Virginia Lang - HERLIFE Magazine

2 HERLIFEmagazine.com

®12contents4 welcome8 Health10 Spotlight12 Beauty14 Inspirations3418 Cravings20 Culinary22 Recipes24 MOTHER’S PERSPECTIVE26 TRENDSETTER32 SPOTLIGHT2434 WORKING WOMEN36 Real Estate38 Spotlight40 Tie the Knot1442 Love and RelationshipsVirginia LangFavorite Morning DJ43 Scene and Be seen48 calendaRYou may share each morning with Virginia, but how much do you reallyknow about your favorite morning DJ? With a career start at Chuck E.Cheese and a chance introduction to radio that changed her life, Virginiahas a background as lively as her own personality. We got up close and personalwith Virginia to give you a deeper insight into her life beyond the scenes of Wild 95.5.HERLIFEmagazine.com 3

welcomePhenomenalWomenPhenomenal Women of South Florida, I salute you!May is a special month, as it’s filled with multipleholidays that are significant for one reason oranother: Cinco de Mayo, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Dayand last but not least, Mother’s Day. I really think that womenare short-changed by only being recognized for one day inthe year. Honestly, I hope that women, especially Mothers,are treated as a special treasure. In my home, I tell Kelsey,that she may be the Princess, but I am the Queen.So as royalty, shouldn’t all ‘Queens of the Household’be honored on more than one day of the year? I think so. Sotoday, and in honor of Mother’s Day, I would like to sharewith you one of my favorite poems, by an honorable woman.And as you read it, please make sure that you remember yourmother on Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day – Dora, I loveyou! And to the Phenomenal Women of South Florida, I saluteyou!Phenomenal Woman by Maya AngelouPhoto by Dana France of Sugar Bell e PhotographyPretty women wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size. But when I start to tell them, theythink I'm telling lies. I say, it's in the reach of my arms, the span of my hips, the stride of my step, the curl of my lips. I'm a woman.Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that's me.I walk into a room, just as cool as you please, and to a man, the fellows stand or fall down on their knees. Then they swarmaround me, a hive of honey bees. I say, it's the fire in my eyes, and the flash of my teeth, the swing in my waist, and the joy in myfeet. I'm a woman.Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that's me.Men themselves have wondered, what they see in me. They try so much, but they can't touch my inner mystery. When I try toshow them, they say they still can't see. I say, it's in the arch of my back, the sun of my smile, the ride of my breasts, the grace ofmy style. I'm a woman.Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.Now you understand, just why my head's not bowed. I don't shout or jump about or have to talk real loud. When you see mepassing, it ought to make you proud. I say, it's in the click of my heels, the bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, the need of mycare, 'cause I'm a woman.Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that's me.Karen Alleyne-MeansreadsharerecycleHLJoin HERLIFE Magazine of South Florida Facebook fan page and stay current on local events!4 HERLIFEmagazine.com

HERLIFEmagazine.com 7

developing Type 2 diabetes by 38 percent. Researchers say thatthe decrease is due not only to the caffeine content but theantioxidants, magnesium and chromium that help to even outblood sugar, reducing the occurrence of spikes.CONSAs with anything, there can be a downside to caffeine andcoffee as well. Coffee is a mild diuretic, so dehydration can bean issue. A good rule of thumb is to consume one additionalglass of water for every caffeinated beverage.For many years caffeine has been thought to contribute tomiscarriage, but this is proving to be true only in mass quantities.It is now thought that it is safe to consume up to 12 ouncesof coffee while pregnant, even in the pivotal first trimester.Coffee also contains acids that may irritate those that areprone to heartburn. Anyone with acid reflux should definitelyconsult a physician before drinking. If you prefer your coffeewith sugar or milk, there are added calories, which may affectyour diet.For some, one of the most important cons is the addictivenature of caffeine. Even moderate coffee drinkers can experiencewithdrawal symptoms if denied their caffeine boost,resulting in headaches, crankiness or low energy levels.Caffeine intake is something that has many side effects,good or bad, to consider. Science is increasingly coming downon the side of caffeine, but every body is different and should belistened to. Whether you run on diesel fuel espresso, or you’recontent with one cup of Earl Grey in the morning, you can reapthe benefits of this complex chemical.HERLIFEmagazine.com 9

ody is smaller in comparison to their upper body. A good suitwill bring attention to anything other than the belly. Aim fora one-piece that is low cut to keep the eyes up top. Say no tostyles that accentuate the tummy.SMALL BUTTSIf your tush is small, thank your lucky stars. But, if youwant to lift your rear or make it more prominent (thank you,Sir Mix-A-Lot), then opt for a suit with a ruffle or layers ofruffles on the bottom. Go for larger prints on the bottom or evenstripes to make the bottom appear rockin’.HOURGLASSHourglass figures are shaped—well, like an hourglass. Ifyou are curvy on the top and curvy on the bottom, with a smallwaist then you can wear just about any type of suit. A bikini isa great choice to highlight your natural shape. If you have alarger bust, try a V-neckline to take attention from your “girls”and toward your collarbone or neck. If you are smaller up top,a higher neckline will emphasize your shoulders and keep theeye away from the chest.Just like our bodies, swimsuits come in all shapes, sizesand colors. Smart companies make bikinis, tankinis, skirtinisand more. With all the teeny choices, a martini might be yourfirst order of business. But, if you know your body type and howto highlight your best features, you can choose a suit that suitsyou best all summer long.For more information, please visit www.moreswimsuits.com or www.glamour.comHERLIFEmagazine.com 13

