The Lyfe Magazine - November 2017

Novem ber 2017
$4.95 U.S./ Canada

w w w.w m nf.org/ event s/ t he-urban-cafe

Dante Hoagland
5
Missed last m ont h's issue?
Order online t oday at
w w w.t helyfem agazine.com Movie Review
2
Health & Wellness 8
Family 10 Beauty 11 Fashion 12 Travel 14
Entreprenuership
16 Politics
17
22

thelyfestaff
Novem ber 2017
Board of Direct ors
Gerald C. Anderson, Sr.
Managing Partner
Tina M. Scotland
Chief Operations Officer
Renata M. Smith
Vice President, Righteous
Productions
Virginia Wiggins
Vice President, Actors on Top
Susanna K. Green
Editorial Director
Shawn-Ta Wilson
Vice President, Quality Control
Christian Mericle
Social Media Manager
Westley Lockwood, Esq.
Legal Consultant
Disclaim er
Shawn-Ta Wilson
Family
Michelle Rhodes
Entrepreneurship
Susanna K. Green
Health and Wellness
Adriane Warren
Fashion
Christian Mericle
Politics
Westley Lockwood, Esq.
Legal
Shinika LaShea Hayes
Travel
The Lyfe Magazine does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, completeness, legality,
reliability or usefulness of any information, product or service represented within our magazine or web site. The information
provided is for educational or entertainment purposes only.
The Lyfe Writ ers
Angie Lynnetta
Beauty
Beryl Brackett
Book Reviews
Anyone using the information provided by The Lyfe Magazine, whether medical, legal, business or other, does so at their own
risk, and by using such information agrees to indemnify The Lyfe Magazine from any and all liability, loss, injury, damages, costs
and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such use.
No Im plied Endorsem ent
The Lyfe Magazine does not endorse or recommend any article, product, service or information found within said articles. The
views and opinions of the authors who have submitted articles to The Lyfe Magazine belong to them alone and do not
necessarily reflect the views of The Lyfe Magazine or its staff.
Links to other web sites from The Lyfe Magazine or its website are provided for convenience only. The Lyfe Magazine is not
responsible for the content or availability of any external or 3rd party sites and does not warrant or guarantee the products,
services, or information found on these sites.

Just athought
Beryl Brackett - Novel Reviewer
Ring, ring, ring! ?Hello, Tess??
?Mom??
?Yes, I need to tell you something.?
?How, is this happening??
Ring, ring, ring! ?Hello, dad, it?s Robbie??
?Robbie??
?Yes, dad it?s me. I?m happy dad. Don?t worry about me,
OK??
?Robbie??
Ring, ring, ring! ?Hello, Katherine??
?Diane??
?It?s beautiful, just the way we thought it would be.
Don?t worry, I?m at peace.?
Can you imagine receiving a phone call from heaven
and on the other end of the line was a loved one that
has passed away? The number one New York Times
Bestseller, The First Phone Call from Heaven, a novel by
Mitch Albom, gives the reader a glimpse into the lives
of the people of Coldwater, Michigan.
Thought-provoking questions seem to arise with every
page turned and every word that is read. Is there a
heaven? Can we hear from loved ones who have gone
before us? Is there life after death?
What type of phone did the phone call come on? Who
was her phone carrier? What time of day did the call
come in? How long has her loved one been gone? After
finding the answers, he moved on to the next person,
Katherine Yellin. Gathering her information, he did the
same thing for Doreen Franklin, Anesh Barua, Eddie
Doukens, Jay James, and Elias Rowe.
Coldwater was a small town and everything you wanted
or needed to know was at the library, so he thought.
After gathering all the information he could from the
library, he felt something was missing. He looked at his
notes and asked questions, but still, something was
missing. What did they all have in common? Small
town, only one funeral home. "Hmmmmm? .I?ll start
their next."
As Sully continue his research to find out whether the
phone calls were a hoax or not, he received a visit
himself. He couldn?t believe it. He didn?t want her to
leave. He didn?t want to leave.
Sometimes things happen for reasons we don?t quite
understand. In the novel, people were coming from all
over to Coldwater, to pray and be in the presence of
the ones who experienced their first phone call from
heaven--hoping that they, too, would be chosen to
receive a call from heaven.
~Mom are you there, I?m waiting by the phone?
Before Sully Harding was released from prison, his wife
dies in a two-car crash. After being released from
prison, he returns home to an unfamiliar life. Just he
and his son. Sully, a grief-stricken single father, tries
desperately to cope with his past, taking it one day at a
time.
However, when phone calls from heaven started to
seep into every corner of Coldwater, and Sully?s young
son begins to talk about speaking to his mother on the
phone, Sully knew he had to do something about it. He
knew that his wife Giselle was gone and was never
coming back. Whether you believe in heaven or not,
Sully Harding was determined to get to the bottom of
it.
Sully began to do his own digging and looking for
answers. The first place he started was the town library.
He started with the first person to hear from heaven,
Tess Rafferty. He wanted to know everything about her.
1

