Jasmine's Place - Issue No. 10

Wrapped in extra-special love!

FREE

Inspiring Stories & Features for Today’s Woman!

Inspiring Stories. Great Style. Spring Beauty Tips. Smart Business Advice. Fantastic Community Action.

1 A Healthy Treat + More!

ISSUE NO. 10 MARCH/APRIL 2014

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I will teach you.

Isaiah 49:6

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A huge thanks to all the writers, advisers, readers, sharers and encouragers who have contributed to Jasmine’s Place.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

We salute you.

Thank you very much!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

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Welcome!

Welcome to the 10th issue of Jasmine’s Place! It’s so great that this issue is published on Valentine’s Day! The first reason is of course that we’ve always described Jasmine’s Place as a magazine for women wrapped in extra-special love! The second reason is that this particular issue starts with a message of love and ends with a message of love, not contrived, but from a very natural flow. So, this issue is our Valentine's Day gift to you!

You’ll also find great features on business, style, beauty, community action, plus helpful information for your overall wellbeing, and some great tips on how to thrive in today’s technological word.

Also included is an inspiring testimony from a step-mother and some really great make-up ideas for spring. A healthy treat for four awaits you too … and yes you can try it try it at home.  If you have any feedback, just send an e-mail to the editor at jmagazine33@gmail.com. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Design and Editing: Puaichie Badejo Assistance with Standfirsts: Julie Arduini Contributors: Frank Sherburn, Caitlin Wilson, Families First (Rin Hamburgh) Forces Support, Julie Arduini, Beverly Smith, Sarah Nelson, Aloted Omoba, Chef Mike Darracott, Roger Knight and Puaichie Badejo.

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Contents MARCH & APRIL 2014

Style & Beauty 36 Frills for Thrills A glimpse into the life and inspirations of Sarah Nelson, owner of Frills For Thrills, a fashion and interior design blog.

Inspirational 8 How Important Am I To God? A recent retiree finds that the transition brings about emotions and changes he didn’t see coming...

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16 Out of Character Two tools that could help you discover the secrets of who you really are, and find greater fulfilment n life.

50 Letting in the Dawn. Insightful thoughts for our daily lives.

Healthy Eating

36 12 Spring Beauty Great make-up ideas to help you get a jump start for spring! .

48 A treat for four! Baked potato with creamy vegetable filling. .

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Features

Community

32 A Little Bag Of Joy Beverly Smith, CEO, Mommy Bag Marketing, shares insights about the company and how she started in business.

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44 6 Essential Technology Tips for Women in Business 6 tips for online business to help your organization survive and thrive.

Flowers for Mama 26 Rewriting the Evil Step-Mom Story. An inspiring testimony that breaks the traditional negative stepmother stereotype mould.

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22 Forces Support A spotlight on Forces Support, a UK-based charity. focused on meeting practical needs for families that have lost a serviceman during combat.

All information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. While we do endeavour to make sure that all published information is correct, we cannot be held liable for mistakes or omissions. The inclusion of articles etc. does not necessarily indicate that the editor is in agreement or sympathy with what is written.

Clients submitting content to us for publication are confirming that they have a legal right to do so, and agree to neither knowingly or unknowingly submit content they have no right to publish. The client accepts that he/she is responsible for ensuring they have publication rights of use for all material provided, and agree to indemnify any losses incurred to us , the publisher using content supplied by them. This also applies to where articles etc. have been sourced by us. We acknowledge that any logos, photographs, images and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

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I HAD PLANNED MY RETIREMENT, GIVEN 12 MONTHS NOTICE TO MY CHURCH AND MOVED HOUSE A YEAR BEFORE RETIRING. Everything seemed in place…

A recent retiree finds that the transition brings about emotions and changes he didn’t see coming…

I thought I had anticipated everything and that come retirement I would just slip into it and everything would be great.

Well that has not being the case – yes, the practical stuff was well organised and we have had a nice holiday abroad in the sun – but what I hadn’t anticipated was the emotional side of leaving a job I loved and the vacuum that looms large when you no longer have that!

The time since retirement has not been totally wasted however difficult it has been..

I have had to rediscover some facts that I knew intellectually from my Social Science background … that so much of who we think we are, our self esteem, our self worth is caught up in what we do. That our job, our achievements, our qualifications, even our calling as a minister can determine who we think we are.

AND when we have these things taken away from us we can feel worthless, literally redundant and bereft. Another Christian retiree recently said to me they feel ‘invisible’ since they retired. I know

just how he feels.

The obvious question people ask when they know you have just retired is, ‘Are you enjoying your retirement?’

