Category: Lifestyle Tips

Fitness /

Make Positive Changes to Your Life Right Now

You need to do as much as you can to make positive changes in your life this year. It is so essential to think about what you can do to make your life better, and this is something to consider. Making the right changes can have a major impact on the way in which you take your life forward to new and more positive places, and this is important. Having an exercise regimen can prove to be hugely helpful when it comes to improving your life in the process.

2020 has only just begun, and there is more than enough time to transform your life in the right way. So many of us need to be doing as much as we can to work out the best possible ways of improving our lives in the process. Do what you can to make the changes you feel will most benefit your life, and these are some of the things you can do right now to get the best possible outcome.

Get Fitter

Make sure you work on your physical condition and try to do what you can to get fitter and healthier as much as possible. There are a lot of things that play a part in this, and you are going to need to focus on what it takes to make the most of this moving forward. Having an exercise regimen can prove to be hugely helpful when it comes to improving your life in the process. Keeping fit improves your health and well-being, and this is massively important for the future.

 Take up a New Hobby

Another thing to think about when you are serious about taking things to the next level is to consider taking up a new hobby. This is something that can have a massive impact on your home, and it will make a major difference to the interests and experiences you have in your life. Do what you can to find the best hobbies and interests you can, and make sure you take them forward in the right sort of way.

 Improve Your Home Entertainment

 There are some excellent ways of improving your home entertainment, and choosing the perfect Sky TV package is one of the best ones. As you can see from this article entitled Sky Entertainment: What’s in the Basic Sky TV Package? There are more than 300 channels to choose from, and you can combine the package with broadband. Sky offers a wonderfully affordable package deal, beginning at as little as $22 per month!

Go on Holiday

Something else you can do to make positive life changes is to make sure you go on holiday more. This is a great way of being able to relax and unwind, as well as opening your mind to new experiences. Make sure you get away from the stresses of regular life for a while, and go and see the rest of the world.

As you might imagine, you have a lot to think about when it comes time to improve your life, and this is something you are going to need to focus on. Make the most of the different elements of your life that can have a major impact on you moving forward, and try to do what you can to get this right as much as possible.

Birmingham /

BLOOM: FAITH, FASHION, AND BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT SERIES SPOTLIGHT: Rochelle Gaston Malone

BLOOM readers, today I would like to introduce Rochelle Gaston Malone.  Rochelle is a teacher, author, mother, motivational speaker, and Birmingham native.  She utilizes her extensive education and wealth of personal experience to create renewed attitudes with her clients.

I interviewed Rochelle and learned more about this dynamic woman of empowerment and purpose.  She is also the granddaughter of prominent businessman A.G. Gaston.

BLOOM SPOTLIGHT:  Rochelle Gaston Malone

·       When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person who comes to mind and why? 

 When I think of the word successful, the first person that comes to my mind is Dr. A. G. Gaston. This civil rights icon accomplished the impossible during impossible circumstances. As an entrepreneur and philanthropist, he established relationships, not competitions, changed lives for the better and create wealth. I believe that he knew the key to success, and it was displayed through his accomplishments and his life which was founded on filling the needs of others. Dr. A. G. Gaston was my grandfather.

·       What topic would you speak about if you were asked to give a TED talk on something outside of your main area of expertise? 

 I would speak about legacy. The importance of understanding the process of how to leave a legacy when building one. It’s impacting how each of our lives is intentionally designed to empower others by providing the foundation for our future.

·       What is the best or most worthwhile investment you’ve made? It could be an investment of money, time, energy, or other resources. How did you decide to make the investment?

 The most worthwhile investment I’ve made is launching my Talk Show, Casual Conversations, a component of my ministry. I made the decision to make this investment when I stopped running from my calling to minister and change my perspective of what that would look like.

·       Do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often? 

 Oh, wow, quotes are what drive me. With that said, there are so many quotes that come to my mind. Each season of my life seems to be empowered by different ones, however, the one I would say that remains consistent is “You must be the change you want to see in the world” Mahatma Gundi. I believe this speaks to the purpose of my being, making the necessary personal change so that I have what it takes to empower others to do the same, an agent of change here on earth.

