fabblog – Page 2 – Legally FAB

Nov

InspoFab: Release And Stay Present!

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery, but today is a gift. That’s why it is called present.”

This quote summarizes the power of staying in the present.

Focusing on the past is futile.

Planning for the future is important, but obsessing over it is counterproductive.

All we have is the present.

So, how do you learn to focus on the present instead of the future?

Well According to Dr. Rajeev Kurapati we have to first understand the nature of the mind.

The basic nature of the mind is to dwell in the past or to worry about the future. Our uneasiness about what’s to come is actually our strategy to prepare for the future – our mind’s ingenious way of ensuring that we’re equipped to survive. Without such readiness, the mind can’t prepare the body to thrive.
~Dr. Rajeev Kurapati

So how does this future-oriented mind know exactly what to prepare for the seemingly unknown? The mind relies on one thing to predict what’s to come: the past. We in short essentially allow the past to shape the future.

Our mind is constantly toggling between these two opposing tendencies: the fear of the unknown or the comfort in the possibility found in hope. How do you get your mind to find a natural resting place between the two?

Mindfulness! (AKA Being Present)

Here are 5 tips from Mind Valley to stay present now:

1. Pay attention to the full experience of walking.

Take a moment to focus on the sensations, the small and large movements you make while walking, how objects seem to move past you, the temperature, the wind, etc.

2. Pay attention to the full experience of breathing.

The sounds, sensations, smells, etc. Meditations you can find on free Apps like “Calm” and “Insight Timer”.

3. Change up your routine.

Drive a different way to work, reverse the order in which you get ready in the morning, and eat something new for breakfast. Change up your routine anytime you can.

4. Periodically stop and smile.

Become aware of the immediate physiological response in your body when you smile. Smiling can trick your brain into happiness — and boost your health. A smile spurs a powerful chemical reaction in the brain that can make you feel happier. Science has shown that the mere act of smiling can lift your mood, lower stress, boost your immune system and possibly even prolong your life!

5. Let the Rest To Go.

Whatever is not there in that moment let go. Be there, right there, right then. That’s all.

Oct

CareerFab: TV Star and Luxury Realtor Samantha Barretto

Are you looking to invest in real estate? Do you have a career goal in become a licensed real estate agent? Well we have the scoop on everything you need to know with VH1’s “Love and Listings” Samantha Barretto!

Why did you choose your profession?

Every wealthy person I encountered shared with me that they invested in real estate so I knew I wanted to learn and understand how the industry worked. I started my career flipping houses with a group of investors in Las Vegas, and when I moved to Los Angeles 2 years later, I fell in love with high end luxury market. So, I got my real estate license and became a full time luxury realtor.

What is the favorite part of your job?

The relationships I make. Some clients have turned into life-long friends.

What is the most difficult part of your job?

Balance. There are so many moving parts to a real estate transaction and when you have multiple deals going on at once there are a handful of clients, vendors, team members, etc needing your attention and calling you at all hours of the day, so at times it can be hard to have a work life balance.

Who is your mentor (if any)?

I worked with a top producing agent for 3 years. When I first got started, she was the only agent in my office who was closing over $10 million deals consistently so I kept reaching out to her to ask if she needed any help. She liked my persistence and took me under as a mentee. I closed over $100 million with her.

Best piece of advice for someone pursuing your field?

Patience and Consistency. Your first deal is not going to happen over night. Focus on lead generating and prospecting – host open houses, attend networking events, post on social media anything that has to do with real estate – build a database of future clients and stay connected with them.

If you have not chosen this profession would have you chosen instead?

A teacher. I love teaching.

Favorite designer?

I shop at Marciano a lot! I feel professional and sexy wearing their clothes. And it is good quality material.

Favorite makeup brand?

Bare Minerals – I was blessed with good skin so the lighter the make-up the better for me.

Favorite hair care?

I am still trying out different products. I haven’t found one that I absolutely love.

Favorite skin brand?

All natural coconut oil! I put coconut oil on my face and body every night when I get out the shower and it leaves my skin glowing and soft.

If you could only choose 5 items to put in your purse everyday, what would they be?

