Des Moines Woman | February 2012

Des Moines

WOMAN ON THE ROAD TWO WOMEN, COUNTLESS JOURNEYS

Keep the

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BEAUTIFUL BROWS

HOW TO KEEP THEM GROOMED

FEBRUARY 2012

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table of contents |

February 2012 I’M A DES MOINES WOMAN

Maria Valdovinos, psychology professor at Drake ...................... 5

INTERESTING WOMEN

Vicki Facto: warm-weather junkie .................................................. 10 Jody Halsted: traveler, blogger ......................................................... 8

SHOP

Cute yet functional travel accessories .......................................... 12

CAREERS

Q&A with The Great Frame Up’s Angela Williams ..................... 18

FASHION

Is it spring yet? These clothes say so ............................................ 20

BEAUTY

The perfect arch (and more tips) for your brows ...................... 28

HEALTH

How to keep focus on your New Year’s resolution ................... 30

Editor Sarah Dose Staff Writers Patt Johnson Jennifer Miller Designer Amanda Holladay

Above: Travel enthusiast Jody Halsted.

Photographers Mary Chind Andrea Melendez David Purdy Eric Rowley Fashion Editor Sarah Dose

Copy Editors Charles Flesher, Joe Hawkins, Kimberly Isburg, Darla Adair-Petroski To place an ad call Kimm Miller (515) 284-8404 Des Moines Register Magazine Division

Vice President, Content Rick Green

To subscribe to Des Moines Woman, call (515) 284-8060.

President and Publisher Laura Hollingsworth

These materials are the sole and exclusive property of the Des Moines Register & Tribune Co. and are not to be used without its written permission. © 2012 Des Moines Register & Tribune Co.

Contact us: Des Moines Woman 4th Floor P.O. Box 957 Des Moines, IA 50306 e-mail: sdose@dmreg.com

On the cover: Teri Sweeney wears a Fluxus top ($139), Lounge “Wish” tank ($27) and M2F jeans ($119), from Perfectly Twisted in Ankeny.

4 Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012

I’M A DES MOINES WOMAN Maria Valdovinos

By SARAH DOSE • Photo by DAVID PURDY

FAMILY LIFE: I’m married with two young children ­— Kathleen (5) and Harrison (2). My husband, Ross, and I relocated to Des Moines in May of 2005 from Nashville, Tenn.

WORK: As an associate professor of psychology at Drake, I teach classes in developmental and behavioral psychology.

I’m also the director of the Drake Undergraduate Science Collaborative Institute. My main area of expertise is in developmental disabilities and applied behavior analysis.

WHAT DOES BEING A DES MOINES WOMAN MEAN TO YOU? I think I sound hokey, but being a Des Moines woman means I have the freedom to be everything I want to be — a mom, wife, an athlete, a scholar — and to live my life in a way that is good for me, my family, and my community.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I was born in Illinois, but moved to Texas when my father was laid off from General Motors during the 1980s. When he was called back to work, it was at a plant in Alabama. I consider Athens, Ala., my hometown.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES? About two years ago I started running. I used to come up with a ton of excuses as to why I couldn’t/shouldn’t run (I’m flat-footed, it will ruin my knees, my uterus will drop out ­— yes, I recognize the impossibility). One day a friend proposed we run the Des Moines Half Marathon together. Right as I was about to provide my list of why “I can’t,” I stopped and just said, “Sure. Why not?” That was a huge turning point for me. Last year I logged 1,050 miles. It has become a passion, and when I cannot run, I miss it.

PLAN THE PERFECT DAY AROUND DES MOINES: A perfect day would begin with a run starting at Gray’s Lake and

routing through downtown Des Moines. Afterwards, getting the family rounded up to bike the Walnut Creek Trail and Clive Greenbelt Trail, visiting the parks and playgrounds, and having a picnic lunch. We’d take the kids to the downtown library to get some books and play at the Western Gateway Park. In the evening, my husband and I would plan a date, dinner downtown and a movie at Fleur Cinema.

