Our new issue is filled with beautiful & bold women with curves. Also featuring curvy cover model Malinda Bell.

Click here to read the issue http://www.magcloud.com/webviewer/566134?__r=130566&s=w

by Dr. Blessing Anytonwu

You lead a busy life. You have projects due at work, meetings to attend, children to pick up from school, healthy meals to prepare and the list goes on.  By the time you get home you are exhausted and stressed.  With all these commitments on your plate you don’t always have time for exercise.  What if I told you that you could stay fit, look great and feel more energetic with just 10 minutes of exercise a day?

High Intensity Interval Training is a form of cardiovascular exercise that uses quick short bursts of anaerobic exercise with periods of rest.  An example would be sprinting as fast as you can for 1 minute, walking for 3 minutes and then sprinting again for another minute.  Here are 4 Things You Need To Know about HIIT.

Burn more calories

Short bursts of exercise speed up your metabolism and help you burn those extra calories

Convenient

You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym to perform the following exercises: running, jump roping or biking (if you already have a bike)

Lose weight without losing muscle mass

HIIT allows you to burn fat and keep the muscles that you have developed

Efficient

You can fit these workouts into your busy schedule because the entire workout lasts from 4 – 30 minutes.

We all know that exercise can decrease your risk of heart disease, boost your immunity, and improve your quality of sleep, help you manage your weight, build muscle and manage stress.  HIIT is a great addition to any schedule  because it can be tailored to your needs and time constraints. You can mix it up and it will cost you next to nothing. So if you are looking for way to fit exercise into your busy schedule HIIT is a great option.

MY THOUGHTS ON JADA AND HAVING THE COURAGE TO CHANGE OUR BELIEFS ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE IN AN “OPEN” RELATIONSHIP by Angie G.

What do I believe?  How did I come to believe what it is that I believe?  Does what I believe empower me?  At some point, most of us have considered the first question, but have never stopped to ask ourselves the second or the third.  Perhaps we should.

You see, when it comes down to it, the fact is that most of our beliefs have been established based on what others have taught us. The rest?  Well, the rest is a hodge-podge of conclusions that we’ve arrived at based on life experience; some good, some bad.  There are some beliefs that are so deeply ingrained in us that we are willing to fight, or even die for them.  Others, while they may not be as sacred, are still familiar.  They are what we know to be “true”, but what should we do when our “truth” does not serve us?

Recently, I found myself sitting in casual observation of all the brouhaha surrounding Jada Pinkett-Smith and the allegations that she shares an open marriage with her husband, actor Will Smith. Whether open or closed, I had formed no real opinion about their relationship.  It was none of my business and therefore required no debate, argument, or editorial on my part.  At least that was how I felt up until Jada released a statement in response to the uproar.  Then, I sat up and took notice.

“Do we believe loving someone means owning them? Do we believe that ownership is the reason someone should ‘behave’? Do we believe that all the expectations, conditions, and underlying threats of ‘you better act right or else’ keep one honest and true?

“Should we be married to individuals who can not be responsible for themselves and their families within their freedom? Should we be in relationships with individuals who we can not entrust to their own values, integrity, and LOVE…for us???”

When I read this portion of Jada’s statement, I felt the strong desire to rise to my feet and give Ms. Jada a standing ovation. It was out there.  She said it-the thing that most of us don’t want to acknowledge.  And I give her credit for being wise enough to recognize and speak the truth: believing that we can somehow control, threaten or guilt someone into honesty or fidelity is a delusion.  In fact, believing that we should have to says even more about us than it does about the person that we are involved with.  Ultimately, we must take responsibility for our own choices and we must allow others the freedom to do the same.   And within that context, it really doesn’t matter how we choose to define our relationship.  What matters is the quality of our experience.  What matters is whether or not we are in a relationship that honors us.

