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SUMMER 2023

The Best Summer Ever! Taking Time and

Choosing You

Aging Well

Summer Body, Mind, and Spirit at Any Age

Global Summer Travel, Taste, Trend

Celebrating Years of Black Love

MARY CHATMAN CEO, Black Bride P. 1 Cheryl MAGAZINE

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FROM THE DESK OF DR. CHERYL POLOTE WILLIAMSON

Get busy doing what you’re supposed to be doing. That’s it. That’s the message. Get intentional about the days you’ve been given. The time is now. You deserve to live your dream, but that’s only one part. What about your purpose? Are you living your purpose? If not, why? No one can do what you have been put on this earth to do, the way you were designed to do it. So get busy working your project. So many are waiting for what you have to offer the world. When I leave this life, I want to know that I made impact. How about you? Do you think in those terms? Do you think about the impact you can make? Do you want the world to know you were here? Do you want to leave a legacy? If so, then what are you doing about that? Have you accepted the responsibility of what you’ve been called to do? Whether in business or in life, be inspired to leave a lasting impression on the world. What are you waiting for? You don’t need anyone’s permission! Love,

Cheryl

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Family, Community, Human Interest: Help, Hope, and Legacy

SUMMER BRIDAL BLISS Five Essential Tips for Planning an Unforgettable Wedding

SUMMER 2023 | ISSUE #15

CONTENTS

A SUMMER TO REMEMBER Two Perspectives: A Married and Single Woman's View

ACKNOWLEDGE, ASSESS, MOVE!

AUTHOR'S CORNER Featuring Finale of Short Story, "Not on My Watch"

COVER STORY: Mary Chatman

CEO, Black Bride Magazine "I’m Inspired by Love"

LIFESTYLE

Celebrate LIFE With Family, Good Food, and Fun!

STYLE MATTERS Summer Fashion Trends 2023

Terri Sanders The Rest is Still Unwritten

PARENTING TIPS Five Tips for Parenting Through the Summer

Christina Jane Must-Visit Hot Spots in Ghana

BUSINESS 32 & FINANCE 36 Get insight that will help strengthen and empower your life and business! P. 6 Cheryl MAGAZINE

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TRAVEL & LEISURE Three of the Best Airline Credit Cards

BUSINESS SENSE & SENSIBILITY HOT Summer Ideas to Market and Grow Your Business THE LIST: Cheryl's Favorite Business Resources

IN EVERY ISSUE We THRIVE! Motivation, Inspiration, Action Plans, and POWER

A Letter From the Editor-in-Chief

Daddy Issues

with Tess Alexandria Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson Feeling is Living!

Foxxy Wizdom

with Charmaine Roots Castillo Serving While You Wait

What Women Should Know with Royce Morgan Remember Your WHY

with Dr. Michelle Kindred Aging Well Physically: Love It, or Love to Hate It!

with Roni M.Talley Retire Your Way.

The Gentleman's Voice:

Culinary Passport: A 'Taste of Home" with Chef Nana Wilmot

I dare to be POWERFUL to When use my strength in the service of MY vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” - AUDRE LORDE

Aging Well

Money Talk

P. 1 8 Cheryl Photo courtesyMAGAZINE of Black Bride Magazine

Summer Bridal Bliss Five Essential Tips for Planning an Unforgettable Wedding

by Mary Chatman, Editor-in-Chief, Black Bride Magazine

lanning a wedding can be an exhilarating experience. It can also be overwhelming and stressful. As the editor-in-chief of Black Bride Magazine, I have witnessed countless couples successfully navigate the wedding planning process and create their dream celebrations. From setting a realistic budget to prioritizing self-care, here are the top five tips that help with planning the wedding of your dreams and ensuring a smooth and memorable journey toward your big day:

1. Define Your Vision and Establish a Realistic Budget. Before diving into the intricate details, take the time as a couple to define your wedding vision. Consider the theme, atmosphere, and overall ambiance. Whether you envision an intimate garden ceremony or a grand ballroom affair, vision clarity guides every decision you make during planning. It is also crucial to establish a realistic budget. Wedding expenses can add up quickly. Ensure your budget aligns with your vision and be prepared to make necessary adjustments.

