Your True Colours September 2014 by Carolyn Bendall

Your True Colours

September 2014

KIKA! Eco Friendly Clothes

Top Reasons GMO Should Be Labeled Humor is FUNdamental

Organic Cotton, Recycled Soda Bottles Fashion Goes Eco

Memphis Music & Stax

Shantell Ogden Singing Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stories

THE LOCAL VOICE OF MEMPHIS THE MARYBETH CONLEY SHOW Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday | 12pm to 1pm

Marybeth Conley brings 30 years of television experience to radio. The Marybeth Conley Show encourages you to LIVE LIFE BIG and learn from the brightest minds in the fields from finances,to wellness and faith. Interesting people and inspiring stories,you never know what you might learn!

LISTEN LIVE kwam990.com

OWN YOUR OWN SHOW

Have a passion & want to share it with the Mid-South? Call us @ 901.261.4200 ext. 228.

THE LOCAL

VOICE OF MEMPHIS 4MEMPHIS SHOW with EARLE FARRELL Monday – Friday 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm LISTEN LIVE kwam990.com

Want to hear some good news about the Mid-South? Try The Earle Farrell 4 Memphis Show! It’s a show about art, businesses, entrepreneurship, film making, music, and so much more. It’s something different everyday. Listen to AM990 for local talk!

Want to be part of The Earle Farrell 4Memphis Show? Contact us at farrellpro@aol.com.

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Some of Our Contributing Writers: Patricia Davis has over forty years of sewing experience to include dressmaking, wardrobing and custom tailoring. Needless to say, she is a textile expert. As the owner of Consumers Against Toxic Apparel (CATA), Silver Needle & Thread, Silver T-Models, Organic Style Unveiled Fashion Show, Jacksonville Organic Business Directory, Tag Custom Bridal and Organically Yours Wedding Resource she is focused and driven to provide all things organic and natural when it comes to apparel. Her ultimate goal is to connect the world of organics-be it clothes-makeup-food; empower consumers with knowledge so they demand cleaner and safer apparel inspiring a positive shift in our consumption. Mirta Evi founded The Andes Fashion in 2011 and The Andes Co Organic Food & Beverages in 2014. She became a sustainable materials fashion designer. From Italian and Spanish heritage, she has always loved art, design, drawing and singing. The result of this creativity and caring about social problems is how she become a faithful believer that fashion business can be a fact to reduce the poverty in Ecuador and other countries. She has studied arts, tourism, and fashion design, and resides with her husband and kids in Ecuador.

Stan Gardner, M.D., has devoted the past 15 years of his 34 years in medical practice to providing his patients and followers with healthy alternatives to drugs and surgery. Dr. Gardner is a Certified Nutrition Specialist who utilizes nutrition in therapeutic doses, in addition to advocating healthy diets. To learn more, go to www.keystohealing.net. Dr. Gardner has a personalized practice in Sandy, Utah. He may be reached at the Keys to Healing Medical Center, 801-302-5397

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Contributing Writers (continued) Melissa Gray was born in sunny, humid Florida; always surrounded by the ocean and the heat. She noticed that the more products she used on her face to clean, exfoliate, tone, and moisturize it; that it began looking overworked. This set her on a quest to stop using harsh artificial products. She began to experiment with all natural soaps; and began to expand into additional natural products as friends and colleagues requested them. A shift from hobby to business was decided. She is proud to announce that all of her products are all natural, healthy products for pampering your skin without artificial fragrances or flavors. Mary Kay Morrison is an educator who has taught at virtually every level of the educational spectrum, while facilitating keynote presentations and workshop sessions internationally for the past 30 years. Her work includes integrating what we know about cognitive research on the emotions (particularity humor) to classroom application. Mary Kay is founder and director of Humor Quest. She currently volunteers on the Board of Directors for the Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) and is 2015 president-elect. Her publications, Using Humor to Maximize Learning; Exploring Links between Positive Emotions and Education I and Using Humor to Maximize Living are being used as texts for humor studies courses at several universities

Tim Sampson is the communications director for the Soulsville Foundation, the nonprofit organization that operates the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Stax Music Academy, and The Soulsville Charter School. He is founding editor of The Memphis Flyer newspaper, former editor of Memphis magazine, and author of the book All Mimes Must Die.

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http://platapura.es/

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Table of contents In this Issue:

Monthly Columns:

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Cool Skin Tones/Warm Skin Tones: Eileen Fisher Great Finds: Family Entertainment and Travel Laughter Lawyer USA On The Brain Sherry O’Connors Entertainment:

Singing the Songs of Life, Shantell Ogden

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Wellness: Looking Younger from the Inside Out by Kally Efros YTC Artist Spotlight: DJ Ron Olson

YTC Endorsements: Silver Needle & Thread YTC Life Image: Meal Planning Know the Toquilla Hats (Panama Hats) | Amazing hats from Ecuador!

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YTC Transformations: Dana Kimbrough – Articles

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Your Authentic Signature or Forgery by Sherri Henley 37 Memphis Music Alive and Well in the Stax Museum & Stax Academy by Tim Sampson 39 The Top 10 Reasons Humor Is FUNdamental for Living

45 S.T.E.M. by Knowledge Tree 49 by Mary Kay Morrison

Stax Music Academy, full of history and changing lives.

10 Top Reasons Why Food with GMO Ingredients Should Be So Labeled by Stan Gardner, M.D.

Reinventing Health Care and Essential Oils by Beth McKinzie, R.N., CDE

67 Superfoods for Superior Beauty by Megan Davis 69 Is Organic Apparel Worth the Price? by Pat Davis 77 Organic Makeup from Italy, Zao 87 Lye: The Dirty Word in Soap by Melissa Gray

The Top Ten Reasons Humor is FUNdamental for Living

Mother/Daughter Team Heads Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women by Carolyn Bendall

How Organic Can Hair Color Really Be by Ted Cortese Eco-Friendly Jeans: Contents, Plastic Bottles

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Table of Contents (Continued) Going Organic Leads to a New Career

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The History of the Ecuadorian “Panama Hat” by Mirta Evi

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What Type of Baby Walking Shoes Should I Get? by Yolanda Williams

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Credits for Cover Photo: Kika http://www.kikashops.com All contents of this magazine are the opinions of the individual authors. September 2014 Fashion Academy© No part of this magazine may be reprinted without written permission from the editor. cbendall@fashionacademy.biz

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From the Editor’s Desk Hello Everyone, We have had a great Summer launch and we have had a lot fun pulling the magazine together each month! We’ve made new friends, tried new products, introduced new products, and increased readership! We even have a contest!! It will be in the December issue, so look for a fun contest that will prepare you for a cruise with a new tan and some new clothes!! We have a great issue this month, focusing on organic products and recycled products. We have a story of a woman’s quest to find makeup that didn’t cause allergic reactions; jeans from plastic bottles; skin care from the inside and skin care from the ‘garden’! It’s a fun issue! Our international flare is highlighted by the history of the “Panama Hat”; did you know they were really from Ecuador? I didn’t!! Please share us with your friends! We also have a radio show; in fact we have three radio shows, with more on the way. We are bringing together a television show. We are there for all of those small businesses that have a great product! If you know of one, send us their information; we want to meet them. https://www.facebook.com/yourtruecoloursmagazine Have fun with our monthly columns, Great Finds highlights family friendly entertainment spots; YTC Transformations features a fashion designer who is pushing forward despite 4 strokes; Laughter Lawyer spotlight depression and Robin Williams’ tragic death. What do you want to see? Let us know. We have a contest in this magazine, too…so look for it and enter to win! Till next month…Stay True to You! Carolyn Bendall

DJ Ron Olson Becomes Artist Ron Olson www.facebook.com/page/ronolsonart For more information: 901-277-2894

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DJ Ron Olson Morning personality on highly ranked WMC-FM100 in Memphis TN, Ron Olson has been a creative force of energy and enthusiasm on Memphis radio and television, well over 25 years! And, his creativity doesn’t stop when he is ‘off the air’! His gift for writing and photography has added creative layers to his life, but painting has become his passion! Ron’s fun, folk-art style has gotten lots of praise over the past few years! Self-taught, Ron loves the mix of many mediums, with lots of surprise elements!

www.facebook.com/page/ronolsonart For more information: 901-277-2894

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“Painting is one of the most exciting and interesting things I have done! It’s a creative process with an emotional connection that I get passionate about! ‘Memphis’, music, the south, the blues, rock and roll are part of me! I have to say that I ‘think way outside the canvas’, that’s my style! It’s cool and addictive…..better than golf, I think!” Ron Olson

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Great Finds: Fun Travel & Entertainment Sometimes it is hard to find the fun, family friendly events that we can enjoy. Here are a few:

The Lion King, The Musical. When I posed the question, this is the musical that came up the most. Our own theater in Memphis, The Orpheum, says that you almost have to get season tickets to guarantee a seat! So, get on the waiting list right away if it is coming to your town! http://www.lionking.com/

Pigeon Forge, TN. The Comedy Barn. This is one of the best times you and your family can have. We took a 5 year old, it kept her attention the entire time. Be prepared for audience participation, and they pull all of the children in the audience to the stage at one pointâ&#x20AC;Śso, when they ask if you want to prepurchase the video of the showâ&#x20AC;Śyou do. http://www.comedybarn.com/ S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 | 11

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Great Finds: Fun Travel & Entertainment Six in Branson, MO. This is the second most listed show when I posed the question. Six brothers bring a family friendly performance that sells out shows in Branson MO. http://www.thesixshow.com/

Silver Dollar City. A family fun day that is hidden away in the Ozarks and was there way before Branson MO became an entertainment center. They have expanded to include a water park, but they also include the original theme park with pioneer era displays, artisans, and street perfomers (watch out, you just might become a part of the routine!), the showboat, and a full service campground. Located at Branson MO, a place not to miss! http://www.silverdollarcity.com/

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LAUGHTER LAWYER USA ON THE BRAIN By Debra Norwood Much has been said recently about the untimely death of actor, comic, and friend to humor, Robin Williams. As the world reels in collective shock, the unspoken question is ‘Why?’ Did Robin not know how much the world needed and loved him? I was personally shaken to the core. On the very day of his death, I was watching Patch Adams while I was preparing to meet the real Patch Adams that very next week. I had seen the movie many times and wanted once again to witness Robin Williams’ portrayal of that legendary doctor who encouraged humor and laughter as a vehicle for healing. My pain was personal, because Robin Williams’ humor, his joy, and his zaniness had helped me during so many times and in so many ways! But of course, I did not know him personally, so I am not privy to the angst that may have driven that incomparable icon to his death, nor do I wish to speculate on the impetus. The one thing I do know is that Robin Williams was frank with the public about his struggles with addiction, anxiety, and depression. His wife also mentioned that he had also recently been diagnosed as having Parkinson’s disease. There is a temptation to say: “What does someone who has fame and fortune have to be anxious about?” This comment is easily understandable when the concerns in one’s own life might be centered around bills that need to be paid or meeting life’s basic necessities. But in that question there is an implied answer that anxiety can be cured with material things—or at least that anxiety should be diminished if these coexist. S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 | 13

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Laughter Lawyer USA On The Brain (Continued) After all, this person presumably has no need to worry about the day-to-day struggles that common folk endure, right? Wrong! As an attorney, I used to tell my clients that a person who makes a thousand dollars a month worries about hundred dollar issues, and a person who makes ten thousand dollars a month worries about thousand dollar issues. Worry is worry, no matter how much money you have. Other commonly noted public ruminations involving the rich and famous and their struggles with addiction or depression often center on the issue of choice. Thinking that everything we do in life is our choice presupposes that all of us were born with the same “normal” brain and background, that we are all vestiges of an idyllic person who has found himself in this place and time as if he or she had walked straight out of the Garden of Eden. The truth is that our genetic make up, including the epigenetic effects of what our ancestors ate and did, as well as our current environment, nutrition, trauma, stress, health, and what other people have chosen to do in our current and childhood interactions, all can affect our own choices. They all blend to make us the individuals that we are. The truth is that unless we have a clear insight into the workings of the brain and an actual image of the brain of the person about whom we are speculating, then that is all we will ever have—speculation. As Laughter Lawyer USA, I promote myself as a resilience trainer who helps people become more productive, creative, and cheerful so they may become harbingers of peace through the use of positive interventions, mindfulness, therapeutic humor, and laughter. I talk about helping individuals by: Reframing Thinking Reforming Bad Habits Reassessing Public Image Lately, however, I have made sure to add an important component to my coaching curriculum: health for the brain. I elected this route because more and more as I help individuals and groups who are struggling with change of mindsets, I realize that using the words “choice” or “choosing happy” or choosing to be drug-free or to be anxietyfree can be very demoralizing and sound very accusatory. It is not always as easy as Facebook and other media ads suggest, and carries a judgmental inference that people who fail to be happy are not putting their minds to it. In a simplistic quote, these pretty posts and armchair psychologist statements imply that all one has to do is decide, and bam! Your life changes. True, the brain is the body’s command center, and if you

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Laughter Lawyer USA On The Brain (Continued) change your brain, you can change your life, but choosing to do so requires help. Some carry the heavy burden of abuse, which affects the health of their body and their brain and, ultimately, even their lifespan. Also, stress kills! Studies are coming forth regarding special molecules of DNA called telomeres, protective caps which stop coils which contain genetic information that keep every cell in your body from fraying. These same studies suggest that children and adults who are victims of poor upbringing and domestic violence have shorter telomeres than those not subject to these kinds of stressful events. Just as an individual’s telomeres can be dramatically shortened by faulty genes, chronic stress, and a poor lifestyle—ultimately causing a shorter lifespan— positive changes in these areas can offset that damage. Telomerase is an enzyme that replenishes the DNA which helps these cell caps but, there again, studies suggest those reserves are determined—you guessed it—by adopting a healthy lifestyle to compensate for the telomere decline. Otherwise, one is a destined for premature aging. The expression “frayed nerves” might be best applied to these frayed telomeres! Stress also affects our immune systems, our hearts, other internal organs; ultimately anything that can hurt our internal organs can hurt our brains. It has been shown that our cognitive skills can be severely impaired by many external and internal interlopers that literally rob one of the ability to think straight. Yes, stress can even damage our brain irrevocably if not stopped in time. That is why, when my clients ask “What were they thinking?” when someone did something hurtful, irrational, or illogical to them, my answer is always, “I do not know; maybe they just can’t think straight through no fault of their own.” And, after finding out more about these people and their pasts, I am, usually—and unfortunately—right.

