Happy Mondayyyyyyy!

What do you get when you mix ambition, intelligence and determination?  Sonya Madison is the woman that should come to mind! Not only has she devoted her life to law but is also the creator  of Conscious Loopholes! This platform uses the law and consciousness to balance extremities in news, government, music, television, and sports. Conscious Loopholes has a video broadcast on ustreamtv.com, hosted by Sonya Madison, to discuss the week’s top stories and the underlying consciousness.

Let’s get to know Sonya Madison a little better…

You are a doing awesome things as a young female attorney, what made you want to dive into the career of law?
Thank you. I decided to pursue a legal career at a young age because I enjoyed debating issues.

Share with our readers about Conscious Loopholes: Finding Balance within the Sensationalism and the meaning behind this development?

Conscious Loopholes is about using the law to balance the sensationalism in news and entertainment. With reality television, an uncompromising government, and news coverage that is often one-sided and politically subjective, our lives can become consumed with negativity or a false sense of reality. However as long as sex, fights, and prejudices drive ratings, I don’t expect the media to stop giving people what they want. Therefore I wanted to use my expertise in the law to provide a forum for thought provoking discussion on what is presented on television and in the media. If people are going to continue watching, hopefully by providing legal implications to the story they add a little consciousness to their entertainment.

Where do you see your career as an attorney taking you in the next 5 years?

In five years I see myself either continuing to provide legal counseling to corporations or analyzing the law in the news as a legal correspondent.

We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?

Many people inspire me for many different reasons. My mother inspires me as a woman because she is successful in her career and giving in her community. Legal analysts like Sunny Hostin and Megyn Kelly inspire me because they have a career I aspire to and their knowledge as well as presentation on camera make them good models to follow. I am also inspired by people pursuing their goals. Successful people often convey the difficulties and setbacks they experienced trying to achieve a dream. I am also sometimes frustrated in my pursuits. Therefore observing other people articulate their passion and refuse to give up inspires me.

What are 3 pieces of advice you would give to girls who want to pursue their dreams in law?

1) Do research. The law comes in many forms and is constantly changing. If she wants to be a lawyer, she should know what that entails beyond what is heard or seen on television. A lawyer carries many hats and one size does not always fit all. Furthermore, there are careers in law outside of being an attorney. Research enables her to focus on which area complements her interests.

2) Seek a mentor. A mentor should not only provide advise on your legal journey, but also provide resources to ensure you’re on the right path.

3) Stay empowered. Everyone can dream, but the pursuit takes more than a vision. Be focused, surround yourself with encouragement, and stay empowered. Maintaining our faith in ourselves is part of the journey.

We are all about EMPOWERMENT at C.O.R.E mag, What does empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means strength to me.

Fun Faves!Fave Food? Artist? Song?

I enjoy stir fry dishes and 90s music.

Check out more of Sonya…

Conscious Loopholes

Twitter

Check out fly actress, Tanya Chisholm, as our InstaGLAM pick of the week!

You know how they say life and death are in the power of the tongue? Meaning the things that you say can largely affect the outcome of a situation. That’s a true statement, but I am inclined to believe that it doesn’t go far enough. Failure and success are determined largely by our thoughts. The words don’t even have to make it out of our mouths.

People who tell themselves negative things will often get negative results. It’s hard enough to overcome the negative thoughts and actions of others, so having to overcome negativity in your own mind can make a difficult obstacle seem insurmountable. There’s no need to put that extra pressure on yourself.

We all come from different situations. Some of us may have better support systems than others, but we all have the capacity to create success no matter how many people we have cheering us on. Cheerleaders are great, but it’s the players who win the game. In your life you’re the one who decides whether you’re a winner or loser. That’s something you make up in your own mind, so you’d better get your mind right.

Wining about how hard it is, procrastinating, selling yourself short, internalizing the negativity of others– ain’t nobody got time for that! If you want to accomplish something, just make your mind up and do it. It’s that simple. So, if you’re struggling with something, something that you really want to do and know that you can do, stop it. Stop struggling. Stop complaining. Stop procrastinating. Stop sabotaging your success. Take a minute to get your mind right. Then just go handle your business.

-Tiffany Vicks

This time of the year everyone is focused on the holiday cheer. Some people are shopping while others  are cooking, but everyone is doing something to prepare for the season. It’s a jubilant time filled with lots of love. Of the holiday season, Thanksgiving and the New Year are my personal favorites. It isn’t about the gifts or the parties (well, kind of); it is about the thankfulness and thought of new beginnings that flows from one heart to another.

As I look over the last year of my life, I cannot help but give thanks for my health. The seeds I’ve sewn for a healthy lifestyle have turned into a bountiful harvest and created some of the best new beginnings I’ve ever experienced. Because I have devoted so much of myself and my life to a healthier me, I’ve achieved a number of self improvements. I have more energy, I am more confident, and I can think more clearly. I no longer rely on substances or food to make me appreciate life. I rely on self. I encourage myself to love me. If there is something about me or my life I am dissatisfied with, it’s my responsibility to make the necessary changes. Knowing that I have been able to better my health in such great magnitude gives me the strength and confidence to tackle other challenges I experience in life.

