10th Annual Baker Motor Company Charleston Fashion Week® announces 16 Emerging Designer Semifinalists

Baker Motor Company Charleston Fashion Week^®(CFW), one of the nation’s leading fashion events, is proud to announce its Emerging Designer Top Design 16 semifinalists for the March 15 – 19, 2016 competition and runway show.

Officially called the Emerging Designer Competition: East presented by Benefitfocus, the top 16 designers were selected from a large pool of applicants from across the East Coast who applied for the coveted opportunity to showcase their talent on a nationally recognized runway in front of leading fashion insiders and more than 1,000 guests each night.

“This year’s applicant pool was the strongest ever. Congratulations to the 16 semifinalists! We are eager to see what the next generation of emerging talent will showcase on the runway in March,” says Jacqueline Lawrence, production director for CFW.

The five-day event, which takes place in Marion Square in downtown Charleston, showcases collections from emerging designers, nationally renowned featured designer runway shows, glamorous on-site tents including the Belk Tent, a multi-media, entertainment and shopping Style Lounge, hip after-parties and much more.

The Emerging Designer Competition began nine years ago and serves as a platform for undiscovered talent, connecting them with fashion industry insiders and tastemakers from CFDA members to top designers like David Hart. Previous winners and contestants have been featured inVOGUE, Marie Claire, ELLE, Women’s Wear Daily and on CNN, along with other major media outlets; and their collections have been picked up by stores including Anthropologie, BARNEY’s New York, and Neiman Marcus.

This year’s fashion panel is again headed by fashion icon and New York Fashion Week Creator Fern Mallis, and will include CFW 2016 Featured Designers Raul Arevalo and Brad Schmidt of CADET, Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters of Creatures of the Wind, and Tracy Reese. The 2016 Emerging Designer Grand Prize Winner, selected by the panel at the end of the week, will receive an enhanced prize package worth more than $40,000, including the following: 
• $10,000 cash
• Featured Designer for Opening Night of CFW 2017
• Once-in-a-lifetime lunch with Fern Mallis in New York City in 2016
• Opportunity to intern for a well-known designer during New York Fashion
  Week in Fall 2016
• A private showing of their collection at New York City retailer In Support Of
  in Fall 2016

The Baker Motor Company Charleston Fashion Week^® 2016 Emerging Designer Competition: East semifinalists chosen to debut their collections are: 

Brendan Combs, Georgia
Destani Hoffman, Alabama
Elias Gurrola, New York
Emily Seifert, New York
Jamie Morrison, North Carolina
JD Noble, Georgia
Jessica Lache Fulks, North Carolina
Jonathan Millner, North Carolina
Kelsey Kawamoto, South Carolina
Lauren Stilwell, North Carolina
Lisa N. Hoang, North Carolina
Michael Mack, New York
Morgan Cook, Georgia
Ricky Lindsay, Florida
Samantha De La Fuente, Florida
Storm Dorris, Georgia

For more information, including ticket prices and availability, visit www.charlestonfashionweek.com.

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HuffPost Women: 48 Things Men Hear In A Lifetime (That Are Bad For Everyone)

Earlier this month, HuffPost Women's viral video "48 Things Women Hear In A Lifetime (That Men Just Don't)" showed the subtle sexism women are subjected to throughout their lives. However, since sexism doesn't exist in a vacuum, the same team is turning the idea around with a new video entitled "48 Things Men Hear In A Lifetime (That Are Bad For Everyone)."

This video shows that the messages men (young and old) hear - "be a man!" "boys don't cry!" "pink is a girl's color!" - all boil down to the same idea: "don't be a woman." Telling men they're not "real men" unless they're tough, financially successful, strong and authoritative not only hurts those that don't fit into these confined parameters but hurts women too. 

The cycle of sexism will never end if we continue to equate traditionally "feminine" qualities as "bad." To hear from the men themselves check out HuffPost Women's video here .  

Rutgers Surpasses $2M Mark for Gloria Steinem Endowed Chair in Media, Culture and Feminist Studies

A little more than a year after launching a campaign to create an endowed chair in honor of modern American feminist Gloria Steinem, Rutgers University officials announced they have surpassed the $2 million mark in donations.

The funds, totaling $2.1 million from more than 250 individuals and 12 foundations, put the university two thirds closer toward the $3 million required to finance the Gloria Steinem Endowed Chair in Media, Culture, and Feminist Studies.

The chair,  a unique collaboration among Rutgers’ Institute for Women’s Leadership (IWL), School of Communication and Information (SCI)  and the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies in the School of Arts and Sciences, will focus on the creative and complex ways information technology and new media are reshaping culture and power relationships.

 “Gloria’s birthday is at the end of March 2016, and that is a real milestone.  Our goal is to raise the remaining $900,000 so that we can announce that the chair is fully endowed on or before that special day,”  said Alison R. Bernstein, director of the IWL, who proposed the idea of a Gloria Steinem chair at Rutgers.