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Laughter Lawyer USA On The Brain (Continued) As an attorney, I know that no one knows what shapes another person’s emotions until they get to know that person and can objectively look at their life. I was able to represent people whom others in society may have seen as reprehensible: a drug addict, a mother who neglected her child, an abuser, a youth who committed an act of violence. In my representation I tried to avoid judgment and focus instead on healing and restoration. Indeed, the day I chose to withdraw from my last few cases to pursue Laughter Lawyer USA as my primary focus, I had both women and teens hugging me and crying outside the courtroom, thanking me for being their friend. They knew I neither judged nor blamed them for what they had done, even though it hurt me to the core that their behavior had resulted in pain to themselves and to others. BLAME. This word is the reason that I have chosen not to just dwell on the therapeutic benefits of humor and laughter, but also to include the brain science behind joy and all that eliminates the sense of shame and blame that people with anxiety feel when they fail to see positive results from positive thinking. These people experience frustration because motivational speeches, religious doctrine, twelve-step programs, the trending “Secret," yoga, affirmations, and mindsets may or may not stick, and the sense of failure in not keeping a diet, learning like others do, or stopping bad habits leads to learned hopelessness and the need to just give up. The truth, however, is simple. To have a positive mind, your brain must be in the condition to receive the mindset! To choose to change you must chemically have the functions to allow for a rational desire to change. If your impulse controls are overriding all logic, and your fear is so overwhelming that a rational thought can’t be found, then how can you choose? HOPE. Fortunately, there is hope for the anxiety-riddled person who is paralyzed by life and cannot make a decision without the wheels churning and churning, “Did I make the right decision? Did I make the right decision?” As Laughter Lawyer USA, I feel blessed to be able to spread this good news! There are people, institutions, and medical professionals who understand that to look into people’s emotional wellbeing, one very logical place to begin is looking at the brain of the subjects themselves. One such professional is Dr. Earl Henslin who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and is a family therapist and Christian counselor. He is also the author of many books, my favorite of which is This is Your Brain on Joy, A Revolutionary Program for Balancing Mood, Restoring Brain Health, and Nurturing Spiritual Growth.

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Laughter Lawyer USA On The Brain (Continued) I met Dr. Henslin several years ago in San Diego at a conference hosted by AATH, the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. There, Dr. Henslin and another expert, Dr. Lee Berk from Loma Linda University, were presenters who shared valuable empirical studies regarding the numerous physical benefits of humor and laughter to enrich and heal people’s lives. Afterwards, I was prompted to approach Dr. Henslin and ask him, in a roundabout way, a question that troubled me so much—the same question that we pose here: Why is there a difference in one person’s reaction to life’s vicissitudes as opposed to another? The two-hour conversation that ensued and the other communications that have followed have been life changing. As a result, I have chosen, after much research and prayer, to incorporate selected portions of the Amen Clinic curriculum “Making a Good Brain Great” in all my therapeutic laughter presentations and workshops. For those who are riddled with questions of why they can’t focus, why they are filled with angst, addiction, or anger and are feeling ashamed at their inability to “work out” their own problems, or for those parents and loved ones who ask themselves “What did I do wrong?” when a child of theirs is impulsive, acts out, or has difficulties with attention deficit disorder, compulsion, anxiety or depression, Dr. Henslin suggests we direct our attention to studies done by Dr. Daniel G. Amen of Amen Clinics. Dr. Amen offers the clear and convincing proposition that the brain is involved in everything that we do, therefore by looking to see if our brain is working correctly, we may unearth previously unseen insight into the problems. One such way is with brain SPECT imaging. Since certain parts of the brain are tied to certain behaviors, imaging the brain can help to understand and help the brain by targeting the parts of the brain that are not functioning at optimal levels. Since the

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Laughter Lawyer USA On The Brain (Continued) brain has only a certain amount of reserves and is one of the most complex organs in our bodies, learning what things hurt or help the brain can assist in helping change the brain. Did I just say change the brain? Yes! The good news is that if we can begin to take care of our brain, it may actually start to heal itself to the best of its ability. That is called the neuroplasticity of the brain. One way to get to that place of healing is by setting a goal to learn all you can about your own brain and to then heal the brain in every way that is possible. Of course, it is not a one-step panacea. With a healthy diet, exercise for both the brain and body, nutritional supplements, and, if needed, prescribed medication, healing can, in some cases, be miraculous. Dr. Henslin’s books and website are great resources in finding anecdotes of individuals who found relief for emotional upsets including rage, physical challenges, marital discord, and pornography addictions. Dr. Amen’s website, PBS Specials, and many other materials offer so many heartening success stories about the dramatic assistance that people who suffer with attention deficit disorders, brain trauma, psychological trauma, or addictions have received. THE NEXT STEP One way to start learning about your own brain is to take an online assessment which can be found at http://www.amenclinics.com/audit/—and set goals about what you want for yourself in order to get healthy and back on track to pursuing your dreams. Many who have taken the assessment and/or had the brain SPECT imaging and counseling through Amen Clinics have understood that childhood falls, blows to the head, or car accidents that caused concussions may have caused the emotional and physical discomforts they experience. To finally learn that about oneself gives one the

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Laughter Lawyer USA On The Brain (Continued) compassion and courage to then make proper choices towards wellbeing. After that, teaching our brain to be focused helps us to teach it also to be healthier and happier. MY PARTING THOUGHTS Sometimes it takes the courage, as my clients who are suffering from addictions know, to “act as if” we are the people we want to be, until we can become that person. In all my presentations I reach a point where, after all the laughter subsides and everyone is relaxed and happy, I can don my yellow bumblebee hat and tell folks that it’s time to “BEE SERIOUS!” After the initial chuckles, we get down to the business of thinking deeply about that which each person wants most out of life and whom they dream of becoming. I invite them to “act like busy bees” in working towards their goals and encourage them to “Bee It Now!” by embracing the present in order to immediately start working on those things which they may have left by the wayside to improve their own happiness. I encourage them to document their newfound commitment with a hashtag of mine which journals whatever they are working on. I encourage you to do the same by posting your intention and affirmation online with #beeitnow. Of course, in my lighthearted presentation I do recognize that nothing is as easy as just setting an intention to become what you want to become. But setting specific goals is a beginning. A dream, a wish, a childhood happy wonder: they are all beginnings on a journey to health, happiness, and self-discovery. To achieve those goals, however, there are five essential elements to ensure that your desire will not fail. They are: 1. BE HUMBLE AND DON’T DO THIS ALONE: We all need to avail ourselves of every ethical support group imaginable to assist us in our journey. Human beings are SOCIAL beings, and, if left alone to our own thoughts, those very thoughts might sabotage us. Yes, folks, our thoughts may lie to us! Support mechanisms for reality checks are essential. Be it 12-step programs, faith-based addiction recovery programs, exercise programs, personal coaches, educational programs, and, for brain health, programs like those suggested through Amen Clinics, use anything and anyone that is legitimate, honorable, reputable, and established to help you fulfill your goal. If cost is an issue, search for every community group imaginable that can help. 2. EXPECT THE BEST: Teach yourself to become an incurable optimist! Optimists have the expectation that somehow everything will turn out OK in the end. Pessimists, though, psychologists suggest, actually have a better grip on reality. They are hyper-

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Laughter Lawyer USA On The Brain (Continued) vigilant of all things that can go wrong and can clearly and most realistically see obstacles that can sabotage goals. Lawyers are, by definition, trained pessimists, because we have to foresee everything that can possibly come up to sabotage the success of our cases! But studies show that a pessimist tends to fail dismally at actually reaching his or her goals, while those optimists find ways to surpass obstacles and do amazing things. To see a wonderful affirmation of what an optimist is, check out the Optimist Creed. It is no wonder that most major religions and faiths of old have been telling us this all along. 3. FIND THE HUMOR IN YOUR CHALLENGES: Life happens. And some of it is not funny. Nevertheless, humorists, comedians, and satirists have been around for centuries, mocking these terrible events and convincing the world that the human spirit is indomitable. Even in disaster, dark humor emerges as a survival instinct. Search for jokes about your personal situation and, chances are, if you are involved in a support group (suggestion #1!), you will be able to laugh with like-minded people facing the same challenges. The best entertainment you can give yourself on your down time may be watching funny YouTube posts and videos. One such resource on YouTube is a great motivational speaker, a colleague at AATH, Karyn Buxman, at www.karynbuxman.com. She is a nurse and â&#x20AC;&#x153;neurohumorist," whose sidesplitting talks focus on the purpose behind struggles. Your humor is unique to you, so watch what makes you laugh and feel uplifted and positive. This is called cinematherapy, and yes folks, watching the right kind of movie that inspires faith, gratitude, forgiveness, laughter, and humanity is brain healing! Once such movie for me is Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart. In the movie his

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Laughter Lawyer USA On The Brain (Continued) heartaches become his blessings. As my husband always says: “Every moment is perfect if you make it so.” Challenges are learning opportunities. 4. AVOID NEGATIVE SOCIAL MEDIA: Keep your mind, heart, and soul pure from thoughts that can sabotage your efforts. You will always be subject to your own A.N.T.s (automatic negative thoughts) which you will have to learn to combat, so don’t add others’ angst and unhappy thoughts to your own. Delete negative posts and “unfriend” people who can sabotage your brain. If they are family or people you feel you can’t “unfriend," be respectful but do not engage. Do not lend credence to the naysayers who always appear, sometimes regrettably, from within your own household. If your support group (suggestion #1, again!) is giving you cautious messages and reality checks, trust them but close your ears to the ranting and raving of others who are not as lucky enough as you are to want to learn more about changing their brain and changing their lives. 5. PRACTICE NON-JUDGEMENT: Brain imaging and online tests for ADD, anxiety, and depression may result in a suggestion or diagnosis that indicate that you and your brain are just not operating at an optimum level. You may need a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a life coach, a medical doctor, medication, and/or vitamins. You might be advised to change your eating habits and to include more exercise in your life. Remember those lifespan-indicating telomeres I spoke of earlier? It is no surprise that the same changes in lifestyle that may be suggested to you by qualified professionals will also help combat the shortening of those telomeres and help lengthen your life! Remember, what is good for your body is good for your brain. The knowledge that you are NOT perfect should be comforting, too, since, well, NOBODY IS!

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Laughter Lawyer USA On The Brain (Continued) A wonderful way to learn to develop compassion for yourself is by adopting techniques taught by Pragito Dove at www.discovermeditation.com. As a person who relies on faith and contemplation myself, I always joke that prayer and meditation are my primary medication! Laughter, of course, is a marvelous brain lubricant as well, because of its many health benefits and help with socialization. It is, indeed, why I am Laughter Lawyer USA! Click on www.worldlaughtertour.com to see if there is a certified laughter leader or a laughter club in your area. Additional ways to help your brain are art therapy, aromatherapy, yoga, jogging, biofeedback, individual prayer, faith-based programs, pastoral counsel, marriage counseling, and caring for a pet. At Laughter Lawyer USA, our seminars and presentations introduce these concepts and a number of alternative care and traditional modalities to support you in pursuing the dreams you wish to obtain. For information regarding the use of emotional support animals to help with health conditions and posttraumatic stress, contact Laughter Lawyer USA and find out about our Pets for Peace. Lastly I say to you: be proud of yourself for who and what you are. And, if you slip, be happy that you are one of the lucky ones who know that you can always get up, dust yourself off, and start again!

