Haute Life Magazine Issue 6 by HauteLifeMag

ISSUE 06

A Portion of Proceeds Donated to the Council On Domestic Abuse

Welcome: This is the Haute Life

Peace of mind, from us to

Welcome to our 6th issue of Haute Life Magazine. This issue is dedicated to all of those “FEARLESS” women we know and love. When we started working on this issue we knew we wanted to focus on women who took risks and stepped outside the lines, celebrating those who are striving to be the best they can be. I think most of us have faced fear at some point in our lives, whether personal or business, and have told ourselves a LIE -- that we aren’t pretty enough, capable of accomplishing our goals, or that we shouldn’t dream big. It’s our goal to push you beyond your limits and watch you do amazing things in your life, whether it’s trusting your gut or taking a leap of faith. We want you to find your voice, share what you’ve learned along the way, and know that you are helping women of all ages and backgrounds live a happier life. As you browse through this issue, we hope you love getting to know a new contributor, Beth Silcox, who wrote a beautiful article (page 17) on what it’s like to go through the “Empty Nest” syndrome, and her personal battle with anxiety. We also highlighted just a few of the women of Rose-Hulman and Ivy Tech (page 37), and two amazing female firefighters (page 62) who risk their lives on a daily basis to protect us from danger. Now that’s what you call fearless! Below are some ways that you can conquer your fear with specific actions -- to show you how to be FEARLESS: * Stay open to all possibilities * Let go of the outcome * Embrace change * Write a mission statement * Find mentors * Challenge yourself * Think big and create partnerships

3D Mammography at Clara Fairbanks. At Union Health, we understand that early detection of breast cancer saves lives. That’s why the Clara Fairbanks Center for Women offers the most advanced breast cancer detection available: tomosynthesis 3D breast imaging. This state-of-the-art technology pinpoints breast cancer at its earliest stages — before it can even be felt in a self-exam and when it’s most curable. For you, that means earlier detection. For us, that means being able to give you peace of mind in your healthcare. It’s just one more way we’re healthier together. To schedule your mammogram, call (812) 238-7766.

Remember this: Fear is a little voice in your head that holds you back from growth, success, and the most important thing of all: happiness. Grateful, Yvette and Lori

myunionhealth.org

Haute Life Magazine was created to celebrate, inspire, and uplift women in every aspect of their lives. Our mission is to recognize their courage and bravery in all that they do. We hope that Haute Life inspires you to seek your own passions.

We are Female + We are One

1 Cover & Welcome Page Photos by Chelsea Wilson/Stapp-Wilson Photography

Contents...The Good Stuff 1. 4. 7. 8. 10. 12. 14. 16. 18. 20. 22. 25. 26. 28. 31. 32. 34. 36. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 50. 52. 54. 56. 58. 60. 64. 66. 68. 70. 72. 74. 75. 76.

Features

Creators Welcome Our Contributors Council on Domestic Abuse Mom’s Who Run Be a Fearless, Healthier Eater Healthy Eats in Terre Haute It Was the Best, Until it Wasn’t Seasonal Switch Unveiled Apothecary of Beauty Peaceful Calling A “Pop” of Party Fun Make it Happen: Sister to Sister Lake Life Wallpaper Trends Who Ya Gonna Call? Winter Trends Women Leaders All Around the Valley Haute Sycamores: My Experience with Self Care Haute Sycamores: Mind Dieting Sports Fan Girl Sports Gear for Women Gridiron Girl Tailgating Touchdown The Side Hustle is the New Black Bake With Love Five Tips for Women Business Leaders Boss Lady: Naomi Leigh Designs Take a Little Siesta Dream Chaser Face the Flame The Wellness Mindset Cabin of Grace Small Town Girl in the Big City Brave Mom’s Club Laughter is the Best Medicine Sincerely Millie Charmed Life Always Take the Scenic Route

page 8 page 20

page 28 page 48

page 60

A Special Thank You to our Sponsor page 70 If you would like to learn more about advertising or sponsorship opportunities, contact us as hautelifemag@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTORS

KELLIE EASTHAM

Inspirational

KRISTINE O’HARE

Baesler’s Market

JENNIFER SCHWAB

Editor

CLAIRE SILCOX

Haute Sycamore/ Editor

SAMANTHA MCGRANAHAN

Unveiled

DEBBIE HILL

Realtor

JESSICA ADEN

Writer

SARAH CAMPBELL

CODA

EMILY RICHARDS

Esthetician

SARAH JAMES

Dietician

LORI MITCHELL

Cocreator

ASHLEE SAPPINGFIELD

Editor/Photographer

CHELSEA WILSON

Photographer

BETH SILCOX

Writer

SUSAN ROYCE

Baesler’s Market

ANGELA TAPY

Graphic Artist

YVETTE MORGAN

Cocreator

LYDIA COLLINS

Haute Sycamore

SAMANTHA BROWN

Writer

GABRIELLE COMELLERI

Editor

LEAH SINGER

Editor

KASY LONG

Editor

CRAIG MITCHELL

Graphic Artist

Council on Domestic Abuse Since 1985, the Council on Domestic Abuse, Inc. has been serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Wabash Valley. Each year our community support grows, along with the services we provide. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Monte Carlo Masquerade & Casino Night, where funds were raised to support victims and children residing in CODA’s emergency shelter and also those receiving case management and advocacy services through outreach programming. The Terre Haute Country Club was a beautiful venue for guests to enjoy a night out for a great cause!

to participate in fun annual fundraising events where we can all come together and make a huge difference in a small amount of time. There are also volunteer opportunities available for those interested in sharing a skill or hobby with a support group. Please help us by emailing volunteercoordinator@codaterrehaute.org to let us know you’re interested in volunteering. For more information or to donate, please visit our website at www.codaterrehaute.org or call our office at 812-234-3441. For emergency assistance, please call our 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-877-566-CODA or 812-232-1736. - Sarah Campbell

After expanding our emergency shelter and almost doubling the beds available in late 2016, we are now serving almost 400 victims a year in a communal-living environment. Residents are offered free counseling, case management, childcare, transportation, and of course food, clothing, and other daily essential items. Last year our sexual assault victim’s advocate responded to 49 calls from local hospitals, where she supported victims in-person as they were interviewed by police and examined by doctors. The CODA education, outreach, and prevention team made presentations last year to almost 4,000 community members regarding healthy relationships, teen dating violence, bullying, internet safety, etc. Our legal advocates working from the Vigo County Courthouse have assisted over 1,800 victims so far this year and helped request almost 300 orders of protection. None of these services would be available without the community’s support. The Council on Domestic Abuse, Inc. staff, volunteers, and board of directors are excited to add new fundraisers and programming ideas in 2019 to better serve the Wabash Valley. We are looking for groups of volunteers

Moms Who Run You see them every day, on the sidewalks and in the parks. Runners take to the streets of Terre Haute for exercise, community and joy. But what you don’t see is that many of these runners are mothers who are committed to maintaining their physical activity. These local moms share their stories about why they started running, whether their kids have followed in their footsteps (or running shoes), and what helps them balance motherhood and running. - Leah Singer

What got you started running? Joni McLain: I was a runner in high school, but did not run during college or until a few years into my marriage. I moved to Terre Haute when I married my husband. I didn’t know many people, so when my daughter was almost three, I decided to train with my mother-in-law to run the Indianapolis Mini Marathon. We joined Trained In Terre Haute with the Wabash Valley Road Runners (WVRR). Joining the group was a great way to train for a race, but it also got me connected with a lot of people from our community. Since joining WVRR in 2013, my family and I have made life-long friendships. Kayla Mascari: I ran cross country and track in high school. Then

I just ran every once in a while for health and fun until after I had my first baby. That’s when I decided I wanted to try getting back into shape and thought signing up for a marathon was the perfect thing. Samantha Brown: I ran track during my freshman year of high

school and I honestly hated running. I tried getting back into running several times during college and just couldn’t find the joy in it. In May 2016, I took my daughter and son to watch their father run the Indianapolis Mini Marathon. While standing on the sidelines, watching the sea of diverse runners preparing to start the race, I decided that I would one day complete a half marathon. I knew that if all of those people could do it, I could do it, too. I started running consistently and signed up for my first 5K. After finishing the 5K race, I signed up for my first half marathon that September, the Crossroads Half in Terre Haute. Training for and completing that half is what launched my running lifestyle. Joni McLain

Emily Murray: What got me started running was a desire to prove

to myself that I could do it. I had always hated running, stemming from my childhood. Just before I turned 30, I decided I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it and I started to run 5K races for the first time in my life and it felt great! What are the challenges of running while being a mother? JM: The biggest challenge of being a mom that runs is establishing a routine. For the last few years, my kids and husband know that when we get home from work/school each day, mom gets to run. Some days, I only have time for two or three miles before the evening activities begin. But other nights, I enjoy five or six miles. Either way, I feel like it’s important for me to show my kids a healthy lifestyle and commitment to myself, while still being able to support and take care of their needs. KM: The biggest challenge with training for a race with kids is time

management, and the mom guilt. It takes a lot of planning to make sure I can get in my runs and workouts while not taking away from the family. I can’t just go whenever I feel like it or spend insane amounts of time running and prepping. Being a mom comes first, so I have to give myself a lot of grace in the training department. I try to give it my all when I can get it in, but I don’t stress about it and beat myself up if I can’t do it either. SB: When I first started training for a 5K, I struggled to get my runs

in. The training plan I was on required me to run three times a week. I was lucky to get two runs in a week. I had to change my mindset. I always put everyone else in the family before myself. I made run-

Kayla Mascari

Samantha Brown

Emily Murray

ning a priority and scheduled my runs on my calendar like you would schedule an appointment or meeting. My biggest challenge was not letting other things get in the way of me putting on my running shoes and getting out the door.

summer for the first time and really enjoyed it. Both kids see their parents running and want to do the same.

EM: Finding the time is the hardest part. Being a full-time work-

EM: My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the WVRR Kids Running

ing mom and a single mom makes it difficult to find the time to do training runs when I have a race on the books, but when you really want something, you find the time for it and you have to ask for help. How often do you run? JM: When training for a race, I typically run five or six days a week. SB: I run an average of five days a week. Some mornings I have to

get out of bed at 4 a.m. to go run before my husband leaves for work and before I have to get the kids ready for school. Those are long days, but I feel accomplished when I start my day off with a run. EM: When I don’t have a race scheduled, it wanes to once or twice

a week. When I am training for something, it can be three or four times a week. Do your kids enjoy running? JM: Both of my children enjoy running and are a part of the Kids Running Program that is sponsored by WVRR during June at Deming Park. They are 4- and 8-years-old and in addition to the Kids Running Program, they enjoy participating in various mile races throughout the year. KM: My three-year-old

daughter loves to race. She and my two-yearold son have been riding in the jogging stroller since they were babies. SB: Yes! My daugh-

ter, 6, has enjoyed participating in the WVRR Kids Running Program for the past three years and has completed seven or eight races. My three-year-old son participated in the Kids Running Program this

Program this year, but typically running is not something that she takes the initiative to do. Have you ever received negative feedback from friends or family about the time you spend running? JM: When I first began running in 2013, my husband (although supportive) didn’t always understand why I wanted to spend so much time running. Most of my friends run, and so they are either with me on my runs or are fully supportive of the time I spend getting my training in. SB: I’ve had people tell me that

I spend too much time running and not enough time with my family. I have also had someone say that I wouldn’t be so busy if I didn’t run as much. I just tell them that my family as a whole benefits from having a mother who has time away and who works to achieve her personal goals. EM: I have only received positive feedback from my friends and

family so far. They have been so supportive of my running goals. Maybe they’re a bit confused at times as to why I would keep running when it appears to hurt so much, or when I lose toenails, etc. But they have been incredibly supportive. If you want to start a running habit or if you’re looking for a group of people to train with, check out Wabash Valley Road Runners. There are several groups and training programs for new and experienced runners and walkers. More info: wvrr.org - Samantha Brown

1. Develop goals: Decide what is most important to you and why you want to change an unhealthy habit. I counsel many clients with medical illnesses and when deciding on a nutritional plan, I look at which condition is the most important to improve first. We start there and build on the changes through time. Focus on your goals and try not to let the opinions of others hinder your progress. What’s right for them may not be right for you. You may be at your goal weight and just ready to focus on eliminating unnecessary additives in your food choices, whereas someone else may just be taking the first step into trying to reach a healthy goal weight. Trying to change everything at once may hinder someone into not taking the initial steps to starting their journey. Your beliefs and goals may not be the same as the person next to you and that’s okay. Be fearless in your food choices and be confident that you are doing what you have decided is important to you at the time.

Are you the grocery shopper for your family or others in your household? Do you feel like the health of your family or self lies on your shoulders? Being a 15-year experienced Registered Dietitian, I can honestly say “yes” to these questions. The perception of myself, husband, and two young children is that we eat perfectly. There are no tantrums at the table, my children never eat sugar, and when asked what they would like to eat at a restaurant, they politely say “grilled salmon, fresh vegetables, a side of fruit, and water to drink.” Ha! The reality is that we do our best, eat in moderation, and enjoy “junk foods” sometimes.

2. Get properly educated: Know why you are making the changes you are making. Many clients tell me they are eating whole grains and think they should be avoiding certain foods, but they’re unsure as to why. They say, “I’ve just heard it wasn’t healthy.” Or, “I changed my foods because I heard it was good.” Find a Registered Dietitian who can help you navigate through the different recommendations and filter what is based off research, proven to be effective, and what works best for your situation.

I love food. Nutritious food, non-nutritious food, trying new food…I think of it as a tradition passed down to me from my heritage. However, I know that you need to eat well to live well. I have become passionate about food and its relationship to our health. I strive to be better, and keep up with the research pertaining to nutrition and how we can adapt to the changes in our household. This has taken years and is still a work-in-progress.

3. Take small steps, conquer, and then take a few more: No matter how tiny and insignificant it may seem, any step is better than not taking any. Start with changing things that are important to you, as well as things you can live with as you move forward. If you are eating six boiled eggs in the morning while holding your nose and trying not to gag, you may want to try something different. Chances are this is not going to be something you can keep up with. The goal is to be healthier, change behaviors, and adapt these into your new routine. 4. No one is perfect: Learn to accept this when it comes to changing your attitude towards healthy eating. After 15 years of experience in helping others, I have not met someone who doesn’t give into temptations or take a few steps off course during their journey. Eat well most days, so you can keep treats for special occasions. Give yourself a break and enjoy life and traditions with the foods that go with it. Be a fearless, healthier eater. - Sarah James

There is no one perfect way to eat because we are all different. Our situations are different, our DNA is different, and our “stages of life” are different. Through research, we know that what we eat can determine, prevent, and even improve our health. I believe we would like to stay as healthy as we can and make changes if we knew they would benefit our future. But doing so and understanding it is difficult for most. The advice to my clients is different, yet similar, in that if we can learn moderation, I believe we can achieve our goal of being fearless with making positive changes. If you are ready to get over your fear of change and improve your eating habits, start with these simple tips.

In my practice, Nutrition to Grow, LLC., this is how I teach others struggling to keep up with the trends, filter through the advice given by “experts,” and reach their health goals—doing so one step at a time. Organic, non-organic, pesticides, GMO’s, food dyes, healthy fats, and keto-approved foods are just some of the descriptions you may be hearing about food products these days. These terms can create fear and frustration when it comes to what you should be eating and how you should be cooking it. Should I eat them or should I not? These are questions I help clients decide for themselves, so they may conquer their fears of what to eat, serve, and buy.

Photography by Ashlee Sappingfield

Healthy Eats in Terre Haute I’ve been focusing this past year on getting my body functioning properly - mind, body, and soul- and getting my eating in line was a huge piece of that puzzle. I always knew I had some kind of gut issue going on, but like so many, I was in total denial! I think when you live with chronic issues, they just become your norm and when you don’t know any different, it’s hard to know where to start. This past February I did my first round of Whole 30 and my mind was absolutely blown. I began researching this program (I will never call it a diet, as I hate diets) and decided this was the right path for me as I was working on healing my gut issues. To sum it up, during a round of Whole 30 you cut out all grains, dairy, legumes and added sugar to reduce inflammation and encourage healing from the inside out. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was extremely healing and eye opening for me. Once I finished the program, eating out became super overwhelming. I began to feel anxious about eating out for fear of having a reaction or slipping back to my old ways. So, I decided to do some of my own research and find local places to eat to support my new, healthy eating lifestyle. I know there are many of you out there that deal with many different food intolerances and gut issues that limit your ability to go out for a meal with friends and enjoy yourself, so here are some of my new favorite places and dishes!

One of my favorite finds so far at the market has been the glutenfree baked goods of a local baker named Brittany Polifroni. She runs “P3: Polifroni Pies & Pizzas” out of her home and everything she makes is amazing. I grabbed some gluten free cinnamon rolls the last time I stopped by her booth, and they were absolutely delicious! She also specializes in keto pizza crusts, gluten free pop tarts and muffins. These are just a few of my finds! I love seeing that many restaurants now are required to have separate allergen menus so you can go in prepared, knowing what each dish contains. Food is meant to be enjoyed, and it seems like the food industry is headed in the right direction so that everyone can enjoy a meal with friends and family. Something super important that I learned from a friend, who is a holistic nutritionist, is that we make sure to keep a healthy relationship with food. Food isn’t the enemy, it’s made to fuel our bodies and support us to live our best lives! The goal is ultimate food freedom, so do your research, find what works for your body, and enjoy food to the fullest. - Jessica Aden

Fifi’s Lunch Box: At first glance, Fifi’s looks like a healthy diet’s nemesis, but that isn’t so! This is one of the first places I went out after finishing my first round of Whole 30 and had one of THE best salads ever! I ordered their Quinoa Power Salad and added grilled chicken to it and couldn’t believe how tasty and filling it was. All of their dressings are homemade and amazing. They don’t claim to be a gluten-free kitchen, so be aware of cross-contamination (shared fryers, etc.), but if that isn’t an issue for you, you should be ok! Java Haute: This is another great local place with lots of dairy-free beverages and gluten free meals and treats. I love that you can get any of their sandwiches with gluten free bread that is absolutely delicious! I’ve been eating here for months and have never had a reaction to anything on the menu. One of my favorite dishes for breakfast is their Urban Farmer breakfast sandwich on their Gluten Free bread. They also have a delicious variety of salads, my favorite being the Summer Thai Crunch Bowl (I just add chicken to it) and if you need a treat, get the Banana Mud Bites! They are vegan treats (kinda like a brownie) and are gluten & dairy-free! Yes, please! Java Haute doesn’t claim to be a Gluten-Free/Allergen-Free kitchen, so keep that in mind! Cross-contamination is possible. Terre Haute Farmer’s Market: Check out this local market the first Saturday of each month inside of the Meadows Shopping Center! It’s full of local, handmade goods and I especially love going in the warmer months to grab local produce, honey and gluten free baked goods.