Typically, endowed chairs are named after a single donor, but it is particularly important, Bernstein said, that hundreds will finance this chair, the first of its kind.

“Never before has a chair been named for a feminist icon who is still alive,” Bernstein said. “That more than 250 people have contributed shows they buy into and engage with the values and legacy of Steinem.”

That the $200,000 donation to push funds past $2 million came from another female media pioneer, Fran Zone/John Mack Carter Fund, is equally important, said Bernstein. Zone, an award-winning leadership communication strategist, is the founder and CEO of Zone Communication.

“Fran Zone is a communications and media professional who understood Gloria’s key role in changing the discourse of media to understand and include women and their perspectives at the table,” said Bernstein.

Organizers hope to have the chair filled by the 2016-17 academic year, which coincides with the university’s 250th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the institute.

The Steinem chair will immerse students in debate and scholarship on such issues as how the changing media landscape can bring about social change and how new media technology is influencing the power structure. The person who occupies the chair will teach, conduct research and lead seminars and colloquia focusing on ways to diversify voices in the media, Bernstein said.

According to The Women’s Media Center 2015 report on the “Status of Women in the U.S. Media,” women continue to lack representation in American media. The report found, for example, that 90 percent of Twitter’s tech employees were male and its leadership ranks were 79 percent male.

That imbalance of power inspired the IWL and SCI to create the new Gloria Steinem Media Mentoring Program in conjunction with the endowed chair after receiving a $35,000 grant from the Charles H. Revson Foundation. Launched in September, the pilot program has linked 20 recent Rutgers alumnae with 20 accomplished women in diverse media arenas.

BBB Cautions: Refunds and Exchanges are a Privilege Not a Right for Consumers

What do you do if you receive a Christmas present that doesn’t fit? Or one that you don’t want? Returns and exchanges are common, but the BBB cautions consumers that these actions are privileges a business provides, and not a consumer’s right.

“If you find yourself with an unwanted gift, many stores will allow refunds or exchanges for the sake of good customer relations,” explains Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois.  “However, customers need to remember these actions are privileges stores may allow. They are not consumer rights.” 

Bernas urges that no matter whether the item was purchased in a brick-and-mortar store or online, it is wise look up and understand the return policies to avoid surprises and confusion. Here are several tips and hints to make the process easier for all involved.

•    The most important first step is to determine where the item was purchased.  If you have a gift receipt, it makes the return situation much easier.  However, if you don’t have a receipt, you need to prove that the item was purchased at a given store.  Another more basic issue is the question of whether or not the store will take back the item for either a refund or exchange without proof of purchase.
•   Refund and exchange policies differ. Each store, and in some cases different departments within stores, may have varying refund and exchange policies.  These can depend upon the product or usage.  Policies about returns and exchanges are usually available from the cashiers, stated on the sales slip, or available online. 
• Expect to pay some fees.  Return shipping charges are common.  You may also be subject to restocking fees.  Again, it pays to know the store’s policy ahead of time.
•  Time limits may apply.  Many times stores have a time limit on how long you can keep an item and still return it.  This is usually stated on the receipt or on the company’s website.
•   Unsure, ask the gift giver. If you are not certain where the gift you want to return was purchased or if you don’t have a receipt, ask the gift giver where the item was purchased.  If that person has a receipt, perhaps they could exchange it for you.  If this isn’t possible for personal reasons, you unfortunately have a dilemma.  You can try to return it to the store where you believe the item was purchased.  However, they do not have to accept it back for either a refund or an exchange. 

“When questioning a return or exchange policy, look at the situation from the store’s perspective, Bernas noted. “How does that retailer know that the gift was purchased there?  What evidence do you have that you aren’t trying to cheat the store?” 

And Bernas noted that not all stores have liberal refund and exchange policies.  Many have strict requirements about what can be returned and the time frame of when it can be returned.  Also, some stores are charging a restocking fee even if you do have a receipt. 

“Companies with liberal return policies recognize the customer relations value of them,” he explained.  However, for them to continue these policies, it’s best not to abuse the privilege.  An example of abuse would be purchasing six or seven similar items to try on, recognizing that you will only be keeping one of them.  This type of product prospecting abuses the privilege the store offers to its customers with its exchange and refund policy.” 

Guest Post: Cyber Monday: What to Buy & How to Save

by

Andrea Woroch

While Black Friday gets all the headlines, Cyber Monday quietly steals the show as the biggest online shopping day of the year. In 2014, the event pulled in over $2 billion in e-sales and became the heaviest day of online spending in history. Comparatively, Black Friday pulled in 30-percent less in online sales last year.

With an overwhelming number of online deals, knowing where to find the best prices and tracking hourly sales is tricky. Here are some tips to get the most use from your digital dollar.

