prestigious elite magazine

N E W E S T L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Contemporary Gospel with Ed Ramsey

Jul/Aug 2012 // FREE

The MovementNatural Hair

MORTGAGEAssistance

GOVERNMENT

p14 p18 p20

Steve Harvey THE MAN BEHIND THE SMILE

M A G A Z I N EPRESTIGIOUS

PRESTIGIOUS ELITE Magazine.

NEW GAMES


EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:Phaedreal DuPree

ART DIRECTOR:Brian Wyatt

CONTRIBUTING ART DIRECTOR:Liz Owens

Leapin Lizard Graphics

CONTRIBUTORS:Conanedo, Billa Perez, Lucy Kent, LaVan

Collins, Tina Williams, Wendy Rogers, Noel J Ireland, Andrew Stratton, Bonita

L. Richter.

ADVERTISING SALES/DISTRIBUTION

The Metamorphosis Publishing Co.P.O. Box 225

Kingstree, SC 29556Phone: 843 401 5180

Copyright © 2012 by Prestigious Elite. All rights reserved. Any reproduction of con-tents in whole or in part without written per-

mission of publisher is strictly prohibited.

The views expressed by guest writers are not necessarily those of Prestigious Elite. We are not responsible for any unsolicited material.

Publisher: The Metamorphosis Publishing Company

Editor: Phaedreal Dupree

Designer: B-EZ Graphix

Welcome

Editor’sletter

veryone has a dream, a vision or a passion that they wish to achieve. More than anything, we want to be successful in life. Your dream could be having the #1 bestseller, ow-ning a business, or becoming partner at a firm. We all aspire

and want to succeed but there are rules to being successful. I found these rules very helpful and I want to share them with you. Are you ready? Rule #1 Pray. Rule #2 Wait on the Lord to answer. Rule #3 Have faith. Rule #4 Stay focused. Rule #5 Don’t give up! That’s it! You can add whatever you want to these rules but this is what has worked for me. I’m certain that it will work for you as well. This issue highlights passion, branding, faith and following your dreams. Consider this a token of appreciation for all the community lea-ders. Be inspired by someone as successful as Steve Harvey (p.16) Our Spotlight Artist Ed Ramsey (p.18) will motivate you with his contemporary gospel album Conversations. Indulge in the complete experience of an amazing brand of body products by Creole Love (p.14). I hope you enjoy our first issue. We love feedback so, hit us up on twitter and facebook. This is just the beginning. Oh yeah! There’s more.

PhaedrealPhaedreal N. DuPree

Editor-In-Chief

E

PRESTIGIOUSE L I T EM A G A Z I N E

Follow us: twitter.com/pelitemag

Email us:[email protected]

P.S.In every issue we are giving away prizes. YOU could be that lucky reader! Don’t miss out on this opportu-nity. Subscribe by sending your mailing address to:

[email protected] or

mail an address label to:Prestigious Elite Magazine

P.O. Box 225 Kingstree, SC 29556

3

FEATURES

Following the Natural Hair trend? Read about natural ele-ments to help you through the transition.

The Natural Hair Movement - p. 12

Act Like a Lady, Think Like Steve Harvey?

Get to know the celebrated author, comedian and radio personality and the inspirations for his well received literatary work.

Table Of ContentsEditor’s Picks 7

Health 8-9

Home 10-11

Beauty 12-13

New Business 14

Entertainment 16-17

Artist Spotlight 18-19

Food 20-21


Full Page Ad #2

Half Page Ad #1

Half Page Ad #2

The book “Don’t Quit-Follow Your Dreams” by Sulondia Hammond, offers a pri-vate insight into the life of a determined young woman whom even when faced with several different adversities (poverty, divorce, foreclosures, bankruptcy, re-possessions, fear and doubt) did not quit.Rather than quitting, she embraced her purpose in life and pursued it relentlessly without fatigue to no ends.

