WOMENS 2014

November 2014

W

omen

• Crafts • Fashion • Food • Health • Home • Life

INSIDE: • Gay Brownlee • Alexa Robertson • Janet White • Deck the Hall with Ugly Sweaters

Shop Loca l

WOMEN is produced and developed by The Hartwell Sun 706-376-8025 Fax 706-376-3016 mhynds@thehartwellsun.com www.thehartwellsun.com

W

omen Vol. III, No.2

Life

Robert Rider, Publisher Mark Hynds, Editor Lauren Peeples, Staff Writer Lake Morris, Staff Writer Christine Blomberg, Advertising Sales Carole Byrum, Advertising Sales Peggy Vickery, General Manager Vickie Baskins, Design

inside

December 2014 Food

3 Opinion Poll 14 Deck the Hall with Ugly Sweaters 6 Close to home 7 Putting down roots Health 8 Alexa Robertson 4 Wonderfully made 13 Life changing challenge

D owntown Café ITALIAN & GREEK CUISINE

Food & Fun!

Our New Healthy Entrees: • Hummus Platter

When it com es to d oing • Athenian Platter (With Hummus) • Mediterranean Platter (With Hummus) som ething rea lly importa nt for you r Now S e rv i n g Hu m mu s ! bo dy there is no better place to sta rt th a n eating hea lthy!

•Great 12429 1

2

DECEMBER 2014 WOMEN

re!

Food! osphe m t A •Great

Live Music Weekends! • Full Bar! • 63 Depot Street, Hartwell • 706.377.3055

I would not take myself so serious. Have more fun.

- Shirley Miller

I should have retired earlier and bought our home in Hartwell and moved sooner.

- Nancy Wrobleski

I would not be so self conscious - Joan Jerrum

The Hartwell Sun asked a few of its readers.....

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself?

I would have furthered my education. I would have gone to Howard University.

- Sheila Dunn

I would have waited until I was 30 to get married. I am more mature and would have been more established.

- Chandra Mattox

I would have listened to my mom more. She really knew what she was talking about.

- Jenny Boivin

WOMEN DECEMBER 2014

3

Wonderfully Made ‘Exercise because you love your body, not because you hate it.’

By Mark Hynds Editor Psalms 139:14 says, ““I praise Thee because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

When Athens native and Hartwell weekender Gay Brownlee decided to launch her business, she felt that verse in the Bible was the perfect name.

Wonderfully Made Health and Wellness Group is a collection of Independent Health Coaches.

“I believe that God created us to be the best versions of ourselves,” said Brownlee. “Health looks different for each of us.

My own story comes from a desire to be a good steward of the good health that I am blessed with. I believe that God has given me a passion to come alongside others who have made a decision that they are ready to regain control of their health habits.”

Brownlee is a COPE Certified Health Coach.

COPE stands for Center for Obesity Prevention and Education, which is through the Villanova University College of Nursing.

“We are in the business of “creating healthy communities,” she said.

Brownlee’s group works with clients utilizing a program called Take Shape for Life.

“It can be explained as 4

DECEMBER 2014 WOMEN

Gay and Buddy Brownlee

being like a three-legged stool,” said Brownlee.

“There are three components and each helps and supports the other.”

Brownleee said the first part is about support. Each individual works with their own personal health coach.

The coach is a partner and a guide. The client also gets access to support from a community of people working on similar goals.

The second part is about learning healthy habits.

“Diets don’t work,” said

Brownless. “What really matters are our daily habits.

This part is designed to lead our clients step-bystep in rewiring the brain and making small changes that will give long-term success.”

The third part, according to Brownless, is an eating plan that will balance blood sugars.

“Most of us have heard that eating six small meals a day is the healthiest way to eat,” said Brownlee. “But many are too busy to eat

the right things six times a day. The habit of eating small balanced meals throughout the day is something our clients can do from day one.”

Brownlee said that in the first phase, you eat every few hours, but you only need to practice with one meal. She calls that a “Lean & Green” meal, some lean protein and veggies.

For the other five meals, you use quick, healthy, grab-and-go meals that are just the right protein/carb balance of what your body needs to naturally burn fat.

“Then we will slowly transition into an eating plan for the long-term and keep it simple,” said Brownlee. “A very important part of using these easy meals as a tool is to quiet the cravings of your physical body so we can start focusing on creating a healthy mind and habits.

That’s where the lasting change happens. Because of its comprehensive approach, this isn’t just about getting thin; it’s actually about creating health in your life.”