Primary Care from Union Medical Group. At Union Health, we’re not just here to care for you when you’re sick; we’re here to keep you healthy too. Our primary care providers get to know you and your unique needs – so they can better care for you during routine visits and help you manage chronic conditions before they impact your active life. It’s our way of helping you get well…and stay well. Call (812) 244.5057 today to schedule your next primary care appointment.

myunionhealth.org

It Was The Best, Until It Wasn’t The Empty Nest Gets Messy When our oldest was born, I remember looking into her eyes and seeing a future of friendship. Not that permissive parent kind, but a “we get each other” kind of relationship, heavy on respect and really light on that all-too-common mother/daughter judgmental junk. I was closer to 30 than 20 and had had my share of time on my own. My family was close and my best friend was and still is my cousin. There were high school and college friends, work life acquaintances and, of course, my husband, but most of them really didn’t understand what makes a creative mind like mine tick. Try as they might, my spinning outside the lines and leading with my emotions can be tough to understand. But in that moment looking down at that 5-pound bundle, I knew that I’d found my tribe—a tiny tribe of our own making. I figured if I was the mom she needed me to be—capable, reliable, compassionate, loving and honest—we could bring up a good, decent, and kind soul. And just maybe a creative one that would “get” me the way others never really had. Maybe it was the hormones talking or my overthinking nature or just my most sincere wish to connect in this way to my daughter. I wondered if my mom had felt this way when I was born. Looking back now, I wish I had asked her. Then I set about becoming a “real” mom to a “real” little girl. Lord knows it was hit-and-miss. Then four years in, just when I thought I had it figured out, I looked down into the green eyes of our second daughter. That same old feeling flooded me and I got started all over again getting to know what this sweet, independent soul needed from a mom. As the girls grew and I figured out what this job of mothering was all about and how to most effectively do it without losing my mind on any given day, I built a world focused on that tribe of mine. Life centered around the kids but not exclusively. I didn’t lose myself in their worlds, but I darn sure enjoyed the noise and bustle. I worked

from home but protected my time so that work usually didn’t outrank homework, Girl Scouts or whatever fun was to be had running them here and there. I was lucky. I constructed a life that allowed me to build a career as a professional freelance writer for magazines, make some cash for my family and also be the kind of mother my girls needed. It was the best, until it wasn’t.

with vehicles loaded to move our youngest into her freshman year at Indiana State. There were the typical runs to campus with forgotten items and that first apartment turned out to be a smoke-filled dud. Before long, I was renting a U-Haul and moving the oldest again. But when that hectic time was over, it was really over. The house got quiet, too quiet. Winter was setting in and I got lost in my head and couldn’t find a way out. Some people in my family possess what we call the “crying gene.” Love leaks out of our eyes easily and at inopportune times. My dad

To this day when a new mom gushes about how all she wants to do is sit and hold her baby for hours on end, I’m skeptical. Maybe it’s just me, but my oldest was colicky and after hours of doing a bouncy walk around our living room, I couldn’t wait to put her down. We joke that all the crying in infancy made for a peaceful teen and we consider ourselves lucky to have had a couple of a-typical teenagers with not too much rebellion or drama (that we knew of at least). But that “babe-in-arms, rocking chair picture” is a little too idyllic for my pragmatic side.

The empty nest hurts and it sneaks up on you. At least it did on me. One minute I was planning Girl Scout outings and shelving books in the elementary school and the next I’m juggling my oldest daughter’s college graduation on the same day as our youngest daughter’s high school senior prom. “It’s all good.” I told myself over and over and over. “It’s the way it’s supposed to be. We’ve done our jobs and now we let them fly.” It was all good, until it wasn’t. cried his way down the aisle when he married my mom 55 years ago and again along with me when I married my husband. We joked we needed a row boat. I couldn’t hold back the tears when I bridged my Brownie Girl Scouts to Juniors with a dozen or so of their confused parents watching. So I expected the empty nest would be a little soggy. But what I didn’t anticipate was how messy overwhelming anxiety would make it. For the first time in my life, I had no idea what to do next. I’m a doer like my own mom. I’ve never lacked for direction. I’m one of those rarities that actually used her college journalism major the Monday after they played “Pomp and Circumstance” in Hulman Center and I’ve used it nearly every working day since. I’ve never been afraid of much and when I get my “redneck” up I dare somebody to tell me I can’t accomplish something. I get that tenacity from my dad, who actually won a work award for it once. But at this juncture, I was the reverse of that meme with the kitten seeing its mirrored reflection as a lion. This lion shrank, curled up on the couch and binged “Gilmore Girls” and “The Andy Griffith Show” for days and then weeks on end. It hurt. I couldn’t write. I couldn’t even go to Target.

Cumulatively over time these things worked wonders, as did the discovery of a beautiful book, Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Her insights on youth, age, love, marriage and the trappings of modern life that can overwhelm mothers and all women hit home for me. Her thoughts on the shifting patterns of relationships seem timeless despite the book’s 1955 publication date. And as a fellow creative, I envied her time away spent at the seaside to gather her thoughts and write. For me, the book ended too soon. Lindbergh’s meditations don’t include the empty nest but it brought comfort when I needed it most. Only after I finished, did I make the historical connection with the Lindbergh name and discover that Anne was the wife of the famed aviator, Charles; was herself an accomplished pilot and author; and together they were the parents of young Charles, Jr., who was infamously kidnapped and died in 1932.

The same holds true now as a 50-something mom, who is staring down her youngest graduating from college. Kudos to the people who really feel great about their kids leaving the nest permanently. I wish I could believe they are being honest with themselves. But I just can’t.

Looking back I see it all very clearly now. Too much came too fast! We met our oldest to pick up the keys to her first apartment in Indy

I needed help, so I asked for it. Meds—which I despise—would do the trick, I thought. But my “delicate constitution”—the doc really told me that—couldn’t tolerate them. So I talked and talked to the nicest therapist, who gave me tips and tools for calming my anxious mind. I discovered guided meditation and let The Honest Guys’ and Michael Seely’s glorious British accents soothe my troubles through YouTube. I took my cousin’s sentiments to heart when she said God was with me and to remember it took years to get here and it would take time to crawl out of it too. And best of all, my husband held me.

I imagined the path forward from the Lindbergh’s excruciating experience losing their son and then going on to have more children and build a tribe of their own. Perspective seeped in. I allowed myself the time to rest and heal and gradually, I quit spinning. I began writing again but with less pressure and more forgiving deadlines. And I turned once more to the point of all of this and taught myself how to be a new kind of mom—the kind that 20-somethings need and the kind a 50-something needs to be for herself too. I get paid to tell other people’s stories and capture the emotion that surrounds them. Sharing something personal like this is unfamiliar, uncomfortable and honestly feels a bit self-indulgent to me. But I realize that I’d worked myself into a lonely corner in my home office and connected most of my social interactions and interests to my girls. I had unknowingly set myself up for the fall. My hope is that you will be wiser than me and plan ahead for that day that’s careening toward you. Life is filled with yin/yang moments and for me the unencumbered joy I felt holding my newborn daughters was balanced by heartache when they flew from the nest a couple decades later. I’m not going to lie; the house is still too quiet and I will always miss them. We really “get” each other, but I guess you’d have to ask them how well I measure up to my lofty motherhood goals. One thing’s for certain, this mothering thing never really ends, it only changes. Thank heavens. - Beth Douglass Silcox

Seasonal Switch

What’s not to love about this time of year?! The weather is perfect. Flannels and chunky scarves can be pulled out of the closet and you can finally wear the cutest new fall and winter boots! It seems that with every changing season we always switch up our wardrobes but do we ever switch up our skin care? When we leave the humid summer behind, we need to switch gears and start prepping our skin for the cooler temperatures.

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the colors and scents that the changing weather brings. Unfortunately, my skin does not always feel the same way. Over the years I’ve found some great ways to combat skin related changes due to the weather with products that actually take advantage of ingredients that we associate with each season!

Here is a list of do’s and don’ts to help your skin through the changing seasons: Do: Keep your skin hydrated. Dry skin is a sign of dehydration, so it’s important to always stay ahead of the game by drinking plenty of water before your skin starts to crave it. You can also introduce thicker moisturizers that contain beeswax to further protect the skin from the wind and cold of the winter season. You can also boost your moisturizers by adding essential oils like frankincense, which boosts your immune system, or cypress that eliminates respiratory symptoms and bergamot to improve blood circulation and relieve depression. Don’t: Overkill. Your skin becomes more sensitive during the cooler months. Trying too many things or drastically changing your routine may leave your skin more irritated. Keep your routine simple. Do: Exfoliate your body once a week. I recommend using a dry brush before entering the shower. Dry brushing not only gently removes dead skin cells but also improves circulation. If you’re wanting to treat yourself to a body scrub, treatments that include cinnamon, honey, pumpkin and malic acid (which comes from apples) are good. These ingredients are all great for circulation, healing, exfoliating and hydrating. If you love peppermint, add a little bit to your moisture and apply to your body after dry brushing. The cooling sensation is not only invigorating but will clear sinus issues and aid in circulation. Don’t: Overspend. Beauty counters are always fun to browse but just keep in mind that you don’t need to completely change your routine. Slightly tweaking your products can make all the difference in the world.

Don’t: Overeat. We crave rich foods at this time of year, but too much of a good thing can lead to clogged pores and then breakouts. Just keep healthy choices and portions in mind but don’t feel bad if you eat a few holiday cookies. Do: Detoxify once a week. Detoxing your skin will help with product penetration as well as your overall glow! Clay based masks that contain clay and rose hips are my personal favorite but you can also use masks that contain coffee, peppermint, bergamot and grapefruit. All of these ingredients are amazing for safely detoxing your skin. Don’t: Under sleep or under eat. Both can leave your skin looking sallow and haggard. Not to mention the puffy eyes and/or dark circles. It’s imperative to always make sure your body is getting the rest and nourishment it needs. Do: Treat your whole body. We tend to neglect certain parts of our body’s in the cooler months because we are simply covered up. My advice is to keep the same routine all year round, just change it up slightly. Don’t leave out your pedicure just because you’re not showing off your toes. Don’t skip your massages because you’re not doing yard work. Try a new shade of lipstick or even spice up your hair color. We must take care of our bodies all year round. When enjoying these services ask your technician about different types of aromatherapy, foot scrubs and scalp treatments. It’s hard enough to keep the winter blues away, taking care of yourself is bound to give you the extra boost you need to get through the winter months. - Emily Richards Mitchell

Do: Protect your skin. I often meet people who think SPF is only for the summer. You must always keep a SPF of at least 30 on your skin no matter what time of year it is. Protecting your skin is the best thing you can do for it!

Unveiled

Glossier Phase 1 Set A Long, Lush-ious Bath AvaLolita Floral Lace Bodysuit

My whole business is about empowering women to look and feel their best, from the moment they walk into my boudoir photography studio to the days, weeks, and months that follow. My all-female team and I encourage women to put themselves first, all year long. That includes the holidays when we’re hustling and bustling around, making everything perfect for our kids, our spouses, our spouse’s stepparents, the dog. Because we can 100% relate, we’ve put together some gift ideas for the most important person on your list: you. Here are 10 things we’re buying ourselves to wrap up the year.

Only the best will do. Gift yourself a set of Lush bath bombs, the good stuff we add to our bath shoots for that dreamy, milky way galaxy look.

- Samantha McGranahan

A Razor Subscription That Will Stand the Test of Time

Towels That Beg to be Stained Skin first, makeup second. We fell in love with Glossier skincare products this year, and we’d be naughty to keep it a secret. The Phase 1 Set includes a milky jelly cleanser, priming moisturizer, and lip balm in your choice of flavor.

Billie is a shaving company created by women, for women. The $9 Starter Kit includes a Billie handle, magnetic holder, and two 5-blade razor cartridges that promise to never clog or cut.

Clean your face without staining your towels. These Weezie makeup towels are soft, fluffy, absorbent, and a splurge— but you’re worth it.

This babydoll bodysuit was the most popular lingerie item of 2018—at least in the UNVEILED studio—and carries a near 5-star review on Amazon.

Frasier Fir Hand Cream

Baby Foot Exfoliating Foot Peel A Giant Peppermint For Your Butt

Chic Reusable Grocery Bags

Monthly Wine Delivery

The perfect photo opportunity awaits. Buy up a few of these peppermint twist snow tubes for a day with a big hill, some hot cocoa, and all your girlfriends.

If you’ve never had wine delivered to your doorstep, it’s about time you join a monthly wine club. Let the experts pick the wine, so you can focus on more important things (like drinking it).

Officially break up with plastic grocery bags in the new year with a set of reusable ones from BAGGU. We love all the colorful, cheeky prints.

If you are the type of gal who requests the cheese grater during a pedicure, consider buying yourself a foot peel. These single-use plastic booties eliminate the need for scrubbing and slowly exfoliate for baby soft feet within a week.

Soothing shea butter, vitamin E, and soft hands that smell like Christmas trees. Yours for $19.99.

How many people are on your team? We have eight hair stylists, including the owners—four manicurists, one esthetician/makeup artist who is killing it, and one incredible massage therapist who uses essential oils in her practice.

The French Pharmacie salon, located in Indianapolis, is a one-stop shop for all sorts of beauty wants and needs. Hair, face, body and nail services are offered at the salon along with top of the line products. The French Pharmacie also has Soirée which is a space for individuals to host events such as weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers and more. Soirée is located in Broad Ripple and their audience is perfect for small weddings and close-knit parties. According to their website, “The partnership between fellow hairstylists and long-time friends, Heather Price and Danny Cheshire seems at first an unlikely paradox. Polar opposites in many ways, both have carved out successful career paths in the beauty industry.”

We also have four wonderfully organized women running the front desk throughout the week whom also master tricky scheduling and managing all the other details that pop up.

What has been your favorite part of hosting events? My favorite part of hosting salon education classes is meeting different stylists and owners. I truly believe there is enough room for everybody to shine. For other events, it’s touching to be a part of people’s weddings and baby showers—that this place is special to others, too. Photography by Danny Cheshire

- Claire Silcox

How did the French Pharmacie get started? The French Pharmacie literally just fell into our laps. I had previously managed a salon of 22 stylists. The planets aligned, and although at first I wasn’t listening and fearful, the French Pharmacie became available to purchase. I was only 31, but then I realized if I didn’t try, I would regret that decision forever. My business partner, Heather Rose, was also ready to do something big. We are so opposite in basically every way, so both of us were unsure of our partnership. It turns out our weakness is each other’s strength and things just skyrocketed from the first month. What kind of services do you offer? We are a full-service boutique salon and spa. What makes you stand out among the competition? There really aren’t any businesses close by that offer all hair services, nails, facials, and massages under one roof. I love seeing

our guests go from the pedicure station to one of our hair gurus in one day. We truly believe we are a sanctuary for busy lives. We hired a super talented manicurist a few years back who specializes in nail art, which is a rarity in Terre Haute. It’s been so fun to watch her build her brand, creating gorgeous foil nails or nails with Beyoncé literally painted on them...Crazy stuff! We also have an event space attached to our shop, called our soirée. It’s about 1600 sq. ft. We added a mini kitchen. We host hair education classes here—large enough that stylists from the tri-state area come to attend. I love our industry and being able to curate a relationship with other salons not only in Indianapolis, but all of Indiana and beyond. We also have had many bridal/baby showers, pop ups, a few small weddings, and some crazy private parties we have thrown. In the future, I hope to use the space for more communitydriven gatherings. What is your favorite part of your business? I am so sentimental and cheesy about these things. I love the ability to create a culture. It is unique, slightly irreverent, and professional, but it’s also welcoming and comfortable. I love seeing our young teammates go through our apprentice program and completely kill it afterwards. I love designing this beautiful building and changing things. More than six years later, I still love walking into our space. I love that every day you can hear laughter. I especially love when I witness clients talking to each other from different chairs...the sense of community and neighborhood.

I’m proud of any event where we can have informative talks where we learn as a community. Last year, we had the opportunity to host a young female Muslim speaker and we were able to have an open, safe, and informative discussion. Do you have a favorite hairstyle? The beauty of our team is that we all do things a little different. We aren’t the type of salon where you walk in and we’re wearing black and we cut a bob the exact same way. We create our own paths and techniques and each one of us has their own unique style and perspective.

Peaceful Calling God is in the Details This year I have come to recognize that God is in the details of our lives. I am from Mountain Green, a small town in northern Utah. The town lives up to its name - it’s all mountains! From the time I can remember, I have loved to be in the peaks. I grew up an avid skier and mountain biker. I have always felt a sense of peace and closeness with God when I am in the mountains. It’s my happy place. Last year I stood at the top of the Wasatch Mountains and looked out into the valley I had always called home, wondering how I was possibly going to leave behind everything I knew and loved. I was about to temporarily give up my family, friends, and the landscape I cherished. I had recently received a call to serve as a full-time missionary for my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I was called to serve in Terre Haute, Indiana. I knew nothing about this new place I would be living for the next year and a half, and I knew no one there. I was being asked to take a step into the unknown. As a missionary, we leave behind everything to focus on God for a year and a half. We call home only on Mother’s Day and Christmas, and put school and employment on hold until we return home. We are called to share God’s love, help others build their faith, and do service around the communities we’re assigned to. Our purpose is to help and lift people up wherever we are called to go. We have over 70,000 missionaries all around the world. We receive a call from the prophet of our church and he assigns us a destination and language. We can go anywhere that the Lord needs us. There are a little over 200 missionaries in Indiana. We have a mission president who oversees the missionaries, and helps us get settled in our new areas. He also assigns us a companion, or someone to work with as we fulfill our missionary purpose. We stay with our companion 24/7. My current companion, and friend, is Sister Emma Peach. I took a leap of faith and came to Indiana. I found out very quickly it was completely different than anything I knew. There were no mountains, and I knew absolutely no one. I struggled with not knowing my way around town, feeling alone, feeling like maybe I had been forgotten by God, and wondering if I really had a purpose in being here. If He really loved me, He would have known I needed to be somewhere in the mountains closer to home. Determined to make the most of the call I had received, I decided to pour my heart into the work and give it my all. One day while I was reading in the Old Testament, 1 Chronicles 28:20 stood out to me. It reads, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear

not, nor be dismayed: for the Lord God, even my God, will be with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” This filled me with the peace and confidence I needed. God had not forgotten me as I had erroneously been believing. On the contrary, He was very much aware of my situation and feelings. I continued to get to know the area and people. Little by little, Terre Haute started to feel like home. I began to feel the same sense of rightness that I did when I was in the mountains, only this time it was brought about by new things. I loved getting more involved in the community, and I got to know the people of Terre Haute by helping at food pantries, planning bible studies for students on ISU, and serving the people around me in any way that I could.

