woman's essence magazine january 2012

2 Woman’s Essence Magazine,

Woman’s Essence Magazine 3,

2011“International Women’s Year”

If you are reading this editorial then for certain you made it into the New Year. Last year, 2011 was a handful for everyone, round the globe. Normally termed a “Man’s World”, our womenfolk did well to change that status quo. Women the world over will never forget 2011 and am certain that even 2012 promises to be far promising. From Germany’s Prime Minis-ter, Angela Merkel whose decisive political action helped steer Europe through the financial crisis which was in a slump when she took over power in 2005 to Yemeni’s journalist and activist, Tawakkol Karman’s leading of Yemeni’s to overthrow the 30 years rule of Ali Abdullah Saleh, many women refused to be left in the back-ground but instead took centre stage in public affairs. Even your International women’s online magazine, Woman’s Essence made it to be five months old Decem-ber 2011, with 249 fans liking our page on facebook and thousands of page views on issuu.com. Like the womenfolk, 2011 was our year as well, and this was made possible with your help in continuous readership

and talking about us to friends and family. We say a big thank you. This New Year, we’ve renewed our vow to always publish the very best of topics that concerns you, in an informative and entertaining way, beginning from this month. Lined up for January is first an interview with Dicey Grenor. Author of Sleepy Willows Bonded Soul, Dicey whose real names are Davida Green-Norris is a mother of two who takes us into her daily routine of caring for the kids and running a law-based business with her husband. Also is a special feature on Tawakkol Karman, a co-recipient of 2011 Nobel Peace Prize award. Kar-man’s manly stride to addressing the leadership problem in her home coun-try of Yemen, saw the Journalist and activist being named a Nobel prize winner alongside Liberia’s president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Liberian Peace activist, Leymah Gbowee. For our Celebrity Style report, we have music diva Beyonce, whose been adjudged by fans as the Most Fashionable Mother to be, in a poll created by style website josoblu.co.uk. For Jewelries, we bring you Melody Ehsani’s bold Native American designs. There are also amazing reads in our Cuisine, and Beauty categories. For our Travel and Destinations are Nigeria’s tourism city, Calabar, South Africa’s Table Mountain in Cape Town and Romania’s Cultural city, Sibiu. We wish you a prosperous New Year and happy reading from the WE team.

Edito r’s note

Ojay MilahEditor-in-chief

Your comments, letters and Suggestions are most welcome.

Write [email protected]

www.womans-essence.com

Editor-in-chiEfojay Milah

PublishErAdryana nicoleta

contributing writErstiffany Jasper

dawniel Patterson - winningham Jenna goudreauMaxine wagnernancy travers

Jim KateMadison Vanderberg

lynly Pioc

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contEnts

Jewelry fashion

beauty tips

culture & Art6 What can we learn about LOVE From french women

career Management8 Best Jobs For Women in 2012

Education9 Things to Look for Before Hiring an Educational Consultant

special feature10 Tawakkol Karman; The “Iron Woman” Who Has Refused To Be Chained

fashion trends12 Simple tips on choosingthe best online fashion store

celebrity style14 Beyonce Named Most Fashionable Pregnant Celebrity

16 Melody EhsaniDesign Statement Jewelry

18 ADULT ACNEA Skin Condition On The Rise

20 the cover storyInterview with Author, Dicey GrenorMy Secret to Family and Writing“It takes suportive people around you. In my case, it’s my husband who supports my dreams as I do his.”

7 culture & ArtWhat Can We Learn About Love From French WomenFrench women celebrate instead of shy away from individuality. They make their own rules, don’t mind imperfections and embrace their femininity.


cuisine32 Swedish Meatballs

home & garden decor

relationships

34 Beautiful Roof Gardens& Landscape Designs

36 Tips for Beginninga Long Distance

Relationship37 How to trust

your partner ina long distance

relationship

weddings38 The Fashion Wedding Dresses We Should Expect in Spring 2012

Marriage & divorce

Power for your world

Parenting

travel & destinations

40 How To Discuss Marriage ProblemsWith Counselor

42 Make Your New Year’s Resolution Count

43 Your 2012 ResolutionsShould Involve the Kids

44 Three 2012 Must-visit Destinations

the cover story18 Interview with Author,

Dicey GrenorMy Secret to

Family and Writing

health & fitness30 Keep fit while pregnant

10 special featureTawakkol Karman; The “Iron Woman” Who Has Refused To Be Chained

Called by her people as the “Iron Woman” and “Mother of The Revolution”, Karman, a co-recipient of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, is the first Arab woman, and second Muslim woman to win a Nobel Prize.

14 celebrity styleBeyonce Named Most Fashionable Pregnant CelebrityEven though this is her first pregnancy it hasn’t stopped Beyoncerocking the highest heels or sparkly numbers - it proves to women that pregnancy can be stylish.


Debra Ollivier compares and contrasts the differences be-

tween American and French wo-men in her book, What French Women Know About Love, Sex, and Other Matters of the Heart and Mind. Many of these differen-ces stem from one fundamental dis-tinction that in France there are no rules about love and sex or how to dress, look or act. In America, wo-men must follow a complicated rule book which dictates the right and wrong way to manage everything about a relationship with a man from the first meeting to dating, marriage and divorce through repeating the process. French women have a take it or leave it attitude. They believe, and act as if, life is short and time’s

a-wastin’. This gives them a sense of immediacy that translates into a live-for-today outlook that Ameri-can women could benefit from.

French women celebrate instead of shy away from individuality.

They make their own rules, don’t mind imperfections and embrace their femininity. Although the ge-neralizations abound, there is at least a grain of truth in every one.

Ollivier explores many cultur-al differences and some of

these may be beneficial for Ameri-can women to adopt. According to the author, the culture in France af-fords French women a strong sense of self and a mysterious confidence

What can we learn about LOVE from french women

byNancy Travers

here is a difference between French and American women when it comes to dating and relationships. Com-pared to American women, French women revel in the enjoyment and acceptance of what is rather than focusing on what is not or striving for perfection. French women celebrate their individuality and femininity

without worrying about others’ opinions. They do what makes them feel good whether it follows social conventions or not. They also accept the men in their lives for who they are and don’t want to change them.

T


that is so appealing to American women because it is so different from what we are used to. Similarly, French women are comfortable with uncertainty as opposed to American women, who have been raised with, and thus prefer, structure and rules.

Another difference is that French people are more discreet. Their culture is less communica-

tive, especially on a personal level. Personal informa-tion is kept private. What comes off as charming and alluring in a French woman may be interpreted as arrogant and bitchy in an American woman. Un-less you are dealing with a French man, you may be completely misread.

Unlike in America, it’s OK in France to be un-happy. In the U.S., there is so much pressure to

be happy that it can make us miserable. American women equate happiness with perfection. When we’re not trying to change ourselves, we’re working on changing our mates. French women know rela-tionships are not checking accounts. Love and sex cannot be forced into perfect 5050 shares. These women also know that cohabiting requires coopera-tion, consideration and compatibility.