Brownlee said the business, which has been around for almost six years, got started through her own transformation.

“Seven years ago in my early 40s, I started to feel the effects of aging,” she recalled. “Lack of the en-

ergy I once had, a few aches and pains to include an ankle that would swell, and then I had a back injury.�

Brownlee said the medication she was taking created rapid weight gain.

She said at the time, she was struggling to get back down to what she calls her “new middle-aged wieght.�

At about the same time her family doctor introduced the Habits of Health System to her family. The doctor recommended that her husband, Buddy, work with a Take Shape for Life health coach. “He lost his weight and I lost too,â€? said Brownlee. “The weight came o and the aches and pains are gone.

Now I’m easily maintaining my high school weight and have the energy that I had through my 30s. I have had no more problems with the swelling in my ankle or back pain. The best part is that I feel very much in control of my own health and no longer accept that normal aging has to include weight gain and an ever increasing amount of medications. I’m passion-

ate about sharing this message with others. For almost six years I’ve been helping others take back control of their health.�

Robin Ankerich and Sherrie Brooke Ankerich are also health coaches in the business group. “Robin and I grew up in Athens but spent our weekends in Hartwell, spending time on the lake and at-

tending church,� said Brownlee. “Our parents have retired in the Reed Creek Community. Robin’s husband, Ted, is from Hartwell and most of her in-laws continue to reside in Hart County. Sherrie is her daughter.

Their family lives in Athens and I’m in Marietta.â€? “Have you ever heard the saying, ‘Exercise because you love your body not because you hate it’? That’s the spirit of health I want to awaken in others,â€? said Brownlee. “ It’s not about being deprived or unhappy with who you are and trying to ďŹ x ourselves. It’s about wanting the best for ourselves. When we keep the focus there, then our choices are an exercise of freedom to develop habits that support what we’ve identiďŹ ed as being of value. It’s about what we gain, not what we lose.â€?

For more information about Wonderfully Made, check out www.wonderfullymade.ichooseoptimalhealth. com. You can also reach Brownlee at 770-853-2102.

Lose it... and You’ll Love Yourself

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

3VZL \W [V 7V\UKZ PU >LLRZ MVY 1\Z[ 'RHV QRW LQFOXGH VXSSOHPHQWV ([SLUHV

-9,, *65:<3;(;065

*HSS ;VKH`

=HS\L

706.371.6337

46 South Carter Street Across from City Hall

professionalweightlosscenter.com

Professional

Weight Loss

â&#x20AC;˘ Aerobics Classes â&#x20AC;˘ Senior Aerobics â&#x20AC;˘ Free Child Watch while working out â&#x20AC;˘ Adult Sports â&#x20AC;˘ Youth Sports â&#x20AC;˘ Gymnastics â&#x20AC;˘ Spin Classes â&#x20AC;˘ Volunteer Opportunities â&#x20AC;˘ After School care â&#x20AC;˘ Spin Class

Bell Family YMCA 281 Opal Street Extension Hartwell, GA 30643 706.856.YMCA (9622) WOMEN DECEMBER 2014

1 24 5 3 9

Real Food Real Simple Real Results

The Bell Family YMCA, located in the center of Hart County, is here to serve the needs of our community. We are not simply here to provide just a place to workout, but to provide a place where everyone from every walk of life can find themselves part of our family. Our Annual Campaign each year allows us to never turn anyone away for inability to afford being a part of this community, Financial assistance is available to anyone and for anything the Bell Family YMCA offers. So, come join us today for a life changing experience.

5

CLOSE TO HOME

By Lauren Peeples Staff writer

Here is what a few natives have to say about growing up in Hart County and why they decided to stay.

Kiera Teasley

Wendy Owens Powell

Jean Turner

Christie F. Simpson

“I was born and raised here and never imagined coming back after graduating college.

Of course, I had my plans of living in a city not as big as Atlanta, but not as small as Hartwell. The Lord had other plans. I can honestly say at first I was disappointed, but now I see what He was doing and I’m simply blessed. I chose to stay here because I was blessed to received my first full-time job here, met my awesome husband and now am raising an awesome son here. It’s also an honor to be able to give back to my community. Isaiah 55:8 sums it all up: ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord’.”

“Life moves at lightning speed. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, I went from graduating high school to a married mom of three.

We never even considered leaving Hartwell and I started to recognize my love of our town as we started our family.

Hartwell has given me an incredible family, a successful career and an abundance of friends.

