Moms Can Achieve Their Dreams, Too

Are you living the life you dreamed about when you were a child? Do you remember your dreams?

Most people are not living their dreams. They were taught to go to school, get a college degree and start a career that would earn a lot of money and make them happy. Society teaches children that a formal education is the key to achieving their dreams and a happy life. By the time most kids reach high school, they've forgotten about their childhood dreams.

The challenge for many women is that they tend to lack enough confidence in themselves to make their dreams come true. If they have a family or other responsibilities that compete for their time, some women may not believe it's realistic to follow their dreams. Moms are likely to feel guilty or selfish and they often let these feelings stop them from creating the life they want.

The good news is that you can go after what you want and achieve it, no matter where you are in life right now. You just have to decide that you are ready and make it non-negotiable. Now this doesn't mean that you have to neglect your family, quit your job or any other drastic change. Instead it means that you can take intentional steps today and start creating the life of your dreams.

Here are 5 steps you can take right now to go after what you want:

1. Write your dreams down. One reason why you're not living your dreams may be because you don't remember them. Life has gotten in the way and you've become disconnected. Spend time alone and recall your childhood dreams. Think back to when you were between 7 and 9 years old. What did you want to do or become when you grew up?

2. Share your dreams with someone you trust. This one can be tricky because everyone is not going to buy into your dreams or support you in living them. So you want to be selective about sharing. When you share your dreams with another person, it becomes more of a reality. You now have another person who's holding you accountable.

3. Pick the dream/goal that you want to accomplish first and set a date. Is this something you want accomplish in the next 30 - 90 days, 1 year, 5 years, etc.? Set a date and write it down. Now it's in your face on paper and no longer floating around in your head.

4. Create a realistic plan of action based on where you are today. You have to start where you are. The only way you'll make any progress is to know what you want (which you've already identified) and to create a plan to get there.

5. Take action. Taking action will remove your fears and doubts and begin to build your confidence. This doesn't have to be a giant, drastic step. In fact, your first step should be small so you can see how easy it is for you to do this.

Following these guidelines will help you start living the life of your dreams now. Don't wait another day as none of us are promised tomorrow. You've waited long enough and now is your time.

I love supporting moms in their journey to achieving their dreams. As a mom of four, I understand the many challenges women face when it comes to achieving their dreams.
If you love what you read here and feel that you need a little more support, I would love to connect with you and see how I can support you in your journey to your dreams.

You can visit my website, http://momswithdreams.com, contact me by email at Erica@momswithdreams.com or connect with me on Facebook or Twitter.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8762933

One Box No Longer Fits All

For the longest time now society has tried to separate people by making each one fit into boxes. The division begins with the type of personality - whether introvert or extrovert- and then boxed into certain labels depending on the skin color and race. True, people live in a country that most often dictates individuals to 'check the box that applies'. However, more are more are falling into group categories that can no longer be identified without checking two or more boxes. It is typical to find a form that asks to check the box according to race like Caucasian, African-American/Black, Asian or Latino. Then there is that one box that says "other".

In social circles especially in formal education settings there are the athletics, hipsters, nerds, punks and preppy. Even fashion has separated society into categories; your style can be trendy, vintage or gothic. However, people weren't made to be categorized into boxes and be identified based on skin color, personality type and the way they dress. Dr. Seuss even asked: "Why fit in when you were born to stand out"? What does one do when there is not a box that actually describes them?

After centuries of asking one to identify themselves by choosing the race with which they most closely identify, change is coming. Even an article in the National Geographic says that in the year 2000 Census, a question about race allowed respondents to choose more than one racial category because apparently, about 7 million Americans belong to two or more races.

If the country is finally coming around to the idea that one box no longer fits all, why hasn't the hair care market followed suit? It is about time that people stopped going to the black aisle or the white aisle or the curly aisle when it comes to finding the shampoo or conditioner that will work for them. Fortunately there are companies that service the many, changing faces (and heads) of the new race. These companies are backed and supported by research and studies in order to manufacture hair products that would serve the needs of different types of curls. It doesn't matter whether an individual is Black, White, Blackanese, Filatino, Chicanese, Korgentinian or whatever racial mix they belong to. Times have changed and 'one box fits all' is no longer applicable and the same goes with hair care. The important thing is that there is the right match for any type of biracial hair.

