WORTH THE DRIVE! Family owned Locally owned Experienced staff
H
Rub Ingredients
1 tsp. sea salt ¼ tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. granulated onion ¾ tsp. granulated garlic ¾ tsp. chili powder ½ tsp. cinnamon Pinch of cayenne
Roast Ingredients 4-5 lbs. port roast 3 tbsp. coconut oil
How to Make
1 bottle Angry Orchard Cider (Flavor of your choice) 2 cups chicken broth 2 cups fresh or frozen berries 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar 3 tbsp. minced garlic (Fresh garlic is best! You may want to rethink pre-prepped garlic after reading the label ☹) 2 jalapenos sliced (We kept the seeds for extra heat!) ½ tsp. red chili flakes
1. Combine rub ingredients in a small bowl 2. Sprinkle rub over roast and thoroughly coat all sides 3. Brown roast on all sides in coconut oil over medium-high heat 4. Transfer roast to a slow cooker 5. Combine sauce ingredients in a medium-sized bowl 6. Pour sauce over roast and cook on low for 6-7 hrs or high for 4-5 hrs 7. Shred the pork with a fork while it is still in the slow cooker Serve the shredded pork with the juices and berries spooned over the top or, if preferred, put coleslaw on top instead.
Homemade Cole Slaw
1 head cabbage 4 medium carrots
Shred cabbage & carrots together using a food processor.
Cole Slaw Dressing 3 cups Vegenaise ¼ cup vinegar ½ tsp. celery seed 1/8 tsp. black pepper ¼ tsp. salt Stevia
Whisk ingredients together in a small bowl and add stevia to taste.
2
Add desired amount of dressing to cabbage and carrots just prior to serving.
| The Urban Liaison Magazine - Treasure Valley
Enjoy!
y!
COUPONS! RECIPES! REWARDS!
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YOUR HEALTHY MOBILE APP!
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Blackberry Jalapeno pork roast with Homemade Coleslaw
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It will be a hit at your next summer BBQ! Inspired from the “Make Ahead Paleo” cookbook, we like to swap out ingredients to meet our taste, or that of our guests. With all our recipes, we try and use organic products. Here is our favorite version of this recipe full of antioxidants and herbs that help your heart, blood pressure and blood sugar.
Stop in for some retail and pet therapy!
Della
Pet Therapist
Follow us on
208-467-7505 314 Caldwell Blvd., Nampa www.worldofnutritionnampa.com Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm
designers KIM HAZ DESIGN Kim Hasenoehrl • (208) 461-8796
URBANstaff
www.kimhazdesign.com
Amy Jussel Designs Amy Jussel amyjussel@me.com 208.830.1008
DESIGNS 208.830.1008
Julie Baiocchi Design Julie Baiocchi jab13bpb13@gmail.com
writers Jessica McAnally
Nathaniel Walsh
Christy Hovey
Elise Pehrson
Aryonna Richard
editor Elise Pehrson is an award-winning writer, profes-
sional editor, and published author. She has loved writing for as long as she can remember and finished writing her first novel at the age of eleven. She is currently getting a B.A. degree in English literature with a minor in Japanese studies. Her interests include reading, writing, and spending time with those she loves.
Publisher
Cheryl Richard FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS, contact CherylR@TheUrbanLiaison.com (208) 880-0152. All rights to publication of articles in this issue are reserved. Please call or write for permission to print any articles. Contributions — letters, manuscripts, photos, artwork — are welcomed with the understanding that the editor cannot be held responsible for loss or damage. Articles, letters, photos and artwork will be edited and published at the discretion of the editor.
4
| The Urban Liaison Magazine - Treasure Valley
editor's
note
H
appy sixth-Year anniversary to me. Lucky years of being able to create this
heartfelt, positive, beautiful, artistic, local storybook. Oh, as I look back on the last six years, so many emotions and thoughts come to my mind—mostly happy feelings. I have taken a small, local magazine and made it grow in the worst economic situation many of us have ever been through. Since nine out of ten magazines fail in the first three years, I have done better than most. Six years of pushing the Buy Local Movement and trying to get our readers to understand the importance of a village mentality. Six years of showcasing thousands of local companies and telling their stories in artistic and creative ways, with most stories written by local talent and photos taken by local photographers. The Urban Liaison magazine is locally owned and locally created and printed in the state of Idaho. I have faired the rough road these last six years and, believe me, it has not been a breeze. I have never put so much energy in anything in my life. I look back and ask myself Why? Why have I given so much to make this work? Why do I keep trying? The answer I receive is that the magazine itself has an important job to do. The Urban Liaison has a life of its own and is far greater than myself. Please enjoy this lovely summer Issue—it’s full of everything local. Please let my advertisers know that you saw them in The Urban Liaison. It is important that they know why you walked in their doors. Please share the publication with your co-workers and friends. It’s created with heart and soul, and sharing the words within would be very much appreciated! May we all have a simple summer and enjoy all the splendor that our Creator has made for us. May we all understand how important it is to support our local area and know we have power to bless it with our money and with our support. Thank you all so much for picking up The Urban Liaison and reading! Love,
Cheryl
contents
The Urban Liaison Summer 2014
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23
35 18
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| The Urban Liaison Magazine - Treasure Valley
URBANeducation
James Snyder at his desk in the Curious Media Studio.
Value by design James Snyder graduated from Northwest Nazarene University in 2010 with a degree in Graphic Design. Back then, he probably couldn’t have told you that in just a few short years he’d be working with a client list that includes some of the biggest names in the media world. As a designer for Nampa-based Curious Media, James works on game and website conceptualization, graphic and user interface design and content illustration. “I’ve gotten to work on a number of different projects for clients like Disney, PBS Kids and Scholastic, to name a few. It’s a ton of fun designing for kids and working with such a talented team of designers and developers.” James looks back on his time studying at NNU as being key for preparing him to succeed in his field. In fact, he’s now come back to help the department as an adjunct instructor leading classes in web design and illustration. He credits the curriculum’s broad approach to understanding design elements in different forms for setting his education apart. “It’s really about figuring out your audience and what they need to get out of your design. NNU’s art and design programs really instill that in everything, the benefit being that it can be applied everywhere, even if you’re doing something you didn’t specifically study in school.”
By Grant Miller
Despite his excellent career progress so far, James still feels a desire to serve through his skillset by striking out on different freelance projects. One of his most recent endeavors has been branding a website redesign for Wipe Every Tear, an organization that helps the victims of sex trafficking around the world. In the process, the organization’s founder invited James to travel with a team to the Philippines. “I went with eight other people to document the ministry. It was amazing and eye opening for sure. It was seriously heartbreaking to see some of the things we did, but at the same time the Spirit is moving in a huge way over there!” James’ work in the industry has already exposed him to a world of ideas and concepts that continue to help him grow as an artist; however, he credits his time at NNU for helping him understand that everything he achieves professionally and personally is in partnership with the work of God in his life. “I try to approach every project the same way. I want to deliver something I feel good about that also meets to the exact needs of that particular client. It’s not so much about designing for a big company like Disney, or a non-profit like Wipe Every Tear, as much as it is to design with integrity, purpose and the knowledge that I give God creative control of everything I design.” Summer Issue 2014
|7
NORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY OFFICIALLY BEGAN ITS HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM IN 1926 with the construction of the Samaritan Hospital and School of Nursing. However, President Wiley and Dr. T. E. Mangum (pictured above) recognized the importance of a health education department from the very inception of the college, and worked toward the creation of the hospital to facilitate the University’s growth in that area.
Learn more about NNU’s pre-health and nursing programs online at
nnu.edu/practitioners.
At the Samaritan Hospital, nursing students received classroom training and real-world experience to prepare them for service in hospitals and on the mission field. This began a century-long legacy of taking students and transforming them into skilled practitioners. Today, the Samaritan Hospital’s legacy lives on through a growing health education program that is still grounded in hands-on learning, small-class instruction and experienced faculty.
NNU now offers pre-health degrees in addition to nursing. These students have gone on to become doctors, dentists, pharmacists and physicians assistants. The quality of the University’s faculty and facilities allows health education majors to have a unique learning experience. Students are able to participate in advanced research on a variety of topics, including Alzheimer’s, cancer and infectious disease. NNU is also one of a few schools to offer nursing and pre-health students the opportunity for cadaver dissection. These combined opportunities— along with one of the best four-year graduation rates in the state— prepare students to be successful both in medical school and in their careers.
PRE-HEALTH & NURSING BY THE NUMBERS
26.5 92 96 630 50
the average MCAT score of NNU pre-health students (compared to a national average of 25.2) the percentage of graduates from the pre-health program that have been accepted into medical school over the last decade the percentage of NNU nursing students that pass the NCLEX (the nursing licensure exam) on their first attempt the number of hands-on clinical and preceptorship hours logged by each student nurse over the course of the program the total square footage of NNU’s state-of-the-art Thomas Family Health & Science Center
Our Summer Camp is filled with fun & exciting activities led by Meridian ATA Instructors. Have a blast every day with Lego速 Building Challenges, Dart Wars, Swimming, Archery and more!
“Martial arts is not just about kicking and punching,” states Jim Neitzell, who co-owns Meridian ATA Martial Arts with his wife Heather. “It’s about changing lives.” “It all starts with self discipline,” says Heather Neitzell. “Without self discipline, martial arts is nothing.” The official sport of South Korea, TaeKwon-Do is translated as ‘the way of the foot and the fist.’ It helps the student learn real-world selfdefense techniques, increases self confidence, reduces stress and improves overall fitness. According to Mr. Neitzell, “TaeKwon-Do is a great way for anyone, especially kids, to change their outlook on life.” Under the supervision of Mr. and Mrs. Neitzell, Meridian ATA employs certified instructors who ensure each class is taught using the safest, most fun and exciting instruction methods available.
