In feng shui, the kitchen, considered the most vital and important part of the house, nourishes us and sustains life.  We embrace the energy that feeds us physically through food, financially through money, and emotionally through our connection to our family.

©istockphoto.com/aliceinoue. http://www.uluart.com/

What does your kitchen say about you?

The Stove

• The stove, considered “male energy” and the “wealth generator,” is the single most important symbolic factor when using feng shui to analyze the ease with which you prosper financially.

• The stove represents fueling the engine of abundant manifestation and the physical energy needed to be productive.  Pay attention to the stove if you have been feeling unproductive lately.

Stove Symbolism

• Burnt out burner:  An inoperable burner means your ability to manifest new avenues of abundance and opportunities is limited. To regain your energy, replace any burnt out burners.

• Unused burner(s): Not using all your burners is symbolic of being in a rut, lacking vitality, and limiting your ability to benefit from financial resources.  Consciously using burners that you haven’t used for a while will energize you and help you break free of old patterns.

• Grimy burners: Dirty burners suggest a lot of wasteful and unnecessary expenses and a lack of clarity about where your money is going.  Cleaning off the dirt and grime energetically opens your eyes to new strategies to manage your finances and optimize your personal energy.

• Blocked burners:  Blocked burners represent blocked opportunities.  Use the top of the stove to cook, not to store food, empty pots and pans, or boxes. A clear stovetop suggests that you are open to opportunities coming into your life.

The Refrigerator

• In feng shui, the stove receives so much attention that the refrigerator, a necessary part of our food storage and an appliance we cannot live without, is often overlooked, yet is equally important.

• The refrigerator, considered “female energy,” represents our feminine side and has a nurturing quality, “hugging and holding” our food.  We take from the refrigerator and she never complains. Maintain the health of the refrigerator, by keeping it clean and well stocked, especially if you are feeling drained by others’ needs and wants.

Refrigerator Symbolism

• Cluttered face:  Many refrigerators resemble billboards or photo albums with magnets, which have “sucking” energy, and other paraphernalia on the door.  In feng shui this shows who or what is draining your energy. Removing all paraphernalia from the refrigerator door will help restore your energy. If you feel compelled to place something on the refrigerator door, make certain it is energetically supportive.

• Clutter on top:  The top of your refrigerator should not be used for open storage.  Anything placed in that area that is not decorative or beautifying represents burdens you may be carrying and cannot let go of. Clear the top of the refrigerator and energetically remove heaviness in your life.

• Expired food:  Storing expired food energetically holds you in the past and drains you of the energy needed to live an inspired life.  Keep the contents of your refrigerator current and create the energy to nurture the right opportunities.

Honor the Yin and the Yang ©istockphoto.com/aliceinoue. www.uluart.com

Take some time to “honor” both the male and female elements in your kitchen to create a greater sense of balance in your life.

Getting a gorgeous, glowing complexion doesn’t only mean slathering on sunblock or the latest antioxidant serum (though that helps, too). It also means paying attention to your diet. By tossing nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables and other goodies into your blender, you can nab more beautifying foods that will nourish your skin from the inside, out.

We’re talking ingredients that can help repair damage from nasty UV rays, give your skin a healthy glow, and reduce inflammation and puffiness (too many margaritas last night, perhaps?).

Put your best face forward with these powerhouse ingredients and smoothie recipes.

•    Chia Seeds for Younger Looking Skin
◦    Recipe: Beauty Bonanza Smoothie

•    Kale For a Healthy Skintone
◦    Recipe: Green and Glowing Smoothie

•    Coconut for Repairing Damaged Skin
◦    Recipe: Coconut Bliss Smoothie

•    Avocado for Reducing Inflammation
◦    Recipe: Paradise Smoothie

•    Berries for Smoother Skin
◦    Recipe: Berry Beauty Blast

*all images provided by shutterstock*

View full article and get your (you)Beauty Fixx here!

Style Firm Los Angeles launched a new revolutionary collection of shaping active wear that’s pushing “True” performance wear with a twist…the signature compression mesh lined pieces result in the appearance of a slimmer body before you even start your workout *Okay ladies, stop…I’m already sold*.  Stylish enough to be considered the “LBD” (Little Black Dress) of workout wear and constructed to lift, smooth & support, Style Firm Los Angeles makes every woman instantly look like the best version of herself, both in and out of the gym.

Style Firm Los Angeles Look Book Collection 2012!

