Lake Norman Woman February 2020

LKN MOM-preneurs Who Are Crushing It! pg. 20

LKN BRIDE...

featuring

Anna Stowe of Great Design 4 U

An Exclusive Local Wedding Guide pg. 46

Is Your Relationship Healthy? pg. 52

STR A I GHT

from the

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LAKE

NORMAN

v o l u m e

x i i i

,

FIND US ON

WOMAN

n u m b e r

v i i i

from the

womenpower

M Y H E A D K N E W W H AT TO D O. M Y H E A R T, N O T S O M U C H .

That’s what I discovered last year as I struggled with a monumental change in my life. When I finally tired of wallowing in self-pity and drowning my sorrows in ice cream and Reese’s Cups, I decided to close the door on that chapter of my life. I set my mind to the task of moving forward, diving into my work, changing my workout routine from sprints between the tv and refrigerator to trips to the gym, and consuming less chocolate and more broccoli.

And, sure, the busyness, the healthier diet, and the exercise helped me heal enough to shut the door on my past. But I forgot about my heart.

Emotionally, I was still staring at that door with regret, willing it to open back up. Wondering what happened. Spinning my thoughts around something I couldn’t change or control. Pondering incessantly on what I left behind.

KIM CROSS

And regardless of the racing heart, sour stomach, and headaches I was experiencing because of those consuming worry thoughts, I believed I was doing just fine, thank you. Then a friend gently pointed out that the portable medicine cabinet that I called my purse—the literal baggage I was hauling around filled with prescriptions for my heart palpitations and high blood pressure along with an industrial-sized bottle of Pepto-Bismol—indicated otherwise. She was right. While my brain may have closed the door and turned its back on my troubles, my heart continued to hang out on the front porch, obsessing over what was still on the other side. At that moment, I realized that my health and happiness depended on more than me staying occupied, having salmon for dinner, and rocking an elliptical workout.

If I want to heal completely—mind, body, and soul—I have to put an end to the stinking thinking and stop pounding on that closed door for good. I’m starting to realize, though, that that doesn’t have to be a bad thing…that there is actually purpose and power in the resounding thud of a shutting door. After all, I have the closed doors of my past to thank for the doors that subsequently opened, leading me to Lake Norman Woman Magazine and where I am today.

Things didn’t work out as I had hoped with this most recent closed door, but maybe not getting what I wanted will allow other doors to open for me now.

And perhaps, those new doors will lead me where I’m meant to be tomorrow.

So before I go, I’m going to knock on that darn door one last time just to say “Thank you.” Thanks for forcing me to have the courage to move on; thanks for knowing that I deserved so much more; and thanks for the sad ending because though painful, it’s preparing me for the happy one. The one that will endure…the one I won’t need a medicine cabinet full of prescriptions and a giant-sized bottle of antacid to get through…the one that will, at last, make my heart smile. w

DANA JORDAN PUBLISHER

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FEBRUARY CONTRIBUTORS:

Dr. Madison Cloninger; Cyndy Etler; Michelle Love; Lindsay Martell; Dr. Lindsey Mashburn; Dr. Wissam Nadra

CONTACT US:

704.895.6168

PO BOX 1000 | CORNELI US, NC | 28031

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Lake Norman Woman reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet Lake Norman Woman standards. Submissions are welcome but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned.

Lake Norman Woman assumes no responsibility for information, products, services, or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. An advertised special printed in this publication is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

Sometimes the cold really can take your breath away.

DURING COLD WINTER MONTHS, WEATHER-INDUCED ASTHMA CAN PUT YOUR OUTDOOR PLANS ON ICE. If you have asthma, you always have to look out for things that can trigger an attack. Things like dust mites, animal dander—and even the cold winter air.

Make sure your asthma is well controlled by making an appointment today with one of our board-certified asthma and allergy specialists.

Call 704.372.7900 to schedule an appointment at any of our convenient office locations.