yinspirationsYou may share each morning with Virginia,but how much do you really know about yourfavorite morning DJ? With a career start atChuck E. Cheese and a chance introductionto radio that changed her life, Virginia has abackground as lively as her own personality.We got up close and personal with Virginia togive you a deeper insight into her life beyondthe scenes of Wild 95.5.Virginia grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, and credits the city forhelping to shape who she is today. “New Orleans is a crazy, fun city,” saysVirginia. “It’s not just a city, it’s a lifestyle, a vibe and an attitude. It’s colorful,creative, vibrant and sassy…all the things I strive to be.”It is Virginia’s attitude and sass that helped her survive her first, not soglamorous, job. “My first job was wearing the smelly rat costume at ChuckE. Cheese in New Orleans. Yes, I was Chuck E.” she shares. “That costumestunk to high heaven from all the teenagers who had sweat in it before me.It was horrible. I wanted so badly to be a birthday party hostess because theygot tips. All I got was sweaty, smelly and abused. You would not believe howmany older kids punch Chuck E. when their parents aren’t looking.”Virginia scathed through her Chuck E. Cheese experience and headedoff to college at the age of 19. It was at Louisiana State University that shemet a 6’3” guy named Will who worked for the NBC affiliate in Baton Rouge,Louisiana. “Will knew I was a journalism major at LSU, so he encouragedme to try and get an internship at his station. I was so nervous and feltcompletely underqualified, so I waited a couple of weeks before going in.”When Virginia finally made it into the station to apply for the internship,she found out some news that would ultimately change her career pathforever. “When I finally made it in to the NBC affiliate to apply for one oftheir internships, I was told by the receptionist that all the intern slots hadbeen filled. She then went on to tell me that the radio side was hiring, if I wasinterested.”On a whim, Virginia decided to apply for one of the radio internships.She started at WTGE 100.7 a short time later and stayed there for two years.“I credit Big Will with putting me in the right place at the right time,” Virginiasays. “If it hadn’t been for him, I might still be in that dreadful Chuck E.Cheese costume today!”By Kristen DoylePhotography by Dana France & Rochelle Haisleyof Sugar Belle PhotographyHair by Justin Lynch of Justin’s, A Loreal Salon & Day SpaMakeup by Gina Limani of Justin’s, A Loreal Salon & Day SpaClothes provided by Elizabeth Araujo of Consigned Couture14 HERLIFEmagazine.com

Up Close and Personal with Virginia Lang“When you talk aboutthe good, you gottatalk about the badtoo. Everybody hasbreak-ups and thingsin life that don’t goas they planned. It’spainful and hard to talkabout, but it’s all partof being open.”Virginia Lang is the vibrant personalitybehind the Wild 95.5 morning radio show.Along with Kevin Rolston and JasonPennington, Virginia and the morningteam have been waking up West PalmBeach for the past 12 years.Virginia joined the Wild 95.5 morning showin May of 1999 and has, as she says, “grown up inSouth Florida.” Together, the Wild 95.5 morningteam has shared their ups and downs…marriages,divorces, kids, etc. “We accidentally turned intoreal grown-ups here,” says Virginia.The path to turning into a real grown-uphasn’t always been easy for Virginia, but shehasn’t held back on the air with the Wild 95.5listeners at all. From her painful divorce, to life asa single mom, Virginia shares it all on the radio.“We have always talked about the personal detailsin our lives. I’ve cried on air several times overbreak-ups (and I’m not a composed crier). I’vereally gotten sloppy, snotty and messy when I’veshared things.”It may not come out on air right away, butVirginia believes in being honest and open withthe Wild 95.5 listeners. She explains, “When youtalk about the good, you gotta talk about the badtoo. Everybody has breakups and things in life thatdon’t go as they planned. It’s painful and hard totalk about, but it’s all part of being open.”Speaking of the good, one can’t truly get toknow Virginia without talking about one of thebest things in her life, Magnolia…her spunky,five-year-old daughter. “Magnolia is just as crazyas me,” beams Virginia. “She is the coolest kid andwe really have a blast! Her personality is the best.She is upbeat and willing to try anything and isalways silly. I love it!”Virginia has moved past her divorce fromHERLIFEmagazine.com 15

Magnolia’s dad and she is now sharing her life with boyfriend, Kevin. Wild 95.5listeners know him well as “Pandaface,” which is a name he got as to not confuse himwith 95.5 co-host, Kevin Rolston.Although Virginia’s life has taken some unexpected twists and turns, she has somuch to be proud of. One such accomplishment has to do with her career and theWild 95.5 morning show. “Our morning show is a real accomplishment. To be in atown for 12 years in an industry that has huge amounts of turnover is unheard of. Inall honestly, we should have been fired years ago for all the goofy stunts we’ve pulledoff!” Luckily for 95.5 listeners, the morning team is still going strong with their crazyantics and they hope to continue riding the wave for a long time to come.Aside from radio, her daughter and “Pandaface,” Virginia has more passions shehopes to continue to fuel. “I love travel and I love food. I would love to eat my wayaround the world with Magnolia and myPanda. My first stops would be Greece,France, Asia and Italy…but I am truly upfor any travel adventure.”Virginia has a heart as big asher personality and has becomeheavily involved with a South Floridaorganization called Little Smiles (www.littlesmiles.org). “Little Smiles is avolunteer organization that helps to putsmiles on the faces of kids in need. Wego to hospitals, shelters and hospices to“Every day oflife is a greatgift, but noteverybodyremembers toappreciate it andsay thank you.”provide toys, games, computers, tickets,and trips…anything to help kids escapethe reality of their unfortunate situations.”Virginia has come a long way sinceshe was Chuck E. Cheese and has spenta great deal of her life wishing and thinkingabout where she wanted to be andhow she could get there. “I was alwaysthinking about where I’d rather be andwhat I would rather be doing,” Virginiashares. “It was all put into perspectivethe other day for me when looking at afriend’s Facebook quote. For a long timeit had seemed to me that life was aboutto begin—real life. But there was alwayssome obstacle in the way. Something tobe gotten through first, some unfinishedbusiness, time still to be served, a debt tobe paid. Then life would begin. At last itdawned on me that these obstacles weremy life.”“Now I know it’s the journey not thedestination. I try to remember that everyday now. Every day of life is a great gift,but not everybody remembers to appreciateit and say thank you. The things thatyou overcome and how you deal withobstacles IS your life.”16 HERLIFEmagazine.com