moviereview
TheForeigner
by Rob Jefchak
When a humble businessman (Jackie Chan),
loses his only living daughter in a deadly
terrorist attack, he seeks vengeance and seeks
any information that could lead him to the
bombers who killed his daughter. Quan
comes across a British government agent
named Hennessy (Pierce Brosnan) who used
to work for the Bombers organization, the IRA.
Now, Quan is mounting an unyielding assault
against Hennessy, escalating retaliation and
conflict as this terrorist attack stretches
farther and deeper than it appears to be. Let
me start off by saying that I hope this is the
beginning of a long and prolific career in the
drama genre for Jackie Chan, like how Liam
Neeson became Hollywood?s most
distinguished new action star after starring in
?Taken.?
When you think Jackie Chan, dark, dramatic and
serious are not the words that typically come to
mind. Known for performing his own martial arts
stunts in comedic action films like the ?Rush Hour?
trilogy, Jackie Chan has never been one to be
taken too seriously; both in real life and in his
films. Upon seeing the trailer for ?The Foreigner?, I
was greatly intrigued to see the action star taking
on such a dark, more intense role than he?s ever
done before. The closest he?s ever done
something similar to this was in the remake of
?The Karate Kid? with Jayden Smith. Though still
promising some expected badass fight sequences
in the trailer, it is a welcomed and interesting
change that I didn?t realize I was looking for until I
gave this movie a watch.
This is a far cry from another ?Rush Hour?
movie. The action is more intense and less
comical, there?s virtually no comedy and the
plot is ripe with political intrigue, conspiracies,
and twist after twist after twist. In a weird way,
the film is more about the evolving political
conspiracy between the government officials
and the terrorist bombers than the grieving
father?s search for vengeance. I can?t say the
death wish story becomes an afterthought as
the film progresses, but the story definitely
takes itself to far higher and more
complicated heights than I was expecting. This
reminded me a lot of the film ?American Assassin?
starring Michael Keaton that was released earlier
this year.
The two threads don?t seem like they?d mix but I
felt they blended pretty well together and
everything did ultimately tie back to the primary
focus from the beginning: Quan getting justice for
his murdered child just turned out to involve a lot
more than I think anyone (in the movie or out of
the movie) expected. As I said before, Jackie Chan
has a natural talent for dramatic roles and this
character of the grieving/avenging father is one of
the best roles he?s done in many years and many
films. He says so much by saying very little. Chan
conveys a world of depth in his facial reactions,
even just sitting alone in his daughter?s room or
2

moviereview
TheForeigner
when he?s driving his daughter to the store that will
eventually be destroyed and take her life; it?s an
amazingly powerful performance that really leaves an
impact on you.
I must admit, I didn?t realize Brosnan was Irish; I guess I
got so used to his English accent in his ?Bond? film days
that I assumed he was English. That being said, I?m no
expert on Irish accents or if this is convincing, or forced or
if it sounds different than I expected with his age but it
was definitely a different side of the actor I hadn?t really
seen before; though not in the same intense reversal as
with Chan. While the story certainly kept me highly
engaged; uncovering more and more shocking secrets
that never failed to disappoint, the supporting cast fails to
stick. No one really stands out, no one feels memorable
or compares even in the slightest to the film?s two-star
named heavy hitters.
Those expecting this to be an action-packed, vengeance
seeker like ?Taken? will no doubt be vividly disappointed.
Far more attention goes to the conspiracy storyline than
the action. This is a very different turn for Jackie Chan and
both he and that fact stand out most noticeably for this
film?s sake. The plot is supremely complicated and keeps
changing and growing as each minute passes. ?The
Foreigner? may not serve the same function or purpose
everyone is going to see it for, but I feel it?s an
experimental vehicle worth riding in and a unique
experience for those seeking a different brand of Jackie
Chan entertainment. It?s no ?Taken?, but it?s something I
feel needs to be seen all the same.
I give ?The Foreigner? 3 stars out of 4 stars.
3
3

