Tag Archives: Beautiful Women
Women’s Life Link would like to introduce, Jeffrie Ann Hall. I was fortunate enough to receive a comment from her on a recent post; we’ve been chatting via email and phone ever since! She has a magnetic energy that instantly draws you to want her as a friend – a glow from the inside out. Additionally, her profound knowledge of life and self flows freely and a willingness to help other women is obvious. We have much to gain from her experience and humorous take on life. Take a closer look at this Beautiful Woman, and please welcome her to the WLL author panel.
WLL - Who is Jeffrie Ann Hall?
Jeffrie - I am a wife, a dog mom, an Esthetician, a Pilates instructor, and a friend to all women. I am a Baby Boomer who refuses to get old. I defy the frumpy. No, I’m not a “trend follower”. I don’t worry about being “of the moment”. I like personal style. Something that says “this is me, I look good and I don’t care what magazine it isn’t in”. I think that’s the ticket for a woman my age. By the way, I am 53.
I am a collector of things. I love vintage jewelry, cocktail dresses with matching coats from the 60’s, mid-century modern furniture, Fiesta Ware, and fabulous shoes. 
I also love laughter, my family, and my friends. Quite partial to warm weather, I love beaches, travel, and meeting new people! I am addicted to the love in my husband’s blue eyes and the adoration in the eyes of my doggie children. Chocolate is very important too!
WLL - What is your life focus right now?
Jeffrie - To keep looking forward. To be the best I can be and lead other women to be the best they can be. By leading other women I mean to set an example, lend a helping hand, give advice when asked, be supportive and be a friend. Both areas of my work are focused on helping women to take care of themselves both inside and out.
WLL - Describe a perfect day?
Jeffrie - I have several versions….at this very moment the picture in my head is a tropical beach (sunscreen, please), a book I can’t put down, only the sound of clear blue water lapping on the shore. The feeling of contentment, my body and mind relaxed. Okay, so that one is a bit selfish, but other versions of my perfect day are not. Just the one that popped into my head right now!
WLL - What was the most important thing that you learned as a child that affects you today?
Jeffrie - That being bullied will follow you for the rest of your life. I was the tallest, I had a lazy eye (since surgically remedied, but not until I was 31, I wasn’t a good candidate until surgical methods caught up with my particular type of problem), and….my name is Jeffrie. I got made fun of. A lot. The problem of bullies still exists today and many children and teens are affected by it and carry the resulting lack of self esteem and emotional pain into adulthood. Being different makes you a target. I urge all mothers to be aware of this, take it seriously and do what theycan to reduce the impact of this on their child or teen.
WLL - How do you deal with stress?
Jeffrie – I read. I try to take myself into another world if only for a short time. Escaping? Yes, but it is like a little vacation where I can forget, for the moment, whatever is troubling me. Often I am better able to deal with stress after a break such as this. And I bake, a little something made from scratch with my own hands is comforting.
WLL - What advice would you give to women about staying healthy and beautiful?
Jeffrie - Nothing new here…. Eat high quality, healthful foods, find an exercise modality you love and stick with it. Skin care, use the best products you can find; do your research so you know what works and aren’t wasting your time and money. Take time for yourself. Fall in love with yourself.
WLL - Tell us about a future goal.
Jeffrie - My goal is to continue to help myself and other women to be better people - every day going forward. Forget what WAS and make the best of what IS. Learn, live, and love every day to my fullest potential.
WLL – How do you feel other women perceive you?
Jeffrie - Well, I think the women I know find me kind, generous, honest but sometimes too honest. Fun and funny to the point of almost being goofy at times. Available. Need me? I’m there. Easy to confide in and trustworthy, a good friend. I have been told that I have a great eye for style in clothing and furnishings, not afraid to leave the herd and pursue my own sense of taste.
WLL - What or who inspires you?
Jeffrie - My mother. Abandoned as a child, raised in a Catholic home for abandoned and orphaned girls, and with no particular role model, she knew how to be a loving mother and woman . She was just one of many in that environment, and she grew to be a wonderful woman. I love her with all my heart.
And Audrey Hepburn. I thought I was going to be her when I grew up! I kept an eye on her and admire all she did, not only as an actress, but in her endeavors to make the world a better place. A truly lovely lady.
WLL - Any regrets?
Jeffrie – Ummm. I didn’t turn out to be Audrey Hepburn? Well, seriously, yes. I have regrets. But I am choosing to leave those behind. Regrets hold us back.
Please let Jeffrie know how much we appreciate her contribution to Women’s Life Link by leaving a comment following this post. Look for her regular articles on beauty and other topics at More Out of Monday.
