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Contents 30 Love your space
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Give your great room a warmer feel.
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32 Go ahead ... shape your body While no one has the perfect shape, you can create that illusion with the right bodyshaping undergarment.
33 What am I eating? Sometimes, reading the label on the back of your food container can feel like deciphering Latin or hieroglyphics.
34 Respect your toys, clothes
4 To cleave or not to cleave That is the question many women face. Just when is it appropriate to wear a low-cut shirt or dress?
7 A harvest of inspiration The farmers market provides for more than the family table — it’s nourishing small businesses, too.
11 Calorie catastrophes Can’t resist that hot dog and potato salad at summer picnics? You may think twice when you see the calorie count.
14 4-year-old is now a fish
Columnist Ann-Marie Berg discusses the challenge of teaching children this concept.
18 5-minute flowers Bring the beauty that is blooming outdoors indoors in just a few minutes.
23 The ABCs of social networking Here are the basics to get you started — and get you connected with the people you love.
26 The business of wine With summer being prime time to buy fresh fruit, it’s also the perfect time to try your hand at making your own wine.
Columnist Sethanne DeGabriele tells about watching her son learn how to swim.
15 A night to remember
11
Date nights are an important part of a strong marriage and we’ve got some ideas as to how to make that night special.
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On the cover: Kelly Bucci of Clear Lake models clothing from Lyla’s Boutique in Clear Lake. Photo by Bryon Houlgrave
About Us EDITORIAL and BUSINESS OFFICE WOW magazine 300 N. Washington P.O. Box 271 Mason City, IA 50402-0271 800-421-0524 www.globegazette.com/wow Publisher: Howard Query 641-421-0507, howard.query@globegazette.com Editor: Joe Buttweiler 641-421-0542, joe.buttweiler@globegazette.com Advertising Director: Greg Wilderman 641-421-0545, greg.wilderman@globegazette.com Advertising Coordinator: Lynette Harrington 641-421-0586 lynette.harrington@lee.net Managing Editor: Karen Jacobs 641-421-0529, karen.jacobs@lee.net WOW is published four times a year by the Globe Gazette.
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WOW FALL 2010 ❖ 3
to cleave or not
to cleave
That is the question many women face. Just when is it appropriate to wear a low-cut shirt or dress? And what is the proper way to wear that shirt or dress without showing too much skin? By KAREN JACOBS Photographed by BRYON HOULGRAVE and KAREN JACOBS
If you’ve got it, should you flaunt it? Ask a group of women and you’ll get different answers, especially when you talk about teenagers. It’s about personal conviction and how developed the woman is, said Twyla Tindall, who co-owns Lyla’s Boutique with Lisa Barillas in Clear Lake. Adults should “sport a little cleavage in the evening with a sexy little dress,” Tindall said. But what about teens and tweens? It’s really a moral issue with the daughter and the parents,” said both Tindall and Raye
I
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Kelly Bucci of Clear Lake wears clothes from Lyla’s Boutique to show how you can wear strapless or scoop-neck clothing and look appropriate and sexy. If you want to wear a deep-V shirt or dress and don’t want to show any cleavage, add a cami underneath.
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WOW FALL 2010 ❖ 5
Moffett, assistant store manager in charge of apparel and accessories at Kohl’s in Mason City. If you’re going to an event or concert, go ahead and wear something a little more revealing, Moffett said. “But certainly not in school.” And when in doubt, “Sometimes less is more,” Moffett said. “Always leave a little to the imagination.” With the help of Tindall and Moffett, we’ve put together a list of “DO’S and DON’TS” for wearing revealing tops.
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DO * Do invest in a perfectly fitted bra that flatters you. “You need to be measured and get in the right size bra,” said Tindall. * If you need to wear a bra and the straps will show, wear one with clear straps. Applying baby powder to the straps will take the glare off them in photos, Moffett said. * When trying on a shirt, look at yourself from many angles — standing, sitting, bending over — “because your body shifts,” Moffett said. * If you are smaller breasted, a deep “V” shape will look better on you. * Be age appropriate, Tindall said. Once gravity sets in and your skin becomes wrinkled, stay away from revealing the girls. DON’T * Don’t wear a bra that the girls are falling out of or are flattened by. * Don’t wear revealing shirts to school or work. “I don’t think cleavage should be shown in school,” Tindall said.
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Harvest of Inspiration
The farmers market provides for more than the family table — it’s nourishing small businesses, too By MENDEE MORGAN Photographed by SPENCER NEITZKE
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Kara Watters enjoys being able to stay close to family while working (above). Johanna Kotsopoulos and Dilo Johnson (left) started selling Greek specialty items this year at the market. Mame Furnish, Chris White-Rozendaal, Rosemary Alsbury and JoAnne Willemson work together in a booth which sells pottery, glass art and metal sculptures (below) at the Mason City Market.