I’ve had to say no I am not!

But God has used the time & situation to re-teach me some important facts!

1. We have a God who loves us….. at all times and all circumstances!

Surely it is the essential person who has worth in the eyes of God… the stripped bare person, devoid of all that we think is important in human terms.

We need to see ourselves not through our own eyes or the eyes of others, (the world) but through the lens of His Word….then we will see ourselves as God sees us…unique, JASMINE'S PLACE

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HOW IMPORTANT AM I TO GOD?

BY FRANK SHERBURN

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important and of great value.

2. We are made in God’s own image!

Theologically we can debate all day what this means…but I like the message I saw on a little boys T.Shirt that said…’ I am made by God & he doesn’t make junk!’

There is indeed something of God stamped deep into our DNA, let us not forget that as we move through ALL the circumstances of our lives.

As far as I’m aware our DNA doesn’t change… its not affected by circumstances.

Why has God made us so? Why are we God’s masterpiece?

Paul writing to the Ephesans gives us the answer…we are to work with Him in the building of his kingdom in the hearts and minds of people… it’s a kingdom of love AND our work has been prepared for us in advance!

There is nothing in scripture which says that work is dependent on our situation, circumstances, age or status … our calling remains throughout our lives.

So redundant or retired. With a job or without s job. Feeling rejected, worthless or invisible … forget it!

We are here for a purpose, and that

purpose is not dependant on whether we have titles after our name, whether we have qualifications coming out of our ears, in a job or out of a job, earning good money or on benefits.

If we still have any doubts about who we are and how important we are…lets look at …PSALM 139:13-14 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; God made me and I am wonderfully made. “ Like the young boy again with his tshirt. “God made me & you and He don't make junk”!

The other great thing about this Psalm is that it assures us we are here at this time not by accident…and of course He knew I would retire at this time…he knew all about your circumstances at this time… none of this is a surprise to Him. We could have been born at any time in history, but God chose for us to live now. He made us with certain gifts and certain abilities to do certain things in this place at this time.

He has a plan and purpose for my life…. And He has a plan and purpose for your life too … the whole of your JASMINE'S PLACE

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So redundant or retired. With a job or without a job.

Feeling rejected, worthless or invisible … forget it!

Well it does mean ME & it means YOU … even more so it means the individual specifically.

I want us to say John 3:16 again together and instead of the words ‘the world’ I want you to substitute your own name!

‘For God so loved …………He gave his only son… that whosoever believe in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life….’

life!.

Let’s say this together: That should be exciting and empowering. And it should changes the way we see ourselves.

I know most people don’t think they are important and so we assume God thinks of us in a similar way. But then, again, God is not like ‘most people, to God, you are special.

Perhaps the most well know portion of scripture is John 3:16 – ‘for God so loved the world he gave his only son that whoever believes in him shall never be lost but have everlasting life’

I am loved. I’m special to God, not because of my greatness but because of the greatness of his love.

I don’t have to try to be anything I’m not. He loves me just as I am and knows what I can be.

I’m not invisible to him. He holds me close to him each day and always wants the best for me.

I can be at peace in all circumstances because of His love.

Copyright © Frank Sherburn 2013

Maybe when hear the words ‘God so loved the world’ you think this is too big to be personal– its remote and not specific to an individual – it cannot mean me – I’m insignificant in world terms… that God’s interested in the world at large but individuals?

Well I don’t know!

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BEAUTY SPRING IS MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR WHEN IT COMES TO MAKEUP AND BEAUTY. Though the calendar dictates that spring is here, often there’s snow left on the ground and cold temps still grip most of the country.

Makeup is the easiest way to bring a little spring to your life despite what Mother Nature says.

On-trend this year? Think bold nails, pastel eyes, bright cheeks, and orange lips.

If you’re looking for a change from your typical red or nude mani, spring is the season to experiment with bright colors! Try a cobalt blue, kelly green, tangerine orange, or even Pantone’s color of the year, Radiant Orchid.

spring

beauty Essie “Play Date”

Spring is coming soon. While waiting, get a jump start with these beautiful spring-inspired makeup ideas! By Caitlin Wilson

e.l.f. “Teal Blue”

Maybelline “Blue Bombshell”

Zoya “Paz”

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PASTEL EYES WERE ALL OVER THE RUNWAY, FROM ARMANI TO BADGLEY MISCHKA. Despite the soft colors, using pastels can be a bold statement. If you only want a pop of color, try using an eye liner. (And keep the rest of your face neutral; your eyes should take center stage.

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner “Turquoise”

Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Vision.