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we have a women’s organization called the Relief Society that meets once a week. The Relief Society is one of the largest women’s organizations in the world. On a local level, it is where women from Terre Haute and the surrounding towns gather to strengthen and build each other up. Together we discuss how we can grow stronger in our faith in Christ, and how we can help our communities. Through this amazing stronghold I have been able to meet so many amazing women who have taken me under their wing and helped me feel at home. They show me what it looks like to help others in need, and to rely on God during the trials of life. I have met some of the strongest women I’ve ever met in my life while here in Terre Haute. They are women who have inspired me in so many ways, and who make loving the area easy… despite its lack of mountains. I saw that as I started focusing on others, and doing my best to serve those in the community around me, I was just happier. I found that true joy is found in recognizing that God is in the details

of our lives. I realized that for me, being in the mountains is a state of mind. I can be in my mountains no matter where I am, because true happiness is found in looking outward. Matthew 16:25 says, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” For me, the idea of losing myself a bit for the sake of the Lord brought me joy. I realized you can find joy no matter where you are, and regardless of the circumstances in life. Even if you are doing something completely new and foreign to you, you can find joy in it!

Strength in Numbers Growing up in a house full of boys, I never let anything stop me. I am the oldest of three kids, and the only girl. Independence was the name of the game, right from the start. According to my mother, the first phrase I uttered was “by my own.” Although not entirely grammatically correct, “by my own” kind of became the motto for my life. From a young age, I wanted to do everything by myself. There are pictures of two-year-old Emma pulling large suitcases around because I wouldn’t let anyone else touch it. I wanted to do all my schoolwork on my own, regardless of whether I was good at the subject or not, which was both a blessing and a curse to my mother who homeschooled me. It has always been very apparent that my prominent personality traits were stubbornness and a strong will to be independent. My home was always very gender-equal. I could do anything my two brothers could do, and vice versa. As I grew older, I observed some of my friends behaving differently than I always had. Some of them would downplay their strengths if a boy was around, just so he could swoop in and be the hero. That did not compute in my mind. While I was everything you would picture when you think of young girls (i.e. unicorns and glitter), I was also into rolling around in the dirt and racing my brothers down the street. No one was going to get me to be anything other than what I was- a strong girl who could do anything she set her mind to. I figured my life would go as follows: 1) Graduate high school, 2) Work for a bit, saving money for college, 3) Move away, get straight As in my dream school, graduate at the top of my class, 4) Get dream job, 5) Marry a cute guy who would support me in all my adventures and make me food. That could easily happen, right? When I graduated high school, things were looking like they might actually happen

Happiness is found in serving those around us, and in recognizing the small, tender mercies of God in our everyday lives. God wants us to have joy, and to make sure every day is filled with something good. We just have to stop and take the time to recognize His hand. I cannot imagine what my life would be like if I had not come to Terre Haute and experienced the things that I have. I have learned so much in the past year. It has taught me that God is infinitely aware of every single one of us. I know He has a plan that is perfect. As we trust Him, and do our best to reach out and serve others, we will find lasting bliss. Whether it be something big, or something as simple as smiling at a passing stranger, as we focus our lives on God and helping others, I believe we can find our true selves. I have had so many moments in the past year letting me know that God sees me. I know that I was sent here for a reason, and Terre Haute will always hold a special place in my heart. I am thankful for the kind women of Terre Haute that have inspired, aided, and encouraged me, and who have welcomed me into their homes for this past year. God is truly in the details of our lives. - Sister Breanna Poll

like I had always hoped. Things were solid within my family, I had a fun job, I travelled as often as I could, I could always rely on my friends when I wanted to, and more than that, I could always rely on my cat to be my cuddle buddy and watch movies with me when I felt like being alone. Life was good! I worried about me, and nothing else seemed to matter. Things were going my way. About a year after I graduated, I was slapped in the face with reality. The housing situation I had been relying on for college in another state fell through, my high school best friend seemed to forget about my existence, and suddenly it seemed as though I had no clue how I was going to afford anything if I moved out of my parents’ home. My I-Me-Mine way of life no longer seemed to work, but I didn’t know how else to be. I was a strong, independent woman, gosh dang it, and I didn’t need anyone else to help me! I was going to do everything “by my own” and life was going to go the way I wanted it!

Boy, was I wrong. As all those things started to fall apart in my life, I realized that through all the crazy whirlwinds around me, in all my independence, I had forgotten to involve one important person in my life’s plan- God. I was in a religion class one night, and a scripture that had always been a personal favorite of mine came to mind. “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you” (John 14:18). It wasn’t immediately shocking. I knew that. I knew God would never leave me alone. That wasn’t the issue. The issue was that I never wanted to feel like I was relying too heavily on anyone else. However, last summer I came to the realization that

God never meant for us to be so independent that we forget about Him. My entire life, independence was just such a huge part of who I was, as a girl and as a woman, that I had somehow left God out of the loop at times. He’s not just some boy that I want to impress, so I feign not knowing how to change a tire. He’s more than that. He loves me, and He promised I would never have to go into anything unaided. It occurred to me that this meant I was never meant to make important decisions on my own, and I was never meant to execute plans in solitude. I was meant to be self-reliant, yes, but never alone. There is another bible verse that has brought me peace on the matter. When I struggle to allow my stubborn-armor down, I think of Proverbs 22:4, which says, “By humility and fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life.” Humility is not a sign of weakness- it is a sign of strength. As women, we can get so caught up in doing it all, and having it all. We run and we push, and we try to accomplish so much. Which is amazing! Women are powerful. Something I’ve learned, though, is that we can be independent and powerful, and still allow those around us to help lift us up. They’re in our lives for a reason. I wish I had come to know that sooner, because it would have saved me from learning some tough lessons. I am currently twenty years old, and am serving a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints. As a missionary, I leave my home behind for a year and a half. I had a comfortable life back in Arizona with the family, friends, and cat that I mentioned before. On a mission, I spend every day in Indiana serving the community, and learning to help others. In turn, it has helped me in areas where I am not so strong, and has helped me learn valuable skills… like allowing people to carry suitcases. We have to get out of our heads sometimes, look beyond, and see where we’re needed. Now the name of the game is Humility and Independence. They can go hand in hand, and I can become a stronger woman than I could have on my own. That’s what life is all about- learning, growing, helping others along the way, and becoming all that we can… together.

A “Pop” of Party Fun

You’re planning a birthday party. You have the cake, presents, food, games, and guest list all made out. But, you’re missing something to add a “pop” of color to your decorations: party balloons. Every celebration needs a balloon, and thankfully Terre Haute’s DecoBalloons Events is ready to help you throw the best party ever.

So far, DecoBalloons Events has provided decorations for school events for the Vigo County School Corporation, birthday parties, business celebrations, and promotions for various community organizations and clubs. According to Jacamo, if you have a party coming up, DecoBalloons is ready to make specialty balloon creations, including bouquets and large balloon arches, for any occasion.

Business owner Gabriela Jacamo loves adding her creative twist to parties and celebrations with a variety of balloon assortments. DecoBalloons Events is fairly new; it has only been in operation for one year. But according to Jacamo, Terre Haute was in need of an exclusive balloons business. She said to herself, “Why don’t I do this? I can run my own business. I have to at least try.” So, she did. Jacamo wasn’t expecting to become an event planner when she moved to Terre Haute from her home country of Argentina. She worked previously in public relations and marketing, but those opportunities weren’t made available in her new home city. As she was driven to be a business owner, Jacamo decided event planning was the answer and it was an answer she wouldn’t regret, helping contribute to her family as well. Jacamo’s best creations have always been her holiday themes. For Halloween, she has created an assortment of orange, black, purple, and green balloon columns. A spider (made from balloons, as well) hangs down from the columns. Another customer favorite is a Christmas tree with wrapped gift boxes made of balloons. “I like to see people, especially children, happy at parties and that they enjoy my work,” Jacamo said. “I love when people take pictures next to my creations.” Contact DecoBalloons Events at decoballoonsevents@ gmail.com, or 812-223-7052, to help provide specialty balloons at your next celebration. - Kasy Long

- Sister Emma Peach

Make it Happen: Sister to Sister Sister 2 Sister photography is owned and operated by my friends Christi Burt and Meghan Terry, both from Terre Haute. They have taken their passion and love of photography and turned it into a nice side hustle that they enjoy doing together. - Yvette Morgan

Please tell us a little about you both (work, family, kids). My name is Christi Burt and I am married to Mike, the love of my life. We have seven kids collectively. Jordan is 28, Justin is 27, Cody is 25, Cheyenne is 23, Madison is 16 and we have Mike’s stepson, Skylar, who is 26. We also have two fur babies, Rocko and Bruiser. I was born and raised in Terre Haute. I am an Administrative Assistant for the Dean of the ISU Library. I have been there for 25 years. I graduated from Ivy Tech with a degree in Visual Communications, Graphic Design and Photography in 2000.

Who influenced your business? CB: Our children. We loved taking pictures of our children, outside of the studio setting. We can now say at their ages, if someone pulls out a camera, they know exactly how to pose! How did you develop an interest in photography? MT: It was from Christi’s graphic design and photography degree. But we love what we as sisters could capture for others. Together, we create one heck of a duo!

What advice would you give to someone interested in doing photography as a hobby? CB: If you love it, then do it! Play around with pictures, get comfortable with what you do, whether it’s kids, families, or weddings. Always use good lighting and don’t use a lot of filters in the finished work. Natural is always better than filters!

Do you both have formal training? MT: Christi has the degree in photography and graphic design, with a focus on using Photoshop. I have an eye for it and am self-taught in Photoshop. My degree in architectural design and designing homes has helped, too.

What type of camera would you recommend to someone starting out? MT: There are so many photographer-friendly cameras out there now. But we always go with a digital SLR camera. Cannon and Nikon are two really great camera brands to use.

What technology, software and cameras do you use to keep you focused? CB: We use a Canon EOS Rebel T5 and a Pentax K20. We always use Photoshop software to enhance some photos. There are some free software programs you can download if you are just wanting something for fun. But for well-edited pictures, use Photoshop.

Photo by Paige Woodward

My name is Meghan Terry. I just married the love of my life, Chad, on August 31, 2018. We have three daughters: Briley, Lakyn, and Jolee. Jolee’s husband, Steven, have given us our first granddaughter, Marcey Marie. We are also a dog loving family of three dogs. I was born and raised in Terre Haute and the majority of my family is still here. I am a CAD technician at ISU and have been there for 19 years. I graduated with an Associate’s degree in Architectural Drafting in 1997 from Ivy Tech Community College. I enjoy my job and what I do.

When did you both start your business? MT: We began our business after Christi graduated with her photography degree. We started taking pictures of our kids and found that we really enjoyed it and had an eye for taking photos of people. We started taking pictures of family and friends, and then we decided we should advertise and branch out to weddings and more.

Lake Life Anyone out there dream about living on the lake?

My friend Alisha Clinkenbeard did just that and purchased a home on the lake with her husband Terry. Read on as you hear how Alisha and Terry turned their home into their dream getaway. - Yvette Morgan

Tell us a little about yourself and your family? Life has brought my husband and I many blessings over the last 21 years. Terry and I have two beautiful children who are now embarking on new adventures outside of our home. Our daughter, Taylor, is a student at ISU, while our son, Joshua, is a senior at Terre Haute South High School. Like so many others, we have experienced the joys and bittersweet moments that come with watching your children grow and develop personalities and goals of their very own. To say the least, God has been very good to us. Tell us about your new home and why you decided to move to the lake? I spent the better part of my high school years living on a lake. It was a wonderful time, filled with memories of floating on lazy afternoons with my sister, sledding on ice with my big brother, and lots of summertime family gatherings enjoying many water sports and sunshine!

After high school, I moved to Vigo County to pursue a new life on my own, just as most other graduates with a newfound freedom like to do. But, this meant leaving the lake life. Little did I know just how much I would miss it. A couple years ago, Terry and I found ourselves hungry to begin remodeling a house again after having lived in our home for 18 years (a home my husband built in 1999). I had always spoken to Terry about my passion for living by the water, but it took a visit to a friends’ lake house for him to really grasp the concept behind my desire. It was after spending just a few relaxing hours by the lake one sunny afternoon that my passion for living on a lake became a passion for Terry, as well. Thus, we began our pursuit for a home on a lake. It wasn’t long before he introduced me to a house by the water that would soon be called “home”.

Our home was built in 1962 and is said to be one of the first houses built on Paint Mill Lake. We fell in love with it the moment we saw it—even with its algae-covered roof, extremely overgrown yard, and very dated interior and exterior. We saw beyond the tongueand-groove dark brown paneling, the poor layout of the rooms, and the built-in music station just inside the kitchen. Our vision from the very beginning was to tear down walls and completely remodel the entire house, starting with the kitchen. To date we have removed 19 trees from the land, remodeled the living room, kitchen, hallway, two upstairs bathrooms, added a new septic system, re-sided the exterior, added a new roof, and beautified the landscape and shutters. We are moving on to the basement soon, which will house our new master bedroom and en-suite, plus a sitting room fully equipped with a built-in entertainment center. When all of this is finished, our original two-bedroom and twobathroom home will then be a three-bedroom and three-full-bath home with a walk out basement and two patios. All of this is overlooking the most beautiful view of the lake. Your husband, Terry, did a lot of the work himself. How much did that help in saving you money on your end?

By doing most of the work ourselves in our “free time” (evenings and weekends only, since we both have very important full-time jobs), we were able to save well over $80,000. Lucky for me, Terry is a craftsman by trade. Utilizing his expertise in architecture and remodeling, plus my own talents in design and artistry, we were able to work together to make our dreams become a reality. I would like to note this wasn’t always an easy adventure. When I say we shed blood, sweat, and tears through this journey, there is no exaggeration to the phrase. It’s hard work! It’s not easy-peasy like

all the DIY shows try to portray! We have had more victorious moments than not, and we are looking forward to that last slam of the hammer when we get to sit back and enjoy all the hard work! We have had to train our minds to remember “this project does not have to be done today.” We give ourselves breaks by taking date nights, evenings on the water—just putting along in the boat as the sun goes down (with a glass of wine, of course), and enjoy good rainy days that give us excuses to stay inside and read a good book instead of shoveling more gravel! Do you have any tips for someone wanting to renovate their space? If you’re looking at flipping houses for a living or thinking of remodeling your home, make sure you make a plan! You need to understand the time and money that goes into remodeling. Get estimates from contractors, look at ways to cut cost wherever possible, but don’t skimp on the important things, like bringing your septic system up to code.

Always be realistic about your goals. Remodeling a kitchen with all new cabinetry, countertops, backsplash tile, adding new lights, and making plumbing and electrical changes can easily reach $30,000 in a hurry. So, make sure you do your homework first. Shop around to get the best quality products for the best possible price. For instance, if you can get cabinets with soft close hinges and drawer glides for just a little bit more on the dollar than standard stock cabinets with stapled drawer fronts, do it! You’ll be much happier in the long run and never regret the investment.

You don’t have to “break the bank” to make your space the dream style you always wanted. If you’re planning to install everything yourselves, make sure you’re doing it correctly. It’s always less expensive to get it right the first time than to have to fix your mistakes later! What’s your favorite room in the house and why? The kitchen is definitely my favorite space in the house! I have always wanted open shelving in my layout and my very talented husband did a fantastic job making his very own floating shelves. They’re gorgeous in our space and really tie our cabinets and range hood together quite nicely.

Wallpaper Trends Wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to spruce up a space in your house or apartment. Yes, I’m talking about “removeable” wallpaper that you can put up easily of an evening with the help of someone to guide you, or you can easily do it all by yourself! Trust me, removeable wallpaper has been the answer to my prayers with no glue, no rolls and no need to hire someone to do it for you. I recently took on the challenge and decided to try this in one of the bathrooms in our home, and I was able to master it like a pro. There are many different brands and prices to choose from, but I was on a budget and didn’t want to spend a lot of money. I wanted to create a focal point when you walked in the space while keeping it stylish and fun. I really love the way it turned out and was quite surprised with how changing one wall could transform a room. - Yvette Morgan

Here are some tips that can help you create a fun accent wall and add some warmth to your space:

Temporary wallpaper can be taken down at any time...that’s the beauty of it. All you have to do is pull it away from the wall slowly, and it literally comes right off without damaging the wall surface. Make sure to check manufacturer instructions first.

I love the layout with the seating at the island because it allows for more space in the open concept living room. When we have company over, we just slide in a couple more stools and eat at the island like a table setting. Our cabinets came from Lowe’s and they go perfectly with the dark wood accents around the room.

SAMPLES

All the natural tones and accents of light blue and teal bring a warm beach-like air to the space, which is exactly what we hoped to achieve. What is your favorite part of living on the lake? Favorite memory?

We have shared many good times on the lake with friends and family over the past two years. My favorite memory thus far is surprising Terry’s mother for her 80th birthday with a party on the new back porch that held 34 family members at one time. It was so much fun taking everyone for boat rides, jet skiing, tubing, kayaking, and swimming. Lake life really is something special! All the hard work we’ve put into this house has been driven by the simple fact that lake life is the only life for us. We are thrilled with the way the house is turning out after all the remodeling, but even more awed by the goodness that living on a lake has brought us. Don’t ever give up on your dream!

If you have a textured wall, order a sample first before you commit. Most wallpapers go on better over a smooth, flat surface.

Alisha and Terry Make sure your wall is dust free before you start. Do not peel the back sticker off at once, pull back sections and work yourself down the wall. If you mess up and need to straighten out, just pull wallpaper up and start again.

Make sure to measure your walls before you do anything. You can find a wallpaper calculator on the Lowe’s website. I ended up not buying enough. Luckily, I was able to find the same print, so buy extra if you can. I also use leftover wallpaper in drawers as a liner, wrapping paper or in a small section in another room.

You will need a sharp razor blade. It’s the perfect tool to use when you’re trimming the excess wallpaper off.

Lastly, grab a credit card or a scraper to smooth out bubbles in the wallpaper.

