Welcome back, ladies!

Recent times have been very exciting here, with work and life galloping along at an insane speed. It’s taken this long for me to have half a chance to sit down and write. Since the birth of the New Year, I have been incredibly busy working on a number of projects, and trying to somehow fit in a social life, too. Balancing life and work is a constant battle, but recent times have given me cause to briefly pause and take stock of my lot.

A dear friend of mine is currently supporting her friend through the latter stages of cancer. She’s been so incredibly strong and positive but you can tell it’s hitting her hard. It’s so hard to support someone through such times, what can one possibly say to ease the pain? Mortality is such a fragile concept, something that many of us are lucky enough not to have to consider in any depth for the majority of our lives. With this in mind, I have spent some time considering my own life, my plans, goals and, most importantly, my luck.

I think it is too easy to stomp through life, achieving what you can, without taking a moment to consider just how lucky we are. Bellism, and all that it stands for, promotes self-reflection, and it is such a powerful tool for change, personally, locally and, hopefully, globally. We have a real opportunity to be part of a generation of women that can genuinely change the world — if only we accept the gauntlet.

I have been busy with my work as publicity manager at the Brighton Science Festival — something I would never have expected myself to do, but I am happy to say I have enjoyed every minute of it. As I write, the festival is in full swing. We are halfway through a two-week schedule packed with individual events, and as an integral part of a team of three (plus some sterling volunteers), it’s imperative that you balance functionality with professionalism. At recent events I have opted for classic skinny jeans (a staple) and black long-sleeved tees, or a blazer jacket and jeans. Comfort really is paramount when rushing about with a walkie-talkie on your belt, but I find that a well-placed oversized corsage on your lapel or a statement necklace allows you to stand out from the crowd while still allowing you to perform your job effectively.

Returning to the heart of iatg, I have had some fantastic meetings with the gals across the pond of late, and am very excited about the prospect of really promoting Bellism in the UK. Sometimes it may feel as though we are a world away from each other, but Bellism allows for continuity of being and a conglomerate of ideas that can really make a difference.

Stay beauty-full, ladies! And don’t forget to add your comments because a dialogue is only a few small steps away from a revolution!

Brighton Science Festival, British Bellist, cancer, Carrie Barclay, february, january Hide

We are all aware that we should aim to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day for optimum health. That’s not such an easy task though given busy schedules, stress and temptations — not to mention a preference for alcoholic cocktails over healthy juice. Instead of popping vitamin tablets as the easy, quick-fix answer, how about juicing your own fruits and vegetables? The idea of drinking a broccoli/beet juice probably doesn’t appeal to your taste buds as much as say, a store-bought apple juice, but nutritionally wise you could be consuming all five servings in one homemade juice. You’ll also be cleansing your body of impurities and incredibly, losing weight. This simple process provides your body with valuable fuel, and if indulged in first thing in the morning, will help you start the day feeling noticeably energized (and even full).

There are many obvious advantages to juicing, aside from the fact that fruits and vegetables are among the cheapest foods to put in your shopping cart. In terms of their nutritional value, the antioxidants found in these foods are essential for younger, healthier-looking skin. By juicing several fruits and vegetables into one concoction you can dramatically increase the vitamin and folic acid content, than if you ate just one apple. Many people tend to eat the same vegetable and salads everyday, however with juicing, you can juice a variety of vegetables that you may not normally enjoy eating whole. Basic ingredients such as spinach, beet, carrots, apples and pears can form to make a delicious and healthy juice. To spice it up you could add ginger, lemon, herbs such as mint or even chili. Basically you can juice almost any food (with the exception of bananas and avocados) and you will receive nutritional benefits from all of them. For example, apples are an anti-cancer health promoter, blueberries destroy free radicals, beets cleanse the liver and cucumber is an excellent diuretic (a fantastic de-bloating tip), while ginger is a natural antibiotic.

With regards to weight loss, juicing is an incredibly effective and easy choice. Most of the liquids found in fruit is actually water (another diuretic), while the majority of fruits and vegetables are extremely low in fat, calories, sugar and cholesterol. And if a juice is consumed at breakfast it will keep you satisfied due to the fibrous content and mixture of the fruits and vegetables.

Just give it a try. Invest in a juicer (purchase a good quality one like Breville, one of the most favored), and invest in your health!

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One basket at a time, Rwandan women are weaving their brutalized country back together. As citizens of one of the most devastated countries in the world, these women refuse to let the anger and bitterness from their land’s history affect its future. Rather, through self-sufficiency, hope and basket-weaving, they are leading their nation’s rebirth.