I advocate a healthy life because I know firsthand the benefits you receive from giving yourself a little tender love and care. We all have health issues we can a dress. Whether it is making sure we wear our glasses or minimizing our stress levels, we must take the time to make ourselves a bit healthier in 2014. If you make one small change a week or a month before you know it a year has passed and you are a completely different (better) person. Don’t be afraid to make changes, but be thankful you are able to make those changes and take control of your life. Know that in the end your harvest will be bountiful blessed.

As I encourage you to take on the challenge of creating a healthier you, I also encourage you to enjoy your life. I recently discovered that no matter how healthy one might be physically or nutritionally, if you’ve neglected yourself the right to enjoy life, you are just as unhealthy as someone who eats cheeseburgers and french fries on a daily- okay, maybe not that unhealthy, but you get the point. I used to be so incredibly hard on myself when it came to enjoying a warm bowl of peach cobbler or a serving of macaroni and cheese. I allowed my healthy lifestyle to prevent me from enjoying life; and this should never be the case. The objective of being healthy is to put yourself in a position where you can better enjoy living, not to be held back from simple pleasures. I constantly remind myself that balance and moderation too are a part of a healthy lifestyle. So guess what, I will have my macaroni and cheese and  some kind of fabulous dessert at Christmas dinner. Why? Because both of those things make me happy and a person who is happy is light years healthier than a person who is not. Will my stomach bloat for a couple of days; will I have to work out a little harder for my own psyche? Yes, but it is all worth it knowing I didn’t have to ignore the things that make me happy and contribute to my overall healthiness.

As you embark on a new year, embark on a new you! Make a promise to yourself to be a healthier
person in 2014. If healthier means less gossip hold yourself accountable when someone asks for your
unnecessary opinion about your ex’s new boo. If healthier means less stressed incorporate a stress
relieving routine to help keep your mind focused and your heart rate low. If healthier means losing
15 pounds and finally being within your weight range adopt a diet plan that suits your lifestyle and up
your physical activity. One thing to remember is no one’s healthy is the same. As a matter of fact, my
healthy for 2014 is completely different than my healthy for 2013. As with all things in life, once you
reach your desired goals your health will begin to evolve and there will be new challenges and obstacles
to overcome. Welcome everything with grace and poise and know that in the end it is all for the benefit
and beautification of you.

As you enjoy your holiday season and close out 2013 please, please welcome a healthier you in the year
to come. Accept and embrace the challenge of your development and brace yourself for a self imposed
increase.

Until next time beautiful ladies, happy holidays, decadent desserts, and renewed health and beauty!

-Heidi Thomas

Being smart about your funds is just as important as sporting the hottest fashion trends out right now. Hmmm… think about it. If you don’t know how to save then how are you going to buy those hot shoes for your bestie’s party next month? Your parents are going to start giving you that good ol’ side eye the next time you kindly reach your hand out for more money. So hey, before they even give you the “You need to start being responsible” speech beat them to the punch and watch your account grow! Ok, ok enough of the speech let’s see if you are a Budgetnista or not?

Closet Check!– Yes, I know the feeling of fresh clothes in your closet is somewhat addictive! You can feel yourself wanting to rip off the tags as soon as you pull it out the bag and find the perfect place to debut the new piece to your clothes collection. BUT ask yourself how often do you buy new clothes? And where are your fave stores? Do you give yourself a spending limit before going out? Oh how I know you love all these wardrobe is a mixture of higher, lower and thrift pieces!

A Foodie??– You’re telling yourself look, I’m not in 2nd grade anymore and packing lunches are the most annoying thing in the world. I know it seems like all 5 minutes of you preparing a meal the next day is life threatening but its not. How many times do you go to the drive thru after summer school? Or how many McGriddle wrappers are in the back of your car? Setting aside 10 extra minutes to eat breakfast at home or throwing a snack for after school will save up! You’ve probably spent 10 bucks in just vending machines already…Think about it.

Small Temptations– Well, you know that they say it’s not the big problems that drive you crazy but the small bumps in the road that will drive you up the wall. Well, it’s same for your budget. Is it easy for you to get sidetracked? Do you make a lot of thoughtless purchases? It’s not always the huge purchases that makes your account slowly dwindle, it’s more of your small daily temptations that add up! From the Redbox station to the Passion Fruit Ice Tea from star bucks to the new nail polish you snagged at the drugstore. If you really added up a week of your random buys, you just saved up for your prom shoes…Yes, it’s true.

Throwback Thursday in full effect with Destiny’s Child—> Bootylicious!

Good morning!

Rock out to the steez of The Astronomical Kid with his new song for ‘You Know My G’—–>

Throwback Thursday vid pick is the FLY Janet Jackson- Pleasure Principle

Happy Tuesday, loves!

Chill out with Justin Bieber’s dope video & song —-> ‘All That Matters’