Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

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Transcript of Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

Page 1: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

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CONTENT

5 Founderrsquos Note6 Makeover Your Spirit8 The Month in Review10 Yes Irsquom A Mom 12 Vendor Spot14 Makeover Your Closet16 Community Partner Spotlight20 Makeover Your Wealth22 Makeover Your Health24 Member Spotlight26 Makeover Your Home

22

6

14 20

18

26

CLASSY CHRONICLES

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6

Get Certified to be a Life Coach Today

Atlanta | Milwaukee | Online18008618490

wwwacedemyofcreativecoachingcom

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CONTRIBUTORSIssue 6 October 2015

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFLaShanda Pitts

EDITOR AT LARGEAvis Pitts

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERSLaShanda PittsEboni BrownAaronica Bell ColeRobin OvermyerEvonya EasleyKimmie LampkinAzizi CowinsTabatha Gatson WashingtonAvis PittsLaToya S Parker

CREATIVE DIRECTORLaShanda Pitts

ADVERTISINGRobyn Hutcherson

PHOTOGRAPHYJason Byrdsell (wwwenphocusphotographycom)

DESIGN DIRECTOR Simone Darlington (wwwtamlyndesigncom)

BE A PART OF THE NEXT CLASSY CHRONICESFor advertisting or editorial contribution please contact us at marketingcls-volunteerorg or advertisingcls-volunteerorg

CLASSY CHRONICLES

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Makeover Your Life

Photo Jason Byrdsell of wwwenphocusphotographycom

Oprahrsquos last month edition was focused on Makeovers From front to back cover she discussed everything makeover While reading through the issue I thought about how often we attempt to makeover our outer and leave the less noticeable to fate Because of this I feel itrsquos time for us to discuss complete makeovers of self

Have you ever just sat down and wondered how and why you are where you are or just frowned with disguise at a particular aspect of your life Do you have dreams that you want to fulfill but they are placed on the backburner until a ldquobetter timerdquo comes Better yet have you continuously overlooked that small sore spot slightly above your neck Well right now is the perfect time to evaluate and reassess your current lifestyle Itrsquos time to throw out the excuses declutter the discontentment and wipe away smudges of ailment Keep in mind we set our atmosphere and determine our level of peace The way we think controls the peace of our heart and spirit When we are down in our spirt everything around us suffers We see things differently and make irrational decisions which offers negative effects For instance when we arenrsquot happy our dinner tastes a bit blander our appearance has a little less glow our homes miss that much needed cleaning our energy level struggles and our finances encounter horrible hits We forget about whatrsquos important because everything seems irrelevant I know there has been times when I would walk into the store and once home I wouldnrsquot even remember what I bought and why Emotionally spending is very temporal

If you are thinking that right now isnrsquot a good time because you have encountered the worst fall of your life STOP If you have taken a hit like none other right now is your chance to remove the road blocks discontinue the unhappiness and focus on the opportunities that await

LaShanda Pitts

Founderrsquos Note

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( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) SPIRIT

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My first reaction is to withdrawal and go into meditation Most times I donrsquot ask for anything I just say thank you to God and continue to pray that He order my steps Shutting out the noise always works for me

Karen Seaward Irsquove always used the power of Serenity as my praying guide for understanding direction and strength to move forward It has never failed me yet

Andrea Lovinglife Bell Find a support group or have an awesome support system - find new hobbies to take your mind off what happened - forgive yourself amp try to understand that everything in life happens for a reason because believe it or not the things we go through are not about US but for someone else - experience is the BEST teacher

Robin Overmyer I first give myself permission to feel whatever emotion I may be feeling then tell myself Irsquom not the first person to experience that trial and I wonrsquot be the last Finally I do some of what the other ladies have already mentioned

Andreana Suttles i have to run music blasting just me the pavement my music and my thoughts and then vent to my husband

Aaronica Bell I have learned to find peace in every situation (as cliche as that sounds I do) Even those difficult trying times I find great solace in prayer Sometimes escaping into a great book helps I also have a journal

Reading through it from time to time helps me appreciate the growth and changes that occur as a result of whatever it was I went through YouTube has some amazing meditation music for a calm spirit clarity peace and anything else I turn my light off plug my ear buds up and let the binural beats take me away Oh and wine lol wine is an amazing listener kml

Kimmie Lampkin Depressionself loathing etcconsider this mental state the ldquokidnappersrdquo of your happinessAnd your soul And ask yourself Would you just give in to someone trying to snatch youkidnap youharm or hurt you Would you just lay down and surrender NOYou fight kickscreamand never evergive in

Yvette Chambers I rely on prayer meditation MUSIC and make sure I donrsquot fall prey to overeating or other ldquoindulgentrdquo behaviors that disguise themselves as comfort I make sure I am even more kind to myself make healthy choices and keep the faith the God is working in the background and I just let Him work I am a living witness that what seems to be bad is really meant for good We are fearfully amp wonderfully made

Janine Lattimore Going to my kickboxing class massage amp prayer Not always in that order

Renee Roberts Written by the Members of Classy Living Society

Speaking of Making over Your Life our CLS sisters have surely had to alter a few misfortunes and highlight a couple areas They are the epitome of strength beauty and resilience Success comes in large numbers and their hard work is unquestionable With the weight of the world and the demands of their homes in front of them we found out how they find strength or the time to stand when tough times present themselves We asked and they answered

Herersquos some of the many ways our sisters renew their spirit and find a positive space following trying times

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Dancing on the edge of the autumn Classy Living Society continued with its mission of being foot soldiers of volunteerism Joining in with

Cox Enterprises CLS participated in its first KaBOOM Playground build Benefiting the families of Our House and the Genesis Shelter CLS volunteers assisted with building park benches and moving mounds and mounds and mounds of mulch With over a hundred volunteers amazingly a brand new playground was built in a day

After ensuring kids of all ages have a safe place to play CLS volunteers switched gears and were eager to make the day special for some of our beloved seniors Joining Atlanta based charity Inspired Mom the ladies hosted the seniors during a brunch Culminating National Grandparents Day an awesome meal was enjoyed and games were played by all

Continuing with the goal of keeping memberrsquos bodies healthy two opportunities were provided for ladies to remain Classy Nrsquo Fit First the ladies had the opportunity to join South DeKalb Striders in their annual 5K Run for Hope to End Homelessness benefiting Our House Second the ladies were encouraged to join in on the 4th

Annual Labor Day Run for Autism hosted by Totally Running to benefit Talk About Curing Autism TACArsquos mission to talk about curing autism provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the US who are touched by Autism

Last but not least CLS volunteers were requested to support Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter (ACS) at their 1st Annual Kickinrsquo It 4 Charity Kickball Game This event was a success and raised money to provide ACS programs and services to assist families with resources and support necessary to maintain employment and permanent housing for their family Our classy volunteers showed up excited donning ldquored t-shirtsrdquo as we went straight to work setting up the field step-and-repeat banner and manning the check-inticket and t-shirt sales tables The highly anticipated sporting event for charity began with a red carpet and announcement of celebrity players Once the game was in full swing CLS volunteers were invited to sit in the audience and watch as a great time was had by all

Entering in the last quarter of the year CLS remains committed to our mantrahellipSocialize VOLUNTEER and Inspire

n Eboni Brown

Monththein

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KaBOOMKaBOOM Is the national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids particularly those growing up in poverty in America They do this by creating great places to play inspiring communities to promote and support play and driving the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive liveshttpkaboomorg

South DeKalb StridersThe South DeKalb Striders Running Club members consists of runners of all classes elite runners top runners family runners slow runners and walkers Their purpose is to have fun as well as stay fit httpsouthdekalbstridersorg

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) TACA provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the United States who are touched by autism Ninety-five percent of TACArsquos programs and services are provided at no charge and include education and support meetings parent mentoring and the Autism Journey Guidehttpwwwtacanoworg

Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter The Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter provides free quality day care emotional support educational curriculum for homeless children and focused social services for their families Dedicated to helping families overcome the issues that contribute to homelessness including domestic violence and job loss the Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter focuses on the long term self-sufficiency of the family httpwwwacsatlorg

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Yes Irsquom A Mom But Irsquom Still

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLES

AaronicaAnd Aaronica is synonymous with fabulous--amongst other things Motherhood is something that many women strive for I was never that little girl that had their entire wedding planned out by the ripe old age of 10 In fact for either one of my weddings (yep Irsquom on my second marriage) I barely wanted to show up because to me it was just another day Did I care about the dress Meh no The flowers Not really The food Absolutely I didnrsquot have my wedding planned out but I had my life as a mother planned I was going to be this doting mom whose life was centered around their children Soccer dance track swim mom Yes that was going to be me

But then life happened and I became a single mom at 26 I started out being exactly what Irsquod imagined being--hopelessly devoted to my mini But then I wanted more And by more I wanted me back Not in the same way but a more mature me I wanted to be seen as Aaronica not Minirsquos mom I didnrsquot want to always be dressed in my mom attire (yes mom attire) I wanted my style back And I got it though it looked a little different Becoming a more mature Aaronica got me my husband and second daughter however I found myself in a similar boat again

As a mom of 2 wife and entrepreneur who am I I asked myself this question probably about a month ago when Irsquod run out of my mom-uniform--yoga pants nursing tank and random t-shirt As I looked through my closet filled with gorgeous jeweled tones and beautiful shoes and ldquofreakumrdquo dresses I realized that it was time to redefine myself Irsquom not the party girl nor am I the mom who wants to constantly be showing off the shape that I lost with the 2nd child Irsquom not really into shopping like I was Although I still love makeup (I mean how could you not) Irsquom not into the dramatic looks that I once was It was time to redefine who I am in the current space that Irsquom in And I did I came up with a new elevator pitch and everything Herersquos the awesome thing about womanhood--we are who we say

we are I was once this corporate Barbie doll determined to climb the ladder to success and break any and all glass ceilings in my way I wanted to dominate and take over Or so I thought But that just isnrsquot me anymore Now Irsquom an entrepreneur determined to be a positive influence to women all over the world that need help and inspiration I want to help others as much as I can I want to make

people smile and have someone look at me and say ldquoBecause of you I did the things no one thought

I could dordquo This is who I am now

So how do you reinvent yourself

Yoursquove got to be honest with yourself about where you are Ask yourself these questions

1How would I describe myself

2How do I think others would describe me (Be honest)

3 How do I WANT to be describedviewed

4 What things do I have to do to get there

If yoursquore having trouble with the last question ask for help from someone you trust

Itrsquos never too late to reinvent yourself Seize the dayn Aaronica Bell Cole

Aaronica B Cole is the owner of The Crunchy Mommy LLC She can be found writing over at wwwthecrunchymommycom selling at httpsoriginalcrunchymommyetsycom tweeting as thecrunchymommy and sharing photos as thecrunchymommy on Instagram Need to get in contact Email her at mrsabcthecrunchymommycom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

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MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLEStshirtschavezgraphicscom

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CLS firmly believes in supporting small businesses and helping to keep the small business community active and profitable CLS Members are encouraged to support businesses which support CLS and the journey we are on to change the world with our volunteer and Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) efforts Through our commitment as a womenrsquos only non-profit organization our core values are entrenched in volunteerism community outreach and fostering an environment and an opportunity for small businesses to flourish

We have some many categories of member vendors ranging from Boutique Owners Travel Agents Fitness Coaches Life Coaches Teachers Estheticians Non Profit Organizations Cleaning Services and many many more CLS would like to take this opportunity to appreciate our member vendors by allowing the world to know who they are We love and truly support what they are doing because without them CLS wouldnrsquot be doing business ldquoThe Classy Wayrdquo

n Robin Overmyer

NAMEAaronica B ColeAlicia BrownAngela EverettAnita SearlesAzizi CowinsBeverly HamsCassaundra WebbDorita WyattErica KaneEvonya EasleyKaren SewardKristein MosleyKristell S DouglasLaTeasha BlackwellMarcia Marsh McGrawMonie C DarlingtonMichele BrundidgeNeri Gaulden SlacksNikki Blakely-SimmonsNina SimoneNisha GlennRue ClarkShona HillSunblondy H DanielTonya PughYani WilkinsonYolanda Michelette

WEBSITEwwwthecrunchymommycomwwwcosmozcigareventscomwwwwestayonvacaycom

wwwsimplygorgeousintlcomwwwcutz2colorcomwwwiamhairstudiocomwwwericakanewritecomwwwloveefashioncomwwwksewardmyorganogoldcomwwwElitetravelgrpcomwwwtrueresults51theneriumlookcom

wwwhealthyfreedomvemmacomwwwtamlyndesigncomwwwthemadassociationorgwwwdreamlivelearnorgwwwnikkiblakelysimmonscomwwwninasimoneconsultingomwwweducatedgirlsrockorgwwwjusttrippintravelersclubcomwwwshonapaycationcomwwwtrechiclothin2014storenvycomwwwgr8escapetravelpaycationcomwwwUniquelymaid4youcomwwwhardkandirockscom

FACEBOOK PAGEwwwfacebookcomthecrunchymommy1

wwwfacebookcomwestayonvacaywwwfacebookcomthesmilebarAtlwwwfacebookcompagessexe-skinswwwfacebookcomsimplygorgeousintlspawwwfacebookcomcassaundrawebb

wwwfacebookcomcokanepublications

wwwfacebookcompageselite-travel-groupwwwfacebookcomkristellclearskinwwwfacebookcomKaylas201boutique

wwwfacebookcomtamlyndesignwwwfacebookcomthemadassociation

wwwmixologistinstutedsuccesscom

wwwfacebookcomtravelbyshonawwwfacebookcomtreschichairclothin

wwwfacebookcomhardkandidesigns

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

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SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

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As we transition into a new season itrsquos time to get our closets and wardrobes right for fall To do that need to start with cleaning

and organizing your closet A good wardrobe like a house starts with a good foundation And the foundation is your closet if your closet is not organized itrsquos a lot harder to have a good wardrobe and express personal style

Itrsquos important to dress how you want to be perceived and received So tips to get your closet right so you can move on to the fun part of getting dressed First you need to purge purge and more purge for the people that like to hold on to everything Everything in your closet

should be something you are currently wearing or will wear in the near future Get rid of anything that doesnrsquot fit your body right anything that you havenrsquot worn in over a year or two anything that looks like itrsquos been worn or washed a thousand times

Next organize your closet according to the seasons and if you donrsquot have a big closet but have an extra closet then switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change Move all your summer stuff to the extra closet during the FallWinter and vice versa If your closet is big enough to hold all seasons then at least make sure the summer stuff is moved toward the back or the side and pull the FallWinter to the forefront For example

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) CLOSET

I turned an extra bedroom into my closet so I separate my seasons by walls Two walls is my spring summer clothes and the other two walls is for my FallWinter When your closet is organized then itrsquos easier and quicker to get dressed You donrsquot have to dig thru summer dresses to find your cashmere coat

Once you have organized by season then organize by color and fabric and activity This will help you to know what you have and what you may still need If all your work clothes are together and organized by color then you can see you have 10 pairs of black pants 5 brown 2 grey and so on So as you shop and add to your wardrobe you can build upon what you have If you have great

CLASSY CHRONICLES

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bottoms then focus on getting more tops and accessories to compliment all the bottoms you have Also a common problem I find with clients is they own too much black Itrsquos nothing wrong with black but inject some color and life into your wardrobe If you own over 5 pairs of black bottoms then donrsquot buy anymore black bottoms

Also stop buying the same thing in different colors nothing is that cute Lol Mix up your style if you buy a ruffled top in blue you donrsquot have to buy it in red black and pink lol Buy a lace top in one color a peasant style top in another color a V-neck or scoop style There is so many options to choose from so try something new and donrsquot get stuck in a rut wearing the same thing over and over but in different colors

Next adding accessories can add a little extra to an ensemble a simple tee and jeans can be upgraded with a cuff and

a layered necklace So donrsquot forget it doesnrsquot always take a lot to add a pop and take your outfit to the next level Also invest in classic pieces such as pencils skirts trench coat blazers white button shirts a great handbag classic pumps etc Trends come and go you should be aware of trends but not slaves to them So only wear trends that work for your body and what you personally like But be open to stretch yourself and try something new just to see if you like it

Last tip Irsquom leave you with is to buy pieces that you can wear multiple ways and places I only buy pieces I can wear at least three different ways if not more unless itrsquos a special occasion then thatrsquos different but for everyday wear you want to make sure you are buying a piece that works with something you already own or that can be worn multiple ways For example if you have a mod or A-line dress you can wear it with a belt one day

and pumps next time with tights and some ankle boots Or with a blazer and boots and also wear it just by itself out of that one dress you now have 4 different ways to wear it and look different each time

Another tip is taking outfits from day to night its really simple thing that can take a day outfit to night outfit An example of taking an outfit from day to night or causal to dressy take a pair of jeans and a simple white tee and flats Add a blazer stilettos and accessories with a great handbag and you have now just upgraded your outfit Hope all these tips and examples help as we go into this new season and if you want more personalized information and tips for you I can be contacted at loveeloveefashioncom

n Evonya Easley

CEO Love E404-908-7997

wwwloveefashioncom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

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community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

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the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

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Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

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DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

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( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 2: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

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CONTENT

5 Founderrsquos Note6 Makeover Your Spirit8 The Month in Review10 Yes Irsquom A Mom 12 Vendor Spot14 Makeover Your Closet16 Community Partner Spotlight20 Makeover Your Wealth22 Makeover Your Health24 Member Spotlight26 Makeover Your Home

22

6

14 20

18

26

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 3

6

Get Certified to be a Life Coach Today

Atlanta | Milwaukee | Online18008618490

wwwacedemyofcreativecoachingcom

DES7GNMGZ4

CONTRIBUTORSIssue 6 October 2015

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFLaShanda Pitts

EDITOR AT LARGEAvis Pitts

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERSLaShanda PittsEboni BrownAaronica Bell ColeRobin OvermyerEvonya EasleyKimmie LampkinAzizi CowinsTabatha Gatson WashingtonAvis PittsLaToya S Parker

CREATIVE DIRECTORLaShanda Pitts

ADVERTISINGRobyn Hutcherson

PHOTOGRAPHYJason Byrdsell (wwwenphocusphotographycom)

DESIGN DIRECTOR Simone Darlington (wwwtamlyndesigncom)

BE A PART OF THE NEXT CLASSY CHRONICESFor advertisting or editorial contribution please contact us at marketingcls-volunteerorg or advertisingcls-volunteerorg

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 5

Makeover Your Life

Photo Jason Byrdsell of wwwenphocusphotographycom

Oprahrsquos last month edition was focused on Makeovers From front to back cover she discussed everything makeover While reading through the issue I thought about how often we attempt to makeover our outer and leave the less noticeable to fate Because of this I feel itrsquos time for us to discuss complete makeovers of self

Have you ever just sat down and wondered how and why you are where you are or just frowned with disguise at a particular aspect of your life Do you have dreams that you want to fulfill but they are placed on the backburner until a ldquobetter timerdquo comes Better yet have you continuously overlooked that small sore spot slightly above your neck Well right now is the perfect time to evaluate and reassess your current lifestyle Itrsquos time to throw out the excuses declutter the discontentment and wipe away smudges of ailment Keep in mind we set our atmosphere and determine our level of peace The way we think controls the peace of our heart and spirit When we are down in our spirt everything around us suffers We see things differently and make irrational decisions which offers negative effects For instance when we arenrsquot happy our dinner tastes a bit blander our appearance has a little less glow our homes miss that much needed cleaning our energy level struggles and our finances encounter horrible hits We forget about whatrsquos important because everything seems irrelevant I know there has been times when I would walk into the store and once home I wouldnrsquot even remember what I bought and why Emotionally spending is very temporal

If you are thinking that right now isnrsquot a good time because you have encountered the worst fall of your life STOP If you have taken a hit like none other right now is your chance to remove the road blocks discontinue the unhappiness and focus on the opportunities that await

LaShanda Pitts

Founderrsquos Note

DES7GNMGZ6

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) SPIRIT

DES7GNMGZ 7

My first reaction is to withdrawal and go into meditation Most times I donrsquot ask for anything I just say thank you to God and continue to pray that He order my steps Shutting out the noise always works for me

Karen Seaward Irsquove always used the power of Serenity as my praying guide for understanding direction and strength to move forward It has never failed me yet

Andrea Lovinglife Bell Find a support group or have an awesome support system - find new hobbies to take your mind off what happened - forgive yourself amp try to understand that everything in life happens for a reason because believe it or not the things we go through are not about US but for someone else - experience is the BEST teacher

Robin Overmyer I first give myself permission to feel whatever emotion I may be feeling then tell myself Irsquom not the first person to experience that trial and I wonrsquot be the last Finally I do some of what the other ladies have already mentioned

Andreana Suttles i have to run music blasting just me the pavement my music and my thoughts and then vent to my husband

Aaronica Bell I have learned to find peace in every situation (as cliche as that sounds I do) Even those difficult trying times I find great solace in prayer Sometimes escaping into a great book helps I also have a journal

Reading through it from time to time helps me appreciate the growth and changes that occur as a result of whatever it was I went through YouTube has some amazing meditation music for a calm spirit clarity peace and anything else I turn my light off plug my ear buds up and let the binural beats take me away Oh and wine lol wine is an amazing listener kml

Kimmie Lampkin Depressionself loathing etcconsider this mental state the ldquokidnappersrdquo of your happinessAnd your soul And ask yourself Would you just give in to someone trying to snatch youkidnap youharm or hurt you Would you just lay down and surrender NOYou fight kickscreamand never evergive in

Yvette Chambers I rely on prayer meditation MUSIC and make sure I donrsquot fall prey to overeating or other ldquoindulgentrdquo behaviors that disguise themselves as comfort I make sure I am even more kind to myself make healthy choices and keep the faith the God is working in the background and I just let Him work I am a living witness that what seems to be bad is really meant for good We are fearfully amp wonderfully made

Janine Lattimore Going to my kickboxing class massage amp prayer Not always in that order

Renee Roberts Written by the Members of Classy Living Society

Speaking of Making over Your Life our CLS sisters have surely had to alter a few misfortunes and highlight a couple areas They are the epitome of strength beauty and resilience Success comes in large numbers and their hard work is unquestionable With the weight of the world and the demands of their homes in front of them we found out how they find strength or the time to stand when tough times present themselves We asked and they answered

Herersquos some of the many ways our sisters renew their spirit and find a positive space following trying times

DES7GNMGZ8Review

Dancing on the edge of the autumn Classy Living Society continued with its mission of being foot soldiers of volunteerism Joining in with

Cox Enterprises CLS participated in its first KaBOOM Playground build Benefiting the families of Our House and the Genesis Shelter CLS volunteers assisted with building park benches and moving mounds and mounds and mounds of mulch With over a hundred volunteers amazingly a brand new playground was built in a day