WHAT IS THE COOLEST PLACE YOU’VE TRAVELED TO? Giant’s Causeway in Ireland. The rock formations are amazing and the hike to arrive at the coast was just breathtaking. Truly a wonder.

DREAM VACATION? My husband and I talk about how amazing it would be to travel to Iceland. The geography and beauty of the country have us spellbound.

WHO IS YOUR IDOL IN LIFE? I have so many people that I highly respect and admire; most of them are people in my life and who have accomplished the most amazing things but don’t necessarily gain widespread recognition. They touch and improve upon the lives of individuals.

THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH A MIDWEST WINTER IS … to embrace it and look for the fun ­— whether that means going sledding out your front door (our house is on a huge hill), getting a fire going in the evenings, or using shoveling the driveway as crosstraining.

DID YOU MAKE ANY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS? I present myself with new questions to answer each year. This year I asked, “how can I make sure I am balancing the demands of work and marathon training with prioritizing my family?”

A NO-FAIL RECIPE I MAKE IS … a turkey ziti. It’s a recipe shared by a great friend that is healthy, fast, tasty, and my kids love it!

Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012 5

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INTERESTING WOMEN

I’VE BEEN everywhere Two women, countless journeys.

Jody Halsted roams the world with her husband and two kids in tow. She writes about it all on her blog, which is dedicated to giving tips on traveling with a family.

Vicki Facto and her husband are passionate about immersing themselves in the culture of every place they visit.

They particularly love Mexico and the Mayan culture.

For these women, travel isn’t merely a pastime. It’s a quest.

Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012 7

INTERESTING WOMEN

Travel tales

ANKENY MOM BLOGS ABOUT HER LOVE – AND KNOWLEDGE – OF TRAVELING THE WORLD WITH CHILDREN

By PATT JOHNSON Photos by DAVID PURDY

A

s a farm girl growing up near Greenfield, Jody Halsted says her family was the kind of poor that vacations and travel weren’t a part of their vocabulary.

She graduated from high school, studied cosmetology, moved to Minneapolis and began bulking up her savings so she could fulfill a fantasy.

Traveling became her quest.

“I just wanted to see things,” says Halsted, 41, who lives in Ankeny. She went to the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, Pennsylvania and Canada.

For someone who had never traveled, every trip was a wonderful adventure, she says. She traveled with friends and alone. She ventured outside the United States and many spots within its borders.

Halsted has turned her love of exploring new places into a business. She writes blogs for a number of travel sites and for her own family travel site. She also is a freelance magazine writer, focusing on travel. She is constantly posting, tweeting and linking all things travel.

She gets free trips from companies offering hotels,

8 Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012

attractions and events, and in turn she talks about them on her blog. She takes her family, which includes husband Doug and daughters Brenna, 7, and Caelan, 5, along on adventures when it’s feasible.

Otherwise she travels alone, sometimes speaking at travel conferences, other times

visiting out-of-the-way bed and breakfast inns or luxurious hotels with kid suites.

“I love roaming the world,” she says. “There is always something new around every corner.”

When she was 30, Halsted

realized a longtime dream and visited Ireland.

“I had a rental car, a map and a list of B&Bs,” she says. “I decided I would go wherever the road would lead me. It was a journey of discovery and I thought, ‘This is what I want to experience all the

time.’”

tell people how to do it.”

She and Doug married in 2003 after reconnecting at her sister’s wedding. The two met during high school at a debate meet years earlier, but she had branded Doug as a geek. The second time was different; they were both mature and ready to settle down.

She started writing a blog, sharing her thoughts and tips on where and how to travel with children.

Halsted wanted to share her wanderlust with Doug. They decided to forego a big wedding and instead spend the money on travel. Their first big trip was to London.

“Doug had been in the Army for 10 years. He had been overseas but never had a passport,” she says.

A year and two days after they married, Brenna was born. She took her first trip three months later.

“People actually started responding to what I wrote. Then it became highly addictive,” she says.