Well, it finally happened! A client called me a little while ago, concerned that the house I helped them buy was ... HAUNTED. Actually, they wanted to know if the seller had ever mentioned being “frightened” in the house. Had TVs ever turned on by themselves, or had doors mysteriously become locked? My first thought was “What?!” followed by “This is not covered in the purchase agreement..” and lastly “Please don’t make me ask the seller this!” I mean, if the house is haunted then there is no clause that will allow you to get your money back. In fact, a seller does not have to disclose that they believe their house IS haunted. Neither do they have to disclose a death in the house or any other psychological issue that may be attached to the property. These questions are not asked on the Seller’s Real Estate Disclosure. In my spookiest of voices I am telling you -this area is truly “Buyer Beware”. To the best of their knowledge, a seller must disclose if there has been the following: water damage, mold, meth cooked on the property, and a few other things. But nothing about death. And if

you think about it, the historic homes built around the turn of the 20th century probably did see both birth and death over the years. The circle of life often took place at home during the long-ago years of their construction, not in hospitals like we have now. I have had clients ask me if I personally know whether someone has ever died in the house they’re considering. I usually have no idea, but I’ll ask. In my opinion, if the question is asked then the seller should disclose. As for my clients (who are nice people, I hope this doesn’t turn them off of their new place), I suggested that maybe it was interference in their speakers or possibly a quirky doorknob that will occasionally lock itself. It has to be something like that, because I do not believe in ghosts. (Funny side note.. I sold a house one summer with a Proton Pack in pristine condition hanging in the garage. Remember that? From Ghostbusters?)

- Debbie Hill Coldwell Banker

Essential Bodywear Lori Mitchell: Representative 812-239-8864 Free Fittings Available at Millie & Maude 33 myessentialbodywear.com/maudebras

Winter Trends 2018

Lights

Textures

Let’s chat about Winter! I spent some time in November pulling out my winter stash and really going through and editing some pieces. I didn’t want you to walk into my house and it scream “red and green, garland, and your typical winter décor that you see mostly here in the Midwest.” I really wanted to bring in some colors that remind me of the outdoors and still look stylish and modern. Remember, when you create your space, you want to bring in things that create memories. You can switch things up from another room, move furniture around, or purchase a couple of items to bring a whole different look to your living space. Here are a few tips to keep you inspired to make your shopping trip a little easier. - Yvette Morgan

Oversized Floral Prints

Plants

This is a huge trend and it’s not going anywhere soon. Try a floral pillow mixed in with a textured one on your couch. Add a floral print wallpaper to a bathroom or office, or some new bedding.

One of my favorites to do in my house! Pile on the textures with blankets, chunky throws to your couch, chair, or bed. Again, you don’t have to spend a lot of money; just pick something you love. It truly makes your house feel warm and welcoming, and it looks effortless.

Handmade or Vintage Pieces

Amber and Gold Tones

During the winter months I love to use twinkle lights in some of the most unexpected ways, such as a large clear vase, in my fireplace if I’m not using it, on my shelving, or along my fireplace. Lights come in all different lengths and you can find them at Target or TJ Maxx. They’re the best thing you can add to your room to give a little shimmer and not break the bank.

They’re such pretty colors that you can use throughout the winter months. You can add an amber vase to your coffee table, add twinkle lights, and some floral stems. Add little touches of gold throughout your home, like tea light holders, small jars, or trays. Just think outside the box and have fun decorating with these pieces.

Plush Fabrics

Tassels This trend is still going strong. Plants are here to stay and why not? They make a great addition to any space and really bring a room from “boring” to “WOW.” If you decide to bring those outdoor plants indoors, make sure you debug before you bring them into your house. You can add a fall decorative container and place it in your home accordingly for the type of plant you have. Plants are awesome and help clean the air around us, and they bring something interesting to a book shelf, table or bedroom. I think I will always love tassels. It’s a big trend you’re still seeing on pillows, blankets, and throws.

These items never go out of style. They’re timeless pieces. You can usually find these from yard sales, markets, or a piece passed down from a family member. You can easily repaint a vintage piece or leave “as is.” Handmade items are great to give a room some character and add a uniqueness to a wall, shelf, or desk. You can find many handmade items on Etsy, markets, or local shops.

I’ve noticed that velvet is making its way back into our home. Add a crushed velvet pillow for an accent to your couch and switch out your curtains for some added drama to your space.

Women Leaders All Around the Valley In another time and place, it was rare to find women in leadership roles in higher education across the nation. Thankfully it’s 2018 and we live in an entirely different society, where women have significant responsibilities in nearly every profession. That is the case in higher education across the Wabash Valley, where all four institutions have women as president, provost, chancellor, department chair, professor, and critical support staff member – affirming a recent national study that revealed significant increases at public and private institutions.

learning is scheduled to be open for classes in late November, while construction will soon commence on a $29-million building filled with new state-of-the-art classrooms, chemistry laboratories and lots of design laboratory spaces.

It’s been more than 20 years since Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology awarded a degree to its first alumna, after more than a century as an all-male college. Now, women make up a growing demographic on campus, accounting for 20 percent of its enrollment and a substantial volume of its administration, faculty and staff. At the same time, the institute has become recognized as one of the nation’s top colleges for undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics [STEM] education. Students from throughout the world come to Terre Haute to learn from leading scholars and teachers in state-ofthe-art classrooms and laboratories.

Houtman is quick to point out that she gets lots of assistance from dedicated and quality faculty and staff members. This list includes associate deans Kay C Dee, Ella Ingram and Julia Williams; registrar Jan Pink; academic department head Lori Olson; several professors and such staff members as Lindsay Hull and Ashlee Sappingfield. Each have been recognized nationally and locally for their expertise in their career fields. In fact, Hull was named Terre Haute’s 2018 Young Leader of the Year by the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce for her work as associate director for operations and education of Rose-Hulman’s Ask Rose homework help service and leadership in the Terre Haute Young Leaders organization. Sappingfield, service desk coordinator for the college’s Enterprise Information Technology Department, is the first point of contact to address technology-related complications. She resolves daily issues such as reloading an operating system, uninstalling and re-installing computer software programs, network connectivity errors, and minor repairs. This makes her a busy person on campus throughout each school year.

Yes, Rose-Hulman changes with the times. New for this school year is an academic major in engineering design, as well as plans for two academic buildings providing more spaces for hands-on learning. One $2-million building that will bridge academic and extracurricular

Anne Houtman “We are committed to continuing to be on the cutting edge of STEM education, which requires constant curricular innovation, and a faculty and staff who are committed to teaching as their primary responsibility, which is a rare thing,” commented Anne Houtman, the institute’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. Other women on President Jim Conwell’s executive cabinet are vice presidents overseeing communications and marketing, and Rose-Hulman Ventures, an important outreach service in which students complete real-world projects with external clients. Beginning her third year on campus, Houtman is responsible for overseeing activities involving about 200 faculty and 70 staff members that are dedicated to Rose-Hulman’s mission to “provide its students with the world’s best undergraduate STEM education in an environment of individual attention and support.” That means Houtman helps chart academic plans that nurture the institute’s intellectual life, maintains the faculty tenure and retention process, and promotes academic programs and faculty within external audiences. It’s a worthwhile job, she says, as Rose-Hulman lives up to its mission more than any other college—and she’s had a variety of experiences at several colleges and universities throughout the country as a student, professor, and administrator. Rose Hulman Photography by Bryan Cantwell

“The best thing about working at a university is that you feel very positive about America’s future, seeing the incredible, smart, hardworking students who are learning to be the next generation’s leaders,” Houtman said.

Camille Wallace Stepping into a new role on campus is Camille Wallace, interim director of diversity and inclusion. She works with staff and faculty members to reinforce Rose-Hulman’s positive campus culture— where the individual’s unique presence is valued, experience is respected, and everyone—students, faculty and staff—belongs. “Rose-Hulman’s desire is to develop not just a diverse campus and community, but also a culture of inclusivity,” Wallace commented. “Through programming and training, cultural change is possible and together we can move forward. I value our commitment to excellence in all areas, and the institute’s commitment to take our inclusion and diversity efforts to a higher level.” Wallace is accustomed to working in a higher education environment. She came to RoseHulman in 2013 as a special events manager and planned giving assistant in the Office of Institutional Advancement. A year later, she became a training and development manager in the Office of Professional and Organizational Development. Wallace designed and executed engaging learning programs for employees, and also created the Supervisor Development Institute that provides valuable training tools for staff leadership.

Wallace’s experience as a diversity program coordinator in the Terre Haute community paved the path for her new role as interim director of diversity and inclusion at Rose-Hulman. For example, Wallace is the program coordinator for Ashlee Sappingfield the annual Indiana Black Expo and Indiana State “I interact with people for every area on campus and deal with an University’s African American Cultural Center. She also founded endless variety of situations. No two days are the same, which is the Terre Haute Cultural Professionals Connection and BeYoutiful something that I love,” Sappingfield said. “What makes it worthLeaders Consulting organization, both in 2016. She also helped while are the people I work with, both in my department and around facilitate Rose-Hulman’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Workshop campus. Without question, this is the best job I have ever had.” and Student LEADership Academy.

“In higher education, [women] can continue to promote fields to other women as they set their goals. Many people don’t realize the opportunities that are available,” Harnack added.

But if you ask Wallace, she will be quick to acknowledge that women’s presence in higher education is imperative to an institution’s diversity.

She shared a conversation with her three-year-old niece, who assisted blow-drying Harnack’s hair. During the process, Harnack wondered if her niece wanted to become a hair stylist for a career. “Yes,” her niece replied happily. Then Harnack said, “Or, maybe you would want to be an astronaut?” The niece quickly replied, “No, that’s for boys!”

Across town, Ivy Tech Community College is providing local residents with an accessible and affordable world-class education in an adaptive learning atmosphere. The college empowers students to achieve careers in a variety of professions. In recent years, Ivy Tech has adapted to the evolving changes in the structure of the conventional community college—offering new and old programs aligned with Terre Haute’s workforce needs. At the same time, the college has increased its enrollment, and improved its student success and graduation rates. As Chancellor, Lea Anne Crooks oversees all campus operations, coaches the campus team in meeting Ivy Tech’s goals, and ensures staff and faculty members are meeting the expectations of the surrounding communities. While Terre Haute is just one branch of 19 Ivy Tech systems, Crooks comments that she has the privilege of serving the counties in the Wabash Valley. “Ivy Tech is critical to economic development in our communities, as well as the entire state,” Crooks said. “Our new strategic plan is to guide our work and ensure we are focused on critical areas for growth. By focusing on specific areas [student success,

recruitment, enrollment, and completions], we ensure we are serving the workforce needs, the communities we serve, and the State of Indiana.” After working at Ivy Tech for 25 years, Crooks has learned that passion is an important factor in impacting students’ lives and the Wabash Valley. To her, it’s not just her job; she witnesses student success and the impact they have on the community. As director of academic advising, Amberlyn Harnack helps students find their academic path toward a successful career. She oversees a team of professional advisors who assist students in building academic plans, from career exploration to connecting students with useful resources to prepare them for their academic courses, and all the way through graduation. “I work to make sure my team has what they need to assist our students—opportunities to continue professional development, learning more about the programs for which they advise, and collaborating with faculty and staff. These are key qualities for the team to be successful,” Harnack said. She added, “I enjoy helping [faculty and staff students] work through obstacles we face as a team and also working through constant changes in higher education. Watching my team grow as professionals is something I’m very passionate about.” Ivy Tech has grown in recent years, offering more opportunities to make a difference in its students’ lives. At the campus level, Harnack and other professionals witness the hard work and dedication of the college’s students, faculty, and staff members.

Lea Anne Crooks

“I remember the first time a student was in my office, telling me about their goals and plans, and returning [to my office] when obstacles and roadblocks tried to derail them,” Harnack reflected. “Then, before I knew it, I saw them walk across the graduation stage…That is what I enjoy about working at Ivy Tech. Our students are amazing, and I enjoy seeing them on their journey.”

Photos Submitted by Ivy Tech Community College

“I consider myself a torchbearer. I acknowledge that I stand on the shoulders of many strong women and underrepresented minorities that have gone before me, paving the way for my ability to serve in my current role,” she said. “I also stand, working to make progress for the women and minorities of future generations.”

Amberlyn Harnack Team member Jaime Frey, director of career development and disability services, works to assure students that their academic plans will properly prepare them for potential careers. She assists students in setting definite career goals, but also prepares them for career searches, including resume development, interview preparation, and additional useful materials. Frey plans the college’s career fairs each year and brings employers to campus for various events to connect with students, faculty, and staff. At the same time, she works with students with disabilities to ensure they are provided with necessary accommodations to participate in the college’s programs and activities. All of these responsibilities might be a challenge for some, but it’s a rewarding experience for Frey as she watches students achieve their goals. “Graduation is definitely a high point of the year. It’s wonderful to watch students walk across the stage and to see the look of pride on their faces,” Frey commented. So, as you may have noticed, Rose-Hulman and Ivy Tech share the same objective: providing students with the best tools possible to achieve success in their careers. And front and center are several women leaders—women establishing academic programs (Houtman), guiding students in making their academic plans (Harnack), preparing students for postgraduate positions (Frey), providing services that tutor students (Hull), and solving problems in a technology department (Sappingfield). As each of these leading women in business contend, there’s even more opportunities for women in higher education, with several roles to shape and influence a campus community.

Jaime Frey Harnack came away frustrated with the conversation. “She’s only three! How does she already think that boys are the only people who can become astronauts? I was quick to tell her that girls can be whatever they want to be, including astronauts. That’s why we have to promote STEM fields and positions of influence to women as they build their academic plans and set their goals,” Harnack reflected. And, Houtman added, “I believe that it is important to learn in a diverse and inclusive environment. It’s important for young women to see women in positions of influence and authority, as models and mentors, so they are aware of the many opportunities now open to them.” Crooks followed up on Houtman’s statement, expressing, “An increase in the number of women moving into leadership roles provides opportunities to young women who now know it is attainable.” And it is attainable. There are more opportunities now than ever before for women to achieve their dreams. Whether it’s in higher education, medical fields, business, or another career field, if you want to become a leader, then become a leader, like many Wabash Valley women leaders. Chase your dreams and follow in the direction of the women who inspire you. After all, this is your life. Don’t ever let anyone tell you how to live it. - Kasy Long

My Experiences With Self Care Looking back on my three (soon to be four) years of college, there are so many memories and so many hardships. College is a roller coaster full of adventure, homesickness, parties, and tears. But all of the events, happy and sad, have made me who I am today. Straight out of the gate, I got straight A’s and nearly a 4.0 GPA. Little did I know, the first semester is nothing like the rest of them. High anxiety, lower grades, troubles with friends and late nights in the library followed immediately after getting back to ISU for my spring semester of my freshman year and every other semester since. “Inhale the good shit. Exhale the bullshit.”

that was right for my body, my mind, and me. Now that I am on a consistent routine of medicine I look back at that awful time and am thankful that getting better is possible. Therapy helped me a lot but medication is much more consistent for me and my busy life. Finding a balance can be tough, but it’s worth it. At the time I didn’t think that anything was wrong; I had a friend tell me once that they worried about me every day. Thinking about it now, I am so thankful that I had friends and family looking after me, otherwise who knows what would have happened. No matter what, if you see someone in your life struggling, be there for them and let them know that you care. Hearing that someone

Mind Dieting I wanted to write about a topic that is so important to remember, especially as the world is becoming more technologically advanced and heavily reliant on social media. So we all know exercising has positive effects on the body. When you do pushups, your arms get stronger. When you run, your legs become stronger. When you eat cleaner, you are healthier. When you do all these things, you notice a difference in the overall appearance and health of your physical body, right? Well, what if you take this concept and apply it to your mind and spirit... Go on a mental diet. Eliminate the toxins from entering your body and mind. What our minds take in has a direct effect on our spiritual thought. A passage from Romans 12:2 has a great message pertaining to this: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

I lost control and fell into a rut of depression, knowing I needed to take care of myself but just not being able to find the energy to do so.

was worried for my well-being was a shock and it brought me to the conclusion that I needed help.

Self-care is so extremely important; it’s something that a lot of people forget about. How do you expect to stay healthy and happy if you don’t take care of your body and mind?

I decided I didn’t need to keep them all so I threw them on the Facebook yard sale site. They sold instantly and the business grew from there.

A face mask every Sunday night isn’t always the solution but it can be a good start. Take time for yourself; give yourself a break every single day.

Everyday stress can be overwhelming for some people and no one should ever feel ashamed to take an hour for themselves in a hectic day. Wash your hair, do a face mask, bake some cookies, whatever you enjoy to do for bettering yourself is self-care in my book.

I began to notice major weight fluctuations, stomach problems, and daily anxiety attacks my sophomore year and after telling my mom, she insisted we go to a doctor about it all. It turns out that I had food allergies and sensitivities being caused by my awful eating habits. This was also causing unintentional weight loss, I lost 20 pounds in less than a year. While that sounds great to a lot of people, none of it was intentional or healthy. The other part of it was discovering that (even though I always knew) I had Social Anxiety Disorder and moderate depression, which still goes undiagnosed. I worked with my doctor to get a prescription (the hassle of having some bad side effects from one)

How can you be sure of God’s will for your life, if your mind is so clouded with worldly things? You should go on a mental diet. Be mindful of the kinds of things you are listening to and watching. I’m not saying watching a rated R movie is a sin, but be mindful of these things because as the saying goes, “watch your thoughts, they become your actions. Watch your actions they become your character.” This is important to remember. Don’t let negative music, movies or other social media platforms fill your mind with discouragement and doubt. Fill your mind with uplifting music, photos, advice and positive thoughts so that you are filled with encouragement and confidence. Another passage from Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” In the same respect, guard your heart and do not be fooled by worldly pleasures. Your mind, spirit and body were intended to cooperate with one another in a positive way, so be wary of negative thoughts. - Lydia Collins

For me; self-care is spending quality time with my friends and family, treating myself to a pedicure, eating my favorite snack on a jam-packed day or going for a walk to listen to the sounds of nature. These are all things that bring me joy and help to relax me. Take a minute to think about what relaxes you or truly brings you joy and run with that idea. Find your happiness and stick with it. Check back in with yourself every so often and question whether you’re still happy or not. If so; good! If not; rethink what your happiness is or needs to be. - Claire Silcox

HAUTE SYCAMORES

Sports Fan Girl SOMETIMES, IT TAKES BALLS TO BE A WOMAN. Whitney Jordan

Janet Pritchett

I’m a huge Notre Dame fan. My husband went to Notre Dame and has taught me all of the ins and outs of football over the years. We love being on campus and introducing our kids to football. We look forward to the kick off of college football season every year.

