THE TRAVEL ISSUE
YOU
MAGAZINE
JANUARY 18, 2017
LOCAL MENTORS Leave A Lasting Impression
APRIL
KNUTSON Helps Others As She Travels
YOU MAGAZINE STAFF
January 2017 contents
your style
President and Publisher PAMELA HENSON
Editor STARLA GOLIE Graphic Artist MARIE RAYOME-GILL
Top 10: International Explorations
your life
Circulation Manager DAVE SIELSKI Contributing Writers TINA DETTMAN-BIELEFELDT, MEGHAN DIEMEL, CHRISTOPHER ELLIOT, BILL MCGEE, KORI PERTEN, IAN SUTHERLAND Photography MIKE PETERS, PRESS-GAZETTE PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF
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ON THE COVER: April Knutson Photo by Mike Peters
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YOU ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
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Say Yes To Adventure Adventure Is Calling And It’s Your Turn To Answer
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In Need Of A Friend Big Brothers Big Sisters Experience Is Life-Changing For Littles And Their Mentors
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11 Gadgets That Will Help You Stay Safe In Uncertain Times
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The Season for Minimalist Travel
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Currency Exchange 101: What To Know Before You Go
SHARON VERBETEN Brown County Public Library PATTI SCHISEL The Ultimate Closet
ALLYSON WATSON Brown County UW-Extension JANIE DENIS STRUTT Forte Modeling & Talent BROOKE MCMILLAN Pure Barre Green Bay BRIAN JOHNSON On Broadway, Inc. STEPHANIE SCHULTZ, MSM, RDN, CD Skogen’s Festival Foods LISA MALAK Local Five Live, WFRV BREHANNA SKALETSKI Downtown Green Bay, Inc. & Olde Main Street, Inc. LORI O’CONNOR Wisconsin Media YOU MAGAZINE is an advertorial magazine published monthly by Wisconsin Media. Contents of the magazine are owned by Gannett Wisconsin. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of Gannett Wisconsin. MAIL: YOU Magazine, P.O. Box 23430, Green Bay, WI 54305-3430. EMAIL: youmagazine@wisinfo.com. FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION, CALL 920-431-8372.
YOU Spotlight: Traveling Nurse Becomes Serial Entrepreneur
in every issue 18
YOU Picks: A sampling of our favorite things from local merchants
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19 CYLG: Winter Farmers Market
from the editor Adventures sure are crucial for the soul. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can leave us at our wits end at times. It’s important to remember to stop, take a deep breath and always make a little time for yourself. One of my favorite ways to regain my sanity is by taking off to explore. It’s a thrilling feeling to teeter on the edge of the unknown. The energy before you leave is unexplainable whether you’re jetting off with family, close friends or escaping away completely on your own. You plan for brilliant ventures and are left blown away by the awe inspiring moments offered along the way. The world is vast and other cultures have many things we can learn from. Expeditions allow us to continue growing into the person we were meant to become while changing us in unimaginable and exhilarating ways. It boosts your confidence, intellect and can leave you completely breathless. In a good way, of course. As I write these words, I’m eagerly anticipating and finalizing the last few details of my upcoming hiatus. By the time this will be published, I will already be traipsing around New Zealand and Australia. Throughout 2016, it was made ever clear how precious the time we have here truly is. As many of you have also done during the past year, I changed in ways I never could have foreseen and am able to see the bigger picture. We always hear the saying that everything happens for a reason and perhaps sometimes we merely brush it off. Tough times prove to yourself that you are stronger than you could ever imagine and pleasant times make you feel blessed to be able to cherish those moments. We are given a short amount of time on this planet to leave an impression. Take chances, push the limits and never let anything hold you back from your dreams. One person can make an immensely positive difference and April Knutson is proof of this. She is a traveling nurse who has helped at 32 hospitals across the country impacting lives for the better. Continue turning the pages to learn more about how she helps others and is making large strides to help create solutions to concerns in the health care industry. Happy New Year and here’s to you.
