2011 – Page 32 – Agenda Magazine Archives

Elana Pruitt – 5 Years of Talking Chic

“I think having the insight to connect with a woman is built off of how I feel inside. Having a pear-shaped body, it was difficult finding pieces.”—Elana Pruitt—

Since the third issue of Agenda Magazine , Elana Pruitt has been writing the fashion column “Talking Chic.” The column has touched on almost every subject related to fashion with Elana’s perspective and reflects what many of us are thinking. But no one can tell it quite like Elana. Since that Winter 2004 issue, the column, the webzine, and its author have evolved.

“Aaah, the leisurely luxury of online browsing. What was once a pastime for me—you know, like checking a couple of favorite websites to see what’s new—has turned into a scheduled, relaxing activity”

—Elana Pruitt’s first Agenda article, “The Leisurely Luxury of Online Browsing”—

Talking Chic’s topics have ranged from cleaning out your closet to finding the right teeny weeny bikini for every sized woman. Elana has managed to make us feel comfortable about our bodies and think outside the box when it comes to fashion. So after almost five years with Agenda, it was my pleasure to put Elana in front of the camera and ask her a few key questions about “Talking Chic,” and the direction she has taken her career.

Elana is also the owner of “Good Girl Gone Shopping,” which is a personal shopping, wardrobe consulting and styling business. She is also the senior editor of PlasticSurgery.com and Beautychatblog.com. In addition to being a fashion blogger, Elana has a website, which is an extension of “Good Girl Gone Shopping,” formerly known as “Diary of a Personal Shopper.”

How did you get started?

I actually got started with fashion writing . . . you (Kaylene Peoples, editor in chief of Agenda Magazine) invited me on when I was in college. I was at Nordstrom in the TBD and Savvy department. And I started building up a clientele of women who were looking for trendy and modern fashion. So inkeeping contact with her, it just started. So five years I’ve been with Agenda Magazine and that really branched off into other opportunities with various online publications. I felt confident enough to start my own blog, which is an extension of “Good Girl Gone Shopping.” I then moved on to PlasticSurgery.com, where I am the senior editor and writer. I say moved on, but I am still doing various projects at once. So really it started off with Agenda Magazine .

How did you know you had a special eye for fashion?

I don’t know if I ever knew I had a special eye. I just love color! I loved playing dress-up. My mom always tells me that when I was a child, I put a skirt on my head because it was pink and I just wanted to go out in public and feel fabulous, and she let me. I was about five then. Because fashion really expresses your personality, I’ve never seen a limit to that. I never thought there were boundaries and I always believed there shouldn’t be. So it just innately developed.

Tell me about “Good Girl Gone Shopping.”

It’s still a personal venture and is still growing, but it started off by helping girls in the office. At PlasticSurgery.com I always played around with footwear, and gradually girls would come up to me and say, “Elana, I’m going to a wedding. What do you think I should wear?” And I’d throw something out like, “Wear a black dress, wear colored shoes, but throw a clutch on.” Word started to spread, and on our breaks I offered to go with my co-workers to Target and Macy’s. It was then that I started realizing that not only was I helping them, but we did it within an hour, under their budget. Everything we found was on sale. I started to realize that women desired my services. Instead of just helping them in the store, I started going into their rooms and their closets. My biggest focus now is helping them stylize with what they already have, and they don’t need to spend a penny. It’s very exciting now because they now realize that all of their clothes are versatile. Basically go into your closet and play dress up. “Good Girl Gone Shopping” is really to bring out the inner fashionista with no limits.

Let’s say I’m a woman slightly overweight, 185 lbs., and 5’4″. I’m going to a class reunion, haven’t seen my fellow classmates in 10 years. And I’m nervous because I put on this weight. What can I wear that is going to make me look fabulous?

I think for a woman who could be self-conscious about being overweight and she’s going to her reunion, black (to me) is always everyone’s best friend because it is slimming. Of course, it matters what she’s wearing. I would suggest a nice slack and some kind of black blouse and then focus color elsewhere—a fabulous shoe, a fabulous clutch, a cardigan, a necklace—something that can bring the eye elsewhere. So if she’s self-conscious abouther stomach or her arms, play around with other parts of the body. Fancy footwear is so exciting because you can play around with it. And again it brings the eyes elsewhere. I would suggest starting with the basics, a black, maybe a charcoal, a chocolate brown. Once she has her basics, then she can play around with accessories. So I would think a woman who is overweight going to her class reunion should focus on the accessories and the outer aspects of fashion.

You always hear people talking about how you might not be accessorizing an outfit correctly. Would you say that color plays a big role in accessorizing an outfit?

Color and accessories depend on the person’s personality. If a woman lives in black and she loves it, that’s her style. However, a great necklace with some turquoise can really make it pop. I think accessories offer a great opportunity to play with color. It’s trial and error. Someone who doesn’t usually wear accessories shouldn’t just wear a bright pink necklace and just throw anything on. It really takes a lot to find pieces that match who a person really is.

What do you term yourself as?

I call myself a fashion writer because of my perspective of fashion. From that perspective, I have thoughts and opinions, and that’s when I express them.

Highest High

Fashion Week 2006, interviewing a designer backstage. There were a few different situations where I was interviewing Kevan Hall and his closet of clothes before the show started, being on the runway afterwards and speaking to the designer of Single [Galina Sobolev], and when I realized I was among other professionals who are doing what I’ve always wanted to do. I realized it couldn’t get much better than this. I am now speaking to those who also have a passion. Sitting at the shows, sitting in the 2 nd row—I remember there was a time when I was sitting behind Wesley Snipes. He turned around and I gave him my card. I remember thinking to myself, “In college I never would have dreamt that I’d be in a situation where I would be just as important as the A-listers, as the celebrities.” My role was needed there. A writer was needed, and I was there to serve that purpose. I believe Fashion Week during that year was my highest high.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Five years from now I would love to eventually have “Good Girl Gone Shopping” as a corporation. I live in the Inland Empire in Upland, California. I would love to be the “go-to” person for all women’s needs and men’s needs. I have helped some male clients look for suits and look for sweaters. I really want to build that business. That would be my goal to make it thrive. Eventually branch off into the LA and Orange County area. But I’m always going to be a writer. I would like to have a book out where I notate all of my experiences thus far. I have grown quite a lot.

