WE Magazine | July 2013 Issue by Women's Elevation Magazine

www.womenelevationmagazine.com

Tosh Patterson

Michelle Hill-Smith

Be, Eat, and Live Well Coach

Graphic Designer, Branding Specialist & Business Launch and Virtual Productivity Coach

www.ToshPatterson.com

www.OnTaskAssistants.com

Sandra Salathe WE Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fashion Contributor

Tanya Angelique Owner of RelationScripts www.tanyaangelique.com

Chiezda Washington Life Coach & Author http://www.chiezda.my90forlife.com

Kara Frison WE Magazine Contributing Writer

Shannon Henderson WE Magazine Contributing Writer

ShaChena Gibbs Owner of Real Sisters Rising www.realsistersrising.com

www.MichelleHillSmith.com

message from the founder down to business my health is my wealth the startup checkup transform me a male’s perspective on health event recap: “beyond elegant” basic tips for SH-E-Os savory recipes for the soul author spotlight entrepreneur spotlight fake it til’ you make it cover feature: tosh patterson

spiritual corner

This issue is all about incorporating healthy aspects in order to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

By choosing to eat healthier, exercise more, and keeping your spirit free of negativity help to make a better you.

We hope that you enjoy this issue and learn a lot of about health and wellness.

With that being said flip the page you won’t be disappointed! As always…

Happy Reading!

July 2013 Issue

Women’s Elevation Magazine

DOWN TO BUSINESS with Michelle Hill-Smith

Inside of your virtual gut lies an enormous amount of courage. You naturally possess enough courage to become a force to be reckon with. However, the problem with us as human beings is that we don’t exercise the outer forces that were put on earth in order to allow ourselves to be our best selves. Taking on your health can and will guarantee an immense amount of will, strength, drive and desire to push forward to achieve your goals. You’ll naturally activate not only your physical ability but also your spiritual and emotional ability as well. Getting strong on the inside consist of healthy eating, eliminating junky foods and poisonous habits. It consists of dedicating at least 2 hours of your day to physical wellness with exercise and strength building. I can almost guarantee that you will begin restoring your body’s fighting mechanisms that will in turn flush the toxins from your system. With a cleaner inside, your outside will function properly, clearing up your mind to activate it’s worth.

July 2013 Issue

Women’s Elevation Magazine

The best start to any day is the right type of food thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to serve as effective, nourishing fuel. The right ideas and actions will suffer due to the lack of nutrition in your body.

The right foods is key if you want to slim down, add muscle, and succeed at work and in business. Avoid skipping meals to help your brain think more clearly and to allow yourself to make better decisions.

July 2013 Issue

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elevation Magazine

Chiezda Washington, Your Health Ambassador

Are you truly feeling good all over? Can you firmly plant your feet on the floor each day without any pain, discomfort or fatigue? If you can, you’re truly blessed. There are millions of people throughout the world who suffer with chronic pain. Some illnesses are physically visible to the naked eye, but others are internal and can’t be seen. What if I asked you what illnesses do you have? Would you know what's ailing you? Do you wonder what your life would look like if you could have optimal health and limitless wealth? Would you find yourself giving more, doing more and being more?

Your life’s desires were delivered to your heart because it's the safest place for them to be. To bring them to manifestation, one must roll up their sleeves and get to work. Ever feel too tired to simply get through the day? I’ve been there before; raising two beautiful teenaged daughters as a single mother hasn’t always been a walk in the park.

I’ve seen many sleepless nights, worked two jobs at one time and even the graveyard shift so that I could spend more time with them after their days concluded at school.

Making yourself and your health a priority in your household will be one of the best gifts you could ever give yourself. When you show others that you are willing to take time to rest, renew and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit, it gives them permission to do the same.

Sometimes you may take on too many tasks and can’t dedicate as much time to them as you had originally planned. However, when you are healthy, you can create positive changes in your life that will motivate you to create the lifestyle you once only dreamed of living.

Don’t take good health for granted. It isn’t something that’s promised. You may be healthy today, but your health could slip away from you in the night. Create a regimen that works for your life that includes walking or other exercises at your desired level of intensity, eating nutritional meals, supplementing vitamins and minerals as needed, and taking time to just be still. July 2013 Issue

Women’s Elevation Magazine

By Shannon Baylor-Henderson

In business, there’s a thing called a life cycle. The life cycle channels your business from conception to exit—almost in the same pattern as the human life cycle. And just like the human life cycle, your business can expect amazing accomplishments, tricky adventures and unplanned difficulty. The key to surviving in life and business is to know how to navigate through each phase and endure as few bumps and bruises as possible. Your business’s health depends on your ability to perform highly in multiple areas: leadership, strategy, financial management and quality of service. These core subjects serve as the internal organs of your business. Therefore, you need to have a check-up on them every six months. After all, not taking the necessary steps to perform a start-up check-up could be bad for your business’s health. Here is how you can perform your business’s start-up check-up to make sure your business is operating at its best:

Strengthen the way you contribute to and run your organization. Effective leadership is knowing what it takes to propel your business to meet its vision and mission. This means leading with your strengths, evaluating your weaknesses and filling in the gaps. It’s important for leaders to understand this: without an organization deeply rooted in its vision and mission, or a team who believes in what the leader stands for, there won’t be anything to lead. Therefore, consistently check yourself. Make sure that you’re a valuable player on the team as much as you are the coach for it. Plan. Execute. Evaluate. Plan again: This cycle is called strategy. Without a strategy, your business's long-term health is in jeopardy. Taking the time to create a strategy means that you understand the multilevel approach to your business's success. A well-planned strategy outlines S.M.A.R.T (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) goals, assigns team members to tasks, forecasts revenue and monitors workflow. Good business health is about making smart decisions on how to grow and maintain your business. Having a strategy is a smart decision. Financial health leads to financial wealth: Ask yourself these questions at least four times per week: How much money does my business have? How much money does my business owe? What are my projections for the next month, quarter and year? What am I doing to increase my revenue and strategically decrease my overhead? Good financial health is about knowing here your business stands financially at all times and managing the way your money works for you. Are you good at what you do? How do you know for sure? Before you toot your own horn, check your service quality rating. The long-term health of your business greatly depends on how much your customer’s value your service. How will you know if your customers value you? Ask them! Perform routine service evaluations and ask questions with real weight such as: Did we resolve a problem for you? Has your situation improved since you started using our service? Did our services justify the cost? Would you use us again or recommend us to others? Building your credibility thorough direct feedback and testimonials stabilizes and improves your business’s health. Performing routine start-up check-ups will help your business stay healthy for a very long time. It cures most difficult situations and it prevents most business-life threatening issues. Make sure your business always has a clean bill of health. July 2013 Issue