After ensuring kids of all ages have a safe place to play CLS volunteers switched gears and were eager to make the day special for some of our beloved seniors Joining Atlanta based charity Inspired Mom the ladies hosted the seniors during a brunch Culminating National Grandparents Day an awesome meal was enjoyed and games were played by all

Continuing with the goal of keeping memberrsquos bodies healthy two opportunities were provided for ladies to remain Classy Nrsquo Fit First the ladies had the opportunity to join South DeKalb Striders in their annual 5K Run for Hope to End Homelessness benefiting Our House Second the ladies were encouraged to join in on the 4th

Annual Labor Day Run for Autism hosted by Totally Running to benefit Talk About Curing Autism TACArsquos mission to talk about curing autism provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the US who are touched by Autism

Last but not least CLS volunteers were requested to support Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter (ACS) at their 1st Annual Kickinrsquo It 4 Charity Kickball Game This event was a success and raised money to provide ACS programs and services to assist families with resources and support necessary to maintain employment and permanent housing for their family Our classy volunteers showed up excited donning ldquored t-shirtsrdquo as we went straight to work setting up the field step-and-repeat banner and manning the check-inticket and t-shirt sales tables The highly anticipated sporting event for charity began with a red carpet and announcement of celebrity players Once the game was in full swing CLS volunteers were invited to sit in the audience and watch as a great time was had by all

Entering in the last quarter of the year CLS remains committed to our mantrahellipSocialize VOLUNTEER and Inspire

n Eboni Brown

Monththein

DES7GNMGZ 9

KaBOOMKaBOOM Is the national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids particularly those growing up in poverty in America They do this by creating great places to play inspiring communities to promote and support play and driving the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive liveshttpkaboomorg

South DeKalb StridersThe South DeKalb Striders Running Club members consists of runners of all classes elite runners top runners family runners slow runners and walkers Their purpose is to have fun as well as stay fit httpsouthdekalbstridersorg

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) TACA provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the United States who are touched by autism Ninety-five percent of TACArsquos programs and services are provided at no charge and include education and support meetings parent mentoring and the Autism Journey Guidehttpwwwtacanoworg

Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter The Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter provides free quality day care emotional support educational curriculum for homeless children and focused social services for their families Dedicated to helping families overcome the issues that contribute to homelessness including domestic violence and job loss the Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter focuses on the long term self-sufficiency of the family httpwwwacsatlorg

DES7GNMGZ10

Yes Irsquom A Mom But Irsquom Still

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLES

AaronicaAnd Aaronica is synonymous with fabulous--amongst other things Motherhood is something that many women strive for I was never that little girl that had their entire wedding planned out by the ripe old age of 10 In fact for either one of my weddings (yep Irsquom on my second marriage) I barely wanted to show up because to me it was just another day Did I care about the dress Meh no The flowers Not really The food Absolutely I didnrsquot have my wedding planned out but I had my life as a mother planned I was going to be this doting mom whose life was centered around their children Soccer dance track swim mom Yes that was going to be me

But then life happened and I became a single mom at 26 I started out being exactly what Irsquod imagined being--hopelessly devoted to my mini But then I wanted more And by more I wanted me back Not in the same way but a more mature me I wanted to be seen as Aaronica not Minirsquos mom I didnrsquot want to always be dressed in my mom attire (yes mom attire) I wanted my style back And I got it though it looked a little different Becoming a more mature Aaronica got me my husband and second daughter however I found myself in a similar boat again

As a mom of 2 wife and entrepreneur who am I I asked myself this question probably about a month ago when Irsquod run out of my mom-uniform--yoga pants nursing tank and random t-shirt As I looked through my closet filled with gorgeous jeweled tones and beautiful shoes and ldquofreakumrdquo dresses I realized that it was time to redefine myself Irsquom not the party girl nor am I the mom who wants to constantly be showing off the shape that I lost with the 2nd child Irsquom not really into shopping like I was Although I still love makeup (I mean how could you not) Irsquom not into the dramatic looks that I once was It was time to redefine who I am in the current space that Irsquom in And I did I came up with a new elevator pitch and everything Herersquos the awesome thing about womanhood--we are who we say

we are I was once this corporate Barbie doll determined to climb the ladder to success and break any and all glass ceilings in my way I wanted to dominate and take over Or so I thought But that just isnrsquot me anymore Now Irsquom an entrepreneur determined to be a positive influence to women all over the world that need help and inspiration I want to help others as much as I can I want to make

people smile and have someone look at me and say ldquoBecause of you I did the things no one thought

I could dordquo This is who I am now

So how do you reinvent yourself

Yoursquove got to be honest with yourself about where you are Ask yourself these questions

1How would I describe myself

2How do I think others would describe me (Be honest)

3 How do I WANT to be describedviewed

4 What things do I have to do to get there

If yoursquore having trouble with the last question ask for help from someone you trust

Itrsquos never too late to reinvent yourself Seize the dayn Aaronica Bell Cole

Aaronica B Cole is the owner of The Crunchy Mommy LLC She can be found writing over at wwwthecrunchymommycom selling at httpsoriginalcrunchymommyetsycom tweeting as thecrunchymommy and sharing photos as thecrunchymommy on Instagram Need to get in contact Email her at mrsabcthecrunchymommycom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 11

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLEStshirtschavezgraphicscom

DES7GNMGZ12

CLS firmly believes in supporting small businesses and helping to keep the small business community active and profitable CLS Members are encouraged to support businesses which support CLS and the journey we are on to change the world with our volunteer and Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) efforts Through our commitment as a womenrsquos only non-profit organization our core values are entrenched in volunteerism community outreach and fostering an environment and an opportunity for small businesses to flourish

We have some many categories of member vendors ranging from Boutique Owners Travel Agents Fitness Coaches Life Coaches Teachers Estheticians Non Profit Organizations Cleaning Services and many many more CLS would like to take this opportunity to appreciate our member vendors by allowing the world to know who they are We love and truly support what they are doing because without them CLS wouldnrsquot be doing business ldquoThe Classy Wayrdquo

n Robin Overmyer

NAMEAaronica B ColeAlicia BrownAngela EverettAnita SearlesAzizi CowinsBeverly HamsCassaundra WebbDorita WyattErica KaneEvonya EasleyKaren SewardKristein MosleyKristell S DouglasLaTeasha BlackwellMarcia Marsh McGrawMonie C DarlingtonMichele BrundidgeNeri Gaulden SlacksNikki Blakely-SimmonsNina SimoneNisha GlennRue ClarkShona HillSunblondy H DanielTonya PughYani WilkinsonYolanda Michelette

WEBSITEwwwthecrunchymommycomwwwcosmozcigareventscomwwwwestayonvacaycom

wwwsimplygorgeousintlcomwwwcutz2colorcomwwwiamhairstudiocomwwwericakanewritecomwwwloveefashioncomwwwksewardmyorganogoldcomwwwElitetravelgrpcomwwwtrueresults51theneriumlookcom

wwwhealthyfreedomvemmacomwwwtamlyndesigncomwwwthemadassociationorgwwwdreamlivelearnorgwwwnikkiblakelysimmonscomwwwninasimoneconsultingomwwweducatedgirlsrockorgwwwjusttrippintravelersclubcomwwwshonapaycationcomwwwtrechiclothin2014storenvycomwwwgr8escapetravelpaycationcomwwwUniquelymaid4youcomwwwhardkandirockscom

FACEBOOK PAGEwwwfacebookcomthecrunchymommy1

wwwfacebookcomwestayonvacaywwwfacebookcomthesmilebarAtlwwwfacebookcompagessexe-skinswwwfacebookcomsimplygorgeousintlspawwwfacebookcomcassaundrawebb

wwwfacebookcomcokanepublications

wwwfacebookcompageselite-travel-groupwwwfacebookcomkristellclearskinwwwfacebookcomKaylas201boutique

wwwfacebookcomtamlyndesignwwwfacebookcomthemadassociation

wwwmixologistinstutedsuccesscom

wwwfacebookcomtravelbyshonawwwfacebookcomtreschichairclothin

wwwfacebookcomhardkandidesigns

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 13

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

DES7GNMGZ14

As we transition into a new season itrsquos time to get our closets and wardrobes right for fall To do that need to start with cleaning

and organizing your closet A good wardrobe like a house starts with a good foundation And the foundation is your closet if your closet is not organized itrsquos a lot harder to have a good wardrobe and express personal style

Itrsquos important to dress how you want to be perceived and received So tips to get your closet right so you can move on to the fun part of getting dressed First you need to purge purge and more purge for the people that like to hold on to everything Everything in your closet

should be something you are currently wearing or will wear in the near future Get rid of anything that doesnrsquot fit your body right anything that you havenrsquot worn in over a year or two anything that looks like itrsquos been worn or washed a thousand times

Next organize your closet according to the seasons and if you donrsquot have a big closet but have an extra closet then switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change Move all your summer stuff to the extra closet during the FallWinter and vice versa If your closet is big enough to hold all seasons then at least make sure the summer stuff is moved toward the back or the side and pull the FallWinter to the forefront For example

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) CLOSET

I turned an extra bedroom into my closet so I separate my seasons by walls Two walls is my spring summer clothes and the other two walls is for my FallWinter When your closet is organized then itrsquos easier and quicker to get dressed You donrsquot have to dig thru summer dresses to find your cashmere coat

Once you have organized by season then organize by color and fabric and activity This will help you to know what you have and what you may still need If all your work clothes are together and organized by color then you can see you have 10 pairs of black pants 5 brown 2 grey and so on So as you shop and add to your wardrobe you can build upon what you have If you have great

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 15

bottoms then focus on getting more tops and accessories to compliment all the bottoms you have Also a common problem I find with clients is they own too much black Itrsquos nothing wrong with black but inject some color and life into your wardrobe If you own over 5 pairs of black bottoms then donrsquot buy anymore black bottoms

Also stop buying the same thing in different colors nothing is that cute Lol Mix up your style if you buy a ruffled top in blue you donrsquot have to buy it in red black and pink lol Buy a lace top in one color a peasant style top in another color a V-neck or scoop style There is so many options to choose from so try something new and donrsquot get stuck in a rut wearing the same thing over and over but in different colors

Next adding accessories can add a little extra to an ensemble a simple tee and jeans can be upgraded with a cuff and

a layered necklace So donrsquot forget it doesnrsquot always take a lot to add a pop and take your outfit to the next level Also invest in classic pieces such as pencils skirts trench coat blazers white button shirts a great handbag classic pumps etc Trends come and go you should be aware of trends but not slaves to them So only wear trends that work for your body and what you personally like But be open to stretch yourself and try something new just to see if you like it

Last tip Irsquom leave you with is to buy pieces that you can wear multiple ways and places I only buy pieces I can wear at least three different ways if not more unless itrsquos a special occasion then thatrsquos different but for everyday wear you want to make sure you are buying a piece that works with something you already own or that can be worn multiple ways For example if you have a mod or A-line dress you can wear it with a belt one day

and pumps next time with tights and some ankle boots Or with a blazer and boots and also wear it just by itself out of that one dress you now have 4 different ways to wear it and look different each time

Another tip is taking outfits from day to night its really simple thing that can take a day outfit to night outfit An example of taking an outfit from day to night or causal to dressy take a pair of jeans and a simple white tee and flats Add a blazer stilettos and accessories with a great handbag and you have now just upgraded your outfit Hope all these tips and examples help as we go into this new season and if you want more personalized information and tips for you I can be contacted at loveeloveefashioncom

n Evonya Easley

CEO Love E404-908-7997

wwwloveefashioncom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ16

community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 3: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ 3

6

Get Certified to be a Life Coach Today

Atlanta | Milwaukee | Online18008618490

wwwacedemyofcreativecoachingcom

DES7GNMGZ4

CONTRIBUTORSIssue 6 October 2015

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFLaShanda Pitts

EDITOR AT LARGEAvis Pitts

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERSLaShanda PittsEboni BrownAaronica Bell ColeRobin OvermyerEvonya EasleyKimmie LampkinAzizi CowinsTabatha Gatson WashingtonAvis PittsLaToya S Parker

CREATIVE DIRECTORLaShanda Pitts

ADVERTISINGRobyn Hutcherson

PHOTOGRAPHYJason Byrdsell (wwwenphocusphotographycom)

DESIGN DIRECTOR Simone Darlington (wwwtamlyndesigncom)

BE A PART OF THE NEXT CLASSY CHRONICESFor advertisting or editorial contribution please contact us at marketingcls-volunteerorg or advertisingcls-volunteerorg

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 5

Makeover Your Life

Photo Jason Byrdsell of wwwenphocusphotographycom

Oprahrsquos last month edition was focused on Makeovers From front to back cover she discussed everything makeover While reading through the issue I thought about how often we attempt to makeover our outer and leave the less noticeable to fate Because of this I feel itrsquos time for us to discuss complete makeovers of self

Have you ever just sat down and wondered how and why you are where you are or just frowned with disguise at a particular aspect of your life Do you have dreams that you want to fulfill but they are placed on the backburner until a ldquobetter timerdquo comes Better yet have you continuously overlooked that small sore spot slightly above your neck Well right now is the perfect time to evaluate and reassess your current lifestyle Itrsquos time to throw out the excuses declutter the discontentment and wipe away smudges of ailment Keep in mind we set our atmosphere and determine our level of peace The way we think controls the peace of our heart and spirit When we are down in our spirt everything around us suffers We see things differently and make irrational decisions which offers negative effects For instance when we arenrsquot happy our dinner tastes a bit blander our appearance has a little less glow our homes miss that much needed cleaning our energy level struggles and our finances encounter horrible hits We forget about whatrsquos important because everything seems irrelevant I know there has been times when I would walk into the store and once home I wouldnrsquot even remember what I bought and why Emotionally spending is very temporal

If you are thinking that right now isnrsquot a good time because you have encountered the worst fall of your life STOP If you have taken a hit like none other right now is your chance to remove the road blocks discontinue the unhappiness and focus on the opportunities that await

LaShanda Pitts

Founderrsquos Note

DES7GNMGZ6

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) SPIRIT

DES7GNMGZ 7

My first reaction is to withdrawal and go into meditation Most times I donrsquot ask for anything I just say thank you to God and continue to pray that He order my steps Shutting out the noise always works for me

Karen Seaward Irsquove always used the power of Serenity as my praying guide for understanding direction and strength to move forward It has never failed me yet

Andrea Lovinglife Bell Find a support group or have an awesome support system - find new hobbies to take your mind off what happened - forgive yourself amp try to understand that everything in life happens for a reason because believe it or not the things we go through are not about US but for someone else - experience is the BEST teacher

Robin Overmyer I first give myself permission to feel whatever emotion I may be feeling then tell myself Irsquom not the first person to experience that trial and I wonrsquot be the last Finally I do some of what the other ladies have already mentioned

Andreana Suttles i have to run music blasting just me the pavement my music and my thoughts and then vent to my husband

Aaronica Bell I have learned to find peace in every situation (as cliche as that sounds I do) Even those difficult trying times I find great solace in prayer Sometimes escaping into a great book helps I also have a journal

Reading through it from time to time helps me appreciate the growth and changes that occur as a result of whatever it was I went through YouTube has some amazing meditation music for a calm spirit clarity peace and anything else I turn my light off plug my ear buds up and let the binural beats take me away Oh and wine lol wine is an amazing listener kml

Kimmie Lampkin Depressionself loathing etcconsider this mental state the ldquokidnappersrdquo of your happinessAnd your soul And ask yourself Would you just give in to someone trying to snatch youkidnap youharm or hurt you Would you just lay down and surrender NOYou fight kickscreamand never evergive in

Yvette Chambers I rely on prayer meditation MUSIC and make sure I donrsquot fall prey to overeating or other ldquoindulgentrdquo behaviors that disguise themselves as comfort I make sure I am even more kind to myself make healthy choices and keep the faith the God is working in the background and I just let Him work I am a living witness that what seems to be bad is really meant for good We are fearfully amp wonderfully made

Janine Lattimore Going to my kickboxing class massage amp prayer Not always in that order

Renee Roberts Written by the Members of Classy Living Society

Speaking of Making over Your Life our CLS sisters have surely had to alter a few misfortunes and highlight a couple areas They are the epitome of strength beauty and resilience Success comes in large numbers and their hard work is unquestionable With the weight of the world and the demands of their homes in front of them we found out how they find strength or the time to stand when tough times present themselves We asked and they answered

Herersquos some of the many ways our sisters renew their spirit and find a positive space following trying times

DES7GNMGZ8Review

Dancing on the edge of the autumn Classy Living Society continued with its mission of being foot soldiers of volunteerism Joining in with

Cox Enterprises CLS participated in its first KaBOOM Playground build Benefiting the families of Our House and the Genesis Shelter CLS volunteers assisted with building park benches and moving mounds and mounds and mounds of mulch With over a hundred volunteers amazingly a brand new playground was built in a day

After ensuring kids of all ages have a safe place to play CLS volunteers switched gears and were eager to make the day special for some of our beloved seniors Joining Atlanta based charity Inspired Mom the ladies hosted the seniors during a brunch Culminating National Grandparents Day an awesome meal was enjoyed and games were played by all

Continuing with the goal of keeping memberrsquos bodies healthy two opportunities were provided for ladies to remain Classy Nrsquo Fit First the ladies had the opportunity to join South DeKalb Striders in their annual 5K Run for Hope to End Homelessness benefiting Our House Second the ladies were encouraged to join in on the 4th

Annual Labor Day Run for Autism hosted by Totally Running to benefit Talk About Curing Autism TACArsquos mission to talk about curing autism provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the US who are touched by Autism

Last but not least CLS volunteers were requested to support Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter (ACS) at their 1st Annual Kickinrsquo It 4 Charity Kickball Game This event was a success and raised money to provide ACS programs and services to assist families with resources and support necessary to maintain employment and permanent housing for their family Our classy volunteers showed up excited donning ldquored t-shirtsrdquo as we went straight to work setting up the field step-and-repeat banner and manning the check-inticket and t-shirt sales tables The highly anticipated sporting event for charity began with a red carpet and announcement of celebrity players Once the game was in full swing CLS volunteers were invited to sit in the audience and watch as a great time was had by all

Entering in the last quarter of the year CLS remains committed to our mantrahellipSocialize VOLUNTEER and Inspire

n Eboni Brown

Monththein

DES7GNMGZ 9

KaBOOMKaBOOM Is the national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids particularly those growing up in poverty in America They do this by creating great places to play inspiring communities to promote and support play and driving the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive liveshttpkaboomorg

South DeKalb StridersThe South DeKalb Striders Running Club members consists of runners of all classes elite runners top runners family runners slow runners and walkers Their purpose is to have fun as well as stay fit httpsouthdekalbstridersorg

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) TACA provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the United States who are touched by autism Ninety-five percent of TACArsquos programs and services are provided at no charge and include education and support meetings parent mentoring and the Autism Journey Guidehttpwwwtacanoworg

Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter The Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter provides free quality day care emotional support educational curriculum for homeless children and focused social services for their families Dedicated to helping families overcome the issues that contribute to homelessness including domestic violence and job loss the Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter focuses on the long term self-sufficiency of the family httpwwwacsatlorg

DES7GNMGZ10

Yes Irsquom A Mom But Irsquom Still

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLES

AaronicaAnd Aaronica is synonymous with fabulous--amongst other things Motherhood is something that many women strive for I was never that little girl that had their entire wedding planned out by the ripe old age of 10 In fact for either one of my weddings (yep Irsquom on my second marriage) I barely wanted to show up because to me it was just another day Did I care about the dress Meh no The flowers Not really The food Absolutely I didnrsquot have my wedding planned out but I had my life as a mother planned I was going to be this doting mom whose life was centered around their children Soccer dance track swim mom Yes that was going to be me

But then life happened and I became a single mom at 26 I started out being exactly what Irsquod imagined being--hopelessly devoted to my mini But then I wanted more And by more I wanted me back Not in the same way but a more mature me I wanted to be seen as Aaronica not Minirsquos mom I didnrsquot want to always be dressed in my mom attire (yes mom attire) I wanted my style back And I got it though it looked a little different Becoming a more mature Aaronica got me my husband and second daughter however I found myself in a similar boat again

As a mom of 2 wife and entrepreneur who am I I asked myself this question probably about a month ago when Irsquod run out of my mom-uniform--yoga pants nursing tank and random t-shirt As I looked through my closet filled with gorgeous jeweled tones and beautiful shoes and ldquofreakumrdquo dresses I realized that it was time to redefine myself Irsquom not the party girl nor am I the mom who wants to constantly be showing off the shape that I lost with the 2nd child Irsquom not really into shopping like I was Although I still love makeup (I mean how could you not) Irsquom not into the dramatic looks that I once was It was time to redefine who I am in the current space that Irsquom in And I did I came up with a new elevator pitch and everything Herersquos the awesome thing about womanhood--we are who we say

we are I was once this corporate Barbie doll determined to climb the ladder to success and break any and all glass ceilings in my way I wanted to dominate and take over Or so I thought But that just isnrsquot me anymore Now Irsquom an entrepreneur determined to be a positive influence to women all over the world that need help and inspiration I want to help others as much as I can I want to make

people smile and have someone look at me and say ldquoBecause of you I did the things no one thought

I could dordquo This is who I am now

So how do you reinvent yourself

Yoursquove got to be honest with yourself about where you are Ask yourself these questions

1How would I describe myself

2How do I think others would describe me (Be honest)

3 How do I WANT to be describedviewed

4 What things do I have to do to get there

If yoursquore having trouble with the last question ask for help from someone you trust

Itrsquos never too late to reinvent yourself Seize the dayn Aaronica Bell Cole

Aaronica B Cole is the owner of The Crunchy Mommy LLC She can be found writing over at wwwthecrunchymommycom selling at httpsoriginalcrunchymommyetsycom tweeting as thecrunchymommy and sharing photos as thecrunchymommy on Instagram Need to get in contact Email her at mrsabcthecrunchymommycom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 11

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLEStshirtschavezgraphicscom

DES7GNMGZ12

CLS firmly believes in supporting small businesses and helping to keep the small business community active and profitable CLS Members are encouraged to support businesses which support CLS and the journey we are on to change the world with our volunteer and Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) efforts Through our commitment as a womenrsquos only non-profit organization our core values are entrenched in volunteerism community outreach and fostering an environment and an opportunity for small businesses to flourish

We have some many categories of member vendors ranging from Boutique Owners Travel Agents Fitness Coaches Life Coaches Teachers Estheticians Non Profit Organizations Cleaning Services and many many more CLS would like to take this opportunity to appreciate our member vendors by allowing the world to know who they are We love and truly support what they are doing because without them CLS wouldnrsquot be doing business ldquoThe Classy Wayrdquo

n Robin Overmyer

NAMEAaronica B ColeAlicia BrownAngela EverettAnita SearlesAzizi CowinsBeverly HamsCassaundra WebbDorita WyattErica KaneEvonya EasleyKaren SewardKristein MosleyKristell S DouglasLaTeasha BlackwellMarcia Marsh McGrawMonie C DarlingtonMichele BrundidgeNeri Gaulden SlacksNikki Blakely-SimmonsNina SimoneNisha GlennRue ClarkShona HillSunblondy H DanielTonya PughYani WilkinsonYolanda Michelette