Between April and July of 1994, a swift and incomprehensible genocide swept through Rwanda over the course of 100 days. An estimated 800,000 Tutsi Rwandans and sympathizers were systematically slaughtered by their Hutu neighbors and militia with support from government and political leaders. While men were massacred, women and children were raped and mutilated. The terror left a population of only 30 % men and nearly 70 % women.

Coping with one of the gravest human atrocities in modern history is a considerable feat for any nation, let alone one with as tumultuous a past as Rwanda. But the country’s recovery has been remarkable and is now viewed as a model for other developing countries. In fact, a CNN foreign affairs analyst has even dubbed Rwanda as Africa’s “biggest success story.” And the country can thank its women for its present stability, economic growth, and rising education levels.

“I [saw] an opportunity to empower the women of Rwanda,” said Willa Shalit, reflecting on a 2003 trip where she first discovered the Rwandan women’s unique talent. By partnering with Macy’s and Gahaya Links, Shalit’s company Fairwinds Trading markets exquisitely handwoven baskets to American consumers for the Rwanda Path to Peace project. Proceeds are given to the artisan women who then invest their new-found income in their families.

“What I earn helps me take myself out of poverty,” attests weaver Justine in an interview with CBS. “Today I can buy a dress, I can feed my children.”

Moreover, these baskets benefit the nation as a whole as the project’s impact extends beyond individual family units. Through income made by weavers, entire villages can afford clean water and mosquito netting to combat deadly diseases. HIV-positive weavers can also better meet their medical needs with more access to healthcare and medication.

But the greatest impact is perhaps the least tangible. Another weaver, Dorcille Uwimana, reflects on the influence she and her fellow weavers have had on their homeland. “We have taught the country to move beyond hatred. We realized we cannot always be angry at each other. We have to weave. We have to make our lives better.”

For a country that has been torn asunder by inhumane man-on-man violence, reconciliation has been accomplished through women. And it is women who are the breadwinners, the catalysts, and the leaders.

The Rwandan widow-weavers prove what has been an increasing realization – that channeling aid to women and girls is the best way to combat global poverty and extremism. As New York Times reporters Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn write, “women and girls aren’t the problem; they’re the solution.”

Baskets are available for purchase from Macys.com.

Baskets, Fairwinds Trading, macys, rwanda, Rwanda Path to Peace project, Sophia Hsu, Willa Shalit Hide

I have a life coach now. If you’d asked me what that meant a year ago, I would have responded with some vague answer, with roughly the same insight that I have on synchronized swimming (which is very little). I know in theory that girls swim around and make shapes with their bodies, similarly I knew life coaches help you “figure things out,” but that was the extent of my knowledge. Then as a very generous gift, a dear friend bought me two sessions with THE Helene Finizio. Now I had heard of this woman (the best in the biz) and I’d dreamed of one day getting to work with the Queen of New York, but could never have fathomed to what extent she’d change my life.

So that’s how it all started. I received a gift, a stranger’s voice on the other end of my phone gently inquiring about all the nooks, the crannies, peering into the deepest darkest closets of my life. And then before I knew it, that voice was no longer a distant stranger, but a life’s guide, a dear friend, a confidant, a sage and a cheerleader.

Here’s the deal. I’ve spent more money on jeans, shoes and movies than I would ever like to admit. I don’t mind dropping big Bens on a personal trainer, expensive mascara, and the new Victoria Secret, must-have bra. My bank account diminishes at the mere thought of international airfare and tickets to see my favorite band play. Why then does it pain us to spend money on the things that actually matter?

You see, a life coach is just about the best buck you could possibly spend because (at least for me) I’m being taught how to live better. It’s not quick fixes, plaster over the cracks, but looking into my lifelong habits of loving bad boys, highlights of unnecessary self-critique, techniques on how to better handle stress, and the subtleties in thoughts that are getting you exactly what you don’t want. We’re not talking voodoo, mad scientist fluff, we’re talking about facing every facet of who you are intimately in a mirror and being forced to reckon with what most of us would rather sweep under the rug.

And the beauty is it’s not a therapy session, woe is me, kumbaya-ing. It’s practical steps to getting what you want, shifting your paradigm so that anything is possible and mantras that actually change the way you think. We have coaches for sports, tutors for school, mentors for business, so why are we not encouraged to have a coach for life in general  ̶  a coach for how to be a better version of ourselves?