Cell phone, chapstick, wallet, notebook, pen

Free plug:)– Anything you would like our readers to know that you are supporting, selling or creating?

I support several non-profits for education including The Leela Project, The Mona Foundation, and Hope 4 Kids. Please google all 3 organizations and learn how to support. It is important for us as a community to help one another.

Education (Schools Attended)

Bachelor Degree in Mass Communications at Arizona State University

Certifications or Licenses?

California Real Estate License

Aug

InspoFab: Being Selective

Have you ever been told you are too picky? Or are in the alternative, do you find yourself overwhelmed with saying “Yes” to often? This article will not only explain why you should say yes to less, but you will find more successful you become, the more you should eliminate things from your life, stop doing some activities, and say no to tens of seemingly tempting opportunities daily. Why? Because you want to stay sane and actually have enough time and focus for the things that are the most important to you and truly deserve your attention and efforts.

Start Saying No More Often

If you want peace of mind but also to be action-oriented and constantly move forward in the right direction, you’ll have to let go of the ‘say yes to everything’ mindset. And start saying no instead.

For starters:

you’ll be removing people from your life instead of making new friends all the time, you just don’t have enough time for that;
you’ll stop doing some of the things you’ve always been doing because they don’t give you the desired result and your time is better spent on other things;
you’ll be selective when it comes to consuming information too. You don’t want to be overwhelmed, so you’ll be reading only so much daily/weekly and only by respected sources. You’ll stop watching meaningless videos, will unsubscribe from all newsletters, will stop checking out the news (and dare I say it including social media) all the time, and focus on your most important tasks for the day instead;
other people will hear you say no to them more often than usual and may even get offended.
constantly review your life goals and daily schedule and ask yourself the following questions:

What’s the 20% that gives me 80% of the results and what can I do to eliminate the rest?
Remove in your life what does not give you pleasure and or does not get you closer to your goals.

practice daily planning with planning your day the night before. Put at the top of your list the 3 most important tasks and tackle them first.

When You Should Say Yes

So when should you say yes, then?

Derek Sivers explains it best in this article: “If I feel anything less than, “Wow! That would be amazing! Absolutely! Hell yeah!” – then my answer is no.

To make this decision easier for you, ask yourself does saying “yes” to this person or request contribute to your bottom line spiritually, mentally, physically, financially or emotionally? If the answer is “no” then you have your answer.

Now that you know that, sit down and do some brainstorming. Take your time and list your top priorities in every area of life, then see which area matters to you more than the rest. The key is elimination so what is left is only what truly matters. Put that list in a visible place, go through it daily so that you never forget what’s truly important in your life. And so that you don’t get lost, confused, overwhelmed or worst stuck living out other persons lives, desires and priorities.

Saying yes to less means you’re living your life with intention, one day at a time, constantly doing things that improve you and are the right choice, making time only for what’s necessary and gives you result.

This is an amazing way to live life, and something few have chosen to do.

If you ever feel bad about saying “No” keep in mind some pretty successful people out there are saying no every minute (smile).

So what’s the takeaway? It’s okay to be picky. Be picky with your money, time, energy and especially the people you surround yourself with.

Jun

InspoFab: Be Intentional In All You Do!

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you feel unfulfilled? Are you struggling with organization? Do you want to have a more happier life?

Growing up, in my faith I was told to be intentional when I prayed. In other words, be more specific so I got exactly what I wanted. This concept can be applied to all aspects of your life not just your spiritual one. I recently applied this to my professional life when I was seeking more legal remote work. The minute I stopped applying to everything that was not that I landed the remote position I desired!

What does it mean to be intentional?

Being intentional means you purposefully interact and engage with your life for your ultimate desired outcome. This means you are purposeful in every word and action.

You respond instead of react. You love instead of fear. You embrace instead of expect. You accept instead of resist.

Why be intentional?

Drake has a rap lyric that says “Everybody dies but not everyone lives.” Be intentional because you want to do more than just get by. Be intentional because you dream and want to have a happy, successful and fulfilling life.

How to live an intentional life

1. Practice consistency with small steps. Create an ideal day and begin to execute some quick and easy actions that reflect that ideal. Whether it’s morning prayer, gym time, or reading a few pages of a book, small consistent action is more important than immediate results because it leads to long term success in the bigger things.