My Best Friend, Kellie
By Donna Martelli
By now you know Kellie Stone as the founder of Women’s Life Link, an amazing writer on all subjects pertaining to women’s health, wellness and beauty. I’ve known her as so much more. Way back in 1991, she walked into a Christian Book Store, which I owned and managed at the time, looking for a part time job. I hired her on the spot. Immediately, she started making things beautiful in the store with creative displays.
Over the last 18 years, I have been her boss, her trainer, her mentor, her friend, and her student. She has been my boss, my trainer, my mentor, my friend, and my student. We have laughed together, cried together, inspired each other, frustrated each other, but ultimately always encouraged and helped each other. Kellie is probably the most creative person I have ever known – she really does make all things beautiful! I asked her the following questions so you could gain more insight into who she is. Enjoy!
Donna – You and your 2 oldest daughters
(23 and 25) look like sisters. How do you do it? (Kellie pictured at right with her oldest daughter before her wedding).
Kellie – Well, first of all, I must have been born with good skin genes! Other than that, I have taken great care of my skin (especially my face and neck) since I was about 16. That includes using good skin care products, staying out of the sun except to get my daily 10 minute infusion of vitamin D, drinking pure, clean water, doing facial exercises and reflexology, and making sure to wash my face every night before bed. It’s nothing special…just consistency.
Donna – What is your greatest desire in this life?
Kellie - First and foremost, my greatest desire is that my children are happy and find fulfillment through their passions. I spent too many years not pursuing my true passions and lost many opportunities along the way. Secondly, I want to die knowing that I left some kind of mark on this world. Helping others discover their potential brings me the greatest joy.
Donna - What is your greatest fear?
Kellie – My greatest fear is not reaching my potential as a women, mother, wife, friend, and writer. It’s not really something I dwell on, but I definitely work toward success in those areas daily. The really scary thing is this: what if what I think is my potential isn’t it at all? I guess that’s where prayer and meditation comes in.
Donna – What do you like to do when you are not working on WLL?
Kellie – I enjoy spending time with my family, especially in the kitchen. I have found the most profound family bonding over pizza dough and our “experimental” desserts. Admittedly, I also love to watch crime shows like CSI, Cold Case, and Forensic Files. They give me inspiration for my fiction novel writing projects that take a lot of time as well.
Donna – What’s your take on how to make it all work together: wife, mother career woman, etc?
Kellie - This one is subject to interpretation. In other words, I don’t know if my way is getting the job done or not. There are times that I feel completely balanced; and there are times that I feel like a complete failure. All I can say is every woman has to find there own mix and do what works for them. If I end up in a place that is not working, then I change what I can in order to find peace and balance again. This works most of the time.
Donna - Tell us about 3 people in your life who have most impacted you and how.
Kellie – First, my mother gave me a sense of who I was, not by being a perfect mother, but by keeping an open line of communication between the two of us. Though she was often preoccupied, I could always come to her with any problem or victory and expect that she would either cry or celebrate with me.
Second, you, Donna Martelli, have been a source of great inspiration when it comes to spiritual growth and application. I have also seen you exemplify business ownership, ministry, and a hopeful sense of one’s future. You have been a true friend who is always there for me.
And third, I have to say that my seventh grade English teacher impacted me with instilling a desire to write well. She was always encouraging when it came to my writing projects.
Donna - What’s the most important thing you learned as a child that has helped you in your adult life?
Kellie - I learned not to be afraid of people. Putting yourself out there is the only way to find opportunities and life-changing relationships. That is why I created Women’s Life Link.
Seriously, what if I had not walked to the mall that day and came into your store asking for a job?
Donna - How do you handle anger, disappointment and frustration?
Kellie – Ooh, good question! Usually, I handle it fairly well. Not so the case when I was younger. I have learned that situations can change quickly (and usually do). A glitch in your day or week isn’t worth blowing your top over. Sometimes your failures and disappointments can lead to your greatest victories. I also find that sharing times of negativity with a trusted friend helps ease the emotions that can multiply if gone unchecked. Visualizing a positive outcome works wonders, too!
Donna - Where do you want to be 10 years from now?
Kellie - I would love to be the hip, happy grandmother of at least several little ones. I have a deep desire to work with women internationally as well as locally by way of WLL, the Internet, speaking engagements, and my books. Truly, I would just love to look back and see that my life has been useful and creatively abundant!
Donna - And lastly, how do you think you are perceived by others?
Kellie - Well, that depends on who you’re talking to. I hope that they see me as someone who has depth and compassion. I want others to see the real me- the non-perfect woman that I am.
Sometimes, I shock people because they can’t believe that I have actually given birth to six children; their expressions are hilarious! I think they also see me as someone who loves to make things more beautiful…and I do.