The French live by the aphorism, carpe diem. They are truly living their lives

with a sharp consciousness of the plea-sures and problems life can entail and the knowledge of how short life can be. Indeed, this may be the most important message we take away from this book. The French philosophy, in contrast to the American woman’s eternal quest for perfection, is more a savor the moment, devil-may-care way of life.

If there is one thing that we, as American women, can take away from this book it

is that we should try to learn to accept and like ourselves for who we are and not care about what others think of us. Rather than compete with men, we’d be better served to develop a true affection for them. By calling a truce in the battle of the sexes, everyone can win.


L ooking for a career change or new direction in 2012? You may want to start here. Jobs expert Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., author of Best Jobs for the 21st Century, provides a rare look at the jobs that women feel most satisfied

and successful in. He compiled a top-10 list based on women’s high satisfaction levels, from the National Survey of Co-llege Graduates conducted by the Census Bureau; median annual earnings for salaried workers, from the Department of Labor (DOL); and the job outlook through 2018, based on projections from the DOL. The results may surprise you.

At the post-secondary teachers top the list. Not only do wo-men report very high satisfaction rates in the job, median annual earnings range from $59,000 (for foreign language and literature teachers) to $94,000 (for law teachers), well above the average household income in the U.S. Furthermore, the field is expected to grow by 15% and features an average of 55,000 openings each year.

Shatkin believes women likely value post-secondary teaching for its high earnings, prestige and stimulating environments. The National Survey of College Graduates found that women appre-ciate a job’s location and environment more highly than men, and Shatkin points out that college students are generally excited to learn, colleagues are of high caliber and college campuses provide comfortable amenities. At the same time, post-secondary teachers have a high degree of independence and autonomy, which Shatkin says almost all workers prize.

In fact, women are so fond of autonomy that they want to be the boss. The chief executive title features high satisfaction rates among women and an incredible $165,000 median salary, which also lands it on ForbesWoman’s annual list of the best-paying jobs for women. While they are currently only 25% of all CEOs, the ratio may be changing. In 2010, women received 44% of all MBA degrees granted, a 75% increase since 2000. Meanwhile, 40% of all private companies are now launched and owned by women.

Due to cultural influences, women have traditionally been and continue to be the primary caretakers for the family, says Shatkin, which may help explain why many of the best jobs also

feature a fair amount of security. It may be hard to land a job as a post-secondary teacher, anthropologist, oceanographer or natural sciences manager but once in the position turnover is low, accor-ding to Shatkin. In fact, women survey respondents ranked the importance of security above salary and advancement opportuni-ties. “If you’re caring for a family,” he says, “job security is a top priority.”

Women also place more significance on a job’s contribution to society than men, according to the survey, which may help ex-plain why women enjoy working as clergy members. The position requires good interpersonal skills and verbal acumen, which Shatkin says women test better in, and gives back to the community in a highly mea-ningful way.

Similarly, medical profe-ssionals like dentists, opto-metrists and physicians are in a helping field and offer a very necessary and valuable service to society. Annual ear-nings for medical profe-ssionals range from $95,000 to $166,000, depending on specialty, and the jobs are projected to grow by 9% to 22% in the next several years.

Best Jobs For Women In

20122012

byJenna Goudreau


Education consultancy services are predominately available online as the facilities avail everything that help pa-rents set their children in better position for their educational future. By hiring a team of highly dedicated professional education consultants, one can easily get access to wide spectrum of ser-vices designed to give parents a sense of direction amid all the confusion that surrounds decision making in education. These services are of a great value to help parents make informed decisions for their children’s education for better results. They offer the right services in-cluding private tuition’s, specialist schools advise, placement services, professional educational assessments, educational psychology, guardianship and university advices including the best possible be-spoke courses available.

Since hiring educational consultants is a major decision and a relevant invest-ment for the development of your chil-dren, few parents commit mistakes by choosing residential placements. With plethora of services available online one can often look for several names for on-line consultants to choose from. Before hiring an expert confirm few things from them for their quality service

1Before hiring an expert educational consultant look for their qualifica-

tion before seeking any piece of advice from any individual. The consultant’s education and trai-ning, as well as any professional certifications and associations can begin to assure you that at least some standards are met.

2 Look for credentials of mem-bers of your consultancy

firm, including degrees, certificates and licenses.

Things to look for before hiring

an education consultant for your child

3 Ask for breadth and depth of ex-perience in other level of assurance

regarding the consultant’s competency.

4 Ask about how many special cases they handle each year.

5 If you are convinced with the ans-wers, qualifications and experience

of the consultant of your choice, ask about their placement services. Are

they rendering

highly specialised services, which aims in proper placement of your child at the right school.

Since there are varied aspects to con-sider when deciding upon the best school as whether preparatory or public school, boarding or day pupil, city or countryside based school, these are few apparent choices, which are difficult to make if you don’t have all the options. Look for ser-vices, which start with an introductory

assessment. Parents should certainly opt to understand what steps need to be taken in regards to your child’s educa-tion. They can also look for schools through child consultancy services for particular learning difficulties

such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia or ADD ADHD.

Explore online services and educational consultants online and explore wide spectrum of

services for the betterment of your kid’s future.

byMaxine Wagner


Worthy of our Special Feature section is Yemeni journalist, politi-cal activist and co- founder of the women’s non-governmental organiza-tion, Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC), Tawakkol Karman. WOMAN’S ESSENCE examines the life and political travails of one out of the three 2011 recipient of the prestigious Nobel Peace prize

Last year, 2011 the world over, more women at a time than his-tory has ever known became involved in public affairs. Their actions were so intense that the world took notice. From the Forbes 100 World’s Most Powerful Women to the Nobel Peace Prize that saw three women clinching the award, 2011 can be rightly said to have been a woman’s world.

Tawakkol Karman; The “Iron Woman” Who Has Refused To Be Chained




As well, much of last year saw political dictators in the Middle East and North Africa toppled in what has be-come known in history as the Arab Spring. It was sparked by the first protests that occurred in Tunisia on 18 De-cember 2010 following Mohamed Bouazizi’s self-immo-lation in protest of police corruption and ill treatment. In one of such uprising involving Yemen, Karman took the lead.

Most Islamic sovereignties, if not all are characte-rized by an atmosphere where women are known to keep mute in matters of public affairs. Notwithstanding, Ye-men journalist and political activist, Tawakkol Karman has been leading a manly fight for the freedom of Yemenis from the 33 years authoritarian rule of Ali Abdu-llah Saleh.

Born 7 February 1979 Karman became the interna-tional public face of the 2011 Yemeni uprising that is part of the Arab Spring uprisings. Called by her people as the “Iron Woman” and “Mother of the Revolution”, Karman a co-recipient of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize is the first Arab woman, and second Muslim woman to win a Nobel Prize and the youngest Nobel Peace Laureate to date.

Karman is a Yemeni journalist, politician and senior mem-ber of the of Al-Islah political party. She gained prominence in her country after 2005 in her roles as a Yemeni journalist and an advocate for a mobile phone news service denied a li-cense in 2007, after which she led protests for press freedom. She organized weekly protests after May 2007 expanding the issues for reform.

