Find YOUR Inner Diva!
My name is Shira Adler and I use my voice to help you elevate and celebrate yours.
Shira Adler, Diva Mama
I am an inspirational writer, speaker, singer, voice-over artist, clergy, certified past-life regressionist, fempreneur and human being. I add human being, because it's important to remember we are spiritual beings having a human experience.
At an early age I experienced great sadness including my mother attempting suicide, my father kidnapping my siblings bankruptcy and four failed marriages (one because of abuse) Because I always had a desire to be heard and healed in spiritual settings, I used my voice to perform in festivals, concerts, and in Jewish synagogues as a Cantor, which is much like being Rabbi, only we sing, don't get nearly the respect— particularly those of us who are women—and work much harder during the High Holy Days!
I spent the next 20+ years as a Cantor in pulpits from Malibu to Manhattan. Along the way I began writing, had two children, now nine and eleven, and started working to expand my consciousness, because something was lacking. I had lost myself along the journey. I began to discover who I really was, and how I wanted to serve others began to take shape.
Today I live according to a very simple metaphor that explains it, called One Voice, Many Paths.
One Voice, Many Paths is an idea, a way of showing up in the world that allows for different modalities to coalesce in one person for the sake of bringing light, love, joy and help to others. So, whether I am singing, writing, talking; whether I am in the same room with you, at one of my Divas-do-Lunch events, or you're reading my blog, checking out my web site, have booked a session with me as a past-life regressionist, a distance healing session, or will soon pick up a copy of my new book, One Voice, Many Paths is the culmination of my life's work that says, I don't need any limitations on how we can connect. The only thing that matters is that we do.
My desire to reach and help others through the most important chapters of their life knows no bounds. That’s why I created Diva Mama Aromatherapy Synergy SpraysTM for anyone seeking sanity on the way to serenity. The sprays are designed to clear ~ center ~ nurture & inspire your Inner Diva. To enhance the Synergy Spray experience, I have also created downloadable guided meditations so that an entire meditation/spray morning routine for busy women can be done in just a couple of minutes because as we all know, that’s often all we have!
Diva Mama Aromatherapy Synergy Sprays are powerful, romantic and vibrant, just like the women who use them. It’s been an incredible journey getting to this point and now I’m doing what women do best, rely on each other, to be able to move forward. I’m seeking Angels to support the launch of this line because as soon as I am able to do so, I will be contributing a portion of the proceeds to two charities that are close to my heart: March of Dimes, because my son was a pre-term C-section who was in NICU the first four days of his life, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, because my Mama was diagnosed with breast cancer two days before my recent birthday. You can find out more by visiting:Diva Mama Aromatherapy Fundrazr.
I believe by connecting with each other, supporting each other and sharing our stories we have the double opportunity of helping each other while healing ourselves. My greatest joy is touching people and helping them activate their own connections, whatever they turn out to be. And using this new line of aromatherapy supports the most important connection we have - to our own core essence, our Inner Diva!
All of the above has been written by Shira Adler.
Dr. Loretta and Her World of Skincare
Good skincare is certainly an important part of our world when we reach the age of 40 and beyond. Dr. Loretta is a proponent of this world, a doctor and published author who also has her own skincare line that Over 40 Females have been sampling recently!
"A board certified dermatologist since 1982, Dr. Loretta began her career in the 1970s, working in a dermatology research laboratory at Harvard Medical School where she was fortunate to have spent time with Dr. Fitzpatrick as he was developing what is still considered the gold-standard of skin typing among dermatologists, the Fitzpatrick Skin Type classification. Cumulatively this education and experience led her to become the renowned and respected Doctor that she is today.
As she explains, "I believe that the benefits of good skincare, practiced on a daily basis, can keep our skin clear and our appearance younger in every decade of our lives!"
Born in New York City, she is a graduate of Hunter College of the City University of New York, Downstate Medical College of the State University of New York, and she did her dermatology residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine where she served as Chief Resident in Dermatology.
Dr. Ciraldo is a Voluntary Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she is Director Emeritus of the Appearance Center for Cosmetic Dermatology. She is also a past president of the Miami-Dade County Medical Association. For nearly two decades, she has formulated skincare for her own patients and acted as a consultant for other skincare lines. All the while, she has continued her private practice specializing in cosmetic dermatology. She continues to lecture and teach physicians on cosmetic dermatology and skincare advances. She is the recipient of the Physician Communicator of the Year award from the Florida Medical Association. Dr. Ciraldo is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of physicians and remains active in medical school and residency programs.