WEBSITEwwwthecrunchymommycomwwwcosmozcigareventscomwwwwestayonvacaycom

wwwsimplygorgeousintlcomwwwcutz2colorcomwwwiamhairstudiocomwwwericakanewritecomwwwloveefashioncomwwwksewardmyorganogoldcomwwwElitetravelgrpcomwwwtrueresults51theneriumlookcom

wwwhealthyfreedomvemmacomwwwtamlyndesigncomwwwthemadassociationorgwwwdreamlivelearnorgwwwnikkiblakelysimmonscomwwwninasimoneconsultingomwwweducatedgirlsrockorgwwwjusttrippintravelersclubcomwwwshonapaycationcomwwwtrechiclothin2014storenvycomwwwgr8escapetravelpaycationcomwwwUniquelymaid4youcomwwwhardkandirockscom

FACEBOOK PAGEwwwfacebookcomthecrunchymommy1

wwwfacebookcomwestayonvacaywwwfacebookcomthesmilebarAtlwwwfacebookcompagessexe-skinswwwfacebookcomsimplygorgeousintlspawwwfacebookcomcassaundrawebb

wwwfacebookcomcokanepublications

wwwfacebookcompageselite-travel-groupwwwfacebookcomkristellclearskinwwwfacebookcomKaylas201boutique

wwwfacebookcomtamlyndesignwwwfacebookcomthemadassociation

wwwmixologistinstutedsuccesscom

wwwfacebookcomtravelbyshonawwwfacebookcomtreschichairclothin

wwwfacebookcomhardkandidesigns

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 13

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

DES7GNMGZ14

As we transition into a new season itrsquos time to get our closets and wardrobes right for fall To do that need to start with cleaning

and organizing your closet A good wardrobe like a house starts with a good foundation And the foundation is your closet if your closet is not organized itrsquos a lot harder to have a good wardrobe and express personal style

Itrsquos important to dress how you want to be perceived and received So tips to get your closet right so you can move on to the fun part of getting dressed First you need to purge purge and more purge for the people that like to hold on to everything Everything in your closet

should be something you are currently wearing or will wear in the near future Get rid of anything that doesnrsquot fit your body right anything that you havenrsquot worn in over a year or two anything that looks like itrsquos been worn or washed a thousand times

Next organize your closet according to the seasons and if you donrsquot have a big closet but have an extra closet then switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change Move all your summer stuff to the extra closet during the FallWinter and vice versa If your closet is big enough to hold all seasons then at least make sure the summer stuff is moved toward the back or the side and pull the FallWinter to the forefront For example

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) CLOSET

I turned an extra bedroom into my closet so I separate my seasons by walls Two walls is my spring summer clothes and the other two walls is for my FallWinter When your closet is organized then itrsquos easier and quicker to get dressed You donrsquot have to dig thru summer dresses to find your cashmere coat

Once you have organized by season then organize by color and fabric and activity This will help you to know what you have and what you may still need If all your work clothes are together and organized by color then you can see you have 10 pairs of black pants 5 brown 2 grey and so on So as you shop and add to your wardrobe you can build upon what you have If you have great

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 15

bottoms then focus on getting more tops and accessories to compliment all the bottoms you have Also a common problem I find with clients is they own too much black Itrsquos nothing wrong with black but inject some color and life into your wardrobe If you own over 5 pairs of black bottoms then donrsquot buy anymore black bottoms

Also stop buying the same thing in different colors nothing is that cute Lol Mix up your style if you buy a ruffled top in blue you donrsquot have to buy it in red black and pink lol Buy a lace top in one color a peasant style top in another color a V-neck or scoop style There is so many options to choose from so try something new and donrsquot get stuck in a rut wearing the same thing over and over but in different colors

Next adding accessories can add a little extra to an ensemble a simple tee and jeans can be upgraded with a cuff and

a layered necklace So donrsquot forget it doesnrsquot always take a lot to add a pop and take your outfit to the next level Also invest in classic pieces such as pencils skirts trench coat blazers white button shirts a great handbag classic pumps etc Trends come and go you should be aware of trends but not slaves to them So only wear trends that work for your body and what you personally like But be open to stretch yourself and try something new just to see if you like it

Last tip Irsquom leave you with is to buy pieces that you can wear multiple ways and places I only buy pieces I can wear at least three different ways if not more unless itrsquos a special occasion then thatrsquos different but for everyday wear you want to make sure you are buying a piece that works with something you already own or that can be worn multiple ways For example if you have a mod or A-line dress you can wear it with a belt one day

and pumps next time with tights and some ankle boots Or with a blazer and boots and also wear it just by itself out of that one dress you now have 4 different ways to wear it and look different each time

Another tip is taking outfits from day to night its really simple thing that can take a day outfit to night outfit An example of taking an outfit from day to night or causal to dressy take a pair of jeans and a simple white tee and flats Add a blazer stilettos and accessories with a great handbag and you have now just upgraded your outfit Hope all these tips and examples help as we go into this new season and if you want more personalized information and tips for you I can be contacted at loveeloveefashioncom

n Evonya Easley

CEO Love E404-908-7997

wwwloveefashioncom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ16

community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 4: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ4

CONTRIBUTORSIssue 6 October 2015

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFLaShanda Pitts

EDITOR AT LARGEAvis Pitts

CONTRIBUTINGWRITERSLaShanda PittsEboni BrownAaronica Bell ColeRobin OvermyerEvonya EasleyKimmie LampkinAzizi CowinsTabatha Gatson WashingtonAvis PittsLaToya S Parker

CREATIVE DIRECTORLaShanda Pitts

ADVERTISINGRobyn Hutcherson

PHOTOGRAPHYJason Byrdsell (wwwenphocusphotographycom)

DESIGN DIRECTOR Simone Darlington (wwwtamlyndesigncom)

BE A PART OF THE NEXT CLASSY CHRONICESFor advertisting or editorial contribution please contact us at marketingcls-volunteerorg or advertisingcls-volunteerorg

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 5

Makeover Your Life

Photo Jason Byrdsell of wwwenphocusphotographycom

Oprahrsquos last month edition was focused on Makeovers From front to back cover she discussed everything makeover While reading through the issue I thought about how often we attempt to makeover our outer and leave the less noticeable to fate Because of this I feel itrsquos time for us to discuss complete makeovers of self

Have you ever just sat down and wondered how and why you are where you are or just frowned with disguise at a particular aspect of your life Do you have dreams that you want to fulfill but they are placed on the backburner until a ldquobetter timerdquo comes Better yet have you continuously overlooked that small sore spot slightly above your neck Well right now is the perfect time to evaluate and reassess your current lifestyle Itrsquos time to throw out the excuses declutter the discontentment and wipe away smudges of ailment Keep in mind we set our atmosphere and determine our level of peace The way we think controls the peace of our heart and spirit When we are down in our spirt everything around us suffers We see things differently and make irrational decisions which offers negative effects For instance when we arenrsquot happy our dinner tastes a bit blander our appearance has a little less glow our homes miss that much needed cleaning our energy level struggles and our finances encounter horrible hits We forget about whatrsquos important because everything seems irrelevant I know there has been times when I would walk into the store and once home I wouldnrsquot even remember what I bought and why Emotionally spending is very temporal

If you are thinking that right now isnrsquot a good time because you have encountered the worst fall of your life STOP If you have taken a hit like none other right now is your chance to remove the road blocks discontinue the unhappiness and focus on the opportunities that await

LaShanda Pitts

Founderrsquos Note

DES7GNMGZ6

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) SPIRIT

DES7GNMGZ 7

My first reaction is to withdrawal and go into meditation Most times I donrsquot ask for anything I just say thank you to God and continue to pray that He order my steps Shutting out the noise always works for me

Karen Seaward Irsquove always used the power of Serenity as my praying guide for understanding direction and strength to move forward It has never failed me yet

Andrea Lovinglife Bell Find a support group or have an awesome support system - find new hobbies to take your mind off what happened - forgive yourself amp try to understand that everything in life happens for a reason because believe it or not the things we go through are not about US but for someone else - experience is the BEST teacher

Robin Overmyer I first give myself permission to feel whatever emotion I may be feeling then tell myself Irsquom not the first person to experience that trial and I wonrsquot be the last Finally I do some of what the other ladies have already mentioned

Andreana Suttles i have to run music blasting just me the pavement my music and my thoughts and then vent to my husband

Aaronica Bell I have learned to find peace in every situation (as cliche as that sounds I do) Even those difficult trying times I find great solace in prayer Sometimes escaping into a great book helps I also have a journal

Reading through it from time to time helps me appreciate the growth and changes that occur as a result of whatever it was I went through YouTube has some amazing meditation music for a calm spirit clarity peace and anything else I turn my light off plug my ear buds up and let the binural beats take me away Oh and wine lol wine is an amazing listener kml

Kimmie Lampkin Depressionself loathing etcconsider this mental state the ldquokidnappersrdquo of your happinessAnd your soul And ask yourself Would you just give in to someone trying to snatch youkidnap youharm or hurt you Would you just lay down and surrender NOYou fight kickscreamand never evergive in

Yvette Chambers I rely on prayer meditation MUSIC and make sure I donrsquot fall prey to overeating or other ldquoindulgentrdquo behaviors that disguise themselves as comfort I make sure I am even more kind to myself make healthy choices and keep the faith the God is working in the background and I just let Him work I am a living witness that what seems to be bad is really meant for good We are fearfully amp wonderfully made

Janine Lattimore Going to my kickboxing class massage amp prayer Not always in that order

Renee Roberts Written by the Members of Classy Living Society

Speaking of Making over Your Life our CLS sisters have surely had to alter a few misfortunes and highlight a couple areas They are the epitome of strength beauty and resilience Success comes in large numbers and their hard work is unquestionable With the weight of the world and the demands of their homes in front of them we found out how they find strength or the time to stand when tough times present themselves We asked and they answered

Herersquos some of the many ways our sisters renew their spirit and find a positive space following trying times

DES7GNMGZ8Review

Dancing on the edge of the autumn Classy Living Society continued with its mission of being foot soldiers of volunteerism Joining in with

Cox Enterprises CLS participated in its first KaBOOM Playground build Benefiting the families of Our House and the Genesis Shelter CLS volunteers assisted with building park benches and moving mounds and mounds and mounds of mulch With over a hundred volunteers amazingly a brand new playground was built in a day

After ensuring kids of all ages have a safe place to play CLS volunteers switched gears and were eager to make the day special for some of our beloved seniors Joining Atlanta based charity Inspired Mom the ladies hosted the seniors during a brunch Culminating National Grandparents Day an awesome meal was enjoyed and games were played by all

Continuing with the goal of keeping memberrsquos bodies healthy two opportunities were provided for ladies to remain Classy Nrsquo Fit First the ladies had the opportunity to join South DeKalb Striders in their annual 5K Run for Hope to End Homelessness benefiting Our House Second the ladies were encouraged to join in on the 4th

Annual Labor Day Run for Autism hosted by Totally Running to benefit Talk About Curing Autism TACArsquos mission to talk about curing autism provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the US who are touched by Autism

Last but not least CLS volunteers were requested to support Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter (ACS) at their 1st Annual Kickinrsquo It 4 Charity Kickball Game This event was a success and raised money to provide ACS programs and services to assist families with resources and support necessary to maintain employment and permanent housing for their family Our classy volunteers showed up excited donning ldquored t-shirtsrdquo as we went straight to work setting up the field step-and-repeat banner and manning the check-inticket and t-shirt sales tables The highly anticipated sporting event for charity began with a red carpet and announcement of celebrity players Once the game was in full swing CLS volunteers were invited to sit in the audience and watch as a great time was had by all

Entering in the last quarter of the year CLS remains committed to our mantrahellipSocialize VOLUNTEER and Inspire

n Eboni Brown

Monththein

DES7GNMGZ 9

KaBOOMKaBOOM Is the national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids particularly those growing up in poverty in America They do this by creating great places to play inspiring communities to promote and support play and driving the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive liveshttpkaboomorg

South DeKalb StridersThe South DeKalb Striders Running Club members consists of runners of all classes elite runners top runners family runners slow runners and walkers Their purpose is to have fun as well as stay fit httpsouthdekalbstridersorg

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) TACA provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the United States who are touched by autism Ninety-five percent of TACArsquos programs and services are provided at no charge and include education and support meetings parent mentoring and the Autism Journey Guidehttpwwwtacanoworg

Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter The Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter provides free quality day care emotional support educational curriculum for homeless children and focused social services for their families Dedicated to helping families overcome the issues that contribute to homelessness including domestic violence and job loss the Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter focuses on the long term self-sufficiency of the family httpwwwacsatlorg

DES7GNMGZ10

Yes Irsquom A Mom But Irsquom Still

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLES

AaronicaAnd Aaronica is synonymous with fabulous--amongst other things Motherhood is something that many women strive for I was never that little girl that had their entire wedding planned out by the ripe old age of 10 In fact for either one of my weddings (yep Irsquom on my second marriage) I barely wanted to show up because to me it was just another day Did I care about the dress Meh no The flowers Not really The food Absolutely I didnrsquot have my wedding planned out but I had my life as a mother planned I was going to be this doting mom whose life was centered around their children Soccer dance track swim mom Yes that was going to be me

But then life happened and I became a single mom at 26 I started out being exactly what Irsquod imagined being--hopelessly devoted to my mini But then I wanted more And by more I wanted me back Not in the same way but a more mature me I wanted to be seen as Aaronica not Minirsquos mom I didnrsquot want to always be dressed in my mom attire (yes mom attire) I wanted my style back And I got it though it looked a little different Becoming a more mature Aaronica got me my husband and second daughter however I found myself in a similar boat again

As a mom of 2 wife and entrepreneur who am I I asked myself this question probably about a month ago when Irsquod run out of my mom-uniform--yoga pants nursing tank and random t-shirt As I looked through my closet filled with gorgeous jeweled tones and beautiful shoes and ldquofreakumrdquo dresses I realized that it was time to redefine myself Irsquom not the party girl nor am I the mom who wants to constantly be showing off the shape that I lost with the 2nd child Irsquom not really into shopping like I was Although I still love makeup (I mean how could you not) Irsquom not into the dramatic looks that I once was It was time to redefine who I am in the current space that Irsquom in And I did I came up with a new elevator pitch and everything Herersquos the awesome thing about womanhood--we are who we say

we are I was once this corporate Barbie doll determined to climb the ladder to success and break any and all glass ceilings in my way I wanted to dominate and take over Or so I thought But that just isnrsquot me anymore Now Irsquom an entrepreneur determined to be a positive influence to women all over the world that need help and inspiration I want to help others as much as I can I want to make

people smile and have someone look at me and say ldquoBecause of you I did the things no one thought

I could dordquo This is who I am now

So how do you reinvent yourself

Yoursquove got to be honest with yourself about where you are Ask yourself these questions

1How would I describe myself

2How do I think others would describe me (Be honest)

3 How do I WANT to be describedviewed

4 What things do I have to do to get there

If yoursquore having trouble with the last question ask for help from someone you trust

Itrsquos never too late to reinvent yourself Seize the dayn Aaronica Bell Cole

Aaronica B Cole is the owner of The Crunchy Mommy LLC She can be found writing over at wwwthecrunchymommycom selling at httpsoriginalcrunchymommyetsycom tweeting as thecrunchymommy and sharing photos as thecrunchymommy on Instagram Need to get in contact Email her at mrsabcthecrunchymommycom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 11

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLEStshirtschavezgraphicscom

DES7GNMGZ12

CLS firmly believes in supporting small businesses and helping to keep the small business community active and profitable CLS Members are encouraged to support businesses which support CLS and the journey we are on to change the world with our volunteer and Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) efforts Through our commitment as a womenrsquos only non-profit organization our core values are entrenched in volunteerism community outreach and fostering an environment and an opportunity for small businesses to flourish

We have some many categories of member vendors ranging from Boutique Owners Travel Agents Fitness Coaches Life Coaches Teachers Estheticians Non Profit Organizations Cleaning Services and many many more CLS would like to take this opportunity to appreciate our member vendors by allowing the world to know who they are We love and truly support what they are doing because without them CLS wouldnrsquot be doing business ldquoThe Classy Wayrdquo

n Robin Overmyer

NAMEAaronica B ColeAlicia BrownAngela EverettAnita SearlesAzizi CowinsBeverly HamsCassaundra WebbDorita WyattErica KaneEvonya EasleyKaren SewardKristein MosleyKristell S DouglasLaTeasha BlackwellMarcia Marsh McGrawMonie C DarlingtonMichele BrundidgeNeri Gaulden SlacksNikki Blakely-SimmonsNina SimoneNisha GlennRue ClarkShona HillSunblondy H DanielTonya PughYani WilkinsonYolanda Michelette

WEBSITEwwwthecrunchymommycomwwwcosmozcigareventscomwwwwestayonvacaycom

wwwsimplygorgeousintlcomwwwcutz2colorcomwwwiamhairstudiocomwwwericakanewritecomwwwloveefashioncomwwwksewardmyorganogoldcomwwwElitetravelgrpcomwwwtrueresults51theneriumlookcom

wwwhealthyfreedomvemmacomwwwtamlyndesigncomwwwthemadassociationorgwwwdreamlivelearnorgwwwnikkiblakelysimmonscomwwwninasimoneconsultingomwwweducatedgirlsrockorgwwwjusttrippintravelersclubcomwwwshonapaycationcomwwwtrechiclothin2014storenvycomwwwgr8escapetravelpaycationcomwwwUniquelymaid4youcomwwwhardkandirockscom

FACEBOOK PAGEwwwfacebookcomthecrunchymommy1

wwwfacebookcomwestayonvacaywwwfacebookcomthesmilebarAtlwwwfacebookcompagessexe-skinswwwfacebookcomsimplygorgeousintlspawwwfacebookcomcassaundrawebb

wwwfacebookcomcokanepublications

wwwfacebookcompageselite-travel-groupwwwfacebookcomkristellclearskinwwwfacebookcomKaylas201boutique

wwwfacebookcomtamlyndesignwwwfacebookcomthemadassociation

wwwmixologistinstutedsuccesscom

wwwfacebookcomtravelbyshonawwwfacebookcomtreschichairclothin

wwwfacebookcomhardkandidesigns

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 13

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

DES7GNMGZ14

As we transition into a new season itrsquos time to get our closets and wardrobes right for fall To do that need to start with cleaning

and organizing your closet A good wardrobe like a house starts with a good foundation And the foundation is your closet if your closet is not organized itrsquos a lot harder to have a good wardrobe and express personal style

Itrsquos important to dress how you want to be perceived and received So tips to get your closet right so you can move on to the fun part of getting dressed First you need to purge purge and more purge for the people that like to hold on to everything Everything in your closet

should be something you are currently wearing or will wear in the near future Get rid of anything that doesnrsquot fit your body right anything that you havenrsquot worn in over a year or two anything that looks like itrsquos been worn or washed a thousand times

Next organize your closet according to the seasons and if you donrsquot have a big closet but have an extra closet then switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change Move all your summer stuff to the extra closet during the FallWinter and vice versa If your closet is big enough to hold all seasons then at least make sure the summer stuff is moved toward the back or the side and pull the FallWinter to the forefront For example

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) CLOSET

I turned an extra bedroom into my closet so I separate my seasons by walls Two walls is my spring summer clothes and the other two walls is for my FallWinter When your closet is organized then itrsquos easier and quicker to get dressed You donrsquot have to dig thru summer dresses to find your cashmere coat

Once you have organized by season then organize by color and fabric and activity This will help you to know what you have and what you may still need If all your work clothes are together and organized by color then you can see you have 10 pairs of black pants 5 brown 2 grey and so on So as you shop and add to your wardrobe you can build upon what you have If you have great

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 15

bottoms then focus on getting more tops and accessories to compliment all the bottoms you have Also a common problem I find with clients is they own too much black Itrsquos nothing wrong with black but inject some color and life into your wardrobe If you own over 5 pairs of black bottoms then donrsquot buy anymore black bottoms

Also stop buying the same thing in different colors nothing is that cute Lol Mix up your style if you buy a ruffled top in blue you donrsquot have to buy it in red black and pink lol Buy a lace top in one color a peasant style top in another color a V-neck or scoop style There is so many options to choose from so try something new and donrsquot get stuck in a rut wearing the same thing over and over but in different colors

Next adding accessories can add a little extra to an ensemble a simple tee and jeans can be upgraded with a cuff and

a layered necklace So donrsquot forget it doesnrsquot always take a lot to add a pop and take your outfit to the next level Also invest in classic pieces such as pencils skirts trench coat blazers white button shirts a great handbag classic pumps etc Trends come and go you should be aware of trends but not slaves to them So only wear trends that work for your body and what you personally like But be open to stretch yourself and try something new just to see if you like it

Last tip Irsquom leave you with is to buy pieces that you can wear multiple ways and places I only buy pieces I can wear at least three different ways if not more unless itrsquos a special occasion then thatrsquos different but for everyday wear you want to make sure you are buying a piece that works with something you already own or that can be worn multiple ways For example if you have a mod or A-line dress you can wear it with a belt one day

and pumps next time with tights and some ankle boots Or with a blazer and boots and also wear it just by itself out of that one dress you now have 4 different ways to wear it and look different each time

Another tip is taking outfits from day to night its really simple thing that can take a day outfit to night outfit An example of taking an outfit from day to night or causal to dressy take a pair of jeans and a simple white tee and flats Add a blazer stilettos and accessories with a great handbag and you have now just upgraded your outfit Hope all these tips and examples help as we go into this new season and if you want more personalized information and tips for you I can be contacted at loveeloveefashioncom

n Evonya Easley

CEO Love E404-908-7997

wwwloveefashioncom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ16

community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 5: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ 5

Makeover Your Life

Photo Jason Byrdsell of wwwenphocusphotographycom

Oprahrsquos last month edition was focused on Makeovers From front to back cover she discussed everything makeover While reading through the issue I thought about how often we attempt to makeover our outer and leave the less noticeable to fate Because of this I feel itrsquos time for us to discuss complete makeovers of self

Have you ever just sat down and wondered how and why you are where you are or just frowned with disguise at a particular aspect of your life Do you have dreams that you want to fulfill but they are placed on the backburner until a ldquobetter timerdquo comes Better yet have you continuously overlooked that small sore spot slightly above your neck Well right now is the perfect time to evaluate and reassess your current lifestyle Itrsquos time to throw out the excuses declutter the discontentment and wipe away smudges of ailment Keep in mind we set our atmosphere and determine our level of peace The way we think controls the peace of our heart and spirit When we are down in our spirt everything around us suffers We see things differently and make irrational decisions which offers negative effects For instance when we arenrsquot happy our dinner tastes a bit blander our appearance has a little less glow our homes miss that much needed cleaning our energy level struggles and our finances encounter horrible hits We forget about whatrsquos important because everything seems irrelevant I know there has been times when I would walk into the store and once home I wouldnrsquot even remember what I bought and why Emotionally spending is very temporal