Today, I look back at the hundreds of games and events our children have been involved in, and the endless support from our town was, and continues to be, ever present. I stand proudly with my husband as our friends and community stop to congratulate our children on games well played or accomplishments made. Hart County loves and supports all of its children, young and old. I could not imagine living anywhere else but ‘our’ town, Hartwell.”

“Along with a few close friends, I had planned to further my education after graduation and then go to Atlanta to seek office work.

As I was about to graduate, I was offered a full-time job as secretary to the plant manager and quality control manager at Monroe Auto, where I had been working under the Hart County High School’s Vocational Office Training Program. I remember my dad saying, ‘Honey, do what you want. But, if you want to stay in Hartwell, you probably won’t find a better job anywhere else’. So, I chose to stay there for almost 17 years. I have been employed by the city of Hartwell since 1986. Since I love the small town atmosphere, I believe I made the right decision.”

“I had the privilege to grow up in Hart County, as did my parents, Bobby and Pam Fleming. After graduating from Hart County High School, I attended Georgia College and State University. I lived there for three years, when I had a change of heart in my major. I decided to become a teacher.

I returned to Hartwell to finish my degree in biology at Emmanuel College. I attended Piedmont College for my secondary science education degree. I lived in Cornelia for three years when tragedy struck my family.

In 2009, my cousins were in a car accident that took the life of Jonathon. I knew I needed to be with my family.

After weeks of praying God would lead me in the right direction, I was offered a job at HCHS. It is an honor to teach with teachers who had an impact on my life while I was a student.

Since moving back, I bought a house, fell in love with a wonderful man who is now my husband and was given the opportunity to become a stepmother. I have now been given the opportunity to be a mother. I cannot wait to raise my child in Hart County where he will experience the same things I did in this small town community.

6

DECEMBER 2014 WOMEN

PUTTING DOWN ROOTS

Here is what a few people who found Hart County later in life have to say about why they chose to move here.

Catherine M. Wright

Connie Harris Greer

Michele Dipert

Amber C. Smith

“In 2003, my granny, Ellen, had a stroke. She was living with my mom, Opal, her daughter, at the time. After a lot of prayer, my husband, Charles, decided we were going to move from Mississippi to help mama with granny’s care. In the 11 years since, we have made great friends at Cornerstone Baptist Church where Pastor Terry preaches the word of God, not feel good mumbo jumbo.

The youth pastor, Todd, really cares about the kids. That is probably the best thing about Hartwell, our church family. But it’s also the town itself, very friendly and family oriented. Not to mention the lake, numerous family activities, and, should you feel the need to escape the loveliness of Hartwell, all the ‘big town’ activities that are within a reasonable drive.

Helen, Osage Farms, Cabbage Patch Hospital, Greenville, Mall of Georgia, and yes, even Atlanta are all a comfortable drive away. We have found our forever home.”

“I moved here because my parents moved here. My mom was from Hartwell. My parents met when my mom was in nursing school at Greenville Memorial Nursing School. They met on a blind date. Dad was in the Air Force and stationed in Savannah.

He came home to Greenville, (S.C.) most weekends and his cousin introduced them.

It was not love at first sight, but a few months later they started dating and married after she graduated from school.

They began living in Savannah. However, after months in, orders came from California. They spent 12 years in California and five months in New Mexico.

Dad retired and has often said they should have moved to Anderson between their two homes. However, he kept his promise to bring her home to her beloved Hartwell. Mom passed away in July 2013. Dad feels he is home.

For me, Hartwell is home.

I started as a Yankee talking westerner, hating the summer humidity, but now, I don’t think you can tell I am not from Hartwell. I still don’t like the heat. I have lived here since 1975.”

“Why did I move to Hart County? Well, my parents retired to Hartwell about 1980. I had visited my parents many times and I thought what a beautiful area. I loved the lake and the small town feel.

It impressed me that strangers waved to me as I drove around the town.

At the time, I was working at a nuclear power plant, running the visitors’ center near Raleigh, N.C. when 9-11 happened. After that tragedy, I strongly felt the need to be closer to my family. It took planning, but I soon moved to Hartwell.

I started working part-time for the Hartwell Downtown Development Authority.

After two years at the DDA, I applied for the Hart County Chamber of Commerce position and that job kept me very busy for the next six years. I met so many wonderful people. Today, I work for the Georgia Upstate Lakes Board of Realtors, which is kind of like being a minichamber for realtors in Hart, Franklin and Stephens counties. I love that I have knowledge about the community and I can share it with people excited to move to our slice of heaven on Lake Hartwell.”