Special Feature


At the forefront of Yemen’s pro-democracy movement is a Women’s NGO, Women Journalists without Chains (WJWC) founded by Tawakkol Karman. According to the online site, asafeworldforwomen.org, “WJWC is a non-governmental orga-nization in Yemen that seeks to advocate for rights and freedoms, especially freedom of expression. It also aims at improving media efficiency and providing skills for journalists, and particularly women and youth.“Founded in 2005 the NGO brought out the first of many annual reports on Freedom of the Press in Yemen in which it documented more than 50 cases of attacks and unfair court sentences against newspapers and writers.”

Biography in Brief Name: Tawakkol KarmanD.O.B: 7 February 1979Husband: Mohammed Al-Nahmi with whom she has three childrenFather: Abdel Salam Karman, a former government officialBrother: Poet, Tariq Karman and Al-Jazeera staff, Safa KarmanEducation: Graduate of Political Science from the University of Sana’aCo-founder: Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) in 2005Member: Yemeni Journalists’ SyndicateAward: Co-Recipient of 2011 Nobel Peace prize

byOjay Milah


byJim Kate

Simple tips on choosingthe best online fashion store

C ommonly people would not worry about spending money on shopping. For purchasing the fashionable clothing and other fashion related accessories they can easily spend much money. Fashion is a traditional art which is

committed to the wears and the accessories introduced by the influences in the culture and society. Such influences do not require much time to change the fashion or staying inactive for a specific time throughout the world. There will be certain changes occur in the fashion if the society finds something attractive through the innovations on their previous lifestyle. Since, when it comes to fashion people do not stop purchasing.

Finding the fashion wears and acce-ssories takes much time and efforts to choose. Sometimes it may ends up with unsatisfied or confused on the purchased items. To decrease these difficulties the fashion stores are introduced where you can get all types and varieties on fashion wears and accessories in one store. As per the advancement in the technology it was made much easier through the on-line fashion stores. To purchase a fashion item through these stores you have to be completely dependable on the internet till you chose your best wear and accessories. People can easily purchase whatever they want through these online stores which also decrease the stress of shopping the wears on the stores in person. Whether she was a college student, housewife or a business women purchasing through on-line stores are the best options for her to get things done at her door steps.

The reason right after the success of the online fashion stores is that they provide mostly everything on their customer’s needs. Also this is the major reason for gaining popularity and the increase of the online stores around the world. On-line shopping and fashion online is great

while comparing the purchased fashion items are delivered in the door steps and purchasing them on the stores in person spending much time, money and efforts. Gifting fashion wears and accessories are the best ideas for a good relationship. Fashion items have the capacity to attract anyone easily whether it was purchased on own or a gift and they cannot resist on accepting such wonderful gifts.

To purchase any fashion wears and accessories through internet you need to get the website of a good online store. There is several online fashion stores avai-lable out there in the internet world and to choose the best fashion online you need to go through their terms and conditions before registering with them. You cannot simply trust and place an order towards your favorite wears and accessories because of the possibilities of hidden charges on the materials like taxes, delivery charges, delivery period etc. therefore people are advised to keep these facts in mind while going through a simple research on choosing the best store.

There will be several deals and discounts on the fashion materials on some stores.

Yet a little comparison of the quality of the dress, accessories and price with the materials available on the other stores are recommended to get a best material.

While purchasing a product through on-line you need to be careful to avoid unex-pected difficulties and you cannot rely on something without trusting it. Mostly to purchase a fashion material people do not consider a lot. They can purchase imme-diately if they like the material whether it was the wears or accessories. As the number of the online fashion stores are count- less you need to pick the best store where you can get wide range of co-llections with cheap prices.

Fashion Trends


Named Most Fashionable Pregnant Celebrity

Named Most Fashionable Pregnant Celebrity

BeyonceBeyonceBeyonce

Celebrity Style


In a fashion poll created by style website Josoblu.co.uk, Beyonce was named by fans as the most stylish mo-ther-to-be. Moms and shoppers love the way the always-glamorous Beyonce dresses up her baby bump.

Or if you still believe in the conspiracy that Beyonce is not ac-tually pregnant, then you at least think she dresses up her pros-thetic tummy well. After gaining 35% of the votes, moms agreed that Beyonce is the most fashionable mother-to-be.

"Considering Beyonce is one of the most glamorous women in the world and constantly appears in best dressed lists, it is only fitting that she tops the poll for fashionable mothers to be," says a spokesperson for the site.

"Even though this is her first pregnancy it hasn't stopped Beyonce rocking the highest heels or sparkly numbers - it proves to women that pregnancy can be stylish."

Other fashionable pregnant ladies that made the list include Saturdays singer Una Healy, actress Jennifer Garner, British TV personality Amanda Holden, Jessica Simpson, and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

"Una [Healy], Amanda [Holden] and Jennifer [Garner] are also worthy of their places in the poll as each of them know how to combine outfits and have day and night looks down to a fine art."

Surprisingly Jessica Alba didn't make the list, she wore those maternity maxi dresses like they were going out of style, well they kind of were...whatever, she still looked great. Also, what about Natalie Portman? She was already showing a large baby bump while strutting down the red carpet at last years Oscars in Rodarte and looked fabulous.

But back to Beyonce. She says her growing stomach isn't kee-ping her from being fashionable. "I've had so much fun with fashion over the months...I have been pregnant through every event I've done."

But according to the sites spokesperson, Beyonce was the clear winner because of her "down-to-earth personality" and "mo-dest fashion sense" which made her more relatable. Unlike less relatable stars like, Oh I dunno, Victoria Beckham, because we can't all fit into skinny jeans at 9 months pregnant.

'Ultimately fashion is about individual choice and finding your style and what you feel comfortable in," adds the spokesperson, "That choice can be limited for mums to be – the key for them is to find some great pieces that they can mix and match – but most of all feel comfortable in as their bump grows."

byMadison Vanderbergwww.modamob.com


Accessory designers succeeded in turning the hottest jewelry, shoes and bags into must have elements of a

voguish outfit. Details can actually make a huge difference, therefore, it is a must to stay on trend with the popular collections envisioned by ultra-talented style gurus. Melo-dy Ehsani is one of the most impressive jewelry creators eager to re-invent the bold and vibrant accessories trend.

According to her bio she wants to ‘upset the equilibri-um’ with surprising and attention-grabbing style ideas.

The Melody Ehsani jewelry designs are inspired by nume-rous cultural and pop motifs. From suggestive words to Native American elements, we have the chance to sport a fabulous parade of necklaces, rings and bracelets deco-rated with stylish images, rhinestones and metallic details.

Melody Ehsani Design Statement Jewelry

B uild up a cool look to make a fashion statement with Melody Ehsani’s amazing jewelry designs. Add a futuristic flair to your outfits with these bright and bold accessories.