Women’s Life Link would like to introduce Dr. Terri Hawkins-Fox. She has been a memorable contributor to my life through her caring, wise way in which she conducts herself as a doctor and a woman. Terri is a wife, mother, grandmother, and currently owns and operates the Indianapolis wellness center Natural Rejuvenation.
I have had the wonderful opportunity to personally experience her practice that includes colon hydrotherapy, therapeutic massage, and even biofeedback technology that powerfully divulges weaknesses in the body. I consider her a mentor, friend, and a pioneer in holistic natural health care. Please read on for a personal look into the life of this amazing, beautiful woman!
WLL – Tell us about yourself (not what you do).
Terri - First and foremost, I’m a mother & grandmother. I’m privileged & deeply honored to run along side my two girls, and I do so in “total awe”. I’m a Holistic Doctor. I live & breathe it – it’s not what I do, it’s who I am – it’s my passion and drive. Although I miss the mark on a daily basis, it’s what drives my adrenaline. Understanding the Master Mind – the Mind/Body connection is definitely a driving force in me. I’m Spiritual, but I’m not religious. I’m open minded, but I’m not led. I’m a strong women, and yet I have weaknesses. I’m passionate & kind, but I can walk away. I seek the unknown, yet strive for balance in every moment.
WLL - I feel inspired already.
WLL – What is your life focus at this time?
Terri - As it will always be – I’m in constant motion to protect my girls emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. To help them find their path and to walk with them in harmony as long as I can before passing. In business – it’s an extension of the same. I’m fortunate enough to have a profession that I don’t have to show up at – I carry it within me. I do the things I love and just share them.
WLL – What was the most life changing moment of your life?
Terri - There have been many. Each time I have taken a new path or direction, it has been profound. Sometimes enlightening, sometimes regretful – but most certainly a learning experience. A dear friend once told me, “if you don’t want to move through the challenges now – don’t worry, you will be presented with the opportunity again later”. I found that to be totally true.
WLL - What do you think is the most difficult thing for women to change about themselves?
Terri - What they are “taught” about beauty. In our society we are basically taught that a man’s worth is his income or assets, and a women’s worth is her outer beauty. Sad, but true that most judgment stems from that belief system. If women could just see themselves as strong & powerful, not weak & repressed, then they would begin to blossom into the “true” women that they are.
WLL - I hope we can help change that together.
WLL - How do you keep healthy & fit?
Terri - I’m asked this question daily because of my profession. I see health & fitness as a lifestyle, not a diet or a temporary fix. Every person requires 
a different protocol because of needs and levels of attainment they wish to achieve. What might be wonderful for one, may not be for another. My personal health regime consist of making 3-4 quarts of freshly made fruit & vegetable juices daily; with this I have raw foods – also super foods. Super foods are algae, flax, herbal & homeopathic substances. I also grow & drink various herbal teas. I make almond milk, and buy young coconuts for the water content inside. I have sprouts, and I make fermented foods.
I’m a firm believer in colonic’s – which of course I do here in the office. For fitness – I do 1 ½ hours of stretching & weight bands 3 days a week, and the other 3 days I do 1 hour of various aerobic exercise. Sunday I use to do combinations, but lately I have turned my attention to what my husband might like to do on that one particular day because it is the only day we have off together.
WLL – How do you think other women see you?
Terri - Passionate, loving, kind, energetic, trust worthy, caring, focused, extreme, strong willed, determined – maybe even to the point of being bull headed.
WLL – What challenges are you facing right now? How do you plan to deal with them?
Terri – I’ve been married for 4 years, and 2 of those years my mother in-law has had to live with us. She’s schizophrenic paranoid. I have her with me at work all day, and at night. The challenge is having personal time alone, and also with my husband. Whenever possible my husband and I meet for lunch or go out to a quiet dinner alone. I make it a point to dress up for him – which I love to do anyway. We go to bed at the same time and get up together to have breakfast. We watch movies and cuddle, we take walks, and we are in constant contact all day.
WLL - This sounds like an example of “working at marriage” that we all should follow.
WLL – Who or what inspires you?
Terri - That’s an easy question – my mother. She’s past over, but she was a spiritual women, a forerunner in Holistic Medicine, a self made business woman, and my greatest mentor in every aspect. When business and life itself gets me down, when I’m afraid and don’t know what to do, my mother’s voice always rings in my head. I hear the things she repeatedly told me before she died. These words have become the “Rules of Life” establishing the bases of every business adventure and life challenges I’m faced with. So let me briefly share these with you.
SHE WOULD SAY:
You can do anything you so desire if you want to bad enough – Believe It! There is nothing stopping you, but yourself. Simply move out of the way.