Her book, 6 Weeks to Sensational Skin, published by Rodale, takes readers through a 6-week "boot camp" to improve the overall health and appearance of skin, and has been dubbed..."the ultimate girlfriend's guide to beauty."
Dr. Loretta has appeared on Good Morning America, Rachel Ray/Human Lab segments and Today in South Florida on NBC. She was the dermatologist chosen for the O You (Oprah event) in 2008, and has been featured in O (Oprah), Shape, New Beauty, Real Simple and Seventeen magazines."For more information on Dr. Loretta and her products please visit: www.drloretta.com
Expanding the Borders of Over 40 Females
Named one of the"Women of the Year" by the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) for 2011-2012, and also being one of Westchester’s most powerful women, Cappy Devlin is a force to be reckoned with both in business and in travel.
Cappy Devlin has been in business for 39 years and is the owner and head travel agent of "Cappy's Travel" in Mt. Kisco. As Over 40 Females newest national travel partner, Cappy has visions of Over 40 Females not only as a nationwide organization, but as a worldwide one too!
Within her own business, Cappy has created terrific programs for families and groups of friends seeking unforgettable vacations. Now the opportunity is open to us—Over 40 Females!
Incorporating travel into the already long list of Over 40 Females Networking can be "not only a step, but a huge leap for us,” Cappy says, “The bonding that can come from travel is unmatched, and nothing is more compelling than getting out of the box!”
By extending the usual one night networking events to 2 to 3 night getaways, the relationships (and business partnerships!) can be immeasurable!
But Cappy’s services aren’t limited to exclusively Over 40 Female Trips, Cappy has offered to plan trips for all members of Over 40 Females in hopes to facilitate some crucial networking opportunities AND in addition, lifelong memories for women.
Cappy's motto says it best..."The World is open to you... Experience it!"
If interested in talking to Cappy about your family vacation getaway or organizing an Over 40 Females trip (or just a girls weekend!), please contact her at 800-CAPPYS-5 or visit her website at http://www.travel-by-net.com/
From Sidewalk to Show Room
During Fashion Week in New York City, most designers host high-end shows inside the tents of Bryant Park. But one year not too long ago, Dolita went against the grain. Instead of adhering to the norm, she did something unheard of—She held a show outside on the sidewalk beside the tents! Not only was her idea unheard of, but her sidewalk show was a tremendous success! Pulling something like this off takes innovation, guts, and of course, amazing designs. 
Dolita came to New York from Paris a few years ago, barely knowing the language or the people. With the dream of becoming a fashion designer, Dolita was determined to make it in the fashion industry.
Since her splash with the sidewalk catwalk, Dolita has since opened her “Petite Boutique/Show Room” on 54th Street. She has made thousands of dresses by herself and her Ultra Feminine Collection designs are catching the attention of celebrities and everyday women alike.
Without using patterns or measurement, Dolita has the wondrous ability to make you the perfect dress just by looking at you! Inspired by women who love life, Dolita’s personality and positive energy is contagious!
Make an appointment with this fantastic designer and enjoy the “Parisian Experience” in New York!
Call to schedule a consultation at 917.204.9813 or visit her website at www.dolitaparis.com!
Balancing Twin Babies and Flourishing Career at 41
But for Christina Roughan, Owner of
Roughan Interiors, motherhood (of twins!) has just begun.
From Fairfield County, Connecticut and the Hamptons, all the way to Park City, Utah and beyond, you will find Christina's designed interiors in country estates, luxury cruise liners, resort properties and much more.
Over 40 Females asked Christina what her biggest challenge is in being an entrepreneur over the age of 40, and here is what she said:
"I find being over 40 empowering as I have more knowledge about business and life. One challenge I encounter is finding a balance. My work is demanding, so my time is limited. An average day for me is:
- Alarm 5:30, shower and dressed before the baby girls wake up at 6:00-6:30.
- 6:30 Girlies up and all smiles……baby talk in their crib with each other until I arrive and pick one up and take downstairs to change and bathe for the day.
- 7:30 Start making breakfast for the girlies, typically something good. Currently it has been fascinating watching the girls eat as they have sophisticated palate for 14 month olds. One of their faves is feta & garlic omelet!
- 8:00 My Nanny arrives, I give the girls lots and lots of kisses & hugs and I’m off to the Greenwich RID office or NYC for appointments.
- 9:00 Arrive at the office. If I don’t have meetings in the city, I will start the day with an employee meeting and discuss projects and where we are with them, goals and to dos with the RID Girls (They all are sophisticated and are different ages however prefer to be called "Girls" rather than "Ladies").
