Jan - Feb - Mar 2017 by CIRCA Magazine

CIRCA

JA N U A RY

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F E B RU A RY

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MARCH 2017

W I N T E R I N WA K E • N E W Y E A R , N E W H O M E • A S W E E T VA L E N T I N E • W E AT H E R I N G W I N T E R • W I N T E R ’ S C O L O R F U L W E L C O M E E AT I N G PA L E O • T H E P RO M I S E O F A N E W Y E A R • RU N N I N G S M A RT • W I N T E R P R E S C R I P T I O N S F RO M T H E K I T C H E N C O F F E E R E I M AG I N E D • C H A L K I T U P ! • S I M M E R U P S O M E C O Z Y F U N • I N D O O R E N T E RTA I N M E N T • H E L P WA N T E D • A N D M O R E

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A WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER

After what I hope was a wonderful holiday season for all of you, the time has come to file away as wonderful memories the days of 2016, and welcome with open arms the exciting ones that await us throughout 2017. The promise of a new year brings with it resolutions to start anew – the resolutions to lose weight, improve our health, eat better and exercise more, spruce up our living spaces, enjoy more quality time with loved ones, travel more, etc. I know I have resolved to implement a few of these myself, and I imagine you’re planning on incorporating several into your life this year as well. If you have established your New Year’s resolutions, but worry that once again, it will be hard to stick with them or that you don’t know how to kick them off, don’t worry ... CIRCA is here to help! If leading a healthier lifestyle tops your list of resolutions, “Eating Paleo” and “Winter Prescriptions From The Kitchen” offer tasty recipes for ringing in the new year the healthy way. “Running Smart” details how to stay safe while running and training during the cold weather months, while “Ring In The Healthy New Year” reminds us why it’s important to our overall health to schedule regular wellness visits. And be sure to read “Know The Signs” to help identify possible symptoms of a heart attack so that if the unthinkable happens, you’ll be better prepared. Looking to refresh your home this year, both indoors and out? “New Year, New Home” describes the decorating and design trends for 2017 so you can give your living space a facelift, and “Chalk It Up!” demonstrates how to easily breathe new life into old furniture with some creativity and a little elbow grease. “Winter’s Colorful Welcome” highlights hellebore plants if you’re looking to add some wonderful interest and beautiful blooms to an otherwise drab and dreary winter landscape. If your New Year’s focus is to spend and savor more time with friends and family, we’ve got you covered there as well. “Winter In Wake” provides many family-friendly recommendations to fill your calendar the next few months, and “Driveable Destinations” features Mount Airy, or Mayberry as many of us know it ... take a trip down memory lane with a family getaway to this North Carolina treasure. And don’t forget that Valentine’s Day is coming up – why not take advantage of this love-filled day to show those we care most about just how special they are? “A Sweet Valentine” provides seven non-traditional, happy and healthy ways to do just that. All of this, and so much more, awaits on the following pages ... “Going Green” shows how to celebrate the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day in style; “Indoor Entertainment” offers sanity-saving activities to help keep your kids busy while they are stuck inside this winter; “Help Wanted” reminds us of the importance of part-time jobs for teens; “Weathering Winter” discusses how you can protect your skin while facing the wrath of Ol’ Man Winter; and more. Regardless of your plans for 2017, we at CIRCA Magazine hope it’s your best year yet, and we thank you for letting us, our wonderful writers, and our loyal advertisers be a part of it. Until we see you again in the spring … happy New Year!

JA N UA RY • F E B R UA RY • M A RC H 2017 6

Winter In Wake

Eating Paleo

Chalk It Up!

Know The Signs – Symptoms Of A Heart Attack ... Men Vs. Women Going Green – Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day In Style Staying High And Dry – Preventing Mold From Growing In Your Home

Ears 101

A Sweet Valentine – 7 Ideas For A Happy, Healthy Valentine’s Day

Driveable Destinations – So Much To Celebrate In Mount Airy

40 Winter Prescriptions From The Kitchen

Coffee Reimagined

Winter’s Colorful Welcome

Weathering Winter – Tips For Protecting Your Skin This Season

Help Wanted

New Year, New Home – Decorating And Design Trends For 2017

Running Smart

Ring In A Healthy New Year

Simmer Up Some Cozy Fun

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kent Lower CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rhonda Benvie Todd Nelson Anna Bolton Beth Norton Vanessa Davis Dr. Jaime Pedraza Matt Flinn Amy Pierce Patti Fralix Monique M. Rogers Ouita Davis Gatton Jennifer Smart Dr. Jason Gladwell Kelly Trimyer Holly Hopkins UNC Rex Healthcare Diane Mack WakeMed Tina Mast Thomas Walters Stacey Moritz Kasey Wright Cheryl Nelson

Baby It’s Cold Outside ... And I’m Bored In Here! Beating Your Pup’s Boredom Blues

Indoor Entertainment – Activities For Keeping Kids Busy When They Are Stuck Inside This Winter

CONTACT INFORMATION BallPointe Publishing & Design, LLC P.O. Box 1182 Wake Forest, NC 27588 919.453.2555 • info@circamagazine.com www.circamagazine.com

Keeping It Clean ... The Importance Of Oral Hygiene While Wearing Braces

ADVERTISING SALES 919.453.2555 • info@circamagazine.com

48 The Promise Of A New Year – Start Anew This Year 50 Our Heritage Revisited – The Land’s Leading Hand ... The Harricane: Part Two

MANAGERS Kent Lower & Mitch Lower Printed by Theo Davis Printing, Inc.

Nick Honeycutt 919.380.5949 • nhoneycutt@theodavis.com Front Cover Local Drone Photography By Luke Reynolds Publisher Photo by Christina Bowman Photography, LLC LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @CIRCA_Magazine FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM circa_magazine AD SPACE RESERVATIONS Jan / Feb / Mar 2017: February 20, 2017 CIRCA Magazine is published quarterly by BallPointe Publishing & Design, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted without the written permission of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within; however, BallPointe Publishing & Design assumes no liability for accuracy or omissions.

WINTER IN

WAKE

BY ANNA BOLTON

It’s the beginning of another great year, and that means it’s time to grab your calendar and start planning for 2017. The Town of Wake Forest has several exciting events that you won’t want to miss and are guaranteed to help you stay engaged and active over the next several months. From magic shows and musical performances to street festivals and community celebrations, everyone is sure to find an event around town to enjoy!

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Several local churches and community organizations are coming together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a free, public celebration on Thursday, January 19 at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, located at 237 Friendship Chapel Road. Area residents are invited to attend the observance, beginning with a light meal at 6:00 PM followed by the program at 7:00 PM. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “MLK.”

SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY GAME NIGHT Families with special needs can enjoy a fun-filled evening playing board games on Friday, January 27, from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at the Wake Forest Community House (133 W. Owen Avenue). A library of games will be provided for you to enjoy or you can bring your own. Concessions will be available for purchase or you can bring your favorite snack. Make memories while enjoying a night of fun and laughter with your family! Pre-registration is required. For more information on this and other special needs events, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “special needs.”

SPECIAL NEEDS VALENTINE PARTY The Town of Wake Forest invites youth with special needs and their siblings to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 11 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Wake Forest Community House, again located at 133 W. Owen Avenue. The party will feature music, crafts, games, and refreshments. Drop in for a game of BINGO and try your luck at winning a prize. Pre-registration is required. For more 6

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information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “special needs.”

HAPPY DAN THE MAGIC MAN Everyone laughs louder when Happy Dan the Magic Man is in the house! Happy Dan has traveled the world entertaining families just like yours for more than 30 years and is now preforming at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. Children are quickly drawn into his tale of magical fantasy as he performs various feats of magic and more. The laughter never stops as Happy Dan struggles with his misbehaving props and the children fly to his rescue. Happy Dan teaches lessons on confidence, safety, reading, and more into magic bits throughout the show. Children walk away feeling better about themselves and their vibrant imaginations. Performances are scheduled from 11:00 AM – noon on February 15, March 15, April 19, and May 17. Tickets are $5 per person, plus tax, and can be purchased online, at the Renaissance Centre Box Office, or at the door the day of the event. For more information, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

STATE OF THE TOWN ADDRESS & DINNER The 2017 Wake Forest State of the Town Address & Dinner is scheduled for Monday, February 20 at 6:00 PM at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. Since 2009, the Town of Wake Forest has partnered with the Wake Forest Rotary Club to sponsor the annual event on the third Monday in February. The occasion offers Wake Forest citizens the opportunity to reflect on the town’s list of accomplishments during the previous year and learn about its goals in the coming months. For more information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “State of the Town.”

WAKE FOREST MARDI GRAS STREET FESTIVAL Children and adults can enjoy a fun-filled day in downtown Wake Forest during the Wake Forest Mardi Gras Street Festival on Saturday, February 25. This family-friendly celebration is scheduled from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM and admission is free. The annual event features music, entertainment, face painting, and a walking parade for children and adults. There will also be a variety of contests and activities throughout the day. For more information and a schedule of events, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Mardi Gras.”

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NECK OF THE WOODS Neck of the Woods is a variety performance series featuring emerging local artists. Each show is different and may include actors, dancers, musicians, comedians, writers, and spoken word artists. Come enjoy a truly unique and entertaining event and support your local artists. Wine, beer, and other refreshments will be available for purchase. This event is presented and sponsored by Wake Forest ARTS! The next show will take place on Friday, February 17 at 7:30 PM at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre. For more information, including a list of scheduled performers, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

ROCKIN’ THE FOREST

ing! Presented by White Street Brewing Co., the 2017 edition of Friday Night on White will take place from April through September along South White Street in historic Downtown Wake Forest. The free concerts will take place from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM and feature a variety of premier local bands. Due to Good Friday on the second Friday in April, this year’s concert series will get underway on the third Friday in April (April 21). The remaining concerts will take place on the second Friday of each month from May through September. For more inforamtion, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Friday Night on White.”

Here’s your chance to stay close to home, discover exciting artists, and experience the joy of live music in northern Wake County’s newest performing arts venue. Rockin’ the Forest is an emerging concert series featuring top acts and a variety of musical genres, including rock, Americana, and power pop. Upcoming performances include Sarah Shook & the Disarmers on Friday, February 24, and 6 String Drag on Friday, March 24. Tickets for each concert are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wakeforestrencen.org.

DIRT DAY Wake Forest’s fourth annual Dirt Day will take place along S. White Street in Downtown Wake Forest on Saturday, April 1 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. A fun-filled outdoor event for children and adults, Dirt Day is sure to help you shake off the winter blues. A variety of demonstrations and activities will be offered on gardening, landscaping, camping, and more. For detailed information, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Dirt Day.”

FRIDAY NIGHT ON WHITE The second season of Friday Night on White is quickly approach-

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STAY CONNECTED! Always be the first to know about Town of Wake Forest programs, services, and special events by signing up for E-Notifier at wakeforestnc.gov/enotifier.aspx, downloading the Town of Wake Forest app at wakeforestnc.gov/app.aspx, or visiting the town’s website at wakeforestnc.gov.  Anna Bolton is the marketing and business relations specialist for the Town of Wake Forest. To learn more about town events, sponsorship opportunities, and how you can be involved, contact Anna at 919-610-4916 or abolton@wakeforestnc.gov.

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may have started out as a dietary fad for some, but it has become quite mainstream and actually carries some basic tenants that make sense for those who are trying to do better for their bodies. In the simplest terms, the Paleo eating plan eliminates gluten, dairy, refined sugar, and legumes. It is a relatively easy eating plan to follow and doesn’t require any special equipment, mail-based subscriptions, or complicated lists of foods. Eating Paleo is not difficult and, best of all, it can be very delicious. Here are simple recipes for you to try, so there’s no reason you can’t stick with those resolutions you’ve made to lead a healthier lifestyle.