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A visit to the farmers market carries with it a lot of excitement. Will I get a chance at those early tomatoes? Oh no, there’s already a line. Hurry for a closer look at those homemade fruit pies. I can’t believe I just scored a huge bag of basil for 50 cents! Mmm … samples. But there’s another kind of excitement at the market, too. It’s the excitement of the small-business start-up. With very little investment, people are becoming vendors in the marketplace. Hilleri Jensen, executive director of Main Street Mason City, said, “The Saturday market gives people the opportunity to do the things they enjoy.” She cautions, “It takes a lot of time. Every Saturday for 18 weeks is a big commitment.” ❖❖❖ After noticing that some of the vegetables grown on her farm were just going to waste, Jennie Bright of Allison and sister-in-law Abigail Hussey Lee of Mason City decided to start selling the surplus. Now the pair sell baked goods, homemade granola, produce and craft items on Saturdays. Lee, who is also on the board of Main Street Mason City, the sponsor of the market, said, “We just
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It’s easy to put together a great meal after shopping at the farmers market. We shopped for our meals at the Main Street Market and the North Iowa Farmers Market. thought, “Let’s do it for fun and see how it goes.” Bright adds, “This is a low-risk way to go into business.” Others see the market as a unique opportunity. “We can test new products and see what really sells,” said Johanna Kotsopoulos. Kotsopoulos is a newcomer to the North Iowa Farmers Market. She and Kondilo “Dilo” Johnson started this year to sell Greek specialty items, including a Greek seasoning blend called Kusina Gold and biscotti. Folks at the market refer to them fondly as “The Greek Ladies.” Johnson is a retired medical transcriptionist. Kotsopoulos also works as the Lancôme business manager at Younkers. Together they set up the tent and table to work the market twice a week. The women are learning about the ups and downs of selling in the farmers market environment. Prior to this experience, Johnson sold her seasoning blend in retail outlets in South Dakota and other markets to the west. They’ve noted that sales can be hard to predict from week to week and that shoppers have different spending patterns depending on the day of the week. Eleven weeks in to the selling season, both said it was too soon to measure their success at the farmers market. ❖❖❖ “Working at the market was something I’ve wanted
to do for a long time,” said Kathy Thomas, who works full time for Mercy Medical Center-Noth Iowa in patient financial services. “Now that the Saturday market is open, it’s something I am able to do that will work in my schedule.” She spends a few hours each evening making sure everything is ready for the market on Saturday. This is her second year at the Mason City Market. Kathy and her husband, Bob, do the baking and tortilla making together. She calls the business a family affair. “We like to do this and enjoy it.” Thomas sells homemade flour tortillas, seasoned chips, seasonings and refried beans under the name Katrina’s Kitchen. She also bakes and sells gourmet dog treats. ❖❖❖ Not everyone selling through the farmers market has another job. After being laid off one summer from a job at Winnebago Industries, Sheryl Ehlke of St. Ansgar gave the idea a try. That was 30 years ago. Nowadays she gets up at 4 a.m. to take care of her crops and attend a market six days a week. She can be found selling herbs, vegetables and assorted food and craft items in Austin, Albert Lea and the North Iowa Farmers Market in Mason City. ❖❖❖ Kara Watters’ business at the North Iowa Farmers Market slowly turned into a full-time job. The market
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WOW FALL 2010 ❖ 9
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Growing with North Iowa Businesses since 1956
provided a launch pad for Kara’s Homemade Cookies, which has mushroomed in the five years since she began the business. Watters now also provides cookies to banks, car dealers and other local businesses. Her baked creations are available at Coffee Cat in Mason City and the frozen dough is for sale at Hy-Vee East in Mason City. “I have a teaching degree and I probably make more money doing this than teaching. I also really wanted to be able to stay at home with my kids,” Kara offers. She puts in full-time hours — at least 40 hours a week — baking and selling cookies. These days she can be found on Saturday mornings selling cookies, breads and bars at the Mason City Market in Central Park. ❖❖❖ Camille Lee uses the market as an additional revenue stream for her business, Soyphisticated Candles. Although she has a storefront on East State Street in Mason City, and sells online, she’s a regular fixture at the North Iowa Farmers Market. Lee sells 100 percent natural candles, soaps, laundry detergent and lotions made with essential oils. “This is my seventh summer to do the famers market. It’s both a profit center for my business and also a good way to connect with the community. Up until three years ago I was the only person selling non-food-related product.” ❖❖❖ Being able to connect with a passion is what brought Donna Eeke to the market. She sells wine for the Engelbrecht Family Winery. “This is my first year with the market. I’ve lived all over the U.S. and loved farmers markets. To me, this was a good way to get involved with the wine business and the farmers market, two things I love.” ❖❖❖ Sarah Buck might describe it as work with soul. She named her business Âme de la Terre, which is French for “soul of the earth” and she pours her heart into the business. Sarah sells unique
handmade jewelry, produce and flowers. She said each week she’s bursting with ideas for how she wants her booth to look, what she’ll change and enhancing sales. Previously working as a naturalist in southeast Alaska, she came back to Mason City to be with her ailing father. Her parents have a farm in Crystal Lake and she’s a big believer in knowing where your food comes from. “I also got into this because I didn’t want to work for anyone else,” said Buck. She believes in building the local economy and being a part of that process. ❖❖❖ Mame Furnish, Chris White-Rozendaal, Rosemary Alsbury and JoAnne Willemson work together in a booth which sells pottery, glass art and metal sculpture. The ladies love to get together at the market on Saturday mornings. “It’s a great time for us to talk over coffee and just be with other artists,” said Chris White-Rozendaal. “We like to get our shopping done while we’re here, too.” This spirit of camaraderie is another thing that adds to the success of these small businesses. They withstand heat, rain and high winds together. Vendors get used to seeing each other on a regular basis, develop friendships and share business ideas. By providing a low-cost way to get started in business, a limited time investment and a supportive environment, local farmers markets will continue growing opportunities for many seasons.
Want to try selling at the Farmers Market?
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North Iowa Farmers Market
Mason City Market
Tuesday and Friday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. May through October 2006 Fourth St. S.W.(Hwy.122 — Kmart parking lot) Mason City,IA 50401 Contact Ruthanne Willier at 641-512-8696 for more information. The North Iowa Farmers Market is vendor-organized and run. Providing two opportunities to sell per week, the rates are for 10 x 12 spaces.For the 25-week season the North Iowa Farmers Market charges $125.A short-season contract also is available and allows for five individual market days for $60. New vendors may arrange for a free one-day trial by contacting Willier.Vendors agree to follow a code of conduct.
Saturday morning 9 a.m. to noon Central Park, downtown Mason City Contact Hilleri Jensen at 641-494-0003 for more information. With the aim of providing a good mix of items for sale,the Mason City Market admits vendors through a juried selection process.Prospective vendors complete an application which is then reviewed by the board. Once approved, vendors may rent a 12 x 12 space. The rental rate for the space is $70 for the entire 18-week season.Nine weeks (half-season) of space rental runs $40.Interested vendors can test the waters for $10 a week. www.globegazette.com/wow
Can’t resist that hot dog and potato salad at summer picnics? You may think twice when you see the calorie count.
calorie catastrophes TEXT by ANNETTE SNYDER
Anticipation mounting, you approach the table at your next barbecue or picnic gathering. As your stomach growls, you may be tempted to fill your plate until it is heaping full, ready to satisfy your appetite. Sound familiar? It should — this time of year there are a number of get-togethers in the great outdoors. We want to celebrate the bounty of the season with good friends and with family. It doesn’t have to turn into a bloated blowout of calories, however.
