Fabulous Over 50 Holiday 2015

Gift Ideas Colleen Kisel; Founder Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation

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and more‌ Inside!

Inspiring Boomer Women to Look, Feel and Be More Fabulous!

Family Portrait Package includes one hour session and CD Disk.

Plus two 5 X 7 and four 4 X 6 prints. Regular Price $150 .

Holiday Special: Only $99. Good through January 3, 2016.

Call for an Appointment

(219) 730-5038

INSPIRATION

HOME 8 Ten Unique Gift Ideas

26 Peace and Joy for You Season

34 Make a Difference

WEALTH

RELATIONSHIPS

10 Don’t Let Your Credit Cards Go Shopping

32 Surviving the Holidays with Grief

Without You! 11 Non-Toy Gifts for Children

CAREGIVER RESOURCES STYLE 14 Makeover Magic

36 Resource 55 37 Meals on Wheels

You Don’t have to Spend a Fortune

FUN

to Look Fabulous for the Holidays 16 Fabulous Women….

Meet Ann-Ziola That Girl Boutique

38 Fabulous Finds for the Holidays

40 Places to See the Lights

COVER STORY

HEALTH 20 Fabulous Finds at Trader Joe’s

Pediatric Oncology

22 Dieting vs. Eating with Abundance

Treasure Chest

30 Fabulous Transformations…

Meet Mary Ziola-Vega

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SPECIAL FEATURE Dr. Justin Coop Inspired Health Center..

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Holiday Issue 2015

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Welcome to the first Holiday Issue of Fabulous Over 50, the Lifestyle Magazine for Boomer Women. Our goal is to inspire, educate and share information, articles and events to help keep you looking and feeling FABULOUS all through the holiday season!

So what is this magazine about? In each issue we plan to bring you great information on prevention and wellness. We plan to inspire you by sharing stories of women overcoming adversity, transforming their lives, changing their bodies and their thought processes.

In the Style section we will share some Fabulous Finds for the Holiday as well as some makeover magic. Also this issue is a Special Feature on THAT GIRL, a special occasion shop that is the place to find glamorous Hollywood fashions for that special New Years Eve Party!

FOUNDER/PUBLISHER Christine Neal

PHOTOGRAPHY BrendaLees Photography Cassandra Neal

STAFF WRITERS

All of us at Fabulous Over 50 love to shop and we are so excited to bring YOU some Fabulous Finds for the Holidays, some great for gifts or just for you!

Theresa Kemper Christina Snider

We hope you like our Holiday issue. We encourage you to to engage with us on Facebook, Linkedin, and Pinterest. For a limited time you can request a FREE digital download of the magazine at www.FabulousOver50.com.

Fabulous Over50 Magazine Is published by Target Promotions, LLC. PO Box 625, Dyer, IN 46311 - (219) 670-2111 INFO@FabulousOver50.com www.FabulousOver50.com

This SPRING we are planning another Fabulous Over 50 event. There will be inspiring speakers, educational booths and fabulous networking. We include shopping along with some FABULOUS makeovers, demonstrations, and activities.

The event will also include a Fabulous Fashion Show so you won’t want to miss it!

The BEST WAY to keep up with all the FABULOUS EVENTS is to make sure you REGISTER online on our webpage and click the box next to EVENTS so that you will get up to date information in your email box... Also be sure to follow us on Facebook.

All the Best!

Christine Neal Founder/Publisher

Print subscription rates: $29 per year; Five issues per year.

Delivered via USPS standard rate.

Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Target Promotions, LLC and its members cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors.

Fabulous Over 50 recommends checking with your doctor before applying any product discussed or advertised, partaking in activity discussed or advertised, or making any changes to your diet.

Copyright, 2015, Target Promotions, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

ADVERTISING INFORMATION: Contact: Christine Neal (219) 670-2111 Or Email: Adinfo@FabulousOver50.com For Editorial Consideration please send press release material to: Editorial@FabulousOver50.com

www.FabulousOver50.com

At no other time in recent years has “Home Sweet Home” carried so much meaning. When contemplating what to give your loved ones this holiday season, consider things intended to sweeten their lives at home.

There is an appropriate choice to fit even the most discriminating person on your list, at a myriad of prices.

FOR THE HOPELESS GARDENER: Consider sending flowers, the kind that will last forever. Nature’s bounty overflows in an abundant array of permanent flowers and greenery, realistic orchids, sunflowers, hydrangeas, and scented roses, as well as lush trees and plants. Forever blooming flowers and plants are perennial favorites. Think also about the variety of planters, plant stands, jardinières and topiaries!

Unique Gift Ideas By: Cathi Lloyd

FOR THE AVID COLLECTIONIST: It is nice to decorate a home with reminders of a favorite pastime, and for these enthusiasts there is a plethora of products. Among the unique options are painted tables, chests, cabinets, boxes and pillows.

A smart accent table is sure to be a most welcome gift. Designs such as nesting, tray, box, or stacked box styles are attractive as well as practical. Adding some exciting texture options to your table choice would add even more interest. Options include wicker, tortoise, lacquer, glass, iron, wood, stone and leather.

FOR THE THRIVING ARTIST: Painting is a rewarding past time, and nothing is more appreciated by prolific artists than easels to display their artwork. There is an enormous assortment of styles and sizes of display easels that stand on the floor, hang on the wall, or sit on the table.

In addition, there are lovely framed pictures of every subject matter, in all sizes to fit your particular gift-giving need. Consider a colorful painting displayed on a tabletop easel, a matted drawing for the bedroom wall, an impressive oil painting for over the mantel, or a picture for the kitchen.

FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING: Still having trouble deciding what to give the desperately hard-toplease, or the person who has everything? Give a home decorating gift certificate! This solves your gift-giving dilemma, as well as the decorating challenges of the gift recipient. Contact a local decorator to find out more about this uniquely thoughtful gift!

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FOR THE WINE CONNOISSEUR: Select an attractive display piece to store and show off a wine connoisseur’s favorite drink. There are simple bottle holders and servers, handsome wine tables and stands, and elaborate cellars and caddies

FOR THE CONSUMMATE READER: For the readers in your life, remember they need good lighting and a comfy chair for reading.

Nobody ever has too many lamps, and readers are especially grateful to you for lighting up their lives.

You can select from a vast assortment of beautiful lamp bases and shades. A crystal and brass lamp would be suitable in any traditional setting. Consider creating a comfortable reading corner for your favorite book worm.

FOR THE PASSIONATE GARDENER: To enhance a gardener’s flower beds, think about statues, fountains, planters and more. And for showing off the gardener’s work indoors, there is a wide variety of containers and display pieces. A vase also makes a lovely gift.

Whatever the decorating style or degree of formality, there is a vase, planter, or cache pot in crystal, clay or ceramic to suit their personal decorating tastes.