Tarte “Femme Naturale

Covergirl Queen Collection Vivid Impact Eyeliner “Cabernet” Almay Shadow Softies “Honeydew” JASMINE'S PLACE

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AN ORANGE LIP CAN BE A SCARY STEP INTO THE BEAUTY WORLD, BUT ORANGE IS SURPRISINGLY FLATTERING ON MOST SKIN TONES. Go for a tangerine color if you’re feeling bold, but if you want only a subtle hint of color, try a sheer peach formula.

If you choose to go with an orange lip, play off the orange with a subtle matching blush, but keep your eyes as clean as possible. A single swipe of cateye liner would be perfect.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter “Tutti Frutti”

NYX Matte Lipstick “Daydream”

BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss "Party Starter"

NARS Satin Lip Pencil “Timanfaya”

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ENHANCE YOUR CHEEKS (AND GIVE A LITTLE COLOR TO YOUR HASN’T-SEENTHE-SUN-IN-THREE-MONTHS SKIN) WITH A BRIGHT PINK. This look is best when paired with a neutral, matte eye, but if you’re going to go from work to a date, up the ante by pairing a bright cheek with smokey eyes in shimmery browns.

Clinique Cheek Pop “Plum Pop,”

Consider even adding a little more color to your face with a pretty pink gloss in the same color family as your blush. Just be careful not to overdo it!

Caitlin Wilson is a personal-style, fashion, and beauty blogger at Re-Mix-Her Web: http://re-mix-her.com/ Connect with her on Twitter http://twitter.com/remixher/ Facebook: http://facebook.com/remixher/ Instagram: @ReMixHer), and Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/remixher/.

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush “Rose”

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IF SOMEONE ASKED YOU TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY? Perhaps you might list a series of facts; name, age, job title.

Or physical attributes; height, hair, colour, body shape. Maybe you’d describe your skills and hobbies; likes to cook, good at art, expert knitter.

Cook Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs, during World War II. It defines four pairs of qualities and uses psychometric testing (in oter words, a survey of carefully constructed questions) to assess where each respondent falls within the 16 possible combinations.

But who we are goes much deeper than that. To truly understand someone, you need to know their character. Character is not just how we perceive ourselves, though that comes into it, Instead it is the combination of psychological features that make up our very nature – the core facts of who we are as individuals.

The four pairs are: Introversion (i) /Extraversion; This looks at where you get your energy and your focus lies.

Sensing(s)/Intuition (N): This is based on whether you prefer to be pragmatic and look simply at facts, or to interpret them and add meaning.

Thinking (T)/Feeling(F): This applies to decision making, and whether logic and consistency trump the people and circumstances involved.

Judging (J)/Perceiving (P): This looks at how you deal with the outside world, either getting things decided or leaving them open to change.

Finding out about our characters is important for one simple reason; because knowledge is power. When we understand ourselves, we are better equipped to manage our behaviours, to reduce stress and ultimately, to improve well-being.

Which is not only good for us, but or those around us. So how do we get started?

INTROVETS VS EXTROVERTS There are a number of tools that various psychologists over the years have developed in order to help us analyse, categorise and understand our characters more fully.

One useful and widely used analytic structure is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Developed by Katherine

.

“Whatever the circumstances of your life, the understanding of type can make your perceptions clearer, your judgements sounder, and your life close to your heart’s desire.”

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A spotlight on two simple questionnaires that could help unlock the secrets of who we really are, and put us on the path of greater fulfilment in all areas of our lives.

OUT OF CHARACTER

By Rin Hamburgh

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Having completed the survey (visit the Myers and Briggs Foundation website to find out how and where you can do this), you would end up with a four letter ‘code’ such as ISTJ or ENTP – in other words, your ‘type’.

Katherine and Isobel originally began their research to help women decide which aspect of war work would suit them – and it may be that finding out about your type helps you to reflect on whether your current job is suited to your inherent natureBut there are many more other benefits too.

In fact, Isabel once said, “Whatever the circumstances of your life, the understanding o type can make your perceptions clearer, your judgements sounder, and your life close to your heart’s desire.”

WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS? Another aspect of our characters that we should be aware of is our strengths. Psychologists believe he understanding what these are, and putting them into practice everyday, will have a positive impact on our wellbeing.

The VIA Institute of Character has classified 24 human character strengths that they believe to be common to people worldwide. These include qualities like bravery, love, leadership and forgiveness, as well as

be a strength, such as humour,. appreciation of beauty and curiosity On the groups’ website is a free VIA survey, a psychometric test that allows people to see which five of these 24 strengths are their dominant ones.. Once you have identified them, you can take steps to include activities in your daily life which allow you to express these strengths.