The Star of The New Edition
Story Tells All
by Susanna K. Green
dantehoagland
Dante Myles Hoagland was born
February 08, 2003. He is the
youngest of three brothers and one
sister. He resides in Franklin
Township, NJ with his parents
Michael & Nicole.
Most recently known as ?Young
Michael Bivins in the ?New Edition
Story,? Dante will soon be known for
his role as Shahzad in the upcoming
TBS series ?The Last OG,? in which
Dante will play alongside comedian
Tracy Morgan, as his son.
Dante is also known for the
following Feature Films; ?Fading
Gigolo? in which he played
alongside Woody Allen as ?Coco?,
and as ?Howie? in the babysitter
thriller ?Emelie?. In television, Dante
is known as Tina Fey?s adopted son
?Terry? on 30 Rock, ?Young Maurice,?
in Fatrick, as well as various skit
roles on Saturday Night Live. He is
also known as Mike, on
Nickelodeon?s Team Umizoomi.
Dante also appeared on, Sesame
Street, Last Week Tonight with John
Oliver, Jimmy Fallon, and numerous
regional and national commercials.
Dante is widely known for his
starring role as "Young Danny
Brown" in Hip-Hop artist Danny
Brown's "Grown Up" video, which
won the 2013 mtvU Woodie Award
for best video of the year.
He continues to gain traction on his
social media. Since the New Edition
Movie, Dante hit over 61,000 Instagram
followers and counting. He enjoys
rapping, playing video games, and
spending quality time with family and
friends.
We caught up with Dante and here is
what he had to say?
The Lyfe? I understand that you are
homeschooled. What are some of the
differences between being
homeschooled and a traditional style
school experience?
Dant e? Some differences between
being homeschooled as opposed to
traditional schooling is, well for one, I
don?t get to see my friends on a daily
basis, you know hang out and have
lunch with them, but on the flip side,
being homeschooled (when I?m not
working), I can go have lunch anywhere,
and at any time of the day. Also with
being homeschooled, I?m able to log in
at any time of the day, 7 days a week,
and complete school work, which
allows me to work ahead, or take my
time (as long as my work is completed
by a specific deadline), with traditional
school, you have to work at the pace
set for the class.
The Lyfe? What is your favorite school
subject?
Dant e? My favorite subject is Bible. My
homeschool curriculum is Christian
Based.
The Lyfe? How long
have you known you
wanted to be an actor?
Dant e? Hmm... I can?t
really say that I?ve
always known. My
mom said she always
knew that I was born
to entertain. I just did
what I loved to do, sing
and dance and rap
while people watched
me. I would usually entertain on the
sideline of my Brother Dylan?s
Football games, and Wrestling
matches. My mom use to make
these home videos of me and my
brother Dylan and post the videos
on YouTube, and one day she
submitted some of these videos to
Shirley Grant Management, and I
was called in for an audition, and I
was signed. Well, I guess then I can
say, I?ve known I was an actor, from
the first day I stepped in front of a
camera and heard, ?Action,? I think I
was six or seven years old.
The Lyfe? Who is your favorite
actor?
Dant e? Lorenz Tate is one of my
top favorites.
The Lyfe? Do you have lots of
friends or are you a loner?
Dant e? I have a lot of friends and
we hang out all the time. We go to
the movies and to the mall quite a
bit, and when we can?t hang out in
person, we?re usually playing Xbox
or PlayStation with each other.
The Lyfe? Do you have any
passions, besides acting?
Dant e? I love fashion. I would love
to start my own clothing line.
The Lyfe? What is the most
important lesson you?ve learned
from your parents?
5