Best Cyber Monday Buys

• Apparel: Look for free shipping offers plus site-wide savings of up to 60 percent from a host of apparel brands including Express, Carter's, Joe's Jeans, Kenneth Cole, J. Jill and more.
• Shoes: Like apparel, shoes are a popular Cyber Monday deal with stores like Famous Footwear offering the deepest discounts of the year. Look for free delivery as well as BOGO savings from online shoe stores.
• Toys: Experts agree toys are a better buy after Black Friday, with brands like Mattel and Fisher-Price offering delivery deals and site-wide sales of up to 30-percent off.
• Beauty Products: Stock up on cosmetics and skincare items at a discount for yourself and as gifts. In addition to deals from specialty retailers like Sephora and Ulta, look for savings from specific beauty brands like Clinique.
• Travel: An oft-overlooked deal on Cyber Monday, hotels, airlines, booking sites and other travel companies woo customers with discounts. For example, Starwood Hotels and Resorts is already offering savings of up to 50 percent on over 1,00 properties (blackout dates apply), while Red Roof Inn is offering up to 30-percent off stays through March 31, 2016.

Cyber Monday Shopping Tips

• Shop Safe: Never use public Wifi for online shopping as hackers can easily steal your payment info. Check the reputability of the sites you're shopping with at ResellerRatings.com or BizRate.com.
• Take Advantage of Early Savings: Walmart is launching its Cyber Monday deals starting at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 29, while Target is continuing its 10 Days of Deals through Dec. 1. Start browsing on Sunday and snag early-bird deals. Plus, fill up your cart with coveted items and store payment info for quick checkout.
• Know Price Histories: Like brick-and-mortar stores, online retailers will often inflate the original cost of an item to make their CyberMonday discount seem like a steal. Use Pricespider.com to ensure you're getting a good deal, and try CamelCamelCamel.com for price histories of products sold by Amazon.
• Compare Offers: Find a comprehensive list of Cyber Monday deals and promo codes at sites like CouponSherpa.com which aggregates top deals all in one spot for fast reference.
• Think Fast with Doorbusters: If you've got an online doorbuster on your list, don't let it languish in your shopping cart while you browse for other products. It might be gone when you're ready to check out. Buy it immediately, then head back to shop for other items.
• Review Return Policies: Review return policies so there's no surprise fees if you're dissatisfied with a purchase. You can snag free return shipping when you checkout with your PayPal account, or enjoy a no-risk money guarantee plus free shipping both ways from eBay.

Andrea Woroch is a money-saving expert who transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers by sharing smart spending tips and personal finance advice. As a sought-after media source, she has been featured among such top news outlets as Good Morning America, Today, CNN, Dr. OZ, New York Times, MONEY Magazine, Consumer Reports, Forbes and many more. In addition, Andrea's stories have been published among leading publications and sites such as Yahoo!, AOL Daily Finance, CNN.com, Huffington Post, LearnVest and New York Daily News. Check out Andrea's demo reel or visit her website at AndreaWoroch.com for more information about booking an interview or requesting an original written article. You can also follow her on Twitter or Facebook for daily money tips.

Chloe and Isabel Boutique Special

I have been selling Chloe and Isabel for almost a year now.  I love it.  Their jewelry is fantastic!  I'm very picky about my jewelry, so when I saw Chloe and Isabel, I was excited because it is LIFETIME GUARANTEED and Nickel free!  In future posts, I will be highlighting some of my favorite C + I jewelry pieces.  

I want to offer special deal to you.  Send me an email in hosting a popup in October.  You will love the experience!

How to develop your leadership skills

Could the secret to business and leadership success stem from something as simple as developing a peaceful core?

After suffering a massive stroke that nearly killed him, John Addison, president and CEO of Addison Leadership Group and former co-CEO of Primerica, realized that the power of positive thinking basically saved his life. For John, a peaceful core is the place inside each of us where we can celebrate all the things about ourselves that is great, completely accept all our imperfections, and where we can totally focus on the positive.

With more than 25 years of leadership and personal development experience, John can help guide your readers to find their own peaceful core, including tips/advice such as:

John Addison is the president and CEO of Addison Leadership Group after having served as the Co-CEO of Primerica, Inc. from 1999 to 2015.  During his more than 25-year tenure at Primerica, Addison rose in management and was critical to steering the company through many changes including the company’s separation from Citigroup in 2009, which resulted in one of the most successful IPOs of the decade.  A world-class speaker and motivator, Addison shares his business acumen and leadership insights through speaking engagements, consulting opportunities and an upcoming book (February 2016).

Enjoy the interview on leadership and developing a peaceful core.

Faten Abdallah (FA): Define leader and leadership.

John Addison (JA): Leadership is having the courage to live your true life—the one you were put here to live—and to do it in a way that makes the world a better place than it was before you got here. Great leadership, the kind of leadership that endures, doesn’t spring up all at once, fully formed, out of nowhere. Great leadership emerges over time as an expression of who you are and what you do every day. More than anything, it takes shape as a result of everyday practice.