For books by Dr. Earl Henslin go to www.DrHenslin.com For more information on how to learn more about the brain visit www.amenclinics.com For presentations, motivational speeches, or personal coaching that includes therapeutic humor and laughter as well as brain health, contact Debra Norwood at laughterlawyerusa@yahoo.com. Find her on LinkedIn and Facebook or through the Look Good! Feel Good! Coaching program at www.fashionacademy.biz. Photos Courtesy of Laughter Lawyer USA

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901.528.8300 www.laughterlawyerusa.com infor@laughterlawyerUSA.com Look Good Feel Good Radio Show www.blogtalkradio.com/bendall

Coaching: Spiritual Laughter Workshop: It’s My Life, What Do I Do With It? Programs: Conflict Resolution

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Life Image: Planning for Meals One of the most frustrating happenings within a household, whether it is one; two; three, or large family, is meal planning. Restaurants dot the landscape everywhere one goes. Fast food restaurants taunt the children to come get the new toy of the month. Frustrated parents give in, and another night of poor planning begins to take shape. When the pantry is filled with prepared foods, nutrition and money go out the window. My son’s roommates were laughing at him when he went to the store to stock the kitchen; flour, sugar, ground beef, chicken, canned vegetables, pasta, etc. Then at the end of the first week after their payday and they had no more money to purchase pizzas and hamburgers; they noticed he was still eating. After that first pay day to pay day menu of eat out dinners left them broke; they began to give my son some money for groceries and the entire apartment then ate from pay day to pay day. Planning your menu around what is in season in your area will also bring the costs down. There are many programs that help you to plan a menu, simply do a search on ‘meal planning’ or ‘menu planning’. Now, some of those will be so unreal that you will throw up your hands, don’t feel you have to be as exotic as some of them are. (No one will judge you for using Campbell’s soup recipes, just have a good balance with fresh items, too.) We have included here a template that you can use to plan out the month, p.27,. It is

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Life Image: Planning Meals (Continued) best to have it on paper, so that you can post it on the refrigerator (or another prominent place in the kitchen). Reason for this, the first person home can start dinner; no rummaging for the quick fix item, or snacking until everyone does get home and fast food is chosen. One investment we highly recommend is a crock pot, you can get one at a reasonable price at most discount stores. Crock pot recipes are simple. Another investment we suggest is, of course pots and pans. We also like CorningWare®, because it is so versatile. One of our favorite places to get a good week’s worth of nutrition is through http://www.bountifulbaskets.org . Another is your local farmer’s market. To purchase food that will be fresh, yet store easily, go to http://www.thrivelife.com Both of these sites have some great recipe ideas. If you are new to cooking, no problem. Basically all you need to know how to do is how to read, measuring spoons, measuring cups, spoons, and a can opener. If you don’t think you are spending that much on eating out all the time, keep track (even during the day) of all meals or snacks you purchase away from home. It will make you swallow hard. If you don’t think you are eating too many calories, especially empty calories, then download the app, ‘My Fitness Pal’. You will quickly see exactly what you are eating each day. (Warning: It might be a bit frightening.) The great thing about My Fitness Pal is that they also have a place for you to enter your exercise and any exertion during the day. (It gives you hope!) Photos come from the company’s Facebook page.

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Breakfast Sun

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Shopping List:

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Your True Colours

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S.Motallebi INOVATION IN CLOTHING DESIGN

http://www.smotallebi.com/

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Wellness: Looking Younger from the Inside Out By Kally Efros I get asked all the time how old I am. I am proud to say I am 47 years old. I also have seven kids. I get compliments on my skin all the time. One day my daughter (22 years younger than me) was mistaken to be my sister. I love it! I'm going to share with you my secret tips for having youthful skin and even more than that - how to feel younger, too.

The Author, Kally Efros

know.

I was just talking to my cousin the other day, she is 25 years old and I have known her all her life. She paid me a wonderful compliment. She told me that I look younger now than I did when I was in my 20’s and whatever I’m doing, she wanted to

I grew up eating what other typical kids ate, pasta, white bread, cold cereal, sodas, chips, and other snacks. There wasn’t a lot of fresh fruit and veggies except during the summer when we had a garden. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, except that my mom used a bunch of herbs on us and were not that sick. When I started my own household, the trend continued adding in more trips to fast food places as a treat for me and my little kids. In my 20’s, I was tired all the time and our family was sick often. My hair didn’t have a nice luster and my skin wasn’t glowing. I used to wonder what amazing products people used to get that shinny hair and glowing skin. But in your 20’s you never think you’ll age. As I hit my 30’s I started to look and feel old to me. I was also tired of being ‘sick and tired’. It was then I really started doing some research and being concerned about what I put into my body. I made big changes for myself and in one month I could not believe the difference! I had lots of energy. I also noticed that the aging process slowed down a lot. My skin stared glowing and looking much better, less breakouts. And my hair S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 | 31

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Wellness: Looking Younger from the Inside Out (Continued) changed as well. As I run into people from my past, I am amazed at how the years have aged them. When your diet is filled with foods that blemish and wrinkle the skin, it can add several years to your appearance. If you are not getting your ‘beauty sleep’, the body can’t repair, restore or detox. Here are some simple steps to beautify your skin from the inside out.1 1. Water: You need adequate amounts to hydrate the skin. Your body is over 75% water. Remember what happens to nice plump juicy grapes when you dehydrate them - raisins. Lack of water causes many challenges in the body, but more importantly it makes your skin more prone to wrinkles just like a raisin. Water flushes the toxins out of the cells of the body. Toxins make our skin look older and more wrinkled. In general, you need to drink half your body weight in ounces. For example if you weighed 140 pounds, you would need 70 ounces of water. As reported in The Huffington Post last year, a woman started drinking 3 liters of water daily and looked 10 years younger and felt better.1 2. Fruits and Vegetables: Studies show that 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily delay aging and give you a healthy glow and gold skin. A healthy diet is key to beautiful, younger looking skin. Whole foods are the best for you. Processed foods are missing nutrients and require a lot of water to move through the system, which in turn can leave your skin drier. Fruits and vegetables are rich in carotenoids, which guard against cell damage from pollution and UV rays and can prevent age-related disorders like heart disease and cancer. The recommended number of servings per day is 5 to 13 of fruits and veggies, (a serving is the size of your fist). Fresh or frozen fruits and veggies are high in anti-oxidants which are key to slowing the aging process. They also contain nutrients that protect from the sun and reduce wrinkles. 3. Exercise: Cleanse your skin from the inside out. Exercise increases blood flow, bringing nutrients and oxygen to the skin; and removing toxins. Studies show that regular exercise can reverse the aging process no matter when you start. 4. Proper Rest: We've all heard the term, Witthaya Phonsawat 'Get your beauty sleep'. There is wisdom to this. A build-up of toxins in the body, dehydration, and lack of exercise all contribute to insomnia. Toxins also age you and your skin. Sleep helps you regenerate the skin, and the whole body. When you are sleepS e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 | 32

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Wellness: Looking Younger from the Inside Out (Continued) deprived your body makes more cortisol, which increases stress and inflammation, this in turn can increase acne and other skin blemishes. Lack of sleep breaks down collagen which is key to younger looking skin. Lack of sleep also makes any skin challenges and wrinkles more visible. 5. Happy Attitude: It really goes a long way to make you look younger and feel younger. I once met a yoga instructor that looked like a 25 year old. I was shocked to find out she was in her 50’s and had grandchildren. Her secret, she drank water all the time, ate a very healthy diet, exercised regularly, got her rest and she has always appeared very happy to me. That was it! That was her secret for looking so incredible. Simple changes can bring great results. Remember it is just as important to nourish your skin from the inside out. It really does make a difference. If you need a little fine tuning or guidance, join the conversations or start your own with me on Facebook. 1

”Water Can Make You Look 10 Years Younger, Woman Claims”, Huffington Post, 11-012013, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/01/water-and-younger-looking-skin_n_4191717.html

For additional wellness tip like this and more, check out Kally’s website at www.wellnessandtoys.com or connect with me on Facebook www.facebook.com/indigomountain and share with me your favorite skin care tip.

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Get Real With Mark and Kally On Your True Colors Image Radio Wednesdays at 1:00 pm Central Time Zone http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bendall

September 2014 Shows September 3rd Great Places to Visit in Arizona Discover some lesser known sites of the Grand Canyon State. September 10th Anti-Aging Exercises with Iren Sophia Irene Sophia, Certified Ageless Grace Educator will teach us how easy and fun exercise can be from the comfort of your own chair. This is for all ages. September 17th Molecules of Emotion by Candace Pert, PhD, a Book Review Why do we feel the way we feel? Our thoughts and emotions affect our health. September 24th How to Avoid Whatever Bug is Going Around Your School, Office or Home Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll share our secrets on how to avoid getting sick.

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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: Author. Speaker. Social Media Intelligence Trainer. Collaborative Leader Founder & CEO of Business Over Coffee International (BOCI), Sherri Henley has mastered the art of being a digital citizen. In addition to effectively managing one of the world’s fastest growing online business networks, Sherri hosts regular radio & television programs on BOCI Radio, BOCI TV and The Sherri Henley Intelligence channel. Recently named as one of author, Germaine Moody’s 50 Favorite People, Mr. Moody says, “Sherri is a collaborative leader by example.” Her latest book, The Power of Collaboration in Business, featuring eight contributing authors in addition to herself, is a true testament of her mission to foster connections, collaboration, exposure and business growth. She is also published periodically in several magazines as a social media specialist. Sherri serves as the program director for the BOCI Professional Boost Program, a mentoring initiative to invest in up & coming professionals and entrepreneurs. As a result of her work to Bring Everyone Together, Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. issued a Mayoral Proclaimation to make December 5th “BRINGING EVERYONE TOGETHER DAY”. Sherri contributes to the University of Memphis, Folgleman College of Business and Economics through periodic speaking, training and development in social media intelligence. She also received an Award in Excellence for her work from The National College of Business and Technology. Sherri’s down to earth demeanor & social media expertise are sure to deliver an experience that will motivate and equip her audience to expand their digital influence and develop a global reach.

“I work with individuals, groups and corporations who want to optimize their influence through social media intelligence and gain more connections, collaborations, exposure and business.”

-Bob Burg Bestselling Author & Convention Speaker, Influence & Referrals Authority. Founder, Certified Go-Giver Coaching Program

“Sherri is what I call a “fire starter”. She soars with tremendous energy, ideas and vision; always ready to empower, support and uplift. ” -Germaine Moody Best-Selling Author, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, Investor, Entertainment Exec.

“I was immediately impressed by Sherri’s authenticity, sincerity, and endearing personality. She shows respect for her audience by preparing well, knowing the range of topics to discuss, and facilitating an orderly exchange of valuable ideas.” -J.D. Gershbein The Neuroscience of LinkedIn Social Branding for LinkedIn Profiles Consultant & Speaker on LinkedIn Best Practices

“Sherri Henley simply makes it happen! At a time when most people find excuses, Sherri Henley finds solutions and promotes success through collaboration.”

-Sherri Henley

- Terri Murphy Harnessing the Power of Communication to Connect

Connect with Sherri:

5865 Ridgeway Center Pkwy | Suite 300 Memphis, Tennessee 38120

“As a guest on Sherri’s show, I had the honor to experience first-hand how very knowledgeable, kind, prepared and professional she is. I recommend her highly!”

901.820.4469

www.SherriHenley.com

Your True Colours

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Your Authentic Signature or Forgery? By Sherri Henley

In the Branding Craze of Social Media…Do You Display Your Authentic Signature…or Forgery?

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Finding your niche’ online can be a bit of a challenge but well worth the effort to establish your own identity. The uniqueness of you will reveal the value of your service or product. People buy from you because they like you, trust you or were referred to you by someone they “like or trust”. Product is on every corner of the Internet…but there is only one YOU in the entire world! How You Present Yourself Online is Your Ultimate Sells Pitch or Downfall! Ouch…did that hurt? Watch your mouth when your fingers do the talking through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or any one of the multiple social media sites in the cloud. What you say is what they get! Another Angle of Authentic Creativity …is reinventing photos through sites like www.photofunia.com – The photo attached to this article was taken from a professional photo taken by Caroline Norwood and inserted into a template photo by yours truly! This will allow you to display your personality in ways that set you apart from the rest of the crowd. Ensure you have copyright permission to use the photo prior to practicing art! Your Fingerprint is on Everything You Post, Say, or Portray in Writing or Imagery Know your own thoughts and share them with the world…just make sure what you are sharing is not something you should have left in the closet. Dirty laundry should stay in the laundry room not be aired out to dry on your personal profile. Have a close friend you want to share something personal? Inbox them directly. A tip for the wiser! In My Youth I Practiced my Signature to Authenticate my Personality on Paper I finally mastered the art! Now I must daily apply that art to what I share with the World. I learn from others…then I wrap my brain around my thoughts on the matter to make them match my signature brand…adding my personal twist. Authenticate yourself and do your twist! We’re watching!