You, the reader, will learn how a young woman from one of the poorest states in the nation accomplished her dreams once she consciously decided to replace “fear” with “faith,” once she replaced “doubt” with “it’s done.”

Today she is a successful playwright, author, TV host, director, producer, actor, and motivational speaker. The book, “Don’t Quit-Follow Your Dreams,” inspires and encourages one to navigate beyond troubled waters and live the life you were birthed to live!

An Howard is a native of Las Vegas, Nevada. She graduated from Las Vegas High School where she went on to earn 3 Associate degrees from CCSN. An is a Chris-tian and raises her daughter on the same Christian foundations that her parents raised her on.

Besides being a single parent to a teenager, An is involved in her own activities: running her own business, volunteering, mentoring, and attending school. Ms. Howard also finds time for her true passion which is writing.

This book of poetry comes straight from the author’s heart. It’s full of invigora-ting, enlightening and thought provoking poems. It will have you as the reader going through the emotional highs and lows of life, love, and faith as you take this journey through the pages of An Howard’s mind.

Rodrick Deshoun Bates is a poetical author of love who has built a solid presence on and offline. Since publishing his first compilation of poetry in 2006, Bates has continued to grow and evolve as an author.

Every poem he writes comes from the heart of his life’s experiences with love, and also from the experiences of others. Bates lost his daughter in August of 2009 to a rare disorder called Batten’s Disease,and he has written several poems that are in dedication to his princess that passed away at only eleven years of age.

The Book Of Hearts is the latest compilation of poems by Rodrick Bates. This poetry compilation only adds to the heart-felt words that the he continues to display. If you were touched by the previous works of the author; The Book Of Hearts will not let you down. This book is not only another addition to his collection of work; it also shows his growth as a writer is continuing to spirial in an upward motion.

Editor’s picksBooks


STAY HEALTHYSTAY HAPPY


lenty of anecdotal evidence exists to sup-port the claim that exercise can help re-duce anxiety and some forms of depres-sion. Those of us who have been working

out for years don’t need to be told that exercise feels great, and most of us have seen how a good workout can put the challenges of a difficult day into perspective. But this isn’t really an answer. Especially since most people who are stumped by this question are athletes and workout regulars who embrace a philosophy that encourages pushing through pain. When is it time to push through pain and when is it time to scale back? We wouldn’t ask if we already knew the answer. Sometimes our bodies can’t tell us and we need some real advice. But careful scientific studies provide more proof of what we already know about exercise and mental health. Here are a few key take-home messages:

1. All forms of exercise offer a great way to redu-ce feelings of anxiety and gloom. The reasons are partly physical, since a workout stimulates blood flow and oxygen delivery to cells. But they’re also emotional, since working out offers a change of perspective, a chance to step out of our regular routine, and a healthy distraction as we shift gears from one set of

challenges (mental or emotional) to another (physical).

2. Weight training is great for mood and mental health, but aerobic activity may offer even more pronounced benefits. To get the most out your workout, make sure you blend cardio exercises with weight training and resistance moves.

3. Exercise may have bigger mood boosting effects for those who face bigger challenges. In other words, the positive benefits increase among those with higher anxiety at the starting point.

4. Sleep, exercise and mental health go hand in hand. You can get the benefits of any two, but you won’t fully get where you need to be without the third. To make the most of your workout, get plenty of sleep. To boost your mental health and feelings of well-being, get plenty of sleep and plenty of workout time. Don’t cut corners. Take care of yourself in all three of these areas so you can keep your life on track and take care of those who depend on you.

Exercise, Sleep & Mental HealthBy: Lucy Kent

”Sleep, exercise and mental health go hand in hand.”