From my perspective, a leader is a lighthouse, not a weathervane. Lighthouses are needed when it’s stormy and foggy to provide ships a safe way home. Similarly, a leader shines when times are tough. In addition, a cornerstone of being a leader is that people know what you stand for. After a while, people will know and anticipate how a leader will react without even asking. Leaders have a consistency to their approach, effort, and values. While there are clearly different styles of leadership, the one thing they have in common is they are a rock – a person others can count on.

FA: What percentage of men and women are in leadership positions?

JA: When it comes to men and women in leadership positions, too often people think leadership is related to a job and title. I think it is more important to realize that being a leader doesn’t necessarily have anything to do this at all. For me, my mother was by far the most important and influential leader in my life, but she was never in a VP position. She did, however, influence and inspire everyone she came in contact with in her life within our community and family. She provided a great example of how I wanted to present myself and interact with people.

From my experience in life, typically women are better than men at the kind of leadership I talk about and admire.  By nature, women tend to be programmed to be better leaders than men. Perhaps this is because women tend to be more empathetic and are better listeners than broadcasters, while men tend to be a lot more vocal – which sometimes can be mistaken for leadership!

And also to note, even if you’re not leading other people, hopefully you’re leading yourself!

FA: What are some myths about leadership?

JA: Many don’t realize, but leadership is pretty much timeless. It boils down to the ability to convince people of the right answer, to be someone who can inspire and show them the right direction to go in. The founding fathers persuaded people to have a rebellion through courage and inspiration. Today, however, many times leadership is style over substance, such as how politicians just react and respond to recent polls vs. real actions and events.

FA: Are leaders born naturally or trained? 

JA: We are all born with certain skills that can be developed into skill sets for leadership, such as the ability to communicate and speak in front of people. The world is full of great communicators who aren’t great leaders, as well as others who are nervous in front of a microphone but are exceptional leaders. Overtime, you learn what it takes to be an effective leader and how you allow your internal character to develop in life. The number one criterion a leader needs is character. Today, however, our society tends to value style over substance. Many historical leaders would probably be disregarded if they were in the running today – such as based on their looks or speaking voice. Real leadership, however, is about being the type of person people want to follow and these are traits we learn throughout life.

FA: What are some key areas one can strengthen their leadership skills?

JA: Authenticity and empathy are basic leadership traits. They each help people to first trust and then like you. Very few people will follow someone they don’t trust and like. In addition, key ways I suggest to strengthen leadership include:

-          Turn off the TV – the power of disassociation is more powerful than power of association

-          Read books, especially a biography of a great leader – read about people who made a difference in their life and overcame adversity (i.e., Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Eleanor Roosevelt)

-          Actually talk to people – learn to communicate in the real sense–not just through a text—and  actually show interest in people

-          “Unplug” – in the sense that your life shouldn’t be controlled by the news and technology 24/7. Get off the internet and look up from your phone; learn to have depth to what you believe

People need to have a conversation with others to actually develop speaking skills. I am always shocked how out of touch people seem to be. I am in the airport all the time traveling, and 9 out of 10 times I see someone under 40 with ear buds in their ears and tapping away at their phones or computers. They are surrounded by people but interacting with no one in person.

In addition, as the power of persuasion is going away, if someone has the ability to persuade people they will be ahead of the game in the long run. The world is rapidly changing and there is no doubt that technology has made how things are done dramatically different, so you have to be quicker, smarter, and more adaptable to excel.

FA: List resources where people can learn about leadership.

JA: While it can be destructive, the internet is equally powerful, as it is a wealth of resources. I would advise people looking to learn about leadership to find someone you admire who did something – someone who actually overcame great odds and achieved something – and then research them. Really immerse yourself in who they are; read about them, look at their quotes, discover what they stood for. Then, “copy” their style but adapt it to make it work for you and who you are.

You can find John Addison: 

-          John Addison, president and CEO of Addison Leadership Group and former co-CEO of Primerica

-          Website: JohnAddisonLeadership.com

-          Twitter: @JohnAddisonGA

-          Facebook: JohnAddisonLeadership

Guest Post: How to Establish Emergency Savings During Market Uncertainty

by

Andrea Woroch

Wall Street sustained a major plunge after China's Black Monday spread stock market fears worldwide on August 24, but experts advise consumers to treat the bounce back with caution. Ups and downs in the economic and industry cycles are unavoidable, and with 47% of Americans admitting they have little to no savings, there is no better time than now to establish and build an emergency fund.

Nothing can prepare you for a recession or layoff, but money to cover your expenses can help lessen the blow to your budget! Here are 6 tips for creating a cushion to give you peace of mind in these unpredictable times.