Do you want to win or do you want to be right?
This is a very powerful tool. Many times we know we’re right, but to “Win” a situation we must make maneuver the situation in a positive win-win situation.
Love them more!!!
Those that we often come in contact with can be hard to deal with at times – instead of persecuting, instead of being angry back, realize that many carry with them much hurt and pain, and they need our love and acceptance more. Love them, and they will find their way back.
Do whatever it takes.
Many times we set out on a new adventure, or one already set in motion. In order to succeed, go forth knowing that you will do “whatever it takes” – no less.
Everything is a trade off.
With everything, there are attachments – realize that. When we have children we love them dearly. We give our time, our energy, our soul, our money. When we do something simple as buy a sports car – we give up the back seat. It’s about what we want to experience at any given time.
It’s all in how you perceive it.
If you think the people in your town are wonderful, charming, kind, and giving – you will find that to be so in the next town. If you think they are nosey, boisterous, hateful, and loud – you will find that in the next town as well. If you want to change something – first change your perception of all that is around you. Change yourself!
If you can’t manage a quarter you can’t manage a million dollars.
What we do on a small scale is evidence of what we will do on a larger scale. This applies to everything in our lives.
We are all A+ students.
My mother would say that there are those who are audio, some visual, some that need the stimulation of feeling and requiring hands on – and then again some need various combinations. But “EVERYONE” can be taught. If they are not learning – they need to be taught with different stimulation in order to achieve the information. We are all A+ students!
WLL - That was about 6 posts all rolled into one. You are an amazing woman and now we know why. I wish I could have met your mother.
WLL – If you could say one thing to women that you knew would help them live better lives, what would it be?
Terri - To radiate true beauty and peace – you must allow yourself to be who and what you are – do not compromise this. Realize that you are unique and special and worthy of love on every level.
WLL – Any Regrets?
Terri - Yes. I regret letting fear overcome me. Fear of not being loved, accepted, wanted, and appreciated. Fear of missing the mark, fear of not being perfect. I have found that if we can walk through our fears, they will dissipate. Where there is fear – love can not enter. They don’t occupy the same space.
***For more information about Dr. Hawkins-Fox and the health services she provides, please contact her at (317) 243-3550 or naturalrejuvenation.com.
Photo by Treebecca
Women’s Life Link would like to introduce, Genny Heikka. She is one of the beautiful women we found out there in the blogosphere that we feel you should get to know. Genny is a mom of two and when not tangled up in the affairs of such, she is administrating her blog My Cup 2 Yours and working on other writing projects. Recently, we caught up with Genny and asked her to share some life tidbits with us.
WLL - Tell us who you are (not what you do).
Genny - I’m a wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend. A woman who feels blessed to have a passion for life and my purpose in it. I multitask well, bake killer (according to my kids) brownies, love writing, reading, dancing, and I enjoy spending time with my family over anything else.
WLL - What is the main focus of your life right now for business and family?
Genny - Business–I’m currently seeking representation for a couple of my manuscripts. I also write for a variety of magazines and Web sites and love doing that. Family–With summer already coming to an end, I’m really focusing on having fun with my kids, my husband, and friends.
WLL - What was the most memorable moment of your life?
Genny - I know it’s probably cliché to answer this way, but honestly, the most memorable moments in my life have been my wedding day and when my son and daughter were born.
WLL - That’s exactly what you should say…
WLL - Who or what inspires you?
Genny - God, deep talks with my husband, watching my kids, reading about and learning from the experiences of other people, and writing.
WLL – What advice would you give to women who want to be healthier?
Genny - Exercise. Spend time with friends. Date your husband. Find something that makes your heart sing and go do it.
WLL – What is your best healthy beauty tip?
Genny - Again, exercise. Drink a lot of water, eat big salads with your meals, treat yourself to dessert. Do everything in moderation and don’ t try to be perfect.
WLL - We’re glad someone else sees the correlation between health and beauty.
WLL – How do you deal with stress?
Genny - Pray, exercise, or talk about it—usually in that order.
WLL - You can vent anytime you want here at Women’s Life Link.
WLL – What does your future hold?
Genny - Growing old with my husband and seeing our kids grow up happily, I hope. A best-selling book would be nice too. But the older I get, the more I realize it’s not necessarily all about my plan. More and more, I’m along for the ride. And it’s a great one.
WLL – How do you think other women see you?
Genny - Passionate. Energetic. Sensitive. Caring. Hopefully encouraging.
WLL – Any regrets?
Genny - No. I’ve learned that the mistakes we make are part of our journey. It’s often been mistakes that have taught me important lessons or changed me in ways that I never would’ve experienced had I no