2. Build a Supportive Dream Team. Surround yourself with a supportive dream team to flawlessly execute your wedding vision. Seek experienced and reliable wedding vendors who specialize in your desired style and can bring your ideas to life, from wedding planners to photographers, caterers, and florists. Research and interview potential vendors, and don't hesitate to ask for references and view their portfolios. Remember, your dream team will be instrumental in creating a memorable and stress-free wedding day.

3. Focus on Personalization and Cultural Significance. Your wedding day should mirror your love story and cultural heritage. Incorporate personal touches that make the celebration yours. Whether through custom-made invitations, special performances, or a menu inspired by your favorite family recipes, infuse elements that showcase your and your significant other's personalities and backgrounds. Celebrating your heritage adds depth and meaning to the occasion, making it more memorable for you and your guests.

4. Embrace Self-Care and Delegate Responsibilities. Wedding planning can become all-consuming, leaving you drained and stressed. It is important to prioritize self-care throughout the process. Take breaks, practice relaxation techniques, and seek support from friends and family. Additionally, delegate responsibilities to trusted individuals who can help share the load. Assign tasks to your bridal party or close P. 1 9 Cheryl MAGAZINE

DADDY ISSUES

with Tess Alexandria

! g n i v i L

FEELING is

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I addressed, first, why I was insistent upon acting like I was “all good”... the sooner I gave myself permission to write out how I felt and cry, the sooner the weight lifted."

f wearing your heart on a sleeve were a person, it would undoubtedly be me. I am an emotional creature, and I’ve come to fully accept that. And while I love being in tune with my emotions, I don’t always enjoy feeling all the feels. My therapist would refer to this as sitting in your feelings, which requires me to acknowledge the feelings I am experiencing and sit with them to release whatever needs releasing. The first time she introduced this to me, I immediately thought, “No, thank you.” Eventually, I warmed up to this practice after a few sessions. But, if it weren’t for therapy, I’m unsure how often I’d volunteer to unpack my emotions. It’s much easier for me not to dwell on whatever is causing me to have an unwanted emotion, or pretend I'm not fazed at all—or so I thought. It wasn’t until a few months ago that I had to get real with myself and recognize that avoiding something that has bothered me will not necessarily make me feel better. It also won’t help me forget the incident that bothered me any sooner. Earlier this year, someone I considered a friend hurt my feelings. I found myself really upset over how the situation played out, but I did not want to admit the hurt to that person. I simply wanted to state my peace and remove myself from the friendship altogether if necessary. And although both of those things happened, I was no more at peace than I was before doing so. Instead, the situation kept replaying over and over in my head. Since I didn’t care to discuss it, I knew I would need to work it out on my own. I addressed, first, why I was insistent upon acting like I was “all good." Then it dawned on me that I

was inadvertently following a trend. What I’m about to say may be very millennial of me. However, it seems everywhere I look, whether on social media, my favorite Netflix/Hulu show, or even in the artists I listen to, there’s this ‘it is what it is’ attitude promoted. According to this ideology, nothing is supposed to matter too much. Being nonchalant is praised, and showing vulnerability is a form of weakness. It’s almost as if whoever cares least or displays the slightest emotion wins. There I was, subscribing to it. Jumping aboard the trend prolonged my hurt and eventually led to anger. There was only one logical alternative, listening to my inner voice which said as clear as day, "Allow yourself to feel." If you choose to be present with your feelings, you too may find it liberating. It may look different for you, but the sooner I gave myself permission to write out how I felt and cry, the sooner the weight lifted. It is perfectly normal to be impacted by what people say and do to us. It makes us human. I’ve since adopted this theme for 2023 that I challenge you to try: Honor Your Feelings. This mantra applies to all emotions. For example, if something you’ve done excites you and you alone, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the moment and applauding yourself. Honor that feeling. If a memory surfaces that triggers you and has you feeling down for a moment, honor it. If your intuition tells you something is not a good idea, honor that feeling. Don’t feel pressured to tuck your emotions away in a box, never to be dealt with. If feelings of apprehension arise, feel it. To feel is to be alive.