P

9

Home

Government Mortgage Assistance Program For The Benefit Of Americans

By: Wendi Rogers

President Obama has taken a significant step to make housing affordable to the American public who are in financial distress. Through various schemes like Government Mortgage Help Plan, Americans now have opportunities to modify or refinance their mortgage and make their monthly payments more affor-dable. Simply put, Government Mortgage Help Plan is designed with an objective to assist homeow-ners in refinancing their mortgages even if they are in a tight corner. For example, if they owe more than their home’s current value. Primarily, the features of this mortgage help plan is to help responsible bo-rrowers afford a chance to reduce their monthly principal and interest payments and also provide bo-rrowers options to move from their current risky loan structure to a more comfortable and stable product.

Seek Assistance From Government Mortgage Help Plan

10

owever, many people seem to have certain que-ries on this scheme. Here are answers to some fre-

quently asked questions. Do the borrowers have options to obtain the refinance flexibilities from lenders other than their present borrowers? Yes, many lenders do provide refinancing options for different scenarios depending on the borrower’s situation and pre-ference. How do you explain the term movement to a ‘more stable product’? Here a borrower can move from: A mortgage loan that has interest only feature to a fu-lly amortizing mortgage product. A fully amortizing product is one in which both the principal and the interest is paid fully through scheduled installments by the end of the loan term.

An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed rate mortgage (FRM) pro-duct. A fixed rate mortgage product is ideal for someone who feels comfor-table paying a guaranteed fixed rate of interest. However, the monthly install-ment of FRM tends to be higher than that of a product having an adjustable rate mortgage. A borrower, therefore, will need to do his or her homework judiciously before deciding on a swit-chover. * The existing ARM to a new ARM that has an initial fixed period of five years or more. * A 30 year fixed rate mortgage product to a product ha-ving accelerated amortization of prin-cipal and building of equity, that is a FRM of 15, 20 or 25 year duration. How will the borrowers and lenders determine which of the refinances or modifications under the Government Mortgage Help Plan is best suited to them?

The Government Mortgage Help Plan addresses the problem faced by millions of American homeow-ners who are in a crisis because their property value has fallen, and hence they are unable to benefit from the low mortgage rates that are available now for refinancing. The borrowers must clearly understand that the loan modification program has an objective to prevent foreclosure for borrowers who are or in danger of default. Each mortgage plan has clear guidelines on qualification. Is there such a condition that the existing mortgage and the new mortgage represent the same occu-pancy? Fortunately, the Government Mortgage Help Plan does not impose such a requirement. The occupancy of the property in question may have changed by the time the new mortgage has come into force.

Home loan modifications modifica-tions presently available have a po-tential to reduce both the principal and the interest rates. Homeowners must understand this important aspect and do some homework to assess whether they are eligible. Those who procrasti-nate will lose a wonderful opportunity the Government Mortgage Help Plan presents to bail out of a financial cri-sis.

With the help of experienced and

knowledgeable pro-fessionals, one can secure government

aid to help make the mortgage payments.

TIPS

GOVENMENT MORTGAGE HELP PLAN

Government mortgage help plan under Government Mortgage Programs is provi-ding the way to cut cost and monthly housing payments which avoid foreclosure and save homes.

H

11

BEAUTY

NEWS

NATURAL ELEMENTS FOR YOUR HAIR

Hair care will respond to products containing oils, herbs. The concept these days is to promote natural growth of hair. However, people used to shampoos and synthetic hair care products may find the switch difficult in the initial days. However, using natural hair care products is beneficial when compared to synthetic products since they have natural elements.

It has been proven time and again that nature is the best healer for all illnesses. The same applies to the hair of the human body. Any amount of external in-tervention in the form of shampoo and cosmetic pro-ducts will not promote the hair growth or regeneration from a long term perspective. All the chemical compo-nents will only aid the hair growth in the short term. In the process, they could produce a number of side effects on the human body that cannot be ridden off quickly. The only option before the persons willing to promote natural hair growth is to opt for natural pro-ducts. They could be oils or organic products that do not contain any chemicals or compounds. It has been found that the shampoo and cosmetics products might actually damage the hair in the long run. For instan-ce, long term use of shampoo can result in prematu-re graying of the hair and even hair loss and baldness.

All the chemical components will only aid the hair growth in the short term.