THIRTEEN AREA LOCATIONS:

Ballantyne, Concord, Cornelius, Eastover, Gastonia, Hickory, Huntersville, Monroe, Mooresville, Rock Hill, SouthPark, University, Waverly

breathe » live » thrive | carolinaasthma.com

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CELEBRATING THE

SUCCESS

OF

WOMEN

contents february 2020

p

30

Keeping Your Pets Heart-Healthy!

features 20

THE MOM-PRENEUR: Michele Edwards

28

HERE SHE IS: Blaire Sullivan

LKN MoM-preneurs Who Are Crushing It! pg. 20

featuring

LKN Bride...

anna Stowe of Great Design 4 u

An Exclusive Local Wedding Guide pg. 46

60 dr. lori p

SCHNEIDER

32 42

COVER STORY: Stay In The Positive …

Stay In The Light!

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pg. 52

s t raig h t

WOMAN TO WATCH: Lindsey Williams

from the

ON THE COVER: ANNA STOWE OF GREAT DESIGN 4 U w oma n.c om

l a kenor ma n

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SUCCESS STORY: The Healthy Road To Success

ANNUAL

PHOTO: TONI LOVEJOY

is Your relationship Healthy?

February 2020

1

P H OTO G R A P H Y: CHELSEA BREN

bride guide

48

LOVE, LAUGHTER, AND HAPPILY EVER AFTER

54

THE DO’S & DONT’S OF BRIDAL BEAUTY

52

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP CHECKLIST

58

WEIRD WEDDING WONDERS

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42 lindsey p

blaire

SULLIVAN

WILLIAMS

family

self

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Keeping Your Pets Heart-Healthy!

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8 THINGS: 8 Heart Facts To Celebrate Heart Health Month

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TEENS ALOUD Is Your Teen Doing What They Love ... Or What You Love?

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A Compassionate Heart Is A Healthy Heart!

health

44

Tips, Tricks, & Hacks

18

Heart Health: Foods You May Want To Rethink

64

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT: Finding Peace With Your Teen …

22

Sweet Dreams … How Getting Your ZZZ's Is Heart-Healthy!

in every issue

24

Depression & Heart Disease - Partners In Crime?

26

Is This Menopause?

12

36

38

14

LIVE, LEARN, GROW

WOMEN ON THE MOVE SCENE WITH LKNW

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WORDS MATTER

p

8 Heart Facts To Celebrate Heart Health Month!

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LIVE, LEARN,

"

Life takes practice! And though they don’t always come wrapped in a shiny red bow, the lessons we learn along the way are invaluable gifts that are worth sharing. Here are a few noteworthy examples featured in this issue:

LET MY SOUL SMILE THROUGH MY HEART AND MY HEART SMILE THROUGH MY EYES, THAT I MAY SCATTER RICH SMILES IN SAD HEARTS.” –PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA

You will definitely want to fast-forward to our Mind, Body, Spirit piece on page 64 where our resident expert DR. WISSAM NADRA

(Lakeshore Pediatric Center in Denver) explores the dynamic relationship we have with our teens. #thestruggleisreal ;)

Jump on over to page 60 to get some invaluable advice from DR. LORI SCHNEIDER, whose path to success began many years before her privatelyowned practice, Lakeside Neurology, opened 25 years ago.

THIS MONTH

Curl up by the fire with your copy of LKNW, pour yourself a nice glass of Merlot, and read about LINDSEY WILLIAMS, owner of Davidson Wine Co., on page 42 Lindsey swapped her nine-tofive job as an attorney to follow her true calling— opening an urban winery right in the heart of downtown Davidson!

WE REVISIT

MOM-PRENEUR, MICHELE

EDWARDS, OWNER OF

STUDIO 73 DANCE IN HUNTERSVILLE. MICHELE

SHARES HER

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT WITH OUR READERS ON

page 20 AND

REVEALS SOME OF HER SECRETS AS WELL.

w

Meet February LKNW Cover Girl ANNA STOWE, owner of Great Design 4 U. On page 32 Anna shows us how to live life to the fullest—incorporating positive energy, meditation, travel, hard work, and hard play. Anna fully displays the three Ps: personality, professionalism, and passion … for life and design!