1. Track living expenses.
If you don't know how much you spend each month on the necessities, you can't plan accordingly. Track your spending for one to three months (use an app like Mint for help) to determine how much money goes toward essentials like mortgage or rent, insurance, food, transportation and utilities. Estimate the monthly average and multiply it by six or nine; this will give you the amount of cash you need to cover your bills for six to nine months.

2. Set a savings goal and plan.
Stashing away extra cash for living expenses will take time. In fact, you may feel discouraged after calculating the total amount you'd like to put aside, since it may seem like an impossible goal. To combat this, devise a savings plan with specific steps to help you reach that target figure, which may include cutting back on Saturday night dinner dates and saving a set amount of money each month.

3. Treat emergency funds as a bill.
When you're saving for an emergency fund, the goal may be hard to stick to without looming due dates, interest rates or late fees forcing you to pay up. Since there's no immediate or obvious repercussion for missing your savings goal each month, it's important to treat it like a bill. Better yet, automate the savings by setting up a weekly or monthly transfer of funds between your checking account and the emergency fund.

4. Slash everyday expenses.
Look for ways to slash your everyday expenses so you can reach your goal faster. For example, you can carpool or take public transportation to cut down on fuel costs. Instead of relying on takeout during the week, prep meals on the weekends and freeze them for quick access on weeknights. You can also try budget hacking, or the process of reducing your fixed expenses by calling up providers and requesting discounts or reduced payments on such things as car insurance, mobile plan costs and cable TV.

5. Get savvier with spending.
Cutting back on your discretionary spending can feel rough at times and can lead to burnout and goal abandonment. To avoid this, find savvy ways to curb your spending without cutting out all the fun. For example, tools like the Coupon Sherpa mobile app offer instant discounts to retail, restaurant and local service establishments. Currently, you can save up to 20% off your check from Olive Garden, or use a Macy's coupon for an extra 20% off sale and clearance items.

6. Diversify income.
Expanding your income stream will provide protection against the inevitable swings of the economic cycles. Plus, the extra money earned can be used to boost your savings budget and possibly set you up for a new career. Whether you want to turn a passion into a side job or believe your professional skills can help individuals or small businesses through consulting, check out eLance.com and Fiverr to start the process. If nothing comes to mind, tap into TaskRabbit.com where you can help other people with their errands during your spare time for a small fee. 

Andrea Woroch is a consumer and money-saving expert for Kinoli Inc. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. As a sought-after media source, she has been featured among such top news outlets as Good Morning America, Today, CNN, Dr. OZ, New York Times, MONEY Magazine, Huffington Post, Forbes and many more. For more information, visit AndreaWoroch.com or follow her on Twitter for daily savings advice and tips.

Friday Feature: Meet Tina Aldatz

According to the Small Business Administration, about half of all new establishments survive five years or more and only one-third survives 10 years or more. One success story is the business of Foot Petals, founded by successful Latina entrepreneur Tina Aldatz. Sharing her success secrets, Aldatz announced the nationwide release of her new autobiography, “From Stilettos to the Stock Exchange,” a compelling and heartwarming story of success against all odds.

Aldatz made her mark on the world as a self-starting entrepreneur and founder of Foot Petals, the revolutionary line of designer insole cushions for women’s high heels. Derived from a severe burn injury on both her feet as a child, Tina created Foot Petals to help fill a gap in the market for women’s high-heeled foot support. Through her strength and tenacity, Foot Petals became a successful multi-million dollar company recognized by Inc. 500 as one of the “500 fastest growing companies in America.” She has also been featured in Forbes Magazine as an “entrepreneur to watch” and was honored to become the 2011 National Latina Business Women Association’s (NLBWA) “Business Woman of the Year.”

Meet Tina Aldatz, a sucessful Latina Entrepreneur.

Faten Abdallah (FA): What was your life like growing up?

Tina Aldatz (TA):  My childhood was full of socio-economical challenges, including being a pediatric burn survivor and a victim of domestic and child abuse.  My past experiences taught me to chose to be opportunistic rather than a victim. I do not let me circumstances define me, I believe in the American Dream. 

FA: As a minority in the US, what kinds of challenges have you faced? 

TA: I have faced challenges being a minority as both a woman and Hispanic. As a half-Mexican and half-Irish descendant, I witnessed racial discrimination from both sides – but it also allowed me to conveniently “blend in” to whichever culture I was immersed in. I have always related more to my Mexican roots, being a Republican has helped me to navigate political and social activism – I like being a voice for immigrants, like my grandmother from Mexico, who sought new opportunities in the United States. 

FA: What made you want to be an entrepreneur? 

TA: I am a creative person by nature and I was disenchanted by the traditional love, marriage, family at a young age…so I dreamed of a world where I could be a “business woman,” perhaps seeking to control my environment and the impact it has on others.

FA: What advice do you have for females of color who to become entrepreneurs?

TA:  I advise joining groups and organizations with like-minded people – it has been a long time tried and true business strategy formerly known as the “good ol’ boys’ club.” 

