Fall 2013 by Brag Book

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and OU Medicine is at its heart. With more than 175 children’s specialists, some of the best minds in pediatric medicine are working as a team at The Children’s Hospital. Bringing lives into the world and keeping them well by treating, preventing and curing childhood illnesses. There’s life in our city, and OU Medicine is here to care for it.

OU Medical Center | OU Physicians | The Children’s Hospital | OU College of Medicine | oumedicine.com

PILATES & YOGA

BABY'S SHOPPING GUIDE

38 36

ARE YOU IN PAIN?

THINGS WE LOVE

PILATES & YOGA: HOW THEY ALL FIT

OUTSMART AGING

WOMEN'S SHOPPING GUIDE

ARE YOU IN PAIN?

BABY'S SHOPPING GUIDE

MADISON IN BLOOM: A MODEL'S INTERNATIONAL JOURNEY

HEALTHY TO TERMINAL

TEEN'S SHOPPING GUIDE

TODAY'S BIRTH CONTROL METHODS

ADOPTION FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

TASTE OF THE HOLIDAYS

TEEN'S SHOPPING GUIDE

HEALTHY TO TERMINAL

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12 One more "things we love" page

Pilates &Yoga: How They All Fit

By Brian Attebery

There are so many types of fitness techniques and methods out there. Two types of exercises I get asked about often are yoga and pilates. What are the differences? How do yoga and pilates help tone the body? As a trainer of more than 18 years with a high percentage of women, I promise I have heard it all. While I do want to go into the myths of weights and women, I do want to talk about two types of exercise that are often brought up as alternatives to weight training. The first point I want to make about yoga and pilates is that I do not view them as competition to weightlifting but complementary to a proper resistance training routine. Let’s explore...

ilates was founded by Joseph H. Pilates who was born in Germany

in the 1880s. As a child, Pilates suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever that lead to his interest in healing himself. He studied various forms of exercise including yoga as well as Greek and Roman techniques. His studies and practices allowed him to excel at wrestling, diving, skiing and gymnastics. Pilates’ desire to help heal through fitness did not stop at his own needs. During World War I, Pilates was in a prison camp in England when his practices boosted a friend’s strength while in camp. These experiences led to him later devising methods utilizing old hospital beds and a series of springs to utilize as rehabilitation exercises for many wartime injuries. These crude machines were the predecessors for modern-day Reformer machines seen in pilates studies. My first exposure to pilates was while rehabilitating patients at a physical therapy clinic where I worked as a physical therapy technician many years ago. At that time, I had never seen or heard the word pilates in any fitness facility. The rehabilitation world is where I first experienced the terms, core, stabilization and a number of terms utilized in pilates classes. I think it is fitting considering the method’s original purpose was for rehabilitation. Pilates utilized the term Contrology, which he defined as, “complete coordination of body, mind and spirit. Through Contrology you first purposefully acquire complete control of your own body and then through proper repetition of exercises you progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with all of your subconscious activities. It develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit.” You can feel his passion by the comprehensive definition he gave his techniques. Pilates is based on the six principles of: 1) Centering: strengthening the powerhouse or “core” muscles of the abdominals, pelvis, buttocks and back (spinal erectors). 2) Concentration: it is vitally important to be fully focused and pay attention to the form and proper performance of each exercise.

muscles to relax and not be a part of the movement if they are not needed. 4) Precision: this is the quality versus quantity principle where each movement is a precise purpose and once the movement(s) are performed well a few times, there is no need to practice them more. In comparison to weightlifting, I agree that quality overrides quantity. 5) Breath: Pilates encourages breathing in coordination with the physical movements. This will enhance the lungs’ capacity and benefit the entire routine by encouraging a stronger mind-body connection. In weightlifting, weightlifters are always instructed to “exhale” on the contraction phase and “inhale” on the lengthening phase of the movement. Another similarity but definitely not as much of a “spiritual” component in weightlifting. 6) Flow: this is the principle that the Pilates movements should be performed with grace and ease of a dancer. Not similar to weightlifting. I have described some fundamentals of pilates and its history. I have also shown some similarities and differences between the practice and weightlifting. Now, let’s explore the world of yoga. Let’s look at its similarities and differences from pilates. Yoga means “to yoke” or “to conjoin.” Its exact origins are not certain, although it has been strongly associated with the Indian culture dating back to 3000 B.C. where it has been seen in ancient drawings and artifacts. The current trends we see today started in the 1960s. Yoga has been around much longer than pilates.

oga has most of its influence via the Five Principles: 1) Asanas (proper exercise): these are often referred to as “yoga postures” that are designed to tone, strengthen, and align the body, increase flexibility, and promote blood flow to all the organs, glands, and tissues, keeping all the body’s systems healthy and balanced. In yoga, nearly every class generally follows a progression from standing to seated poses. In pilates, it is usually the opposite; they start on the floor with a lot of spinal articulation of rolling the spine up and down, and end up standing toward the end of the routine. 2) Pranayama (correct breathing): while breathing is important in all exercises, there are key differences in yoga and pilates. In yoga, breathing is the first concentration one must have before extending to the pose. In yoga, most of the breathing during the asana is a smooth, heat-inducing breath that sounds like the ocean (this breathing technique is referred to as ujjayi). The other type of breathing technique used in yoga is called kapalabhati. This is a rapid breath that creates greater internal heat. In pilates, every movement starts from the center (core) and extends through the limbs as a first priority. Pilates breathing is a slow, controlled, bragBOOK Magazine.com 19 bragBOOK bragBOOK Magazine.com Magazine.com 2 1

1) Diaphragmatic breath for most exercises. There are few exceptions in pilates where a rapid, staccato-like breath is used. 2) Saucha (proper diet): much of the 1960s movement in yoga came from the health and vegetarianism movement. While I am not a huge fan of the vegan diet, I am a huge fan of vegetables and eating healthy. I love the fact that this is encouraged. I tell my clients that 80 percent of your success comes from nutrition. Make the most of your exercise by feeding the body healthy, nutritious foods to recover, build muscle tone and burn fat. 3) Dhyana (positive thinking and meditation): for many, yoga is not so much about a physical workout but a spiritual union. It is a religious practice of meditation for many. It is fantastic to have this element. Mind, body, spirit; it all works together. 4) Savasana (complete relaxation): while this is by no means my goal when lifting weights (nor is it a good idea), relaxation and “letting go” is a key element to yoga. This is where releasing stresses and spiritual component can become a reality in a physical practice. There is much stress in the world and anything that can help you relax is a good thing. While there are some differences between yoga and pilates, there are many similarities: 1) Improved circulation. 2) Little to no equipment required. Although people who practice pilates have the option for a reformer, it is not necessary to the workout. Yoga incorporates simple props such as blocks, cushions and straps to enhance comfort and form. Mats are utilized in both exercise formats. 3) Focusing on present movement, not the outcome. 4) Connecting the mind, body and spirit, and focus of the movements. 5) Improved oxygen use through controlled breathing. As you can see, there are more similarities than differences between yoga and pilates. The mistake many people make is thinking that needs to replace weightlifting and cardiovascular with yoga and/or pilates. Yoga and pilates are great exercise methods but weightlifting and cardiovascular work more specific parts of the body in their own elements. In my facility, I see many people utilizing these classes as a complementary form of exercise to their weightlifting and cardiovascular routines. If anything, yoga and pilates follow closer to weightlifting than do cardiovascular workouts. The irony to me is that many people will shun weightlifting due to its “bulking” nature and also not do cardiovascular workouts. If you want to look lean, you must do cardiovascular exercises to burn fat. Once again, women should not be as concerned about “bulking;” proper nutrition and cardiovascular exercise are usually the missing link if you are bulking from weightlifting. In other words, it is not the presence of muscle making you look bulky, but the presence of too much fat over the muscle. Hence the reason you need to tighten up your diet and bump up your cardiovascular routines.