Feeling discouraged after trying one after the other to find the best hair care product that would reliably and dependably address individual hair needs of girls born of mixed heritage, Hope Farley did a methodical research about biracial hair. It paved the way for the creation of hair essentials that would help bring optimum results for all types of curls regardless of the heritage.

Find out more on http://www.mixtina.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8772641

Do You Need A Midlife Midwife?

Do you need a Midlife Midwife? I don't suppose this is a question you ask yourself on a regular basis! In fact, you may never even have considered the possibility that you might need one. You may not even know what one is!

Truth is, I just made it up:) In the past I've referred to myself as a Dream Doula, a professional who helps clients conceive of, nurture and give birth to their dreams. Sounds pretty cool, doesn't it?

Well, a Midlife Midwife is pretty much the same thing. She supports women as they move through the developmental and spiritual changes that happen in midlife, as a coach, teacher and mentor through this sometimes confusing and scary time.

A Midlife Midwife, in my definition, helps a woman to give birth to her highest, most actualized Self and the unique gifts she is here to bring into the world.

In life we have two major identity crises.

The first, occurring in adolescence, is to establish an identity, a sense of who you are. The second occurs at midlife when you must give up who you think you are so you can become who you were meant to be.

Neither of these stages is easy and certainly no one I know wants to go through adolescence again! But midlife is not about recreating our adolescence, even though some folks still hold to that theory!

It is about undoing the ego that you created earlier in your life, and rediscovering yourself and your innate gifts and purpose for your being. When clients tell me that they feel like they're losing their minds, I tell them that's a good thing!

As you lose your mind, you come to your senses!

It is the time when you begin to ask some version of the questions, "What am I pregnant with?" or "What wants to be birthed through me?"

WHEN IS MIDLIFE?

Midlife can be said to begin as early as 35, especially if a major life event such as a loss of a job, a significant personal illness, or the death of family member triggers the process. The more typical age range identified as midlife is the decade between 40 to 50. These are the people who "bloom" right on time. The majority of us will encounter the awakening and confrontation of midlife at this age. For the "late bloomers", midlife may begin after 50.

These days, as people marry, have children, and perhaps begin careers later and live longer, the "typical" range of midlife can vary. I generally consider the years between 40-60, plus or minus 5 years, as the period of midlife.

Perhaps more important than the actual age is what takes place mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually during this stage of life.

Midlife is ultimately about the search for true meaning in life, an opportunity for an awakening into a deeper spirituality, a deeper sense of purpose, a time to channel our creativity from marriage, career and children, to birthing a new, more integrated, passionate and purposeful version of ourselves.

In Psychology this is called this the period of self-actualization. Midlife, if you will, is the passageway that joins the first and the second halves of life. It is the figurative "birth canal" that we must go through in order to give birth to a more actualized version of ourselves! All living things move through a process of individuation, through which they strive to fulfill their potential.

Midlife is this place of transition and transformation, aiding you in your growth toward a more positive, integrated life in which you reach your highest potential.

WHAT IS A MIDWIFE?

According to Wikipedia, a midwife is recognized as a responsible and accountable professional who works in partnership with women to give the necessary support, care and advice during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period, to conduct births on the midwife's own responsibility and to provide care for the infant.

OK, substitute "purpose" or "dream" or "higher Self" for infant, and you get the idea.

So, as a Midlife Midwife, I work in partnership with women in midlife who are ready to conceive, nurture, give birth to and provide the perfect growing environment for their highest potential. The seed of this "infant" is present within each of us since our own birth, just waiting for the perfect time to be midwifed into the world.

The energy/consciousness that is waiting to come into manifestation is different for every woman. It may be as personal as cultivating a deep sense of inner peace or as grand as putting an end to human trafficking.

It doesn't matter what or how big it is. But once you feel the stirrings of that living energy within you it is imperative that you find the right support to bring that creation into being.

Just as pregnancy and new motherhood can be both exciting and scary, so too can this period of midlife rebirth. It helps to have someone by your side to educate, support and mentor you. I'd love to be that person for you.

Do you feel something stirring within you?

Do you have a sense that you have a greater purpose?

Are you ready to explore what might be ready to be conceived of, nurtured and birthed through you?

If your answer is yes, or even maybe, I'd love to support you in your process of discovery. Please visit my website which is listed in the resource section below to fill out a contact form or find my phone number and email address.