Women’s Elevation Magazine

See for yourself! Get Kissed Today...visit us at: www.KissedbyKoco.com

By Tanya Angelique

The concept of transformation is often desired but few know how to bring about a lifelong shift. We often realize the need to overhaul our lives, but lack the knowledge of where to begin. If you are like me, you can identify several areas that you can think of areas in the past you've wanted to alter but quickly failed because you did not understand how to make a true change. This leads to frustration and causes you to throw in the towel. For me, it was not until I learned how to select the most detrimental areas first, understand how I got there, then develop a plan of action to make life-lasting transformations. July 2013 Issue

When you consider your life (business, finances, health, family etc.), do you feel trapped in a circumstance that is undesirable? Maybe it's your weight, a dead-end job, unhealthy relationship, or credit card debt- all these areas hinder your joy and stifle your purpose. Being trapped is defined as being caught or held in a position from which it is impossible to move; the inability to find a solution or feasible way out of a situation. If you have ever felt stifled or experienced an inner restlessness here are a few steps are for you.

Peel back the layers In order to truly move forward we must first understand why we are stuck in the first place. Many dieters for example attempt to lose weight and shed those initial pounds only to regain them. Why is that? Could it be that the diet plan was flawed? Not necessarily. Without understanding what drives one to eat compulsively the habit of unhealthy eating is not resolved. So to effectively shift your life, you must be honest about why the current reality exists.

Determine what you really want Write out what you really want and how your life will be impacted. By being clear about what you desire, you are charting your course of action. You must then strive to adapt skills to help you stay the course. When you are on top of life, you can chart your course. You can make things happen and you can have your dreams come true. When life is on top of you, you have no power. You lose both your confidence and your energy. When you are in this state, it is very difficult to make anything happen. Any area of your life that isn't working is an area where you have lost your power. So take your power back today by intending what you desire to see in your reality. July 2013 Issue

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elevation Magazine

Visualize and believe These two go hand in hand. Shifting your mental energy to only dwell upon what you desire recreates your reality. When you learn to envision yourself as already having it your faith grows.

Picture what you desire and shift all of your feelings towards it. A lack of belief will propel you backwards or cause you to stay stuck. Another tip is to silence the negative chatter. Self-doubt is self-sabotage. It prevents us from giving ourselves permission to be great and leaves us standing on the perimeter of our own greatest possibility.

The negative chatter is often a soft-spoken seemingly intelligent voice consistently reminding us that what we want is not possible. It’s the subtle “see, I told you so” comments whispered into our ears that take root in our psyche, inevitably leading us to question who we really are. Shake the doubt and release the possibilities.

Act You must do something different to yield new results; we have all heard that before. When you do not act in accordance with what you said it implies you really don't expect to receive it.

Remember, it’s not what happens that will always determine the outcome; it’s what you decide to do about it. The shifts of life are designed to make us grow. The greater the shift, the more strength and endurance you develop.

Just as a bodybuilder knows that in order to transform a muscle you must take on weight against great forces which stretches their limits forcing them to grow. This is the essence of transformation.

To learn more about Life and Business Coach Tanya Angelique visit www.relationscriptsinc.com July 2013 Issue

Women’s Elevation Magazine

Meetups are currently based out of SW Atlanta.

July 2013 Issue

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elevation Magazine

WE know you all are wondering why there is a man in this issue of Women’s Elevation Magazine, but we have good reason! WE Magazine sat down to chat with Chef and Owner of Aiden’s Cuisine on some tips to help ladies stay active and eat healthy. With years of experience and expertise in the culinary arts he tells us about his love for food, exercise, and of course keeping it personal. WE Magazine: Aiden, before you tell my readers about your background I wanted to share with the readers the reason why we chose you for this issue is because we wanted to get a male perspective on healthy living as it relates to healthy eating. WE Magazine has used you in a past event in which you were wonderful, and we know firsthand that you know a lot about food and catering to your clients. A. Baptiste-Boissiere: Well thank you. Well I am an Accountant turned Chef from New Orleans and my goals is to please people. With my food, I believe that I have done just that. As an accountant/auditor I was good, but as a chef I am better. Since attending Le Cordon Bleu I’ve realized that it truly allowed me to create my own thing, show people what I can do, and hopefully please their pallet. WE Magazine: As a chef how do you help your clients stay healthy? A. Baptiste-Boissiere: For starters, I shop around for the freshest ingredients I can find, but at the right cost. I believe in working with local farmers in the area to get what I need and develop a rapport. That also lets me know that the food is organic and there are no pesticides. I also cook with Olive Oil which is much healthier than vegetable oil. I typically start all meals with this particular ingredient. And lastly, I believe that when serving it’s all about the right portion on a plate. You don’t want to overdo. WE Magazine: Beyond food what do you think women can add to their daily/weekly routine to stay healthy? A lot of the business owners that you meet on an everyday basis are running around and don’t have time for full meal, therefore they snack a lot. What can they do to stay healthy? A. Baptiste-Boissiere: "Fitness" is so important. Having a daily workout routine is so important. I know we are all busy, but working out cuts down on stress which cuts out eating the wrong foods. It also increases your energy level which makes you eat healthier. All it takes it 30-45 minutes for at least 34 days a week. For me I love to do cardio and a rigorous muscle routine. I find that once I leave the gym I don’t want to eat anything that isn’t healthy. I believe that after a while your body just wants things that are healthy. Some of the things that you might crave are grilled shrimp or something that is pan seared. WE Magazine: Now you are making me hungry! (laughs)