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Memphis Music is Alive and Well in the Stax Museum and Stax Academy By Tim Sampson

The year was 1957. Memphis had already claimed its status as a musical city, with Beale Street, the blues, a thriving jazz community, and a group of artists at the tiny Sun Records already rocking and rolling and shaking and rattling the new music scene. Artists such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash were changing the way the world listened to and reacted to music. Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton, in the Beginning

A young man by the name of Jim Stewart had moved to Memphis from his hometown of Middleton, Tennessee to escape the confines of rural living and was working the big city as a bank employee by day and a country fiddler by night. Having the foresight to realize it would be hard to make a living as a musician and impressed with the work going on at Sun Records, Stewart decided he would become a music producer and record some of his friends’ country music songs. He took a small tape recorded with an amp to his wife’s uncle’s garage in North Memphis and went about the business of recording and producing music there. With no success under his belt there, he moved to another location on the outskirts of town, and finally in 1960, someone suggested to him that he find a neighborhood movie house that had closed, a movement that was rampant as large movie palaces began to open downtown. After looking at several locations, Stewart, a

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Stax Museum and Stax Academy (Continued) white man short in stature, decided on the Capitol Movie Theater at 926 E. McLemore. It had the space and good acoustics, but more importantly, the rent was cheap. By this time Stewart had convinced his older sister Estelle Axton to mortgage her home for needed cash and together they moved their company – then known as Satellite Records – into the old movie theatre. But a funny thing happened on the way to success in recording country music. As it turns out, the theater was located in a neighborhood that was quickly transitioning from predominantly white to predominantly AfricanAmerican. Also, Stewart had met with a famous Memphis singer and disc jockey named Rufus Thomas, who brought his daughter Carla Thomas to the studio, where they recorded an R&B song titled “Cause I Love You.” Stewart fell in love with this genre immediately and said he would never record country again. As the young musicians in the neighborhood found out about this new studio, they started coming around to see it and to shop in the record shop Axton opened in the theater’s old concessions area. White kids who loved R&B began showing up. A band named the Mar-Keys recorded a song on Satellite that became a million-selling instrumental hit, which prompted an already established label named Satellite in California to threaten to sue, resulting in Stewart and Axton taking the first two letters

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Stax Museum and Stax Academy (Continued) from each of their last names and creating the portmanteau â&#x20AC;&#x153;STAX.â&#x20AC;? The rest, as they say, is history. Stax grew to launch the careers of such soul music icons as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the MGs, Sam & Dave, Albert King, Eddie Floyd, and dozens of others. From its humble beginnings as a mom and pop operation relying on the talent of the musicians in the neighborhood, it went on to release more than 800 single 45s and nearly 300 LPs during its 15-year run, picking up eight Grammys and an Oscar along the way. In all, Stax placed more than 167 hit songs in the Top 100 on the pop charts, and a staggering 243 hits in the Top 100 R&B charts. After a run of unfortunate business decisions gone bad and racism from the white business community, Stax was forced into involuntary bankruptcy in 1975 and in 1989 its original studios were demolished, leaving its original site barren and undistinguishable from the blight around it, except for one lone

A Listening Station Located in the Hall of Records S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 | 41

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Stax Museum and Stax Academy (Continued)

Instruments and Equipment from Another Era, Located in Studio A

historical marker that reminded visitors from all over the world that this location had once been the home of some of the most important music and history in the world. In 199 however, thanks in part to a very generous, anonymous donation, a board was formed and announced that the hallowed ground would come to life again with the development of the stunning new Stax Museum of American Soul Music (opened in 2003) and Stax Music Academy (opened in 2002). All of this would serve as a shrine to all American Soul music, offer something positive for the children of the economically depressed surrounding community by mentoring them through music education, and serve as the inspiration for the revitalization of the neighborhood. This could have happened in many other easier, more traffic-heaving locations. But it would not have had the meaning that it would to be at the original site where his history was made. The Stax Museum is a 17,000 square foot museum offering a tremendous experience that includes state-of-the-art interactive exhibits, music videos, instruments, items of stage clothing, records, filmed interviews, vintage recording equipment, and other items of memorabilia that tell the story, from beginning to present, of American soul music, with

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Stax Museum and Stax Academy (Continued)

particular focus on Stax Records. From the award-winning introductory documentary film to an authentic circa-1906 Mississippi Delta church that explains the gospel roots of soul music, the museum winds and twists through a labyrinth of exhibits that entertain, inform, and engage visitors. Permanent exhibits include Otis Redding’s favorite brown suede jacket; Albert King’s purple Flying V guitar; Isaac Hayes’ restored, peacock-blue 1972 Superfly Cadillac Eldorado complete with television, refrigerator, and gold trim, a near-exact replica of the original recording studio; a dance floor wrapped with vintage dance videos, and nearly 800 45 single records and 300 LPs in a special display. You’ll hear music blaring from the speakers in the parking lot the minute you get out of your car. You may Stax Music Academy students live in the museum (they have performed in Italy, Berlin, Australia, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and more). And you may see students in blazers and ties carrying large loads of books from building to building. These are the students of the organization’s Soulsville Charter School, which began in 2005 with 60 sixth-graders and now serves some 650 students in grades 6th -12th. The school has so far had three graduating classes with a total of 141 seniors, all of whom graduated and all of whom were accepted to college with more than $20 million in scholarships and grants. And all of this is at the original site of Stax Records in one of the most economically depressed zip codes in the United States. Now that is being a good custodian of a musical legacy.

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The Top Ten Reasons Humor is FUNdamental for Living By Mary Kay Morrison, Humor Quest

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Today’s mighty oak is just yesterday’s nut that held its ground. Humor is just the fertilizer needed to nurture stressed and anxious folks as they cope with the cognitive/technological revolution that is shaping the 21st century. A review of neuroscience research indicates that healthy and positive humor can have a significant impact on lifestyle. The intentional cultivation of humor practice nourishes our energy (humergy) and can have a powerful impact on our life. Here are the top ten reasons that people purposefully choose humor as an essential strategy for optimal well-being: 10. Humor plants memories. Powerful emotions are at the root of long-term memory. Think about your strongest memory of early elementary school. Chances are that this memory is linked to a strong emotional experience—either positive or negative. When the memory goes-forget it! 9. Humor grows coping skills. Humor has often been used as a survival technique for prisoners of war. Most of us are trying to survive the constant change of new technologies. Just trying to figure out how to operate our phones can be stressful. Some research indicates that laughter increases adrenaline, oxygen flow, and pulse rate. After experiencing laughter, most people report feeling relaxed and calm. No sense being pessimistic, it wouldn’t work anyway! 8. Humor cultivates energy and engagement. Purposeful games, directed play and physical activity all promote humor and learning. The research on the benefits of movement and learning supports the idea that play and laughter increase the oxygen levels and energy that are critical for well-being. Energizer Bunny Arrested; Charged With Battery! 7. Humor captures and retains attention. Laughter and surprise can hook even the most reluctant learner. Emotion drives attention and attention drives learning. The brain cannot learn if it is not attending. Humor generates the unexpected, which alerts the attentional center of the brain and increases the likelihood of information recall. Lost In Thought-It’s Unfamiliar Territory!

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The Top Ten Reasons Humor is FUNdamental for Living (Continued) 6. Humor neutralizes stress. Humor will decrease depression, loneliness and anger. The contagious nature of laughter is caused by mirror neurons or “brain cells that become active when an organism is watching an expression or behavior that they themselves can perform.” If you see someone laughing, even if you don’t know the reason for the laughter, you will probably laugh anyway. Laughter is contagious. Catch it! Spread it! He Who Laughs-Lasts! 5. Humor enhances relationships. They may not remember what you said, but they will remember your sense of humor and how they felt when they were with you. Build a Humor Haven in your workplace or your home filled with joke, riddle and humorous books. Make time for play. Fill your life with things that bring you smiles, including clown noses, squish balls, games/ puzzles. What would Scooby do? 4. Humor nurtures creativity. The employment market has transitioned from agriculture and manufacturing jobs to positions requiring ingenuity and inventiveness. Humor promotes creativity and critical thinking skills. Often humor comes from unconnected, random thoughts. Grow creativity through laughter yoga, telling funny stories or playing games. Do Not Disturb, I am Disturbed Enough Already! 3. Humor facilitates communication. Humor is a great way to build relationships with others. Understanding your humor style will assist your humor practice. Humor is a social lubricant. It has the power to generate a culture of trust in your organization. If you understand and nurture a constructive humor style, it will positively impact your ability to communicate. Humorous interaction between coworkers encourages a healthy, productive work environment. A Closed Mouth Gathers No Foot!

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The Top Ten Reasons Humor is FUNdamental for Living (Continued) 2. Humor supports the change process. We are faced with change on a daily basis. When you can laugh about unexpected challenges or even your own health issues, you know you will survive and even thrive. A great strategy is to create a top ten list of “What’s So Funny” about the change or challenge. Change is good-you go first! And now for the number one reason to laugh frequently and often… 1. Humor Is FREE and FUN. Living well includes humor and joy. The current fast pace of many life styles can bury a sense of humor. Dig around for humor resources to share with your friends and colleagues. Do not let anything rob you of your passion for bringing joy to your life. I want to live forever- so far so good! Nurture your sense of humor, by spending time in developing and growing your humor practice. Consider keeping a humor journal, spending time with colleagues who make you laugh, and purposefully including humor in every lesson every day. Carefully cultivate your humor being to fully share the abundance of joyful living Remember humor is a fundamental factor in the cognitive/technological revolution that needs to shape 21st century education. Never take life too seriously- you won’t get out alive. Web Site Humor Quest http://www.questforhumor.com/ ELN (3 webinars available on Education Learning Network) http://www.edleadersnetwork.org/home/ Facebook Mary Kay Morrison http://www.facebook.com/marykaymorrison Twitter http://twitter.com/ You Tube http://www.youtube.com/user/MaryKayMorrison Linked In Mary Kay Morrison http://www.linkedin.com/home

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S.T.E.M. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. I remember learning about the “Three R’s” in elementary school. Reduce

the amount of waste, Reuse everyday items, and Recycle whenever possible. In the last fifty years the world has changed in so many ways, we have become more and more aware of the need to change the way we do things, to create a cleaner environment, to build a better world using the technology that we now have such easy access to. STEM education is one way that we are working towards that goal. What is STEM? STEM, an acronym for Science Technology Engineering and Math education, is not only an area of study but also a way of teaching and learning. STEM programs emphasize innovation, problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity. STEM education is focused in project-based and collaborative learning along with solving realworld problems. The Department of Education, in association with the National Science Foundation and the Smithsonian Institution, are leading efforts to coordinate and streamline federal efforts to improve STEM education across the country. Every day we are creating new technology, making new scientific discoveries, and pushing the limits of human understanding. There are more and more schools becoming STEM Academies, creating a focused education in these four areas. It is a belief that the next generation will surpass its previous. We have made leaps and bounds in Science and Technology in the last century and the next is looking to be just as extraordinary and our children need to be prepared. STEM education does not stop at school, though; you can also help to develop an S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 | 49

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S.T.E.M. (Continued) interest in Science and Math at home. By developing an atmosphere of learning combined with fun at home. What is more fun than building robots out of recycled materials? Creating something from nothing and watching it walk across the room is just one way to help your child get excited about learning. Here at Knowledge Tree we have a variety of Green Science Kits. These kits help children engineer projects like windmills, robots, and weather stations. They are geared towards children and help them understand why their project works. They are able to understand that there are a series of gears and mechanisms that make things work. These kits combine education with learning and understanding the world around them. These kits encourage children to ask, “How does it work?” Your child could be the Scientist, Mathematician, or Engineer that discovers the next smart car, clean fuel, or engineer a smart city. Encouraging an interest in the sciences is important. Encouraging children to be curious and ask: “what would happen if this?” Then help them to discover the answer. Working together with schools we can instill in children a love of learning, encourage their natural curiosity, and help them to continue to ask “what if?” In the world we live in now it is becoming more and more important that we understand the planet and understand the possibilities of technology and we need to encourage our children to surpass us in this understanding. All products shown in the article can be found at The Knowledge Tree, in the store or on line at http://www.theknowledgetree.com .

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Your True Colours

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It’s a Contest!

Have you ever ‘had your colors done’? It’s so easy now that we can do it via the internet. We are giving away 10, yes 10, FREE Colour Analysis’! Rules for the contest: 1. You MUST have an internet connection good enough to handle about a 30 minute video meeting. 2. You MUST be over 18. 3. You MUST follow the directions below! 4. Go to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yourtruecoloursmagazine 5. Like the Facebook page. 6. Send us a message via the page with your name and email address. (We are not keeping the email addresses. We promise—the magazine is enough for us to do!) 7. Share our Facebook page, and you will get an extra entry in the drawing. 8. Do this by September 20, 2014 9. The Winners will be announced in the October 2014 issue. You may gift the prize, you just have to let us know to whom you are giving it. (So, you might want to subscribe to our magazine so that you will receive notification when the October issue comes out!