Now, I’m sure that there are many who do not agree with Jada’s views on marriage or how she chooses to define her relationship (hence all the tongue-wagging).  What do I believe?  I believe that marriage is just like everything else in life-meant to show us who we are, not to create a false sense of security for ourselves.  I believe that if we are in a relationship where we cannot trust ourselves and our partner enough to love freely and openly, then we are out of place.  I believe that relationships help to expose all of our little insecurities so that we might be healed, not for us to make our partner responsible for managing our anxieties.

In the end, what each of us believes about marriage and relationships is a personal choice.  If our beliefs empower us and allow us to grow, then we are in integrity with ourselves.  But if they do not, we should find the courage to change them.  So, what do you believe?

Ladies! come on out to Chocolat Restaurant/Lounge in Harlem, NY and get your free swag bag filled with all kinds of “wellness” goodies during our Mind, Body and Spirit event to celebrate National Women’s Health Week! RSVP here http://bronzelnomay.eventbrite.com/

by Jo Jo Harder

There are many ways to celebrate Mother’s Day. Blooms by the bunch from a significant other, the Rice Krispies treats your children bring you on a tray, or giving mom the day off. These are all wonderful gestures of love. But why not follow with a spectacularly, simple brunch? In fact, if spring has arrived in your area and you have a garden or patio, why not set up table outside? And Mother’s Day does not have to be limited to the immediate family. It can include special people who touch our lives.

Keeping in mind, this is a day when “less work for mother” comes into play. Here is an easy menu that can be prepared in less than an hour.

Menu

Cantaloupe with Blueberries

Miniature Quiche

Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese and Capers on Brown Bread

Strawberry Banana Blueberry Smoothie

Mini Champagne Bottles with Straws

Coffee

For openers, serve cantaloupe with blueberries. Cut cantaloupes in halves and remove the seeds and filaments. Fill each half with blueberries, squeeze with lemon and sprinkle with brown sugar. Serve cold, garnished with lemon slices.

Make miniature quiche in just thirty minutes. This recipe makes twelve servings:

Easy Miniature Quiche

12 slices of bread                                4 eggs

1 grated onion                                     1 teaspoon dry mustard

½ cup shredded Swiss cheese             Pinch black pepper

1 cup milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease muffin tins.
2. Cut bread into circles and place in bottom of muffin tins. Distribute shredded cheese and onion evenly between the bread circles.
3. In a bowl, combine eggs, milk, mustard, and pepper. Divide between each muffin tin.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until tooth pick inserted in center of quiche comes out clean.

Spread cream cheese on slices of bread. Top with the smoked salmon and capers, and season with pepper. Serve with freshly brewed coffee, smoothies, and champagne.

Flowers and cloth napkins make a brunch table pretty. Set the table well in advance, select the music and think of all the things that might make your guests feel welcome.

On a beautiful, May morning, what better way to celebrate moms, and those who love them, than with this festive brunch designed to please tastes of all ages?

Review by Osundara Mayuri

Are you nursing painful wounds of your past?  Many believers in Christ have a new spirit (born again) but still carry wounded souls. Author Joan Hunter unfolds why it is time to get rid of all trauma in our lives, be it a past car accident, childhood abuse, abortion, verbal abuse, rejection, divorce, loss of a loved one, abandonment, etc., which have served to throw us out of alignment.  This is a disturbance of the electrical, chemical and magnetic frequencies of the human system.  As a result stress comes on the scene and produces stress hormones which inhibit the function of the immune system (i.e. autoimmune diseases). “When you have been freed from trauma, you will find that some of the ailments you were suffering from have gone, as well, because they were caused by trauma.”

Throughout the book, Joan shares the testimonies of many others and how they have overcome their past trauma, junk memories and spirits of guilt and shame to live a joyful and abundant life.  She shares prayers for releasing trauma and cellular memories and includes scriptures to inspire the reader.

There is power available to us when we believe in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.  “When you trust in the Lord, you can lay hands on yourself and command that the spirit of trauma depart in Jesus name.”

Hunter encourages us to move beyond the place of denial of our issues and any unbelief in Christ and to be a receiver of the healing power of God. Joan clearly explains why this is necessary for our health and wholeness, how our negative memories are stored in our physical cells and how to stop carrying around our disappointments and failures.

