Maintain Your Wellbeing with Women's Health Magazine

Internal health is essential to beauty. Eating a balanced diet can be tough for people on the go, but fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend Food Flip!, an event hosted by Women's Health Magazine. While eating a healthy lunch of organic greens with feta cheese, grilled talapia, sauteed broccoli and kale with brown rice and more, I listened to weight loss expert Keri Glassman give simple tips to eating better with limited time on our hands.

Substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, using chicken stock for mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for flavor without the high calorie intake, and using white horseradish as dip were some of the things she shared. Here are some of her other guidelines:

-Have things around the house that you can easily make in four steps (pre-packaged chicken breast cutlets, chicken stock, frozen veggies, instant brown rice, and so on)
-Control portion size no matter what you eat
-Eat portions that are nutrient dense
-Eat consistently during the day

Eating healthy doesn't have to be time consuming, just make sure you have enough food in the house to keep from eating fast food all of the time. Check out the website for more ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and also to register to participate in their daily contests.

Don't Break A Sweat With Reebok

If you’re like me, you don’t put much thought into what you wear when you’re working out. But after last week, I am a new woman. I had the opportunity to try out Reebok’s new launch of athletic clothes. I wore one of the new shirts (similar to the one on the right), a pair of leggings, and sneakers. I was very comfortable. I took a one hour dance class and sweated a lot! But amazingly, you couldn’t tell that by looking at my clothing. There was a minor spot of sweat, but that was it. I usually have sweat spots all over, but Reebok’s clothing kept me dry.

Their goal is to make you feel comfortable throughout your journey of well-being. They feel that functionality is important and want to make clothes that reflect the American fitness lifestyle. So their apparel is made based on the categories of Fitness, Performance, Running, Compression, Team Sports, and Active Lifestyle.

For example, someone who is just starting a regular workout routine, would buy something from Fitness, because that is designed for the core basics of everyday activities. And of course Running is perfect for the avid runner because they have shorts and tanks that have mesh down the side, so air will flow in and out, making it more comfortable. Besides providing mesh ventilation, the clothes also have components of stretch and Play Dry moisture wicking (which is why I was dry).

They have shirts, tanks, shorts, leggings, hats, jackets, pants, and accessories, which come in various colors and prints. They're so affordable; prices range from $8-$45! This apparel is only available at Dick's Sporting Goods, so stop into the nearest one or shop online.

A Messenger of The Spirit

As I continue to decide what I want to do for the rest of my life, I am meeting some wonderful, supportive people who have been a great help to me. One of those people is the woman on the right. Her name is Toni Roberts. She is a three-time award winning novelist, as well as a drummer, poet, photographer, actress, life coach and mentor.

I met Toni through a Yahoo Group I belong to. I'd sent a message to the group looking for designers and beauty experts to profile for this blog. Toni replied to my message in less than 24 hours, telling me all about the jewelry she designs: The Bold of Spirit Collection, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted, semi-precious gemstone necklaces. I never like to write about something without seeing it in person first, so I asked Toni if her collection was available anywhere in New York City for me to view. At that time it was only available through private showings in her Co-op City apartment in the Bronx. I was hesitant. Go to the home of a complete stranger? I wasn't sure about this, but after I had spoken with her on the phone, my gut told me it was the right thing to do. So on a cold, windy day in January I made a 1 1/2 hour trek to Toni's house and, quite simply, met someone with a message for me.

When I arrived I shook hands with a woman who looked to be about 50. I later found out that she is 68 years old! It was like being reunited with a long-lost favorite aunt. I felt right at home with her. She brought me over to a table where her necklaces were laid out and I fell in love with them:

So how did all of this start? In a press release, she says, "A beading workshop I attended in 1994 marked the beginning of a twelve year obsession that has evolved into seasonal collections of elegant, unique pieces." The pieces are all necklaces. She does not make any other kind of jewelry. When I asked why, she told me that she believes she is "a messenger of the spirit, bringing woman the stones they need to balance, stimulate and energize specific energy centers [chakras] in their bodies." She went on to say: "When you are a messenger of the spirit, your conscious mind is not involved in the process." When she begins work on a piece, she sits down on her living room floor and eventually ends up in a trance state, awakening later to find her latest creation. She gives each piece a name, because she feels she has given birth to each one.