A. Baptiste-Boissiere: Yes the best dish is a pan-seared shrimp on top of a green salad with a light vinaigrette. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect. We have to get away from the creamy dressing. WE Magazine: Being healthy is not just about eating right what are other ways that you can stay internally healthy? A. Baptiste-Boissiere: A positive attitude does wonders for the body. You will be amazed when you think positively about your life. Your energy changes for the better and you feel good about yourself, which makes your eating habits better. Take time out for you, whatever inspires you to be happy "Do It". WE Magazine: What are some super foods that women can add to their regiment? A. Baptiste-Boissiere: Ok so I have created a list of the top 10 Superfood's that I believe people should incorporate into their life: 1) Almonds for daily snacking. 2) Avocado contributes 20 vitamins, minerals and nutrients to your diet. Although high in calories be mindful of the portions. 3) Blueberries can help maintain a healthy heart, you add a little strawberries and take them to work with you they are perfect. 4) Broccoli supports a healthy cardiovascular system its rich in vitamins C and K. It also helps maintain a healthy immune system. 5) Cantaloupe is a great source for Potassium. 6) Carrots give the body a healthy dose of nutrition. 7) Ground flaxseed help build cell membranes in the brain. You can find this in buttery spreads, cooking oils, peanut butters and mayo. You can find it at Trader Joes or Whole Foods if you want just the flaxseed. 8) Oatmeal maintains cholesterol levels which in turn help support a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. 9) Brown Rice, I know many do not like the texture of it however, it works to maintain cholesterol and blood pressure levels already within normal limits. 10) Salmon one of the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, I recommend wild salmon over farmed and they typically have fewer contaminants. Eat at least 2 servings a week on top of a salad or with broccoli. WE Magazine: What is your favorite meal to cook for yourself and for your clients? A. Baptiste-Boissiere: For myself I love cooking gumbo, and I say gumbo because the taste is ever -changing it goes with your mood. That is one dish that I will serve to anyone to win them over as a client as well. For my clients I like to cook swordfish, a pan-seared swordfish.

WE Magazine: I have never tried swordfish! A. Baptiste-Boissiere: You will love it’s like a Tuna, its light it taste and texture, and it does not dry out. WE Magazine: I love fish so we are going to have to try that the only fish I don’t like is Mahi Mahi. So what is your favorite way to stay active? We can see the photos and see you at events and you look great! What is your secret? A. Baptiste-Boissiere: It goes back to eating healthy, and having the correct portions. I love spinach and have a fish after coming from the gym. That’s really all you need. WE Magazine: What is your favorite way to relief stress? A. Baptiste-Boissiere: I love to walk. Walking is the best thing for me. Walking gives me a chance to think. It gives me a chance to see what is going on around the city. I really like to get out walk because it takes me out of my routine. Because sometimes you miss a lot by driving every way so it’s good to take that breather and walk. WE Magazine: With your brand your signature saying is "It's Personal" if someone were to make you their personal chef advisor what can they expect? A. Baptiste-Boissiere: Personal Service all day Long. You not only get the quality food at a great cost but you a get personalized meal plan to your specific needs. WE Magazine: I know that you have classes coming in the fall tells a little bit about that. A. Baptiste-Boissiere: I just teamed up with the Warford Foundation. They found me on the Olivia Fox show, and they asked me to cater for the foundation. Through that conversation it led to talking about the classes that I teach out of my home. So Parthenia Warford the CEO of the foundation explained to me that she had many women that would love to learn how to cook 30 minute healthy meals for their children. She asked me to join the board and become the culinary teacher, and instruct classes to these women out of PG Community College. Which I though was excellent! It’s going to be two classes week starting in the fall. It is open to others, and anyone that would like to join can just reach me.

WE Magazine: That is a wonderful partnership! Ok my last question before I let you go tell us about Cooking with Aiden. You are going to have a show correct? A. Baptiste-Boissiere: Yes, it will start in August and it will be on Sundays at 7 pm EST and its running for six month’s straight on Listen Vision Live www.listenvisionlive.com. You will be to see us and hear us. WE Magazine: Awesome thanks so much Aiden for being a part of this issue. For more information on Aiden and Aiden’s Cuisine check out www.aidenscusine.com. July 2013 Issue

Women’s Elevation Magazine

WE Magazine was in attendance for the Beyond Elegant Events Launch Extravaganza and Fashion Show on June 1, 2013 in Arlington, VA. The event, hosted by Bonita Parker of Elegant Expose' and Kimberly Williams of Above and Beyond Imagination, celebrated the official launch of Beyond Elegant Events. WE Magazine spoke with Bonita Parker on the reason behind the event and what to expect from them in the future.

Women’s Elevation Magazine: How did Beyond Elegant Events get started? Beyond Elegant: The purpose of the event was to highlight the official merger of our event planning companies, Elegant Expose' (based in Washington, DC) and Above and Beyond Imagination (based near Miami, FL). We joined forces, comingling our individual expertise to feature new and exciting trends within the industry and will be doing business as Beyond Elegant Events. Women’s Elevation Magazine: Who did the event feature? Beyond Elegant: As our area of expertise leans more towards the corporate side of planning, our event primarily featured a variety of small business owners and entrepreneurs who could largely benefit from the services we provide. Our event was hosted by Tawawn Lowe of Tawawn Lowe Coaching and founder of Women Walking in their Own Shoes (WWITOS). Some of our other notable sponsors included Critique Boutique, Dove Magazine, Women's Elevation Magazine, Beautiful Faces by K , and a host of contributors and volunteers.