Why is this important? Because human beings need more than food and shelter, or even friendship and love, in order to be happy. According to a psychologist called Abraham Maslow, once those basic needs are fulfilled, we realise we ultimately desire self actualisation – in other words, we have an inbuilt need to realise our full potential. If you have strengths that are not being used, you are bound to be frustrated.

PUTTING YOUR KNOWLEDGE TO WORK Self awareness is little use unless it’s put into practice. Having begun to understand your character, it’s important to reflect on how our new found knowledge might impact various aspects of your life.

Perhaps you’ve discovered that despite being confident and outgoing, you’re actually and introvert and draw energy from JASMINE'S PLACE

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ones you might not even consider to periods of reflection.. In which case, do you have enough time away from activity and interaction so that you can recharge each day?

Or vice versa, - you’ve reaslied you’re an extrovert and that you’re actually suffering from too much time on your own and need to boot your energy with social interaction.

You may discover that certain activities are not making the most of your strengths, whether that’s at church, work or in the home. If creativity is one of your strengths, but you’re stuck in a repetitive office job, could it be time for a change?

You may not be able to hand in your notice on a whim but you could ask your boss for more creative tasks, or even start a lunchtime activity club.

Likewise, if you’ve identified a capacity for leadership, could you get involved in the youth work at church, instead of serving tea?

Psychology is rarely an exact science, and we mustn’t forget that each person is, of course unique. But take some time to look into who you really are, and you may be surprised at what you discover.

Understanding your character will give you the tools that could unlock hidden potential in your life and make you better prepared to take steps that will ultimately improve your wellbeing.

The Myers & Briggs Foundation www.myersbriggs.org VIA Institute on Character www.viacharacter.org This article was first seen in the Jan/Feb 2014 issue of Families First magazine. www.familiesfirstmagazine.com

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You will hear a voice behind your ear telling you which way to go.

Isaiah 30:21

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COMMUNITY

Forces Support is a UK-based charity focused on meeting practical needs for families that have lost a serviceman during combat.

Forces Support Forces Support was set up in honour of brave service personnel who have lost their lives in current and recent conflicts, or while serving within these times.

The charity was set up in March 2010 after the co-founder, Bill McCance searched relentlessly for a charity to provide practical assistance for the wife of a serviceman killed in Afghanistan in 2009, but discovered that this type of practical support was not available.

The charity serves the United Kingdom and provides general maintenance around the home and garden – the work the lost family member would have done for his or her family. Professional builders and maintenance personnel carry out the work required. Applications are accepted from parents, widows, widowers and children of bereaved personnel.

No job is deemed too small or too big, and can range from fitting a mirror, cutting a hedge, painting a small area, to redoing a hallway, or a whole garden area.

The founder had no experience of the third sector and its funding streams when he started the charity, so he began by creating a business that would in turn support the charities work indefinitely.

To do this he opened shops that sell donated goods and in the first three years, the charity was run with the proceeds. His work as recognised and in 2013, Forces Support was the Winner of the Foundation for Entrepreneurs: Fast Growth Award 2013; a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year awards; and also won the Great British Entrepreneur of the year awards.

Forces Support is continually aiming to improve its services and a second research project it commissioned passed the Heriot Watt university Ethics committee and will be carried out this year.

The research aims to measure the impact and benefits of the charity's type of support along with looking at the specific needs of bereaved parents, bereaved fathers’ resistance to therapeutic interventions and disenfranchised grief over time.

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A project for a mother who lost her son in Afghanistan.

Photos;: Courtesy of Forces Support.

BEFORE

AFTER

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“Some people would say we do what a person wants and not what they need, hot water is a need and a trampoline or playhouse isn't.

Neither is a patio or table and chairs.

family has received our help they will continue to keep the garden in good order, usually adding to it which means they're spending time enjoying something, others go onto completing other tasks around the home which can in turn lead to a fuller life.

Well here at Forces Support we believe the environment you live in is important, we believe that the children would have spent recreational time with their lost parent and by putting a trampoline in the child will gain recreational... time.

We only aim to improve a family's environment in the hope they will be happier in their home, we do this because it is simply the right thing to do after their Son, Daughter, Husband, wife, Partner, Mother or Father gave their life for us, our family, Queen and Country.

A patio and table and chairs will give a family somewhere to sit and spend quality time, in most cases the family will hold a gathering in their new garden, maybe drinks and a BBQ. After a bereavement things like the gardening or decorating can take a back seat, they seem unimportant and are subsequently left.