You said you help men with their fashion, too. What’s that like?

Women are a little more self-conscious and a little more insecure with their bodies. One male client I had was leaving for an unexpected trip and told me what he wanted, suits and casual jackets. He gave me the color scheme. I went to JC Penny, found everything within an hour or two. It is an easier purchase because men don’t like to fuss. With women, you have to pay a little more attention to what they’re feeling inside.

What do you do when people are stuck on one color? What advice could you give to help them choose more of a variety?

To really convince a person that a color isn’t that flattering, or maybe they’re always wearing the same color and it’s in all their pictures, I would ask what is it about the color they like? For instance, purple. If someone is wearing that a lot, I’d like to know what is it about that color that appeals to them? How does it make them feel? They can still wear that color by wearing accents of that same color.

You’ve written some really interesting columns for “Talking Chic”: Tattoos, Brittney Spears bald, the teeny-weeny bikini . . . . What has been your inspiration for “Talking Chic”?

At seven years old, I always had a journal. Talking Chic is me talking, but talking about it in a chic manner. That’s where the name came from. I’m assuming everyone’s listening, but it’s more of me getting my thoughts out because I am sure it’s something people can relate to.

Any Lows?

I’ve learned to always do my research before I go to events, interview anyone, or write anything. One time I went to an event and I wasn’t the most appropriately dressed and I actually didn’t know who would be there. I once was interviewing one celebrity and there was a celebrity next to that person and I didn’t know her name. I knew she was a fan of that designer, but I should have researched all the celebs that were fans. Doing your research is number one because you want to show people that you know what you’re doing. You need to make sure that you are doing your all to prove that you deserve to be there. So doing your research is number one.

Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples

Kaylene Peoples, Founder and Editor in Chief – Up Close and Personal Reflections of Agenda Magazine

Agenda Magazine July 2009 Cover, Photographer Arun Nevader, Cover Model Kaylene Peoples

It’s been five years since the start ofAgenda Magazine, www.agendamag.com. That very first issue back in summer 2004 featured actress Bai Ling on the cover as well as a list of prestigious fashion professionals: J. Alexander (ANTM), Coco Kliks (designer), Sue Wong, and more. We were still feeling our way around this online publishing world. Being the first fashion webzine to stream video, that trend caught on like wildfire. And as you can see, it’s everywhere now. We’ve featured now famous designers (Rami Kashou) who at the time were just starting their careers, and we’ve seen some (Anand Jon) rise to the top then fall from grace.

Agenda Magazine‘s list of distinguished interviewees include handbag, fashion, and jewelry designers, actors, actresses, musicians, kitchen designers, chefs, wedding gown designers, doctors, autism and breast cancer survivors, entertainment, fitness, dance companies, beauty and fashion professionals. And many contributors have come and gone, but their legacy will always live on in Agenda. Those who’ve contributed regularly in the past are as follows: Devino Tricoche (photographer), Natalie Martin (political writer), Patricia Lee (writer), Kevin Foster (writer), Ali Saam (spokesperson) and Sherman Hill (columnist). Each has gone on to successfully pursue other avenues.

What was my highest high?

I ask everyone I interview that very same question. And honestly, I can’t even answer that question because there have been so many highs with thismagazine. I could say the highest high was getting this issue together, or I could say the same thing about our Spring 2005 issue. Every issue has been a high; and once that issue is done, it’s on to the next. I think the highs are the fact that our readers love us and they’re loyal.

Highlights

Hurricane Katrina hit, and as we know, several people were devastated by this natural disaster. Photojournalist (Leslie Lormann) was invited to go on the Oprah show because of her photo-journalistic spread that we ran in the magazine. And we’re very proud of her for that. She put herself out on the limb to contribute to such a horrifying situation. She put her life in danger to document what was actually going on over there.

Raun Kaufman, an autism spectrum survivor, was interviewed back in Spring 2007. He continues to help children with autism, cerebral palsy, and Down’s syndrome recover and lead normal lives. We did a pod cast, and a lot of people started researching alternative methods of recovery for their affected children.

Pooja Batra (Bollywood Star), Apollonia Kotera, Keith Munyan, Sheryl Lee Ralph (HIV awareness), non-invasive plastic surgeons, celebrity stylists offering tips to the average woman, eco-friendly designers, and everyday heroes that we just don’t hear about have all graced our pages.

Lowest Low

The lowest low has been time. We get so many requests to interview, run editorials, or feature things in the magazine, and there’s just not enough time. There weren’t enough issues to actually accommodate all those who have been asking. Agenda Magazine has been quarterly for five years. That means only four issues a year. Those issues were jam-packed. But unlike a monthly or bi-monthly, we had to really select carefully what actually went into each issue. That was something that I wanted to change, I wanted to rectify this year. We’re going to be putting out monthly issues, and we will be trying our best to focus more on things that we haven’t been able to feature in the past.

Green fashion has been a very big thing for the magazine. We are trying to stay proactive. And we’re trying to do the right thing in this crazy world that we’re in where our natural resources are being depleted and our economy is in a mess. By supporting the green movement, we feel that maybe our readers will start buying eco-friendly fashion, eco-friendly cars, and maybe the rest of the world will follow suit.

Agenda Magazine has a spokesmodel. How did I come up with that choice?