Starla Golie Please note a correction in the 2016 November issue of Green Bay’s YOU Magazine. The photos for the St. Norbert College MBA program were taken by talented photographer Shaunae Teske. We sincerely apologize for this misprint.
business spotlight
Brenda Busch Director of
is the Associate Graduate Recruitment at St. Norbert College, De Pere
St. Norbert College MBA program ST. NORBERT COLLEGE’S
MBA PROGRAM ENTERS
ITS SECOND YEAR
TESKE | PHOTOS BY SHAUNAE students in classroom to speak with are also welcomed into the of visitors in higher education, St. to their expertise, a board Long a bastion of success MBA classes. In addition figures business and organizational endeavor – its Masters of composed of distinguished Norbert College’s newest the instruction of the Wisconsin complement program – is in the midst from throughout Northeast Business Administration School faculty. Started in the fall of 2015, students receive from Schneider second year of instruction. rooted in to Busch says its values are has 64 admitted students As a program of St. Norbert, St. Norbert’s MBA program Communio in large part by a monetary of “communio” and “localitas.” date, and was made possible the the Norbertine practices strive for high that husband, relationships in Schneider’s to live means students are called gift in 2014 from Pat Schneider. and to serve the means they are committed graduated from St. Norbert standards, while localitas late Donald J. Schneider, Schneider of chairman CEO and needs of their communities. later served as president, because hits on those two values, “The MBA program really National in Ashwaubenon. Northeast the in established leadership of r donation that next level Her generous $7-million-dolla we know we’re shaping our curriculum and our of Business & Economics, Wisconsin,” she says. “Through Donald J. Schneider School are woven the community, these values program. In just one year, partnerships with the business and helped found the MBA its enrollment goal. into the MBA experience.” program is growing toward completed at 100 students, because St. Norbert in 1993 and Busch, who graduated from “Our goal is to begin capping in program while working full-time faculty to keep those smaller the masters of liberal studies it is really important to our of potential students may have Busch, associate director 2013, understands the questions classrooms,” says Brenda She enjoys helping a huge component to the cost on a personal level. about commitment and graduate recruitment. “It’s the work in. put to for anyone willing people see an MBA is possible success of the students.” “Apply, and step at a time,” she adds. the program to fruition began “I tell them to take it one The groundwork to bring keep the ball that had been discussed start with one class and then if you’re admitted, in 2012, but it was something it is involved in the MBA program, and partners in the business rolling. When people become for several years by faculty expect.” even don’t them in ways that they life-changing. It changes community. of St. Norbert College’s Masters internal forces and external For more information about “It was a combination of ba/, or call like the MBA program program, visit www.snc.edu/m Business Administration requests for having an experience
STORY BY MEGHAN DIEMEL
added,” explains Busch. the business community St. Norbert’s partners in
(920) 403-3942.
www.greenbaypres sgazette.com/you NOVEMBER 2016 |
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your style
top 10
International Explorations
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Fight Jet Lag
Looking Pretty
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BY STARLA GOLIE
“We lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.” – Jack Kerouac
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Tales For Your Mind’s Eye
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Freshen Up Before You Land
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Entertainment For Your Flight
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Know Where To Go
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Comfy Shoes
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10 Stay Connected
6. Entertainment For Your Flight, Nintendo DSi, Starting At $34.99, Game Stop, Green Bay. 7. Know Where To Go, Waterproof And Tear-Resistant National Geographic Adventure Travel Maps, Starting At $8.28, Barnes And Noble, Green Bay. 8. Comfy Shoes, Keds, Starting At $21, Rogan’s Shoes, Green Bay. 9. Warm And Stylish, Poncho, $55, Sassy Girl, Green Bay. 10. Stay Connected, Foreign Plug Adaptor And Converter, Starting At $4.99, Martin Hardware Inc., Green Bay. January 2017 | www.greenbaypressgazette.com/you | 5
Traveling Nurse Becomes Serial Entrepreneur STORY BY TINA DETTMAN-BIELEFELDT PHOTOS BY MIKE PETERS
April Knutson, a registered nurse, has lived and worked in eight states and nursed at 32 hospitals across the country. As a traveling nurse, she has been a nursing instructor, staff nurse, and nurse manager. With each experience, she found it was second nature to look at operations in an analytical way and continuously come up with ideas that would make things easier. “I’m a visionary,” Knutson said. “I see things that other people don’t. However, I am not that good at longterm execution, and need a team around me to keep me on track and engaged.” So far, that has meant starting three businesses and currently working on a fourth. The past two have been technology-related — apps that address issues in the health care industry. The first app, developed with three other people, helps nursing schools track the hours and classes of students when they do clinicals. “Working as a nursing clinical instructor demonstrated how much time can be spent on the paperwork of managing the students’ clinicals, without adding a lot of benefits to the students directly,” she said. “I was compelled to create a better platform that would enhance the operational component of the clinical and get instructors back to instructing.” The team included marketing and technical partners; 6 | www.greenbaypressgazette.com/you | January 2017
a combination of skills where each member played to the others’ strengths. The app was a success, and in 2013, faced with the decision of doing a market launch or selling, they decided to sell. “As we got closer to finalizing the development and were ready for market launch, a large company in the education space was interested in our product,” Knutson said. “At the same time, we saw more and more similar platforms coming into play. Therefore, we decided that it would make the most sense to sell and get it to market faster with an established client base already in place with the buyer.”