The Lyfe? Did Michael Bivins give you any
guidance on how to best portray him?
Dant e? . Not to get caught up in Hollywood, and to
always stay humble. Even before TV and Movies, my
parents taught me and my siblings to stay humble. I
have 3 brothers (Jamar, Michael Jr., and Dylan), and
one sister (Johnai). I?m the youngest.
The Lyfe? How did you prepare for the role of little
Michael Bivins?
Dant e? Ok, so, choreography, I absolutely was
uncomfortable with! I love to dance, but I was used to
doing freestyle dance when I booked this role. So
anyway, I had to take hours of private dance lessons
before even going to LA., to do boot camp. In boot
camp, we learned the dance routines, the songs, and
we studied and perfected our character while being
coached by the actual person we were portraying.
Dant e? Absolutely! Mike held me down
throughout the entire process. If he wasn?t on
set with me, he was on the phone with me. We
talked about everything from basketball to
wardrobe. He really made this experience that
much more incredible. We still keep in touch.
Over the summer I went to Boston to
celebrate the groundbreaking of the Michael L.
Bivins Basketball Court. I also linked up with
my big Bro on his SportyRich commercial. You
know, Mike and I just had an instant
connection. He so down to earth, and cool,
and he?s just so umm positive, and he always
makes sure whatever it is, it's gonna be right! In his
words, ?Yo ?D? (that?s what he calls me) it?s gonna be
Dope!?
The Lyfe? Do you still keep in touch with the
members of New Edition?
Dant e? Yes, I still keep in touch with all The Littles, and
The Bigs, we have a group chat together, and we also
play video games online with each other. Mike and I
talk to each other frequently, and I just recently hung
out with Bob at 2017 Circle of Sisters. Make sure you
get yourself some of his BBQ sauces.
The Lyfe? What is the best thing about working with
Tracy Morgan?
Dant e? There is good and positive energy on set. We
pray before getting the day started. Tracy Morgan tells
jokes every day and has a funny story and always
something funny to say. He also has great taste in
music. He keeps the set lit with his music selection. He
also gives me great advice and is very caring. The
entire cast/crew of The Last O.G., is very supportive of
each other on and off the set. I love my O.G. family. I
can?t wait for the premiere in early 2018 on TBS.
The Lyfe? How long have you been a New Edition
fan?
Dant e? I?ve been rockin with New Edition since the
day I learned who they were. I was familiar with BBD
because of the song poison, but I didn?t know that
BBD were members from New Edition, because I
didn?t know of New Edition.
The Lyfe? What was it like to walk across the BET
stage for the first time?
6

Dant e... Uhhh, wow,
well during the dress
rehearsal was the
first time I stepped
onto the stage, and I
wasn?t really
absorbing what was
happening, I was just
focused on getting
the most out of the
rehearsal. It wasn?t
until the live show,
and I went on stage
to perform, and I heard the crowd cheering and I
saw Mike, Ron, Rick, Bob, Ralph, Johnny, and Mr.
Brooke with their families that I realized what was
truly happening! It?s an unexplainable feeling, but it
felt so right. Salute to my NE Family! I Love em!
The Lyfe? What are your overall acting goals and
aspirations?
Dant e? I would love to win Oscar/Oscars. I also
want to produce, direct, and own my own
production company. I want to transition into music,
I have always been into hip-hop, and I want to work
in fashion as well.
crime scene with all
that blood.
The Lyfe? Please
share something
personal about
yourself that you
have not shared in
any other
interview?
Dant e? . I keep my
items on my shelf
just the way I like it,
and I can always
tell when
something has been moved or touched!
The Lyfe? What advice do you have for kids who
are aspiring to become actors?
Dant e? My advice for kids, who are aspiring to
become actors, is to stay focused, determined and
ready.
The Lyfe? We have all heard of the stigma of child
stars and the problems they are faced with like
drugs and suicide. What are you doing to prevent
getting sucked into that predicament?
Dant e? I pray every day that God
covers and keeps me.
The Lyfe? What was your most
embarrassing moment on set or
off?
Dant e? One of my most
embarrassing moments was off
set. I was sitting in the bleachers
at a baseball game. I was cold, so
I had my arms inside my
sweatshirt, not in the sleeves like
they should be. Well, I leaned
forward and lost my balance, and
because my arms were inside my
sweatshirt, I couldn?t catch myself
and I fell down the bleachers and
busted my lip. Looked like a
7

