One of the first things you say to yourself when you look in the mirror is, “How do I look?” How do you look? Does your weight bother you? Do you wear glasses? Do you have acne? Do you look totally different today than you did six (6) months ago? The fact of the matter is, you have entered a phase in your life where you look and feel like a completely different person. Your body is growing and maturing. As it develops, it is important to receive essential nutrients and vitamins. While you probably aren’t thinking about nutrients and vitamins as you dig into that deep dish, pepperoni pizza, there are all sorts entering your body and contributing to the development of its infrastructure. Think of your diet as the frame to a house. The house would not be able to stand if it did not have a solid, reliable frame to support it. The same goes for your body. If you do not have a healthy, well-balanced diet to support your body, it can’t support itself.

Be conscious of what you eat. Often times we are too busy to pack lunches or prepare meals.  When we are unprepared for our meals and hunger strikes, we feel forced to eat whatever is most convenient. Unfortunately, convenient choices do not always make for healthy choices. Even though you might feel satisfied from your convenient meal, your body can still be starving for its essential nutrients. The idea is to feed your body for fuel. As a growing teenager, the last thing you want is for your body to run low on energy. Your body is constantly evolving and needs fuel to assist with the changes. It is best to ingest foods that generate energy and brain power- i.e. nuts, lean meats, or fresh fruits and veggies.  Now when you are out with your friends late night and you get a bad case of the munchies, you don’t necessarily have to avoid McDonald’s or Wendy’s, but be conscious of the healthier menu options.  Salads, grilled chicken sandwiches, and smoothies are all fast-food, healthy choices that will keep your body functioning at optimum levels.  Also, don’t be afraid to throw a few healthy snacks in your cute little purse. It won’t matter when hunger strikes or how inconvenient it happens to be, if you have a healthy snack handy. Grab a granola bar, an apple, or even make yourself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. By keeping your body nutritionally satisfied you can avoid those unfortunate hunger pains.

The human body is extremely advanced and adapts quickly to any situation. When you don’t eat, your body assumes there is no food and enters preservation mode. The body has no idea when and/or if it will receive another meal. In turn, it stores whatever fat you have in your body and slows your metabolism. The metabolism is the process in which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. As previously mentioned, your body uses this energy to maintain functionality and meet certain levels of performance.  I am not sure about you, but as a woman who is extremely eager about being the best me I can be, the last thing I want is to allow my body to function at a substandard level. Your body is you’re your mode of transportation throughout life. Without a healthy, well-functioning body, where will you go?

When people think of the body, they don’t think of the entire body. From head to toe, each inch of you needs nutrients and vitamins. It can be difficult to receive the recommended amounts, so it is important to explore other avenues and know your options. Always consult with your family doctor. As a growing woman you should visit a doctor at least once a year for a routine check-up. Your doctor will be able to advise you on what your body needs and how to attain those basic nutrients.

Don’t be afraid to take care of your body. It is one heck of a machine that requires maintenance. You are the operator. Food is intended to fuel our bodies and provide life. Don’t allow it to be your downfall. Remember, your body cannot support itself without a solid infrastructure. Consuming an unhealthy diet will have its effects not only on your body but eventually your life.  So, take the time to examine your diet. What are you eating? What is eating you?  Be conscious! Take a look in the mirror and ask yourself, “How do I look?” No matter the response, know that you can be as healthy and as beautiful as you allow yourself to be.

-Heidi Thomas

Until next time ladies, healthy eating, body consciousness, health and beauty!

This time last week I was on vacation in the Dominican Republic with six of my oldest and closest friends, and we had an incredible time. We drove dune buggies through the mud in the countryside, went snorkeling, and even swam with starfish. We kicked it at the resort, lit up the dance floor in the club, and gambled in the casino. For me, this was a life-changing trip. On one hand, I realized that I need to devote more time to traveling to new places and having new experiences, and on the other, I was reminded of how fortunate I am to have the friends that I do. We encourage, support, and challenge each other, and though we may have bumps in the road, I have always known that no matter what happens between us, they’ve got my back.