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The group sold to a company that “fit” from a cultural, innovation and business perspective. They received an upfront payment plus a stream of sales-based commissions, meaning that it might be life-changing in terms of income if the product is successful. Knutson, who remains connected with the app buyer as a committee member, said it has been exciting to see the product take shape. From there, it has been on to the next idea — a social engagement app to help with employee communication in the health care field. However, the Green Bay SCORE client will not be spending time writing a business plan first. “My mentality has really changed over the past 10 years regarding business plans,” she said. “Today, I don’t believe in lengthy plans when launching a business. When I was more focused in the service industry as opposed to technology, I found them more useful. However, in the tech space, it’s more important to vet the idea and test the market a bit for need and adoption and then define the test, launch, and scale plans for the business.” As part of that process, she makes sure that she has a team in place, including a lawyer, accountant, financial partners and technical people. She comes up with the ideas and translates them to a code-writer. Once the app is developed, the next step will be finding a buyer. There is no plan to keep a business long-term. “I’m having too much fun seeing my products get to market and them having the ability to develop another one,” Knutson said. She says that she is always thinking of what she can develop next and is planning on joining SCORE as a mentor so she can encourage other entrepreneurs. In addition to sharing her experience, she offers the following advice: “Investigate, ask a lot of questions, be sure you have funds of your own to invest, dream big, and if it feels good, go for it!”
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January 2017 | www.greenbaypressgazette.com/you | 7
you travel
Say Yes To Adventure Adventure Is Calling And It’s Your Turn To Answer STORY AND PHOTOS BY IAN SUTHERLAND
The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Over the past year and a half, I have taken the time to experience nature more than I ever have before. I traveled to new places, hiked bluffs and even kayaked on the Mississippi river. In doing so, I feel that all of these new experiences have helped me learn more about myself as I continue to reach for new lengths. Aside from visiting new places, there are many benefits to traveling and taking adventures. One big, if not obvious, benefit to adventures and travel is exercise. Whether it is walking, hiking or biking, physical activity helps prevent a wide range of health problems. Being active outdoors also helps build our body’s immune system to help fight off germs and other harmful bacteria. Sometimes when going on a new adventure, there is some element of uncertainty. Even though you may have planned for everything you thought possible, there is always something that can go wrong. Learning from mistakes or less than ideal situations comes with a boost in confidence, especially when unpleasant circumstances are overcome positively.
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With each successful adventure, it is equally important to keep pushing our limits and be sure to get out of our comfort zones. In doing so, it can enlighten us to certain perspectives that we’ve never contemplated before. This helps us discover who we really are through our strengths and weaknesses as well as how we react in any given situation.
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Another great thing is that adventures are everywhere. However, adventures can be different for everyone. There is no right or wrong answer. You can simply go for a walk in the park, go on a road trip or visit another country. Even though these adventures are quite different, you can learn from each experience. The possibilities are endless. xploring unfamiliar places and meeting new people are also great ways to break the monotony that life can bring. Some of my very good friends are those that I’ve met out on the trails while hiking. You tend to meet people who have similar interests when you’re out adventuring. These people are the ones that bring out the best in you.
If you don’t take the chance to do something new, you may never know what you are capable of.