“You can erase the pain of your past!…It’s time to get free!…It’s time to come out of the cocoon of denial of negative things that happened to us in our past…spread our wings, and soar freely like beautiful butterflies.”

‘Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.” (Jude 1:24)

Joan Hunter is a healing evangelist, President and founder of Joan Hunter Ministries. She is a featured guest on many national television and radio shows, such as
Today With Marilyn and Sarah and Sid Roth’s It’s Supernatural.  She conducts miracle services and healing schools throughout numerous countries.

Hunter has emerged victorious from her own childhood abuse and tragic circumstances such as being in a long term marriage to a man who fathered 4 daughters with her, while secretly living a double life of homosexuality.  Joan’s book, Freedom Beyond Comprehension is published by Whitaker House (2012) and also available at Amazon

in print and Kindle edition. She is the author of numerous other books such as Healing the Heart.  “God wants to turn your pain into your passion.  He wants to make us new creations who remember only good and beautiful things.”  Hunter’s book clarifies how God sees the worth in us and how Jesus is our hope.

Copyright 2013 by Osundara Mayuri – Author, The Book Of Mayuri: Why We Can’t Have Peace and How We Can Have Peace -Westbow Press, 2010

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated. Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.

All rights reserved. aka Verano LaRue  Contact:  veranolarue@earthlink.net

by Ada Mbogu

At just 17 years old, Nneoma Okorie has cultivated an impressive fan base while staying true to herself. With her eclectic style and even more dynamic personality, Nneoma exudes confidence and ambition that surpasses her time. I had a chat with Nneoma and here’s what she had to say.

Ada Mbogu: I’ve known you for a couple of years and as a personal admirer, I love how your style has evolved. How do you think your style has changed over the years?

Nneoma Okorie: Thank you, I believe my style has evolved with growth, maturity, and money! lol One thing I can proudly say about my style is, its just a reflection of me that being my personality, mood, and what I’m inspired by. You can find a bit of all eras intertwined with a modern Nneoma style.

AM: As a Nigerian-American, do you think your culture plays a huge role with your style? What are some of the pieces that you like to wear that stems from your Nigerian heritage?

NO: As a Nigerian-American culture at one point did play a huge role in my style. I used to style the ankara headwraps all the time. Now? Not so much, its usually only when I’m having a bad hair day. lol To be honest, I’ve hated how trendy and corny some girls make it look. I still have a deep love for ankara though, the other day I wore an ankara top with shoulder pads (I love this look) with some bell bottom pants. Man, I should have taken a picture! So, I’d say ankara is one of the things that stems from my Nigerian culture.

AM: How important is individuality to you when it comes to your own personal style?

NO: Very, Very, Very important. It’s who I am, my style from day to day should be able to speak for me and tell people who I am without even having to tell them. That’s why its important to be individual when it comes to style.

AM: What are your top five favorite items in your closet right now?

NO: My strappy heels, my loafers, my blazers, (can’t think of anything else). But this changes as my hairstyle and the season changes.

AM: How would you best describe your own personal style?

NO: Indescribable. I mean I don’t know, its just ME. Its whatever I feel like, the fact that people adore me or inspired by me just because I style clothes in the way I like is just amazing! I love that. People can tell me I look like so and so, my style isn’t original or whatever but I just enjoy dressing how I wanna. I don’t care about other people’s interpretation or approval of my style to be honest. Reminds me of the quote by Gore Vidal. “”Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.” 

AM: Thrifting has become a huge phenomenon amongst young people in recent years. How do you feel about thrifting and do you think that thrifting has become “trendy” in a sense?

NO: Yes, it has become a trend! How everyone else perceives thrifting is entirely their business. I love thrifting, ONLY when I walk out satisfied or happy with what I found and bought. If not, its a chore. lol 

AM: What are your current career goals and aspirations? In addition to that, do you plan on pursuing a career in the fashion industry?