CHICKEN BACON ROULADE Makes 4 portions – 4 (6 ounce) chicken breasts, pocketed – 1 large white onion, peeled and julienned – 6 slices of bacon, cut in half and cooked –1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (used to deglaze pan) – Salt and pepper to taste – Olive oil, to sear

BY HOLLY HOPKINS

EATING

PALEO T he tree is down, the lights are tucked neatly in their box, the ornaments have been nestled back in storage, the music has faded, and gone are the plates of decadent sweets, dips, and snacks. Now it’s time roll out those New Year’s resolutions we all make. Every year, the number one resolution is almost always along the same lines: eat better, lose weight, get fit, no sweets, cut back on soda, no more chips … all those determined thoughts we have to start the New Year with a new outlook and be healthier. This is the time when people look to new diets and eating fads. Internet searches bring up the latest lists of what to eat and what to avoid. You may be intrigued by “delivered to your door” meals and shake mixes. But, there is a simpler way. One of the recent trends in healthy eating and weight control has been the Paleo Diet. It 8

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Caramelize the onions by cooking them in a large non-stick pan on a medium setting, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes. The onions will take on a deep, golden brown color and become very soft. Once they have reached this stage, turn off the heat and deglaze the pan by pouring in the apple cider vinegar and stirring well. This will help loosen up the onions from the bottom. Let cool. Lay the chicken breast on a flat surface with the thickest side facing you. Place your hand flat on top of the chicken to hold it in place. Using the point of a paring knife, cut a deep pocket into the chicken breast. This is where you will put your stuffing. Divide your caramelized onion filling into four equally-sized portions. Gather your cooked bacon. Stuff each breast with three of the half slices of bacon and the portioned caramelized onions. Season the tops with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken breasts in a hot non-stick pan for three minutes on each side. Place the stuffed breasts on a baking sheet and finish cooking them in a 350 degree oven until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees (2328 minutes.) Slice and serve with seasonal roasted veggie jumble (see following recipe) or vegetable of your choice.

SEASONAL ROASTED VEGGIE JUMBLE Use a mix of any of the following vegetables (or whatever you have on hand), peeled and prepped and cut into large dices, wedges, or sticks (any cut works as long as they are all approximately the same size): onions (red or yellow), bell peppers (any color), celery, carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, squash (butternut, acorn, turban, etc.), and turnips. (Regular potatoes are not Paleo, but sweet potatoes are.)

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Jumble Makes approximately 6 servings – 6 cups of diced veggies – 2-3 tablespoons olive oil – Salt and pepper, to taste

through. Remove the chicken from the pan. Add more olive oil to the pan and add garlic, peppers, and onions. Sauté for four or five minutes more until they begin to get soft. Add lime juice and stir to combine. Serve with veggies, on a green salad, or in lettuce wraps.

CHEF MARIO’S SUPER SPICE

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the veggies into a bowl, add salt and pepper, then drizzle olive oil over the top and toss to coat. Pour onto the baking sheet and spread out evenly. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and stir on the pan. Return to the oven and cook an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are cooked through.

FAJITA CHICKEN Makes 4 servings – 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips – 21/2 cups julienned bell peppers – 1 cup sliced red onions – 1 tablespoon minced garlic – 4 tablespoons Chef Mario’s Super Spice (see following recipe) – 2 tablespoons lime juice – Olive oil for sautéing Sprinkle the spice mix over the chicken strips and mix well. Drizzle a little olive oil in a non-stick pan and add the chicken mix. Sauté for five or six minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked

– 4 tablespoons chili powder – 4 tablespoons paprika – 2 tablespoons ground coriander – 2 tablespoons garlic powder – 2 tablespoons Kosher salt – 4 teaspoons ground cumin – 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper – 2 teaspoons black pepper – 2 teaspoons diced oregano Mix all ingredients together until well blended. Makes a great seasoning for meat, vegetables, soup, etc.  Holly Hopkins has spent many years working with food, starting off at her Grandma’s elbow, making wedding cakes and cookies galore. Since then, she has been a manager and business owner and is thrilled to be combining her passions for high quality food and superior customer service at Chef Mario’s. She may be reached at chefmario@bellsouth.net, 919-781-4141, or visit www.chefmario.com. Photo courtesy of www.suppermeals.com.

Saturday, April 1 10 am-3 pm Downtown Wake Forest

Children’s activities ♦ Gardening exhibits Master Gardeners ♦ Vendors, food trucks and entertainment wakeforestnc.gov / dirt-day.aspx

Feb 25 11 am-4 pm wakeforestnc.gov / wake-forest-mardi-gras.aspx

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scrape, or prep your pieces at all. Yes, you read that correctly – no prep! Once you have your piece selected and the color picked out, you’ll just need to gather the tools to begin. Most chalk paints involve a few steps. Be sure to read the paint can for that manufacturer’s instructions as their steps and brushes may vary.

BY KASEY WRIGHT

CHALK

IT UP!

o the holidays are over and the festive, cheery decorations have been taken down and once again stored away in the attic. If you are like me, the spaces that felt so cozy with lights and added décor just a few weeks ago now feel barren and dull. But don’t fret! It’s a new year and the perfect time to spruce up your everyday décor with a little DIY creativity and elbow grease. Many of us have accumulated furniture over the years from family and friends, or even new finds we’ve picked up to fix or refurbish, but just haven’t gotten around to tackling. This makes for a perfect project, especially when stuck inside on a cold, wintery day, and is one that can really add a little pop to any room. I love finding old dressers or vintage tables that need a little TLC and working my magic over the course of a few hours to really make them sing. Do-it-yourself, or DIY, projects do not have to be complicated. In fact, DIY can be downright easy. One of my favorite ways to change up furniture in a room is to chalk paint it. There are many different brands of chalk paint from which to choose, as well as colors. I love this method because it is insanely simple. You do not need to sand, 10

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Generally, I plan on about two to three hours to complete my piece, depending on its size. The quart-sized cans of paint seem pricey per ounce, but they cover so much ground you can actually do more than one item with each. You’ll want to apply one to two coats of chalk paint on average to achieve the desired coverage. It dries quickly so I often go back for the second coat shortly after finishing the first. I like to keep some of my pieces a mix of painted surface and wood for a little character. While in the painting phase, you can also decide to layer more than one color, and then distress it with sandpaper for a more rustic/shabby chic feel. This accent is perfect for detail areas such as edges, spindles, curves, and raised portions of the piece. Once your paint is dry, you will want to wax the surfaces to provide a protective finish. For waxing, you have two options – typically, you would use a clear wax, but dark waxes that create an antiqued feel are also available. Simply brush on the wax and then use a cheesecloth to rub the wax deeper into the surface, sealing all the nooks and crannies. The final step in chalk painting is one you may decide to do later – but I get impatient at times and just can’t wait for the final “ta-da!” Use an old t-shirt to buff out the wax to the desired level of sheen you want on the piece. There is so much room to manipulate the finish with color selections, distressing, buffing, etc. that you can really change it up and keep layering until you achieve the perfect finish. Once the furniture transformation is complete, it’s time to accessorize. I love combining old décor pieces with new and adding in a different color each year to freshen up the feel of a room for the new year. Small touches of color that are incorporated into little spaces in each room really help tie the whole space together. A great place to start looking is at your local antique shops – many treasures are waiting to be found. Pick one décor item like an oversized sign or personalized piece to build around that you can rest on your newly refreshed dresser. For instance, old cans or buckets can be filled with fresh flowers or mixed greenery to flank the sign. Stacking old books with a frame on top or an old tobacco basket with a wreath in it are just a couple of tiny ideas to set a cozy scene. Cheers to the new year and new design ideas incorporated into your homes! Take the plunge and give it a try – you just might learn to love painting and decorating after all.  Kasey Wright is the owner of AR Workshop Raleigh, offering hands-on graphic design and DIY workshops in a studio boutique that is located at 14460 Falls of the Neuse, Suite 175 in Raleigh. For more information, please visit www.arworkshop.com/raleigh.

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ike Ferguson, MD, director, WakeMed Physician Practices – Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) walks us through the ins and outs of the ear, proper care, and common problems.

To start, it’s important to know that all kids should be screened at birth for hearing while they’re at the hospital. If they don’t pass the screening, they’ll be referred to an ENT for help. As they get older, a child could have problems with chronic fluid behind their ears, which could also affect speech development. Even if they passed a newborn screening, other problems can develop at age one to two. Sometimes it’s hard for parents to notice if a young child can’t hear very well. If your child is unable to communicate what is bothering them, it might be tough to know what’s going on. Signs of problems with ears include crying, not nursing or taking a bottle, not sleeping, or a fever. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has any of these symptoms. If needed, they can refer you to an ENT for persistent problems such as recurring infections or other concerns.

KIDS AND EAR TUBES As a parent, you might be wondering just exactly what ear tubes are

EARS

101 Winter has arrived, and with it comes the increased chance that your little one will experience an ear issue during the colder months. But unless you’re a trained ear, nose, and

throat doctor, you probably don’t have a great perspective of what’s going on. So how are you supposed to know when to be concerned or what to do when your kids are fussing about their ears? Should you clean them? Are they infected? 12

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and why some kids need them. “Some kids just have really short tubes so the middle ear doesn’t get ventilated or aerated properly,” says Dr. Ferguson. “This can cause fluid to collect behind the ear drum, which prevents proper vibration and can create hearing loss or an infection that builds up, causing a rupture of the ear drum.” Kids with repetitive infections need ear tubes to provide a temporary window into the middle ear to prevent the build up.

INJURED EARDRUM

A perfect smile can be so rewarding!

All too often, the eardrum can be injured either by cleaning with a cotton swab or kids playing with sharp objects. Other possible injuries include a traumatic perforation. For example, a child might land really hard on water or another object in a specific way that causes pressure and ruptures the eardrum. Symptoms of an eardrum injury include immediate pain and possible hearing loss. While many eardrum injuries will heal without specific treatment, it can take several weeks to over a month. It’s important to see an ENT anytime you think there has been an injury.

CLEANING EARS Many people believe that they should clean the inside of the ear with a cotton swab. Dr. Ferguson warns against this and says it causes more harm than good. He describes the ear as self-cleaning. Cleaning the outside of and behind the ear is fine, but avoid the temptation to clean inside it. Parents can easily perforate a child’s eardrum when they think they’re harmlessly cleaning the ear. Even if you’re extra careful, a child can quickly move or jerk his or her head. The ear canal isn’t a straight pipe – it is a curved tunnel. You can create other problems when you think you’re cleaning an ear. “People think they need to clean the wax out, but they are essentially pushing it in, which can cause other problems as the wax builds up and becomes harder,” says Dr. Ferguson. “Really, cleaning inside the ears is not required or recommended for children or adults.” Wax is secreted from the glands in the ear and creates a protective barrier for it. “It helps with water repelling, slows the ability of bacteria to grow, and can prevent chronic issues with itchy ears,” adds Dr. Ferguson. The best rules for ear care are to never clean what you can’t see, and don’t put anything inside the ear. Wax will work itself out. If you can see it, you can simply brush it out with a soft cloth. If you can’t see it, leave it alone.  WakeMed’s ENT physicians offer a wide range of facial, ear, nose and throat services to children and adults including ear tubes, nasal and sinus care, allergy treatment, thyroid management, sleep apnea solutions, and more. Visit www.wakemedphysicians.com for more information.