HERLIFEmagazine.com 17 17

cravingsPrime DelrayBy Virginia LangPhotos provided by Prime Delra yIalways get really excited when it's steak night. Steak night plus date night withthe boyfriend is the perfect romantic combo. I love a great steak, but morethan that, I love the atmosphere of a great steakhouse. There is somethingvery intriguing, sexy and masculine about a steakhouse when it's done properly.Grrrrrr...but, I digress.As we walked into PRIME for the first time, this place had such a different feelfor me. The typical dark walls, mahogany wood accents and dim lighting I associatewith steakhouses have been replaced here. PRIME has more of an upscale 1920'ssupper club feel with tons of beautiful crystal chandeliers, art deco murals, creamand caramel colored Italian marble, and custom ivory woodwork. But, my favoritetouch had to be the crooner doing Sinatra behind the baby grand piano in the bar. Theinterior of this place is breathtaking—the kind of place that makes you want to standup straighter when you walk into it.There is comfortable seating both inside and out. We loved our table on theraised balcony. It's half indoors, half outdoors and the perfect spot to people watch.I love restaurants that allow you to people watch, and there is always interesting18 HERLIFEmagazine.com

Vermont Cheesemakers Festivalwww.vtcheesefest.comIt is no question that Vermont is known for its cheese,but did you know they host one of the best artisanal cheesefestivals around? Over 40 cheesemakers, 20 Wineriesand Breweries and 15 artisan food producers will gathertogether on July 24th for a one-day Cheesemakers Festival.Get tastes of gourmet cheese, watch how artisanal cheeseis made and rub elbows with celebrity chefs and cheesemakersas you all celebrate your love for all things cheese.Capital City Ribfestwww.pershingcenter.com/ribfestNebraska isn’t really known for their barbecue, butthey are known for hosting a truly spectacular Ribfest.Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Ribfest will be heldfrom August 11th–August 14th. Guests to the Ribfest cansample Southern, Texas, Australian, Memphis, KansasCity and Southwestern style barbecue, all without leavingthe Midwest. In addition to great tasting barbecue, livemusic is performed each day of the festival. Gather up yourfamily and head to Lincoln for Ribfest.Winterville Watermelon Festivalwww.watermelonfest.comIt isn’t summer without a big, juicy watermelon.Winterville, North Carolina, celebrates this delicioussummer fruit with the popular Watermelon Festival. Heldfrom August 26th–August 28th, the Winterville WatermelonFestival is summer fun at its finest. Visitors to the Waterfestwill get to taste a variety of great food. They will also havethe chance to participate in some unique watermelonrelated contests such as the “seed spit contest” and the“watermelon roll contest.” The Winterville WatermelonFestival is a festival for the whole family to enjoy!There are summer food festivals all around the world. Ifyou can’t make it to any of the food festivals featured here, don’tfret. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce and see whatfoodie events are being featured near your hometown. Chancesare you’ll find plenty to sink your teeth into.HERLIFEmagazine.com 21

ecipes4 Orange PeaceRiver CaipiroscaIngredients:1.5 oz 4 Orange Premium VodkaOrange SlicesLime, quartered.5 oz Simple SyrupDash BittersLime PinwheelInstructions:1. Muddle Orange, Lime and Simple Syrup2. Add Vodka and shake with ice3. Pour into a double rocks glass4. Top with Bitters and garnish with a Lime PinwheelRecipes by Joshua Liberman, Master MixologistPhotos provided by 4 Orange Vodka4 Orange PinkFlamingoIngredients:1 oz 4 Orange Premium Vodka.5 oz Marie Brizard Triple Sec.5 oz Simple Syrup1 oz Fresh Lime Juice2 oz Cranberry JuiceLime WedgeInstructions:1. Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice2. Shake and pour into a stemmed wine glass3. Garnish with a lime wedgeTreat your palette to a fresh twist this season with new do-it-yourself cocktails from 4 Orange Vodka, the world’s first vodkamade exclusively from real Florida oranges. Gluten-free, excitingly ‘un-sweet’ and less caloric than weighty flavored vodkas, 4Orange helps support Florida’s citrus growers with each 750ml bottle containing the equivalent of 20 Florida oranges. $24.99per 750ml bottle. Available at select ABC Liquors, Total Wine & More, Crown Liquors www.4orangevodka.com22 HERLIFEmagazine.com

HERLIFEmagazine.com 23

mother’s perspectiveTracing YourFamily TreeBy Candi SmithIt was interesting to look througha book of genealogy createdby one of my cousins. One factuncovered is that Marla Maples Trumpis my fifth cousin—she must have gottenthe skinny, blonde gene. Another tidbit isthat my family descends from ProtestantFrench Huguenots who fled France dueto religious persecution during the reignof King Louis XIV. And then there’s thefrontier woman named Missouri Ann—her name just makes me smile!Tracing your family tree can be anexciting, enlightening experience andthanks to dozens of websites, it’s noweasier than ever. One comprehensive siteto get started is provided by the Federalgovernment’s recordkeeping system—theNational Archives (NARA) (archives.gov).They suggest a few ways to get startedin your research to find out interestingthings about yourself and your family:Start with the information you knowabout yourself, your parents and yourgrandparents to begin your search. Familymembers can also provide informationabout military service, marriages, deathcertificates and other documents that willhelp. And don’t forget the details that canbe found in diaries, scrapbooks, wedding24 HERLIFEmagazine.comalbums, family Bibles and letters. Whilethese may not be considered “official”documents, they all contain pieces ofvaluable data.At a minimum, gather as manynames, dates of birth and death, placesof birth (including state, city and county),dates of marriage(s) and divorce(s),and dates/places of military service aspossible.Continue your search undernon-Federal resources such as localcourthouses where you can find wills,court records and deeds. They canhelp fill in the details that are of a lesspersonal nature.Move on to the database of informationhoused at NARA. In starting yoursearch of Federal documents, try to viewyour family tree from the perspective ofhow a person would have interacted withthe Federal government. Did they servein the military? Did they emigrate fromanother country and undergo naturalization?Begin with census records to buildthe basis of your family tree. The censushas been taken every 10 years since1790. Unfortunately, prior to 1840, onlyinformation on the head of householdwas provided (usually the man of thehouse). Beginning in 1850, all individualsof a household are now included.There are two repositories formilitary service records—the National ArchivesBuilding in Washington, D.C. (forRevolutionary War through 1912) andthe National Military Personnel RecordsCenter (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri, forWorld War I through the present date.Information you’ll be able to find at theseplaces include your ancestor’s branchTracing your family tree can bean exciting, enlightening experienceand thanks to dozens of websites,it’s now easier than ever.of service, dates and places of conflictsserved, whether active or volunteer,whether officer or enlisted, and whethera pension application was made.One very important aspect ofresearch involves immigration data.Most of our families came to the U.S.from another country, and many of thoseimmigrations occurred within the past100 years.Immigration records, also knownas ‘ship passenger arrival records,’ mayprovide you with interesting personalinformation about your ancestors. Inaddition to their ship and date of entry,you may learn of other details, such as

