Connecting Women

Interview with Fitness expert Sloane Davis on flexible dieting and healthy lifestyle

A mother of two, throughout her 30’s and 40's, Sloane Davis starved herself so that the scale read a certain number. Hungry, unhappy and deprived, in her 40’s Sloane decided to end the obsession with food, intense cardio and on transition her mind and body – and did it work! See her profile in PEOPLE.com and RECENT TV http://pancakesandpush-ups.com/.

I had the privilege of interviewing Sloane.

Faten Abdallah (FA): When was your wake up call in getting on the healthy path?
Sloane Davis (SD): My wake up call was when I started to increase calories and saw that I was able to lose weight. I never realized how unhealthy my relationship with food was. I thought that it was ok to live on vegetables and grilled chicken and to feel guilty for having a scoop of ice cream. I am so liberated now that I have found flexible dieting and am able to eat whatever I want and achieve the body I strive for.

FA: What is macros based flexible dieting?
SD: Macros (macronutrients) are proteins, fats and carbs. Each gram of protein and carbs is 4 calories, and each gram of fat is 9 calories. So while we still work off of total calories for weight loss or muscle building, I break it down one step further into macros so that your body is getting the proper nutrition for one’s goal. Flexible dieting is that there are no foods you have to eat and no foods that are off limits. If it fits your macros, you can eat it! It’s a wonderful way to live a healthy lifestyle as we all want what we can't have. So if you take deprivation out of the equation, it results in long term sustainability.

FA: What have your learned about yourself as you became healthier and more fit?
SD: I have learned that I am able to motivate and inspire so many and that is the best feeling in the world! I learned that I am so much stronger than I ever imagined possible and the empowerment that you get from lifting weights is incredible. I learned that if I put my mind to it, I can achieve anything!

FA: What do you want people to know about getting healthy?
SD: That you don’t have to starve yourself to lose weight. That you actually shouldn’t. Weight loss should be slow and steady. Long term consistency will yield the best results. You can never out train a bad diet. Most people think because they workout for an hour a day that they can lose weight. Nutrition is 80% of the equation. I would also encourage women to lift weights instead of spinning their wheels on the cardio machines. Lifting weights will enable you to change your body, whereas cardio will only make you a smaller version of yourself. If you have been on a “diet” for years and doing cardio and not seeing results, it’s time to switch things up.

Visit Sloane's website: www.pancakesandpush-ups.com and you can sign-up for a free 2 week trial period.

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Book Review: Classic Sketchbook: Botanicals by Valerie Baines

I was sent a copy of this book by a publisher for a book review.

Although I can't draw to save my life, I love art and appreciate it greatly. When I was sent this book, I was in awe of the techniques in the book. I appreciated the artists greatly. What talent and master in the art craft.

Learning your craft by studying masterworks is an age-old practice among artists-including those with a love of botanical art. This is a must have book for those who don't have access to a museum filled with botanical masterworks nearby. This book brings the masterworks to you.

Classic Sketchbook: Botanicals* is a must have for those who appreciate art and nature. The book is a draw-in book that shows you how by taking a close look at the details of great floral paintings. Valerie Baines, the author, coaches readers to try the techniques with the help of her suggestions.

Printed on quality uncoated stock and suited for drawing and watercolor, each spread will consist of two working parts. The left-hand page features a close-up for a drawing or painting by a noted artist from the 19th century or earlier. The right-hand page is for drawing, with Baines' brief coaching tips, observations, and a demonstrative sketch.

I would highly recommend this book for artists who loves flowers and plants and those who also appreciate art.

(Affiliate link helps run our site).

Interview with Leslie Gallin, the #GirlBoss Executive Paving the Way for Footwear

Leslie Gallin, President of Footwear at UBM Fashion, oversees all of UBM Fashion's footwear trade shows, including FN PLATFORM @ MAGIC, which she single handedly launched in 2010.