“Nov 11th marked my one year anniversary of coming to live in Hartwell. I was promoted to store manager of Belk. I am from Carrollton, which is a suburb of Atlanta, and was skeptical when I first visited the town and store because of how small the town seemed.

I had never even heard of Hartwell before visiting it a year ago. It didn’t take long to realize this small town and Belk store was full of great people, as well as how the community has been very welcoming of me. I love the close access and beauty of the lake and how close the associates in my store are to one another. Everyone knows everybody.

I was quickly introduced to the women of the Hartwell Downtown Development Authority and have felt extremely welcomed by them. Belk believes in being involved with its community, so I have tried to take opportunities to do that with cosmetic events for the women’s groups and promoting our Charity Day events that we do twice a year to help local charities raise money for the organizations. I am unsure how long I’ll be in Hartwell, but I have enjoyed it so far and honestly love this community.”

WOMEN DECEMBER 2014

7

Nationally qualified NPC figure competitor

Alexa Robertson

By Lauren Peeples Staff writer A wife, a mother, a nurse, and now, a body-builder.

Just one more title added to the creditials of Alexa Robertson, 34, of Hartwell, who recently earned the title of a Nationally Qualified NPC Figure competitor.

Since deciding to pursue body-building nearly a year ago, Robertson admits the journey has brought obstacles, triumphs and a lot of hard work, but adds she would not trade the experience for anything.

On April 26, Robertson participated in her first competition, the Charlotte Cup in Charlotte, N.C. She earned third place Novice Figure. On June 7, Robertson competed in the National Physique Committee (NPC) body-building organization, Figure Division. She earned first

Hartwell resident Alexa Robertson, 34, poses with her first place at the National Physique Committee (NPC) body-building organization, Figure Division on June 7. (Photo courtesy of Alexa Robertson)

place in open figure.

The National Physique Committee is the premier amateur physique organization in the world. Since 1982, the top athletes in bodybuilding, fitness, figure, bikini and physique have kicked off their careers in the NPC. Many of those athletes graduated to careers in the IFBB Professional League, a list that

Alexa Robertson (center) at the National Physique Committee (NPC) bodybuilding organization in June with her trainers Jim and Mo Newman, IFBB Figure Pro. (Photo courtesy of Alexa Robertson)

8

DECEMBER 2014 WOMEN

includes 24 Olympia and 38 Arnold Classic winners.

After qualifying at a regional show, competitors advance to the national level. At national level shows, there are a select number of IFBB Pro cards available for top placers.

Robertson’s journey began when she started lifting weights two years ago with her husband, Chris.

Back then, she admits that she was “clueless.”

“I had no idea what to do when I walked into the gym, it was overwhelming.

Chris would go with me and show me step-by -step the exercises to do. I also read any and every fitness magazine and article I could get my hands on,” said Robertson.

“Looking back on it now, it’s kind of humorous, but I did what I had to do to learn more about the sport.

I would walk around the gym with a stack of papers with exercises printed off.

I think I read about every figure athlete I could find.”

Earlier this year, Robertson decided to give competitive body-building a chance.

“I loved reading about all of the competitors’ journeys and thought ‘I’m already lifting consistently and starting to see results, why not try it?’ I guess I had contemplated it a few weeks before bringing it up to Chris. He was so supportive and immediately helped me start researching the process,” recalls Robertson.

Through a friend who had also competed, Robertson met her coaches, Mo and Jim Newman from Greenville, S.C. Following an interview, Robertson was invited to join their competition prep team, the Dream Team.

Mo, an IFBB Figure Pro, coaches Robertson with every aspect of bodybuilding from training, posing, to suit selection.Her husband, Jim, does meal planning both during preparation and in the off-season.

“He is an awesome motivator and a great positive role model. They are an amazing team and complement each other so well,” said Robertson.

“They not only provide support and encourage-

ment for competing, but for life in general. Chris and I both gained two amazing friends.”

Training and preparing is a year-round process for Robertson.

“The true growth comes in the off season. During that time, I lift weights approximately five days a week and enjoy road biking. I follow a meal plan that Jim designs that helps me to gain muscle. My actual competition prep lasts 12 weeks during which time my lifting pretty much stays the same, but I begin adding cardio into my training. Jim also adjusts my meal plan slightly as far as the types of food I am eating,” said Robertson.

The plan is customized to Robertson’s body type and goals. She eats seven meals

per day that consist of protein, carbs and healthy fats. She deems the hardest part of the regiment is the mental aspect.