2. Express gratitude. Life is lived in this moment, enjoying what you have here and now versus what will be in the future will lead to a happier life everyday.

3. Take a Breathe. Pause before you make a decision. Taking a moment to reflect before making a final decision will make you more proactive than reactive.

4. Know Yourself. What’s important to you? What do you love to do? Which people are meaningful to you? What inspires you?

5. Discover Your Choices. You may feel stuck sometimes but the truth is you have unlimited choices. Widen your perspective and make a list of your choices so you have a visual for best path for you to take.

6. Declutter your life. Rid yourself of those things that hold you back from living a purposeful and fulfilling life. This can be bad habits, negative attitudes, situations, and people that do not add value to your life. Like the song says, “I can do bad by myself!”

7. Forgive. Forgive yourself, forgive others. Holding onto resentments holds you back.

8. Stop comparing yourself. It may sound cliche but it doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing. We all have our own paths in life. Even those that appear to have a perfect life DON’T! Do what’s best for you- whether it’s marrying later so you can marry the best person for you or holding out for the job you are truly passionate about. Do what’s best for you!

Apr

InspoFab: Spring into YES!

Congratulations! You made it to APRIL. That means you have made it through 1/3 of the year! But have you been existing up to this point or LIVING?

Spring symbolizes “new life”. In that vain, here are some tips to breathe new life into all aspects of your life.

Clean your house. According to Psychology Today, researchers have found a connection between a clean house and our mental well-being. A clean house can help you eat better, be more productive, improve sleep and fight illnesses.
Review your resume. There’s no time like the present to look for the next dream job. Confused on where to start? Check out our Resume Review and Resume Kit Design Services to help you stand out to your next employer.
Get rid of old relationships that are not ADDING to your life. There’s an old saying that you can do bad by yourself. Listen to this. After 25, friendships and romantic relationships should be beyond social. Your inner circle should be contributing to you mentally, emotionally, financially or professionally. If someone in your life is not contributing to you in one of these categories chances are they are DRAINING you. I have another saying. I am going to the next level in my life and everybody can’t come with me!
Launch that million dollar business idea (FINALLY!). Have you been procrastinating on launching your business? Well the journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. Select our LLC course in our digital store that will teach you how to file your business online alongside a real lawyer! Are you a creative? Check out our blog, podcast and reality show courses here.
Get a new wardrobe. Put those winter clothes away and get ready for skirts, dresses and open toe shoes! Legallyfab.com has a limited collection put together for you every month. Check out the shop!

Dec

InspoFab: 2019 Making room for the NEW

If you are reading this post then you made it to the end of 2018. I think most can agree that this year seemed to go faster than any other year. The end of the year is typically a time to reflect on the past and dream for the future.

Reflection tends to come with regret or recognition of loss more than what you have gained. This is completely normal because as humans it is easier to focus on the negative versus the positive. We also are our worst critics. I can relate to this the most this year out of any other year other than 2015 when I lost my father. Recently when talking to friends and loved ones I found myself framing 2018 as my year of loss: loss of friends, business partners, relationships and almost my life (I was involved hit by a car while walking and had to learn to walk again). A friend simply responded, “Well what did you gain in place of these things?”

This response gave me pause. I was so busy focusing on what I felt was taken away from me that I could not see what I had gained or better yet that the lost of these things had made room for things to come.

In 2018, while I lost two friends I gained three more. I lost a business partner in a failing business but gained two partners in two projects that will bring me more success and money than any other previous businesses combined. I am no longer in a relationship but I gained my independence, confidence, clarity and self worth back. I loss the full range of motion in bending my knee from my car accident but the accident forced me to slow down which has improved my mental health (I also could have lost my life instead of just an injury in my accident). Essentially, the more I was forced to think about what I loss the more I realized what I had gained in its place. I also realized what we think is so great that we refuse to let go is keeping us from the bigger and better things that are in store for us! Do not be afraid to LET GO.