·       What advice would you give to your 20-, 25-, or 30-year-old self? And please place where you were at the time, and what you were doing. 

The advice that I’d give my younger self, would be to the 20-year-old me, who was a sophomore in college desperate to establish a relationship with her father because of her need for validation of her being enough. Rochelle, you are more than enough. It’s not the expectations, actions or rejection from others that validate you. Your validation was given to you before you formed in your mother’s womb. You were born with greatness in your DNA. The very essence of what makes you more than enough is already on the inside of you. Don’t allow anyone’s lack of identification of who you are and lack of awareness in your level of greatness direct your thoughts toward yourself to be anything but the truth of who and how God made you, fearfully and wonderfully in the likeness of Christ.

·       How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Or, do you have a favorite failure of yours? 

 The failure or shall I say failures that have set me up for later success are my failed marriages. It was from the growth during my recovery from these failures that I gained the strength and the motivation I needed to become empowered by life and empowered by faith. I believe, and I quote myself: “In order to know your greatness, you must first embrace your identity, know who you are, and then you will be able to choose who you become.” “A loss is not a failure but the door of opportunity to your next victory” because “It’s the response to former losses that create future victories” and “It’s the “I” in fight that makes it what it is and brings it all together, but It’s the strength behind the hand within the glove that creates the power of the punch.” “Your success and the success of those assigned to your life is all about choice.”

·       What do you believe is true, even though you can’t prove it? 

I actually don’t believe anything is true unless it can be proven. Even when we are faced with life-altering circumstances that change our realities as we’ve come to know them, the better days ahead may not be visible which can lead one to think it can’t be proven. In actuality, the evidence was provided as we were brought through the previous circumstances that had no relation to the present, but it was a part of the strengthening, shaping and molding process that proves this life-altering circumstance will also pass and better can be “Again”.

Follow Rochelle Gaston Malone and learn more about her talk show Casual Conversations on social media:  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

“EMPOWERED WOMEN, EMPOWER WOMEN!”
Fitness /

Sweat It Out: Best Workouts for When You’re Sick

With so much news about the “coronavirus” and the flu, Cat Kom, founder and lead trainer of Studio SWEAT onDemand, thought about putting together a list of exercises that people could perform, (not when having a serious illness like those strong viruses, but at least) when not feeling so well.

Being sick is never fun, but it’s even worse when you’re a devoted fitness aficionado. Feeling a little ill can mean needing a few days off, but skipping a workout could throw your routine all out of whack.

So if you’re feeling a little sniffly but still wanna get back on the fitness saddle, here are some ways you can exercise when you’re sick.

Walking or Jogging

I get it, being stuck inside isn’t fun, and lying in bed all day can actually make you feel worse. Although hitting the pavement for some sprints or going on a strenuous 10-mile hike probably isn’t a great idea, some light walking or jogging can do wonders for a cold. Even just a short 20-minute walk…

Yoga

Whether you’re in the midst of a cold or in perfect health, yoga is a go-to workout for increasing flexibility and building strength in a low-impact way. When you’re feeling a little under the weather, a nice yoga flow can help…

LISS on the Spin Bike

Love spin so much that you just can’t bear to miss a day? Us too! But sometimes, you gotta make sacrifices for your health. Although you might not be able to make it through a tough spin class, you can still get a little biking in. I recommend…

Water Aerobics

Being sick can really drain your energy, making it hard to do intense workouts, so you probably won’t be swimming laps. But you can still get in the water by doing a gentler workout like water aerobics. It’ll give you the same movements, but with a little extra help from the water holding you up… If you’re feeling worse than just a cold (we’re talking fever and chills), definitely get back in that bed and rest up. But if you do choose to get some exercise in when you’re not feeling your best, be sure to take it slow.

Missing out on a workout is no fun, especially if the alternative is cough drops and tissues.

So if you’re looking for a way to still get that group class in from the comfort of your own home, check out a 7-Day Free Trial from Studio SWEAT onDemand. Our huge library of on-demand workouts features passionate trainers and classes like TRX, HIIT, and Spin, plus low-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates. Remember, it’s all about feeling better, so make sure you listen to your body, even if that means an extra rest day… or three.