July 2013 Issue

Women’s Elevation Magazine

July 2013 Issue

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elevation Magazine

WE Magazine: What can we expect from you guys in the future? Beyond Elegant: WOW! We have so many exciting things lined up right now that we are implementing jointly, as well as individually. The one thing that I can say is that Beyond Elegant Events will definitely be a name to remember and look out for in the coming months. We are available for booking and are working on filling our 2014 calendar. So if you have a corporate launch or conference, wedding or other social event coming up - we are your go-to planners and will gladly make your event the success you want it to be! This multifaceted event included opportunities to network with other business owners, as well as a fashion show featuring styles from Toni Foster’s Critique Boutique. While there, WE Magazine was able to talk to and network . “I’m here because I was really excited about black businesses coming together and the merger of these two companies,” said Renada Hemsley of Love by Design, a featured vendor at the launch extravaganza. “I think to be in two different locations and still be able to merge together, that’s inspiring. So I wanted to come and celebrate and share my business as well.” WE Magazine looks forward to covering more events hosted by Beyond Elegant Events. Photo Credits: Paparazzi OS Photography July 2013 Issue

Women’s Elevation Magazine

CATEGORIES INCLUDE LIFE & BUSINESS COACHING HEALTH & WELLNESS BRAND MANAGEMENT SOCIAL MEDIA WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGN BLOGGER FINANCIAL PLANNING & EDUCATION WE RISING STAR WE ROCK: WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Presented by Women's Elevation Magazine and hosted by owner DeLisha Sylvester, the WE Rock Awards will not only celebrate women entrepreneurs, but it will also honor and award them for their dedication, hard work and the differences that they are making through their businesses for individuals and their communities alike. WE Rock Awards is allowing YOU as their peers, business partners, customers and clients to be their voice and nominate them for a chance to be acknowledged and/or win one of the titles from our plethora of categories.

NOMINATIONS THAT SPECIAL WOMAN NOW:

www.WERockAwards.com

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By ShaChena Gibbs

Many entrepreneurs want to live healthier but think that their busy lifestyle does not allow the time to practice a better way of eating, drinking, exercising, etc. For the last few years I've worked from home, and through that time I was not physically active. This caused me to gain weight due to an increase in snacking. After grabbing a quick snack, I'd go back to my computer and begin working. Snacking and sitting became my worst enemy; in my mind, I had no time to sit, eat, and enjoy a full meal. I would cook for the family and hurry back to work for a conference call or a business project that needed my attention. I knew I needed to change. Although it took work, I managed to improve my diet and abandon my sedentary lifestyle. How I Adjusted My Unhealthy Lifestyle I began buying healthier snacks like raisins, nuts, smoothies, and fruits. My favorite became the Naked Smoothies. I came across a great workout routine on YouTube that worked for me; one that didn't consist of alot of jumping around, and wasn’t time consuming. Next, I started working out to Leslie Sansone’s Walk from Home, which includes a minimum of a 1 mile/15 minute walk or a 2 mile/30 minute walk. You can choose up to a 5 mile walk, which is what I usually did in the evening. The best thing about a simple walking routine is that it can help your heart and increase your energy. Changing Your Mindset Healthy living also requires a change in your attitude. Negative attitudes can cause stress and ultimately lead to other health issues. Having negative energy around you can also decrease your will to succeed in your life and/or business. If you have any negative energy in your environment, do what is needed to remove it. These are a few basic ways to start living a healthier lifestyle while building your empire. Living a healthier lifestyle does not mean you have to change your schedule or set aside a lot of time. It starts with a few small changes in your daily routine. Have patience with yourself, as it takes practice for the change to take full effect. She-E-Os, you can do it! Our motto for business is “NO Excuses”. Let that be true for your health as well. Website: www.thebusinessshero.com | Network: www.realsistersrising.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/shachenagibbs | Twitter: www.twitter.com/realsisterising

July 2013 Issue

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elevation Magazine

INGREDIENTS 2 lbs Mahi Mahi or Spanish Mackerel cut into slices that are 3 inches thick 1 tomato 1 onion 1 medium bunch of parsley 1 green pepper ¼ cup coconut milk 2 tablespoons palm oil salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS Rinse out the fish under cold water to clean it out . Layer the slices of fish in a big cooking pot. Chop the onion, parsley, and ½ of the tomato into small cubes and spread it over the fish. Drizzle the coconut milk and the palm oil over the fish and season with salt and pepper. Cut the rest of the tomato into thin slices and add as the last layer of the dish. Cover the pot and cook over medium heat for 20-30 minutes. Don’t overcook otherwise the fish will start falling apart. You want the fish slices to stay firm when you serve. This dish is best served warm with rice.

INGREDIENTS 4 (6-8oz) chicken breasts, boneless skinless, tenderloins removed and trimmed 1 cup flour Salt and pepper 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 1/2 oz pancetta, cut into pieces 1 inch long and 1/8 inch wide 8 oz white mushrooms, trimmed and sliced thin 1 garlic clove, minced 1 teas tomato paste 1 1/2 cups sweet Marsala wine 4 1/2 teas lemon juice 4 tbs unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces and chilled DIRECTIONS Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 200 degrees. Halve chicken horizontally, then cover chicken halves with plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/4 inch thickness with meat pounder. Place flour in a shallow dish or pie plate. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Working with 1 cutlet at a time, dredge in four mixture, shaking off excess, and transfer to large plate. Heat 2 tbs oil in a 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place 4 cutlets in skillet and cook until golden brown on first side, about 3 minutes. Flip cutlets, reduce heat to medium, and cook until no longer pink and lightly browned on second side, about 2 minutes longer; transfer to large oven safe plate. Wipe out skillet. Repeat with remaining 2 tbs oil and remaining cutlets. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and transfer to oven to keep warm while making sauce. Cook pancetta in now-empty skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and scraping up any browned bits, until crisp, about 5 minutes. remove pancetta with slotted spoon and transfer to paper towel lined plate. Add mushrooms to skillet, increase heat to medium-high and cook stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, and crisp pancetta and cook until tomato paste begins to brown, about 1 minute. Off heat stir in Marsala, scraping any browned bits. Return to high heat, bring to a vigorous simmer, and cook stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened and measures 1 1/4 cups, about 5 minutes. Off heat, stir in lemon juice and any accumulated chicken juices. Whisk in butter, 1 piece at a time. Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour sauce over chicken and serve immediately. heat for 20-30 minutes. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t overcook otherwise the fish will start falling apart. You want the fish slices to stay firm when you serve. This dish is best served warm with rice.

INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour 1 cup rolled oats 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/3 cup water 1 cup unsweetened applesauce 1 tablespoon canola oil 1/2 cup honey 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice 2 cups fresh raspberries

PREPARATIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Combine all the ingredients except raspberries in a large bowl and stir just until combined. Gently fold in the raspberries. 3. Divide mixture evenly in a greased standard muffin tin. (I like to use an ice cream scoop for uniform, mess-free muffins.) 4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until slightly golden on top. Let cool 10 minutes before removing from tin.

