NOVEMBER 2009

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************************************************************************************* BEING FULL OF THANKS AND HAVING ROOM TO LOVE

Ladies and Gentlemen! May every action be proceeded by a feeling that warms your heart appropriately for the day at hand. The FixYaFace Inner Beauty/Outer Wellness Blogazine loves to meet with the grateful spirits of the readers repeating and those viewing for the first time. It is an open invitation to take part in sharing ideas that inspire. I thank you for the emails, comments and your valuable time used to stop by FYF.
YOU are doing a great job at being you. The job is totally yours and the tasks will be done at your best, at all times. Living YOUR life and all that it entails is only going to happen as you proceed here. With every one of your smiles, good results and triumphs...there is a source. Our sources may vary from time to time but we do get chances to rejuvenate with new reasons to go on in this lifetime. Congratulations on being thankful and noticing your sources. For it is our understanding of being humble and appreciative, that actually opens our hearts to believe that more goodness is to come. We are aiming to get prepared for what a higher power has in store. As a giver of good energy with our purposes, our time and a kind word, we already walk in support of our happiness. You can't be a true giver and not feel wonderful doing so and being here. Thank goodness for you and those like you, that love you. There's is always room to feel loved and to give love. Never stop. Be thankful that you don't have to stop! YAAY!!! Here's to continuing on a path that leads to your destiny.
If you are finding reasons to be thankful today then, Love....is Life. LIFE IS GOOD! I bet you'll smile about it, from the inside first. That is how you have fun, have faith and Fix Ya Face:)

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and November!!! IT'S YOURS! See you soon.

-Marcella Precise

Exercises Of The Month:
1. Drink water
2. Feel good in the moment, when something good is actually working for you
3. Do something good for someone else


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IN FYF THIS MONTH:

A BEAUTIFUL MIND welcomes to the interview chairs:

NEDELKA PRESCOD
andKAREN HAMBRIGHT-GLOVER

As we prepare to connect our loves in this life with our strengths. We face challenges that are possible to overcome with hope and action leading to our individual purposes. Here's to having purposes in life that bring happiness and leaves us to feel that we are
... STRENGTH!!
Meet two Sincere Thoughtful Rare Energized Nice Generous Tireless Humble beautiful women with positive outlooks that supports their grateful movements of this lifetime.
Please enjoy a glimpse of their journey thus far.

MARCELLA PRECISE'S FAVORITE FIND has a review of great item worth showcasing.

The BE MY GUEST has a informative site noted. As always we applaud efforts of anyone working with positive energy and actions.

SHE DID IT!! is where passionate, sincere and dedicated individuals across the world are honored. Send us an email about 1 you know. SEND US YOUR BIRTH DATE TO POST!

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NOVEMBER is

As per Nanowrimo.org.com, November is National Novel Writing Month. As per Diabetes.org, November is American Diabetes Awareness Month.

Sunday November 1, 2009

Honey Love

(image courtesy of media.photobucket.com)

The Food Of The Month is the Honey. Honey is initially created naturally by bees and used as delicious food sweetener.
Some people may experience a better tolerance to honey than white sugar. As a immune system booster and cough suppressant, honey's great depending of your stage of cough/discomfort/illness. Protects the body from free radicals and aides in lowering cholesterol. History has shown it's external usage for burns and wounds to be quite effective as well.

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Grilled Salmon Fillet with Honey-Mustard Sauce

Recipe courtesy of FoodTV's "Boy Meets Grill" with Bobby Flay

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, drained
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pound fillet salmon, skin on
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 bunch watercress, coarsely chopped
• 1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons aged sherry vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

Whisk together the mustard, honey, horseradish, mint and 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper in a small bowl. Let sit for at least 15 minutes before using. Can be made 1 day in advance and refrigerated but do not add the mint until just before using. Bring to room temperature before using.

Heat the grill to high.

Brush the salmon with the oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the salmon on the grill, skin side down, and grill until golden brown and slightly charred, about 3 minutes.

While the salmon is cooking, place the watercress and onion in a medium bowl, add the vinegar and oil and salt and pepper and toss to combine. Transfer the salad to a platter, top with the salmon fillet and drizzle each fillet with the mustard sauce.

Please use your own personal discretion /caution if you are allergic, sensitive or unsure.

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MARCELLA PRECISE'S FAVORITE FIND OF THE MONTH

HONEY & LEMON Hexagon Soap By L'Occitane

(image courtesy of L'occitane.com)

...is yummy to the nose. The experience to my senses (the hexagon shape made my eyes smile) is only complimented by the experience my skin feels. There is a well done infusion of shea butter with essential oils.
After a work out or after work. Work on on feeling renew.
If you try it, let us know about it. Please use your own personal discretion /caution if you are allergic, sensitive or unsure.