Trust me this “glass half full” perspective was not easy for me. I still have physical, mental and emotional scars from all my losses. The key is to not stay in the loss. No matter what keep moving forward so that God (life, the universe etc.) can fill those empty spaces from the losses in your life with all the wonderful new things to come (new job, new relationship, new business, new friends etc.). Some people say take it day by day. I sometimes take it hour by hour. Do whatever works best for you. I also recommend setting short term personal and professional “attainable” goals versus long term goals that will take more time and resources. Last but not least, treat yourself! A massage, a manicure, a trip even something as simple as ice cream are the little rewards we need to keep us motivated to move forward.

Here’s to pushing past the loss and making room for the NEW! Happy New Year! Wishing you nothing but success, love, laughter and freedom in 2019 and beyond!

Sep

CareerFab: Super Dentist Amira Ogunleye!

Have you ever considered straightening your teeth to improve your smile? Are you thinking about applying to dental school? Well we have Dr. A to the rescue! Dr. Amira Ogunleye is the co-owner of Beautiful Smiles in Florida. Read on to read her philosophy behind a beautiful smile and how to be successful in the dentistry field!

www.beautifulsmilesfl.com

Instagram: @beautifulsmilesfl

1) Why did you choose your profession?

I grew up in a very strict household when it came to my studies. My father was all about education so my options were Medical School, Law School, or Dental School. I had a horrible smile when I was young, I mean very crooked teeth. I was very insecure about my smile. I begged my dad for braces and when I got them finally I felt comfortable smiling. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a dentist. The difference it had on my self-confidence was HUGE. I knew I wanted to do that for people.

2) What is the favorite part of your job?

Definitely the difference I can make in one’s life. It’s amazing how much a new smile can influence a person’s self-esteem and confidence. That feeling at the end of a case when a patient is overwhelmed with emotional joy. That’s the BEST.

3) What is the most difficult part of your job?

The importance of details in dentistry is the most difficult part. Something as small as 1mm off is SO significant. You have to be extremely precise. Additionally, I have OCD so I can never accept good; it has to be great and that can be challenging.

4) Who is your mentor (if any)?

My older sister. She is also a Dentist and I have always admired and looked up to her. I was blessed to have her guidance along my journey. Everything I am is because of that woman!

5) Best piece of advice for someone pursuing your field?

Stay focused on the end goal because the road will be very tiring, rough and really test your mental stamina. The rainbow after the storm is so BEAUTIFUL and rewarding.

6) If you have not chosen this profession would have you chosen instead?
I would have been a surgeon. I love working with my hands and that’s another profession where you really change lives.

7) Favorite designer?

I wouldn’t say I have a favorite. It depends on my mood and vibe I’m going for. I have really been into Fe Noel lately. I own so many of her wide leg pants.

8) Favorite makeup brand?

Bobbi Brown

9) Favorite hair care?

I love Shea Moisture products.

10) Favorite skin brand?

There is this amazing face wash I absolutely love called Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser.

11) If you could only choose 5 items to put in your purse everyday, what would they be?

Pink lipstick, Mascara, Hair Tie, and Tooth Brush and Toothpaste of course ?

12) Free plug:)– Anything you would like our readers to know that you are supporting, selling or creating?

The name of my dental practice that I co-own with my sister is called Beautiful Smiles. We continue to strive to achieve a practice that aims to change lives…one smile at a time. This year we will be hosting our Summer Children’s Event where we provide free cleanings and dental screenings to those less fortunate individuals who can use a fresh new smile!

Education (Schools Attended)
-Attended Howard University where I completed the BS/DDS program which is an accelerated program where you complete the traditional 8 year degree to become a dentist in 6 years. At the time I was the youngest student to graduate Dental School (I was 23 years old).

-Bachelor of Science Degree Majoring in Biology

-Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree

Certifications or Licenses?

-Certified in Six Month Smiles

-Certified in Invisalign

-Primary Focus on Cosmetic Dentistry

Awards?

-2011 America’s Top Dentists: Cosmetic Dentistry

-2015 America’s Top Dentists: Cosmetic Dentistry and Orthodontics

-2016 Patient’s Choice Award

-2017 America’s Top Dentists: Cosmetic Dentistry

-2017 America’s Top Dentists: Orthodontics and Family Dentistry

May

CareerFab: Attorney and Designer Cheslie Kryst

What do you get when you mix a fashionista, entrepreneur and a lawyer? You get super attorney and fashion designer Cheslie Kryst! Read on to learn about her life as attorney and how she can help you take the “work” out of work wear with her website WhiteCollarGlam.com !