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10 Top Reasons Why Food with GMO Ingredients Should Be So Labeled By Stan Gardner, M.D., Certified Nutrition Specialist Monsanto and other companies that manufacture genetically modified seeds (and sue farmers who wish to grow their crops organically) have poured millions of dollars into defeating proposed laws to label genetically modified food (GMOs). It is my strong opinion that we should seek to eat organic foods as much as possible.

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Here are ten top reasons why we should be aware of, and avoid, GMOs:

1. GMOs contain foreign genes for which the harmful side effects are largely unknown. This is much different than selective breeding or hybridization. 2. We have a right to know what is in the food on the store shelf. The Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938 recommended food labeling, while the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 required ingredient labeling of food. If GMO food is so good for you, why do Monsanto and the corporate food industry put millions of dollars behind fighting this label? 3. There has never been a single long-term safety study conducted on any GMO. Animal studies have shown that GMOs cause sterility within three generations. Recent rat studies show enormous tumors on rats fed with suphakit73

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GMO Ingredients Should Be Listed (Continued) GMO. For more information about these studies, please see the bottom of this article. 4. GMO crops are not the same as their non-GMO counterparts, both nutritionally and compositionally. 5. Early short-term studies in animals showed significant allergy problems, which you would expect with the introduction of foreign proteins in the body. Could this be contributing to the marked rise in allergies and other immune disorders since their introduction 20 years ago? 6. Monsanto has assured the public of the safety of the GMO food experiment on the American public, even against the recommendations of its own scientists. In the past, Monsanto also assured us of the public safety of DDT and Agent Orange as household items, both of which were produced by Monsanto with devastating results. 7. GMO labeling has nothing to do with excessive government intervention and regulation, and everything to do with promoting honesty and transparency. 8. More than 90 percent of Americans in numerous surveys have indicated they support mandatory GMO labeling.

think4photop Pesticides mixed for the rice field.

9. GMO corn (Bt corn) contains its own pesticide inside the plant that cannot be washed off before consumption. Perhaps this is why cows fed Bt corn are dying, while it induces spontaneous abortion in lab rats.

chokphoto

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10. Pesticide use has markedly increased with the introduction of GMO crops which are resistant to the specific brand, Roundup, sold the by same company that sold them the GMO seeds in the first place, Monsanto.

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GMO Ingredients Should Be Listed (Continued) Much of the above information is taken from the blog Fooducate.com, compiled by Hemi Weingarten. The above list is why labeling should exist. It does not take into account other problems that have emerged, such as: 1. Recent emergence of “superweeds” which are herbicide resistant, which at the present time have no known solutions. 2. Cross-pollination of GMO corn on one side of the highway with non-GMO corn on the other side is well documented. The time may come when there will be very little non-GMO corn that hasn’t been contaminated, even though the seeds were non-GMO. 3. Most countries in Europe do not allow GMO crops. A recent study completed in France elucidates the dangers of GMO, reference below. Further information can be obtained through the Institute for Responsible Technology. Jeffrey Smith, executive director of the Institute, has written many books, including Seeds of Deception, which is scientifically based. "Monsanto Roundup weed-killer and GM maize implicated in 'shocking' new cancer study" wrote The Grocery, a popular UK publication. (http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/home/topics/technology-and-supply-chain/monsanto-weedkiller-and-gm-

maize-in-shocking-cancer-study/232603.article?redirCanon=1 )

It reported, "Scientists found that rats exposed to even the smallest amounts, developed mammary tumors and severe liver and kidney damage as early as four months in males, and seven months for females." The Daily Mail reported, "Fresh row over GM foods as French study claims rats fed the controversial crops suffered tumors." (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article2205509/Fresh-fears-GM...) It goes on to say: "The animals on the GM diet suffered mammary tumors, as well as severe liver and kidney damage. The researchers said 50 percent of males and 70 percent of females died prematurely, compared with only 30 percent and 20 percent in the control group." Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/037249_GMO_study_cancer_tumors_organ_damage.html#ixzz2 AnKqLZB3

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October Issue of Your True Colours Children Starting Their Own Companies: 9 year old starts Lip Balm Company How to do a Smoky Eye for the Holidays Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holiday Fashions by Jos. A. Bank Budgeting for Shopping Columnist Laughter Lawyer USA Brings Us Patch Adams Find Your Groove with Maricia Sherman Announcement of our Colour Analysis winners!

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http://ccv-products.com/ccv-usa/footwear/

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Reinventing Health Care and Essential Oils Beth McKinzie RN, CDE – Wellness Advocate Our health care system in America is based on medication. Companies make them, doctors prescribe them and we take them – often adding another at each visit when we complain of another “symptom” and want immediate relief. Billions of dollars are spent on trying to be rid of another painful or annoying problem that may very well be a side effect of some other medication we are taking. We eat tons of processed food (edible food like substances – Michael Pollan In Defense of Food), spend hours just sitting and wonder why we feel bad! Essential Oils for their therapeutic benefits are often described as “Alternative Medicine” when in fact plants are the original medicine! Use of plants and their essential oils is mentioned more than 500 times in the Bible. The Egyptians are most often credited with being the first to use essential oils and documented use is also found in the histories of China, Greece, Rome, and Arabia. With the discovery of the distillation process the use of aromatic essential oils quickly spread across Europe and in the 1500s one of the first books on essential oils for medicinal benefits was written. The mid 1800’s found oils predominantly in the perfume industry and continued research and improved oil quality resulted in finding the value of

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Reinventing Health Care and Essential Oils (Continued) essential oils in health care. Today there is an increased interest in essential oils as people search for more natural alternatives to the synthetic pharmaceuticals abounding in our health care system. Essential oils are extracted from plants and very concentrated – 50 to 70 times more powerful than herbs. Essential oils can eliminate the threat on the outside and inside of cells (antibiotic, antifungal & antiviral abilities). They can be used aromatically by inhaling or using a diffuser to affect mood, clean the air and support the respiratory system. Apply topically to the soles of the feet or directly to the area of discomfort for immediate comfort and immune support. The skin absorbs the oils and one drop can service every cell in the body. Some oils of the highest quality and purity can be taken internally to directly affect issues in the digestive system, mouth, throat & liver. The most effective use of oils comes by consistent use. Although many will say “I have an oil for that” we are then using oils to treat symptomatically just like our current health care system! Consistently using oils to support specific body systems helps the body repair and regain its natural balance and ability to heal itself and the symptoms are no longer an issue. The chemistry of essential oil effectiveness is being proven by modern research and even when we don’t always understand how or why they work – it has been proven through the centuries and daily by people willing to try them, that they do! So if you are sick and tired of being sick and tired or taking another pill with unknown side effects, learn more & become empowered to improve the wellness of you and your family with nutrition, exercise, decreasing toxic load (topic for another article), stress management and the use of essential oils. Classes can be arranged for you and a group of your friends in the comfort of your home or attend a scheduled class by contacting Beth at 901-837-2161 or bthmckcde@aol.com – your body and mind will thank you.

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Duchess Paris is a young brand of t-shirts Made in France. The designer, Lucile Crest produces original prints, featuring animals, flowers so structured / unstructured. Combining street codes to the codes of the fashion world, these t-shirts are always fun, relaxed and perfectly on trend. Emphasizing quality, t-shirts are made with 100% cotton fiber: qualitative and easy to maintain. http://duchesseparis.bigcartel.com/

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Even Glow Serum – Vitamin C 20% – Antioxidant Treatment enriched with *Skin Super Oils – 98% Natural Ingredients Our skin is damaged each day due to environmental pollutants, oxidative stress, and chemical laden cosmetic products. The amount of free radicals waging war on the skin quickly depletes our natural protective resources. Without additional antioxidants the skin’s ability to defend against these pollutants is diminished and signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone will occur. Our premier formulation is backed by scientific research into the efficacy of each of the natural ingredients we have carefully selected. Our proprietary blend of skin super oils complement our 20% Vitamin C base, leading to a powerful antioxidant treatment. Each natural ingredient was chosen to support and enhance Vitamin C’s efficacy on the skin leading to more wellrounded serum to add to your daily skin care ritual. Our Even Glow Serum will repair, refresh, and renew your skin; restoring evenness to your complexion, giving you an extra boost of confidence each time you look in the mirror. http://www.valentiaskincare.com

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MEN’S ORGANIC SKIN CARE

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Your True Colours - Transformations By Carolyn Bendall Who: Dana Kimbrough, 37, of Memphis; divorced mother of two daughters; fashion designer. Issues: Kimbrough had 4 strokes at age 17. She had always wanted to be a fashion designer but allowed her medical problems to deter her. One day she decided she was not disabled, but enabled, and resurrected her dream. With her design logo already on T-shirts, she then enrolled in the Stitch Institute, which offers training in fashion design, illustration and apparel construction. Now that she is on the road to being a fashion designer, she also wants to look like one. Hair fix: Jessica Ware, a junior at Plaza Beauty School in East Memphis, began Kimbrough’s transformation by Kimbrough wore a wig, but she removing the wig, and wanted an easy cut that was also dramatic. untwisting her hair. Shampoo and a good brushout followed. Ware applied a semi-permanent black color on Kimbrough’s hair for a more dramatic look, followed by a quick rinse and conditioning. Ware applied heat protector after she blow dried and before she flat ironed Kimbrough’s hair to prepare it for the cut. Under the direction of Melanie Mull, assistant director of education, Kimbrough’s new style consisted of an asymmetrical cut with bangs. Mull texturized the ends to create movement within the hair, with more texturizing on the longer side than on the shorter side. Ware then used a flat iron to create wavy curls. Ware reassured Kimbrough that the style was cut so that she could easily S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 | 63

Kimbrough with her new asymmetrical cut and her own designer tee shirt.

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Your True Colours Transformations (Continued) style it herself by wrapping it at night, then combing through slightly for her hair to fall into the shape.Beauty fix: Antoinette Mason, a junior at Plaza Beauty School, gave Kimbrough her new dramatic makeup look. She started with a primer, followed by Shell Beige Your True Colours mineral foundation. She then used Your True Colours BlackBrown Brow Powder to fill in and shape Kimbrough’s brows. Concealer was used above and beneath the brow to further shape and highlight. Light brown eye shadow was applied over the entire lid, and more along the brow bone. Dark brown eye shadow was used to create the outer ‘V’ on the lid, and blush mineral shadow along the center of the lid. Black gel eye liner was used to create a dramatic line along the upper and lower lash lines, followed by black mascara. Terra cotta blush was applied in a dramatic contour from the cheek bones upward to the hairline. Plum lipstick followed by chestnut brown lip liner finished Kimbrough’s new look. www.plazabeautyschool.com Fashion fix: Marva Ballard, fashion designer, determined that Kimbrough was a cool red skin tone and instructed her to wear her own X-Pressions T-shirt in white with black jeans. Ballard then topped off the outfit with a simple swing jacket in scarlet from her Dangerous Curves collection to give the neutral outfit a pop of color and to camouflage hips. http://www.dangerouscurvescollection.com Score card: While looking at her reflection in the mirror at Plaza, Kimbrough said, “This is perfect. This is what I wanted. Different!” All around her told her the wig was history; her hair was too pretty to cover it up anymore. Insider info: From Ware: “Though Kimbrough’s daughters wanted her to have lighter hair color, we could not apply a harsh chemical (bleach) over the chemical that was already in her hair for the relaxer. It would have destroyed her hair, and it would have broken off in pieces.” See Dana’s fashion on her website: http://www.danakimbrough.com/

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Cool Skin Tones When the choices are mostly cool neutrals, those with Warm Skin Tones sometimes feel very frustrated. Simply add a pop of color in warm colors with a top or a scarf.

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Warm Skin Tones

Carolyn Bendall will be at Eileen Fisher Week at Dillardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Oak Court in Memphis TN Sept 15, Noon to 3pm; Sept 16 & 17, 11am to 3pm. You will receive your colour palette for free with the purchase of $200 of Eileen Fisher.