Thank you for joining me again for Daddy Issues. Why the name? I aim to reverse the feeling women get every time we hear that phrase. There is a stigma attached to it. It’s often used as a weapon, with the intent to make us feel like we are the problem. Dispelling the misnomer includes providing new information on something that was named before its true nature was known. I’ll attempt to do that in each Cheryl Magazine issue as I address behaviors and characteristics that developed from our father’s lack of skill and ability to bond with, encourage, teach, or support us. To all the young girls and grown women, it was never your fault. The issue was his, and because of your daddy’s issue, you found yourself improperly navigating relationships. Let’s talk about it. For the record, Daddy Issues is an opinion column. I’m not a clinical professional or expert on the subject; I’m just a girl who needed her daddy. If you’d like to connect, follow me on IG: @tessalexandria_ or Facebook: Tess Alexandria. If you have questions or a topic you’d like to discuss, email me at tess@cherylmagazine.com. P. 2 3 Cheryl MAGAZINE

Five Tips for Parenting Through the Summer by Dr. Kerry-Ann Zamore Byrd Dr. Kerry-Ann Zamore Byrd, CEO of KZamore Enterprises LLC, is a best-selling author, licensed clinical social worker, and University Professor with over 20 years of experience. Connect with Dr. Zamore-Byrd on Facebook at DrKerry-Ann Zamore. View her TEDx on YouTube.

CherylMAGAZINE MAGAZINE P.P.4 4 4Cheryl

ere comes April, followed by May, and then boom storms in June, and they are all yours again for a full two months! Your children, the light of your eyes, your little darlings, yes, you love them, and yes, you want them close, but OMG, what will you do to keep them entertained AND learning this summer? Well, Dr. Z.B. is here for you. As a mother of three sons with very different personalities, I had the wonderful experience of learning different ways to keep my highly motivated and logical oldest son on track, my differently-abled middle son entertained and learning, and still finding activities for my youngest precocious learner.

Tip #3 Science experiments are always a hit with all ages. Turn your backyard into a science wonderland with water, food coloring, liquid soap, hydrogen peroxide, yeast, noodles, and marshmallows.

Where do you start? What do your children need most from you? Well, time—quality time. Remember, it’s not the amount of time you give them, but rather what you do in the time that you spend with them. The experience you plan for your children will have lasting effects on who they become as they grow older. Do you recall your childhood memories? For those of us over forty, you probably remember playing outside: tag, hopscotch, and double-dutch. Or some may remember drinking from a water hose as we sprayed one another to help cool off, jumping hand in hand with your cousins in the lake, or swimming in the pool all day. Summer was the time we all looked forward to. Our children and grandchildren also look forward to summer fun. However, as simple as it was, many things have changed drastically in the past twenty years. So here are a few quick tips to help plan a great summer and loads of fun with the kiddos.

Demonstrating chemical reactions. Take 2-3 small bottles, measure 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and pour in each. Add a big squirt of dish soap and a few drops of food coloring into each bottle. Gently swirl to mix. In a separate container, dissolve one teaspoon of yeast into two tablespoons of warm water (for each bottle). Finally, pour the yeast mixture into each bottle and watch the reaction. This is sure to keep your child entertained while they learn math (measuring) and science (mixing ingredients) and discover chemical reactions.

First, prepare your school-aged children by ensuring they are a part of the plan. Second, list five things they would love to do or experience throughout the summer. Now, here are five quick tips to help you get started. Tip #1 A park is a great idea anytime. Are there any historic parks in your state? Take a one-day road trip and have your children help you pack and prepare. Have the kids do a quick Google search about the park. Discover why the park is historical and identify specific areas you want to explore. Create short videos, photo journals, or scrapbooks with trinkets and souvenirs with your children detailing what you all discovered about the park. Tip #2 The Amazing Race around the house. This one may take more work on the front end. Find 5-10 items to hide in abstract spaces in your home (i.e., cupboards, drawers, inside a shoe in the closet, etc.) Encourage them by adding a clue or riddle to each item that leads to the next and finding the grand prize. The grand prize is entirely up to you.