1. Why did you choose your profession?

I was always negotiating on behalf of my siblings when we grew up. If we broke a window in the house or got in trouble, I was always the one who would make the call to mom to explain what happened and to discuss punishment. I considered other careers while I was growing up, but being an attorney is the one that feels most natural to me.

2. What is the favorite part of your job?

Winning. I like advocating for our clients and getting them the outcome that they need.

3. What is the most difficult part of your job?

Anxiety and fear of failure or mistakes. It’s my job to represent and advocate for others. I don’t want to mess that up for someone who put their faith and trust in me.

4. Who is your mentor (if any)?

I have several, but my mom is the one I talk to the most. She owns her own human resources consulting firm that she built from the ground up. I remember watching her spend long nights in our home office and it was inspiring and motivating. I trust and rely on her advice.

5. Best piece of advice for someone pursuing your field?

Make sure you love it. Being an attorney isn’t for people who just want to make money. You have to go through too much school and endure too much stress to be in this profession just for the money. There has to be something about it that you love.

6. If you have not chosen this profession would have you chosen instead?

Director of Marketing for a company. I loved earning my MBA at Wake Forest and it opened my eyes to the possibility of careers other than being an attorney. I enjoyed learning about marketing and always looked forward to my marketing classes.

7. Favorite designer?

Christian Siriano. He makes fantastic clothing for women of all ages, shapes, sizes, and races.

8. Favorite makeup brand?

MAC. I used to compete in pageants and fell in love with the brand because of the excellent choices they had for stage makeup.

9. Favorite hair care?

Shea Moisture. They have a lot of different lines of shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner and I love everything I’ve tried!

10. Favorite skin brand?

I only use Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Cream Cleanser. I don’t use any other face washes or creams.

11. If you could only choose 5 items to put in your purse everyday, what would they be?

Wallet, business card holder, chapstick, notebook, and pen.

12. Free plug:)– Anything you would like our readers to know that you are supporting, selling or creating?

I run WhiteCollarGlam.com, a fashion blog for workwear. I’m planning a guide on where to find the perfect suit and I’ll be publishing it for free for all my readers in the next few weeks!

Education (Schools Attended) BSBA – Honors College at the University of South Carolina; JD – Wake Forest University School of Law; MBA – Wake Forest University School of Business

Certifications or Licenses? Licensed to practice law in North Carolina

Apr

StyleFab: Think Pink this Spring!

Pink is still one of my favorite colors to wear when my wardrobe needs a fresh take. It’s adds just enough of femininity to your wardrobe and it’s so much fun to wear! Whether you prefer bright jewel tones or soft subtle hues, try infusing just a hint (or a whole lot) of pink into your usual routine. The color pink has even been proven to make you feel better!

Heres 4 ways to wear it:

1. Wear it as a skirt. Shop our “I Pleat the Fifth” dress as seen on Lauren Conrad in our shop! This dress can be work to work, happy hour, in the spring or in the fall with a jacket. So versatile!

2. Wear it as a jacket. A hint of pink never hurt anyone! Fur or blazers work perfectly! Our “Legally Blonde” fur is shown below.

3. Wear it as a dress!

Blush pink is the way to go if you want to wear this color on a dress. Give the look a try with our blush “Pink Panther” dress!

4. Wear it as a suit. Be bold and wear it as a hot pink pants or shirt suit! Try this look with our “Law Suit” below.

Mar

CareerFab: Attorney and Music Manager Sandi B.

What do you get when you mix music, politics and the law? You get Sandi Gollen Balendra! Sandi is an Entertainment Lawyer, Music Manager, London College of Fashion Professor and Founder of VMM Invest! Read below on how she got her start and how she balances it all!

1) Why did you choose your profession?