The reason I’m gushing over this is because it’s a phenomenon, something I had vaguely heard of and I feel like it’s a secret most of us don’t know about. In fact, I started inquiring to all my most successful friends about it and sure enough, nine out of 10 had a life coach. Where was I when that memo went out? So here’s the deal, Helene has changed my life, continues to, by inspiring me, encouraging me, unapologetically challenging me and enabling me to do what I’m meant to do in this lifetime without getting caught up in my own bull$&#@ that serves as a serious distraction, temptation and/or a slower-downer.

She doesn’t remove the obstacles for me, but shows me the same invisible walls I keep running into to and leads me to the door. She helps me clarify what I really want in life instead of falling victim to society’s pressures, or other people’s influence. She recognizes patterns in my language that are limiting beliefs, and pinpoints my revisionist history of things that never really happened “like that.” She dances in a world of endless possibility and encourages me to dance alongside her. She doesn’t subscribe to what the world says and instead writes her own life menu and chooses exactly what she wants to order.

Helene is a miracle worker. She makes dreams come true, by helping you realize what yours even are in the first place. Whether it’s a major career-changing decision (which she recently walked me through), my latest 8^th grade crush, my personal struggles with body image or my financial goals, she helps guide me in the right direction. She is a flashlight along a dark road and a voice of reason when the world gets so chaotic and the endless possibilities leave me in a state of paralysis.

Life is tough — at least it can be. But as I’m learning, it also doesn’t have to be. The greatest thing I have been taught is that either way, we choose how our life will unfold, the adventures we go on and the attitude we adorn.  I feel like when you find something that significantly and positively changes your life, it’s a travesty to keep it a secret. Helene is a pretty penny, but why wouldn’t she be? She’s in the business of changing lives. I get asked all the time what my secret is… well cats out… it’s her.

www.HeleneFinizio.com

alexis jones, Helene Finizio, life changer, life coach Hide

I’m not going to lie, I don’t get the whole Valentine’s day hype. I never have. And this isn’t a single girl’s rant, I’ve certainly had my share of rose-petaled surprises, chocolate filled teddy bears and expensive ooh- la-la Valentine dinners. I just don’t like the idea that there’s this arbitrary day once a year where whatever guy is in my life, is pressured into expressing his love through a cheesy Hallmark card and a heart shaped box of delectable delights.

I’d rather him do it on a random Tuesday, in the middle of June, or a Wednesday in late September when he actually feels like it. All I’m saying is that I want the appreciation-forced 14^th of February to last the other 364 days out of the year, not all stuffed into a single 24 hour period. And I don’t like the idea of someone doing something for me because of a make believe bow and arrow carrying, half naked guy flying around inducing prearranged marriages.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am as hopeless a romantic as they come. I am weak in the knees at the sight of pink lilies, silly sweet notes written for no reason at all make me smile all day and dinner with a guy I have a crush on leaves me completely unproductive for a week as I replay flirtatious comments in my head and sport a perma-smile all day. I’m the queen of butterflies, lose all logic-making ability when I’m kissed and admittedly hold my breath when my phone rings at the mere thought of the guy I like calling.

So with my girly confessions out of the way, I am 100% chick when it comes to the sweet stuff. But I have to admit that I hate a guy feeling obligated to do ANY of that for me so I’m proposing a new concept for Valentine’s day, a potential hand shake, deal making opportunity. Okay guys, What if I said that that from now on, Valentine’s is your day off. The one day a year you get to do whatever in the hell you want. Watch football, play poker, go camping with the dudes, sleep in, I don’t care. But it’s your day to be a man, beat your chest and revert to the cave man that lives deep down inside. However, the other 364 days out of the year you make an effort, you do thoughtful surprises, leave cards for no reason and yes, you buy me pink lilies and chocolate chip cookies but all on your own time, when you feel like it. But on that one, special day, it’s completely yours.

And I promise the same goes for me. Valentines will be my day to pamper myself, go to the spa, get a mani and pedi, buy myself a new outfit and lounge in a bath singing along to the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. But 364 days out of the year, I in return will spoil you with fantastic home made dinners, buy tickets to your favorite team’s championship game, surprise you with whip cream bikinis and will have your favorite beer stocked in the fridge on poker night. I will go out of my way to make you feel special the rest of the year if you grant me one day to have all, completely to myself.

Deal?

I think we could use a reminder once a year to pamper ourselves anyway and seeing as we have the rest of the year to be selfless, to compromise and to be sweet and thoughtful with each other, we deserve a day off. February 14^th seems as arbitrary and perfect as any. The perfect day to be the good kind of selfish, to pamper ourselves and revel in unconditional, selfishness.