Accessories /

Talk of Alabama Fashion Segment: Closet Organization and Budget-Friendly Products under $25

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Talk of Alabama:  ABC 3340 and share budget-friendly closet organization tips.

One way to boost your overall mood is with an organized closet.  There are so many benefits to managing your clothing and accessories:

  1. Save money on your wardrobe without re-buying the same items.
  2. Reduce the clutter with visually seen items.
  3. You will dress better because items are at your fingertips.
  4. It creates more space in your home.

Organizing your closet can be overwhelming but with the right set of tools, this can be a fun project!  Grab your best girlfriends or Fashion Stylist and start sorting those shirts and accessories.

While on-air, I showcased products that can be purchased from Target and Amazon.  The list included non slip hangers, cascading hooks, plastic baskets, over-the-door hook, shoe bag, and wall-mounted jewelry canvas.

Click on the link to view the segment: Talk of Alabama | Closet Organization | Kim West

Beauty /

How To Feel More Empowered As A Woman

There are some women who just seem to have everything in place; their lives are going somewhere, and they are – perhaps most importantly – powerful. It can be tempting to look at these women and compare their lives to our own and come up lacking. Yet this is not a helpful way to look at things. Rather than regretting that our lives are not ‘as good’ as theirs, why not try to make changes to make our lives better? Why not become more empowered and change everything else around you? It’s not as difficult as you might think once you make a start and really work at what you want in life. Read on to find out more.

Featured Photo from TooFab

Do More Exercise

Does it seem odd that the very first suggestion on how to become more powerful in your life as a woman is to do more exercise? Perhaps so, but it does make sense once you think about it. Although exercising more is about losing weight and getting fitter and healthier, there is more to it than that. These are great things, but what else can exercise do?

Exercise puts us in complete control of our bodies. When we exercise, we can choose how to go about it and how much or how little to do each day. When we skip a day, it is on us. When we push through our boundaries, that is all down to us too.

The power that comes with taking charge and being in control of this element of our lives is enormous, and it’s something that can lead to positive and much better self-confidence altogether.

Not only that, but exercise removes stress and negativity, replacing it with calmness, happiness, and positivity. When you have this, you can think more clearly about your life and the direction you want it to take.

Stand Up For Yourself

Standing up for yourself is scary. It takes a lot to be able to get out of your comfort zone and to speak out about things that you believe in. However, it is also so very empowering, and it makes you feel happier too. Keeping everything in because you are afraid of saying the wrong thing or offending someone isn’t healthy; you’ll never get to express your opinion, and over time you’ll even start to think that your opinion isn’t valid and that no one is going to want to hear it.

This should never be the case. Everyone has the right to express their opinion, and as long as you do it in a way that is meant positively and you don’t intentionally go out of your way to hurt someone or be obstructive, then you must speak out and stand up for your beliefs.

When you start to do this, you will also start to believe in yourself more and be more empowered and confident as a result. Other women will see you confidently and concisely expressing your opinions and holding down an argument if someone disagrees (or realizing your mistake and admitting to it if that is the case), and they could well be inspired.

Have Standards

There are all kinds of areas of your life where standards are important. Putting your own standard mark onto those things and accepting nothing less will help you to feel and be empowered. Take your home, for example. If your standards are that it always needs to be clean and tidy, then make sure it is. Once you let your standards slip, you will find you feel less confident and your power is diminished.

The same is true of anything. At work, you should have certain standards that you hold yourself to and that you hold others too – without being overly judgemental, of course. This way, people will respect you and you will be more productive.

You can even have standards when it comes to the way you dress and look. If something isn’t right, take the time to change it; clothes that fit you well can make a huge difference. A hair transplant can boost your confidence and make you feel better about yourself. A regular spa day can reset tired muscles and help you to feel brighter and happier.

Do what it takes to help keep your standards up and you will be empowered – everything is your decision to make.

Say No

Saying no when you need to is one of the most empowering things you can do in your life. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of always agreeing to do things, even if they aren’t going to benefit your own life or they are detrimental.