We know that pilates and yoga do wonderful things but notice that actually “lengthening” a muscle was not mentioned. I think it is important to understand the statements or “myths” associated with that. You hear people say, “weightlifting shortens/bulks muscles and yoga/pilates lengthen them.” To truly understand muscle physiology, you must understand that when a muscle contracts, it shortens and when it relaxes, it lengthens. You must always do both to have a muscle work correctly. In all practices, there is use of muscles that means they have to contract to be utilized. In regards to “elongating” a muscle, there is absolutely no way to change the length of a muscle for good; that is genetically determined. The beauty of all of these techniques is that they do not have to compete with each other. Pilates and yoga, while having some crossover benefits, are great for a workout choice. Just like any exercise, there are different forms of these classes and techniques, and you need to find which one works best for you. In addition, you need to factor in your level of fitness and what is right for you at this moment. For example, hot yoga is popular right now but might not be the best choice for someone with a heart condition or diabetes. Always check with your physician if you are not physically fit to determine what type of exercise is right for you. Weightlifting, cardio, yoga and pilates all offer great, complementary ways to get a complete, physically-fit you. Go find some classes to try and enjoy finding a new activity to add to your fitness lifestyle.

Brian Attebery, C.P.T. Results Fitness 405-562-2091 resultsfitnessusa.com

OUTSMART AGING BY DR. LORI HANSEN

Platelet-rich plasma is a new way to inject life into older

skin. Your blood is drawn and mixed with a calcium product, then spun down so the red blood cells are removed. The resulting injectable is a straw-colored serum of platelets, growth factors and all sorts of rejuvenating goodies. It can revitalize old skin with its fine lines but is also quite good in softening acne scars. If combined with a hyaluronic acid, such as Juvederm, Restylane or Belotero, you can get even better results. Another way to employ PRP is to not only inject it below the skin, but also by needle or tiny, laser holes in the skin and apply some of the super serum to the surface of the skin where it can penetrate the holes made by the laser or needle device. There are several brands of laser that reshape the face not only by melting the fat but also by tightening the skin. The tightening occurs by heat injury to the very deepest part of

the dermis. As the dermis heals, it will tighten. These lasers are particularly good along jaw line and under the chin. There are no incisions, but merely a needle stick where the laser fiber is inserted. There might be a few days of swelling as well as bruising, although that is rare. Within a few months, your face is a new slimmer, tighter shape! Current brand names are SmartLipo, Accusculpt and PrecisionTx. There are more and more body and face tightening and reshaping devices that are totally nonsurgical with no downtime. These primarily are either radio frequencies or ultrasound. Some brand names are Thermage, Lipo-Ex, Accent, EndyMed, Infini, LipSonix and Ulthera. There are no good studies comparing the two technologies and both can provide nice results. None of them can hold a candle to surgery but then you don't have to put up with the recovery either. bragBOOK Magazine.com

Lastly, recently reintroduced is one of the most important skin care products out there. Retinoids and sunscreen are the two most important â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in my opinion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but a close third are antioxidants. The most famous are the Vitamin Cs. They are the most well known but not the most effective. Scientific studies show that coffee berry is much more effective than the Vitamin Cs. The only brand of which I am aware is Revaleskin. I recommend treatment products take precedent in your skin care regimen. Spend your time and money on them. Cleansers and moisturizers are important but less so than the treatment products.

Dr. Lori Hansen 13313 N. Meridian Suite A-3 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 405-753-9600 LoriHansenMD.com

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Sometimes, Motherhood Needs a

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All new moms feel it. (Even Duchess Kate will soon.) That moment when you realize, “I. Am. Completely. Exhausted.” Don’t get me wrong. Motherhood is beautiful, in part because it’s an art. But amongst the joy and chaos, you may lose sight of yourself and find on one particular day when you ding the car door and drop the grocery bag, that you feel – to put it simply – tired. Accepting feelings of fatigue, melancholy and a general indifference toward your day may soon follow. It’s a sort of, “this is life” feeling. Author Jodi Picoult stated it well, “Once you sign on to be a mother, that’s the only shift they offer.” Being a mom is definitely a whole lifestyle shift. Even though it seems counter intuitive, the most important thing you can do for your family is to take care of yourself. It’s just like the

flight attendants say: secure your oxygen mask before securing the masks of those around you. If you’re not breathing, you can’t help anyone else breathe. The good news is you’re not the only mother who has felt this way. If I placed a quarter in a jar every time I or one of my friends gave the long sigh followed by, “I’m tired” routine, I could buy a new pair of shoes several times over. I’m tired. New baseline. New normal. Welcome to motherhood, right? Not necessarily. There may be an underlying organic medical cause, which further explains the dreaded, “I’m tired.” Even more, if corrected, your quality of life can significantly improve with proper medical management. And, this means you’re better enjoying your time with your children, your family and yourself. The reality is you were an individual

before you were a mother. And you’re an individual now. Postpartum depression is most commonly considered for feelings of sadness or fatigue, but truly occurs in only five to nine percent of women. Baby blues are more common, so we rarely think of toddler or early childhood blues. But, guess what? They do happen. Mild depression will contribute to symptoms of fatigue, unwanted weight gain or weight loss, hypersomnia or insomnia and anhedonia – a term used by physicians for a general lack of enjoyment in your daily life. Discussing with your physician your stressors and concerns and receiving reassurance may be all that you need to remedy your feelings. Moms commonly have complex emotions, including guilt if our daily activities are not completely centered

on our family. Take this doctor’s (and mom’s) orders: you absolutely require and deserve some time dedicated to “just you.” Don’t stop learning, growing and challenging yourself, personally. Talk to your doc and consider some blood work to see what’s happening chemically. Your initial diagnostic workup should include screening for depression, anxiety and a sleep evaluation, as well as laboratory work to evaluate your blood counts, thyroid

function and vitamin levels for possible deficiencies. Knowing where you’re doing well or falling short will help you decide if you need to make changes in your lifestyle. Out with the, “I’m tired” and in with the, “what’s next?!” Maybe what’s next is an appointment with your physician, or some time for yourself. Try a yoga class, or have a cup of coffee with your favorite book. What’s next is you! And remember, ultimately your children love

the you who you love, too. And, that’s just beautiful.

Andrea Miller, M.D., is an internal medicine physician who specializes in proactive wellness at Mercy Clinic PHOTOS BY ARTSY PHARTSY PHOTOGRAPHY

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Are you in pain?

Acupuncture could be the natural pain reliever for you. Physical pain is a common occurrence for many Americans. A national survey found that more than 25 percent of adults experience pain lasting more than one day. Pain is a response of the nervous system that can occur in various natures such as an achy, sharp, dull or throbbing sensation that can be localized or felt all over the body. It is an alert for us that there is some type of injury or illness present in the body that needs our attention. Most pain dissipates after the underlying condition is resolved; however, some people experience recurring or chronic pain. For those who have tried medications or surgery without any results or who want a more natural method of relief – especially women who are pregnant or anyone who has experienced a bad reaction due to medication – acupuncture could be the natural pain reliever for you. Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world and the most widely practiced forms of alternative medicine in the country. Acupuncture is bragBOOK Magazine.com

By Dr. Seyoung Kim

“Though it is

most commonly sought out by adults, it is used with growing frequency for children.