Dieting is counterproductive and can do damage to your
metabolism. It is more times than not, a temporary fix. I
personally prefer not to use the restrictive measures of
following a specific diet plan, but many people welcome the
structure.
My successful nutrition strategy is simple; eat whole,
nutrient-dense foods.
- Whole foods-Unprocessed foods that are free from
additives and artificial substances.
- Nutrient-dense foods-Foods full of nutrients but
relatively low in calories.
Here are my top 4 ways to help you choose your best eating
style:
List en t o biofeedback
Notice how you feel after a meal. Do you feel, bloated,
flatulent or uncomfortable in anyway? Notice your energy
level, mood, appetite, bowel movements and sleep patterns.
If these things are off, it can be signs of the food not being in
agreement with you.
Pay attention to how each meal affects you, physically and
mentally; grade your symptoms from mild to severe. Keep a
journal for this sole purpose, and use it every day as a guide.
By doing this, you may uncover food allergens and other
culprits making you sick.
Ident ify food allergies
There are 8 common food allergens and over 150
uncommon. It is essential to listen to your body when
choosing a diet.
The BIG 8 allergenic foods:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Wheat
- Crustacean shellfish
- Soy
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
Consider m edical condit ions
There are tons of diet plans to choose from, but finding the
one that caters to your specific ailment is key. Such as, The
Fertility Diet,which increases ovulation and helps you get
pregnant faster.
Best suit s your lifest yle
When searching around for the perfect nutrition strategy,
you must take several key things into consideration; your
budget, any health conditions, which friends you?ll choose to
support you through this time of transition and an iron clad
line of attack to keep you disciplined.
8
Meet t he Coach
Susanna K. Green is an entrepreneur
and the proprietor of multiple
successful businesses; Sweet Nectar
Publishing, Health Nut Suzy, and Central
Florida-Operation Detox. Susanna is a
Certified Holistic Nutritionist and
Wellness Coach. In addition, she is a
Published Author and Instructor who
has written many health and wellness
books as well as published multiple
online wellness courses. She is the
Editorial Director for ?The Lyfe
Magazine?where she writes the
monthly wellness article. Susanna is a
Reiki Master Teacher and hosts a
monthly Reiki training. She is also a
Relaxation Massage Therapist. You can
find Susanna?s products and services on
her website at www.healthnutsuzy.com
Susanna?s philosophy is, ?When you
love your body, it will love you back.?
Susanna?s strategy is to offer you
tools, knowledge and guidance to
help you identify underlying issues
and create healthy lifestyle choices
that will be sustainable.
Susanna?s goal is to get to the root
cause of your problem, instead of
just masking the symptoms.
For more nutritional info on how to
Fight Disease, Go to Udemy.com and
search for ?Fight Dis-ease! Don?t Feed
It? and then type in the coupon code
FIGHTDISEASE15 for an awesome
discount.
Want to live a healthier, happier
lifestyle? Call Now! 407-986-0688

Salm on Greek Salad
by Susanna K. Green
Ingredient s:
FOR THE SALAD:
1 bunch baby spinach
¾ cup cherry tomato
½ cup Kalamata olives
¼ cup sliced red onion
¼ cup feta cheese (optional)
FOR THE SALMON:
Inst ruct ions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Bake salmon for 10-12 minutes. When it flakes
with a fork and is soft, it?s ready!
Step 3: In a bowl, toss washed spinach, tomatoes, olives,
red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs and spices.
Step 4: Sprinkle on feta cheese.
Step 5: Serve with salmon.
1 whole fresh (wild-caught sockeye) salmon fillet
FOR THE DRESSING:
½ cup extra virgin (first cold pressed) olive oil
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 small clove, garlic (crushed with mortar and pestle)
9

Dear Mot hers: Who Do You Say You Are?
by Shawn-Ta Wilson
mama. She is Barack?s
wife and the mother of
his children? not a baby
mama. I can?t speak for
Michelle so I don?t know if
it bothered her or not.
However, I don?t think
that was a fitting title for
the First Lady of the
United States.
Too often we let others
place labels on us that we
don?t have to accept. I
understand if the term
baby mama does not
offend you. We all have
personal preferences. I
can accept and respect
your choice. But if it
offends me, please
respect that as well.
Dear Ladies ~
Is it just me? Am I the only one? Are there any other
women offended by the label, baby mama?
No matter how our children came to be, we are not
baby mamas. We are mothers. The connotation
associated with baby mama is negative and feeds into
a stereotype placed upon us by others.
We are mothers and that?s an honor! The derogatory
label of baby mama taints that honor. We have been
blessed with children to care for, to nurture, and to
protect. In our hands are human lives to guide and
direct. It is a privilege to be a mother. Being a mother is
something to be respected not degraded. ?Steve?s baby
mama? sounds more like someone is referring to
Steve?s property than the source of a child?s strength,
safety, and love.
?Are you Kevin?s baby mama?? The baby mama label
keeps the focus on the man involved. It gives more
prominence to the man than the child or the mother.
I?m not knocking a father?s importance; I simply desire
to see mothers, fathers, and children referred to
respectfully, regardless of the family structure.
I went to the salon one
day. When I walked in, a stylist looked at me and said,
?Are you so-and-so?s baby mama?. Not only did she
have me associated with the wrong man, but I was
quite offended. I am Jordan?s mother. She calls me
Mommy and, one day, I look forward to her children
calling me Grandma or Nana but I am not a baby
mama.
Our pride in being a mother should be focused on the
child, not the father of the child. We are beautiful,
intelligent women. Our role in the development of our
children is too critical to diminish or disrespect. We
should hold ourselves in higher regard than to be
referred to in this manner, or refer to ourselves as
such.
Signed,
Jordan?s Mother
The term has become so widely accepted that even
Michelle Obama was once referred to as Barack?s baby
10