If you want to do something and you are able to, then say yes. If you don’t want to do it, it is going to cause you upset, or you cannot carry out the task, then don’t be afraid to say no. It’s hugely empowering.

Collaborative Post

 

 

Birmingham /

BLOOM: FAITH, FASHION, AND BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT SERIES SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Adrienne Starks

Birmingham, Alabama is blooming with influential women that are changing the community one day at a time!  Dr. Adrienne Starks is not only a mover and shaker in the social scene but the Founder and CEO of STREAM Innovations, Inc.  

I interviewed Dr. Starks and learned more about this dynamic woman in STEM.  Adrienne shared her best investment, favorite books, and advice on surviving failure.

BLOOM SPOTLIGHT:  Dr. Adrienne Starks 

  • When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person who comes to mind and why?

When I think of the word “successful” I think of having accomplishments and finding happiness in the midst of peaks and valleys. It’s hard to think of one person. I think of the tribe of women that I am connected with that are principals, professors, founders, executives, sisters, wives, and mothers. I am aware of their struggles and their accomplishments. I know about the long hours they spend working because we text about making being the last person in the office or working after putting the kids to bed. I know the sacrifices they make attempting to balance expectations of being the best wife and/or mom. They are successful because every day they choose to be better humans and try harder to reach personal and professional goals.

  • What is something you believe that other people think is insane?

I believe there is abundance in our world and there is enough of whatever you need around you to be…happy, successful, and fulfilled. However, more people allow the fear of scarcity to limit how they view and experience the world around them. This view of scarcity presents itself in withholding love, hoarding advice, and resources, or only supporting a single idea/cause/organization because there is a belief that there is only enough for one. I am continuously working on applying this principle to my life and how I interact with the world around me. This idea could be perceived as insane because it contradicts the notion that only one or a few people can be successful or that one person holds the key to your success. I prefer to believe there an abundance of whatever I need around me and I have to adjust how I view the world to see the numerous opportunities in front of me.

  • What is the book (or books) you’ve given most as a gift?

I have given The Alchemist (1988) by Paulo Coelho to people on my team and highly recommended it to friends and family. When the book was recommended to me, I was skeptical that it was as good of a read as a friend claimed. After reading the book, I understood why it has been celebrated around the world for over 30 years. I always recommend the book to friends that are questioning their purpose and searching for answers to their heart’s desires.

  • What is your favorite documentary or movie?

My absolute favorite movie is Love Jones (1997). I rooted for Nina and Darius’s love and identified with how miscommunication can lead to mistrust in a relationship. The fusion of music and poetry was a major influence in the movie. The incomparable John Coltrane was introduced to me in this movie and his song “Love Supreme” became a personal favorite. I also appreciated the depiction of adult friendships between men and women and how the main characters close friends held them responsible when they made misguided decisions.

I also enjoy watching documentaries of individuals that are creatives (fashion, food, tech) and how they choose to push boundaries to make their vision a reality. It’s a personal reminder that everyone may not believe in your idea or see your vision, however, you have to continue to speak life into your vision and fight for your perspective to be great.

  • What purchase of $ 100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last 6 months?

I love all things used to organize my life. I could be categorized as a Type A personally. I jumped on the Bullet Journal bandwagon and attempted to stay true to a system of order with my business. Unfortunately, November and December 2019 did not want to cooperate with my system. I have also purchased containers/cases for home and office that will allow me to put my hands on any item I need within seconds. The feeling of satisfaction when I don’t have to waste time looking for something has positively impacted my life and my sanity.

  • What are your morning rituals? What do the first 60 minutes of your day look like?

I wish I had a good morning ritual.

My ideal way to spend the first 60 minutes of my morning would consist of stretching (yoga), meditation and prayer, drinking water to begin rehydrating for the day, check my phone for any pressing issues and heading out for a morning run before starting my day.

During the summer, I live by an hourly to-do list because we (STREAM Innovations) have multiple programs running for students across Jefferson County, AL. I always want to make sure our team is prepared, and I try to stay a few steps ahead of everything and everyone.

  • What obsessions do you explore in the evenings or on weekends?