The highly constructed, fashion-forward pieces are comprised of Supplex Spandex Jersey and Moisture Wicking Compression Mesh that slim the thighs, lift the butt and flatten the tummy while still comfortable, true performance wear.  The capsule collection comprised of 5 pieces includes: two jackets – a Modern Long Jacket and a Shelter Hoodie; three bottoms—Competitor Tight, Absolute Boot Cut and a Swagger Capri.  A Brisk short will launch in June 2012. The pieces retail between $92-$119 and are available at various retailers, resorts, gyms and online boutiques including stylefirmclothing.com, Sports Club LA, Barry’s Bootcamp and blissworld.com to name a few.

Style Firm Los Angeles is a fitness line for the “Everywoman”.  The brand was created with the busy professional or mom on-the-go in mind.   This collection will allow you to kick off the tennis shoes post-workout, throw on a pair of ballet flats and continue on with life’s daily demands, without sacrificing style for convenience.

Already a favorite among the industry’s elite and celebrities including Kim Kardashian who was spotted leaving Barry’s Bootcamp in the Competitor Tight, Style Firm Los Angeles has created a “magic pant”.

About Style Firm Los Angeles

Style Firm Los Angeles is for women, by women.  Founded by Marissa Mills and Lisa Present, Style Firm Los Angeles originated and still co-exists as a thriving event production company.  As stylists and fashion show producers, Marissa and Lisa noticed, over time, that the celebrities and models with whom they worked with were beyond impassioned, perhaps even addicted, to their compression garments to smooth lumps and bumps.  This coupled with the need to keep up with the physical demands of executing large-scale events and designer runway shows, Marissa and Lisa hit the gym on a regular basis.  Having a keen eye for style, the ladies noticed that no matter how fit and fabulous the woman, her workout attire didn’t necessarily do her body justice.   Marrying this observation with their experiences in the styling arena, Style Firm Los Angeles was born as a Shaping Activewear brand.  The name of their event production company served as perfect inspiration for their objective: to create a workout wardrobe that was stylish and flattering.  And thus began Style Firm Los Angeles.  http://www.stylefirmclothing.com/

I am such a hopeless romantic. And despite my personal experience with love, I am such an avid believer that it amazes me sometimes.  I am glad that our Frugal Fashionista Kendal Perez wants to help make your wedding day a complete “bliss” experience! And for my San Francisco, CA divas…there’s an extra goody at the end of this feature, just for you! And now, here’s Kendal:

I would happily relive my wedding day but never the year leading up to it. I planned our event while juggling class, working 30 hours a week and enduring a sudden death in my husband’s family. Needless to say, I was ready to throw my hands up and scream “I’m done!” during the months leading up to the big day.

If this madness sounds familiar, try not to get weighed down by the drama and details of it all. Consider the following tips for saving time and staying sane during the most complicated party you’ll ever plan.

1. Prioritize
The easiest way to cut down on the planning process is to reduce the number of things to plan. Prioritize what you and your future spouse really want for the wedding. Do the invitations need to reflect the latest innovations in origami? Are programs really necessary? Weddings are pretty commonplace, after all — most people know what’s going to happen. Not only will this save you time, but it will save you money, too.

2. Register Online
Online registries are all the rage these days, reflecting the needs and lifestyles of modern couples. Avoid spending your precious weekend in the aisles of Bed Bath & Beyond and create a wedding gift registry at CardAvenue.com. The site allows you to select gift cards from hundreds of favorite retailers, restaurants and even airlines. It’s as easy as creating a registry, selecting the cards, and sharing the link with friends. Done and done!

3. Delegate
People close to you enjoy being part of your big day, so let them! I relied heavily on my mom during planning and she was thrilled to be involved. Similarly, a good friend of mine asked me to set up her reception space while she prepared herself for the aisle. Granted, her meticulous instructions took time to create, but ultimately it allowed her to focus on what’s most important – getting ready for the ceremony.

4. Get Pinning
The days of shopping for wedding magazines and scouring wedding websites are over, thanks to Pinterest. Ideas ranging from the highly traditional to the totally off-the-wall are all available in one easy-to-use website. Better yet, there are several DIY ideas that help you stay within budget and make your day truly unique. No time for DIY? Refer to tip 3 – that’s what bridesmaids are for!

5. Go All-Inclusive
Depending on your budget, couples might find it easier to select a venue that offers access to music, catering, rooms to get ready in, and all the other details that make wedding planning chaotic. The all-inclusive convenience will likely jack up the price of the venue, but if you can afford it you’ll save a lot of time.