their nationality, place of birth, age, height, eye and hair color,profession, place of last residence, names and addresses ofrelatives in the U.S., and amount of money they were carryingwith them. NARA has immigration records for arrivals to theUnited States from foreign ports between approximately 1820and 1982. The records are arranged by Port of Arrival. Indexesare available for most of the ports, with the exception of NewYork between 1847-1896.Likewise, when it came time for an immigrant to becomea U.S. citizen, they underwent a process known as naturalization.These records provide a person’s birth date/location,occupation, year of immigration, and marital status andspouse information. Naturalization records are held at NARAfor Federal courts. Prior to 1906, any municipal, county, state,or Federal court could grant U.S. citizenship, so contact therelevant state archives for further research of these documents.Unbelievably, there are over 10 million individual land transactionshoused in the custody of NARA! Those of most interest togenealogists are the land entry case files which document thetransfer of public lands from the U.S. Government to privateownership. These case files cover land entries in all 30 publicland states. For land records in the remaining 20 states thatwere never part of the original public domain, check the statearchives for that particular state.Using the powerful tool that NARA provides you with theirwebsite, you should be able to find many unusual and interestingfacts about your family. If any of you have a Missouri Annon one of your branches, look me up because we’re probablycousins! TIMHERLIFEmagazine.com 25

trendsetter10200 W Forest hill blvD.,suite 110Wellington, FL 33414561.793.2622info@ctkidsshop.comwww.ctkidsshop.comPhotography ByChristine Rose ofChristine RosePhotographyModels provided by:Boca Model & TalentAgencyNatajahDevynKelsey26 HERLIFEmagazine.com

ChrishunterHERLIFEmagazine.com 27 27

tanner30 HERLIFEmagazine.com

NatajahKelseydevynHERLIFEmagazine.com 31 31

herlife spotlightNetworkProfessionals, Inc.The Power of NetworkingBy Kristen Do yl ePhotos provided by Diana Arro yoBrookteam Corp, Boca RatonAs a young girl growing up in the Nation’s Capital,Charlie Martin learned at an early age howpowerful the act of networking and buildingrelationships can be and has been on a lifelong journey to sharewith others how this can work for them.Charlie is the Regional Director of Network Professionals,Inc. of Palm Beach County (NPI) whose mission statementreads, “A select group of highly motivated men and women, onein each professional category, who bond together for the solepurpose of helping each other succeed in business by networkingthrough the exchange of qualified business referrals.”NPI chapters meet on a weekly basis in a very structured,professional setting. What takes place at the weekly NPI meetings?Charlie explains, “During the meetings, each membergives a 60-second infomercial update on their services. On arotating basis, members give a 20-minute presentation lettingus know about their services and who would be a good referralfor them. It is through this education process, the membersbecome each other’s sales force. They learn how to listen totheir clients, friends and family for needs that can be referred totheir fellow members. Group dynamics and synergy provide thesetting to make this happen.”“Last year alone, NPI members in Palm Beach Countypassed on over 72,000 business referrals…if your businessisn’t getting a part of that, you are missing out on tremendousopportunity.”For Charlie and the members of the NPI, referrals havecreated their success. “Effective structured networking can bepowerful for the business professional,” shares Charlie. “Creatinglong term relationships builds business. We are thrivingbecause we have our tentacles out in the communities throughour clients, family and social contacts. NPI members havethe resources to become the person that people go to whenthey need services or products. NPI members are able to refer32 HERLIFEmagazine.com

quality professionals they know, like and trust with confidencetheir referrals will be provided quality service.”Networking works, but you have to work to make ithappen. “Some people have the perception that all you haveto do is attend the meetings and everything is going to fall intoplace. That is not true,” says Charlie. “Networking takes workand it is about ‘giving.’ It is proven, the more referrals you giveand the more active you are in creating and building long-termrelationships with your fellow members, the more referrals youwill receive.”According to Charlie, her members see results by followingthe simple rules of networking. “For one, attending themeetings is essential and commitment is required. Then, byone-on-one meetings between members outside of the meetings,they learn more facts about the services. This creates thebonding relationships that encourage them to utilize and referthe services. New business always comes to those memberswho are proactive in helping others. Simply put again, the moreyou give, the more you will receive.”In addition to the chapters’ weekly meeting, each chapterholds quarterly socials when members bring spouses andsignificant others. This provides the opportunity to develop“Effective structurednetworking can be powerfulfor the business professional.”friendships in a less formal environment. Multi-chapter mixersare also arranged and members meet members from otherchapters to build more relationships and extend their spheresof influence.Charlie believes in the members of her organization andshe personally utilizes them for everything. From her painterand plumber, to her CPA and virtual assistant, when she has aneed she knows the business to call. Her spheres of influenceoutside of NPI also trust that she is “the one to go to” when theyneed services and they will be provided with professionals thatget the job done.If you want to take your business to the next level bybuilding long-term relationships with other professionals in thearea, then you want to attend a NPI meeting. See the benefitsof becoming a member. One has absolutely nothing to lose andeverything to gain.There are breakfast and lunch chapters with venues invarious locations and guests are encouraged to visit the chapterthat is most convenient to either their work or home.Charlie’s testimonial in this economy is encouraging. “Ihave never been as busy as I am right now and I want othersto experience the kind of growth and success our membersare achieving. My members do not make time to network, theynetwork all the time.”For more information about Network Professionals, Inc. ofFlorida, please visit www.npiflorida.com. You can also connectwith Charlie Martin by emailing charlie@npiflorida.com.The American Cancer SocietyWould Like to Help YouCelebrate Another Birthday!Come out and support your localRELAY FOR LIFE OF WELLINGTONMay 14-15, 2011The Village Park11700 Pierson RoadWellington, FLJOIN THE FIGHT AGAINSTCANCER!Relay For Life represents the hope that thoselost to cancer will never be forgotten, thatthose who face cancer will be supported, andthat one day cancer will be eliminated.To register your team, join the committee orfor more information, contact:Bill Smith-Event Chairat 561-654-6644Or visit: www.relayforlife.org/wellingtonflHERLIFEmagazine.com 33