Her first blog was called Have Kid Will Travel. In 2010 she hired an attorney and turned her blog into a business. She renamed the blog Family Rambling. She added a second blog called Ireland with Kids, about traveling in the Emerald Isle.

“Family travel seems to have blossomed,” she says. There are plenty of things to do that satisfy both adults and children when they travel. And if you start traveling when your children are

young, you can develop good travelers, she says.

“When you travel with children it gives you a whole different perspective,” she says. “Adults tend to lose their perspective of awe.”

Halsted has been to Ireland five times and is planning a twoweek family trip there in the spring. Her dream job would be to live in Ireland and write her travel blogs from there. But she also likes to travel short distances, too.

“Every place has something special about it,” she says.

Hampton, Ia., for instance, is full of cute boutiques and an old courthouse that would appeal to history and architecture buffs.

The blogging and freelance work allow her to be with her

“Having a supportive husband is very necessary for a job like this,” she says. “We have an annual powwow and talk about it. If there is no support in the family for what I am doing, then it won’t work.”

For now she is still living her dream.

“Five years ago I didn’t have a clue that this would be something other than a hobby.”

Travel tips • Travel blogger Jody Halsted gives her tips for keeping travel costs down.

“When they are that little, they are portable,” Halsted says. Still, she was searching for tips on the Internet on how to travel with babies.

• Make travel a priority by cutting costs at home, like eating out less, trimming clothing budgets.

There was a lot of information but nothing substantive.

• Consider camping while on the road.

She told Doug: “I am going to

When you travel with children it gives you a whole different perspective.

Adults tend to lose their perspective of awe.

daughters, who are active in dance and gymnastics. She knows as the girls get older they may not want to travel as much.

And Halsted is always careful to monitor if her work interferes with family life.

• Take advantage of cool places within driving distances. “Kansas City and St. Louis are both amazing.”

• Travel in the offseason.

“It’s all doable if you plan it well.”

• Opt for alternative transportation. Mega Bus offers great fares to Chicago, for example.

Halsted’s blogs familyrambling.com Travel blogger Jody Halsted at her home in Ankeny, with her daughters Caelan, 5, and Brenna, 7.

irelandwithkids.com

Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012 9

INTERESTING WOMEN

Winter respite

A DES MOINES WOMAN AND HER HUSBAND MAKE A POINT TO MAKE AT LEAST ONE MAJOR TRIP EACH YEAR

I

By JENNIFER MILLER

f you ask Vicki Facto what her favorite trip to points afar has been, expect a long pause. You can almost watch the vacation slideshow flash through her brain as she mulls the possibilities.

“I just could not pick a most favorite trip.” Pause. “No, I really can’t.”

Vicki and Tim Facto have arranged their lives around their travel lust. In each of the 21 years they have been married, they have taken a trip, though only the last seven or eight each have been a whole month.

Now, Tim is retired from the railroad, so that’s easy.

Vicki, 46, is vice president for commercial real estate lending at Bankers Trust and has to deal with career logistics more. When she started at Banker’s Trust, she told them up front that she’d like to take her vacation in a one-month lump. They agreed.

“I’m really lucky,” Facto says, “that they allow me to do that.”

The annual wintertime trips often revolve around two things: warmth and snorkeling. They also enjoy biking and hiking. It follows then that one of the couple’s favorite destinations has been Mexico, though they try to visit someplace different each time.

“We’ve traveled on both the Pacific side and the Caribbean side,” Facto says, “and we’ve spent a lot of time on the Yucatan Peninsula. We’ve probably been to Mexico at least 20 times. We really enjoy that culture and especially the Mayan people.” They have also traveled in Central America and Ireland.

The Factos are not big on hanging out in cities or resorts, preferring to get more immersed in local culture by staying in small towns. They also leave room for flexibility in their itinerary, starting with a few must-sees or must-dos and going from there.

“We pick a few sights and nail down the places that we really need reservations and then loosely plan around those.