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WOW FALL 2010 ❖ 11
Picnic Food Facts: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly Food Potato salad Macaroni salad Baked beans Coleslaw Fruit salad Corn on the cob Hot dog/bun Burger/bun1 Chicken breast Brat/bun
Serving Size ¾ cup ¾ cup ¾ cup ¾ cup ¾ cup 1 ear, buttered 2 oz grilled 3 oz. patty 3 oz. grilled 3 oz. grilled
Many times we make the excuse that “it’s just this once” or “I’ll just eat lighter tomorrow.” Then tomorrow comes and we are back to the routine, forgetting all about that heaping plate and tighter waistband. Nip that calorie catastrophe in the bud! Be prepared for what’s in store by checking out the following tips on what to load up on and what to leave behind. Warning: What you are about to read may cause exclamations of disbelief. Take a seat (somewhere where you won’t disturb others) and read on. So, using our guide, let’s load our
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Fat Grams 15 39 10 21 0 3.4 19 12 3.1 27
Fiber Grams 2.4 1.0 10.5 1.3 1.5 0.8 0.9 0.9 0 0.9
hypothetical plate. What about a brat on a bun, one generous scoop of potato salad, a “healthy” scoop of baked beans and buttered corn on the cob. Let’s see ... we have a grand total of 1,145 calories. That doesn’t include toppings like cheese or mayo, or drinks. A 4-ounce strawberry daiquiri will run you about 200 calories (and 4 ounces is small), and several dark beers run in the 180-calorie range per bottle. What about dessert or appetizers? Can’t pass up the brownies or handful of nuts? Each of those will run about 200 calories. So, the plate of food plus a (let’s just
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Calories 270 440 290 350 92 155 308 304 140 430
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say large) daiquiri plus brownie plus nuts will end up at 1,945 calories! Again, that doesn’t count condiments or other toppings. Pretty scary considering that the typical adult needs 1,600 to 2,000 calories per day on average. Now, let’s look at a meal with more control. Starting with a grilled chicken breast, adding on a scoop of fruit salad, an ear of corn on the cob, a ½ serving of potato salad, ½ serving of baked beans (which we know are full of fiber) plus a light beer at 90 calories will land you at 760 calories. “But I’ll be more hungry!” you say. Well, have a protein-rich snack about one to two hours before your meal. Good examples: string cheese with a small serving of whole grain crackers or fruit, ½ cup 1 percent cottage cheese, 6 ounces nonfat yogurt or ½ peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat all provide lean protein with possible fiber to fill you up further. When you don’t wait all day to eat, you’ll be more likely to exert some control over your choices. Get smart about going out!
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WOW FALL 2010 ❖ 13
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“Our Passion is Fashion”
4-year-old is now a fish By SETHANNE DEGABRIELE In preparation for our family vacation to Hawaii this summer, my son, Drew, was excited to go in the pool “50-, 60-hundred times a day” as he calculated in 4-year-old numbers. My husband, Bryan, and I were excited as well. During last year’s trip, Drew was beginning to feel comfortable in the water but refused to go underwater. We were hoping that this year Drew would progress to going underwater. Time would tell… As soon as we arrived, Drew was a blur as he rushed to get his swim trunks and swim shirt on. We headed to the pool. Seeing Drew enjoy the water and splash around on the steps was so much fun, and Bryan and I began to think we just might achieve our goal of getting him comfortable with going underwater. After a few days of playing “sea monkey” and swinging around on the railing, Drew began blowing bubbles in the water and eventually plunged his head into the water.
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He loved putting his head underwater and looking around to wave at us. Bryan and I were thrilled. Mission accomplished. Little did we know it was only the beginning. Soon, Drew was clinging to the side of the pool and making his way around the edge. Then, he would sit on the edge of the pool and jump — well, it was more of a plunk — into Bryan’s or my waiting arms. With every new accomplishment came a huge grin of pride on Drew’s face. He loved to show his new tricks off to his Mimsy and Gramps. We loved his little voice as he fauxbegrudgingly agreed to show us his tricks through a shy smile, “Oh, all right, I’ll do it one more time,” he told us again and again. Then, it happened. With his little arms and legs moving furiously, I listened to the splashes and saw the water spray into the air. He flung himself off the steps and in my direction. And in a single moment, I watched Drew learn how to swim.
“You did it! Hooray! Drew, you swam!” I began to shout even before his head broke through the water to hear me. He had a bit of a dazed look on his face that was replaced by a knowing smile as he realized what he had done. “I did?!?” he whispered. “You sure did!” I said as I gave him a huge hug. Bryan watched from across the pool with pride. Without saying a word, our eyes met and shouted to one another what an amazing little boy we had. As his Mimsy and Gramps rushed down to witness his latest accomplishment, Drew’s eyes shouted with pride. Throughout the rest of the vacation, Drew was in the pool almost “50-, 60-hundred times a day.” Our little “sea monkey” on the stairs transitioned to a little “fish” in the pool. I can’t wait to watch what Drew learns to do next!
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a night to remember TEXT by RHONDA REGAN
Date nights are an important part of a strong marriage and we’ve got some ideas as to how to make that night special
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Every couple should have a date night, one night a week that you spend together doing something fun and different. Date night is important because it provides couples the opportunity to re-connect without interference or interruptions, and gives them ample time to be reminded why they fell in love in the first place. Dr. Lorne Johnson, a licensed psychologist at Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City, firmly believes that all couples, regardless of time together whether it’s two years or 20, should schedule a date night at least once a week. He feels so strongly about it because he believes one of the first rules of a marriage is that “Mom and Dad come first,” which conflicts with societal thinking that needs of children come first. According to Johnson, putting children first is an error because as parents you want to provide
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an environment that is nurturing, caring and staJohnson outlined different stages of intimacy ble — an environment that includes two parents and how they affect a relationship. The first who demonstrate that they love each other, are stage is physical, or affection. “Couples that willing to spend time together and maintain show affection to each other increase their sexopen lines of communication. Children of parual desire for each other,: he said. He doesn’t ents who genuinely display their love grow up recommend being overly affectionate in front of observing how their parents interact Whenever life gets to be too much, it’s and communicate with each other. They also learn that they need to work time to plan a night out. Life with kids hard in a relationship. gets hectic and you don’t even get time Scott and Andrea Sonberg of Nora to spend together. Springs, who have been together six years, follow Johnson’s recommendation to not only to get time away from children, but don’t be afraid to express your love their three boys but also to give them time for one another. Andrea explains that she and alone together. Scott don’t get “lovey-dovey around the kids, “Whenever life gets to be too much, it’s time and date night provides the opportunity to be to plan a night out,” said Andrea. “Life with kids intimate.” gets hectic and you don’t even get time to The next stage is aesthetics, liking the same spend together.” things. Aesthetics is very superficial, according to
WOW FALL 2010 ❖ 15
Date night provides the chance for couples to plan the broad and small strokes of their life together, said Dr. Lorne Johnson, a licensed psychologist at Floyd County Medical Center in Charles City.