The oils such as castor oil and coconut oil help the growth of the hair apart from maintenance. Shampoo and cosmetic products should not be

applied to the hair every day. It will affect the quality of the hair apart from causing hair splitting. A number of companies are now engaged in the production and marketing of natural hair care products. These hair care products are made using natural components without the addition of any synthetics or chemicals.Some herbs and plants, including aloe vera are found to have pro-perties that promote the natural growth of hair. The hair has to be nurtured with oil to promote rapid and healthy growth. The oils such as castor oil and coconut oil help the growth of the hair apart from maintenance. For ins-tance, hair to which coconut oil is applied, is found to be healthier than the hair to which shampoo has been applied. Therefore, it is suggested that the dependence on chemical hair care products is reduced as much as possible. Though the natural hair care products are pri-ced higher when compared to other products, it is worth applying them to the hair instead of risking hair loss.

A number of herbal products are also available in the market. However, check for the authenticity of the her-bal products that claim to assist hair growth. Most of the times, the herbal products contain traces of chemi-cals that might be harmful to hair growth. Also, avoid steroids that promote hair growth.

In the long term, exposure to steroids is highly dange-rous to the human body. Therefore, it is better to stick to natural products. These herbal hair care products have flooded the markets in the recent past. Exercise caution while buying the herbal hair care products. There could be instances of the herbal hair care products eventua-lly not meeting the assurances. Therefore, check for the authenticity of the products.

13

Creole Love evol-ved January 1, 2012. The birth of Creole Love is a result of a compi-lation of things but most importantly, it represents a re-membrance to my

By: Tina Williams

“The Jacques Collection,” a line of body butter and candles for men. Jacques (pronounced “Zhahk”) was my Creole great grandfather’s name, a strong yet hum-ble man. My idea was to develop masculine scents and packaging to appeal to your everyday man.

Creole Love products are made with high quality in-gredients to include: pure unrefined Shea butter, pure oils-sweet almond, jojoba, olive, argan, coconut along with a bouquet of fragrances.

I hope that you will appreciate and enjoy these collec-tions as much as I have enjoyed making them. This bu-siness was formed because of all the characteristics of what Creole Love is to me and what was taught to me. It is passion. It is understanding.

It is peace of mind and tranquility. It is acceptance, it is genuine, it makes your heart smile, it is forgiveness, it is sometimes beyond comprehension. It is unconditio-nal. It is forever. It is Creole Love.

Follow us on twitter (twitter.com/pelitemag) email us ([email protected]) or like us on facebook (face-book.com/pelitemag) for your chance to win the com-plete experience gift set from this amazing brand of body butter, soy based candles and massage oils by Creole Love!

New Business

mother, and my grandmother, it is my heritage. Creo-le because that is a part of my lineage, love because it is what I strive to embody each day of my life-one in the same. I have long been a connoisseur if you will, of body butter. My original plan was to learn everything I could, purchase the highest quality products and be-gin offering body butter through my online store. From there, the idea of a complete “experience” surfaced and as a result, candles and massage oils were added. I did not stop there.What would all of these wonder-ful products be without sharing them with the one you love? One of God’s most precious gifts-thus emerged,

14


Entertainment

STEVE HARVEY„Women are clueless about men,” because ”Men get away with a whole lot of stuff”

and because he has ”some valuable information to change all of that.”

s a popular comedian, radio host and red-blooded male, Harvey doesn’t have the bona fides typical to

most women’s relationship self-help, but he still manages a thorough, witty guide to the modern man. Harvey undertakes the task because “Wo-men are clueless about men,” because “Men get away with a whole lot of stuff” and because he has “some valuable information to change all of that.”

A

Harvey makes a game effort, taking a bold but fa-miliar men-are-dogs approach: if you’re “cutting back” on sex, “he will have another woman lined up and waiting to give him what he needs and wants--the cookie.” Several chapters later, howe-ver, he introduces the “ninety-day rule,” asser-ting that, actually, he won’t always have another woman lined up--and the only way to makes sure is a three-month vetting period.

