Fearless Magazine

Fearless Fridays: Tips For Getting Through the “Waiting Game”

brittney — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:00:58 +0000

“Great things are going to happen.” “Keep on working and everything will pay off.” No matter how many times you’re told this, and how strongly you believe it, you sometimes can’t help but have moments of frustration and scream out “wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen?!”

Even with the most optimistic of attitudes, you run into moments of frustration that have you question the very things that you’re waiting and believing for. Your mind begins to run wild with made-up anecdotes that do nothing but push you into a deeper place of frustration. How do you get out? Next time you’re down in the dumps, try these ‘sure-fire’ ways to get your faith-driven blood pumping.

1. Revamp Your Goal List: Remember the great feeling you had when you listed everything you wanted to accomplish? When we get into a slump or become impatient, we are so far-removed from those “feel good” emotions. Re-do the list. Celebrate the things that you can cross off the old list and find solace in the renewed spirit that washes over you as you add new and wonderful things to accomplish

2. Time Out: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is absolutely nothing. When you get into the rhythm of doing things, sometimes you fall away from the passion and fall into a routine. Before you know it, you aren’t progressing as much or things don’t appear to be as fulfilling. You might find yourself at place that feels more like a plateau than an upward climb. This is the breeding ground for frustration. In those moments, take the time to just “be.”

3. A Picture Says a Thousand Words: Create a visual aestethic that will remind you of the things you want. Whether it be success, love, health, etc, seeing is believing. Create a vision board or book. If you’re not the most creative, cut/rip out pictures and tape them up. You can even tape the photos to your bathroom mirror or your wall. Just make sure that it’s placed in a location that you see often. By doing this, you will be reaffirming the positive things to come and it will help you through the tougher times.

4. Talk about it: It’s so easy to bury your feelings and just wish them away, but sometimes, simply venting can help eliminate them. In verbalizing things out loud, you often get the chance to hear and see them in a new way. Whoever you choose to speak to whether it be a family member, friend, or life coach, you open the door to receiving advice on ways to fix whatever issue you’re going through. Even better, the optimistic attitude and words of the person listening may give you hope and increase the chance of you resolving your problem.

For more life coaching tips, follow Stephanie on twitter: @stephaniebenoit

LITTER Jewelry Gets Co-Signs from the Fashion Elite

brittney — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:00:31 +0000

New jewelry companies pop up every year, so when you decide to design your own jewelry, you better have something that makes it stand out. Sisters Rachel Mann and Mackenzie Burdick know all about setting themselves apart from the rest.

The San Francisconatives are the founders of jewelry line LITTER. They started the company in 2009 by making head jewelry designs from vintage chains and costume jewelry that they would find at flea markets and junk shops. As demand for their pieces increased, they began making jewelry that could be worn on the entire body with styles that no one had seen before. Word spread about LITTER and they have been featured in publications like NYLON and Interview. LITTER has also been seen on celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan and Vanessa Hudgens.

If you’re a viewer of the ABC show “Shark Tank,” then you may have seen Rachel and Mackenzie sign a deal with Daymond John (co-founder of clothing line FUBU) and Mark Cuban (owner of the NBA team Dallas Mavericks).

LITTER has also gained more exposure by the ladies working with model Selita Ebanks. The body jewelry has been featured on the swimsuits for Ebanks’ new swimwear line, Sass, and the jewelry appeared on this year’s “Rip the Runway” special on BET.

In the video below, watch Rachel and Mackenzie’s new partner, Daymond John, speak about how the company has grown since they appeared on “Shark Tank.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Connect with LITTER:

http://littersf.com

twitter.com/littersf

Facebook.com/littersf

By: Brittney Fennell

FEARLESS INTERVIEW: Kalenna Speaks on Dirty Money, Solo Career & Family

brittney — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:52 +0000

You’ve seen and heard Kalenna before, and you have most likely sung along to many of the songs she has written. Kalenna first burst onto the public’s radar as a member of the group Dirty Money with Dawn Richard, where they along with Diddy teamed up on the album Last Train to Paris.

The album spawned hit singles such as “Hello Good Morning,” “A** on the Floor,” “Someone to Love Me,” “Yesterday,” “Angels” and “Your Love.”

Since 2004, Kalenna has written for artists such as Christina Aguilera, Pussycat Dolls, Christina Milian, Ciara, Aretha Franklin and Charlotte Church to name a few. Now she is making the transition from being a group member to branching out on her own as a solo artist, with the release of her first mixtape, Chamber of Diaries. Listeners can expect the music not to stray too far from what we heard on Last Train to Paris.

“Because I created the sound for Dirty Money, it’s hard to escape who you are,” said Kalenna of the music. “We had help from a lot of people and a lot of them are my close friends. In Chamber of Diaries you get to see the full picture [of who Kalenna is].”