I don’t believe I have any obsessions. I’ll meet up with my girlfriends after work or go for a hike on the weekend if the weather permits.

If you asked close friends and family, they might say I have an obsession with STREAM Innovations because I work evenings and weekends. They might be right, but don’t tell them that I agreed with them.

  • What topic would you speak about if you were asked to give a TED talk on something outside of your main area of expertise?

If I was asked to give a TED talk on an area outside of my expertise, I would speak about the influence of music on human emotions.

We all have personal soundtracks or playlists that promote a specific feeling or goes with our mood. We choose music that will usher us into God’s presence, motivate us in the gym, provide a sense of calm after a long day, spark a passionate desire with a significant other, or hype us up for a night out. We all have memories associated with certain songs and sometimes a song will remind you of a person, an experience, or a time in your life. As a scientist, I would discuss the psychological and physiological reactions that occur when we experience our favorite songs and provide evidence for the profound effect music has on our lives.

If I asked anyone to list their top 5 songs for any category, it would consist of songs they have attached to a memory. When people discuss their favorite songs, they may compare lyrics, melody, beats, or the range and ability of the artists, but it is all connected to how they experienced the song and the emotions evoked while listening to the song.

  • What is the best or most worthwhile investment you’ve made? It could be an investment of money, time, energy, or other resources. How did you decide to make the investment?

One of the most worthwhile investments I’ve made has been in me. I’ve traveled to a few spas in the US and abroad because I enjoy the calmness and sense of rejuvenation after investing in my well-being. During my last year in graduate school, I booked a few days to the Woodloch Resort in the Poconos, PA. I was stressed, tense, and physically and emotionally on edge from working 20-hr days for weeks and enduring the mental rigor of completing a dissertation that felt like it would never end. I had a membership at a local massage spot, but I needed something more extensive because I had lost focus, I was not resting when I slept, and I could not find the ability to disconnect from my daily routine to gain new perspectives. My all-inclusive get-away allowed me to change my environment. I signed up for yoga and T’ai Chi classes, change my routine with cooking demos and painting, and of course saunas, massages, and more. I could finally refocus, and I gained a new appreciation in taking care of myself. As I reflect on this trip, I realize I am overdue for another get-away.

  • Do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often?

My dad shared a quoted with me in graduate school that I have never forgotten. “Success is not final, and failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” – Winston Churchill

  • What is the worst advice you see or hear being dispensed in your world?

I believe we miseducate students by asking them to pick a job or career they may want to pursue for the rest of their life without providing exposure or experiences to help them identify if they have a passion for a particular field. I believe technology will disrupt traditional jobs and careers in ways that no one can imagine. We cannot continue to give students advice based on the belief that a job will be waiting for you after college. We must advise to identifying their gift/ passion and connect it to a need. If students can identify a need and use technology to make addressing that need easier, faster or better, then they can change their community or the world.

  • If you could have one gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it, what would it say?

Kasserian ingera ~ “How are the children?”

This is the traditional greeting between the African Masai warriors which acknowledges the great value they place on their children’s well-being. Even warriors with no children of their own would give the traditional answer, “all the children are well.”

I think we forget the importance of making sure all children from every walk of life are well.

  • What advice would you give to your 20-, 25-, or 30-year-old self? And please place where you were at the time, and what you were doing.

My advice for my 20-year-old self at AAMU would be to not panic about the future and live in the present. Travel like a college student and take a few backpacking trips across the states and out of the country.

My advice for my 25-year-old self at UMBC would be to learn to speak up for yourself in spaces that make you uncomfortable. Develop friends with more international colleagues because you always need a familiar face somewhere in around the world.

My advice for my 30-year-old self at NIH would be to not take failure personally. Sometimes closed doors are needed to give you perspective and it helps make you relatable when people ask if you’ve ever know failure.

  • How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Or, do you have a favorite failure of yours?

Failure has made me fearless and cynical. Being a scientist has meant a healthy relationship with failure because you’re testing assumptions and observing if it meets or fails to meet your hypothesis. Failure in business is oftentimes subjective, therefore a cynic was born.

  • What is something really weird or unsettling that happens to you on a regular basis?