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A Beautiful Mind welcomes

NEDELKA PRESCOD (NY)

1. If there's a song that reflects your vibe, what would that song be? Do you meditate, pray or/and take time to mentally relax? If so, what part of the day? For how long?

The song right now that would reflect my vibe isn't necessarily about the lyrics (though they work... lol) is Jazmine Sullivan's execution of "Round Midnight" written by my favorite musician, Thelonious Monk and delivered in a manner that reminds me to remember me and what it takes for me to do me and Be me in Music and in Life.

I pray, meditate, take mental relax time... usually in the early morning and at night. I also allow myself mini mental vacays during the day. The amount of time varies... it can depend on what needs to be resolved in my mind and spirit.

2. Tell us about being a Independent Music Educator/Consultant to grades K-12 and College level.

I finally get to teach music standing on the experience and training I've received. 9 years with the Board of Education and 8 years independent. Stepping out on faith and deciding to "retire" from a full time teaching position forced me to be clear about my Beliefs in Music, how it could be taught and it's deeper purpose in Life. I have gained a sense of freedom in teaching that also requires me to create and maintain a standard of teaching and excellence in the art of music. There is no getting comfortable in a teaching position as an independent Music Educator/Consultant or Musician. Because I am independently employed it is mandatory that the time I share with students be effective on the level of music education but also in the planting of seeds that students must be taught to nurture and make manifest on their own. This particular work Lifestyle, just as importantly, allows me the time and energy needed for me the Musician. I am able to immediately implement my new understandings of music into the classroom as much as the students keep me current for my musical Life. The motto for the middle school I attended is "to whom much is given, much is required"... and it has become my teaching mantra. The other side of my Liberty is that I had to forego certain union perks unique to fulltime teachers and create my own. For me this rootsy Lifestyle has created a sense of passion that I believe translates in my teaching and ultimately in my Music.

3. What new result (s) and/or positive occurrences are you most proud of so far from this?

Becoming an indie educator I have had the privilege of working in many schools. After 18 years of teaching, last September I entered into a school that was for me, a dream come true. Besides being technologically current, the principal's vision for arts education is very forward. In combination with a fellow music educator, the principal supported our endeavors in working with two students on their freshman hip-hop mixed cd that was released at a youth hip-hop/spoken word cipher created to promote their artistry and to provide an opportunity for Brooklyn youths to get a taste of the stage and share their personal expression with their peers at a local venue... connecting the classroom to the real world and uniting youths in a positive and safe space.

4.What early part of your life's journey prompted you to go forth this necessary outlet?

I was raised in music though i was actually very apprehensive about teaching music. My Father made the choice for me to earn a degree in education, whereas I wanted to pursue performance. I now realize that it may have been Divine Order. My stage presence I practice in the classroom... students are a hard audience. And my desire to be my best and to offer students a true perspective on what Music is required that I know it for myself. I had to make the decision to live in two worlds... I had to become "indie" in so many ways.

5. With some of your successful experiences allowing you to connect with other purposeful people, what are some of your day to day activities during the school year?

Taking orders from students... lol. It is important that I listen to the youth. I believe a lot of educators are disconnected from the students because we believe in the old school system of the teacher lecturing and the student sitting quietly taking notes. In this day, that is an unreal scenario. I've found that even with adults, people are more apt to listen to you if you take the time to listen to them. I spend time dialoguing with the students and involving them in their education inside and outside of the classroom. I have my skill sets ready, but I need for them to consciously or sub-consciously tell me how to teach it to them. And this approach has also proven beneficial in the work I do outside of the classroom working with independent artists through Conscious Uprising, an organization I co-found with a friend to support "indie" artists and their artistry. I also do a great deal of planning and connecting people and art, with the intention of building a community of artists (young and seasoned) that are thriving through their art.

6. What do you do for fun? What new fun thing would you like to try?

Loving this question... I spend time practicing, studying styles of vocal expression, reading, beading (I create jewelry), taking in live music and getting more involved in "the scene" and... visualizing. I recently took up tap dance and want to continue. Dance is very important to me.

7. One thing on my Life List is to earn a PHD in Music Theory and Physics (I wrote that out to be accountable to myself) and be fluent in Spanish, French and in my own style of expression. Oh, but you said one... :-)

8. What/Who keeps your grounded in this ever changing world?

Believing that The Most High wants the best for me and that the Highest desires of my heart were placed there for a reason... so just go ahead and go for them believing that everything I need and want is on the path.