working womenSmartphoneApplicationsto BoostProductivityBy Kristen Do yl eThe popularity of smartphones has led to a number ofapplications that can help boost productivity. If usedwisely, your smartphone can be a powerful tool to helpyou stay on top of personal as well as work-related priorities,enabling you to manage even the most harried schedule withthe touch of a button.With all the smartphone applications on the market today,how do you filter through and find the applications that areright for you? Whether you are a busy mom trying to managea hectic life or a business professional juggling many projects,we’ve tested some smartphone apps that are going to help youget the job done while keeping life in order.Cozi Family Organizer (www.cozi.com)The Cozi Family Organizer is exactly what the namereflects…an online tool and smartphone application that helpsto keep your family organized. Cozi includes a calendar with asection for each member of your family, an area for list making(to-do lists, shopping lists, gift idea lists) as well as a journalingfunction to share the latest happenings with your family.The great thing about Cozi is you can link up to severalusers and updates made on one device will show up on eachdevice that is linked. No more double booking of appointmentsbecause now everyone in the family can see what is onthe current calendar. This is a beautiful app with seamlessfunctionality that is sure to help your hectic schedule run like awell-oiled machine.Documents to Go (www.dataviz.com)How many times have you had someone email youan attachment to your phone, but because of the limitedfunctionality, you aren’t able to view it? Even worse, you areable to view it but you can’t make any changes to the documentand it is something that needs to be acted on right away. EnterDocuments to Go, a very functional smartphone app that allowsIf used wisely, yoursmartphone can be apowerful tool to help youstay on top of personal,as well as work-relatedpriorities, enabling you tomanage even the mostharried schedule withthe touch of a button.you to create, edit and view most Microsoft Word, Excel andPowerPoint documents. With Documents to Go, you don’t needto run back to the computer in your office to view and makechanges to a file. You can do it on the go and continue on withlife virtually uninterrupted.Evernote (www.evernote.com)If you constantly find yourself jotting things down34 HERLIFEmagazine.com

eal estateTax Benefitsof HomeOwnershipBy Lisa All enLike anything else in life, the decision to own propertyis a very personal decision. Most people, at one pointor another, will fall prey to the ‘the grass is greeneron the other side’ train of thought when their plans do not goquite as well as they’d anticipated, and might wish they had alandlord to call when the water heater suddenly decides to stopworking. Regardless of the emotional and practical aspects ofowning a home, there are some very real benefits, particularlywhen it comes to taxes.The tax benefits of home ownership fall into both shorttermand long-term categories, allowing a homeowner to notonly benefit during the honeymoon phase of home ownership,but also as their investment matures and their financialportfolio evolves.Short-term perks can begin as soon as the mortgagepapers are signed at closing, if a homeowner pays points toobtain financing. Points, or pre-paid interest, can be deductedfrom taxable income the same year you obtain a mortgage. Inaddition, in 2011, homeowners can take advantage of the HomeImprovement Tax Credit, which allows a homeowner to claimIt is important to rememberto carefully scrutinizenot only your status asa homeowner, but yourentire financial picture whenevaluating your decisions.expenses related to the purchase of energy efficient doors andwindows, water heaters, HVAC components, biomass stoves andother essentials. Because the amounts allowed and the requirementschange from year to year, be sure to check with yourtax professional to verify that your purchases are eligible. Fora quick check, you can visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index#chart.Long-term benefits include the perk of tax-free capitalgains. As a reminder, capital gains taxes are taxes charged onthe profit realized on the sale of a non-inventoried asset thatwas purchased at a lesser price (example: if you purchase ahome for $50,000 and sell it ten years later for $100,000, thecapital gains tax would be applicable to the $50,000 profit).Most commonly, capital gains result from the sale of investmentslike stocks, bonds and property.Under current tax law, using a rule called the PrimaryResidence Rule, allows a homeowner to sell a primary residencewithout paying capital gains taxes on the first $250,000 inprofits ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly). A primaryresidence is defined as a place where you have lived at leasttwo years out of the last five; the rule does not state that ahomeowner must live there consecutively, but a total of twoyears out of the last five.Another long-term tax benefit of home ownership is thatmortgage interest is 100 percent federal tax deductible on thefirst $1,000,000 of a home mortgage. For a homeowner witha home worth less than $1,000,000, this means that all of themortgage interest on a home is deductible. Taking into accountthat this is an ongoing benefit, it provides a nice deduction eachand every year when tax time arrives. Additionally, 100 percentof property tax payments for homes are also tax deductible.Because the exact property tax rate varies depending onlocation, the national average property tax is 1.5 percent of theproperty value every year.As you get a little more comfortable in your home, you36 HERLIFEmagazine.com