- 10:00 Phone calls, sourcing, PR and general business starts. Every day is different as every client has different needs and projects.
- 6:00, Typically, I leave the office at this time, but twice a week I usually go to a work function afterwards.
- 7:00 on the other three days that I'm able to go home or not traveling, I go home and relieve my Nanny and spend time with the girlies. I play, hug and kiss the twins, take them to bed sing and read to them.
- 8:00-8:30 When they are asleep, I call my husband as he travels quite a bit.
- 9:00 - Surf the web, source for clients or sometimes watch a guilty pleasure such as “The Vampire Diaries” or one of the “Housewives”
- 10-12 - Bed"
That schedule would make anyone dizzy! And Christina's biggest challenge about being a woman over 40?
"My biggest challenge is finding time to exercise and every woman, especially over 40, should always have that in their lives."
Christina is currently being featured in WAG and East Coast Home Magazines for her exemplary talent as an interior designer.
For more on Christina, please visit: www.roughaninteriors.com
Celeb Cousins discover Happiness through Spiritual Awakening
When two cousins combined their spiritual journey, they found a way to share it!
Searching for the true meaning of “happiness” can be a life-long journey. While the definition is different for everyone, cousins Tamsen Fadal and Shannon Elizabeth crossed spiritual paths while coming to their own realizations of what happiness means to them. Actresses in both television and film, Tamsen (WPIX Anchor, Broadway Actress, and Over Forty Female Favorite) and Shannon (American Pie, Scary Movie) have spent their lives on sets and stages, keeping up with the hustle and bustle of show-biz. Fortunately, within the craziness of the media industry, the two have been able to find time to discover what it means to THEM to be happy.
Recently, the two have teamed up to create an extremely original, inspiring, and meaningful jewelry line. Spiritual Awakening jewelry is much more than an average accessory line; while intertwining healing gemstones with deep rooted meanings, the two have hand crafted an assortment of bracelets, necklaces, and one-of-a-kind pieces sure to turn heads. According to their website, “The collection is a combination of semi-precious gemstones and messages so that each person who possesses a piece of Spiritual Awakening Jewelry will know the true meaning of the stones, the combination of the properties and the message Shannon and Tamsen are giving them on their daily journey.”
By wearing a piece of Spiritual Awakening jewelry, you are blessed with the peace of mind and sense of truth that Tamsen and Shannon wish to extend to you. As an Over 40 Female, you reserve the right to OWN your Spiritual path with beauty and elegance radiating from every inch of you, why not let your jewelry exude that same message?
Discover your own Spiritual Awakening and check out Tamsen and Shannon’s line at:
www.spiritualawakeningjewelry.com
The Fertility Mentor
As we grow older, it's unfortunately more difficult to bear children. Shouldn't it be easier? I'm a little confused as to why it's so easy when you are young, and probably not as ready, then when you are older and ready to go with (at that point) oodles of responsibilities to deal with, along with aging, career, health and all the rest of it.
So instead of getting frustrated, and blindly calling doctors that want to drug you up with hormones and take your money faster than you can finish your personal story to them, I would suggest getting 3rd party help to guide you along the way. As someone who has been through fertility issues, I wish there was such a thing as the "Fertility Mentor" when I was going through all my back and forth to the doctor, trying to deal with the stress that fertility took upon me and my husband, the hospitals, the testing, and the emotional upheaval that touched every part of our lives after years of going through this.
Caryn Portnoy, the "Fertility Mentor," went through SIX YEARS of this awfulness. She has loads of contacts, resources and advice to help you navigate the process. She is quick to say she is NOT a therapist, but a concierge of sorts, to save you money, time and aggravating issues like the ones that everyone knows this process brings.
Check her out, and if you already have children, congratulations! But if you know of someone suffering through the process, tell them to have a look at TheFertilityMentor.com
People going through fertility issues are silently suffering, and "The Fertility Mentor" may save you or someone you know a whole lot of frustration, time and money along the way.
Former Gold Medalist Figure Skater Finds a Way to Revolutionize Fitness
I love when I hear women, especially women over 40, that have reinvented themselves, along with reinventing an entire industry!
Lauren Piskin, a former gold medal figure skater, has done just that. She has started a revolutionary addition to fitness that comes from her extensive training as a professional figure skater, dancer and fitness expert.
In the past, Lauren had combined her passion for skating with her gift of working with children, launching a career in coaching figure skaters both on and off the ice for 15 years -- using innovative methods such as slideboard training,plyometrics, stability ball work and Pilates. Lauren received her Pilates certification from the Physicalmind Institute and has been working with dancers,private clients and elite athletes for the past 28 years.