Don't you agree?�

This is what the founder of the charity said in December 2013,

We've seen families use the back door because they don't want to look at the state of their hallway, close the curtains or blinds to block out the view of the garden. We have found time and time again after the

Bill McCance, Founder, Forces Support charity

Forces Support is now an MoD partner and attended the first ever Armed Forces charities reception at 10 Downing Street in October 2013.

To further confirm the value of the work they do, a paper written on their first research project has been accepted for publication.

Find out more at: http://www.forcessupport.org.uk/

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A project for a lady bereaved of all her family members - her husband and two sons. Photos: Courtesy of Forces Support.

BEFORE

AFTER

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FLOWERS FOR MAMA

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My prince came a few years after college graduation. What set him apart from the fantasy I heard growing up and claimed as my own was a couple things.

He was ten years older.

And he also was divorced with minor children.

There wasn’t a story or Disney movie I could consult, a least not one where the step-mom scenario was a positive one.

Couldn’t there be a happy blended family story?

Our family is proof that there can be.

Were going on 17 years of marriage.

When we first met, his kids weren’t even teens. The week we started dating he learned they were moving to Wisconsin. We lived in New York State.

That was my first challenge, and we were so new as a couple marriage wasn’t on my radar.

But I put one thing into practice right from that first week that has seen us through all these years.

Prayer.

I believed God. I prayed (and still do) for my husband, his children, their mom, and every member of their family in Wisconsin. That was something God asked me to do, and I never made a big deal about it, nor did I guilt my husband into doing the same.

I was emotionally separate enough that I could daily pray for their safety, unity, peace, health, and hunger for God in their lives.

If I prayed bad things for their family, that would hurt the kids, and no one wins. I truly prayed for everyone to prosper.

I prayed over my words and actions, as well as my husband’s. When God asked me to do something, I did, and I was intentional about obeying with no expectation of a blessing in return.

I prayed over our times with the kids, and school events. I prayed over every child support check I sent.

There wasn’t a story or Disney movie I could consult, a least not one where the stepmom scenario was a positive one.

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Not too long after my step-son graduated from high school, their mom became very sick. That’s her private journey but it was a dire situation. I kept praying. Thankfully, she is doing well.

Then it became the season where the children became adults and his daughter was set to marry. I knew this would be the first time all of us— him, her, their kids, our kids, their sister, her husband, and the extended family he once knew as inlaws would reunite.

He was nervous. How would they treat him? Me? Us? Our kids? He came right out and asked for prayer.

And this time, I started proclaiming.

All those years I sowed a lot of prayer, and I sensed it was time to proclaim a harvest. I thanked God for the favor I believed He’d give all of us. I praised Him for peace and kindness, believing in my heart every single thing would come to pass.

When we arrived at the church, the very first person to greet us was their mom. She welcomed us with warmth, and knew our kid’s names and was so gracious to them, to all of us.

She walked us down the church steps to where she had cold cuts and drinks, knowing we traveled a far distance. We met their daughter, and said hello to her husband.

On the wedding day you would have thought we were simply friends of this big family. A stranger would never have known this was a group of people affected by divorce.

My husband had so much fun catching up with former in-laws, who came to him first and initiated fun conversation. They all introduced themselves to me and our kids.

Things went so well that my husband’s former mother-in-law switched place cards at the reception so we could sit by each other.

I absolutely adored talking to her.

This matriarch ended up passing away less than a year later, and we were invited to share in celebrating her life. My mother-in-law passed away earlier this year, and one of the first cards my husband received was from his first wife.

Things went so well that my husband’s former mother-inlaw switched place cards at the reception so we could sit by each other.

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When we pulled out of the church lot on his daughter’s wedding day, we weren’t even out of reverse when my husband turned and asked, “How did you know? You kept saying this was going to be an amazing day.”

Without hesitating I replied, “I laid down too many years of a prayerful foundation for that to return void.

God heard those prayers and met us all in an amazing way.”

If you are in a blended family situation, whether recent, or for a few years, it’s never too late to start laying down prayers and proclamations laced with believing God and His word.

Re-write that evil step-mom story, and watch God do amazing things, in His time.

Julie Arduini is a writer and speaker who encourages audiences to find freedom through surrender. She knows it has to start with her, so she’s surrendering the good, the bad, and---maybe one day---the chocolate.

She blogs for Christians Read, the Bella Women Network, and is working on her Adirondack based contemporary romance.

Visit her at www.juliearduini.com Article first published at : http://talkingamongfriends.com/2013/05/14/rewriting-the-evil-step-mom-story/

First published at: http://www.talkingamongfriends.blogspot.co.u k/2013/05/re-writing-evil-step-mom-story.html

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I will place you in a family.