Celebrities have already fallen for the fantasy world created by Melody Ehsani. Cassie, Rihanna and other

divas flaunted their hyper-gorgeous look complemented with statement necklaces and oh-so-refined earrings cre-ated by this widely known accessory creator. Devote spe-cial attention to the selection of jewelry to showcase your creativity and keen eye for glamorous and eye-popping

details. Skim through this brilliant parade of rings, neckla-ces and earrings to see some of the hottest bling-blings of the moment. One of the greatest advantages of the co-llections created by Melody Ehsani is their price. Egyptian style accessories and the hologram designs guarantee the world-wide popularity of this jewelry designer.


www.becomegorgeous.com


ADULT ACNE A Skin Condition On The Rise

ADULT ACNE A Skin Condition On The Rise

Beauty Tips


It seems that more and more women over 25 are battling acne, and this condition is not very

easy to deal with, being considered more 'stubborn' than teen acne. Find out what causes adult acne and how to deal with it!

It seems the days when only teenagers had to battle acne are gone as more and more women over the age of 25 are facing these dreadful red spots. Adult acne seems to be another issue women have to battle and getting rid of adult acne is not that easy. Dermatolo-gists reveal that this form of acne is different than the one teenagers suffer from, being more difficult to treat as the pimples are formed much deeper under the skin and have a predominantly cystic form.

The reason behind adult acne seems to be stress and since more and

more women are facing a very active lifestyle and are much more exposed to stress, the painful skin condition is on the rise. Apparently, women are more predisposed to developing adult acne than men, due to the sensitivity of their skin under the action of male hormones which are triggered by the adrenal glands during stress. These hormones trigger a higher quantity of sebum to be produced by the sebaceous glands, which causes the pores to block and develop outbreaks.

Consultant dermatologist Dr. Susannah Baron of Kent and Canterbury Hospi-tal and the Chaucer of BMI Hospital revealed that there has been a signifi-cant increase in women who are battling adult acne over the past 20 years. Dr. Baron also says that:

“It’s time to re-evaluate who we think gets acne. It’s not recognized enough how much it affects the lives of adult women. For many, it kicks in in later life when they have to juggle families and careers at the same time. Many of the female patients I see also have stressful jobs and a lot to deal with. Interestingly, many of them did not have significant acne as teenagers.”

Recent studied show that smoking can also aid the production of sebum, thus contributing to acne breakouts in ad-dition to being blamed for depleting the skin from an essential vitamin in skin repair, vitamin E. Try to banish stress out of you life and turn your atten-tion towards proper skin care and high quality products, so you can maintain your complexion looking flawless.

Photos courtesy of Thinkstock PhotosSource: www.becomegorgeous.com


IntervIewwith


Author, Dicey Grenor

M y S e c r e t t o Fa m i l y a n d Wr i t i n g

byOjay Milah

Who is Dicey? She’s sexy, wild, daring, and risky. Risqué is in there, but risky is just as the name implies; as it’s defined in the dictionary, “risky and unpredictable.” She takes chances.

Who is Davida? She is not reserved by any means, but she handles herself appropriately in various situations. Davida knows she has to respect her husband, be a role-model for her children and be professional with clients.


s alter ego, Dicey Grenor, she transports her readers into the sexy, wild, daring and risky

world of a character who has no rules except hers. But as Davida Green-Norris, the responsible Dicey opposite, she prac-tices transactional law together with her husband, and help startup businesses with their formations, contracts and negotia-tions. In this interview with WOMAN’S ESSENCE the author of “Shameful” and “Sleepy Willows Bonded Soul” talks writing and family

As a lawyer, writer, wife and mother, how do you manage all

these so that one does not suffer for the others?

That’s usually the first thing people want to know when they discover my different roles. I manage to balance everything the same way everyone else does – by drinking lots of Red Bull (Laughs) No seriously, I manage it all by prioritizing, making a daily schedule, and sticking to it.

Drinking lots of red bull would have meant there’s a secret. So now

you’re saying there’s none?

Yes, there’s no real secret. It takes supportive people around you. In my case, it’s my husband who su-pports my dreams as I do his. We have to work together. Although both of our parents live out-of-town, we have an awesome network of friends we can call on if necessary. And my in-laws visit when we need a serious break. It also takes lots of drive. Even on the days when I feel like I can’t handle it, I still press forward. Energy drinks do help, (Smiles)

Who is alter ego Dicey Grenor?

Who is Dicey? She’s sexy, wild, daring, and risky. Risqué is in there, but risky is just as the name im-plies; as it’s defined in the dictionary, “risky and un-predictable.” She takes chances. That usually means someone may be offended. Though that’s not the intent, it comes with the territory. Dicey is willing to write and say what people think, but may have too much decorum to speak. My alter ego has no shame; she understands human nature and is willing to explore it. Through fictional characters, that is.

And how is Davida Green-Norris different from Dicey?

I just can’t stop smiling at your questions. Davida is not reserved by any means, but she handles herself appropriately in various situations. She knows she has to respect her husband, be a role-model for her children and be professional with clients. So, while Davida is different from Dicey because of her res-ponsibilities, Dicey is more amped up because she has none.

Q

QQ

Q

A


Q Lastly on your alter ego; When did you decide to have one and for what purpose?

There is something to be said for true freedom. But I’ve had it, and I wasn’t complete. I feel more balanced as Davida with an alter ego like Dicey that I can escape to from time-to-time. You know what--Dicey has always been with me. I used to spell it Dicee, as with rolling dice, but when I decided to write racy fiction, the pen evolved itself. It just made sense. I’m not hiding behind the pen, obviously, but having it signifies which persona I’m representing.


So how did you meet your husband?

I was a third year law student. He was a mighty fine first year law stu-dent. I tried to stay away since I had issues with intimacy. Also he was six years younger than me, and because I was about to graduate. But he was as thoughtful as he was attractive. We spent lots of time together. I felt I really got to know him and him me. He proved to be someone who loved me no matter what, which was quite impressive given my personality.

Was it love at first sight or was there some-

thing that got you attracted to him and still does?

If I believed in love at first sight, I’d say this was it. But I don’t really be-lieve I can love someone that quick. That seems more like the other L word. Love requires time and co-mmunication for me. I feel like all the conversations we had where we shared our innermost thoughts and ambitions was what made me feel close to him. Close enough to open up, which was something I rarely

did. The physical attraction was there, sure, but I loved him once I got to know his beautiful soul.

Am sure as a child you had dreams of how

your wedding would be. On the day you got wedded, was it anywhere near your child-hood dreams?

I know this is weird, but I had no previous conceptions about what I wanted my wedding to be like. I knew I wanted to be married one day, but that was all. In fact, we had a wedding because my husband wanted one, not me. I was pleased with how our wedding turned out, but I was more interested in having a nice honeymoon and a happy, long-lasting marriage.

As a wife, what attri-butes do you think a

lady should look out for in a husband?