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Lye: The Dirty Word In Soap By Melissa Gray

When you think of lye soap, what comes to mind? Maybe your grandmother's red, raw, cracked hands? Well it's time to rethink that old idea. Let's start at the beginning: The amount of lye used in yesterday's soap was determined by things like, if a potato would sink or float when dropped in a solution of lye water. Yes, really! Versus today’s soap which is an extremely well thought out scientific “recipe” of beneficial oils, Lye and liquid. The liquid used can be water or a blend of water, with fruit or vegetable puree, wine, aloe, and many other things. Other goodies like fragrance, herbs, and exfoliators can be added as well, but they are not necessary to make a basic soap. Soap ingredients are carefully weighed and measured to be certain that the finished product is at a PH level that works well with our skin. The finished product is also tested to verify that it will work well. Want some more interesting news? Once your lye, liquid and oils go through their little chemical process called "saponification", the lye is gone. If that's hard to wrap your mind around, try this example: Imagine a caterpillar + a cocoon = a butterfly. It works somewhat like that. The weight / measure of the ingredients is so precise, it ensures that there is no surplus of lye and we are left with an abundance of skin beneficial oils for our skin. Different soaps will have different qualities. A soap made with only coconut oil will be very hard to the touch and will produce a good lather. Fun fact: Coconut oil soap is the only soap that will lather in saltwater! Other oils and additives have different benefits. Regular soap that you buy at the grocery store or box stores (yes all of those soaps you see advertised on TV and in magazines) are actually detergents, not soap. They do not contain lye. There is a big difference on your skin. So even if you are happy with your detergent “soap”, consider treating yourself to a specially made bar of soap that is handcrafted from scratch. These amazing soaps are easy to find at farmers markets and even Etsy.com Your skin will thank you for it! www.totallyhumid.com

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Superfoods for Superior Beauty By Megan Davis All Photos are from Lumavera

We've all heard of the term 'Superfoods'. We know that these are the powerhouses of Mother Nature, giving us foods packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and more. As amazing as these items can make you feel did you know they can also help you to look your best as well? And not just by eating them either. Lumavera Skincare is packing their luxe line with superfoods as well, to get the benefits topically, with outstanding results. Founder David Vargas has looked back to a tradition of beauty handed down for generations in his family where they harvested and farmed, ate and applied these botanicals daily, using local herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables for everything from salads to skin care. "While Dad ran our family farm, where I learned to work the land, Mom grew nopal, aloe vera, mint, oregano, rosemary, cilantro and a vast variety of antioxidant-rich herbs and plants for her home remedies." Vargas recalls, â&#x20AC;&#x153;She was always looking for the next herb she could use to soothe our skin, cure our ailments and strengthen our immune systems. We put raw aloe vera on cuts, scrapes and sunburns as well as drank it daily for health and applied to our dry skin as a moisturizer. Our daily diet featured nopal, the tender pads of the prickly pear cactus, known to be super-rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Fresh edibles were in everything she fed us and tended us with." As David became fascinated with the art of his familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home remedies and the science of modern skin care his own daughters spurred him on to continue the traditions. Now, S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 | 69

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Superfoods for Superior Beauty (Continued) by combining his family’s traditional health remedies with today’s science in Lumavera Skincare, David shares this timeless wisdom with you so that we can all live the promise of healthy, beautiful lives. Tradition Meets Beauty The promise shines through from the very first ingredient listed, Lumavera uses Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract as its base instead of water which is typically for other skincare lines. The Aloe boasts over 200 constituents consisting of vitamins, minerals, polysaccharides and amino acids. Its anti- inflammatory properties help soothe and calm skin, while its unsurpassed moisturizing and anti-aging elements reduce and prevent lines, wrinkles and age spots. All of the products also utilize their proprietary “Veggie Blend”, a cocktail consisting of broccoli, tomato, carrot, spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts & onion- all high concentrations of antioxidants that fight against free radical damage while being an excellent source of Vitamins A & C. Their “Plant Blend” of grape seed, licorice root, comfrey, green tea, grapefruit, calendula, lemon and orange extract also fight against free radical damage as well as having brightening benefits. Antioxidants? Free Radicals? Huh? Slice an apple and watch it turn brown. This happens due to the natural process called oxidation. It happens to all cells which is why we need antioxidants to help protect our body, especially in today's environment. As our body goes through oxidation the cells that are damaged turn into 'free radicals' which are missing molecules they need and will seek it out which could lead to other cells being damaged. A diet high in antioxidants helps your body combat the effects of pollution, excess sunlight, stress, animal products, cigarette smoke and alas, even that glass of vino.

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Superfoods for Superior Beauty (Continued) Some top ways to add antioxidants to your diet: Dark Green Veggies: Popeye was on point here, broccoli, spinach, kale, collard greens and more are all high in antioxidant phytochemicals while also being packed with vitamins C, E, A, Calcium and are loaded with magnesium and potassium. Work them into your diet by adding a green salad to your meals or a couple handfuls into your smoothie each day. Orange Veggies: Sweet Potatoes, carrots, butternut and acorn squash are also packed with phytochemicals as well as being very high in Vitamins A, C, B6 and fiber. Swap out your russets for these instead to get an antioxidant boost. Tea: High in the phytochemicals anthocyanin and pro anthocyanin to help fight inflammation and an added bonus of catechins that block cell damage and that cup of tea is more than a nice way to unwind. Green Tea in particular has many other protective elements. A great way to enjoy with ease is to make up a batch of Iced Peppermint Green Tea and keep in the fridge, beats most other soft drinks you might reach for Blue, Purple and Red Berries/Grapes: the phytochemicals, Vitamin C, Selenium and ellagic acid provided in this group have earned these fruits a well deserved place among the antioxidant superfoods. It doesn't hurt that they are delicious to boot! Want a real wakeup call in the morning? Mix some blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and a couple handfuls of spinach in the blender with water/ice cubes and you truly have the breakfast of champions! All the amazing goodness that you get from adding these to your diet are compounded when used topically in your skincare regime. Your skin is the biggest organ you have and only a certain amount of the nutrients in the superfoods you ingest make it to the surface. Adding products, like Lumavera, packed with them deliver the results directly where you

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Superfoods for Superior Beauty (Continued) want them, with results similar to what they do inside your body; anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, cell rejuvenating, healing and protection. Vitamins, Minerals and Acids, Oh My! Antioxidants may be the darling of the superfood world, but there is much more going on thanks to a host of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Vitamin C, which is present in all of the Lumavera products including 3 forms of it in their Anti-Aging Serum, is an essential component in the body for the production of collagen. As levels drop with age many clinical trials show that topically Vitamin C promotes collagen production while lessening the effects of free radicals, helping to maintain firm and youthful skin. Vitamin A corrects a multitude of issues by normalizing skin function. Especially helpful with skin tone Vitamin A normalizes the blood flow reducing rosacea, decreasing clustering of melanin granules which cause brown spots and hyper-pigmentation and decreases sebum production thus treating acne. Vitamin E eases dryness, bolsters skin's UV defenses and has show amazing anti-inflammatory action. Lumavera skincare also looks to the plant world for more ways of achieving results. Avocado and olive oil, with the help of the essential fatty acids in these wholesome plant oils, famously repair sun damage to skin and rapidly resolve scars and redness. They moisturize intensely and are easily absorbed by the skin, leaving no greasy residue. Shea Butter, a superior emollient from Africa, embodies both anti-inflammatory and humectant properties. Undaria Pinnatifida Extract from a sea plant expertly inhibits L-tyrosinase and melanin production in cells in order to even skin tone. Even in the Skin Perfection Peel instead of harsh chemicals they use Mucor Miehi Extract, a mushroom extract with exfoliating enzymes which is both

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Superfoods for Superior Beauty (Continued) effective yet gentle enough to use on all skin types without fear of peeling or flaking. Modern science takes a bow as well, with every product in the Lumavera line containing PhytoCellTec Argan (Argan plant stem cells). The use of stem cells in the skincare world has been getting quite a bit of notoriety as of late and for good reason. PhytoCellTec Argan is the very first cosmetic active that is capable of both protecting and vitalizing human dermal stem cells which are responsible for collagen & elastin production, thus accelerating the skin’s natural repair process whilst fighting wrinkles and loss of firmness. Derived from the argan tree, growing only in the southwestern part of Morocco one of the oldest tree species of the world. Argan trees are able to resist intense droughts and extremely high temperatures making the stem cells incredibly strong and effective. Bringing the Heritage Home

David Vargas, founder Lumavera

"My mother inspired my life’s work. She was beautiful inside and out, loved her kids, and did all she could to make sure that we had the best she could give—the freshest food, the best natural skin care and health remedies, and of course, a lot of love." says Vargas, "The bond to family and nature was part of her heritage, and it was handed down to me. It was only when I became a father myself that I came to understand that this was her unspoken promise to us— to care for us and ensure that we lived healthy, beautiful lives."

Your skin absorbs approximately 65% of what we apply topically, thus while toxins in some popular skincare treatments offer short-term enhancements at the risk of long lasting damage to cells, they will never be found in Lumavera. No parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, harsh synthetic chemicals, artificial colors or fragrances. Just as we are all looking at the virtues of eating organic food, we should consider all that we put on the largest organ in our body. Going back to the traditions David Vargas and many others grew up with, using the bounty Mother Nature has provided us with, and we have the tools we need to lead a super and beautiful life. http://www.lumavera.com S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 | 73

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http://www.southernshows.com

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Is Organic Apparel Worth the Price? By Pat Davis

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Consumers Against Toxic Apparel (CATA) investigates. Organic apparel is fabric created without the use of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, synthetic fertilizers and toxic chemicals. The fabric is dyed using natural or low impact dyes. Organic fabrics are available in cotton, linen, hemp and wool. Can you imagine dressing every day in clothes that make you feel good and actually feel like they are a part of you? This is how consumers often describe their first experience wearing organic clothes. The fabric is soft, the colors are soothing and the smell is clean and natural. Organic apparel is clothing with a conscious. Allow me to explain. It's grown sustainably, produced responsibly, marketed with integrity, sold with a story to tell, provides hope and maintains ecological biodiversity. What are the Benefits of Organic Apparel? There are zero persistent chemicals in organic fiber. Organic cotton seeds are non-GMO modified. From field to garment there are no chemicals present to make you sick. The crops do not harm humans or animals. It can be grown in shades of beige, tan, green, deep brown and even black and does not require dyes. Organic linen is believed to have healing properties. Organic hemp offers ultra violet sun protection-no sun screen required. Organic wool eliminates allergic reactions. The sheep graze on organic clean land and are never dipped in chemical baths. In addition, the Rodale Institute reports that organic farming could reverse climate change. WHAT ARE SYNTHETIC FABRICS? Synthetic fabrics are very harmful throughout every step of creation and discard; they simply never completely go away. Synthetic fibers are created in a laboratory. They are manmade and unnatural. The fabrics are created using a lethal cocktail of toxic chemicals that do not occur naturally in nature. Synthetic fabric prevents our bodies from naturally sweating releasing toxins through our skin. This natural process gives our bodies the ability to maintain a healthy immune system and fight disease. The mass production of acrylic, polyester, rayon, nylon, acetate, vinyl and polyurethane is endangering our health and the planet at an alarming rate.

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Is Organic Apparel Worth the Price? (Continued) * Acrylic fabrics are polycrylonitries (PAN) synthetic polymers and have been proven to cause cancer in laboratory studies. * Acetate and triacetate is made from wood pulp and is called cellulous fiber. Thousands of toxic chemicals are required to process the solution (slur) into strands that can be woven into fabric. These chemicals contaminate our planet in many disturbing and unethical ways. It has been discovered that these chemicals alter hormones affecting fertility making it impossible to conceive and have children. It's been reported that 7.3 million American couples are not able to conceive and have children; chemicals in the environment have been implicated. * Nylon is made from coal, petroleum, air, water, agricultural by-products and natural gas. Research has linked the fabric to breast cancer along with many other chronic illnesses. * Polyester is made from synthetic polymers derived from esters of dihydric

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Is Organic Apparel Worth the Price? (Continued) alcohol and terepthalic acid. In plain English polyester is made up of four ingredients: coal, petroleum, air and water. * Rayon is made from recycled wood pulp that has been treated with chemicals such as caustic soda, ammonia, carbon disulphide, acetone and sulphuric acid. The fabric has been researched and proven to cause nausea, headaches, vomiting, insomnia, chest and muscle pain and even Parkinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease. Synthetic fiber production is driven simply by greed. If companies can use a barrel of oil and a bucket of coal to produce thousands of garments why would they bother with labor intensive processes that eat into bottom line profits. Millions of dollars are spent on advertising each year persuading shoppers to believe we need a lot of clothes and fashion trends define who we are and validate our self-worth. Because we view fashion as cheap and disposable; we pay companies to produce-not to care! As a society we must move beyond giving companies the power to validate our lives in this manner. Consumers are often native thinking and believing-companies would never mislead them! They would never produce anything to hurt or harm people. We often pass along the responsibility of protecting our own lives to someone else (companies). The price of toxic fashion is more than we care to admit. We pay for it in the form of misdiagnosed illnesses, high doctor bills and prescription drugs. Have you priced the cost of cancer lately? Statistics from the Environmental Working Group.Org states 1 in every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 1 in 3 will be diagnosed with some other form of cancer. Even more alarming 1in every 2 men will also be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime. The increase in cancer has been directly related to the increased use of chemicals in our environment. Over the past 10 years childhood brain cancer has increased over 20% to a staggering 57% increase. It's been reported that when we wear organic clothes we reduce our exposure to chemicals on our body by 80%. Investing in organic apparel should be viewed as a preventative measure to preserve our health, protect the environment and in the same context as organic food. When we do so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll discover wearing organic apparel is worth the price.11.1 million tons of textiles are dumped in landfills every year where it occupies 126 million cubic yards of space. Currently there are approximately 3, 581 active landfills in the US and 10,000 inactive. Textile waste accounts for 9% of landfill waste just 1% shy of the 10% plastic bottle waste. But keep in mind acrylic and microfibers are classified as plastic too. These textiles are rapidly increasing the amount of methane gas-a harmful greenhouse gas affecting climate change.