Foundat ion Favorit es: For Wom en of Color
by Angie Lynnet t a
Beauty
The struggle to find the perfect foundation is REAL! It is
either too red, too orange or makes you look too ashy
(can I get an amen). Here are 5 of my favorite
foundations for women of color that I have used
personally on myself or professionally on my clients.
Lim eLight by Alcone: Bot anical Foundat ion
This professional foundation brand is a top choice for
makeup artists. With twelve shades to choose from,
this crème foundation is mineral oil free, lanolin oil-free
and fragrance-free. Coverage is buildable and it?s great
for dry, oily or sensitive skin types.
Price: $$$ Where to buy: Shop Angie Lynnetta Beauty
Revlon Colorst ay
This is my go-to foundation for everyday use. It is
lightweight with buildable coverage that lasts all day. It
comes in 35 shades for a range of skin tones and it's
great for combination or oily skin.
Price: $ Where to buy: Local drugstore or online
Maybelline Fit Me
Great for everyday use, this foundation comes in 40
shades that range from lightest to darkest. It?s also
light-weight with buildable coverage that lasts all day.
Although it states it's ideal for normal to oily skin, my
opinion is that it's best for dry skin.
Lancom e: Teint Idole Ult ra 24H Long Wear
Foundat ion
With 40 shades to choose from, you?re sure to find your
perfect shade. I absolutely love this foundation and the
coverage is medium to full. It?s oil-free and lasts all day.
The finish is like a second skin and won?t look cakey.
Price: $$$ Where to buy: Local department store
Make Up For Ever: Mat Velvet Foundat ion
This is one of my favorite foundations! The coverage is
buildable from medium to full and looks beautiful. The
texture is a creamy liquid and is best applied with
brush or beauty sponge.
Price: $$$ Where to buy: Online or Ulta Beauty
For more beauty tips and inspiration, follow me at:
Website: www.brushesofbeauty.com
Instagram: @brushesofbeauty
Twitter: @brushsofbeauty
Facebook: Brushes of Beauty
Price: $ Where to buy: Local drugstore or online
11

y Adriane Warren
This autumn season, rich
and bold sultry reds are
everywhere. Not just any
red, deep tones of
merlots, burgundy, and
ruby reds are this
season's?must have.
What?s the secret
ingredient to this intense
color depth?
The undertones! Blues,
purples, and for those whose
skin tone flatters by more
warm colors let?s visit the
other end of the spectrum and
try a yellow undertone that
creates a burnt orange. The
perfect compliment to add
even more dimension to this
look are accessories? scarves,
bags, shoes! To warm your
look make it casual by pairing
with shades of tan or brown.
To make it smoking hot, black! So many ways to rock
this look, scarves for layering, and not just any boot,
an over the knee boot to turn it all the way up!
12

Also in the fashion forecast are high shouldered jackets.
Tuxedo jackets graced the runway, which means
possibilities will be endless. For starters traditional cut
or a little tail to give it some added drama. Just like with
everything else that comes your way, embrace this
trend and make it your own and have fun creating
wearable looks.
According to Paris Fashion week's top designers like
Celine, Balenciaga, Valentino, spring of 2018 will bloom
with rosy ruffles, romantic pinks, and fuchsia silks. The
?It? color is PINK! Complimentary colors are
majestic/whimsical shades of blue, green, yellows, and
purples. Think fairies, princesses, and unicorns to guide
the shades for this look. Fashion fairytales always come
true, so make it your own!
13

8 Tips for Holiday Travel
by Shinika LaShea Hayes
3. Plan Your Connections
Carefully
When booking your flights,
check your search carefully
for sufficient layover time.
This will allow you to build
your flight with time for
flight delays and weather
woes, particularly,
important during the
winter months. Peak travel
times often bring peak
travel delays, and your
connection is more likely
jeopardized. Avoiding tight
connections will save you
time from running through
the terminal and missing
your flight.
4. Leave Early
1. Avoid Peak Travel Dates
The day before Thanksgiving is the outbound
?avoid? day as a thumb rule. Traveling on
Thanksgiving Day is often more affordable. Try and
fly home on any day other than Sunday, you?ll likely
pay less (Mondays-Wednesdays are usually the
cheapest days to fly.) Christmas and New Year?s,
the peak is different each year as it depends on the
day the holiday falls. Take the option that will allow
you to maximize long weekends without taking too
many days off work. Try using search engines that
will allow you to input flexible travel dates; these
will show you the best deals for those dates.
2. Know Your Airports
I cannot stress that
everyone is traveling and
you will face longer lines in
TSA, more traffic on the highway to and from the
airport, full parking lots, and full shuttles. It is
important to factor this into your plans, leaving
early will decrease the stress level of the possibility
of missing your flight or the family photo because
you?re stuck in traffic or still at the airport waiting
for a shuttle.
5. Pack Light
Knowing what you can and cannot take on your
carry-on bag is a headache for travelers. You can
pack liquids and gels that are in 3.4oz or smaller
containers, packed within a single, quart-size,
zip-top, translucent plastic bag. You cannot have
Using alternate airports during holiday travel is a
must. You can usually find deals on flights, rental
cars, parking, and hotels, which will save time with
less traffic? saving both time and money. Smaller
airports see fewer flights and typically, fewer
delays? not a minor consideration during the busy
holiday travel season.
14