”

divided into two philosophies. The first philosophy being the Eastern idea that is a 5,000-year-old Chinese system of natural healing (no drugs, no surgery) and is concerned with restoring proper energy flow to the various organs, glands and tissues of the body on the premise that most diseases are the result of malfunction due to disrupted energetics. The Western idea is the use of needles to stop pain by blocking nerve pathways as well as the release of your body’s own natural drugs known as endorphins and enkephalins. Acupuncture treatments are typically performed by inserting approximately 10 needles into the channels of energy that are called meridians, which are located throughout the body just underneath the skin surface. Needles are left in places typically for 15-20 minutes. Sessions are performed three times a week for the first two weeks in order to determine the effectiveness of the body’s response. If there is a good response, treatment will be continued until the problem is

resolved. Very commonly acupuncture can be used with fingertip pressure, electrical stimulation and numerous other techniques that do not involve using an actual needle. Acupuncture can be used in the treatment of numerous health conditions, most of which are related to pain management. There are more than 2,000 conditions that can be treated with acupuncture. Back pain is the most common condition treated followed by joint pain, neck pain, severe headaches/ migraines, and recurring pain. Typical ailments reported in literature also include: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, neuralgias, trigeminal neuralgia, tics, spasms, muscular rheumatism, neuralgia of the shoulders and arm, tennis elbow, rheumatism, ulcers, stomach problems, diarrhea, hepatitis, asthma, bronchitis, shortness of breath, coughs, certain types of heart trouble, abnormal blood pressure, hemorrhoids, lumbago, bladder irritation, bed wetting, certain kidney problems, female disorders, impotence, glaucoma (sometimes), weak eyesight, hay fever, loss of smell, tonsillitis, loss of hearing and skin conditions. Ailments can even include nervous and psychiatric factors based on the fact that mental problems often arise from physical disorders. Acupuncture is quickly becoming known for its effectiveness and efficiency in alleviating many kinds of pain. In fact, many Americans are taking advantage of this process. According to the 2007 National Health Survey, approximately 3.1 million Americans stated using acupuncture in the past year. Though it is most commonly sought out by adults, it is used with growing frequency for children. According to estimates, about 150,000 children in the U.S. underwent acupuncture in 2007. Additionally, there are relatively few complications or side effects due to acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is drawing more Americans toward this form of pain management since it has fewer adverse side effects than many standard drug treatments used such as anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections. In a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine that was conducted over the past decade, it found that acupuncture outperformed standard pain

care and sham treatments when used by people suffering from osteoarthritis, migraines, and chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain. Acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular form of alternative health care in the U.S. due to its efficacy of treatment, few adverse side effects, and natural method. On average, a high percentage of patients will respond satisfactorily to acupuncture treatment. However, some patients do not respond due to a variety of reasons. Advanced age, severity of condition and irreversible tissue damage include deterrents to recovery. In conjunction with chiropractic, physical therapy, and acupuncture, the odds are favorable for a good response.

Dr. Seyoung Kim, Chiropractor & Acupuncturist, practices at 5583 NW Expressway in Oklahoma City and can be contacted at 405-773-3131

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MADISON I N B L O O M

A MODEL’S INTERNATIONAL JOURNEY BY KANDACE TAYLOR

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wo years ago, Madison Sells took a risk and posed in a few photos for a brag Book Magazine fashion spread. That risk paid off and the Oklahoma City native is now traveling the world doing what she loves most – modeling. Looking back on her first photo shoot, Madison didn’t think she would wind up where she is today. She had no modeling experience, but figured she would give an editorial spread a try. The shoot was such a great experience that Madison became interested in modeling. The brag Book Magazine session led the high school sophomore to being signed to several agencies including Brink Model Management based in Oklahoma City, the global agency IMG Worldwide out of New York City, and international agencies Mannequin Agency Singapore and Bravo Models Tokyo. Fast forward to present day and she is participating in a few shoots in Oklahoma and Texas while planning her next modeling trip to New York. Prior to being back in the Heartland this summer, Madison was overseas in Singapore and Tokyo for four months. “When I was in Asia, I got a taste off what real modeling is like,” Madison says. “While we have modeling here in Oklahoma, it is very different from bigger more prominent places.” She recalls being on set for anywhere from 3-12 hours at a time. “Sometimes I might have one look or photo, and sometimes I might do 50 [photos] in a day’s work.”

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Madison says she is an editorial model, which is the type of model pictured in high-fashion magazines. Being an editorial model calls for Madison to take photos in unusual settings sporting unique makeup, hair and clothing. She also does some commercial modeling, which consists of catalogs and mainstream advertising. So far, she has appeared in and on magazines, newspapers, catalogs, flyers, banners and billboards. Some of her clients have been the French jewelry brand, Perlota, and the internationally founded fashion company, Mulberry. She admits that seeing her face on publications across the globe never gets old and is an amazing feeling. “When my first cover and spread came out, I bought as many copies as possible,” Madison says. “I freaked out. It's a reminder that if I work hard enough, I can go anywhere.” Madison’s travels so far have been an interesting experience, she says. She loved the eclectic style and feel of Singapore and Tokyo. Singapore, a small island community, speaks English as their native language, something that Madison enjoyed during her stay. Her time there took some getting used to but in the end, the Asian culture, friendly people and fashion style won her over. After Singapore, she flew straight to Tokyo where the energy was more fastpaced. She had to adapt to the Japanese language and communicate rapidly as she had her first casting only a few hours after landing. Within her first week, Madison walked the runway for Tokyo Fashion Week multiple times. As she enjoyed her experiences in both Singapore and Tokyo, she found out how different the cities are from one another. In Singapore, she might have one casting call per day, while in Tokyo she would have up to 30. She grew accustomed to the fast-paced lifestyle and says Tokyo has been her favorite place she has visited so far.

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“After I started warming up to Tokyo, I would explore the city,” Madison says. “My favorite place was a 30-minute walk from my apartment in an area called Harajuku-Omotesando. This area of the city had amazing shopping, great food and a wide variety of people. I would walk there every day just because I thought it was the coolest place on Earth.” Despite how much she enjoys her growing career, Madison admits that to become a model, thick skin is a must. “The most difficult part of modeling is the constant criticism,” she said. “I've become so much more confident in myself by not letting the criticism get to me.” Madison admits that it’s tough work juggling pleasing people on set as well as producing good photos; what one may dislike another will love. She must also stay in shape and put her personality on display so that she is remembered and hopefully asked to model again in the future for clients she has booked. The most important thing she has learned is to slow down and savor each moment. “Enjoy it,” Madison says. “If you let everything that people say to you get into your head, then you'll never make it. Believe in yourself and just have fun.” She attributes much of her success and her positive attitude to the support of her loving family. Her family not only supports her, but also keeps her grounded. One day, Madison hopes to become a supermodel following in the footsteps of supermodel-turned-actress and fellow Okie, Amber Valletta. She also looks forward to traveling more in the near future and growing her career. Looking back to Madison’s first photo shoot with brag Book Magazine, the decision she made to model for a fashion spread was the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

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{ { Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s living her dream and enjoying every fabulous minute of it.

PHOTOS BY DESHAZO PHOTOGRAPHY 405-761-9691 www.deshazophotography.com

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By Lauren Downs

CATHERINE LEDLOW OPENS UP ABOUT WHAT GETS HER THROUGH HER DAY.

