bourgeoisie magazine july/august

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ju ly Volume 3 | 2014

CONTENTS

Bourgeoisie Magazine is published five times a year by The Virtual Life, Inc. P.O. Box 7482, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338-7482 Phone 760-239-6635. This publication may not be reproduced with out written permission from the publisher. Bourgeoisie Magazine assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material; including return postage for an material to be returned . Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily

48 REMBER ING MAYA ANGELOU

20 Your ch ic i s showING WHY PLUS SIZE FASHION MATTERS

34 A L LUS IONS BY A L EKAY

14 “Belle” AMMA ASANTE

Visit www.bourgeoisiemag.com JULY/AUGUST 2014 | 5

50 Banana republ ic SUMMER/SPRING L INE

12

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In Every Issue

STYLE

Hair & Beauty

Health

Books & Culture


Get

ty I

mage

F O U N D E R E D I TO R I N C H I E F

M A R C H E T M C W H I T E

E D I TO R I N C H I E F

C A M I L O L A Y N E

E X E C U T I V E D I R E C TO R E M I LY G A R R A H A N

C R E A T I V E D I R E C TO R A L O M A N I M U G E O RG E

FA S H I O N C O N S U LTA N T E R I K A M C DA N I E L

W R I T E R S H E L E N P H I L L I P S

W R I T E R S M A RT I N DAV I S

W R I T E R S S U R I K I N G

W R I T E R S A N G E L I N A P E R E Z

W R I T E R S N E I L G O L D M A N

G R A P H I C D E S I G N E R / W E B D E S I G N E R

RO S S J O H N S O N

G R A P H I C D E S I G N E R T R E VO R P RYC E

G R A P H I C D E S I G N E R C H R I S T I N A N G U Y E N

G R A P H I C D E S I G N E R J UA N Z E N S E N

P H OTO G R A P H E R DAV I D L E E

S O C I A L M E D I A V I V I A N E PA R K S

www.sfbgma g.com

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @SFBGMAG

White Before + After Labor Day

We’re not sure who decided you can’t wear white after Labor Day, but it’s obvious they didn’t know what they were talking about! You can look white hot in these three outfits, no matter what the date on the calendar says! Whether you

headed out for a night on the town, a swanky cocktail affair, or a relaxing beach day these looks will keep you feeling cool and looking chic.

For details about the items pictured visit: http://yourchicisshowing.com

Styled By Erika from Your Chic is Showing

www.yourchicisshowing.com

12 | JULY/AUGUST 2014 Visit www.bourgeoisiemag.com

http://yourchicisshowing.polyvore.com

The BFI had recommended Asante to Jones. “They knew I was obsessed with the woman's experience in the 18th century and people of color in European History,” said Asante, who is the first generation British daughter of Ghanaian immigrants. “We don't very often see people of color displayed in art this way in 18th Century England. I was eager to put out a film about a woman of color where she is front and center and leading,” she added. Asante also believes that it is important that she is front and center in order to inspire other female directors of color. “My presence and Ava Duvernay's (Winner of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival's Best Director Award) pres-

ence is more powerful than anything any of us can say,” she said. Belle has received great reviews and is currently screening in theaters across the country. As far as future projects, Asante has already been hired by Warner Bros to direct their upcoming thriller, “Unforgettable.” That first film proved to her and others that a woman, in fact a woman of col-or, could actually successfully be at the helm of a production. “A Way of Life” was screened in film festivals across the world including the Miami International Film Festival where it received the award for Best Dramatic Feature in World Cinema. The film and Asante went on to win several

other awards from film festivals such as the San Sebastian Festival in Spain to Argentina as well as the several BAFTA (British Film Academy) Awards. “Writing is my heart. Writing is my soul. I had so many stories inside of me. My endeavor was to see my charac-ters through to fruition,” she said. But her next major project was not based on the fictional characters she created in her imagination. This next story was about a real human being who was almost lost to his-tory. The story of Dido Elizabeth Belle. Dido Elizabeth Belle (played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw) was a mixed raced illegitimate daughter of Admiral Sir John Lindsay who leaves Belle with his Aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife (Emily Watson) when he returns to sea. The story centers on Belle's mixed race status that affords her certain privileg-es, yet prevents her from the traditions of noble social standing. By Yvonne McCormick Lyons Film Fest Diva President /Founder of Women’s International Film Festival www.filmfestdiva.com