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Johnson, but it is a simple level to achieve. “Aesthetics is simply doing something that you both enjoy. By doing that it helps you feel closer to each other, better about each other.� Recreational follows aesthetics and is similar in that you do things together that are enjoyable and doing so will help to strengthen the bond. The Sonbergs believe they already have a strong relationship, but the time alone and together that date night provides helps to keep it strong. Johnson stresses that the next three stages — intellectual, spiritual and emotional — are interlinked and can be considered the real glue that hold a relationship together. “Date night provides the chance for couples to plan the broad and small strokes of their life together,� he said. He further explained that emotional is the most important. “The purpose of date night is to do and say those things that might bring you closer together, to enhance your relationship as it focuses on the emotions invested in the relationship.� 16 � WOW FALL 2010
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Planning a date night doesn’t have to be burdensome or complicated. The No. One choice for most couples is dinner and a movie, but you don’t have to limit yourself as to the amount of fun you can have together. Simply choose something that you both want to do together. Or give your adventurous side a taste of freedom and try something that neither of you have done before. To add some variety to date night, try some of our suggestions: • Go for a hike or a long walk. • Send the kids to a babysitter, pick up the ingredients and cook a fabulous meal together. • After dinner order one dessert with two spoons. • Get a couples’ massage at a spa. • Participate in a wine testing. • Go roller skating, ice skating or sledding. • Throw a slumber party for two. Have dinner in bed and have each for dessert. • Visit a local pub or bar and flirt with each other. • Have a board game tournawww.globegazette.com/wow
ment: Monopoly, Sorry, Scrabble — and don’t forget the wine. • Enjoy a hot summer day at a waterpark. These don’t spark your interest? Do an online search for date night ideas and you will be amazed at the results.
WOW FALL 2010 ❖ 17
NIACC Adult Promo Offer Half Price Books NIACC just made hitting the books a little easier by offering BOOKS @ ½ PRICE to adults who want or need a fresh start with an education. Get books at half price for ALL the fall semester classes you sign up for up to $300! All you have to do is attend an informational session on August 14 that will help you learn more about going back to school, ways to finance your education and the types of classes – like online classes – you can take. Hurry up – there’s not much time left!
5-minute flowers Everywhere you look this time of year you see homeowners’ landscaping in full bloom. Bringing that beauty indoors is easier (and quicker) than you think
TEXT by KAREN JACOBS PHOTOGRAPHED by BRYON HOULGRAVE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS courtesy of BAKER FLORAL
If you’re laid off or you’ve been thinking about going back to school or even just updating your skills, now is the time. Have you been stuck in the same job for longer than you ever thought you would be and you need a change? Do you want to get an education while you’re raising a family and working, but don’t know how to pay for it? Would it be fun to take your life in a totally new and different direction? Any of these reasons would be a great reason to start fresh with NIACC’s scholarships for adult students.
It’s the time of year when backyards are blooming with every color of the rainbow. Why not bring some of that beauty indoors? The casual garden look is “in” this year, said Mick Baker, owner of Baker Floral in Mason City. Flowers loosely arranged in a glass vase give you the fresh-picked look. “There’s nothing quite like flowers when a person walks into a room,” he said. Developing your own VIDEO arrangement is easy if you follow a few tips from Baker: ONLINE AT
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If you’re at least 23 years-old and haven’t taken a NIACC credit class in the past 3 years, you’re eligible to get books at half price for ALL your fall semester classes up to $300! “NIACC’s books at half price offer is for anybody who needs to focus on their career needs. The books at half price will help alleviate some expense while taking classes this fall. It’s a great way for adults to spend some time on their skills and save some money while updating them,” Rachel McGuire, NIACC director of admissions, said. The sessions are offered: August 14 (9-10 a.m.) • NIACC’s fall semester begins August 30.
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CUTTING The best time to cut flowers is in the early morning or early evening when there is more moisture in the plants. “Never during the heat of the day,” Baker said, as flowers lose a lot of moisture during that time.
Call 1-888-GO NIACC today to sign up for your session where you’ll receive your books at half price certificate!
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A single flower in a vase can make a striking addition to any setting. Flowers courtesy of Baker Floral in Mason City.
WHAT TO CUT WITH Use a sharp knife. “Scissors have a tendency to pinch the vessel closed,” Baker said. Also, remove any foliage that will be in the water. For a barky or woody stem such as a lilac stem, pound the stem to break up the end, which will allow more water to enter the stem. As soon as you cut the flower, get it into room-temperature water to hydrate the blossom. “Every two to three days, recut with a sharp knife and replace with fresh water,” Baker said.
CARE Adding a tiny drop of bleach will
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keep the water smelling good and kill germs, Baker said. Baker also recommends using hard water at room temperature. To help the color of the flowers last twice as long, “In the evening, put them in a dark, cool place,” he said. And if the foliage starts turning yellow and looking dingy, snip the flower head off and float it in water to enjoy it even longer.
WHAT FLOWERS SHOULD I USE? There are no rules, Baker said, when it comes to choosing a flower or vase. “Don’t be afraid to put lots of colors together, because God does,” he said. A few guidelines Baker offers include: • Avoid putting fragrant flowers on a table with food. You don’t want the frawww.globegazette.com/wow
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This arrangement by Baker Floral celebrates fall colors.
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Don’t be afraid to put lots of colors together, because God does.”