6. Keep it Simple
Avoid pouring over dress styles and let your girls select their own dresses in your preferred color palette. Ditch the formal dinner in favor of a buffet to bypass seating arrangements and dish preferences. And finally, make the reception as carefree as possible — the big moment is over and it’s time to relax and enjoy time with your guests.

7. Think Small
It’s a fact of life — it’s much easier to organize a small group of people than it is a large one. Keeping the guest list small has multiple benefits, not the least of which is saving you money. After the wedding, send a marriage announcement to everyone in your extended network, thanking them for their well wishes.

8. Stay Local
From food to flowers, keeping your vendor selections local will reduce the headache associated with coordinating out-of-town services. It’s much easier to have a friend swing by a shop to pick something up than it is to order a last-minute necessity and hope it gets where it needs to be on time. TheKnot.com’s Local Vendors page offers easy access to nearby vendors of all kinds.

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Kendal Perez is a frugal fashionista and bargain shopper who helps fellow shopaholics find hassle-free ways to save money. As the deals expert for FreeShipping.org, Kendal has the resources to be an extreme couponer but prefers a less complicated approach to staying in-budget. Kendal has been quoted in such media outlets as CNN Money, TIME Moneyland, FOX, ABC, NPR and Kiplinger Personal Finance. For savings tips and more information, visit HassleFreeSavings.com.

*Extra Wedding Bliss Alert*

I StumbleUpon this blog post this morning and instantly thought of my beautiful readers who are currently focused on planning their weddings!

Summer Fitness, Part 2

You can tweet me your questions and comments at @GaiamTV #GwenatGTV or Facebook me http://www.facebook.com/GaiamTV.

Thanks for joining me for Summer Fitness, Part 2 – I hope you’re enjoying working on your legs!

Summer, summer, summer is on my mind, and surely yours as well.  No matter what I tell you or coach you in, if you’re not healthy on the inside, all your hard training will be moot.

I’m not suggesting the pre-chewed bird feeding rituals of Alicia Silverstone, or crazy starvation cleanses, or even the strict vegan commitments of Russell Simmons.  However, I do propose sensibility and long-term dedication to health.   Remember to:

.  Cut out sugar

.  Avoid white foods

.  Give your body a 12-hour fast everyday (8pm-8am) – the true meaning of       breakfast is “break the fast.”

.  Get regular exercise

.  Eat organic whole foods

.  Eliminated processed foods

.  Eliminated chemicals in food – avoid anything with ingredients that you’re unable to pronounce or unsure of what it is

Use these guidelines to start making your body the healthy alkaline machine it’s meant to be and you’ll notice:

.  Increased energy

.  Improved sleeping

.  Less illness

.  The list is endless!

It’s a small price to pay for an efficient body.  The more efficient your body, the more readily it’s able to accept your new summer fitness routines and thrive on its new found shape!

Perhaps my words are still not enough to motivate you to stop the overindulgences and get on a healthy path. If that’s the case, then try watching some of the great nutritional videos on GaiamTV.com such as

Gaiam Inspirations with David Wolfe

Strong Women Weight Loss

What’s Really in Our Food

 Stay tuned for more weekly summer fitness tips and trends!

 Gwen’s unique combination of dance, massage and yoga training experience, coupled with her extensive knowledge of anatomy and nutrition, provides her clients with overwhelming benefits. Gwen is the yoga instructor for five NY Pro teams. Her writing appears in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Fitness Magazine, Shape Magazine, Yoga Journal, Details, shape.com, and espn.com. She makes regular appearances on NBC’s TODAY show, and Good Day New York. She was featured in June’s ESPN Magazine as the “Best Innovation in Sports Medicine,” and is a featured “Super Ambassador” for GaiamTV.com.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GaiamTV

Twitter: @GaiamTV #GwenatGTV

About GaiamTV.com

GaiamTV.com is a streaming video subscription service that includes exclusive yoga and fitness classes plus thousands of inspirational films, documentaries, personal growth, health and wellness videos. It is available for $9.95 a month with a 10-day free trial. GaiamTV.com features renowned instructors, including Rodney Yee, Jillian Michaels, Seane Corn, The FIRM, Mari Winsor, Deepak Chopra, Jack Canfield and dozens more. Top inspirational films, such as “I AM,” written and directed by Tom Shadyac, are also included. In addition, GaiamTV.com offers weekly live-streamed original programming with its new show, “Gaiam Inspirations” hosted by Lisa Garr. GaiamTV.com is available on a wide array of portable devices, including the iPad, and iPhone. GaiamTV.com is a division of Gaiam, Inc.