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2

8 things

SEL F

1

Prolonged lack of sleep can cause irregular heartbeats called premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).

The heart pumps blood to almost all of the body’s 75 trillion cells; only the corneas receive no blood supply.

3

Happiness with a strong emotional fortitude lowers your risk of heart disease.

4 8 HEA RT FACTS TO

HEAR

7

5

6

8

After a couple in love has gazed into each other’s eyes for three minutes, their heart rates will begin to synchronize.

FEBRUARY 2020

A woman's average heartbeat is faster than a man's by almost eight beats a minute.

Fried food may not be that bad for your heart. A recent study found no link between an increased risk of heart disease and eating fried foods.

Regularly practicing yoga can cut episodes of irregular heartbeat in half.

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celeb

T H E A L T H M rate ONTH

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Laughter is good for your heart; it reduces stress and boosts your immune system.

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self

a compassionate heart is a healthy heart!

that a compassionate heart is a healthy heart! In the book, Lasting Happiness in a Changing World: The Book of Joy (by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu), they speak of compassion often.

RESEARCH HAS SHOWN AGAIN AND AGAIN

“Compassion,” they agree, “is so fundamental to our survival that children as young as six months have been shown to have a clear preference for toys that reflect helping rather than hindering. When we help others, we often experience what has been called the ‘helper’s high,’ as endorphins are released in

Cellular inflammation in the body is at the root of cancer and other diseases, and a life of meaning and purpose, rich in compassion and altruism, says one study, leads to lower inflammation and longer lifespans.

our brain, leading to a euphoric state. The same reward centers of the brain seem to light up when we are doing something compassionate as when we think of chocolate. The warm feeling we get from helping others comes from the release of oxytocin, the same hormone that is released by lactating mothers. This hormone seems to have health benefits, including the reduction of inflammation in the cardiovascular system. So compassion literally makes our heart healthy and happy.”

Here are some other benefits to becoming a more compassionate human being:

Compassion is a buffer against stress. A study at the University of Michigan discovered that “people who engaged in volunteerism lived longer than their non-volunteering peers, but only if their reasons for volunteering were altruistic rather than self-serving.”

Compassion also boosts our health and well-being because it helps broaden our perspective beyond ourselves. Research shows that depression and anxiety are linked to a state of self-focus— when all we think about is “what’s good for me?”

“image: Freepik.com

Another way in which compassion may boost our health is by increasing a sense of connection to others. One study found that lack of social connection is worse for your health than obesity, smoking, or high blood pressure. w

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For more information on compassion and your health, visit www.psychologicalscience.org.

Women & Wine Hold up, weight a minute: Let’s talk about fad diets!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 • 6:30 - 8:30 PM Four Corners Framing and Gallery 148 N. Main Street · Mooresville, NC Join us for a FREE, women’s only event.

Experience women’s health in a fun & friendly way.

RSVP: iredellhealth.org/women&wine Come shop the Pop-up Store at 6 pm!

Dr. Eva Imperial is board certified in obesity medicine and family medicine. Her practice focuses on women’s health and wellness.

Primary Care for Women

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IredellPrimaryCare.com 980.435.0406

FEBRUARY 2020

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an © Rusl

health

Conventionally Grown Apples

ime.com

Sadly, this household favorite is not really cheese at all. It is a blend of milk fats, solids, emulsifiers, and food coloring. Technically it is a cheese-like food that is extremely high in fat and sodium.

© Andy Piatt | Dreamstime.com

health

FOODS YOU MAY WANT TO RETHINK!

But if we can help it, we should avoid certain foods that are just not beneficial to our energy levels and overall good health.

Here are some common household foods that you may want to reconsider: A L L T H I N G S I N M O D E R AT I O N , R I G H T ?

reamst

American Cheese

If there’s one fruit to buy in the organic aisle, say the experts, make sure it’s apples. Almost 99 percent of apples tested contained the residue of at least one kind of pesticide, said one study.