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business spotlight
In Need Of A Friend
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS EXPERIENCE IS LIFE-CHANGING FOR LITTLES AND THEIR MENTORS STORY BY MEGHAN DIEMEL January is national mentoring month, a celebration near and dear to the hearts of those who mentor children through Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) in the greater Green Bay area. According to executive director Katie Hess, BBBS will serve just under 600 children this year alone. “That’s helping them through support, with regular follow-ups with all of our matches on a regular basis to make sure that everything is going well, that the match is healthy and that it’s having a positive influence on the child and on the volunteer,” she states. Hess says BBBS makes around 150 new matches each year, but more than 100 children still remain on the wait list for mentors. “We’re looking for good-hearted people who are looking to give back and who understand that they can absolutely change the life of a child just through a one-on-one relationship with them and just by being themselves,” states Hess. For the first time in the organization’s history, in fact, they are in need of more women to mentor children in the program. “We usually struggle finding male mentors for our littles, and right now we’re looking for women, which is unusual,” explains Hess. “We also have couples who are bigs, men who are bigs and we have families who are bigs. Typically, we’re looking for mentors between the ages of 16 and 85, but we’re flexible with that. We have two different programs; we have our site-based and our community-based.” Alison Saxton, 25, started mentoring her little as part of the site-based program. After about two years, they’ve 10 | www.greenbaypressgazette.com/you | January 2017
now moved into community-based programming, which allows Saxton the freedom to do things like take her little to the movies, to have their nails done, attend UWGB basketball games, and other activities of that nature. When her little became involved with Girls on the Run and needed a running buddy, Saxton was able to help her practice to run a 5K and they ended up running the race together. “The experience has been absolutely more rewarding than I honestly ever thought or could have imagined,” says Saxton. “It has definitely taught me a lot of things about life. You take a lot of different things into different perspectives.” Hess says that in addition to reaching out to women to become mentors, they’re also working with high school students and employees from local companies to mentor in the site-based program. “We’re actually building strong relationships with a lot of organizations in the Green Bay area to build our site-based program,” furthers Hess. “What we do is, once a week, during the student’s lunch break, mentors will come over from a particular company or organization and they’ll have lunch with their little. We’re working on having companies set up programs where they’ll send a certain amount of their employees over to a school nearby and they can mentor them.” She says companies have been supportive of the program so far, and the organization is working on developing that and expanding that reach. “They can help the kids at a time that’s convenient for them,”
For more information about becoming a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit www.bbbsnew.org or call (920) 498-2227.
Hess adds. “They just need to show up and spend quality time with the child and that’s really all the difference that it makes.” Saxton says she’d be quick to recommend the program to others, because there are so many children waiting for a mentor and friend, or someone just to lean on, to fill a void they have in their lives. “I know that everyone is super busy, but honestly, once you start doing it, you’ll realize that it’s extremely easy to dedicate time – whether it’s weekly or monthly
or however you decide to set up your relationship. Once you begin doing it, you’ll find it so rewarding and so easy and so fun.” She says that while at first, a mentor’s thoughts are focused on how to help the children and better their lives, if the mentor takes a step back to reflect, it becomes clear how the child is making a positive impact on the mentor’s life. “Without even knowing it, they’re making you a better person,” she says. “It’s definitely a give and take. They make you think differently, feel differently. They teach us things, too. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.”
January 2017 | www.greenbaypressgazette.com/you | 11
you travel
11 GADGETS
That Will Help You Stay Safe In Uncertain Times
BE SAFE, BE EMPOWERED BY KORI PERTEN
As a woman (and human being) living in a city, I don’t always feel safe. Occasionally I’ll have a threatening encounter walking home alone at night, or I’ll end up in the presence of a stranger I’m not sure that I trust. Most of us have long-since learned the basics of personal safety—no headphones, stay alert, car keys between your fingers, stick to busier neighborhoods if you can—but sometimes threatening situations are unavoidable. What can you do to stay safe? Tech has a solution for that. Multiple solutions, actually. Whether you’d prefer a smart watch, jewelry, key chains, or smartphone app, there are many gadgets that can alert trusted contacts or sound the alarm when you’re in danger. In a perfect world, we wouldn’t need any of them. But in reality, a tech-assisted safety net can be a really good way to feel protected and empowered. Here are some of your options.
1. SIREN RING If startling a potential attacker is preferable to calling for help, this ring might be right for you. Twist the top of the ring 60° and point it toward an attacker to sound an unbearably loud alarm. If you’re in danger, Siren could startle or deter an aggressor for a few critical moments while you run away. Bonus: it’s cute and comes in a few different styles.
2. ROAR ATHENA Wear Athena as a pendant, clip it onto your bag or shirt, and stay safe. You can either use it to sound a loud alarm while simultaneously alerting your emergency contacts, or you can alert your contacts in silence. When you send an alert, it shares your location in real time.
3. LEAF SAFER SMART PENDANT One of the more affordable pieces of personal safety jewelry, the SAFER smart pendant can send emergency alerts with your location to designated contacts. It can also help you navigate to the nearest hospital or police station. At $30 a pop and with multiple color options, it’s a great way to feel, well, safer.