FOR THE “GRAND” CHILD: Give your child or grandchild a good start in life by establishing a nurturing home environment. Any child would appreciate the gift of a new personalized space, or accents for his or her room or for a special room at Grandma’s house.

FOR THE DOG LOVER: Don’t forget your best friend’s best friend, who would love pillows featuring the beloved animal, or a personalized pet bed.

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Holiday Issue 2015

There is always room for another pillow. Many collectors, change out pillows with the seasons, bright colors for the summer, rustic harvest styles for Fall and holiday inspired pillows for December. How about a personalized pillow? Custom pillows can be monogramed with names or just initials.

Trims, fringes and tassels also delight collectors.

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Just in time for the Holidays!

Don’t Let your Credit Cards Go Shopping Without You! dentity Theft is the fastest growing crime today. Charge Card Skimming, will be very popular this holiday season.

Did you know that your credit cards provide enough information for a 'skimmer' to walk past you, 'skim' your charge cards and capture the information without you even knowing it? Some skimming technology works from as far as ten feet away. The thieves will stock up on Visa or Mastercards like you see in store and gas stations. Then, once they have your information, they will reload the gift cards using your charge card information, then go shopping with your earned credit and you will not even know you are a victim until you receive your bill!

How can they do that? By scanning radio frequency identification (RFID) chips on your credit/debit card. That is the microchip that’s implanted in all the credit/debit cards these days. It is actually a radio transmitter, and this type of technology has been around since WWII. RFID chip embedment is everywhere.

Although banks claim that RFID chips on cards are encrypted to protect information, its been proven that scanners—either homemade or easily bought—can swipe the cardholder’s name and number. (A cell-phone-sized RFID reader powered at 30 dBms (decibels per milliwatt) can pick up card information from 10 feet away.

So what can you do to protect yourself? The best thing to do is limit yourself to carrying only one card. Safeguard the card by keeping it in an RFID blocker sleeve or a wallet with built in protection.

I

But what happens if you do become a victim of identity theft? Like all things in life, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so they say. In this case the best thing you can do is have an Identity plan in place before you need it.

IDShield is most comprehensive Identity plan on the market.

In addition, it is the only plan with full restoration and on plan with 24/7/365 access to Kroll Licensed Investigators.

Call Maria Runyon Independent LegalShield Associate for information on getting an Identity Plan in place.

Mention this article and receive One COMPLIMENTARY RFID BLOCKER for your Charge Card!

Maria Runyon, Senior Director LegalShield Call: 219-365-9090 WEB: www.mariarunyon.com VIDEO: www.greatlegalbenefit.com/new

Non-Toy Gifts for Children...O h M y !

By: Sharon L Case

o you remember thinking, “If one more toy comes into this house I am going to lose it!?” I remember when my children were little and Christmas was toy gluttony. I don’t know how many times I stepped on a hot wheel car in stocking feet- OUCH!

D

Now I have nothing against toys. I think there are some really cool toys out there. However, I have a problem when a home is overrun with toys. I would like to share some non-toy gift ideas with you. Some of these ideas are gifts I received as a child. I still remember these gifts years later, even though I thought they were pretty lame as a kid. The other ideas are gift Ideas I discovered after talking to people who have children and are tired of tripping over toys that are toast after Christmas day.

Magazine Subscriptions My parents got me a Highlights subscription every year for Christmas. I remember how excited I was to get my own mail. The first page I turned to was the Hidden Pictures page. Many magazines for children have puzzles and stories to stimulate a child’s mind.

One on One Special Outing Time with our children is precious and the gift of a one on one outing is priceless! Here’s how it works: present the child in your life with a certificate with “Your Special Day With Auntie” (or Grandma). Let

your child plan the day from beginning to end- within reason, of course. You will create great memories and have a blast!

Gift to a 529 Plan Contribute to a child’s 529 College Plan. Friends and family are able to gift to these plans. What a great way to help parents save for the future education of their children!

Let Your Child Donate to a Charity Give a child money to donate to the charity of his or her choice. Let the child write a letter to the charity with their donation. Or even better, have the child present the donation in person!

A Ticket to a Special Event My parents surprised me and took me to see the Nutcracker one Christmas when I was about 10 years old. I will never forget it. I was taking ballet classes at the time and to see children my age on stage was so exciting! Taking a special child to an event is also great bonding time. Be creative. It can be a sporting event, a play or a musical or anything you enjoy doing together.

A Piggy Bank I love this one because it helps us teach our children how to budget and save. There are so many creative banks for kids. I went to Amazon and searched “piggy banks.” A variety of banks came up, many educational. One of my favorites is the Money Saving Pig by Money Savvy Generation which has sections for saving, spending, donating and investing.

I hope you have found one gift that will resonate with you and your child. Best wishes for a safe, healthy and fun holiday season!

Sharon Case, CDFA- Sharon is the President and the Owner of Case Wealth Management and Financial Services Ltd. She has been in the financial industry for over 15 years. Sharon’s two passions in her work are:  Developing Financial Plans for people to help them achieve their life goals and dreams;  Educating and counseling women to be empowered and confident with money.

As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Sharon helps women deal with the financial issues of divorce. She provides individual counseling to women in transition: divorcing, divorced, widowed and retiring women.

Sharon is a fee based Financial Planner. Sharon is also a public speaker and has spoken to a multitude of audiences on a variety of financial topics. Website: www.casewealthmanagement.com Email: sharon@casewealthmanagement.com Phone: 708-227-5207 Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharoncase1 Twitter: @sharoncase33 Investment advisory services offered through Advisory Alpha LLC, a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Case Wealth Management and Financial Services Ltd is independent of Advisory Alpha LLC.

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By: Nancy Beck, Owner,

Hello again, and Greetings from me, Nancy Beck, Owner, Image 1 Makeovers!!

In the last few years, Kris, one of my best friends, and I have been talking about how we wanted to be stylish as we age, but not have to spend a fortune to look good-especially for the holidays. I have recently started a subsidiary company within Image1 Makeovers called “Silver Fox Models” This is a modeling agency of sorts for mature women (and men) that have silver gray hair, since I don’t really see us being represented in today’s magazines and ads. I asked Kris if she would care to join me as another Silver Fox model to try on clothes so I would have pictures for this issues’ “Makeover Magic” article. I decided to have Kris accompany me to one of my favorite places to shop, “Eco Chic Boutique” owned by Diane Gross and Trish Caruso. Their business card states it is a “New–ConsignedRedefined” Women’s Fashions & Accessories Boutique located in Dyer, Indiana. Earlier this year, the gals expanded their boutique so now it includes a Bridal Suite which is just FABULOUS! Kris was immediately impressed how Chic and stylish it was since she had never been there before. Kudos to Diane and Trish!

Back to our visit-try on clothes she did! My friend Kris is a stunning lady anyway, but when we picked out the outfits for her to try on, well, you be the judge! She looks FANTASTIC! I’ll give you an estimate about what the outfits would cost for purchase.