Thanks, Ojay. Well, I have to say it depends on the woman. She needs to look for attributes that comple-ment her own. If she’s the passive,

laid-back type that needs a take-charge Alpha male, she should look for that. If she’s a Type A, in-your-face, no-nonsense woman, she probably should look for someone who is not. That’s not to say you shouldn’t have commonalities. If she hates sports, she probably shouldn’t pair up with an athlete. Two movie lovers would probably be in heaven together. Comple-mentary attributes bring balance to one’s life. Commonalities bring fulfillment. I think universally good attributes like compassion, selfless-ness, and honesty are always good no matter the person. And there’s nothing wrong with wanting someone you’re attracted to physi-cally. I mean, marriage is supposed to be until death. You want to look for things you can deal with for the rest of your life.

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Okay over to the children. How did you feel at their births?

It was the most amazing thing in the world to give birth to them. I immediately felt overwhelming love and sadness. I knew I’d need to protect them from all the evils in the world and knew I wouldn’t be able to. I knew that they’d experience their share of heartache like everybody else. I knew they’d drive on the same streets as drunk drivers just like everybody else. I wanted to make sure they would always be healthy, they’d have lots of good friends, and they’d make the best grades in school, and still be humble, generous people. Unfortunately, I can’t promise them any of that. That’s why their births were so wonderful, so beautiful, so empowering, and so hard.

I wanted to keep them safe forever and knew that was impossible. Just like every other mother wants for her children, I wanted to provide mine the very best that life had to offer, but knew I wouldn’t be able to do that either. I don’t have the very best to give them. I can only keep striving for it. The hardest part of it, is knowing God gave them to me and I would be such an imperfect parent to such wonderful children. I can only hope my love for them shows through.

Am not a father yet but as someone who hopes to be some day, I can understand your fears

of raising them. Now how have you managed to raise them since they were born?

I started working from home when my daughter was born so that I could be there for all her “firsts”. She’s in preschool now. But my son runs around the house like a tornado while I work. When I have an appointment, I make other arrangements for him. Needless to say, I get most of my work done when he’s napping or when everyone’s asleep at night. Hence the Red Bull.

Red bull! They should know you are a great consumer. How about

during playtime with your children; do you transform from being a woman into becoming a child or do you let them with their toys?

I’m sipping on some OrGano Gold green tea that I bought from a friend now. It gives me energy too. Now on to our question; I play with them, let them watch educational videos, read, sing to them and let them play alone with their toys. My son screams bloody murder when I tire out from piggyback. I mean, common, I can’t get tired? (Laughs) I’d love for him to play more independently, but for now, I’m his main play toy.

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Lastly; going back a little to the business woman Davida Green-Norris; which sides of your

business do you find more successful; being a lawyer or being an author? And as well on which one do you find more pleasure doing?

I guess it depends on how you define success. I make more money with my legal practice and I’m able to help people with their legal issues. Those are good things. On the other hand, I find fulfillment in being an author by providing an escape for readers interested in reading something unique. During the last two months since my two books have been released, I’ve gotten all 4 and 5-star re-

views online, gotten over 1200 followers on twitter, over 300 fans on FB, had a book-signing, had my book featured at a book club meeting, sold 3 of 5 boxes of my paperback books, sold over 100 eBooks, been a guest speaker for TSU freshmen, networked with lots of other authors, been interviewed for Woman’s Essence magazine.

Even though Tarrantino or Scorsese have yet to call me up for a movie deal, I’d say it’s been pretty successful. I find both businesses successful and both have room to grow. I’d love to be my absolute best at both because I find being an attorney and writer pleasu-rable ventures. If I had to pick one, I’d write full-time.

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Pregnancy is an exciting journey for moms-to-be but as your belly expands and those clothes get start getting tight, you may feel nervous about the impending weight gain. Too much weight gain during pregnancy is not good for you or your baby and regu-lar but safe exercise will leave you feeling and looking healthy.

In a bid to educate women about safe exercise during pre-gnancy, Virgin Active, South Africa’s leading health club, has put together a few tips to help you enjoy your progression into motherhood.

Catherine Viljoen, Biokineticistat Virgin Active says the health of a mom-to-be and her unborn child are of vital impor-tance, therefore a medical doctor or specialist should be con-sulted before starting an exercise programme. “Unless your doc-tor has advised against exercise for a particular reason, keeping fit and healthy during pregnancy is important for both you and baby. It also means that your body may be more prepared for the

physical demands of labour and birth, and those early days with your newborn as you navigate your way around as a mom.”

Viljoen recommends the following exercises:

Walk or swim your way to a fit and healthy you. Try aqua aerobics, low intensity aerobics, stationary cycling or enrol the help of a personal trainer who can supervise special gym exercises. Remember that the focus of your training should be on strengthening the muscles that improve your posture, the upper body and the abdominal muscles. Try kegal exercises. These involve contracting and releasing the pelvic floor muscles. The added weight of your uterus may cause strain and stretch the pelvic floor muscles, these exer-cises will ensure that it remains firm. Viljoen goes on to say that the following guidelines should be strictly adhered to as it could compromise the health and safety of the mom and her unborn baby.

Keep fit while pregnant

Health & Fitness


www.health24.com

Keep fit while pregnant

Do not participate in weight bearing exercises in the last trimes-ter. The extra weight may cause premature fatigue and breathless-ness. At this stage of your pregnancy exercises such as antenatal aqua classes and swimming are recommended. Do not participate in any contact sport or high intensity training. Avoid any movement that involves potential threat of abdomi-nal trauma. Exercises in a well ventilated and cool environment, preferably with a non-slip floor.

Stop exercising the minute that you feel tired. Do not exercise to the point of exhaustion. Getting back into shape after baby’s arrival is now easier than before. Virgin Active has launched Fit Mamma classes. It’s a group exercise class exclusive to Virgin Active that will developed to help aid weight loss after pregnan-cy and slip back into your pre-pregnancy skinny jeans. The class allows you to spend time with baby while incorporating baby into your workout, shedding those kilos, improving fitness levels and getting healthy.

How exercise can help

Pregnancy is not the confinement that the relics of the Victo-rian era will have women believe. It is a cause for celebration, not hibernation!

It has been accepted for some time that the general health of a mother during pregnancy is of profound importance to the deve-lopment of her baby. Unless problems restrict activity, it is ad-vised to maintain your pre-pregnancy exercise levels. There have been no studies in humans that have shown problems in develo-ping embryos caused by moderate exercise.

Exercise is not only tolerated, it can prevent potentially serious complications, such as high blood pressure that can lead to pre-eclampsia. Exercise during pregnancy may also prevent some of the aches and pains associated with carrying extra weight and the changes in gait.

Women who exercise throughout their pregnancy are afforded the following benefits: Increase their energy levels Maintain a healthier, more positive outlook while lowering an-xiety levels Have an improved attitude and are better able to cope with the emotional mood swings caused by the increase in hormonal activity Have an easier and less complicated labour Have a quicker recovery time after giving birth Helping mom-to-be maintain a steady and reasonable weight gain Reducing pregnancy-associated discomforts Lowering a woman’s chance of having a caesarean Accelerating postpartum weight loss Improving sleep quality Studies also show that women who exercise before and during pregnancy have half the risk of delivering prematurely

In addition to this, research has shown that babies born to moms who exercise during pregnancy may benefit by having higher stress tolerance levels and advanced neurobe-havioural maturity. These children also tend to be leaner at five years of age and have better early neurodevelopment.


Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter 12 medium onion, finely chopped Kosher salt 1 12 cups breadcrumbs 13 cup milk 2 teaspoons dry sherry 12 teaspoon mustard powder 3 large eggs 12 pound ground pork 12 pound ground turkey 1 tablespoon honey 12 teaspoon ground allspice Freshly ground pepper Vegetable oil, for frying 3 tablespoons lingonberry or cranberry preserves 12 cup sour cream Chopped fresh dill, for topping Fresh pickled cucumber slices, for serving

Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, season with salt and cook until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes; set aside.

Combine 12 cup breadcrumbs and the milk in a bowl; set aside until the milk is absorbed, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir the sherry and mustard powder in a large bowl until dissolved, then beat in 1 egg. Add the soaked breadcrumbs, the browned onion, the pork, turkey, honey, allspice, 2 teaspoons salt, and pepper to taste. Gently mix with your hands until combined.

Dampen your hands; form the mixture into 36 small meatballs, about 1 tablespoon each. Put on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Put the remaining 1 cup breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Whisk the remaining 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons water in a bowl. Dip each meatball in egg, letting the excess drip off, then roll in the breadcrumbs; return to the baking sheet.

Heat about 1 12 inches vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer regis-ters 325 degrees F. Working in batches, fry the meatballs, gently stirring with a slotted spoon, until golden and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt. Let stand 10 minutes.

Fold the lingonberry preserves into the sour cream and top with the dill. Skewer each meatball with a pickled cucumber slice and serve with the lingonberry cream.

Photograph by Anna Williams

Swedish Meatballs


Swedish Meatballs


We came across some interesting landscape designing concepts from London based designers MyLandscapes. Whether you’re a city dweller or a southern bell, we know everyone enjoys a place where they can sit, relax and self-reflect. So we are sure that you will appreciate the beautiful contemporary roof top terraces and gardens we have featured below. Assuming they will pro-bably leave you curious to know more about the achievement of mastery in the great design and mood of these outdoor spaces, we’ll provide you with some guidelines that will help you design your own landscapes and cr ate garden scenes that you and your loved ones can enjoy for years,using essential elements to create that WOW factor. Before you get started, take measurements and create a plan that will help you allocate your budget for ma-terials as well as figure where to place plants, fountains, ornaments, walkways and seating areas in your garden. Take into account the flow of traffic and how you will define the space as well, whether by fence, wall, trees, etc.

Lighting plays a se-rious role in creating depth and composi-

tion, setting a mood, providing security

and highlighting a pathway. One way to

achieve high drama is to use subtle accent up-lights to feature a beautiful wall, sculp-

ture or tree.

Beautiful Roof Gardens& Landscape Designs

Home & Garden Decor

For a modern edge, you can use white rocks or sand to create contrast against the foliage by highlighting the plant forms and colors in your garden.

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Rock gardens are good for the green-thumb challenged and provide a beauti-ful organic element to an otherwise stark modern space

Fountains are a sure way to

evoke peace and tranquility

throughout your space!

Consider using pe-rennials first so that your garden will look good with or without annual plants. Pine trees can be really ornate (ever see Edward Scis-sorhands?) and will stay green all year round! Also, using potted plants and actually planting will add texture and height variation.

www.home-designing.com

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Sculptures are a nice way to create a focal point and add interest with upscale style!


Distance, this is just one of the main rea-sons why people avoid getting into a relation-ship. This is probably due to the belief that being separated from the person you love will be the start of a very complicated relation-ship, which will eventually end up at the end of it. However, is it really the general ending of what could have been the start of a happi-ly ever after? No, it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. A story could have multiple endings. We are the authors of our fate, we decide what ending we are going to have.

Getting into a long distance relationship is admittedly going to be much more diffi-cult than those regular short distance ones. Obviously, the couple has to deal with the distance and everything that comes along with it like jealousy, paranoia, doubt, fears and etc. Luckily, long distance couples can now get the 411 on what to do when planning to get into a long distance relationship.

Tip 1- Get to know the other person. It’s not going to be a great feeling getting duped by another human being who is definitely just pretending to be someone they’re not. Long distance relationships are not bad things, but jumping

in before looking at where you’re leaping is definitely an act of a fool. Tip 2 - Meet face-to-face. These days, mee-ting face-to-face doesn’t necessarily mean meeting in person. There are a lot of options to choose from in case you just can’t be there physically to do the meet ups. You’ve got Skype and Yahoo! Messenger to name a few.

If you do decide to meet up in person, choose a venue where there are lots of people. Also, choose a place that has proper ventila-tion where you guys can talk and see each other clearly. Remember, first impressions last and meeting for the first time is going to leave an imprint on a person’s mind.

Tip 3 - Get to know their friends and fa-mily. If it is possible, it would be great to get to know the people who your special some-one hangs around with. This way, you are going to prevent jealousy because by then, you would have already known who is who in their life. And getting to know their family would also give you a preview of what kind of person he or she is.

Tip 4 - Know who to trust. You just can’t please everyone, we all know that. Expect that level of displeasure from people to increase greatly when you plan to get into a long dis-tance relationship. As I said earlier, these kinds of relationships aren’t for everyone. There is always going to be those people who would

disagree. Naturally, I’d say don’t listen to naysayers, but seeing that there are those people who have some sense in them and actually are concerned about you, take the time to listen to what they have to say. If you think they’re being unreasonable, by all means, don’t listen to them. But if they are just being help-ful, think hard.

Good friends are hard to come by. It might be too late to get them back if you thwart them away when they were just there for you in the first place.

Y ou know that general rule where there is always an exception to a rule? Long dis-tance relationships are no exception to that. These relationships are not for every-

one because not a lot of us can stand being apart from the other.

Relationships

Tips for Beginning a Long Distance RelationshipTips for Beginning a Long Distance RelationshipTips for Beginning a Long Distance Relationship

byLynly Pioc


Trusting someone is not an easy task, although there may be some of us who develop that sense of trust in anyone they meet. It may be kind of unusual as most people only tend to trust someone who they know has proven their worth. In short, getting the trust of someone needs work.

When we get into a relationship, we must develop that trust so that both our partners and ourselves are going to have that peace of mind. Imagine not trusting your partner and having

to think different unfaithful thoughts. That would really create a big gap in the relationship which would even-tually lead to the end of it, and we do not want that. Once we’re in a rela-tionship, we should learn to trust our significant other.

But how then are you going to trust someone who is several miles away from you?

How to trust your partner in a long distance relationship

Before you get into a rela-tionship, make sure that you know your partner, if not fully well, then at least know the basic things about them. The feeling of knowing who you are in a relationship with will heighten the sense of satisfaction we will be having in the relationship. Without it, our minds will be clouded by doubts and what ifs. Say for example, you got into a relationship with a complete stranger. That is going to be a difficult one but try to communicate daily so you would know small things about him or her. In the process, you are going to gain one another’s trust. In case of the presence of distance, work twice as hard as you normally would in a short distance relationship. Avoid making excuses that the distance was a hindrance. You’ve got a lot of commu- nication options to choose from. Get to know them every day, share private moments together as often as you could. Slowly build that trust because trust is the founda-tion of a strong relationship.