It is widely known that Green Bay Packers fans are some of the most loyal in the NFL. It may be because of the rich history of the team, one of the oldest in the league. It may be because it is the only team owned by the people, so fans feel a greater sense of connection. For me, it started as most fandoms do, I was born into it. I was born in Milwaukee, WI and lived there until my family moved to Terre Haute, IN when I was 11. I grew up wearing green and gold, watching and listening to the Packers on T.V., but excitement was low, the team was not as widely loved as it is today because we were not a winning team. Finally, I was able to watch my team win some playoff games and eventually the Super Bowl in 1997 with the electrifying and legendary Brett Favre at the helm. By then I was old enough to understand the game and really enjoy a winning streak, an extraordinary quarterback, and my love grew. Fast forward several years - graduations, moves, marriage, kids, careers, to the day I meet some fellow Packers fans in my current city. I met them through my local mom’s group and we instantly connected over our mutual love of the Pack. We joined the local group, Indy Packer Backers, and start meeting to watch the games as much as we could. The Packers won another Super Bowl in 2011, and as a result, we start planning my first ever “girl’s trip” to none other than Green Bay, Wisconsin. We went in October of that year and were able to tour Lambeau Field, I did a Lambeau Leap (which was extremely difficult given that I am only five feet tall!) and watch a game in the legendary stadium. It was magical! The best feeling, though, is sharing the fandom with my children. We watch games as much as possible, and although I don’t get together with my girlfriends as much as I’d like, it is still a bond that connects us. And that is what a good fan base does - connects you. The love of the Green Bay Packers connects me to my home state, to my dear friends, but most of all to my family, both extended and immediate. I wouldn’t trade it for anything! GO PACK GO!

Ladies...Whatever your motivation might be for rooting for your favorite sports team, we have you covered. Pee-wee, collegiate or professional - I have some great options to share with you… Whether you pretend to like sports or you’re a die-hard sports fan!! - Yvette Morgan

Indianapolis Colts

Off-the-Shoulder Pocket Front Sweatshirt

V-Neck Long Sleeve T

Indianapolis Colts Tie Front Top

Indianapolis Colts Stretch Gloves

Green Bay Packers

Cold Shoulder T

Green Bay Packers

Soft T with Tie Sleeves

New England Patriots Long Sleeve Jersey

Oakland Raiders

Bomber Jacket

Orion Roshel is the first female kicker at Terre Haute South High School. I’m sure you would all agree that she’s got some impressive stats and a leader in her school and community. It’s success stories like this one that give young women goals and dreams of playing a sport with an all-male team. We think Orion rocks on the field and off. I was able to send Orion some questions and get to know the girl behind the jersey. - Yvette Morgan

Why did you choose to get into football? I chose to become involved in football because my dad was coaching a youth football team with his best friend and they needed a kicker, and since I played soccer my dad asked me to come and kick. I turned out to be really good and fell in love with it.

Fall is upon us and for some, it means a great football game, but to others it means a really great excuse to party with the girls! We call this… glamgating! Honestly, neither one of us cares too much for contact sports, but one thing we love is spending time with our family and friends. So throw out the burgers, brats, and beers and come brunch with us! What are the three must haves that every great glamgating party needs? We say its furry blankets, sparkly drinks, and stylish food. You don’t need to go out and get special glamgating decorations (okay maybe just a few); most things you will be able to find around your own home. We combed the aisles of our favorite grocery store, Baesler’s Market, and couldn’t believe how easy it was to find all of the things we needed to transform the back of our transportation into a chic bruncher’s paradise.

Throwing a great party doesn’t have to be a lot of work. Why can’t throwing a tailgate party be elegant and sophisticated, but yet still simple and easy to put together? That’s where items like skewered donut holes and fresh fruit will pull the look together. You really can’t go wrong if you keep these three words in mind: sweet, savory and boozy. We may not be true sports fans, but we sure know how to elevate our brunch game! Go team!

Who is your biggest inspiration(s) in this pursuit? I believe my biggest inspiration would have to be myself. No one ever forced me to play and I’ve never wanted to be anyone but myself and the best I could be.

- Kristine & Susan Baesler’s Market

How does it feel being such a big part of gender equality in Terre Haute? I feel a deep sense of pride knowing I am supporting gender equality because I have always seen everyone as equal in my eyes. Photo by Christi Maxwell

What is your plan for the future, after you graduate next year? After I graduate I plan on going to ISU and pursuing a degree in construction management. Also, I am thinking about trying out for the football team there. What kind of message do you want to send to little girls who want to do things that are typically gender stereotyped? I say that girls can do whatever they want to do and in some cases do things better than boys. Life is too short not to do the things you want to do. What is the number one word you would use to describe yourself? I would describe myself as thoughtful. I am very giving and love to see others happy. How have your classmates reacted to your success as a football player? My classmates love to ask me positive questions about football. I have never received any negative feedback from playing on the football team. How has the Terre Haute community reacted? Everyone is very supportive and nice. What is your favorite part about high school? My favorite part of high school would have to be making the football team and by doing so making history as the first girl to play football at Terre Haute South.

With decorations, the possibilities are endless! You can stick to your favorite team’s color scheme, or pick a favorite color of your choice. Comfy seating and a drink station with all of the frills are sure to make your tailgating space a touchdown. We’re not trying to discredit the men and how they tailgate, but we’re positive once you hang out with us you won’t want to boygate ever again. Thin paper plates and sporks vs color coordinated dinnerware. Boring beer or marvelous mimosas? Cold hot dogs vs brioche waffles with local maple syrup. The choice is yours. Here’s our pro tip for the perfect mimosa: Baesler’s fresh squeezed OJ paired with a champagne of your choice. Don’t forget a cute straw!

The Side Hustle is the New Black Amber Abrell

side hustle: Rodan

With a fulltime job in the Wine and Spirits industry, and a growing family; Amber Abrell finds time to wind down and treat herself and she makes money for doing so. Everyone knows the name “ProActiv,” right? Amber knows that and takes that to her advantage now that she works for Rodan + Fields; the company and doctors behind the genius skin care products. “I first fell in love with the products after I had Lennon [her daughter] and looked like a “walking MOMBIE.” I needed something to help with my tired eyes and the lovely amounts of sun damage that came with living in Hawaii for those few years!” Amber said, “Fast forward a few months and not only was I seeing a difference but my friends and family were starting to ask what I was using to make my skin look so clear and how could they get their hands on it?”

+ Fields

Rodan + Fields has been awarded: #1 Skincare Brand in the U.S. in 2016 & 2017 #1 Skincare Brand in North America in 2017 #1 Fastest Growing Beauty and Skincare Brand Since 2010! #1 Fastest Growing in Canada in 2017 #1 Anti-Aging Brand in U.S. & Canada 2017 #1 Premium Acne Brand in U.S. & Canada in 2017 Oh also, all of their products are backed by a 60 day, empty bottle, money back guarantee. What’s not to love? Direct Sales is a business a lot of people may be scared to go into. Amber gives the advice to not overthink it and to take a chance on yourself. “I knew nothing about the skincare industry when I started, but I knew the products worked! I jumped in and learned more as I worked my business! I still learn new things each day in this ever changing industry. Sometimes you just have to start something new to find where your real passions lie,” Amber said. Being in this business allows Amber to help others which is something she has a passion for. The most satisfying part about this business for her is seeing how it has changed her own life along with her customers. Getting text messages and calls from customers about how wonderful the product is working is super rewarding for Amber.

She started working with Rodan + Fields two and a half years ago and has never looked back. “That’s the beauty of the business; it’s really all about washing your face and telling people about it!” she said. Since she uses the products too, her customers trust her when she speaks about how great they are.

“It’s incredibly rewarding helping those that have skin issues of their own, get their hands on clinical grade, dermatological products without the expensive trip to the dermatologist! Helping people get actual results that want/need to feel confident and comfortable in their skin again!” she said. To learn more about Ambers journey, schedule a skin consultation or buy products, visit her website amberabrell.myrandf.com or find her on Facebook. - Claire Silcox

Liz Jackson

side hustle: Prime

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Liz Jackson: I grew up in Terre Haute, graduated from ISU in December 1995, got married two weeks later to an Air Force man, also a Terre Haute native. We left the day after our wedding and drove to Columbus, MS, where he was finishing his pilot training. In all, we moved 15 times in the 21 years of Active Duty service in the Air Force. We have lived in some great places: Florida (three times), Okinawa (Japan), Las Vegas, San Diego, Washington D.C., Alaska, and Hawaii.

We have two boys, ages 15 and 14, and they’ve moved eight times. After my husband retired, he asked me where I wanted to live, since we had been following his career for so long. I didn’t hesitate to tell him I wanted to move “home.” I wanted to be back with our families and close friends, and to let the boys make high school memories without having to move again. Tell us about PMB and what CBD oil is all about. LJ: Prime My Body Hemp Oil is made from the Industrial Hemp plant and contains the highest quality CBD available and a patented delivery system that ensures the highest absorption in a short amount of time. Our two-step extraction process leaves our oils with a near undetectable amount of THC (the chemical that gives you the ‘high feeling’). Cannabidiol, CBD, helps our body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS) perform the way it’s supposed to, which is why it helps with so many different health issues. Whereas prescription drugs may mask pain, CBD helps reduce inflammation and work with the ECS to achieve homeostasis. For this reason, some people may feel relief with the first use of our oils, and others may need to use it for three to four weeks to notice a change. We don’t make any claims or guarantees of healing, and we recommend talking to your doctor for any serious health conditions. This is not a replacement for proper health care but a supplement that may help certain conditions.

I believe PMB’s Hemp Oil is the best on the market. Our chief formulator, Dr. Christopher Shade, is a world-renowned chemist, whose major focus is on ways to remove toxins from the body. He has patented a watersoluble Nano-Enhanced Liposome delivery system that improves the bioavailability of the oil. Other CBD/Hemp oils that are oil-based (check the ‘other ingredients’

My Body

on the label), won’t be absorbed into the body like a water-based product will be, which means you’ll have to use more for a similar result, and most will end up passing through your system without the majority of CBD ever entering your ECS. As with most things, you get what you pay for. Why do you think PMB is growing so fast? LJ: I think people are finally starting to see that there are so many health benefits from using a quality hemp oil. Rules and laws are being set in place to state the legality of it. Our country is facing an opioid crisis and people are looking for healthier alternatives. Doctors and medical professionals are also seeing the benefits of CBD oil and how it can be used in conjunction with a patient’s regular medical care. Who is the ideal person to sell this line? LJ: When I signed up as an affiliate and bought a small package, I didn’t think I’d end up selling it. I bought it, hoping to give it to a family member battling cancer in hopes that it may help her find some relief. The more I learned about it and shared it with others, the more they wanted to know about it and how it may help their loved ones. So, I started learning more about the company itself and the business side of it.

Many people have a negative view of direct sales companies. Nothing irritates me more than when someone asks if this is one of those ‘pyramid schemes.’ The definition of a scheme is: to make plans, especially in a devious way or with intent to do something illegal or wrong. So, if you ask me (or anyone else in direct sales) if this is a pyramid scheme, you’re implying that I’m doing something illegal and trying to just take your money. The business model may look like a pyramid but tell me a company that doesn’t have a hierarchy of owner, executives, managers, employees and so on. This company has such a diverse group of affiliates, from medical professionals to stay-at-home parents and everything in between. Many have never been in sales before and just have a desire to help as many people as they can. Whether you want to be a customer, a part-time or full-time business, or you just want to buy packages at a discounted price for your own personal use, this company would be a good option for you. - Yvette Morgan

Devun Pressey

side hustle: Maskcara

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your family? Hello! I’m Devun Pressey. I’ve lived in Terre Haute most of my life. I graduated from Terre Haute South, then went to Ivy Tech and Indiana State University. I have three beautiful children ages 2,6 and 10. I am engaged and finally tying the knot in a few months! I’m a stay at home mom and I absolutely love it. I’m very grateful to be able to stay home, and have enjoyed watching my babies grow. I’ve always had a passion for makeup and fashion and all of that girly stuff, which is why I decided to start selling Maskcara Beauty products.

Tell us what Maskcara Beauty to those that aren’t familiar with this line? Maskcara Beauty is a line of cream-based makeup that was created by Cara Killpack, and just recently came out in 2017. We believe makeup should be fun, easy and quick! Maskcara Beauty was founded on the idea that makeup should be used to enhance the true beauty in a woman’s face, not cover it up. You are not one dimensional, and your makeup shouldn’t be either. HAC, or highlight and contour as we call it, brings out your natural features and really sculpts your face all in a single layer of makeup. Awesome right?! Another awesome thing about our makeup is that you have everything you need in just one pallet! Your foundation (highlight), contour color, blush and illuminators. So simple!

Beauty

What type of training do you have to do before you become a Maskcara Artist? The training to become and artist is very simple. You get an app that will teach you everything you need to know. The real training is in the practicing of applying the makeup on different people. Why did you choose this company and why direct sales? I chose Maskcara Beauty because makeup is one of my passions. This company allows me to help women feel beautiful and more confident every day. When I found Maskcara, saw what it was about and how it’s a sister hood, I knew that I wanted to become a part of it, too. I honestly wasn’t even thinking about the money-making part. This company is so amazing and the commission is great… it has done so much for my family already. I’m so grateful for this opportunity. What are your goals for the rest of the year? When you have your own business it’s always important to make yourself a list of goals – it’s the only way your business is going to grow. You have to put in the work to get results. The first goal I set myself was to not get discouraged. There will be times when sales are down, but there are also times where you are selling like crazy. Another goal of mine is to really be able to reach out to more people and share my favorite makeup with them.

Unique handbags, accessories, and leather sandals handmade by the women of Uganda. Each purchase provides the women of East Africa with the opportunity to end the cycle of poverty and pursue higher education.

Yvette Morgan, Sseko Fellow 812-870-4652 • ssekoymorgan@gmail.com www.ssekodesigns.com/yvette_morgan available locally at

What do you love most about working for this company? What I love most about working for this company is that I have my own business and can grow it to be as big as I want to. I love helping women feel more confident and making them feel beautiful. I love being part of such a wonderful sisterhood. How would you describe yourself in a few words? I’m very passionate in what I do. I’m a very caring person. I’m also very motivated to succeed in my business. Where can are readers find you for more information? For more information about Maskcara Beauty, you can find me on Facebook: Maskcara Beauty by Devun Pressey. Or you can visit my website https://devunpressey.maskcarabeauty.com/en.

Baked With Love I recently had the pleasure of meeting Marta Shelton and Amelia Valley-Compton, who own and operate Harvest Bakery in Terre Haute. It’s one thing to be business partners, but these two are mother and daughter, adding a new dimension to working with your best friend. I invite you to learn more about their business journey, and perhaps it will persuade you to support this local Terre Haute business. If you stop by, try their cinnamon rolls. I may be biased, but they’re simply heaven on Earth. - Kasy Long

Bread has a mind of its own. You can knead it, form it with your own hands, and bake it to perfection - but at the end of the day each ball of dough will have a different finished product. You can’t make the same loaf of bread twice, but perhaps that’s the adventure of baking. That’s the philosophy for Marta Shelton and Amelia Valley-Compton, bakers and owners of Terre Haute’s Harvest Bakery. The mother-daughter duo make fresh cookies, cakes, cinnamon rolls, breads, and other specialty baked products every week at their 905 S. 25th Street storefront. They help satisfy the sweet tooth for the Terre Haute community, and one customer comments that the bakery is “the best bakery in the United States.”

After they returned home, Marta studied her reflection in the mirror—and the idea of Harvest Bakery spoke to her unlike anything she has ever experienced.

going to be enough to fully support us, so we convinced him to buy our breads, too. He respects our decision as farmers and bakers, and we respect his work as chef.”

“The passion was there. The whole dream came together. I looked at myself and I knew I had to do this,” Marta says. “And when I shared the idea with Amelia, she was more than ready to join me.”

“You don’t get that relationship anywhere else. It’s truly unique and we’re very thankful for the opportunity.” Amelia added.

Ten years later Harvest Bakery is still in operation. All of its fresh baked goods are crafted using organic ingredients from the family farm. Their specialty sourdough is incorporated into every item. They bake their wheat bread in the morning, but other breads are fermented, with some rising overnight while others can take up to three days to reach perfection. It’s a delicate process but one they thoroughly enjoy.

Bon Appetit’s business has helped Harvest Bakery invest in newer, larger dough-mixing equipment to help fulfill orders for RoseHulman and other local companies. As the duo said, if it weren’t for Bon Appetit, they wouldn’t be in business.

“You learn as you go,” Marta commented. “We also like experimenting. If you need us to do something for you, we’re happy to work with you.”

That’s because Marta and Amelia have noticed a recent economical shift in Terre Haute. While many support local businesses, sometimes it’s not enough. Owning and operating your own business (especially a bakery) isn’t easy, and the threat of closing is always present. According to Marta and Amelia, this wouldn’t happen if local community members consciously shopped local to support these small-town businesses.

This includes baking specialty items, from gluten-free goods to vegan treats. This practice strongly supports the business, but not as much as the duo’s invaluable relationship with Bon Appetit, which became Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s food service provider in 2017.

“People need to support more local businesses,” said Marta. “It’s not easy to own a business, and I wish people would realize that.” “Local businesses are more unique. Someone is passionate about their products and has a big dream. We should all do our part and support that dream.” Amelia adds.

The top-ranked STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) college brought an elegant dining experience to its recently renovated student union (newly dubbed the Mussallem Union) and the Sports and Recreation Center. Bon Appetit offers made-from-scratch dishes such as: Mediterranean turkey meatballs with tomato basil sauce and lentils; spaghetti sauce with turkey meat sauce; and strawberry almond chia seed pudding. It’s a nutritional approach with a locallysourced guarantee that’s changing the college dining experience for students, faculty and staff members, and campus guests.

In the meantime, the duo is putting in their own efforts to be a part of the Terre Haute community. In addition to their own store, they sell their baked goods at the Terre Haute Farmer’s Market and Terre Haute Brewing Company. They are experimenting with the business, and they say you never stop learning about how to be better business owners. It’s a never-ending process, but they are thankful they have each other.

Marta and Amelia have always loved baking. While Marta doesn’t have a preference (everything is good to her!), Amelia loves baking cakes. Since her childhood she and her siblings would follow their mother around the kitchen, always offering to help stir a pot or perhaps lick icing off of a spoon. However, Amelia was the only child who continued to learn more about baking. In fact, she knew from the very beginning that she would one day work in a bakery. “I knew how to crack an egg before I could walk,” she reflects. “I love baking. This is what I’m meant to do.” It’s this kind of passion that led Marta and Amelia on a trip to Italy, where they studied and learned more about baking from some of the best in the business.