A Amma Asante grew up as a child actress in London ap-pearing in several series for the BBC (British Broadcast-ing Corporation). Acting, writing and being involved in the creative arts was always in her vision, but actually directing a full scale feature film? Never. Or so she thought, until she was “shopping” “A Way of Life,” a film she had written about a teenage mother living in a dilapidated flat in London. She was looking for fund-ing and a production team to help bring her words on pa-per to the big screen. After several failed attempts, she approached the British Film Institute which suggested that Asante actually direct the film herself. Although she had spent years in the television industry acting and writing and developing pro-jects, it never occurred to Asante that she could take the lead as a director. “Directors were all male. They were all White and all middle aged. It never came into my head that I could do this,” said Asante. But after further consideration, she realized that she had to do it. “Oh my God! This is mine,” she thought. “This makes sense.” “I wanted Belle to be a big, beautiful, lush costume drama. I wanted viewers to think “POW! This is who Gugu is as an actor. This is who I am as director. This is who Dido was as part of histo-ry.” I would not have done any of us justice, if I had put this together in a small film,” said Asante. At $10 million dollars, Belle isn't con-sidered a huge budget film by Hollywood standards, par-ticularly a period piece such as this. Pride and Prejudice (the movie based on Jane Austen's novel) was made for $25 million and Les Miserables was made for $61 million. Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette was made for $40 mil-lion. Regardless of the budget, Asante contends that as a director and especially a female director it is important that her work is strong and of great quality. “As female directors we can't just do well, we have to be twice or thrice as good as our male peers to be acknowl-edged,” she said. The story of Belle was brought to Asante by British, award winning producer Damian Jones who was looking for a director for his project. He had discovered Belle while attending an exhibition at Kenwood House in Lon-don where the now famous 1779 painting of Belle and her “sister” was on display. He was astonished at how the painting featured both a black and white women promi-nently, which was highly unusual for that period in time. As he continued his research, a wonderful story emanated of how the girls were both adopted, were both “sisters” and became a fascinating exploration of Belle's journey of discovery and self identity.


www.pledgenorip.com

The 60’s are Back!

It seems that several designers got together, realized just how cool the 60’s

were (for several reasons), and then created collections filled with mini skirts,

knee-high boots, and accessories that are a throwback to years past. Though

some patterns and fabrics pay homage to decades gone by several designers

created a 60’s mod silhouette using decidedly modern fabrics and colors.

Dresses Over Pants

This sounds completely odd until you see it and realize it totally works! Runways

were filled with dresses worn over tailored pants. Everything from slim-cut styles

to flirty, flouncy skirts to voluminous, more structured styles were seen over

pants on the F/W 2014/2015 runways.

Cowboy Chic

Bet you never thought you’d hear those two words together! But, a modern

twist on the wild, wild west was rampant on this year’s runways. Chic, black

cowboy hats, long vests, and sleek riding boots took this look from campy to

next level cool.

Sneakers

All the ladies who hate heels can rejoice! Sneakers are in! Yep, you heard

right, this flat footwear was all the rage on the F/W runways. These aren’t your

grandpa’s sneakers. They’re bright, colorful, edgy, and fashion forward.

Knits, Knits, Everywhere

It’s possible that designers were inspired by the especially brutal winter

experience throughout the US because knitwear was everywhere on the

runway. Oversized sweaters, cowl-neck pieces, knit skirts, cardigans, and even

scarves were all the rage on the runway. And that’s great – at least we can all

look our best during the next polar vortex.

For details about the items pictured visit: http://yourchicisshowing.polyvore.com.


http://yourchicisshowing.polyvore.com

"Why Plus

Size Fashion

Matters" By Erika McDaniel

s the founder of a fashion and

style blog I am very careful to

make sure that what we cover

meets the needs of women (and men)

of all shapes and sizes. Though I’m a

curvy (plus-size, full-figured, whatever)

fashionista myself, I always want to

share information that benefits ALL of

my readers, not just women of a

particular shape or size. That’s why it is

always particularly disappointing to

hear stories like the one Melissa

McCarthy shared about her

experience trying to find a dress for

the Oscars two years ago. Here is an

incredibly talented, funny, smart, and

gifted actress who was the toast of the

town and she could not find one – not

one – designer who was interested in

dressing her for Hollywood’s biggest

night.

Not one? Really?