Listen to your body and don’t take anything for granted. "

These are words of wisdom from Catherine Ledlow, an Edmond woman who has learned both of these lessons in a life-altering experience, forever changing her perspective. “It doesn’t seem real right now, and it seems like someday I will wake up and it wont be there.” Sorrowful Facebook posts on her page, sending love and support to a very sick woman seem surreal. She couldn’t possibly be the woman with a malignant brain tumor that everyone is so sorry for. “It doesn’t hit me until later, and I realize that they’re talking about me,” Ledlow says. “It’s hard for me to accept it all. You just don’t go from being healthy to being terminal.” Ledlow discovered that she had a mass in her brain in June, about a month and a half after giving birth to her second child, a daughter she and her husband, Joel Ledlow, named Quinn. The left side of her body kept going numb. She was also experiencing terrible headaches accompanied with halo vision at times, but she had been dealing with those for years. She always thought that exhaustion from working, attending nursing school, and raising her three-year old son, Elliot, was the cause. However, Leanna Harkess, MS (Master’s of Science in Nursing), ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner), CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife), Ledlow’s midwife for both of her deliveries, insisted that Ledlow’s symptoms should not be taken lightly. Harkess urged her to go to the emergency room. “I don’t think that I would have ever gone to the emergency room if my midwife hadn’t had the wisdom to tell me to go.” Now, she’s glad she did. Ledlow felt that she was only appeasing her loved ones by going to the emergency room, as she joked and laughed with the staff at Oklahoma University Medical Center. The lightness in the air dissipated when the results from a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a mass bigger than Ledlow’s fist inside her brain. “Nobody expected it,” she says. “No one thought I would be the sick one.” All Ledlow could think to do was to call her husband and anyone that she loved and trusted. “I just really needed someone else there. I just bragBOOK Magazine.com

Don't take anything for granted.

needed somebody to talk to who could tell me that what was happening was real, and it was happening to me. It was pretty surreal and scary.” When her husband arrived at the hospital, she was getting an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Ledlow did not yet know that the mass in her brain was cancerous, and with uncertainty looming before her, she became emotionally undone. She remembers lying in the MRI crying, numbly driving herself to the pharmacy, and losing her hospital paperwork in a haze of tears somewhere along the way. “I don’t think I slept that night or the next ten nights until the surgery.” Somehow, she still stayed strong in front of her young son that day and every day since. She and Joel have since explained to Elliot why she is sick, but she knows that his three-year-old mind does not fully comprehend the breadth of what is happening. On July 5th, Ledlow underwent a craniotomy to remove the mass inside her brain, which she remained awake for. Harkess requested to be in the operating room, and she held Ledlow’s hand the whole time. Her face was the only familiar face Ledlow could see. She kept her comforting gaze through

the entire surgery. “I was so excited to be getting the tumor out, and I was really grateful to have the surgery,” she says. “Afterward, I was happy I was even still alive.” Ledlow says that her neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael Sughrue, M.D., removed 95% of her brain tumor. The remainder of the tumor is directly on the speech center in her brain. She says that after removing the tumor, Dr. Sughrue discovered it is a grade 2 oligoastrocytoma, which means that the mass is cancerous. Ledlow says it’s just a matter of when, not if, her tumor will grow again. Unfortunately, she says very little is known about this type of brain tumor. Her medical team wants to explore treating it with radiation therapy. “This means we will have to make decisions about what functioning I could lose and if it is worth it.” Ledlow was in the intensive care unit (ICU) after her surgery. She also experienced post-surgery fevers and vomiting. However, as she recovered, nothing compared to being unable to speak for an entire week. “I felt trapped inside my head. I couldn’t type. I couldn’t write. All I could make were hand movements,” Ledlow recalls. “It was terrible and surreal.” All that she wanted to do was tell someone she

"I think it will give my entire family a better appreciation for life.”

LIVE LIFE LIKE LEDLOW

needed to hold and feed her baby girl, and she couldn’t. Ledlow said she tried desperately for hours to communicate to the hospital staff that she wanted her baby. Finally, when her mom arrived from Canada, Ledlow wrapped her arms and moved them in a cradling motion, and the message was clear to mom. Once Ledlow’s husband brought the baby to the hospital, Quinn remained with her for the entire duration of her hospital stay. Ledlow was able to hold Quinn and breastfeed her, despite all of the hospital equipment hooked up to her healing body. “I think part of her knew something was going on and that she needed to be a wonderful baby, because she is incredible,” Ledlow says of Quinn. “She’s gorgeous and smiles at me all day. It’s amazing what a smile like that can do for you.” Now, due to the brain tumor, Ledlow says she should not have any more children. She is deeply grateful that she gave birth to Elliot and Quinn before she was diagnosed. Ledlow has also found a silver lining in new cancer research, which has the potential to discover a cure for her type of brain tumor. “I can latch onto this and use it to get me through the day,” she says. “Most days are pretty good days, but I have days when I think I’m not going to see my kids grow up or graduate, and I have to kick out of it and say I’m going to see them. I have to believe that there is going to be a cure before I go.” Ledlow knows that one day she will have to completely face her mortality, but right now, she and her family have a lot of life to live. Ledlow is fully taking advantage of hers. She is taking care of herself and her family, exercising again, and receiving speech therapy twice a week for language-based problems related to her tumor. Her family is planning to go on vacation and travel as much as they can. She is making videos and taking pictures for Elliot and Quinn to receive on their 16th and 18th birthdays, as well as on their wedding days. Ledlow is also giving up the nursing career she worked so hard for to be with her family, to share her story, and to follow a lifelong passion. She wants to use what she’s learned from this experience to be a spokesperson for brain tumor foundations. Ledlow wants people to be

aware that this can happen to anyone. “I don’t want to hide,” she says. “I want to talk about what it’s like to go from healthy to terminally ill and the hope of finding a cure.” She wants to be an advocate for people, encouraging them to get examined. Ledlow also wants to write a book about her life. She wants to share what it was like to have a career on Broadway. She wants to spill her experiences running a mortgage company and dealing with an eating disorder onto the pages of a manuscript. Ledlow wants to detail the journey she is on now, living life with a brain tumor and an undetermined future. However, her biggest dream for the rest of her life is to get back into theater. Ledlow was an actress from the time she was a little girl until she was about 25 years old. “I was telling my mom how happy it makes me and how much I wish I could do it again. Then, I found out I was sick and now, I have a really good excuse to make it happen,” she says. “Everyone should live life like that. I’m

kind of mad that it took this to get me to this point.” Ledlow wants to inspire others to live life with the realization that they only have one and to never take any day for granted. None of us know how many days we will be gifted. “We know we can get through this,” she says of her supportive family. “We hope we will find a cure, and it won’t ever come back, but it might. If it does, we have to live the way we want to live and do the things we want to do. I think it will give my entire family a better appreciation for life.”

A Mother's Love.