might be able to take advantage of home office tax credits ifyou have a home office that you use exclusively for business.Prorated costs of mortgage, insurance and taxes that applyto that percentage of your square footage may provide sometax benefits. However, those claims are scrutinized closelyand you should always seek the counsel of a knowledgeabletax professional before making such claims. And, as they say,all good things must come to an end. Luckily, there are taxbenefits available to homeowners even when they are ready tosell their property. Typically, in the year of the sale of a home,homeowners are able to deduct the costs of selling it, includingreal estate commissions, title insurance, legal fees, advertising,administrative costs and inspection fees. You can typicallyalso deduct decorating or repair costs you incur in the 90 daysbefore you sell your home.It is important to remember to carefully scrutinize notonly your status as a homeowner, but your entire financialpicture when evaluating your decisions. Typically, making thetransition from renter to owner marks the change of claiminga standard tax deduction versus itemizing. While a basicknowledge of these tax benefits is a good start, be sure to notoverestimate the value of your deductions, and to rememberthat you will be giving up the standard deduction in favor ofitemized deductions.This article includes general information, but is notintended to be relied upon as tax or legal advice applicable toparticular transactions or circumstances. Please always consulta tax professional for such advice and remember that tax lawsvary by jurisdiction.HERLIFEmagazine.com 37

Dana France and Rochelle Haisley are two localphotographers who have recently merged theirindividual businesses into one, named Sugar BellePhotography. Combining Dana’s experience in portrait photographyand book cover art with Rochelle’s work with modelportfolios and portraits, the two photographers joined togetherare a powerhouse of creativity and talent.Dana and Rochelle met four years ago through thephoto-sharing site Flickr.com, where they began to admire“Our clients get the benefitof two collaborative styles,working together to create aunique look.”each other’s unique style. “Rochelle and I are very different,style-wise,” shares Dana. “I have a very romantic and soft stylewhile Rochelle’s is very fashion oriented and edgy. Even thoughour styles are very different, we have a great appreciation forwhat each other does and have discovered that our styles blendtogether very well. As we became friends, we began learningfrom each other and slowly, over time, we noticed that we wereincorporating each other’s style more and more into our ownphotography.”Both Dana and Rochelle had successful photographybusinesses on their own and can’t wait to showcase whattheir combined efforts through Sugar Belle Photography cando to benefit their clients. “Dana and I inspire each other andmotivate each other to do better. Working with her motivatesme to continuously raise the bar to reach my highest potential.Our clients get the benefit of two collaborative styles, workingtogether to create a unique look.”Whether you are seeking to update your modelingportfolio, are planning the wedding of your dreams, or lookingfor creative artists for business projects, Sugar Belle Photographyis an experience like no other. “We go above and beyondfor our clients,” says Rochelle. “When you choose Sugar BellePhotography you are choosing a complete experience. Fromhair and makeup, to personalized styling, we make sure everycomponent of the shoot is 100 percent perfect. We take time tolook through our client’s wardrobes and if we aren’t able to findsomething that inspires us or that fits the mood we are trying tocreate, we sometimes find the missing pieces on our own timeor go shopping with our clients to find the right pieces. We goto each location with clothes and accessories and ensure thatevery detail is taken care of to perfection” says Dana.Dana and Rochelle also believe that photography goesbeyond just getting that perfect picture. “Rochelle and I getinspired and love making people feel good. When we receivefeedback from our clients expressing how good we made themfeel or how much they love the pictures, it brings it all homefor us.”Collaborating together as a photography team has beena dream come true for the ladies of Sugar Belle Photography.“This is our dream, and as friends we are so lucky to share thesame dream. Each day we empower each other and inspireto do our best and to continue to move forward. Together, weknow we have no limits and we can’t wait to share our passionfor beautiful photography with the world.”For more information about Sugar Belle Photographyplease visit: www.sugarbellephotography.com or contact DanaFrance at 772-559-6003 or Rochelle Haisley at 305-322-3998.HERLIFEmagazine.com 39

tie the knotTied the knot March 19th&Monica ArensonJason TempleBy Maril yn WrightPhotos by Dawn V. Gilmore ofDawn V. Gilmore Photography40 HERLIFEmagazine.com

LOCAL BUSINESSES THATSHARED IN THE LOVEBRIDAL GOWN:David's BridalBRIDESMAIDS' GOWNS:David's BridalHAIR STYLING:Digits Salon andWellness SpaPHOTOGRAPHY:Dawn V. Gilmore ofDawn V. Gilmore PhotographyCATERER:Don Ramon's RestaurantMonica Arenson was bornand raised in West PalmBeach, Florida. She studiedHotel and Restaurant Management atPalm Beach Community College. Monicacurrently lives in Palm Coast, Florida.She is a mother of two very active,sports-oriented teenage boys, whileworking full-time as a Client RelationsManager at a Fulfillment House in Palm Coast, Florida, andvolunteers with school activities. High school football andlacrosse seasons are her other full-time jobs!Jason Temple was born in Hillard, Ohio. He attendedOhio State University, studying Aviation Management. He wasa member of the marching band and a proud “i”dotter. Jasonmoved to Florida in 2010 from Ohio and currently lives in PalmCoast, Florida. He is the General Manager at McCharactersMusic Café & Sports Bar in Palm Coast. Jason is a member ofthe TBDBITL Alumni Club, The Ohio State University MarchingBand Alumni and returns regularly for alumni reunions andfootball game performances.Monica and Jason met on St. Patrick’s Day at a local Irishrestaurant where Jason is now General Manager. Fate hadthem return to the restaurant two days later looking for eachother. Something told them both that they found their bestfriend they had been looking for.On Christmas Day 2010, Jason sent Monica on a scavengerhunt around the house which led her to the Christmas tree. Shewas looking for a specific first Christmas ornament they hadjust purchased when Monica turned around and Jason was onone knee with a box in hand.The wedding took place on March 19, 2011, with Monica’sbest friend of 28 years as her maid of honor and Jason’s cousinfrom Germany as his best man. The eclectic garden weddingwas set at Monica’s father’s home.For their honeymoon, Monica and Jason went to LakeTahoe, Nevada. They went sightseeing and enjoyed some restand relaxation.CAKE:Baked by BethVENUE:Home of the Bride's FatherJEWELER:Kay's JewelersHERLIFEmagazine.com 41