Even supermoms out there recognize that parenting is just as challenging and exhausting as it is amazing and inspiring – we all need insightful, creative advice to add more balance and fun into our families’ lives every once in a while. Luckily, Mighty Mommy is here to help!

Cheryl L. Butler, or Mighty Mommy, as she is known through the award-winning podcast series on www.quickanddirtytips.com, is the proud mother of five boys, three girls, and two dogs. Her eight children range in age from 6 through 18, and provide the inspiration for her weekly podcasts, chock full of insightful, creative, and practical parenting tips that will help you survive and thrive in the wild and wonderful world of raising children.

Mighty Mommy’s useful and entertaining advice includes topics like:

·         How to teach your kids patience

·         The importance of routines and schedules

·         Making (and breaking) parenting rules

·         Tips for dealing with a bully

·         Making time for mom

·         And much, much more!

The Mighty Mommy podcast won the Podcast Peer Award for Best New Podcast when it was first launched in 2007, and the Best Parenting Podcast in 2008. As the new and improved host, Cheryl provides a fresh, insightful, and engaging perspective on parenthood that will attract new listeners and old fans alike! Mighty Mommy’s approach is all about parenting with warmth, love, creativity, and of course, lots of fun!

About Cheryl Butler:

After 6 years of infertility treatments, one beautiful adoption, and 7 trips to the delivery room, Cheryl Butler’s family was complete. When not partying in the laundry room or coordinating her home décor around stains and broken furniture, she writes the column “Family Zone” for local magazines in Southern Rhode Island where she reflects on the many twists of parenthood. Author of the newly released Pregnant Women Don’t Eat Cabbage, Cheryl has also been featured in several anthology series, including Chicken Soup For The Pre-School Mother’s Soul, Chicken Soup For The Chocolate Lover’s Soul, and The Misadventures of Mom and Disasters of Dad.  Cheryl is a regular contributor and columnist to AOL’s online news source, Patch.  Her readers have come to depend on her humorous, common sense approach to everyday life.

Mother’s Day has come and gone, but for this momtrepreneur, Mother’s Day is everyday! Already, I’m on the grind searching for the best products for kids, especially since summer is rapidly approaching.

Summer to kids mean summer camp, little league and all-day play dates with friends at the park. With the increase of physical activity, parents should be mindful of keeping their children’s energy up the healthy way while ensuring their safety.

·         USANIMALS (www.usana.com): are supplements designed for children. Not only does it support healthy immune function with its vitamins A, C, E and zinc ingredients but it also consists of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D which assist in creating strong and healthy bones. We all know how kids sometimes love to play rough on the playgrounds so USANIMALS are perfect. They are also easy-to-eat chewables stamped with fun animal shapes, fit for every child’s personality.

·         HINT Water (www.drinkhint.com): is a fruit-infused all natural essence water that contains no calories, sugar, artificial sweeteners or preservatives. It is imperative for a child to stay hydrated while playing outdoors in the sweltering heat. Forget the unhealthy soft drinks and pick up a bottle of HINT instead. It’s not flavored water, it IS water. 

·         Medical ID Marketplace (www.hopepaige.com): While health, eating right and keeping your child’s body nutritious, parents oftentimes forget that “health” also means “ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your child.” What if your child has a food allergy or has diabetes? A parent has to make sure their child is safe when they are on a field trip or on a play date. Medical ID Marketplace is the solution to that problem. They offer fashionable, trendy and cute medical ID bracelet that blends in with everyday pieces and only stands out to first responders in case of an emergency. These accessories come with a customized engraving (emergency contact info, health condition, etc.) so health officials will know how to react in a worst case scenario. Also with hundreds to choose from, there is an option that fits for every child’s colorful personality.

On April 30, Diane Sawyer aired a segment on ABC News about the potentially harmful chemicals within beauty products we use every day, highlighting the need for more government regulation in the cosmetics industry.  The Obama administration’s fiscal 2013 budget includes a proposal for nearly $19 million in user fees for the cosmetics industry to fund enhanced monitoring, which would include a switch to mandatory from voluntary registration of ingredients.

