Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Tamia

TAMIA DAILY

My name is Tamia Daily I was born in Los Angeles, CA. I am the creator and founder of LD Botanicals. After years of getting facials, I began to worry about all the chemicals that were in the products the Estheticians would use. 

From that day on I began to do research on the natural botanicals that could be used in place of chemicals for skin care needs. After much research and dedicated work, I developed LD Botanicals!

Our mission is to provide handmade, natural skin care products that are effective and affordable. We offer an array of body-beneficial products that were developed to cater to a diversity of skin care needs using the Earth's natural botanicals. Our skin nourishing, moisturizing, invigorating, and aromatherapy is sure to leave our customers feeling refreshed and relaxed.

"We thrive to accommodate all skin types to provide alternative methods to obtaining and maintaining beautiful and healthy skin".

Currently, LD Botanicals is sold at LDBotanicals.com

323-895-3495
LDBotaniclas@gmail.com

Facebook.com/ LDBotanicals
Instagram: @LDBotanicals

Raise 'Em and Praise Him - Testimony Tuesday

Noelle 

Three years ago, I was in a very different place than I am right now. I was out of balance in almost every aspect of my life. Living and working in the City of Philadelphia, I was living it up! Not so much. 

Happy hour became more of a priority than anything else. I was ordering out almost every meal or popping a Lean Cuisine in the microwave. If a compliment was thrown my way, I instantly rebutted it with a negative response. 

Working as a court reporter I lived the news daily. Drugs, guns, domestic violence, child abuse and even homicide hearings day in and day out began to slowly wear on me.

I would go to retirement events for coworkers thinking, “I don’t think I want to do this for the next 20, 25 years of my life.” I needed something different, but what? Working nights to meet a transcript deadline and heading straight to court early the next morning was exhausting. The pressure and stress were sky high. It was a great career, trust me. Just not for me.

I had gone through three surgeries on my right wrist to have a ganglion cyst removed. The last one was actually around Thanksgiving of 2014. While on medical leave, I had met someone who I thought was the best thing ever. That relationship turned toxic with much verbal and mental abuse. I stayed because I didn’t know any better, and quite honestly I didn’t love myself enough to know that I deserved better. You see, he had an addiction to pain pills. Blinders were on. My roommate even tried to convince me and I was in denial about it. I alienated my friends and family and took his side. He loved me, right?

Christmas came around and Noelle finally had a boyfriend to bring to a family event. HUGE mistake! The “boyfriend” literally fell asleep almost face planting into his dinner plate. Again, blinders. Family’s eyes rolling and whispers all around. Blinders.

In January of 2015, I finally had enough. Something inside of me told me I WAS good enough and I DID deserve better! So I broke it off. Although devastated, I found the strength to carry on. Come February, my family had bought me a round-trip ticket to Charlotte, NC to spend time with my aunt, uncle, four nieces, and nephews. Best thing I could have ever done.

One morning while in Charlotte, I was walking home from a workout and I felt a sense of peace that THIS IS WHERE I BELONG. Move here. Start over. So…I did!

I came off medical leave and went back to work, only to give my notice a month and a half later to the City of Philadelphia. This was it. I was doing it. No matter what anyone thought. This is MY LIFE.

April of 2015, I packed everything in my car and drove on down to Charlotte, NC. My family opened their house to me in support of my “new life”. It is here I found my love for health and fitness. I was working out more and eating super clean. Heck, I was even going to the gym at 5:30 AM!!

I immersed myself in personal development and positivity. Building up my confidence by meeting new people and trying different things became a daily routine. It is here I found my “calling” if you will. Helping others improve their health, not just physically but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

My story may or may not be relatable to you. You CAN change your story, change your life, change your circumstances! You just have to believe!


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nlandis21
Instagram: noelley7

nlandis21@gmail.com

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Dakota

DAKOTA SOMERVILLE

A single divorced mother of two, with a vision for written expression and a love of pen and paper, Dakota Somerville a.k.a Dakota Vibe has taken her published literary pages to an entirely new level. Her journey began in 2014 with a few published articles in WerkChic Magazine out of Philadelphia, PA. Since then, Dakota Vibe’s mission statement has become clear as quoted; “I am on a mission to inspire and uplift single mothers all over the world to never give up on their dreams and aspirations”.