Here's to birthing your highest, most actualized self! Don't wait. The world needs your unique contribution!

How can I help you birth the highest version of your Self? Visit me at http://www.reawakenyourdreamer.com and fill in my contact pop-up in order to schedule a complimentary 20 minute call or Skype session. I look forward to being your midlife midwife! Catherine@reawakenyourdreamer.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8777312

Discover Your Gifts and Live in Your Greatness

Do you know that you were born for greatness? Are you aware that you have special gifts and talents that no one else on the planet has? I promise you that I'm not making this up. You were born with unique gifts intended to help you live out your greatness. Your gifts were given to you at birth. You didn't have to ask for them. You didn't learn them at school. They are yours and only belong to you.

So what's holding you back from using your gifts and talents?

If you're like most moms, you probably haven't thought about your gifts lately. It's not a common thought on your mind given all the other things you have to do. You might feel like you don't have enough time to do anything outside of your ordinary routine.

It's normal for mothers to subconsciously forget about their amazing talents and gifts when they're hyper-focused on being everything for their children. Often this happens subconsciously, as the demands of everyday life encroach on your time and energy.

Moms typically start their days thinking about all they need to get done - what school projects are due that week, what they're making for dinner and how the kids are getting home from practice. Days run into weeks. Weeks run into months and before you know it, years have gone by and you've totally lost sight of what makes YOU great.

So how can a mom with an active lifestyle reconnect with her gifts?

Once you decide that discovering your gifts is a priority you will find time to go through this process. Even the busiest mom can schedule this into her life by making a conscious effort.

If you have no idea where to start with discovering your gifts, you can start by asking yourself questions like:

• What am I really good at doing with little or no effort?
• Am I an awesome cook?
• Do I have a keen eye for fashion?
• Do my friends often come to me for advice?
• What was I really good at doing as a little girl?

I'm sure if you take time to think about this you'll discover many things that you haven't paid attention to before. These are your gifts and talents. Now it's time for you to own them.

Embrace your gifts. If you haven't been using what you were born with, I challenge you to start today. Before you know it you will have discovered your zone of genius and will be living in your greatness.

Would you like support in your journey of discovering your gifts? I love empowering moms to create the life of their dreams. If you're ready to take this step, I am ready to support you through this process. Schedule your 30-minute complimentary discovery session with me today. I look forward to hearing from you. You can visit: http://momswithdreams.com, contact me by email at Erica@momswithdreams.com or connect with me on Facebook.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8782949

Circle of Support of the Women by the Women for the Church - The Bride of Jesus Christ

Jesus said, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5, KJV).

Indeed, Jesus is the vine and we are the branches.

As it pertains to women, we are the nurturers of the Tree of Life in terms of being a wife, a mother and a daughter in the Church - the Bride of Jesus.

We as women have a very important role to play in the growth and the nurturing of the Church - the Bride of Jesus Christ.

We as women are to be careful not to be tempted by the Father of Lies - Satan. The same Father of Lies who tempted Eve to eat a fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Eve's (and Adam's) disobedience introduced sin to humanity. A sin that was washed away through God's grace - the sacrificing of His Son on the cross.

Then, "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree" (Acts 5:30, KJV). At the foot of the tree, where our Bridegroom was hung, were Mary (Jesus' mother) and Mary Magdalene (and John).

Like Mary and Mary Magdalene, we have to support each other in the ultimate goal of supporting the Church who is married to Jesus Christ.

Here are two other examples...

But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me." When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her (Ruth 1:16-18, NIV).

Ruth decided to form a circle of support with her mother in law, Naomi. Her husband, father-in-law and brother-in-law died. Her brother's-in-law widow returned to her family at the urging of Naomi. Not Ruth, she insisted on accompanying her mother-in-law to the land of her fathers. In the land of her mother's-in-law fathers, the circle of support between the two women led to a reversal of fortune. By God's will, Ruth found favor in the eyes of Boaz. He married her.

In many ways, Ruth symbolized the Church and Boaz - the Bridegroom. They both became ancestors of Jesus Christ - our Lord and Savior - our Bridegroom.
It all began with the circle of support formed by Ruth and Naomi.

The last example pertains to Paul's spiritually adopted Son, Timothy.

Paul wrote, "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also" (2 Timothy 1:5).