“This is also the part that has made me grow the most as an individual.

Fortunately, I haven’t had many hard days, but there have been a few. On those days, I let my own self get in my way and start to wonder if it’s really worth it. Just like with anything in life, it’s human nature to start comparing yourself to others and think you aren’t good enough,” said Robertson.

“It’s hard sometimes when you go out to eat and have to carry your tilapia with you, but Chris reminds me if it was easy, everybody would be doing it. I also remember how

Following her body-building competition on June 7 where she earned firstplace ranking and the title of a Nationally Qualified NPC Figure competitor in body-building, Alexa Robertson and her family enjoyed a family vacation at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Pictured: (l-r) Alexa, husband, Chris and daughters Olivia, Ali, McKinley and Anna.

lucky I am to be able to do this. I wake up every single morning to go to the gym and pray for motivation and strength. As frivolous as that may sound, I know God hears my prayers because I couldn’t do it without Him. During cardio I listen to motivational

speakers. I do anything to stay positive.”

For Robertson, the most enjoyable aspect of her sport is the relationships that have strengthened and the new relationships that have been formed. She insists her own marriage has Continued to page 10

124953

WOMEN DECEMBER 2014

9

Pictured: (front, l-r) Alexa Robertson with daughters Anna, McKinley, Ali and Olivia. (Photo courtesy of Alexa Robertson)

Continued from page 9 grown stronger through the journey.

“Chris is always by my side whether it’s lifting with me, helping me weigh out my meals, helping me with posing, carrying all of my bags around at shows, having my special treats ready after the show, and most importantly, not letting me get in my own

way,” said Robertson.

“On those days it gets hard and I’m tired, he keeps me focused and remembering why I started this journey in the first place. He pushes me when I need it, he encourages me, cooks all my food and gives me unconditional love.”

She also credits her Dream Team sisters for

B arbara B rooks

Insurance Services

181 Race Street • Hartwell, Ga

706.376.3364 • FFax: ax: 706.376.9377 brooksins@hartcom.net

earned a master’s degree in nursing as a family nurse practitioner from North Georgia College and State University in 2005.

Chris is employed as a narcotics investigator with the Hart County Sheriff ’s Office. The couple has four daughters, Ali, Anna, McKinley and Olivia.

Ali is a graduate of Hart County High School, Anna is a junior at HCHS, and McKinley and Olivia are students at Hartwell Elementary.

“They are all extremely supportive of me. Chris is the single most supportive person I have had throughout this entire journey.

We began working out together and bike riding together approximately two years ago initially in an effort to get healthier

providing a supportative network of strong women.

“All of the strong women I have met and become great friends with have been a wonderful part of this journey. From the outside, you would assume the women would be superficial and caddy, but it is the complete opposite.

Everyone is so sweet and supportive backstage. My Dream Team sisters are all amazing, strong women who I love dearly,” said Robertson.

In 1998, Robertson graduated from Stephens County High School. She attended the University of Georgia for her core classes and then graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the Medical College of Georgia. Robertson

We’ll Make You Proud to

• Health (Individual & Group) • Medicare Supplements • Part D Prescription Drug Plan

Smile!

• Life

Associates

• Long Term Care

DECEMBER 2014 WOMEN

S AM C G

RIZZLE DDS ,PC

• JPERRY K AY,JR DM D,PC

706.376.3158 706.283.6584 123873

121106

10

EY K AY BERELC DM D,PC

H ARTW ELL D EN TAL

• Annuities

Y ou r L ocal A gent, S erving A ll Y ou r I nsu rance N eeds.

W HITN

56 W Gibson Street Hartwell

21 Chestnut Street Elberton

together. These activities have brought us so much closer together as husband and wife,” said Robertson, who adds her daughters have been supportative as well.

“The girls have been so fun during this process.

McKinley loves to run and walk with me and Olivia is my own little posing coach.

All four girls attended my most recent show and I think they yelled louder for me than anyone in the entire auditorium. I couldn’t do what I do without the love and support of these five amazing people God has blessed me with the best family ever,” said Robertson, who notes the experience has allowed her to improve in all aspects of her life.

“This journey has made

me a stronger woman, wife and mother. I have always been a goal-driven person and this has given me another outlet to focus my energy on. It has also helped me to learn how to better depend on others and remember I don’t have to do it all by myself,” said Robertson.

“As wives and mothers, there is a lot to juggle in general. Adding this has also helped me to have better time management skills as well.”