Most important to their philosophy, Meridian ATA remains a family-oriented business. Mrs. Neitzell says, “We have a state of the art facility and instructors who teach disciplines for beginners up to the most advanced students.” Meridian ATA offers a Juniors class for children from ages 7 through 12, and Tiny Tigers classes for agse 4 through 7. The Tiny Tigers program introduces smaller children to essential character qualities such as courtesy, respect and discipline, as well as developing their ability to pay attention and follow directions and the Juniors program builds on that progress.
CALL NOW! Say you saw us in Urban Liaison and receive FIRST 3 WEEKS FOR $33.00 (includes uniform and classes).
URBANeducation
Stevens-Henager College
Educating Future Success A college education is necessary in order to attain a higher income as well as advance in any given career field. For a variety of reasons, many Idahoans have not continued their education. As time passes, many people realize the importance of a degree or specialized training, but traditional college programs may seem intimidating. Thankfully, there are solutions to suit any schedule and income level that help individuals achieve their goals of a degree or certification. Written By Jessica McAnally
Stevens-Henager College offers a variety of programs, specially designed to help students go farther distances in their careers, with curriculums based around the hiring and advancement requirements of businesses within each particular field. “We are a career college… We train people for their jobs specifically,” said Dr. Helena Hanson, Stevens-Henager College Director. “We are required by our accrediting agency to report how many of our graduates are employed in their fields, and we are required to meet certain benchmarks every year.” The programs at Stevens-Henager College have been created to be quick and thorough, with the ability to receive an associate degree in 20 months, and a Bachelors degree in 36 months. The school doesn’t take traditional breaks, and the only time that classes are not in session is a 10 to 14 day period during the Christmas and New Years holidays. The staff members at StevensHenager College are extremely dedicated to the success of their students. Student Services is of major importance and the school’s administration has an open door policy. They assist with boosting the confidence of those who are uncertain about returning or beginning their college experience. This commitment to success is a trademark of the Stevens-Henager College experience. The most popular courses at Stevens-Henager College are primarily medical. Their COARC accredited respiratory health program has been very successful. Computer science is also a popular choice, and the Associate Dean of the program, Mr. Pfautsch, is an original trainer for CISCO and is especially dedicated to the success of the program.
Many people who are first generation college students, considering returning to school to finish a degree, or change in their career are hesitant to enroll and commit to making this potentially life altering decision. Dr. Hanson’s advise is, “Don’t wait. The longer you wait, the fear will only get bigger, and procrastination will not help.” Dr. Hanson also touches on the fact that Idaho is struggling with going on to receive a higher education with certifications and degrees. This is why they have their Good Neighbor Initiative, which allows people to prepare and receive their GED at no cost. The hope is that by getting a GED, more people will continue their education, and better themselves. Stevens-Henager College is especially grateful to the community for embracing them as a part of the educational fabric of Boise. To learn more about the college and what they have to offer potential students, visit their website at www.stevenshenager.edu/ boise or call (208) 336-7671.
Boise Campus
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Follow us on: *For details visit www.scholarshipshc.com. †Offered by Independence University.
« «
DECEMBER 2 - 7, 2014
JULY 21 - 26, 2015
SEASON +ADD-ONS
FEBRUARY 27, 2015
OCTOBER 21 - 23, 2014
14
MARCH 17 - 18, 2015
Season Tickets available by calling 208.426.1111, at the Morrison Center box office or online at www.BroadwayinBoise.com JANUARY 5 - 7, 2015
| The Urban Liaison Magazine - Treasure Valley
Summer Issue 2014
| 15
Blue
Written by Jessica McAnally
CHIP COATINGS
Where Quality Meets Integrity Ryan and Cori Lynn Simons are the proud parents of two beautiful little girls, but the definition of their family doesn’t end there. Their family also includes Blue Chip Coatings, their painting and coverings company that is gaining attention for their meticulous attentiveness to detail and quality. As owner, Ryan Simons believes in doing things right the first time, every time. They stand behind their work and commitment to their clients. With experience in the commercial and residential fields, no job is too big or too small for Blue Chip Coatings. Their services cover everything from garage and shop floor coatings to kitchen cabinet makeovers and interior and exterior painting, in new construction or existing. After working for multiple contractors in the valley, Blue Chip Coatings has had a chance to work in all aspects of the coatings industry. This experience has given them invaluable lessons in
safety and quality. It has also allowed them to hone their skills and become experts in this area. Simons’ entrepreneurial spirit is what inspired him to start his own business. The prospect of being his own boss with no limits to the possible level of success was a major factor in the decision to start Blue Chip Coatings. The ability to choose when he would be available to spend time with this family was a considerably high priority. The birth of his second child was also a driving force behind the launch of the business. The birth of Simons’ youngest daughter, Rowan, and the founding date of Blue Chip Coatings were only four months apart. “The business is really a part of our family,” Simons said. “We’re working towards the stability to grow as a family, not just as a business.” Not wanting to deal with the hassle of requesting and waiting for time off to be with his wife and children was an excellent reason
to use his skills to begin is journey into business ownership. Simons has approximately fifteen years of experience with painting and the other services that Blue Chip Coating provides. The knowledge and proficiency that he has gained throughout the years has led many people to ask for his expert opinion or to ask if he would take on their projects. Assisting people with their projects has been a very rewarding experience. “Knowing that I’m doing something that helps someone is very satisfying,” said Simons. “I like knowing that I’m making a difference to the person who hires me.” Simons not only makes a difference to his clients, but to anyone who needs the advice he can provide by his expertise. He is frequently consulted while in the paint aisle in Home Depot by overwhelmed shoppers seeking the opinion of a painter. Fortunately, Simons has an exceptional ability to identify the type of look someone is trying for by identifying a room or building’s architectural features and by identifying the tone with which someone can choose a color. These home improvement store encounters have been an excellent way for Simons to connect with potential clients, but that isn’t his incentive for being helpful. Simons asserts that providing a positive experience and building a relationship is far more important than selling someone on a project.
Blue
CHIP
COATINGS
It is important to Simons that all of Blue Chip Coating’s services are finished exactly how the client wants them. Details are important and Simons doesn’t settle for a job that is just considered “fine” or “ok.” Customer satisfaction is the highest priority. “When I paint someone’s living room, my company’s image is on their walls,” said Simons. “That person’s home is our reputation.”
SERVICES
By looking at each project as if it were being completed for his own home or business, Simons has his clients’ best interests at heart and wants each job to be completed to the best of his ability in each regard. If there are points in his work that wouldn’t
• • • •
Commercial Residential New construction Interior and exterior repaints
be acceptable in a room of his house, Simons will be the first to notice and make it right. “A couple small things add up to big things,” Simons said. “Attention to detail is very important to me.” The three main categories of services provided by Blue Chip Coatings are commercial, residential exterior, and residential interior. They work to cover all aspects of a job, including preparing the area. They customize the preparation process for each project, which may include replace siding, caulking, scraping, sanding, and pressure washing. Whether a client chooses the most budget-friendly products or lifetime
• • • •
Cabinets Fences Decks Wood stain and finishing
warranty paints, Blue Chip Coating is committed to meeting the client’s satisfaction and needs. Though Blue Chip Coatings is a new business, it carries a level of professionalism beyond its lifetime. They are licensed, bonded, insured, BBB accredited, and have profiles on Angie’s List and Home Advisor. For more information about Blue Chip Coatings, visit their website at www.bluechipcoatings.com, or they can be reached by phone at 208-890-2772. Contact them today for a free quote on your upcoming project.
• • •
Pressure washing Epoxies Concrete stain and sealing
A Legacy of Beauty The 30th Anniversary of Idaho Botanical Garden
a
young girl walked the grounds of what would soon be the newly minted Idaho Botanical Garden with her mother and father and was so overcome by excitement that she burst forth this question: “What can I do to help?”
That spirit of community, the love of gardening, the desire to share knowledge and beauty, were present at the inception of the Garden and remain its bedrock culture. The Idaho Botanical Garden has become the Treasure Valley’s backyard—it is the place to gather and to celebrate summer, holidays, memorials, and weddings. The Garden’s outgoing Executive Director of eight years, Julia Rundberg, noted that even her love of the Garden is rooted in the fact that it attracts a cross-section of our community— families, nature lovers, concert goers, and of course, gardeners. Volunteers—like that young girl mentioned, Sonya Lenzi—have continued to contribute to the growth and development of the Garden, which is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2014. As a dedicated board member, Sonya typifies the community spirit that has allowed the Garden to flourish. She has been involved in the Garden literally since its conception, as she was a “tween” when the ideas to have a garden were batted about in the backyards of family friends. Her father, the late Dr. William D. Lenzi, was one of the founding members. He and Sonya’s mother, Lois Lenzi, worked tirelessly, with many other dear friends, to build a garden at the base of the Boise foothills. The Garden began as the vision of Christopher Davidson, Ph.D., who brought together the first board of directors in 1984. Their mission was to stimulate interest in, appreciation for, and understanding of gardening, horticulture, botany, and conservation of natural resources. This was to be achieved through education by developing a robust plant collection. From the beginning, volunteers, dedicated community members, and Garden members have made that vision a reality.
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| The Urban Liaison Magazine - Treasure Valley
The Garden has indeed become an Idaho treasure, delighting visitors and becoming part of Boise family traditions. The Garden is to showcase plants that thrive in the intermountain region and teach best practices for water conservation. The 13 developed gardens and educational programs educate and inspire. The unique setting provides a stunning backdrop for community events and family celebrations of all kinds. The Garden leases 33 acres from the State of Idaho, land once known as the #2 Yard of what was originally Idaho’s Territorial Prison, then later the first Idaho State Penitentiary. Approximately 15 acres are currently cultivated to represent a variety of designs. The Water Conservation Landscape is one-acre outside the Garden gates. It demonstrates water wise landscaping. The Firewise Garden was developed with a partnership between the Bureau of Land Management with the College of Western Idaho to offer landscaping suggestions that are both beautiful and practical. The Vegetable Garden is not only a source of summer veggies but also the ever-popular pumpkin patch during the annual Harvest Festival. Flavorful and fragrant, the Herb Garden contains plants rich in legend and lore as well as aroma.
