P.s by the way thank you very much for taking time out of your day to talk to us. It really inspired me and I was just very happy and glad I had the opportunity to see and listen to you talk. I was always a big fan and thought it was pretty cool to talk to you. Thanks!callahangirl26@yahoo.com

Last year I was a part of something big and amazing.  The Lotus Project!  (See my other posts under my Contributors page for more details on this.)  And I worked with some of the most beautiful women in the process.  We learned from each other, we listened to each other, and we loved the sisterhood of this adventure.  And this year, I was going to take a break.  Not because ther wasn’t a need for my program, but because it was very hard to balance it within my own life.

Many of my girls asked if we’d be doing anything for the program this year.  We did a couple of small things to touch base with one another.  But one beautiful young lad y was very persistent.  And it wasn’t because she was worried about herself or wanted to get out of class.  It was because she saw a need in the new freshman class. She saw herself in a lot of these ladies and knew they needed the Lotus Project.  And with a lot of persistence she got me on board.  And tomorrow, we are leading 115  young ladies through some empowering morning activities and a live video chat with Nigel in the afternoon.

So, being persistent does pay off!  So, if you know something is truly important, don’t give up.  And fight for what’s right.  Even if it’s easier said than done =)

I'm trying to shoot something high fashion since all my works are mostly simple and more of fashion portrait. Is my attempt to shoot high fashion successful? also which shot is more interesting, I want something edgy & mysterious is the shot with the eyes open ok or the one with eyes closed? thanks.

Decker, her husband Joe, and their two children flew to New York for a week of fun and pampering. First up: seeing the musical “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark,” which was a big hit with 6-year-old Reese and 8-year-old Dominic, as well as their parents.

Then Stephanie and her family got to enjoy a day of pampering, topped off by a super-glam photo shoot, organized by style and beauty expert Mary Alice Stephenson and photographed by Nigel Barker of “America’s Next Top Model.” They all got to take in a Yankees game. And since she lost her wedding ring (along with her house and most of her family’s possessions) in the 175-mph tornado, husband Joe gave her a new one.

“That’s a whopper!” TODAY’s Ann Curry cried, admiring the very sparkly new ring.

Take me out to the ballgame…

“I think she earned it,” Joe said. “She’s my hero. I love her greatly.”

Reese told Curry that she knows what her mom did for her and her brother. “I like that she took care of us,” she said. “She loves us, and I love her too.”

Though Stephanie enjoyed the glam life and certainly loved her new ring, she told TODAY Moms the biggest highlight of the week for her was actually going to a New York Yankees game. She and her family are huge Yankees fans, so meeting some of the players was a thrill.

The highlight of the week for Stephanie? Watching her kids meet their baseball heroes on the Yankees.

“They gave us such a warm welcome, and they took the time to talk to our kids,” Decker said backstage at TODAY. “That meant a lot.”

One of her first goals after getting out of the hospital was to attend her son’s baseball games (her husband is also a baseball coach). She was able to do that, and even got to throw out the first pitch at a University of Louisville baseball game. So watching her children meet their baseball heroes was a fitting gift for this mom on Mother’s Day.

All along, Stephanie has said she just acted on instinct and did what any mother would do to protect her children. And her words to other moms this Mother’s Day are simply to follow that instinct: “Just take care of your child. Most mothers out there protect them just like I did. Take care of them. Hold them close.”

Indiana mom Stephanie Decker says she simply acted on instinct when a deadly tornado struck on March 2. As her home was ripped to shreds, she threw a blanket over her two children and lay on top of them, shielding them with her body as debris rained down. They emerged without a scratch; Stephanie lost one leg below the knee and the other leg above the knee.

She has blogged for TODAY Moms as she made her way through surgeries, rehab, and finally home, where she recently celebrated her daughter’s 6th birthday and got her first prosthetic foot. TODAY brought Stephanie to New York this week for a Mother’s Day surprise. She knew something was up, but she had no idea what! Here’s what Stephanie wrote for us earlier this week.

This is such an exciting week for us as we head to NYC! We are still so completely overwhelmed at the support from our friends, family and our newfound friends all over the world!! We will be eternally grateful for everything that has been done for us! I love and have read all the notes and cards mailed to me and I am inspired by all of your kind words!

Our first night in New York was fabulous! Took the kids to see Spiderman and it was incredible. What an enthralling show and the kids are mesmerized! Looking forward to day #2. However, it is filled with surprises that I am being kept in the dark about!! I wonder what NBC has up their sleeve? More to come on our journey… and I will fill you in on today’s surprises

Find out about Stephanie Decker’s fund for tornado victims, the Stephanie Decker Foundation. Read more about Stephanie Decker’s amazing story, in her own words:

Dear Nigel, 

Thank you for your lovely tips on home video making. Unfortunately, my camcorder ran out of battery in the middle of everything. But Luckily, I was able to take some photo of the look. I hope that you like it. Please tell me where I need to improve, because I am relatively new to this. 