Kalenna’s songwriting has earned her four Russian Grammy Awards. She sees her solo career as an opportunity to be heard. Some may feel she took a backseat being in Dirty Money, but she says she was fine with that.

“Dirty Money was definitely a positive experience. It was a gratifying situation. We did so many shows and had so many dope artists.”

She got involved with Dirty Money while working on her solo album, and Diddy initially wanted to sign her as a solo artist. Kalenna describes Chamber of Diaries as her “baby” and it was supposed to be her solo album.

“It’s an introduction to people about where I’m coming from and being a woman in the industry in 2012,” she said. As of right now, there is no release date for her debut album, but a couple artists she would like to collaborate with include Kanye, Drake and Missy Elliott.

Speaking of her being a woman in the music industry, Chamber of Diaries speaks on some of the image issues she’s faced.

“A lot of women have image issues. I do feel that me as a black woman with brown skin, people take a lot more time to get into the, ‘Her teeth are gorgeous’ and ‘You’re so pretty.’ You have to take things a teaspoon at a time. It’s getting to the point where you really can’t say it is color or size. Adele won more awards than anyone this year.”

Aside from working on her music, Kalenna is also a wife and mother and she manages to balance family and career.

“My family fuels what I do with my career. I grew up dreaming about being on stage. Having a family solidifies what I’m supposed to be doing. My husband travels on the road with me. My son lives on the ranch inTexas.”

Other projects you can expect to hear from Kalenna include her international single “World Love.” She’s been in creative talks with Nicki Minaj and Missy Elliott and has a lot of surprises in store for 2013.

You can download Chamber of Diaries here.

Are you interested in hearing the music Kalenna will bring with her solo career?

By: Brittney Fennell

FEARLESS INTERVIEW: Michelle Van Der Water Talks Her Role on “Single Ladies”

brittney — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:00:23 +0000

If you remember anything about the first season of theVH1 scripted series, “Single Ladies,” is that every episode brought the drama. The show’s second season is set to premiere May 28 at 9 PM ET/PT, and it is sure to up the ante.

Actress Michelle Van Der Water will have a recurring role this season, and she will shake things up in the relationship between Keisha (LisaRaye McCoy) and Malcom (D.B. Woodside). Van Der Water is a native ofAustraliawho was born inCape Town,South Africa. The budding actress has appeared on “NCIS:Los Angeles,” “Castle” and “Melrose Place.” Van Der Water spoke with FEARLESS about her character, what it was like working with the other ladies and her upcoming projects.

Tell us about your character, Taylor Tillman, on “Single Ladies” and what will she bring to this upcoming season.

She’s Malcolm’s new girlfriend.Taylor’s very high society, everything Keisha aspires to be so, there’s a lot of tension. It was really fun to play a bitchie character.

The first season of the show brought drama, betrayal and heartbreak. Can fans expect the same for the second season?

I think so. A lot of the women are now exploring different kinds of relationships, so there’s plenty of drama on that side, especially my character who’s very new to the circle. She’s trying to be friends with people and has to overcome that situation [being Malcolm’s new girlfriend]. There’s a lot of tension.

What was it like working with LisaRaye McCoy, Charity Shea and Denise Vasi?

They’re amazing. Overall I had a really fun time on set. It’s a relaxed set. We have a great time.

Were you a fan of the show’s first season?

I wasn’t. I had never heard of it until I auditioned for it. I watched a few episodes and I liked it. I see how it appeals to an audience that isn’t catered to. The fashion’s amazing and it [“Single Ladies”] shows a different side ofAtlanta.

There are a lot of guest stars on “Single Ladies” this season. Did you have a chance to work with any of them?

I didn’t. I did see T.I. on set. Queen Latifah and Paula Patton were on set last week. I mostly worked with the main characters.

Who are some actors that you look up to?

I really love Cate Blanchett. If I could have anybody’s career it would be her. I really love Kerry Washington. I think she’s amazing. It’s so many. Meryl Streep is amazing and so is Angela Bassett. There are so many great strong women that I admire.

What other projects are you working on?

I just did an independent movie called Teeth and Blood and another movie called The Lane.

Photography Credit: Brian Bobila

Will you be tuning in to the second season of “Single Ladies”?

By: Brittney Fennell

Raven-Symone Wants to Empower Young Women with New Global Initiative

brittney — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:33 +0000

While still starring on Broadway’s “Sister Act,” actress Raven-Symone has managed to launch her newest global health care initiative, Merck’s “Plan It Forward” campaign ( www.hercampus.com/planitforward ), which is an effort to inspire young women in planning their future.

In an interview with The Huffington Post, the former star of “That’s So Raven” spoke about the campaign and if attending college is in her future plans.