If you are thinking that right now isnrsquot a good time because you have encountered the worst fall of your life STOP If you have taken a hit like none other right now is your chance to remove the road blocks discontinue the unhappiness and focus on the opportunities that await

LaShanda Pitts

Founderrsquos Note

DES7GNMGZ6

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) SPIRIT

DES7GNMGZ 7

My first reaction is to withdrawal and go into meditation Most times I donrsquot ask for anything I just say thank you to God and continue to pray that He order my steps Shutting out the noise always works for me

Karen Seaward Irsquove always used the power of Serenity as my praying guide for understanding direction and strength to move forward It has never failed me yet

Andrea Lovinglife Bell Find a support group or have an awesome support system - find new hobbies to take your mind off what happened - forgive yourself amp try to understand that everything in life happens for a reason because believe it or not the things we go through are not about US but for someone else - experience is the BEST teacher

Robin Overmyer I first give myself permission to feel whatever emotion I may be feeling then tell myself Irsquom not the first person to experience that trial and I wonrsquot be the last Finally I do some of what the other ladies have already mentioned

Andreana Suttles i have to run music blasting just me the pavement my music and my thoughts and then vent to my husband

Aaronica Bell I have learned to find peace in every situation (as cliche as that sounds I do) Even those difficult trying times I find great solace in prayer Sometimes escaping into a great book helps I also have a journal

Reading through it from time to time helps me appreciate the growth and changes that occur as a result of whatever it was I went through YouTube has some amazing meditation music for a calm spirit clarity peace and anything else I turn my light off plug my ear buds up and let the binural beats take me away Oh and wine lol wine is an amazing listener kml

Kimmie Lampkin Depressionself loathing etcconsider this mental state the ldquokidnappersrdquo of your happinessAnd your soul And ask yourself Would you just give in to someone trying to snatch youkidnap youharm or hurt you Would you just lay down and surrender NOYou fight kickscreamand never evergive in

Yvette Chambers I rely on prayer meditation MUSIC and make sure I donrsquot fall prey to overeating or other ldquoindulgentrdquo behaviors that disguise themselves as comfort I make sure I am even more kind to myself make healthy choices and keep the faith the God is working in the background and I just let Him work I am a living witness that what seems to be bad is really meant for good We are fearfully amp wonderfully made

Janine Lattimore Going to my kickboxing class massage amp prayer Not always in that order

Renee Roberts Written by the Members of Classy Living Society

Speaking of Making over Your Life our CLS sisters have surely had to alter a few misfortunes and highlight a couple areas They are the epitome of strength beauty and resilience Success comes in large numbers and their hard work is unquestionable With the weight of the world and the demands of their homes in front of them we found out how they find strength or the time to stand when tough times present themselves We asked and they answered

Herersquos some of the many ways our sisters renew their spirit and find a positive space following trying times

DES7GNMGZ8Review

Dancing on the edge of the autumn Classy Living Society continued with its mission of being foot soldiers of volunteerism Joining in with

Cox Enterprises CLS participated in its first KaBOOM Playground build Benefiting the families of Our House and the Genesis Shelter CLS volunteers assisted with building park benches and moving mounds and mounds and mounds of mulch With over a hundred volunteers amazingly a brand new playground was built in a day

After ensuring kids of all ages have a safe place to play CLS volunteers switched gears and were eager to make the day special for some of our beloved seniors Joining Atlanta based charity Inspired Mom the ladies hosted the seniors during a brunch Culminating National Grandparents Day an awesome meal was enjoyed and games were played by all

Continuing with the goal of keeping memberrsquos bodies healthy two opportunities were provided for ladies to remain Classy Nrsquo Fit First the ladies had the opportunity to join South DeKalb Striders in their annual 5K Run for Hope to End Homelessness benefiting Our House Second the ladies were encouraged to join in on the 4th

Annual Labor Day Run for Autism hosted by Totally Running to benefit Talk About Curing Autism TACArsquos mission to talk about curing autism provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the US who are touched by Autism

Last but not least CLS volunteers were requested to support Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter (ACS) at their 1st Annual Kickinrsquo It 4 Charity Kickball Game This event was a success and raised money to provide ACS programs and services to assist families with resources and support necessary to maintain employment and permanent housing for their family Our classy volunteers showed up excited donning ldquored t-shirtsrdquo as we went straight to work setting up the field step-and-repeat banner and manning the check-inticket and t-shirt sales tables The highly anticipated sporting event for charity began with a red carpet and announcement of celebrity players Once the game was in full swing CLS volunteers were invited to sit in the audience and watch as a great time was had by all

Entering in the last quarter of the year CLS remains committed to our mantrahellipSocialize VOLUNTEER and Inspire

n Eboni Brown

Monththein

DES7GNMGZ 9

KaBOOMKaBOOM Is the national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids particularly those growing up in poverty in America They do this by creating great places to play inspiring communities to promote and support play and driving the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive liveshttpkaboomorg

South DeKalb StridersThe South DeKalb Striders Running Club members consists of runners of all classes elite runners top runners family runners slow runners and walkers Their purpose is to have fun as well as stay fit httpsouthdekalbstridersorg

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) TACA provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the United States who are touched by autism Ninety-five percent of TACArsquos programs and services are provided at no charge and include education and support meetings parent mentoring and the Autism Journey Guidehttpwwwtacanoworg

Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter The Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter provides free quality day care emotional support educational curriculum for homeless children and focused social services for their families Dedicated to helping families overcome the issues that contribute to homelessness including domestic violence and job loss the Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter focuses on the long term self-sufficiency of the family httpwwwacsatlorg

DES7GNMGZ10

Yes Irsquom A Mom But Irsquom Still

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLES

AaronicaAnd Aaronica is synonymous with fabulous--amongst other things Motherhood is something that many women strive for I was never that little girl that had their entire wedding planned out by the ripe old age of 10 In fact for either one of my weddings (yep Irsquom on my second marriage) I barely wanted to show up because to me it was just another day Did I care about the dress Meh no The flowers Not really The food Absolutely I didnrsquot have my wedding planned out but I had my life as a mother planned I was going to be this doting mom whose life was centered around their children Soccer dance track swim mom Yes that was going to be me

But then life happened and I became a single mom at 26 I started out being exactly what Irsquod imagined being--hopelessly devoted to my mini But then I wanted more And by more I wanted me back Not in the same way but a more mature me I wanted to be seen as Aaronica not Minirsquos mom I didnrsquot want to always be dressed in my mom attire (yes mom attire) I wanted my style back And I got it though it looked a little different Becoming a more mature Aaronica got me my husband and second daughter however I found myself in a similar boat again

As a mom of 2 wife and entrepreneur who am I I asked myself this question probably about a month ago when Irsquod run out of my mom-uniform--yoga pants nursing tank and random t-shirt As I looked through my closet filled with gorgeous jeweled tones and beautiful shoes and ldquofreakumrdquo dresses I realized that it was time to redefine myself Irsquom not the party girl nor am I the mom who wants to constantly be showing off the shape that I lost with the 2nd child Irsquom not really into shopping like I was Although I still love makeup (I mean how could you not) Irsquom not into the dramatic looks that I once was It was time to redefine who I am in the current space that Irsquom in And I did I came up with a new elevator pitch and everything Herersquos the awesome thing about womanhood--we are who we say

we are I was once this corporate Barbie doll determined to climb the ladder to success and break any and all glass ceilings in my way I wanted to dominate and take over Or so I thought But that just isnrsquot me anymore Now Irsquom an entrepreneur determined to be a positive influence to women all over the world that need help and inspiration I want to help others as much as I can I want to make

people smile and have someone look at me and say ldquoBecause of you I did the things no one thought

I could dordquo This is who I am now

So how do you reinvent yourself

Yoursquove got to be honest with yourself about where you are Ask yourself these questions

1How would I describe myself

2How do I think others would describe me (Be honest)

3 How do I WANT to be describedviewed

4 What things do I have to do to get there

If yoursquore having trouble with the last question ask for help from someone you trust

Itrsquos never too late to reinvent yourself Seize the dayn Aaronica Bell Cole

Aaronica B Cole is the owner of The Crunchy Mommy LLC She can be found writing over at wwwthecrunchymommycom selling at httpsoriginalcrunchymommyetsycom tweeting as thecrunchymommy and sharing photos as thecrunchymommy on Instagram Need to get in contact Email her at mrsabcthecrunchymommycom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 11

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLEStshirtschavezgraphicscom

DES7GNMGZ12

CLS firmly believes in supporting small businesses and helping to keep the small business community active and profitable CLS Members are encouraged to support businesses which support CLS and the journey we are on to change the world with our volunteer and Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) efforts Through our commitment as a womenrsquos only non-profit organization our core values are entrenched in volunteerism community outreach and fostering an environment and an opportunity for small businesses to flourish

We have some many categories of member vendors ranging from Boutique Owners Travel Agents Fitness Coaches Life Coaches Teachers Estheticians Non Profit Organizations Cleaning Services and many many more CLS would like to take this opportunity to appreciate our member vendors by allowing the world to know who they are We love and truly support what they are doing because without them CLS wouldnrsquot be doing business ldquoThe Classy Wayrdquo

n Robin Overmyer

NAMEAaronica B ColeAlicia BrownAngela EverettAnita SearlesAzizi CowinsBeverly HamsCassaundra WebbDorita WyattErica KaneEvonya EasleyKaren SewardKristein MosleyKristell S DouglasLaTeasha BlackwellMarcia Marsh McGrawMonie C DarlingtonMichele BrundidgeNeri Gaulden SlacksNikki Blakely-SimmonsNina SimoneNisha GlennRue ClarkShona HillSunblondy H DanielTonya PughYani WilkinsonYolanda Michelette

WEBSITEwwwthecrunchymommycomwwwcosmozcigareventscomwwwwestayonvacaycom

wwwsimplygorgeousintlcomwwwcutz2colorcomwwwiamhairstudiocomwwwericakanewritecomwwwloveefashioncomwwwksewardmyorganogoldcomwwwElitetravelgrpcomwwwtrueresults51theneriumlookcom

wwwhealthyfreedomvemmacomwwwtamlyndesigncomwwwthemadassociationorgwwwdreamlivelearnorgwwwnikkiblakelysimmonscomwwwninasimoneconsultingomwwweducatedgirlsrockorgwwwjusttrippintravelersclubcomwwwshonapaycationcomwwwtrechiclothin2014storenvycomwwwgr8escapetravelpaycationcomwwwUniquelymaid4youcomwwwhardkandirockscom

FACEBOOK PAGEwwwfacebookcomthecrunchymommy1

wwwfacebookcomwestayonvacaywwwfacebookcomthesmilebarAtlwwwfacebookcompagessexe-skinswwwfacebookcomsimplygorgeousintlspawwwfacebookcomcassaundrawebb

wwwfacebookcomcokanepublications

wwwfacebookcompageselite-travel-groupwwwfacebookcomkristellclearskinwwwfacebookcomKaylas201boutique

wwwfacebookcomtamlyndesignwwwfacebookcomthemadassociation

wwwmixologistinstutedsuccesscom

wwwfacebookcomtravelbyshonawwwfacebookcomtreschichairclothin

wwwfacebookcomhardkandidesigns

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 13

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

DES7GNMGZ14

As we transition into a new season itrsquos time to get our closets and wardrobes right for fall To do that need to start with cleaning

and organizing your closet A good wardrobe like a house starts with a good foundation And the foundation is your closet if your closet is not organized itrsquos a lot harder to have a good wardrobe and express personal style

Itrsquos important to dress how you want to be perceived and received So tips to get your closet right so you can move on to the fun part of getting dressed First you need to purge purge and more purge for the people that like to hold on to everything Everything in your closet

should be something you are currently wearing or will wear in the near future Get rid of anything that doesnrsquot fit your body right anything that you havenrsquot worn in over a year or two anything that looks like itrsquos been worn or washed a thousand times

Next organize your closet according to the seasons and if you donrsquot have a big closet but have an extra closet then switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change Move all your summer stuff to the extra closet during the FallWinter and vice versa If your closet is big enough to hold all seasons then at least make sure the summer stuff is moved toward the back or the side and pull the FallWinter to the forefront For example

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) CLOSET

I turned an extra bedroom into my closet so I separate my seasons by walls Two walls is my spring summer clothes and the other two walls is for my FallWinter When your closet is organized then itrsquos easier and quicker to get dressed You donrsquot have to dig thru summer dresses to find your cashmere coat

Once you have organized by season then organize by color and fabric and activity This will help you to know what you have and what you may still need If all your work clothes are together and organized by color then you can see you have 10 pairs of black pants 5 brown 2 grey and so on So as you shop and add to your wardrobe you can build upon what you have If you have great

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 15

bottoms then focus on getting more tops and accessories to compliment all the bottoms you have Also a common problem I find with clients is they own too much black Itrsquos nothing wrong with black but inject some color and life into your wardrobe If you own over 5 pairs of black bottoms then donrsquot buy anymore black bottoms

Also stop buying the same thing in different colors nothing is that cute Lol Mix up your style if you buy a ruffled top in blue you donrsquot have to buy it in red black and pink lol Buy a lace top in one color a peasant style top in another color a V-neck or scoop style There is so many options to choose from so try something new and donrsquot get stuck in a rut wearing the same thing over and over but in different colors

Next adding accessories can add a little extra to an ensemble a simple tee and jeans can be upgraded with a cuff and

a layered necklace So donrsquot forget it doesnrsquot always take a lot to add a pop and take your outfit to the next level Also invest in classic pieces such as pencils skirts trench coat blazers white button shirts a great handbag classic pumps etc Trends come and go you should be aware of trends but not slaves to them So only wear trends that work for your body and what you personally like But be open to stretch yourself and try something new just to see if you like it

Last tip Irsquom leave you with is to buy pieces that you can wear multiple ways and places I only buy pieces I can wear at least three different ways if not more unless itrsquos a special occasion then thatrsquos different but for everyday wear you want to make sure you are buying a piece that works with something you already own or that can be worn multiple ways For example if you have a mod or A-line dress you can wear it with a belt one day

and pumps next time with tights and some ankle boots Or with a blazer and boots and also wear it just by itself out of that one dress you now have 4 different ways to wear it and look different each time

Another tip is taking outfits from day to night its really simple thing that can take a day outfit to night outfit An example of taking an outfit from day to night or causal to dressy take a pair of jeans and a simple white tee and flats Add a blazer stilettos and accessories with a great handbag and you have now just upgraded your outfit Hope all these tips and examples help as we go into this new season and if you want more personalized information and tips for you I can be contacted at loveeloveefashioncom

n Evonya Easley

CEO Love E404-908-7997

wwwloveefashioncom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ16

community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

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( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 6: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

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( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) SPIRIT

DES7GNMGZ 7

My first reaction is to withdrawal and go into meditation Most times I donrsquot ask for anything I just say thank you to God and continue to pray that He order my steps Shutting out the noise always works for me

Karen Seaward Irsquove always used the power of Serenity as my praying guide for understanding direction and strength to move forward It has never failed me yet

Andrea Lovinglife Bell Find a support group or have an awesome support system - find new hobbies to take your mind off what happened - forgive yourself amp try to understand that everything in life happens for a reason because believe it or not the things we go through are not about US but for someone else - experience is the BEST teacher

Robin Overmyer I first give myself permission to feel whatever emotion I may be feeling then tell myself Irsquom not the first person to experience that trial and I wonrsquot be the last Finally I do some of what the other ladies have already mentioned

Andreana Suttles i have to run music blasting just me the pavement my music and my thoughts and then vent to my husband

Aaronica Bell I have learned to find peace in every situation (as cliche as that sounds I do) Even those difficult trying times I find great solace in prayer Sometimes escaping into a great book helps I also have a journal

Reading through it from time to time helps me appreciate the growth and changes that occur as a result of whatever it was I went through YouTube has some amazing meditation music for a calm spirit clarity peace and anything else I turn my light off plug my ear buds up and let the binural beats take me away Oh and wine lol wine is an amazing listener kml

Kimmie Lampkin Depressionself loathing etcconsider this mental state the ldquokidnappersrdquo of your happinessAnd your soul And ask yourself Would you just give in to someone trying to snatch youkidnap youharm or hurt you Would you just lay down and surrender NOYou fight kickscreamand never evergive in

Yvette Chambers I rely on prayer meditation MUSIC and make sure I donrsquot fall prey to overeating or other ldquoindulgentrdquo behaviors that disguise themselves as comfort I make sure I am even more kind to myself make healthy choices and keep the faith the God is working in the background and I just let Him work I am a living witness that what seems to be bad is really meant for good We are fearfully amp wonderfully made

Janine Lattimore Going to my kickboxing class massage amp prayer Not always in that order

Renee Roberts Written by the Members of Classy Living Society

Speaking of Making over Your Life our CLS sisters have surely had to alter a few misfortunes and highlight a couple areas They are the epitome of strength beauty and resilience Success comes in large numbers and their hard work is unquestionable With the weight of the world and the demands of their homes in front of them we found out how they find strength or the time to stand when tough times present themselves We asked and they answered

Herersquos some of the many ways our sisters renew their spirit and find a positive space following trying times

DES7GNMGZ8Review

Dancing on the edge of the autumn Classy Living Society continued with its mission of being foot soldiers of volunteerism Joining in with

Cox Enterprises CLS participated in its first KaBOOM Playground build Benefiting the families of Our House and the Genesis Shelter CLS volunteers assisted with building park benches and moving mounds and mounds and mounds of mulch With over a hundred volunteers amazingly a brand new playground was built in a day

After ensuring kids of all ages have a safe place to play CLS volunteers switched gears and were eager to make the day special for some of our beloved seniors Joining Atlanta based charity Inspired Mom the ladies hosted the seniors during a brunch Culminating National Grandparents Day an awesome meal was enjoyed and games were played by all

Continuing with the goal of keeping memberrsquos bodies healthy two opportunities were provided for ladies to remain Classy Nrsquo Fit First the ladies had the opportunity to join South DeKalb Striders in their annual 5K Run for Hope to End Homelessness benefiting Our House Second the ladies were encouraged to join in on the 4th

Annual Labor Day Run for Autism hosted by Totally Running to benefit Talk About Curing Autism TACArsquos mission to talk about curing autism provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the US who are touched by Autism

Last but not least CLS volunteers were requested to support Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter (ACS) at their 1st Annual Kickinrsquo It 4 Charity Kickball Game This event was a success and raised money to provide ACS programs and services to assist families with resources and support necessary to maintain employment and permanent housing for their family Our classy volunteers showed up excited donning ldquored t-shirtsrdquo as we went straight to work setting up the field step-and-repeat banner and manning the check-inticket and t-shirt sales tables The highly anticipated sporting event for charity began with a red carpet and announcement of celebrity players Once the game was in full swing CLS volunteers were invited to sit in the audience and watch as a great time was had by all

Entering in the last quarter of the year CLS remains committed to our mantrahellipSocialize VOLUNTEER and Inspire

n Eboni Brown

Monththein

DES7GNMGZ 9

KaBOOMKaBOOM Is the national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids particularly those growing up in poverty in America They do this by creating great places to play inspiring communities to promote and support play and driving the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive liveshttpkaboomorg

South DeKalb StridersThe South DeKalb Striders Running Club members consists of runners of all classes elite runners top runners family runners slow runners and walkers Their purpose is to have fun as well as stay fit httpsouthdekalbstridersorg

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) TACA provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the United States who are touched by autism Ninety-five percent of TACArsquos programs and services are provided at no charge and include education and support meetings parent mentoring and the Autism Journey Guidehttpwwwtacanoworg

Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter The Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter provides free quality day care emotional support educational curriculum for homeless children and focused social services for their families Dedicated to helping families overcome the issues that contribute to homelessness including domestic violence and job loss the Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter focuses on the long term self-sufficiency of the family httpwwwacsatlorg

DES7GNMGZ10

Yes Irsquom A Mom But Irsquom Still

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLES

AaronicaAnd Aaronica is synonymous with fabulous--amongst other things Motherhood is something that many women strive for I was never that little girl that had their entire wedding planned out by the ripe old age of 10 In fact for either one of my weddings (yep Irsquom on my second marriage) I barely wanted to show up because to me it was just another day Did I care about the dress Meh no The flowers Not really The food Absolutely I didnrsquot have my wedding planned out but I had my life as a mother planned I was going to be this doting mom whose life was centered around their children Soccer dance track swim mom Yes that was going to be me

But then life happened and I became a single mom at 26 I started out being exactly what Irsquod imagined being--hopelessly devoted to my mini But then I wanted more And by more I wanted me back Not in the same way but a more mature me I wanted to be seen as Aaronica not Minirsquos mom I didnrsquot want to always be dressed in my mom attire (yes mom attire) I wanted my style back And I got it though it looked a little different Becoming a more mature Aaronica got me my husband and second daughter however I found myself in a similar boat again

As a mom of 2 wife and entrepreneur who am I I asked myself this question probably about a month ago when Irsquod run out of my mom-uniform--yoga pants nursing tank and random t-shirt As I looked through my closet filled with gorgeous jeweled tones and beautiful shoes and ldquofreakumrdquo dresses I realized that it was time to redefine myself Irsquom not the party girl nor am I the mom who wants to constantly be showing off the shape that I lost with the 2nd child Irsquom not really into shopping like I was Although I still love makeup (I mean how could you not) Irsquom not into the dramatic looks that I once was It was time to redefine who I am in the current space that Irsquom in And I did I came up with a new elevator pitch and everything Herersquos the awesome thing about womanhood--we are who we say

we are I was once this corporate Barbie doll determined to climb the ladder to success and break any and all glass ceilings in my way I wanted to dominate and take over Or so I thought But that just isnrsquot me anymore Now Irsquom an entrepreneur determined to be a positive influence to women all over the world that need help and inspiration I want to help others as much as I can I want to make

people smile and have someone look at me and say ldquoBecause of you I did the things no one thought

I could dordquo This is who I am now

So how do you reinvent yourself

Yoursquove got to be honest with yourself about where you are Ask yourself these questions

1How would I describe myself

2How do I think others would describe me (Be honest)

3 How do I WANT to be describedviewed

4 What things do I have to do to get there

If yoursquore having trouble with the last question ask for help from someone you trust

Itrsquos never too late to reinvent yourself Seize the dayn Aaronica Bell Cole

Aaronica B Cole is the owner of The Crunchy Mommy LLC She can be found writing over at wwwthecrunchymommycom selling at httpsoriginalcrunchymommyetsycom tweeting as thecrunchymommy and sharing photos as thecrunchymommy on Instagram Need to get in contact Email her at mrsabcthecrunchymommycom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 11