My Son... teaches me to be patient enough to do what it takes to make things happen successfully, beautifully, gracefully, deeply, sincerely and with a lot of fun.

9. What are 2 qualities that you prefer and respect about your mate at this point in your life?

So I have to speak this one for my mate to Be... he is secure in himself and loves me the way I need to be loved without prodding and with consistency... of course the understanding is that he has made sacred a place for God to reside within him.

10. Who gave you 1 really good piece of advice early on and what was it?

My Father... "get a Life"

11. What piece of business advice would you like to share?

Prepare. Have a plan. Be flexible and enjoy the journey.

12. What is NEXT for you in 2010 and beyond?

God's grace school, a clearer and more true ability to express the beautiful things in my soul, a greater depth of self acceptance and every good thing The Most High has for me.

13. Choose 1: High Heel, Low Heel OR No Heel?

HIGH, skinny and strappy... lol
Choose 1: Novel, Biographies, Inspirational Book OR Blog ?

Non-Fiction, Science... and an occasional sci-fi

Choose 1: Fresh Fruit, Fruit Smoothie OR Fresh Fruit Juiced?

Fresh fruit juice (from the juicer)

14. What word would best describe you right now? Beautiful (from deep within)

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A Beautiful Mind welcomes

KAREN HAMBRIGHT-GLOVER (NY)

1. If there's a song that reflects your vibe, what would that song be? Do you meditate, pray or/and take time to mentally relax? If so, what part of the day? For how long? Golden by Jill Scott would best describe my vibe right now. I do pray about once a week. I talk to god privately when life's problems become unbearable. I usually reflect spiritually anytime I have a quiet moment-mainly at night.
2. Tell us about The NYC Public School 243-The Weeksville School This is an elementary school serving 457 students from pre-kindergarten through grade 5. The present principal has been in post for four years. The school's ethnic composition is 82% Black, 15% Hispanic, 1% White and 2% Asian and other ethnic groups. The proportion of students eligible for Title 1 funding is 87%, which is broadly in line with similar schools. There are 58 special education students and 13 English language learners. The student attendance rate is 92% which is similar to City-wide school averages. The school is distinctive in that it was the second free school for African-Americans after slavery, built in the first African-American neighborhood in Brooklyn. Weeksville is a neighborhood founded by African American <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_American> freedmen <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedmen> in what is now the New York City <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City> borough <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borough_(New_York_City)> of Brooklyn <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn> , New York <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York> , United States <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States> , part of the present-day neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedford-Stuyvesant,_Brooklyn> . It was named after James Weeks, an African American freedman who purchased land there in 1838.[1] <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weeksville,_Brooklyn#cite_note-0> The land was purchased from another African American freedman, Henry C. Thompson <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Henry_C._Thompson&action=edit&redlink=1

> .

The village was established by a group of African American land investors and political activists. By the 1850s, it had more than 500 residents from all over the East Coast <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Coast_of_the_United_States> (as well as two people born in Africa <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa> ). Almost 40 percent of them were southern-born. Almost one-third of the men over 21 owned land. It had a school, PS. 243K-The Weeksville School, two churches, and in the 1860s became the national headquarters of the African Civilization Society <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=African_Civilization_Society&action=edit&redlink=1> and the Howard Orphan Asylum <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Howard_Orphan_Asylum&action=edit&redlink=1> .

In 2005, the Society for the Preservation of Weeksville and Bedford-Stuyvesant History was among 406 New York City arts and social service institutions to receive part of a $20 million grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnegie_Corporation_of_New_York> , which was made possible through a donation by New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Bloomberg> .[2] <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weeksville,_Brooklyn#cite_note-1> [3] <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weeksville,_Brooklyn#cite_note-2>



3. Since you've been there, what new result (s) and/or positive occurrences are you most proud of so far?

Our academic performance has improved significantly since my tenure as principal in 2005. Our ELA-Reading/Writing scores have increased from 28% to 72%, math scores have risen from 36% to 95%, social studies scores have increased from 30% to 86% and science scores have soared from 29% to 92% all in the course of 4 years. We are an" A" score according to our last years progress report.


Small classes help Brooklyn students get edge in state math exams


<http://www.nydailynews.com/authors/> BY Ben Lesser <http://www.nydailynews.com/authors/Ben%20Lesser> , Gleb Wilson <http://www.nydailynews.com/authors/Gleb%20Wilson> , and Elizabeth Lazarowitz <http://www.nydailynews.com/authors/Elizabeth%20Lazarowitz>
DAILY NEWS WRITERS

Wednesday, June 3rd 2009, 4:00 AM

Hagen for News

Fourth-grade teachers Ivonne Espinal and Chez Davis with several of their students at the Weeksville School PS 243 in Brooklyn.