Always keep in mind that a person’s trust should not be broken because once it is, it would be very difficult to put back. Even if you are at a distance, do everything you can to assure your loved one that you are not doing anything stupid as cheat-ing on your partner. Some people may say that it is impossible not to cheat and flirt around when you’re apart, but it all depends on what kind of a person you are. Control yourself and be patient. Patience goes a long way like trust.


In the moment when you start planning your wedding one of the most important decisions that you will have to make concerns the fashion wedding dresses that you are going to wear. At some point all the

dresses that you can choose from might become overwhelming. Here is a bit of help what to keep an eye out for in case you would like to be fashionable on the big day.Lace as part of the wedding dresses that are fashionable

Lace, as a material has been popular among brides for hundreds of years, but lately it has gained even more popularity, since Kate Middleton and Ivanka Trump have been seen in wedding dresses with lace accents. Although it has been around for a long period of time, it has been reinvented for the next season by the most well-known designers. The best thing about lace wedding dresses that are fashionable is that they can be modified in order to suit your personal needs.

Fashion Wedding DressesLace has been and always will be a great option for brides, regardless whether they are going for a traditional or modern look. This kind of material can be used in case of 7 dif-ferent styles.

For the next season the designers have come up with some new ideas regarding the fashion wedding dresses and so we can see layered lace and also lace that comes in different tones.

There have also been created different mixtures of materials, such as using lace with silk.Blush

It looks like there is a new twist to the wedding dresses that are fa-shionable; they are going pink. This has been a major trend this year, and it looks like it is going to stick around for another season.

Reese Witherspoon has been photographed wearing a pink dress created by Monique Lhullier, and it looks like she managed to start a craze. Wearing such fashion wedding dresses you can bring out your feminine side.Sleeves

It seems like the royal wedding had a huge impact on fashion when it comes to wedding dresses that are fashionable. This is why we can see a lot of sleeves on the runways of some of the most well-known wedding dress designers, such as Reem Acra, Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera. There are many different sleeve styles that we can find, including long ones and short ones.Flowers

The ‘flower power’ seems to be blooming again when it comes to fashion wedding dresses. In this season we can expect to find or-ganza petals, oversized embellishments, embroidered accents, and also three dimensional flowers. This is also a great way to show your romantic side.Chiffon

The designers of wedding dresses that are fashionable are getting bolder and bolder in their use of fabrics. There are some making a fashion statement and there are also others looking for a more traditional look, such as Jenny Hoo.

The trends regarding fashion wedding dresses always change, but there are some pieces that are plain and simply timeless.

The Fashion Wedding Dresses We Should

Expect in Spring 2012

The Fashion Wedding Dresses We Should

Expect in Spring 2012


How To Discuss Marriage Problems With Counselor

byNancy Travers

C ounsellor is a person who is expert in his field. A coun-sellor is a psychoanalyst, with his academic study and

practice over a period of time, has attained a level of perfec-tion in providing advice to his clients on the matters he/she is consulted. Marriage counsellors play an important role to sort out differences between couples. In this period of fast life when everyone is trying to excel the other, and there is a desire to achieve great height in professional life, differences creep up in married life.

Endeavour should be to sort out the differences by mu-tual openhearted discussion but if it is not possible to resolve the differences, marriage counsellor should be

consulted. Selection of counsellor is of utmost importance. The best results will be achieved if both the partners go to him and have open discussion. However, if it is not possible, the one going to him should be careful of disclosing the details. Though necessary information should be pro-vided but careful selection is necessary as the informa-tion provided may be taped or noted and used in court in case dispute is not resolved and the partners decide to separate.

The following should be kept in mind during discussion with the counsellor.

Though revealing the basic facts, the disclosure should not be made in such a way that it leads to embarrassment of the other party. A disclosure such as not having physical intima-cy for a long time should not be associated with the weakness of

the other and extramarital affair should not be suspected without adequate proof.

Be honest but don’t exaggerate other persons shortcomings. Never shirk disclosing one’s own weakness like short temper,

suspicious nature, jealousy due to profe ssional progress of the marriage part-

ner, or problem of bringing up the children.

There can be a number of problems in marriage. These of-ten tend to multiply when there are differences. The main pro-

blem should be highlighted first. If a solution can be found to the

main cause of discontent, it will be easy to sort out other minor issues.

Always be ready to be receptive to the advice and try to implement it in married

life. This way results will be apparent.

Remember that you are going to a counsellor to come out of the difficult time and not to vent your grudges.

Be calm, clear in approach and receptive for best results, other-wise you will end up wasting time and money.


Make Your New Year’s Resolution Count by

Dawniel Patterson-Winningham

Happy 2012! If you’re like most people you are approaching this New Year as an opportunity to make some changes. You are excited and hopeful about your opportunity to “do some things over”; well me too. This New Year symbolizes an opportunity for us to shamelessly pursue our own purpose and greatness.

The good news is that people who make a resolution are 10 times more likely to achieve their goal. Well we want to im-prove your chances even further. Below are some tips and tricks for making sure your New Year’s Resolutions sticks with you throughout the year.

Realistic ResolutionsKeep your resolutions realistic both in number and in level of expected accom-plishment. For example, making a resolu-tion to lose 30 pounds in January is un-realistic. Perhaps making a goal to lose 5 – 10 pounds in January is more achievable and would allow you to feel more power-ful when you accomplish the goal! Also setting too many large resolutions at once could get in your way. If you plan to lose weight, find another job, move to another

neighborhood, all at once you may be overwhelming yourself. Keep the focus on one or two key resolutions and feel free to add more quarterly as you make the reso-lutions a part of your life.

From Wish to ResolutionOnce you have determined which resolu-tions will be your focus, commit them to paper. Thinking about them in passing is equivalent to making a wish. Not saying that wishes don’t come true, but we know that hard work often yields results. Committing the Resolution to paper makes it more than just a wish. It becomes a promise to YOU. You can’t break your own promise now can you?

Plan for ObstaclesEven the best laid plans will encounter obstacles. Be ready for them and have a plan B as they arise. For example, if you have committed to lose weight in January, but you know you have a special event (that involved food) in that same month, you may want to make that your reward day, or provide some other alternative for that day. If you fail to plan, you definitely plan to fail.

Visualize SuccessAs you start your resolution spend at least 15 – 30 minutes a day thinking about the results of your success and encouraging yourself to keep going! After all, if you say you CAN or you say you CAN’T, either way you are RIGHT!

Spread the WordShare your resolutions with those closest to you in order for them to provide the support you need. If you tell your support circle that you have a resolution to lose weight, then perhaps they will invite you to more active outings, and help you to not plan outings around food; something I personally am very guilty of.