drinking liquids through TSA, but
after security, you can purchase
coffee, water, or sodas to carry on
the flight. If your containers are
larger than the 3.4oz it must be
packed in your checked bag? note:
most airlines are now charging for
checked bags. Check your airline
for baggage prices and
sizes? some airlines also charge
for carry-ons. It?s best to check an
airline's baggage policy before
your purchase your ticket so you?re
not shocked with a $40-50 baggage
fee.
6. Take Advantage of Shortcuts and
Technology
Self-service developments in
online travel can be a huge help
with saving time during peak travel
times. Printing your boarding pass
at home or pulling it up on your
smartphone saves time and stress.
If you are bringing gifts? try
shopping online and have them
shipped directly to your
destination. This will cut down
luggage and the risk of getting lost
or damaged during the flight.
7. Travel Early or Late in the Day
Airports are least congested at times
when normal people are sleeping.
Delays are far less likely for morning
flights and airports usually clear as the
afternoon and evening peak passes.
Note: early morning flights might have
less staff. Although your flight is on
time, you may be delayed in line to
check your bag and getting a boarding
pass may take longer in TSA, so still
plan your time wisely.
8. Keep It Together
Don?t lose your temper, even if things
are not going so well or just plain
wrong. Airline employees have
considerable power over your
well-being and getting you to your
destination. Unfortunately, some
enjoy wielding it against you, and
few respond well to anger. Just
take a breath and a step back from
the situation and keep your cool
and oblige. Nothing worse than
missing Christmas with your family
because you?re in holding with
Airport Police for losing your
temper. Trust me, it happens more
than you could imagine. The
holidays are a stressful time for
everyone, so just keep it together.
15

3 Reasons Mentor s Ar e Impor tant
If you are a go-getter, one that can wake up in the
morning without an alarm or coffee then this article may
not be for you. However, if you struggle with meeting
goals and need accountability a mentor can be a lifesaver
for both you and your business. Not only will the
oversight groom you into becoming an organized
professional, but it also will give you some upgrades in a
few ways that you might not have even thought of. This
article will discuss three different ways that mentorship is
beneficial and sometimes mutually beneficial. Let me be
the first to say that once you have been mentored, you
will then always see the value in mentoring. This is also a
way to give back so that the cycle of success continues.
There's no way that we can be the ?be all and end all? to
every business solution so why not share what you did
and how you achieved success. This forms one of the
many parts of your legacy and so people always know
that you did look back and take someone with you along
the way. It also helps that person do the same once they
reach a certain level of success.
First, a mentor is important because they can offer an
honest outside view of your situation. Sometimes it
bothers us to have a clear and unbiased opinion about
feedback to help us become better in our weak areas.
Nobody's infallible, therefore an unbiased opinion is just
what we need to help us find our truth.
that person is there to assist you to reach a higher level
of achievement with each assignment.
Thirdly, there are some intangibles that we cannot put a
name or price on when it comes to mentorship. What I
speak of is called connections, relationships, or warm
leads that you might not have otherwise known about. It
is very helpful when a mentor looks out for you and
sends you straight to the source for some sort of
problem to be solved.
How do we put a price on all of that? There are many
other benefits to working with a mentor, the list can go
on and on. The mentor receives many things back as well
for this ?reaching back?. Every great person full of
success, will most times always attribute this greatness to
a mentor helping along the way. As the adage says, ?Each
one, teach one?. Who are you serving as a mentor for
today? If ?no one? is your answer, consider placing it on
your to-do list for 2018.
Michelle Rhodes is CEO of Michelle Rhodes Media LLC
She can be reached at Michellerhodesonline.com
Secondly, a mentor can give you a big push towards
things that you would not normally push yourself toward.
Sometimes we think that we are just fine, do not need
any extra help, or we are self-sufficient. The fact is, this is
just not true! Whether it's a manager, mentor, or coach
16