Fast forward to the present, PHYSICALMIND Studio opened its doors this Spring with a whole new concept in getting and staying fit. The nationally renowned expert Lauren Piskin and her team of trainers have developed a revolutionary system designed to safely achieve the ultimate fitness results safely and effectively.
PHYSICALMIND Studio offers clients a collection of fun and innovative classes as well as one-on-one Pilates training. The menu of classes consists of signature PHYSICALMIND Slideboard, TRX, PHYSICALMIND MVe Chair, Pilates Reformer and Tower. Designed for the studio as commissioned by Lauren Piskin, the slideboard and the MVe Chair are the only apparatus of their kind in New York City.
The unique new signature combination of classes, all taught using the most advanced in new techniques and state-of-the-art apparatus, has transformed not only the industry, but also the overall health and appearance of PHYSICALMIND's avid followers. PHYSICALMIND Studio is located in Manhattan at 1200 Lexington Avenue, 2nd floor, between 81st and 82nd Streets.
For more information visit: www.phyiscalmindstudio.com
A Woman's Best Friend
Zak and Mikel
Mikel Sacher, a vivacious entrepreneur, has combined the luxurious beauty world with dog hygiene. Her passion shines through as she pioneers her way through a fresh concept of pampering your pooch..."FUR" products , including an all natural cleanser and detangler made with botanical extracts and anti-oxidants - it's like a spa for your dog!
Their bottles are as clean and natural-looking as the ingredients inside - everything is made from flowers, trees and herbs.
"Before developing FUR™, J Mikel spent years in the beauty industry, working with brands and companies as diverse and respected as Estee Lauder’s Aveda brand, Slatkin and Co, L’Atelier duSavon, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. J Mikel has extensive experience in the fields of aromatherapy and perfumery, developed over years of relationships with top apothecaries and retail giants."
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BUY PRODUCTS VISIT: www.furdogsnyc.com
Mikel just turned 40, and excitedly told me about her company that is taking off quickly...well Mikel, welcome to the fold and thank-you for looking out after our precious pooches!
From In Front of the Camera to Behind the Lens
Kim Anderson
After an incredibly successful career as an internationally acclaimed model, Kim decided that she wanted to try her hand at what it's like behind the camera. Here is her story, in her words:
My first job as a photographer was when I was about fourteen or fifteen. My youngest sister was in a pre-school at our local church and I offered to photograph the children for their yearly school pictures. My father had a large format Mamaya 645 camera and instead of shooting them all sitting in a pose I followed them around the playground shooting them in groups going down the slide, hanging from the monkey bars, hiding in the bushes.
We had installed a black and white darkroom in the basement of our home in Virginia. It was a place to be feared and loved in that it was always too hot or too cold and the resident spiders did not like to be disturbed but it was the place where I learned to bring my first images to life.
Moving on from my seeming success as a portrait photographer I went in the opposite direction and worked with my father as an aerial photographer. We would fly over buildings and businesses and photograph them. I would then take the prints and sell them to the various business owners and clients. You could say that this experience “broadened” my vision dramatically. From large scale to small I have never felt particularly constrained in what I can photograph.
I then went on to become an architect major at Virginia Tech. While most of my design friends were concerned with the “bigger picture,” like the structure of a building, I seemed to be forever focused on the details. I would sketch a barn door latch or take pictures of the view out of a window. I enjoyed the process of taking a three dimensional object or scene and making it two dimensional. This obsession with detail led me to a degree in textile design and my first job as an assistant swimwear designer is what brought me to live and work in New York.
That was over twenty five years ago and despite an early twist of fate, where I ultimately spent most of that time working on the other side of the lens as an actress and model, my love of capturing and creating images has persisted. It has been my joy and pleasure to have worked with many top photographers on sets around the world and I spent much of that time observing their work in progress and continuing to hone my own skills as a photographer.
With the advent of the digital camera and all of the ever changing software that comes along with it comes a new sense of freedom. Gone are the days of “dodging and burning” images by hand or the acrid smell of fixer clinging to my hair. Now, after capturing an image the steps to creating a print are available at my fingertips, almost instantaneously.
As a person used to developing my own film and paying dearly for every scrap of photographic paper it feels like cheating. Yet, the process is still the same. The key of course is to start with a compelling image. It is one thing to fix a bad picture in “photoshop” it is another to take a beautiful photograph and turn it into something “else.”
“The Art of Heightened Reality” is a series of landscapes, portraits and still-life’s aimed at expressing that “something else.” I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoy sharing them with you.
"The Art of Heightened Reality"