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A SWEET VALENTINE 7 IDEAS FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY VALENTINE’S DAY BY TODD AND CHERYL NELSON

This year for Valentine’s Day, instead of focusing on heartshaped things and material symbols of love, why not plan a day that makes your heart truly sing? Make it all about nurturing the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of your own heart, the ones you love, and even the hearts of people you don’t know. The great thing about such an approach to Valentine’s is that it matters not if you are partnered, single, surrounded by friends and family, or feeling alone in the world just now. Here are a few ideas for making this February 14 a happy, healthy Valentine’s Day. RENEW VOWS FOR HEALTHIER, HAPPIER LIVING. Perhaps you made a New Year’s resolution – to quit unhealthy habits, lose weight, exercise more, eat less sugar and refined carbs – that you have already let go. It’s never too late to get back on track, so make February 14 the day you forgive yourself for transgressions and renew the vows you made to honor and care for your own physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. COOK AT HOME. One of the heart-healthiest things you can do for yourself and your family is to cook real foods from scratch at home where you control menu choices, ingredients, flavors, and portion sizes. If you’re not the greatest cook or need to lighten up your repertoire, make a Valentine’s date for yourself – and maybe a mate – for a heart-healthy cooking class. If you’re already handy in the kitchen, spend quality time with loved ones finding and experimenting with new heart-healthy recipes and finding different ways to add flavor to food with healthy spices and seasonings rather than excess fats and sodium. GET ACTIVE. Research shows that a moderate-intensity walk or hike can yield the same heart-healthy benefits as high-intensity running. It’s also a great way to escape distracting devices, chores, and other cares, and share quality time and conversation with the ones you love. If it’s too cold to go outside, find ways to get active 14

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inside: climbing stairs, dancing, or practicing yoga with an app or online video. GO OUTSIDE. Wintertime depression is closely tied to a lack of Vitamin D, which your body manufactures from exposure to natural sunlight. With the cold weather, you might be especially susceptible to the February blues. Hiking, sledding, skating, and skiing are all great ways to get outside, boost vitamin D, and tend to your heart happiness on Valentine’s Day. GIVE COMPLIMENTS. How often have you thought of nice things to say to people, but, for some reason, just never said them? Resolve to spend Valentine’s Day looking for reasons to appreciate people in your life and then following through and verbalizing the compliments – or, if you are really shy, writing them. While you are at it, be sure to find a few compliments for yourself. DO ANONYMOUS ACTS OF KINDNESS. While, for many, Valentine’s means grand romance, it can be a hugely painful day for anyone suffering loss, grief, or loneliness. The act of making others happy – without taking credit – always rebounds to the giver, so resolve to spend at least part of your Valentine’s Day doing random, anonymous acts of kindness for those who really need it. PRACTICE GRATITUDE. One of the best ways to relieve stress, to make your heart sing, and improve heart health is to spend a few moments of each day in a state of pure appreciation and gratitude for all you have – be it your partner, family, friends, acquaintances, knowledge, talent, passions, possessions, or life itself. If you don’t do this regularly already, let Valentine’s be the day you start a new habit of daily gratitude and appreciation. While it’s certainly nice to give traditional Valentine’s Day gifts like flowers and candy, consider doing something a little different this year – treat the ones you love to the gift of good health and a happy heart ... it just might make the day a little bit sweeter.  Todd and Cheryl Nelson are the co-owners of MaidPro of Raleigh and Wake Forest. For cleaning tips, visit www.maidpro.com/ raleigh-north or call 919-871-9996.

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DRIVEABLE DESTINATIONS BY JENNIFER SMART

DRIVEABLE

DESTINATIONS SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE IN MOUNT AIRY It’s not easy finding the right “Driveable Destination” to feature for January, February, and March. Following the excitement of the recent holiday season, everyone’s looking for a place that’s budget-friendly, not too tiring, and preferably weatherproof for a quick winter weekend getaway. That’s why we settled on the warm, cozy comfort of

Mayberry – also known as Mount Airy, North Carolina.

stunning ability to recreate Mayberry’s signature brand of hospitality. It’s like watching a great actor in the role of a lifetime; after a while, you forget it’s just a guy playing a part. That’s how completely Mount Airy inhabits its retro identity. You can actually walk into Floyd’s Barbershop for a haircut, order a pork chop sandwich at Snappy Lunch (reportedly the only local restaurant mentioned by name in an episode of The Andy Griffith Show), or wander Main Street. If you do, you’re sure to see the occasional black and white squad car roll past. In fact, for $35 you can pile into one at Wally’s Service Station at 625 S. Main Street and take a tour that hits all the local landmarks, from Barney’s Café to the small house – now a bed and breakfast – that once was home to young Andy Griffith. As a practical matter, the drive west to Mount Airy is very manageable. We set off mid-morning with a plan to arrive just around lunchtime. This worked perfectly. Despite some construction traffic around Greensboro and Winston-Salem, travel was smooth, the day was mild, we pulled in when expected, and parking was free. So far so good. But when we set out to find Snappy Lunch for that legendary sandwich (fried pork chop slathered with slaw, mustard, chili, onion, and tomato on a bun) – we had a bit of a

he basic facts are these: As the birthplace of Andy Griffith, Mount Airy served as the template for the fictional town of Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show, a television program that’s ranked among the best of all time. The series originally ran on CBS from 1960-1968 and, whether it was Opie’s guilt over taking down a bird with his slingshot or Andy pretending to relish Aunt Bee’s kerosene pickles, the plotlines consistently emphasized the moral lessons, common sense, and humor found in the real life, mid-century South. This is why churches around the United States still use original episodes as part of their Bible Study programs. So how does Mount Airy currently fit in? Well, it’s demonstrated a 16

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shock. The line stretched out the door and down the block. That’s how big a deal this little place is. But the owners sure do know how to move a crowd, and we ended up waiting only half an hour for a small booth and a good meal. Service inside was super speedy and the prices were super low. The sandwiches were exactly as advertised. So with our Snappy Lunch lunch under our belts, we headed back out onto the sidewalk to stroll the picturesque downtown. How to describe the feeling you get while visiting a real town that’s doing a very good job of impersonating a Hollywood snapshot of a fictionalized version of its actual past self? To call it “meta” would be an understatement. In Mount Airy, the shops and storefronts look like Mayberry on the outside and are filled with Mayberry merchandise on the inside. Here you can find an endless array of souvenirs, fan art, collectibles, and t-shirts. The variety is smart, nostalgic, and pretty much endless. If you’ve been searching for any product featuring the likeness, name, or catchphrase of Barney, Gomer, Aunt Bee, or any other indelible character, this is where you’ll find it. You’ll also find a selection of restaurants, galleries, pet boutiques, and clothing stores that don’t identify with the television show but fill a niche for those who wish to mix in a bit of regular browsing, shopping, and dining with the overall Mayberry experience.

and ending with his last television series as a criminal defense attorney in the courtroom drama Matlock. Also at this location is the Andy Griffith Playhouse, which contains two self-guided exhibits. One tells the life story of actress Betty Lynn (known to Mayberry fans as Barney Fife’s true sweetheart Thelma Lou); the other is a detailed look at the lives and families of Chang and Eng Bunker, the conjoined twins from Samutsongkram, Siam who toured the world before settling down in Mount Airy in the 1840s, marrying a pair of local sisters, and fathering a combined total of 21 children. If you’re looking for even more local history, Mount Airy is one of the few small towns with multiple museums of exceptionally high quality. The Historic Earle Theater at 142 N. Main Street is a renovated art deco structure that bills itself as the “Home of the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall.” It has a collection of artifacts documenting the contributions of local music pioneers, and is also home base for the

second longest continuously running live radio broadcast in the nation, “The MerryGo-Round,” which goes on air every Saturday at 11:00 AM. The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, at 301 N. Main Street, preserves and shares the history and tradition of the settlements that took root at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, showing visitors new interpretations of this unique region’s cultural and artistic heritage. Truly, a heritage rich enough to produce a character as memorable and timeless as Andy Taylor is certainly allowed to boast. This is why I can safely say that Mount Airy, aka Mayberry, is well worth the trip.  Mount Airy has a full, year-round schedule of concerts, events, and festivals. The most famous is the annual Mayberry Days Festival each September. For a complete listing, check the website at visitmayberry.com. Mount Airy is 140 miles northwest of Wake Forest via I-40 W to US-52 N. Jennifer Smart is assistant director at the Wake Forest Historical Museum. You can visit the museum online at wakeforestmuseum.org.

As this was a wintertime visit, it’s important to mention that one of the best things about Mount Airy is its near perfect combination of outdoor and indoor attractions. Even if your trip falls on a day with a freeze in the forecast, it’s still possible to have a good time. First on the list is the Andy Griffith Museum. Just a short walk from Main Street, it continues the total immersion with the world’s largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia, including family photographs, artifacts, movie posters, costumes, and props that trace Griffith’s career from his breakout role in the Broadway and movie versions of No Time for Sergeants, through his years as Sheriff Andy Taylor,

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hard to swallow. The refined pallet seeks out fine wines, beer, and whiskey, but skips over the beverage with the most intricate tasting notes of all – coffee. That, however, is slowly changing. Coffee is being roasted properly and being seen in the same light as other delicacies. Pretentious hipsters aren’t the only ones seeing coffee for what it’s worth. Chefs, bakers, brewers, chocolatiers, and confectioners are all reimagining coffee, not only as a drink, but as an ingredient.

COFFEE, MORE THAN AN INGREDIENT I began thinking through this article with the initial impression that I would write on the topic of coffee as an ingredient. I expected to tout coffee as the next best thing in all of your cooking, baking, brewing, and confectionary needs. However, as I began my interview processes, I realized there is much more to the picture than “coffee as an ingredient.” I began to see that the complexity of coffee is not limited to the cup, but extends into the complexity of the beer, of the ice cream, and of the fare created using coffee. I quickly found that we aren’t the only industry excited about it.

BEAN TO BREW The harsh winter months are a transition from the light and refreshing to the hearty, robust flavors. Our bowls are filled with a hearty stew, our mornings with a hot coffee, and our nights with a stout beer. There are few things more pleasing than ending a day with the rich, velvety sips of a dark ale. I’ve had the pleasure of

BY MATT FLINN

COFFEE REIMAGINED

FROM DANCING GOATS TO CHICKEN WINGS, IT’S NOT JUST YOUR NORMAL CUP ’O JOE

elieve it or not, the sweet, black elixir we know as coffee was not first discovered as a drink. Legend holds that an Ethiopian herdsman discovered the coffee bean after finding his goats dancing wildly in the fields. After careful observation, he noticed his goats eating the bright red cherries from an unknown plant. The bean would later be dried and boiled by a sleepy monk needing energy for a long night of prayer. Needless to say, the drink grew wildly in popularity. Unfortunately, the mass production of coffee by large corporations has stripped the coffee bean of the subtle tasting notes and delicate intricacies that make it such a delightful beverage. Coffee has subsequently developed the reputation of being bitter and 18

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working with the head brewer of White Street Brewing Company in creating these staples of winter. Michael Stanley and the team at White Street have done a fantastic job in creating milk stouts, coffee stouts, and coffee porters that will satiate all of your winter cravings. I sat down with Michael to see what role coffee plays in their taproom. Seasonality plays a huge part in what is on tap, he said. Michael points out that during the winter months, his customers are much less likely to order a fruitier beer; they are looking for the rich chocolaty, nutty coffee stouts and porters. However, “what do people want” was not the question I was pursuing. I want to know why coffee is used. What does it do for the beer? Is it just a flavoring, or is it more than that? With that spirit in mind, I asked. According to Michael, the addition of coffee to the beer is much less about the coffee taste, and more about the aromatics it provides. The aromatics combine with the taste of the malts used in the beer to form a whole product. The reason for using coffee within the beer is to enhance and draw out the desired flavors in that beer. As you drink, your sense of smell captures the sweet notes of coffee, chocolate, roastiness, and nuttiness that coffee often provides. This aroma enhances the experience and can draw out the nuances provided by the specific malt selected by the brewer. Coffee can be seen not as a flavoring, but as an ingredient that illuminates, enhances, and enlivens nuances that otherwise might be lost.