The Garden has indeed become an Idaho treasure, delighting visitors and becoming part of Boise family traditions
COVERstory
The inspirational beauty of the Garden is found in a variety of themed areas. The Meditation Garden’s many peaceful nooks and crannies feature flowing water and an inviting forest that provides cool shade to the guests sitting at picnic tables scattered beneath its canopy. The Lewis & Clark Native Plant Garden showcases the beauty of plants native to the geography of Lewis and Clark’s exploration of the intermountain west. The Heirloom Rose Garden, one of the first garden areas, is designed to harmonize with its picturesque surroundings, with sandstone terraces reflecting the contours of the Boise foothills and the rustic stone walls of the Old Penitentiary. It is one of IBG’s older gardens, opening in 1989. A key focal point of the Muriel and Diana Kirk English Garden is the charming Summer House, constructed of Tablerock sandstone. The English Garden is home to large groupings of perennials—more than 1,300 of them— that provide year-round beauty.
sustainability in the Garden’s many education programs. In spring, Garden offers adult education taught by Garden staff and local experts at the horticultural symposium. Year-round adult education classes fill up consistently with eager participants who want to learn more.
The Garden offers a variety of fun areas with special surprises.
The community swell of support that started just thirty years ago has given vitality to a beautiful place that can be enjoyed year-round. Not only is the Idaho Botanical Garden a different experience at different times of the year, but it also continues to grow and change. Plans for the future include a music trail, outdoor classroom, and kitchen garden in the Children’s Adventure Garden. Master plans include an indoor education center and visitor’s center. That growth is always dependent on the commitment of the community.
The Children’s Adventure Garden features a carnivorous plant display, a rolling hill, a tree house, and a koi pond. The Garden’s labyrinth was modeled after the famous labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France. The pathways are outlined with sandstone from the local quarry, river rocks and brick, and are laid out in eleven concentric rings with a center rosette. The 28-day lunar cycle is represented by the 28 cusps in each of four quadrants that symbolize the four seasons. The center rosette is a resting place. Outlaw Field is the expansive grassy area just inside the Garden’s main gate and got its name from the 1930s inmate teams who used the space to play baseball and football games against the community teams. It now provides a stunning backdrop for concerts by national touring artists like Sheryl Crow, Allison Krauss, and FUN. Education programs and cultural events occur year-round and the Idaho Botanical Garden continues to fulfill its mission to educate. Last year the Garden had more than 165,000 visitors from 30 states and 15 countries. More than 13,500 children learned about bugs, plants, and
Sonya had this to say about her involvement in the Garden: "How could I not step forward and take my turn at the honor of being on the board? Giving back to the community was part of our growing up. My parents always said, ‘if you want to live in amazing city, you have to give back.’ I hold myself accountable not only to the Garden, but to everyone who has come before me and also to everyone who will come after me. I understand the joy my parents had when they knew this garden would make it and live long after all of us are gone. What a legacy for Idaho.”
As Sonya Lenzi explains, "Big or small, IBG is a place to create memories. I remember the way it started and am so proud of where we are, and can hardly wait to be involved and continue on.” Visit the website at idahobotanicalgarden.org or stop by between 9am to dusk (or 9pm) Mondays through Fridays from March 15 to November 15. The administrative office is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. The Garden is located at 2355 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712. You can also call to find out more at (208) 343-8649.
written by
Gwen Drake Summer Issue 2014
| 19
We Open Doors To Dreams! NMLS #2024
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It’s not about files...It’s about families. Nampa Office (208)
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Ramona Tripon 208-861-4577
Dennis Harvey 208-409-5626
Leon Baker Leah Marchbanks Marc Mitchell 208-989-2174 208-484-5969 208-409-1186
Chad Campbell 208-250-9957
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John Spiker 208-794-2333
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Carolyn Summerton
208-250-1333 NMLS #182501
Justin A. Tripon Scott Wudarcki 208-250-8186 208-869-0132 NMLS #804410
Meridian Office (208)
854-8400
2845 E. Overland Rd Suite 160 NMLS #36390
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| The Urban Liaison Magazine - Treasure Valley
Eileen Zink 208-870-2343 NMLS #103922
Sydney Wamer 208-724-5416
Bob Beisly 208-284-2507
NMLS #956216
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Heidi Bateman 208-353-1246 NMLS 487414
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What If We All Knew? eople are always asking me: What can I eat? How do I maintain my vitality? Often times, much to my embarrassment, people sometimes get very apologetic about their food choices around me. I am not the food police, but I do care because there is so much suffering around food and choices. It is interesting that when I am eating with a group of people their choices seem to be more considerate and deliberate. As if my focus on food, even if people do not directly know that I am a nutrition consultant, is infectious in some way. Recently, I came across a study from the New England Journal Of Medicine documenting a correlation between our health, our social connections, and us. The title of the paper was ”The Spread of Obesity In a Social Network Over 32 Years.” The short version is this: that 5,000 people during this time were found to have connections and influences upwards of 35,000 people, most of which were people they did not physically know. That weight problems tended to cluster and 57 percent of the people were more likely to influence and be influenced if they had friends who were overweight, and even more interestingly, sometimes the influence skipped people and a friend of a friend being obese would influence 3 degrees of separation by more than 20 percent. Whether or not a person is considered a friend at all plays into the depth of influence among their friends. The more connected, the more the influence is in the line of separation. And the supposition is that this evidence is true of every chronic disease. What if we all knew about this ability to influence? It’s not just about food and nutrition or whether we are ill or not, but life in general. What kind of life would we see and experience if we knew that with 3 degrees of separation, without any effort at all, we were influencing 1,000 people or more?
HOURS:
Mon-Thurs 11am – 8pm Fri- Sat 11am – 9pm 1800 W. Overland Rd., Boise 208-424-0273
www.shangri-latearoomandcafe.com
Tea Tasting at Shangri-La Tearoom every 1st and 3rd Saturday morning 10am to 11am Reservations 208-424-0273
Written By Toni
Hodge
I am beginning to see that it is our communities that are the patients—not just the individual. If this theory is correct, and I do believe it is, think of the power behind this idea. Theoretically, by 3 degrees of separation, we each have the power to change the wellness and happiness level of 1,000 people. I am asking you, the reader, to consider this: how would you behave if this were true? How we act, what we eat, if we gain or lose weight, get well, get sick—everything we do has an impact on others even if we don’t directly know them.
Look for Divine Lotus Tea at these locations: Boise Co-op | Goldy’s Corner Huckleberry’s inside Rosaur’s Red Feather | District Coffee Pizzelchicks | Whole Foods
Communities would get healthier and happier, and so would our planet. If you want to make a difference in the world, science has now proven that we can—every one of us. We must do as Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see”. We have the power. And it is evident that now is the time. So I ask you again: what if we all knew the power we had to influence life for the better? What choices would you make differently with this knowledge? Summer Issue 2014
| 21
Written by
URBANdiversion
Chris Holton
Gypsy Saints Gypsy Saints is a melodic hard rock
band from Boise, Idaho. The band's success stems from their powerful, melodic delivery and high quality live shows that convey the emotion and intensity of their music. Formed in 2011, Gypsy Saints consists of members from several previously successful regional bands. Ken Mansfield, lead guitar from Mansfield. Gerrad Anthony, lead vocals from Defenders Of The Faith. Dan Garrett, bass guitar from Ripchain, Marlon Roubideaux on drums from Cap Gun Suicide, and Phillip Sumpter on keyboards.
gypsysaints.com
Pause For The Cause was formed in late 2011 by three musicians, Steve, Brandon, and Jacob, who were looking to share the music that they loved to play with people who loved hearing it. By combining a shared reggae backbone with individual band member influences such as hip-hop, alternative rock, and punk, Pause For The Cause immediately began winning the hearts, ears, and support of bar patrons and music enthusiasts all over Boise. The band is extremely excited to announce the acquisition of their new manager Chris Holton, of Holton Productions. www.pauseforthecauseband.com | www.holtonproductions.com Booking inquiries please call Chris at 861-2847
You can attend the official Pause For the Cause CD release party/music video shoot, at the Knitting Factory in Boise June 7th. Call 861-2847 for free tickets
Beers of Yore: Renaissance at Crescent Brewery Located at 1521 Front Street in Nampa nestled away around the corner from Lakeview Park, is the new iteration of the century old brewery, crafting malty beers as rich as its history. Written by Nathaniel Walsh
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riginally opened in 1907, the Crescent Brewery was Idaho’s main contributor to pre-prohibition brewing; however, with the passage of the 18th Amendment and the subsequent rise of the big beer companies, Crescent’s run as the area’s prime brewery ended. Nonetheless, over 100 years later, owner/brewer Jerry Fergusson sought a renaissance in Nampa brewing, reopening the doors to the storied brewery.
But the homage to the original does not stop there. Relics of Fergusson’s Scottish heritage hang next to historic photos of the brewery, giving the pub a timeless feel. Battle axes and highlander swords adorn the walls behind the bar next to aluminum wall art that highlights every beer that Fergusson brews, each honoring the long tradition of highland brewing. From a variety of dark, malty beers, to the ‘Wee Heavy’ Scottish ale to the ‘SkullSplitter’ imperial black IPA, Fergusson’s beers certainly back up his passion to create the hearty and heavy.
“We are a small brewery, making big beers,” Fergusson relates over a pint of the Crescent Amber. And ‘big beer’ is an understatement. Brilliantly balancing bold flavors with high ABV, Fergusson’s hand-crafted beers are enough to make one pause and reflect on the truly unique fermented formula that has been presented. For this writer, it was almost like discovering craft beer all over again.