We don’t usually make a lot of hotel reservations in advance,” Facto says, since they usually

Vicki Facto shows some of the things that help her travel the world.

She and her husband, Tim, are working on their next adventure.

Photo by Andrea Melendez

10 Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012

stay away from touristy spots.

“We probably fall somewhere between travelers and vacationers.”

They often rely on chance encounters to fill out the rest of their trips. “The best sources of information are other travelers and locals,” Facto insists. “If you go to the local hangout — like in Ireland, it was the pubs — you’d strike up a conversation with a local guy and the next thing you know there’s people all around, marking up your map and talking about what you should see.”

Their approach to travel not only suits their personalities (“we’re very lucky that we’re such compatible travelers,”

says Facto, referring to her husband) it makes the trips doable budget-wise. They don’t necessarily “save up,“ Facto says, but, “We’ve always been pretty conservative with our money and we’re not extravagant travelers. I would say we’re more budget travelers — which might not suit everybody, but it works for us. Everybody chooses how they want to spend their money and we choose to spend ours on traveling.”

Going light is another hallmark of Vicki and Tim’s peripatetic pastime. According to Vicki, they wouldn’t even check bags if it weren’t for airlines’ restrictions on liquids in carry-ons. “I can pretty much get everything I need in one carry-on. And one thing I’ve discovered is that there is always somewhere to get laundry done.”

Besides their yearly “big trip,” the Factos usually take a much smaller car trip in the United States, where they load up their bikes and hit the road.

“We’re starting on national parks now,” Facto says. “Ken Burns (director of PBS’s “The

Along the Hiawatha Bike Trail in Idaho.

Provided photo

National Parks: America’s Best Idea”) inspired us.”

On Vicki’s bucket list is pretty much all of Europe. Tim traveled around Europe years ago, so it’s not as much a priority for him, Vicki says, “but I’ll get him back there.”

Also on the list: everywhere else. “There’s just not enough time or money to do it all…,” Facto says, trailing off wistfully.

Travel tips Vicki Facto gives her tips for trimming travel expenses and getting the most from your trip.

• Don’t pay for a lot of official, guided tours. Ask locals for recommendations of the best sights.

• Stay in places that have kitchens and prepare your own meals from ingredients found at local shops.

• Pick quieter, more out-of-theway places to stay. They will be less expensive and will allow you to experience the culture in a way that a resort doesn’t.

The best sources of information are other travelers and locals.

• Check out Lonely Planet’s travel guides.

• Be flexible, so you can take advantage of opportunities you didn’t know about.

• Go where the people are and interact with them. You are sure to meet people who can point you to places you might not know about.

Hiking in the Badlands in South Dakota.

Provided photo

Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012 11

SHOP SHOP

Avoid filling out a luggage tag at the airport by purchasing these ($5.50 apiece), Accents & Interiors.

12 Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012

Baggallini’s cross-body bag ($54.95) is easy to pack and won’t weigh you down during sightseeing.

Landmark Luggage.

TRAVEL in style

By SARAH DOSE • Photos by ERIC ROWLEY

You might have beautiful clothes to take on your trip, but what about beautiful things to accompany them? These bags and accessories will help you feel like a complete traveler with a put-together sense of style.

It packs up small, but this umbrella ($35), is seriously fullsized. Back Country Outfitters.

Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012 13

SHOP Off to a fancy dinner? These stunning pieces are all from Alexis Bittar’s 2012 resort collection.

LEFT: Long coral necklace ($595).

BELOW: Coral chandelier earrings ($345).

RIGHT, OPPOSITE PAGE: Vine Tear vearrings ($245).

All from Sahar’s.

BELOW: A bright clutch handles just the bare necessities and adds pop to your outfit. Purse ($36), B Posh.

14 Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012

SHOP

Lug’s bright Puddle Jumper bag ($88) and two-step cosmetic bag ($33) are perfect companions on day trips. Accents & Interiors.