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grances of the flowers and food competing. • If you need an arrangement just for a day, try a hibiscus. They require no water but last for just one day. “The girls in the tropics put them in their hair for a day,” Baker said. • Take the head off the rose and float it. • Make sure all of the stems are underwater.
WHAT ABOUT THE VASE? Look in your attic or your garage for a nontraditional vase, Baker said, but in general, remember these tips: • Choose a vase that will hold ample water. • Make sure the vase is clean. • If using a heavier flower, make sure the vase is heavier at the bottom. • Make sure the vase or container is watertight. • For a one-day arrangement, think fruit. “I would take fresh watermelon, stick fresh flowers in the watermelon,” Baker said. • Try a basket with a good liner or drop a vase into it to conceal the vase.
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Facebook r e t t i w T Linke MySpace dIn the ABCs of social networking It seems like everywhere you look, someone is tweeting or Facebooking or connecting on LinkedIn. But if you’re new to the online networking scene, it can be intimidating to sign up and start socializing. Here are the basics to get you started — and get you connected with the people you love. TEXT By JESSICA ABELS
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The site: Facebook (www.facebook.com) What it is: The largest social networking site on the Web. You create an online profile with everything from your current city to your favorite quotes and connect with any of the 400,000,000 other Facebook members by “friending” them. You can share photos, participate in online games, send invitations, chat, join groups based on common interests and follow your favorite brands and products by “liking” their pages. Lingo: Your Facebook wall is like a message board where friends can write public messages to you or where you can post your status. Your status is anything from “I just ate some ice cream” to “We’re having a baby!” You can also discuss things with your friends by liking or commenting on a post on their walls. The News Feed is what you see when you first login to Facebook and is like a real-time ticker tape of your activity on the site. Who it’s best for: Everyone over the age of 13 (you can’t sign up if you’re younger), but especially those looking for an easy way to keep in touch with friends and family who are far away. Facebook began as a college students-only network to help 20-somethings stay connected to classmates, but now it’s perfect for bridging the miles or any age gap. Keep in mind: The things you put on your profile are public — unless you tell Facebook otherwise. If a potential employer Googles your name, chances are your Facebook profile will be one of the first listings they see. Go to Account/Privacy Settings in the top right hand corner of your page to determine who can view certain parts of your profile. You can even set person-specific settings so your boss (or your mother) sees a much more restricted profile even if you’re Facebook friends. If you want to double check, click “Preview My Profile” in the Privacy Settings tab to see what you’re
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showing the Facebook community or specific Facebook friends. The safest way to go? Restrict all aspects of your profile to only your friends, and don’t use your Facebook to connect with colleagues. Further, when you’re updating your Facebook profile or status, keep in mind that whatever you write shows up on the News Feed.
The site: Twitter (www.twitter.com) What it is: A microblogging site that lets you post real-time updates no longer than 140 characters and lets you track the updates of your favorite celebrities, products and friends. You can follow other users on Twitter to get their messages sent to you, and they can follow you back if they want your updates in return. Lingo: Because you only get 140 characters to make a point, Twitter has developed a sort of shorthand. A tweet is the message you write. To mention
someone else in a post, you type their @username or @handle. If you want to directly reply to a person’s post, you start your tweet with @username. For example, a tweet that said “I just love @MarthaStewart!” simply mentions Martha Stewart in your tweet, but if you write “@MarthaStewart Your show today on sweater folding was incredible!,” you’re sending a direct tweet to Martha Stewart. A hashtag is any word or subject preceded by the # sign. It’s a way for you to search for or tweet about a popular topic, or trending topic. For example, if you tweet “My son’s team looked great on the #football field today,” your tweet will appear in a real-time feed when anyone searches #football. A retweet is someone else’s tweet that you like and therefore want to share. You denote a retweet by typing RT @username and then the original tweet. For example, The Dalai Lama (yes, he tweets), writes, “The real source of inner joy is to remain truthful and honest.” You love this so you write, “RT @DalaiLama The real source of inner joy is to remain truthful and honest.” Now you’ve shared it with all of your friends. Who it’s best for: Mobile Internet users and those who truly believe less is more. Twitter is perfect for updating your friends on-the-go because you can set up your cell phone to have tweets delivered as text messages the minute they’re posted on the Internet. Keep in mind: Similar to Facebook, the tweets that you post are public unless you make them private. If you block your tweets, they can only be seen by people you approve, which is a good policy if you don’t want employers searching you and finding your updates. Also remember that Twitter is not the best place to air negative feelings.
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The site: LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) What it is: This is a social networking site used more for business networking. You have a LinkedIn profile, but it typically only contains your professional information, sort of like an extended resume you can keep on the Web and that companies can search. It’s no secret that it’s often who you know that gets you in the door, and LinkedIn helps you find that friendof-a-friend who knows about your next dream job. You can follow companies and be alerted when jobs open up, or post which jobs you’re looking to snag. Your colleagues and supervisors can even write recommendations for you and leave them on your LinkedIn profile for potential employers to reference. Lingo: A connection on LinkedIn is a colleague, past colleague, professor or friend with whom you would network in a normal in-person setting. A secondary connection is a friend of a friend, whom you can contact citing that you have a mutual colleague or friend in common, thus expanding your network. Who it’s best for: Working professionals of any kind. It doesn’t matter if you’re a waitress or a CEO; a LinkedIn profile gives you a credible way to network and post your skill set on the Internet, and is a good outlet to search for new job opportunities or let employers find you. Keep in mind: LinkedIn is the safest way to connect with colleagues and employers on the Internet because users can and should keep their information strictly professional. Be sure to look for groups, particularly alumni groups from your college or university or even high school, which can help keep you up-to-date with job postings referred to you by former classmates. On your profile, use action-oriented words just like you would with a resume.
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The site: MySpace (www.myspace.com)
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What it is: Another profile-based site like Facebook. Once noticeable way MySpace differs from Facebook is that you have more control over the design and can customize your page’s background and colors. Lingo: MySpace is pretty straightforward, with commenting just like on Facebook. Who it’s best for: Musicians and music lovers. MySpace took over popular music service iMeem last year, and remains one of the Internet’s most popular places for bands to gain attention. Musicians can upload full length mp3 songs to their profile and often have a MySpace profile long before they have a Web site. Keep in mind: The general consensus is that MySpace is quickly becoming a thing of the past. The site has about one quarter of the users that Facebook does and has a reputation among younger generations of being Facebook’s sub-par predecessor. However, if you don’t like the News Feed involved with Facebook or if you’re a musician trying to get someone to play your stuff, a MySpace profile may be a better choice. The same privacy concerns apply.
