Sometimes women over through this abusive situation and disclose the inner story to surrounding people and strive to protest against this violence. This act brings a lot of difficulties for a woman living in a male dominant society. The domestic violence can be anywhere; it cannot be possible in a specific circle, such as it can happen in wealthy and educated families also. We have traces of this violence in poor localities at large. Simply in United States, in every eight to twelve seconds a woman is beaten by a man and four to five women daily are beaten to death and a large percentage of women are likely to be brutalized by husbands or inmate
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partners. Statistics shows that domestic violence is not restricted to educational, racial or religious boundaries and it has nothing to do with socioeconomic conditions. Domestic violence occurs mainly due to relationships showing violence in the form of father or step father, step mothers and elder brother’s attitudes thus producing abusive members who have witnessed them all the way. The other domestic violence
elements are jealousy and emotional immaturity. The stuff available in magazines and videos provides a disrespectful picture of women just needed for sex. The recent development of internet sites showing women to work as sex slaves has brought a violent attitude while this element has also brought a shameless behavior in practice. This is also called a social problem occurring in almost every part of world.
Parenting
Five Ways to Secure
“Me Time” as a Single Mother by Tiffany Jasper
It is vital that taking time for yourself to strengthen and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul is essential to function especially as a single mother. To remain on track mentally, emotionally and physically, time has to be used wisely; specifically in these cases. There are ways that “down time” can be secured even when we are raising our children alone. Here are 5 ideas: 1) “Rise and shine 1-1/2 hours before the kids.” Try setting your alarm (clock, phone or computer) 1-1/2 hours before your kids usually wake up. This may require some extra effort, but believe me, it will be worth it. During this time you can sit in your ‘comfortable place’, read a book, have a cup of coffee, or even journal about future plans. Try to avoid the television, for it can sometimes be a stimulant. Remember calm is key! 2) Create a “Girlfriend Sitter Circle.” Involve your close girlfriends by arranging a day or an overnight for your child(ren). Each of you schedule a day or two each month where your kids can spend the night with your girlfriend and you can have your “Me Time”. Don’t forget to reciprocate the favor! After having all the kids, she will need some down time soon too! 3) “Have your older child keep the younger one company.” If you are like me, having two or more children and one child is much older than the other, my older child helps by keeping my youngest busy. Try having them involved in activities together such as puzzle play, reading books, drawing (with washable crayons) or even watching a movie together. My 11-year-old reads to my 15-month old while he is in his swing or watches a cartoon with him while telling him the plot. It has worked well so far. This enables me to wind down
after getting home even if it is for 30 minutes or so; just to be alone. Yet another chance for “Me Time”! 4) “Secure visitation arrangements with the ‘father’ if possible.” If you can, discuss and agree on set days, overnights or weekends that the children spend time with their father and/or his family. If this is an option, it is a positive, two-fold; the children are allowed time to spend with their family members and you have been given another chance to enjoy your own time. Just a reminder that single parenting occurs on different levels. One level is that you are the custodial parent and have them majority of the time but if he is able and willing to spend time with his children, allow him. Use that time to “Do” you! 5) “You made it to the end of the night!” Single mothers, you have made it to the end of your night, all the kids have been tucked in and are asleep and you are past exhausted! Begin to prepare to spend some time quietly reflecting on your day. Let those thoughts not be what you have to accomplish tomorrow but let them be about how your day went and how you can make it better next time. Let those thoughts begin to help mold you so that you can be at peace to do it all over again tomorrow.
Lastly, to my fellow Single Mothers, know that you are and deserve the best. Let your mind and body be free of agitation from the daily grind and concentrate on the positives you and your children encompass. When tomorrow comes, we will approach it even better realizing that we are Queens. , Woman’s Essence Magazine 31
Weddings
Snap up the big day
by Jemima Owen
P
hotographs capture life’s special moments; as the years go by, we look back and remember the memories that have almost faded from our brain, but have stayed in our albums. We open our albums and see a picture of ourselves when we were caught red handed with chocolate smothered around our mouths and think ‘that wasn’t me was it? Oh dear, yes it was’. Pictures bring people together, and that is why it is especially important to find the best photographer for your wedding. Your wedding day is the single most important day of your life and this is the one time it should be captured just perfectly. The church bells have played, your ball gown has been worn, the I Do’s have been chimed, the dancing has been done and the honeymoon has been enjoyed...now what? The one day that you had always dreamed of has gone up in a puff of smoke without you even realising it; the day was a blur, the honeymoon soared past with fireworks and you’re now left staring at these dayperfect photographs with a big smile on your face. Scenes with all the right people in them, with the classic poses a wedding should consist of and the funny ones of Uncle Arthur once again caught eyeing up Aunt Gertraud. The photos are what you’re left with after everything seems to have flown past your eyes. So
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there is no question when it comes to sparing any cost on a good photographer. Just like florists and DJ’s, there is an ocean of photographers waiting for weddings to be snapped up, so to filter out the choice, research the photographers with the impeccable reputation; note advice from previous brides, attend wedding fayre’s to hear from the horse himself, and look for awards that they have won. Once you have compiled a list of potential photographers, make sure you book an appointment with them to look at their gallery of previous wedding photos and be honest with what style you are looking for. Some won’t match the style you’re looking for, and some will provide you with plenty of choices for what you want. If they ask you what you want and they say they would like to get to know you, this is a sure way to know they will do a good job. This is your big day, and the one chance for someone to encapsulate your memory in time forever. Choose the best.
Thank you one and all
Weddings
by Jemima Owen
You’re surrounded by boxes and boxes of neatly wrapped gifts all itching to be open, you’re waiting for your husband to get back from work so that you can spend hours tearing open all these gifts even though you know all you’ll be getting are pots and pans and cutlery, but they’re presents! Of course they’re exciting. The only problem is, no, not a lack of self control, the thank you cards. You’re surrounded by boxes and boxes of neatly wrapped gifts all itching to be open, you’re waiting for your husband to get back from work so that you can spend hours tearing open all these gifts even though you know all you’ll be getting are pots and pans and cutlery, but they’re presents! Of course they’re exciting. The only problem is, no, not a lack of self control, the thank you cards.
Once the presents are torn to shreds; the toaster has been used, the champagne gifts have been drunk, and the fireplace has been decorated with the photo frames, you soon sense the dreaded feeling when you come to writing the thank you cards – who sent me the toaster? When you come to the part where you’re surrounded by the presents, get it together in your head and rein in the excitement first of all. Possibly wait for your husband to arrive too. Get a notebook and a pen and every time you open a present, make a note of who bought it for you so that when you come to thank them, you won’t feel awkward when writing ‘thank you so much for your gift, it’s really useful’ when it could potentially be a candle. This will make the process of writing the cards more enjoyable as well; if you know what the person has bought you, you can spice the card up by making some personal joke. As the making of thank you cards go, the more personal the better, but even if you decide to buy a pack from a shop you can make it personal by the words you right, that’s if you remember the name of your guest and present. To make them yourself, try ideas out like you would do for the wedding invitations; use a wedding photo of the two of you, if you used a particular emblem on your other stationary perhaps use that to intertwine it all together. It doesn’t take as long as you’d think and it can be a fun thing to do together when all the busyness has died down. Thank your guests in style; they’ll be impressed if you remember what they bought for you.
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