Psalm 68:6

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FEATURE

A Little Bag Of

Joy

• m

Mommy Bag Marketing distributes over 40,000 bags for moms at events and conferences throughout the US each year. Beverly Smith, CEO, sits down for an interview to share insights about her company and how she started in business.

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Thank you for agreeing to this interview.

Thank you for the opportunity!

What is your background? Is it in Marketing?

My background is not in marketing! I majored in Biology in college, and worked in the healthcare industry before I became a stay at home wife and mom.

How did you get started with MBM? My mom has her own business which I helped her with, and we advertised with MBM in its very early stages.

When the founder of the company, MariLee Parrish, asked for coordinators in major metro areas, I knew I wanted to be a part of the business. I started with the company as a coordinator for the Philadelphia Metro area. Christina Maas, who would later become my co-owner, started around the same time in the Denver Colorado area.

You work with a great team. How did you meet your team members?

We advertise the job opportunity on social media and sometimes in print form and we get applications from moms around the US. Our team is like a family to us. We absolutely could not exist without our team.

We also could not do without our VP, Nicole Elliott and our National Sales Director, Danita Drake.

I cannot stress how amazing the ladies are that have stuck with us and built up successful, thriving territories. It takes time and patience to build your presence in an area, but when you stick with it, our coordinators have found that the events come to them and so do the clients!

We found local businesses to advertise in our Mommy Resource Bags, and we found local events that would distribute the Resource Bags.

We were both asked to be on the leadership team, recruiting others across the US to join our team.

MBM covers 13 territories across the US. Which territories did you start off with?

Mommy Bag Marketing started in Colorado, and it became so popular that it expanded into Texas, Philly Metro, and North Carolina.

One thing to remember when starting your own business is that you will often have to grow *with* the business even when you don't plan to.

Some time later, when the owner gave us the opportunity to purchase the company, we prayed and discussed it with our husbands, and accepted the challenge!

We have found this to be true over and over. The specific needs of our clients encourage us to grow, spread our wings, and offer new services each month.

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How do you form good relationships with the event/conference organisers where MBM bags are distributed?

One of the first things a coordinator must do when establishing her territory is to reach out to local event coordinators. It is essential to form these lasting relationships. We absolutely love providing our bags of joy free of charge to these venues.

Every territory has unique bags based on the local offerings of their business clientele. We try to really determine the needs of each specific event: is it for nursing mamas, school-age children, working moms etc. We can then dive into our pool of businesses and include the ones that are relevant for that particular demographic. We value relationships and our reputation so much, and we really care about the communities we work within.

Christina and I cannot be everywhere at once, so we try to maintain coordinators that we can really trust to carry our vision to individual communities.

Why do you distribute to Moms and not any other group?

We choose to focus on moms because that is what we know best!

We feel that as moms ourselves, we know what moms want, need and wish for. There are so many businesses out there that moms

should know about, and don't, because they haven't been able to effectively market! We have tried to provide quality marketing options that are affordable. We have also been able to tap into local service providers as it is usually the mom making the call when the AC stops working or when there are ants in the kitchen.

What's a typical day like in your office?

We all have home offices, so a typical day is pretty crazy. I wake up and make a huge mug of coffee as I plan my day out. I work around naps, playdates, and schooling as any work at home mom does. Phone calls and webinars are the most challenging because I have to create a quiet space to hold a professional call in. I have an office, but I barely work in it because it is not practical for me to be shut away when I have three little girls that need me.

I try to include my family in my work.

My children know our national sponsors and love the products we promote as much as I do. I work a lot in the evening as well - because the children are in bed, and I can concentrate. Christina and I are in touch all day long online, keeping each other aware of what is going on in the parts of the business we handle. I love my work, but I don't feel that it interferes with my family life.

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How do you find the right balance between work and family life?

I touched on this a bit already, but I have to say that this is a work in progress. I try to keep my priorities straight, and remember to see God's guidance for every single step. There are times when I definitely feel like I am balancing too many things, and then I have to sit down and reevaluate where my time is going. I need to be on the computer a lot, so I have to make sure the children are not seeing me focused more on what is going on in MBM world, than on them.

During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, our business pretty much shuts down because we value family time at MBM. There are times when I will work on a Saturday if there is nothing else going on, but weekends are my time off to be with family. When you work at home and there is no real delineation of home space vs work space, that you make boundaries for yourself.

What advice would you give to Moms thinking of starting a business? The fine print that must not be overlooked?