FA: You run a business with your best friend.  How do you keep the professional and personal boundaries separate?

TA: We don’t – we crack each other up so much – sometimes we are like two laughing hyenas while the younger associates keep it buttoned up – but really it comes from a place of total respect. Her qualities are very different from mine. We know what we are good at, but more importantly, we know what we are not good at and that simple equation allows us to sit back and let expert drive.  

FA: Anything else you would like to add? 

TA:  Dedicated to overall travel wellness while offering lifestyle components for both personal and surface use. Savvy Travelers high performance products are individually packed in a disposable sheet form that remove 99% of surface contamination. Proudly made in California, Savvy Travelers' line of convenient, single-use, eco-friendly, disposable products help consumers carry all of their must-haves while they travel for a healthy, easy, on-the-go experience. Keeping travelers healthy for all their destinations! Follow @Savvy_Travelers on social media and like us on Facebook.

AMERICAN MASTERS | The Women's List Trailer | PBS

Meet 15 women who have created and defined contemporary American culture in the newest chapter of filmmaker/photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders' List film series (The Boomer List, The Black List, The Latino List, The Out List), American Masters: The Women's List, premiering nationwide Friday, September 25, 9-10 p.m., on PBS (check local listings) and available the same day on DVD via Perfect Day Films Inc.

This documentary features intimate interviews with Madeleine Albright, Gloria Allred, Laurie Anderson, Sara Blakely, Margaret Cho, Edie Falco, Elizabeth Holmes, Betsey Johnson, Alicia Keys, Aimee Mullins, Nancy Pelosi, Rosie Perez, Shonda Rhimes, Wendy Williams and Nia Wordlaw. All trailblazers in their respective fields, these women share their experiences struggling against discrimination and overcoming challenges to make their voices heard and their influence felt.  Toni Morrison opens the film with a reading of an introduction she wrote specifically for the film. 

Recipe: Coco Joy’s Coconut Water Smoothie

Coco Joy offers a variety of all-natural coconut products including: Premium Classic and Flavored Coconut Waters (Watermelon, Strawberry, Pineapple, Banana), Flavored Coconut Water for Kids (Banana and Strawberry), and Natural and Flavored Coconut Milks (Chocolate, Coffee, Banana). Coco Joy’s products are never made from concentrate and are derived purely from fresh coconuts.

Enjoy the yummy Coco Joy's Coconut Water Smoothie.

Ingredients:

1 cup Coco Joy Coconut Water
¼ cucumber, or 1 small cucumber
1 cup kale leaves, large
2 to 3 mint leaves
1 avocado, pitted and peeled
1 banana
1 cup ice *optional, if your banana is frozen
½ tbsp honey

Directions:

1) Combine all ingredients into a blender

2) Blend until smooth, pour into a cup and enjoy!

Happiness Made Simple

Happiness is a decision. We all have the ability to decide to be happy! The challenge is to filter out the constant barrage of negativity that engulfs our world. In this brand new HooplaHa original series "Happy Made Simple," organizational psychologist and eternal optimist Michael “Dr. Woody” Woodward, PhD will talk about the simple, yet often neglected, things we can all do to live happier more positive lives.  

On the premiere episode of "Happy Made Simple," Dr. Woody suggests a few key words to remove from your vocabulary to help increase a more positive state of mind and decrease worry, anxiety and negativity.

Nominations Being Accepted for the BBB 2016 Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics

Nominations are now being accepted to honor exceptional businesses with the Torch Awards from the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois.  These awards are presented annually to outstanding businesses in recognition of their commitment to high standards in relationships with their customers, employees, suppliers, competitors, and the surrounding communities.

Like the BBB Torch logo, the Torch Awards honor and help to illuminate the importance of a corporate conscience and the responsibility for creating a fair and honest marketplace.

The Torch Awards nomination process is open to all for-profit Chicago and northern Illinois based businesses. Nominations can come from individuals or businesses.

An individual may nominate the company he or she works for, owns or is affiliated with; as well as any company that individual does business with, or any company, which the nominating individual believes, meets the Torch Award criteria.  A company can also be nominated by an organization (i.e., Chamber of Commerce, academic institution, ethics organization, trade association, etc.).

Candidates for the 2016 Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics will be evaluated by a prestigious independent panel of judges from the business and academic communities against these criteria:

• High ethical standards of behavior toward customers, suppliers, shareholders, employees, and communities.
• Demonstrated ethical practices surrounding their buyer/seller relationships.
• Marketing, advertising, communications, and sales practices which reflect a true representation of what is being offered in the market place.
• Acknowledgment of ethical marketplace practices by industry peers and in the communities where they do business.
• Management practices and policies that give long-term value to shareholders, customers, employees, and vendors.
• Training programs that assist employees in executing ethics policies.