The host of the nationally syndicated, Steve Harvey Morning Show, can’t count the number of impressive women he’s met over the years, whether it’s through the “Strawberry Letters” segment of his program or while on tour for his comedy shows. These are women who can run a small business, keep a household with three kids in tiptop shape, and chair a church group all at the same time. Yet when it comes to relations-hips, they can’t figure out what makes men tick.

Why? According to Steve it’s because they’re asking other wo-men for advice when no one but another man can tell them how to find and keep a man. In Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, Steve lets women inside the mindset of a man and sheds lights on concepts and questions such as:

Harvey also tackles mama’s boys, “independent--and lonely--women,” and the matter of children in the dating world (“If he’s meeting the kids af-ter you decide he’s the one, it’s too late”). Femi-nists and the easily offended probably won’t take to Harvey’s blanket statements and blunt advice, but Harvey’s fans and those in need of tough (but ticklish) love advice should check it out (especia-lly the hysterical last-chapter Q&A).

—The Ninety Day Rule: Ford requires it of its emplo-yees. Should you require it of your man?

—How to spot a mama’s boy and what if anything you can do about it.

—When to introduce the kids. And what to read into the first interaction between your date and your kids.

—The five questions every woman should ask a man to determine how serious he is.

— And more...

Sometimes funny, sometimes direct, but always truthful, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man is a book you must read if you want to understand how men think when it comes to relationships.

By: Conanedo

16

”Gia velias dus rectistrum esectaerum ex et veri ut vernate dolore nobis aut anis imus nimil ipsunde

litatiae soluptatus”

od, family and life experiences are the biggest inspirations for my music. I use

four words to describe these inspirations - Spirit, Soul, Life and Love.” Ramsey has always viewed these four dimensions as principles that govern his life. The foundation of these principles, according to him, can only be found in a rela-tionship with Christ Jesus. As a Contemporary Gospel Music singer/songwriter, Ramsey en-capsulates his lyrics and expres-sion with strong Christian prin-ciples – salvation, restoration and transformation thru Christ.

The world will finally witness his rare talent with his upco-ming debut release, Conver-sations. “There are several things that drove the decision to compose this album. First, it was time. This project was a seed germinating in me for several years. I guess I had a few more things I needed to experience before it was time to release it. Secondly, several family members are artists/en-tertainers in their own rights. Their energy and fearlessness encouraged me to go for it. Big thanks to Troy Hopper, Jelani Bellamy and Judah Bellamy.”

“GEDWARD RAMSEY

Contemporary Gospel Music Artist

Artist Spotlight

18


Music has been etched into the fabric of his life, even before he was born. His mother was a traveling Gospel singer and even gave birth to him on a choir stand. He grew up listening to the great pioneers of gospel – James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, Albertina Walker, Ma-hilia Jackson and Thomas Whitfield. As gospel music became more contempo-rary, and mainstream, he admired the likes of Andre Crouch, The Hawkins Family, The Winans, Commissioned and many more. As a young man, living in a large family replete with singers, Ramsey loved singing and music, but was more focused on sports. While at-tending college at Oral Roberts Univer-sity in Tulsa Oklahoma, he rediscove-red his first love, singing, even writing songs for his group-New Beginnings.

In this forum, he explored his range as a writer and singer, where they traveled throughout Oklahoma and Texas mi-nistering the Gospel message through song. Upon returning back to Baltimo-re, his home town, God called him to the ministry where he served in inner city outreach, Bible teacher, youth pas-tor, assistant Pastor and Senior Pastor of the Agape Christian Center. While pas-turing for 7 years, the desire for music ministry was burning. However, it was not the time to release that glorious gift until now.While being an avid lover of Gospel music, Ramsey acquired a liking for other genres such as R&B/Soul, Jazz, Pop, Dance/House music and La-tin Music. These eclectic mixtures of sounds are prevalent in his music today and can be heard in his debut release, “Conversations.”