THE RUB

have to be a head brewer or chef – whether you are a homebrewer, a foodie, or the master of cookie baking, you should take some time this winter to create. An easy way to do that is to experiment with the foods you already love. Develop your own coffee rub or glaze. Make a coffee kombucha or a tiramisu. Test your creative chops with the family and enjoy coffee reimagined. Pork Butt Coffee Rub – One pork butt, 31/2 pounds – 4 tablespoons of finely ground coffee beans – 1/2 cup of brown sugar – 1/2 tablespoon of cayenne pepper – 1 tablespoon of Kosher salt – About 15 to 20 cranks of the grinder of black pepper – Teaspoon of minced garlic – 1/2 teaspoon of paparika Pat the mixed dry rub on all sides of the pork butt. Place the pork butt in a slow cooker. Scoop up any of the rub that fell off and toss it in the slow cooker as well. Secure the lid, turn the heat on to low, let cook for 8 hours, and enjoy.  Matt Flinn is with Back Alley Coffee Roasters, located at 314 Brooks Street in Downtown Wake Forest. For more information, please call 984-235-0125 or visit www.backalleyroasters.com and check them out on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The coffee bean has been known for most of its existence as an ingredient used to make tasty beverages. However, it is known less for its uses in food. According to Will Barnack, general manager at Over the Falls Restaurant in Downtown Wake Forest, their artisan chefs use coffee as an ingredient quite frequently. For instance, coffee is often used by the restaurant as a rub for chicken and steak. They have used a coffee rub for their steak sandwich, nachos, chicken wings, and even a breakfast burger. The two dishes that most caught my eye were the Coffee Bourbon Dry Rubbed Ribeye and the Seared Ahi Tuna in a coffee rub. I was intrigued as to why they would use a coffee rub on their meats. Will explained to me that the coffee, due to its acidic properties, acts as a great meat tenderizer. However, that is simply a side benefit to using coffee. It is used by the chefs to enhance the flavors they desire to display in their creations. Whether it be a ribeye or Ahi Tuna, specific coffees can be used to bring about an explosion of flavors in the dish. The specific taste notes of coffees can be paired with the meats used, much like one would pair a beer with a meal. When you’re in the mood for a dish with a coffee twist, be sure to give the Pork Butt Coffee Rub recipe at the end of this article a try!

BE CREATIVE The artisanal spirit is all around us here in Wake County. We are known for our creativity with food and drink. Fortunately, you don’t

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BY TINA MAST

WINTER’S

COLORFUL WELCOME

one color, while some have speckles, blotches, picotee edges with a second color, or prominent nectaries that provide additional color. There are many hybrids, but it’s easiest to think of hellebores in terms of two main groups – the ones that make seedlings and the ones that tend not to. It’s an important distinction because it will help you select the right hellebore for your garden. If you want a lovely carpet of green with a kaleidoscope of lovely colors and variations, then choose the group that makes seedlings. When you

f you are longing for the beauty of a glorious garden full of color during these cold months, don’t worry ... it is possible to enjoy beautiful blooms in late winter and early spring. Lenten roses, a must-have fantastic plant for winter interest in any garden, are here to save the day.

If you aren’t familiar with Lenten roses, also known as hellebores, then I am here to fix that. Let’s run quickly down the list of awesomeness you get when you plant hellebores: – Dozens of blooms on mature plants (flower power, baby!); – Drought tolerant; – Evergreen (leaves all year); – Deer and rabbit resistant; – Disease resistant; – Insect resistant; – Long bloom time (flower power times two); – Long-lived (not going to poop out after two years like some other “perennials”). Hellebores are perennials that bloom in winter and spring, and that is a nice thing because they are often in flower when not much else is blooming. Bloom time is long, too – usually late February to early April. Myriad color variations exist with the basic palette of colors such as plum, pink, light apricot, white, cream, light green, nearblack burgundy, wine red, and the palest yellow. Some flowers are 20

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ask for them at the garden center, ask for the “hybridus” types, formerly called “orientalis” types. There are more colors and variations available in this group, and the seedling plants that grow from them will produce flowers of different colors in your garden. There are also fluffy, double-form flowers, ones with picotee edges, and semi-doubles in this group.

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If you want a neat grouping of plants, or don’t want a bunch of extra seedlings, look for selections from the Gold Collection, or ask for sterile varieties. These hellebores tend to be smaller, less rounded in habit, and flower colors are mainly ruby pink, white, cream, dark plum, mauve, or cream with mauve. They tend to be one color or start white/cream and age to a pink, plum, or green. Some of these hellebores will bloom as early as December, which can help extend the bloom season if you plant them with later blooming varieties. Hellebores can be grown both in garden beds and containers. Since they are evergreen, they can be a useful anchor in the garden, allowing you to plant seasonal flowers around them. Site them in shade to part sun since they will get bleached out and unhappy in full sun. They will do better in soil that has been amended with organic matter, but are pretty tolerant of our clay soils.

Wake Forest, NC

The best way to enjoy hellebores is to float them in a bowl. This way you can enjoy all the delightful colors and subtle variations. Their often-nodding flowers are harder to see upright in a vase and they don’t last as long as cut stems.

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Hopefully, I have tempted you to try Lenten roses and make them part of your winter wonderland. They are certainly a cheering sight on a gray winter day and a joy to behold indoors, as well.

GROWING TIPS AT-A-GLANCE – Light: Shade to part sun. – Water: Regular water until established (first year). Drought tolerant thereafter. – Soil: Moist, well-drained with organic matter (pine bark soil conditioner, compost) amended into native clay. – Companion plants: Hosta, sedge grass, ferns, ajuga, primrose, azalea, pieris, golden paperbush, daphne. – Pruning: Trim back old leaves in February right before bloom.  Tina Mast is communications director for Homewood Nursery & Garden Center and can be reached at 919-847-0117 or info@homewoodnursery.com.

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whole new challenge to the table, with acne that one didn’t have as a teenager, or hormones that cause the skin to react adversely. Aging skin is when many start paying attention to their skin for a whole host of reasons. All of this to deal with, and then here comes the wrath of winter weather. What to do to help your skin during the challenging months ahead? Success comes with a thoughtful, doable plan of action.

BY DIANE MACK

WEATHERING

WINTER TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR SKIN THIS SEASON

We are deep in the throes of winter and our skin is feeling the stress of the cold, dry winter months. Skin is always moving; it never stops. This is why we must always access and adjust our skin care regimens according to the environment, both inside and outside. One-size skin care is a myth. There are treatments and products that will help long term; however, changing with the seasons – winter, spring, summer, and fall, along with the seasons of life – are critical to

maintaining beautiful skin. abies need very mild care for their delicate skin. Teenagers may need to change their routine periodically such as adding a serum to control acne or finding a cleanser and moisturizer that addresses their fluctuation of hormones. Mid-life brings a

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Here are some recommendations that will help you and your skin survive until the splendor of spring once again arrives. – Even though it’s cold outside, never forget to apply sunscreen daily. Use a good non-chemical sunscreen that won’t clog your pores or create free radical damage when your skin is exposed to UV light. – Use a gentle cleanser created specifically for your skin type, and make sure it is one that won’t dry out your skin, especially since there isn’t much moisture in the air during the winter months. – If using a toner is part of your skin care routine, be sure to use one that doesn’t contain isopropyl alcohol. – Be careful when choosing a serum, as many can cause your skin to become photo-sensitive. It is important to have a professional help with this decision so that you select the best product for your needs. – You may need to change your moisturizer for the winter months to one that is more emollient, holding in necessary moisture. – Including a night cream for added moisture in your routine may be necessary during this time of year. – It is important that your winter showers or baths are not too hot. Excessive heat can dry out your skin. – Using coconut oil or lotion directly after bathing or showering will lock in some extra moisture. – Protecting your hands by not using a harsh soap and applying lotion after washing is important during the colder, drier months. Many hand sanitizers can cause dryness as well, so avoid these if possible. – Don’t forget your lips in the winter. Apply a lip balm that doesn’t contain petroleum-type ingredients. – Use a humidifier in your home to help put moisture back in the air ... your skin will thank you. Caring for your skin during the winter season is easy with just a few simple changes. Following these recommendations will keep your skin protected during the cold-weather months, from the tip of your nose to the tips of your toes.  Diane Mack is a licensed esthetician and oncology certified esthetician, and is the owner of Esthetics By Caris, located inside Atlas Health & Wellness Associates, 152 Capcom Avenue, Suite 104 in Wake Forest. For questions or more information about fall skincare and other skin-related topics, you may reach Diane at 919-604-0646 or visit www.carisskincare.com.

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and test prep in middle school, and pressure mounts for high schoolers as college applications loom. According to a recent USA Today survey, teen stress is on the rise. More than a quarter (27%) of teens say they experience “extreme stress” during the school year, which negatively impacts their school performance and their mood with friends and family. In light of this statistic and observations of the teens you hold near and dear, you might ask, why add a part-time job to the mix? To stay competitive, shouldn’t teens today treat school as their job? First, there is the obvious benefit of building real world money management skills. A teen who has long spent his allowance freely might change his habits when the money must be earned for a new phone, meals eaten out, or new clothes. We have observed that some of our most successful high school team members set a goal such as a new instrument, a new car ... even gas for the car can be a powerful motivation when Mom and Dad limit cash handouts. One ingenious parent told me she established a matching fund for her son – down to the cent for everything he earned on the job.

BY KELLY TRIMYER

HELP WANTED L

But beyond the money, there are so many valuable lessons teens can learn on the job. When I asked one of our young team members if she had any friends to refer for open positions, she told me that none “needed” the money. My immediate thought: the less

et me start by saying that I am biased. I have worked consistently from the time I was hired to staff a movie theater concession stand at the age of 16, and I am a true believer in the value of hard work and the positive psychological impact of earning a paycheck. As the owner of two local Duck Donuts locations, these days I still enjoy the day-to-day operations of retail, working alongside high school team members topping and serving donuts, making small connections with the customers of all types who come through our doors. But as a parent, I know that the demands on today’s high school students are intense, and attitudes towards part-time jobs have changed. Student achievement in the classroom and across a diverse array of extracurricular activities is not only encouraged, but it is expected. Preparing for college begins with resume-building 24

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“necessary” the additional income, perhaps the more her friends could stand to benefit. How so? – SELF-RELIANCE. Whatever their next steps after high school, taking on part-time jobs where other team members, supervisors, and customers are generally unknown entities, success or failure is dependent on their own ability to sink or swim in a new (and safe) setting. The positions at our shop are fun and “challenges” are never overwhelming, yet there are great opportunities to build resourcefulness and confidence, as high school students navigate new territory. Learning when to speak up and ask questions before making mistakes is a big step, and a critical life skill, for teens. – TIME MANAGEMENT. All team members are held accountable for updating their availability to work and honoring their commitments to show up for assigned shifts. Through an online scheduling tool, team members may trade shifts or give up/pick up hours as desired. Negotiation skills and the laws of reciprocity often come into play as team members move their schedules around and seek to help each other arrange time off. Such time management and interpersonal skills will only become more important as teens transition to college or jobs after high school. – FINDING BALANCE. On a related note, part-time jobs can fit into even the busiest schedules. During the school year, most of our high school team members start by working just one weekend shift, from four to seven hours long. As they get more comfortable, some may pick up an additional short shift during the week after school. A few will want to work more. For very busy students, the schedule is manageable and may provide relief from the stresses of schoolwork and everyday problems. For less busy students or teens on summer break, a part-time job is a safe and constructive use of time. – HUMBLE PIE. Worried about the entitled attitude of your child? Working just about any role in food service can be an incredibly humbling experience that fosters emotional awareness and grit. Customer unhappy with his donuts? Remake his order on the double, under his watchful eye, with a smile on your face. Order tickets piling up? Reach out to another team member and ask for a hand. In a hurry to clock out and meet your friends for lunch? Not before you walk a harried mom through the menu and explain how made-to-order donuts work ... all while her toddler is melting down in her arms. Time to shut down the store for the night? Grab a toilet brush! An entry-level job is a great equalizer. For high school students, working alongside team members from all walks of life can be eyeopening and enriching. Mutual respect and humility are two keys to success – at their job, and in life.  Kelly Trimyer and her husband Brandon are the owner/operators of Duck Donuts in Raleigh and Cary. They eagerly accept job applications from candidates 15-years-old and up. Learn more about Duck Donuts at www.facebook.com/duckdonuts.RaleighNC/ and apply for positions at http://jobs.schedulefly.com/post-3964.aspx.