“‘Plan It Forward’ is a way for young adults and young women to plan their lives, whether it’s in education, career, family planning, contraception, or how ever you want to continue to live your life,” said Raven of the health care initiative. “With this website you’re able to use the different tools they have to help you reach goals.”

“Plan It Forward” also sponsors the non-profit organization “She’s the First,” which helps young girls become the first in their family to have major achievements.

“It’s helping young girls around the country do things for the first time in their community, country or village. “She’s the First” foundation is to make sure that you’re the first girl to go to college if your entire family hadn’t. Or you’re the first one to leave your village to start a company,” she said.

“With Merck giving $25, 000 to that foundation and adding them to “Plan It Forward,” I think it just goes to show you that females are coming together, it’s not just about the hair color and clothes, it’s about making a positive choice for the future.”

Speaking of being first in your family to do something, Raven is the first in her family not to attend college because she was working. However, she plans to pursue higher education.

The “Plan It Forward” health initiative is about young people having a plan for their future, and Raven says that her parents were very much a part of planning her future when she was younger.

“Before they [her parents] had a kid they planned out what they wanted to reach and what goals they wanted their child to reach. And thankfully, I was up for it at a young age, and I’m still a part of that plan. As I get older, realizing what I want to do with my own life, and as I continue to grow, I’m going to set plans for myself and my kids. So a lot of us are in the plans of what our parents did, especially for the people that we want to come to the website, because now it’s time to take control of your own life. And sometimes nobody has that information for you.”

Right now, Raven is focused on “Sister Act” and making sure college-aged young women have their life on track through “Plan It Forward.”

HuffingtonPost.com contributed to this article.

Do you like that Raven-Symone has put her name behind a campaign that aims to inspire young women to reach their goals?

By: Brittney Fennell

FEARLESS GUEST EDITOR: Meagan Good- Music Mavericks & Ms. Gadget

brittney — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:39 +0000

Even though she began in the entertainment industry as a child, Meagan has her favorite artists that she can’t get enough of. And like many of us, that has that one gadget that makes her life easier that she can’t live without.

Music Mavericks (Favorite R&B Artist/Rapper):

Aaliyah- “Rock Da Boat”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Brandy- “Full Moon”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Ms. Gadget (The gadget you cannot live without.):

iPhone 4s

FEARLESS GUEST EDITOR: Meagan Good-YouTube & Ear Hustlin’

brittney — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:00:26 +0000

Like everyone else, Meagan has a favorite television show and song that she loves. Check them out below.

YouTube (Favorite TV Show):

“The Walking Dead”:

Ear Hustlin’ (Favorite Song):

“Keep On Singin’ My Song”-Christina Aguilera

Click here to view the embedded video.

FEARLESS Fridays: Tips for the Best Summer Stay-Cation

brittney — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:00:37 +0000

Let’s face it. The majority of people live in some great cities with plenty of tourists attractions yet fail to completely take advantage of any the wonderful amenities their cities have to offer.

If you want to go on vacation somewhere this year, but the funds aren’t looking favorable, why not take in the sites in your very own city?! Do the things you’ve always wanted to do but never seem to have time for all while saving money on travel costs and unnecessary spending! Follow these tips for your very own fearless and fabulous summer stay-cation!

Luxe Accommodations: Yes, you’re doing a mini vacation while you’re at home, but it won’t feel like much of getaway if you’re still at home. Search for a hotel on a website that offers nice rooms at a discounted rate.

Compose a List: There are many things in your city that you may want to do, but when it comes down to it, you may be confused about where to begin. Write down your top 3 adventures, research prices, and sign up! The beauty about staying in town is that you’ll be able to choose what days come with a lower rate for the activities you want to engage in. This way you get more bang for your buck!

Get a Good Crew: This could make or break your whole experience! Gather a fun group of friends that are open for having fun in any situation. If you’re with a bunch of people who can’t appreciate finding the beauty and adventure in your city, then you’ll wish you’d had gone away alone! Find those who will truly enjoy the experience and make you feel like you’re thousands of miles away!

For more life coaching tips, follow Stephanie on twitter: @stephaniebenoit

FEARLESS GUEST EDITOR: Meagan Good-Screen Gem & Food for Thought

brittney — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:01 +0000

Meagan reveals her favorite movies and the book she can’t live without.

Screen Gems:

City of God

Selena

Food for Thought:

Bible

FEARLESS GUEST EDITOR: Meagan Good-Body Rock

brittney — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:00:01 +0000

Do you wonder how Meagan Good manages to stay in shape? Check out what she uses as part of her daily fitness routine.

“Pilates Basics: A Relaxing Way to Heal and Energize from Within” by Maritza Kojabashian Gaiam

‘Zumba Fitness’ for Wii, $25