We’d also get to avoid the inundation of red and pink, overpriced set menus, hard to get reservations at fancy restaurants, forced compliments and chocolates. You don’t have to worry about forgetting a made up holiday and hurting my feelings, or trying to out do whatever you did last year or meet “crazy girl on Valentine’s day” expectations that were unbeknownst to you. I think I’m completely okay with all of that, well except the chocolate. I’ll pretty much accept chocolate any time, any place, anywhere (make note of that).

Either way, I’m starting a new Non-Valentine’s, Valentine’s Day trend. After all the beauty of relationships is that you get to decide what works for you. Together you write the rules and  you set and create your own expectations. Among many other things I don’t buy into, Valentine’s Day, at least for me (and this is NOT the case for all girls so don’t propose this idea of your girlfriend and get me in trouble) is being scrapped from my yearly calendar.

However, absolutely nothing above applies to birthdays. Birthdays are a completely different story… forget that day and you’re in the dog house. We’re talkin’ big time dog house.  July 6. Sear it into your brain and plan two weeks in advance, fireworks are suggested and trust me, the golden rule applies here so your birthday will reap the same MUCH deserved love and attention.

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This past week I had the chance to speak with Anjelica and Ariel of the budding nonprofit, One is Greater Than None. These two girls, along with six others, started a organization at age 14 to raise money to save trafficked children in Ghana, Africa. After discovering it would require approximately $4,300 to save just one child, the enterprising young ladies decided to craft bracelets attached to cards that would educate people about the troubles in the African nation. There also were T-shirts, emblazoned with their logo, “1>0,” complete with the tag line “Be Part of the Equation.” Since their humble beginnings in 2007, the girls have raised over $100,000 and helped 48 children.

The girls, now 16, are moving on to help people in rural parts of the U.S. with Remote Area Medical (RAM), an organization supplying free medical care to rural areas. The mission is to motivate people by showing that even the smallest amount can help change the world.

Before seeing the Oprah episode “The Boy Oprah Couldn’t Forget,” what made you girls want to start a charity?

Ariel: Well, we all come from fairly comfortable backgrounds and families that involved us in charitable things since we were young.

Anjelica: We wanted to do something fun with our friends.

Who are some of the people the One is Greater Than None girls look up to?

Ariel: Oprah! Ah, Pam Cope who started Touch a Life. She helps orphanages around the world. She’s like a saint ― honestly the most amazing person! Eric Peasah from the International Organization for Migration. Oh, and Taylor Swift!

Anjelica: Yes!

Unison: TAYLOR SWIFT!

Ariel: We are in love with Taylor Swift! She knows who she is and she’s just a great role model.

Anjelica: We blast her music in the car when we’re all headed somewhere together and sing along!

 

 

The simplicity of this organization and the amount of impact it has is inspiring. Is there a lot of planning? What is a typical week for the girls like?

Ariel: Every Sunday there’s a meeting with all eight girls and sometimes the moms. Everyone is in charge of a certain something. We get help from parents on things we can’t do because of our age.

Anjelica: We usually do one charity a week. It’s great having eight girls because two girls can go here and two girls go there.

So much has happened with One is Greater Than None in the last two years. Are you overwhelmed with the amount people have given?

Ariel: I’m in shock that this is even happening, that we’ve been able to do so much in such a short time. People give so much!

How do you balance school, running a life-saving nonprofit and a personal life?

Ariel: Time management! It’s sort of like: Alright, Sundays ― make 20 bracelets; Saturday ― do all my homework in the morning then go hang out with friends.

Anjelica: I’ve learned how to manage time from being in the charity.

Ariel: Yeah, there’s not as much room for procrastination.

You ladies have accomplished so much at such a young age. In the midst of everything do you feel put together?

Ariel: I’m confident but am still learning who I am. As far as school and social life, I’m still learning how to feel put together.

Anjelica: This charity has helped shape who I am today. I’m a more mature person, more put together than if I hadn’t done this.

Your mission statement says that “any contribution, no matter how small, has value.” How can people be part of the equation daily, weekly, monthly or yearly?

Ariel: As far as helping the charity, you can donate, buy jewelry and spread the word. Organize something at school for us. We LOVE speaking at middle schools and high schools because students are so impacted by our message! For the world, any random acts of kindness. Just try to make the world a better place. There are so many different ways to help and get involved.

Anjelica: Definitely volunteer your time.

To donate to One is Greater Than None, purchase jewelry or clothing please visit Oneisgreaterthannonoe.org.