love & relationshipsAsk MaritsaBy Maritsa Yza guirrePhoto by Lorie RebeccaMaritsa Yzaguirre (Ritz) is the owner of Peace ofMind Counseling Services. A graduate of NSUpsychological studies, she is also a nationallycertified professional counselor. Maritsa focuseson helping couples and families communicate andenhance understanding. Just like anything in life,relationships take work. Email your questions toMaritsa at Maritsa@completeintervention.com.QI’ve been with my boyfriend for about five years now.We just had a baby six months ago and things seemedto be going great. I haven’t worked since my pregnancy.I was working as a bartender and my boyfriend and I workedat the same place. I know he used to talk to some of the girls atwork, but I never paid much attention to it because I knew hewas going home with me—he’s just friendly. We have had issuesin the past (him cheating,) but I thought we were over it until Isaw a heartbreaking text the other night. A girl we used to workwith texted him that she misses him and was waiting to see him.This broke my heart. I’m so confused. What do I do?Please help!-Mel, Cooper City, FLQI’m a pretty shy girl and there is this really cute guy atwork. How do I get him to notice me in the way I noticehim?-Celina, West Palm Beach, FLADear Mel,First, have you talked to him about what you’ve discovered?If not you need to. You need to get his side of thestory. This could just be some obsessed girl. If you all workedtogether she could have gotten his number many differentways. Give him a chance to explain. If it comes out that he gavehis number to this girl and there was more going on, then youhave to decide what you want to do. Chances are if he’s cheatedin the past and is cheating now, he’s just going to continuecheating in the future. That makes for a miserable relationship.So talk to him. When you get your answers you can make adecision. If you decide to leave it will not be easy, but you haveto do what is best for you and your child.ADear Celina,So you have a crush on a co-worker. First things first, ifyou like your job make sure there are no company policiesin place about dating a co-worker. Okay, now that we havethe boring stuff out of the way and assuming no policies are inplace, on to the fun stuff. You can set up an after work social ata bar, restaurant, or maybe a night out to the movies. The keyis getting him out of the office. Most people feel uncomfortablegetting all flirty at work because that is not why they are there.So get a group together, put your game face on and just talk tohim. Remember, if this goes great or not you’re going to have tosee this guy at work. So be prepared.42 HERLIFEmagazine.com

scene and be seen2011 16thAnnual GiraffeAwardsPictures are brought to you by Christine Rose of Christine Rose Photography.The Women’s Chamber of Commerceof Palm Beach county(WCC) held their 16th AnnualGiraffe Awards Dinner on March 24,2011, at the Kravis Center in downtownWest Palm Beach. Recipients ofthe Giraffe Award are recognized for“sticking their neck out” resulting in apositive contribution to advance the roleof women in the workplace and community.WCC President Therese LePore,Jane Bloom, Sherri Goldsmith, DorothyBradshaw, and Susan McCormik presentedeach of the 2011 Honorees: DorothyBradshaw, Kathy Kretzer and Jean DeyermondMesienzahl with a crystal Girafferecognizing their exemplary service.Delia Passi, President/CEO of WomenCertified was the keynote speaker of theevening. The staff of HERLIFE Magazinewould like to congratulate all the 2011Giraffe Award nominees and honoreesfor their commitment to advancing theposition of women everywhere.Fete ChavelThis year’s Fete Cheval was ahuge hit that featured fantasticriders performing games onrescue horses on Friday, March 11, 2011.The beautiful night, presented byFoundation Farm, benefitted The EQUUSFoundation, which helps equestrian andhorse-related charities across the UnitedStates. There was a beautiful dinner forguests, catered by White Horse TavernCatering on the grounds of the PalmBeach International Equestrian Centerat their Special Events Tent.Pictures are brought to you by Phelps Media.HERLIFEmagazine.com 45

scene and be seen2011 SpringHair andFashion ShowPictures are brought to you by Robert Goldman of Blair Photography.On Saturday, February 26th, AlexPetersmarck hosted the 2011Spring Hair and Fashion Showat Cityplace South Tower in West PalmBeach. South Florida clothing designerLuciana Scarabello and Miami swimweardesigner Zamora Swimwear showedtheir lines to the appreciative crowd inattendance. In addition to fashion, theevent showcased handmade jewelry byPalm Beach designer Cristiana Shields,as well as renowned Boston hair stylistChristopher DiFazio.Autism SpeaksCandy LandFashion ShowOn Sunday, March 20th, X Productionsproduced the Candy LandFashion Show at The Players'Club in Wellington. Hosted by PlayboyPlaymate Erica Chevillar and Matt Barger,the event showcased designs offered byFrancesca's Collections, Accessoriesby Adore Me Boutique, and hair andmake-up by The David K. Space Salon.Pictures are brought to you by Robert Goldman of Blair Photography.46 HERLIFEmagazine.com

scene and be seen2011 Challenge ofthe AmericasSaturday March 12, 2011 marked the return of the Challengeof the Americas Competition and Gala to International PoloClub Palm Beach (IPCPB). The Challenge combined theexcitement of polo, the grace of a freestyle choreographed dressagequadrille competition set to contemporary music, and a gala witha live auction, dinner and dancing. Over $275,000 was raised withall the proceeds benefiting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation(BCRF) and Play for the P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis,New technology). Play for the P.I.N.K. President Laura Lassmansummed the evening up well with her sentiments, “Sixteen yearsago we were working to see if we could cure cancer, now we areworking to figure out when. I hope that one day soon we will havethis fabulous event to celebrate the breakthrough that we havebeaten this disease!”Pictures are brought to you by Christine Rose of Christine Rose Photography.HERLIFEmagazine.com 47