Additionally, through self-promotion and lot’s of networking, Dakota connected with Bronze Magazine New York, NY as a contributing writer, and a magazine interviewer for the cover story of Hollywood actor, Daz Crawford (Kebo) of the TV show (Marvel’s Agent of Shield). It would behoove me to mention how this beautiful woman of God has an uncanny way of becoming one with her readership, her spirit of unconditional love transcends the pages, almost immediately.

Moving forward in her literary journey, Dakota became a monthly contributor and interviewer for Authentically You Magazine out of South Carolina. Being a part of a Christian-based magazine offering inspiration, motivation and true life short stories that are shared by its writers - the perfect opportunity to publish her article, “ A Mothers Open Door”.

Dakota Vibe is diverse in her literary genre, she is magnificently able to capture the readership of the every day millennial to the staunchest of our senior society. As recent as February of 2017 she published her first book, “The Power of God Daily Devotional II” co-authored with thirty plus other women who have a strong desire to spread the word and love of our heavenly father.

Dakota resides in Norfolk, Virginia where she is continuing her literary journey, building her brand one article, one book at a time. You can follow this blogger on her social media pages for daily affirmations, short stories, articles, poetry and a bit of “Nibbles and Nuggets”.

                         

Blogg: http://www.dakotavibe.wordpress.com/

Twitter: @DakotaSomervill

Facebook: Dakota Vibe

Instagram: IAMDAKOTASOMERVILLE757

Book Purchase: The Power of God Daily Devotional II

http://www.pwnbooks.com/order.htm

Raise 'Em and Praise Him - Testimony Tuesday

My mother came from a long line of Christian people who worshiped God, generation after generation. She told me of a story that I cannot remember because I was a baby and it happened 100 years ago. I was born a big baby with hair but I became ill and the doctors did not know what to do. They told my mother that if they did not find a cure, her baby would die. My mother went into deep prayer. She had a dream and God told her the doctors would find a cure.

The problem was I could not drink the cow's milk easily. My mother told the doctor that she had that problem too. The doctor said, ”Why didn't you tell us this before? If you can’t drink it, he can’t either.” Many Africans and Asians are lactose intolerant. When the Bible refers to Israel as the Land of Milk and Honey, the milk is goat’s milk which is easier to digest. Since then I have digested a lot of milk.

The priests of Ancient Israel, the kohanim, were also doctors and the Bible is a medical book teaching how to eat kosher food, hygiene, sexual purity to avoid disease and bad genetics and cleanliness

Mathew 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshiped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Mathew 8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

After you get your miracle healing, go to the doctor and confirm it. I could tell you more medical wonders God has performed for me but I will tell you the latest and tie it into the first one.

Someone on Facebook sent me an article about how Lisinopril is toxic to African Americans. It came with photos of persons with bloated lips. My upper lip has been puffed up for a while and I looked in the mirror and thought it was due to another problem. I decided not to take after reading the article about the heart medicine Lisinopril, anymore. My lips were back to normal after about a week. The side effect is called Angioedema and is very dangerous. I also had a bad cough for a long time which went away with the medicine.

Hosea_4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge....

Our medical system is designed to treat European physiques There are small differences between ethnic groups and our bodies are not the same. Did you know that the more melanin you have, the more likely you are going to have side effects from medicines? That is why they use white mice to test them on.

There is a new field in medicine called PharmacoGenetics. The medical field is realizing that your DNA affects how your body reacts to medicine, food and everything else. The medicines are designed for Europeans and may or may not be effective for Africans or others. African Americans have higher rates of Heart, Kidney, Diabetic and other diseases. We must approach this subject with God-given wisdom.

Links:

Warfarin

http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/124/14/2171?sso-checked=true

African Americans and CardioVascular Disease

http://www.aspph.org/uab-researchers-study-role-of-genes-in-cvd-among-african-americans/

Lisinopril and African Americans

https://www.facebook.com/anishaknox90/posts/1014915718606413

http://mediatakeout.com/305716-2-high-blood-pressure/

African Americans and Diabetes

http://www.med.unc.edu/www/newsarchive/2009/december/study-identifies-genetic-predeterminants-for-diabetes-in-african-americans

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22438884

African Americans Kidney Disease

https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/AfricanAmericans-KD

AA Women and BRCA genes

http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/black-women-have-higher-abnormal-brca-rates


Charles B.
nygullahgeechee@gmail.com

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - New Galaxy

Step into the
New Galaxy

Welcome to the New Galaxy. It’s a groovy place where funk rules supreme. New Galaxy can definitely be defined as an out of this world musical experience. They have the ability to transport you to an intergalactic party where you can’t help but boogie down.