McCarthy’s decision to take matters

into her own hands and create a

plus-size fashion line really drove home

the point that plus-size fashion

matters. We’ve all heard the statistic

that the average American woman is

a size 12. Heck, it might even be a 14

or 16 at this point! Who knows?! That

means that there are more women

who look like Melissa than who look

like models on the runway and it is

time that fashion starts to reflect that

fact. It is high time that designers

caught up with the rest of us and

started to design fashion forward,

relevant, current clothing for woman

of all shapes and sizes. Full figured

women have plenty of money to

spend and are willing to spend it on

quality, trendy, fashionable clothing.

A

As a fashion blogger it would be easy for me

to rant about all of the designers who simply

refuse to make fashion for a plus-size

audience, who make mediocre fashion for a

plus-size audience, or who price themselves

out of reach for the average plus-size

shopper. However, there are several promising

signs that point to a changing of the guard.

Major Retailers are Wising Up

In the past, the dreaded “Women’s” section of

a department store or major retailer was a

small, disheveled section in the back filled with

elastic waistband pants, mu-mus, and

shapeless tops in horrible patterns (I’m sorry –

giant daisies will just never be cute, or age

appropriate, in my opinion). Now days, major

brands have expanded their sizing (often up to

size 20 or higher), increasing the variety and

selection of clothing offered to plus-sized

consumers, and even opening up separate

women’s stores catering exclusively to full

figured women. None of these ideas are new

or groundbreaking, but it is nice to see more

and more large retailers catching on.

Established Designers are Paying Attention

Let’s be honest with ourselves - the most

exclusive, high-end designers have always

catered to plus-size women. Do not kid your-

selves. The women could afford to buy this

clothing – ladies who lunch, for example – do

not look like runway models either. It used to

be a very hush hush situation where these

customers would be whisked away to private

areas of upscale retailers like Saks or Barneys to

try on clothing. But now, we’re seeing more

and more established and high-end designers

create plus-size pieces or even full collec-

tions. While some still pedal modern day

versions of the mu-mu, many, like Calvin Klein,

are taking their straight size clothing and

collections and modifying it for a fuller figured

woman. That means the same patterns,

materials, and structure of straight sized pieces

cut to be more flattering on a plus-size

customer.


Design Students are on the Mark

The most promising sign that times are changing is the fact new, up-and-coming designers are

taking notice of the lack of fashionable options for the plus-size market and creating collections to fill

the void. Veronica Miller, a recent graduate of the Drexel University Antoinette Westphal College of

Media Arts and Design, presented her graduate collection which “explores the graphic elements of

calligraphy – sweeping curvilinear lines, bold, structural strokes, and the contrast between black

calligraphic ink and antiqued parchment paper – [and was designed to serve] the rapidly growing

contemporary plus-size market.” Students like Miller are using concepts typically rendered in straight

sized clothing, like structure, and integrating them into looks designed for full figured silhouettes.

We Still Need More Options

The growing, fashion savvy plus-size market continues to need more fashionable options to meet

their needs. McCarthy’s collection is a solid start but more and more designers need to embrace this

market. Additionally, young designers should continue to be mentored and groomed to design

fashion-forward plus size clothing. Progress may be slow; however, steps in the right direction are a

positive sign that the full figured voice is finally starting to be heard.


It is often said that style can’t be taught. You’re either born with it or you’re not. This, however, is just not the

case. Your style is simply a way to silently communicate who you are to the world; and, just as with verbal

communication, some people are better at communicating than others. Style can absolutely be learned and

grown into. The problem for most people is that style takes work. Style takes time. It takes research. It takes

patience. It takes attention to details. And, most importantly, style takes practice.

The steps below will help you uncover your signature style and bring you one step closer to clearly

communicating to the world exactly who you are through your clothing.

Step One: Decide What You Want to Communicate with Your Style

The first step in determining your signature style is to decide WHAT you are trying to communicate with your

signature style. For example, an artist may want to communicate that they are “creative, free-spirited, or

worldly.” A full-blown, three-piece business suit probably won’t cut it. And someone in Corporate America

probably wouldn’t wear jeans and a crop top to communicate “capable, diligent, and serious.”

Beyond what your clothing communicates on a daily basis, you’ll want to consider what your overall wardrobe

communicates. Are you classy and fabulous, elegant and timeless, edgy and mysterious, lady-like and de-

mure, sweet but tough, creative and eclectic, trendy and clean-cut? You get the idea. Your wardrobe and

signature style are all about expressing exactly who you are through the clothes that you wear. Determining

what you want to accomplish is setting a frame of reference and giving you a style starting point.