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pdating your home for the new year does not have to be difficult. Taking away and adding a few pieces here and there can refresh your home. There has never been a better time in home design than right now for achieving an eclectic look. Current decorating trends are pointing to texture and the mixing of styles, and are also bringing in blasts from the past. The decorating trends of today that will let you make your space a great place to come home to are as varied as the people who want them. For those who are fans of the hit show Fixer Upper on HGTV, you are in luck – distressed woods mixed with modern, clean lines and everything in between are here to stay for a bit. And the ’60s and ’70s are returning with a vengeance, so for those of you who grew up during those decades, get ready to relive your childhood. For instance, there are now chandeliers being made out of blue jeans for a hippy, shabby chic look. Mix that with leather and reclaimed wood pieces for a transformed space with very little effort.

BY RHONDA BENVIE

NEW YEAR

NEW HOME DECORATING AND DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2017

The ’80s are also sneaking their way back into the decorating world – primarily with color schemes. Who can forget that era’s Williamsburg blue and mauve? Most of us only wish we could forget. However, this color combination is back, but fortunately, the two colors are softer for a more aesthetically pleasing look. These colors are popping up everywhere from art to accessories. If you love the pastel blues and pinks, try throwing a few accessories in those colors into a bookcase and add a few art pieces. If the new colors don’t go with your existing space, think about a room such as a bedroom or office that is not a part of the central core of your home and use them there. Also back on the decorating scene after many years away is wallpaper. Most of you probably just winced when you read that word, but believe me, wallpaper is better than ever. The new designs and textures make it the perfect solution for an accent wall – the

Every January, people make resolutions. Some vow to exercise more or lose weight; some promise to better manage their financial situation; others may want to become more organized or lead a more balanced life. Usually to be successful in achieving and maintaining your resolution, you have to start with a happy place – that special place where all is right with the world. For most of us, our home is that haven ... so why not make that haven part of your New Year’s resolution? If you’ve resolved to give your home a facelift this year, I’m here to tell you about the decorating trends for 2017 that will make keeping this resolution just a little bit easier. 26

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trend is to feature it on one wall rather than covering the entire room. The patterns and textures are endless for a look that is sure to please. There is wallpaper that looks like shiplap, brick, stone, wood, and industrial windows, as well as multitudes of patterns. By wallpapering one wall, you can update a space in an instant. And don’t forget the ceilings – there is even wallpaper that looks exactly like ceiling tin. The texture and look of the wallpaper in the right space would be an instant conversation piece. For you gold lovers out there, this is your year. Yes, gold is back! I’m not talking about the shiny brass of the ’80s, but rather a flat, warm gold. You will see this color mixed with black and warm grays for a modern look. Gold paired with an all white and gray palette can provide an extra wow factor to any space. For example, if you have a white kitchen, update the knobs with this new gold and incorporate a few accessories of the same tone. Change the pulls on your bedroom furniture for an instant refresh; and to completely change the space, add in a few new accessories such as artwork, lamps, and pillows. If your powder room needs a little redo as well, consider replacing the faucet, knobs, and lighting for a quick renovation. Perhaps your room needs some color to give it new life – an easy and affordable fix. A new rug with colors you love can add new dimension to any room. Toss in those same hues with accent pillows and accessories for a cozy, cohesive look.

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Distressed wood is another decorating rage these days. If you desire this look, it is not hard to incorporate it into your living spaces. You can add reclaimed wood beams to your ceiling or replace your white mantle to one large beam of wood for a beautiful feature. Maybe you are tired of your end tables and coffee table. If so, add texture and personality to your space with new ones in this reclaimed wood. The wood looks great when mixed with iron elements for an industrial look as well. Again, the uses are endless – even in larger pieces such as dining tables. Live edge tables add a rustic elegance like no other. Incorporate a new table with upholstered chairs in a beautiful updated fabric and a new chandelier for a completely new room. When redecorating your home in 2017, remember to keep it simple. If you are not sure how to give your home a facelift, consider hiring an interior designer to help you – he or she can simply offer ideas and inspiration that you can implement yourself, or provide a complete overhaul. Or visit a furniture store that offers interior design help. If you choose this route, take plenty of pictures of your space with you. These design professionals can help you create the home of your dreams – and who knows, it may even help you finally keep those New Year’s resolutions!  Rhonda Benvie is the owner of Help Me Rhonda Interiors, 1600 Heritage Commerce Court, Suite 103 in Wake Forest and Open Door Furniture & Accents, a furniture and accessories store also in Wake Forest. Visit www.helpmerhondainteriors.com or www.opendoorfurnitureandaccents.com, or call 919-263-9054.

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RUNNING

SMART I

BY DR. JAIME PEDRAZA

t’s that time again – everyone is making New Year’s resolutions and beginning new training programs to prepare for spring 5Ks, half marathons, and full marathons. Running is an excellent form of exercise, whether you’re looking to lose weight, gain hard muscle, or maintain a healthy exercise routine. Millions of people, spanning all ages, run recreationally every day, and all it requires is a pair of athletic shoes. In fact, there has been a steady increase of runners in organized events over the past 15 years. According to Running USA, in 1990 around 4.8 million runners participated in organized U.S. events. In 2015, over 17 million runners participated in a U.S. running event, and 7.6 million alone ran 5K races.

connects the major calf muscles to the back of the heel. By overtraining on fatigued calf muscles, runners often put all of their weight on their Achilles tendon. This can cause inflammation and, without proper treatment, a tear in the tendon. Shin splints, known as medial tibial stress syndrome, occur when runners feel dull or sharp pain around their tibia. This injury is common for beginning runners because the muscles around the tibia become inflamed or there is weakness in the hip or core muscles. Other common injuries for runners include muscle strains, sprains, stress fractures, or temperature-related injuries such as heat exhaustion, hypothermia, and dehydration. In short, running is both the easiest way to train and, in some cases, the easiest way to get hurt.

Whether your goal is to increase your cardio capacity, beat your one-mile run time, or just get into a fitness routine, you should consider how intense your cardio workouts should be to get the results you want. Low-intensity cardio, an activity as simple as walking, allows your body to burn calories with less stress on your muscles, requires less recovery time, and improves your mood. Moderate-intensity cardio, such as jogging, and high-intensity cardio, such as sprints, are excellent for increasing cardio capacity, burning calories quickly by speeding up your metabolism, and strengthening your muscles and bones as a weight-bearing exercise. However, the more difficult the workout, the more likely you are to run into an injury.

Don’t wait until the pain is severe enough that you’re unable to run anymore. Listen to your body and do not ignore an injury. The first step to recovery is developing an injury recovery game plan – and sticking to it. There are simple ways to practice injury prevention such as stretching, warming up, and cooling down for every cardio workout. Always wear proper shoes and retire your old pair after 300 to 400 miles of use or one year of running, whichever comes first. No matter the weather conditions, stay hydrated during your run and mindful of the temperature outside. The leading causes of injuries that I commonly see are increasing running distances too quickly and changing terrain. Before changing your training regimen, speak to a personal training professional, and if you’re concerned that you have suffered a serious injury, speak to a sports medicine physician as quickly as possible. 

Running injuries happen to everyone, and the causes span from changing your running surface or running distance too quickly to something as simple as wearing an old pair of running shoes. Most runners deal with a nagging issue – a bum knee, a sore ankle – everyday, but managing these minor injuries from the start can prevent further or more serious injuries down the road. Two common overuse injuries for all runners are Achilles tendonitis and shin splints. Your Achilles tendon is the large tendon that 28

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Dr. Jaime Pedraza is a board certified orthopaedic physician at Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic specializing in concussion management and non-operative sports medicine. He has served as team physician for two NCAA Division I universities, the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Pedraza received his medical degree from the School of Medical and Biological Sciences “Dr. Ignacio Chavez,” a branch of the University of Michoacán in Morelia, Mexico. To learn more about Dr. Pedraza and tips on how to get in shape, visit raleighortho.com.

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and make a game plan for addressing issues or future preventive care needs. Your health history is important and very pertinent to personalizing your experience and healthcare recommendations. Questions will be asked in regards to your medical history, lifestyle habits, and family history. A physical exam is performed and potential lab work and/or diagnostic testing is discussed. You may also need a more focused office visit to address concerns. A few of these specific health concerns that are often addressed at wellness checks include fatigue, weight gain, and seasonal allergies.

FATIGUE When was the last time you woke up feeling rested? Or made it through the day bright-eyed and energized? Fatigue can be due to many different causes. Familiar ones include sleep disturbances, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise. But what also needs to be considered are undiagnosed issues with thyroid, blood pressure, anemia, or nutritional deficiencies, just to name a few. Discussion with a medical provider, a physical exam, and sometimes simple lab work can aide in determining a cause.

WEIGHT GAIN

BY BETH NORTON

For many, the new year brings motivation to address those un-

RING IN A

HEALTHY NEW YEAR

The holiday season has drawn to a close, and now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to set your New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolutions. For many, those resolutions are centered around leading a healthier lifestyle. If

Sun., May 14 MilesIntosmiles .com , nc Wake forest

2017

you are ready to ring in the new year with the resolve to do this, be sure to ask yourself if you are ready to dedicate the needed time and attention to your health and wellness.

I 30

f you answered yes, then schedule a wellness visit as soon as possible. Wellness visits can go by many names, i.e. checkups, yearly physicals, etc. They are designed to help you check in with your current health status, explore areas of concern related to physical or emotional health,

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wanted extra pounds. Healthy eating and exercise are the foundational elements for losing them, but sometimes they just aren’t enough. Advances in medications, including lipotropics (compounds that help accelerate the breakdown of fat during metabolism in the body), may be an appropriate option to discuss with your healthcare provider.

healthier life. So this year, keep that New Year’s resolution and make your health a top priority.  Beth Norton, MS, PA-C is with Heritage Urgent and Primary Care, providing wellness exams and screening, weight loss management, and 20% off their laser services after two months on the weight loss program. Call 919-761-5678 today to make a primary care appointment.

The body requires nutrition and vitamins to stimulate the right hormones to function correctly so the body will let go of fat stores it’s holding onto. Lipotropic injections contain several B vitamins which play a role in utilizing fat, distributing energy, and removing toxins from the body. So if eating right and regular exercise just aren’t eliminating that extra weight, ask your doctor if you are a candidate.