With a family and fulltime career, Robertson said time management is a significant factor in her life.

“During prep time, I get up around 4:20 a.m. and go to the gym for cardio and/or lifting. When I get back home, I eat breakfast, make the girls’ lunches

Alexa Robertson with her husband, Chris. (Photo courtesy of Alexa Robertson)

for school and usually do laundry. I try to get all of this done before the rest of the family is awake. Chris and I get the girls ready for school and he takes the girls to school while I get ready for work,” said Robertson, who is employed as a nurse practitioner for Dr. Lionel Meadows and his wife, Kathryn, at Meadow Surgical Arts in Commerce. She has worked for

Dr. Meadows since age 19.

“My work environment is extremely supportive and we are more like family than co-workers,” describes Robertson. “My co-workers are so supportative of me and are understanding of my frequent meals that don’t always smell good.”

Precise scheduling keeps everyone in the family where they need to be from Continued to page 12

Tri Cou n ty

Quality Foods The

BEST

prices in tow n!

Open: Mon-Thurs 8am-9pm Fri & Sat 8am-10pm Closed Sundays

5-74642

• NO LIMITS Quality Foods • NO GIMMICKS 1028 Benson St. • NO SALES TO DEALERS Hartwell, GA • NO BEER OR WINE SOLD Visit our website: www.shopqualityfoods.com

124667

WOMEN DECEMBER 2014

11

Continued from page 11 morning to night.

“After work, the girls typically have either gymnastics and/or baton competition lessons and while they attend these, Chris and I are able to train together. When we get home, we eat dinner, do homework with the girls and get ready for the next day,” said Robertson.

“After the girls are in bed, Chris and I prepare my meals for the next day. It is a busy schedule, but with teamwork and a packed calendar on the fridge, we keep it going pretty well. We are also balancing this between gymnastics and baton competitions on the weekends.”

Robertson said she hopes her own journey will inspire other women to

pursue their dreams and goals.

“Whether it is health or fitness related, career oriented, or going back to school to pursue a dream, I have learned throughout this process that anything is possible. Nothing happens overnight, but with a little patience and a lot of faith, you can achieve any goal you put your mind and heart to,” said Robertson.

“I was actually overweight after my last pregnancy and if someone would have told me then that I would be competing in body-building competitions now, I would’ve told them they were crazy. I encourage all women to go after their dreams no matter what.”

Motivation and a posi-

Our Ladies are Ready to Insure You with a Smile!

tive attitude are significant contributors to Robertson’s success. She admits that she loves quotes and even decorates her car and bedroom with quotes for inspiration and motivation.

“I have a quote on the back of my day planner by Neale Donald Walsch that reminds me daily that ‘Life begins at the end of your comfort zone’. I encourage all women to step outside their comfort zone. Personally, some of the best decisions I have ever made have been outside of my comfort zone. Have a little faith and you’ll be amazed at what you can find,” said Robertson.

As for the future, Robertson plans to continue training, eating clean and striving to become a stronger woman, wife and

mother. Her next competition will be the NPC Jr. USA’s in Charleston, SC in May 2015. “I will be preparing for that show over the next year. My ultimate goal within this sport is to become an IFBB Figure Pro,” said Robertson.

“I am so blessed to be able to go on this journey.

Every aspect, even the hard days, have been so beneficial to me. I am so thankful for those that have encouraged me, pushed me and stood by me, no matter what. I hope to inspire other women and mothers to follow their dreams no matter how big or small.

I see that hope in my daughters’ eyes every single day and it helps me to remember that we can do anything we set our minds to. Just believe in yourself.”

Elsie Bee Originals Studio “W e’re H ere To Su p p ortYou r Crea tive N eeds!”

• Paint Supplies • Cross Stitch Supplies & Kits • Needlepoint Supplies

• Brazillian Embroidery • Crewel Embroidery • Yarn

W e O ffer A Va riety of Crea tive C la sses!

Seated left to right: Lisa LeCroy, Shelley Jackson, Kim Pierce & Terry Baker.