This recipe easily makes 10 muffins.

July 2013 Issue

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elevation Magazine

MELENY THOMAS Meleny Thomas is the Founder and Visionary Director of Learning to Overcome Various life Experiences (L.O.V.E) International Network. Meleny believes that love is the cure to overcoming life’s challenges and struggles. The organization’s mission states: “L.O.V.E International Network exists primarily to empower individuals to raise the B.A.R- (believe, achieve, and receive) in their lives. Clients must Believe in themselves and their ability, acknowledge and Achieve their goals set and Receive the benefits of their hard work and determination, which will result in success in life”.

Meleny has obtained a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Hood College, a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Walden University, and is presently pursuing a Doctorate in Public Policy and Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management and Leadership also from Walden University. Furthermore, Meleny currently serves as the Director for an Afterschool program in Brooklyn Park, MD for teens who are engaged in Substance use and/or Abuse. Through her personal and professional career, Meleny has the ability to impact numerous lives through various outreach efforts. L.O.V.E International Network was birthed to further encourage and empower individuals who may feel that they are alone in this world. The site—and soon to be nonprofit organization— offers encouraging and uplifting messages for all who seek them. Additionally, L.O.V.E Network will host annual conferences and a series of workshops that address particular issues that individuals may face during their life. Meleny is a personable and loving individual that desires to see individuals’ live fulfilled lives. Through developing a firm spiritual foundation, self-identification, self-confidence and endurance individuals can blossom into the beautiful beings that God intended.

July 2013 Issue

Women’s Elevation Magazine

What inspired you to begin writing? Often unable to voice my opinion at a young age, writing became an outlet to express thoughts and feelings. I began writing in middle school; I kept a book of poetry and longed to publish it one day. However, one day I decided to throw the book away. Since then, I have kept numerous journals and unfinished manuscripts. Additionally, writing classes that I registered for in College awakened my passion and desire to write and become a published author. What inspired you to write your current novel? After mustering up the courage I decided to finish my manuscript and began exploring the publishing world. However, as I prayed and reflected, the book I had been working is not the one I have published. This book, 101 Truths for You, was developed one night as I was unable to sleep. The struggle I faced in completing the book made it clear that this was the book that needed to set the stage for what God was going to use me to do. The book is meant to guide readers to explore their lives and their beliefs while provoking thought. It is my desire that the readers not see me, but see their glory as they read and uncover their beautiful life story that God can create, if they wait on Him and do His will. What is your favorite quote/mantra to go by as you reach for the stars? Each New Year, I set personal challenges via developing coin phrases that guide me through the year. My favorite that I have developed for 2013 is the 3 S’s for this year – Seek God, See your purpose and His plan and Secure all the promises and rewards that He has. In addition, Philippians 4:13- “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me”. This scripture verse and the phrase for the year, encourage me to push beyond the struggles and challenges in life. Therefore, the stars are just the beginning of the journey; when you serve a limitless God, there are no restrictions in sight! If you could give guidance to those that want to become writers what would it be? My advice for future/potential writers’ is to believe in You. Remember the story is NOT for YOU, but for SOMEONE to see God’s glory through your story. Continue to write and push past the struggle and discouragement of the writing process. The time is N.O.W- New Opportunities Waiting…Seize your opportunity today.

July 2013 Issue

Women’s Elevation Magazine

Follow Meleny Thomas www.learning2overcome.com http://www.facebook.com/Learning2Overcome Twitter @ 2_Overcome

Upcoming Events: Book Release Networking Event/ Meet and Greet- Location, Date and Time TBA- Be sure to visit the website, www.learning2overcome.com to stay informed of upcoming events. July 19-21, 2013- Break Every Chain Family Conference/Retreat- (Baltimore, MD) This is one of the first events that L.O.V.E. Network will offer in partnership with Emmanuel Wesleyan Church. Books will be available for purchase and Meleny will be available to sign copies that are bought. Visit: http://breakingeverychain.eventbrite.com for event details and registration. August 17, 2013- (2-6 PM) - Create Your Own Sizzle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; (Upper Marlboro, MD) Meleny will be among other vendors at this dynamic event by Cheryl Wood. Visit: http://createyourownsizzle.eventbrite.com for event details and registration. Hurry you do not want to miss this FREE event. October 18 & 19, 2013- Real Women-Real Talk: 2013Roundtable- (Ellicott City, MD) Meleny will be among other vendors at this event. Be sure to register early to obtain the discount. It will be a great discussion. Visit: http://realwomenrealtalk.eventbrite.com for event details and registration.

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July 2013 Issue

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elevation Magazine

OWNER & CEO OF BA PHOTO AND FACES

www.baphotoandfaces.com WE Magazine sat down with a phenomenal woman who is the epitome of social media working for her business. Buchi Akpati is the owner of BA Photo and Faces which is a company that mixes Make-up artistry and photography under one umbrella. Since we are talking about healthy living and wellness it only makes sense to include someone who knows how your outer beauty can help you shine and do things to make you feel better about yourself.

July 2013 Issue

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elevation Magazine

WE Magazine: So thank you for talking with us this evening. I want to start out with your story for those of our reader that don’t know your work. B. Akpati: So I graduate from George Mason University just last year… WE Magazine: Congratulations!