Science Experience 1:

Your school-aged children can participate in a towerbuilding competition with marshmallows and firm noodle sticks. Add a slight edge to the competition by seeing who can build the highest tower without it falling over.

Science Experience 2:

Tip #4 Limit technology and encourage conversations. Board games are a great way to spend time, engage in conversation, and develop competitive skills individually and as a team. Encourage your child to play board games with you. This means you are an active participant in the games. Find games that require teamwork; these games foster critical thinking, social skills, and communication. Tip #5 Travel is a valuable experience for anyone at any age. Plan a trip with your family out of state or even out of the country. No matter how small or large your budget, the ability to visit spaces outside of your own environment fosters learning. Plan visits to museums in another state and experience foods of another culture. Document the journey by journaling, video, or photos. Encourage older children to chronicle the trip. Parent through the summer easily using these tips on any budget and with very little time and experience in planning activities. Remember, it is not how much time you spend but rather the quality of time you share in the experience. Allow the planning and execution to be stressless, allow for mistakes and messes, and enjoy the process; your children are building lasting memories with you.

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Three of the Best Airline Credit Cards

f you frequently fly with a particular airline, you can strategically use a credit card to earn frequent-flyer miles and other perks when using the card.

Getting an airline credit card is an excellent idea if you often travel because you can receive rewards for your travel. Advantages include bonus miles when you sign up and exclusive access to airport lounges. Airline credit cards can allow you to save while traveling and have a more luxurious travel experience too. Here are three of the best airline credit cards you can sign up for now:

1. Chase Sapphire Reserve The Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card is great for those who love traveling but aren’t loyal to any particular airline. You get 50,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 within the first three months after opening your account. These points translate into $750 toward travel expenses. You also receive a $300 travel credit on each anniversary of your account opening. In addition, you get complimentary airport lounge access and special benefits at select hotels and resorts.

3. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card provides rewards for flying with Southwest Airlines and for buying essential services. You get 40,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 on your new card within the first three months. You also earn 7,500 points on your cardmember anniversaries and receive a $75 Southwest travel credit per year. This credit card gives you 4 Upgraded Boardings per year, which allows you to be among the first flyers to board the plane. Here’s a look at the ways you can earn points with this card: • 3x points on Southwest purchases • 2x points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare • 2x points on internet, cable, phone, and select streaming services • 1x points on all other purchases With any of these three credit cards, you’ll be set to rack up points/miles while you fly and travel! Ready to start earning points/miles on your airline credit card? Book one of our trips at ladiesandluggage.com.

This card gives you tons of ways to earn points, such as: • 10x points on hotels and car rentals • 5x points on air travel • 10x points on Lyft rides • 3x points on dining and other travel-related purchases

2. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Fly Delta frequently? Then the Delta SkyMiles®️ Platinum American Express Card is an excellent option. With it, you can check your first bag for free on every Delta flight, saving you up to $60 per person on a round-trip flight. You also get access for you and up to two guests to the Delta Sky Club for $39 per person. Additionally, you can earn 50,000 bonus miles if you spend $2,000 on your card in your first three months. This card also gives you many ways to earn points, such as: • 3x miles on Delta flights and Delta vacations • 3x miles on hotels • 2x miles at restaurants and supermarkets

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Ladies & Luggage Luxury Travel Group ladiesandluggage.com info@ladiesandluggage.com 866-712-8728

SUMMER 2023

Advertise with Cheryl Magazine! Connect with our dynamic, diverse readership of women looking for top-tier products to enrich their daily lives. Whether you're an emerging author or an established corporation, we offer a variety of advertising opportunities. Reserve your spot for Fall 2023 now.

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