Standing left to right: Michelle Myers, Kristal Rowland, Cindy Osley, Laura Milford, Sara Lesseur, Pam Fleming, Linda Bryant & Beth Kidd

Owners, Louise & Sharon Bisso

706-376-2787 w w w .elsiebeeoriginals.com

SKELTON-MORRIS ASSOCIATES HARTWELL 706-376-8035 12

TOLL FREE 1-800-376-6255

DECEMBER 2014 WOMEN

79 D epot St, H artw ell, G A 30643 5-73500

COMMERCIAL INSURANCE • EMPLOYEE BENEFITS HOME & AUTO • LIFE & HEALTH

M on.-Fri. 10am -7pm • Sat. 10am -5pm

LAVONIA 706-356-2668

113225

Life-changing challenge Janet White is a winner

By Lake Morris Staff writer Nearly two years ago, Janet White made a life-changing decision, one she believes will add to her life in the future.

Since April 2013, when she weighed close to 300 pounds, White has lost between 150-160 pounds.

This was actually the second time White has lost a large amount of weight. After losing it the first time though, White gained it all back.

“I was just tired of being disgusted at being heavy and overweight. Losing it the first time I found out was the easy part, keeping it off is the real challenge,” she said. “I resolve to never put it back on.”

She said a family tragedy sparked her into action.

“My brother passed away from a heart attack at 56,” she said. “My weight didn’t cause me any health problems that I know of, but I know that I will avoid future obesity related problems now.”

So how did she do it? Simple.

Exercise and portion control.

She said her exercising began by going swimming, but White said the weight did not come off like she was hoping it would.

That started happening when she hit the road.

“I started walking and that graduated to running,” she said. “I run 5Ks now.”

She said she also cut down her portions and measured everything she ate.

“You have to get yourself into a mindset where you say no to yourself a lot, and that can be very hard at times. It is like learning to control your inner child,” White said. “It goes back to my running. I run a lot. If I eat I have to run it off.”

She said not even the vaunted holiday season last year detered her from enjoying the season known for weight gain.

“I was able to lose weight over the Christmas season. I continued to journal, continued to exercise,” she said.

What White did was continue to eat foods she liked, but with smaller portions.

“I would fill half a plate with the usual things, and the rest of it would be a lot of fruits and steamed vegetables,” she said.

Along with self control, White said she also had a lot of outside support.

“A friend of mine lost 100 pounds.

I felt so helpless and this mountain was an impossibility in my mind. I thought maybe if she could, I might be able to do it. I couldn’t afford not to try. So she was a big part of my inspiration,” she said. “Many people encouraged me over the last few months to go beyond my wildest dreams of overcoming the impossible in my life.”

She said she hopes her story can help inspire those also looking to conquer the mountain.

White said while being healthy and active is a benefit of losing weight, the best feeling is being happy with yourself.

“I feel good. I’m able to participate in more activities than ever. I fit in places where I never fit before. I hold up my clothes today and think I’ll never fit into them. But in reality I do,” White said.

WOMEN DECEMBER 2014

13

The holiday season is all about making fun memories. Why not wear something no one will soon forget at your own ugly sweater party?

Hosting one is simple have everyone show up in the tackiest holiday apparel they can find, whether from their closet, at a thrift store or something they “blinged” on their own.

With the party attire planned, try these easy and ugly dessert ideas from Wilton: * Soft, sweet and so ugly cakes: If your guests’ apparel doesn’t grab attention, your cake sure will. Use the Ugly Sweater Cake Pan to bake the cake. Style the decorating after your own garment - use buttercream or fondant, holiday-shaped

sprinkles and icing decorations to add some ugly to your cake. * Cookie decorating fun: Bring the classic seasonal activity to your party by having guests decorate their own sweater cookies.

Set up a decorating station with the Tacky Sweater Cookie Kit. With 12 prebaked vanilla cookies, a dozen of your friends can have a blast decorating with the included green and red icing and sprinkles.

Set up a photo station so guests can take pictures of their silly cookies to share online. * Warm up with lattes: Who doesn’t love sipping hot beverages by a warm fire with friends? Brew delicious Spirit of the

Season Mocha Lattes to toast a merry Christmas.

Offer assorted liqueurs for an adults-only party. * It’s time to judge: At the end of the party, hold a contest for the ugliest sweater - both real and cookie. Award winners in different categories, such as All-Around Ugliest, Most Original, Funniest, Most Non-Ugly or Most Ridiculous. Get creative with the prizes, too. Find an inexpensive and unique white elephant gift, or hand out little first place ribbons.

Your party will be one to remember with these ideas.