Lindy Flowers is our spokesmodel who came onboard about a year ago. She’s a mother of two and is still modeling after ten years. I felt she really represented the real world as opposed to someone who is just starting to model. Lindycontinues to model and is working almost daily. She just recently did a Volkswagen campaign in Europe. I think she represents what modeling should be. You shouldn’t have to stop modeling when you turn 24. They say if you’re 12-15, you’re just probably the right age to start modeling. If you’re 18 starting, you just might be over the hill; and by the time you’re 24, your career is over. Well, I don’t know if I agree with that. I’d like to be one to help change that, and I think Lindy is the perfect representation of what modeling should be. Because, you know what? We’re living longer. We’re not dying off at 55 or 60 anymore. This world is getting older. I believe there are those who want to see more mature models. Fashion comes in all shapes and ages.

Where Do I See Agenda Magazine in five years?

I see Agenda Magazine on the shelf in five years. I see it being a voice of fashion and human interest in five years. I don’t see it being gone in five years. I definitely see the magazine thriving. And I feel that it will continue to grow.

One thing that was born out of the magazine is our non-profit Agendafoundation.org. We started the filing process over three, years ago and now we are a 501(c) 3. It is an accelerated film school for foster youth. We are trying to bring some consciousness to this particular group of children.

How did the magazine come to be?

You know it’s funny, because the magazine came to be based upon my own desires, really. I’m an entertainer, jazz singer/flautist, I used to model, and I’m a filmmaker. That’s where the streaming media came in—that’s where the fashion came in, and one of our most recent additions, the Indie Hotspot, which caters to independent musicians and film—and that’s where that section came in. I’ve been an entertainer for a long time, and it has been a struggle to make it in this industry. And I know that a lot of people also struggle. If I did, I know they did. The answers are not always so easy when you’re an entertainer—and an independent one at that when you don’t have a label. And there’s really only a small percent that actually get signed to a record label. It’s so small that it’s laughable. There are more artists out there than you know. With the advent of Myspace, and now Facebook and Twitter, and some of these other online outlets, a lot of that talent is now finally being heard. But I thought that it would be very proactive if we actually did something, too, to help the cause of the independent entertainer, singer, actor, filmmaker. That’s why the Indie Hotspot was born, as a result creating another demographic. We ended up bringing in the 18-30-something male readership by introducing that section.

What advice would I give to someone trying to start his/her own online magazine?

Content is the biggest thing that will keep your magazine going. We’ve never had a problem with content here at Agenda Magazine.There’s plenty of it. The secret for me was I just wrote about what I loved, or I let our writers write about what they loved. As a result, the magazine has thrived. Instead of chasing theaudience, I let the audience chase us. And that’s probably the best advice I could give to someone who wants to start his/her own online magazine. Find the things that you’re interested in. Find the topics that you love and that you’re passionate about and write about those because those will never go away, and there’s always something to write about. But if you’re chasing an idea that you’re not 100% sold on or even sure about, you’re sure to fail. It’s better to just go with what you feel and what you know and be eager and curious to learn more. So here’s to the next five years!

Kaylene Peoples, Agenda Magazine’s Founder and Editor in Chief

To Learn more about Kaylene, visit:www.myspace.com/kaylenepeoples. Visit Agenda atwww.myspace.com/agendamagazine andwww.twitter.com/agendamag. To give a donation to Agenda Foundation, visit www.agendafoundation.org.

Susannah Blinkoff – Taking You on a Vision Quest with Her Latest CD Let’s Pretend

A refreshing mix of relaxed vocals and breathable production values, Susannah Blinkoff is brilliant at creating an atmosphere of quirky meets sultry. Her vocals are pure and her lyrics possess a sardonic, teasing quality at times. She successfully lands on her choruses, changing the tone to serious. This is the result of the serious analysis of her own songwriting—doing away with indulgence and embracing skilled collaboration of which this album is truly the result. Recorded and mixed by her producer, Rich Jacques in his living room, it goes to show you quality shines through regardless of the budget. Now that’s true indie!

Susannah was born and raised in New York City. She came from a family of singer/songwriters and wrote 8 of the 11 tracks on her new release Let’s Pretend. She has been singing professionally since she was a child and has appeared on TV, in movies, and performed in theater as an actress. She is also a screenwriter. She co-wrote the film Bellyfruit, which premiered in the LA Film Festival and ran on Showtime.

Each track has a story that only a screenwriter could tell. Track 1, “I Got Lucky,” was a result of a lone road trip to Sedona, AZ, for a mini vision quest. “All of a sudden from out of the desert there appeared these incredible awe-inspiring mountainous rocks and I heard, ‘I got lucky when I got you’ in my head.”—Susannah Blinkoff

In track 11, Susannah covered and rearranged (with Rich Jacques) a 100-year-old African-American spiritual, “The Storm is Passing Over”—a heart-warming ballad. She tenderlysings a capella on “Texas Girl at the Funeral of Her Father.” This final track ends the album somberly. This body of work boasts a huge range, not only in vocal performance, but song selection, and is successful in creating a story. To fully enjoy Let’s Pretend, you have to listen from the beginning to the end. Susannah takes you on your own “mini vision quest.”

I give this CD 4.5 stars out of 5.

To learn more about Susannah Blinkoff, visit her websites:www.susannahblikoff.com and www.myspace.com/susannahblinkoff

Reviewed by Sean McKenzie

John Stowers – Everything You Do CD Review

Winner of the 2004 Billboard World Song Contest award, with “Jimmy’s Song” placing 3rd in the R&B/Blues category, John Stowers is no newcomer in the genre of blues rock. He’s a talented singer/songwriter who has performed in bars and coffee houses for the bulk of his musical career, and has learned a thing or two in the area of songwriting. Not having the opportunity to see him perform live, I could gage by his CD that he knows how to please an audience. His music could be described as optimistic, truthful, and even raw at times, with smart grooves and thoughtful lyrics. Of the 14 tracks on his John Stowers – Everything You Doalbum, there isn’t one song that isn’t well-produced and well-written. His lyrics threaten life experience. And regardless of whom he might have been writing about, I definitely got the impression his heart had been tested a few times. Bottom line? I can relate to what he’s singing about.