A weird thing that happens but on a regular basis is when I dream, I can return to previous dreams or shift between dreams within the same night. I have recurring dreams as most people do but I can return to a dream from previous nights if I think of it. It may not be the weirdest thing ever, but it’s my thing.

  • What have you changed your mind about in the last few years? Why?

Over the past few years, I have changed my view of my mortality. I ascribed to the YOLO (You Only Live Once) motto when I was younger, but with age, I have focused more on how I live my life. I am more intentional with the decisions I make and how it impacts people around me. I would rather address a situation and resolve it then to allow years to pass without resolution. I no longer believe that I will get a second chance to do something I could have done the first time around. I value creating a legacy (family and business) and having my values live in my family and what I have created. I plan to spend more time with family and friends because at any moment the chance to show love, forgive, or create memories can be taken away forever.

  • What do you believe is true, even though you can’t prove it?

Love and power are two of the strongest intangible forces that people desire, whether yielding to it or using it for personal satisfaction. Often times, men and women have different expectations of how love and power can be shown or received in daily interactions. The pursuit of love and/or power has a major influence on our daily thoughts, actions, and plans. We have all made 5-or 10- year plans that have included timelines for relationships and marriage or career changes (going to school or starting new businesses). Our concept of happiness is often rooted in whether we have love in our life or our perception of power to control life choices. I believe we place significant value on how love is shown and received from our family, partners, and friends. I believe too often we measure success by the power and influence we have over others and not how we empower others for collective success. I can’t prove love and power are motivating factors for everyone, but I see the influence of these two forces in my life.

  • Any ask or request for my audience? Last parting words?

Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, President of UMBC, my alma mater for graduate school would often say,

“Watch your thoughts because they become your words. Watch your words because they become your actions. Watch your actions because they become your character. What your character because it becomes your destiny.”

In this new decade, I want to be more intentional with my thoughts, words, actions, and character because I want my destiny to reflect a life well-lived.

Follow Dr. Adrienne Starks and learn more about STREAM Innovations, Inc. on social media:  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

“EMPOWERED WOMEN, EMPOWER WOMEN!”

Lifestyle Tips /

2020 Trends to Get Ahead of Now

The new year is right around the corner. And while most of us are focused on the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s definitely not too early to start thinking about what 2020 might hold for you.

This is also a great time of year to start getting familiar with some of the top trends for 2020. Keep reading to learn a few trends that will stand out next calendar year and how you can start jumping on board.

Refresh Your Menu

After a long holiday season full of heavy meals and Christmas cookies, you’ll probably be happy to hear 2020 will be another year of healthy, fresh foods topping the list of popular menu items.

New, trendy options will include collagen powder added to smoothies and other foods to help you achieve glowy skin, keto-friendly options for those on the popular diet and, perhaps surprisingly, Brussels sprouts will see a surge in popularity.

Break Out of Your Comfort Zone

Thinking about dusting off your passport in the new year? Some 2020 travel trends will have you breaking out of your comfort zone in new and exciting ways.

While space travel might be out of your budget, an edgy vacation might be just the ticket. If you’re looking for something a little less revealing, a trip to explore your ancestors’ roots might be a better fit for you.

Don’t Underestimate the Classics

While 2020 is certain to feature some wacky fashion trends, many are expected to be new takes on old classics. From crisp white shirts to floral patterns, the new year will have us all reaching to the back of our closets for those staples we never got rid of.

When it comes to lingerie, the world of bedroom attire has gotten complicated and out there in recent years. But while it’s fun to try out the latest trends, one that never goes out of style is the tried and true classics.

For instance, a simple lingerie set with a garter is guaranteed to create some sparks in your relationship, not to mention help you feel sexy in your own skin.

Get Moving at Home

Every year, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions to get healthier or lose weight after the ball drops on Dec. 31. This causes a spike in gym memberships, which turns into crowds at gyms and fitness studios across the country. But with life inevitably getting in the way and responsibilities piling up, people will start making excuses about why they can’t make it to the gym. And, after a few months, the crowds will fade away again.