SEASONAL ALLERGIES Many of us get a well-deserved break from allergies during the winter months, and it is not until those first warm weather spring days that we remember what’s to come. Uncontrolled seasonal allergies can cause headaches, fatigue, persistent throat clearing, or cough. Now can be a great time to consider allergy testing for environmental or food allergens. Knowing your triggers helps you know what to avoid. If avoidance isn’t possible, medications or immunotherapy may be discussed and recommended by a medical provider. Your primary care provider can be a great asset in helping you meet your health and wellness goals for 2017 – whether it’s providing reassurance that everything is on the right track, alerting you to medical conditions that require attention, or creating with you a treatment plan that may incorporate medications or referrals to specialists. By getting the right health services, screenings, and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances for living a longer,

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tart by getting the family together to plan the day. Pick one when there is no hockey or basketball, birthday parties, or ballet practice ... just a day when you can be together as a family and have a ball. Make a list of what you want to do – favorite foods you want to make, movies you want to watch, and games you want to play. Get your grocery list together and shop ahead of time. Once you wake up, it’s full steam ahead! My family likes to start with a great breakfast, complete with all the yummies we don’t have time to make during our hectic weeks. French toast with homemade fruit syrup accompanied by thick sliced bacon and country sausage is a huge hit at our house. Go all out and freshly squeeze the orange juice – your kids will have a blast and it is such a special treat. Add a splash of champagne for Mom and Dad and it’s practically a holiday!

BY STACEY MORITZ

SIMMER UP

SOME COZY

FUN Now that the winter chill has taken up residency, at least

for the next couple of months, it’s time to reach deep into your arsenal of all things warm and cozy and find a way to survive until the spring thaw. There’s no better way to bring comfort to your soul than fighting off the winter doldrums with a warm oven and something yummy bubbling on the stove. The wind blowing hard and cold provides a good excuse to spend a day with your family indoors to reconnect. Why not plan a day to cook, play, and share together? 32

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Once the dishes are cleared, it’s time to get busy. Everyone should have a job for each dish you are making, and be sure to rotate tasks so that each of the kids feels that he or she is doing something important. We like to start with the dishes that have the longest preparation and cooking time. Our favorite is spaghetti sauce and lasagna. We start by making a huge pot of sauce and adding cooked ground beef to half of it in order to prepare the perfect lasagna. If you have little ones, making homemade meatballs is a great project for their little hands. Mix up your favorite recipe and let them go to town rolling them up – don’t worry if they’re not perfectly shaped ... no matter their form, they’ll still be delicious. Chicken enchiladas or baked ziti are other delicious dishes that even the pickiest child will devour. Assembling the casseroles is a great family activity, and since they take so much time, you’ll get more bang for your buck by making three or four for the freezer – you’ll be rewarded on a future busy weeknight with something to just pop in the oven that is oh so delicious. Other great stovetop treats are chili, red beans and rice, and good old-fashioned soups (see the recipe at the end for one of my alltime favorites – chicken enchilada). I suggest going ahead and making a double or triple batch, as all freeze beautifully and will be welcome weeknight options when you don’t have a lot of time to prepare a meal. If you plan it right, you’ll have a pot ready to serve right around lunchtime – maybe alphabet or chicken noodle soup. Be sure to mix in plenty of fun treats throughout the process to keep everyone interested and provide a little sustenance for the sweet tooth along the way. Freshly made cookies are great little nibbles that will keep everyone close to the kitchen and helping throughout the day. Don’t limit yourself to made-ahead dinners – made-ahead breakfasts are also great timesavers and are perfect for those hectic mornings when you’re all running a tad late. My children love it

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when I can offer them a selection of breakfast muffins from the freezer. A quick pop in the microwave and the very best blueberry, pumpkin, and banana muffins are a mere 30 seconds away from warming their tummies on a cold winter morning. Muffins are also great treats for your kids to make together. Older children can help read the recipe and measure while the younger ones mix and fill the pans. It’s a great opportunity to promote a little teamwork. So be sure to allow some time on your family fun day to whip up a batch or two – their bellies will thank you. While you are busy in the kitchen, take some time to think of those around you who might enjoy a homemade meal for no reason at all. A busy mother or a favorite neighbor would be very touched to receive such a thoughtful surprise. You might just encourage them to pay it forward for someone else (hey, wasn’t that one of your resolutions this year?). Making an extra casserole or an additional pot of chili just may warm someone’s tummy this winter, as well as their heart. To perfectly top off the day with your loved ones, pop one of the yummy masterpieces you created together in the oven. While it’s cooking, mix up some homemade hot chocolate or warm apple cider and a big bowl of popcorn. Gather together for a fun game, puzzle, or a favorite movie and enjoy the warmth you’ve created with the ones you love the most. Suddenly, winter doesn’t seem so cold!

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CHICKEN ENCHILADA SOUP – 1 medium yellow onion, chopped – 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – 2 cups chicken broth – 1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies – 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed – 2 cups frozen corn kernels – 1 can red enchilada sauce – 1 tablespoon chili powder – 1 teaspoon ground cumin – ½ teaspoon salt – 2 cups shredded cooked chicken Heat vegetable oil in a large pot. Sauté the onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients except chicken and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes. Stir in chicken and simmer about 5-10 more minutes. Serving suggestion: Top with a slice of avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla strips, and a dollop of sour cream.  Stacey Moritz is the owner of The Lemon Tree Cafe, located at 113 S. White Street in Downtown Wake Forest (919-521-5806), offering freshly prepared salads, pastas, soups, and take-away fare. The Lemon Tree Cafe is open Monday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, offering lunch and catering.

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KNOW THE

SIGNS

SYMPTOMS OF A HEART ATTACK ... MEN VS. WOMEN

We’ve all seen the way heart attacks are portrayed in mov-

actor suddenly grabs his chest and falls to the floor. While

toms,” said Dr. George Stouffer, chief of cardiology at UNC Medical Center. “They may just have a sense of not feeling well. Other examples of unusual symptoms include right arm pain, toothache, extra heart beats, and abdominal pain.”

it may be perfect for the silver screen, this overly dramatic

It is important to recognize these symptoms early and seek medi-

ies – a seemingly innocent activity is interrupted as the

portrayal of a common medical emergency obscures some of the less known symptoms of a heart attack. In fact, heart attack symptoms frequently present differently in women

A than in men.

common misconception is that heart disease more commonly affects men. It’s also common to think that heart attacks only happen to the elderly. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recent statistics show that heart disease is the number one killer of women, accounting for approximately 22% of women’s deaths. Cancer (all forms combined) came in second place. Additionally, heart attacks routinely happen to younger women. The combination of smoking and birth control raises your risk of having a heart attack by 20%.

ATYPICAL SYMPTONS IN WOMEN Popular culture frequently describes heart attack symptoms as pain or tightness in your chest. Some patients describe the feeling as an elephant sitting on their chest. While women may feel this way too, some women report symptoms more commonly associated with the flu: fatigue, indigestion, vomiting, a sore throat, or a dull ache. “Many patients, and especially women, may not have classic symp34

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cal attention. In one study by the University of Rochester, men waited an average of three hours before seeking help. Women waited an average of four hours. For optimal outcomes, The American Heart Association recommends treatment within 90 minutes of suffering symptoms of a heart attack. Make sure your friends and family are trained to recognize these symptoms. The Triangle has a coordinated response among EMS paramedics and hospital clinicians that reduces the time for crucial treatment for deadly heart attacks and helps save lives, as shown in a recent national demonstration project. “The good news is that Wake County is one of the best-performing (EMS to hospital times) in the country, and is recognized as a national model for this type of coordination,” said Dr. James Jollis, a cardiologist with North Carolina Heart & Vascular. “Ultimately, death from heart attack should become a rare event.”

PREVENTION IS KEY Heart disease is preventable. A good place to start is to know your risk factors: – Do you have high blood pressure? – Is your waist greater than 35 inches? – Is your weight in proportion to your height? – Do you smoke? – Are you physically active? – Do you have diabetes? There are many resources to help you adapt to a heart-healthy lifestyle: consult a registered dietitian for help with healthy eating; join a gym or wellness center for assistance with an exercise routine; seek out methods for smoking cessation; and most importantly, consult your primary care physician about your risk factors for heart disease.  The North Carolina Heart & Vascular Hospital is under construction on the UNC REX Healthcare campus in Raleigh and is scheduled to open in March. This eight-story, 373,000 square foot building will bring together UNC REX’s heart and vascular services in one location. Every aspect of the facility has been designed with the comfort of patients and their families in mind. The design is based on research, best practices, and input from UNC REX patients, physicians, clinicians, and caregivers. In addition, the hospital will have the latest technology for patient care and procedures, as well as a state-of-the-art learning institute. Dedicated education space will make it easier for UNC REX physicians to continue providing education to other physicians throughout the world, add educational programs for patients and the community, and increase in-house training and education for staff. For more information, visit whereheartsbeatstrong.com. Want to learn more about your risk for heart disease? Visit rexhealth.com/heartaware to take a free online screening.

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– The Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival: March 11, starting at 10:00 AM in Downtown Raleigh. – “In Search of Leprechauns”: March 17 at Historic Yates Mill County Park (4620 Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh; the time for this event was yet to be determined as of our press time). Your young lads and laddesses will enjoy building leprechaun traps and listening to leprechaun stories at this family-friendly festivity. To help celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, many local Irish restaurants serve staples such as shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, and even Irish breakfasts. But if Irish beer is what tempts your taste buds, a variety of stouts and ales are served at area pubs and sold at local and international grocery stores. If you’d rather celebrate St. Patty’s Day in the comfort of your own home, local international stores also sell glassware such as beer boots and steins to make you feel like you’re in the motherland. But if beer isn’t what you fancy on this festive day, maybe a hot cup of Irish coffee or tea will whet your whistle. Green frosted cupcakes and theme-decorated cookies are easy and tasty sweet treats that you can make yourself, or can be picked up at any local bakery; but for a more authentic treat, visit a local international store for sweets such as scones and chocolates, or indulge in a little soda bread to enhance your Irish stew.

BY MONIQUE M. ROGERS

GOING

GREEN CELEBRATING ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN STYLE

or many in the Triangle area, St. Patrick’s Day – a cultural and religious celebration held every March 17, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland – is a day of revelry and celebration of the heritage and traditions of the Irish culture. But if your last name isn’t O’Brien, Callaghan, or O’Connor, there’s no need to worry – everyone can be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! And there’s no reason to leave the Triangle to celebrate the traditions of this festive holiday. Go ahead and mark your calendars for a couple of upcoming local events you won’t want to miss (and don’t forget the green, or you risk being pinched!): 36

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Speaking of Irish stew ... if you weren’t lucky enough to inherit your Irish ancestors’ recipe, or recipes for their other Irish dishes, but are feeling the itch to concoct a few to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, thankfully you don’t have to look far. Simply research options online at sites like Pinterest or your local bookstore. If celebrating at home, be sure to get your children involved in the decorations and festivities. Local party stores provide adornments such as balloons, streamers, and signs and centerpieces featuring green shamrocks, leprechaun hats, and pots of gold. Looking for special treats for giveaway bags for your wee ones? Pick up some shamrock pencils, leprechaun and fairy stickers, or gold-foiled coin chocolates – a gift from a lucky leprechaun. More crafty decorations such as DIY tabletop topiaries can be simply created by items found at arts and craft supply stores. Another great crafty idea for bringing children into the celebration is creating Irish fairy gardens. These mini villages can be built from scratch using miniature homes, rustic bicycles, fences, chairs, carts, tables, benches, figurines, and the like. They can be developed in the corner of a garden or in a pot of dirt. Supplies can be purchased online or at local arts and crafts shops or hardware stores. These fun fairy gardens will help to keep you and your little ones in the St. Patrick spirit all year long. A great way to end your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with your wee ones is story time featuring this special day. Check out the following sampling of books that are available at your local library, bookstore, or online: The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day by Natasha Wing; The Story of Saint Patrick by James A. Janda and Christopher Fay; How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace; Leprechauns and Irish Folklore: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House #43: Leprechaun in Late Winter by Mary Pope Osbourne and Natalie Pope Boyce; Great Irish Legends for Children by Yvonne Carroll; Irish Fairy Tales (Dover Children’s Thrift Classics) by editor Philip Smith; Traditional Irish Fairy Tales by James Stephens; and The O’Brien Book of Irish Fairy Tales and Legends by Una Leavy. The aforementioned fares and brews are available all year long at local pubs, and area Irish stores feature gifts such as Celtic jewelry and decorations, Irish blessings, Irish porcelain, Claddagh rings, and more, making it easy to keep the Irish in your heart until next St. Patrick’s Day. In the meantime, enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day and may you find a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.  Monique M. Rogers is a creative, journalistic, and technical writer with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in journalism and a Bachelor’s of Arts in English. She also received a diploma in graphic design and desktop publishing. She owns a freelance writing and event coordinating business, Monique M. Rogers, LLC. Contact Monique at monique.m.rogers@gmail.com. Monique’s “My Midlife” blog is also available at www.moniquemrogers.com.