“I simply try to have fun and be honest. I very often pull things from my own life.” —John Stowers

Track 1, “All I Am Missing,” is a good opener and sets the tone for the soulful grooves I heard throughout the album. He consistently presents his hook, “All I am missing is you.” The electric guitar solo played by Ed Tree stays true to the blues/rock tradition. The lyric,“It’s never as simple as who’s right and who’s wrong,” in track 2 is indicative of the insightful realism of love relationships. Some of his other tracks have an anthem-like quality to them, which bodes with the comfortable drums, guitars, and controlled background vocals. This is most prevalent in track 11, “Choose.”

John describes his music as Roots Rock meets British Pop. I agree that it does have somewhat of a Beatles feel, especially on track 4, “Mrs. Thompson.” Track 6, “For Christ’s Sake,” is my favorite song on the album: “We could use a God to do the job and save the human race . . . for Christ sake.” This song promotes tolerance without being controversial and has been heard on NPR and Pacifica radio station KPFK.

To sum it up, this album is authentic throughout and manages to tug at our inner truths. After listening to John Stowers – Everything You Do, I give it 4 stars out of 5.

Visit John Stowers at the following websites:www.myspace.com/johnstowersmusic and www.johnstowers.com.

Reviewed by Sean McKenzie

Plus-Size Fashion Trends for Summer 2009

Plus-Size Fashion Trends for Summer 2009

Summer is in full force and I figured I would go over some plus size fashion “must have” trends for your summer wardrobe. These “must have” fashion trends are for every occasion, not just your summer vacation. They are for your everyday activities including work, rest, and play.

The Maxi: Plus size Maxi Dresses are everywhere this season and are a huge fashion trend for summer 2009. If you are thinking that you cannot wear a Maxi Dress, think again. With all of the different styles and pattern variations, you are sure to find a Plus Size Maxi Dress that is right for your figure. Maxi Dresses are the plus size woman’s best friend and work to perfectly conceal some minor figure flaws in the most figure-flattering way. Flirty, romantic, and stylish, these dresses can be worn for every occasion this summer, from shopping with the girls to a romantic summer night out on the town. Check out the Melody Maxi Dress available in black, purple, coral, and electric blue.

Ruffles: Feminine and flirty ruffles are a definite “must have” fashion trend this season. Look for soft, romantic style blouses and dresses with accents of single to layered ruffles. If not worn right, ruffles can be bad for a plus size person because they tend to emphasize parts of our body that we do not want to call attention to. Stick to ruffles that are small and follow the trim of the garment, and they will actually work to elongate your body and give you a slimmer silhouette. Ruffle trim wrap dresses are gorgeous and a perfect “must have” this season. For the perfect ruffled top option, check out the Nikki Checkered Plus-Size Top available in white/black check or pink/black check.

Work Wear: As divas, we must always dress to impress and dress for success. To stay trendy and cool at work on these hot summer days, opt out on the typical 3-piece suit and go for something with a little less fabric. Vests are a “must have” this season and can coordinate with virtually anything. For work pair a vest with a classic white button up shirt and pencil skirt. If you must wear a blazer to work, look for styles with one-button waist closures and narrow lapels made of all-season fabrics like rayon tweeds and light blends. Stay away from the typical black this season and go for perhaps chocolate or khaki. Why not be daring and go for white? In the work wear department SWAKdesigns.com has got you covered. Check out the Alicia Plus-Size Shirt Dress available in a variety of classic colors or their Classic Fit Trousers in black or tan/brown.

Trendy Active Wear: Anyone who thinks plus-sized women are inactive and do nothing but sit around on their butts all day is dead wrong and should join me and my plus-sized pals for a taste of BOOTCAMP. Working out is an everyday activity for plus-sized women in an effort to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Wearing comfy, yet attractive active wear helps boost your confidence and makes you feel good while exercising. Looking good is feeling good. Be sure to choose your active wear wisely. Pick items that are made of breathable fabrics like cotton blends and are not too tight or bulky. Stylish tees, tanks, leggings, or bike shorts are good combinations for day-to-day workouts; but for pure comfort, look into loosely cut plus-size yoga wear in bright summer colors. For some super cute, trendy active wear styles, check out the new Zen Yoga Wear Collection and the Aimee Plus-size Sweat Pants. There you have it! Some of the “must have” plus-size fashion trends for summer 2009.

Please be sure to check our website often as we are adding new items to our summer collection daily. If there is a plus-size fashion trend that you feel we are missing out on in our collection, please feel free to leave us a comment below. Happy summer!

Danielle Line, Plus-Size Model and Guest Writer for Sealed with a Kiss Designs (SWAK Designs, Plus-Size clothing) has built her career around her passion, embracing her own unique beauty and plus-sized body. Sealed with a Kiss Designs http://www.SWAKdesigns.comis a leading manufacturer of affordable and trendy plus size fashions.

By Danielle Line

What Makes a Good Multivitamin?

What Makes a Good Multivitamin?

So why take a multivitamin in the first place?

There are over 34 vitamins and minerals your body needs in various amounts to function optimally. We have heard, “Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day,” but is this truly enough? In fact, it is not. Studies have shown that in order to receive adequate amounts of every vitamin and mineral, we would need to take in over 3000 calories worth of very specific fruits and vegetables. The idea of multivitamin is to supplement and not replace (it is not called a replacement) all the healthy foods you should be enjoying on a regular basis. Your body cannot create most vitamins and minerals required or at least in adequate amounts for optimal daily performance, so your body relies on you to help it out.

Are multivitamins safe?