“A lot of new craft breweries focus on pales and IPA’s-the real hoppy stuff. Here, we honor our tradition by brewing mostly darker, full-bodied beers,” Fergusson relates, as he explains what makes Crescent Brewing unique in the Treasure Valley. That is not to say they don’t have something for the hop-heads out there. Coming in at a hefty 9% ABV, hoppier beers like the aforementioned imperial black IPA, the Skull-Splitter; a rotating seasonal selection; and a host of beers on tap from neighboring breweries will satisfy all tastes.
“Seeing the smiles on people’s faces as they drink your beer is what keeps me going,” the burly, bearded brewer shared with me in a sincere way that succinctly shed light on the genuineness of his passion. And after hearing of the toil and long hours required to run a brewery by hand in the way that Fergusson does, passion is as essential to the recipe as the malt and yeast. However, Fergusson does not do it alone. His sons brew in the back and his wife can be found at the taps pouring suds on nights when the scene gets jamming. Needless to say, this is a family affair and Fergusson wants to keep it that way. In this way the legacy of the Nampa landmark is not the only tradition being handed down. Fergusson foresees future generations of his lineage crafting the same incredible beers.
Aside from the great beers on tap, Crescent Brewery hosts stand-up comedy every Tuesday night with live music on Fridays and Saturdays and open mic throughout the week. They are open seven days a week, Monday-Thursday from noon to 10PM, noon to 1AM on the weekends and Sunday from noon to 8PM. So, if you haven’t had the pleasure of downing a couple at the Crescent yet, then you need to do yourself a favor and do so soon. 1521 Front St, Nampa, ID 83651 (208) 968-1034 www.crescentbeer.com
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Café de Coco The nostalgic Nampa Building creates the perfect setting for Café’ de Coco. Catch up with friends and relax to the music of Ella Fitzgerald while Café de Coco’s attentive staff spoils you rotten. Offering “best in the world” sandwiches, a selection of savory homemade quiche, delicious soups, and salads make for tough choices. Skip dessert? Not happening. Mouthwatering cinnamon rolls, chocolate cherry fudge cake, huckleberry scones with Devonshire cream and lemon curd, and strawberrytopped cheesecake make for happy patrons. On your way out, peruse gift shop jewelry, scarves, and keepsakes from one of Nampa’s favorite cafes.
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(208) 465-6428 117 13th Avenue S. | Nampa www.cafedecoconampa.com
| The Urban Liaison Magazine - Treasure Valley
Shangri-La Tea Room and Vegetarian Restaurant offers nearly 100 small farm organic teas and tea blends. Enjoy a pot while you look over the food menu, which is varied and eclectic. It features so much, offering a wide variety of options for any time of the day. You can get breakfast items like house-made granola; soups like the Wild Mushroom Miso; healthy Salads (one of our favorites is the Tuscan Kale Caesar Salad); and a wide range of sandwiches, wraps, and much, much more. The Hummus and Mock Toona is excellent with organic veggies and you can’t forget the most healthy, delicious desserts like their Green Tea Ice Cream or the Chocolate Overload Torte. You can also enjoy a selection of organic wines and beers, the perfect complement, while you sit outside on the patio and enjoy the lovely views and peaceful energy. Shangri-La Tea Room is vegan, raw, and gluten free-friendly.
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(208) 424-0273 1800 West Overland | Boise www.shangri-latearoomandcafe.com
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What are you craving today? The popular Turkeycado or the tender and juicy Reuben with local corned beef? The Bacon n’ Cream, with six strips of crispy, flavorful bacon and cream cheese or a fresh and healthy California Veggie sandwich on perfectly-textured, locally-baked bread? While the food calls your name, so does the gang at Pot Belly Deli, because you can enjoy life with them. It’s the next best thing to home (or better…shhh) when you savor their homemade Loaded Baked Potato, Clam Chowder, or Vegetable Beef soups, along with a crisp specialty salad. Be the lunchtime hero for ten of your closest friends with hunger-satisfying sandwich trays for about $3 per person from the friendly deli that often names sandwiches after its customers. As if great food and warm smiles aren’t enough, get this: they deliver for free, they cater, and Veterans get a 10% discount. The answer to your cravings for total lunch (and dinner!) food happiness is at the always fresh, always friendly Veteran-owned Pot Belly Deli, where the corner of Franklin and Linder means lunch.
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1535 W. Franklin Road, Suite D Meridian | (208) 887-1205 www.facebook.com/ PotBellyDeliIdaho
The Muse Bistro and Wine Bar is a new, unique, and upscale restaurant in the Meridian area; with its European décor and New American cuisine, it sets itself apart with a little taste from all around the world. Not only are we constantly rotating the expansive wine menu, which is close to 200 different wines, but we also change the cuisine on our menu weekly. We keep the same types of food in it— we just change the proteins within the menu in order to reflect the seasons in the most suitable way possible. In doing this, we always include a beef dish, poultry dish, pork or lamb dish, fish dish, and pasta dish; we want all taste buds to be satisfied with the savory flavors of their favorite foods. Since we change our menu every week, we source mostly local products and make as much in-house as possible in order to keep everything as fresh and healthy as it can be. We bake our own bread and make our dressings, sauces, and soups from scratch; we even make our own pasta and desserts from scratch—and that includes ice cream! On top of all the substance that you come In for, we are now offering our new private room for larger parties, hosting monthly wine tastings, and bringing wine flights to our happy hour. So, what are you waiting for? Stop by today to catch a taste of what people are talking about.
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1435 N. Eagle Rd. | Eagle (208) 895-1900 www.musebistroandwinebar.com
Tasty and scrumptious cuisine, delightful atmosphere, and of course, the great customer service are all ways to describe the gastronomic experience we had when we visited Solid Grill and Bar. We stayed at a downtown hotel and this restaurant was only a few steps from the hotel—it’s easy to get to it from anywhere in downtown Boise, really. We were seated by the very friendly wait staff and they recommended we start with—now hold on to your hats because this alone will make you want to run down to the restaurant and start eating— three skewers of grilled haloumi (local Mediterranean cheese from Ballard Family Dairy & Cheese) wrapped with roasted red peppers and served with pineapple and balsamic reduction; it was so yummy! WOW! We then decided for the entree to have the Solid Salmon, and were we ever so happy we did. This particular meal includes a delectable pan-seared wild salmon filet, with the most mouthwatering honey and balsamic reduction drizzled over the salmon. We thought that serving the salmon this way over the bed of asparagus risotto and a side of fresh vegetables was the perfect blend of flavors—it was lip smacking good! Come on down and enjoy the diverse menu, where everything was made from scratch, at Solid Grill and Bar. You won't be disappointed!
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405 S. 8th Street, Boise, Idaho 83702 solidgrillandbar@gmail.com www.facebook.com/solidboise (208) 345-6620
Rice just opened near Eagle Road and State Street and serves up Korean, Chinese and Japanese dishes with flair. They feature Northwest Double R Ranch beef and a jumbo selection of seafood as well as vegetarian and gluten free menu items. Average price for meals is $12.99. They also do catering for any size party and food delivery, including lunch boxes, is available within a five-mile radius. Boba smoothies and Thai teas are always available, along with a full bar with beer on tap, wine and sake. Food and Handcrafted-Cocktail Happy Hour is 4 to 7 daily, and on Thursday nights happy hour runs to closing time and features live jazz music on their covered patio, and hard alcohol is “buy one get one free” from 6 to 9. Rice is very nice!
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228 E Plaza Street, Ste Q | Eagle (208) 939-2595 | riceeagle.com Summer Issue 2014
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| The Urban Liaison Magazine - Treasure Valley
FOOD, WINE AND SCENIC BYWAYS OF IDAHO The Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway starts in Boise. It follows Idaho 21 north to the historic mining town of Idaho City, where you can still pan for gold in a nearby stream bed. You will proceed to Banner Summit, one of Idaho’s highest at 7,056 feet and then begin a descent into the town of Stanley. As the roadway grooves through the steep foothills and thick forest, you can catch glimpses of the Sawtooth Mountains ahead; finally, they come into full, magnificent view.
DONNA’S PLACE 200 MAIN STREET IDAHO CITY, IDAHO 86361 Pulling into Idaho City, “you will see the forest as it should be; silent, without the hustle bustle” exclaims Skip Myers of Donna’s Place. You will indeed find that the mountain air is clean and fresh, with a fragrant hint that something yummy is being dished up at this mountain city restaurant.
As Skip and Chef Patrick meet, Skip firmly informs him: “Now Donna my wife is the owner. I’m just the worker!” Q: It appears that both Idaho City and Donna’s Place behold a real piece of local history. A: Donna and I started this place in 1993 with a dream to take care of the residents of Idaho City as if they were our own family. We both have ties to Idaho City. Donna’s grandfather Sam Ross was part owner of the Shannan Heggerty Saloon; he was killed in a gun fight in 1936 by Dub Reeves. My grandfather George Myers drove a team with gold ore in 1904 in Idaho City and then went to Thunder Mountain in 1905 hauling ore. As a kid I used to take branches from the trees and make pencils out of them, selling for $1.00! I’ve written a bit of history of Idaho City both in a published book called “Boise River Gold Country” and a brochure that is given out through local businesses. And we’ve had our share of battles through the years. In 2004 a fire took away Donna’s Place and left us with nothing but smoke and a memory. The fire, as it was discovered, started in an old soda pop machine. Then in 2010, we were once again left with charred wood and ashes to another fire. But we keep rebuilding to serve the locals the best way we know how.
Q: So you are really here for the community?
Yes, we believe in taking care of the local people first, giving them good food at reasonable prices. Plus the café is part of a general store, and we have another smaller store in Placerville. We let the tourists come through and enjoy what the locals like. We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner so we are here to supply any hungry traveler on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. This year we put in a taco bar that has taken off quite well, but I’d have to say our signature dish is our big 1.5 lb. burger. It’s a doozy! And in the summer who can resist a hand scooped ice cream cone?