(Left) The first outfit Kris tried on was a dressy “Alex Evenings” 2piece fitted skirt & gorgeous open neckline top with a large collar that draped over her shoulders selling for a mere $16! Her “blingy” earrings were selling for $14.00! For only $30.00, she looked like she just stepped out on the runway in a New York City fashion show!

Can you believe the cost of that outfit?

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This issue’s

article revolves around us not wanting or needing to spend a lot of money in order to look FABULOUS for the holidays!

(Right) My dress is by Designer/Brand “Funky” and sells pre-owned for $45.00 at Eco Chic Boutique!

Can you believe it?! —-Nancy Beck, Owner,

(Left) Kris’ more casual look is a black and silver shimmery top with black slacks which fit her size 4 petite frame like a glove!

The blouse and slacks together were under $30. Once again, see how stunning you can look for a relatively in-expensive amount of money shopping at the EcoChic Boutique.

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Louise is the Model for my “Makeover Magic” article portion in this Holiday issue. Louise and I met while volunteering at Caring Designs, an Upscale Retail Furniture Showroom in Valparaiso, Indiana. Louise is a tall, slender gal with a more casual laid-back fashion personality. Her hair color is natural & very becoming on her. She was a little more hesitant to be a model but you can see for yourself how FABULOUS she looks!!!!

(Above) Louise BEFORE her “Makeover Magic” Session

PHOTO BY: Brendalees Photography

(Above) Louise’s first outfit was a “Cable & Gage” Brand Zebraprint knit top, paired with a pair of black slacks. The top sells for $10.00 and the pants for $16.00, with earrings selling for $10.00.

What a great more casual but SEXY holiday look for just $36.00!

PHOTO BY: Brendalees Photography 14

(Left) The most “fun” dress Louise tried on was a silver sequin number by Andrew Marc. It was different for Louise to be in a “blingy” cocktail dress since this was a huge departure from her more casual and usual style of dressing. This dress was only $90.00 which is a fraction of what it cost brand new, and perfect for a holiday party or New Year’s Eve out on the town! The dressy earrings & bracelet were each $12.00, with the classy black sling-back pumps costing only $14.00! Her whole FABULOUS look cost just $128.00 which is less than just the new cocktail dress would have been.

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(Right) Louise tried on a 2-piece black pin-stripe sheath dress with matching coat. It had a very classic style which could be just right for a more “conservative office holiday party.” Paired with a classic pearl necklace and earrings, black hose, and classic black pumps, this whole outfit could be had for a mere $50.00!

Part of a one-on-one consultation session with me includes discussing hair styles and color. You can see in Louise’s “before picture” that she had longer hair and ties it back quite often. We styled her hair differently for the makeover at my Studio. When I had first approached Louise for modeling for my article, she told me she wanted to do something different with her hair, but she was not sure what to do.

Once we worked with some shorter styles, I referred her to my Hair Stylist and she actually got her hair cut after our photo shoot. Here is a picture of her after her first visit getting her hair newly styled. As you can see, Louise went through a “Total Transformation”.

In closing, Ladies, you can see that you really don’t have to spend a fortune to look FABULOUS for the holidays!

Until next time, remember you never get a second chance to make a great first impression! Bye for now, & have a FABULOUS HOLIDAY SEASON!!

Would you like to experience “MAKEOVER MAGIC” for yourself? Call or text me at 219-789-5974 to schedule a 1-on-1 Consultation for YOU!

FabulousOver50.com

Holiday Issue 2015

PHOTO BY: Brendalees Photography

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ome women just wear clothes, the discriminating woman however, makes a personal statement every time she gets dressed.

Meeting Ann Crockett-Zoila, the owner of That Girl Boutique was such a delight! This fashionista started modeling in High School.

Needing to support herself and two children, Ann took her love for fashion and $500 and launched her business doing upscale fashion show luncheons. Her shows were a huge success from the start of her first show. The Swinging Shopping Safari, held at the Lexington, was one of the first theatrical fashion shows with dancers in the area. The 300 guests raved, they had never seen anything like this production before on the South side. Everything was a class act from the elegant evening clothing that Ann selected for the models showcase, as well as the music and the theme of leopard décor for this first, Swinging Shopping Safari. The show grew into hosting 1,200 people a night, four nights a week. It got so big that they moved the sow to the old Candlelight Theater on Harlem, where it ran until the early 90’s.

The success of her shows allowed her to open That Girl, a special occasion shop, where women can purchase unique dresses, accessories and shoes.

Zoila takes pride in offering dresses not found in chain stores and the mall.

“The last thing a woman wants, is to walk into an event and see someone else wearing the same dress”, Ann tells us.

Evening wear including Mother of the Bride are staples at That Girl Boutique. About 10 years ago, Ann decided to bring in dresses to serve young ladies for prom. From December to April the stores are packed with shoppers wanting that special dress.

Women come from all over to shop at That Girl Boutique. Well known in the pageant circle and with celebrities, Ann’s customer list includes Ms. Illinois contestants, Oprah Winfrey and Natalie Cole. But you don’t have to be a celebrity to shop there. The store carries moderate to high end styles. It is a specialty shop, you can get everything you need in one place from the accessories to shoes and a bag.

So when it is time to get fabulous for that special event, make sure you put That Girl at the top of your list. ____________________________________________________________ Publisher’s Note: We were tipped off by one of our Fabulous Friends about a special occasion dress shop in Worth and Mokena called, That Girl. I wish I would have known about this store when we were looking for prom dresses and when I needed a mother of the bride dress for my daughter’s wedding.

Being a plus size gal with a plus size daughter, made the process of finding a dress for both of us a challenge. Most special occasion shops stores had only three or four dresses in plus sizes. That Girl has a large selection of fashions in

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Meet Colleen Kisel Founder of :

The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation

By: Christine Snider

Each and every year countless children are diagnosed with cancer.

Regardless of whether the child is one or whether they are 17, it doesn’t make it any less stressful and overwhelming. As parents, the last thing you want is for your child to be diagnosed with a disease like cancer. Unfortunately, it happens more often than you realize.

While the road to recovery might not get any less difficult, it can be made a little more pleasant with the help of donations from people just like you.

Colleen Kisel knows about this first hand. When her son was diagnosed with leukemia, they dreaded the painstaking “treatments”. She thought he was always so brave, and deserved a reward. But rewarding her own child was not enough. “All the children are so brave for all they go through,” Colleen told us, “They all should get something to make them feel better, even if it is for just a little while,” she added.

Moved by her son’s bravery and wanting to help other children, Colleen founded the Treasure Chest Foundation about 20 years ago.

The goal of the foundation is to provide children struggling with cancer with the chance to enjoy a new toy to try and take their mind off what they are going through and allow them to enjoy being a kid.