“Multivitamins/multiminerals are among those supplements most likely to have quality problems. They contain multiple ingredients and, therefore, more possibility for error. Earlier tests by ConsumerLab.com have found multis that were short on ingredients, failed to dissolve properly, or were contaminated with heavy metals,” reports ConsumerLab.com.

Remember that until 2011 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is not regulating what is in your supplements, so vendors could overload you with dangerously high amounts or give you 1/20 th what they are promising and be breaking no law. More is not always better, as extremely high amounts can be toxic. Sticking to trusted brand names can be safe, so do not be alarmed; but always strive to be an informed consumer. Recommended products at the end of this article.

Does price matter?

No, a higher price does not guarantee a better quality product. Always remember that at the end of the day these companies are just a business trying to turn profit, and sometimes setting a higher price can be a sales strategy imposing the illusion of a higher quality supplement. A great product maintains a reasonable price with a great formula that is backed by science; a good supplement is not afraid of non-biased reviews. Look for products with the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) seal of approval. As quality is not yet regulated, these products went out of their way to prove they have a quality product.

What about the different forms of multivitamins?

Multivitamins are available in the forms of tablets, pastilles, capsules, liquids, powders, and injectable formulations (injectable formulations being available to be administered under medical supervision only). Tablets are always superior because they allow two-thirds more active ingredients to be released properly due to better protection. Capsules are great choices as well, but try not to rely too heavily on liquids as they can be pricey and are absorbed the least because they pass through the system far too fast to be optimally effective.

What makes one multivitamin better than another?

Bioavailability, nutrient quality, and quantity are all key. Bioavailability refers to how absorbable the supplement is made for your body (mineral salts are not absorbed as well as chelated minerals) and how much you actually absorb. Two-thirds of most supplements will not be absorbed or utilized by your body due to faulty formulas and a large variety of other problems. Look for vitamins that are formulated to meet USP standards (United States Pharmacopeia), requiring full disintegration within 30 minutes. Also look for the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) seal, which is another optional seal vendors can pass their product through for customer confidence in quality and accurate contents.

What amounts of vitamins and minerals should I look for?

It’s hard to get the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of all the vitamins you need, even when you are eating well, so here is a good list of what should be found in a comprehensive generally good multivitamin for an active individual (individual bodily needs will always vary). If you know you have special circumstances or needs, make sure to find higher amounts for your scenario. But do your research; do not guess. The current DVs (Daily Values) are largely based on nutritional recommendations dating from 1968 and to date still have not been updated, so always make sure to be cautious with dosages. Always strive to be an educated consumer, as knowledge is power.

•Women in childbearing years should be sure to have 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid to help maintain new cells

•Pregnant women should take a vitamin with 600 mcg of folic acid daily as it will reduce the incidence of neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida.

•Premenopausal woman should increase iron to replace the iron lost during menstruation.

•Menopausal women should go without the iron as too much can be toxic.

NK	not known
mg	milligrams
mcg	micrograms (1,000 mcg = 1 mg)
IU	International Units (how many mg or mcg varies by nutrient)
Mineral	Women		Men
	minimum	maximum	minimum	maximum
Boron	NK	20 mg	NK	20 mg
Boron ages 14-18		17 mg		17 mg
Calcium	1,000 mg	2,500 mg	1,000 mg	2,500 mg
Calcium ages 14-18	1,300 mg		1,300 mg
Calcium ages 51+	1,200 mg		1,200 mg
Chromium	25 mcg	NK	35 mcg	NK
Chromium ages 51+	20 mcg		30 mcg
Copper	900 mcg	10,000 mcg	900 mcg	10,000 mcg
Fluoride	3 mg	10 mg	4 mg	10 mg
Iodine	150 mcg	1,000 mcg	150 mcg	1,000 mcg
Iron	18 mg	45 mg	8 mg	45 mg
Iron ages 14-18	15 mg		11 mg
Iron ages 50+	8 mg
Magnesium	310 mg	350 mg	400 mg	350 mg
Magnesium ages 14-18	360 mg		410 mg
Magnesium ages 31+	320 mg		420 mg
Manganese	1.8 mg	11 mg	2.3 mg	11 mg
Manganese ages 14-18	1.6 mg	9 mg	2.2 mg	9 mg
Molybdenum	45 mcg	2,000 mcg	45 mcg	2,000 mcg
Molybdenum ages 14-18	43 mcg	1,700 mcg	43 mcg	1,700 mcg
Nickel	NK	1.0 mg	NK	1.0 mg
Phosphorus	700 mg	4,000 mg	700 mg	4,000 mg
Phosphorus ages 14-18	1,250 mg		1,250 mg
Selenium	55 mcg	400 mcg	55 mcg	400 mcg
Vanadium	NK	1.8 mg	NK	1.8 mg
Zinc	8 mg	40 mg	11 mg	40 mg
Zinc ages 14-18	9 mg	34 mg		34 mg


Vitamins	Women		Men
	minimum	maximum	minimum	maximum
Vitamin A	700 mcg	3,000 mcg	900 mcg	3,000 mcg
Vitamin A in IU	2,334 IU	10,000 IU	3,000 IU	10,000 IU
Vitamin B1 Thiamin	1.1 mg	NK	1.2 mg	NK
Vitamin B2 Riboflavin	1.1 mg	NK	1.3 mg	NK
Vitamin B3 Niacin	14 mg	35 mg	16 mg	35 mg
Vitamin B6	1.3 mg	100 mg	1.3 mg	100 mg
Vitamin B6 ages 51+	1.5 mg		1.7 mg
Vitamin B12	2.4 mcg	NK	2.4 mcg	NK
Folate	400 mcg	1,000 mcg	400 mcg	1,000 mcg
Pantothenic acid	5 mg	NK	5 mg	NK
Biotin	30 mcg	NK	30 mcg	NK
Biotin ages 14-18	25 mcg		25 mcg
Choline	425 mg	3,500 mg	550 mg	3,500 mg
Vitamin C	75 mg	2,000 mg	90 mg	2,000 mg
Vitamin D	5 mcg	50 mcg	5 mcg	50 mcg
Vitamin D ages 51-70	10 mcg		10 mcg
Vitamin D ages 71+	15 mcg		15 mcg
Vitamin E	15 mg	1,000 mg	15 mg	1,000 mg
Vitamin E (natural) in IU	22 IU	1,100 IU	22 IU	1,100 IU
Vitamin E (synthetic) in IU	33 IU	1,500 IU	33 IU	1,500 IU
Vitamin K	90 mcg	NK	120 mcg	NK
Vitamin K ages 14-18	75 mcg		75 mcg

What are some that you can recommend?