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Is Organic Apparel Worth the Price? (Continued) Over 10,000 people die each year in agriculture related jobs due to the use of chemicals. Fifty-five million pounds of pesticides are sprayed on conventional cotton in the U.S. each year equaling 4.3 pounds per acre. More than 2.03 billion pounds of synthetic fertilizer is applied to conventional cotton yearly. The Environmental Protection Agency considers seven (acephate, dichloropropene, diuron, fluometuron, pendimethalin, tribufos, and trifluralin) of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton in the United States as "possible," "likely," "probable," or "known" human carcinogens. If these chemicals are killing farm workers are they not killing consumers too? In addition to the chemicals being used to grow the crops the United States is still using chemicals in manufacturing that have been banned for years in other industrialized countries. Some of the major chemicals in clothes today include acetone, benzene, formaldehyde, nanoparticles, nonylphenol ethoxylates, permethrin and phthalates. Acetone is an organic compound linked to mutation, epilepsy and chronic neurotoxicity. Benzene is a natural constitute of crude oil and one of the most elementary petrochemicals. It's used in dyes, rubber and detergents and has been linked to aplastic anemia, acute leukemia and

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Is Organic Apparel Worth the Price? (Continued) bone marrow cancer. Between the years of 1975-2002 cases of lymphocytic leukemia increased by 84%. Now twelve years later in an even more toxic world can you imagine the numbers? Formaldehyde is a highly toxic and colorless chemical used to preserve dead bodies. It's used to create anti-wrinkle, anti-static, easy care, odor proof, and anti-bacterial clothes. It is known to cause cancer, skin ulcerations, hearth palpitations, eczema and many other serious health conditions. Nano Particles and nano silver are prefluorinated chemical compounds, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and aluminum which have the ability to penetrate the skin and be absorbed directly into the blood stream. Recent studies reveal nano particles cause brain damage and affect the central nervous system. Nonylphenol Ethoxylates is a chemical that has the ability to mimic natural estrogen hormones and is highly toxic to aquatic life. It is a hormone disruptor for humans and affects the reproductive system. It destroys all life in the environment. Permethrin is a highly toxic insecticide applied to children and outdoor clothing to prevent bug bites. Research reports the chemical causes brain damage, disrupts hormones, contributes to reproduction abnormalities and severe skin sores that won't heal.

Photos Courtesy of Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative

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Phthalates (PBT) persistent bioaccumulative toxicant is a reproductive and developmental toxin. It has also been linked to rhinitis and asthma. It's primarily used in screen printing for children clothing, especially underwear.

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Is Organic Apparel Worth the Price? (Continued) WHAT DO I KNOW? My family owned a cotton farm and I remember how much my father loved the land. He worked hard to manage our farm because as he often said, “it was the right thing to do.” I grew up a daddy’s girl, wearing jeans and a baseball cap, driving tractors, picking cotton and playing in the massive piles of cotton at the gin. I remember in the early seventies one day a black car drove up in our driveway. Three government employees told my father if he did not use the recommended products (pesticides and fertilizers) to grow his cotton our farm would no longer receive a subsidy (funding) from the Department of Agriculture. I remember being scared. I remember how that day changed my father in a deep and profound way as well as our lives. My father refused to use the recommended products and our farm of many fields and acres became a few, because it was all we could afford. Again he said, “It was the right thing to do!” He knew using those chemicals would put our lives at risk and kill the land. What do I know? I know I will respect my father for his sense of passion and compassion for the land and his ability make the right decision doing difficult times. His actions saved my life. He not only protected me, but our neighbors, our community our land. I believe that the organic businesses I own today are the direct result of my father's teachings. I've been sewing over fortyfive years so I know a thing or two about fabric. I am the owner of Silver Needle & Thread a custom sewing company focusing on organic fibers, Tag Custom Bridal where we sew organic and natural bridal attire and The Jacksonville Organic Business Directory. I am also the creator of CATA (Consumers Against Toxic Apparel) the first business of its kind in the United States. CATA works to connect organic apparel companies nationwide, creating a resource for consumers seeking organic apparel. Current CATA.

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Is Organic Apparel Worth the Price? (Continued) partners include SOS from Texas, Foxfibre, Vreises Limited, Vital Hemp, Sassis Organic Clothing, Indigenous Fair Trade Organic Fashion, Fed by Threads, Synergy Organic Clothing, Silver Needle & Thread, Xylem Organic Clothing, Fiercely Green, Earth Creations, Imagine GreenWear, bgreen Apparel and Tag Custom Bridal. These companies offer members a 10%-15% discount on all purchases for one full year, making it easy for consumers to save and buy organic. Instead of asking the big dirty textile industry to change and produce safer clothes, CATA partners offer stylish, affordable and safe clothes now. When you buy organic fashion you help impact the future of fashion in a positive and profound way. Will you take the pledge and support companies working hard to protect you and your family? To learn more visit: www.cataorganic.com or www.catapledge.blogspot.com. Wear The Change Wear Organic!

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Organic Makeup from Italy, Zao Organic makeup is slowly becoming accepted in the United States, hence, most of the companies that have 100% Certified Organic makeup are actually from Europe. Europe has stepped ahead of the USA in regulating chemical use in skin care and makeup. The Birth of ZAO in the Americas Gretta’s Story – the case for the importance of clean, organic ingredients. As a woman who has always appreciated beauty, I have sought to look my best… enhance my assets and minimize the parts I thought needed improvement. I have always loved makeup, seeing it both as an art and a necessity. In 2010 my life was turned upside down. I got a very serious eye infection called meibomianitis. At first I

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Organic Makeup from Italy, Zao (Continued) thought it was just an irritation, but after a few weeks my upper and lower eyelids started continuously producing a yellowish secretion causing me pain and blurry vision, and to make matters worse, I started having a horrible acne problem – the likes of which most kids wouldn’t have had in their worst teenage years! After seeing numerous specialists, they determined that the conditions were caused by chemical ingredients in the makeup I was wearing and had worn throughout the years. At the time, I had been using a well-known commercial brand for several years and had no idea the ingredients could be toxic! After undergoing a seven-month treatment for my acne with one of the strongest medications on the market, plus over a year of cortisone drops and antibiotics to control the constant pus secretion from my eyes, I began to experience relief. The doctors warned me that both issues could be recurrent if I didn’t start using a completely chemical-free and 100% natural makeup. At the time, I had no idea what that meant. All I knew were the many brands advertised on the market from drug stores to high-end department stores. I checked them out exhaustingly, only to find many of the same toxic ingredients. I so wanted to wear makeup again but the risk just seemed too great. My fabulous husband, Antonio, recognized my despair. (Yes, I am one lucky lady!) A determined man, he set out to find a solution for my plight. So the search began for a truly natural makeup that really worked and was risk-free. He spent a fortune bringing me all manner of “natural”, “mineral” and even “organic” makeups. We even ordered products from different countries, without good results. Either they irritated my eyes, or where too

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Organic Makeup from Italy, Zao (Continued) heavy - or the colors were just plain awful. Finally he discovered ZAO, however, it was only sold in Europe, South Africa and Australia at the time. I used the products for approximately two months and had no reaction -- on the contrary, my face started to clear up even more from the acne. There was something extremely unique and special about ZAO. I had always used makeup to enhance, hide and cover but I fell in love with the way ZAO feels, how long it lasts, how soft it leaves my skin and even how easily it is to wash off. ZAO made my skin feel refreshed, renewed and nourished â&#x20AC;&#x201C; qualities I never previously looked for in a makeup. I wanted to share my hard-earned discovery with women everywhere! It was then I knew in my soul that this would become the next business for me and my husband. Not only could I now help the many women, who were going through something similar, but I could bring a luxurious and premium beauty system to all women, that is safe, organic, performance-based and eco-friendly. Women across the globe rely on ZAO for their natural beauty. Now, as the Master Distributors for the ZAO Organic Makeup Line for the United States, Canada and Mexico we proudly bring you the opportunity to experience this eco-luxury line of exquisite makeup for yourself!

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CATA-Consumers Against Toxic Apparel: The Pledge CATA Pledge •I pledge to replace 5% of my wardrobe with organic fibers. •I pledge to buy all organic intimate apparel from this day forward. •I pledge to purchase no less than four organic garments per season. •I pledge to introduce two or more friends to CATA, challenging them to take the pledge. (You may choose only one pledge, two, three or all four. The decision is yours-it's important to actively commit and be a part of the solution now) Follow us! Keeping you informed, connected and inspired to #WearTheChange #WearOrganic. Making it easy for you to help spread the word about toxic apparel and the dangers associated with cheap disposable fashion. Purchase your CATA Membership for $15 and your card will be promptly mailed. http://www.cataorganic.com/Pledge.html Each card has special ID code for discounts. What Makes CATA So Special? CATA helps you save time by bringing together the organic companies you've been looking for in one convenient location. CATA offers stylish organic fashion at affordable prices. Helping you save money every time you shop. CATA keeps you informed of the latest industry developments; helping you make informed decisions. CATA companies are pioneering sustainable fashion innovation. CATA's exclusive membership is designed to meet your lifestyle.

All participating companies offer 100% certified organic apparel and/or natural cleaner fabrics such as hemp, linen, soy, wool, vegan/raw silk, etc.. Most offer their complete line in certified organic fibers, however, some companies may offer other items that are recycled, sustainable, or naturally cleaner than conventional clothing, blended with other fibers and created with new technology. ADVERTISEMENT

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Mother/Daughter Team Heads EcoFriendly Clothing for Women By Carolyn Bendall Photos by Kika

Kim Shaw wanted to start a company that enabled women to work from home. She wanted Direct Sales, but something different. After looking for the right fit for two years, she landed on clothing with custom options. Part of her research also revealed that women wanted comfort; fabric that could breathe; not synthetic; and most important, that fits. Her daughter, Kirstyn Shaw, had graduated from UCLA, and later from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. She had become bored with her job and a friend suggested fashion. Shaw then began with a shoe line. When her Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business partner decided to leave the clothing venture, Kirstyn stepped in. Kim Shawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uncle, who was a crop duster, developed lung cancer. This happened while she was looking for the right fabrics to use in her new line and this lead her to research organic cotton. Shaw then added Tencel, an eco-friendly fabric made from eucalyptus tree pulp that is color fast and wicks moisture away from the body better than cotton. Shaw also added fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. (It is a remarkable process, there are several videos on it on YouTube; it is worth the time to do the search and watch the S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 | 92

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Mother/Daughter Team (Continued) video!) Kim admits that though they are now ‘Made in America’, Los Angeles to be exact; it was an accidental decision. The original plan was for at least 2 years they would manufacture overseas. Then, Shaw went on a road trip. She came upon several small towns that had become ghost towns. These towns had previously sustained their population with mills and factories. That is when Kim decided that no matter the difficulty, she changed the original plan and they became a ‘Made in America’ company. She had to fight to make it all happen, and later keep it; but it was well worth the extra effort. This sometimes limits them in what they can do; but they do not regret the decision. The familial duo design their own fabric. A third designer did their actual styles; however, they realized that they were so involved in the style design that they could take that on together, too. Feedback is vital to the Shaw’s. The hold conference calls with their stylists, who then

Kim Shaw with the Fall 2014 Collection

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Mother/Daughter Team (Continued) relay direct concerns, ideas, and joy from their clients. This process keeps them only once removed from the consumer. They take what their customers say seriously, the customer is the back bone of their sales! Through feedback, they decided to have styles that are more along trends than fads so that their client has a more versatile wardrobe. Some of their styles stay around over several seasons, the longest being the Drew Tank Top; a cotton tank top with which a bra can actually be worn. It has a 3 ½ year tenure, so far. Each season they have their ‘Basics’, which consists of skinny pants, boot cut pants, and jackets. They also have several choices of tops; a couple of skirts and A Touch of Classic, Mixed with Natural a dress round out the seasonal pieces. Scarves are available each season, and all proceeds from their scarves goes to kikaCares philanthropic projects, helping dress women in need. Their fabrics are easy care. They choose Tencel for the styles that need a drapey flow. Cotton is used for blazers, tanks, and others. Cotton Spandex is used when a style

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Mother/Daughter Team (Continued) needs to keep a certain shape. Their personal favorite fabric is the Ponte, and the Cotton Jersey is a close second. The colors are chosen based on trends in the fashion world. However, they are careful when choosing the colors. If the color of the season is a color that few people can wear, then they will walk away from it. If â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;yellowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is the color of the season, for example, they will put it in a print; but it will not be a solid color choice. They do try to have a white or off-white; black or gray; cocoa or brown, each season. Originally the only way to get the clothing was through an independent stylist; however, they found that many people just wanted to be able to purchase the clothing due to an increase in bloggers showing off their Kika clothes.