9 MayNational Train DayLocation: Gold Coast Railroad Museum12450 S.W. 152 Street, Miami, FloridaDate: 5/9/11Time: 10am-4pmDetails: Free admission to the Gold CoastRailroad Museum, drawings, trivia, train ridesand more.More Information: 305-253-006310 MayThe Color PurpleLocation: Kravis Center of Performing ArtsDate: 5/10/11-5/15/11Time: VariesDetails: A soul-stirring musical based on theclassic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by AliceWalker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg,THE COLOR PURPLE is the unforgettable andinspiring story of a woman named Celie, whofinds her unique voice in the world. Nominatedfor eleven Tony® Awards, THE COLOR PURPLEis a landmark theatrical event, a celebrationof love, and a Broadway phenomenon. With ajoyous GRAMMY®-nominated score featuringjazz, gospel and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE iscapturing the hearts of young and old, and unitingaudiences in a community of joy.More Information: www.kravis.org11 MayHistorical Walking Tours of Worth AvenueLocation: Gucci Courtyard on Worth AvenueDate: 5/11/11Details: Historian James Ponce leads the tourwhich is designed to explore—through colorfulanecdotes and commentary—the origins andcharacter of Worth Avenue, its unique architectureand historical significance of manylandmarks. The tour lasts for one hour.More Information: www.worth-avenue.com14 MayZeta Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha KappaAlpha Sorority: Strike for a CureLocation: Strikers Family Sports Center8500 NW 44th Street, Sunrise, FLDate: 5/11/11Time: 7:08pm-9:08pmDetails: The Zeta Rho Omega Chapter of AlphaKappa Alpha Sorority Health Committee hastaken the initiative to combat asthma in a bowlingtournament. This signature health program'sgoal is to enhance early diagnosis, treatmentawareness and parental education and advocacy.The event is open to the public. The fee is $25.00pp or $125.00 for a team of 5. The fee includes2 hours of bowling, bowling shoes, food andbeverages, charitable contribution and a t-shirt.All participants are eligible for a prize.More Information: ldjohnson1008@aol.com15 May17th Annual Band of Brothers GolfTournamentLocation: Coral Springs Country Club10800 West Sample Road, Coral SpringsDate: 5/15/11Time: 1pmDetails: Wes Hitchcock, "Our Mission is to usefunds from the event to assist charitable andchurch mission projects in the community andabroad. We look forward to this event making adifference for those in need during 2011." Thisyear, all funds raised will go directly to helpingpeople in need to support new First Churchmissions. It's a bargain at only $80/per person or$300 for a foursome. This includes golf fees, cart,dinner, and prizes. Pre-registration is required toplay. An awards banquet and buffet will be heldafterward at 6pm.More Information: Wes Hitchcock at954-234-639518 May5th Annual Woman in Distress StarfishLuncheonLocation: Signature GrandDate: 5/18/11Time: 11am-2pmDetails: Co-chaired by Gale Butler (AutoNation,Inc.) and Jen Klaassens (The Wasie Foundation)and with over 450 corporate leaders andbusiness professionals attending, the 5th AnnualStarfish Luncheon is an essential public forumto honor and show appreciation for venerablepeople who are dedicated to changing the livesof domestic violence victims in Broward County.The "Starfish" theme is inspired from thepopular starfish story by Loren Eiseley whichexemplifies how each and every one of us canmake a difference—one person at a time.More Information:www.womenindistress.org/starfish.html or call954-760-980020 MayPalm Beach Coralytes Synchronized SwimTeam’s Water ShowLocation: Aqua Crest PoolDelray Beach, FLDate: 5/20/11Details: Swimmers age 5-82 will show off theirincredible skills. Free Admission. Enjoy auctionitems, raffles and food.More Information: Linda Coffin–561-252-7400.21 MayBroward County Heritage Celebration: ASalute to our Town, Cities and VillagesLocation: West Side Grade School301 Harmon Avenue, Ft. LauderdaleDate: 5/21/11Details: The Broward County Historical Commissionis having a National Historic PreservationMonth Celebration. Key Note speaker willbe Florida Secretary of State, Kurt S. Browning.More Information: Denise Cunningham at954-357-5513.HERLIFEmagazine.com 49

28 MayArmed Forces DayDate: 5/28/11Details: Before President Harry S. Trumanproclaimed the third Saturday in May as ArmedForces Day in 1949, the three major branches ofthe United States armed forces—the Army, theNavy, and the Air Force—held elaborate celebrationson three different days during the year.More Information: www.answers.com/topic/armed-forces-day-2#ixzz1IU67C0mEBill MaherLocation: Kravis Center of Performing ArtsDate: 5/28/11Details: For the past 17 years, Bill Maher has setthe boundaries of where funny, political talk cango on American television. First on PoliticallyIncorrect (Comedy Central, ABC, 1992-2002),and for the last seven years on HBO's Real Time,Maher's combination of unflinching honestyand big laughs have garnered him 22 Emmynominations.More Information: www.Kravis.org29 MayNicky’s Week Fundraiser for a cure ofRheumatoid ArthritisLocation: : Downtown at the Gardens & TheShops & Pembroke GardensDate: 5/29/11-5/30/11Time: VariesDetails: Nicky’s Week was developed in memoryof St. Jude patient Nicholas “Nicky” Mailliard, ofScottsdale, Ariz., who lost a long battle with braincancer in February 2005 at the young age of 13.A nephew of one of RA Sushi’s founders, Nickyheld a special place in the hearts of RA Sushiassociates throughout the organization. RA Sushiinitiated the fundraiser to honor the memoryof Nicky and to raise awareness and funds forSt. Jude, where no child is ever turned awaybecause of a family’s inability to pay for medicaltreatments.More Information: visit RA online atwww.RAsushi.com30 MayMemorial DayDate: 5/30/11Details: Originally called Decoration Day, this aday of remembrance for those who have died inour nation’s service.More Information: www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html29 AprilDon't forget to contactHERLIFE Magazinewith your calendar events!50 HERLIFEmagazine.com

HERLIFEmagazine.com 51