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4. REVOLAR This wearable can clip onto your clothing or function as a keychain. Press a button to connect to your emergency contacts and share your location. Select a red alert to ask for immediate assistance, or a yellow alert to ask for a phone call.
Like many other personal safety gadgets, Wearsafe allows you to request help from emergency contacts and send them your location. It allows your contacts to open a group chat so they can touch base about making sure you’re safe. It also records on-scene audio—starting one minute before you press the alert button.
8. PEBBLE CORE
5. IDAYE KEYCHAIN Ten bucks on Amazon, will get you this little keychain, which sounds a loud safety alarm when you pull the pin from the device. Use it to startle would-be attackers so that you can run away.
6. SAFELET BRACELET Safelet is a bracelet that connects to your phone via a companion app. If you’re ever in danger, press the appropriate buttons on your bracelet. It will send an alert to people who you’ve opted to include in your Guardian network, along with your location. Safelet can also prompt your phone to start recording audio—and if you choose to, it can send an alert to anyone around you who has opted to receive alerts from people who have activated their bracelets.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the Pebble Core, a small wearable that can play music and use GPS and motion sensing to track your movement. The gadgets clips onto your clothing and offers an SOS alert function, which sends an SOS message and your location to a trusted contact.
9. STILETTO PENDANT Stiletto is a fancy pendant you can use to send voice, sms, and data messages to emergency contacts with the press of a button. Use it to call 911—and if you’re unable to talk, Stiletto will even speak for you, telling 911 that you need help and are at a specific location. It can find your location even within a building. You can use the companion app to plan a walking route based on data like crime rates and sex offender locations. After you plan your route, you can share it with your contacts. And did I mention Stiletto is sparkly? ‘Cause it is. Guys, it’s really, really sparkly.
10. APPLE WATCH If you’ve got an Apple Watch with WatchOS 3, you’ve got an SOS function. When the function is enabled, you can hold down the watch’s side button to activate it. The watch will then call local emergency services, as well as texting up to three emergency contacts. It’s not the only reason to buy an Apple Watch, but it’s certainly a useful feature.
11. SMARTPHONE APPS
7. WEARSAFE TAG The tiny Wearsafe tag is unique in that it’s free—but requires a $5/ month subscription fee after the first month of use.
There are also a number of useful personal safety smartphone apps, if you’d rather keep your personal safety tech confined to your phone, there are a number of apps like bSafe, Circle of 6, and StaySafe that perform a lot of the same functions as the above wearables. The main difference? To use them, you’ll need to reach for your phone and open an app, which might not always be possible in a crisis. Still, if you don’t want to purchase a wearable, it’s a great option for added security. DECEMBER January 2017 2016 | www.greenbaypressgazette.com/you | 13
The Season For
Minimalist Travel STORY BY CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT
It’s that time of year when an already tight space on a plane, train or automobile seems even tighter, thanks to those extra presents or layers of bulky winter clothing you’re wearing. Maybe it just feels worse because of the airspace intrusion of an oversized seatmate or a yapping emotional-support poodle. 14 | www.greenbaypressgazette.com/you | January 2017
This may be the right moment to bring up travel minimalism, which can help you make it through even the most claustrophobia-inducing voyage. “Being a minimalist traveler frees up mental capacity to enjoy the experience,” says Timo Way, who has taught classes on traveling with less. Too many passengers think the art of taking less begins and ends with the packing adage “roll, don’t fold.” Not true. It applies to every part of your trip, from selecting the right seat to bringing practical, space-saving clothes, luggage and electronics. And yes, anyone can do it.
you travel THREE WAYS TO GO MINIMAL The less-is-more philosophy extends to how much travelers consume, and that’s particularly true for people who embrace minimalism for environmental reasons, says Joshua Becker, author of the book The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own. For them, downsizing means fitting into a smaller, more fuel-efficient car or refusing to play the loyalty points game to score an elusive upgrade into an over-the-top business-class seat with all-you-can-drink wine and fawning service. Minimalists are content with a downsized travel experience. “We need far less than we think,” Becker says. Decluttering consultant Debora Levi told me there’s a reason minimalism is catching on among travelers. The idea that you have to take everything with you is a direct response to the reality of modern travel, where airlines charge for carry-on items and personal space is shrinking. Minimalist travelers take less with them, but the most committed declutterers discard their unnecessary belongings even before their trip ends. For example, one of Levi’s clients flies from Miami to New York, then donates her winter coat before returning home. “People are learning to let go,” she says. “Packing lightly makes for easier, more efficient travel,” Francine Jay, the author of The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify, says. “When you don’t have to check your luggage, wait for it at the baggage carousel or worry the whole time about losing it, you have more time and energy to enjoy your trip.”