Big things often come in little packages.

That's true at some Brooklyn <http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Brooklyn> schools, where principals say small class sizes are helping students post outsized gains on their state math scores.

At Secondary School for Law on Seventh Ave. in Park Slope <http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Park+Slope> , students in two of the school's three eighth-grade classes were split into two groups and given an extra math teacher.

That helped give additional assistance to students who were falling behind and those who were ahead of the class, said the school's principal, Larry Woodbridge <http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Larry+Woodbridge> .

"When you reduce class size in middle school - in particular in the subjects where students are held most accountable - it has a positive effect," said Woodbridge <http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Woodbridge> .

The school is among those posting Brooklyn's biggest gains in average eighth-grade math scores over the past three years - up 8.8%.

Woodbridge said the school has actually cut down on test prep.

"My teachers had our students thinking through concepts rather than drilling."

In the borough overall, 85.1% of fourth-graders and 70.3% of eighth-graders passed the test this year, largely in line with citywide pass rates. That's up from last year, when 79.5% of fourth-graders and 59.7% of eighth-graders in Brooklyn got passing scores.

Public School 121 on 20th Ave. in Borough Park <http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Borough+Park> also recently split its eighth grade into two sections, and brought in a second teacher to work with the students on math concepts. Its eighth-graders' average math scores have risen 7.7% since 2006.

At PS 243 on Dean St. in Weeksville <http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Weeksville> , kids get after-school math tutoring three days a week, and math specialists from other grades come in to help the fourth-graders with test prep, said the school's principal, Karen Hambright-Glover <http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Karen+Hambright-Glover> .

"It's important to talk to kids one on one, studying and isolating individual strengths and weaknesses," she said.

The average fourth-grade math score there has climbed 8.8% since 2006.

Lene Ambro <http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Lene+Ambro> , 47, listed small class size and a rigorous homework schedule as key factors in improving math scores at PS 110 on Monitor St., where her daughter Asta, 10, is one of 16 kids in her fifth-grade class.

Since 2006, PS 110 fourth-graders' scores have risen 8.9%, and this year, about 96% of them passed the state exam.

"It's not like 26, 29," in a class, said Ambro. "It's a smaller group, and I like that."

With Erin Durkin <http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Erin+Durkin>



4.What early part of your life's journey prompted you to go forth this necessary outlet?

Being a student growing up allowed me to escape from my reality. I always loved school. I loved to read and write. I loved learning new things. I knew at a very young age that education would allow me to live a better life. I wanted to be successful. I also wanted to give children who had a similar disadvantaged childhood the same opportunity I had to live a better life. I wanted to make a difference.


5. With some of your successful experiences allowing you to connect with other purposeful people, what are some of your day to day activities?

I am on the executive board of NYCESPA: which is the New York City Elementary School Principal Association. Through that association I am allowed to travel the country visiting other school districts communicating with other principals. Day-to-day I work closely with CSA-which is my union-Council of Supervisors and Administrators. I am the District Rep for the principal in the schools of district 16. I work daily in my school-attending various workshops and conventions. I hold several parent workshops, functions and meetings throughout the school year. I spend time with my family and friends. I watch "Hell's Kitchen".


6. What do you do for fun? What new fun thing would you like to try?

I love to travel. I love the casino. I love to visit the spa-Red Door to be specific. I love a good massage.


7. One thing on my Life List is...I want to be a "biological" mother. I would also like to attain a PhD in urban education.


8. What/Who keeps your grounded in this ever changing world?

God, my husband and my friends.


9. What are 2 qualities that you prefer and respect about your mate at this point in your life?

His passionate heart and his work ethic. He is a traditional gentleman. He takes care of me and I love him for that.


10. Who gave you 1 really good piece of advice early on and what was it?

My good friend and mentor, Dr. Janice Jacob, told me to live life passionately, love deeply, forge ahead courageously and leave behind all regrets.


11. What piece of business advice would you like to share?

Be confidant. Know what you want and assert yourself. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes make you smarter.


12. What is NEXT for you in 2009 and beyond?

I want to start a family. I want to continue to turn the Weeksville School into an institution of excellence. I want to lose weight and become healthier.