Luckily, there’s one 2020 trend that’s looking to break this endless cycle. Home gyms are growing more and more popular with every passing year. This is thanks in part to new home gym technology that makes it easier to get a great workout without leaving your living room.

Featured Photo from Black Girl Health

Whether you choose to invest in some new equipment or make do with a simple set of weights or a yoga mat, working out at home can help save you money, squeeze in more workouts and finally stick to your fitness resolutions.

Getting a Head Start on 2020 Trends

Whether you want to revamp your wardrobe or the way you eat, finally get in shape or take a vacation of a lifetime, following these trends will help you be better prepared for what’s to come in 2020. So, start making plans to get ahead of these trends before the new year is here.

Collaborative Post

Holiday Gift Giving Guide /

Crush Your Host Decor Game This Holiday Season with Natural Fragrance Rose

Natural Fragrance Rose is the gift that every hostess with the mostest should have. 

From tabletop arrangements to dressing up your bathroom, everyone will thank you and rave about these beauties!

These STUNNING Roses are:

  • Last 3-4 months!
  • Low Maintenance
  • Affordable ($19.99)
  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Premium, garden-grown
  • The sustainable alternative to chemical-based scented candles and diffusers
  • Green revolution in indoor fragrance
  • Available on Amazon.com

Birmingham /

BLOOM: Faith, Fashion, and Business Empowerment Series Spotlight: Dr. JeFreda R. Brown

Style + Life + Fashion has launched a new empowerment series!  Titled, BLOOM focuses on faith, fashion, and business; spotlighting dynamic women that are movers and shakers in the community.

Today’s feature will spotlight Financial Literacy Educator, and Business Consultant, Dr.  JeFreda R. Brown.

BLOOM SPOTLIGHT:  Dr.  JeFreda R. Brown

  • Explain why Financial Literacy is such an important topic for women of all ages.

     Financial literacy is competence in personal financial skills and financial education to make effective decisions concerning family, goals, lifestyle, and desires. In many families, women handle the finances. It is important that women be good stewards of what God has entrusted to them. This is why it is vital that young girls receive a strong financial foundation at a young age. The first teachers of finance affect the future financial decisions that young girls will make.

  • How can women empower themselves (or bloom) in the areas of personal finance, budgeting, and credit?

        Women first need to ask themselves if they need to change their financial behavior. If you have trouble making money last for an entire month, that is a clear indication that you need to change your financial behavior. Also, it is so important for women to realize that everything we do revolves around finances. Therefore, a strong financial foundation needs to be in place. Getting financial literacy education is the first step to blooming in all areas of personal finance.

  • What is the biggest misconception about repairing your credit?

         The biggest misconception about repairing your credit is that you have to pay someone to do it for you. You can repair your own credit. I recommend doing it yourself because it helps you to gain a better understanding of how the credit system works. I also want to stress that repairing credit doesn’t help if you haven’t first changed your mindset about finances. Repairing your credit but continuing the same cycles doesn’t solve the problem. I am a featured contributor in a book called, “I Didn’t Learn That in High School: 199 Facts About Credit Scores“, which is available on Amazon. This book is full of details about credit, how it works, how to use it, how not to use it, how to repair your own credit, and much more. I recommend that women get this book to help learn more about credit.

  • What are some of the specific financial obstacles that women are facing?

            There was a sample conducted with 7,000 men and women. They were given a 5-question basic financial literacy test. Only 29% of the women were able to pass the test. That means 71% of the women were unable to answer 5 questions about finances. Also, there are a lot of single women raising children. These women have to take care of their households. Most of them only have one source of income, which still may not cover all the necessary expenses each month. These are critical financial obstacles for women. These are also more reasons why getting financial literacy education is so vital for women.

  • What financial advice would you tell your 20-year-old self?

            If I knew at 21 what I know now about compounding interest, whole life insurance, investing in real estate, etc., I would have really focused on making sure my credit was good. I would have started putting all these things in place then.  I would have start building wealth then. 22 years later at 43, I would definitely be set financially. Thinking about how much interest would have compounded over 22 years! Jesus!

  •  How does faith have an impact as it relates to your personal finances?