The foundation accepts gifts of all shapes and sizes. Being able to donate money and toys will bring a smile to your face knowing that you were able to bring joy to a child dealing with this devastating disease.

Children love being able to select their toy from the large treasure chest. They put a lot of thought into their selection. It’s a time where the focus is all on them and which toy they are going to choose.

Treasure Chest Foundation has been able to raise $3000 during the Foundation's annual September Cancer Awareness campaign, but the need is still great. More than 9,300 patients are given toys each and every month. With the holidays right around the corner, more donations are needed than ever.

(Top Left) Collen Kisel, Founder of the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest shown herewith the stockpile of toys ready to take to the treatment centers for the children.

(Bottom Left) Founder Colleen Kisel with weekly volunteer: Jackie O’Rourke from Forrest Park, Illinois.

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____________________________________________________________

“This time of year what is needed most are gift cards for the tweens and teens, they are the most forgotten.”

—Colleen Kisel ____________________________________________________________

Let’s join together and make sure these pediatric cancer patients get a little something special this holiday season. Even if you can only donate $1, it will all add up and help bring a smile to a little one’s face when they select their new toy. All donations are appreciated and welcomed. If you are looking for a worthy cause to donate to, this is one that you don’t want to leave off your list. So many children are struggling enough already with fighting this horrible disease. Let’s give them something they can smile about: a new toy.

Another way to give is by purchasing the Christmas cards online. They are drawn by children battling cancer, which makes them even more special. Not only do you get a chance to give back to an awesome foundation, but you get a chance to express how much this worthy cause means to you. To find out more about this worthy cause and how you can help, call 708.687.TOYS. Let your love and compassion shine through this holiday season by donating whatever you can to someone in need. It’s good for your heart, your soul and your overall wellbeing. What more could you possibly ask for?

Colleen Kisel, Founder of the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest shown here in her office in Orland Park, IL. PHOTOS PROVIDED

The mission of the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation is to provide toys to kids undergoing cancer treatments and medical procedures.

For more information visit their website at: (Left) Colleen is helping a young boy select from the many donations that taken to area Cancer Treatment Centers and hospitals and kept in these toy chests. The toys are given to children after they receive treatment.

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By Linda Memmesheimer

I

have had with the super-sized grocery stores. They take so much time to get through because they are filled with aisle after aisle of fake food that only makes us fatter and fatter; and the check-out lines seem to take forever as people unload carts full of stuff with little nutritional value.

I wasn’t always so particular. For decades, I shopped for convenience, thinking that I was actually making healthy choices because it said “Healthy Choice”, right there on the box!

When I was forced to have the “you have cancer” chat with an oncologist 8 years ago, I decided I needed to wake up and take eating seriously.

It was hard at first. We get use to cooking the same way, with the same ingredients, and unless we have a passion for cooking, which I don’t, making a change can seem overwhelming.

But I took it one step at a time and over the years have found my way to new staples that I now substitute for the processed stuff I use to buy. I am now very conscious of making sure I only buy foods that are organic, non-GMO, preservative free, with no hormones and antibiotics added and only about one step from its source.

Trader Joe’s has become one of my favorite stores. Not only are the prices reasonable, but they seem to listen to consumer demands for healthier options and are always bringing in new products. Plus the check-out lines are usually 20

pretty speedy and I can always find someone to answer a question, show me where something is, or reach the top shelf.

Unsweetened coconut milk and coconut crème-Instead of buying coconut milk in a ready to pour container, I decided to buy the pure concentrate and mix it with my own distilled water. I add a little vanilla bean for great flavor and substitute it for everything I use to use milk for since I have given up most dairy. The proportion is a matter of personal choice, depending on how thick you want it to be; I make about half a gallon from one can of the unsweetened coconut milk and twice as much with the coconut crème.

Coconut crème also makes a wonderful hot cocoa using TJ’s or-

Trader Joes has several locations though out Chicagoland. To find a store near you go to:

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www.traderjoes.com

Holiday Issue 2015

Raw Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)/Sea Salt –these tiny pumpkin seeds are the perfect snack. Instead of reaching for the chips or pretzels, put about half a cup of Pepitas in a bowl and sprinkle with sea salt. EAT SLOWLY being careful to chew each one. Pepitas are great for digestion but high is calories so be careful not to over eat. For more information about the health benefits of Pepitas, check out: www.nutrition-and-you.com/ pumkinseeds If you think salt is bad for you, Dr. David Brownstein has a great book that will turn popular opinion upside down called “Salt Your Way To Health!”

TJ’s Cocktail sauce- No high fructose corn syrup or MSG! This is a must-have staple for everyone’s holiday favorite, shrimp cocktail.

It also makes a great substitute for catsup on your meatloaf. Speaking of meatloaf, try making it with the Grass fed beef found in the freezer section!

Organic Brown Rice Quinoa FabulousOver50.com

Fusilli Pasta-Gluten free and actually tastes great! I don’t buy any prepared spaghetti sauces. I make my own from scratch (or my Italian family would disown me). But when my own garden tomatoes run out, I will use TJ’s organic tomatoes. I use a combo of whole tomatoes and pureed. For some great gluten free recipes check out my friend Sueson Vess’s site: www.specialeats.com TJ’s 100% Pineapple Juice/Frozen Pineapple ChunksPineapples are not just for fruit cups, they add a healthy punch in smoothies and are a great way to flavor my favorite drink-H2O! I am not a huge fan of drinking a lot of fruit juices because of the sugar, but the health benefits of pineapple juice are worth it when you want curb those cola cravings. Since a whole can is high is sugar and calories, I just add about a third at a time to a full glass of water. For a smoothie, I add about half a cup of the frozen pineapple chucks, half a cup of spinach, 8 oz. of coconut milk, some cinnamon and 2 scoops of USANA’s Nutrifree (a gluten, soy, and dairy free pea protein powder). Check out the health benefits of pineapple at:www.readanddigest.com/nutrition-facts-andhealth-benefits-of-pineapple.com Linda is one of the founders of www.thinkwholistic.com To try USANA Nutrifree, check out my website, www.wethrive.usana.com or contact me : thinkwholistic@gmail.com

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Your Holiday Eating Battle Dieting VS Eating With Abundance By: Jennifer Cross

For most of us, a familiar holiday battle begins with Thanksgiving dinner. As we look at the delicious food in front of us, our inner voices begin to bicker. Our need to be thin voice starts whining “I’m so fat. I am really going to watch what I eat this holiday season. There will be NO pumpkin pie, Christmas cookies, rich and creamy eggnog, or chocolate anything in this mouth.” “ I’m not going to blow it this year and end up having my New Year’s resolution be to lose the 10 pounds I gained during the holidays.” “Diet, Diet, Diet.” And then, our voice of abundance calmly speaks up and says, “Don’t restrict your diet, restrain it. You can mindfully make smart choices that will compliment your overall philosophy of living a life of abundance.” And so the battle ensues.