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1316 South Main St., Clarion, IA 50525 • Toll Free: 866 426 4188 Phone: 515 532 2811 • www.wrightmed.com
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Various fruit wines are available for purchase at the Old Bank winery in Kanawha.
the business of wine With summer being prime time to buy fresh fruit, it’s also the perfect time to try your hand at making your own wine. TEXT by RHONDA REGAN PHOTOGRAPHED by BRYON HOULGRAVE
26 ❖ WOW FALL 2010
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ESTATE GROWN GRAPE & FRUIT WINES
Nancy Litch scoops raspberries into the press.
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While wine-making at home isn’t rocket science, it does require a minimal investment, diligence and the ability to chalk up a bad batch to inexperience. Steve Beland, owner/manager Bel-Aire Estates Winery, St. Ansgar, advises “to not be afraid to dump it out. Just make sure you don’t kill the grass.” Other than the obvious need for fruit, winemaking has certain equipment that is necessary to successfully produce a tasty batch. • Food-grade plastic container • A 5 gallon glass container – a carboy is best for this (looks like a water cooler bottle) with a drilled stopper that has an airlock • Funnel • Rubber or plastic hosing approximately 5 feet long for siphoning • Refillable bottles with corks • Wine recipe Most of this equipment can be purchased as a starter kit online. “For beginning wine makers, purchasing a starter kit is probably the best way to go,” said Nancy Litch, co-owner of Old Bank Winery and Inn in Kanawha. Beland says that “starter kits can be purchased for around $100 to $150. A lot of it depends on how complex you want to be in your wine-making.”
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Litch recommends a starter kit because it provides the beginner a glimpse of how the process works without investing a lot of time and money, only to learn that wine-making isn’t for you. To begin making wine you must first choose your fruit, as not all wine is made from grapes. “You can make wine from about any kind of fruit. I have had success with many different fruits,” said Litch. Once you have chosen a fruit it needs to be crushed to release the must, pressed juice that contains seeds and skins of fruit. Allow the crushed fruit to rest under refrigeration to prevent fermentation. This helps to extract the most amount of flavor from the skins. Beland recommends choosing a fruit for wine that you want to drink. “You may like rhubarb wine better than raspberry wine. Just depends on what you like,” he said. The next step is the fermentation process. Water, sugar and yeast are added to the juice to start fermenting. “The combination of sugar and yeast creates alcohol. The yeast eats the sugar and alcohol is what is left,” said Litch. During the fermentation process the carbon monoxide that is created from the yeast needs
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• Spacious Tasting Room • Gifts Items • Outdoor Patio Seating
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Now Offering Iowa Wines from: Summerset • Snus Hill • Tabor Home • Eagle City • Marquette Maid • Winneshiek Wildberry • Farm House • Mt. Valley We carry a wide selection of wine gifts and accessories.
Gifts, Window Treatments, Home Decor & More Southbridge Mall • Mason City IA • 641-424-2174 www.inhomegallery.net
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WINE & SPIRITS
Wine is growing in popularity every year. To many, the different blended flavors and aromas are a mystery. Our wine experts are here and ready to answer any of your questions. We can teach you how to appreciate the fine wines of Iowa and from across the globe!
Come and check out Hy-Vee’s large wine selection! We have a great assortment for your enjoyment in each store. IT’S SUMMERTIME and have we got some white wine values that taste great!
Bruce Long, Mgr. Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits
Loredona Vineyards in California have three whites that are outstanding: a Monterey Riesling; a Pinot Grigio; and a Lodi Viognier that is a great alternative to Chardonnay that has no oak. The Lodi Viognier is a great match for creamy sauce dishes or seafood and spicy chicken dishes. The Pinot Grigio matches nicely with goat cheese, spring greens or grilled chicken. Try the Riesling with turkey or just some cut fruit and light salad on the deck. All three are just $7.99 per bottle right now which is a savings of $5 each! Try them today! Stop in for all your wine, spirit or beer needs for that special event.
A SPECIAL WINE - Some of my favorite bottles of wine are the ones that come with a story. The one I particularly love to tell is about the Trincheros and how Mario, wife Mary, and their three children, Bob, Roger,and Vera, left their glamourous life in New York to buy an abandoned winery in Napa Valley. Mario spent all of their life savings, and it is said that Mary CRIED for weeks! The winery they purchased just so happened to be Sutter Home. Though this took place in the 1940’s, many of us today can relate to their struggle to chase a vision on a wing and a prayer. Their hard work payed off, and in the 70’s, Sutter Home took off. Sutter Home’s reputation for single vineyard varietals was second to none, but what really put the Trincheros and Sutter Home on the map, was their discovery of White Zinfandel. Bob, son of Mario, discovered it during the production of one of their Rachel Wacker popular Amador County Zinfandels and could NOT have predicted the impact this one “fluke” would have on the wine industry. On Hy-Vee East Wine Dept. special at HyVee East for $3.99 a bottle, Sutter Home’s White Zinfandel is truly a pioneer, and a perfect wine to share while enjoying the summer weather and grilling.