Q: Your story is certainly unique. Is there anything else that maybe even the locals don’t know about you? A: For many years I used to be a race car driver, racing on tracks up and down the west coast. I met some famous racing families like Timmy Hamilton and his son Davey, and also Tom Sneva and his sons. It was a lot of fun, but 2007 was my last time around a track.
Chef Patrick was impressed, noting that Skip is really still on a track! He can be found on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway!
Series of articles written by Theresa da Silva
Supporting Local Restaurants
BIG 1.5 LB. BURGER
BRIDGE STREET GRILL HIGHWAY 75 LOWER STANLEY, IDAHO 83278 The end of the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway is one of the most beloved scenic views in Idaho. The mountains, meadows, and streams converge together with breathtaking beauty. But this really isn’t the end of your journey until you have experienced a good Idaho “Meat and Potatoes” meal at Bridge Street Grill.
Chef Patrick is in awe of the beauty driving into Stanley. And with just a little jaunt into Lower Stanley, Chef finds himself with Brett Woolley, the owner of Bridge Street Grill. Q: So rumor has it that this is the place for a real Idaho “Meat and Potato” meal! A:That’s right! I am a traditional Idaho cowboy, so that’s basically what I serve. The menu is me! My favorite is a big Ribeye steak (which we hand cut) and a huge Idaho potato. But my motto over the years has been “Feed the monster”. What I mean by that is to constantly make adjustments to what the people need and what the employees need. That balance has evolved into a nice menu and remodeling projects every year. The view is our stage and adding on good food and service has put us on the map. Our signature items now are our Idaho Ruby Red Trout with lemon butter and grilled capers, Prime Rib, and our Burgers with hand-cut Idaho potato French fries. We don’t offer any specials, just the main menu so we can focus on what we do well. PRIME RIB
Q: What’s next for Bridge Street Grill as you “Feed the monster”? A: Well, our position on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway brings people from all over the world. So staying true to our Idaho Cowboy menu is part of the charm for them while visiting our state. However, there are trends that need to be incorporated. Shooting for this Memorial Day, we want to add Sushi and a bit of fresh seafood including maybe a scallop shish kabob. We will probably roll out this program on the upper deck where the view is most spectacular.
Q: How did a cowboy get into owning a restaurant? A: I have been a certified welder and worked construction by trade. I knew friends in the food industry, who I studied and found my inspiration from. So I built a restaurant! And as I said before, I have been remodeling and adding on every year, never borrowing a dime. I enclosed the original deck and added a stage, creating more indoor seating. So I had to make a new outdoor deck. Then I added the upper deck and a new bar up there. Along the way I made the kitchen more open to accommodate our burger & brew atmosphere. I’ll always be an Idaho cowboy, just building my building and building good food!
Chef Patrick enjoyed the “down home” Idaho experience and encourages everyone to follow the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway this summer!
SEE YOU NEXT TIME ON THE WESTERN HERITAGE SCENIC BYWAY! Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway
SEE CHEF PATRICK’S INTERVIEWS LIVE!!! HTTP://WWW.VISITIDAHO.ORG/SCENIC-BYWAYS
Several camping and fishing opportunities dot the route of the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, particularly between Idaho City and Lowman and along the Payette River. At the cutoff road to Grandjean, the roadway leaves the Payette River and squeezes between two of Idaho’s wilderness areas. On the right, the Sawtooth Wilderness and its 217,000 pristine acres of coniferous forest lands and wilderness lakes. To the left, the Salmon-Challis National Forest, entryway to the 2.3-million-acre Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, with more contiguous acres of road-less wilderness than anywhere in the lower 48 states.
Location From Boise on Idaho 21, northeast to the junction of Idaho 75 at Stanley. Length 130.9 miles. Allow 3 hours. Special attractions Lucky Peak State Park; Idaho City; The Springs; Granite Creek Interpretive Trail; Kirkham Hot Springs; Stanley Lake.
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enchanted By Sarah McGuirevision
Photo Credit: Sarah with Everhart Photography 208-898-9422 | www.everhartphoto.webs.com Model: Larae White | Manager: Cynthia Thompson at cynthia@etidaho.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/L-White-Modeling-Page/440460842747264 Makeup Stylist: June Klyder jklyder@gmail.com | https://www.facebook.com/dyehardstylist Hair Artist: Chad YourStylist | Contact him at 501-5012
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fashion today accessorizing can be as simple as heading to a department store and choosing a new bauble, or picking something up at an estate sale that strikes your fancy. However, for Kimberly the process is much more labor intensive and rewarding‌ As I walked into Kimberly’s house and work space I was amazed at the treasures she has collected. There were items from the macabre to fanciful all in one space and I easily saw that her vision and vigor for life and art go far past the norm into a world that is indeed enchanted. Kimberly takes what some no longer have a use for as well as emblems that many still treasure and she works her magic on them to transform them into wearable pieces of art.
As I walked into Kimberly’s house and work space I was amazed at the treasures she has collected.
Madonna Enchanted by Kimberly Cochrane is a one of a kind line of jewelry pieces that grabbed my attention over a year ago with its beauty and mystery, and I keep gravitating to it time after time. The intricate detail of each piece shows the love and admiration that Kimberly has for her jewelry and the sometimes obvious and occasionally subtle religious symbolism that a number of her pieces contain. Kimberly sources her materials from all over the world.
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embraces the old and new alike but transforms them into something that few have seen before. She creates necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings and more using unique elements from French provencial broaches, to rosary beads and symbols and even using bling with a little rock and roll style you will always be enchanted by the adornments that she designs. She has now ventured into a new realm by designing purses as well as tops in only a way that she could. Considering that every item by Madonna Enchanted is one of a kind there is no greater joy than having one of her treasures to call your own. She declares herself lucky to have her artwork on women all around the world as well as in our little town, though I think Boise is genuinely blessed to have such a hidden gem among us. Madonna Enchanted is very unique and a must see, so keep an eye out at RAW shows, fashion shows and even Art in the Park.
To find Madonna Enchanted by Kimberly Cochrane go to: www.etsy.com/shop/madonnaenchanted www.facebook.com/Madonnaenchanted
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Danae Valle, owner of V3
Hair Studio, has been called one of the top Hair Stylists in the country. What sets Danae apart from other stylists is her passion for education and her willingness to pass it on. Every year Danae pays for her staff to receive world-class training from the best in the industry. Danae also has an Associate program that is unique in our industry. Over the last 4 years she has mentor and trained over 25 stylists. This training gives new stylists the tools they need to become successful in this industry. Danae is proud to work with her husband Victor and her son Britton, both hair stylists. They have 3 children, Alexis 21, Katie 15, and Britton 25, who currently works as a stylist in Kauai, Hawaii. In September of this year Danae, her husband Victor and son, Britton, will be opening V3 Hair Academy in Meridian, a non-traditional school that will focus in providing amazing Hair Education.
Hair chemistry at its best
Hours by appointment
No Solicitors
208.870.7648
1756 W. Cherry Ln. #140 Meridian, ID. 83642 www.v3hairstudio.com
V3 HAIRCOLOR TRENDS 2014
FOR
1. OmbrÊ hair color is still popping up on red carpets and shows no sign of waning at all. OmbrÊ hair color has evolved into different variations,( e.g. reverse ombre). It's a great color option for brunettes and even for blonds. 2. Platinum blonde hair is more popular than ever as blondes are opting to go even lighter, losing the golden honey tones for more icy, lighter shades. Keeping hair this blonde is high maintenance, however, and won't suit all skin tones. Find out if platinum hair color suits you. Can You Get Away With Platinum Hair?. 3. Brunette hair seem boring, but the Duchess of Cambridge has made being a natural brunette hotter than ever, as more women are embracing their natural brown hair color and popping it up a notch going for rich, chestnut shades and caramel colors. 4. Balayage is taking the country's salons by storm and works on all hair colors, but is especially great on blondes with a beautiful base. We’ve been doing balayage for many years now. 5. Bronde or "brown blonde" is that perfectshade between blonde and brunette that was first made popular back in 2007 by supermodel Gisele Bundchen and remains popular into 2014. 6. Red hair color is big this year, but the colors that you'll see range from amazing rose golds to deep reds. The good news is almost everyone can be a redhead, you just have to find the right shade. 7. Bright hues including streaks of blue, green, red, purple, and other hair colors remain popular among young people. 8. Dip-dye hair color has seen no signs of flagging in popularity. Not just a trend for teens, dip-dye color -- in which the ends are dipped in color, while the rest of the hair is left natural -- is popping up on women (and men!) of all ages.
Beat The Heat with
Written by
Aryonna Richard
Cool Summer Trends The season of fun in the sun is finally here and if your like me, the change in season is an excuse to try something new. Tired of your go-to summer clothes and accessories? Why not add a little light to your life with my fun and flirty list of Cool Summer Trends. Colorful Denim:
Add a little spark to your summer wardrobe with a favorite staple -- colored denim. Colors like bright blue, red, orange, yellow and hot pink are a few of the shades that have caught my eye. For bonus style points, add some clashing prints to your ensemble. Matching is out, so be fearless and bold!
Terrific Tunic Dresses:
Chill out this summer and have some fun in a flirty tunic dress. This all purpose style is perfect for every body type. Whether your drawn to tribal or floral prints, bold stripes or edgy geometric styles—you can find your ideal look in this effortless summer trend.