What is your strategy to win this battle? By increasing your awareness of it and deciding in advance whose side you are on. To win this battle requires a balanced approach to eating. It also requires turning down the volume of your self-loathing, negative voices pulling you in an unhealthy direction. To help prepare you for the battle, here are 6 ways to eat with abundance this holiday season .

Top 6 Ways to Eat with Abundance this Holiday Season.  Begin where you are: Stop the comparisons. Stop listening to the cultural screams to be thin and beautiful. It all starts with self-love baby!  Stop Your Diet Brain: Your diet brain has been trained to say things like “Oh no, you can’t have that, you’re too fat.” “Today I’m not eating all day so I can eat a big dinner.” We ALL know by now that this restriction sets us up for failure.

www.authenticlivingwellness.com

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Be Prepared: Part of the feelings of deprivation around the holidays is stress related. We spend plenty of time shopping, wrapping, cleaning, working, and running around take care of everyone. We rush through the door at dinner time in a panic and pick up a phone and order a pizza.

Learn Mindful Eating: This is eating with intention, something I work on intensely with my clients. Basically what I ‘m saying is eat! Discover what real foods you love and make them and eat them, slowly, mindfully, on a beautiful plate, flowers on the table or a pretty placemat on your desk, but enjoy every savory mouthful of that delicious, life-giving food.

Know Your Saboteur: Who is she and what the heck does she want? Make it your mission to find out. Seriously, get up close and personal with the part of you that is intent on sabotaging all your efforts to live healthy.

Understand the power of Recommitting: So you’ve blown it. You’ve eaten a piece of pumpkin pie, or maybe you ate two? Recommit to self-love and acceptance.

Beating yourself up will only send you back to the sugar.

Abundant living takes us away from the negativity and moves us forward toward our goals and dreams.

If you would like more information about abundant living contact Jennifer Cross, MS, LPC, CHC at authenticlivingwellness.com or call 331-625-5588 and enjoy a complimentary 50 minute “Whole-Self to Health” consultation to begin the conversation that just may change your life!

331-265-5588

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Peace and Joy for YOU this Holiday Season

By: Jackie Wellwood

Holidays are happy and joyous times that we look forward to with guarded anticipation. Many of us are still integral planners and executers for our family and/or corporate holiday celebrations. Exciting plans become stressful experiences as the unprecedented number of details begin to pile up. Even the best laid plans are a relief to leave behind as the holidays wind down and we usher in the New Year.

"The holidays" have become a time where women let their guard down and grow lax with their health. Nutrition, exercise, schedules and SUGAR seem to have a special allowance for deviation from what is the norm for us. It is almost as if we have completely given up on being able to maintain our programs during this busy

time. It is time for an action plan to usher in a new and different holiday opportunity for busy women.

Peace and joy during the holiday season is something we should schedule into our day much like we would block off time to make cookies. And maybe we replace cookie baking with an alternative healthier option that becomes a new tradition. We could make some very tasty trail mix to bring with us for snacking when we are out and about. Sugar wreaks havoc with our minds and emotions as well as our bodies. Sugar is addictive and even just a little sets up desire for more and more and more. During the holiday season it is everywhere and pretty soon you are falling asleep from the effects of sugar.

Planning helps to keep us on track when temptation strikes. Keep the following suggestions in mind as you schedule some peace and joy into each day during the holidays.

Decide ahead of time what your indulgence will be at holiday gatherings. Set a limit to alcohol and dessert consumption. Then enjoy eating and drinking what you planned and walk away from the rest.

Mindless eating and drinking is common at parties unless you have predetermined your intentions.

Make healthy food choices available at all times by bringing food with you to work and when you are out of the home. Eat enough of your own food before entering a party that your appetite is quenched and you can focus on socializing instead of food.

Keep up regular exercising. Walking daily is effective. Add in additional exercise as prevention instead of considering working out in January to lose the extra weight gained at the holidays.

Face the reality that on some days you won't feel like finishing your "to do" list. Take the afternoon off and nurture yourself so you emerge strong the next day. Holidays are busy times requiring more daily time to regroup and refresh. Leave some blank spaces on your calendar.

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More Tips to Add Peace and Joy to Your Holiday Season from Jackie: Value people over things. Look for ways to be an encouragement to others during the holiday season where most people have some sort of memories that are challenging to them.

Don't let anything go until the last minute. Stay ahead and allow for extra time needed to finish tasks. This is a stress reducer.

When you are peaceful and filled with joy it will radiate to the people around you. Take time to consider what makes YOU feel peace and joy. Intentionally set up your schedule to include exactly what YOU need. You are a woman of influence. This holiday season use that influence to bless YOU with peace and joy. YOU matter!! ________________________________________________________________________ Jackie Wellwood is a professional speaker, author, business consultant and leadership coach.

Contact Jackie at (309)310-4862 to book her as a speaker or set up a 30-60 minute complimentary, no obligation coaching session. Her email is jmwell@gridcom.net.

FabulousOver50.com

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Sponsored Page

Dr. Justin Coop of Inspired Health Center Transforming Your Health in a More Complete Way By: Christina Snider older is inevitable. Regardless of how much you try to stop it or slow it G rowing down, it is going to happen at some point. Along with growing older, your body is going to go through any number of changes. While there are creams and beauty products that can help your skin look amazing, they cannot do anything for your muscles and joints. If you find that you are struggling to get up and move like you used to or your health just seems like something isn’t right, it might be time to make an appointment with Dr. Justin Coop in Warrenville, IL.

Dr. Justin Coop of Inspired Health Center shown here helping patients, through hands on education, how to transform their health.

PHOTO: PROVIDED

Dr. Coop has helped countless individuals just like you for quite some time. His services can help with diabetes, stress hormones, weight management, thyroid care, neuropathy and overall joint movement. By going through the program, you will begin to notice your health and well-being improving. The things that used to bother you aren’t going to be a problem any longer. The benefits of Functional Medicine along with chiropractic care extend far beyond anything you could ever imagine possible.

Justin grew up in a caring family, his mother was a nurse. From a young age he wanted to be a doctor, in college he volunteered at a hospital Emergency Room. After going through pre-med he shadowed a chiropractor and loved how the practice focused on helping the patient in a natural way. Dr. Coop followed his passion and became a Doctor of Chiropractic and established a thriving family chiropractic practice over ten years. However he realized that he could have a greater impact and help his patients achieve greater overall health by incorporating a functional medicine approach with the traditional chiropractic care. This realization came after Dr. Coop’s wife had a serious health problem. He had known that his wife’s family members had a history of gallbladder issues and had seen the failed results of the traditional approach of going through surgery to have the gallbladder removed. He had witnessed first hand that after the surgery, they still suffered with severe discomfort and digestive issues. When his wife developed the same debilitating pain associated with gall bladder stones, he wanted to find a solution that would put an end to his wife’s pain, indigestion and bloating for good. He began studying Functional Medicine and discovered that through this process, not only did it save the gall bladder, but it

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Holiday Issue 2015

Sponsored Page

transformed his wife in a more complete way, she lost weight and transformed her overall health and moved towards lifelong optimal health. Dr. Coop made it his mission to develop a program to help everyone transform their health, no matter what their health condition may be, in the same functional approach.