1. MAKE YOUR CARRY-ON SMALLER. If you need a hard-sided carry-on, you can still get the benefits of expandable luggage with the new Briggs & Riley Sympatico CX international carry-on spinner (briggs-riley.com, $529). It expands by 25%, then compresses back to its original size.
2. UN-BULK YOUR WALLET. Check out zerOz, a minimalist wallet (zeroz.com, $35-105). This is your wallet on a diet. It’s slim but doesn’t give up any of the functionality of a traditional wallet. It has a cash strap and a quick-access tab for your driver’s license.
3. SHRINK YOUR STUFF. I’m a big fan of packing cubes such as the TravelWise Packing Cube System (eatsmartproducts.com, $24.95). These lightweight nylon cubes let you stuff your shirts, pants and dresses into small compartments for streamlined packing. Best of all, you don’t have to unpack everything to access an item — just zip open the top.
MINIMALIST CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 >>>
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<<< MINIMALIST CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
Packing lightly makes for easier, more efficient travel.” – Francine Jay
Beyond “roll, don’t fold” and avoid checking luggage, what else can you do to travel minimalist? It can be summed up into three little words: Less is more. Don’t bring something you can buy at your destination, such as large tubes of sunblock or toothpaste, and when you’re done with your trip, leave the items you don’t need at your destination or donate them. This encourages you to buy things in smaller amounts. (If you want really small quantities, try a site such as Minimus.biz, which sells trial-size toiletries in TSA-approved amounts.) Do something about your clothes. I spoke with hard-
core minimalists for this story who buy underwear at their destination, then discard it before returning home. Others swear by synthetic travel underwear by companies such as ExOfficio. I own a few pairs myself, and they allow me to dramatically reduce the size of my carry-on. You can wash them in your hotel sink, and they dry quickly. Depending on the length of your trip, take one or two changes of clothes. You can’t go wrong with black, says Martha Merritt, dean of the office of international education at the University of Richmond. “You will look more like a native wherever you go outside the United States,” she says. Oh, and lose those bulky electronics, too. The most accomplished declutterers leave the laptop or tablet computer at home and learn how to do everything on their smartphone. This travel season, the line separating the stressed travelers from the relaxed ones may also divide the minimalists from the rest. They’re easy to spot in their dark clothes, dictating emails into their smartphones, unworried about the fate of their checked baggage. Sounds appealing to me.
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16 | www.greenbaypressgazette.com/you | January 2017
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345 Cardinal Ln. Howard 920.434.1542
each month comes with a sweet little sentiment, at Thornberry Cottage.
www.thornberrycottage.com
WI-5002084021
* LOCALLY-OWNED * NEW ARRIVALS DAILY * Affordable Boutique Fashions for Women of All Ages Stylish Gift Items
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Entire Purchase With This Coupon *EXPIRES 2/28/17. NOT VALID ON PRIOR PURCHASES. NOT VALID WITH OTHER OFFERS OR DISCOUNTS.
LOCATED INSIDE BAY PARK SQUARE MALL WI-5002082946
18 | www.greenbaypressgazette.com/you | January 2017
When it comes to date night outfits, Apricot Lane Boutique has got you covered!
Whether you want to dress it up or dress it down, we have the perfect looks for you! This fun, flirty red dress is perfect for date night with your man! The ribbed detailing makes it super flattering on anyone, and the beading adds the perfect amount of sparkle. Finish your look with a little bling and you are set for date night. Apricot Lane also carries unisex Home Tees and Swell bottles for that special guy in your life! Dress $58, Home Tee $38, Swell $34, Accessories vary.
KIDS SHOES! Quality & comfortable Infant, Preschool and Youth shoes are now available at Vanderloop Shoes in Green Bay, Little Chute & Appleton! Stop in today to check out the latest colors and fashions from Umi, New Balance & KEEN.
cylg! caught you looking good! New Leaf Winter Farmers Market presented by Bellin Health
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PHOTOS AND TEXT BY MIKE PETERS
If you missed the first couple New Leaf Winter Farmers Markets of the season, don’t worry, there are several more scheduled. They’ll be held at the KI Convention Center from 8a.m. to noon on: January 21, February 11, 18 and 25 and another on March 11. Check out facebook.com/youmag for more photos from this event.