“Conversations was inspired by a ver-se of scripture in the Bible, Jeremiah 33:3. The text displays God calling man into a relationship, personal and intimate. Conversations is a represen-tative of an intimate dialogue, exchan-ge, with God.”As a singer, Ramsey’s delivery is smooth and subtle but very powerful. As a writer, God has gifted him to intricately weave the revela-tion of God’s purpose, plan and desi-re to overshadow mankind with grace through Christ Jesus. The impact of his music has already been felt by au-diences nationwide who have been ex-posed to his gift on Facebook, Rever-bnation, iTunes, Amazon.com, Jango Internet Radio and many other digital music distribution and radio outlets.

“I worked with an up and coming producer by the name of Larry Sum-merville. He has worked with several major secular artists such as Christina Aguilera. Listeners can expect to hear a smooth sound, strong poetic lyrics and themes of restoration, redemption and unconditional love.” For Ramsey, this is just the beginning. He plans on taking his music ministry to the world, touching lives and sharing the hope that he has found in Jesus Christ. Get ready, because “Conversations” will be an album that the world will be talking about for years to come. “The next phase is to continue the radio pro-motion effort, produce another video and hit the road with performance and ministry.”

”Converstions is a representative of an intimate dia-

logue, exchange, with God”

19


Food and WineHow Should You Pair Them?

by: Noel J Ireland

f you are excited about matching your favorite food with a great wine, it’s necessary that you have proper information about pairing the wine and food in the right combination. If you don’t take care to do this,

it can really ruin an enjoyable time. It would actually ruin the flavor of even the finest wine and food choices.

The bad traits that could be introduced by pairing food and wine incorrectly include extra sweetness, bitterness, alcoho-lic properties and non-desirable metallic flavors. There are a number of simple, surefire techniques for pairing food and wine choices properly.

I”When serving BBQ at a meal,

choose wine va-rieties with higher alcohol content.”

”Combing wine and food of different types will equal a not so good experience for you.”

Food

20


First and importantly, you should keep in mind that the food and wine you wish to pair should have simi-lar traits. If you were considering red wine as meal accompaniment, then porter would be a good menu choice. This is because each of these menu options possesses ro-bust flavors. When combining food and wine options for a meal, don’t choose items that possess disparate qualities. The common mistake of pairing a sweet wine variety with a steak dinner yields unfavorable re-sults. Combining wine and food of different types will equal a not so good experience for you. The right pairing and combination offers a unique and wondrous feel to the en-tire wining-and-dining-experience.

or protein would be a good idea.

It’s easy to relish a desert wine by combining a sweet wine with a mo-derately sweet desert wine. Avoid highly sugared sweet items when planning a menu. You’ll end up with a dish that is overly sweet. You should also follow your instincts before combining foods and wines. Think about what you would like to include on your menu. Then, take a sip of wine and a bite of food together to decide what tastes best and suits you. Do not choose a menu item or wine variety that is unfamiliar or not a favorite. Trying a variety is great however; don’t taste anything that could give you an unpleasant taste.

Those-in-the-know argue that wine with a citrus feel pairs well with chic-ken in a butter/garlic sauce. You’re bound to like the results.There are certain rules you should go by befo-re starting new dishes for wines with high alcohol flavor. When serving BBQ at a meal, choose wine varieties with higher alcohol content.

If by chance you compliment your fa-vorite wine with a lightly flavored dish, it is likely the wine will overpower the dish. Ultimately the impression will be that you’ve been drinking only wine the whole time. In case, you enjoy wi-nes that are composed of a lot of tannin, pairing them with dishes rich in salt

Ideal food and wine pairings are arrived at through plenty of trial and error. By doing this, you will gain a lot of info about wine, varieties of food, and the best combinations. As long as you do your homework, it is possible to come up with some terri-fic pairings.

21


Business

22

prestigious elite magazine

Documents