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLEStshirtschavezgraphicscom

DES7GNMGZ12

CLS firmly believes in supporting small businesses and helping to keep the small business community active and profitable CLS Members are encouraged to support businesses which support CLS and the journey we are on to change the world with our volunteer and Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) efforts Through our commitment as a womenrsquos only non-profit organization our core values are entrenched in volunteerism community outreach and fostering an environment and an opportunity for small businesses to flourish

We have some many categories of member vendors ranging from Boutique Owners Travel Agents Fitness Coaches Life Coaches Teachers Estheticians Non Profit Organizations Cleaning Services and many many more CLS would like to take this opportunity to appreciate our member vendors by allowing the world to know who they are We love and truly support what they are doing because without them CLS wouldnrsquot be doing business ldquoThe Classy Wayrdquo

n Robin Overmyer

NAMEAaronica B ColeAlicia BrownAngela EverettAnita SearlesAzizi CowinsBeverly HamsCassaundra WebbDorita WyattErica KaneEvonya EasleyKaren SewardKristein MosleyKristell S DouglasLaTeasha BlackwellMarcia Marsh McGrawMonie C DarlingtonMichele BrundidgeNeri Gaulden SlacksNikki Blakely-SimmonsNina SimoneNisha GlennRue ClarkShona HillSunblondy H DanielTonya PughYani WilkinsonYolanda Michelette

WEBSITEwwwthecrunchymommycomwwwcosmozcigareventscomwwwwestayonvacaycom

wwwsimplygorgeousintlcomwwwcutz2colorcomwwwiamhairstudiocomwwwericakanewritecomwwwloveefashioncomwwwksewardmyorganogoldcomwwwElitetravelgrpcomwwwtrueresults51theneriumlookcom

wwwhealthyfreedomvemmacomwwwtamlyndesigncomwwwthemadassociationorgwwwdreamlivelearnorgwwwnikkiblakelysimmonscomwwwninasimoneconsultingomwwweducatedgirlsrockorgwwwjusttrippintravelersclubcomwwwshonapaycationcomwwwtrechiclothin2014storenvycomwwwgr8escapetravelpaycationcomwwwUniquelymaid4youcomwwwhardkandirockscom

FACEBOOK PAGEwwwfacebookcomthecrunchymommy1

wwwfacebookcomwestayonvacaywwwfacebookcomthesmilebarAtlwwwfacebookcompagessexe-skinswwwfacebookcomsimplygorgeousintlspawwwfacebookcomcassaundrawebb

wwwfacebookcomcokanepublications

wwwfacebookcompageselite-travel-groupwwwfacebookcomkristellclearskinwwwfacebookcomKaylas201boutique

wwwfacebookcomtamlyndesignwwwfacebookcomthemadassociation

wwwmixologistinstutedsuccesscom

wwwfacebookcomtravelbyshonawwwfacebookcomtreschichairclothin

wwwfacebookcomhardkandidesigns

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 13

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

DES7GNMGZ14

As we transition into a new season itrsquos time to get our closets and wardrobes right for fall To do that need to start with cleaning

and organizing your closet A good wardrobe like a house starts with a good foundation And the foundation is your closet if your closet is not organized itrsquos a lot harder to have a good wardrobe and express personal style

Itrsquos important to dress how you want to be perceived and received So tips to get your closet right so you can move on to the fun part of getting dressed First you need to purge purge and more purge for the people that like to hold on to everything Everything in your closet

should be something you are currently wearing or will wear in the near future Get rid of anything that doesnrsquot fit your body right anything that you havenrsquot worn in over a year or two anything that looks like itrsquos been worn or washed a thousand times

Next organize your closet according to the seasons and if you donrsquot have a big closet but have an extra closet then switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change Move all your summer stuff to the extra closet during the FallWinter and vice versa If your closet is big enough to hold all seasons then at least make sure the summer stuff is moved toward the back or the side and pull the FallWinter to the forefront For example

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) CLOSET

I turned an extra bedroom into my closet so I separate my seasons by walls Two walls is my spring summer clothes and the other two walls is for my FallWinter When your closet is organized then itrsquos easier and quicker to get dressed You donrsquot have to dig thru summer dresses to find your cashmere coat

Once you have organized by season then organize by color and fabric and activity This will help you to know what you have and what you may still need If all your work clothes are together and organized by color then you can see you have 10 pairs of black pants 5 brown 2 grey and so on So as you shop and add to your wardrobe you can build upon what you have If you have great

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 15

bottoms then focus on getting more tops and accessories to compliment all the bottoms you have Also a common problem I find with clients is they own too much black Itrsquos nothing wrong with black but inject some color and life into your wardrobe If you own over 5 pairs of black bottoms then donrsquot buy anymore black bottoms

Also stop buying the same thing in different colors nothing is that cute Lol Mix up your style if you buy a ruffled top in blue you donrsquot have to buy it in red black and pink lol Buy a lace top in one color a peasant style top in another color a V-neck or scoop style There is so many options to choose from so try something new and donrsquot get stuck in a rut wearing the same thing over and over but in different colors

Next adding accessories can add a little extra to an ensemble a simple tee and jeans can be upgraded with a cuff and

a layered necklace So donrsquot forget it doesnrsquot always take a lot to add a pop and take your outfit to the next level Also invest in classic pieces such as pencils skirts trench coat blazers white button shirts a great handbag classic pumps etc Trends come and go you should be aware of trends but not slaves to them So only wear trends that work for your body and what you personally like But be open to stretch yourself and try something new just to see if you like it

Last tip Irsquom leave you with is to buy pieces that you can wear multiple ways and places I only buy pieces I can wear at least three different ways if not more unless itrsquos a special occasion then thatrsquos different but for everyday wear you want to make sure you are buying a piece that works with something you already own or that can be worn multiple ways For example if you have a mod or A-line dress you can wear it with a belt one day

and pumps next time with tights and some ankle boots Or with a blazer and boots and also wear it just by itself out of that one dress you now have 4 different ways to wear it and look different each time

Another tip is taking outfits from day to night its really simple thing that can take a day outfit to night outfit An example of taking an outfit from day to night or causal to dressy take a pair of jeans and a simple white tee and flats Add a blazer stilettos and accessories with a great handbag and you have now just upgraded your outfit Hope all these tips and examples help as we go into this new season and if you want more personalized information and tips for you I can be contacted at loveeloveefashioncom

n Evonya Easley

CEO Love E404-908-7997

wwwloveefashioncom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ16

community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

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DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

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( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

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Page 7: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

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My first reaction is to withdrawal and go into meditation Most times I donrsquot ask for anything I just say thank you to God and continue to pray that He order my steps Shutting out the noise always works for me

Karen Seaward Irsquove always used the power of Serenity as my praying guide for understanding direction and strength to move forward It has never failed me yet

Andrea Lovinglife Bell Find a support group or have an awesome support system - find new hobbies to take your mind off what happened - forgive yourself amp try to understand that everything in life happens for a reason because believe it or not the things we go through are not about US but for someone else - experience is the BEST teacher

Robin Overmyer I first give myself permission to feel whatever emotion I may be feeling then tell myself Irsquom not the first person to experience that trial and I wonrsquot be the last Finally I do some of what the other ladies have already mentioned

Andreana Suttles i have to run music blasting just me the pavement my music and my thoughts and then vent to my husband

Aaronica Bell I have learned to find peace in every situation (as cliche as that sounds I do) Even those difficult trying times I find great solace in prayer Sometimes escaping into a great book helps I also have a journal

Reading through it from time to time helps me appreciate the growth and changes that occur as a result of whatever it was I went through YouTube has some amazing meditation music for a calm spirit clarity peace and anything else I turn my light off plug my ear buds up and let the binural beats take me away Oh and wine lol wine is an amazing listener kml

Kimmie Lampkin Depressionself loathing etcconsider this mental state the ldquokidnappersrdquo of your happinessAnd your soul And ask yourself Would you just give in to someone trying to snatch youkidnap youharm or hurt you Would you just lay down and surrender NOYou fight kickscreamand never evergive in

Yvette Chambers I rely on prayer meditation MUSIC and make sure I donrsquot fall prey to overeating or other ldquoindulgentrdquo behaviors that disguise themselves as comfort I make sure I am even more kind to myself make healthy choices and keep the faith the God is working in the background and I just let Him work I am a living witness that what seems to be bad is really meant for good We are fearfully amp wonderfully made

Janine Lattimore Going to my kickboxing class massage amp prayer Not always in that order

Renee Roberts Written by the Members of Classy Living Society

Speaking of Making over Your Life our CLS sisters have surely had to alter a few misfortunes and highlight a couple areas They are the epitome of strength beauty and resilience Success comes in large numbers and their hard work is unquestionable With the weight of the world and the demands of their homes in front of them we found out how they find strength or the time to stand when tough times present themselves We asked and they answered

Herersquos some of the many ways our sisters renew their spirit and find a positive space following trying times

DES7GNMGZ8Review

Dancing on the edge of the autumn Classy Living Society continued with its mission of being foot soldiers of volunteerism Joining in with

Cox Enterprises CLS participated in its first KaBOOM Playground build Benefiting the families of Our House and the Genesis Shelter CLS volunteers assisted with building park benches and moving mounds and mounds and mounds of mulch With over a hundred volunteers amazingly a brand new playground was built in a day

After ensuring kids of all ages have a safe place to play CLS volunteers switched gears and were eager to make the day special for some of our beloved seniors Joining Atlanta based charity Inspired Mom the ladies hosted the seniors during a brunch Culminating National Grandparents Day an awesome meal was enjoyed and games were played by all

Continuing with the goal of keeping memberrsquos bodies healthy two opportunities were provided for ladies to remain Classy Nrsquo Fit First the ladies had the opportunity to join South DeKalb Striders in their annual 5K Run for Hope to End Homelessness benefiting Our House Second the ladies were encouraged to join in on the 4th

Annual Labor Day Run for Autism hosted by Totally Running to benefit Talk About Curing Autism TACArsquos mission to talk about curing autism provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the US who are touched by Autism

Last but not least CLS volunteers were requested to support Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter (ACS) at their 1st Annual Kickinrsquo It 4 Charity Kickball Game This event was a success and raised money to provide ACS programs and services to assist families with resources and support necessary to maintain employment and permanent housing for their family Our classy volunteers showed up excited donning ldquored t-shirtsrdquo as we went straight to work setting up the field step-and-repeat banner and manning the check-inticket and t-shirt sales tables The highly anticipated sporting event for charity began with a red carpet and announcement of celebrity players Once the game was in full swing CLS volunteers were invited to sit in the audience and watch as a great time was had by all

Entering in the last quarter of the year CLS remains committed to our mantrahellipSocialize VOLUNTEER and Inspire

n Eboni Brown

Monththein

DES7GNMGZ 9

KaBOOMKaBOOM Is the national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids particularly those growing up in poverty in America They do this by creating great places to play inspiring communities to promote and support play and driving the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive liveshttpkaboomorg

South DeKalb StridersThe South DeKalb Striders Running Club members consists of runners of all classes elite runners top runners family runners slow runners and walkers Their purpose is to have fun as well as stay fit httpsouthdekalbstridersorg

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) TACA provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the United States who are touched by autism Ninety-five percent of TACArsquos programs and services are provided at no charge and include education and support meetings parent mentoring and the Autism Journey Guidehttpwwwtacanoworg

Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter The Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter provides free quality day care emotional support educational curriculum for homeless children and focused social services for their families Dedicated to helping families overcome the issues that contribute to homelessness including domestic violence and job loss the Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter focuses on the long term self-sufficiency of the family httpwwwacsatlorg

DES7GNMGZ10

Yes Irsquom A Mom But Irsquom Still

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLES

AaronicaAnd Aaronica is synonymous with fabulous--amongst other things Motherhood is something that many women strive for I was never that little girl that had their entire wedding planned out by the ripe old age of 10 In fact for either one of my weddings (yep Irsquom on my second marriage) I barely wanted to show up because to me it was just another day Did I care about the dress Meh no The flowers Not really The food Absolutely I didnrsquot have my wedding planned out but I had my life as a mother planned I was going to be this doting mom whose life was centered around their children Soccer dance track swim mom Yes that was going to be me

But then life happened and I became a single mom at 26 I started out being exactly what Irsquod imagined being--hopelessly devoted to my mini But then I wanted more And by more I wanted me back Not in the same way but a more mature me I wanted to be seen as Aaronica not Minirsquos mom I didnrsquot want to always be dressed in my mom attire (yes mom attire) I wanted my style back And I got it though it looked a little different Becoming a more mature Aaronica got me my husband and second daughter however I found myself in a similar boat again

As a mom of 2 wife and entrepreneur who am I I asked myself this question probably about a month ago when Irsquod run out of my mom-uniform--yoga pants nursing tank and random t-shirt As I looked through my closet filled with gorgeous jeweled tones and beautiful shoes and ldquofreakumrdquo dresses I realized that it was time to redefine myself Irsquom not the party girl nor am I the mom who wants to constantly be showing off the shape that I lost with the 2nd child Irsquom not really into shopping like I was Although I still love makeup (I mean how could you not) Irsquom not into the dramatic looks that I once was It was time to redefine who I am in the current space that Irsquom in And I did I came up with a new elevator pitch and everything Herersquos the awesome thing about womanhood--we are who we say

we are I was once this corporate Barbie doll determined to climb the ladder to success and break any and all glass ceilings in my way I wanted to dominate and take over Or so I thought But that just isnrsquot me anymore Now Irsquom an entrepreneur determined to be a positive influence to women all over the world that need help and inspiration I want to help others as much as I can I want to make

people smile and have someone look at me and say ldquoBecause of you I did the things no one thought

I could dordquo This is who I am now

So how do you reinvent yourself

Yoursquove got to be honest with yourself about where you are Ask yourself these questions

1How would I describe myself

2How do I think others would describe me (Be honest)

3 How do I WANT to be describedviewed

4 What things do I have to do to get there

If yoursquore having trouble with the last question ask for help from someone you trust

Itrsquos never too late to reinvent yourself Seize the dayn Aaronica Bell Cole

Aaronica B Cole is the owner of The Crunchy Mommy LLC She can be found writing over at wwwthecrunchymommycom selling at httpsoriginalcrunchymommyetsycom tweeting as thecrunchymommy and sharing photos as thecrunchymommy on Instagram Need to get in contact Email her at mrsabcthecrunchymommycom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 11

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLEStshirtschavezgraphicscom

DES7GNMGZ12

CLS firmly believes in supporting small businesses and helping to keep the small business community active and profitable CLS Members are encouraged to support businesses which support CLS and the journey we are on to change the world with our volunteer and Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) efforts Through our commitment as a womenrsquos only non-profit organization our core values are entrenched in volunteerism community outreach and fostering an environment and an opportunity for small businesses to flourish

We have some many categories of member vendors ranging from Boutique Owners Travel Agents Fitness Coaches Life Coaches Teachers Estheticians Non Profit Organizations Cleaning Services and many many more CLS would like to take this opportunity to appreciate our member vendors by allowing the world to know who they are We love and truly support what they are doing because without them CLS wouldnrsquot be doing business ldquoThe Classy Wayrdquo

n Robin Overmyer

NAMEAaronica B ColeAlicia BrownAngela EverettAnita SearlesAzizi CowinsBeverly HamsCassaundra WebbDorita WyattErica KaneEvonya EasleyKaren SewardKristein MosleyKristell S DouglasLaTeasha BlackwellMarcia Marsh McGrawMonie C DarlingtonMichele BrundidgeNeri Gaulden SlacksNikki Blakely-SimmonsNina SimoneNisha GlennRue ClarkShona HillSunblondy H DanielTonya PughYani WilkinsonYolanda Michelette

WEBSITEwwwthecrunchymommycomwwwcosmozcigareventscomwwwwestayonvacaycom

wwwsimplygorgeousintlcomwwwcutz2colorcomwwwiamhairstudiocomwwwericakanewritecomwwwloveefashioncomwwwksewardmyorganogoldcomwwwElitetravelgrpcomwwwtrueresults51theneriumlookcom

wwwhealthyfreedomvemmacomwwwtamlyndesigncomwwwthemadassociationorgwwwdreamlivelearnorgwwwnikkiblakelysimmonscomwwwninasimoneconsultingomwwweducatedgirlsrockorgwwwjusttrippintravelersclubcomwwwshonapaycationcomwwwtrechiclothin2014storenvycomwwwgr8escapetravelpaycationcomwwwUniquelymaid4youcomwwwhardkandirockscom

FACEBOOK PAGEwwwfacebookcomthecrunchymommy1

wwwfacebookcomwestayonvacaywwwfacebookcomthesmilebarAtlwwwfacebookcompagessexe-skinswwwfacebookcomsimplygorgeousintlspawwwfacebookcomcassaundrawebb

wwwfacebookcomcokanepublications

wwwfacebookcompageselite-travel-groupwwwfacebookcomkristellclearskinwwwfacebookcomKaylas201boutique

wwwfacebookcomtamlyndesignwwwfacebookcomthemadassociation

wwwmixologistinstutedsuccesscom

wwwfacebookcomtravelbyshonawwwfacebookcomtreschichairclothin

wwwfacebookcomhardkandidesigns

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 13

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

DES7GNMGZ14

As we transition into a new season itrsquos time to get our closets and wardrobes right for fall To do that need to start with cleaning

and organizing your closet A good wardrobe like a house starts with a good foundation And the foundation is your closet if your closet is not organized itrsquos a lot harder to have a good wardrobe and express personal style

Itrsquos important to dress how you want to be perceived and received So tips to get your closet right so you can move on to the fun part of getting dressed First you need to purge purge and more purge for the people that like to hold on to everything Everything in your closet

should be something you are currently wearing or will wear in the near future Get rid of anything that doesnrsquot fit your body right anything that you havenrsquot worn in over a year or two anything that looks like itrsquos been worn or washed a thousand times

Next organize your closet according to the seasons and if you donrsquot have a big closet but have an extra closet then switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change Move all your summer stuff to the extra closet during the FallWinter and vice versa If your closet is big enough to hold all seasons then at least make sure the summer stuff is moved toward the back or the side and pull the FallWinter to the forefront For example

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) CLOSET

I turned an extra bedroom into my closet so I separate my seasons by walls Two walls is my spring summer clothes and the other two walls is for my FallWinter When your closet is organized then itrsquos easier and quicker to get dressed You donrsquot have to dig thru summer dresses to find your cashmere coat

Once you have organized by season then organize by color and fabric and activity This will help you to know what you have and what you may still need If all your work clothes are together and organized by color then you can see you have 10 pairs of black pants 5 brown 2 grey and so on So as you shop and add to your wardrobe you can build upon what you have If you have great

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 15

bottoms then focus on getting more tops and accessories to compliment all the bottoms you have Also a common problem I find with clients is they own too much black Itrsquos nothing wrong with black but inject some color and life into your wardrobe If you own over 5 pairs of black bottoms then donrsquot buy anymore black bottoms

Also stop buying the same thing in different colors nothing is that cute Lol Mix up your style if you buy a ruffled top in blue you donrsquot have to buy it in red black and pink lol Buy a lace top in one color a peasant style top in another color a V-neck or scoop style There is so many options to choose from so try something new and donrsquot get stuck in a rut wearing the same thing over and over but in different colors

Next adding accessories can add a little extra to an ensemble a simple tee and jeans can be upgraded with a cuff and

a layered necklace So donrsquot forget it doesnrsquot always take a lot to add a pop and take your outfit to the next level Also invest in classic pieces such as pencils skirts trench coat blazers white button shirts a great handbag classic pumps etc Trends come and go you should be aware of trends but not slaves to them So only wear trends that work for your body and what you personally like But be open to stretch yourself and try something new just to see if you like it

Last tip Irsquom leave you with is to buy pieces that you can wear multiple ways and places I only buy pieces I can wear at least three different ways if not more unless itrsquos a special occasion then thatrsquos different but for everyday wear you want to make sure you are buying a piece that works with something you already own or that can be worn multiple ways For example if you have a mod or A-line dress you can wear it with a belt one day

and pumps next time with tights and some ankle boots Or with a blazer and boots and also wear it just by itself out of that one dress you now have 4 different ways to wear it and look different each time

Another tip is taking outfits from day to night its really simple thing that can take a day outfit to night outfit An example of taking an outfit from day to night or causal to dressy take a pair of jeans and a simple white tee and flats Add a blazer stilettos and accessories with a great handbag and you have now just upgraded your outfit Hope all these tips and examples help as we go into this new season and if you want more personalized information and tips for you I can be contacted at loveeloveefashioncom

n Evonya Easley

CEO Love E404-908-7997

wwwloveefashioncom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ16

community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 8: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ8Review

Dancing on the edge of the autumn Classy Living Society continued with its mission of being foot soldiers of volunteerism Joining in with

Cox Enterprises CLS participated in its first KaBOOM Playground build Benefiting the families of Our House and the Genesis Shelter CLS volunteers assisted with building park benches and moving mounds and mounds and mounds of mulch With over a hundred volunteers amazingly a brand new playground was built in a day

After ensuring kids of all ages have a safe place to play CLS volunteers switched gears and were eager to make the day special for some of our beloved seniors Joining Atlanta based charity Inspired Mom the ladies hosted the seniors during a brunch Culminating National Grandparents Day an awesome meal was enjoyed and games were played by all

Continuing with the goal of keeping memberrsquos bodies healthy two opportunities were provided for ladies to remain Classy Nrsquo Fit First the ladies had the opportunity to join South DeKalb Striders in their annual 5K Run for Hope to End Homelessness benefiting Our House Second the ladies were encouraged to join in on the 4th

Annual Labor Day Run for Autism hosted by Totally Running to benefit Talk About Curing Autism TACArsquos mission to talk about curing autism provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the US who are touched by Autism

Last but not least CLS volunteers were requested to support Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter (ACS) at their 1st Annual Kickinrsquo It 4 Charity Kickball Game This event was a success and raised money to provide ACS programs and services to assist families with resources and support necessary to maintain employment and permanent housing for their family Our classy volunteers showed up excited donning ldquored t-shirtsrdquo as we went straight to work setting up the field step-and-repeat banner and manning the check-inticket and t-shirt sales tables The highly anticipated sporting event for charity began with a red carpet and announcement of celebrity players Once the game was in full swing CLS volunteers were invited to sit in the audience and watch as a great time was had by all

Entering in the last quarter of the year CLS remains committed to our mantrahellipSocialize VOLUNTEER and Inspire

n Eboni Brown

Monththein

DES7GNMGZ 9

KaBOOMKaBOOM Is the national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids particularly those growing up in poverty in America They do this by creating great places to play inspiring communities to promote and support play and driving the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive liveshttpkaboomorg