For more fun and festive party ideas, visit wilton. com.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Ugly Sweater Cake Servings: 10-12 1 package (16.25 ounces) Devil’s Food cake mix 1/4 cup hot cocoa mix 3 eggs 2/3 cup water 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract Buttercream icing Red Decorator Preferred Rolled Fondant White Decorator Preferred

14

DECEMBER 2014 WOMEN

Rolled Fondant Primary Colored Fondant Multipack Piping Gel String licorice Sprinkles: Sugar Pearls, Trees, Yellow Colored Sugar Preheat oven to 325∞F. Spray Ugly Sweater Cake Pan with vegetable pan spray.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, hot cocoa mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil and peppermint extract with electric mixer at low speed 30 seconds. Scrape bottom and sides of bowl; beat at medium speed 2 minutes.

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading to even thickness. Bake minutes 44-47 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan on cooling grid 10 minutes.

Remove from pan; cool completely on grid.

With spatula, lightly ice cooled cake. Roll out red fondant 1/8 inch thick; cover cake. Knead small amount of white fondant into remaining red fondant, white with small amount of yellow fondant, small amount of yellow fondant with green fondant. Roll out all colors of fondant

sleeve cuffs and bottom sweater band. Attach sprinkles.

Spirit of the Season Mocha Latte Servings: 8

separately, 1/16 inch thick.

Using holiday cutters, patterns or cut free-form, to make collar, ornaments and sweater neckline, cuffs and bottom band. Use piping gel to attach licorice ornament hangers, sprinkles and sugars.

Eggnog Ugly Sweater Cake Servings: 10-12 1 package (16.5 ounces) yellow cake mix 2/3 cup eggnog 1/3 cup vegetable oil 3 eggs 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg Buttercream Icing Icing Colors: Juniper Green, Christmas Red Holly Mix and Candy Cane Sprinkles

Preheat oven to 325∞F. Spray Ugly Sweater Cake Pan with vegetable pan spray.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, eggnog, oil, eggs and nutmeg with electric mixer at low speed 30 seconds.

Scrape bottom and sides of bowl; beat at medium speed 2 minutes. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading to even thickness.

Bake 39-42 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan on cooling grid 10 minutes.

Remove from pan; cool completely on grid.

With spatula, ice cooled cake. Using tip 233 and green icing, pipe tree on cake. Using tip 46 and red icing, pipe outline neckline,

2 cups very hot strong brewed coffee 2 cups Wilton Dark Cocoa Candy Melts Candy 6 cups milk 1/2 cup chocolate syrup Assorted liqueurs and spirits (optional), such as: peppermint schnapps, Irish cream liqueur, creamy rum liqueur, chocolate-flavored liqueur, cinnamon schnapps, caramelflavored vodka

late syrup until steaming, about 4 minutes. Whisk milk vigorously to froth.

Whisk in candy mixture until combined.

Divide lattes evenly between eight mugs. If desired, add 1 ounce of your choice of liqueur to each drink.

(Family Features)

In large bowl, pour coffee over dark cocoa Candy Melts candy; let sit to melt.

In large microwave-safe bowl, heat milk and choco-

fts G si t c et k e f a P e r o r G ift B

o xe s T ohlie day B H

o suit ade T m m o .

Cust udget ts, any b roduc p e h t e ! s k o ho e wor You c do th w e ’l l 50 North Forest, Hartwell, GA

706-376-9786 ~Hours~ Monday - Saturday • 10am - 6pm

C r y s t a l’s C lo s e t

Darren & Janice Barkman, Owners

121376

91520

Wade’s Tax Service

G en tly U s ed C lo th in g fo r T h e E n tire F a m ily !

Wade A. Gaines - Owner

124571

Over 30 years experience

119 Depot St.

706-376-4923 Crystal’s Closet is a 501c3 Non-Profit Charity

Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10am - 6pm • Wed & Sat 10am - 2pm

“Getting it right the first time” 105 Depot St. 969 Coldwater Creek Rd. Hartwell, GA 30643 Dewy Rose, GA 30634 Phone: 706-376-1147 Phone: 706-376-9773 Cell: 706-308-6893 Cell: 706-308-6893 Fax: 706-376-1174 Fax: 706-376-1174

email: WadesTaxService@hartcom.net WOMEN DECEMBER 2014

15

I was afraid to lose my femininity...

Stephanie Sharp Mom, IT Professional, Cancer Survivor

Stephanie Sharp was still in her 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

But instead of letting her diagnosis hold her back, she took the reins and sought treatment at Athens Regional Medical Center. Today, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cancer free and has

none of the things that mattered before matter anymore.â&#x20AC;?

To schedule your mammogram today, call 706.475.4960 or go online to AthensHealth.org/GetMammo.

Watch Stephanieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story at AthensHealth.org/Cancer