All research information I have used is based on and backed by ConsumerLab.com, which is a wonderful independent lab that puts everyone to the test. There are many great supplements out there, too many to include in our list; but based on the latest consumer lab research, you can feel confident purchasing any of the following brands:

•Carlson® Super 2 Daily Vitamins and Minerals Iron Free

•Eniva® Original VIBE(TM)

•Life Extension® Two Per Day Tablets

•Multi-betic® Multi-Vitamin-Mineral-Antioxidant Advanced Diabetic Formula

•Solgar® Formula V(TM) VM-75® Multiple Vitamins with Chelated Minerals

•TwinLab® Daily One Caps(TM) with Iron

•WEIL(TM) Andrew Weil, M.D. Daily Multivitamin for Optimum Health

•USANA Essentials(TM) Mega Antioxidant

•Nature’s Plus® Source of Life® Whole Food Concentrates Top Choice

•CVS® Pharmacy Daily Multiple For Women

•GNC Women’s Ultra Mega® – Top Choice

•GNC Women’s Ultra Mega® Active

•Puritan’s Pride® Time Release Mega Vita Min For Women

•GNC Men’s Mega Men® Top Choice

•Target Men’s Daily Multivitamin

•PETS – 21st Century Pet Nutrition Pet Chews(TM) Plus

Written by Anthony Heredia

Top 5 Unforgettable Vacation Spots in Hawaii

From the first “Aloha!” Hawaii holds a stunning array of unforgettable vacation spots. Travelers who want to get the best of Hawaii will want to give themselves sufficient time to visit some of the 50th State’s most stunning sites.

1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, The Big Island (Hawaii)—The number-one choice of island visitors is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. Home of Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, the park draws some 3 million visitors each year. Photographers will relish the opportunity to get pictures of ever-erupting Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano. Nature lovers will be stunned by immense Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano. The Kilauea Visitor Center offers the latest information on opportunities for camping and hiking, plus road conditions and safety precautions. If sightseeing time is limited, take the scenic Crater Rim Drive, an 11-mile road around Mauna Loa’s summit. Whatever you do, be sure to stay clear of “Pele’s hair.” That’s the Hawaiian term for streams of glowing lava, which original Hawaiians thought were the tresses of their fire goddess Pele, who lives in volcanoes.

2. The Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu—The Polynesian Cultural Center in La’ie, about an hour’s drive from Honolulu near the North Shore, offers what every visitor wants: a genuine Polynesian luau. In addition to its exotic food and entertainment, the cultural center boasts seven different Polynesian villages to give guests good insights into the life of Hawaii, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, the Marquesas, Tonga and Maori New Zealand (Aotearoa) people.

3. The island of Oahu, Home to fabled Honolulu—Oahu is often the first stop for many visitors. Besides the vibrant cultural mix that is Honolulu, Oahu is home to such legendary attractions as Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, and Hanauma Bay, known around the world as a prime snorkeling site. Visitors can interact with marine life at Sea Life Park at Makapu’u Beach, or reflect on World War II history at the Arizona Memorial. For those with a hankering for more contemporary pastimes, Honolulu is known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment establishments.

4. The island of Maui—The magical island of Maui draws people to it for all sorts of reasons. Some come in the winter to view humpback whales at play. Artists revel at its events such as the Maui Film Festival and the Maui Writers Conference, while party animals head straight for Lahaina with its first-rank stage shows and exquisite restaurants. Athletes will find Maui the perfect spot for windsurfing, kite-boarding or a vigorous round of golf. Adrenaline junkies can jump into a canyon on a zip line, bike down a volcano or pilot a personal sports sub underwater. Those with a mystical bent won’t want to miss Haleakala, well known among holistic healers and followers as the strongest natural energy point in the United States.

5. The NaPali Coast, Kauai—No trip to Hawaii would be complete without a visit to the stunning NaPali Coast on the island of Kauai, the oldest and fourth largest of the main Hawaiian Islands. NaPali’s wild and uninhabited cliffs symbolize the unspoiled natural beauty of Kauai. Besides NaPali, Kauai boasts all kinds of natural wonders, from mountaintop rain forests to coral reefs and uncrowded golden beaches along its 111-mile coastline. Geologists estimate that Kauai emerged from an undersea volcano in the Pacific some five million years ago. Today it has one of the wettest places on earth, Mt. Wai’ale’ale, which gets an average annual rainfall of 460 inches. Don’t bother with an umbrella, though; rain showers are brief, followed by glorious “sun breaks” often accompanied by rainbows.

Many things can be considered truly Hawaiian. Author Sam Kanakanui and creator of Truly Hawaiian Teriyaki Sauce is just such a person. Born on Oahu, Sam has brought his family’s 100-year oldteriyaki sauce recipe to the mainland to share with his extended ohana (family). He can be contacted at www.TrulyHawaiian.com.