HEART

chik | D

Sugar-Free Sweets

Foods that are advertised as “sugar-free” contain artificial sweeteners that the digestive system has a hard time breaking down, which can cause serious stomach problems. Sugar substitutes (also found in diet sodas) are linked to depression, strokes, heart attacks, and some cancers.

Microwave Popcorn Microwave popcorn bags are often lined with a chemical called perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), which has been shown to affect fertility, cancer risk, and kidney functioning in some studies. Because there are no warning labels on microwave popcorn, it is best to choose air-popped.

Conventionally Raised Chicken & Eggs Bread and Crackers Made With Potassium Bromate

Check your labels for this chemical which is used to help dough rise during the baking process. It has been linked to certain cancers in animal studies and has also been banned in many countries.

Margarine

Once considered a healthy alternative to fatty butter, margarine is now known to contain trans fats, which increase om .c e m msti | D rea cholesterol and the a y a k ernets © Ch risk of heart disease.

Nutritionists agree that olive oil (or another source of monosaturated fat) is still a better choice, and real butter runs a close second.

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Tests on chicken feed have indicated traces of caffeine, Tylenol, Benadryl, banned antibiotics, and arsenic. Some companies are phasing out chickens raised with antibiotics, so hopefully this will be a swing in the right direction. Presently, however, organic is the better option.

Soda

The average can of soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar. When you consume that much, your body responds by creating excess insulin. Over time, this can increase the risk of diabetes and some forms of cancer.

Deli Meats

In addition to being full of unhealthy fats, processed meats such as ham and salami contain up to 400 percent more sodium and 50 percent more preservatives than unprocessed red meats.

Some also contain nitrates (chemical additives used to enhance taste and increase shelf life) which have been linked to various cancers. w © Olgany | Dreamstime.com WRITER WILLIAM P. LAVIETES, MD

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THE

[

-PRENEUR GRIT, THE WANT-TO! FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS ARE MAKING LASTING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE AND HAVE BECOME AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE U.S. ECONOMIC HEALTH. BUT WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR AND RUN A FAMILY? THIS MONTH WE HEAR FROM LKNW MOM-PRENEUR, MICHELE EDWARDS, OWNER OF STUDIO 73 DANCE IN HUNTERSVILLE.

w

[

“You must take care of YOU, first and foremost!

My daily devotional is key to clearing my mind and being reminded that God has my back at all times. Prayer and a good workout help me get through the day … and coffee … lots of coffee!”

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT — Y OU DON’T HAVE TO BE LORI GREINER TO HAVE THE DREAM, THE DRIVE, THE

MOM-PRENEUR RULE #1: ME time—never apologize for ME time!

[

MOM-PRENEUR RULE #2: Love what you do with passion and heart.

[

“The deciding factor in opening my own business was simply following my passion for dance. The old adage is true, ‘if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ I have a strong work ethic in organization and planning. Being able to plan from season to season is key to keeping the studio, my family, and myself organized. I’m a very structured individual and believe in setting policies and guidelines in place so that everyone is aware of their expectations at all times.”

[ [

“My family is my rock and they motivate me daily. It takes some strategic planning in order for us Edwards to stay focused and motivated together. Family mealtime is important to us, and we try to do dinners together as much as possible. My husband and I are both very open with our children (daughter, Finley Claire and son Easton Eli) in all areas of life and feel they are comfortable to share their thoughts, concerns, and opinions. Having family conversations is key so that everyone is on the same page at all times. The kids’ school and social activities keep us busy, and we love being involved in their school communities to support them and their friends.”

MOMPRENEUR RULE #3: Be intentional about family time and be absolutely present.

[

[

MOM-PRENEUR RULE #4: Have faith in yourself … trust your instincts.

Michele Edwards is the owner of Studio 73 Dance located at 102 Parr Dr. in Huntersville. You may contact her at 704.875.9911, or visit www.studio73dance.com.

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“I love the quote that my dad has shared with me for years: ‘Always do your BEST and let GOD do the rest.’ We have so many choices in life on a daily basis. If you desire to succeed in making the right decisions, then standing firm in your faith will only create the best outcome. Go after what you want! Don’t be afraid to fail and be willing to learn from the mishaps, and you will continue to grow and succeed. Surround yourself with supportive family and friends and be true to yourself and what you stand for … don’t let others be your voice; you can be your own voice to conquer your own goals.”