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Mother/Daughter Team (Continued) So, www.shopkika.com was born. To keep the individual attention that the stylists can give, the website is very standard. Meaning, that though Kika offers all of their colors for each of their pieces, when purchased on line you will only have the Signature choices. What sets Kika apart from other direct sale clothing companies is that your choices are left up to your imagination. You want the top in red; the skirt in purple; and the jacket in white? No problem, they will allow you to make that order. Just remember, to order it on the website, your choices of colors are limited to the Signature Colors. They usually have 2 Signature Colors for each piece; however, sometimes there is only one Signature Color for an item. To truly have a custom wardrobe; you will need a stylist. http://shopkika.com/find-stylist/

Does their formula work? Repeat sales are huge; they have a loyal customer base. The Shawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan out their seasons to build on each other, so that your wardrobe is always functional. Machine washable, and jackets that you will not see anywhere else, and custom colors definitely sets Kika apart from all the other clothing lines.

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How Organic Can Hair Color Really Be? diVa Colour Studio of Memphis offers an organic, truly nonammonia hair color choice. The organic movement is taking over the professional hair color market. Organic color system was created 20 years ago in England. The color contains certified organic materials and only small amounts of synthetics, when no alternatives are available. The organic color ensures both the health of the customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hair and the health of the customer herself. The leave no harmful fumes, cause no scalp discomfort, have longer lasting color, are great for covering gray and create more shine, all the while maintaining beautiful, healthy hair. We at diVa Colour Studio have been dedicated to healthy hair for decades. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even though I am trained in England, France, Switzerland, and Italy, we are still a basic salon that only cares about whether or not the woman feels good about herself and leaves the salon happy, with a big smile on her face.

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http://www.neostrata.com/

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http://elvislaskin.com/

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http://elvislaskin.com/

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Beija-Flor's Eco chic collection made with Repreve is now available in a new length! It encompasses the exact fit as our Jennifer Jean, but adds a bit more of a personality with its vibrant sweet tea color! Not to mention, each jean is made with 8 recycled bottles! Just another reason to love this jean!

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Eco Friendly Jeans: Contents, Plastic Bottles! By Carolyn Bendall Photos by beija flor Mother and daughter team of Kathy Moça & Emilie Whitaker work together in their jeans company, Beija-Flor (which means Hummingbird in Portuguese and pronounced "beige-a floor").

not have worries of what may be showing.

Moca lived in Brazil and discovered that the Brazilians had perfected the art of jean designing. Upon returning to the United States she used the concepts of the Brazilian designs for women’s actual curves, and created her own unique style. The most notable, having a higher back so that when you sit, you need

Brazil has perfected the manufacturing of denim, which has earned them the unofficial title of the largest denim technology country in the world, including award winning water recycling processes. With the contacts she had in Brazil she imported top of the line denim she created Beija-Flor. Her suppliers in Brazil informed her of a company in the United States that has taken denim innovation another step, recycling plastic bottles. Moca contacted Repreve®, and their Repreve™ Colored Jeans was born. S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 | 112

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There is no shrinkage in the jean, it breathes, and machine washes. (They do suggest you wash them inside out; and that you hang dry to keep the jeans colorfast.) The jean is made from Repreve®, cotton, and a touch of spandex. The Repreve® fabric made from plastic bottles has been used in the athletic industry for years. Specifically, the Detroit Lions, who promotes their eco-friendly clothing proudly. Amazingly, Ford Motor Company has also been a back seat user of the recycled fabric. Their upholstery has been made from recycled plastic bottles for several years. They are adding a jacket to the line of jeans later this Fall, and they are highly anticipating its reception among their loyal clients. Among those clients the most common positive comments are; first, that they are eco-friendly; second, that the fabric is strong, and soft. Their fit placed them in ‘O’ Magazine by Oprah, as the ‘World’s Best Jeans.’ http://www.ilovethesejeans.com/

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goo.gl/F9fC5A

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Going Organic Led to Weight Loss & Health While on vacation in New Orleans, Paul Teague did what most do while in the Big Easy, took in the sights. The pedi-cabs seemed the right New Orleans flare, so they flagged one down. Teague quickly realized it might have been a mistake and was HONEYDEW CUCUMBER SMOOTHIE • 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped • 1 scoop Greens First • 1 cup chopped honeydew melon • 1/2 cup almond milk Garnish - sprig of mint (optional) Place all ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth. Add more almond milk if the mixture is too thick.

very embarrassed. He had topped out at 450 pounds, and the pedi-cab peddler could barely show him around. At that moment Teague decided something had to change. The first thing he did was begin to change his eating habits; Soda and

Sweet Tea were first things to go. At this time he also discovered Greens First. An organic supplement drink with 15+ fruits and vegetables. He drank two of the supplements a day and had a sensible dinner. He found his health returning, and energy he thought was long gone came back. This enabled him to actually do some exercising. Over 8 months he lost 120 pounds.

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Friends noticed the loss, and his Follow Teague on his journey newfound energy. They began https://www.facebook.com/waytogonaturalproducts to ask him what he was doing different. And, before he knew it, he had created a new business. Greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First is usually sold by doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and naturopaths. They have now added one health coach, Teague. His oft placed orders for his friends began his new career as a health coach. Greens First is a simple drink made with water and one scoop of Greens First; or whip up a quick smoothie with fruit. The drink is packed with nutrients, so, really nothing more than water is needed. Some may find the slight minty taste not pleasing and will want to mix with juice. But, again, an extra ingredient and step not really needed. An amazing nutritional supplement that actually fills one up, due to the slowly air dried fruits and vegetables used; to ensure nutrients are retained. No empty calories means that oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body is receiving the nutrition it needs. There are no chemical agents used. Other products include Berry (antioxidants, rather than a weight loss supplement), Boost vegan protein (a supplement that can be added to the Greens First), and Dream Protein (a hormone free whey protein). Food is fresh now in the Teague household, whenever possible.

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THE HISTORY OF THE ECUADORIAN "PANAMA HAT" By Mirta Evi

The hat known today as the Panama hat was produced in Ecuador as early as the seventeenth century. Straw hats woven in Ecuador, like many other 19th and early 20th century South American goods, were shipped first to the Isthmus of Panama before sailing for their destinations in Asia, the rest of the Americas and Europe, subsequently acquiring a name that reflected their point of international sale, "Panama hats", rather than their place of domestic origin. The term was being used by at least 1834. The popularity of the hats was increased in the mid-nineteenth century by the miners of the California Gold Rush, who frequently traveled to Theodore Roosevelt visiting the Panama Canal California via the Isthmus of Panama. In 1904, construction site in 1904, pictured wearing a Panama President Theodore Roosevelt of the United hat States visited the construction site of the Panama Canal, and was photographed wearing a Panama hat, which further increased the hats' popularity. The hats were later worn by many early-twentieth century film stars during films. The Ecuadorian national hero and emblematic figure Eloy Alfaro helped finance his liberal revolution of Ecuador in the late nineteenth century through the export of Panama hats. WHAT IS A PANAMA HAT? A Panama hat (toquilla straw hat) is a traditional brimmed straw hat of Ecuadorian origin. Traditionally, hats were made from the plaited leaves of the Carludovica palmata S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 | 117

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The History of the Ecuadorian “Panama Hat” (Continued) plant, known locally as the toquilla palm or jipijapa palm, although it is a palm-like plant rather than a true palm. Panama hats are light-colored, lightweight, and breathable, and often worn as accessories to summer-weight suits, such as those made of linen or silk. Beginning around the turn of the 20th century, panamas began to be associated with the seaside and tropical locales. The art of weaving was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists on 6 December 2012.

Your True Colours Image Radio, Mondays at 10am Central Time http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bendall Our lineup for September: September 1: Labor Day (No Show) September 8: Michael Cecchin, CEO, Valentia Skin Care September 15: Philippe Lahmani, President, CCV Products, featuring- Shape & Slim® the first wearable Cosmetic wear to nourish, shape & restructure your skin in less than one month. September 22: Melinda Lewis, Vintage Jewelry Expert September 29: Elisha Jernigan, Southern Women’s Shows What’s the lineup of fun for the shows all around the United States.

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We have the best of the best and the finest hats! ONLY AT www.theandesfashion.com www.theandesfashion.wix.c om/theandesfashion E-SHOP ORDERS: sales@theandesfashion.com FB | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM: The Andes Fashion TWITTER: @theandesfashion

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What Type of Baby Walking Shoes Should I Get? Now that your baby has started the awesome steps of taking baby steps, it's time for a pair of nice baby walking shoes. There's nothing that brings more joy to moms than watching their baby starting to mature in a toddler way by taking first walking steps. Walking shoes for babies has these great baby walking shoes to help make the first step easy. Hard bottoms are the most popular baby walking shoes for boys and girls. Most babies start walking around the house barefoot when they first start to walk. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun watching them walk around in your home barefoot. Their toes gripping the floor as they enjoy the freedom of stumbling, walking and running around. Soft leather

walking shoes offer great support for the lite stepper. Soft bottom walking shoes are great for those babies who start walking on their tip toes when no shoes on. Hard bottom shoes offer extra cushion and comfort to stabilize great ankle and sole support. They are excellent for toddlers that are having trouble keeping their balance. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always best to let your baby learn to balance and take first steps barefoot in the comfort of your home or outside in the grass. Being barefoot will help your baby control their balance more efficiently. Filling the floor beneath his/her feet will help gain more control of taking steps. If you ever notice, when babies first start to walk, they start on their tip toes as they become comfortable, their steps will become more familiar to the surface, using their heel and arch of the feet. S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 | 124

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Tippy-Tots Shoes has a variety of different styles, colors and choices to choose from. We highly recommend our hard bottom for the beginner walker!

https://twitter.com/TippyTotShoes http://www.ebay.com/usr/tippy-tots ADVERTISEMENT

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Singing the Songs of Life: Shantell Ogden By Sherry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor

Singer/Songwriter Shantell Ogden spent her younger years on a farm in Utah where music was a big part of family life. She was always writing about anything and everything

and loved to tell stories. While attending college, she realized she wanted to combine her two loves -- the music and writing -- and make it a career. She learned to play guitar and started writing songs. It felt right so she continued her studies at the Berklee College of Music. So the story begins. To date, Shantell has toured internationally, has received airplay on more than 500 country and Americana radio stations, has reached top 20 chart positions in both the U.S. and Europe, has had her songs placed in films and on television programs, and had her first CMA Fest appearance this year. Not enough? She also has her own record label and publishing company.

Getting her name out there is definitely paying off. This year the International Music S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 | 125

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and Entertainment Association (IMEA) has nominated her for two awards -- Americana Artist of the Year and Americana Album of the Year. The IMEA Awards were developed to recognize the best artists in independent music -- Americana is the “singer-songwriter genre” and it blends pop, country and folk influences. Shantell says just being nominated is an honor and a blessing and she excited to be sharing the stage with so many wonderful performers. (The awards ceremony and red carpet event is scheduled to take place October 4 at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Kentucky. Award winners are selected through a combination of voting by entertainment industry professionals, IMEA members and fans. ) Shantell believes everyone has a story that could inspire a song and actually invited fans through social media and her email list to send their stories for her “Your Story” project to inspire a song for her album “Stories Behind Songs”. The response was great and she did write a special song for one of her fans. She says songs and stories are around us all the time – you just have to pay attention. With a sweet folk/country style, Shantell tells stories about the way she sees the world through her Christian values. I’ve heard it said “you can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl” – in Shantell’s case, I do believe this is a very good thing. For more information about Shantell, go to www.shantellogden.com or https://www.facebook.com/shansmusic

Download these albums at http://www.shantellogden.com/shop

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Your True Colours Endorsement – Custom Sewing by Pat Davis Silver Needle & Thread and TAG Custom Bridal receive this month’s endorsement from Your True Colours. Custom clothing, quality surpassed, a rarity in today’s market. Located in Jacksonville FL, and owned by Pat http://www.silverneedleandthread.com/

measurements.

Davis. Daivs has basic pieces that can be done by distance simply with the client following directions o how to do basic

A larger selection of custom pieces are available if you are willing to travel to Florida, or are lucky enough to live in or near Jacksonville FL. Davis is trained in the Fashion

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Your True Colours

Vol. 1 Issue 5

Academy skin tone system and will direct you to your correct color palette to ensure your garment will designed just for you in every detail.

The Organic Style Unveiled Fashion Show featuring Silver Needle & Thread, with Pat Davis, Jacksonville FL.

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Vol. 1 Issue 5

Apply for an endorsement by having Fashion Critic, Carolyn Bendall and Fashion Academy's international team of Total Image, Retail, or Colour Analysis Consultants review your product. The application does not guarantee you will receive the endorsement. The endorsement gives your collection or product the stamp of approval that it is of high quality and functions for the everyday consumer. We will choose five consultants throughout the United States (and/or Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Netherlands, Australia, Thailand) to test your product or collection. We will then determine if we are able to endorse the product. Your fee is for the time of the five consultants. The fee does not guarantee that you will receive an endorsement. At minimum, there will be a blog post on your product. You will be invited to be on our radio show in conjunction with your endorsement. www.fashionacademy.biz cbendall@fashionacademy.bi z

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