13. Choose 1: High Heel, Low Heel OR No Heel? Low Heel.
Choose 1: Rock, Country, Rap, R&B OR Jazz? R & B
Choose 1: Fruit Smoothie, Fresh Fruit OR Fresh Fruit Juiced? Fruit Smoothie

14. What word would best describe you right now? Blessed

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BE MY GUEST:

SCHOLARSHIPS.COM



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SHE DID IT!!
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HONORS:
A wonderful person. I wanted to re-share her testimony I call:

BENITA'S BLESSING
Surviving a ANEURISM… 2 Years Later

It was two years ago today I suffered a "Brain Bleed"... Aneurism. The day started out as any other normal day but by-far ended with me in Cornell Hospital with a tube draining blood and fluid from my brain.

So... one year later my life has changed to say the lease. You never fully understand the journey your to go through when your faced with something so life altering. I've been challenged with things I as a believer thought I couldn't possibly face. "I was Raised up", "I'm a Miracle", "I'm Healed" all the things we say but deep down inside I was still in a coma!! I was in a semi-conscience state... I was dealing with short-term memory loss...can you understand what that's like not remembering things from just moments or a day ago. I was dealing with depression...and "SAINTS" yes we do get depressed!!! I didn't understand, why me??? In my mind I was less of a women, wife, mother and friend... never-mind "the Evangelist" I even started preaching harder, traveling further, going deeper...when all the while my husband/friend kept saying to me "you got to take it easy", "slow down", "this is a process", "I don't think you realize what you've been through" "don't do too much", YOU NEED TO REST!!! But I didn't listen... was I being governed by GOD or myself???

So it all began to break for me in Aug... my life changed drastically, I faced the fact that I was depressed (at times), I realized my relationships were not 100%, my communication with everyone got short, and as my husband would put it I wanted a "Pity-Party". I didn't know when or where I would "GET IT BACK", but I knew that's what I had to do... I had to take my mind off the "church" and the people and put it on the one and only my Redeemer, Healer, Mind- Regulator, Savior. God said "I will keep your mind in perfect peace, who's mind is stayed on Me" I had to get to a place where I could do only one thing and that was see GOD.

I want you to know, who ever will read this.... God is the same yesterday.. today.. and forever... no matter what you go through He is still the Same GOD!!!! No matter how challenging the test. We must learn to tap into our source which is the higher power "GOD", not to be beaten... but to beat it.... Not to allow the adversary to get any victory. The Victory is in you or YOU wouldn't be tempted with the test. A teacher never test the students till he feels they got enough information to get through it!!! God will never give us more than we can bare, now that's a tough statement to adapt but I believe it to be true...He just want to see how we will use the tools or information we already have and possess. Be encouraged to go through, that's the only way you'll get through! One song writer say's " Speak over your-self, Encourage your-self in the Lord"! Another : "In my feelings of despair , holding on to Your Word.. Your always there....When guilt won't set me free, you let me know You died for me on Calvary"...

We can make it ...It will get better, SOON!! B Blessed

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HONORS:

Hip Hop 4 Life Ceo, TAMEKIA FLOWERS-HOLLAND

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HONORS
Music as per this month

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HONORS:

Grammy Nominated, Myaisha

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HONORS:

Fashion Correspondent, Donnella Tilery

on her savy personal style collections at : DcBags.com

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HONORS:

All Seniors returning to school for the Fall/Winter 2009 Session!

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HONORS:

Artist/Creator of Nics Natural, NICOLE HAMILTON

On her New Product distribution. Now in Choice Market.

www.nicsnaturals.com

handmade luxury bath products

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HONORS:

ANDREA "SEELAH" DOWNES,
Yoga Guru/Editor of www.DoRightForYourself.Org in conjunction with www.MomentumEducation.com

on her continuous health inspiration and information at
www.dorightforyourself.org

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HONORS:

Radio Personality, Entrepreneur APRIL WATTS

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HONORS:

The NEW BUSINESS OWNERS of Lexington, Virginia and Staten Island, New York

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HONORS:

The NEW MOMS AND DADS of Lake City, Georgia and Whitakers, North Carolina

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*****HAPPY BIRTHDAY*****Because you were born...Great things were born Mary D-11/07
Asia I-11/07
Reesa McCor-11/07
Desi J-11/09
Mira L Van-11/10
Wanda V-11/10
S Johns-11/12
April L-11/13
Shawnna Q-11/13
Levett R- 11/21
Rita Y K-11/24
D Dragotta -11/26
Sabrina B-11/27
RT Newsom-11/27

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To be considered for *A Beautiful Mind*, BE MY GUEST, or SHE DID IT!! Write us at TheFixYaFaceBlogazine@gmail.com