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INSIDE SCOOP TODAY'S BIRTH CONTROL METHODS

brag Book Magazine recently sat down with LaToya Smith, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, to find out about recent trends in the birth control industry as well as how women can determine the best contraceptive method for them. Brag: What kind of contraception do you recommend most often? Dr. Smith: Contraception is very dependent on the patient. One form may work well for one person, but may be more problematic for others. So, how do you know if a method of birth control will be problematic for you or the best thing youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever tried? Brag: What factors should you consider before choosing a form of contraception? Dr. Smith: You must consider your medical history, your family-planning desires, your lifestyle, your personality, your fears or concerns, and what is most convenient for you. All of these factors can and should be openly and honestly discussed with your doctor. A long-term contraceptive method may be convenient, but it may not fit into family-planning desires. A short-term method may be better. Brag: Can you describe some popular methods on the market now? Dr. Smith: For long-term contraception, the two most popular methods are depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) and the use of an implantable device. Depo-Provera is administered through an intramuscular injection every three months. This system is a good choice for women who may have issues taking daily pills, but desire to possibly conceive in three months to one year. It is estrogen-free, so it is a good choice for patients with co-morbidities such as heart disease, sickle cell and history of blood clots. Implantable devices include transdermal contraception and intrauterine devices (IUD). Transdermal devices available in the U.S. include Nexplanon or Implanon. (Nexplanon is a newer version of Implanon.) This device is a 4-centimeter rod containing 68 milligrams of etonogestrel, a type of steroidal progestin. It is inserted below the skin and is effective for three years. There are several types of IUDs; some release progestin over a period of time and some contain no hormones at all. The mechanism of action in all IUDs is to produce an intrauterine environment that is spermicidal. bragBOOK Magazine.com

Brag: What are some misconceptions about birth control? Dr. Smith: There are several. Women are often misinformed about IUDs. Not all IUDs have hormones; they are not known to cause miscarriage or increase the risk of infertility. They also do not increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and even women who have never given birth can use them. Brag: Do contraceptives increase the risk of infertility? Dr. Smith: Fertility can return as soon as recommended use of the pill, vaginal ring and/or patch is discontinued. Injectable birth control methods are in effect for three months. However, the delay in conception is about nine months after the last injection if routinely used. This delay does not increase with longer use and usually 90 percent of patients have become pregnant by 18 months after their last injection. Brag: Tell us about the contraceptives that you hear about the most. Dr. Smith: Two of the most popularly cited hormone-releasing intrauterine devices are Mirena and its new smaller counterpart, Skyla. Mirena is approved for five years of use and has the added benefit of reducing menstrual blood loss. This year, Skyla was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Skyla is a new attractive choice for women who have never given birth and may desire a long-acting contraceptive method. Another long-acting option is ParaGard, a non-hormone-releasing IUD. In fact, this device can actually provide contraception for at least 10 years. Dr. Smith says there are obviously many options to choose from. It is important to choose wisely as some women prefer to have the short-term methods while others seek the long-term alternatives. Even if a woman gets comfortable with a birth control method, it is important to accommodate your lifestyle. “[Women] might have become comfortable with their birth control method because they’ve used it for years,” Dr. Smith says. “Maybe their needs or lifestyles have changed and a new method is in order.” Whatever the reasoning may be, Dr. Smith says it is a good idea to seek counsel from their obstetriciangynecologist. “Until men can take the pill or receive an injection,” Dr. Smith explains, “women must ensure that they are using the best possible method of contraception that will make them the healthiest and happiest.”

Dr. LaToya Smith, DO, practices at Renaissance Physicians located at 1800 S. Douglas in Midwest City and can be contacted at 405-733-4985.

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DOWNTOWN in December PRESENTED BY DEVON

November 15-January 1

Devon Ice Rink at Myriad Gardens d Devon’s Saturdays with Santa d Chesapeake Snow Tubing d SandRidge Tree Lighting Festival SandRidge Santa Run d Automobile Alley’s Lights on Broadway d OneMain Financial’s Bricktown Canal Lights Deluxe Winter Market d Sonic Segway Santa d Continental Resources Free Movie Mondays

For a full list of events visit www.DowntownInDecember.com or call 405-235-3500

November 15 - January 1

DEVON ICE RINK The newly renovated Myriad Botanical Gardens will once again be the home of the Devon Ice Rink. Rates: $10 per person regardless of age, includes skates; $7 for guests who bring their own skates. Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday: 3-9pm Friday: 3-11pm; Saturday: 11am-11pm; Sunday: 11am-7pm Located at 113 S. Robinson Private parties available. Call 405-445-7080 to schedule your event. DEVON’S SATURDAYS WITH SANTA Devon Energy has invited Santa to bring his sleigh to the Rotunda at Devon Tower especially for Downtown in December. Kids of all ages can write letters to Santa and drop them in the mailbox for delivery to the North Pole as well. This event is free and open to the public. Dates: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, Dec. 21 10am – 4pm. CHESAPEAKE SNOW TUBING Snow tubing will once again be at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Bricktown. Register online, or purchase

tickets at the door, for an hour and a half session of tubing fun. Sessions: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm Every Saturday & Sunday, beginning November 23 December 15. Daily, December 19 through January 4 Closed on Christmas Day. Call 405-218-1000 for more info. SANDRIDGE TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL Come down to Bricktown for live music, food and fun as Mayor Cornett and Santa light the Christmas tree for the season. Banana Seat will provide the soundtrack for the evening as guests snack on popcorn and sip hot cocoa. There will even be a face painter for the kids. This event is free and open to the public. Friday, November 29, 5-7pm SANDRIDGE SANTA RUN This event features a 5K, 1 Mile Fun Run, and Kids Dash Saturday, December 14, at 9 am, beginning at Leadership Square in Downtown OKC. Proceeds benefit The Mentoring project. The SandRidge Santa Run will also feature a costume contest. Participants are invited to dress up in their best holiday-themed costume for a chance to receive cash prizes.

OU MEDICINE PRESENTS THE WINTER MARKET AT MYRIAD GARDENS The Winter Market is sure to be a fun event in itself, but our main focus is showcasing local handmade art, photography, clothing, crafts, décor, soaps, jams and jellies, produce, wine, greenery and other gifts. This event was inspired by the holiday markets in Europe, and will be held outdoors on the Grand Lawn of the Myriad Gardens in the heart of downtown OKC on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30 - Dec. 1 from 10am to 8pm daily. FREE WATER TAXI RIDES Cruise down the Bricktown Canal every Thursday through Sunday night from 6:00-9:30pm, weather permitting, from November 29th to December 29. Free and open to the public. SONIC SEGWAY SANTA Keep an eye out for Santa as he tours downtown events on his Segway and delivers goodies for both kids and adults. You never know when Santa might be just around the corner with special holiday giveaways and treats. Watch for special tweets from @downtownokcinc about when and where Santa will be.

BY LAUREN DOWNS

hree Oklahoma families share their emotional experiences with international adoption with brag Book Magazine. One family details a heart-wrenching meeting with their child’s birth mother, another speaks about the amazing hearts of strangers, and a third reveals a very personal calling to adopt. They all describe the impact that the incredible children they adopted have had on their lives and the feelings they had throughout the entire process. Here are their stories…

Our first couple, Shannon Plumb and her husband, Brian, of Edmond always knew that adoption was something they wanted to be a part of. “When it was time to start our family, we felt that God was very loud in telling us that adoption would lead us to our first child. We started reading about Ethiopia and we identified with the culture in some way. We felt God was telling us our son was there and we needed to go get him.” The realization was easy. The wait was the difficult part. They started the adoption process in March 2009 and were finally able to bring their infant son, Tate Engida Plumb, home about a year and a half later. “We were on the waiting list for nine months, and not knowing when you will get the call is nerve-wracking. Then, when we were a match, we had to wait four months to pick him up,” Plumb says. “Knowing he was out there, and we were not the ones rocking him to sleep at night, and he had no idea how much he was loved, was very difficult.” bragBOOK Magazine.com