Lois and Eunice formed a circle of support while following Proverbs 22:6 (KJV) - Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it - in the raising of Timothy, respectively, their grandson and son. Children, after all, are the future of the Church. Now, as an adult, Timothy under the mentorship of Paul tremendously contributed to the growth of the Church, albeit, not through works but by the grace of God. By the grace of God, he assisted Paul in preparing the Church to meet her Bridegroom.

The three examples show a circle of support of two women which paid dividends in support of the Bride of God through His grace. The preceding circles of support give new meaning to the Proverb - As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17, NIV).

Additionally, the preceding circles of support illustrated Matthew 18:20 (KJV) - For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Today, we want our circle of support to include not only two, nor three but more women as we prepare the Church for her Bridegroom.

The roles of women are very important as signified in that Mary Magdalene was the first person to witness the resurrected Christ. In turn, she ran and told his apostles about one of the greatest moments in history.

In conclusion, women of the church, let us form a circle of support of the grandmothers, mothers, mothers-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters and, most of all, sisters in Christ. Let us form a circle of support to be a role model of future Timothies. Let us form a circle of support to be a witness to the men - the future Peters - about our risen Lord and Savior. Let us form a circle of support to prepare the Bride for the Bridegroom. Most of all, let us form a circle of support to develop us to be the best branches on the Vine of Christ Jesus.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8792030

Fruit of the Spirit and Discipline

"Fruit of the Spirit" is a biblical reference that summarizes the nine attributes of a follower of Jesus, found in:

Galatians 5:22-23

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law."

So how do we as Christian's obtain these fruits? We will bear the fruits of the spirit when we truly follow Jesus. Spiritual fruit will show itself in our changed lives and our changed character. We are all being discipled by something; if we don't intentionally make that something Jesus, then it will by default be the world/ culture, which typically leads people into radical individualism and away from God. As we spend more and more time with Jesus, through prayer, scripture, fellowship and worship, we will be transformed to be more like him, and less like us.

How do seasons of life affect the evidence of these fruits in our lives? As believers we go through many seasons of life. I believe one of the most dangerous and long seasons we can encounter is: Stagnancy. This is defined as: inactive, sluggish, or dull. Often times we have experienced a life completely without God and also, a deep and overflowing desire for him and fellowship with other believers. But when the season of Stagnancy occurs we become numb, neutral, unaware of God's voice, oblivious to the Holy Spirit, and we just go through the motions of life. Still believing in the theology that transformed us, but detached from the power which is its essence. The word of God and the Holy Spirit go hand in hand, but in this season, we take it upon ourselves to detach it, and it leads us into a lonely place. There are other seasons we go through when the evidence of these fruits are clear and beautiful. Season's of Growth and Passion, lead us closer and closer, with hearts of fire for the Lord. In these seasons the fruits are growing, bright, being nurtured, and shared.

How do we keep the fruits of the spirit evident in our lives? I think the simple answer here is: discipline. Because we inevitably will go through different seasons of life, some easier than others, we have to be intentional about our disciplines. Paul talks about training ourselves in Godliness in 1 Timothy.

Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
1 Timothy 4: 7,8.

We probably won't always "feel like" training. Some days it will feel good, some days we will be too tired, some days we feel completely detached. But making a decision to daily and intentionally, regardless of feeling "train ourselves in Godliness" will allow these fruits to remain evident and alive in our lives.

God does not expect perfection, but he is glorified as our character is refined to reflect these fruits of the spirit, living a life seeking his kingdom above all things.

If you are ready to intentionally be discipled by Jesus, and not let the world/ culture disciple and shape you anymore, let's connect and talk about how Christian Life Coaching can get you there! http://www.praiselifecoaching.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8778962

What All Women Should Know About Hair Extensions

For many ladies, it seems that whatever you do, you just can't get your hair to look like the one that your favourite Hollywood celebrity is currently sporting. You always have frizzy, dry and unruly hair. Worse, after a haircut, you find that it usually takes you months to grow your hair to your desired length and as such, you are stuck with a do that you don't like for a really long period of time.

At present, there are several types of treatments that are really the perfect solution for any kind of hair problems you may have. One of these treatments or solutions is hair extensions.

Hair Extensions

If you are still clueless about what these are, hair extensions are products that are placed on a person's locks of hair to make it longer.

They can be made up of human hair, synthetic products or a combination of human, synthetic and even animal hair.