That trip was awesome, but it was not without its faults. The sun and the salt water wreaked havoc on my skin. There were a few times that I got out of the water and felt a stinging sensation on my face. I rinsed it off with some bottled water, washed it with soap when I got to the room, and kept it moving. Yesterday, when I woke up, I noticed that my skin was peeling. My nose, my forehead….it was all bad. So I made sure to go by the store and get some facial scrub so that I can exfoliate. That way I can scrub off all of the dead skin cells to reveal new healthy ones.

I know that this stuff may seem random, but I promise I’m going to tie it together for you. There are generally two types of people in your life: those who are full of life and help you grow and those who are full of death/negativity and have you out here looking crazy. Your experiences in life are like that trip I just took. There will be times that awesome things happen that reveal who has your back and inspires you to continue to nurture those relationships. Then there will be other times that even though someone convinced you to do something and you may have had fun doing it you were doing damage to yourself and/or others. These are the people that you need to exfoliate. There will be signs that something isn’t right, similar to the stinging sensation that I felt on my face. Doing a superficial rinse may not be enough. You may need to do a serious scrub to make sure you remove them from your life. That is the only way you can make room for the healthy relationships that make you glow.

-Tiffany Vicks

“Failure I can live with. Not trying is what I can’t handle!” – Sanya Richard-Ross

“It’s in our chasing that dream that we become the people we only DREAM of.” – Sanya Richard-Ross

“Since I was a young girl I always set lofty goals for myself.  And there will always be a lot of noise in the market.  A lot of voices in your head trying to take away your focus.” -Sanya Richard-Ross

Determination, talent and a presence to command any stage she steps on describes Miss Kaylah “SHARVE” Baker! Only at 14, she has experience in modeling, acting , and singing. Hailing from Houston, Texas, the singer/songwriter will release  “What You Think I’m On” featuring Young Marqus  on September 3 2013!

In addition to Kaylah’s exposure with acting, she has taken part in singing and modeling opportunities. She was a contestant in the Sunburst Beauty Pageant, American Coed, Little Miss Texas and University Royalty Pageants. Kaylah has performed vocally in the Sugarland Junior Talent Competition, Little Miss Texas Pageant,  Toddlers and Tiaras, United Negro College Fund, and POSE Vintage Runway Show just to name a few!  She has also appeared in national print advertisements for Freescale Electronics Company and Harcourt Science Textbooks.

Kaylah also has a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower teens to use their creative talents as a vehicle to make positive changes in the community. Kaylah has served as a member of the Drama Team, Teen Praise Dance ministry, and Voices of Christ. Kaylah is incredibly self-motivated, and believes that if you put GOD first anything is possible.

Let’s get to know Sharve a little better!

You’re an amazing singer/songwriter, how did you first dive into music?

Well I have a family history of singers and singing has always been a part of my life and it was something I was destined to do.  I started writing songs at the age of 7. I can recall my first song was “Never Let Go”.  Although I have been singing since I could talk, I sang in front of a real audience when I was about 8 years old and have been singing ever since.

Your first single comes out on September 3 with hot artist Young Marqus, how does it feel to have your own single at only 14?

Wow, words cannot explain, I am still in shock.  Although I have been singing for a while, I started my professional music journey only about three months ago with my manager Wayne “Brainchild” Anderson and everything has taken off so fast.  I didn’t expect to have a single out so soon but my manager has worked super hard to make sure everything was a success.  Working with Young Marqus was amazing.  He is such a talented artist and very down to earth.  Not only did my musical career take off so fast but I got to work with someone who is at the top of the charts right now in the teenage market.  It has been an awesome experience so far and it’s only going to get better.

 You also run a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower teens to tap into their talent and help build up their community, why is important for you to give back?

My parents have always taught us that “It is better to give that to receive”.  I think that it is so important to help other people because you will be blessed in the long run.  My mom helped me start the organization iKOOL (Keating Our Own Legacy) last year and I wanted to focus on the arts and empower teens to use their creative talents in whatever way they can to help make our community better.  I also have a program called Sharve’s Sweethearts and its mission is to assist young girls with illnesses such as cancer and diabetes.  I just want to help in any way I can.

Being young and having responsibilities can sometimes get to be a bit overwhelming, how do you regroup and motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?

I have always had to juggle many responsibilities but I never felt like it was too much.  I have always been an honor student taking advanced courses while participating in cheer, drama, basketball, track, choir, praise dance, etc… so I guess I’m used to it. If I ever do feel defeated though, I always know that I can pray about it and ask God to give me the strength to handle the situation.