Companies are judged in five categories based on the following employee numbers: 1-9; 10-99; 100-999, 1,000-7,499 and 7,500+.  Recognition and awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, November, 19, 2015 – 11:00 a.m. at Loews Chicago O’Hare, 5300 North River Road, in Rosemont, IL.

To nominate a company, or for detailed information on judging criteria, go to www.bbb.org/chicago and click on the torch award link on the lower right side of the page. You may also e-mail Nina Castle at ncastle@chicago.bbb.org  or mail to BBB Torch Award, 330 N. Wabash Ave., #3120, Chicago, IL 60611.  Entries must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, September 30, 2015. Winners will be selected by October 16, 2015 and will be notified by phone following completion of judging.

A Guide to Healthy Aging for Women

Aging women and men differ in the diseases they face and their exercise and health needs. For women around the world the leading cause of death is heart disease, followed by breast cancer. Most medical conditions and ailments that women face can be controlled and sometimes treated, so there is a possibility of reducing the number of deaths attributed to these illnesses. As research has shown, a healthy diet, exercise and regular medical checkups are the key ingredients for healthy aging for women. In the infographic below, the University of Florida Online took a closer look at the health issues facing women as they age and the strategies for the prevention of diseases and illnesses they may face:

UF Online B.S. in Health Education

Feature Friday: Meet Toma Clark Haines

Toma Clark Haines is The Antiques Diva® – Chief Executive Diva of The Antiques Diva® & Co European Tours – Europe’s largest antiques touring and sourcing company.  As an American who has lived abroad nearly 15 years, it has been said Clark Haines is conquering countries faster than Napoleon.  Working with a team of 18+ locally-based agents, The Antiques Diva® & Co offers customized antique buying tours in 8 countries (and counting) working with both the public as well as the trade.  Her favorite part of her job is stocking clients antique stores and creating new trends in home fashions. 

When this Global Tastemaker is not taking some of the top names in the design industry on buying tours, Clark Haines is also a freelance travel and design writer, an international public speaker and a social media guru.   She is a champagne connoisseur, a vintage Chanel addict and her hobbies include driving fast cars and gourmet cooking.  Traveling extensively for work, she divides her time between her home in Berlin, Germany and each of her companies tour countries as well as quarterly visits to the USA.  Her long-term goals include expanding her company into Asia.  Her greatest challenge in life is remembering when she wakes each day whether to greet the day with a Buogiorno, Bonjour, Guten Tag or simply Good Day.  

 Meet Toma Clark Haines, The Antiques Diva.

Faten Abdallah (FA): What inspired you to go into antiques?

Toma Clark Haines (TCH):If I think about my life history, antiques and travel were always intertwined in my mind. My mother was a third generation American. Her grandparents moved over from England and my whole life I grew up hearing stories of far-away places and long-ago times.  The past was always a part of my present.  As a child we ate with the silverware my grandparents carried over on the boat when they moved to America.   I have always been a traveler – whether in my mind or in reality.  I’ve traveled in more than 45 countries – and to me antiques are another way of traveling.  They transport you.  Antiques transport you to other times, other places and give glimpses into other lives. They tell a story - they’re more than decor -  they take you on adventure to someplace less ordinary.  That’s the intent behind the tours my company The Antiques Diva & Co offers….  We are the largest antiques touring company in Europe - offering one on one customized buying tours to both tourists as well as the trade in 8 countries - France, Belgium, England, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden.  Our goal is to give our clients an opportunity to culturally cruise a country through antiques - the pieces one buys on tour give glimpses into what life is like inside those villa windows and Parisian apartments making their adventure part of a greater story.

FA: What makes antiques unique and valuable?

TCH: There are several rules of thought when it comes to what makes antiques valuable.  Die Hards will tell you - “In order to be antique it must be 100 years old.” Working internationally customs officials often accept “Almost Antiques”  (those items that are 75 to 99 years old) as an “antique” when it comes to import and export restrictions.  And the antique trends as of late are bringing Vintage into the modern day.  Technically - to be vintage an item should be from the 1940’s, 50’s or 60’s - but 1970’s and 80’s ceramics and furniture are ruling the market at the moment.  When it comes to what makes antiques unique and valuable - I’d say exactly what I told myself on my 40th birthday…. “Age Doesn’t Matter.”  Whether it’s a piece from the 1760’s, the 1860’s or the 1960’s - quality counts - how well it’s constructed, the lines, especially anything hand-made or limited edition add value, but decorative appeal counts most of all in todays market place.   People today buy based upon an asthetic - it’s less about pedigree and more about style.  While there are millions of fabulous antique value guide books giving estimates on antiques - my opinion - the value of an antique - especially in those decorative pieces - is entirely subjective.  The right price for an antique is what they buyer would be willing to pay - and working internationally - I know that price changes by country and/or region.  Value changes according to country and their taste preferences - in France long lives the Louis'… Gilt-wood still demands top euro.  Meanwhile in Holland where the Dutch like clean lines and interiors anything Rococo is practically given away.  A Louis XV style console in France that might sale for 1500E in the Netherlands might sell for 500E and then… bring that same item to America and the vendors will multiply their purchase prices by a mark up of 3 to 5 times their cost.  So if you ask me… The real value in antiques comes down to Love Sweet Love.   If you buy what you love you’ll never regret your purchases and it will always keep it’s value.