Harvest Bakery sells a continuous supply of breads and desserts to Bon Appetit executive chef Justin Durand. In fact, the bakery provides a large majority of Bon Appetit’s daily baked goods. This “farm-tofork” relationship has been a rewarding experience for both entities. “We respect each other,” Marta says about working with Bon Appetit. “Justin originally only wanted to buy our desserts, but that wasn’t

50Photography by Kasy Long

“We have a dynamic relationship. We work well together. And though not all mothers and daughters could run a business together, it works for us.” Amelia says. “I have always loved and respected Amelia as my daughter. I knew she was talented and I’ve been proud of her all her life, but now I respect her in a different way,” Marta adds. She picks up a dough ball, kneading it in her hands, and stares fondly at her daughter. “I couldn’t do this without her.”

Five Tips for Women Business Owners Women are an integral part of the workforce, but they have had to overcome many obstacles along the way. Of course, challenges still remain, but women’s success in the working world is worth commemorating – which will happen on American Business Women’s Day Sept. 22. Are you a woman considering “setting up shop” on your own? If so, here are five tips to consider: • Balance your goals. It’s possible – perhaps even likely – that your business goals will conflict with your personal financial goals. After all, if you’re purchasing new equipment or services for your business, you’ve got less money – at least for the time being – to put away for your own retirement or your children’s education. Hopefully, your investment in your business will pay off in greater income, but, in any case, you will need to balance your personal and professional goals. • Create a retirement plan. As mentioned above, your ability to contribute to a retirement plan may be affected by the amount you put into your business – but that certainly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a retirement plan. In fact, for your future financial security, it’s essential that you launch such a plan. Fortunately, small-business owners have a choice of plans, including an “owneronly” 401(k), SEP-IRA and SIMPLE IRA. Although the various plans have different requirements and contribution limits, they all offer tax-deferred earnings, which means your money has the opportunity to grow faster than if it were placed in a vehicle on which you paid taxes every year. (Taxes are due upon withdrawal, and withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty.) Plus, your contributions to a retirement plan may be tax deductible.

• Arrange for “backup.” Virtually all working women are familiar with the conflict between their careers and their roles as caregivers. Women are still more likely than men to drop out of the workforce for an extended period of time to care for young children or elderly parents. And your caregiving responsibilities won’t end just because you are now a business owner. Consequently, you need to have someone you trust available to step in for you when your family obligations call you away from work. • Design a succession plan. When you want to retire, would you like to keep the business in your family? If so, you’ll need to create a succession plan that works for you and whomever you’d like to take control. Such a plan can be complex, so you will need to work with your legal and tax advisors – and you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to work out the details. • Build an emergency fund. Maintaining an adequate cash flow will always be a key task – one that involves your sales, billing cycles, inventory and other elements of your business. One way you can help yourself avoid troubles is to maintain an emergency fund consisting of a few months’ worth of your business expenses. You’ll want to keep this fund in a liquid, low-risk account. Running your own business can be extremely rewarding, but it’s never going to be an easy road. However, with perseverance and careful planning, you can smooth out some of the bumps along the way — and give yourself reason to celebrate American Business Women’s Day.

Changing markets and our changing lifestyles can mean that your once-balanced portfolio needs adjustments. That’s why it’s so important to review your ﬁnancial strategy at least once every year. Together, we’ll assess how changes in your career, aspirations and goals can impact your prior investments, and we’ll make the necessary adjustments to help keep you on track. Though we may be knowledgeable on the markets, no one knows your life better than you.

The best wisdom is earned through experience , particularly mistakes.

Schedule your financial review today, because no one knows your goals better than you.

Boss Lady: Naomi Leigh Designs We have so many creative ladies out there, I love seeing the ingenuity of these women and the things they design. When we were deciding who would be this issue’s “Boss Lady”, I immediately thought of Naomi Van Sickle of Naomi Leah Designs, a graphic artist who creates beautiful work, including wedding invitations and bridal designs, and business branding. Read on to learn more about Naomi and her creative process, and how she came to be a successful graphic artist. - Lori Mitchell

Tell us a little about yourself, Naomi? Originally from California, my family and I moved here at the beginning of my 6th grade year. My mother, Stephanie, is a wonderful doula and massage therapist in town. You might have seen her in the last Haute Life issue! My father is a college professor, so I grew up on Indiana State University’s campus and I ended up graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design & Art History from ISU in 2013. I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad my junior year in Florence, Italy, where I learned a lot about myself and the world we live in.

I currently work at ISU for the Department of Educational Leadership. Just recently, I started pursuing my master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education and (fun fact!) my brother, Eli, is about to graduate with the same degree from Western Illinois University. I currently live in a cute little house in Terre Haute with my best friend/boyfriend, Jeff. We hope to one day own a ridiculous number of dogs to cuddle with!

What are the steps of your creative process? Something I take pride in and focus on is really including my clients along every step of the creative process. I listen to my client’s feedback and make sure they are having input along the way.

I begin my process by creating a project timeline to keep my client and myself accountable and to make sure we are done by the desired completion date. With weddings, specific dates and deadlines can be important, so this helps us all stay on track. I then love creating an inspiration board for the client, which we work together to create to display their style, personality, and vision they want to achieve. I then work off this inspiration board to create some concepts that I think would fit their vision. It is very important to me to give them options and make sure they do not feel confined to one design style. After various other steps in the process, we end up with a product or brand you are certain to love. Have you always had a love of design? When did you decide to start your business? I have always enjoyed drawing and being creative growing up, but I was never set on being an artist and I didn’t think that would be an option. Struggling with what major to choose in college, I finally decided on Graphic Design, and it couldn’t have been a better fit for me. In my college courses, I loved creating product mockups, websites, and posters, but I had no idea how many different design areas there were out there.

After I graduated from ISU in May 2013, I took on some freelance design jobs here and there, working with local business, creating logos and even helping the Vigo County Parks and Recreation rebrand some of their marketing. I started my business in March 2016 and I solely specialized in logo design. After designing some wedding invitations for friends, I started to notice a demand for bridal designs in the local area. After reaching out, learning, and networking with other creatives in the wedding industry, I decided to start specializing in bridal design and my business has grown ever since! Who is your customer? I specialize in both bridal designs and business branding. I work with newly engaged couples to help them bring their wedding visions to life, when it comes to all their print products, from Save the Dates to reception signage. With my bridal clients, we work together to create a beautiful, cohesive look across their entire wedding. I also love working with small creative businesses to help them achieve and launch their perfect, innovative brand that projects their personality and style perfectly. Although I reside in Indiana, I work with clients all over the country.

Photo by Rakoteet Photography

Photo by Rogue Images Photography

What services do you offer your clients? When it comes to bridal design, I have many services and product options! I offer several different packages, whether you are a bride who just wants an invitation suite, or one who is wanting printed products for the entire wedding day. I also offer various à la carte items, so there is no need to stick just to my package options. From envelope addressing to cocktail napkins, if you can dream it, I can do it!

For business branding, I offer several packages, whether it be just a logo design or an entire website build. Depending on how deep you want to dive into branding your business, we can work together to create the perfect package for you. I offer an in-depth questionnaire to really get a feel of what you are looking for, and off of that, we work together to create your primary logo and your branding style (typography, images, colors, etc.). I also offer collateral items, such as business cards, social media images, and sticker design. Describe your ideal customer? My two ideal customers would actually be pretty simple: someone who has a strong vision in mind and someone who doesn’t. I love working with someone who knows exactly what they want, and working together to achieve that is wonderful, but I also love the challenge of uncovering the client’s vision, when they feel that they don’t have an idea in mind or feel lost.

Photo by Amber Taylor Photography

What is the primary message you want to convey to your customer? I want to convey to my customers that if they are struggling to find their perfect vision for their new business logo or confused on how they want their wedding invitations to look, I can help. The world can be full of choices, confusion, and stress, and I want to help make things less stressful by helping you navigate all your ideas and thoughts. I focus on excellent client service, timely communication, and creating something you love. My passion is providing each client with a unique, personalized experience in designing their brand or stationary.

How important is it to have a presence on Etsy/Social Media? Most people use social media to grow their client base, which is wonderful and indeed useful, but what I have found is that my social media platforms have majorly helped my professional networking. Without social media, I would not have made some connections and relationships with other creatives and vendors in the field. Although most of my clients come from word-of-mouth recommendations, social media is still a wonderful platform to get your business, style, and personality seen. I have had most of my networking opportunities through Instagram, where other creatives have reached out to me and vice-versa. We can connect, collaborate, and help each other out, which has helped me tremendously in running my business and getting my name out there. What are three things you can’t live without? 1. Family & Friends – I couldn’t have made it this far without their support. 2. Technology – I’m always on my email and my computer design programs are what keeps my business alive. 3. Animals – They seriously make me so happy it hurts!

Photo by Amber Taylor Photography

Take a Little Siesta Introduce yourself and tell us what you do? Hi there! My name is Shelby Gifford, and I created a lifestyle blog named Siesta Shell where I write about style, travel, and food. The name comes from a combination of Siesta Key Beach, and my nickname Shell- Siesta Shell.

Siesta Key is near and dear to my heart! My family traveled there nearly every summer growing up, and I called it home for three years. We are third generation snowbirds in Sarasota County, and I plan on following in their footsteps!

What was your most recent trip? The most recent trip I took was to the Hawaiian Islands. We started on The Big Island of Hawaii, then flew to The Garden Island of Kauai, and ended on the island of Oahu. We hiked to waterfalls, took a helicopter ride through the Na Pali Coast, drove a Jeep up to the top of Mauna Kea, and took a little bit of time to relax on the beach. This was such a big trip, and it took months to plan! Each night we stayed in a different place, which made the experience very unique. Since we went so many places

A few ladies that are most inspiring to me are @happilygrey, @elle_ferguson, @officiallyquigley, @hbgoodie, and @earthyandy. They all inspire me in different ways, but they are some of my favorites! What does your day look like when your blogging? Honestly, I hardly ever get to commit a full day to blogging! Most outfit shots are taken on the go, after church, going to get groceries, on the way to a family dinner, just part of my standard day. Once every few months I try to plan a full day where I can take a bulk of outfit shots at once. I plan the outfits, locations, and general tone of the shoot in advance, and try to shoot in the early morning or early evening for the best light. When I travel, I try to get as much content as possible, and then write and edit after I get back home.

Indian Healing Clay with Apple Cider Vinegar for a deepcleansing facemask every few months. They call it “the world’s most powerful facial,” and I completely agree! What is the biggest challenge in blogging world? I think the biggest challenge in the blogging world is staying focused and grounded. The influencer and blogging world is growing so fast right now; it can be difficult to stay true to your own vision. Sometimes I find myself starting to stress because I haven’t met a deadline, or comparing my content to someone else’s, then I have to stop and remind myself why I started. I think with anything, comparing your step one with someone else’s step ten can distract you from the goals you have in front of you.

When you first launch, building up your followers and your community can be challenging! Especially given how saturated the blogging world is right now. Being patient is difficult, but you have to keep moving forward and the followers and likes will eventually come. Persistence, patience, and being true to yourself in your content are key! Can you give advice to anyone who’s interested in starting up a blog? My best advice is to just start! Start brainstorming content ideas

Photography by Kyle Har

ruff

My background is in fashion merchandising, styling, and design, with a bit of marketing and journalism. While living in Florida, I worked as a visual merchandiser, and launched a clothing line called Jade Surf Company with my younger brother, Andrew Gifford. I now work in Marketing for a local Terre Haute company, and blog as a hobby on the side.

out and see the sights, explore the culture, and go to local stores and restaurants. Very rarely do I ever go on a trip to relax; in fact, I usually travel with the mindset that I can relax when I get back home. I have always enjoyed documenting my trips with photos and videos, long before I started a blog. I can remember going on school field trips and family vacations, filling up those little disposable cameras. When I document my travels, I can go back and re-live every moment through a photo or video.

anything with crochet, florals, or subtle ruffles. I try to incorporate trends with my own twist on them. I am not someone who walks into a department store and buys the designer outfit right off of the display. I mix and match thrift store finds with unique pieces that I find at different places along the way, and that’s what I want to share. Dressing up does not have to be expensive or time consuming, and I hope my followers find inspiration in my content.

Why did you decide to start a personal blog? I started Siesta Shell in January of 2018 as a New Year’s Resolution. Blogging is one of those things that I have always thought would be fun to try, but I had never fully committed to. I had a fashion blog in college, but stopped after graduation. I knew at this time in my life, I had the time to make it happen, and I needed to give it a try again.

Siesta Shell is a lifestyle blog, which allows me to write about things that I find important in my life - style, health, travel, cooking, interior design, photography, anything. I want my content to inspire others to find the beauty in their own lives. My blog is a creative outlet for me, and I hope that it inspires others to pursue the things that make them happy, and step out of their box. Plan that trip, try something new, shop somewhere new, get outside of your comfort zone. What type of traveler are you? When it comes to traveling, I would describe myself as an explorer! When I visit somewhere new, I always feel a responsibility to get

and didn’t stay in any one place very long, it felt like the trip was more of a tour of the Hawaiian Islands. My favorite island so far is Kauai. The lush landscape and slower pace of Kauai really resonated with me. I can’t wait to go back! What are you most passionate about? I have learned that to find your passion, you have to pay attention to the things that make your heart race. The things that require hard work but bring you more energy when you do them. Right now, I would say I am most passionate about content creation- writing, photography, website building, visually communicating and marketing to the end consumer of that content. Creating the framework and branding, then executing the content to support that vision is something that I truly love doing. How would you describe your personal style? What are your inspirations? My personal style is always evolving. I love mixing bohemian and feminine pieces for everyday- casual dresses, distressed denim, and

My weekly schedule usually includes of a goal to post at least twice on my website, with supporting posts on social media. Many people don’t realize how much behind the scenes work goes into just one post- planning the outfit or content, planning the location, editing the photos, writing the post, loading it, posting about it, it takes hours! I work on content before and after work, around weekend plans, whenever I can make time. Some weeks are busier than others are, but I try to commit at least 20 hours a week on average. What are your favorite beauty essentials? I cannot live without my Smashbox Studio Skin foundation! A makeup artist in Sarasota recommended this product to me a few years ago, and I love it! Most of my skincare is Juice Beauty or Clarins. I have very sensitive skin so I try to find products with less chemicals. I have found that I can always rely on these two brands for a great product that agrees with my skin. For hair, I always have to have my Chi Iron Guard spray to keep my curls in, and the Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Hair Mask is a must have! This hair mask does wonders for my hair. I use the Aztec Secret Bentonite

you want to blog about, find inspiration for your branding, research different platforms you could work off. Start making small steps each day or each week towards launching. In my case, I never felt “ready.” I just got to the point where I knew I could either go for it now, or look back and regret not going for it. Starting a blog does not have to be expensive either, so don’t let that hold you back. Chances are, whatever your blog idea is, you already enjoy that thing already- photography, fashion, cooking, painting, sports, whatever it may be. Find ways to make the things you are already doing, something you could publish on your blog. Take the extra time to take photos of the dinner you are preparing. If you like your outfit that day take the time to get a photo in it. If travel is your thing, look back at trips you have already taken and write about that. Take the time to find inspiration in your daily life. Once you launch, be prepared to make some amazing friends and meet new people! The blogging communities are very supportive and encouraging, especially to new bloggers. - Yvette Morgan

Have you ever listened to a podcast that rocked your world? Or read a book that changed the way you think? I love sharing my love of books, magazines, podcast, and my favorite people to follow on social media. “Dream Chaser” is part of the magazine that I hope will inspire, lift, and bring more joy and laughter to your life. I get to hand pick each one and share with all of you my favorites. So what are you waiting for? I promise you won’t be disappointed. If you have a favorite that I should highlight, please send me a message. I’d love to hear from you. - Yvette Morgan

active A more

life is closer than you think.

Podcast: Rise Together A bold conversation hosted by Rachel Hollis and her husband Dave that provides the listener with real life tangible takeaways. A great one to listen to with your significant other!

Goal Digger Jenna Kutcher brings you productivity tips, social media, stategies, business hacks and inspirational storeies that can help you design your dream career.

This is Fifty Sheri Salata & Nancy Hala, two fifty-something friends for decades, are on a daring quest to make the rest of their dreams come true. They go behind the scenes as they talk about the “7 pillars of living”

Book Wor m : Dare to Lead Brene’ Brown

Dare to Lead is a roadmap to help you become not only a better manager, but also a better human, driven by curiosity about the wider world.

Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat Chrissy Teigen

For years Chrissy has been collecting recipes, cooking, and using Instagram to post her favorites. Now she’s put them all in one place for us!

Business Boutique Christy Wright

More women than ever are starting businesses -- side hustles and home-based businessses. It’s never been easier for women with social media, but there are also many challenges and questions that come along with starting a business. Christy answer your burning questions here.

Website www.thechicsite.com

If you love Rachel Hollis you will love her website. It’s full of style, work, travel, recipes, and awesome videos.

www.therefinedwoman.com

Dedicated to empowering our readers to walk fully in their worth, value, identity and purpose.

www.finery.com

Where wardrobe meets the internet. Finery was created to get you organized and styled in the clothes you already own and love.

Same-day orthopedic care. When it comes to joint pain, Union Health has one goal: getting you back to the things you love. Our team of board-certified experts will find a solution for your joint pain, whether you need care for a sports injury, a broken bone, or a joint that’s seen better days. Same-day appointments. Great results. Right here at Union Health. To learn more, visit myunionhealth.org/ortho.

Healthier, together.

When I think of the word fearless, one of the things that comes to mind are those that serve our communities, especially firefighters, military and police officers. These women have felt a call to duty, knowing they will not only sacrifice some important moments with family and friends, but that they will be the ones running in while the rest of us are running out. Take a minute to read about these two ladies… I hope you find inspiration in their stories to find your passion and calling, and thank the next service member you see! - Lori Mitchell

Why did you choose to become a firefighter? Diana Luther: I wanted to make a difference. Growing up, I always saw how well respected firefighters were and how rewarding their job could be, and I knew that was what I wanted to do. Julie Feckete: I was an Emergency Medical Technician (ambulance) at the fire department that I volunteered at in 1998. A female friend of mine encouraged me to go through fire school with her. Even though I was going through Occupational Therapy school at the time, we finished the class to become state certified firefighters and I really enjoyed it.