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1. Barb O’Connell, Beth Heslip, Britta Cullen with 1-year-old Laine, Cindy Haats and Lori O’Connell. 2. Vendor Melissa Adlebush, owner of Aurora’s Apothecary. 3. Optician Julie Greene. 4. Sisters Bridget Blean and Jessica Koenig brought their yoga mats to participate in a free Jenstar yoga class, a fun and unique addition to the New Leaf Winter Farmers Market. 5. Sarah McCarty smiles at a customer from behind a heap of farm-fresh Brussels sprouts, one of several kinds of produce she and her partner Ben grow at Cold Climate Farms.
January 2017 | www.greenbaypressgazette.com/you | 19
you travel
Currency Exchange 101 What To Know Before You Go STORY BY BILL MCGEE
After the U.K. voted to leave the European Union, Brexit spurred many Americans into suddenly considering the value of the U.S. dollar. Too often, however, even experienced travelers don’t always contemplate all currency conversion options, or when they do it’s at the last minute. Like many other travel decisions, choosing how to spend money overseas involves a bit of research and an examination of personal choices. The key is making such decisions in advance. 20 | www.greenbaypressgazette.com/you | January 2017
CONSTANT FLUX Like airfares, foreign currencies are constantly changing, and yesterday’s bargain can become today’s bad deal. Meanwhile, the differences in exchange rates can be significant. Consider these online rates for converting $100 (U.S.) into euros, all obtained within minutes last week. Deutsche Bank: 89.51 ABN AMRO: 89.50 HSBC: 89.49 Citibank: 88.92 Wells Fargo: 85.70 AAA/Travelex: 85.00 (@$101.25)
American Express/Travelex: 85.00 (@$103.82) Travelex: 85.00 (@$103.82) Bank of America: 84.76 What’s critical to remember is the rate is meaningless unless calculated with any applicable fees; you may find a low rate coupled with a high fee, while some rates have such fees baked in. It’s all part of the larger equation. What follows is a run-down of common options for spending overseas. CASH VS. PLASTIC It’s 2017 after all, and several financial journalists advise forgoing money altogether and charging everything overseas. But as someone who has often traveled off the grid, I disagree. I’ve found that 1. charge cards aren’t always accepted, and 2. there are often technological glitches when using U.S. cards abroad. Even Discover offers this advice: “Don’t be surprised if your card gets occasionally rejected overseas.” Some travelers avoid using plastic for fear of racking up foreign transaction fees on credit and debit cards and getting hit with sticker shock when monthly statements arrive; these surcharges usually run between 1% and 3% so they add up quickly. Visit Bankrate.com to compare foreign fee policies among major card issuers. But there’s good news for card swipers. Capital One and Discover don’t charge foreign transaction fees, which can generate considerable savings. Several other cards, such as the American Express Platinum Card, also don’t levy such fees. Is there a caveat? Of course — in travel, there are always caveats. You STILL may receive charges from ATMs or merchants when using these cards.
fees, except for deliveries. Bank of America, for example, will ship orders up to $1,000, but higher amounts (up to a limit of $10,000) must be obtained in person; there’s no ordering fee but there could be a delivery charge of $7.50 for amounts under $1,000. With Citibank, there’s a $5 service fee on amounts under $1,000 for clients with nonpriority accounts. • Other options: AAA exchanges more than 90 currencies at offices nationwide. Having currency delivered to you is an option — either online or by phone with two-day shipping — though some consumers may harbor concerns about having money shipped. As for rates, AAA states: “Important Notice: The exchange rate used for transactions may vary from other exchange rates in existence globally.” American Express also offers options for exchanging in advance. Both these organizations work through the online foreign currency service Travelex. You can transact with this company directly, either online or at 200 locations nationwide. But first compare the exchange rates with your bank. EXCHANGING AT AIRPORTS OVERSEAS When it comes to convenience, nothing beats exchanging at your arrival airport. For example, we looked at three major European airports to see how easy it is to convert U.S. dollars into euros. Amsterdam/Schiphol • Eight ABN AMRO branches (open seven days, 6 a.m. 10 p.m. in winter; seven days, 5 a.m. - 10 p.m. in summer) • Multiple GWK Travelex exchange offices • Multiple ATMs
Another alternative is an international currency card, such as those offered by American Express or MasterCard. They can be pre-loaded with one or more foreign currencies, for those seeking to play one nation’s exchange rate off another’s. But beware the fees.