GREAT IOWA WINES - Would you believe that there are over 40 wineries in Iowa? It turns out the fertile soil here makes it easy to grow grapes, as well as corn or beans! Vineyards and wineries around the state make and bottle a wide variety of wines. I have found that most tend to be more sweet than dry, and best when chilled. This makes them perfect for sipping on the deck with friends on a hot Iowa summer evening. With there being so many vineyards and wineries here in the state, it is easy to plan a day trip or even a weekend to visit one Pete Bjugan, Mgr. or more. Many have guided tours, tasting rooms, even picnic areas. Stop in today at Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits and try Hy-Vee Drugstore Wine & Spirits something new. Red, white, raspberry, strawberry rhubarb, or apple, I am sure we will have something to tantalize your tastebuds! Cheers, Pete. MS-20142406
Hy-Vee of Mason City – 2400 4th St. SW, 551 S. Illinois • Hy-Vee Drugstore – 875 4th St. SW 32 ❖ WOW FALL 2010
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a way to escape. The carboy has a drilled stopper and an airlock for such purposes, which is why carboys make great wine-making equipment. The type of fruit you use determines the fermenting time. The container must be kept in a cool, ventilated space. Litch describes the fermenting process: the container will get full of bubbles as CO2 gas is being created. When the bubbles are gone, fermenting is complete. Be sure to have a large enough container or you will have a mess. Beland advises to not be concerned if there’s a funny smell. “That’s just the yeast doing its work,” he said. After fermenting, the wine has to siphoned to separate the wine from the sediment on the bottom, which is leftover yeast and fruit particles. Now the wine can be run through a filter to further remove sediments and a fining agent added to clarify the wine. It is at this point that the wine can be bottled for consumption. Beland says you have to add a neutralizer before bottling. “A neutralizer will prevent re-fermenting. If you don’t add it, the wine will continue to ferment and eventually the bottles will explode from the pressure.” An important step in wine-making is cleanliness. Be sure to sanitize anything that comes in contact with the wine. “If a container has leftover bacteria a batch of wine could be killed fast,” said Litch. She advises to be especially alert for fruit flies during this time of year as they carry a bacteria that can turn your wine into vinegar. Litch also advises using a calendar when making wine. “You need to be able to know when you started each step of the process and be able to pay attention to details.”
The perfect destination for your fall outing!
Iowa Produced Wines 200 N. Main St. Kanawha, IA A Wine labels are stacked at Old Bank Winery in Kanawha. www.globegazette.com/wow
641-762-3406 WOW FALL 2010 ❖ 29
Hours: 1:00 - 5:00 Tues. - Sat. at. www.oldbankwinery.net MS-20143384
Love your space Give your great room a warmer feel
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Many homeowners admit to having ideas about what to do with their homes even before they sign on the dotted line. When a home buyer is shopping for a home, he or she often can't help envisioning how a given home will look with his or her possessions inside. A growing trend among many homeowners is the open floor plan. These great rooms are ideal for big gatherings of family and friends, but can also confuse homeowners hoping to distinguish between two rooms that might have been combined. For example, great rooms commonly combine a living area and dining room, giving the room a more spacious look but also making it difficult to confidently state where one room ends and the other begins. While great rooms can give the home a relaxed and spacious feel, homeowners can cozy-up such rooms with a few simple tricks of the trade. Homeowners with a great room that boasts a high ceiling face a significant challenge when attempting to give such rooms a cozier feel.
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Homeowners hoping to give their great room a warmer feel can do so in a number of easy ways that won’t require too much work or too much money.
Accessorize Certain accessories can match the scale of a room with a high ceiling to make the room seem cozier. Tall plants and bookcases, for instance, work really well when furnishing a room with an especially high ceiling.
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Remove or avoid mirrors Mirrors always make a room seem larger, something homeowners should avoid when furnishing a great room. If mirrors must be included, place them in spots where they will not create the illusion of more space.
Go big with furniture This is a no-brainer, but larger furniture can make a great room seem more cozy. When looking for tables, like coffee tables or end tables, avoid tables with glass tops as these create the illusion of space in a fashion similar to mirrors. The placement of furniture can also play a role in how cozy a room feels. Grouping furniture, such as placing a sofa and loveseat around the television and placing an armchair near a window for reading, can make a room feel more intimate. Furniture does not have to be placed solely around the edges of a room, especially in larger rooms that homeowners want to give a warmer feel.
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Often, the floor is the best means to distinguishing between rooms. Rugs can be placed on wood flooring to help distinguish between rooms, and homeowners can even use different types of wood flooring to ensure residents and guests know which room is which. Homeowners hoping to give their great room a warmer feel can do so in a number of easy ways that won't require too much work or too much money.
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WOW FALL 2010 ❖ 31
go ahead ...
Instant Slimmer by Flexees has lace trim on the bottom to provide a layered look. Available at Younkers in Mason City.
shape your body
While no one has the perfect shape, we can create that illusion with the right bodyshaping undergarment By KAREN JACOBS Photographed by KAREN JACOBS and BRYON HOULGRAVE
It’s the three-letter word every woman hates: VPL. Also known as visible panty line, we’ve all seen it and maybe even been an offender of the dreaded condition. “One of my pet peeves is seeing your underwear,” said Marie Frederick, owner of The Goodnature Store and State of Wear in Garner and Unique Boutique in Clear Lake. “I don’t like to see panty lines on anybody.” And then there’s bra fat, that bulge created where your bra cuts in to your side. Bring on the bodyshaping undergarments. “It can certainly improve your look dramatically,” Frederick said. And these aren’t your mother’s bodyshapers. “They’re smarter today,” Frederick said. “The girls of yesterday, you could see where (the bodyshapers) started and stopped.” Bodyshapers will smooth out your look from top to bottom and come in a variety of styles from briefs and bras to tanks, camis and high-waisted panties. One of the leading brands of bodyshapers available, Spanx is introducting a new collection that will include tights, a long-legged girdle and trouser socks. “We are what we are, but it sure can make you a lot smoother,” Frederick said.
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Spanx’s Bra-llelujah was designed backward to smooth and flatter your back to eliminate bra lines and bulges for an invisible look under everything. Available at Unique Boutique in Clear Lake.
The Skinny Tank by Teez-Her, available at Unique Boutique in Clear Lake. 32 ❖ WOW FALL 2010
Instant Slimmer by Flexees provides tummy flattening from a hidden panel. Available at Younkers in Mason City.
Bali Invisibles HiWaist thigh with extra firm control and Bali Invisibles Torset Top, a design that allows your own bra to be worn underneath. Both available at Younkers in Mason City. Power Panites by Spanx have no leg band so they’re invisible under clothes while slimming your tummy, thighs and rear. Available at Unique Boutique in Clear Lake. www.globegazette.com/wow
what am I eating? Hydro-mono-poly what? Sometimes, reading the label on the back of your food container can feel like deciphering Latin or hieroglyphics. By JESSICA ABELS Photographed by KAREN JACOBS
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Luckily, you don’t need a phrase book or a college course to achieve “food” fluency. We asked Keith Hargis, a registered dietician with the Mercy Diabetes Clinic, to help us unlock the mysteries behind the ingredients and percentages. Think of this as your nutritional Rosetta Stone. Food labels are required on all processed foods in the United States. Hargis tells his patients that the less processed our foods are, the better, because studies show eating overprocessed foods can contribute to diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. So the purpose of learning to read your food label is to determine just how processed a product is, and then to determine whether it fits into a healthy diet.