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– Choose wood-based over paper-backed products for walls (e.g. use wainscoting instead of drywall); – Place electrical outlets higher up on walls to avoid contact with water in the event of a flood; – Rather than carpet, consider area rugs; these can be rolled up and removed if a flood threatens, or removed and dried if they do become wet. Here are a couple of common sense tips for protecting important items. It’s always a good idea to keep electronics on higher shelves, or at the very least to keep them up off the floor. And while electronics tend to be the first things people think about protecting, the most valuable items many people own are those things that cannot be replaced. Your photos and important documents are much more difficult to replace than a TV. I recommend storing those items on a higher floor when possible, and I also suggest keeping them in plastic containers.

BY THOMAS WALTERS

STAYING HIGH

AND DRY PREVENTING MOLD FROM GROWING IN YOUR HOME

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of water – a refreshing drink, a way to stay cool, something that keeps your garden healthy? While water is all of those things, it can also cause damage in a short period of time. One of the keys to preventing damage and mold

from water is to act quickly. n order to prevent water damage in your home, you first need to be aware of sources of such possible damage. Melting snow, heavy rain, an overflow of the sewer system, ice damming, and condensation from activities like cooking or showering are the main sources of water damage that I see.

For the individual who is either building a new home or remodeling an existing one, I suggest considering the following: 38

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One of the main concerns with water damage is the possibility of mold. In addition to being unsightly, mold can contribute to allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. The way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. If water gets into your home, be sure to clean and dry damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours. If mold has become a problem, it’s important to clean it up and eliminate the source of moisture as soon as possible. Here are some recommendations to help prevent mold from forming in your home: – Don’t install carpeting in areas that have a perpetual moisture problem. – Reduce indoor humidity to 30-60%. This can be done by venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside, increasing ventilation, and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning. – Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation. The most practical advice I can give to someone who’s experienced water damage is to start water damage cleanup as soon as possible, which increases the likelihood of saving water-soaked items and preventing mold growth. That, along with prevention, which includes consulting with your insurance agent to make sure you are properly inured to protect yourself from water losses, is your best bet for staying high and dry.  Thomas Walters is the owner of Walters Insurance Agency. If you’d like to talk more about how to protect your home this winter, stop by the agency at 3207 Rogers Road, Suite 100 in Wake Forest. He may also be reached at 919-554-0267 or ThomasWalters@allstate.com.

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WINTER

PRESCRIPTIONS FROM THE

KITCHEN

BY OUITA DAVIS GATTON

t’s the start of a new year, and today is the best time to begin new eating habits that will carry you into the rest of the year. Changing unhealthy eating habits starts with the diet choices we make each day. The key to a healthy mind, strong body, and happier life is a wellplanned diet and nutritious food choices.

Adopting healthy behaviors does not happen overnight, but it’s not about the process – it’s about the results. “But it’s difficult,” you say. “It’s just too hard to eat healthier due to my work schedule, my family, or my lifestyle.” I’m here to tell you that it’s a lot less challenging than you think. The nutritional value of eating at home versus eating out is night and day, and incorporating healthier eating habits within your diet is simple, according to tips from the American Heart Association. For example, planning your meals can help your body and your wallet, allowing you to buy in bulk and capitalize on savings at your local grocery store. Perhaps use your weekends to cook the next week’s meals, and buy your favorite fruits and vegetables for quick, no hassle snacks. You can maintain a well-balanced diet with low-fat dairy products, fruits, vegetables, or whole grains. Lastly, I encourage you to introduce your diet to superfoods. Superfoods are foods that are packed with nutrients, providing your body with extra doses of vitamins and minerals. These superfoods are often dense in antioxidants, fibers, and healthy fats, which help ward off cholesterol, heart problems, and disease. Several fruits, such as blueberries and kiwi, and leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, make the list of superfoods due to their high vitamin count. Today I’ll introduce you to two recipes using two different superfoods – avocados and salmon. Avocados are perhaps the most popular superfood on the market – even making an appearance in some fast food restaurants such as Subway and Panera Bread. But don’t let that fool you – its nutrient-dense properties are abundant. Avocados are rich in healthy monounsaturated fat, which appears in the form oleic 40

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acid, helping to lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease or stroke. Avocados have gained popularity in America because they are the main ingredient in guacamole, but most people fail to realize that avocados also pair well with salads and lean protein – they even taste pretty good whole. Salmon is an excellent source of protein – and unlike most fatty meats, such as beef or chicken, it’s very high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats, which are needed for the body to function properly, but are not produced by the body. Contrary to their reputation, these fats are heart healthy, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats. Here are some superfood recipes to get your new year started on a healthy note.

AVOCADO OMELET Using sliced avocados is an easy solution for your breakfast problem. This bright, flavorful treat combines Swiss cheese, chives, and avocados to create a flavorful dish that will start anyone’s day the right way. – 1 avocado, seeded and cubed – 1/2 small tomato, seeded, diced – 21/2 tablespoons jarlsberg cheese, shredded – Salt and freshly ground black pepper – 8 large eggs – 1 tablespoon chives, snipped, fresh – 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted Toss the cubed avocado, tomato, and cheese together in a small bowl. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. In a second bowl, lightly beat the eggs with the chives. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add eggs. Cook without stirring until the omelet starts to bubble around the edges. Gather the mixture toward the center of the pan. When the bottom is set, gently add the avocado mixture over half the omelet. Fold the remaining half over the avocado and cook until the filling is heated through. Slide the omelet onto a plate and enjoy.

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BLACKENED SALMON OVER MIXED GREENS This delicious meal features a refreshing tomato juice vinaigrette poured over blackened salmon on a bed of mixed salad greens. The best part is it can be made in less than 30 minutes. – 6 tablespoons cajun-style blackened seasoning – 6 salmon fillets, 6 ounces – 4 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon, divided – 1/2 can tomato-vegetable juice (8 ounces) – 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar – 1 tomato, chopped – Salt and freshly ground pepper – 16 ounces mixed greens Sprinkle seasoning over salmon fillets. Cover and refrigerate. Preheat grill for high heat. Lightly oil grill grate and lightly brush olive oil on salmon fillets. Cook salmon for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until it easily flakes with a fork. In a small bowl, mix together tomato-vegetable juice, vinegar, tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make vinaigrette. Place salad greens in a large bowl and drizzle with vinaigrette. Toss to coat. Divide greens among individual serving plates. Top each plate with a salmon fillet. Eat to your heart’s content. Changing your eating habits is a process, but the benefits to your health and wellness are plentiful. By spending a little more time planning your meals around nutritious alternatives and getting creative in the kitchen, 2017 can be your healthiest year yet!  Ouita Davis Gatton is the patient care coordinator for Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic District A. She has been employed by The Kroger Company since 1997 and has held multiple roles, including staff pharmacist and division clinical coordinator in Roanoke, Virginia. She currently resides in Raleigh with her husband. This article was written with the help of factual information from the American Heart Association and WebMD.

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1. Keep him or her busy with an interactive toy – for instance, one inside which you hide the treats and your pet has to work to find it behind one of the “doors,” or provide a toy that makes noise or flashes when bumped or rolled. 2. Play hide and seek with your pet. Start off with having him guess which hand a treat is in, then run and hide in another room and see if he can find you (and the coveted treat). 3. Tug of war is always fun for pets, as it is both mentally and physically challenging. If you don’t have a tug toy, you can simply use an old t-shirt or towel – as long as he can tug, your pup will be happy. 4. Arrange a play date for your dog. Get to know neighborhood dogs and have one over for a puppy playdate. 5. Teach your dog a new trick. Work on teaching him to “roll over,” “say his prayers,” “shake hands,” etc. 6. Use a Kong to keep your furry friend busy by filling it with food items such as peanut butter or canned dog food ... this will keep him or her occupied for quite some time.

BY VANESSA DAVIS

7. Make a frozen treat for your pet – hide a special treat inside a

BABY IT’S COLD

OUTSIDE ... AND I’M BORED IN HERE!

BEATING YOUR PUP’S BOREDOM BLUES Are there times when you just want to sit in front of the fire with a cup of tea and enjoy a little quiet time? Well, our pets are just the opposite – they get bored easily … and a bored pet many times turns into a naughty pet. Boredom leads to excessive barking, digging, chewing, pacing, and many

other destructive behaviors.

ow that Ol’ Man Winter has arrived and brought with him cold, windy, and wet weather, chances are Rover or Rosie will be spending more time indoors, so here are 10 fun ways to keep them busy and entertained when they can’t go outside to play.

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large ice cube for your dog to lick or take a small plastic bowl filled halfway with water, and put a treat in the center. Let it freeze and you have a fun treat to pass the time. 8. Alternate your pet’s toys. Just like kids, animals get tired of playing with the same toys over and over. Leave only a few out at a time and switch them up regularly to keep your pet’s interest in them piqued. 9. Give your pet a good belly rub or massage. Most dog’s love petting of any kind, but a good belly rub seems to bring about a special kind of bliss. Plus, he or she will really enjoy the time spent with you. 10. Give him or her a nice view of the outdoors. Your pup will love the special place in the sun to nap and view on a cold indoor day. Dogs are not meant to just lay around and sleep all day ... they need something to do and occupy their minds. If they don’t have that, they tend to become frustrated and bored, possibly leading to undesirable behaviors. But thankfully there are many ways to entertain a bored pet, this winter and all year long. How creative can you be?  Vanessa Davis is the owner of Dirty Dogs Spa, located at 929 Heritage Lake Road in Wake Forest. For more information, call 919-453-0765 or visit www.dirtydogsspa.com.

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INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES FOR KEEPING KIDS BUSY WHEN THEY ARE STUCK INSIDE THIS WINTER BY TODD AND CHERYL NELSON

old, wet, wintry weather often translates into more inside time for kids – unfortunately, it also often means more screen time, sedentary behaviors, unhealthy snacking, and “I’m bored” complaints. Here are a few non-screen ideas for keeping your children occupied in positive, healthy ways on foul-weather days this winter. Reading three ways. (1) Start a reading challenge where children earn markers (such as stickers) for each book they finish. Offer non-material rewards for reaching specific goals: for 10 books, a favorite meal for dinner; for 15 books, the privilege of choosing what to watch on family movie night. (2) Select a beloved book somewhat above your child’s reading level, get cozy, and read it

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aloud. (3) Download a free children’s audiobook and settle back to listen while lots of great voices make the story jump right off the pages. Build a fort. Gather a big pile of blankets, comforters, sheets, and pillows. Give kids permission to move furniture to add structure and let them go wild building an intricate blanket fort. They’ll play in it for hours, but be prepared when they want to sleep there, too! Cook or bake. Involve your kids and let them do all the measuring and mixing, and demonstrate how to safely use knives, mixers, burners, and ovens. Teach other things, too. For example, what does each ingredient add to a recipe in terms of nutrition, flavor, and function? How is baking a lot like being a chemist?