The band is comprised of six individuals. Launched in July 2013, Ryan Janeiro (Lead Vocalist/Founder), Justin Harper (Bass), Shelton Dessasaure (Drums), Jasmaine "Stella Rae" Smalls (Vocalist), Trystan Simmons (Keyboard) and Richard Freeman (Guitar) have already created a reputation for a memorable live experience and signature sound.

In a recent interview, Ryan Janeiro shared that he developed a love for music at a young age through his mother’s vast taste in several genres. In July 2012, he released his first solo venture “THIS” (the highly inspired songs). He translated some of the R&B and hip-hop music from that project into the formation of New Galaxy in July 2013.

With their blend of R&B, hip-hop, rock, funk and soul, they are sure to draw in all types of music lovers. They came together for one common goal, to bring the best of several musical planets in alignment. Winners of 105.5 The Bridge's 2013 Last Band Standing Contest, it is clear this band is passionate about what they do. They competed against three local bands, one being eliminated after each round. Judging included crowd participation, originality, stage presence, and overall performance. As the winner of the contest, they received $1,000 in purchases at the Guitar Center, a three-song recording, home-grown rotation on 105.5 The Bridge, and headlining gigs at Wild Wing Café.

The band is a futuristic blend of funk, rock, and hip-hop. They draw influences from Prince, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley and Outkast. These artists inspire them to go beyond the normal levels of creativity. They love having the freedom of artistic expression. Most of the songs are written by Ryan Janeiro and Jasmaine.

Hometown: Charleston, SC

New Galaxy rang in 2017 with a show for the City of Charleston on New Year’s Eve. For the past three years, they have been the Finish Line Band at the Annual Charleston Marathon which reaches an audience of runners and spectators from all over the US who come to Charleston for this event.

Links to social media accounts:

twitter.com/newnggalaxy
https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Galaxy/156433514550963

Contact information:
Trena Haskell, Managing Partner
(843) 810-3293
E-mail: galacticgrind@gmail.com

Raise 'Em and Praise Him - Testimony Tuesday!

The Peace of God

It was a Tuesday morning and it was surprising I wasn’t more tired considering I had a very restless night of sleep. 

I started the day in prayer and what dominated my prayers that Tuesday morning was for my wife. She was going to a follow-up appointment to determine if she had breast cancer. She had her routine mammogram a few weeks prior and they didn’t like what they saw. They urged her to come in for more extensive exams as soon as possible. She missed her annual mammogram the prior year so this could be bad! I had lots of questions going through my mind. If she has this how long has she had it? What if it has started to spread? How do we discuss this with our children and family? How will I be the proper support for her? I actually read some things online during those two weeks about husbands supporting their wives through this terrible disease. I was praying for the best and trying to prepare myself for the worse. I am not one that espouses to the idea that this can’t happen to me or us. God’s plan for our lives is never that easy. He dealt with trials and so will we. One of the worst parts of this morning is I’m in Chicago and my wife is in North Carolina. I won’t be there with her during these tests. She will learn things without me. Although my flight was the next day I still felt guilty and helpless.

I finish my prayers and get ready to start the day when my phone rings. I look at the caller ID and it’s a minister from my church in NC. He calls me periodically to check in but I haven’t heard from him in probably six months. I’m really not in the mood for being upbeat and tell him I’m doing fine and thank him for checking on me. I’m also not prepared to tell him about my wife as we have told no one other than her sisters and that was just the night before. We hadn’t even told our children. I answer anyway and after exchanging the traditional pleasantries he says “I know you are busy and getting ready for work but God told me to call you and say you will give Him praise today…that today will be a Holla-day” That’s his signature phrase. I said “wow…thank you for that” not really knowing what to say. He then said, “I don’t know what’s going on in your life but it’s gonna be a Holla-day”. I then said, “bless you, sir”. 

The tests that day came back negative and no need for a follow-up just regular screenings. Needless to say, we were both so relieved and certainly gave God some praise that afternoon and together when I arrived home the next day!