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WOW FALL 2010 ❖ 33
1. The first thing to check, Hargis said, is the serving size and the amount of servings in the package. That way you can determine how much food you’ll be getting for the amount of calories, sugar and fat you’ll consume.
sugar and high sodium usually tell us that a food is overprocessed,” Hargis explains, “and that’s something we should try to avoid.” 3. Next, cut the fat. If there is a high percentage of fat content (look at the percent daily value), stay away, unless the fats are mono or unsaturated fat. “Totally avoid trans fats,” Hargis said. If you’re not diabetic, if the sugar “They don’t even belong in our food supis over 10 grams, find something ply.” 4. Check the cholesterol. If the food conelse unless it’s a healthy product tains more then 200 mg, just say no. like yogurt. High sugar and high Expect to find higher levels of cholesterol in sodium usually tell us that a food animal products, Hargis said. After checking the four steps above, is overprocessed. And that’s someit’s time to move on to the ingredients thing we should avoid.” list. “If it has huge words in it, that’s going 2. Then, check the sugar and sodium content. “If to tell you that it’s overprocessed,” Hargis said. you’re not diabetic, if the sugar is over 10 grams, find “See if there’s partially hydrated oil. That’s a partial something else unless it’s a healthy product like trans fat and it’s just as dangerous as other trans yogurt,” Hargis said. If the sodium is higher than 140 fats.” mg, it’s also a sign that you should put it back. “High
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Also look for high fructose corn syrup, and either avoid it or try to make it a rarity. “That’s another man made thing that we developed when sugar prices were high,” Hargis said. “But again, it doesn’t really have a place in our food supply anymore.” As a general rule, unless you’re looking at breads, the longer a word is the more skeptical you should be. These most often crop up in salty snack foods, convenience foods, and frozen foods. “Convenience foods have a place in our diet, but they’re not a staple,” Hargis said. To make shopping simpler, he recommends sticking to the perimeter of the grocery store (excluding the bakery), and only venturing into middle aisles occasionally. If you’re looking for extra credit research about the ingredients or nutritional value in a particular food, Hargis recommends visiting USDA.gov or mypyramid.gov. Each offer easy-to-use explanations of most foods in American grocery stores. It may take a little extra time, but doing your homework will bring healthy results.
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Owned and operated by the Iowa Independent Order of Odd Fellows with support provided by Rebekah Assembly of Iowa MS-20143570
34 ❖ WOW FALL 2010
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Respect your toys, clothes
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Teaching children how to do this can be a challenge self. Make Bo-Peep pay for the iPod herself. If she does not have regular income, create some jobs for her. Try a combination of extra chores, a percentage of her piggy bank, and consistently demonstrating responsible behaviors. When Bo-Peep tells you she doesn’t care that she lost her herding staff because she wanted the newer version anyway, tell her she is welcome to get If you have had your fill of the new staff as soon as she watching your child wash his car replaces the original one. Conwith his new cardigan, store his stantly upgrading old toys for scooter underneath the van, newer versions only reinforces leave his baseball glove at some- the idea that they needn’t one’s cousins house, or use her respect what they have because flute as a golf club, then it is something bigger and better will time to teach a little respect. come along soon anyway. First, help your child take care Part of the losing-breakingof his belongings by teaching ruining problem is that kids tend him to appreciate what he has. to leave their most prized posWhen kids receive loads of toys sessions lying in the middle of for their birthdays and sleighful’s the floor for weeks at a time, and of Christmas gifts they become then wonder why they can’t find overwhelmed and often don’t them later. Help Bo-Peep get even play with some of them. organized by designating a speAlso, if a toy becomes lost or cific area for her flock of toys. If broken they just move on to the nothing else, perhaps she could next one since they have so at least throw everything on to many to choose from. Instead of her own floor rather than everybuying all of Aisle 12 for your where else around the house. child’s next birthday, consider Set a good example. Keep just purchasing one or two gifts. track of your own stuff and take With responsibility, less is actual- care of it so your kids get the ly more because there is more message that possessions are to lose when there are only a not meant for one time use only. few items. Most parents quickly learn When little Bo-Peep loses her that when it comes to kids, stuffed sheep, her iPod, ruins responsibility isn’t as instinctual her dress by pouring ketchup as spitting out zucchini. But into her lap rather than her don’t despair. With a lot of plate, or forgets to bring her coat patience and dedication kids can home from the soccer field, eventually learn to respect their make her feel your pain. Resist stuff. And who knows, when resigning to the idea that kids they do, perhaps we’ll all start will be kids and then just replac- playing with a full deck of cards. ing the lost or ruined items your-
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Our family recently had a family fun night, except without the fun part. It was supposed to be all fun and games, but that’s hard to do when all the games are lost or broken. We had 129 pieces to a 200 piece puzzle. We tried our hand at Go Fish, but couldn’t find a deck with more than 48 cards. We moved on to Clue, but Col. Mustard had apparently gone AWOL with the rope and candlestick. The patient in Operation lived for 48 hours before losing his liver, femur, and collarbone for good. Where were they? Same place as the dice for Monopoly and the timer for Scattegories. I started lecturing my kids about taking care of their stuff when it dawned on me that I had given this speech before. It was, in fact, the same one I had just delivered when my daughter lost the new pair of sunglasses she had yet to wear, wore her best dress to go wading in the creek, and when she left her tennis racquet on some court on the other side of town. I then started wondering if the lecture was even worth it or if my breath would just get lost like the scorecards for Yahtzee. Teaching kids to be responsible and respect their toys, clothes, and possessions is a constant challenge for many reasons. For starters, some kids just don’t seem capable of ever being responsible. Others don’t value their valuables because they have no concept of cost or the labor behind our purchases. Some feel that whatever they lose can easily be replaced, and therefore neglect to care properly for the original item.
Text by ANN-MARIE BERG
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