Natural Inspiration:
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hanging seasons often requires changing your makeup routine—pick up a few new essentials to complete your season in the sun by stopping by Mae’s Avon Boutique in Nampa. To keep my beauty routine simple I love the ANEW Age-Transforming 2-in-1 Compact Foundation it blends seamlessly and wears for hours without settling into lines and wrinkles. For eyes I recommend the GLIMMERSTICKS Diamonds Eye Liner because its the "Little Black Dress" of eye liners! A versatile black base topped with colored shimmer. Long wearing, retractable, and self-sharpening. Finally for your lips I always have a few different varieties of Ultra Glazewear Lip Gloss on hand—with 23 new brilliant colors designed for every skin tone, you're bound to find the one for you! With these trends and style tips staying cool this summer should be a breeze when you choose to rock one or all four of my summer trends.
www.YourAvon.com/mae To Start AVON visit StartAvon.com and use code “maeadams”
If you're looking for a chic way to stand out this summer consider having a marble moment. That’s right! Stone swirls and marble prints are perfect for tops, dresses and even handbags. This stylish stone is carving out a chic space among this season's hottest trends.
Neon Handbag Heaven:
If it’s blindingly bright, it’s definitely going to be a bang and on trend this season. Neon is the hue of choice and if the color is somewhat of a shock to your system then stick to accessories when keeping this trend in mind. You can resurrect old school standbys or rock new edgy colors that are walking the catwalks now. Lime green, aqua, yellow, bright orange and hot pink are all over the runway designer collections.
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WestVet Ophthalmology Maintaining Vision and Restoring Sight to Pets WestVet is proud to offer the only board certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the state of Idaho to care for pets in the Treasure Valley and the Northwest. written by Christy Hovey
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eterinary Ophthalmology, a rapidly advancing specialty that helps treat a wide variety of animal eyes diseases, requires specialized training and equipment. There are many similarities between human eye problems and those that affect animals. A Veterinary Ophthalmologist can provide the highly specialized, unique care that family pets require. WestVet is proud to offer the only board certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist in the state of Idaho to care for pets in the Treasure Valley and the northwest.
Diana Hewett knows first-hand the importance of having a Veterinary Ophthalmologist care for a beloved pet. Diana adopted Mariah, a Tibetan terrier, when Mariah was 6 years old. Mariah had several offspring who were champions. Diana would regularly take her to see Dr. Carrie Breaux, an Ophthalmologist at WestVet, for an annual eye test. She ended up failing her most recent test and cataracts caused by diabetes were to blame. Diana treated Mariah’s condition with eye medications, but after several months Dr. Breaux informed Diana that cataract surgery was necessary. Diana “…wanted to give Mariah the opportunity to see again. The most exciting moment was walking in to
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| The Urban Liaison Magazine - Treasure Valley
pick her up. She heard my voice and looked at me in a way that told me she now knew what I looked like. Her eyesight was worse than we had originally thought. For the next few weeks, when she heard a voice she recognized, she would turn around and give a look of, ‘aha, that's you’." Mariah wore a cone for a few weeks to protect her eyes and there were several different drops to administer at specific intervals, but to Diana it was all worth it. After the procedure, Mariah was seen on a regular basis to check her vision. Since she was diabetic, “…we didn't know exactly what would happen.” There were a couple of drops that were continued for the next five years. Mariah passed
away from cancer last June at the age of 13 1/2. She enjoyed five years of vision. Diana says, “She was always excited to see Dr. Breaux and her team. I was blessed to be able to give her a chance to see the world around her.” Dr. Breaux worked closely with Diana’s vet at home so Mariah had ongoing support for her eyes. Diana gushes, “WestVet is an amazing clinic with specialists in all fields of veterinary care. I was most familiar with the Dr. Breaux and her team but I would travel whatever distance for them to care for my pet. As it was, I drove six hours for each exam and would do it all over again.”
Mariah
Your family veterinarian may refer your pet to Dr. Breaux for a consultation. WestVet can work with you and your family veterinarian to help you decide the right care for your pet. Many eye diseases are time sensitive, so a prompt consultation or referral is often in your animal's best interest. You don’t have to go through your pet’s illness alone. The WestVet team reminds us that, “We hope you don’t need us, but if you do, we’re here to help.”
Dr. Breaux participates in a national event that offers free exams for service dogs of all types. For additional information please visit: http://www.acvoeyeexam.org/2013/ animals/main.shtml
WestVet
Ophthalmology Services
We Offer: • Cataract Surgery • Ophthalmic Ultrasound • Electroretinograms (ERG) • Tonometry & Gonioscopy • Glaucoma Treatment • Intraocular Tumor Surgery Guide dogs, handicapped assistance animals, detection dogs, therapy animals, and search and rescue dogs, these furry heroes selflessly serve the public. To honor these animals and their work, the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) holds a National Service Dog Eye Exam Event each May offering free ophthalmology screening for service animals. Since the program launched in 2008, nearly 16,000 service animals have been examined. Last year Dr. Carrie Breaux examined more than forty local service dogs and her 2014 schedule filled up quickly as well. During the complete ocular exam, Dr. Breaux will look for problems such as redness, squinting, cloudy corneas, retinal disease, early cataracts and other serious abnormalities. Early detection and treatment are vital to these working animals. “Our hope is that by checking their vision early and often, we will be able to help a large number of service animals better assist their human friends,” says Stacee Daniel, Executive Director of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.
• Corneal Ulcers and Corneal Dystrophy treatments
Carrie Breaux
DVM, MVSc, DACVO Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist
• Cherry Eye (prolapsed third eyelid) surgery • Cryosurgery • Keratonconjunctivitis (dry eye) treatments • Viral Infections: Canine distemper virus and feline herpes virus I (hpv-1) treatment
5019 N. Sawyer Ave. Garden City
208.375.1600 www.WestVet.net We offer emergency veterinary care to pet owners in the Treasure Valley 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In addition, our team of veterinary specialists partner with area general practice veterinarians to offer advanced care and provide state-of-the-art veterinary medicine to your pets.
Stories of the Future PART TWO
W
hat is the point of these stories? They’re the best way I can think of to describe what St. Luke’s is trying to do to ensure population health and accountable care. We see that when it comes to health care, people fall into one of four broad categories: healthy people, who merely need education to remain that way, preventative services to help keep them healthy, and health screenings to identify if there are any risk factors that need to be addressed; people who feel well and may not be getting medical attention, but who are at high risk of developing serious health problems and becoming patients; acutely ill people, who need high-quality, state-of-the-art care to reduce the potential for complications and return them home and to work as soon as possible; and people who are chronically ill, often with multiple illnesses that require care coordination and management of care transitions. St. Luke’s is making significant investments and preparations to be able to be accountable for the care patients receive, for the outcomes of that care, and for the cost of that care, and risk-based contracting is a critical part of the puzzle. This is the idea that I illustrated above, where patients would just pay a monthly premium and then not incur additional hospital and physician bills. That is the “risk” that SelectHealth and St. Luke’s are preparing to be able to take. And while the national discussion today is on prices, and I certainly agree that healthcare prices are too high, under risk-based contracting, prices become irrelevant. There is no charge for each individual service provided, as there is today. I know it’s been hard for some to believe, but St. Luke’s efforts to be proactive, to keep people from becoming patients, and to coordinate the care for patients will drive down healthcare costs more than cutting prices ever will. It is estimated that at least 30 percent of healthcare spending is low-value or no-value. Merely by cutting out that waste, St. Luke’s will significantly impact healthcare costs and reduce insurance premiums. After all, the price of a service you don’t need or doesn’t benefit you is too high, even if it is relatively inexpensive! So will the future I’ve described be here in 20 years? Ten years? After all, other leading health systems like Kaiser Permanente and Intermountain Healthcare have been working on this for three to five decades. St. Luke’s Health System is not even eight years old. We are adopting all the best lessons, learned from all of the leading health systems, and working hard to have all of this in place in 2016. The people of Idaho cannot wait decades to have this kind of care available.
We recently faced a tough antitrust suit, and even though the judge stated in his opinion that we have to “shift away from our fragmented delivery system and toward a more integrated system where primary care physicians supervise the work of a team of specialists, all committed to a common goal of improving the patient’s health,” he indicated that the antitrust laws would not allow it. He went on to say, “St. Luke’s saw this major shift coming some time ago. And they are to be complimented on their foresight and vision.” In referring to our affiliation with Saltzer Medical Group, the judge also stated, “The Acquisition was intended by St. Luke’s and Saltzer primarily to improve patient outcomes. The Court is convinced that it would have that effect if left intact, and St. Luke’s is to be applauded for its efforts to improve the delivery of health care in the Treasure Valley.” The judge determined that we could achieve all of our intended goals with Saltzer without employing Saltzer physicians.
The System of the future 1.
Healthy people who only need education to remain that way, preventative services to help keep them healthy, and health screenings to identify risk factors that need to be addressed to keep them from becoming patients;
2.
People who feel well and may not be receiving medical attention, but who are at high risk of developing serious health problems in the future;
3.
Acutely ill patients who need high-quality, state-of-the-art care to reduce the potential for complications and restore them to good health; and
4.
Those who are chronically ill, often with multiple illnesses, that require care coordination and management of care transitions.
What does a health system need to be able to offer all people high-quality, reasonably priced, appropriate care, the kind of care we all want and deserve?
Integration of the pieces of the healthcare system We must address the fragmentation of healthcare delivery in America. Everyone has experienced this one way or another: having to register at multiple sites; having to repeat medical history over and over; all physicians
and caregivers not having all records and current information; multiple indecipherable bills. Fragmentation refers to the fact that things don’t seem integrated for your providers or seamless to you. It’s the sense that the pieces of your health care are all operating independently and without coordination, and they probably are. It’s crucial to have an integrated delivery system with a single, electronic medical record. This is what St. Luke’s is becoming.
Reduced healthcare costs, not just prices
It makes no sense to become an integrated delivery system and to provide accountable care if no one can afford the services. But it’s not just unit prices – the price of each particular service — that count. No health system can lower prices enough to stem healthcare spending to the degree needed and survive in the current fee-forservice environment. If we truly want to get healthcare spending down to where it makes a dent, we must: •
Find ways to keep healthy people healthy. It is just too expensive to wait until they are patients to begin addressing their health needs. Preventing a heart attack or cancer is far less expensive than treating it.