It’s up to you to make the decision to take control of your health.

You cannot expect a pill to take care of all your problems. Your doctor cannot fix you unless you are willing to make changes in your life as well. It takes time for your body to get back to where it was, but Dr. Justin Coop can help get you there. His goal is to help each and every one of his patients to take control of their health and regain their quality of life.

You deserve to look and feel amazing, regardless of whether you are 50, 60 or 70. With the help of the team of professionals at Inspired Health Care, you can get there in no time. Schedule your appointment today by calling 630.465.6685 and let Dr. Justin Coop take you on the journey to a more fabulous you.

If you are interested in seeing how Dr. Coop can help you be healthier, attend one of the free dinner seminars to find out more information. Here’s what some of his patients have to say about him: “Dr. Coop truly cares about each and every one of his patients. He takes the time to understand what is really going on with each individual, rather than providing the same template of care to everyone. Once a patient feels well again, he focuses on KEEPING them well. When I first started seeing him I experienced terrible motion sickness all the time, in addition to crippling anxiety. With chiropractic adjustments and a healthier lifestyle I am nausea-free and on my way to managing my anxiety without the use of an entire medicine cabinet worth of prescriptions.”

— Brittany “Dr. Coop is the most caring understanding chiropractor I have ever met and worked with! He is great at listening to your current ailments or pains and addresses all of your problems in the most thorough and caring fashion. He is an educator and helps provide whole body health holistically. He is amazing with kids too, my kids love their adjustments! Not to mention they are sick a lot less too! I am so grateful for him and his true knowledge and the approach he uses for healing is phenomenal! I highly recommend Dr. Coop !!” – Jennifer

FabulousOver50.com

Holiday Issue 2015

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Fabulous Transformations

Mary Ziola-Vega Practically Perfect in Everyway

T

en years ago Mary had gastric bypass surgery.

She was one of the first ones in the area. Thrilled at the thought of no longer battling with being overweight, Mary was pleased to start rapidly losing weight. Because this surgery was new to the doctors, there were mistakes made and four revisions done, all full surgeries.

The surgeries did not stop there she also had several hernias, and intestinal obstruction surgeries. Through all of this she was losing hair, nails cracking, teeth cracking, and bones braking easily. “Hold on here, don’t people get healthy losing weight?” Mary wondered. Mary was administrating weekly B12 shots and just about every month iron infusions. Along with that even though she looked like she was getting plenty to eat on the outside, on the inside she was malnourished. Because of the surgery the food she ate was not being absorbed and she was not receiving nutrients from the food she ate. She ate more food just to keep her energy up. In addition, she also had terrible intestinal problems, so bad that the doctor said, “It must be what you’re eating because we can’t figure out why this is happening”. This was at a very prestigious Hospital in Chicago.

While she was having terrible medical issues and kept noticing posts about Thrive on Facebook. She asked Kelly Daum, the person posting to send her samples. Kelly lives in Canada and the sample had to go through PHOTOS Provided

It is hard to believe this is the same woman in both these photos. Not only is !

Mary slimmer, she is now healthy, vibrant and 30

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Holiday Issue 2015

customs and took forever to get to Mary, here in the States..

By the time it arrived, Mary had lost interest, it sat on her desk, unopened, for almost 4 weeks. Then one day, while she was having terrible intestinal issues, she said to herself, “How am I going to live to be old and gray and have all these issues?” She had to find a fix…. And right in front of here was the sample. Finally, she took it, and YES, she felt great.

Then but within 2-3 days her intestinal issues started subsiding… the ones the doctor said they could not figure out... The ones she had over 10 surgeries in over 10 years. She wanted to run to the doctor’s office and yell from the highest skyscraper… “I feel fantastic and my insides are happy”. Well that was all well and good but like most skeptics she needed proof. She went to her doctor, where they did tests, and more tests. As she was sitting in his office, she shared with him that her husband and her had started taking Thrive. She told him all about Thrive showed him the brochures. Her doctor said to her, “I am a scientist and there is not enough information on vitamins. But you two look great and feel this happy and healthy you have my blessing to continue with your new lifestyle.”

Mary has a little saying I always use when people ask her how she is doing, she will respond “I am practically prefect in every way” that is from Mary Poppins and she uses it often.

Back to the story, she waiting for her doctor to call back and deliver the results. He says, “I have some bad news for you.

And she is thinking to herself, “No, I am not going back in for the infusions”. Then he says, “The bad news is you are making me say it aren’t you….yes … Mary you are practically perfect in every way… your test result are all in the normal level and no need for iron infusions or B12 shots are needed at this time” then he said, “see you in a year.”

“So”, Mary tells us, “as I said my story is a little different, yes I have kids, yes I work, yes I have things to do, I am not a body builder, and athlete, or a work out nut, but the reason I take Thrive and forever will is because in the first time in 10 years my intestinal heath is happy. My hair is growing, I have nails, and my nutritional gap is being meet.” Then she adds with a smile, “Thanks Thrive for healthy insides, because I am Practically Perfect in every way. “ FabulousOver50.com

Mary Ziola-Vega

708-289-0596

mzvthrive@gmail.com Visit our website: www.Ziolavega.lev-vel.com

Holiday Issue 2015

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Surviving the Holidays in Grief By: JoAnn Michalik

S

urley, you have heard some talk about the stages of Grief. I like to call them waves of Grief.

We are all unique in our own special way God created us. When we grieve, we are also unique. No one grieves the same way, there is no pattern or stage we should follow. You will find these waves will hit you when you least expect them. Some days they will swallow you up, bring you under, and other days you will ride the wave beautifully. This is very “normal” so be patient and comforting with yourself as you will begin to find your “new normal”.

To survive the holidays you will need a plan.

Starting the week of Thanksgiving, decide if you can handle putting up the tree, writing out the cards, or baking some cookies. These traditions may be too much to handle this year. Choose which ones are most important to you and decide now what to say no to.

If the day comes and you think you will be OK then go and if you need to cancel just tell the person, I have suffered a devastating loss this year and I am not up to it. They will appreciate you being honest with them and will therefore understand.

Let’s talk about grief, the holidays and how to get through them with a “happy face” on. For some people, it will be hard enough to get up and make it through each day. Add on the feelings of loneliness, anxiety, anger and depression. You would love to take a break from all these over the holidays, but grief does not take holiday breaks. An important first step is to recognize that the holidays will be tough, especially if it’s the first one. Be realistic with yourself and don’t fight the added emotions. Learn to say “no”.