B. Akpati: Thank you I am still feeling the newness of being a graduate. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Biology, Pre-Medicine and six months before graduation I was unemployed and the jobs that I applied for were not paying enough to even cover my loans. So I basically just got tired of waiting around for the job that I wanted, and decided to create my own lane. I have always loved photography since my teens and so I got this idea to become a photographer and make-up artist because I felt the two complemented each other. I also wanted to balance out my love for science and love for artistry. I wanted to have an avenue to express myself without any theories or rules so that was basically how I started my company. I started my business in 2011 and that was exactly six months before my college graduation. I didn’t have a professional camera or even many make-up equipment to start but I did a lot of research and just started my journey from there. Some were in favor of my decisions and some were completely confused but I knew this was something I wanted to do. WE Magazine: Well that’s awesome that you started your business six months before graduation because I wouldn’t have done it (laughs)…So that’s the first thing. So with that answer you’ve already jumped into my second question which was “Why did you combine two?” But you have a perfect blend because make-up and photography do go together very well. So jumping into the next question one of the things I found interesting about you was that you advocated for AJ Crimson’s and his BB Crème Foundation, and through that you were able to become the Social Media Publicist and Brand Ambassador. Tell me a little bit about how that came about. B. Akpati: So social media is really powerful! I thank the site Instagram because it really helped with establishing the connection between AJ Crimson and I. So about 3-4 months ago he had released his BB Crème which is ‘Beauty Balm” Crème it is a face moisturizer, foundation, concealer, and primer all in one. Which I thought was really cool so I ordered four of them. I had looked for other skin care lines that offered beauty products in my skin tone, which is dark skinned, and it was hard to find something that matched. I tried them out and loved them, and I started to follow him on Instagram. So I began to use it on all of my clients and I took pictures and posted them on Instagram.

So I took before and after pictures and then I referenced what I used on the person, and which brand I used. So I just began to post pictures, get on YouTube and create tutorial videos of how I used the product, and then afterwards I asked him through Instagram if it would be helpful to match his brand to other brands so that people can figure out what they were using in other brands. I just took it as being a loyal customer of his brand, and I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want anything in return. WE Magazine: It sounds like you created a path for yourself within something that was already established and I think that goes back to something that you said earlier in the interview which was that you wanted to create your own path. I think that is what a lot of people are starting to do within the entrepreneurial realm. That is definitely something that inspiring to young girls, it tells them that yes education is important but you may have to go through other avenues to get where you want to be. I wanted to ask you what do you do give back to the community as a whole through your company?

BA Photo & Faces

B. Akpati: I want to give motivational speeches and teach young girls how it so important to except yourself. I have worked in the past with other organizations and offered my services. One of the events that participated in was put on by a sorority at my school where they were donating gently used prom dresses to high school students. WE Magazine: For those that are looking to get into your industry what tips can you give them? B. Akpati: The first step to getting into this kind of industry is to do you research on the top in the business. Second I would say is to have confidence in your abilities, and also understand that there will be obstacles on your journey. So having a very realistic view on what you want out of the industry. And the last is to practice every single day. There are a lot of blogs and YouTube videos that can help you understand the industry. WE Magazine: Thank you so much for this inspiring interview we look forward to hearing more great things from you. Follow BA Photo and Faces | Twitter: @BAPhotoandFaces | www.baphotoandfaces.com Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/BAPhotoandFaces/

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Like Us. Share Us. Follow Us. We’d Love to have you! July 2013 Issue

Women’s Elevation Magazine

By Sandra Salathe

The world’s most successful women emanate a sense of success and accomplishment. Business women who are effective in their line of work tend to radiate this “Can Do” attitude that leaves us hopefuls in complete awe. We’re left wondering to ourselves “How does she do it?” or my favorite “She’s the ultimate super woman”. But, what these prominent businesswomen fail to inform us is that being a fruitful entrepreneur is no easy job. In fact, it’s rather straining. As the cliché goes, when you gather all your eggs in one basket, it tends to get a little heavy and it isn’t long before it starts to overflow. This cliché holds true when it comes to running your own business. Your business is a reflection of who you are. If you’re not at your best, your business, which you’ve worked so hard to develop, will start showing some cracks. That’s why it’s always best to incorporate some “you time” so that you can recharge and relax. Scheduling “you time” should be your number one priority— right next to building an empire of course.

Sometimes it can be a bit difficult to designate time for yourself when you’re always so busy working. So with a few helpful tips, you too can find some “you time” without really having to sacrifice your work.

Fake it Till You Make It- Even if you feel as if you’re crumbling to pieces on the inside, never let it show. Always make sure that you look 100% bullet proof at all times. You may feel as if you’re falling apart at the seams, but your appearance doesn’t have to suffer for it. Always make sure that your hair, make-up and wardrobe are “on point”. When you look amazing on the outside, you tend to feel the same on the inside.

Schedule Time Throughout The Day- Whether it’s only thirty minutes or ten, always make sure to take periodic breaks throughout the day so that you don’t find yourself transitioning into a momentary coma. Use that time to check personal emails, take a walk, or even rest your eyes for a bit. Getting up to take a short walk revives the joints and gets your blood flowing and helps to keep you focused. Working straight without any breaks really does a number on the brain, so always make sure not to overwork yourself.

Leave Your Weekends Free- I’m sure you’ve vowed not to check emails and answer calls during the weekend but once it rolls around, you find yourself breaking that promise. Weekends are your time to de-stress after a long work week and should be spent doing the things that you love. If you must, spend only thirty minutes checking emails and returning calls but that’s it. Any minute longer is unacceptable. Use your weekends to catch up on some reading or a night out with some friends. You are entitled to have some fun; after all, you’ve been working all week.

Treat Yourself- Seeing how all your money has been thrown into your business, odds are you haven’t spent a dime on yourself in a while. Even though your business is your baby and you spend every hour nurturing it, you can still treat yourself every now and then. This sort of ties in with tip number one. Treat yourself to a day at the hair salon or the spa. Maybe even stop by the mall and buy yourself some new shoes. This doesn’t have to be a weekly excursion but indulging yourself every now and then is expected, if not required. Even though your business is your first priority, you should always make time for yourself. By doing this you’re creating a balance that is required in order to run a prosperous business. Also, don’t stress too much over the small things. It’s expected that you’ll make mistakes every now and then but as long as you have your sanity, everything should work out!

July 2013 Issue

Women’s Elevation Magazine

WE Magazine: So Ms. Patterson, how are you this evening? T. Patterson: I’m good. Thank you so much for having me [be] a part of this issue. WE Magazine: I am so happy that you were able to be a part of this issue. For those of my readers that don’t know what you do, tell them a little bit about your business. T. Patterson: Yes, I am Chief “Healthnista” and CEO of Be Well, Eat Well, Live Well. I help smart and successful women organize their meals so that they can lose weight for the long term. So, I really help women lose weight and also get in touch with what may be keeping them from losing weight. We Magazine: And in doing that, what kind of services do you provide your clients? If someone were to come to you and say, “I’m concerned about healthier eating and making sure I am a healthy weight,” what services would you provide for them?