The process of applying this product can be quite tricky and this always has to be done by a trained and skilled hairdresser. The process of putting this on starts with placing the product on the parting of a small section of hair. The hair will then be criss-crossed over the extension. The real hair and the extension will then be tightly plaited or braided together and painted with bonding solutions. Lastly, through "heat sealing", a heated clamp will be used to melt the solution to seal the extension around the hair.

If applied properly, most hair extensions will last up to four months. However, after this length of time, the special glue-like bond used will begin to loosen and the extensions will fall off.

Advantages Of Using Hair Extensions

The following are some of the benefits of having hair extensions:

• You can have the natural look of having long locks without waiting too long for your locks to grow and reach the length you want.

• With this product, you will easily have an instant new look that is quite easy to care for and maintain.

• You can have an intricate pattern of different colors or beads added to the extension anytime you want to without damaging your tresses.

Disadvantages Of Having Hair Extensions

Below are some of the downsides of having this hair product:

• This product can damage your natural tresses. The glue used to attach the extension to your natural locks can burn and split the ends of your hair when you have the extension removed.

• Additional pressure is also applied to your scalp if a lot of long or heavy extensions are added. This can lead to your natural tresses thinning as well.

• Some individuals have also complained of having headaches because of the additional weight of the hair and even allergies to the bonding glue used.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8786861

Dressing for Success - Style Extras

STYLE EXTRAS

If you want to add a spark of unique creativity to the clothes you wear then it's all about choosing the right accessories. Beautifully cut neutral colored clothes can act as the perfect backdrop for some eye-catching pieces. And in fact, the whole character of a garment can be changed by simply swapping around your accessories. For example, take that little black dress. A classic crepe number will see you through the working day with some low heeled pumps and delicate gold jewelry. But if you have an after-office function you can swap those pumps for a strappy high heel, add some sparkle with some rhinestone drop earrings and wrap yourself in a vibrant silk shawl.

WHAT IS YOUR STYLE?

Generally speaking each of us tends to veer towards one particular category when it comes to selecting accessories. There are four main groups that include the real thing, fun and slightly frivolous, fake and ethnic.

THE REAL THING

Accessories that can be classified under this heading can be seen as investment pieces of an iconic and influential fashion designer's watch, handbag, or shoes. These style extras are all about cost per wear. If you love designer goods then keep them in top condition and you can probably sell them on if you get tired of them. However if you cannot afford high-profile labels you can still shop for high quality items. A slim leather belt with a pretty clasp can look very stylish, or a delicate solid gold chain need not cost a fortune. And if you buy a good quality leather bag it will last much longer than a synthetic one. And silk scarves stand apart from their polyester rivals because they drape so beautifully. However if you love your labels and you're on a budget check out vintage shops and fairs and you may spot a bargain!

FUN AND FRIVOLOUS

If you want to embrace a current high fashion look then a cheap and cheerful piece has its place. Accessories in brightly colored plastic are a case in point. Neon colored bangles, oversized gimmicky earrings, synthetic scarves can deliver a powerful punch without breaking the bank. This is all about adding a bit of drama to your wardrobe. Fun accessories work especially well with casual clothes in fabrics like denim, cotton and linen. They are perfect for weekend wear and a hot holiday. As a word of caution do check the finish even on a cheap accessory. Make sure the stitching is neat, that seams are properly finished and that a color finish has been evenly applied. Cheap doesn't mean something has to be shoddy.

FAKING IT

If there is one area in the accessories market where sales have soared in recent years it's the fake it until you make it looks. Most women want designer pieces but few can enjoy the privilege of paying the price. Today it's often hard to tell them apart from the real things. The key to doing fake accessories well is taking the time to hunt out the best quality you can afford, and in this day and age that is not too difficult. Like the fun and frivolous category a good fake piece needs to be really well finished then it will be much harder to distinguish it from the real thing.

ETHNIC

No matter what decade of fashion we're in it's nearly always possible to spot some ethnic jewelry on the catwalks. It is the coupling of the vibrancy of color with some intricate design work that makes them so popular. If you dislike mass produced goods this will be your comfort zone. If you enjoy traveling try to find some unusual pieces on your trip. However a word of caution about ethnic accessories is that you need to be careful of overkill. Because the designs can be loud they need to be left to shine on their own. A gorgeous cuff doesn't necessarily need a matching ring, earrings and necklace. Worked cleverly ethnic pieces can add the wow factor to an otherwise plain outfit.