I think it came from having learned to be independent and persuasive at a very young age as I attended boarding school from the age of 8 years old. As I got older I was always surrounded by lawyers and regularly assisted at a family law firm during high school. My mother later introduced me into the world of politics and I was lucky to be mentored by an incredibly inspiring Trade Union Lawyer and politician who was also a Member of Parliament where I worked for a very long time before and after graduating from Law. It was here that I was truly inspired as I was based at the heart of Law making and Policies, having worked as a Campaigner and Researcher at the UK Houses Of Parliament.

2) What is the favorite part of your job?

I would say, now more than ever the favourite part of my job is the fact that it is so versatile and varied. I also think that having the freedom to truly enjoy my work is deeply empowering as I can pretty much cherry pick the clients and brands I work with and I’m incredibly grateful to be working with some of the most talented creative artists, academics, fashion designers and musician’s in the industry. The job has also enabled me to travel which is always a good thing!. My firm’s focus is on Music, Fashion, Technology and Art and my career has allowed me to work with exceptional character’s supporting philanthropic causes within the remit of eco consciousness, sustainable and ethical sourcing as well as sponsoring rising talent. It has also been incredibly enriching being an Advisory Panel Trustee at the London College of Fashion’s fund raising committee where I lecture and conduct mentor programmes in Business and Enterprise to Post Grad students looking to start up their own line and label or aspire to work for top designers. This career lifestyle enabled me to wear several hats as a Lawyer (Solicitor as we say in the U.K) but also as an entrepreneur and business woman.

3) What is the most difficult part of your job?

There’s a saying that Lawyers are the one profession in which pessimists outperform the optimists. This rings true especially when dealing with matters relating to a side of this job where I also act as Publicist as well as a Lawyer. A proportion of my client’s are high profile and I do take pride in the fact that I can ‘tell it how it is’ to even the most well known of artists/celebrities I work with, and thankfully this has only worked to enhance the effectiveness of my work, but saying that, it’s still a tough thing to do, especially when you develop a friendship for most of the people you work with, its not always easy thing to do but part of the job and always appreciated with the desired results in the end.

4) Who is your mentor (if any)?

I have many mentors, the first and most important one is my mother, a truly exceptional lady. She is my rock beyond any, she taught me the value of thinking evolved, beyond barriers and at all times with curiosity, logic and creativity and always with a touch of fabulousness!

Throughout the years I have been mentored by a handful of amazing people, one of them being Andrew Dismore Greater London Assembly Member and former Member of Parliament, who still inspires me to this day!

5) Best piece of advice for someone pursuing your field?

I would definitely say, try not to stick to one area of law throughout the early stages of your career as some may suggest. Sometimes, it takes time for you to really find your niche. I started in Litigation and Criminal Law and then Commercial and Technology Law and eventually found my true calling within Media & Entertainment Law. Take your time to find out what really makes you tick because that passion and drive is what will carry you towards progress.

6) If you have not chosen this profession would have you chosen instead?

Most probably a writer or journalist/news presenter. The world of Creatives, Art and Communications have always been a passion of mine!

7) Favorite designer?

Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Moschino

8) Favorite makeup brand?

Chanel, M.A.C and Benefit

9) Favorite hair care?

My GHD Straighteners!

10) Favorite skin brand?

Lancôme, LaRoche Posay and The Body Shop

11) If you could only choose 5 items to put in your purse everyday, what would they be?

1) My Deep Red Armani Matte Lipstick

2) Anti-Bac Handwipes

3) Of course my phone!

4) My Car & House keys

5) My favourite Eau De Parfum of either Gucci Bamboo or Armani Si (or both!)

12) Free plug:)– Anything you would like our readers to know that you are supporting, selling or creating?

Most of my activities at VMM Invest are updated on our Instagram Page at vmm_lawyermusicfashioninvest and www.vmmmusicandfashion.com

We will soon be expanding our offices in the City to be close to our tech and finance Partners as well as remain West End bound where all the glitz and glamour takes place, and also incredibly excited to be having more staff join us as part of VMM’s expansion!

My next big project is with Patti Stanger and her Team, the star of Millionaire Matchmaker so watch this space! I’m also creating my own Smart Contract’s to manage artists on the Blockchain – You can find out more at www.vmmblockchain.com

Last but certainly not least, want to big up and congratulate my sister on her new organic luxury food line and soon to be restaurateur! check out her Instagram Page: @simply_organica

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