Fail ForwardMost importantly know this; it is not that you fail if you don’t achieve initial success. When we learned to walk we fell down many times. But we got up and tried again, then eventually got it right! That is what resolutions are about. It is not that you fail; it is more important that you get up, learn what works, and keep trying.

Dawniel Patterson-Winningham

Performance and life coach, author, CEO of Twin Power Publishing, mother of three includ-ing twins, Dawniel Patterson-Winningham has worked with a fortune 100 firm and coached people into becoming entrepreneurs. She currently lives in Houston, [email protected] Credit Shabby Chic Photography/Melissa Bliss

Power For Your World

Here’s a toast to a healthier, wealthier, and wiser YOU for the New Year! I believe this is the year for you to accomplish greatness. Please join ME in believing in YOU!


byTiffany Jasper

At any rate, to move forward each year, it is vital that new agendas are set, goals are planned and focus be in order.

While setting resolutions as single parents we have to consider the obvious, the children. Especially during these times when finding adequate and consistent child care is the most difficult. Although it is important that we create new goals for ourselves we have to be mindful of how our children will fit into our new plans. Are we choosing goals that only involve ourselves? Or are we allowing our resolutions to be achieved including our children? For instance, going back to school may be one of your goals. If so, include your children, somehow. If they are of age, take them with you to tour the school, when you buy your school supplies or even to one of your classes, so that they too are involved in your process and accomplishments.

When I was completing my Type-04 teacher certification in Early Childhood Education at University of Illinois at

Chicago several years ago, I would take my (then) 8-year old daughter, Jada, with me to class twice a month. She not only experienced some of the concepts and activities of the classes, we were able to bond and actually accomplish this goal togeth-er. Now each time we drive past the university, she reminds me that she helped me in my teaching classes; experiences she will never forget.

As we make new paths this year and create more memories for ourselves and our children we must be able to do it

more effectively. Our children are usually the ones who begin the motivation to better ourselves so why not allow them to be a part of the process. I am sure that our goals will be much more appreciated once attained knowing that the kids were involved. Good Luck to you and yours and Happy New Year!

Y ear 2011 is now a thing of the past and we look forward to a new year! The opportunity to create beginnings and close some issues, are upon us. Now that we have entered 2012, let’s begin to really set resolutions that are

attainable and those that can be meaningful to us and our children. Continuing your educational path, spending more time with kids, saving money or making more positive decisions are just a few examples.

“What should I do when my family does not agree with how I raise my children?” Ericah T. Browne, 38 years old, 2 children (girl 10 years and boy 6 years old) Houston Texas”

Ms. Browne,

It is one of the most difficult and constant decisions to make; how to raise our children. As in individuals we have our own opi-nions, values and guidelines we follow when it comes to our chil-dren. Please remember that there will always be someone (relat-ed or not) who may not agree with how you raise your children. Become confident enough to know that you are a mother who wants what is best for your children. Bottom line, if you feel that you are making the best decisions for them, no one else has to agree; now you just have to believe it!

Tiffany C. Jasper

(single mother of 2)

Your 2012 ResolutionsYour 2012 ResolutionsShould Involve the KidsShould Involve the Kids


Three 2012 Must-visit Destinations

Cape Town – South Africa

A very picturesque overlooking the city of Cape Town is the Ta-ble Mountain. A significant part of the Table Mountain National Park, the Table Mountain is a major tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top.

The main feature of Table Mountain is the level plateau approxi-mately 3 kilometers from side to side, edged by impressive cliffs. The plateau, flanked by two peaks namely; the Devil's Peak to the east and Lion's Head to the west, forms a dramatic and impressive backdrop to Cape Town.

The flat top of the mountain is often covered by aerograph-ic clouds, formed when a south-easterly wind is directed up the mountain's slopes into colder air, where the moisture condenses to form the so-called "table cloth" of cloud. Legend attributes this phenomenon to a smoking contest between the Devil and a lo-cal pirate called Van Hunks.

In November 2011, Table Mountain was provisionally named one of the new seven wonders of nature by New7Wonders of the World, opening it to more tourists’ visits. Other activities that can be carried out in this African wonder includes hiking, rock climbing and caving.

Calabar – Nigeria

Located in Southeast Nigeria, the capital city of Cross River State is among the peaceful states in Nigeria. One of the oldest cities in West African country, Calabar is among the top tourist destina-tions that can be found in Africa.

A major attraction of the ancient city, ones a slave centre, is the Calabar Festival. Held every year, it attracts thousands of both lo-cal and international tourists, to participate in the annual Calabar Carnival, Boat regatta, Fashion shows, and the annual Ekpe Fes-tival.

The Calabar Carnival, also tagged “Africa’s Biggest Street Party”, begins on every 1st of December and last till 31st December

started 2004. The event has hosted top Nigeria musicians, and in-ternational artists, such as the likes of late Lucky Dube, Akon, Fat Joe, Joe, young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Angie Stone, Fally Ipupa and many more.

An ideal place to stay if not booked up would be the Obudu Ranch Resort. The ranch has a cable car, covering a distance of eleven kilometers from the bottom to the top of the main hill, currently making it the longest in the world, point to point. Formerly called Obudu Cattle Ranch, the Resort plays host to the annual Obudu Mountain Race, an international mountain race which is endorsed by both the IAAF and the World Mountain Running Association.

G earing up for a fabulous new year, WOMAN’S ESSENCE has compiled a list of three travel destinations must-visit. Our pick, which promises to be a rewarding trip, is the culturally vibrant Nigerian city of Calabar, South

Africa’s Cape Town Table Mountain and the medieval city of Sibiu in Romania.

byOjay Milah

Cape Town – South Africa

Travel & Destinations


Sibiu – Romania

Sibiu – Romania

According to many people, the city Sibiu, Northwest of Bucharest in recent years has been experiencing a social rebirth; reason for the designation as a European Cultural Co-Capital for 2007, ow-ing greatly to the excellent collaboration with Luxembourg.

The city of Sibiu holds one of the best preserved historical sites in the country, many of its medieval fortifications having been kept in excellent state, boasting till date of many significant museums, with 12 institutions housing art collections, paintings, and exhib-its in decorative arts, archeology, anthropology, history, industrial archeology and history of technology and natural sciences.

Several festivals are organized yearly in Sibiu, the most presti-gious of them being the Theatre Festival, organized each spring at the end of May; medieval Festival organized every year in August;

the Artmania Festival is held every summer since 2006 and as of 2008 the Rockin' Transylvania Festival is also held in Sibiu.

One of Romania’s culturally lively cities, when in Sibiu, you might want to visit the following places: The Radu Stanca National The-atre is one of the leading Romanian theatres. With origins dat-ing back to 1787, it attracts some of the best-known Romanian directors, such as Tompa Gábor and Silviu Purcărete. It presents an average of five shows a week. Most events in Sibiu have both a Romanian-language and a German-language section.

Whether you are climbing mountains in Cape Town, listening to good music in a medieval backdrop in Sibiu or eating some mouthwatering delicacy, with a tongue cracking name in Calabar, be sure to share your findings about these cities with family and friends.

Calabar – Nigeria

woman's essence magazine january 2012

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