South DeKalb StridersThe South DeKalb Striders Running Club members consists of runners of all classes elite runners top runners family runners slow runners and walkers Their purpose is to have fun as well as stay fit httpsouthdekalbstridersorg

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) TACA provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the United States who are touched by autism Ninety-five percent of TACArsquos programs and services are provided at no charge and include education and support meetings parent mentoring and the Autism Journey Guidehttpwwwtacanoworg

Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter The Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter provides free quality day care emotional support educational curriculum for homeless children and focused social services for their families Dedicated to helping families overcome the issues that contribute to homelessness including domestic violence and job loss the Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter focuses on the long term self-sufficiency of the family httpwwwacsatlorg

DES7GNMGZ10

Yes Irsquom A Mom But Irsquom Still

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLES

AaronicaAnd Aaronica is synonymous with fabulous--amongst other things Motherhood is something that many women strive for I was never that little girl that had their entire wedding planned out by the ripe old age of 10 In fact for either one of my weddings (yep Irsquom on my second marriage) I barely wanted to show up because to me it was just another day Did I care about the dress Meh no The flowers Not really The food Absolutely I didnrsquot have my wedding planned out but I had my life as a mother planned I was going to be this doting mom whose life was centered around their children Soccer dance track swim mom Yes that was going to be me

But then life happened and I became a single mom at 26 I started out being exactly what Irsquod imagined being--hopelessly devoted to my mini But then I wanted more And by more I wanted me back Not in the same way but a more mature me I wanted to be seen as Aaronica not Minirsquos mom I didnrsquot want to always be dressed in my mom attire (yes mom attire) I wanted my style back And I got it though it looked a little different Becoming a more mature Aaronica got me my husband and second daughter however I found myself in a similar boat again

As a mom of 2 wife and entrepreneur who am I I asked myself this question probably about a month ago when Irsquod run out of my mom-uniform--yoga pants nursing tank and random t-shirt As I looked through my closet filled with gorgeous jeweled tones and beautiful shoes and ldquofreakumrdquo dresses I realized that it was time to redefine myself Irsquom not the party girl nor am I the mom who wants to constantly be showing off the shape that I lost with the 2nd child Irsquom not really into shopping like I was Although I still love makeup (I mean how could you not) Irsquom not into the dramatic looks that I once was It was time to redefine who I am in the current space that Irsquom in And I did I came up with a new elevator pitch and everything Herersquos the awesome thing about womanhood--we are who we say

we are I was once this corporate Barbie doll determined to climb the ladder to success and break any and all glass ceilings in my way I wanted to dominate and take over Or so I thought But that just isnrsquot me anymore Now Irsquom an entrepreneur determined to be a positive influence to women all over the world that need help and inspiration I want to help others as much as I can I want to make

people smile and have someone look at me and say ldquoBecause of you I did the things no one thought

I could dordquo This is who I am now

So how do you reinvent yourself

Yoursquove got to be honest with yourself about where you are Ask yourself these questions

1How would I describe myself

2How do I think others would describe me (Be honest)

3 How do I WANT to be describedviewed

4 What things do I have to do to get there

If yoursquore having trouble with the last question ask for help from someone you trust

Itrsquos never too late to reinvent yourself Seize the dayn Aaronica Bell Cole

Aaronica B Cole is the owner of The Crunchy Mommy LLC She can be found writing over at wwwthecrunchymommycom selling at httpsoriginalcrunchymommyetsycom tweeting as thecrunchymommy and sharing photos as thecrunchymommy on Instagram Need to get in contact Email her at mrsabcthecrunchymommycom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 11

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLEStshirtschavezgraphicscom

DES7GNMGZ12

CLS firmly believes in supporting small businesses and helping to keep the small business community active and profitable CLS Members are encouraged to support businesses which support CLS and the journey we are on to change the world with our volunteer and Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) efforts Through our commitment as a womenrsquos only non-profit organization our core values are entrenched in volunteerism community outreach and fostering an environment and an opportunity for small businesses to flourish

We have some many categories of member vendors ranging from Boutique Owners Travel Agents Fitness Coaches Life Coaches Teachers Estheticians Non Profit Organizations Cleaning Services and many many more CLS would like to take this opportunity to appreciate our member vendors by allowing the world to know who they are We love and truly support what they are doing because without them CLS wouldnrsquot be doing business ldquoThe Classy Wayrdquo

n Robin Overmyer

NAMEAaronica B ColeAlicia BrownAngela EverettAnita SearlesAzizi CowinsBeverly HamsCassaundra WebbDorita WyattErica KaneEvonya EasleyKaren SewardKristein MosleyKristell S DouglasLaTeasha BlackwellMarcia Marsh McGrawMonie C DarlingtonMichele BrundidgeNeri Gaulden SlacksNikki Blakely-SimmonsNina SimoneNisha GlennRue ClarkShona HillSunblondy H DanielTonya PughYani WilkinsonYolanda Michelette

WEBSITEwwwthecrunchymommycomwwwcosmozcigareventscomwwwwestayonvacaycom

wwwsimplygorgeousintlcomwwwcutz2colorcomwwwiamhairstudiocomwwwericakanewritecomwwwloveefashioncomwwwksewardmyorganogoldcomwwwElitetravelgrpcomwwwtrueresults51theneriumlookcom

wwwhealthyfreedomvemmacomwwwtamlyndesigncomwwwthemadassociationorgwwwdreamlivelearnorgwwwnikkiblakelysimmonscomwwwninasimoneconsultingomwwweducatedgirlsrockorgwwwjusttrippintravelersclubcomwwwshonapaycationcomwwwtrechiclothin2014storenvycomwwwgr8escapetravelpaycationcomwwwUniquelymaid4youcomwwwhardkandirockscom

FACEBOOK PAGEwwwfacebookcomthecrunchymommy1

wwwfacebookcomwestayonvacaywwwfacebookcomthesmilebarAtlwwwfacebookcompagessexe-skinswwwfacebookcomsimplygorgeousintlspawwwfacebookcomcassaundrawebb

wwwfacebookcomcokanepublications

wwwfacebookcompageselite-travel-groupwwwfacebookcomkristellclearskinwwwfacebookcomKaylas201boutique

wwwfacebookcomtamlyndesignwwwfacebookcomthemadassociation

wwwmixologistinstutedsuccesscom

wwwfacebookcomtravelbyshonawwwfacebookcomtreschichairclothin

wwwfacebookcomhardkandidesigns

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 13

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

DES7GNMGZ14

As we transition into a new season itrsquos time to get our closets and wardrobes right for fall To do that need to start with cleaning

and organizing your closet A good wardrobe like a house starts with a good foundation And the foundation is your closet if your closet is not organized itrsquos a lot harder to have a good wardrobe and express personal style

Itrsquos important to dress how you want to be perceived and received So tips to get your closet right so you can move on to the fun part of getting dressed First you need to purge purge and more purge for the people that like to hold on to everything Everything in your closet

should be something you are currently wearing or will wear in the near future Get rid of anything that doesnrsquot fit your body right anything that you havenrsquot worn in over a year or two anything that looks like itrsquos been worn or washed a thousand times

Next organize your closet according to the seasons and if you donrsquot have a big closet but have an extra closet then switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change Move all your summer stuff to the extra closet during the FallWinter and vice versa If your closet is big enough to hold all seasons then at least make sure the summer stuff is moved toward the back or the side and pull the FallWinter to the forefront For example

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) CLOSET

I turned an extra bedroom into my closet so I separate my seasons by walls Two walls is my spring summer clothes and the other two walls is for my FallWinter When your closet is organized then itrsquos easier and quicker to get dressed You donrsquot have to dig thru summer dresses to find your cashmere coat

Once you have organized by season then organize by color and fabric and activity This will help you to know what you have and what you may still need If all your work clothes are together and organized by color then you can see you have 10 pairs of black pants 5 brown 2 grey and so on So as you shop and add to your wardrobe you can build upon what you have If you have great

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 15

bottoms then focus on getting more tops and accessories to compliment all the bottoms you have Also a common problem I find with clients is they own too much black Itrsquos nothing wrong with black but inject some color and life into your wardrobe If you own over 5 pairs of black bottoms then donrsquot buy anymore black bottoms

Also stop buying the same thing in different colors nothing is that cute Lol Mix up your style if you buy a ruffled top in blue you donrsquot have to buy it in red black and pink lol Buy a lace top in one color a peasant style top in another color a V-neck or scoop style There is so many options to choose from so try something new and donrsquot get stuck in a rut wearing the same thing over and over but in different colors

Next adding accessories can add a little extra to an ensemble a simple tee and jeans can be upgraded with a cuff and

a layered necklace So donrsquot forget it doesnrsquot always take a lot to add a pop and take your outfit to the next level Also invest in classic pieces such as pencils skirts trench coat blazers white button shirts a great handbag classic pumps etc Trends come and go you should be aware of trends but not slaves to them So only wear trends that work for your body and what you personally like But be open to stretch yourself and try something new just to see if you like it

Last tip Irsquom leave you with is to buy pieces that you can wear multiple ways and places I only buy pieces I can wear at least three different ways if not more unless itrsquos a special occasion then thatrsquos different but for everyday wear you want to make sure you are buying a piece that works with something you already own or that can be worn multiple ways For example if you have a mod or A-line dress you can wear it with a belt one day

and pumps next time with tights and some ankle boots Or with a blazer and boots and also wear it just by itself out of that one dress you now have 4 different ways to wear it and look different each time

Another tip is taking outfits from day to night its really simple thing that can take a day outfit to night outfit An example of taking an outfit from day to night or causal to dressy take a pair of jeans and a simple white tee and flats Add a blazer stilettos and accessories with a great handbag and you have now just upgraded your outfit Hope all these tips and examples help as we go into this new season and if you want more personalized information and tips for you I can be contacted at loveeloveefashioncom

n Evonya Easley

CEO Love E404-908-7997

wwwloveefashioncom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ16

community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 9: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ 9

KaBOOMKaBOOM Is the national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all kids particularly those growing up in poverty in America They do this by creating great places to play inspiring communities to promote and support play and driving the national discussion about the importance of play in fostering healthy and productive liveshttpkaboomorg

South DeKalb StridersThe South DeKalb Striders Running Club members consists of runners of all classes elite runners top runners family runners slow runners and walkers Their purpose is to have fun as well as stay fit httpsouthdekalbstridersorg

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) TACA provides support education and information and resources to close to 25000 families across the United States who are touched by autism Ninety-five percent of TACArsquos programs and services are provided at no charge and include education and support meetings parent mentoring and the Autism Journey Guidehttpwwwtacanoworg

Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter The Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter provides free quality day care emotional support educational curriculum for homeless children and focused social services for their families Dedicated to helping families overcome the issues that contribute to homelessness including domestic violence and job loss the Atlanta Childrenrsquos Shelter focuses on the long term self-sufficiency of the family httpwwwacsatlorg

DES7GNMGZ10

Yes Irsquom A Mom But Irsquom Still

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLES

AaronicaAnd Aaronica is synonymous with fabulous--amongst other things Motherhood is something that many women strive for I was never that little girl that had their entire wedding planned out by the ripe old age of 10 In fact for either one of my weddings (yep Irsquom on my second marriage) I barely wanted to show up because to me it was just another day Did I care about the dress Meh no The flowers Not really The food Absolutely I didnrsquot have my wedding planned out but I had my life as a mother planned I was going to be this doting mom whose life was centered around their children Soccer dance track swim mom Yes that was going to be me

But then life happened and I became a single mom at 26 I started out being exactly what Irsquod imagined being--hopelessly devoted to my mini But then I wanted more And by more I wanted me back Not in the same way but a more mature me I wanted to be seen as Aaronica not Minirsquos mom I didnrsquot want to always be dressed in my mom attire (yes mom attire) I wanted my style back And I got it though it looked a little different Becoming a more mature Aaronica got me my husband and second daughter however I found myself in a similar boat again

As a mom of 2 wife and entrepreneur who am I I asked myself this question probably about a month ago when Irsquod run out of my mom-uniform--yoga pants nursing tank and random t-shirt As I looked through my closet filled with gorgeous jeweled tones and beautiful shoes and ldquofreakumrdquo dresses I realized that it was time to redefine myself Irsquom not the party girl nor am I the mom who wants to constantly be showing off the shape that I lost with the 2nd child Irsquom not really into shopping like I was Although I still love makeup (I mean how could you not) Irsquom not into the dramatic looks that I once was It was time to redefine who I am in the current space that Irsquom in And I did I came up with a new elevator pitch and everything Herersquos the awesome thing about womanhood--we are who we say

we are I was once this corporate Barbie doll determined to climb the ladder to success and break any and all glass ceilings in my way I wanted to dominate and take over Or so I thought But that just isnrsquot me anymore Now Irsquom an entrepreneur determined to be a positive influence to women all over the world that need help and inspiration I want to help others as much as I can I want to make

people smile and have someone look at me and say ldquoBecause of you I did the things no one thought

I could dordquo This is who I am now

So how do you reinvent yourself

Yoursquove got to be honest with yourself about where you are Ask yourself these questions

1How would I describe myself

2How do I think others would describe me (Be honest)

3 How do I WANT to be describedviewed

4 What things do I have to do to get there

If yoursquore having trouble with the last question ask for help from someone you trust

Itrsquos never too late to reinvent yourself Seize the dayn Aaronica Bell Cole

Aaronica B Cole is the owner of The Crunchy Mommy LLC She can be found writing over at wwwthecrunchymommycom selling at httpsoriginalcrunchymommyetsycom tweeting as thecrunchymommy and sharing photos as thecrunchymommy on Instagram Need to get in contact Email her at mrsabcthecrunchymommycom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 11

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLEStshirtschavezgraphicscom

DES7GNMGZ12

CLS firmly believes in supporting small businesses and helping to keep the small business community active and profitable CLS Members are encouraged to support businesses which support CLS and the journey we are on to change the world with our volunteer and Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) efforts Through our commitment as a womenrsquos only non-profit organization our core values are entrenched in volunteerism community outreach and fostering an environment and an opportunity for small businesses to flourish

We have some many categories of member vendors ranging from Boutique Owners Travel Agents Fitness Coaches Life Coaches Teachers Estheticians Non Profit Organizations Cleaning Services and many many more CLS would like to take this opportunity to appreciate our member vendors by allowing the world to know who they are We love and truly support what they are doing because without them CLS wouldnrsquot be doing business ldquoThe Classy Wayrdquo

n Robin Overmyer

NAMEAaronica B ColeAlicia BrownAngela EverettAnita SearlesAzizi CowinsBeverly HamsCassaundra WebbDorita WyattErica KaneEvonya EasleyKaren SewardKristein MosleyKristell S DouglasLaTeasha BlackwellMarcia Marsh McGrawMonie C DarlingtonMichele BrundidgeNeri Gaulden SlacksNikki Blakely-SimmonsNina SimoneNisha GlennRue ClarkShona HillSunblondy H DanielTonya PughYani WilkinsonYolanda Michelette

WEBSITEwwwthecrunchymommycomwwwcosmozcigareventscomwwwwestayonvacaycom

wwwsimplygorgeousintlcomwwwcutz2colorcomwwwiamhairstudiocomwwwericakanewritecomwwwloveefashioncomwwwksewardmyorganogoldcomwwwElitetravelgrpcomwwwtrueresults51theneriumlookcom

wwwhealthyfreedomvemmacomwwwtamlyndesigncomwwwthemadassociationorgwwwdreamlivelearnorgwwwnikkiblakelysimmonscomwwwninasimoneconsultingomwwweducatedgirlsrockorgwwwjusttrippintravelersclubcomwwwshonapaycationcomwwwtrechiclothin2014storenvycomwwwgr8escapetravelpaycationcomwwwUniquelymaid4youcomwwwhardkandirockscom

FACEBOOK PAGEwwwfacebookcomthecrunchymommy1

wwwfacebookcomwestayonvacaywwwfacebookcomthesmilebarAtlwwwfacebookcompagessexe-skinswwwfacebookcomsimplygorgeousintlspawwwfacebookcomcassaundrawebb

wwwfacebookcomcokanepublications

wwwfacebookcompageselite-travel-groupwwwfacebookcomkristellclearskinwwwfacebookcomKaylas201boutique

wwwfacebookcomtamlyndesignwwwfacebookcomthemadassociation

wwwmixologistinstutedsuccesscom

wwwfacebookcomtravelbyshonawwwfacebookcomtreschichairclothin

wwwfacebookcomhardkandidesigns

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 13

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

DES7GNMGZ14

As we transition into a new season itrsquos time to get our closets and wardrobes right for fall To do that need to start with cleaning

and organizing your closet A good wardrobe like a house starts with a good foundation And the foundation is your closet if your closet is not organized itrsquos a lot harder to have a good wardrobe and express personal style

Itrsquos important to dress how you want to be perceived and received So tips to get your closet right so you can move on to the fun part of getting dressed First you need to purge purge and more purge for the people that like to hold on to everything Everything in your closet

should be something you are currently wearing or will wear in the near future Get rid of anything that doesnrsquot fit your body right anything that you havenrsquot worn in over a year or two anything that looks like itrsquos been worn or washed a thousand times

Next organize your closet according to the seasons and if you donrsquot have a big closet but have an extra closet then switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change Move all your summer stuff to the extra closet during the FallWinter and vice versa If your closet is big enough to hold all seasons then at least make sure the summer stuff is moved toward the back or the side and pull the FallWinter to the forefront For example

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) CLOSET

I turned an extra bedroom into my closet so I separate my seasons by walls Two walls is my spring summer clothes and the other two walls is for my FallWinter When your closet is organized then itrsquos easier and quicker to get dressed You donrsquot have to dig thru summer dresses to find your cashmere coat

Once you have organized by season then organize by color and fabric and activity This will help you to know what you have and what you may still need If all your work clothes are together and organized by color then you can see you have 10 pairs of black pants 5 brown 2 grey and so on So as you shop and add to your wardrobe you can build upon what you have If you have great

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 15

bottoms then focus on getting more tops and accessories to compliment all the bottoms you have Also a common problem I find with clients is they own too much black Itrsquos nothing wrong with black but inject some color and life into your wardrobe If you own over 5 pairs of black bottoms then donrsquot buy anymore black bottoms

Also stop buying the same thing in different colors nothing is that cute Lol Mix up your style if you buy a ruffled top in blue you donrsquot have to buy it in red black and pink lol Buy a lace top in one color a peasant style top in another color a V-neck or scoop style There is so many options to choose from so try something new and donrsquot get stuck in a rut wearing the same thing over and over but in different colors

Next adding accessories can add a little extra to an ensemble a simple tee and jeans can be upgraded with a cuff and

a layered necklace So donrsquot forget it doesnrsquot always take a lot to add a pop and take your outfit to the next level Also invest in classic pieces such as pencils skirts trench coat blazers white button shirts a great handbag classic pumps etc Trends come and go you should be aware of trends but not slaves to them So only wear trends that work for your body and what you personally like But be open to stretch yourself and try something new just to see if you like it

Last tip Irsquom leave you with is to buy pieces that you can wear multiple ways and places I only buy pieces I can wear at least three different ways if not more unless itrsquos a special occasion then thatrsquos different but for everyday wear you want to make sure you are buying a piece that works with something you already own or that can be worn multiple ways For example if you have a mod or A-line dress you can wear it with a belt one day

and pumps next time with tights and some ankle boots Or with a blazer and boots and also wear it just by itself out of that one dress you now have 4 different ways to wear it and look different each time

Another tip is taking outfits from day to night its really simple thing that can take a day outfit to night outfit An example of taking an outfit from day to night or causal to dressy take a pair of jeans and a simple white tee and flats Add a blazer stilettos and accessories with a great handbag and you have now just upgraded your outfit Hope all these tips and examples help as we go into this new season and if you want more personalized information and tips for you I can be contacted at loveeloveefashioncom

n Evonya Easley

CEO Love E404-908-7997

wwwloveefashioncom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ16

community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 10: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ10

Yes Irsquom A Mom But Irsquom Still

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLES

AaronicaAnd Aaronica is synonymous with fabulous--amongst other things Motherhood is something that many women strive for I was never that little girl that had their entire wedding planned out by the ripe old age of 10 In fact for either one of my weddings (yep Irsquom on my second marriage) I barely wanted to show up because to me it was just another day Did I care about the dress Meh no The flowers Not really The food Absolutely I didnrsquot have my wedding planned out but I had my life as a mother planned I was going to be this doting mom whose life was centered around their children Soccer dance track swim mom Yes that was going to be me

But then life happened and I became a single mom at 26 I started out being exactly what Irsquod imagined being--hopelessly devoted to my mini But then I wanted more And by more I wanted me back Not in the same way but a more mature me I wanted to be seen as Aaronica not Minirsquos mom I didnrsquot want to always be dressed in my mom attire (yes mom attire) I wanted my style back And I got it though it looked a little different Becoming a more mature Aaronica got me my husband and second daughter however I found myself in a similar boat again

As a mom of 2 wife and entrepreneur who am I I asked myself this question probably about a month ago when Irsquod run out of my mom-uniform--yoga pants nursing tank and random t-shirt As I looked through my closet filled with gorgeous jeweled tones and beautiful shoes and ldquofreakumrdquo dresses I realized that it was time to redefine myself Irsquom not the party girl nor am I the mom who wants to constantly be showing off the shape that I lost with the 2nd child Irsquom not really into shopping like I was Although I still love makeup (I mean how could you not) Irsquom not into the dramatic looks that I once was It was time to redefine who I am in the current space that Irsquom in And I did I came up with a new elevator pitch and everything Herersquos the awesome thing about womanhood--we are who we say

we are I was once this corporate Barbie doll determined to climb the ladder to success and break any and all glass ceilings in my way I wanted to dominate and take over Or so I thought But that just isnrsquot me anymore Now Irsquom an entrepreneur determined to be a positive influence to women all over the world that need help and inspiration I want to help others as much as I can I want to make

people smile and have someone look at me and say ldquoBecause of you I did the things no one thought

I could dordquo This is who I am now

So how do you reinvent yourself

Yoursquove got to be honest with yourself about where you are Ask yourself these questions

1How would I describe myself

2How do I think others would describe me (Be honest)

3 How do I WANT to be describedviewed

4 What things do I have to do to get there

If yoursquore having trouble with the last question ask for help from someone you trust

Itrsquos never too late to reinvent yourself Seize the dayn Aaronica Bell Cole

Aaronica B Cole is the owner of The Crunchy Mommy LLC She can be found writing over at wwwthecrunchymommycom selling at httpsoriginalcrunchymommyetsycom tweeting as thecrunchymommy and sharing photos as thecrunchymommy on Instagram Need to get in contact Email her at mrsabcthecrunchymommycom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 11