By John Ramallo

Traveling with a Dog

In recent years, traveling with a dog has become not only a common practice, but also much easier to do. More and more hotels are allowing pets in the rooms, and some attractions even have a “doggy day care” set up so that people can enjoy the sites while their pet is kept cool and content while playing with new friends. However, just because the practice is becoming more common does not mean that there are not a few “rules” to follow when traveling with your dog as well as a bit of “doggy etiquette” to incorporate.

The Basics of Traveling with Your Dog

No matter how or where you are traveling, before you leave with your dog, there are a few things to have in place.

· Doggy First Aid Kit – Buy a well-equipped first aid kit for dogs. If you cannot find one, ask your vet to put one together for you.

· Vaccines – Check out what vaccines your dog currently has and make sure they are up to date. Also, check the requirements for the area where you are visiting, i.e., to go over the Canadian/US border, you must have proof of your dog’s rabies vaccine. Make sure you have proof of vaccines with you in the car.

· Food – Make sure you have enough to last the entire trip and some extra just in case.

· Water – Many travelers carry bottled water for their dog to ensure there are no upset stomachs to ruin the trip.

· Medication – Always ensure you take enough of your dog’s medication with you on a trip and that it is well identified if you are going through any borders.

· Bedding – Most dogs prefer settling down at night in their own beds. If you have the room, bring your dog’s bed with you – you will both sleep better in the long run.

· Check with the dog laws in the area you will be visiting. Some states and provinces require dogs to be securely contained in a car, so either crate your dog or purchase a comfortable seat belt harness before you leave home. Leash laws and pooper scooping laws also vary from area to area.

· Doggy identification – last but most important, always ensure your dog is identified. Make sure his collar cannot slip off. Make sure his tags are legible and that your cell phone number is on the tags. Many dogs are lost each year while traveling; and in a strange area, it can be difficult to find where a stray dog is taken for processing. Give the authorities a break and help them to find you!

Driving with a Dog

A dog is the quintessential companion for a road trip. Most dogs love car rides, love to explore, offer companionship and security to their people, and never complain about the music you play or your singing no matter how out of tune or tone deaf you are!

Dog friendly hotels and motels are becoming more and more common. Often you have to pay an extra fee to offset the cost of vacuuming up the dog hair, but that is usually only an extra $10 or so. A common rule is never to leave your dog alone in the room as the barking could disturb your neighbors. And take your dog far away from any entrances or pathways to do their “business.” And always, always, always clean up after your dog! Other doggy etiquette includes regular brushing to keep shedding to a minimum, extra towels to clean up paws or dry off after a rain shower, and a sheet to put over the bed or couch. Consider waterproof booties if it is especially mucky or cold to help keep hotels and your car clean as well as your dog’s feet warm and dry.

The biggest danger to your dog on a road trip is the potential for overheating if left in the car on a warm day. Even in the shade with the windows cracked, the inside of a car can quickly reach dangerous temperatures and dogs can develop heat stroke, brain damage, and even die. When you stop for gas, pick gas stations with covers and stay to the shady side if you can. If you must stop to pick up groceries, arrange to do it first thing in the morning when the ambient temperature is not at its peak, pick a parking spot in as much shade as you can, and make the grocery stop a short one if possible! If you must stop for longer, contact a local doggy daycare, kennel or veterinarian office to see if you can leave your pet in their care for a few hours. The $20 or $25 expense is worth your peace of mind!

Flying with a Dog

The biggest concern when flying with a dog is the comfort of the pet on the flight. Some airlines allow small dogs in the cabin area – this is the best place for your pet to be on a plane. Short of this, the cargo area can be a comfortable alternative as long as you consider the temperature of all the places the flight might land (non-stop flights are best when traveling with a pet). Most airlines implement a heat embargo during the hot months, but also consider winter temperatures when flying; cold can be just as dangerous. Add thick blankets to their bedding so they can snuggle into them for warmth if required. A common question to vets is whether a dog should be given a sedative prior to flying. The short answer? Never! Sedatives interfere with the dog’s ability to control their body temperature, making it easier for them to either overheat or freeze. Although flying can be stressful for pets, never sedate them.

Traveling with a dog is a wonderful experience and well worth the added preparations to ensure a safe trip. Research the area where you are headed to find dog parks so they can stay well exercised and always stop for pee breaks every two to three hours. Offer plenty of water and bring a few toys to keep them entertained. Enjoy your travels and the companionship of a wagging tail at every new stop!

David Beart is the owner of the PetYak. Our site covers pet related topics such as disciplining a dog, cat health, birds and tropical fish.

By David Beart

Experience Ted Dekker

I am a voracious reader whose appetite for reading material spans the many genres. However, my favorite is fiction, escapist fiction. Lately I found myself wishing for more Harry Potter . . . but J. K. Rowling finished the series with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and it was pointless to wish for more. I even considered rereading Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings or perhaps C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, both of which still sit on my bookshelves. I was craving fantasy. A younger sister, also one of my trusted reading buddies, had earlier introduced me to Ted Dekker, a New York Times best-selling author originally known for his Christian fiction; and I had enjoyed a number of his books. For my birthday she sent me Ted Dekker’sTHR3E, a psychological thriller, and his The Circle Trilogy: Black Red White. The latter, three fantastic “adrenaline-laced epics where dreams and reality collide,” satisfied for a while my hunger for fantasy. We wait now for the fourth in the series, Green, which will be both a prequel and a sequel, to be released in September. In the meantime, in addition to my other reading, I have been enjoying more of his earlier works my sister sent me.

—TED DEKKER is known for novels that combine adrenaline-laced stories with unexpected plot twists, unforgettable characters, and incredible confrontations between good and evil.—

Below are just a few of his novels I recommend you read.

THR3E

By Ted Dekker

ISBN 0-8499-4512-7

Imagine answering your cell phone one day to a mysterious voice that gives you three minutes to confess your sin.If you don’t, he’ll blow the car you’re driving to bits and pieces. So begins a nightmare that grows with progressively higher stakes. There’s another phone call, another riddle, another three minutes to confess your sin. The cycle will not stop until the world discovers the secret of your sin.