Your work: Write down all of the words that describe who you are and who you want to be. Then, pick the best

3-5 words from that list that you want your style to project. Your signature style will be based on those key

words.

Step Two: Study Your Icons

The next step in discovering your signature style is to study famous icons whose style is similar to your own. You’ll

want to evaluate them for ideas about looks you like or want to mimic. If, for example, you want to

communicate “classy and elegant” then you may study style icons like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Audrey

and Katherine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Iman, or Kate Middleton. When you evaluate their wardrobes you’ll

notice that the women tend to look “effortlessly chic” and that, generally speaking, their wardrobes are filled

with well-tailored clothes, simple patterns, and elegant lines. Key pieces in their wardrobes include black

turtlenecks, cigarette/slim-fit pants, oversized sunglasses, pearl necklaces, fitted trench coats, black stilettos,

printed scarves, and monochromatic clothing.

The key pieces your style icons have in common will give you an excellent starting point for your own

wardrobe.

Your work: Take the time to decide who your style icons are and evaluate photos of them. Look at professional

photos, red carpet looks, paparazzi candid photos, and even scour their Instagram accounts to understand

what their style I and why it works. Create a style board on Pinterest, a photo collage, or a favorites folder on

your internet browser to save your favorite looks.

Step Three: Know Your Body and Play Dress Up

If you’ve taken the time to complete steps one and two then you are bound to find gaps in your wardrobe

that need to be filled. In order to shop for the best clothing and accessories, it means you’re going to have to

get up and go try some things on! Plenty of people hate shopping, buy but don’t try, or shop online. While this

is a good strategy when you are very familiar with a particular brand or designer, it is not recommended in this

exercise. If you truly understand your body shape then you’ll be able to avoid unflattering clothing in the store

and escape with your dignity intact and a few fabulous pieces to boot!

Before you try a single thing on, you must understand your body type. Are you tall? Short? Long legs or long

torso? Naturally high waisted or low waisted? Pear shaped? Apple shaped? Stick thin? Curvy? Busty? Hippy?

Do you have great legs? Fabulous arms? A great, long elegant neck? This exercise is not an excuse to pick

apart all the things you don’t like about yourself. It is a chance to truly understand your body type so that you

can apply style and clothes that truly fit you.


Your work: Channel your inner eight-year-old and play

dress up. DO NOT go on a shopping spree (unless it is in

your budget to do so). DO go to a few stores and try on

key elements from your style icons - even if the clothes

make you uncomfortable at first. See how they look. See

how you feel. What was a success? A disaster? Why? You

should also try the clothes in your closet on in a new way.

If you only wear blazers with dress pants but your icon is

Gwyneth Paltrow, you might want to try that blazer with

some skinny jeans. The only way you will know what does

and does not work on your body is to try it on!

Step Four: Accessorize

Accessories are a simple, easy way to upgrade any outfit.

Think Jackie O and her pearls, pillbox and oversized

sunglasses. Nicole Richie and her indie headbands and

bangles. Or Lady Gaga and her wild headpieces. The

right accessory can make the simplest of outfits look funky,

fun, elegant or classy. As with any activity that requires

skill, perfect practice makes perfect. So we’re jumping

right into your assignment with this one.

Your work: Put together a signature style outfit and

accessorize it. Snap a picture. Remove the accessories.

Then accessorize the same outfit in a different way.

Repeat.

Much like understanding your body type, the only way

you can know which accessories work with an outfit is to

try it all on. And, the great thing about accessories is that

you have so many to choose from – earrings, necklaces,

bracelets, rings, belts, hats, scarves, glasses, sunglasses, headbands, flowers, gloves, ties, handbags, shoes, etc.

You’ve got so many to choose from!

Step Five: Think Outside of the Box

You’ve spent a lot of time focusing on exactly what you want your style to say and how you want to say it.

You’ve given thought to what kind of person you want your style to portray and what kind of message you want

to give. You’ve considered fit, proportion and key pieces that make-up your signature style statement. Now,

take a step back from that box and find a few pieces that don’t fit your signature style at all. It sounds com-

pletely counterintuitive. But, it’s exactly what you should do.

If you wear the exact same clothes in the exact same style every day, you may find yourself in a style rut.