•
Reduce the 30 percent to 50 percent of healthcare spending that is a waste and that adds no value or provides low-value services for patients. The evidence supports that roughly half of healthcare spending confers no appreciable value to patients, and not infrequently, hurts them. Two examples of the no-value form of waste are prescribing antibiotics to patients with viral illnesses and ordering back scans for patients with back pain who don’t have signs of neurologic complications. The first question needs to be not whether another organization can offer a procedure at a lower unit price, but whether a patient will benefit from, and needs, the procedure in the first place.
•
Focus our efforts on the 10 percent to 15 percent of patients that consume 75 percent to 80 percent of healthcare costs. We can concentrate our resources on a narrow segment of the population and achieve tremendous return for the effort.
In Brenda’s case, the health coach and special classes, the provision of a pedometer, and the weekly follow-up are all examples of making care patient-centered. In Charlie’s case, it was the use of technology that made it possible to avoid a flight to Boise away from his family, and a treatment and therapy plan coordinated by all his therapists and doctors that ensured his maximal recovery. For Denise, patient-centered care involved access to her medical records online, the ability for her daughter to be updated and involved in her mother’s care through the electronic patient portal even though she lived out of town, the integration of her care among all her physicians so that her care was coordinated, a patient-centered approach to patient education, the electronic monitoring of her blood sugars and weight from home, the proactive approach to adjusting her medications as her healthcare providers monitor the electronically updated data, the team-based care for her heart failure, and the respect for Denise’s wishes as to end-of-life care.
Alignment of the business model with the care model
This is the most significant limiting factor as to when health systems like St. Luke’s can get to the future state. In today’s fee-for-service model, keeping people healthy is bad for business and is unreimbursed. DAVID C. PATE, M.D., J.D.,
But we won’t find people like Andrew and Brenda in
is president and CEO of St. Luke’s Health physicians’ offices or hospitals. We have to go to their System. Follow Dr. Pate and St. Luke’s homes, businesses, and schools. And until the payat Dr. Pate’s Prescription for Change: ment system changes to reward improving health or http://drpate.stlukesblogs.org
Team-based care
Focus on that 10 percent to 15 percent requires a new model of care: team-based care. High-risk patients must receive coordinated care from a team of doctors, nurses, therapists, nutritionists, patient educators, care coordinators, patient navigators, social workers, and many others, depending upon the patient’s particular health conditions. There are not enough physicians to provide all care under the old model, and the care will not be as high-quality if all these important members of the care team, in concert with the palliative medicine team, are not involved.
Patient-centered care
In Andrew’s case, examples were the availability of an app to help him find and select a physician, the access to his medical records online through myChart, the ability to check his lab results online or on his app, the ability to email his physician and schedule appointments online, the information provided to Andrew around his health status and vitality score, the electronic notice/confirmation of his laboratory appointment, the patient reminders, and the opportunity for an e-visit.
In each of the cases I described, there were examples of patient-centeredness, i.e., care that is centered on the desires and needs of the patient, instead of being designed around the convenience of caregivers.
to allow providers to assume risk for managing these populations, St. Luke’s and other health systems must undertake these very important, logical, and needed activities without being reimbursed. We are doing what we can, and our affiliation with the Saltzer Medical Group was undertaken with all of these population health aims in mind, but the model must change.
Visit us online SaltzerMed.com
URBANhealth PICK A FITNESS EVENT AND TAKE YOUR TRAINING!
beyond the Scale! W
Jason’s Experience & Credentials: • M.S. Exercise Science & Health Promotion, California University • B.S. Exercise and Sport Science, University of Utah • National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer • 18 Years of experience in the health and fitness industry
Champion Fitness Training 1767 W Franklin Rd suite 160 Meridian, ID 83642 208-407-3160 www.championfit.net
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| The Urban Liaison Magazine - Treasure Valley
hat do you think is the number one reason people begin an exercise program? You guessed it...to lose weight! While this is a legitimate goal, it's important that our fitness routine goes beyond what the scale says. Besides, weight loss can be an emotional roller coaster that most aren't willing to stay on for the long haul. We need to shift our focus and have a greater purpose to our workouts for long term success. One of the best approaches is by training for a fitness event. Honestly, it could be anything from running your first half marathon to taking up cross-country skiing. As long as it's an activity you find enjoyable and is within the realm of physical fitness...you are on the right track! Also, changing to a “fitness first” approach makes the process of getting into shape a positive one. The scale can have you jumping for joy one day and crying the next, but the exhilaration of crossing the finish line at Camel's Back Duathlon, or just having some muddy fun at the Dirty Dash is something that will stay with you forever! Besides, more often than not, the pounds will come off as a result of your training! So in addition to creating fond memories and getting into fabulous shape, you become lean and mean in the process!
Now that you are convinced, here are three tips to getting started on your fitness quest! You Are Always Ready! Does this sound like you? “I need to get into better shape before I can do that.” Quite the contrary! At any given fitness event, there will be a wide range of participants with various fitness levels. You don't have to be an elite athlete to participate. So set the goal and in the training process you will get ready! Where you want to take your training after that? Well as they say...”The sky's the limit!” Pick an Event: This my seem obvious, but too often this simple step continually gets put off. Until you make the commitment and actually sign up, it's only an idea. Plus once you register, there is now an official training deadline! You will be less likely to skip workouts since you'll want to do your best for the big event! Recruit Your Friends: Why do it alone when you can have buddies be a part of the process! There is added accountability and a tendency to personally strive for better results when you have the positive support of your friends. Plus, people create a special bond when they sweat together and it makes it more fun as well!
Ben and Amber Miller
Did You KNOW? •
10,000 people a day are turning 60 and this will continue for the next 18 years!!!
And…
•
40% of all MD’s are considering retirement in the next few years!
{
BOOMERS!!
}
You don’t have time to waste. Getting clear on what you want for your future now will give you better chances of being able to make that happen.
What does this mean for you? The healthcare system will not be able to provide adequate care for everyone. Your best option is to do everything in your power not to need it! I can show you how! You might be thinking… “Do I really have control over what my aging process looks like?”
ABSOLUTELY!! What you expect is truly what you will get, so making your plan of what you want it to be like is the key that will enable you to live better, happier, and independent longer.
Written by
Victoria Savage RN
“Nurse Savage” on your side. Owner of Care for Living, LLC.
I created my “Age Empowerment Map” to guide you to do just that. Do you want to be
“Rock’in” your 80’s or “Rocking in” your 80’s? It really is up to you!
Start mapping your best aging path today.
Attend my FREE Tele-seminar class “AGE EMPOWERMENT” and begin your journey to a life well lived all the way through it. The teleseminars are every Monday at 4pm To register and receive the call in information:
Call (208) 473-8254 or email nursesavageonyourside@gmail.com
(208) 473-8254 www.care-forliving.com victorias@care-forliving.com
Why Medicine Needs You:
A Call to Action in Idaho written by Nathaniel
Walsh
Turning 30--whether you have already experienced the milestone or are rapidly approaching it like me--can bring to light some humbling truths. However, the physicians & staff at Advanced Clinical Research (ACR), located at 2950 Magic View in Meridian, are rejoicing in the momentous occasion as an opportunity to expand their life-giving studies and services.
And, no, life-giving is no
E
very drug and vaccine that is on the market must be clinically tested before it hits the shelves at your pharmacy or doctor’s office. ACR is not only one of the medical research centers where these drugs are tested, but also is a nationally recognized one, having been awarded an honor as one of the best research centers in the country at the Vaccine Industry Excellence Awards at the World Vaccine Congress in Washington DC this past March. Established as the first community-based medical research center in both Utah and Idaho, in 1984/1991 respectively, ACR has participated in hundreds of clinical trials of vaccines and drugs that could possibly be sitting on your shelf right now. This seemingly contradictory pairing of a community-based clinic doubling as a globally distinguished leader in its industry, however, is built upon a fundamental belief of the power of the individual to contribute to the larger good of the world. “Our first priority is to take care of our volunteer patients and, second, is ensuring that our research is accurate, as the contributions of our patients affect drugs and vaccines worldwide,” says Director of Clinical Operations Tracy Christianson, a biochemist with over 25 years of clinical research experience.
exaggeration.
“When surveyed--even patients that I have worked with battling cancer--volunteers always report that the reason they do this is for other people. They are able to see beyond their own current situation and to contribute to something bigger than themselves. And I want people to know what our participants do has a tremendous impact on health care,” Christianson adds. As if the Treasure Valley needed something else to be proud of, you can confidently add this to your list of one of the enormous gifts to the world that our relatively small community endows. However, they need your help. Your time and energy as a participant is requisite for ACR to keep expanding and contributing to public health in their 30th year and for the next 30 to come. So please call them at 208-377-8653, visit their website at www.acrresearch.com, follow them on Twitter or friend them on Facebook to sign up as a possible participant. Do it now, be a modern-day hero and save a life!
Allie Lopez, ACR’s Site Director, adds to that sentiment. “All of our participants are volunteers. From a patient’s aspect, when they walk through the door they know that we care about them and we are thinking about their health and the possible benefits of study participation. But even more, they know what they do is beyond themselves. If they have diabetes, for instance, they are trying to get some kind of oversight or treatment for their chronic condition, but a lot of them think in the long-term: how can this help my future grandkids and my family? How can this contribute to something greater than myself? Volunteering at ACR as a participant is something they can feel good about, something for which they can get treatment, and something they can even get a cash stipend for as a token of our appreciation for their time and energy.”
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| The Urban Liaison Magazine - Treasure Valley
a.
beth and Jessic
ordinators Eliza
with ACR Co Dr. Mark Turner
We’re Turning 8! Come Celebrate With Us Free Food, Drinks, Give-Aways, Kids Games, & More! Bouncy Houses, BBQs, and Balloons Oh My! Harrison’s Hope Hospice
Changing the Conversation About Death & Dying in the Treasure Valley for 8 Years Strong & Counting...