THR3E is a psychological thriller that starts full tilt and keeps you off balance until the very last suspense-filled page.

THE CIRCLE TRILOGY: BLACK RED WHITE

(The Complete Trilogy in One Epic Edition)

By Ted Dekker

ISBN 978-1-59554-532-9

Fleeing assailants through an alleyway in Denver late one night, Thomas Hunter narrowly escapes to the roof of an industrial building. Then a silent bullet from the night clips his head and his world goes black. When he awakes, he finds himself in an entirely different reality—a green forest that seems more real than where he was. Every time he tries to sleep, he wakes up in the other world, and soon he truly no longer knows which reality is real.

Never before has a trilogy of this magnitude—all in hardcover format—been released in an eight-month window of time. On the heels of The Matrix and The Lord of the Rings comes a new trilogy in which dreams and reality collide. In which the fate of two worlds depends on one man: Thomas Hunter.

BLESSED

By Bill Bright and Ted Dekker

ISBN 0-8499-4312-4

The young orphan boy was abandoned and raised in an Ethiopian monastery. He has never seen outside its walls—at least, not the way most people see. Now he must flee those walls or die.

But the world is hardly ready for a boy like Caleb.

When relief expert Jason Marker agrees to take Caleb from the monastery, he unwittingly opens humanity’s doors to an incredible journey filled with intrigue and peril. Together with Leiah, the French Canadian nurse who escapes to America with them, Jason discovers Caleb’s stunning power. But so do the boy’s enemies, who will stop at nothing to destroy him. Jason and Leiah fight for the boy’s survival while the world erupts into debate over the source of the boy’s power.

In the end nothing can prepare any of them for what they will find.

“A fast-paced thriller of apocalyptic dimensions. The book will move you to wonder . . .” —Charles W. Colson

A MAN CALLED BLESSED

By Bill Bright and Ted Dekker

ISBN 08499-4380-9

In this explosive sequel to Blessed Child, Rebecca Solomon leads a team deep into the Ethiopian desert to hunt the one man who may know the final resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. But Islamic fundamentalists fear that the Ark’s discovery will compel Israel to rebuild Solomon’s temple on the very site of their own holy mosque in Jerusalem.

They immediately dispatch Ismael, their most accomplished assassin, to pursue the same man. But the man in their sights is no ordinary man. His name is Caleb, and he is also on a quest—to find again the love he once embraced as a child.

The fate of a million souls rests in the hands of these three.

Dekker’s is fiction at its best. His books contain all the elements that make for good reading, among which are larger-than-life characters, suspense, intrigue, romance . . . . Deciding to try any one of these novels will leave you wanting more. So enjoy!

Visit www.teddekker.com

Written by Lee L. Peoples

Tomorrow Is Another Day

For too long we have been a country that has had too much, so much that whole government agencies have gotten together to decide how to dispose of our excess. That excess has been useable produce, overproduced goods, and even an excess of money when we were as a nation free of debt. From the first immigrants who came to this country, the English, Spanish, and so on, to now, we have had the attitude, “Expand, expand, expand.” With this attitude we have wasted and polluted our land, run through our resources, and have found it impossible to live with the native inhabitants as well as each other. The big wide America has become a place somewhat filled with despairing people who have lost their homes, their jobs and their hopes, causing us to take pause and assess our expansive approach.

We have been members at a feast. Our tables have been filled with a variety of delicacies to choose from. We have had man and beast. We have had mountains and deserts. We have had land and sea. We have expanded our borders imperialistically and with the same attitude of expansion to incorporate other countries and their resources. Our table is spoiling and we cannot stand to put the meal to our lips. We can no longer engorge ourselves on a rotting meal, causing some to open our eyes and take pause and others to unsuccessfully revive the feast. What can we preserve? What do we need to toss? We can preserve nothing forever. We need to ration and allow what is fallow to breathe and replenish.

Individuals have taken limited dollars to buy unnecessary items packaged in commodities that will be discarded. Not even 100 years ago would people dream of buying packaged meals but would cook their own from scratch. Not even 50 years before that would people dream of buying clothing from the store. They would sew their own. We have had so much money that we’ve forgotten how wasteful it is to purchase items we could make ourselves, given the expertise. It takes less for me to bake my own bread and prepare my own meals than it does to purchase these items in the store. I begin to take breath in slowly during the few minutes of kneading bread. As I breathe in the aroma, I forget to run here and there to accomplish nothing while expending time. My car is allowed to rest, and I can put up my feet.

We need to realize that time is also a resource that we waste because we believe we will live forever. We waste our health, believing that the vitality we experience today will carry on into the future no matter what we do. We deceive ourselves when we do not recognize that everyone will age and will need the help of another. Some of us blindly carry on our lives as if no one else exists until we end up being forced to depend on others.

There is a natural law of the universe that nothing is permanent and nothing is lost. Animals live to procreate and die. Their flesh and bones decay and turn to dust, and new life springs forth from that dust. Whatever is lost ultimately returns to earth in some form or another. However, we have found a way to discard materials that do not break down and therefore scar the land; but everything will ultimately come to an end, even heavy duty plastic. This earth will come to an end some day, a few billion years in the future. Life as we know it will not exist within a few million years. Even microbes will not exist much beyond that, but the earth will go on until it is absorbed by the sun, which will also fade away.

The God that we believe in may appear as the light we experience upon arising only to diminish some day. We could understand that while we live, we pass away. What will we leave for others? What will we leave for another day? What can we salvage from our table? What must we allow to decay?

Whatever you are experiencing today—whether it is prosperity or the lack thereof—take a breath. Life as we experience it is only temporal. Therefore, this too shall pass and tomorrow is another day.

By Lisa Trimarchi