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health

d r e t a e m e w s… s

HOW GETTING YOUR ZZZ’S IS HEART-HEALTHY!

z

zz

Man is the only mammal that willingly delays sleep. So if you’re tired, go to bed!

WE’VE ALL BEEN THERE—

tossing and turning and keeping an ever-vigilant eye on the next strike of the clock. Just the mere thought of not getting to sleep is enough to drive you over the edge. But what about the health ramifications of insomnia?

Study after study has shown that a good night’s sleep is imperative for good health.

In fact, most experts agree that it is just as important as diet and exercise.

z z z zz z

If you can connect your insomnia with an event (good or bad), it helps to identify it, accept it, and move on. Don’t use bedtime to solve problems or anticipate life.

z

zz

Sleep aids can actually be a detriment because you often go too deep into sleep or REM; try basic relaxation therapy instead.

z

zz

With all the stress and anxiety around sleepless nights (not to mention the subsequent next-day exhaustion), it stands to reason it would affect our hearts. Here are some interesting points to consider from the National Sleep Foundation:

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Exercise in general is great for a restful sleep, but avoid just prior to bedtime.

Watch what you eat and drink. Limit your caffeine throughout the day and don’t drink or eat anything after 7:00 p.m.

z

zz

In general, most healthy adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a night.

You may not actually sleep, but at least get in your bed, get comfortable, and relax. Avoid electronic devices like laptops and phones.

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z

zz

We are always trying to “do” something to fall asleep—count sheep, think certain thoughts, drink warm milk, etc. Instead of trying to go to sleep, try to stay awake. It sounds silly but if you stare at the ceiling and pretend that you HAVE to stay awake, you might be pleasantly surprised when your eyelids begin to feel heavy and sleep takes over on its own.

Proper, recuperative sleep is paramount to good health and good heart health.

The National Sleep Foundation warns us to pay attention to our sleep patterns and problems and discuss them with your doctor. If anxiety or life events are causing the insomnia, that can also be addressed. From our grandmothers to famous philosophers, much advice is centered on the importance of sleep. So, “early to bed, early to rise…” –you know the rest! w

Caring for our patients is at the heart of all we do.

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health

&

DEPRESSION

HEART DISEASE—

PARTNERS IN CRIME?

W E A L L K N O W T H AT S T R E S S I S N O T G O O D F O R T H E H E A R T. Same goes for smoking and obesity—these

are no-brainers. But what about depression? Should it be formally and officially classified as a risk factor for heart disease? Most of the researchers answer with an unequivocal “Yes,” and the American Heart Association (AHA) agrees.

“Depression should join the ranks of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking as an official heart disease risk factor,” according to an expert panel convened by the AHA. Most of us realize how mind and mood affect our health.

Just think how many times a headache has emerged after a stressful day. But, taking that notion a step further, and you can see how our mood can affect the cardiovascular system directly by creating a state of “emergency readiness” in which stress hormone levels rise, blood vessels constrict, and our heartbeat speeds up. If someone is depressed, this sense of emergency readiness becomes constant, which in turn damages the blood vessels. Simply put, the heart does not get the body’s signal to slow down and relax.

The good news is that depression, despite being so pervasive, is treatable. And with proper awareness and education, people are more likely to seek that treatment. While not yet considered an “official” risk factor for heart disease, depression is certainly being singled out as a primary indicator, and that alone will make a positive impact when it comes to heart patients being appropriately screened, diagnosed, and treated.

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Here are some easy things you can do to improve your mood and heart health. While common and somewhat obvious, they are essential to good living and bear repeating for sure!

• STRETCH IT AND MOVE IT! Stretching and yoga-type movements have a fantastic calming effect and help keep you focused and fit.

Additionally, exercise in general helps raise your endorphin levels, which relieves stress and ignites the pleasure centers of the brain.