Don’t be surprised by your emotional ambushes: Just the thought of Christmas the holidays, your traditions, the tree, the cards, holiday gatherings can sometimes hit you when you least expect it. The emotions and tears flood in. These tears are a gift from God because sometimes we don’t have the words and the tears come. Take charge and say I’m crying because I have suffered a devastating loss. Take out your handkerchief and don’t apologize. Have a plan and decide what you are going to attend and not.

Face the Holidays in your way and your time: Keep in mind other family members will also be feeling the pain of the loved one, but maybe have different emotions.

They may want to keep the same traditions going.

They may feel they may want to change some traditions now. They will say to you, “you should be doing this or you should stop doing that” Don’t be afraid to tell them, that advice is not helping me, it is actually making me feel worse. All grief is unique, so the holidays will be different, but let me get through them my way!

Cherish the Memories: Warm and happy memories spent with your loved one will always be a part of your holiday season. Right now these memories bring up strong emotions that are hard to control. Over the years as you begin to heal these memories will become precious and we will never forget them. Just maybe you need to start new memories. Just talking about your loved one each holiday will bring back many memories of them. Realize you cannot duplicate past holidays, decide what you think is best for you this year, and maybe change it the next if you feel it did not work.

You are never alone: Feelings of loneliness over the holidays are often magnified. Loneliness is an emotion you must first recognize, accept that is it part of your life right now and then discover ways to ease the lonely times. You may feel you are just not connected to anything or anybody as everyone else was out with holiday parties and celebrations. You may feel you have nothing to celebrate this year. Try to be around people who are affirming to your feelings and nurture you.

How to handle Holiday Events and Invitations: Other people do not know what to expect from you or know what to say to you during the holiday season.

They may question themselves; should they invite you to the party, or insist you come or just leave you alone.

Not only do others not know what is best for you, you’re not sure yourself! You will probably be torn between the desire to be at the party to please the person who invited you, but uncertain if you can handle the emotions. You may get 8 invites but maybe this year go to only 2 and don’t stay the whole evening, just a few hours is OK. Don’t feel guilty saying “No” to others and thanks for the invite, but you’re not able to attend this

Year. Remember when you do attend, it is OK to laugh and enjoy yourself. Even in the midst of our sorrow, there is Joy. How to handle Holiday Events and Invitations: Other people do not know what to expect from you or say during the holiday season. Should they invite you to the party, or insist you come or just leave you alone. Not only do others not know what is best for you, you’re not sure yourself! You will probably be torn between the desire to be at the party to please the person who invited you, but uncertain if you can handle the emotions. You may get 8 invites but maybe this year go to only 2 and don’t stay the whole evening just a few hours is OK. Don’t feel guilty saying “No” to others and thanks for the invite, but you’re not able to attend this year. Remember when you do attend, it is OK to laugh and enjoy yourself. Even in the midst of our sorrow, there is Joy. Working with a coach or joining a support group is a great way to begin to express your emotions and the healing will begin. For more information on this subject visit: www.Ouch-its-Grief.com

With the loss of our son Mark at 4 years old, I know the emotions inside of us. It has become my passion to not let anyone go through this maddening experience alone. The holidays can be emotional times to work through. Grief is something in the past nobody ever talked about. After a loss you just dealt with it yourself, did not socialize, tried to go to work and function, raise your family. Eventually it went away.

Now a days we realize how Grief really does affect you and your everyday life. It alters us mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually and socially and changes our personality into someone we may not even recognize. Grief can turn into depression, it is a maddening feeling and wonder why this is happening and will I ever get out of it.

Today in our Grief, We need to talk about these emotions, get them out, and feel them. When we hold them inside, it can cause inflammation in our bodies which can lead to other diseases.

—JoAnn Michalik

By: Rae Luskin Have you ever felt lonely or depressed during the holidays? After my divorce, the first Thanksgiving without my kids I went to the movies and just sobbed. I felt like my life was over. I went to a twelve step meeting and they said “do something for someone else.” I took their advice and put together some goody bags filled with art supplies for the kids stuck in the hospital. The nurses were thrilled, the kids were happy and I felt great.

I have been doing that for over twenty years now. It is a proven fact that when we help others we help ourselves. A surefire way to add greater meaning to your life is to get involved with a cause or a charitable organization you believe in.

Research has shown that givers are happier people than non-givers.

According to the Social Capital Community 2000 Benchmark Survey, a survey of 30,000 American households who gave money to charity were 43% more likely than non-givers to say they were "very happy" about their lives. Similarly, volunteers were 42% more likely to be very happy than nonvolunteers. In addition studies show that volunteers have more energy, are healthier and live longer.

It is time to get moving and get involved.

Choose one way to volunteer in your community.

What skills do you have? What do you enjoy doing?

Who would you like to serve? Has anyone you cared about been touched by a disease or tragedy that you would like to combat? What grabs at your heart, the lack of education, the environment, animals?

What do you stand for? What really matters to you?

How are you going to share your time, talent and treasures this year?

I am passionate about ending sexual abuse and improving the lives of women and children. Therefore, I am donating 10% of the proceeds from my book to NWCASA, an agency that provides free services to victims of sexual assault.

Do what you love.

When you give something back you give the best part of you. According to Jay Backstrand, president of Volunteermatch, “the feeling of personal reward and fulfillment that comes from the simple act of volunteering… builds the confidence we need to make our own dreams come true.”

Opportunities to serve are endless.

Visit our website to download IMPACT 50 – creative activities you can take to make a difference and feel fabulous. http://www.thewinningadventure.com/IMPACT50download.php Buy your copy today http://thecreativeactivist.com/book/

Top Myths about Reverse Mortgages A Reverse Mortgage may be a bit confusing or unfamiliar to many home owners.

To help provide some clarification, below are some of the common myths:

Call me today to find out if a reverse mortgage is right for you!

A Reverse Mortgage will cause me to lose my home.

False: A Reverse Mortgage is a lien; you still own your home. You will have to continue to pay your property taxes and insurance on the home.

The income I receive from my reverse mortgage will affect my Social Security and other benefits.

False: This is a wonderful benefit of a Reverse Mortgage. It is a loan, and therefore is not considered taxable income. It will not lower important Social Security and Medicare benefits.

My children will be responsible for the repayment of the loan.

False: If a borrower or their estate wants to retain ownership of the property, the balance of the loan must be paid off. However, the owner can sell the home, and any equity in the home at the time of the sale will go to the estate, not to the bank.

If I get a Reverse Mortgage, the bank will own my home.

False: You will always retain ownership of your home. You can sell your home at any time, and your home will not be foreclosed on as long as you continue to live in your home and maintain your property taxes and insurance.

HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc. is located at 15 West Jefferson Avenue, 2nd Floor, Naperville, Illinois 60540. Corporate NMLS #6521. Illinois Residential Mortgage License MB.6760732. Indiana-DFI First Lien Mortgage Lending License 15700.

Nancy Putman Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #230331 Cell: 708-497-5192 nputman@homebridge.com HomeBridge.com/NancyPutman

Caregiver Resources

When it may be time to Plan a Move....

By: Helen Morgan Maybe you notice that the house isn’t being maintained the way it use to be, your mother who could never stand a mess is no longer keeping things up or you notice that grocery shopping has gone by the wayside and they’re eating fast foods and convenience foods or maybe they are hiding things from you such as a fall or you notice their memory is failing...If any of these things are going on, it may be time to start the process of arranging a move and I can help, I’d love to help you help your loved ones with a plan to get into a safer, newer, nicer home where they can enjoy a more active, fun lifestyle.

Having a Plan Is Reason To Be Joyful!!

Caregiver Resources

Meals on Wheels By: Kathy Balbo A social movement called Meals on Wheels was developed in 1954 by a group of citizens in Philadelphia to improve the nutritional health of people in need and has become a very effective program to combat many of the problems facing the aging population. It allows some to remain in their homes rather than to a nursing home, for many it improves their quality of life related to hunger, isolation, loss of independence, and reduces hospital stays. Supported by social agencies like Salvation Army, Catholic Family Charities and various government and social service offices it binds communities and makes them stronger and safer with the participation of millions of volunteers that deliver two million meals per day across the country.

It costs less to provide Meals on Wheels for a year than it costs to spend one day in a hospital or 6 days in a nursing home. It saves millions in tax dollars in Medicare and Medicaid expense each year. Depending on the circumstances meals are provided on a sliding scale from no cost to full price. A nutritious meal is offered when family support, mobility and resources are lacking.

HelenHere in the Calumet Region it has helped to feed and preserve the dignity of people in our community since 1977. It was started in southern Lake County as part of the efforts of Visiting Nurses Association. Meals came from hospitals and nursing homes until 1993 when a central kitchen was formed in Crown Point. In 2002 child and adult day care services were added as the need for meals increased. In 2004 with a land donation from Dean White, an Indiana resident, Meals on Wheels built a new 2.4 million dollar facility, in Merrillville. A nutrition center was also completed in 2006.

This organization benefits the community through a network of volunteers, some of whom are readers of this magazine.

Everyone benefits when the community gets involved. Volunteerism is a way to benefit others and help create balance in the lives of many people who are retired presenting an opportunity to meet new people, fulfill personal and professional goals, gain experience or a new skill set , fulfill service or learning requirements and can be personally rewarding.

Volunteers deliver meals in their own vehicles or load provided vans or vehicles to deliver meal containers to drop off sites throughout Indiana. Others offer office support and scheduling volunteers.

To order meals or offer your service you can find the website at: Mealsonwheelsnwindiana.org or call 219-756-3663.

“Having a elderly parent live by themselves can be stressful. In my case, my Dad is able to do somethings for himself, but making a properly balanced dinner for himself has become too much. When we cook a regular dinner here at my house, I make a plate for Dad to have at his place. Being super busy as I am, I don’t always get dinner for my family, let alone get something over to Dads. Finding Meals on Wheels was a great solution to my family, as we use it to fill in, three meals a week, to supplement Dad’s supply of homemade goodies and easy to fix breakfasts, lunches and snacks.

When Dad was by himself, a friendly volunteer delivered the meals at noontime. This service also would let us know if Dad did not answer his door. With him being weaker and a bit shakey, this gave us a bit of peace of mind, on those days we could not visit. For those of you Fabulous over 50 Women who find themselves sandwiched between your own household and caring for an elderly parent,

Meals on Wheels is a blessing!”

----Christine Neal, Publisher

Marketing Morsels

Selling With a Holiday Twist By: Michelle Smith

Each year business owners contemplate how to bring extra sales in during the holiday season. For some, it’s easy because their business offers products and services that naturally lend to gift giving. For others, it’s more challenging to get people to say, “Yes! People on my gift list would LOVE that!”

The right option is different for each business. When it is found, however, it can be magic-like in its results. The key is to have it be a win-win for your business, the gift giver and the receiver. As I work with clients to find that perfect holiday offer, we consider a variety of things.

Combining their services with each other

I’ve worked with jewelry and clothes businesses that pair their purchases with a “weed out the old and blend the new” visit. I’ve also had healing services pair their massages with oils.

Combining their services with other outside things

One client I work with took the cook book they wrote and placed it in a basket with a bottle of wine and some cooking utensils. The baskets sold for $50. BONUS....The client, who is a non profit, knew of a donor who supplied the wine so the sale resulted in increased revenue for the center!

Offering gift certificates to experience their services

Networking meetings and fundraising events are always looking for gifts to raffle away. One client I remember provided a ticket to their upcoming workshop, another put together a bag of products they had ordered too many of but knew people loved.

Encouraging future sales

It’s always a good idea to put a coupon in there for savings on a future purchase. I’ve seen some clients make this a savings on a product or service and others add an exploratory session (15-30 min long) with their gift so that they can get to know the person and start a relationship.

Once you find that win-win offer, it’s easy to go into “sell mode”- that place in your head where you’re ultra-focused on “getting” people to say yes. As you go there, you can quickly forget the genuine, heart centered business owner you are.

You may also forget that you care about those who purchase from you and are in business to make a difference, not a sale.

As you meet with people this holiday season, I encourage you to enjoy every minute of your time with them. Remember, if they are meant to buy from you, they will. If they don’t, someone else won’t be far behind. Focus on being YOU instead of on that dire need you have to make a sale and it will happen in a larger way than you’ve ever imagined.

On Every Fabulous Business Woman’s Wish List This Year

$ SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER 25 Includes the Book and One Group Q&A Call ($49 Value) Purchase online at www.zandbconsulting.com

Be Strategic, Be Intentional, Be Successful.

A Business & Marketing Guide for Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Entrepreneurs or Anyone Ready to Get Serious About Their Business Michelle Smith, Founder and President of Z&B Consulting, Inc. shares what she has learned about the success that comes when you slow down and focus beyond the day-to-day activities in your business. In this book, she teaches you how to: • Build the Foundation • Define Your Products & Services • Go to Market

“

I can’t put the book down! It has so many great business ideas in it. I just love it!

Kay B., — CEO Warren Sharpe Community Center

Home of

Magnify

Marketing Morsels

Ensuring success

Develop a Plan That

”

YOUR MARKETING Ensures Success

Maximize

YOUR MOMENTUM

A Mastermind & Personalized Coaching Program

little bits at a time

michelle@zandbconsulting.com

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815-524-4307

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www.zandbconsulting.com

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