FA: What's the most interesting antique you have found, purchased or sold?

TCH: 1  in 5 queries coming into our company at the moment by clients seeking European Buying Tours are architectural salvage tour requests - antique dealers, architects, interior designers, developers, hoteliers and restaurateurs are all dying to source architectural pieces to use in projects. - these could be doors, mantles, windows, flooring, roof and flooring tiles, stairwells, bricks, etc.  The most interesting antique I’ve ever helped a client buy was a Neo Gothic Cathedral Ceiling coming out of a church in Maastricht - the client was searching for a painting ceiling she could use in the renovation of her home and this piece was perfect.  For 16K not only did it go into her own home - she (a designer) was also able to use parts of the piece in numerous clients homes as well!

FA: Advice on finding the best purchase prices for antiques.  What about those who would like to sell some of their pieces?

TCH: We’ve all heard the expression… “It’s Not What You Know… It’s Who You Know.”  When buying antiques as with most things in life… getting the best price comes down to relationships.  If you find a vendor whose style of inventory you love develop a relationship with them.  They may not have that exact item you’re looking for right now… but if you like their vibe/ their look then you can entrust them to search for inventory of your behalf.  The more you buy from one vendor inevitably the better of price you get from that vendor when you buy multiple items.  And returning customers are always given priority in pricing.  Be memorable. Chat with the vendor.  Most antique dealers are in this business because they love what they do - and if they know  you love what they do - they’ll appreciate you appreciating them! When you return to their store - remind them what you bought from them and why you love it.  My grandmother always said, “You can catch more flies with honey.” When buying Be Nice. (Heck, regardless of what you’re doing in life… Be Nice… Life’s Too Short For Anything Else!).  Some of the worse advice I’ve ever heard on antiquing is “point out the faults of what’s wrong with piece.”… Don’t do this! First of all - it’s not nice - and doesn’t endear you to vendors.  Second of all… that 18th C Spanish Console is Scratched??! Oh No! The vendor might need to RAISE THE PRICE THEN - You’re paying extra for that PATINA.  Antiques aren’t perfect - just as when we age we get wrinkles and gray hair…. that’s what happens with antiques and those signs of a life-well-lived are often what creates the patina that raises the price not decreases it!  Last but not least - always - always - always - ask for a discount.  If you don’t ask.. You dont receive.  The polite way to ask for a discount (if you dont feel comfortable negotiating) is to say “Is that your best price?” It’s easy, direct and to the point - if the vendor has room in their profit margin it puts them in control of choosing what discount to give you.  And… sometimes you’ll be surprised. Once I was going to offer a vendor 40Euro for an item marked 50E - but when I asked their best price they responded 30E! 

FA: What should someone look for when purchasing an antique?

TCH: When you buy antiques ask as much information as possible.  Find out the age, the material, where it was made, how it was originally used, who would have used it.  Ask where the vendor found the item - who they bought it from - gather as many details as possible about the story of the piece. Also google your purchases…. the internet is an amazing wealth of information on antiques!

FA: What have you learned about yourself as you made a career switch?

TCH: While today clients and readers know me as The Antiques Diva (R) - Chief Executive Diva of Europe’s largest antiques touring (and sourcing) company - I haven’t always been a diva! In a past life I worked in marketing and advertising working with clients such as Dunkin Donuts, Target, McDonalds, and Pearl Vision. This background has been fundamental in the growth of my company as I  knew how to market my services. I’ve always thought of myself as a creative person - and never gave myself enough credit as a business woman.  But what I learned about myself through starting my own company was that I actually enjoyed the process of running a business - making strategic decisions about the direction the company would take and implementing them.  I’ve also learned in running a company - that it’s not all about me - it’s about my team.  While I’m the face of the company - our business could not operate without the body.  I have a team of 18 people who work with me and while we operate as a whole - I’ve learned that I shouldn’t micro-manage them as in order for them to operate at their peak performance they needed to have ownership in their roles.  I’ve learned I dont have to do it all myself. Just because I can do something - doesn’t mean I have to do it.  I’ve learned to trust others, ask for help and listen to others as getting outside opinions has been instrumental to my companies success…. And last but not least… I’ve learned to Trust My Instincts.  Just because you ask for advice - it doesn’t mean you have to take it.  As an entrepreneur you have to be both wise enough to ask for advice and strong enough to trust your instincts on whats right for your company.

To Book an Antiques Diva European Buying Tour visit www.antiquesdiva.com or email toma@antiquesdiva.com