The numbers are alarming.  The average woman applies 12 beauty products to her body every day, exposing herself to 120 chemicals daily!  And the majority may not understand the ingredients that are actually in those products.  According to a recent national survey sponsored by Puristics, a line of anti-aging skin care products free of harsh chemicals, 84% of women trust that the ingredients in their skin care products are not harmful to them.  The survey demonstrates that facial skin care products are a routine part of most women’s lives, with the majority applying day moisturizers (74%), cleansers (64%) and night creams (55%) on a daily basis.  However, some of their favorite creams and lotions can contain harsh chemicals such as propylparaben, methylparaben, triethanolamine and synthetic fragrances and 61% percent of women admit that they only “somewhat” recognize and understand the ingredient list on their skin care products. Last month, 31,000 consumers took the Puristics Label Literacy Quiz about their knowledge of the ingredients in their beauty products, and the results were astounding!   94% of consumers failed the quiz, getting more than 2 questions wrong; a mere 1% of respondents answered every question correctly.

The lack of knowledge of skincare ingredients coupled with the potentially harmful chemicals in the majority of products on the market raises a huge concern that has reached the attention of the Food and Drug Administration, Congress, and the media. Puristics is leading the charge to make a change and offer women a safe alternative – lotions that are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates and synthetic fragrances.  The products in Puristics Totally Ageless anti-aging skin care are all made from recognizable ingredients.  One look at the label and you’ll understand them.  The line is specially formulated utilizing plant-based oils and humectants in conjunction with a naturally derived peptide complex and was developed without adding any harsh chemicals, fragrances or toxins at any step in the process.

*Sidebar* And also, Beauty Mavens, enjoy this video of makeup artist and Pixi founder Petra Strand who paid a special visit to a San Diego Target store to give in-store makeovers and divulge her beauty basics. Video courtesy of A Bullseye View.

Blink is now available for pre-order and has arrived at Heels.com!

Are parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances actually harmful?  Read the research for yourself:

• Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives to fight bacteria and fungus.  These compounds mimic estrogen in the body and can affect the endocrine system, potentially leading to developmental and reproductive disruptions.  Parabens can be absorbed into the body through the skin.

• Phthalates are used to soften plastics and help hold in fragrance.  These compounds can reduce the levels of sex hormones in the body, and have been linked to leading to reproductive abnormalities and even infertility.

• Synthetic Fragrances can seep into the bloodstream and can potentially disrupt hormone balances.  Even products labeled as “unscented” may containmasking fragrances to cover up other scents. Want to take action? Let Congress know, by sending the key representatives this petition.

The famous divas of Wisteria Lane say goodbye to television *teardrop…sniff* tonight 9pm/ 8pm CT for the “Desperate Housewives” series finale. The show that was on the small screen for eight years is coming to an end revealing its final mysteries and bringing many surprises.

Dennis Pastorizo, entertainment producer for Terra, sat down with the “Desperate Housewives” stars who divulged a few details about the series’ finale and blew a whistle to answer a fun trivia game.

Eva Longoria and Ricardo Antonio Chavira,  Gabrielle and Carlos Solis on “Desperate Housewives” spoke about their experiences as a part of the series and their thoughts on listening to their characters speak Spanish in other versions of the show. Longoria even confesses who her favorite lover is.

Marcia Cross and Vanessa Williams, Bree and Renee on the series and Felicity Huffman and Doug Savant, (“Lynette and Tom Scavo“), reveal who they would have chosen as their partner if they hadn’t been selected to work together and go head-to-head to show who knows more about “Desperate Housewives”.

To watch the full interviews visit http://en.terra.com/celebrity-gossip/news/desperate_housewives_marcia_cross_vs_vanessa_williams_video/oci67301 and find out what prizes the stars won playing the amusing trivia!

Desperate Housewives’ Eva Longoria Reveals Her Favorite Lover:

The first season of ABC’s “Once Upon a Time” also comes to an end this Sunday and if you are one of the millions of people who have been tuning in, you won’t want to miss this.

Will Emma finally believe her destiny is to save the people of Storybrooke or will Henry’s sacrifice be in vain?

Once Upon A Time

Kardashians Interview:

Wow! Forgive me as I take a moment to collectively gather myself *breathe…inhale 1, 2, 3, 4 exhale 1, 2, 3, 4*. As I sit here pouring out my soul – it’s down right impossible to hold back the burst of warm fluid that is now caressing it’s way down my cheeks. I’m usually such a private person. So much so that I rarely give into gossip, frivolous lies or chase down rumors! In fact, I rather let Karma *my fave bitch* be my avenger *btw, this movie looks awesome*!