Even though they had been excitedly waiting to bring their son home, the Plumbs were still extremely nervous and anxious the first time they met baby Tate. “We had been receiving pictures and updates about him for four months and had studied every inch of his face, but we were strangers to him,” Plumb says. “We actually would not be able to take him with us until two days after we first met him. We wanted to be careful not to scare or confuse him. But, holding him for the first time, I felt like I was going to explode with joy. ” Tate, now three-and-a-half years old, was born in Ethiopia to a young woman who had no family support. Plumb says that his birth mother was unable to care for him on her own and wanted better for him than what she could give. “We had the honor of sitting down with his birth mother before we left Ethiopia,” she says. For an hour, Plumb and her husband asked questions they felt like Tate would want to know. They asked trivial questions, such as what her favorite color was, and more meaningful questions, such as what her hopes and dreams for Tate were as he grew and what she wanted him to know about her. “As she held Tate in her arms, we got to see a little of who she was. It was one of the most emotional days of my life.” Plumb gave Tate’s birth mother a locket with Tate’s picture in it. “The first meeting with Tate, he was drawn to the locket. He loved looking at his picture and liked to hold on to it any time I held him,” Plumb says. “At the end of our meeting with his birth mother, I felt like I needed to give her something and I instantly thought of the locket. As I gave it to her and showed her Tate’s picture, she had tears in her eyes. I feel like somehow that locket connects us. As we said goodbye, we hugged and both began to cry. I was overwhelmed by her love for Tate and her selflessness, and I was so grateful for the gift she had given our family.” The Plumbs have ensured that Tate’s birth mother and his first culture will remain a part of his life. “Ethiopia is a part of who Tate is and so it is a part of who we are now,” Plumb says. For instance, Tate’s birth mother gave him the name, Engida, which is now his middle name. It was what he was called the first 10 months of his life, and the Plumbs felt

like it was an important part of his story. “We have pictures of Ethiopia, including pictures of his birth mother, all over our house. We take him to eat Ethiopian food. While in Ethiopia, we also bought him gifts to give him on every birthday until he is 18, giving us an opportunity to talk about the place he was born. We also have a gift for him when he gets married one day. We think it is important for him to be connected to his place of birth, and we look forward to making many trips with him to Ethiopia as he gets older.” The Plumbs have many dreams for Tate as he grows. “Our dream for Tate is that he grows up to love Jesus and does what he is passionate about.” They would also love for him to grow his family through adoption one day and experience the blessings from adoption himself. The Plumbs already keep an open dialogue with Tate about adoption and family diversity. “We are proud of how our family has been created and embrace our diversity. We hope that our family’s differences, such as skin color or genes are never overshadowed by our love.” The Plumbs have already expanded their diverse family and may continue to expand it. They now have a 17-month-old biological daughter named Reagan. “Tate is so proud to be a big brother,” Plumb says. Reagan may also someday be a big sister. “We would love to adopt again. When we ask Tate about it, he says he wants us to adopt 20 kids from Africa. We will have to see about that!” The Plumbs say adoption is not always easy, but they would definitely do it again. “There is a lot of paperwork to fill out, it can be expensive, things don’t always go as planned, and the waiting game can be torture. However, the rewards are far greater,” Plumb says. “When I look at Tate, there is no amount of time I would wait, or money I would pay, or amount of paperwork I would fill out for us to be together. He is worth all of it. I really cannot describe the feeling we had when going through the process.” Plumb says she cannot imagine her life without Tate. He has added so much joy and laughter to her life. Perhaps that is why the name Tate, which means “cheerful,” is such a perfect match for the little boy.

Our next couple, Angel Porch, and her husband, Dusty, intentionally chose to adopt a child from Africa. They live in Norman with their six-year-old biological daughter, Auburn Porch, and their adopted son, Oaks Porch. Oaks was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is one-and-a-half years old. They adopted him when he was five months old. The first time they met Oaks, Porch says she and her husband felt pure joy. “It took everything to remain standing, because all we wanted to do is fall to the ground in relief. We were so overjoyed that he was safe, alive and ours.” Porch says that she is an adopted child herself, and adoption has always been near and dear to her entire family. “We wanted to complete our family and adoption felt right for our path,” she says. Porch says her family expected the adjustment as a new family of four to be difficult, but it was easy, like Oaks was always a part of them. “Oaks has changed our hearts and minds about the entire world and all of the children in it,” she says. “He changes our life for the better each and every day.” Porch says her family feels complete now that Oaks is a part of it. Porch recalls, with love, a time when this feeling of wholeness was evident to even a stranger. She and Oaks were picking up some breakfast for the entire family. Porch says that an elderly woman stopped them and told her that her son was the most beautiful boy she had ever seen. Porch thanked the woman and asked her how she knew he was her son. Usually, people ask a series of questions before making that connection, she says. The woman surprised Porch when she replied, “Oh dear, everyone in this place can see your connected souls. Your spirits are one.” The two of them hugged and the woman kissed Oaks on the cheek. Porch says that the hearts of perfect strangers always amaze her. Porch says that people should just throw their hearts out and adopt. “Don’t hold back or look back and wish you would have adopted.” Waiting is the most difficult part about the adoption process, Porch admits, but she says no wait has ever had a better ending. The deep love her family has for their adopted son is the same that anyone feels for their biological children. “We have so many dreams for our mighty 77

Oaks,” Porch says. “Our dream is that his heart is always filled with as much love as it is now, that he is happy, and that he achieves all he wants in life. He is a world-changer already, so we are confident there are big things in his future!” Our third couple, Rebecca Winter and her husband, Ben, live in Edmond with their three adopted children, Eli, Ruthie, and Joel. Six-year-old Eli and three-year-old Ruthie were both born in Ethiopia. Four-month-old Joel was born in Oklahoma and adopted domestically through a private adoption. Eli came home to live with the Winters in December 2008 at 14 months. “When we first saw Eli's face via a picture we received over e-mail, he was 5 months old,” Winter says. “We were smitten!” Ruthie joined the family in April 2012 at 21 months. Joel was the last to complete the trio of siblings in March 2013 at just one week old. Winter believes that she and her husband both have a calling to adopt. They were both so passionate about adoption that they even discussed it on their first date. “After getting married, we tried to conceive for a while,” she says. “We never got pregnant and were later diagnosed with unexplained infertility. There was some sadness initially when we found out, but we were also happy to pursue adoption. Adoption was never ‘Plan B’ for us. I had been perusing listings for international adoption since pretty much the month after Ben and I got married in 2005. We knew we would adopt at some point; God just made it clear to us early on that we would walk that road sooner rather than later.” The Winters say they never expected parenthood to change them so much. “You have no idea how your heart will burst with pride when you see your child take his first step, or how adorable you will think your daughter is when she dances to a song that comes on the radio,” she says. It can be joyful, but it can also be hard. Winter says there are times when her children just need her and Ben to be with them, like when they are trying to sort through their adoption story and are expressing sadness. “We share their stories with them in ageappropriate language, but there are going to be harder parts that we have to share

bragBOOK Magazine.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Never could we have imagined all the amazing and hard moments that we would experience â&#x20AC;? - Rebecca & Ben Winter

with them in the future. Never could we have imagined all the amazing and hard moments that we would experience, and we wouldn’t change it for the world.” The Winters also celebrate their children’s individual stories by making Eli’s and Ruthie’s birth culture a part of their family’s lives. Winter says that she and her husband are still learning about Ethiopian culture and will continue to make it a part of their family’s values. “Ethiopia has become so near and dear to our hearts.” They say that on a fairly regular basis, their family gets together with a group of families who have also adopted children from Ethiopia. “We try to incorporate bits and pieces of Ethiopia

throughout our home. We have Ethiopian artwork, the Ethiopian flag, and the kids and I have traditional dress that’s worn especially for holidays,” she says. “Our kids are very proud to be Ethiopian. In fact, when we were on vacation this summer, someone asked us where we were from. I told them Oklahoma, and our five-year-old son quickly spoke up and said he was actually from Ethiopia!” The Winters nurture these feelings of pride and identity that their children express. They want Eli, Ruthie, and Joel to flourish, feel adored, and have aspirations of their very own. “Our dreams for our children are that they will grow up feeling loved and will have

some stability. We hope they find their passions in life and that we can give them every opportunity to pursue them.”