July 2013 Issue

Women’s Elevation Magazine

T. Patterson: I actually provide a lot of one on one coaching and I also have a lot of home study programs that I offer. Specifically, one of the things that I help women learn how to do is to incorporate juicing fruits and vegetables in their diet, so they can be healthier people. Some people use juicing as a weight loss method and otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use juicing just as a way to incorporate [the practice] into their daily life. I show people how to do both. My significant other did a juice cleanse last summer and as a result lost 60 pounds. So juicing is a powerful way to lose weight. I also help someone who is brand new understand how to be a healthier person. The last service I offer is helping women who need accountability and support. That is, for those that have the best intentions to be healthier and may even know how to incorporate healthy [habits] into their lives, but still need more accountability and support. Not only do I organize meals, but I also provide structure so [that] they can start to become consistently healthier and get results. WE Magazine: That is definitely something that is needed. There are a lot of people who are suffering from being overweight or having issues with eating. Many people will start diets without considering the risks that they may impose on their health. Some diets designed for weight loss do not include the nutrients our bodies require. For our readers who may have heard of it, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know, what is juicing? T. Patterson: Juicing [can be thought about in] two ways. You can squeeze fruits and vegetables [to drink] the liquid that comes from them. The juice is packed with nutrients that your body can quickly absorb. The second form of juicing is blending using appliances like the Nutribullet, which keeps the fibers together, creating thicker consistency sort of like a smoothie. Juicing is a way to eat more fruits and vegetables. You can juice three cucumbers and a fruit and you get to increase your vegetable intake. The dangerous side of it is that some people juice too much fruit and not enough vegetables, so their sugar levels are higher.

July 2013 Issue

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elevation Magazine

Tosh Patterson cont’d The underlying point of it all is that people have to do what works for them in order to have a healthier lifestyle. I spend time with clients and make sure that they understand what works for them. I am not interested in showing people how to diet. I am interested in showing people how to create a lifestyle change that they can sustain for the long term. If you can sustain it for the long term, you’re more than likely to do it on a more consistent basis. WE Magazine: That actually brings me to a question from one of our readers. I spoke to a woman earlier today and she has been involved in juicing. Last year she was a size 18 and she has brought herself down to a size 14, so kudos to her. However, she wanted to know how to maintain her weight loss. Should she focus on more exercise, juicing, etc., now that she has lost the weight? What tips would you have for her? T. Patterson: If she wants to maintain her weight she can keep doing what she’s doing honestly, because it sounds like it has become a lifestyle change. But I think her question really is not how to maintain, but how to continue to get results? WE Magazine: She is getting married so of course that is another stress! T. Patterson: Oh wow! You may not know this but Jon’ll Boyd (of Completely Yours Events) and I are teaming up to put together a book on how to get brides in shape and what tips they need for their wedding plans. But in regards to her question, my first recommendation for someone with her issue would be to aim to have eight servings of vegetables per day because it’s going to rev up her metabolism. The wonderful thing about vegetables is that you can have a lot of them and not have the effect of consuming empty calories. So people may think that 8 servings are too much, but if you think about how to incorporate it, it really isn’t. You can have a cup of spinach and sauté it with some onions, or you can have spinach and tomato with your eggs. There are many ways to include vegetables in your diet. If you have another three cups at lunch time and then another serving at dinner then you’ve almost made your mark. The goal is to incorporate eight servings of vegetables and 2 to 3 servings of fruits. If you think about it, the average American may have one serving of vegetables per day and maybe a piece of fruit. We are really over fed but malnourished as a nation. WE Magazine: That is a good point. I want to shift and talk about your background. Share a bit of your story so that our readers can understand why healthy eating and healthy living is important to you.

T. Patterson: I am a vibrant, healthy, eager, and successful woman who loves the skin she’s in, but I have to say it wasn’t always like this. There was a point in time where I was nearly 300 pounds. I did not feel good in the skin I was in; I had achy knees, achy ankles, and I had a belly that I affectionately called the “Buddha” belly. I had to ask for seat belt extenders when I rode on an airplane. I was wearing a size 24 at one time so I was on the upper side of the clothing scale. That was the world that I lived in. I started my first diet when I was 10 years old; so, from about 10 years old to 32 years old I was on a diet. I did the cabbage, soup, grapefruit, and shake diets; I did everything. In 2010, I was in a professional development class and the instructor said “What’s one thing in your life that you haven’t been able to accept responsibility for?” My nearly 300 pound body was the answer to the question. I had not been able to accept responsibility for my health or well-being. Even though I had done a lot of fad diets I knew that I had not really taken my health seriously. After that I decided that I would have weight loss surgery. I opted to have lap band surgery, but my body rejected the procedure. I couldn’t keep food down, and it was a more miserable existence than having my 300 pound pre-surgery body. I knew I was at a crossroads because my body was telling me that it was not for me. So I began to find a more natural way to care for myself. I worked with a holistic doctor to help me find simplicity in food, and as a result 7 months later I had lost 70 pounds. But, being confronted with a new body in a new skin, I found myself eating again because I wasn’t comfortable with myself. It was in that moment when I realized that this whole weight loss thing was not about the “how to,” but that it’s the mental part that you have to deal with. You need to [hone in on] the negative, self-hating thoughts that you have that keep you from achieving and maintaining your goals. I found that it’s what’s eating you inside and not what you are eating. A lot of us use food to self-soothe. We eat our sadness, we eat our anger, and we eat our depression. Instead of doing that, we have to learn how we can really express the emotions we are feeling and stop punishing ourselves with food. WE Magazine: That is a powerful story and you are on something really big when you said that it’s not what you’re eating; it’s what’s eating you. I think a lot of people don’t realize that. I am fairly thin, but I am not the healthiest person. And I believe that we eat those unhealthy things because there are other factors in our lives that we’re not dealing with.