I would say that you have to do what you love. If you don't, your work at home business will become burdensome. The road is not always easy, and it is an uphill path to success, so to be able to walk that road, you have to be committed to it

Also, make sure you keep proper banking records and hire professionals to help you understand the small print. Keep legal documents if you plan to hire employees, and do not expect everything to always go smoothly. I think almost half of my time is taken up with brainstorming and troubleshooting. Do not let anyone drag you into compromising your faith, or your business ethics - ever.

What's your favourite time of the year and why?

I absolutely love fall. I love the colors, the crisp air, and the urge I get to start making comfort food! I got married and had all three of my girls in the fall, and I love those memories.

What's your favourite colour and why?

I love browns, golds, dark green and crimson colors. They remind me of my favorite season and foods!

What's your favourite dessert and why?

I love rich pound cake, lemon flavored cupcakes, and pans of baklava. I really enjoy comfort food!

Thank you for your time!

I appreciate it!

Find out more about MBM at www.mommybagmarketing.com JASMINE'S PLACE

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STYLE

FRILLS FOR

THRILLS A glimpse into the life and inspirations of Sarah Nelson, owner of Frills For Thrills, a fashion and interior design blog.

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Hi, I’m Sarah, Pastor's wife, baby mama, fashion lover, interior decorator, living in the Portland metro area.

Here, Sarah wears an oversized sweater, camo pants, and t-strap heels

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I married at 19 to the love of my life.

I’m also a mom to a great little boy.

Here, Sarah wears a comfy sweater, skinny jeans, and lace-up ankle booties.

I definitely DON'T have this parenting thing mastered... but I want to love my son like Christ loves me...

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I love wearing high waisted clothing, especially since I'm a mom. Here in Portland I would wear mostly the same outfits as in winter since spring is our rainiest time of year!

My style icon when it comes to fashion is Victoria Beckham.

AKA Posh Spice.

Her fashion style is the perfect blend of edgy, classy and feminine.

Here, Sarah’s wears a color block sleeved coat over a flannel shirt, paired with leather skirt and thigh-high boots.

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Why “Frills for Thrills”?

Because you can!

Why not spend an extra five in front of the mirror if it’ll impress your husband?

Why not maintain a clean and comfortable home to rest in?

Why not dress in something that makes you feel better about yourself?

I celebrate beauty and believe God does too.

So if for no reason at all, add some frills for the thrills.

See you next time!

Here, Sarah wears a tartan scarf, grey toned shirt, black leggings and black boots.,.

Connect with Sarah at: http://www.frillsforthrills.com/

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You are engraved on the palms of my hands.

Isaiah 49:16

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FEATURE

Small business is always evolving, and staying on top of technology is important for success. In this feature, learn 6 tips for online business to help your organization thrive in today’s world.

By Aloted Omoba

6 Essential Technology Tips for Women in Business

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Technology is one of the many challenges women in business face today. Compared to their male counterparts, many female entrepreneurs feel intimidated by the technology know-how required of the industry they work in.

It is common to find that a good number of women in business feel that they have the knowledge of their industry, but not the technical know-how to make their vision a reality in the online world.

There’s no denying technology has improved many aspects of our daily lives, especially in the ways it has made running a business much easier.

I will like to share with you some simple technology tips you must apply in your online business if you don’t already.

1. GET A SMARTPHONE WITH INTERNET ACCESS. With a smartphone, you don’t have to stay glued to the Internet on your laptop or desktop all day long. You can do business on the run, take orders, reply to business emails, track orders etc. with a smart phone.

I would recommend investing in an iPhone because that is what I use and I am a mac girl; however you could also use a blackberry or an android. phone depending on your budget. As

long as it is “smart” and you have Internet access you are in business!

2. GET A WEBSITE. If you have an online business it is imperative that you have a website.

That is how potential customers will find you. Your website is usually the first door to your company so you have to make sure it represents you well. Get a good web designer to help you set up a professional website.

I would recommend using a selfhosted WordPress site as it is very versatile and you can do almost anything you want on a WordPress site.

3. USE A PROFESSIONAL EMAIL ADDRESS. Use an email address which ends with your website URL such as myname@domain.com.

For example mine is aloted@techyaloted.com. That is definitely more professional than using aloted@hotmail.com.

4. USE AN EMAIL MARKETING SOFTWARE TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS. Do you communicate with your customers using your personal email account? That has got to stop.

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It is not professional in any way and does not show that you are in business. It may also be seen as spam.

Tools such as Mailchimp, Mad Mimi, and Aweber have been specifically designed to help you communicate effectively with your customers. You can schedule when your email will go out and also track those who open your emails.