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLEStshirtschavezgraphicscom

DES7GNMGZ12

CLS firmly believes in supporting small businesses and helping to keep the small business community active and profitable CLS Members are encouraged to support businesses which support CLS and the journey we are on to change the world with our volunteer and Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) efforts Through our commitment as a womenrsquos only non-profit organization our core values are entrenched in volunteerism community outreach and fostering an environment and an opportunity for small businesses to flourish

We have some many categories of member vendors ranging from Boutique Owners Travel Agents Fitness Coaches Life Coaches Teachers Estheticians Non Profit Organizations Cleaning Services and many many more CLS would like to take this opportunity to appreciate our member vendors by allowing the world to know who they are We love and truly support what they are doing because without them CLS wouldnrsquot be doing business ldquoThe Classy Wayrdquo

n Robin Overmyer

NAMEAaronica B ColeAlicia BrownAngela EverettAnita SearlesAzizi CowinsBeverly HamsCassaundra WebbDorita WyattErica KaneEvonya EasleyKaren SewardKristein MosleyKristell S DouglasLaTeasha BlackwellMarcia Marsh McGrawMonie C DarlingtonMichele BrundidgeNeri Gaulden SlacksNikki Blakely-SimmonsNina SimoneNisha GlennRue ClarkShona HillSunblondy H DanielTonya PughYani WilkinsonYolanda Michelette

WEBSITEwwwthecrunchymommycomwwwcosmozcigareventscomwwwwestayonvacaycom

wwwsimplygorgeousintlcomwwwcutz2colorcomwwwiamhairstudiocomwwwericakanewritecomwwwloveefashioncomwwwksewardmyorganogoldcomwwwElitetravelgrpcomwwwtrueresults51theneriumlookcom

wwwhealthyfreedomvemmacomwwwtamlyndesigncomwwwthemadassociationorgwwwdreamlivelearnorgwwwnikkiblakelysimmonscomwwwninasimoneconsultingomwwweducatedgirlsrockorgwwwjusttrippintravelersclubcomwwwshonapaycationcomwwwtrechiclothin2014storenvycomwwwgr8escapetravelpaycationcomwwwUniquelymaid4youcomwwwhardkandirockscom

FACEBOOK PAGEwwwfacebookcomthecrunchymommy1

wwwfacebookcomwestayonvacaywwwfacebookcomthesmilebarAtlwwwfacebookcompagessexe-skinswwwfacebookcomsimplygorgeousintlspawwwfacebookcomcassaundrawebb

wwwfacebookcomcokanepublications

wwwfacebookcompageselite-travel-groupwwwfacebookcomkristellclearskinwwwfacebookcomKaylas201boutique

wwwfacebookcomtamlyndesignwwwfacebookcomthemadassociation

wwwmixologistinstutedsuccesscom

wwwfacebookcomtravelbyshonawwwfacebookcomtreschichairclothin

wwwfacebookcomhardkandidesigns

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 13

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

DES7GNMGZ14

As we transition into a new season itrsquos time to get our closets and wardrobes right for fall To do that need to start with cleaning

and organizing your closet A good wardrobe like a house starts with a good foundation And the foundation is your closet if your closet is not organized itrsquos a lot harder to have a good wardrobe and express personal style

Itrsquos important to dress how you want to be perceived and received So tips to get your closet right so you can move on to the fun part of getting dressed First you need to purge purge and more purge for the people that like to hold on to everything Everything in your closet

should be something you are currently wearing or will wear in the near future Get rid of anything that doesnrsquot fit your body right anything that you havenrsquot worn in over a year or two anything that looks like itrsquos been worn or washed a thousand times

Next organize your closet according to the seasons and if you donrsquot have a big closet but have an extra closet then switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change Move all your summer stuff to the extra closet during the FallWinter and vice versa If your closet is big enough to hold all seasons then at least make sure the summer stuff is moved toward the back or the side and pull the FallWinter to the forefront For example

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) CLOSET

I turned an extra bedroom into my closet so I separate my seasons by walls Two walls is my spring summer clothes and the other two walls is for my FallWinter When your closet is organized then itrsquos easier and quicker to get dressed You donrsquot have to dig thru summer dresses to find your cashmere coat

Once you have organized by season then organize by color and fabric and activity This will help you to know what you have and what you may still need If all your work clothes are together and organized by color then you can see you have 10 pairs of black pants 5 brown 2 grey and so on So as you shop and add to your wardrobe you can build upon what you have If you have great

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 15

bottoms then focus on getting more tops and accessories to compliment all the bottoms you have Also a common problem I find with clients is they own too much black Itrsquos nothing wrong with black but inject some color and life into your wardrobe If you own over 5 pairs of black bottoms then donrsquot buy anymore black bottoms

Also stop buying the same thing in different colors nothing is that cute Lol Mix up your style if you buy a ruffled top in blue you donrsquot have to buy it in red black and pink lol Buy a lace top in one color a peasant style top in another color a V-neck or scoop style There is so many options to choose from so try something new and donrsquot get stuck in a rut wearing the same thing over and over but in different colors

Next adding accessories can add a little extra to an ensemble a simple tee and jeans can be upgraded with a cuff and

a layered necklace So donrsquot forget it doesnrsquot always take a lot to add a pop and take your outfit to the next level Also invest in classic pieces such as pencils skirts trench coat blazers white button shirts a great handbag classic pumps etc Trends come and go you should be aware of trends but not slaves to them So only wear trends that work for your body and what you personally like But be open to stretch yourself and try something new just to see if you like it

Last tip Irsquom leave you with is to buy pieces that you can wear multiple ways and places I only buy pieces I can wear at least three different ways if not more unless itrsquos a special occasion then thatrsquos different but for everyday wear you want to make sure you are buying a piece that works with something you already own or that can be worn multiple ways For example if you have a mod or A-line dress you can wear it with a belt one day

and pumps next time with tights and some ankle boots Or with a blazer and boots and also wear it just by itself out of that one dress you now have 4 different ways to wear it and look different each time

Another tip is taking outfits from day to night its really simple thing that can take a day outfit to night outfit An example of taking an outfit from day to night or causal to dressy take a pair of jeans and a simple white tee and flats Add a blazer stilettos and accessories with a great handbag and you have now just upgraded your outfit Hope all these tips and examples help as we go into this new season and if you want more personalized information and tips for you I can be contacted at loveeloveefashioncom

n Evonya Easley

CEO Love E404-908-7997

wwwloveefashioncom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ16

community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 11: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ 11

MOmmy corner

CLASSY CHRONICLEStshirtschavezgraphicscom

DES7GNMGZ12

CLS firmly believes in supporting small businesses and helping to keep the small business community active and profitable CLS Members are encouraged to support businesses which support CLS and the journey we are on to change the world with our volunteer and Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) efforts Through our commitment as a womenrsquos only non-profit organization our core values are entrenched in volunteerism community outreach and fostering an environment and an opportunity for small businesses to flourish

We have some many categories of member vendors ranging from Boutique Owners Travel Agents Fitness Coaches Life Coaches Teachers Estheticians Non Profit Organizations Cleaning Services and many many more CLS would like to take this opportunity to appreciate our member vendors by allowing the world to know who they are We love and truly support what they are doing because without them CLS wouldnrsquot be doing business ldquoThe Classy Wayrdquo

n Robin Overmyer

NAMEAaronica B ColeAlicia BrownAngela EverettAnita SearlesAzizi CowinsBeverly HamsCassaundra WebbDorita WyattErica KaneEvonya EasleyKaren SewardKristein MosleyKristell S DouglasLaTeasha BlackwellMarcia Marsh McGrawMonie C DarlingtonMichele BrundidgeNeri Gaulden SlacksNikki Blakely-SimmonsNina SimoneNisha GlennRue ClarkShona HillSunblondy H DanielTonya PughYani WilkinsonYolanda Michelette

WEBSITEwwwthecrunchymommycomwwwcosmozcigareventscomwwwwestayonvacaycom

wwwsimplygorgeousintlcomwwwcutz2colorcomwwwiamhairstudiocomwwwericakanewritecomwwwloveefashioncomwwwksewardmyorganogoldcomwwwElitetravelgrpcomwwwtrueresults51theneriumlookcom

wwwhealthyfreedomvemmacomwwwtamlyndesigncomwwwthemadassociationorgwwwdreamlivelearnorgwwwnikkiblakelysimmonscomwwwninasimoneconsultingomwwweducatedgirlsrockorgwwwjusttrippintravelersclubcomwwwshonapaycationcomwwwtrechiclothin2014storenvycomwwwgr8escapetravelpaycationcomwwwUniquelymaid4youcomwwwhardkandirockscom

FACEBOOK PAGEwwwfacebookcomthecrunchymommy1

wwwfacebookcomwestayonvacaywwwfacebookcomthesmilebarAtlwwwfacebookcompagessexe-skinswwwfacebookcomsimplygorgeousintlspawwwfacebookcomcassaundrawebb

wwwfacebookcomcokanepublications

wwwfacebookcompageselite-travel-groupwwwfacebookcomkristellclearskinwwwfacebookcomKaylas201boutique

wwwfacebookcomtamlyndesignwwwfacebookcomthemadassociation

wwwmixologistinstutedsuccesscom

wwwfacebookcomtravelbyshonawwwfacebookcomtreschichairclothin

wwwfacebookcomhardkandidesigns

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 13

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

DES7GNMGZ14

As we transition into a new season itrsquos time to get our closets and wardrobes right for fall To do that need to start with cleaning

and organizing your closet A good wardrobe like a house starts with a good foundation And the foundation is your closet if your closet is not organized itrsquos a lot harder to have a good wardrobe and express personal style

Itrsquos important to dress how you want to be perceived and received So tips to get your closet right so you can move on to the fun part of getting dressed First you need to purge purge and more purge for the people that like to hold on to everything Everything in your closet

should be something you are currently wearing or will wear in the near future Get rid of anything that doesnrsquot fit your body right anything that you havenrsquot worn in over a year or two anything that looks like itrsquos been worn or washed a thousand times

Next organize your closet according to the seasons and if you donrsquot have a big closet but have an extra closet then switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change Move all your summer stuff to the extra closet during the FallWinter and vice versa If your closet is big enough to hold all seasons then at least make sure the summer stuff is moved toward the back or the side and pull the FallWinter to the forefront For example

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) CLOSET

I turned an extra bedroom into my closet so I separate my seasons by walls Two walls is my spring summer clothes and the other two walls is for my FallWinter When your closet is organized then itrsquos easier and quicker to get dressed You donrsquot have to dig thru summer dresses to find your cashmere coat

Once you have organized by season then organize by color and fabric and activity This will help you to know what you have and what you may still need If all your work clothes are together and organized by color then you can see you have 10 pairs of black pants 5 brown 2 grey and so on So as you shop and add to your wardrobe you can build upon what you have If you have great

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 15

bottoms then focus on getting more tops and accessories to compliment all the bottoms you have Also a common problem I find with clients is they own too much black Itrsquos nothing wrong with black but inject some color and life into your wardrobe If you own over 5 pairs of black bottoms then donrsquot buy anymore black bottoms

Also stop buying the same thing in different colors nothing is that cute Lol Mix up your style if you buy a ruffled top in blue you donrsquot have to buy it in red black and pink lol Buy a lace top in one color a peasant style top in another color a V-neck or scoop style There is so many options to choose from so try something new and donrsquot get stuck in a rut wearing the same thing over and over but in different colors

Next adding accessories can add a little extra to an ensemble a simple tee and jeans can be upgraded with a cuff and

a layered necklace So donrsquot forget it doesnrsquot always take a lot to add a pop and take your outfit to the next level Also invest in classic pieces such as pencils skirts trench coat blazers white button shirts a great handbag classic pumps etc Trends come and go you should be aware of trends but not slaves to them So only wear trends that work for your body and what you personally like But be open to stretch yourself and try something new just to see if you like it

Last tip Irsquom leave you with is to buy pieces that you can wear multiple ways and places I only buy pieces I can wear at least three different ways if not more unless itrsquos a special occasion then thatrsquos different but for everyday wear you want to make sure you are buying a piece that works with something you already own or that can be worn multiple ways For example if you have a mod or A-line dress you can wear it with a belt one day

and pumps next time with tights and some ankle boots Or with a blazer and boots and also wear it just by itself out of that one dress you now have 4 different ways to wear it and look different each time

Another tip is taking outfits from day to night its really simple thing that can take a day outfit to night outfit An example of taking an outfit from day to night or causal to dressy take a pair of jeans and a simple white tee and flats Add a blazer stilettos and accessories with a great handbag and you have now just upgraded your outfit Hope all these tips and examples help as we go into this new season and if you want more personalized information and tips for you I can be contacted at loveeloveefashioncom

n Evonya Easley

CEO Love E404-908-7997

wwwloveefashioncom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ16

community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 12: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ12

CLS firmly believes in supporting small businesses and helping to keep the small business community active and profitable CLS Members are encouraged to support businesses which support CLS and the journey we are on to change the world with our volunteer and Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) efforts Through our commitment as a womenrsquos only non-profit organization our core values are entrenched in volunteerism community outreach and fostering an environment and an opportunity for small businesses to flourish

We have some many categories of member vendors ranging from Boutique Owners Travel Agents Fitness Coaches Life Coaches Teachers Estheticians Non Profit Organizations Cleaning Services and many many more CLS would like to take this opportunity to appreciate our member vendors by allowing the world to know who they are We love and truly support what they are doing because without them CLS wouldnrsquot be doing business ldquoThe Classy Wayrdquo

n Robin Overmyer

NAMEAaronica B ColeAlicia BrownAngela EverettAnita SearlesAzizi CowinsBeverly HamsCassaundra WebbDorita WyattErica KaneEvonya EasleyKaren SewardKristein MosleyKristell S DouglasLaTeasha BlackwellMarcia Marsh McGrawMonie C DarlingtonMichele BrundidgeNeri Gaulden SlacksNikki Blakely-SimmonsNina SimoneNisha GlennRue ClarkShona HillSunblondy H DanielTonya PughYani WilkinsonYolanda Michelette

WEBSITEwwwthecrunchymommycomwwwcosmozcigareventscomwwwwestayonvacaycom

wwwsimplygorgeousintlcomwwwcutz2colorcomwwwiamhairstudiocomwwwericakanewritecomwwwloveefashioncomwwwksewardmyorganogoldcomwwwElitetravelgrpcomwwwtrueresults51theneriumlookcom

wwwhealthyfreedomvemmacomwwwtamlyndesigncomwwwthemadassociationorgwwwdreamlivelearnorgwwwnikkiblakelysimmonscomwwwninasimoneconsultingomwwweducatedgirlsrockorgwwwjusttrippintravelersclubcomwwwshonapaycationcomwwwtrechiclothin2014storenvycomwwwgr8escapetravelpaycationcomwwwUniquelymaid4youcomwwwhardkandirockscom

FACEBOOK PAGEwwwfacebookcomthecrunchymommy1

wwwfacebookcomwestayonvacaywwwfacebookcomthesmilebarAtlwwwfacebookcompagessexe-skinswwwfacebookcomsimplygorgeousintlspawwwfacebookcomcassaundrawebb

wwwfacebookcomcokanepublications

wwwfacebookcompageselite-travel-groupwwwfacebookcomkristellclearskinwwwfacebookcomKaylas201boutique

wwwfacebookcomtamlyndesignwwwfacebookcomthemadassociation

wwwmixologistinstutedsuccesscom

wwwfacebookcomtravelbyshonawwwfacebookcomtreschichairclothin

wwwfacebookcomhardkandidesigns

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 13

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

DES7GNMGZ14

As we transition into a new season itrsquos time to get our closets and wardrobes right for fall To do that need to start with cleaning

and organizing your closet A good wardrobe like a house starts with a good foundation And the foundation is your closet if your closet is not organized itrsquos a lot harder to have a good wardrobe and express personal style

Itrsquos important to dress how you want to be perceived and received So tips to get your closet right so you can move on to the fun part of getting dressed First you need to purge purge and more purge for the people that like to hold on to everything Everything in your closet

should be something you are currently wearing or will wear in the near future Get rid of anything that doesnrsquot fit your body right anything that you havenrsquot worn in over a year or two anything that looks like itrsquos been worn or washed a thousand times

Next organize your closet according to the seasons and if you donrsquot have a big closet but have an extra closet then switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change Move all your summer stuff to the extra closet during the FallWinter and vice versa If your closet is big enough to hold all seasons then at least make sure the summer stuff is moved toward the back or the side and pull the FallWinter to the forefront For example

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) CLOSET

I turned an extra bedroom into my closet so I separate my seasons by walls Two walls is my spring summer clothes and the other two walls is for my FallWinter When your closet is organized then itrsquos easier and quicker to get dressed You donrsquot have to dig thru summer dresses to find your cashmere coat

Once you have organized by season then organize by color and fabric and activity This will help you to know what you have and what you may still need If all your work clothes are together and organized by color then you can see you have 10 pairs of black pants 5 brown 2 grey and so on So as you shop and add to your wardrobe you can build upon what you have If you have great

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 15

bottoms then focus on getting more tops and accessories to compliment all the bottoms you have Also a common problem I find with clients is they own too much black Itrsquos nothing wrong with black but inject some color and life into your wardrobe If you own over 5 pairs of black bottoms then donrsquot buy anymore black bottoms

Also stop buying the same thing in different colors nothing is that cute Lol Mix up your style if you buy a ruffled top in blue you donrsquot have to buy it in red black and pink lol Buy a lace top in one color a peasant style top in another color a V-neck or scoop style There is so many options to choose from so try something new and donrsquot get stuck in a rut wearing the same thing over and over but in different colors

Next adding accessories can add a little extra to an ensemble a simple tee and jeans can be upgraded with a cuff and

a layered necklace So donrsquot forget it doesnrsquot always take a lot to add a pop and take your outfit to the next level Also invest in classic pieces such as pencils skirts trench coat blazers white button shirts a great handbag classic pumps etc Trends come and go you should be aware of trends but not slaves to them So only wear trends that work for your body and what you personally like But be open to stretch yourself and try something new just to see if you like it

Last tip Irsquom leave you with is to buy pieces that you can wear multiple ways and places I only buy pieces I can wear at least three different ways if not more unless itrsquos a special occasion then thatrsquos different but for everyday wear you want to make sure you are buying a piece that works with something you already own or that can be worn multiple ways For example if you have a mod or A-line dress you can wear it with a belt one day

and pumps next time with tights and some ankle boots Or with a blazer and boots and also wear it just by itself out of that one dress you now have 4 different ways to wear it and look different each time

Another tip is taking outfits from day to night its really simple thing that can take a day outfit to night outfit An example of taking an outfit from day to night or causal to dressy take a pair of jeans and a simple white tee and flats Add a blazer stilettos and accessories with a great handbag and you have now just upgraded your outfit Hope all these tips and examples help as we go into this new season and if you want more personalized information and tips for you I can be contacted at loveeloveefashioncom

n Evonya Easley

CEO Love E404-908-7997

wwwloveefashioncom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ16

community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 13: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ 13

SUPPORT OUR MEMBER VENDORS

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

DES7GNMGZ14

As we transition into a new season itrsquos time to get our closets and wardrobes right for fall To do that need to start with cleaning

and organizing your closet A good wardrobe like a house starts with a good foundation And the foundation is your closet if your closet is not organized itrsquos a lot harder to have a good wardrobe and express personal style

Itrsquos important to dress how you want to be perceived and received So tips to get your closet right so you can move on to the fun part of getting dressed First you need to purge purge and more purge for the people that like to hold on to everything Everything in your closet

should be something you are currently wearing or will wear in the near future Get rid of anything that doesnrsquot fit your body right anything that you havenrsquot worn in over a year or two anything that looks like itrsquos been worn or washed a thousand times

Next organize your closet according to the seasons and if you donrsquot have a big closet but have an extra closet then switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change Move all your summer stuff to the extra closet during the FallWinter and vice versa If your closet is big enough to hold all seasons then at least make sure the summer stuff is moved toward the back or the side and pull the FallWinter to the forefront For example

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) CLOSET

I turned an extra bedroom into my closet so I separate my seasons by walls Two walls is my spring summer clothes and the other two walls is for my FallWinter When your closet is organized then itrsquos easier and quicker to get dressed You donrsquot have to dig thru summer dresses to find your cashmere coat

Once you have organized by season then organize by color and fabric and activity This will help you to know what you have and what you may still need If all your work clothes are together and organized by color then you can see you have 10 pairs of black pants 5 brown 2 grey and so on So as you shop and add to your wardrobe you can build upon what you have If you have great

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 15

bottoms then focus on getting more tops and accessories to compliment all the bottoms you have Also a common problem I find with clients is they own too much black Itrsquos nothing wrong with black but inject some color and life into your wardrobe If you own over 5 pairs of black bottoms then donrsquot buy anymore black bottoms

Also stop buying the same thing in different colors nothing is that cute Lol Mix up your style if you buy a ruffled top in blue you donrsquot have to buy it in red black and pink lol Buy a lace top in one color a peasant style top in another color a V-neck or scoop style There is so many options to choose from so try something new and donrsquot get stuck in a rut wearing the same thing over and over but in different colors

Next adding accessories can add a little extra to an ensemble a simple tee and jeans can be upgraded with a cuff and

a layered necklace So donrsquot forget it doesnrsquot always take a lot to add a pop and take your outfit to the next level Also invest in classic pieces such as pencils skirts trench coat blazers white button shirts a great handbag classic pumps etc Trends come and go you should be aware of trends but not slaves to them So only wear trends that work for your body and what you personally like But be open to stretch yourself and try something new just to see if you like it

Last tip Irsquom leave you with is to buy pieces that you can wear multiple ways and places I only buy pieces I can wear at least three different ways if not more unless itrsquos a special occasion then thatrsquos different but for everyday wear you want to make sure you are buying a piece that works with something you already own or that can be worn multiple ways For example if you have a mod or A-line dress you can wear it with a belt one day

and pumps next time with tights and some ankle boots Or with a blazer and boots and also wear it just by itself out of that one dress you now have 4 different ways to wear it and look different each time

Another tip is taking outfits from day to night its really simple thing that can take a day outfit to night outfit An example of taking an outfit from day to night or causal to dressy take a pair of jeans and a simple white tee and flats Add a blazer stilettos and accessories with a great handbag and you have now just upgraded your outfit Hope all these tips and examples help as we go into this new season and if you want more personalized information and tips for you I can be contacted at loveeloveefashioncom

n Evonya Easley

CEO Love E404-908-7997

wwwloveefashioncom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ16

community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 14: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ14

As we transition into a new season itrsquos time to get our closets and wardrobes right for fall To do that need to start with cleaning

and organizing your closet A good wardrobe like a house starts with a good foundation And the foundation is your closet if your closet is not organized itrsquos a lot harder to have a good wardrobe and express personal style

Itrsquos important to dress how you want to be perceived and received So tips to get your closet right so you can move on to the fun part of getting dressed First you need to purge purge and more purge for the people that like to hold on to everything Everything in your closet

should be something you are currently wearing or will wear in the near future Get rid of anything that doesnrsquot fit your body right anything that you havenrsquot worn in over a year or two anything that looks like itrsquos been worn or washed a thousand times