Your future is shining extremely bright! What projects can we expect from you in the near future?

We are currently working on a mini tour to promote my new single.  I have several radio and television interviews scheduled for promotion as well.  I am also in the studio working on new songs to be released on my next EP next year.  I have one of the best songwriters in the business Ms. Tami Latrell, from Atlanta, who has written songs for Whitney Houston, Keyshia Cole and many more. I am so excited about what’s next.  I have a new website that will be ready next month but in the meantime you can follow me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/iamsharve, twitter/instagram @iamsharve and Youtube http://www.youtube.com/iamsharve

We are all about female empowerment, What does EMPOWERMENT mean to you?

Empowerment means to teach or help someone learn something that will help them become a better person and feel good about themselves; sharing your gifts and GOD-given talents to help and uplift others and helping them to realize their full potential.

Time for the Faves! Celeb Crush? Artist? Food? Movie?

My celebrity crush is Jacob Lattimore!  I have all of his songs on my IPOD and listen to them basically everyday.  Two of my favorite artists are John Legend and Tori Kelly. I was born in Louisiana so I love spicy cajun food and my absolute favorite is CRAWFISH! I could literally eat crawfish everyday. The Blindside and Miss Congeniality are two of my favorite movies.

Check out more Sharve!

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

(image credit: instagram.com/murderrburgerr)

*Sings* “It’s the most, wonderful time of the yeeeeeeaaaaaarrrrrrrr!”. Remember that hilarious commercial that painfully reminded us about fall semester approaching? I happen to enjoy back-to-school season, but millions of people dread the thought. I admit, I used to have a difficult time wrapping my head around the fact that for the next nine months following summer I will be sitting in a dreary classroom listening to Ben Stein lecture too. Okay, not really Ben Stein, but that’s what most professors sound like after a while anyway. Now I’m immune to it all.

Gym class. I mean really, do we have to do all of this physical activity, in the middle of the day, and then go back to class like nothing happened? Something happened! It is written all over my hair. I’m sweaty and I smell like yuck! I need to shower, but the locker room gives me the heebie jeebies. It’s just a bit much… gym class. Ugh!  Who likes gym class?

Let’s be honest, not everyone is an athlete. We do not all wake up craving fitness. For those us who do not, gym class is probably the best option. Yes, it is happens during the most inopportune time of your day, but the physical activity is just what the doctor ordered.  Gym class allows you to be physically active while having fun with your peers. You get to laugh and talk to your classmates as you exercise your muscles and burn a few extra calories. It is recommended that teenage girls engage in at least an hour of physical activity every day. Being active in gym class is a great way to ensure you receive the suggested amounts of exercise.

What is a girl’s biggest fear… a bad hair day? Don’t allow a minute detail to determine whether or not you will participate in gym class.  Come prepared.  Bring a hair bush, comb, ponytail holder, gel, hair spray, bobby pins… whatever you think you will need.  A hairstyle should have very little impact on your decision to participate in gym class and nurture a healthy lifestyle. Find hairstyles that are suitable for exercise. There is the infamous ponytail, two French braids are a hot trend this year, or even a high bun. All three (3) hairstyles are sleek and trendy, but will also see you through a good round of cardio and leave you with absolutely no fuss.

If you are uncomfortable taking a shower in your locker room, I understand. I advise packing baby wipes, rubbing alcohol, and a face towel in your gym bag.  All three (3) help remove the sweat and smell from your body. Pack extra clothes. Yoga pants are extremely comfortable after a good workout. Also, a good workout will generate a more active metabolism leaving you feeling hungry. Don’t grab that slice of pepperoni pizza! While we all fall victim to cravings from time-to-time, you don’t want to jeopardize the hard work and calories burned.  So, pack a snack and refreshing beverage for post gym class. The snack will keep your metabolism active and burning calories, while the beverage will refresh your body and keep you hydrated.

So what if gym class isn’t for you? No big deal! There are plenty of physical activities that encourage an active, healthy lifestyle and don’t require your enrollment in a gym class. It might take some time and research to find something suitable for yourself, but the time spent finding your niche is an investment is of invaluable return.  The idea is to be encouraged and discover a physical activity most beneficial for your personality.  The more enjoyable the activity, the greater chance you have at staying committed and holding yourself accountable. Daily exercise increases brain function and generates a natural flow of endorphins throughout the body, both of which lead to a very healthy and a very happy you. So, take control of your healthy and your happy by finding a daily dose physical activity. If you can’t decide what your daily dose will be, register for a gym class and stay active.