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Teach them to clean. Teach kids how to operate household appliances such as a vacuum cleaner, washer, or clothes dryer. If vacuuming, let them explore what each attachment does and explain what it means to do a thorough job of vacuuming. Show them how to sort, wash, dry, and fold laundry. If you do this when kids are still relatively young and eager to learn, they’ll have fewer excuses for not helping around the house in their teen years. Introduce “old-fashioned” games. You might not have many board games lying around the house anymore, but there is plenty you can do with a simple deck of cards. Rediscover the joys of playing Go Fish, Crazy Eights, Slapjack, Rummy, Blackjack, Solitaire, Spit, and so many more. You can also encourage kids to research, learn, and practice cool magic card tricks. Online learning. If your children simply must use their screens, encourage them to spend at least part of the time learning and practicing valuable digital skills such as photo or video editing, making music, animation, or keyboarding (typing with all 10 fingers without looking down). There are literally thousands of great, free tutorials available on YouTube and other sites.  Todd and Cheryl Nelson are the co-owners of MaidPro of Raleigh and Wake Forest. For cleaning tips, visit www.maidpro.com/ raleigh-north or call 919-871-9996.

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the braces to produce decalcification. This can lead to small, permanent light spots on your teeth. Besides brushing at home, carry a travel toothbrush so you can brush while at school or work. Floss at least twice a day. Flossing can be difficult while wearing braces. The wires make it difficult to get in between the teeth and floss properly. Luckily, a floss threader or special orthodontic floss can make this process easier. Be sure to not only floss in between teeth, but around the brackets and wires of the braces as well. Flossing regularly helps to ensure that all trapped food has been removed, which will greatly reduce your risk of decay and stains. Avoid sugary foods. Food and drinks high in sugars lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Harmful oral bacteria feed on the sugars you eat to create acids that destroy tooth enamel. Avoiding sugary foods helps to limit the amount of acid produced. A white and perfect smile is not something that happens overnight. These tips and some small positive changes in your daily and nightly routines will help you work towards a healthy, happy smile – not just for now, but for a lifetime.  Dr. Jason Gladwell is a Board Certified Specialist in orthodontics, certified lecturer for Invisalign, the Triangle’s only elite provider for Invisalign, and the first in the area to use a digital, impression-less scanner. To learn more, please visit www.gladwellorthodontics.com.

BY DR. JASON GLADWELL

KEEPING IT

CLEAN THE IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HYGIENE WHILE WEARING BRACES

hoosing to get braces means choosing to have a perfect smile. You don’t want your perfect teeth ruined with stains and decay because you did not take care of your teeth properly while wearing braces. Wearing them means you are more prone to dental problems such as gingivitis, tartar, and demineralization. Also, if proper hygiene is not maintained while wearing braces, it can prolong your treatment time. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy during this process. Brush after every meal. Food and plaque can get trapped in the spaces between braces and wires and can be very dangerous to the health of your teeth. Besides causing decay and enamel stains, food can react with the bacteria in your mouth and the metal of 46

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BY PATTI FRALIX

THE PROMISE OF A

NEW YEAR START ANEW THIS NEW YEAR We greet January each year full of promise – promise that this year will be a great one, filled with commitment, not just resolutions. And yes, with some regret. Regret that the past year was not all that we planned for it to be. In spite of ourselves, and maybe because of ourselves, we let another year slip by without capturing the magic of being our best selves. So here we are faced with another chance, a fresh entire new

year ahead of us. What shall we do with it? irst of all, it is good to take inventory of the past year. We should first focus on our successes. What went well for us? What were the variables involved when things went well? And also, what did not go well? The same question applies. What were the variables involved when things did not go well? We should make notes of our thoughts in both of these scenarios. If we write it down, we are more likely to have a clear picture. If we try to keep it in our heads, it is easily forgotten. This new year brings with it some significant changes. We have a 48

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new president. Some people are happy with the choice, and some not. But regardless of how we feel about this, our country is experiencing a major change. People made their decision, and now we have a new leader. After eight years of a Democratic president, our new one is a Republican. Just due to that fact alone, major changes will occur in our country. Regardless of our party affiliation or how we voted, we should hope for the best for our new president and our country, for if he succeeds, we will all succeed. After focusing on our recent election for many months, it is now time to focus on ourselves. As much as we cared about the election, it is over. We have little to no ability to influence, much less control, the new government. We do, however, have significant ability to influence, and even control, the course of our own lives. We should put our attention on what we can control. The promise of a new year brings with it the possibility of starting over again. We have a new chance to accomplish whatever we have not been able to at this point ... but not by just wishing it so, but rather by concentrated effort and commitment. Perhaps the following three-part plan can help you accomplish your goals and keep your commitments. The first part of the plan is just that – plan. Most things start with a plan. It is best to focus on who we want to be, or what we want to do, or accomplish, not what we want to avoid. It is best to focus on the positive. In making a plan, we can use a model such as the SMART model. The “S” in SMART asks us to be specific. The “M” refers to measurable. The “A” is attainable. The “R” is relevant, and the “T” is timely. For example, one of my commitments is to lose (again!) the 20 pounds I found, and what I wrote down regarding

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this is: Lose 20 pounds by April 1, 2017, and maintain that weight consistently. This passes the SMART test. The second part of the three-part plan is purge. Accomplishing our goals usually requires that we eliminate those things that detract us from doing so. In my case, I will purge excess stuff. I began this journey in January of 2016 and made some progress. Now I want to accelerate that. This purging will include old business materials, cleaning out all of my files, and getting rid of what is no longer current. This will allow me to focus better on my business, by eliminating what is no longer needed. It will also include clothes, making sure that my closet only holds clothes of my current size. And what about the clothes and shoes from many years ago, those that I haven’t worn in at least 25 years, and that I will likely never wear again? Out! The third and last part of the three-part plan is perform. Perform is not related to athletic or musical activity. Rather, performing relates to doing those things that will make us effective. This includes doing the daily disciplines that are necessary for the planning and purging to be successful. For me, this includes staying the course with Weight Watchers, for this is a healthy way for me to lose those 20 pounds. It also includes exercising one hour at least three times a week. Regarding the second part of the plan, it involves having a system for purging my stuff and materials.

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OUR HERITAGE REVISITED THE LAND’S LEADING HAND ... THE HARRICANE: PART TWO BY AMY PIERCE

“Our Heritage” is reprinting and updating earlier articles as a way of introducing a ballooning newcomer population to Wake Forest history and culture.

n back-to-back 1941 articles in The State magazine, journalist Neil Morgan refers to the Harricane as “The Land of Paradox.” He should know; he surveyed the region in 1940: “The country? Just like its people. The people? Paradoxical. Industrious, but povertystricken. Friendly, but hostile. Happy, and yet despondent. Rough, still genuine. Rugged, but ragged. Clever, but ignorant.” Morgan also wrote about “the sunny side of the paradox” – the area’s “friendly unity” and “its spirit of progress.” The Harricane is more akin to the Blue Ridge than the Piedmont. Covering at least 80 square miles within Wake, Franklin, Granville, and Durham Counties, the region is characterized by an intertwining of legend and legacy - and something we call “harricanean reasoning.” Its notoriety comes from cracked corn and the liquor made from it. The liquor crop has a place in the region’s lore, and we’ll spend a little more time there. Yet, it is from the land’s leading hand that the ultimate legacy and reasoning emerges. “One legacy of the Harricane,” says Wake Forest writer Pete Hendricks, “is in the richness of the history of how these folks had to make do in order to keep the farm and pay the taxes. The rough land dictated everything. Cotton and tobacco were grown, but corn was about the only thing that did well in the rocky, clay soil. The land also produced rough and tough people, meaning people who did the hard work they had to do to survive.” Sometimes that meant dropping the plow to traverse hilly, red dirt roads for public work, often in nearby mills, the oldest being the renowned paper mill owned by The Falls of the Neuse Manufacturing Company. Situated on the river in the Falls community in the southernmost region of the Harricane, this mill was the first outsider-owned Harricane industry (circa 1850). Wake Forest’s Glen Royall Cotton Mill (est. 1900) also drew many of these early-day wagon, horse, and mule commuters. The last stretch of the trip was made along the “Glen Royall to Harricane Road,” which extended from Purnell Road across U.S. 1, then down what is now Harris Road. In a good example of harricanean reasoning (often paired with paradox), the already depressed Harricane remained strangely unaffected during the Great Depression. “In a way,” Hendricks says, “the lives of the people never changed; suddenly they were in better shape than the ones who’d lost everything. But, way up into the ’50s there were folks still living here like people did back in the ’20s in most parts of the state.” Road paving in the latter years of the first half of the 20th century meant easier travel for jobs in nearby towns. Along with electricity (through the REA), the jobs improved people’s lives, yet poverty and hard living still characterized the region. Without political representation or a centralized government, the independent, innovative Harricaners worked together to take care of their own through a legacy of leadership passed down across generations. “The people always had an internal political support system,” says Hendricks. “One person was acknowledged to be the leader, the ‘king’ or ‘queen,’ someone who made sure support was organized and delivered when somebody was out of money or food, a kid needed help for school, crops had to be gotten in, or someone died.”

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The area’s many general stores (several owned by folks with the last name of Ray) were significant gathering places within the various enclaves, providing staples for farm and table and sharing community news and needs. These now-silent repositories of Harricane lore and legend are mostly gone, but Hazel’s Place, owned by Miss Hazel Hockaday, still sits near Stony Hill Fire Station No. 2, its hand-painted sign intact above the entryway. Legend has it that Miss Hockaday and fellow storeowner, Atlas Ray (both now deceased) were the last king and queen of the Harricane, though neither acknowledged it as so. One can imagine these two – and unnamed others before them – humbly going about the business at hand, whatever it might be. Stories will go untold here, including those of Priestly Mangum and his Mangum Terraces, and “Pioneer Ecologist” B.W. Wells and his Rock Cliff Farm (the farm is listed in both the Registry of Natural Heritage Areas in Falls Lake Recreation Area and the National Register of Historic Places). We invite you to investigate the legacies of these Harricane treasures. Before we leave you to it, though, there is one more story to tell, one too important to leave out … Since the mid-1800s, there has been a dam on the Neuse in the Falls community, but damming the river for downstream flood control was not a government priority until the 1930s. Though authorized in 1955, the project languished for lack of funds, was finally begun in 1976, and impoundment completed in 1983. Some argued that the damming and concurrent creation of Falls Lake stole both land and a way of life from the Harricane. In balance, the action saved downstream farms, communities, and livelihoods from destructive floods and created a water source for Raleigh. By law, all aquaculture land destroyed by the lake had to be replaced; that replacement land included vast amounts of bottomland in the Harricane. Now protected watershed, this land can never be touched. “This is one of the reasons,” says Hendricks, “why the region will never become commercial or industrialized. There are a lot of restrictions anyway because of the shape of the land that made the Harricane the Harricane. The irony is that this will eventually protect the region. A lot of people will live here, but not with mega-development.” Peppered now with subdivisions catering to the upper-middle and owning classes, Harricane land would today be out of reach for Atlas Ray and Hazel Hockaday. It is betwixt and between the peculiar layering of history, legend, and irony that make up the Harricane where we find the greatest example of harricanean reasoning, and it is this: the last words spoken in the Harricane will come from the land itself, not from those who lived there or from those to come. It is the land’s leading hand, not man’s, that will silently and ultimately speak (in the Harricane’s case, it always has), and we will just have to be content with that.  Thanks to Neal Morgan, Darin Ray, Ryan Keith (who also provided our photo of a young Atlas Ray and his unidentified companion), Pete Hendricks, and Janet Steddum. Amy Pierce lives in Wake Forest’s Mill Village, where she is a writer, minister, and spiritual counselor. She can be reached at 919-554-2711 or visit www.authenticself.us.

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