As I listened to Toni talk about the philosophy of her work, I wondered how she came to be such a spiritual person. Divorced, with two grown children, she taught for many years in the New York City Public School System. In 1975, afer a parent assaulted her she took an inventory of her life and decided she wanted to write. Eventually she became a writer/producer for Avon. When that job was eliminated she began work on her novel, The Gods of My Father. While the book has yet to be published, she received a fellowship for it in 1989 from the New York Foundation for the Arts. Also, in 1991 and again in 2006, the book was awarded the Bronx Council on The Arts Fiction Award. By the time she was in her forties, Toni decided that she would live the rest of her life following her bliss, doing only what she wanted and not focusing on how much money she could make.

While we sat and talked I thought about how happy and content Toni looked. She looked the way I want to look (how we all want to look) when we're doing the things we want to do, when we're following our bliss. I thought about the past twelve years of my life, spent working for a small family business, the last two years of which I spent hitting my head on an invisible ceiling. Now in my mid-forties, I think it's time for me to do what Toni Roberts did: Follow my bliss. In the coming months I'll share more with you about what that bliss is. Until then, I hope you will take a look of Toni's collection. You can view it here. Just type "bold" in the search box and the necklaces will pop right up. Also, if you'll be in the Bronx tomorrow, March 7th, stop by the Artisan's Boutique at Hostos Community College (149th St & Grand Concourse, 5-8:30 PM). There you can meet Toni and see her work in person.

Buzzing off for now...

A Successful Makeover

Last night was Divabetic's Makeover Your Diabeties Event and it was fabulous! The festivities took place at Gotham Hall, near Macy's in New York City. Along with important diabetes education, the place was buzzing with beauty and fashion. While attendees learned how to better manage their diabetes, they also had the opportunity to receive massages and manicures, and to get their hair and makeup done.

Over 400 woman came to the event, which also featured local radio personalities and an inspiring message from the mother of Luther Vandross. I met a lot of beautiful, inspiring women who are doing a great job of managing their diabetes. However, I think the most interesting person of all was Aida Roman, International Superstar of the Salad Bar! I posed for a picture with her, shortly after my arrival.

Aida's costume was designed by talented design student, Claire Pardington. Toward the end of the evening Aida took to the stage to serenade us all. After that, Divabetic's founder Max Szadek organized a parade of event attendees, each of whom told everyone how much they learned about diabetes that evening. When it came time to leave, everyone received a wonderful gift bag, courtesy of the event's sponsor, Novo Nordisk.


The next Makeover Your Diabetes Event will take place in New Orleans on March 31st. Click here for all the details.

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Bee A Diva & Support a Great Cause

Recently I mentioned my new interest in and involvement with Divabetic, an organization started by the personal assistant to singer Luther Vandross. Divabetic is a community-based organization providing an upbeat mixture of diabetes education and encouragement for women living with or affected by the disease. It is very much a grass-roots effort and, as such, appreciates the support of people like you. If you click on the bee below, you can "bee a diva," by purchasing cool merchandise, the proceeds of which go toward helping Divabetic continue its great work.

Also, if you'll be in New York City next Thursday, plan on attending Divabetic's big event:

Just click on the postcard above for all the details!

Buzzing off for now...

Welcome To February: Short But Sweet

I simply cannot believe that it is February already! I almost feel as if I mised January. It went that fast. Last night I was thinking about this short month, trying to decide if there is anything important to look forward to. Here's what I came up with:

African-American History Month: I always love the programs and activities offered this month. This time around, however, I get to offer something, rather than just watching and reading. Starting this Monday, February 5th, I will have Black History Monday at The Glamorous Bee. You will be able to read about a different African-American beauty or fashion pioneer for the next four Mondays. This Monday, find out why Jacqueline Bouvier's wedding gown is a part of African-American History!