Wed. July 16th 5pm - 8pm Meridian Office 3137 S. Meridian Rd. Meridian, ID 83642 *Bouncy Houses for the Kids!
Fri. July 25th 5pm - 8pm Nampa Office 1217 3rd St. South Nampa, ID 83651
*Nampa Fourth Friday Night
208-947-6800 www.harrisonshope.com
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| The Urban Liaison Magazine - Treasure Valley
URBANexpert
Summer Romance:
Put more Life and Love in your LOVELIFE!
If I could, I would give you a hug and a kiss - well, at least the chocolate version. Next time you get chocolate, try an experiment. Rather than popping it in your mouth and gobbling it up, let it melt slowly and enjoy every sensation. Notice the smoothness and sweetness of the candy. Pay attention and actually taste the chocolate. Make the flavor an experience. Now, apply this to your relationships. How often do we experience our relationships? Do we sit down next to our significant other and notice their presence? Maybe we're talking but neither of us "hears" the other because we're distracted watching the game or cooking dinner. Have you ever forgotten to give a hug and kiss goodbye on your way out the door, or missed saying "Good night, I love you" before going to sleep? Life gets so busy that we go through the motions and take each other for granted. If that is not what you envisioned for your relationship, whether you're in one or not, and you would love to feel the love again, here are 5 Golden Rules to put more Life and Love in your LOVELIFE.
1
2
Christy Stansell has a double major from USC, 14 years experience in television, 8 years in sales, three sessions working in the Idaho Senate, and she's a wife and mother. Christy founded Make A Choice To Have A Voice to raise awareness of Verbal, Mental and Emotional Abuse. Her campaign has evolved to offer personal coaching and professional speaking services customizable for any audience. She is certified as a Dream Builder Coach through the Mary Morrissey Life Mastery Institute in Los Angeles. Christy's purpose is to help people Discover, Define, Design and Decide for the life of their Dreams.
3
Awareness can make a major shift in all your relationships. Paying attention to what you enjoy and dislike in a relationship can create happiness and prevent heartache. You have the ability and right to stand up for yourself if there's a problem and when you pay attention to the good, it continues to grow. To know the difference, you must be aware. Forgiveness is vitally important to allow more love in your life. If something happened in your current or past relationship, holding on to it creates a block in you, not in them. It's like drinking poison and expecting it to kill the other person. To forgive someone, change the story around their behavior or action to something neutral like, "They loved me the way they knew how." To let go of the past and look toward the future, you must forgive. Imagination often defaults to a negative pattern, but you can consciously create a positive one. Instead of believing he's late because he's out partying, train your mind to think he's stopping to pick up flowers or milk. Instead of feeling that she's flirting again, train your mind to think
she's promoting your business. Whatever the truth is, worrying is destructive. To create happiness, you must imagine it.
4
Desire isn't just about lust, it's about the desires of your heart. What would you LOVE your relationship to be like, look like, feel like? When you decide what that is, you will attract it. Describe it in detail and make choices in alignment with what you want, and watch it evolve. To have what you want, you must desire it.
5
Sharing is how genuine love develops. When we hold back, they hold back. Conversely, the more you give, the more you receive. Share your heart, your gifts, your talents, and to do so, you need to value and love yourself. Great song lyrics say, "What if I had given everything instead of going through the motions." To receive love, you must share it.
These principles apply not only to your relationships, but also to your health, career and financial freedom. When you consciously Make a Choice to pay attention to what matters, you will experience more love and life in your very being.
Want to create a life you'd LOVE living? Learn how to design it! "FIND YOUR VOICE" BOOT CAMP New session starting soon! Use this code or sign up at makeachoicetohaveavoice.com to request a "LOVE Your LIFE" Kit.
(208) 230-3036 • christy_stansell@yahoo.com www.MakeAChoiceToHaveAVoice.com www.facebook.com/makeachoicetohaveavoice Summer Issue 2014
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You'll Like What You Find in Nampa
www.nampa.com (208) 466-4641
SNAKE RIVER STAMPEDE PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Sat., July 12 7:30 – 10:30 am Downtown Nampa 13th Ave. South (between 1st & 2nd)
Coffee on Us
Tues., June 24 Tues., July 22 7:30AM-8:30am Nampa Chamber Office
Reservations are required to attend chamber events. Dates are subject to change. Visit www.nampa.com/events for details. Nampa Chamber Luncheons and Business & Breakfast will run from September - April.
www.Nampa.com
w GBruo siness BCuomilmdunity
The Nampa Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit 501(c)6 organization, is the best connected dynamic business organization in the area. Established in 1892, the chamber is represented by more than 450 businesses of all sizes. Our mission is to grow business and build community and serve as the primary business and community advocate working to keep Nampa a great place where business can prosper and families can live, work, play and shop. The chamber is positioned to positively and creatively respond to challenges and opportunities in part because of its strong community partnerships with the city and other businesses.
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| The Urban Liaison Magazine - Treasure Valley
URBANexpert
Get started now with
GOOGLE+ to build your platform L
et’s just be honest. Anyone who has been on the Internet in any capacity knows that Google will eventually run the world, if it isn't close to doing so already. Since we are all probably in agreement with this statement, then why aren't you actively working on your Google+ profile and building your Google+ community? Maybe you think that engaging with your Facebook community is sufficient. Or getting one hundred thousand followers on Twitter is the key to building a successful platform. Think again. About 82% of people searching for information on the Internet are using Google to find what they’re looking for. If you are aggressively working your Google+ page and building your community by posting and engaging with your followers, who do you think is going to pop up first on Google’s search engines? Let me answer that question if you haven't already: YOU! I’m sure by now you’ve noticed that it's really hard to discover new people or businesses on Facebook unless their page is promoted by an ad or suggested by a friend. Facebook recently changed their algorithms so that brands and businesses are increasingly going to have to pay for ads to increase visibility. In my humble opinion you shouldn’t have to pay to increase your discoverability on Facebook when you can do it for free on Google+. A quarter of my followers are from every corner of the world and I can tell you with one hundred percent confidence they would have never found me on Facebook. With my Google+ account I can chat with someone in Bulgaria. I can share a post with everyone I’ve circled from India. I can even videoconference and screen share with someone in France for free using the Google+ hangouts option. You may be thinking, "What about the language barrier?" There isn't one! There’s a reason why it’s so hard to get a job at Google. Those developers are smart! When my international friends post on my page, Google asks me if I want the conversation translated. Why of course I do! (Another way to interact with someone when there is a language barrier is to go to: http://translate.google.com). If you have incorporated Google+ authorship on your blog or website then a picture of you will show up in search results when people are searching for a topic you have written about. This increases trust and likeability at the subconscious level and may convert into sales for you. If you are a business you really should utilize the Google maps feature into your Google+ business page. Prospective customers will see you before they see your competitors and you can showcase all of the excellent reviews you’ve received. Google+ links to YouTube, so if you have videos uploaded regarding your book, business, or whatever you are trying to sell then you will have additional increased visibility with the Google+ and YouTube integration.
Christy Hovey is a recipient of the Idaho Business Review’s Women of the Year 2014 award. She is an active member of the Idaho writing community as is the Treasure Valley liaison for National Novel Writing Month. Her company, My Social Media Ghost, teaches individuals and small businesses how to effectively build their social media platform to reach their target audience.
If you are a small business owner and would like a free phone consultation, call Christy at: 208.284.8553 or email her at ChristyHovey@gmail.com
There are so many things that are beneficial about being on Google+. Don't get overwhelmed with all of the social networks. Do your due diligence and research what the benefits are to using each one of them. Trust me when I tell you that you must get on Google+ now. If you are presenting yourself and sharing content relevant to what you are selling and you do this consistently on Google+ you will notice a dramatic increase in web traffic. I promise that you will thank me later when you have a large community and your platform has grown exponentially. Then maybe someday you’ll rule the world. Just like Google. Follow me on Google+: https://plus.google.com/+ChristyHovey
written by
Christy Hovey
Visit MySocialMediaGhost.com/classes to see a list of Christy’s upcoming social media classes held in the Treasure Valley.
&
Bringing the
Buy Local Movement to the World!
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| The Urban Liaison Magazine - Treasure Valley
LOOK FOR THESE LOGOS
Mark Your
Calendar Meridian Chamber Lunch:
First and third Tuesdays of the month through June.
Business After Hours:
The second or third Thursday of the month.
First Friday:
Join us at 7:30 a.m. the first Friday of the month for coffee and networking.
Lunch and Learn: Third Wednesday of each month.
Visit our website at
www.meridianchamber.org
MERIDIAN Chamber of Commerce Pancake Feed June 19, 2014 In the middle of Meridian Dairy Days, June 17-20, the Meridian Chamber of Commerce provides a fun event filled evening with the Annual Pancake Feed. What’s better than breakfast for dinner? Sponsored by Idaho Central Credit Union! Enjoy pancakes, eggs, sausage and hash browns from 5-7 in Storey Park, 215 E. Franklin Road. Adults $5, Seniors and Children 6-12 $4 and children 5 and under free.
Leadership Meridian: On June 3 the 2012-2014 class of Leadership Meridian will graduate. It’s been an amazing two years of first going through the program and then planning it. We’ve seen some amazing businesses before they were even open – including hard hat tours of the newest Scentsy building and the Village at Meridian; we’ve been through the Capitol, the Ada County Courthouse and both of the area’s largest hospitals; we’ve toured Gowen Field and both the old and new control towers and along the way we’ve had the best possible trainers on leadership. Congratulations to our graduates!
A Leadership Meridian Team Building Exercise
Summer Issue 2014
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MINERAL MUD AMAZING PRODUCTS
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