Sometimes, it’s good to shake things up a bit. This is not to suggest that if you’re Signature Style is Jackie O that

you turn into a Lady Gaga. But, perhaps if you’re more Jackie O, then you should channel a little Lady Gaga

and wear some oversized sunglasses (completely Jackie O) that are white, not black (a la Gaga).

Life would be incredibly boring if we wore the same all black (though chic) ensembles all the time. Thinking

outside the box does not have to be wild or crazy. It could just be dramatically different. Maybe a cute bob

would match your signature style more than the long layers you’re currently rocking. Dramatically different but

not particularly wild and crazy. Usually wear all black? Try all white and see what happens.

The bottom line is that in fashion we should take some calculated risks. Some of your best looks will be a

combination of your signature style and thinking outside the box.

Your work: Do something different! The worst thing that can happen is that it doesn’t work. However, therein lies

the beauty of fashion; you can always wake up and try again tomorrow.

Cultivating your signature style takes time and patience. The results are well worth the journey.


CinagrOrganic LLC owner, Giovan Lane, lends her proficiency as a research scientist to the cinagrOrganic brand, utilizing her expertise with over 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. At a young age she was surrounded by the hair industry by helping her mother as a hairdresser, where her passion of hair care took on a mind of its’ own. Not fully understanding the un-limited potential her Biology degree obtained from Virginia State University would have, adding to that her love of hair, Giovan realized after a devastating hair setback, that she would then uti-lize her research and development savvy in her own kitchen. For-mulating concoctions made from organic ingredients, she dedicat-ed her knowledge for the purpose of making her hair healthy to the success of the product line, which she is now sharing with the world, with the intent to help women and girls obtain healthy hair. With the ambition to educate ethnic women of the importance in maintaining natural beauty while protecting the environment, cinagrOrganic LLC was formed. By using organic herbs and oils, Giovan has formulated a product line that ensures high quality and greater efficacy through the use of naturally based ingredients. The purpose at cinagrOrganic is to utilize formulations that support certified organic, all-natural, and socially responsible ingredients. By sourcing great ingredients the environment is supported from production, to use by clients, and beyond.


Envy McKee

“Giovan is on the pulse of revolutionizing how women

grow, care for and beautify their natural gorgeous hair. “

Mwanamke Jordan

“ Let me just say I think your ShedArrest is the best new hair product I’ve tried in years! Kudos to you!”

Our Mission

To create simple, natural and healthy hair-care solutions, while advocating a healthy hair-care lifestyle

A product of Lakeland, Florida, a city that was

appropriately named as it roughly has 40

lakes, Altrichia “A. Lekay” Cook, has always

been surrounded by beautiful waters and

sunny weather. Hanging at the beach and

swimming pools were daily activities for the

Floridian, which appropriately made swimwear

a uniform. While as a youngster, shopping for

swimsuits was easy, quick and fun. A.Lekay,

the adult and new mom found hardships while

trying to fit her post-baby body.

Preparing for a vacation to San Juan, Puerto

Rico in March 2013, the frustration of not

finding a swimsuit masked her "abdominal

imperfections" from child bearing, and the

decision to not wear a monokini, led A.Lekay

to creating a suit that made her feel both sexy

and beach appropriate. At that moment,

Allusions by A.Lekay Highwaist Swimwear was

born.

Although A. Lekay High Waist Swimwear was

organically born, from true passion and

frustration, it's creation was not always the

plan for the designer. A. Lekay's vision for her

future was much like that of a swimsuit

contestant in a beauty pageant, to simply

change the world.

Armed with Master's Degree in Social Work

with concentration in Social Policy Administra-

tion, A. Lekay set out to do just that. She would

have never predicted that her contribution to

"change" would come in the form of fashion.

Embracing and developing a new found love

for assorted prints and patterns of tricot fabrics

has enabled her to just what she has always

aspired to do. Yet this form of change came

by way of helping women to gain confidence

and feel sexy thru her design. Yet A. Lekay is

excited and proud to have discretely found a

way to help women on each end of the

spectrum. Be it a new mom, a super model or

even the most fashionable women, A.Lekay’s

design concept allows all discover "luxury that

doesn't blend" and provides with women with

the assurance and security of feeling flawless

while enjoying any water encounter.