When I finished OT school in 1999, I couldn’t find a job in the therapy field that I wanted. My volunteer fire department was getting ready to become a combination department (full-time firefighters and reserve firefighters), so I applied. I put the decision in God’s hands and decided that if it was meant to be, then I would get it. That was nearly 19 years ago, and I have never regretted my decision. Even though I am eligible for a pension after 20 years of service (not able to draw it yet, however), I have no intention of retiring anytime soon. People often ask me when I plan on retiring and I just tell them I don’t know. I think when you wake up one day and don’t have the passion for it anymore, then it is time to move on.

of their gender. Women must go through the same rigorous physical testing as well as the mental aptitude test that men have to go through. Women work just as hard as men to show they are able to complete the tasks at hand.

I have earned the respect of most of my peers. You can never please everyone, but I can go home at the end of my shift knowing that I’ve worked hard. I enjoy being “one of the guys” and I don’t like being singled out for being a female firefighter.

What kind of message do you want to send to girls who want to do things that are typically gender stereotyped? JF: Do whatever job/career/hobby you want to do and don’t worry about what others think or say. Don’t be afraid of the hard work that comes with it, and don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself if you are right. Be proud and strong!

Is there a huge stigma against female firefighters or is the stereotype being broken down? JF: I know it has improved over the years and I don’t have it nearly as hard as the women “pioneers” in the fire service. I remember stories my father-in-law told me about a young female FDNY firefighter (one of their first in 1982) and some of the struggles that she went through to be accepted.

Fortunately for me, I have several female firefighters on my department and there are many more on departments throughout the Indianapolis area. I believe that helps create a “normalcy” that females belong in the firehouse versus being the only female on a department and all the focus is on you. I believe it is becoming more commonplace today and less of an issue overall, which is good.

and I’ve always wanted to follow in his footsteps. My husband and one of my brothers are also firefighters/paramedics, and they inspire me to work hard and continually better myself in the field. JF: My husband was and still is a firefighter, and he’s always been my biggest supporter. His father is retired from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). My brother-in-law is a firefighter also. No one in my family is a firefighter, so the inspiration comes from within and also from my husband and his family.

DL: I feel that the stereotype is breaking down. I have been welcomed to the fire department without any judgement by my coworkers. I also have not come across anyone in the community that has issues with women in the fire service.

How does it feel being such a big part of gender equality in the field of firefighting? JF: I am proud that females contribute with males in the fire service. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Having a diverse fire crew is wonderful because of that reason. A good crew will play to each person’s strengths and it makes the team stronger and better equipped to handle the very different issues and problems that we get presented with on any given day. DL: It makes me feel proud to be part of the movement. Roughly only 5% of all firefighters across the United States are women. The job of firefighting is no longer handed to a female simply because

Who is your biggest inspiration(s) in this pursuit? DL: My dad (Lewis Price) is my biggest inspiration. He has been my hero my entire life. He has been a firefighter with the Terre Haute Fire Department for 33 years. I have grown up around the firehouses

DL: If you have a dream job or a dream goal, don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. If you work hard and set your mind to it, anything is possible. What is the number one word you would use to describe yourself? DL: Dedicated

How has your local community reacted? JF: For the most part, very supportive. Our clients on our 9-1-1 calls are happy to see me as part of the fire crew and I get positive comments, as well as the rest of the crew. Most people out in the public smile or stop and thank me/us for our service, as well. Sometimes, moms point out to their daughters that “women can be firefighters, too!” Occasionally, I get a slightly sexist comment from someone in the public, but that is few and far between. I think having a “thick skin” has served me well. You can’t take such things to heart.

JF: Meticulous. There are many tools, pieces of equipment, and procedures in our profession. For me, making sure all things are in good working condition and procedures are followed is of utmost importance. How have your co-workers reacted to your success as a female firefighter? DL: I have been welcomed to the fire department without any judgement by my co-workers. I have to show my skill set just as any person that joins the fire department and as long as I can accomplish the task, there are no issues.

Julie Feckete: Wayne TWP

Diana Luther: THFD

JF: It took some time to “prove myself” and I believe as a female in this profession that never completely goes away. I do a lot of weight lifting and cardio exercise on a daily basis to keep myself in top shape. I enjoy working out, but I also see it as a necessity. I also enjoy that I can run marathons and half marathons, as well as do bike races on my days off.

DL: It’s fun to see how people react to women on the fire department. I love when a mother grabs her young daughter’s attention and says, “Look, girls can be firefighters too!” What is your favorite part about your job? DL: My favorite part of the job as a firefighter/paramedic is the interaction with the community. It makes me feel good when I know that I’ve made a positive impact in someone’s well being. My co-workers also make coming to work easy. It turns into a second family because we see our crew every third day or about one-third of the year. JF: Every day is different and I never know what I will see, do, or respond to on any given day. I also enjoy being a back-up engineer (chauffeur/driver). How do you keep a balance between work and personal life? DL: At times it can be difficult because we do miss out a lot on family events. We work 24 hours and then we are off for 48 hours. Our job does not stop for holidays, family gathering, birthdays or your child’s sporting events. It may require us to change the gathering to a different day, but occasionally we do miss out and it

makes it difficult. Our families and friends are supportive and they understand the sacrifices we make as firefighters. JF: In life, just as in firefighting, you always just “do what you have to do.” As you would expect, being a parent makes things much more challenging. For many months after the births of my children, I would sleep two hours, get up to feed the child(ren), sleep two more hours, and then get up at 4:30 a.m. to go work a 24-hour shift at the firehouse. Those times were especially difficult, but it is always a challenge to an extent.

Although we do have days off, obviously, firefighters know they will miss activities with the kids at times (school dances, scout meetings, recitals, ball games, etc.). Firefighters realize that up-front and deal with it as well as possible and make up for it on the days they are home. My children love “Family Days” when we are all home together. Holidays are also difficult to manage, but my immediate and extended family deal with it pretty well and are understanding. My family sometimes celebrates holidays on other days, or we alternate holidays between families. Santa has been known to deliver presents on Christmas Eve or the day after Christmas. Adapt, overcome, and do your best. - Claire Silcox

Brought to you by:

statecsa.indstate.edu or Contact:

Kerri Wilhelm (812)237-2528

Spring Auditions Wed, Jan 9th & 10th 4:00-7:00 pm

Location:

Rehearsal Dates

Concert

Wed, Jan 16 - Wed, May 1st 4:30-6:15 pm

Wed, May 1st University Hall, 6:00 pm

Landini Center for Performing Arts, 300 7th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47809

I’ve known Susan Sloop since high school, and although life has taken us in different directions, we have found each other again on her Facebook group page, Simple Beautiful Life. Susan is a wellness mentor encouraging others to live a simple, healthy and beautiful life. I hope you enjoy reading about how she started her business and what’s new in 2019. - Yvette Morgan

Tell us a little about you and your family? I live in beautiful southern Illinois and have been blessed with a healthy, happy family. My husband, Todd, and I have been married for 28 years. We both graduated from Terre Haute South and Indiana State University. We still have family and friends in the Terre Haute area, so we visit often! Todd and I have three children; two daughters, Callie and Taylor, and a son, Hogan. Taylor is a junior at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and Hogan is a senior in High School. Callie was married in March, so we also are blessed to have a son-in-law, Taylor. We enjoy our family very much and try to spend as much time together as we can. What does wellness mean to you? Wellness has many dimensions and they are all interconnected. Some of these dimensions include: social, emotional, spiritual, and physical. Being aware of the different dimensions can create a “check-list” of sorts for us. When I am feeling a bit out of balance I can do a quick assessment and typically find that I have been neglecting a certain area of wellness. Wellness is about self-care and adopting a lifestyle that supports healthy habits. Self-care is how we can ensure we have filled our cups, so to speak, and can then pour into others. We hear this all of the time, but it is so true.

What is the best advice you can give someone to help them plan their wellness journey? Wellness is a lifestyle and that means whatever you adopt has to be something that is sustainable and realistic, so start small. Make one small change and then slowly keep adding changes in your lifestyle. Small changes over time create lasting results and provide momentum to keep moving us forward. The biggest struggle will be in your mind. Mindset is everything and you have to work on it daily….sometimes minute by minute.

How did you decide to start this? I think that for most of my life I have felt like I just did not measure up. I lacked so much confidence and self-esteem. My body image was horrible and I had spent 24 years trying to make myself smaller. In June of 2015, I took my first class at CrossFit Marion and it truly was what changed everything for me. It is through CrossFit that I found my confidence again. My approach to nutrition changed and as my body changed I began to embrace taking up more space, both literally and figuratively. I began to recognize that so many women were stuck where I used to be. Simple Beautiful Life was created to be place where I could teach what I have learned and pass it on to other women. I help women by providing them with simple solutions to gain confidence, feel beautiful, and live a healthy life. The community is key, as I feel we are not meant to do life alone. We need a tribe of women to do it with and a place to find support when there are so many things out there ready to tear us down. We rise by lifting others up and that is what I want to do.

How and where do you find your inspiration? I think my inspiration comes from just watching other women embracing who they are, with no apologies, and loving themselves enough to invest time and resources in their health. The stories of women who have decided that enough was enough and they were finished shrinking back and comparing themselves to what society said they should be. I am inspired by women who dig their heels in and just kept moving, climbing up the mountain, step by step, and celebrating every victory along the way until they reach the top. How do you handle work life balance and what does that look like to you? I believe that for most of us there really is not a balance, it is more of a blend. I work full-time, run Simple Beautiful Life, and am a social marketer so the evenings can be full, but I love it. I am passionate about helping women so it does not feel like work to me. I try to be intentional about putting the phone down and picking up a book or relaxing with friends. Do you have a favorite book that has helped you and you would like to share with us? I would have to say that my favorite book is the Bible and I like to read books that apply biblical principles to my life. Authors Lisa TerKeurst, Priscilla Shirer, Lisa Bevere, and Beth Moore are some of my favorites. I recently read “Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis. This one was so good and I think women of all ages can

relate to her stories in some way. She is fun to follow on social media as well; very real and refreshing! I believe that personal development is a must if you truly want to succeed and grow in many areas of life. How has a presence on social media helped your business? It is how do I everything! I rely on social media to reach out to women, connect with influencers, and network. It can be challenging, but I have been working hard to brand myself and build trust with my audience. I primarily use Facebook and Instagram and will be adding Pinterest to the mix soon! I also recently started a blog, and a monthly newsletter is in the plans as well. I have plans to begin doing Vision Board parties to take it off-line and create a networking community where I live; of course using social media to get the word out! What is your morning ritual? It is amazing how much I read about the importance of a morning ritual….and I believe it! My day just does not feel right when I am out of my routine! Monday thru Saturday mornings begin with a trip to the gym. My husband is my workout partner and I am so thankful to him for the encouragement and support he has given me! We rarely miss a day, even when we are on vacation. It has become our lifestyle. Once I am home, I get ready for work, have my morning nutrition drink, fix a protein smoothie, drink a cup of coffee, read my devotion, put some posts on social media, and then I am out the door. What is the hardest part of your job? The most difficult part right now is slowing down! I am so excited and have so many ideas that it sometimes can be overwhelming. I truly want to make a difference and add value to the lives of the women who are part of the Simple Beautiful Life community. Whether they want to gain health, grow personally, or build a business. It is my goal to help them on their journey. I am on a mission to help women make changes, be the best version of themselves, and embrace who God created them to be.

Cabin of Grace

Dear Reader, Relax, take a deep breath. It’s all going to be okay. Woman to woman, that hard thing you’re facing and the tensions you are feeling—those are building your character and a beautiful resilience.

Every bit of that overwhelming mess is matched by overwhelming grace. Yes, you heard me correctly. There is unfathomable hope for even the messiest of messes, my friend. You’re too hard on yourself. If you haven’t heard it lately, or even at all, for that matter, you are enough! You are worthy of love and a good life. All the “things” you are chasing—the money, beauty and fame— they won’t make you happy or fill that void you’re feeling deep inside of you. You know what will? Unconditional love, intention, home-cooked meals, random adventures, family, friends, unplugging from social media, and self-care.

Can I share one extra thing with you? Jesus. If only you knew the wild pursuit that is happening right now on your behalf. If only you could deeply understand the care and consideration for your heart and that Jesus-sized hole that you’ve been carrying around that’s been burning your insides for far too long.

Hear me when I say that you’re not alone and you’re never too far gone. If I could tenderly grab your face right now, this is what I would offer: The sum of all the parts of your life up until this very moment does not have to define you. You’re not doomed to the same fate of those around you who have influenced your life— good and bad.

Sweet friend, you are seen, you are heard, you are forgiven, and you’re called and chosen for things far greater than you can even imagine. You have not been forgotten and you never will be. You are loved at your worst and at your best. Truth be told, hiding your fragments of imperfection are only compounding that brokenness you’re feeling. Guess what? You are already fully known, and yet, deeply loved.

Do you grasp what this means? There is not one thing you can do that will ever undo the love your Creator has for you. That crippling fear you’ve been hiding behind has no place in your life. On the other side of that fear is an abundance of freedom. Chase that! And, please listen: Being mean to yourself isn’t cool and it’s not going to get you anywhere, but kindness will. Being kind to yourself will open so many doors, emotionally and physically, that you can’t even dream of right now.

Do yourself a favor and wake up every morning and speak truth to yourself. It’s okay; this is permission to stop what you’re doing right now and look at yourself in the mirror and say, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am chosen. I am lovely. I am worthy. I am beautiful. I am highly pursued, and I am loved beyond measure.”

Cling to the truth that your story was written long ago, and it will come full circle. Keep finding joy in everything, even those tears of hopelessness you’ve cried in private. Here’s a truth bomb for you: One day you’re going to look back and be completely blown away by how all those things worked together for your good.

Love, - Kellie Eastham

Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you decided to choose modeling as a career? My name is Brooke Deighton and I grew up in Terre Haute, IN. When I was eight years old, my sister, Michelle Deighton, was on America’s Next Top Model. I thought it was the coolest thing ever and I wanted to be just like her. Ever since then, I haven’t stopped dreaming about becoming a model.

I’ve known Brooke for several years and have had the opportunity to work with her on my social media platform. She’s a beauty inside and out, and a young woman on a mission to make it big in New York City. She’s taken a leap of faith and making her dreams come true. - Yvette Morgan

Tell us about your education. Any prior modeling courses or studies? I was signed to my first modeling agency, Helen Wells Agency, when I was 18 years old. I didn’t have any prior experience at all. I only learned random things my sister had taught me. What are your goals in your modeling career? As a model, I have a lot of goals. To name a few, I want to walk in the New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and Milan Fashion Week. Runway is my favorite type of modeling. The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is every model’s dream! I also want to be on the cover of Vogue. What did your parents say when you told them you wanted to pursue modeling? Were they supportive? I moved to New York City on June 1. When I was planning and packing up my belongings, my parents had no idea what to think. I had been planning to move since the fall of 2017. It’s not that my parents didn’t support me, because they support me 100% in everything I do, but I think they were mostly nervous and worried about me. What is your guilty pleasure? Definitely chocolate and desserts. You can ask anyone who knows me and that’s what they would say! I have such a sweet tooth. What beauty tips do you swear by? How do you stay fit? I have a lot of beauty hacks/tips, but one thing I love are oils for my face and skin. I have a nightly face routine with a variety of different products to help my skin feel fresh and stay young.

As for staying fit, I used to workout six days a week, but since I moved to New York, it’s a little harder to go to the gym every day. So, I make sure I run every day and squeeze in a good workout when I get the chance. I was always involved in sports, so it’s nothing new to me. If you weren’t a model, what would you be doing? If I wasn’t modeling, I would definitely try to get into acting. Who knows? Maybe after my modeling career I’ll become an actor! What advice would you give someone wanting to follow in your footsteps? My advice to anyone wanting to become a model is to take risks and never give up, no matter who tells you no. You have to move past that and work harder for whatever you’re trying to do in your life. It’s your life—love it how you want. How important is it to network and get your foot in the door? Networking is so important, especially here in New York City. Everyone here “knows someone,” and that advantage is important. Finally, where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I truly see myself being successfully in anything I put my mind to, honestly. I’m not one to give up on my goals, so I will work until I achieve them.

Photo by Nina Ottolino

Brave Mom's Clu b

and received so much information. We met our oncologist and he explained that it was one of 2 kidney cancers, most likely a Wilms tumor. We didn’t know what stage, as it had to be tested. We were in the hospital for another 7 days. During that time, we created a plan for chemotherapy, but once the results came back it was more aggressive than we thought. That was another bomb dropped on us. What was supposed to be 12 weeks of one chemo drug now turned to 25 weeks, 3 drugs and 6 radiation treatments. There were no other options - it was you can go home for the weekend, but when you come back, radiation starts and she will be put to sleep every day for that. She was so little and she couldn’t move during the radiation - it was too dangerous. We made the best of that first weekend home and realized this was our new normal. Everything else in life was on hold as we had to make sure our Parker, our little Pig as we call her, beat this cancer!

When I met Megan Gossett and her family through St. Patrick School, I knew they were a strong, close family. Outwardly, it was obvious that their daughter, Parker, had a prosthetic leg. I remember thinking, that alone must be tough to deal with. Little did I know, until I really spoke with Megan at length one day, that Parker has also battled childhood cancer, unrelated to being born without her leg, something most of us could never imagine. I wanted to share Megan, Anthony, and Parker’s story here, in the hopes that their story may reach someone else who needs to hear it.

Tell us about your daughter, Parker. Parker is an outgoing, vivacious 9-year old. She is very strong willed and very confident in herself. She is funny and sarcastic and can put a smile on anyone’s face! Were you aware of any birth defects prior to delivery? We were not aware of any birth defects. I had a high-risk pregnancy, and received extra care, however, no birth defects were found until after delivery. How has Parker handled having a prosthetic leg? Parker handles her prosthetic or “Savanna” (which is what she calls her leg) in stride. She makes the most of any situation and prefers to doll it up and make it pretty! She currently has rainbow unicorns and llamas on her leg. She has had rough moments where she has to have it off and relax and miss out on activities. Instead of letting that get her down, she chooses to perfect her artistic ability. She’s very much a glass-half-full kind of girl, always looking on the bright side! At what age was she diagnosed with cancer? How did you discover her illness? Parker was diagnosed with cancer at age 3. This was completely unrelated to her amniotic band syndrome that she was born with, which is why she wears a prosthetic. One evening she was getting out of the bath and I was putting lotion on her belly. I felt a lump on her side, and I was concerned… I had no idea what it could be. I called the doctor first thing the next morning and they got us in ASAP.