          I believe that trying to manage finances without faith will never work. There are over 2,000 scriptures in the Bible about finances. This tells us that God wants us to have the proper guidance in managing finances. Another reason that faith is important is that we must realize that it is not “our” money; it’s God’s. He owns it, and we are just stewards of what He entrusts us with. If someone puts something they own into your care, wouldn’t you take good care of it? Most importantly, we are required to pay tithes. It’s a command, not a choice. I’m a witness to how God has provided for me in tough times because I have been obedient to paying tithes. Tithes are paid on gross income, not net income. Tithes are paid on any money you receive from others, even if it’s $1.

  •  Tell us more about your platform and Provision Financial Education? 

          It is my mission to educate people about finances and help people develop financial health and wellness. My goal is for Xaris Financial Enterprises to be the preferred financial literacy education company in the world. I want to get financial literacy curriculum into schools for grades K-12 and colleges. It needs to be a required curriculum. I want to go into companies and organizations to provide financial education to their employees. It saddens me when I read statistics about how people are developing health problems because they are stressed about their finances. People have to work past age 70 because they haven’t properly prepared for retirement. If people would get rid of their pride and seek help, they can solve their financial problems. It first requires a mindset change. Realize there is a problem first and then make an effort to resolve the problem. Action is required for change. That action is getting financial literacy education. God, Himself said, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge“. There is nothing to be ashamed of in getting help and letting someone know your situation. Many of us have had financial hardship; myself included. I’m not here to judge; I’m here to tear down the systems that have kept people in financial bondage. I have the compassion to help you because I have been through financial hardship.

  •  What’s the most important concept that we can take away from this interview?

           A problem is no longer a problem once you take care of it. Financial literacy is the key to having a better, stress-free life. Financial literacy is the key to having the lifestyle that you desire. Nothing happens until you first take action. Provision Financial Education is here and ready to help.

Follow Dr.  JeFreda R. Brown and join her Financial Literacy community on social media:  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

“EMPOWERED WOMEN, empower women!”
Lifestyle Tips /

THE NEW BIRTH INTERNATIONAL FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL MERGES FAITH WITH CULTURE

The first annual New Birth International Film Festival (NBIFF) is launching the first-of-its-kind, Imaginariums, merging Hollywood & Faith-Based film, television and music sectors for a weekend of entertainment, education and networking, October 18th – 19th, at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.

Industry veterans Pastor Jamal Bryant and Actress Lisa Wu have come together to offer an action-packed weekend of screenings, master classes, panels, and performances. The goal of NBIFF is to provide current and aspiring entertainment professionals with the network and tools needed to take their careers to the next level. The NBIFF is bringing its audience and attendees knowledge from some of the best in their respective industries, such as Actress, Director & Producer – Terri J. Vaughn, CEO of J Pervis Talent Agency – Joy Pervis, Television Producer & Founder of The Real Housewives of Atlanta – Princess Banton, Singer/Songwriter – Isaac Carree, Grammy Nominated Gospel Artist – James Fortune and more. Celebrities will converge to bring attendees top-tier content, knowledge, and expertise.

“The New Birth Film Festival is the start of changing how we do church, we have got to get outside of the four walls and impact culture, there seems to be a disconnect…with Atlanta becoming black Hollywood the church has got to find its place in that space,” states Pastor Jamal Bryant. The weekend will commence with an opening night Hollywood indie film screening and an exclusive legends panel & Q&A with Robert Townsend, Bill Duke and Louis Gossett Jr., along with an array of other screened films, panels and performances in between; concluding with concert performance by James Fortune, Isaac Carree, Travis Malloyand many others.

About NBIFF:

The New Birth International Film Festival is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to bringing national and worldwide awareness of the arts worldwide. Our intent is to provide opportunities and a platform for emerging artists, to reinforce voices that otherwise might not be heard. In fact, the mission of the Film Festival and that of newly appointed Pastor Jamal Bryant is two-fold: to continue to promote Atlanta as the new film mecca for people of all races; and to showcase films and provide networking opportunities that will develop the next generation of filmmakers, musicians, and actors. For more information on NBIFF visit: nbiff.org