Shop the looks Accents & Interiors

Landmark Luggage

2701 N.W. 86th St., Urbandale; (515) 276-7201

Inside Valley West Mall, 1551 Valley West Drive, West Des Moines; (515) 223-0999

B Posh 2721 N.W. 86th St., Urbandale; (515) 334-7674 Back Country Outfitters 2702 Beaver Ave.; (515) 255-0031; theoriginalbackcountry.com

Sahar’s 4100 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines; (515) 225-7952

Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012 15

SHOP RIGHT: A hard case means no smashed-up umbrella during a spontaneous storm. Knirps umbrella ($49.95), Landmark Luggage.

BELOW: Keep your excursions straight with a Swiss Military watch ($150), Back Country Outfitters.

ABOVE: Have water on hand any time with Platypus’ collapsable container ($7.95), Landmark Luggage.

LEFT: A traveling toothbrush ($16.50), and Lug’s inflatable pillow/blanket ($33) are a must for road trips. Accents & Interiors.

16 Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012

ABOVE: Perfect for a weekend are Vera Bradley’s large duffel in “Watercolor” print ($84) and Lug’s Puddle Jumper overnight bag in Grass ($84.95), Landmark Luggage.

RIGHT: Spruce up a musty hotel room with a Capri Blue candle in “Volcano” scent ($18), B Posh.

ABOVE: Assorted luggage tags ($4.95 apiece), Landmark Luggage.

LEFT: Vera Bradley bags in the brand new “Island Blooms” print include the grand traveler bag with shoulder strap ($118), the laptop sleeve ($38) and hatbox cosmetic case ($48), Accents & Interiors.

Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012 17

CAREERS&MONEY

Framing a career Angela Williams traded her briefcase for a shop of frames in a career change that fulfilled a dream

By PATT JOHNSON • Photos by MARY CHIND

“I decided to open The Great Frame Up after several international trips, where I met artists,” she said.

She shared her perspective on being a businesswoman and its successes and struggles: Q. Why did you choose the franchise route?

A. They offered a good back-office support, experience and a wide variety of resources in the industry.

Q. What kind of vetting process did you go through before choosing The Great Frame Up as opposed to some other franchise?

A. I wanted to make sure it was something that I could get excited about when I got up in the morning ­­— something I had a passion for over an extended period. I’ve always loved art and enjoy meeting new artists and working with customers on their personal family projects.

C

Q. What are your job responsibilities? hicago native Angela Williams changed up her life six years ago and gave up corporate law for entrepreneurship.

“I had fulfilled my dream of law, and I decided I wanted to do something creative,” she said in an interview after opening her art and frame shop The Great Frame Up in West Glen Town Center in West Des Moines in 2006.

Williams, 43, has struggled keeping a steady stream of customers in tough economic times but has persisted.

“It has been tough. But I continue to stay positive. Praise God I’m still open,” she said recently. “I was the third store open on Avenue

18 Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012

of the Arts in November 2006 and I’m still open today -- February 2012.” The Avenue of the Arts was designated as the location for art galleries and similar shops in West Glen, which originally opened as an urban retail, office and residential development. The center has struggled to blossom and has had high turnover and empty shops in recent years.

Williams practiced law for 13 years before changing directions.

She graduated from Washington University Law School in St. Louis in 1993 and practiced law in Chicago before moving to Des Moines in 1999 to work for Maytag Corp. as in-house counsel.

A. I am the salesperson, designer, framer, marketer, advertiser, networker, rainmaker, maintenance, repair, merchandiser, receptionist, bill payer, inventory-keeper, orderplacer and a few other hats.

Q. Why did you choose West Glen?

A. West Glen had the street called Avenue of the Arts and it promised to be one filled with galleries and fun, interesting shops. It was also located near my target market.

Q. What has been the biggest challenge in running your own business?

framing, feature local artists and gifts to the Des Moines community.

A. Keeping all the hats in place and generating a steady flow of business.

Q. What are some of the biggest challenges facing women entrepreneurs in general? Financing, competition, male-dominated industries, opportunities?