Frankfurt • Branches for Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Reisebank • Eight exchange offices for International Currency Exchange; Reisebank; Travelex (many are open 24/7) • 20 ATMs from six banks
And then there’s that old standby, travelers checks. The upside is protection if they’re lost or stolen; the downside includes fewer establishments that honor them and — yes — fees.
Paris/Charles de Gaulle • One HSBC branch (open Monday - Friday, 8:45 a.m. - 5 p.m.) • 20 Travelex exchange offices (hours vary; coverage spans seven days, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.) • 26 HSBC ATMs
EXCHANGING BEFORE YOU GO • Banks: Many travelers find this option convenient because you can order foreign cash in advance and pick it up before departing without worrying about long lines or conversion mathematics when hitting the ground abroad. Others want the security of immediate cash on hand for taxis or breakfast in case they arrive at an odd time or when ATMs are out of service. The trick is calculating both exchange rates and fees, because this combination determines a beneficial exchange. Some U.S. banks waive
At most major airports, there are plenty of choices. In some cases, you can order transactions in advance, but be careful since changes and cancellations may be limited to 12 hours prior to arrival. As for fees, some facilities offer 0% commission while others waive them for account members; otherwise, you may be hit with transaction costs. Before you arrive, visit the airport’s website to learn which facilities CURRENCY CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 >>> January 2017 | www.greenbaypressgazette.com/you | 21
<<< CURRENCY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 are available, and determine fees. Note that many of these exchange facilities also offer locations in hotels, train and bus stations and downtown areas. OTHER OPTIONS OVERSEAS • Banks: Just as when exchanging at home, it’s important to calculate both exchange rates and fees. If your bank has overseas branches, so much the better, because it might mean waiving fees. If you’re out-of-network, it can pay to research rates and fees. • ATMs: As many have learned, ATMs can pile on fees, especially outside U.S. borders. You could be hit with a $5 charge PLUS 3% of the amount PLUS any fees levied by the ATM’s provider. Certain cards provide excep-
tions; for example, Citibank’s Citigold Debit Card charges no fees at Citibank ATMs in more than 30 countries. ThePointsGuy.Com offers tips on avoiding ATM fees. But in many cases, using an ATM can get expensive. Consider This … • Before departing, notify your bank or card issuer that you’ll be traveling to avoid suspicion of fraud, and obtain emergency contact info if cards are lost. Remember you may have more luck internationally with a microchip (“EMV”) card, particularly with unmanned purchase points like train kiosks. Also, leave excess plastic — such as department store or gasoline cards — at home. • If you’re converting before you go, don’t leave yourself short by waiting too long. Each institution limits amounts, so you may be held to $3,000 at once. • Some conversions round slightly down or up; when I requested $100 in euros from Travelex, for example, I was notified it would total $103.63. • It may seem wonky, but quickly researching which overseas banks or ATMs honor your plastic without incurring additional fees can really save you. Why not select the one that’s cheapest? Also, be aware that purchases charged in U.S. dollars may carry conversion fees. • There can be tradeoffs between rates and convenience. Wells Fargo doesn’t charge its customers fees for currency purchases, but it doesn’t have offices outside the U.S. On the other hand, many banks — such as Wells Fargo — offer international access via telephone for assistance when traveling. • ALWAYS obtain receipts in case you need to dispute a withdrawal or charge. • I’ve often touted the Fair Credit Billing Act, which protects American consumers when using charge cards, even internationally. The State of Michigan offers an excellent guide for charging overseas. • If you return home with leftover currency, most banks will buy it back — but only paper, not coins. Again, there could be fees; Citibank charges $5 for this service on amounts under $1,000.
22 | www.greenbaypressgazette.com/you | January 2017
Here. For the wonder of it all.
At Prevea, we know that before you have the belly, you’re bound to have questions. And in the months that follow, you’ll surely have more. Visit prevea.com/women for answers to your questions about starting a family. From ob/gyns to certified nurse-midwives, Prevea has many experts to guide you during your pregnancy journey. Call Prevea Women’s Care today to schedule an appointment. PREVEA ST. MARY’S HEALTH CENTER (920) 405-1430 PREVEA ALLOUEZ HEALTH CENTER (920) 436-1360
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2310 Oak Ridge Circle | De Pere, WI 54115 920-278-5233 | www.foxviewdental.com