I entitled this the peace of God because after that phone call I had a peace come over me that’s hard to explain. I knew the results would be in our favor and I called my wife and told her that. As I’ve taught Church School and Bible Study classes over the years one thing I’ve said on many occasions is we often take for granted the peace God provides through salvation. We talk about His sacrifice and His grace and His forgiveness and they are all worthy of our praise. However, we often don’t talk about the peace of God with that same fervor. God provided peace for us that morning. My hope is I would have had peace even if the results of the tests were different.

Thank God today and each day for His peace in our lives and this often crazy world we live. If we stand in His peace, every day will truly be a Holla-day! Be blessed!

Lance Bennett

Cindy's Featured Artist of the Week - Robin

ROBIN SMALL

In terms of vocal style “Robin Small” will soon be a welcomed force to reckon with in the very competitive and lucrative music industry. 

Robin’s multifaceted talent as a pianist, vocalist, and songwriter is an anointing from God. With her strong and powerful, spiritually soulful, smooth musical abilities, she mesmerizes her captive audience with her incredible harmonies and rhythms.

Born and raised in New York City Robin Small began studying classical piano at the age of six. Her mother a pianist herself saw that she had musical ability, so she began teaching Robin at the tender age of five. Soon thereafter she enrolled her in private piano instruction. Robin’s love for music and natural ability to hear by ear is a blessing. 

Every day she would listen for hours to many different genres of music, singing and playing the piano. Singing was also a musical ability Robin realized at a young age. Robin enjoyed listening to just about everything she could. Soon after she started formal vocal instruction. Music was and still is a deep spiritual driving force within her life.

Robin continued her studies of both instruments at The Bronx House School of Music, Fiorello H. Laguardia High School of Music and the Arts, The Manhattan School of Music, and the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston Massachusetts. 

While honing her craft on both instruments it led Robin into a variety of musical experiences. She had the opportunity to perform and record with various celebrity artists, record jingles for radio and television, studio session work, musical theater, corporate gigs, industrials to name a few. In addition to those musical experiences, God has blessed Robin with the ability to teach piano and voice instruction. She started giving piano lessons while a High School student at Laguardia.

Robin continued her teaching of piano and voice after college on the elementary and college level. She currently runs and is the sole owner of Robin’s Music Studio. She is also co-owner of GrooveCity Entertainment LLC. She is also currently Vocal Faculty at Berklee College of Music.

Throughout her musical life, Robin has worked professionally with Donny McClurkin as an opening act 2016, Stevie Wonder on The Songs In The Key of Life Tour 2015, Saturday Night Live backing vocals with artist Sia 2015, America’s Got Talent performing with Yolanda Adams 2015, The New Stock Exchange (closing bell ceremony) 2016, Harlem Summer Stage opening act for Bishop Hezekiah Walker’s Gospel Explosion, Featured Artist live performance for The New York Marathon 2013-2014, United Nations UN Day 70th Anniversary 2015, The World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir 2015, Earth Wind and Fire, Harry Belafonte, Gregory Hines, Maria Muldaur, Chris Jasper, Jazz pianist Rodney Kendricks CD “No Dress Code”, Rap Legend Rakim CD “The 18th Letter, Bobby Jones, Lynette Hawkins, and featured vocalist with “The Queens Symphony Orchestra”. 

Robin has currently released her debut video 2016 entitled “Free” from the Welcome 2 GrooveCity Compilation CD Volume1 2016 available at www.cdbaby.com. Robin has also released her debut EP entitled “You’re the Reason in 2013".

A true pioneer and true to the art of music, Robin Small’s rich exposure to art, music, and life in general, you can’t help but feel the passion, intensity, and depth of this woman. You will feel the spiritual depth from her church singing background, musical training, and her relationship with God. Robin represents the soulful sophistication of a well-rounded person whose life experiences have enriched her artistic expression and creativity.

Click on the link to view Robin's video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8b8s4IMLGE

Robin's album may be purchased at Groove City http://www.groovecity7.com./

or 

CD Baby - https://www.cdbaby.com/

facebook@robinsmall
facebook@debutmusicvideofree
Twitter@_robinsmall
Instagram@iamrobinsmall
groovecityent@gmail.com