St ar-Spangled Prot est s
by Christian Mericle
?O say does that Star - Spangled Banner yet wave
// o?er the land of the free and the home of the
brave??
These words are from ?The Star-Spangled
Banner,? the national anthem of the United
States of America. The song is based on the
poem ?Defence of Fort M'Henry,? written by
thirty-five-year-old attorney Francis Scott Key on
September 14, 1814.
According to Title 36 § 301 of the United States
Code, certain conduct is required during the
playing of the anthem. When the song is played,
those in the Armed Forces and veterans should
hold a salute during the entirety of the music.
Everyone else should stand at attention, facing
the flag (or the source of the music if a flag is not
present), with their right hand over the heart.
However, there is currently a movement among
many in professional sports to disobey this
mandate. While there have been anthem-related
protests in the past, the current movement
began on August 14, 2016, when Colin
Kaepernick, who was at that time the starting
quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers of the
National Football League (NFL), knelt on one
knee during the playing of ?The Star-Spangled
Banner.? By September 1, he was joined by other
teammates. Within weeks, NFL players from
other teams and athletes from other sports,
including Megan Rapinoe of the United States
women?s national soccer team, took up the
protest.
Fast forward a year to September 22, 2017.
President Donald J. Trump, a former owner of the
New Jersey Generals of the short-lived NFL rival,
United States Football League, enters the fray. In
a speech, he criticizes those taking a knee and
encourages team owner to dismiss such players
from the team. In reaction to the speech and in a
show of solidarity with protesting athletes,
players kneeled, linked arms, and even stayed in
the locker room during the playing of the song.
The question among many of those who oppose
the protest isn?t, ?What are they protesting?? It?s
?Why do these well-paid athletes disrespect
America, disrespect those who fought and died
for this country?? This misframes the issue and
detracts from its message. This has never been
about disrespecting the United States. This has
always been about shining a light on injustices
and inequalities directed at African Americans
and other minorities. In fact, there have been
active duty military personnel and veterans who
have come out in defense of the protestors.
The American ideal of equality has always been
unfulfilled. ?We hold these truths to be
self-evident, that all men are created equal, that
they are endowed by their Creator with certain
unalienable Rights which among these are Life,
Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.? When
these words were written in the Declaration of
Independence, slavery was a rampant evil in the
United States. When Key penned ?The
Star-Spangled Banner? in 1814, the Emancipation
Proclamation was still nearly fifty years away.
While the words in the Declaration of
Independence and ?The Star-Spangled Banner?
are noble ones, they are more goals than reality.
These goals can only become reality, we can only
see true equality when people challenge the
status quo when they have a message of justice
and refuse to be silent. While things are better
than they once were, those seeking true equality
will not rest until better is replaced with best. As
Martin Luther King Jr. said, ?The arc of the moral
universe is long, but it bends toward justice.?
17

lack historytribute
Lit t le Rock Nine
On September 25, 1957 nine black students
courageously started their first full day at an all-white
high school in Little Rock, Arkansas, amid an angry
mob of students, pro-segregationist groups and a
defiant governor. The students would become known
as the Little Rock Nine.
Led by Arkansas NAACP President Daisy Gaston Bates,
nine black students took on the task of testing the U.S.
Supreme Court's 1954 landmark ruling ofBrown v.
Board of Education, which declared that segregation
was unconstitutional in American public schools.
Under the glare of an angry mob of white students,
1,200 armed soldiers, media cameras, and
pro-segregationist governor Orval Faubus, the Little
Rock Nine made their way to Central High. The
students were: Minnijean Brown, Ernest Green, Thelma
Mothershed, Gloria Ray, Melba Pattillo, Terrence
Roberts, Jefferson Thomas, Carlotta Walls, and
Elizabeth Eckford.
her family didn't have a phone, Eckford couldn't be
reached. Thus, she arrived by herself, which is how the
famous photograph transpired of her coolly walking
towards the school entrance with notebook in hand as
a screaming crowd surrounded her.
The weeks leading up to September 25th were trying
on the Little Rock Nine, who were counseled and
hand-selected by Daisy Bates. Although they tried to
attend Central High earlier, the continual threats of
violence and bloodshed prevented them from
attending classes. It was only when President Dwight
Eisenhower sent 1,200 armed soldiers from the 101st
Airborne to keep the peace that the Little Rock Nine
were able to complete a full day of school.
Copyright Biography.com
Eight of the students carpooled together, but because
18

Next in The Lyfe
Jimi Stewart
A History of Music