bragBOOK Magazine.com

From Left to right starting on page 72

Jordan is wearing In house brand Camo jacket $54 Rich & Skinny - The Legacy denim pants $122

page 75 continued Oaks is wearing Mayoral shirt with a polka dot bowtie $25 All Available at Marissa's Room

Christa is wearing Joe's Jeans plaid top $42 Flowers by Zoe studded shorts $68 All available at Funky Monkey

page 76 Charlie is wearing Rabbit Moon plaid woven shirt $32 Available at Funky Monkey

Betsy Kate is wearing Purrfect HauteDots Swing set $62 page 74 Tate is wearing Mayoral navy pants $28; Mayoral green plaid shirt $25 with pink deidra & kiki headband $12 Available at Marissa's Room Available at Marissa's Room Eli is wearing Mayoral plaid shirt $32 Mayoral Red Denim pants $34; Mayoral Blue Blazer $78 Available at Funky Monkey Ruthie is wearing Giggle Moon Streams of Water dress $82 with deidra & kiki headband $12 Available at Marissa's Room page 75 J.D. is wearing Mayoral khaki slacks $28; Mayoral shirt $25; Mayoral vest $28

page 79 Marina is wearing Giggle Moon Raspberry Truffle dress $86 with headband $29 Available at Marissa's Room page 81 Lucy is wearing Peaches 'n Cream Raspberry & Lime Swing Set with headband $64 Available at Marissa's Room

PHOTOS BY ART AND SOUL PHOTOGRAPHY 405.401.3714 www.angelporchphotography.com

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Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services 405-949-4200 路 800-567-6631 路 deaconessadoption.org

Crane & Co l William Arthur l Print Appeal l Kate Spade l Curly Girl l Bella Ink l Vera W Inviting Company l Lily Pulizer l Gina B l Rosy Rings l Trapp l Carson Craft

SCORE POINTS

WITH YOUR NEXT NBA GAME NIGHT OUTFIT BY KAY BYRD CPC CSC

o you’re lucky enough to score seats for this year’s NBA game. Curious about what game night fashion will score you a slam dunk, garner you an endless supply of oohh’s and aahh’s along with a potential spot on the overhead cam? Well the Oklahoma official NBA Thunder look, of course! While Oklahoma City Thunder fans are relatively new, since 2009, to the NBA scene and, so I’ve heard, dress notably more casual than other NBA aficionados in markets such as Los Angeles, Dallas and Miami we Okies rock our very own unique game night look. And, although, OKC Thunder superstars such as Serge Ibaka can be seen wearing a $1595 pair of Christian Louboutin multicolor Python ‘Louis Flat’ sneakers, off court, and Kevin

Durant has been spotted in an off-the rack Comme Des Garcon Logo T-shirt for a mere (cough cough) 130 bucks, most Oklahomans have neither heard of these high-end designers (admittedly, I had to Google some of the names) or unable to purchase them locally. Nevertheless, Oklahomans, unfazed, have patiently endured while our players (who are like family members) go through their own fashion phases, ah hem, Kevin Durant’s 2012 notorious, and, if I may add, mysterious post-game interview backpack in addition to OKC Thunder star point-guard Russell Westbrook’s geek-chic glasses paired with an Urkel inspired multi-colored fishing lure motif short sleeve polo. Huh? This infamous, WT-heck, outfit launched my weekly beauty & style reports on KJ103, so TY Russell!

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PHOTO BY DEREK PARKER

advice from katie kurtz OKC Thunder fans are setting game night trends, their own way, according to Thunder Emcee Katie Kurtz who is a “strong believer that fashion reflects your personality, mood and individuality.” Katie, a huge sports fan, feels like there are two ways to approach what to wear to a Thunder game.

1 2

Night on the town or date night look while wearing at least one Thunder color. Sports fan perspective. To Katie, that translates to relaxed and comfortable.

Admittedly she is more of a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl. So for her own style, she would personally rock a Thunder shirt of some kind, jeans or colorful pants and some “cool-kid” type shoes, like her favorite pair of Vans. Game night fashion, for a typical Thunder fan, can be either casual or trendy. The winning look begins with a pair of fabulous shoes, jeans paired with a trendy top from local shop favorites such as Blush, Campus Corner, Norman and Funky Monkey, Edmond where fashionable yet comfy affordable clothing is game-on every day!

In the end, my 3-point fashion advice lines up with, Thunder Emcee, Katie Kurtz: we both agree, “nod to the fact that you’re there to support your Thunder” in terms of the color of your outfit, jewelry or even hair! But ultimately, you want to be stylishly comfortable…whatever that means for you…to cheer on your favorite NBA team! See you at the game!

Here’s how to get high points for your game night look Shoes

Heels for 2013/14 are moving away from double platforms to a newer silhouette such as the Hybrid which is a combination of an open back, high heel, peep-toe colliding with a bootie to form a truly unique sleek and geometric shoe silhouette. Pointed toe pump without platform (a return to lady-like glamour) Bejeweled Thunder heels Statement flats in power metallic’s, colored loafers or Katie pick,Vans; or (my pick) DV Dolce Vita at Blush Boots will be anywhere from over the knee to fur lined ankle and luxe booties. Off course cowboy boots are always popular in Oklahoma. Look for exotic skins, rich dark colors and unique one-of-a-kind statement designs. Lucchese at Blush Lace up bootie Open toe bootie with or without fringe

Clothes

Most popular jean styles for fall/winter will be skinny jeans or narrow straight appearing of latex, smooth, lacquered and reptile skin. Coated jeans are hot right now—or any skinny jean you like. The more unique the better, and opt for dark washed denim. Paige at Funky Monkey Rich and Skinny at Funky Monkey GJG at Blush Just USA at Blush

Tops are what set the Thunder fans apart from other national NBA enthusiasts, this is where we get our distinctive Oklahoma “look”. Oklahomans LOVE the Thunder and we LOVE wearing the Thunder colors in anything from the latest fashions to a Thunder graphic tee designed and made locally (prices ranging $35 $45, a mere pittance compared to the Japanese fashion label, Comme Des Garcon). WILDFOX printed Tee at Funky Monkey Yos tees logo graphic Tee at Funky Monkey Opolis at Blush Fishwater Tees at Blush If you happen to be sitting court side, fashion is all about shoes, and if you are one of those lucky few on the perimeter then wearing a pair of $398.00 red soled, Anna May Lace & Leather Louboutin Ankle Boots, Saks Fifth Ave, is, no doubt, a rare occasion 4-point play and you just might catch the attention of player #9 (wink wink). Gathering with friends or family for pre-game drinks or an intimate dinner at one of Chesapeake Energy Arena drinking or dining establishments such as Old No. 7 Club or Center Court Grill? If so, you will want to have on a few, above the waist, accessory conversation starters or one-of-a-kind statement pieces that will power-forward Kay Byrd CPC CSC is a Certified Personal Development & Style Coach and steal you some fabulous compliments. Love Your State Collection at Funky Monkey working as an individual and corporate image consultant; Beauty & Style expert for FOX23, Tulsa; former HSN The Folk at Funky Monkey Model and KYGO’s KJ103FM “Coach Kay” on TJ, Janet Fossick at Blush & J-Rod Morning Show. Contact Kay for your personal bragBOOK Magazine.com

or corporate style needs at kaybyrd@ktimeproductions. com , more information @ www.kaybyrd.com

PHOTO BY LINDSEY BROOKS PHOTOGRAPHY

taste of the

Gorgeous Green Chili Chili

2 lbs ground beef 1 medium onion 2 garlic cloves 2 4oz cans diced green chilis 8oz can sweet corn 2 16oz cans chili beans 1 4oz can tomato paste 1 16oz can diced tomatoes 1 tablespoon chipotle seasoning salt and pepper to taste Dice onion and garlic, set aside. Sear ground beef over mediumhigh heat in a dutch oven. Once meat is cooked mostly through, drain off excess grease. Combine all ingredients in dutch oven and simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes. Serve with homemade ciabatta bread (recipe next page).