Next organize your closet according to the seasons and if you donrsquot have a big closet but have an extra closet then switch out your wardrobe as the seasons change Move all your summer stuff to the extra closet during the FallWinter and vice versa If your closet is big enough to hold all seasons then at least make sure the summer stuff is moved toward the back or the side and pull the FallWinter to the forefront For example

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) CLOSET

I turned an extra bedroom into my closet so I separate my seasons by walls Two walls is my spring summer clothes and the other two walls is for my FallWinter When your closet is organized then itrsquos easier and quicker to get dressed You donrsquot have to dig thru summer dresses to find your cashmere coat

Once you have organized by season then organize by color and fabric and activity This will help you to know what you have and what you may still need If all your work clothes are together and organized by color then you can see you have 10 pairs of black pants 5 brown 2 grey and so on So as you shop and add to your wardrobe you can build upon what you have If you have great

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 15

bottoms then focus on getting more tops and accessories to compliment all the bottoms you have Also a common problem I find with clients is they own too much black Itrsquos nothing wrong with black but inject some color and life into your wardrobe If you own over 5 pairs of black bottoms then donrsquot buy anymore black bottoms

Also stop buying the same thing in different colors nothing is that cute Lol Mix up your style if you buy a ruffled top in blue you donrsquot have to buy it in red black and pink lol Buy a lace top in one color a peasant style top in another color a V-neck or scoop style There is so many options to choose from so try something new and donrsquot get stuck in a rut wearing the same thing over and over but in different colors

Next adding accessories can add a little extra to an ensemble a simple tee and jeans can be upgraded with a cuff and

a layered necklace So donrsquot forget it doesnrsquot always take a lot to add a pop and take your outfit to the next level Also invest in classic pieces such as pencils skirts trench coat blazers white button shirts a great handbag classic pumps etc Trends come and go you should be aware of trends but not slaves to them So only wear trends that work for your body and what you personally like But be open to stretch yourself and try something new just to see if you like it

Last tip Irsquom leave you with is to buy pieces that you can wear multiple ways and places I only buy pieces I can wear at least three different ways if not more unless itrsquos a special occasion then thatrsquos different but for everyday wear you want to make sure you are buying a piece that works with something you already own or that can be worn multiple ways For example if you have a mod or A-line dress you can wear it with a belt one day

and pumps next time with tights and some ankle boots Or with a blazer and boots and also wear it just by itself out of that one dress you now have 4 different ways to wear it and look different each time

Another tip is taking outfits from day to night its really simple thing that can take a day outfit to night outfit An example of taking an outfit from day to night or causal to dressy take a pair of jeans and a simple white tee and flats Add a blazer stilettos and accessories with a great handbag and you have now just upgraded your outfit Hope all these tips and examples help as we go into this new season and if you want more personalized information and tips for you I can be contacted at loveeloveefashioncom

n Evonya Easley

CEO Love E404-908-7997

wwwloveefashioncom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ16

community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 15: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ 15

bottoms then focus on getting more tops and accessories to compliment all the bottoms you have Also a common problem I find with clients is they own too much black Itrsquos nothing wrong with black but inject some color and life into your wardrobe If you own over 5 pairs of black bottoms then donrsquot buy anymore black bottoms

Also stop buying the same thing in different colors nothing is that cute Lol Mix up your style if you buy a ruffled top in blue you donrsquot have to buy it in red black and pink lol Buy a lace top in one color a peasant style top in another color a V-neck or scoop style There is so many options to choose from so try something new and donrsquot get stuck in a rut wearing the same thing over and over but in different colors

Next adding accessories can add a little extra to an ensemble a simple tee and jeans can be upgraded with a cuff and

a layered necklace So donrsquot forget it doesnrsquot always take a lot to add a pop and take your outfit to the next level Also invest in classic pieces such as pencils skirts trench coat blazers white button shirts a great handbag classic pumps etc Trends come and go you should be aware of trends but not slaves to them So only wear trends that work for your body and what you personally like But be open to stretch yourself and try something new just to see if you like it

Last tip Irsquom leave you with is to buy pieces that you can wear multiple ways and places I only buy pieces I can wear at least three different ways if not more unless itrsquos a special occasion then thatrsquos different but for everyday wear you want to make sure you are buying a piece that works with something you already own or that can be worn multiple ways For example if you have a mod or A-line dress you can wear it with a belt one day

and pumps next time with tights and some ankle boots Or with a blazer and boots and also wear it just by itself out of that one dress you now have 4 different ways to wear it and look different each time

Another tip is taking outfits from day to night its really simple thing that can take a day outfit to night outfit An example of taking an outfit from day to night or causal to dressy take a pair of jeans and a simple white tee and flats Add a blazer stilettos and accessories with a great handbag and you have now just upgraded your outfit Hope all these tips and examples help as we go into this new season and if you want more personalized information and tips for you I can be contacted at loveeloveefashioncom

n Evonya Easley

CEO Love E404-908-7997

wwwloveefashioncom

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ16

community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 16: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ16

community SPOTLIGHT

Patrice Johnson is a woman small in stature yet big atheart She realized one day the weight of single parenting and decided to reorganize all she

carried in hopes of providing a lighter load for other single mothers Building from the

CLASSY CHRONICLES

concept ldquoit takes a village to raise a childrdquo Patrice developed Inspired MOM She seeks to spread inspiration appreciation and guidance to mothers through the use of social events and activities

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of attending one of her events She planned and organized a grandparentrsquos breakfast in hopes of showing appreciation for the many contributions they sow intoour childrenrsquos lives daily Walking throughthe door I immediately felt the positive vibe circulating throughout the atmosphere The scrumptious smell of made to order omelets sausages homemade waffles tuna melts grits eggsfruit and much more offered the perfect feel of grandmarsquos house However grandma wasnrsquot cooking it was one of her sponsors Chef Tariq Jibri of Cuisine De La

Soul (httpcuisinedelasoulcom) Watching from across the room they were both enjoying giving back to such a well-deserved cause as much as the honored guests The room was filled to capacity with bright eyes and beautiful smiles Grandparents were sitting and mingling amongst their love ones bragging and showing off all the goodness of their families Patricersquos daughter walked from table to table ensuring not one smile faded and that each individual young or old felt comfortable Her daughterrsquos genuine and caring persona spoke volumes about the character of Patrice Itrsquos been said ldquoyou can tell a lot about a tree by the fruit it bearsrdquo Well from the looks of things Patrice is a woman of strength compassion and love She never once frowned and with grace she provided

Ms patrice johnson

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 17: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ 17

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 18: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ18

the touch needed to make this event extra special

The grandparentrsquos breakfast wasnrsquot her first event and as informed it certainly will not be her last She hosts events quite frequently throughout the Metro Atlanta area to show appreciation as well as convey to other parents that they are not alone With a purposeful heart she has impacted individuals she may never know all just to make the lives of others better She gets it inorder to change the world the focus must unselfishly be shifted from personal gain and linked to the needs of others Itrsquos hard to provide help with your hands in your pocket Despite the obvious desire to remain out of the spotlight Patrice is our community spotlight of the week

Listed below are few facts to introduce Ms Patrice Johnson and her amazing organization Inspired MOM

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM INSPIRED MOMbull Moms that need encouragement guidance and uplifting on their parenting journeybull Moms that need the relief of ldquome timerdquo and a break from their everyday responsibilitiesbull Moms on their own mission with their own goals for themselves and their families

HOW WE FULFILL OUR MISSIONbull Inspiration- we use our social media outlets and blogs to reach out to our MOMSbull Events- Our momrsquos night out playdates and parenting workshopsbull Financial support- Free events

occasional financial assistance and guidance

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR EVENTS Our signature Moms Night Out events are held once a month We frequently host events that show appreciation to Parents and Grandparents Our family events are hosted to bridge gaps in families practice tradition and create life-long memories

IS MOMrsquoS NIGHT OUT JUST A PARTY No These are events hosted to recharge and connect moms our sponsors are businesses that support and believe in our mission to help build and strengthen moms of our community

HOW IS INSPIRED MOM SUPPORTED FINANCIALLY We are supported through our fundraising efforts and generous donations from our moms and partners

HOW CAN I HELP Through donations and helping to SPREAD the word

WHAT DO I GAIN FROM SPONSORING AN EVENT Partners like you help us provide support to those who need it most By sponsoring a parent you are telling them that their lives matter their hurt does count and that you do care Sponsoring an event materials or gift bags also increase exposure in the community

WHEN WILL THE CONFERENCE CALLS START BACK

Conferences calls will start back in fall 2015

WHAT IS THE VISION FOR INSPIRED MOM This is truly Godrsquos plan for moms I am just here to orchestrate his plan There are so many things ahead and developing day by day

IS THIS ORGANIZATION JUST FOR SINGLE MOMS No This organization is to help and support Moms that need inspiration and support

IS THIS A FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION NO Although we believe in God our mission is to support moms and their dedication to their families Patrice Johnson realized her strength by acknowledging her weakness She in turn took the necessary steps to ensure other mothers didnrsquot have to feel alone on their venture to raise our best contributions to society and future our children Inspired MOM isnrsquot an organization focused on the weaknesses surrounding us but rather the strengths hidden under hardships and commitment to others Inspired MOM caters to reaching the best you by helping the best self From grandparents to moms fathers other relatives community leaders and more Inspired MOM finds a way to say THANK YOU She understands that life is a lot easier when yoursquore holding hands with someone else

n Kimmie Lampkin

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 19: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ 19wwwcls-reddressorg

TICKET SALES BEGINOCTOBER 5TH

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 20: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ20

Bad credit is a bit like losing weight it will take time and there is no quick way to fix a credit score The best advice for rebuilding your credit is to manage it responsibly over time

Check Your Credit ReportRepairing your credit score begins with your credit report If you havenrsquot already request a free copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies

Check to make sure that there are no late payments incorrectly listed for any of your accounts and that the amounts owed for each of your open accounts is correct If you find errors on any of your reports dispute them with the credit bureau

Setup Payment RemindersMaking your credit payments on time is one of the biggest contributing factors to your credit scores

You could also consider enrolling in automatic payments through your credit card and loan providers to have payments automatically debited from your bank account but this only makes the minimum payment on your credit cards and does not help instill a sense of money management

Reduce the Amount of Debt You OweThe first thing you need to do is stop using your credit cards Use your credit report to make a list of all of your accounts and then go online or check recent statements to determine how much you owe on each account and what interest rate they are charging you Come up with a payment plan that puts most of your available budget for debt payments towards the highest interest cards first

while maintaining minimum payments on your other accounts

Payment History TipsContributing 35 to a FICO Score calculation this category has the greatest effect on improving your scores but past problems like missed or late payments are not easily fixed

Pay your bills on timeDelinquent payments even if only a few days late and collections can have a major negative impact on your FICO Scores

If you have missed payments get current and stay currentThe longer you pay your bills on time after being late the more your FICO Scores should increase Older credit problems count for less so poor credit performance wonrsquot haunt you foreverbull Be aware that paying off a collection account will not removeit from your credit reportIt will stay on your report for seven years

Amounts Owed TipsThis category contributes 30 to a FICO Scorersquos calculation and can be easier to clean up than payment history but

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) WEALTH

that requires financial discipline and understanding the tips belowbull Keep balances low on credit cards and other ldquorevolving creditrdquo High outstanding debt can affect a credit scorebull Pay off debt rather than moving it around The most effective way to improve your credit scores in this area is by paying down your revolving (credit cards) debt In fact owing the same amount but having fewer open accounts may lower your scoresbull Donrsquot open a number of new credit cards that you donrsquot need just to increase your available credit This approach could backfire and actually lower your credit scoresTypes of Credit Use Tipsbull Apply for and open new credit

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 21: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ 21

accounts only as needed Donrsquot open accounts just to have a better credit mix ndash it probably wonrsquot raise your credit scorebull Have credit cards ndash but manage them responsibly In general having credit cards and installment loans (and paying timely payments) will rebuild your credit scores Someone with no credit cards for example tends to be higher risk than someone who has managed credit cards responsiblybull Note that closing an account doesnrsquot make it go away A closed account will still show up on your credit report and may be considered by a score

First tell the credit bureau what information you believe is inaccurateThe credit bureau must investigate the

item(s) in question ndash usually within 30 days ndash unless they consider your dispute frivolous Include copies (NOT originals) of documents that support your position In addition to providing your complete name and address your letter shouldbull Clearly identify each item in your report you disputebull State the facts and explain why you dispute the informationbull Request deletion or correction

Second write to the appropriate creditor or other information provider explaining that you are disputing the information provided to the bureauAgain include copies of documents that support your position Many providers specify an address for disputes If theprovider again reports the same

information to a bureau it must include a notice of your dispute Request that the provider copy you on correspondence they send to the bureau Expect this process to take between 30 and 90 days

n Azizi CowinsOwner LZTB Studios amp Sexersquo Skins Lingerie

sexeskinsgmailcomBad

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 22: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ22

Having information and knowledge is important if yoursquore planning on success in any area This lesson is taught to us early on in life So as adults pursuing careers family and a fit lifestyle the same rules should apply

But somewhere along the line most solely place energy into family and career path leaving health and wellness at the bottom of the list Not realizing or recognizing that without a healthy mental and physical well being commitment to home and work life will be jeopardized because we find ourselves just not physically fit enough over time to continue successfully in either due to health issues excessive weight gain or overwhelming stress

Women especially tend to take on too much and should learn to start putting themselves 1st I teach clients and students in my classes how change their way of thinking still providing the nurturing care and love for their families and commitment

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HEALTH

GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 23: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ 23

to work but by learning to place their health and wellbeing 1st theyrsquoll be in a better position to honor their responsibilities in other areas

My suggestions are simple and I have 2 mottos1 ldquoIf I can do it so can yourdquo2 ldquoKISMIFrdquo (ldquoKeep it simple make it funrdquo)

The way I conquered my health nutrition and weight loss battle I first organized my kitchen I cleared my cabinets of all junk food that would temp my cravings for bad eating habits

Once I cleared my cabinets I replaced all the processed amp canned food for fresh veggies fruits brown rice sweet potatoes lean meats etc

I then decided on a plan of action for exercise I knew it had to be something I could be consistent with according work home life etc So I joined local a Curves which allowed me to bring in my young son while I worked out

Once I had my exercise POA I was consistent I scheduled it like my job I knew it wouldnrsquot work unless I showed up The same for eating healthy unless the effort is placed into making the choice the results wonrsquot be gained

Lastly donrsquot overwhelm with too much information Every few months therersquos another news reel of a new way to lose 5lbs completely different from the last months report

RECAPbull Stick to the basics healthy carbs lean proteins fresh veggies (Use a Salad plate should have 4 oz meat 1-2 cups veggies frac14- frac12

cup complex carbs)bull Donrsquot eat fruit past 2-3 pm (donrsquot over indulge on fruit intake its still sugar)bull Eat 5-6 balanced meals a day (every 2-3 hours)bull Drink plenty of PLAIN water every day (half your BODY weight in ounces can add fresh lemon wedges fruit etc) bull Weight train 3 daysweek (higher reps low-med weight) and cardio 4-5 daysweek (30-45 min include interval training) bull REST (8-10 hours sleep per day) AND YOUrsquoLL REACH YOUR GOALS

By failing to prepare you are preparing to failrdquo Benjamin FranklinGet FIT 4 LIFE

n Tabatha ldquoGigirdquo Gatson-Washington (Fit MomGrandma Wife Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certified Personal Trainer Professional FigureFitness

Competitor)GET FIT4 LIFE

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 24: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ24 CLASSY CHRONICLES

Memberspot

shantina

Reece[ ]

Shantina Reece is a motivator an encourager and a true lover of

people She knows that her purpose in life is to help others seek out

their divine purpose Shantina is originally from Detroit Michigan

She moved to Los Angeles California when she was eight years old Shantina grew up in a single parent household as an only child She and her mother didnrsquot have an

LIVING HER DREAM AND LOVING IT

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 25: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ 25

easy life in Los Angeles but in spite of their trials and tribulations they made their life work Shantina pulled herself up by the boot straps and found purpose in her life With hard work a lot of focus and perseverance Shantina graduated from high school and was able to escape the tough streets of South Central LA She moved to lovely Atlanta Ga in 1993 where she attended Morris Brown College Shantina studied Information Technology but that area of study was not very fulfilling for her Thatrsquos when she decided to pursue her long felt passion for people Shantina started a support group organization called Dinner and Discussion She was able to delve deeper into her call to help others in need From this she birthed her first self published book titled Living Each Day On Purpose This book is a must read for those who truly believe that words can heal You can find her book at amazoncom For book inquiries visit ShantinaReecegmailcom

Being a woman with many interests Shantina took her love for natural hair on a journey to the YouTube community where shersquos been able to continue to help others embrace their natural hair She has now become a Natural Hair Care Vlogger You can find Shantina and loads of natural hair care information at SimplyDivineCurls ndash YouTubeShantina is embracing her life and embracing her dream

What led you to join Classy Living Society and how did you learn about the organization

I learned about CLS from LaShanda I saw her passion for people and I knew that I would want to align myself with someone who shared the same passion for others in the way that I do

Yoursquore the author of ldquoLiving Each Day On Purposerdquo What motivated you to write this book and do you plan to write another one

I wrote Living Each Day On Purpose during a very low point in my life I was going through a divorce on the verge of losing the home Irsquod been in for over ten years and had major emergency surgery that almost claimed my life I knew there had to be a purpose for all the things that were going on in my life So one day in the wee hours of the morning God woke me up and told me to start writing positive affirmations I started writing and

before I knew it words were flowing out of my heart on to the paper This turned into my bookhellipLiving Each Day On Purpose

What is your favorite quote and why

My favorite quote is one I wrotehelliprdquoStay focused and keep moving forward in a positive direction forsaking all negativity that tries to invade your atmosphererdquo I love this quote because itrsquos a daily reminder that a positive state of mind will take you a long way in life

Tell us about the creation of Simply Divine Curls

Simply Divine Curls was created because of my love for natural hair care and wanting to help others who are on the journey toward natural healthy hair So I created a YouTube channel because I wanted to reach the world and make a difference How did you become interested in the natural hair movement

I started getting involved with the natural hair movement because I truly believe that your natural hair is your most precious crown and glory Anything I can do to help others embrace their natural hair Irsquom going to do I believe that we all should embrace that natural beautiful you

Whatrsquos the biggest challenge yoursquove faced in your business so far and how did you overcome it

The biggest challenge in my business was reaching those who were in need of my services I overcame this by being consistent and resilient I also broadened my knowledge of the media and now I am on the upward path to success

What would people be surprised to know about you

People are always surprised when I tell them I was homeless for two years

Whatrsquos the most important thing yoursquove learned in the past five years

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 26: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ26

The most important thing I learned is that a positive attitude will get you further in life And that purpose is something we all come here withhellipyou just have to seek within to unlock what God has already placed in you Three words to best describe you arehellip

PassionatehellipPurposefulhellipPositive

Where do you see yourself in the next five years

In five years I see myself with another self published book over 500k subscribers on YouTube married to the love of my life travelling and of course financially stable

What do you do in your spare time

I have NO spare time All of my time is allocated to something or someone Even as I am writing this I am also editing another hair tutorial for my YouTube channel Whatrsquos the best career advice you can offer someone

The best career advice I can give is to know your worth and never be afraid of growth and change

What do you enjoy most about being part of Classy Living Society

I love the unity of like-minded women on a mission to change the world Oh yeahhellipand all the cool member events CLSROCKS

Shantina knows that Classy Living Society is the right fit for her because it goes with her brand of Living Each Day On Purpose CLS is allowing her to fulfill her passion and purpose of continuing to help and uplift others especially during the dark times in their lives She wants to encourage them and make sure they know that ldquothis too shall pass because we are more than conquerorsrdquo Shantina believes that we were born to be victorious on our journey to peace passion and purpose She plans to continue to grow with CLS and to be that foot soldier for the community She wants others to know that Classy Living Society is a place of like-minded motivated beautiful women who are ready to change the world one life at a time

n Avis Pitts

Positive Purposeful Positive

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 27: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ 27wwwcls-volunteerorgadvertisec2203YOUR AD HERE

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 28: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ28

( M A K E O V E R Y O U R ) HOME

Living the life of luxury like a queen in a modern space lighter hues and gold tones with a twist of Hollywood glam to set the mood Specializing in Luxury Interior design with a luxury home deacutecor brand for the everyday lover of fine arts EST 2001 THE FIRM was founded in New York City by Entrepreneur and creative genius LaToya S Parker a native of New York with the desire to turn her passion for the love of ldquoTHE ART OF LIFESTYLESrdquo into a household brand of the future OPULENT AMBIANCE INTERIORS DESIGN FIRM LLC

CONQUERING SMALLER SPACESJust because you have a quint living space doesnrsquot mean that you canrsquot live a fabulous lifestyle of luxury Choosing a sofa with clean lines in a light color while keeping other

CLASSY CHRONICLES

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 29: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ 29CLASSY CHRONICLES

CLS Pop-Up Fundraising BoutiqueOctober 17 2015

Red Dress Gala November 8 2015

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)1st Quarter 2016

CGA Award Ceremony1st Quarter 2016

Classy Fundraising Brunch2nd Quarter 2016

Quarterly Member Mixer (Member Only)2nd Quarter 2016

UPCOMING EVENTS

As we work diligently to make a difference in the lives of others within the Atlanta Georgia area we are asking to find it in your hearts to donate to the movement CLSrsquos continues to push forward in an effort to help those within our communities which are less fortunate and are in need of a helping hand Your donations will allow for our ldquoFoot Soldiersrdquo to give back to others who otherwise would be neglected By partnering with CLS and making a donation you are taking a stand and helping to make a difference Go ahead make a difference today and let your actions speak volumes and please remember that no donation is too small

Donate Now

THE CLASSY LIVING SOCIETY NEEDS YOUR HELPfurnishings at a minimum are the keys to conquering a smaller space A classic

color scheme exudes elegance and opulence in the space This is the perfect look for a small living room ndashclean uncluttered with neutral gold tones and transitional furnishings Its Hollywood glam style appears to be fun chic and still leaves the room with an eclectic feel of opulence

INSPIRING LUXURY HOME DEacuteCORDesigning your space with the proper accessories can be intimidating What makes a space stand out Finding inspiring home deacutecor can be overwhelming at first Artwork textiles even a pair of shoes or three piece suit can all be examples of inspiration when designing your space Royal embroidered wallpapers paired with fun sofa pillows and Hollywood lighting sets the tone for a opulent lifestyle

n LaToya S Parkerwwwopulentambiancehomedecorcom

DES7GNMGZ30

Page 30: Classy Chronicles, October 2015, Issue 6

DES7GNMGZ30