NO: My current career goal is to be a highly rated and paid talk show host and media mogul. I aspire to be and do a lot of things in this wonderful life time of mine; as it relates to fashion, one of the things I’d like to do is have my own fashion line and open up an image consulting company dedicated to helping people look and feel better.

AM: What would you say to girls who want to develop their own unique personal style but are hesitant to step out the box and be different?

NO: STOP caring about what others are doing. If you like something or even LOVE it, just wear it. Life’s too short to wear boring clothes, bro.

AM: Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?

NO:  www.nnes-corner.blogspot.com

          www.nnescorner.tumblr.com

          www.facebook.com/nnescorner

This spring/summer add a “pop” of yellow to your eye shadow color
 

by Christley CL Jean

Photography by Ed Canas

Sasha Brookner can be described as many things- Writer, fashionista, Public Relations icon and visionary.  Amongst these great descriptions the one that stood out to us at Bronze was CEO and founder. After working for companies such as Laface Records, BMG, MTV, House of Blues, and Red Ant Records, Sasha packed her bags and branched out to create a highly successful firm of her own, Helio PR.

A look through Helio’s client list is a testament to the companies sweeping scope and ability to attract world-class talent. The firm represents a wide range of talented people and organizations, actors, directors, musicians, producers, activists, non-profits and anyone who has a unique voice that navigates the contemporary world and strikes to the core. If anyone is a representation of the amazing work a PR firm can do, then look no further then Sasha Brookner and Helio PR. Bronze recently chatted with the dynamic entrepreneur and here’s what she had to say:

What path led you to take on the public relations world?

I was actually attending UCLA, pursuing a degree in History. I began interning at various entertainment companies really just to obtain college credits so I could graduate in a timely fashion. I fell into PR haphazardly. I had brief stints at MTV, LaFace and House of Blues in Hollywood, then I got a job as an administrative assistant to the VP of Publicity at Red Ant Records which was one of BMG’s R&B sub-labels at the time. From there I moved into working at a boutique PR firm and eventually branching off and founding my own company. 

When did you know that Helio PR was here to stay?

They say 90% of businesses fail within the first year so after that 365 day mark I was like okay maybe this will work. I knew I wasn’t about to go back to a 9-5. I think my “aha moment” was the summer of 2000 – we were working with an indie soul singer by the name of N’Dambi. She had feature spreads in French Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle that all hit newsstands around the same time so I was looking at all these articles of her sprawled across my desk like for real? At the time she was singing background for Badu on a really grassroots level but she had more mainstream press than a lot of major label artists – even Erykah was like “damn whose doing your PR?”

You work amongst some of the most creative people in the world. What are some of your criteria in deciding whether or not you will work with a prospective client?

I’m at the point in my career where I can be discerning about the accounts I choose to take, as opposed to ten years ago. I really just have to have some connection to their artistry. How they unfold and manifest is actually quite random. I have various stories as to how/why I’ve taken on clients. I worked with Goapele, Ledisi and Martin Luther for geographical reasons because they were from my hometown and I was excited to help put the Bay Area on the musical map. I worked with Katt Williams because he made me laugh on MTV’s Wild n’ Out. I was introduced to KRS One through a friend, we ended up talking about politics and then PR. I worked with painter Keba Konte because I was enchanted by the pain, protest and hope he was able to convey through his artwork. I worked with N’Dambi because I loved her solo on Erykah Badu’s “Live Album.” I worked with Joi, Lira and Conya Doss because I listened to their music all day anyways. I worked with celeb fitness trainer Mark Jenkins because he offered me a free work out – kidding, kinda. I worked with Beyonce’s choreographer Jeffrey Page because I knew him from my West African dance classes and he was the only one pushing authentic African dance into Hollywood. I worked with spoken word poet Malik Yusef because his Def Poetry Jam appearance was like the best ever on so many levels. I worked with hipster rap duo U-N-I because their manager lived in my building, we met in the laundry room and I was like “sure I’ll do PR for your group” as I was holding my basket of clothes. I have like 50 other stories but I’ll stop there. There’s not really one formula for my connection w/ clients. Either I’m originally a fan of their work or become so after whatever unique introduction happens.