I recommend Mailchimp and Mad Mimi as they are very easy to set up and use. There are many YouTube videos you can watch to give you a step-by-step guide to set up your account. However I can help you set up this up if you need help.

More importantly, you need to communicate regularly at least once a month with the people on your email list. As these are the ones who will buy from you since you have developed an ongoing relationship with them.

5. HAVE A FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE. The days when Facebook was used only for catching up with friends from university or your family, are long gone.

If your business is not on Facebook then you are missing out on potential customers.

Facebook is the next big thing for a lot of businesses and you can easily reach and target your ideal customers on Facebook these days.

On your Facebook page your goal is to provide value in form of practical tips your fans would appreciate.

It is very easy to set up a Facebook page; however, you need to have a personal account on Facebook before you can set up a business page. Go here to set up a Facebook page todayhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/cr eate/

I would recommend investing in an iPhone because that is what I use and I am a mac girl; however you could also use a blackberry or an android phone depending on your budget.

As long as it is “smart� and you have Internet access you are in business!

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6 GET BACKUP! One of the worst things that can happen in your online business is your website crashing, and you do not have backup. That would be a BIG disaster.

About Aloted Omoba Aloted Omoba (pseudonym) lives in Essex UK. She is married to an awesome guy and they have two amazing children: a four year old daughter and a six month old son.

To avoid any catastrophe, always backup your site. For backup I would recommend to use a free backup plugin called Ready! Backup if you use WordPress, and you can send the backup to your Dropbox account, FTP, Local Computer or Email. You can schedule automatic backups. Get Ready! Backup here.

If there is any problem with your site, you can always restore a backed up copy so that you are up and running again.

Some of these tips you may find easy to do by yourself and some may appear like Greek to you. In that case, my candid advice to you will be to outsource the technology bit of your business that you are finding difficult to do.

Don’t let technology hold you back from moving your business to the next level. Seriously consider getting someone who enjoys getting his or her hands dirty.

Her passion is to help working mums who are overwhelmed achieve balance and financial freedom in their lives. She also loves to help business owners who are stuck with technology get unstuck.

You can connect with her via Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SuperWorkingMum twitter: http://www.twitter.com/SuperWorkingMum email: aloted@superworkingmum.com website: www.superworkingmum.com

That way you can concentrate on what you love doing which is providing value to your customers.

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HEALTHY FOOD

Healthy Food For You Chef Mike shares a healthy treat for four!

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Baked Potato With Creamy Vegetable Filling

INGREDIENTS 4 large baking potatoes 1 tsp of vegetable oil Salt and ground black pepper to taste 8 tbs soy yogurt 12 tbs cooked fresh sweet-corn (or frozen- canned if unavailable) 4 spring onions, finely chopped 1 medium diced red pepper colour your choice Preheat the oven to 200c - 400f - Gas -6 METHOD FOR FILLING (1) Place the yoghurt, and sweet corn, spring onions, red pepper in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.

(2) Now mix the ingredients together with a wooden spoon, and leave in the fridge to chill until required.

METHOD FOR POTATOES (3) First take your potatoes and give them a wash, now pat each potato dry, prick each with a thin skewer about 12 mm deep all around each, now rub the vegetable oil over the potatoes.

(4) Next place on a baking sheet, and bake for around 1.5 hours. Check after the first hour of baking time to see if cooked by gently pushing a thin skewer towards the centre of each potato. They are ready if they’re soft all the way through, if not leave until they are.

(5) Now take out the oven, cut a cross through the middle of each, and fill each with the filling, and serve with some salad of your choice.

Enjoy! http://www.chefmikedarracott.com JASMINE'S PLACE

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INSPIRATIONAL

Letting the New Day Dawn…

Insightful thoughts for our daily lives…

By Roger Knight

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In the cold light of a new day, when we look to the far off horizon that we are travelling to in Life’s journey, what lies ahead may often look quite grey.

Struggling to see through the haze, the solid ground seemingly merges into that which clouds.

Continuing to watch, it may dawn on you as it did me, that as the light disperses what mists our vision, and the more we focus on what the brightness shines on, the clearer we can see the solid ground on which we are meant to stand.

Copyright Roger Knight 2013 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Ps 40: 1-2 “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

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Stories News Free subscriptions Plus more!

Visit www.jasminesplace.com

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I will settle you, strengthen you, establish you.

I am the Lord who loves you.

1 Peter 5:10

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Next Issue More inspiring features for today’s woman!

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Thanks for reading and see you soon! ♥♥♥