Within her first year of business, A.Lekay

travelled throughout the East Coast of the

U.S showcasing her designs in over 10 fashion

shows. Most notably, Allusions by A.Lekay was

invited to showcase in two of fashion industries

most prestigious entities; New York Fashion

Week in September 2013 and Miami Fashion

Week in May 2014. A.Lekay has been honored

with several awards including the “you Make a

Difference Everyday” Award presented by the

Polk County School Board Teen Parent

Program and been nominated for Black Girls

Rock Tampa Bay. Featured in an array of

media outlets such as new stations,

The Daytime TV Show, magazines, fashion

blogs, celebrity news mediums, and shipping

her brand intentionally, A.Lekay lives by a

personal quote “*there are infinite possibilities

to those who are determined.”*


Model: Jasmine DeVille

A.Lekay is ecstatic and eager to live our her childhood dreams of helping others while synonymously

maintaining her creativity and passion for fashion by "changing the world with one highwaistkini at a

time."

Celebrating the 1 Year Anniversary of Allusions by A.Lekay Swimwear, A.Lekay wanted to express her

excitement and gratefulness for a successful first year. With her expressions in mind, the Birthday Bliss

Collection was born! With a creative mix of fun, bright colorful drizzle, the release of this collection

was showcased at the Happy Birthday Allusions by A.Lekay Luxury BDay and Runway Splash on May

10, 2014 at the Treasure Island Yacht Club in Treasure Island, FL. This exclusive, limited edition collec-

tion is the epitome of birthday, sexy and “luxury that doesn’t blend in!” The Birthday Bliss Collection

was also showcased during Miami Fashion Week on May 16. 2014.

Swimwear: Allusions by A.Lekay www.allusionsbyalekay.com

Photo Credit: Frankie Benjamin www.sheepishnarco.com

Make-Up: Natalie Bellomy www.natalieaguirrebeauty.com

Allusions by A.Lekay

"Luxury that doesn't blend in"

www.allusionsbyalekay.com

Instagram: @allusionsbyalekay

Facebook: www.facebook.com/allusionsbyalekay

http://www.allusionsbyalekay.com/

http://www.sheepishnarco.com/

http://www.natalieaguirrebeauty.com/

http://www.allusionsbyalekay.com/

http://www.facebook.com/allusionsbyalekay

Model: Ziggy

Modelt: Bethany Valdez/Jasmine DeVille/Ziggy

Visit www.bourgeoisiemag.com to begin enjoying your FREE digital issue today!

Jennifer, a middle-aged single mother with one six-year-old daughter, has been skipping sweets for

a few weeks now. She’s also become a stickler for portion control. She feels as if she’s eating less

than ever, and she’s been diligently exercising for an hour at a time at least four days a week. Yet,

she hasn’t lost a single pound. The question is, “Why?”

This is a dilemma which affects dieters the world over. They think they are taking the steps

necessary to lose weight, but nothing seems to be happening. In essence, they are trapped in a di-

eting rut and they don’t know how to free themselves. As a result, they become frustrated and de-

pressed and may then engage in binge eating.

One of the problems with diets is that they are often standardized. As a result, they don’t take

into consideration your individual physiology and metabolism. They provide a cookie-cutter

approach to weight loss—an approach which may not work in your individual case. As a result, an

increasing number of people are turning to dieticians to formulate a person weight loss strategy for

them. This process has been made easier through the Internet, where you can correspond with a

dietician any time of the day or night via e-mail. The dietician can also act as your personal coach,

helping you through your dieting dilemmas.

Another reason that you may be failing at your diet is because of a lack of support. You may

have family members who can eat whatever they want and seemingly not gain a pound. As a

result, they may fill your refrigerator with junk food, leading you into temptation. Also, you may feel

as if you have no one to turn to in order to discuss your weight problems. In order to solve this

problem, many individuals look to psychotherapists to help them with their food-related issues. This

can be particularly important if an individual has turned to purging in an effort to combat their

weight problems. Bulimia is a serious disease which must be treated in order to ensure the good

health of the patient. Thankfully, there are a number of treatment programs throughout the U.S.

specifically focusing on bulimia.

Yet another reason for diet failure is hidden calories. You may literally be consuming calories

and not even realize it. For instance, the frappucinos that are so popular today are loaded with

calories—as many as 600 in a single serving! You may also be indulging in sugary sodas—another

source of extra calories. By taking a few simple steps, such as eliminating the exotic coffee drinks

from your diet and substituting skim milk for whole milk, you may be able to eliminate the hidden

calories that are denying you dieting success.