SOME EXTRA TIPS

1. It's a good idea to create two separate collections for your accessories - one for summer and another for winter. For example, canvas totes, espadrilles, a straw clutch, a brightly colored bandana are the right weight and cloth type for your hot weather wardrobe. Whereas, leather, wool, tartan, sheepskin should be reserved for the winter.


2. To flatter your complexion pick your favorite color in a scarf then even if you have a neutral top you can wear something very eye-catching next to your face.


3. Accessories are a great way to highlight your best features. Draw attention to your hair with sparkly clips, dress your legs in top quality panty hose, show off a lovely trim waist with an embellished belt.


4. If you are stuck for inspiration about how to work your accessories for the current season study the windows in your local mall for some styling ideas.

FIVE TIMELESS ACCESSORIES

With so many accessories to choose from where do you start if you want to rework your wardrobe? Here are five pieces that are definitely worth investing in.

1. A statement necklace can transform the plainest of tops. It doesn't have to be expensive but it does need to be eye-catching.


2. A gorgeous clutch with a touch of glamour. It is so easy to plan for a special occasion and completely forget to have the right bag. Many women have made this mistake and end up taking their everyday bag to a dinner date or a party. One good clutch bag will suffice to have those events covered.


3. A pashmina scarf just doesn't date - it's a fashion classic. Choose several in strong vibrant colors to spice up your outfits.


4. With so many body-con styles still hitting the fashion headlines you can create your own shaping with a wide leather belt. Pick a classic shade like black and it can work with any number of clothes.


5. Black patent pumps just look stylish. They add elegance to a simple dress and look equally good under a pair of skinny pants.

Gloria Coleman, is the founder of ProminentImpressions Image Consulting. She is a champion for women who feel insecure about their appearance and helps them to tap into the essence of their authentic personality and unleash it outwardly in a way that is classy and fashionable.

Through her proprietary program, Robe for Righteousness, a systematic approach to help women express a 3-C Style Presence, she has been featured on syndicated radio KISS 104.1 FM and is a sought after speaker for women support groups, retreats, and faith-based organizations.

To discover more about Gloria, visit http://www.prominentimpressions.com and receive the complimentary style e-guide Robe for Righteousness: 25 Essential Items for Every Woman's Wardrobe complete with style tips to encourage you to creatively assert your authentic style identity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8780495

Valerie Pierre

Interview with Valerie Pierre - Owner of Mommy R and R

Mommy R and R is an event coordinating company that organizes events exclusively for moms in the Brooklyn and Manhattan area. The goal is to get moms to RELEASE the stress that gets built up from your everyday routine so that you can feel REJUVENATED and RECHARGED.

All Things Caribbean Cuisine: Where are you from and/or what is your nationality?

Valerie Pierre: I was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. My mom is from North Carolina and my dad was born in Port-au Prince, Haiti. I've been living in Brooklyn for almost 14 years.

All Things Caribbean Cuisine: What is the idea behind Mommy R and R?

Valerie Pierre: As a stay at home mom of 2 toddler aged children I would often attend a lot of mommy and baby groups. However, I found no mommy to mommy groups. So I started Mommy R and R as a way to bring together women from Brooklyn and the surrounding boroughs which would allow them (and me) to meet moms from the area and to be able to rest their minds and bodies at events that are geared towards moms.

All Things Caribbean Cuisine: What was the most exotic food you've ever eaten?

Valerie Pierre: The most exotic food I've ever eaten was caviar. Talk about an acquired taste. I'm not saying that I hated it, but I'm also not saying that I'll ever order it again. The crackers from it was a turn off for me. But, it's good to try things at least once to say that you've experienced it.

All Things Caribbean Cuisine: What was your biggest challenge when creating Mommy R and R and how have you overcome them?

Valerie Pierre: My biggest challenge is worrying if people will like me. I can't say that I've completely overcome this obstacle. Like now, I have a few people suggesting that I do YouTube videos. I have a very animated way about me. You can't get the full scope on my website; it's something you have to witness. Yet, here I am paranoid about if I'll be embraced or ridiculed for my outrageous borderline inappropriate behavior. But, I could be worried about nothing. My videos could be a hit! So to keep the worry from really getting to me like how it used to I tell myself, "I know I'm not going to please everyone but if I can make a mom laugh because she can relate to what I'm saying then I've done my job."