I know that you have a book entitled Eat Well! 20 Easy & Delicious Recipes: Plus 7 Tips to Reduce Your Waistline. We have another reader question: “Do you have any tips for the moms or business women that don’t have the time to really sit down and cook a meal?” Does your book help with this? T. Patterson: We’ve become such an automated, grab and go society that we are disconnected from our food. I am a believer that quick food and fast foods are something like carrots or nuts. But we snub our noses to that, citing that “That’s not real food.” A tip I have is to carry food with you for snacking purposes in a cooler so that when you want it, it’s there. If you aren’t a planner, stop by Whole Foods and try to grab something light like a salad or a piece of fruit. I would urge people to think about how many times you are grabbing and going, because a part of taking care of self is to stop and cook a balanced meal. You can cook a couple of things a week and freeze or cook something like a stew or soup that you can grab that go. WE Magazine: You’ve said what everyone doesn’t want to hear (laughs) — take time out. I think that’s the hardest thing to really do. T. Patterson: And if you can’t make every meal, don’t eat every meal out. Choose which meals you can make at home. In the book I provide very simple recipes that have fruits and vegetables that are really quick and easy to make. And all the recipes in the book all became my favorite recipes over time that I consistently eat. WE Magazine: You posted a picture on Facebook on May 24th, of these horribly rotten cucumbers with a quote that said, “If I can’t pronounce it or if I have to concentrate too hard to pronounce an ingredient, I don’t eat it. Real food is simple to understand. Real food spoils.” That sums up exactly what you’ve talked about in terms of fast food. I’m pretty sure that fast food doesn’t spoil. I try not to think about it. T. Patterson: My goal is once a week to go to different fast food places. I used to eat and leave them on my counter to see if they’d spoil. My objective is to realize that I am not perfect but I know that I am not who I was five to seven years ago. So when I go to these fast food places I think to myself, “no wonder I wasn’t losing weight because I was putting all of these toxic fast food meals into my body and confusing it with real food.” On March 31st I brought chicken nuggets from McDonalds and they are sitting open on my counter in my kitchen. They do not smell bad. They don’t have mold; they look just like the day I brought them.

WE Magazine: Oh wow, they are still sitting there and they haven’t spoiled?! I can’t believe that they are still sitting on your counter. T. Patterson: To me it’s a reminder of what I used to eat. If it hasn’t spoiled on my counter then there is no way that it was getting processed in my body. WE Magazine: I have another reader’s question: “Summer time is here and our friend’s cellulite is out for show. How do you go about helping women who are afraid to put on those bathing suits because they aren’t quite where they want to be?” What exercises or products would you recommend? T. Patterson: My company is based on three principles. Be well, meaning to nurture a healthy mindset. Eat well, which entails trying to eat more natural food. Finally, live well simply means to create a life you love. In terms of clothing options, you really have to nurture a mindset that allows you to be well. I think a woman is her own worst critic. Our dissatisfaction with our bodies doesn’t serve us. You have to accept your body instead of looking at yourself and seeing what’s wrong. What would happen if you just said: “This is the skin I am in right now. I can evolve change and grow, but I am going to accept where I am in this moment in time, knowing that I still want to strive to be my best self.” That’s the mindset that more women need to take on. Instead of hiding what you don’t like, why not buy clothing that helps to extenuate yourself and makes you feel comfortable? WE Magazine: I just had a conversation with a group of women where we literally tore ourselves down, and basically spoke on what we did not like about ourselves. We also incorporated the male perspective of what they want from women plus what we see on TV. I often wonder if we can ever get pass the self-hate and begin to accept ourselves for who we are. T. Patterson: When I lost 70 pounds, I really thought that I would look like the women in magazines, and when I didn’t that caused another issue. We are comparing ourselves to computer generated images. I think that it is always your choice as to how much you want to beat yourself up. If you want to be critical of yourself and drive yourself crazy, than that’s your choice. Every morning we have a choice of where we are going to nurture ourselves; every moment is our choice. WE Magazine: That truly encompasses everything that our readers need to hear regarding their healthy mindset. I am going to ask you some quick and candid questions before we end this interview. T. Patterson: Okay, awesome. WE Magazine: What is your favorite food? T. Patterson: What used to be my favorite were Nacho Cheese Doritos, and now my favorite food is avocados. WE Magazine: What is your favorite exercise? T. Patterson: My favorite exercise is walking. I love that because it connects me back to nature.

WE Magazine: What is your favorite book? T. Patterson: My favorite book is actually called “Calling In The One” by Katherine Woodward Thomas. WE Magazine: Well Tosh, thank you for talking with us. T. Patterson: No problem thank you so much for having me.

Editor’s note: Remember that homemade juices are not pasteurized. Keep any juices that you prepare chilled, and drink them as soon as possible to avoid contamination.

For more information on Tosh Patterson: Website: www.toshpatterson.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ coachtoshpatterson Twitter: @ToshPatterson

Taking Care of Your Body & Spirit by Kara Frison

Graduations. Family reunions. Weddings. Vacations. Are you preparing for any of these things? This is an extremely busy time of the year and it's easy to get overwhelmed with work, personal/family obligations, etc... In the midst of everything thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on, don't forget to take time out for/ take care of yourself! Read a book, get your hair done, exercise or call a friend that you haven't spoken to in a while. Better yet; turn off your phone and computer and enjoy a day of nothingness! It's a considerate thing to look out for other people, but it's hard to do that if you're not taking care of yourself. Please remember that there's nothing wrong with saying "No" at times. You do not have to be EVERYTHING to EVERYONE. You'll run yourself ragged. Most of us work all day and have plenty of things to take care of once we get home. And don't forget about the errands that need to be squared away during the trip from work to home! If we don't take care of ourselves, don't be surprised if you have trouble sleeping, fatigue, irritability and/or anxiety. Ladies, take the time to rest and recharge. Our "jobs" are almost never done but if you don't take the time to replenish your strength, you will burn out. Being able to relax can decrease stress, improve your focus and increase your ability to tackle projects that need your attention. Designate time in the morning to set the tone of your day. Don't underestimate the power of prayer! Use that time to read a passage from a devotional or inspirational book. Build yourself up with positive affirmations and be mindful of what you listen to (on your way to work, school or wherever else you're headed). If your body feels good, your spirit will too. Whatever you feed your spirit will be manifested through your actions. If we want to reflect the love of God, we need to build that love within us.