Q. What has been the best part of running the shop?

A. This Christmas we did a special project for a dear customer’s mother as a memorial to her father. It was very unique and when we shared it with her she just broke out in tears. I gave her a big hug and shared my heart with her.

It’s not easy losing a loved one and it’s wonderful to be able to help them remember the good times.

Q. Every thought about going back into law?

A. Sure. At this time, I’m focused and staying in my purpose. To continue to provide custom

A. Often it has to do with resources, access to capital and spheres of influence. Many are successful in business by their skills, sure. Skills and doing good work are very important, however, much has to do with the people you know who can significantly impact your business.

Q. How did you overcome those challenges?

A. Lots of prayer, favor, grace and mercy. ISED (Iowans for Social and Economic Development) was very helpful and continues to be a huge

supporter. Consistent marketing of the brand — “The Great Frame Up — where picture framing is an art.” Also, strategic networking — not just meeting new people but following up with those who you might be able to collaborate with on a variety of projects for the community or on their behalf.

Q. How has your business changed since you opened?

A. A lot has changed. The industry continues to raise its prices and the market has seen many ups and downs. More people are looking for quality and a fair price.

Q. How have you fared during the economic crisis the past few years?

A. It has been tough. But I continue to stay positive. Praise God I’m still open. I was the third store open on Avenue of the arts in November 2006 and I’m still

The Great Frame Up INFO: 5515 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 150, West Des Moines (515) 226-2310 HOURS: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Monday through Wednesday, Friday; 10 a.m.-8 pm. Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. opened today February 2011.

Q. What advice would you give other women who might be considering starting a business?

Pray Save more money than you think you’ll need.

Get a good business plan.

Stay focused.

Seek out wise advisors.

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FASHION

Fashion ...

IN TRANSITION IT’S STILL WINTER, BUT YOU CAN SMELL SPRING. ADD POPS OF COLOR AND SLEEVELESS STYLES WHILE YOU WAIT FOR WARMER WEATHER. Fashion editor: SARAH DOSE • Photos by ERIC ROWLEY

20 Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012

ON JODY McCABE (this page): 213 by Michelle Kim cutout tank ($99), necklace ($69), B Posh. Miss Me skinny jeans ($76.50), Perfectly Twisted.

ON TERI SWEENEY (opposite page): Ya Los Angeles polkadot top in cinnamon ($32), Stone Blue “Taylor Trouser” jeans ($128), Back Country Outfitters; Lounge “Wish” tank ($27), Perfectly Twisted.

ON TERI: Babette blouse ($275) and crushed pleated skirt ($270), Susan Brown aquamarine rosin beaded necklace ($145), Mr. B.

22 Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012

ON JODY: Milly Stripe Boyfriend Cardi ($295), and lace shorts ($220), Sahar’s.

ON JOLEEN ROSKAMP: 213 by Michelle Kim dress ($129), necklace ($29), B Posh.

ON TERI: Joseph Ribkoff “Modele” pants ($148), Joseph Ribkoff blouse ($215), Mr. B.

Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012 23

ON JODY: Ya Los Angeles top ($27.50) and MEK jeans ($109), The Funky Zebras.

ON TERI: Nanette Lepore “Dazzle Me” top ($248) and “Miss Arizona” skirt with high/ low hem ($328), Sahar’s.

ON JOLEEN: Young, Broke and Fabulous dolman-sleeve top ($99), Miss Me trouser jeans ($98), Perfectly Twisted.

24 Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012

ON JOLEEN: Milly tucked sheath dress ($320) and “Effie” coat ($520), Sahar’s.

ON JOLEEN: Zoa top ($129), tank ($29), necklace ($29), and DL 1961 jeans ($168), all from B Posh.