All Things Caribbean Cuisine: What is your go to meal that you make for yourself/family every week?

Valerie Pierre: My favorite go to meal is baked fish, with sweet potatoes and steamed veggies. I could eat this meal for the rest of my life. Now my husband on the other hand, is quite sick of it. But, I'm okay with that. I'll happily make him another meat dish unless he opts for take-out.

All Things Caribbean Cuisine: When your home, how do you relax? What fun and silly things do you like to do?

Valerie Pierre: My favorite thing to do after everyone is asleep is make a gigantic mug of blueberry tea and read. I recently finished Eric Jerome Dickey's 'A Wanted Woman'. It was great, action at every turn. Now I'm on to 'The Wolf of Wall Street'. The movie was bananas so I've already braced myself for all the debauchery the movie left out. I also love driving and dancing games on my Wii. I will queue up Proud Mary and go insane. It is silly fun and a work out all rolled into one.

All Things Caribbean Cuisine: What is your favorite Caribbean meal to make or eat?

Valerie Pierre: So despite the fact that I'm Haitian and married to a Haitian man I cannot make one Caribbean meal. Please don't judge me on that. However, I do like roti's and a few other Haitian dishes I just don't know the names of them.

All Things Caribbean Cuisine: What is the one place in the world you would love to visit?

Valerie Pierre: I am enamored with the Bora islands ever since I saw those beautiful hut rooms; you know the ones that are built on the ocean. I knew I had to go there and witness it firsthand. My 10 year wedding anniversary is a few years away and at a rate of those rooms I need to start saving right now. Other places on my bucket list of travels are Kenya, Paris, Greece and Japan.

Raphaelita Justice is a Real Estate agent. She has a PR company that specializes in Branding, Marketing and Social Media. In her spare time she blogs about the Caribbean and food http://allthingscaribbeancuisine.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8780780

Menopause Facts: Oral Health Changes

When women hit menopause and start experiencing the standard symptoms, many women, including dentists, do not know that oral health is affected by the fluctuation of hormones. This also includes gum disease and your related jaw bones. It has been determined that approximately 44% of women between 55 to 90 will have some sort of oral health problem. This is something that should not be ignored.

Many people who find that they have major changes in oral health probably had signs before it was detected by a dentist. This includes:

* Bleeding Gums (including red tint on tooth-brush after brushing)

* Dry Mouth

* Swollen gums

* Pus around the teeth and gums

* Persistent bad breath (Gingivitis)

* Slightly loose teeth

* Teeth cracking and breaking easily (without known cause)

* Teeth not fitting together properly when you bite down

Being undetected can lead to periodontitis which may require oral surgery if left untreated. It has also been determined by the American Cancer Society that gum disease increases the risk of heart disease.

To validate the information, the results of oral health combined with menopause has been researched and documented by reputable institutions. The research confirmed that there are definite connections between oral health and menopause. Luckily the oral health problems are correctable with proper treatment and stepping up the standard practice of flossing and brushing.

The regime below is generally recommended by dentists (Called the FBI Method by some dentists):

* Floss properly (Now advised to do it twice a day)

* Brush thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste (That supports gum health with a rotating brush)

* Irrigate (water pick type of tool that can take the place of flossing)

Dentists also recommend some changes in daily habits and foods to control bleeding gums:

* Stop Smoking

* Reduce the intake of processed foods and replace with fruits, vegetables, and supplements approved by your dentist

* Research your medications to see if they are known to affect gum tissue. You may need to replace with an alternative medicine

* Keeping up dental care regime every day and brush at least 3 times a day

Many individuals who dislike flossing find using a water pick has been a good replacement. It reaches into hard to reach area's and under the gums where plaque builds up. The downside is that many of the water picks create a messy situation with water spraying everywhere. To control the mess, there is a device that you can attach to the shower hose that many people prefer. It comes with a reservoir attached to hold the liquid which requires daily filling. Another great benefit of the water pick is that you can mix in your favorite mouth wash for an even cleaner feeling.

These techniques if followed religiously should keep bacteria and gum disease away. Changes in hormone levels that have come about naturally or induced from surgery, almost always create other changes within your body. Always check with your dentist to determine the best possible regime and confirming there isn't anything else going on with your oral health that may require medical attention.

Written by Jenna Keller

Living the Mature Woman Life Happy and Healthy

http://www.jennareviews.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8761463