Alice Ritter Show at Fashion Week: I'm going! Thanks to Julie Frederickson at Coutorture, I'll be seeing my first ever show at Fashion Week on Saturday. I can't wait! I'll tell you all about early next week.

Divabetic: Makeover Your Diabetes: If you'll be in New York City the week of the 22nd, plan on attending this event, for women living with or affected by Diabetes. Along with health and nutrition advice they'll be giving free makeovers and image consultations! For more info see my recent post about it.

There was one event that was supposed to take place this month (today, actually) that has been pushed back: The relaunch of Perfumecritic.com at which I am a new staff writer. Due to a tragedy, this will not take place until April 1st. I will keep you posted as the date draws near.

So, welcome to February! Buzzing off for now...




What's Your Scent Personality?

Diabetics Are Divas Too

I have Type 2 diabetes and I'm a diva, too! Last week I went to my very first Divabetic meeting. I passed the boa and found out that "Sugar's the bitch, not me."

Divabetic.org is the passion of Max Szadek (pictured below), the personal assistant to the late, great Luther Vandross. Max founded the organization in 2004 and it is on its way to becoming the premier community-based women's diabetes organization.

Shortly after Luther Vandross passed away from diabetic complications, Patti LaBelle revealed at his tribute concert that she is also living with the disease. Based on these inspirations, Max came up with the name "divabetic" with the "V" being for Vandross. In a recent email, Max gave me the organization's history and mission:

"Since it's inception...as a one-time t-shirt sales fundraiser, Divabetic has transitioned into a community created nonprofit diabetes organization providing outreach to hundreds of women living with, at risk or affected by diabetes. Today, the idea of acting and thinking like a "diva" continues to help us encourage those struggling with or at risk of the disease, to improve their mindset and elevate their level of care. Our bold twist on the word 'Diabetic' resonates so well with all ages it has quickly become a powerful tool to help girls, women and their families stay healthy and upbeat about their care. We feel we can effectively work to broaden the appeal of diabetes education in many diverse communities by presenting programs that mirror the 'sexy cool' character of our name and image in this way. Helping people to stay 'fit and fierce' and to avoid diabetes related health complications is the motivating force behind Divabetic's ongoing outreach efforts."

The Divabetic Meeting I attended is held monthly in two locations in New York City and is led by Certified Diabetes Educator Joy Pape. The organization is hoping to offer these meetings in more cities. If you are interested in having Divabetic Meetings in your area please contact max@divabetic.org. When your meeting starts, be prepared to Pass The Boa! Everyone who participates dons a feather boa and talks about how their life is affected by diabetes. You need not have diabetes to attend. Even if you simply love someone with diabetes, you are welcome.

Divabetic: Makeover Your Diabetes

While they are anxious to have more monthly meetings, what the organization is most excited about right now are their free makeover events. Divabetic: Makover Your Diabetes, sponsored by Novo Nordisk, are makeover events for women at risk of, affected by, or living with diabetes. In one special evening women can receive spa & salon services, image consultations, one-on-one expert advise, all the best new resources, and diabetes education "with dazzle." The next makeover event will be held here in New York City, on February 22nd. Space is limited, so if you'll be in NYC that day, please don't put off registering!

I am so happy I found Divabetic! With all of the (much needed) education and fundraising activities for breast cancer, it is good to know that there is also an organization that is dedicated to one area that hits close to home. You will be reading a lot more about Divabetic in the coming weeks and months, as I am proudly partnering with them to help raise awareness of and find a cure for diabetes.

Buzzing off for now...

Do You Floss?

What's this, you say? She's talking about flossing? Well, why not? What's the point of being glam on the outside if you're a dowager on the inside?

Flossing is essential to good dental health. Also, some experts believe it helps to prevent many health problems, including heart disease. In case you didn't know how, the American Dental Association shows you how to floss on their website.

My experience has taught me that flossing will only be done regularly if you use a floss you like. I love using woven floss, but I haven't been able to find that kind for years. The best one out there right now, in my opinion, is Johnson & Johnson-Reach Mint Waxed Floss.

I hope that I have not grossed you out too much, dear readers. I just think that your insides also should be buzzing with all things glam!

Buzzing off for now...