Sweet Sugar Cookies 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375째F (190째C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder and set aside. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth, then beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll dough to a quarter-inch thick and use your favorite cookie cutter shapes to cut out cookies and place onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

Warm Winter Ciabatta Bread 2 cups warm water 1/4 teaspoon dried yeast 2 teaspoon salt 4 cups bread flour olive oil rosemary

Measure warm water into a large bowl and add dried yeast, stir briefly. Let sit for 5-10 minutes for yeast to become active. Add half of the salt and mix lightly. Stir in flour and mix into a stiff, sticky batter. Cover the bowl loosely with cling wrap and leave it in a warm place for about 12 hours. After 12 hours, preheat oven to 400째F (200째C). Move the shelf to the top half of the oven. Liberally sprinkle a baking sheet with flour, rosemary and salt. Remove cling wrap. Using a dry wooden spatula coated in flour, scrape and pour dough onto the floured baking sheet shaping it roughly into an oval shape with the spatula. Sprinkle olive oil over dough along with pinches of salt and rosemary to taste. Bake for 30 minutes or until cooked and golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes on the baking tray before moving to cool completely on a cooling rack.

Chocolate Bread Pudding Ingredients for Pudding 3 pounds buttered pound cake 1 loaf of day old bread 8 ounces butter, melted 2 cups milk 2 cups heavy whipping cream 8 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped 1 cup sugar 6 large egg yolks 2 T Cinnamon

Ingredients for Sauce 2 ounces Frangelico Liqueur 1 cup Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Preheat oven to 350°F. Using a Non-stick pan coating spray the bottom and sides of a 13x9 baking pan. Cut the pound cake and bread loaf into 1”x 1” cubes. Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with the melted butter. Toss to coat. Transfer bread to prepared baking pan. Bring milk and cream just to a simmer in heavy large saucepan. Remove from heat. Whisk sugar and yolks in medium bowl to blend. Whisk milk mixture into sugar mixture slowly to

temper. Pour the custard over the bread cubes. Sprinkle with cinnamon and chocolate shavings. Cover with foil and place in oven. Bake pudding until just set but center moves slightly when dish is shaken, about 45 minutes.

Sauce Using a hot sauté pan, pour the Frangelico into the pan and flambé to burn off the alcohol. Slowly whisk in the ice cream until melted. Reduce to thicken. Serve Bread Pudding warm with Frangelico cream on top. Courtesy of Gerald Harden

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Holiday Fudge Ingredients 2 3/4 cups sugar 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate 3 tablespoons butter, plus more for greasing pan 1 cup half-and-half 1 tablespoon corn syrup 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup chopped, walnuts, optional

Directions Grease an 8 by 8-inch pan with butter. In a heavybottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, chocolate, 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter, half-and-half, and corn syrup. Over medium heat, stir with a wooden spoon until sugar is dissolved and chocolate is melted. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and boil for 3 minutes. Remove the cover and attach a candy thermometer to the pot. Cook until the thermometer reads 234 degrees F. Remove from the heat and add the remaining butter. Do not stir. Let the mixture cool for 10 minutes or until it drops to 130 degrees F. Add vanilla and nuts, if desired, and mix until well-blended and the shiny texture becomes matte. Pour into the prepared pan. Let sit in cool dry area until firm. Cut into 1-inch pieces and store in an airtight container for up to a week. Courtesy of Alton Brown

Advanced Aesthetics

Lindsey Brooks Photography

14001 McAuley Blvd. Suite 150 Oklahoma City, OK 73134 www.advancedaesthics.com 405-751-3424

www.lindseybrooksphotography.com 405-408-8625

Lori Hansen, MD

Art and Soul Photography By Angel Porch 2459 W. Main St. Norman, OK 73069 www.angelporchphotography.com 405-401-3714 studio 405-600-8298 appointments

DeShazo Photography

www.deshazophotography.com 405-761-9691

Marissaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Room

3224 S. Broadway Suite 124 Edmond, OK 73013 www.marissasroom.com 405-285-7777

Mercy Hospital

Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption Services Brixton Square 7101 NW Expressway Suite 325 Oklahoma City, OK 73132

4300 West Memorial Road Oklahoma City, OK 73120 www.mercyok.net 405-755-1515

Occasions Paper

Carriage Plaza 2001 W. Main St. Norman, OK 73069 www.occasionspaper.com 405-217-8467

Downtown in December www.downtownindecember.com 405-235-3500

Extreme Animals Inc.

Oklahoma Center for Implants & Periodontics

www.extremeanimals.org 405-413-3174

Funky Monkey

14101 N. May Ave., Suite 113 Oklahoma City, OK 73134 www.shopfunkymonkeyclothes.com 405-748-7066

Great Plains National Bank 5909 NW Expressway Suite 400 Oklahoma City, OK 73132 www.gpnmortage.com 405-720-4800

9112 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73120 www.okperioimplant.com 405-947- 0486

OU Medical Center | Children's Hospital 1200 Everett Dr. Oklahoma City, OK 73104 www.oumedicine.com 405-271-7900

OU Medical Center of Edmond

Kindermusik- OCU Performing Arts Academy 2501 N. Blackwelder Oklahoma City, OK 73106 www.okcu.edu/music/academy 405-208-5410

13313 N. Meridian Suite A-3 Oklahoma City, OK 73120 www.LoriHansenMD.com 405-753-9600

One S. Bryant Ave. Edmond, OK 73034 www.oumedicine.com/Edmond 405-341-6100

Paint Your Art Out

10 S, Broadway Edmond, OK 73034 fun@paintyourartout.net www.paintyourartout.net 405-513-5333

Peanut Butter and Jelly Daycare 11223 NW 10th St. Yukon, OK 73099 405-354-4604

Pink Swirls

7002 NW Expressway #B Oklahoma City, OK 73132 www.pink-swirls.com 405-603-7460

Renaissance Physicians Group 1800 S. Douglas Blvd. Midwest City, OK 73130 www.midwestphysiciansgroup.com 405-733-4985

Seyoung Kim, DC

5583 NW Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 73132 www.kimchiropractic.com 405-773-3131

Studio Art Photography Rose Coleman 1324 SW 89th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73159 www.studioartphotography.com 405-735-3765

Sugarillashop

www.sugarillashop.com

Tony Foss Flowers

7610 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405-843-4119

The Tulip Tree

360 24th Ave. NW, #100 Norman, OK 73069 www.tuliptree.biz 405-329-1060

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? IDEAS?

Feel free to contact us at brag Book Magazine, P.O. Box 3666, Edmond, OK 73083-3666

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Edmond’s Premier Birth Center From check-in to check-out, we provide one oversized private room, ensuring that you will always be comfortable and with the ones you love. Every new mother can expect fewer intrusions and better communication with one dedicated nurse for mother and child. And, for your peace of mind, we provide Edmond’s only direct connection to the specialists at The Children’s Hospital.

• Alternative labor options • Unique childbirth education classes • Cutting-edge security – GPS and alarm system 1 South Bryant Avenue, Edmond, OK oumedicine.com/edmond