And remember, “Any contribution, no matter how small, has value.”

ghana, International Organization for Migration, Kimberly Bozeman, One is Greater Than None, Oprah, Remote Area Medical, taylor swift, Touch a Life Hide

If you’re like millions of others, you probably succumbed to the abundance of food that both Thanksgiving and Christmas had to offer. Sure magazines and Web sites were offering advice on how to enjoy the feast without going overboard, like suggesting the white meat as opposed to the dark (which is lower in calories) or having just one cookie instead of five.

For all those (including myself) who were guilty of overindulgence, here are a few easy (and low maintenance) tips on how to drop the “holiday weight” without resorting to starvation techniques, protein shakes or hours of sweating it out on the treadmill.

Go easy on yourself. Decide in your mind how much weight you want to lose (setting a goal in the initial phase helps you stick to your plan). Determine how much you are prepared to commit to this task. If you are working 10-hour days, chances are you will not have a great deal of time (or energy) to devote 2 hours at the gym everyday. There are plenty of simple and subtle changes that you can make. After waking up, drink warm water with lemon (a cleansing drink which also is a laxative) and practice 15/20 minutes of yoga and stretching. Walk to work or up the stairs as opposed to taking the elevator. At lunch make a concerted effort to leave your desk for 20 minutes to move your muscles and get your blood flowing.

There are no tricks in this game, but there are a few ways you can cut corners. Carry a pedometer to measure how many steps you are taking each day. Aim for 10,000 steps per day, which is admittedly unrealistic for most, but the pedometer will inspire you to be more active.

As for diet, cut down on the calorific Starbucks’ muffins and lattes. Prepare your own breakfast of oatmeal. Stock your fridge with fresh fruit, vegetables and lean meat. Seeing a fridge full of healthy food will make you less inclined to order takeout in the evening. If you want to take it a step further, try food combining by eating your proteins, carbohydrates and fruits at separate times in order to aid the digestion process. Food gets digested much faster when eaten alone, thus improving weight loss. For example, try a veggie omelet (no toast), or brown rice and vegetables (no protein). Fruit digests at a faster rate than any other food group so it should be eaten 30 minutes before or after a meal.

This task should not be viewed as daunting. The first two to three days are probably the most challenging, but you soon realize how much healthier you feel both mentally and physically. A session at the gym is tough on your muscles at first. It sounds cliché, but your endorphins do kick in and suddenly your brain is telling you that you’re actually enjoying this. Once your endorphins work their charms you are already on the (not-so-steep) road to better health.

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As a number of governments, including Britain and France, have approached passing censorship laws on advertisements, a number of critical discussions have come to light in the courtroom. Some parliamentarians have speculated that censorship is this or that while others fully support the policies. The biggest arguments have been over the literal versus the emotional. The debate between advertising as a business expense and advertising as art is a huge battle being played on the ethical playground.

In the wake of the current technological revolution, advertisers have been caught in a creative vice. Though the use of traditional media like television, radio and print play a vital part in any advertising campaign, marketers are finding target markets harder to reach. Glitz and glam no longer catch the attention of specific demographics as most are over media-saturated. In efforts to wade through the online noise and social media clamor, advertisers have taken to guerilla tactics in order to captivate their audience. Innovative collaborations include:

• Numerous bikes spray-painted neon orange were left all over New York City to promote DKNY.com. The bikes were located in front of coffee shops and chained to street poles at major intersections with the Web site painted on the side.

• Piles of mock gold bullions complete with the phrase “If you have me, I was stolen” were planted throughout the streets of London promoting artist Paul Insect’s latest exhibit.

• Aqua Teen Hunger Force created Lite-Brite type advertisements all over Boston to promote the Adult Swim Network show. The ads caused several large traffic shutdowns when they were mistaken for bomb threats.

Although it is exciting to see artistic creativity displayed through marketing there can be a serious danger in associating advertising with art.

With certain marketing tactics advertising can take a manipulative turn for the worst as marketers work to draw an audience to have an emotional connection with the product, idea or person. This was wildly popular throughout the mid-90s thanks to brands like Saturn and Coca-Cola and has now become standard practice in promotional planning. Advertisers have consistently found that if an audience has an emotional connection with a product, a loyal customer can be forged. Ethical lines begin to blur as speculation asks if this particular advertising strategy has an association with brainwashing.

The important thing to keep in mind is that although advertising is vital to advance in business and commerce, a solid system of checks and balances should be formed. Advertising needs a clean frame to work inside of and until a better solution is created the censorship debate will rage on.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Coca-Cola, DKNY, guerilla advertising, Kimberly Bozeman, Lite-Brite, Paul Insect, Saturn Hide