Until next time ladies, have peace, self-love, health and beauty.

It seems like most people think that they are good listeners. I know I do, but if I’m completely honest, I also know that when I’m angry I suck at listening. A lot of times I may talk over people or listen to what they say but instead of trying to understand and digest what they’re saying, I’m actually just thinking of what I’m going to say in response. When in a relationship, it’s a certainty that your mate will upset you and some form of conflict may ensue. It may be a calm discussion, a heated argument or a spirited debate, but either way both of you are going to need to be able to listen in order to come to a meaningful resolution. So, my piece of advice to you is to shut up and listen – REALLY listen.

My two main issues are talking over people and making a mental list of my rebuttal to every point they make. Both of these things make me a bad listener because neither allows me to actually hear what they’re saying. Of course I hear them talking, but I’m not really putting an effort into taking in what they’re trying to tell me. That makes it more difficult to find common ground, which is the whole point of a meaningful argument in the first place. So the next time you find yourself having a disagreement, try to put your agenda on hold for a minute and make an honest effort at trying to understand what the person is trying to tell you. If you’re used to flying off the handle all of the time, you may find this a little difficult at first, but keep trying. Really listening, and doing it consistently, will help you resolve conflicts faster and may help you better understand the people with whom you’re arguing. So the next time you’re in the middle of a debate and you feel yourself about to go off, shut up, calm your nerves, check your emotions and listen to what the other person is trying to say. It’s worth it.

-Tiffany Vicks

So you have a sickness. You haven’t admit it to anyone and the doctor say no matter how much antibiotics you take or sleep you get, they can’t patch you up. Ok, here it goes, for some reason every time money touches your hand it runs through you like water! As soon as you reach out to receive it you already know that is going to vanish within the next 24 hours.  So you need to find a cure asap!! Because trying to save for the homecoming dress you spotted 2 weeks ago and still try to get the perfect shoes, your allowance and part time gig is just not cutting it like it used to. Here are a few key ways to stretch that dollar bill!

Food– Yes, every type of fast food joint is just “oh so conveniently” placed right around your school. So picking up a breakfast sandwich or banging out a Whopper is as easy as 1, 2, 3! But as quick as you are to pull out your wallet to pick up the “addictive but unhealthy” foods, have you been just as quick to add how much you spend in a week or even a month on food?? I know you love running away from the truth… but it will set you free! Ok, so you already know what I’m going to say. Instead of constantly swiping your card, carry snacks you can throw in your bag. Munch on healthy snacks throughout the day so not only you save money but then you’re not scarfing down the closest big mac in hands reach when you get a chance. So you can’t cut cold turkey?? Ok so make it a treat, maybe just treat your self on Fridays until you ween yourself off completely.

Clothing– Clothes are a slice piece of heaven for you. You love everything about fashion and style so you feel like that’s where should your money go, right?? Wrong! You can still scream “style icon” on a budget! You can give yourself mini shopping sprees and not come up broke. So thrifting is one of our faves ways to get unique clothing on a budget. But even if “thrifting” is not your thing all your fave boutiques and stores have great sales atleast a couple of times a year! So I know that getting tons of emails can some what be annoying but they may be you ticket to saving you a good amount of money a month. So the next time you shop make sure you receive their email blasts so you can hold out your shopping spree until it hits. So the best way you can save up a good portion and get more for your dollar!

Entertainment– Give yourself a weekend budget in order to not over spend. Sooo headed to the movies?? Have a pitch in meal before you go! The money you guys spend on individual snacks you could have a hefty feast between the 4 of you guys! So instead of spending 20 bucks you guys can have taco night for the whole night.Also as a new driver you’re just realizing why your mom would silently curse to herself each time she passes a gas station…because it is no where near cheap to drive! So instead of driving aimlessly around the city have a set map of your stops so you can cut down on gas money also

Well its better to learn it now then being old and unfabulous, right??

Good morning!

Get into Eriam’s Sister’s dope song —->’Deadline’