Lack of consistency can also be a diet-killer. You might go on a diet for a while, then quit

before you’ve made any measurable progress. It’s only natural to want to see quick results. The

problem is that healthy weight loss involves losing only a couple of pounds a week. That means

you’ll have to stay on your diet for months before you see appreciable weight loss. Discouraging? It

can be, but if you keep a positive attitude you can achieve your ideal weight.

You may also be more successful in your dieting if you consider it to be a lifestyle change.

Therefore, your diet becomes a meal plan for life. This means that you must change the way you

look at food. It is designed to be fuel for your body, and nothing more. As a result, you should not

turn to food to make you feel better or to provide you with a sense of comfort. A lifestyle change

implies commitment; it means that you are prepared to follow the plan for the long haul. If you feel

as if you cannot be on your diet for any appreciable length of time, perhaps it’s time to consider a

different diet. Your aim ultimately should be not simply to lose weight, but to become healthier. A

fad diet will not allow you to reach that milestone. Therefore, you must choose your diet carefully.

By A n g e l i n a P e r e z


By Camilo Layne

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MAYA

Angelou

“My mission in life is not merely to

survive, but to thrive; and to do so

with some passion, some

compassion, some humor,

and some style. “

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/mayaangelo634520.html





aya Angelou knew what it took to be exceptional and to do top-tier work whenever she undertook a project. This must have made it easier for her to pen the poem which Oprah Winfrey described as “life defining.” The poem “Phenomenal Woman” may have not been what some of Angelou's early experiences seemed to suggest. She was shuffled back and forth be-tween family members for a while, and then raped by a family friend named Mr. Freeman. Freeman was killed soon after the young Maya told what had happened to her.


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Visit www.bourgeoisiemag.com APRIL/MAY 2014 | 45

She was silent for a span of five years thereafter, reasoning that words had the power to cause a man's death. She details this trauma in her phenomenally successful memoir, “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings.” This memoir was written before memoirs were even popular. In the book, her gift with words were evident. For instance she described the gap between her two front teeth as big enough to fit a number two pencil. Interestingly enough, it was words that framed her existence, as she went on to write numerous other memoirs, poetic works, novels, collections, plays and more. Her body of works extends over half a century. It was lost on some that she died in May, a month designated as “Get Caught Reading Month.” She read her poem, “On The Pulse of Morning,” at President Bill Clinton's inauguration, was the Tavis Smiley Show's most frequent guests, was a featured actor and poet in one of media mogul Tyler Perry's movies and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama. On her official website, she is described as a Global Renaissance Woman. Having served as a civil rights activist, a historian, a dancer, an actress and an educator; the title seems fitting. During the civil rights era, she was an advocate for peace. She traveled the speaker's circuit, participating in events such as the University of Texas' Lecture Series in Austin, Texas. Although she experienced racism and hatred, she chose to live above those petty behaviors. In the book of her collected essays titled, “Letters to My Daughter,” she shared advice that she lived by as an over comer and trailblazer on many fronts. "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." President Obama stated upon hearing of her May 28th passing, “She was one of the brightest lights of our time.” Nora O'Donnell of CBS Evening News explained that we all have the same arsenal of words at our disposal, but contrasted Angelou as able to spin those words into gold. She was unquestionably the phenomenal woman of which she writes in her powerful anthem to diverse women. At 86, when she passed away, she was mourned by the masses, lauded by the media, praised by fans, and celebrated by her plethora of readers.


48 | APRIL/MAY 2014 Visit www.bourgeoisiemag.com


bananarepublic.gap.com

Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning-author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, bril-liantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love. -Millions of copies sold- #1 New York Times Bestseller #1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller #1 USA Today Bestseller #1 International Bestseller #1 Indie Bestseller

EDITOR’S PICK

“I Am Unstoppable”

By Karine Melissa

"I Am Unstoppable" 7 Stages of Embracing the Unstoppable You; For Women Passionately Chasing Their Dreams. The answer is Yes! There is more to life than just this. There are dreams deep inside of you that are awaiting birth. Now more than ever, your heart screams for purpose! I Am Unstoppable will challenge you to bring your dreams to reality in the face of fear, rejection, heartache, depression, and doubt. With a Christ-centered focus, this book will guide you through the stages of embracing all of who you are. It will dare you to understand, embrace, and discover your "mission" in life, challenge you to fulfill your purpose, position you for suc-cess, and motivate you to inspire other women to do the same.

The Fault in Our Stars

by John Green

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has nev-er been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed up-on diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.


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