Leslie started her career at a time when #girlbosses were a rare breed and worked her way to become one of the industry’s most respected leaders. Through FN PLATFORM @ MAGIC, Leslie works with retailers and designers to accommodate the needs of consumers. She doesn’t follow the trends, rather she sets them. Leslie’s dedication and continuous work with brands also includes a nurturing component, in which she helps emerging designers find their place in the massive footwear industry, helping them establish a name for themselves. Some of today’s largest brands grew under Leslie’s guidance.

Faten Abdallah (FA): You’re the President of Footwear at UBM Fashion. What inspired you to get into the fashion/retail world?

Leslie Gallin (LG): I grew up in a time where people dressed. The finer the clothes the impression / perception was the more successful. It also posed the opportunity to travel. I wanted to be around smart , stylish , creative well-traveled folks.

FA: How did you enter the fashion world?

LG: I originally started in the fashion industry running apparel divisions for Geoffrey Beene, Louis Feraud, Escada and ABS. After several years, a friend of mine introduced me to someone who was taking over a “Shoe Trade Show” called WSA and this is where it all began. It was love at first try on and I quickly realized footwear was my passion. The footwear industry has changed tremendously and it’s been really amazing to see the growth of this industry through the years.

FA: What is a typical day in your life as the President of Footwear at UBM Fashion?

LG: Networking, mentoring and strategizing for the next 18-months is my daily routine. Every day is fun. Both sides of the aisle ( as I like to say) which our business services are full of wonderful people who are passionate and they inspire me and the work that we do.

FA: Let's talk about footwear. What are some things people should look for when deciding to purchase new styles?

LG: I always suggest planning for the future, never wait until the last minute to find shoes or an outfit. Have ready to go standards – women and men- Black – Brown – heels or dress shoes. Always have special occasion and casual beach footwear just in case… and of course, have fun… go for something out of your comfort zone- bright color, fabric and or style.

FA: Another show is coming up. Can you tell us about that?

LG: FN PLATFORM will be taking place this coming August 14^th to 16^th in Las Vegas. The show is what I like to call, the “Davos” of the footwear industry. Global leaders in the footwear industry come together twice a year to shape the industry, network and shop for shoes. Our showcase is the pillar of branded footwear and offers men’s, women’s, junior’s and children’s brands from more than 20 countries. Every show is special but this show, we’re offering a truly innovative overall experience that will reach beyond transactional lines to integrate interactive activities that will touch all the senses for a modern and all-encompassing feel all under one roof. We have celebrities such as Blair Underwood coming on-site to launch their collections, several art installations that will offer an interactive, visual experience, educational seminars and networking opportunities and the launch of our Emerging Designer showcase, to nurture and guide six hand-selected promising young designers.

Today’s world , it’s all about the experience. People are interested in the story behind a brand or a store. They want to touch and smell and be moved by the philanthropy of a brand/ retailer.

Visit us at

· http://www.ubmfashion.com/shows/fn-platform

· Follow along on Instagram @FNPLATFORM

Sign up for Survey Sites

Some of my readers have asked me to post some survey sites where they can take surveys between down time...for example waiting at their child's practice or standing in line at the grocery store. Below are some sites that you can create accounts for. Go ahead and click on the photo or link if available, and sign up.

Get paid to review products with Vindale Research.

Register for a MySoapBox account to share your opinion and accumulate points that can be redeemed for prizes and gift cards for stores like Bath & Body Works, CVS, Lowes, Chili's, and more. You must be 18 years old or older.

Take surveys and earn rewards from MySurvey.

Visit: http://bit.ly/2wyBb3Q

Join the PineCone panel and get rewarded for each completed product survey! PineCone Research conducts on-line interviews with consumers from all walks of life to obtain their opinions about new products. To become a panel member, all you need to do is complete the simple form below. This will only take a few minutes of your time. It's easy and fun to see and evaluate new product ideas in the comfort of your own home AND get paid $3 for your time. Each interview usually takes 15-20 minutes of your time. Plus, you are free to leave the panel at any time should you choose to do so. We will occasionally ask some questions about your household in order to match the appropriate questionnaires to you. These questionnaires are brief and usually take 2-5 minutes to complete. These short screeners are uncompensated. Canada 18+.

Why Women Entrepreneurs Need to Raise Girl Entrepreneurs | Julie Gordon-...