What do you believe is the female appeal towards working in the PR industry?

We tend to have an affinity for fashion magazines a tad more so than men. I couldn’t even envision some of my male friends in the industry calling up Allure like “I have an amazing new aesthetician you need to profile.”

Photography by Ed Canas

I would like to see us stop judging women in front of the cameras and scrutinizing their entire existence whether someone’s mad about their romantic choices or hairstyles. These blogs and commentary are really getting tedious, women are literally being crucified by their own, on top of sexism from the larger culture. We sometimes tend to project our own demons on other women and as a feminist it’s difficult for me to watch us take each other down. On a behind the scenes note it’s always great to see more women upgrade from secretaries and receptionists to VP’s and CEO’s. I’m not really going to deal with my gripes on men because those are axiomatic and I’m exhausted just thinking about them.

What do you believe is the key to your success?

At the core of my job it’s a sales position. The mistake many peers make is getting into this thinking you can pay some news service to disseminate a press release and sit back and wait for some magical response. That may be true with the Coldplays of the world but if you’re just getting into PR chances are your client “list” aren’t going to be at the top of the alphabet. You have to not only form genuine relationships with writers, talent bookers and producers but you have to see the world through their eyes. Figure out what they’re looking for and how to make your client sound breathtaking to a bunch of folks who have heard just about everything under the sun. I tell people out of everything in Robert Greene’s “48 Laws of Power” the tactics of mastering the art of timing and appealing to people’s self-interest when asking for something are definitely applicable in my profession.

Another key is imagination. Einstein once said it was more important than knowledge. There are so many publicists out here – in fact boutique PR firms pop up like Starbucks but many of the publicists don’t realize that you can’t be a linear thinker when you want to sell a product. I always admit how much I admire the billboard slogan writers of the world – you can tell these men and women sit there for weeks brainstorming in order to come up with really interesting, captivating and creative marketing mottos. In order to sell you have to know how to make your product attractive and set it apart from everything else in the market. Some people have the gift to be able to read potential customers and see the world thru their eyes – which is important because with sales you have to know what your target wants to hear. Are they bandwagon jumpers? and want to hear you run off a litany of other publications your client is in this month? or are they the bona fide journalists who want to create demand instead of just respond to it?

Also organization skills are fundamental to success. When I was growing up my mother would literally organize to the point of us making jokes about it. She had her filing cabinet; color coordinated tabs for each subject and never misplaced a thing. I believe that’s where I inherited my “order.” You have to stay on top of interviews, returning phone calls, proper follow-up, invoices, making sure editors have the necessary materials to meet their deadlines, etc.

When all is said and done, what do you want to be most remembered for?

I’m not disillusioned into thinking as an entertainment publicist I’m going down in history books. Sometimes I think it can border on narcissism to obsess over what type of footnote you’ll be post-mortem. More of my memorable substance would probably come from my written blogs – they offer my vantage point on politics, economics, religion and gender, much less about PR.

What advice would you give to someone interested in breaking into the industry?

I always advise obtaining a liberal arts education and a college degree first and foremost. Regardless whether you’re studying Humanities, Science, Art or History the utmost goal of education is to breed tolerance and I think that sets the framework for any business because you have to get along with people in a variety of cultures. Enhancing your critical thinking skills will help all around in making better decisions, processing information and who to stay away from. Internships are also valuable if you can find a company and mentor dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of a particular industry as opposed to sticking you at the copy machine. When I first started out I would go sit at the newsstands after work for hours, writing out the mastheads at magazines from L’Uomo Vogue to Elle South Africa, even if you don’t ever leave the city your rolodex can be international. Most importantly, never stop educating yourself on the ever evolving media industry – just like in the worlds of medicine, law and beauty you can only remain at the top of your craft when you’re on the pulse of what’s new. Lastly know that humility is sexy.