Dear anyone who wants to achieve this look,  

Les Noirs Obscurs de CHANEL inspiration

I have always loved the Les Noirs Obscurs Collection de CHANEL. This collection feature one of the most beautiful deep and vibrant shades of purple, black and blue. 

The collection is like a Dark Angel fantasy. 

I could not get the whole collection because it was put of stock. However, I was lucky to be able to find replacement product. And you can also achieve this look with whatever you have at home as well.  

I used Maybelline Kohl Pencil in Black

Then, I apply Revlon matte eyeshadow in Purple 

Then, I use CHANEL PERFECTION LUMIÈRE in 40 (this is a sample I pick up from the CHANEL makeup shop. They only have number 40, which ends in the "0" so this is for neutral undertone. The foundation is a bit too dark and too pink for me. However, I think it goes well with this very dark and sculpted eyes and lips. I believe I am between number 34 and 44 in the CHANEL range). You don’t need to use expensive foundation, just use whatever you have at home is absolutely fine. But make sure that you keep your skin relatively matte and natural. (Bonjours Organic Foundation is a great alternative.)

Next, I used Make up FOREVER Rogue Intense in 48 with a red lips liner of Bonjours in Rogue to achieve a very deep plum lips. Again, this lipstick is quite expensive, Revlon Matte Lipstick Cocoa Craving 008 BN or Revlon Colorburst 10 Plum Lipstick are the great alternative.

Then, I apply Vaseline as lip gloss because the matte eyes go well with glossy lips. 

After that, I used a tiny bit of the lips stick to introduce the color to my cheek and chin. (as there is not blusher that go well with everything else.) 

Lastly, I apply powder to keep the rest of my skin relatively matte, so the focus of the look would be the dramatic eyes and lips. 

I hope you enjoy this. If you have any great ideas about make up please feel free to Tweets me on @Adray078. As I love make up and try out new looks.  

xoxo

Adray

In my eyes, mothers day is worth more than a pretty card. It is really about thanking and appreciating your mother for the ways that she made you who you are. Growing up, my mother tried to set an example and teach me what it really means to be beautiful. I will never forget when she told me that the most beautiful women were those that knew themselves. At the young age of eight, I remembered thinking “I spend everyday with myself! Of course I know who I am!” But as a I grow older, and rethink her words, the concept has become more complicated. Years later, when I was mature enough to understand the idea,  I came back to ask “Mom, how do you get to know yourself?” By listening to her response and watching her day by day, I have begun to understand that by investing time in discovering my interests, passions, strengths, weakness, and fears I come closer to knowing who I am. Without my mother’s guidance, I would not have had the benefit of understanding the meaning of beauty at such a young age.

In gaining experiences and growing older, I have also become closer and closer to my mother. While in my teenage years I was convinced that she did not “get” me, the adolescent angst has been lifted and I now realize that getting to know your parents is a luxury that unfortunately not everyone has. During the time we have spent gardening together, trying new restaurants, traveling, cooking, and laughing, I have had the chance to know myself better through knowing mom.

The Brazilian Congress has just passed

a catastrophic forestry bill that gives loggers and farmers free rein to cut down huge swaths of the Amazon. Now only President Dilma can stop it.

Fortunately, the timing is on our side — in weeks Dilma will host the world’s biggest environmental summit and insiders say she cannot afford to open it as the leader who approved the destruction of the rainforest. She’s facing mounting domestic pressure — 79% of

Brazilians rejecting this new bill Now, let’s turn up the global heat and push her to axe the bill, not the rainforest.

Dilma could make

her decision any day. The national Veto Dilma campaign is on fire — if we join them now together we can save this precious rainforest. Click below to sign the urgent petition to stop the Amazon chainsaw massacre and send this to everyone:

http://www.av

aaz.org/en/veto_dilma_global/?tta

The Amazon is vital to life on earth — 20% of our oxygen comes from this magnificent rainforest, and it plays a key role in mitigating global climate change. Over the last decade, Brazil has vastly reduced deforestation rates, achieving a 78% decline between 2004 and 2011. The reason? A world-acclaimed forestry law, strong enforcement and satellite monitoring.

But this dangerous new bill would open up an area the size of France and Britain combined to clear-cutting and gives loggers amnesty f

or all past deforestation crimes. This would not only spark total forest devastation in Brazil, it would also set a bad precedent for other countries. That’s why it’s so crucial that we all protect it.

Brazil is a rapidly developing country, battling to lift tens of millions out of poverty. Despite evidence that growth does not require deforestation, Dilma is under pressure from the powerful agricultural lobby that helped her get elected to cut down rainforest for profit. And it is an ugly battle — activists are being murdered, intimidated and silenced. But ex-

Environmental Ministers and people across Brazil have sent a clear message to Dilma that they want to save the Amazon. Now, it’s up to all of us to stand with them and urge President Dilma to remain strong.