I love the world of entrepreneurship because entrepreneurs tend to be individualistic yet appreciate society as a whole. They show the world their ideas, and they act upon them--not afraid of failing or making mistakes. If they fail, they may cry for two seconds, and then either rework the concept or jump to another concept, and try again. Entrepreneurs are risk takers--mostly likely calculated risk takers. They are passionate about their ideas, their dreams. They are doers. They research and build their concept into a reality.

We need more women to be entrepreneurs.

Even if you don't have daughters, watch this video because you may have nieces, sisters and cousins. By empowering and encouraging girls to think entrepreneurially, they are being taught to be strong, independent and confident in themselves and their identities.

Raise a girl entrepreneur and watch her rise as she becomes a woman.

Interview with Sam Sisakhti on Believe in Yourself Charity

Sam Sisakhti is the founder and CEO of UsTrendy. He was named Boston Magazine's Most Promising Innovator, Mass High Tech's Next Generation of Entrepreneur, and Internet Retailer's Top 10 Most Effective Social Media Marketers. UsTrendy is ranked as a top 500 online retailer in the second edition of the Internet Retailer Top 500 along with one of the 5 fastest growing e-tailers. UsTrendy serves as an online fashion marketplace to over 20,000 sellers from 100 countries. Sam was the 2017 Retail TouchPoints Retail Innovator of Year Award Winner. Sam was also listed on the Power 30 under 30 list which is comprised of the 30 most influential people in sports, media, or business.

Sam Sisakhti is Mass Challenge Judge and recently founded a charity called Believe in Yourself (www.believeinyourself.org) which provides underprivileged girls with clothing for school dances and promotes positive body image through a mentoring program.

Sam has been featured in in the Boston Globe, Inc. Magazine, CBS morning News, ABC Channel 5, US News, Boston Herald, Women's Wear Daily, Forbes, Vogue UK, NY Metro, NPR, FOX News, PBS News Hour, CNN.

I had the privilege of interviewing Sam.

Faten Abdallah (FA): Why did you enter the world of fashion?
Sam Sisakhti (SS): I had a 9 to 5 job which I hated. After four days, I quit the job and went to Vegas where I met my friend who was a fashion designer. I started helping him with his business, and then I thought that I should start a business in which I enable fashion designers to sell their clothing through me. www.UsTrendy.com was launched in 2008 and its a global marketplace where fashion designers sell their clothing.

FA: What did you learn about yourself as an entrepreneur in the fashion
world?
SS: I learned that market is always right. A Lot of times we have merchandisers try to decide what the next trend is but consistently we notice that end of day the people always have the loudest voice.

FA; How can girls improve their confidence despite media and societal
expectations?
SS: Your confidence must come from within. You can not look at outside factors either positive or negative for self validation.

FA: Tell us about Believe in Yourself and its mission.
SS: While running UsTrendy, I observed things which led me to launch Believe in Yourself. We have had customers post photos of themselves on social media as part of the UsTrendy interaction with our customers. I noticed cyber bullying going on and also body shaming in the comments sections. I found this to be really distasteful and concerning. This was one of the motivations for me to start Believe in Yourself.

At the same time, I realized the enormous social pressure that many young girls feel to try to be hip and socially cool by wearing clothing that’s seen as stylish. Many girls are unable to afford these fashions and can often feel ashamed and isolated socially. This inspired me to launch Believe in Yourself.

The mission is to promote a positive body image and healthy self esteem among young women at an early age. We want to empower these young girls to feel good about themselves and to take on active social roles within their school communities.

The Believe in Yourself Project goes into community centers, after-school programs, and low-income housing centers to provide designer dresses for underprivileged girls to wear at upcoming school dances. At the same time, we are empowering girls by promoting positive body image through mentoring and speakers.

This Fall, we will roll out our national mentoring programs which will be a weekly mentorship meetings in various cities across country along with online seminars available to all girls through out the country. The mentorship programs and online seminars will be interactive and open table discussions where influential women will mentor and have discussions with the girls about positive body image and anti-cyber bullying.

Visit www.believeinyourself.org for more information.

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