Today, these words of empowerment & inspiration – I dedicate to my beautiful children, whom I devote my life…and believe me, I have.
You see, exactly a year ago *May 1st to be exact*, I had to swallow my pride – with 3 innocents in tow,  and walk out on a decade long commitment of trust and honor (on my behalf), only to witness it be summarized and coated in mistrust and deception (his behalf). You can not imagine the things that came back to me…but eventually I realized that I so wanted more out of life.

My 110% to his 1% never looked uglier. But for some reason, God allowed me to see through the veil, allowing me to glance at a happier and deeper fulfilled self! I suddenly had an epiphany! This situation was not my size, shape nor color! It suited me in no way whatsoever! Yes, I wanted so much more – especially for my two teen girls and my then 3 month old son! I stopped asking why? how? and saw my situation for what it was! I was about to get stuck carrying the bag and I had absolutely no where to turn! So, instead I turned to God!

This revelation showed me what I truly yearned. I was well aware of the life I led and realized that I couldn’t and wouldn’t rest until it was my reality! 10 years of my life, now piled onto the previous past traumas. Everything felt like 10 tons and I didn’t believe that I was that strong to lift any of it! Suddenly, I was a victim – a woman baring low self-esteem and self-doubt. How was it possible that I allowed myself to love someone more than I loved myself? Why was it so easy for him to drain me of my essential essence?

The why? how? factor rapidly change, since I noticed that he couldn’t even get his story straight! Each version changed with the passing of mutual friends.  And then my “ah ha” moment dawned through the dark clouds. No longer was I willing to allow anyone to overshadow my divinity and deprive me of my inner butterfly! So, for a very difficult and heart aching 9 months, I sacrificed and struggled, all the while adorning a smile to keep my heart from shattering and to avoid the sympathy! I even set mini goals, focused very hard on Media Maven & Elite Socialistas *story behind ES coming soon*. Each and every one of your letters showed me that I was more than meets-the-eyes! But the icing on the cake came when I realized that (1) I had the law on my side & (2) I set out make a home in a new state and I did…seeing my goals through to fruition was absolutely priceless! I fought hard and I conquered…

As women, we are capable of so much but we allow others to rob us of our victory. I realized that each one of my children marked a milestone of my past that was very tragic – but in their innocent eyes I saw my victory! I no longer allowed anyone to rob me of what was mine. My spirituality led me to a sacred relationship with God, who showed me how to launch and take flight.

With undying Love & Appreciation to you my readers...

Today, I embrace my experiences – the good & the bad – and allow them to propel me further along my coveted quest to success and fulfillment. I dare anyone to try to get my trust and/or LOVE, without putting in an application, going through a rigorous interview/screening, background check – the works! I refuse to spend anymore time on anyone who contributes nothing to the bigger picture! Instead, I continue to rise above the ignorance and immaturity, leaving that for the meek and unenlightened and chose to carry my God-given blessings (my children & talents) which in turn makes the achievement factor all the more sweeter!

I listen stronger, harder to my inner intuitive Goddess, for you see, she guides and protects me unlike any other can or will. She showed me that my trials and tribulations a year ago and beyond where going to be blessings in disguise.  I know now that even though the silver lining can be if not impossible to see, is actually right in front you very eyes. But we have to be awakened and alert to the shining light which guides us to our fate.

As a single mother of a diversely multicultural background, I can spot racism, sexism and hatred a mile away, Instead, I elevate…even now, with the weight of my past rearing it’s ugly head every now and then, but I try not to stay down for too long! I can’t waste anymore time. I look back on growing up without stability, foundation and unconditional love (imagine competing with other family members for the feeling to simply belong) – and noticed the rippled effect, which if I’m not careful…will consume me, and that is not an option for me!

This woman knows that there is power in words, so I choose mine wisely, as well as the company I keep or rather, the so called “loved” ones I surround myself with. No more second guessing myself. My beauty will continue to shine, hopefully shedding some much needed light, touching the very essence of other women out there who suffer similar or worst fate than I. Many aren’t as lucky as I was, to make it to a place of serene bliss *although, not 100% there, but 85% rooted* As a sister of light, it only makes sense that the darkness will target, but I am more prepared and skilled. My desire to help and give back won’t ever allow me to give up. And I hope my words and the brief glimpse into my world – won’t allow you to either! Happy Mother’s Day Darlings!

Eternally Grateful,
Media Maven