The fate of Brazil’s rainforests is dangling by a thread. But, with President Dilma so vulnerable to public pressure right now, we can bring the global force of people power to get a win for our planet! Sign the urgent petition below and tell everyone — the petition will be delivered by Brazil’s former Environment Ministers directly to Dilma:

http://www.av

aaz.org/en/veto_dilma_global/?tta

In the last three years, we have won battle after battle against the odds. Now, let’s come together to stop the destruction of the Amazon, protect our planet and herald Dilma as a true international environmental leader.

With hope and det

ermination,

Luis, Pedro, Maria Paz, Alice, Ricken, Carol, Lisa, Rewan and the entire Avaaz team

MORE INFORMATION:

Brazil’s Congress approves controversial forest law (BBC)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-17851237

Brazil Forest Code Passes In D

efeat For Dilma Rousseff (Huffington Post)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/27/brazil-forest-code_n_1457149.html

Revised Brazilian Forest Code good for environmental criminals, bad for forests (IB Times)
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/20120501/revised-brazilian-forest-code-environmental-criminals-forests-common.htm

Amazon deforestation record low (BBC)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8358094.stm

Brazilians reject axing of forest protections (WWF)

http://wwf.panda.org/

?uNewsID=200698

The DivaGirl’s Guide to Style and Self-Respect is a book that is long overdue!

When I look in the dictionary, I know that the meaning of a diva is a lead female singer, so when I think of a diva, I think of great women like Leotyne Price and Marian Anderson. These are great women and strong women that are worthy of their many accolades… They earned it.

Recently, we know divas to be women like Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey because they are known as women that are not only singers but they are very demanding of their needs of comfort before they step on stage. It is said that Jennifer Lopez is known to ask for her own trailer that is completely white and that she must have a new toilet seat in her bathroom!

Further meaning of a Diva is a woman that is filled with confidence and is very demanding and can be very feisty and downright nasty if she doesn’t get what she wants. These are the women that the media loves to hate. Naomi Campbell is the queen of the new “Diva” as she is known to be very hostile and violent with her assistants and those that she believes are standing in her way. Let us not forget the infamous rapper, Foxxy Brown who is known to be the same thing.

The latest definition of a diva comes from none other than Beyonce who says that, “a diva is the female version of a hustler.” And while most may agree with all of the many definitions, after reading The DivaGirl’s Guide to Style and Self-Respect, you will love the newest meaning of the word.

Cheryl Ann Wadlington wants young women to help her in defining the new DivaGirl as a young woman that gets what she wants from her can-do attitude and the hard and good work that she puts into making it happen. She also says that a DivaGirl is someone that values her reputation. It is always important that you keep your reputation pristine because you never know who you are going to meet and what they will learn about you. Cheryl Ann also states that a DivaGirl is admired and admiration comes from what you do that most people can appreciate.

The DivaGirl’s Guide to Style and Self-Respect gives you a brief inside look into the life of the well-known fashion consultant, Cheryl Ann Wadlington and what she learned as a teen. She had many experiences in the fashion world to help shape her into the woman that she is today, but there was no education like the one that she got from her parents and her family. As the youngest child, she was spoiled but she was also disciplined, which led to a divalicious life. And that is what the DivaGirl’s Guide is all about.

The DivaGirl’s Guide to Style and Self-Respect gives great tips for young women to follow throughout life that will help her become the great woman that she is expected to be! Some of the best chapters of the book are:

Rock Ya Body!- This chapter speak about the importance of good health. Every girl, especially a DivaGirl, should be exercising. She explains that when young women exercise and eat healthy, the long term benefits show as we get older. She also talks about why we as young women should not even bother with crash diets that could lead to anorexia and bulimia.

Act Like You Know- In this chapter, Cheryl Ann discusses how young women should conduct themselves. From etiquette to good home-training; from good table manners to how to conduct yourself at an event, this all the information that a young woman needs in order to feel fearless in fabulous when out and about.

Style Star- Now this chapter is a chapter after every stylists heart!  It is all about your body type; to know what type of clothing you are wearing; and where certain clothing is appropriate and not so much! She even touched on my favorite topic, THE PROM!!! Yes, the prom is definitely a date in which you want to look your very best and no one knows that better than this fashion consultant! (Oh! And definitely me! www.yhcpromcountdown.onsugar.com)

Overall, the book is fun, fresh and fabulous and every girl should read it to be the best DivaGirl that they can be!

If you have been looking for a book like this one, then look no further than my blog because you can get sign up and possibly win a free copy or you can also purchase it at http://www.amazon.com/DivaGirls-Guide-Style-Self-Respect/dp/0982494572

First off, let me begin by saying I am a long time fan and absolutely love your images on your website.  I'm trying to get into more editorial and catalog photography.  Can you critique this image for me sir and let me know what it is that I need to improve on.