What was yours and your husbands first reaction? How did you decide to proceed? My husband and I first reaction was like a blur of sorts. We had an ultrasound in Terre Haute, they called with no information for us other than you are going straight to Peyton Manning Children’s hospital in Indianapolis. We were seeing an orthopedic surgeon. Something felt very off, and I knew it was terrible news. I was completely sick the entire drive, while trying to say it must’ve been something I ate as to not concern Parker. We got there and checked in. As we walked back to the room the nurse started to get Parker’s blood pressure and I fainted. I guess I was just overwhelmed thinking about what they were going to say about my little girl. I was taken to the other side of the hospital, to St. Vincent’s ER. Meanwhile, Anthony, my husband, stayed with Parker and heard first of Parker’s large tumor. Once I went to the ER, we called to have my parents come and help us. No one was with me and I was terrified. I got some meds, calmed down, and was wheeled over to meet up with Anthony and Parker again. At this time, it was a whirlwind. Anthony said they said she has a large tumor on her kidney, and that it might be cancer. She had to get a CT scan, we have to go to a room… it was so much information and so many unknowns. We waited to get the CT scan and after the scan my parents took Parker to play. That’s when the surgeon came in and bluntly said she has a tumor in her right kidney and the tumor, along with her kidney, have to come out immediately. “We don’t know what type of cancer but are almost sure it’s cancerous.” I could’ve just died. I was there, but I wasn’t “there”. Anthony had to ask anything he thought needed to be asked because I couldn’t even hardly function. We sat there, we cried, we knew we only had a few minutes before we had to see Parker and we had to make so many phone calls. Surgery was within 8-10 hours and so many people needed to know. We had to tell Parker. I have to say somehow in all the madness I found strength to do what I had to do. Anthony and I split the tasks of calling family and keeping Parker occupied. Tell us about Parker’s ordeal with her cancer. After surgery and a long meeting with the doctor, we found out that our 3-year old had a 2-pound tumor, the size of a nerf football, in her right kidney, and coming out of it. We shared the news with our family and waited to see what was next. We saw so many doctors

How has this changed your lives? It had changed our lives so much. As I mentioned our bond as a family of 3 is rock solid. We do everything together. Every birthday, holiday, or even just a Tuesday, feel special and we are fortunate to have them with Parker. She has overcome so much in her short 9 years. When you see the pain and all the struggles that a child with cancer goes through, you will not be the same. It made me appreciate every day and also made me more aware of childhood cancer.

Photo by Sarah Jackson Photography

- Lori Mitchell

What things did you do to get through the stress and worry? I used the support system we had a lot. We had family who brought meals, sat with Parker, and wore a mask so Anthony and I could just drive. There were many times she couldn’t leave home and we were stuck inside for a long time. We played games, we did crafts, we had movie nights. I think during that time the 3 of us created an unbreakable, indescribable bond. If I couldn’t handle something, Anthony stepped in and knew I needed to walk away. She had weekly blood draws from her port. A nurse would come to check her blood levels, some days I just couldn’t bear the tears and the pain it caused her. For me, cooking became an outlet. I would be in the kitchen and create anything I wanted. It was like pain and sadness weren’t in the kitchen. With a glass of wine and the oven on, I could conquer this day.

What advice would you give to other parents now that you have gone through this? My advice would be to take it 5 minutes at a time. Sometimes I couldn’t even think about the next hour with chemo, or blood draws, transfusions, sickness… I just had to get through 5 minutes. I had to be strong for Parker - if I was scared and she saw that, then she was scared. Also, lean on your loved ones. People would say, “let us know if you need anything”, and at first it felt like everyone said that. The thing is… I needed things, so I asked. Our family & friends were delighted to bring groceries or anything we needed. You have to ask for help. No one expects you to be Wonder Woman/ Superman all the time. But, at the same time if you’re a childhood cancer family you already are superheroes. :)

How is she doing now? What type of follow up care does she have? She is currently 5 years cancer free as of October 22! She gets yearly check-ups now. She is very healthy and her one kidney does very well for her. Her prosthetic needs adjusted every 4-6 months as she is growing so fast. The great people in St. Louis at Shriners help her with her leg. We hosted a celebration for her in November to celebrate 5 years cancer free. In honor of that, we are raising money to send another little girl, Paige, on her wish trip to Disney. Parker received her wish to Disney when she was 4. The Indiana Children’s Wish Fund made that happen, and we want to give back. No better way to celebrate good news like this!!

Laughter is the Best Medicine We first learned of comedian Heather Land through our friend and previous contributor, Giovy Sanders, who worked hard to bring Heather to her Terre Haute church this past October. Heather’s “I Ain’t Doin’ It” videos have gone viral on social media and her shows are selling out across the country. She’s also written two books, “I Can’t Make This Stuff Up” and “I Ain’t Doin’ It”, as well as appeared on talk shows like Pickler & Ben.

What sparked the idea of a comedy tour? In the midst of trying to figure it all out, we were contacted by a live production company run by an amazing woman, Amy Chandy. Amy reached out to me, seeing nothing but a few videos, and said, “You’ve got something here. How does a national tour sound to you?”

- Yvette Morgan

How did you start your comedy routine? Honestly, comedy was never in the picture for me. I have been a musician most of my life and was quite convinced that if America ever knew my name, it would be through music. Five years ago, I went through a divorce, moved home to Tennessee from Colorado, and got myself a “big girl job” to pay the bills. I started making these silly Snapchat videos and sending them to my girlfriends, only to pass the time. . . And let’s be honest, to keep from crying.

When did you realize your Facebook videos were starting to go viral? The very first video I posted went viral. That’s how I knew! Like I said, I was sending these videos to some friends and they dared me to post one to my personal Facebook page. I did, and a blogger got a hold of them, Susanna Lewis, also known as Whoa Susanna. She asked if she could share one and I said, “Sure. I don’t care.” She convinced me that I needed to start a fan page to keep stalkers from seeing my kids. I posted my first video, Staff Meeting, to that fan page one Wednesday in September of 2017, and when I left for church that evening I had 700 followers! I was blown away. I go to church and have 700 followers. I come home from church and have 45,000! I said to myself, “What is happening??” Every day, the numbers grew; every day the videos were being watched and shared. It was insane. It IS insane.

Was there anything surprising about what has come from the fame? Yes! I’m surprised I’m famous for being an idiot! I never saw that one coming. How has your life changed now that you are going on tour? A few weeks after the videos went viral, I started getting requests to come to people’s events and perform. My good friend (who quickly became an assistant because, what was life and how do I do this?) would say, “People want to pay you to go to their church, fundraisers, casinos, etc.” I said, “What do they want me to do?” Her answer: “Comedy.” I said, “They know I’m not a comedian, right?” She responded, “I guess it’s time you learn how.” So, I did. It has been the most challenging, humbling, humiliating, exhilarating, and exciting thing I have ever done. I have been able to hone a skill in a fire by trial atmosphere, which I am so grateful for. Failure was not an option, so we just kept going to these events, tweaking and tuning until we got it right. . . Or at least more right than wrong!

Well, since I have no idea what I’m doing anyway, why not throw something else in the mix! Amy and her team took a chance on a nobody with a few dumb videos. I will never know why she did, but I will forever be grateful.

In addition to the National Summer tour that is wrapping up soon, we are adding a Christmas tour. I have also just finished writing my first book, which is expected to be out in early spring 2019, not to mention my album! This has been an insanely busy and exciting year, and all I know is that I couldn’t manage without some really amazing folks in my life. But isn’t that the case for all of us? Whether you are a single mom, a working mom or a stay-at-home mom, we all need help, support and love to get us through!

What has been the most memorable thing that has happened in the past five years? I’m a comedian. That’s the most surprising thing! Who knows what I’ll be next?

What is your favorite part about being a comedian? Again, I didn’t even know I was a comedian until a year ago! I guess it was always in there, but never had an opportunity to shine until recently. I would have to say my favorite part of being a comedian is twofold: Personally, it has been amazing to learn what I am capable of; the confidence and strength that comedy brings. I believe that each of us have depths of hidden strengths, talents, and goodness. Often, we don’t discover those things until we are at a crossroads or crisis. The four years prior to this whole thing were some of the hardest of my life, but each struggle was nothing more than fertilizer to my soul— creating an environment for growth that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. The second thing that I am just as thankful for is the connection that I am able to make with thousands of people—a connection that never would have been possible otherwise. The beautiful emails I receive, telling me that my videos have helped folks through death, cancer, heartache, loss, etc. It’s humbling and such an honor to be allowed to lift someone else’s burden, if only for 60 seconds at a time.

How do you balance being a comedian, musician, and a mother? My kids are homeschooled, so they travel with me when they want. It isn’t as glamorous as they had hoped, so they don’t come as often as they used to! The greatest thing about what I do is that when I am home, I am truly home. But it definitely takes a village, and I have a good one!

Sincerely, Millie There’s always been locally owned, small businesses. In fact, isn’t that the way most all businesses start? I remember as a child that there were no “malls” to speak of. We shopped at the downtown Terre Haute businesses, and I have such amazing memories of Schultz Department Store… those creaky floors, the toy department that we rarely visited, the elevator that led me straight to the dresses… aaahhhhhh, Heaven!

We’re seeing a shift in how customers shop, however. The mall has been replaced by shopping online, the convenience of never leaving your living room to get what you need – even groceries now, and delivered directly to your door, sometimes on the same day. But I also see a shift in consumers appreciating locally owned stores again. As a small business owner, I hear our customers, those who appreciate and support the dreamers, the do-ers, and try to shop local as much as possible. But, we also have to roll with the “times”. In the day and age of technological advances that enable stores to have self-checkouts, to not have to fully staff a store, or even to have no staff at all (Amazon pop-ups), which is fascinating to me, nothing will ever truly replace the customer being able to touch and feel the product that they’re purchasing, that tangible need to actually try something on. And nothing will ever replace quality customer service and greeting a customer face to face. - Lori Mitchell

Don’t you love to read an article or a book and get so inspired by women who have taken a stand and voiced their opinions on important topics that really resonate with you? I love reading about strong females who have paved the way for all of us as we venture out into the world, by telling their personal stories and sharing them with us...it’s so refreshing and uplifting to hear. Today, women - no matter what your social economic background, age or race - we all have one thing in common: we want to feel important, heard, and of course loved.

Then in the 80’s, our “mall” expanded, bringing in national retail chain stores to compete with our locally owned businesses. Ohhhh, the mall. The place that as a pre-teen and teenager I just HAD to visit every weekend, but not before we all had to clean our rooms. The place where I would develop my first real crush, where my friends and I would follow groups of boys around from other schools just hoping to get noticed, where we’d dare each other to walk through Bachrach and speak to Dave, and where I’d ultimately establish a true love for fashion, shopping and retail. My love for “the mall” never wavered until I reached my late 30’s or early 40’s. For the mall is where I got my first job literally the minute I turned 16, at a sports store (no, I didn’t care about sports, I cared about the super cute boys buying the hats) and made friendships that are still going strong today. The five different stores I worked for in the mall over the course of 12 years taught me more than I can share in this short article. It taught me about relationships, how to handle different personality types, how to treat customers (duh – just like you would want to be treated – The Golden Rule, y’all), how to manage people, set displays, and how to stand up to upper management… just to name a few.

C har med L ife

I will continue to keep fighting the good fight and will persist to tell awesome stories from all walks of life. I’m so very grateful to walk this journey with all of you and have this platform to express myself. I can’t wait to share what we have planned in the New Year in 2019 and I hope you really enjoy our latest issue of Haute Life Magazine. Much Love,

- Yvette Morgan

I love to read about someone’s journey and how it unfolds as you peel back the layers and get to know them. When we start to share and to listen to one another something really magical happen. We get motivated, inspired and want to learn from one another.

The last dress we ever purchased from Schlutz.

As you read on I will share one of my favorite stories that I will always keep close to my heart because that’s where my love of design, fashion and love for print magazine began. I can remember back when I was around 12 years old I would spend hours reading and looking through all my mom’s magazines like “Better Home and Garden” and “Family Circle” that were laying around the house. In my teens, it was all about 80’s fashion, beauty advice, helpful advice and most important women’s issues. I was really into “Seventeen”, “Cosmopolitan”, and “Vogue”, and I would spend hours wishing I was pretty enough to grace the magazine and live the life of a model. After all those years I find myself in the center of Haute Life Magazine sharing stories, my love of fashion, and home decor. It truly has been a blessing in disguise on so many levels. I find that standing up for yourself, being proactive and coming together as a community is what really matters.

Schultz Department Store...a few years after closing.

I think this magazine can help so many women going through similar experiences and sharing what they know is true and how they were able to pull out of it to become stronger and overcome their obstacles. We’ve all experienced different trials in our life full of hardships, love, laughter and happiness. As we move into 2019 you’re going to see some changes with the magazine in a different format. My hope is to not work harder but to work smarter.

Always Take the Scenic Route Melissa Doti and Brittany Molinder are two 30-somethings looking to make the most out of life through travel, food, style, and adventure. Their blog, Always Take the Scenic Route, highlights the highlights things to do in and outside their Indiana community, with series such as Around Town, I Tried It, Local Looks, A Look At, Drink of the Month, Travel Guides, Day Trip, What To Do This Weekend guide, and Listen Up. They recently worked with Haute Happenings, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce on a Taste of Terre Haute series, and were invited to Flora, Illinois to attend a concert at a local venue, Johnny & Junes.

- Yvette Morgan

What inspired you to start Always Take the Scenic Route? Melissa: Brittany and I actually had just finished eating dinner at a local restaurant and we didn’t have the best experience. We thought to ourselves that it would be really great if we started a blog about our experiences, good or bad, so others would know what they were getting into. It evolved from there into more of a lifestyle blog where we wrote about towns we visited, restaurants we loved, places to see, and food to explore.

Brittany: Our original inspiration has really evolved to what you see today. It really was a fluke that going out to dinner with your girlfriends is what sparked this adventure. I’ll never forget that car ride home from the restaurant, as we excitedly bounce around ideas and Always Take the Scenic Route was first born. What type of networking do you do to help drive people to your social media channels? M: We try to go out in the community to local events or businesses, and while checking them out we mention our brand. It’s all been word of mouth. B: Word of mouth has been huge for us. We are very fortunate that we live in a supportive town that seems to like and enjoy what we do. Every chance meeting or outing is an opportunity for us.

How often do you travel outside of Terre Haute to get content for your blog? M: We travel pretty often but it’s not always planned and it’s more local than it is to other locations. If we have a vacation already planned, we just make sure to snap plenty of photos or take notes anywhere we visit because it can make great posts. Locally if we go grab dinner or happen to travel somewhere new, it’s usually unplanned. But we are always snapping photos because you never know when it could be useful. We do always try to visit new places in the community because a lot of people stick to what they know and we want to showcase what we have. B: We travel as often as possible. Every vacation, day trip, shopping adventure, is an opportunity. Whether we are together, or go on trips separately, we are both also taking pictures and writing notes wherever to go as a potential place to feature. How often do you manage your blog to run efficiently? M: We manage the blog on a daily basis. When we originally started, we posted new content twice a week. Now we are consistently posting four days a week plus sharing stories and content on our Instagram and Instastories. We try to plan out a month in advance so we are always bringing something new to the table. B: Everyday. We’re passionate about what we’re doing. To make it a success and a go-to for our viewers, that requires a daily commitment to make sure they know, and the community knows, that we’re here to feature them. What has been your favorite destination? M: Dallas, Texas was one of my new favorite places to discover this summer. It’s full of magical places and so much to see and eat. It didn’t hurt that Waco was just a short ride away and who

wouldn’t want to feel close to Joanna Gaines. Locally, I really love Casey, Illinois and the quaint shops and cafes it has to offer. I had no idea how close it was to Terre Haute and how stinkin’ cute it is. It’s awesome how one person’s ideas put it on the map. B: Fountain Square in Indianapolis has been one of my favorite stops locally. There are some truly amazing restaurants, boutiques, and even gaming areas. I’m still finding new and fun things to discover every time I go as that area of town continues to grow. What has been your favorite memory? M: My favorite memory has been getting the chance to work with the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce for Taste Terre Haute. I won’t forget all the food we devoured for two weeks straight and we really got to know the members in our community. We really love supporting local businesses that are helping to turn our town around. B: Honestly, the very first time someone I didn’t know well said they’ve been following our blog and loved what they were reading and what we were doing. In the beginning it’s so hard to get a gauge on what people think, if they’re reading what we’re writing, if they like it. It just really touched my heart that rooting for us and wanted to see more. Of course, I also LOVED getting to visit the very best that Terre Haute has to offer in the form of food. We had so many local restaurants that participated in Taste Terre Haute that welcomed us into their eateries and showcased some truly delicious food. The hospitality was beyond reproach. What is your greatest accomplishment? M: I think our greatest accomplishment is being recognized and having people come up to us telling us how much they love our blog. We love hearing from people and it feels good knowing they love what we are doing and our hard work is paying off.

What was the most challenging part in your blogging journey? M: The most challenging part when we started the blog was staying consistent and posting even though we may have not had many people reading our posts. I think our consistency and not giving up brought us to where we are today. B: I agree with Melissa that it was challenging in the beginning. We had so many ideas and such a cool vision for what we wanted to do. But building that up on a consistent basis was challenging. We’ve come a long way in one year finding our voice and providing a blog that highlights the very best that our city has to offer. What advice would you give to other women starting a blog? M: Be prepared to spend a lot of your free time on it. If you don’t have any free time and you can’t give it 110%, then maybe it’s not for you. It can be a lot of fun but you need to be committed and consistent for it to be successful. B: Do not get discouraged in the beginning if things aren’t “moving fast” enough for you; you don’t have a lot of followers, people aren’t seeing your content, you don’t have as many likes as you want, etc. It’s hard when you do put in all that time and then don’t get the immediate results or response that you want. That’s OKAY! Having a blog is about building; you are building your content, building your following, building a relationship with your viewers. If you stick with it and stay consistent, the rest will follow with time.

Read Always Take the Scenic Route at attscenicroute.com. You can reach Melissa and Brittany at email is attscenicroute@gmail. com, and find them on Facebook at Always Take the Scenic Route and on Instagram @attscenicroute.

B: I think one of our greatest accomplishments is getting a message from a small business we’ve featured and hearing that appreciation from them. Also getting a great response from our readers. This is all about showcasing local, small businesses and community events. Seeing other people get excited with us for these people living their dream is by far one of our greatest accomplishments.