26 Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012

Shop the looks B Posh

2721 N.W. 86th St., Urbandale; (515) 334-7674 Back Country Outfitters 2702 Beaver Ave.; (515) 255-0031; theoriginalbackcountry.com The Funky Zebras 305 S.E. Oralabor Road, Ankeny; (515) 964-0332 thefunkyzebras.com Mr. B 1995 N.W. 86th St., Clive; (515) 276-8589; mrbclothing.com Perfectly Twisted Inside Vesta Salon & Spa, 305 S.E. Oralabor Road, Suite B, Ankeny; (515) 964-3939; perfectlytwistedboutique.com Sahar’s 4100 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines; (515) 225-7952; sahars.com Photos shot at IKONIX Studio in the East Village.

ON JODY: Henry & Belle skinny jeans ($130), Ya Los Angeles contrast-stripe pocket top ($30), Back Country Outfitters.

Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012 27

BEAUTY

All about

EYEBROWS

Find your perfect arch and tame your grays with these helpful tips

By JENNIFER MILLER • Photos by ERIC ROWLEY

T

he first thing you should know about your eyebrows, esthetician Carly Iverson says, is that they’re all different. Even your two brows differ from each other.

“They are sisters,” says Iverson, who works at Sahar’s in West Des Moines, “but they’re not twins. They’re never going to look exactly the same.”

The other thing you have to resign yourself to, according to Iverson, is that there’s only so much interfering you can do. “You can’t force eyebrows to grow in a direction they don’t want to. A lot of people have that misconception.”

Yes, you can shape them and manipulate their furriness, Iverson says. “But your eyebrows will arch where they’re going arch… .” And yes, they are important aesthetic features. “They’re like little picture frames for your face,” Iverson says.

Now that we’ve got all that cleared up, we’ll let Iverson give us the rundown on beautiful brows.

BEFORE

Esthetician Carly Iverson waxes Shonda Smith’s eyebrows at Sahar’s in West Des Moines.

For brow shaping, tweezing is not ideal; waxing is ideal. “I’m not big on putting tweezers in the hands of my clients,” Iverson says. “It’s too easy to get carried away. It’s OK for minor, in-betweenwaxes maintenance but...” (And by the way, people – we don’t call it plucking; that’s for chickens.)

Waxing is best left to a professional. Iverson says she had been working on others’ brows for five years before she got up the nerve to wax her own. She recommends getting brows waxed every four weeks and no tweezing in between appointments.

AFTER

Shonda Smith’s eyebrows, before and after waxing.

28 Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012

For sparse brows, Iverson says there is a product that is effective in regrowing them called LiBrow, which stimulates follicles to go back to their growing phase. The product uses the same ingredients as the lash-growing Latisse, and there are no known side effects listed on the product’s website.

The ideal eyebrow shape for any given face can be judged using a pencil and a mirror. Start all three measurements (outside edge, arch and inside edge) with a pencil held starting at the outside bottom corner of one nostril. For the outside edge (closest to the ear) of your brow, angle the pencil so it lines up with the outside corner of your eye. The brow should come down to meet the pencil. Now angle the pencil 45 degrees, so it crosses your pupil. This is where the arch should land. To locate where the inside edge of the brow should be, hold the pencil straight up and down.

BEFORE

AFTER

Permanent makeup, or cosmetic tattooing, is available for eyebrows, as well as for lip and eyeliner. This is a good option for someone who has permanently lost all brow hair, Iverson says. “It’s a commitment, though, so people shouldn’t take it lightly.”

There are better ways to deal with stray gray hairs than tweezing. Tinting them with dye is one option, or you can tint them every day using eyebrow powder followed with eyebrow gel. “Eyebrow pencil can look too heavy; powder looks much more natural.”

According to Iverson, almost everyone could stand to fill in their brows some.

For unruly grays, especially ones hogging the middle of the brow, tweezing is not advised. Instead, Iverson says, “Take an eyebrow comb, spray it with a little hairspray and try to tame the gray hair.”

Amanda Henry’s eyebrows, before and after waxing.

Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012 29

HEALTH

Motivational lessons Keep your New Year’s resolution in check with these tips

By ESTELA VILLANUEVA-WHITMAN • Photo special to Des Moines Woman

T

hat New Year’s resolution to lose weight and get fit sure sounded like a great idea back in January.

Now, a few weeks into the regimen? Not so much.

Statistics from the University of Scranton prove how tough it is to maintain those goals: One-quarter of folks making resolutions break them after one week; 36 percent break them after one month. By six months, less than half have maintained their resolutions.

Local fitness and weight-loss experts offer these six tips to hit your goal:

SEEK HELP Luke Aduddell, vice president/ co-owner of Aspen Athletics, said a majority of people joining a gym will quit if they haven’t received individualized help — either paid or free.

“Unless they get with a trainer who acclimates them to the club, makes them feel comfortable and gives them a basic game plan, the odds of success are very small,” he said.

Aspen members receive two free sessions with a trainer and fitness counselors call new members weekly for the first eight weeks to retain and assist them.

Weight Watchers also offers programs to help new members get off to a great

30 Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012

start, said Pam Nida, a Des Moines-area leader. Meetings can also provide tips, planning and motivation.

TRY A GADGET TO MEASURE RESULTS Trainers at Aspen use the Apex Bodybugg armband, the same tool used by contestants on “The Biggest Loser,” to track calories consumed and burned.

There are also multiple apps available online to set workout reminders, and watches that include GPS for runners to track

their outings.

Angie Gallagher, a certified personal trainer and owner of Fitness with Angie, finds a heart rate monitor beneficial for clients. The device looks like a watch, with a strap that wraps around the ribcage. Some can track calories and store information online.

Gallagher also uses a Wi-Fi scale that transfers weight and body mass index to an iPhone or password-protected website. The results can be

easily sent to a physician, or shared on Facebook or Twitter, which provides even more accountability.

USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM Success increases when members have a comfort group, Aduddell said. Aspen has 50 full-time trainers who help with individuals, buddy sessions or small groups. A more intense program, Total Body Evolution, provides support in a larger group six days a week. Aspen also offers

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Gallagher said small groups help participants stick with their programs. Peers are more likely to check up on you when you miss a class and Gallagher can watch whether clients are doing exercises correctly, she said.

Support from Weight Watchers meetings helped Nida lose 50 pounds and become a leader 10 years ago. Frustrated that she wasn’t losing more weight, she chose to stick with it after a fellow member convinced her she needed to give it more time.

SET SMALL, REALISTIC GOALS Instead of trying to run a marathon after only three months of training, set a smaller goal, such as running a 5K, Gallagher said.

“Once you’ve achieved that goal, then you set a higher goal and continue on. When you reach those smaller goals, it keeps you motivated and focused,” she said.

Create goals you can sustain for the rest of your life, Aduddell added.

“You have to set your goals realistic and create a lifestyle change versus a quick fix.

Maybe losing one pound a week is your goal. Next thing you know, in six months, you’re down 25 pounds.”

Participants in Weight Watchers also set small goals, celebrating every five pounds lost. The first goal is five percent of your body weight, Nida said.

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A safe rate of weight loss is a half-pound to two pounds a week.

Gallagher advised setting a deadline, such as losing five pounds this month.

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“People often lose motivation because they don’t have a definite end point or goal,” she said.

If you don’t reach the goal, redefine it. Studies show that recording your progress in a journal also helps, she said.

MAKE SURE THE GOAL IS CONSISTENT WITH YOUR LIFESTYLE If your schedule is busy, try kicking up your workout a notch to maximize the time you have, Gallagher said. And be flexible if job responsibilities or illness interrupt your schedule.

Have a backup plan, such as modifying your routine or changing your goal to one you can achieve.

NOW IN HOMEFINDER, EVERY SUNDAY: Thinking or dreaming of a new home? Every Sunday, the HomeFinder section of the Des Moines Register’s classifieds is the market’s open house destination! Along with open houses, you’ll find real estate transactions and featured homes. We make Sunday’s special.

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Des Moines WOMAN | February 2012 31

Ask

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