• DON’T FORGET YOUR OMEGA-3S! Not only do our bodies need them, but research has shown that they help with depression as well. To load up on these naturally, think seafood and spinach!

• WATCH WHAT YOU EAT! Small and frequent meals that are low in saturated fat are the way to go. And remember, be sure to get your daily recommended servings of fruits and veggies!

• WATER, WATER, WATER! Remember the 8x8 rule, eight 8oz glasses of water a day.

• GET MORE SUN TIME Need we say more?! w

AND FUN TIME!

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What are the possible symptoms?

health

Missing periods Hot flashes

Night sweats

Irritability Vaginal dryness

ANXIETY

Pain with sex Depression

DIFFICULTY SLEEPING Urinary changes Mood swings

IS THIS

menopause?

Headaches

LOW SEX DRIVE Memory changes or mental fogginess

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, it is best to discuss them with your doctor. By listening carefully to your symptoms, he or she will often be able to determine if the symptoms are menopause related.

Evaluation of blood work is sometimes used as well, but not always needed.

What do I do about it?

M E N O PA U S E can have many different symptoms. They may be very mild for some women (those of you in that group, you may want to keep that to yourself when you are around your other menopausal friends) or they may be quite severe and disruptive for others.

The average age of menopause in the United States is 51. This is the age that most women stop having periods. Peri-menopausal symptoms may start six or more years prior to actual menopause. Symptoms continue for two to five years after menopause for most women, and 10 percent of women continue having symptoms for the rest of their lives.

Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and your desire for intervention. Lifestyle changes such as healthy diet, exercise, and even stretching before bed have been shown to be helpful.

Some over-the-counter treatments such as black cohosh and progesterone cream are available. However, with more severe symptoms you may choose medical treatment with hormonal or non-hormonal options. Our scientific understanding of various hormones continues to grow, allowing us to use them more safely. If started at the correct age, there are health benefits as well.

Dr. Lindsey Mashburn is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. A Cornelius native, Dr. Mashburn is a practicing physician at South Lake Women's Healthcare, 19453 West Catawba Ave., Suite A, in Cornelius. You may reach them at 704.896.9912 or visit www.southlakewomens.com.

Often women who have survived cancer or heart attacks assume or have been told that they cannot safely treat their menopausal symptoms. I think this is because many people assume the only treatment option is

By: Dr. Lindsey Mashburn

How do I know if I am in menopause?

hormones. Fortunately, there are non-hormonal treatment options that are safe for women who have cancer and cardiovascular health history.

Most women who choose treatment remain on treatment for two to five years after menopause; however, as mentioned before, some women have symptoms forever and may choose to stay on treatment for longer. Once you start hormone replacement you can choose to stop it at any time. Few medications used for menopause symptoms require you to slowly wean off of them.

For sexual symptoms related to menopause, there are hormonal treatments, radiofrequency, and laser treatments available. The new laser technologies can treat not only dryness and pain with intercourse, but also leaking of urine. Patient satisfaction with the vaginal laser treatments are over 95 percent.

How do I find a doctor who treats menopause?

Most OB-GYN physicians are comfortable treating menopausal symptoms. A physician who is a member of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) and/or International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health receives additional educational materials and the most up-to-date information on menopausal health concerns.

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H O M E TO W N : KINSTON, NORTH CAROLINA FEATU R E

LKN TOWN: MOORESVILLE

here she is!

HOUSEHOLD: HUSBAND KEVIN AND FURBABY DOGS HUGO AND BRITTON

What does 2020 look like for you?

I plan to get my company financially productive and out of the new startup phase. This is a brand-new company; we just launched in October so it will take some time to make a profit but I’m up for the challenge. I keep my attitude positive and energy level motived to keep the pace. Looking ahead, I would really love to have a dog food factory right here in Mooresville, creating jobs for locals—it’s important for me to keep this a North Carolina company since I am a North Carolina girl!

For those wishing to start their own business, what advice can you offer?

Plan your finances a year out in advance. Talk to as many people as you can to get a grasp of just exactly what some of your costs will be.

It’s impossible to know all of them, but the fewer financial surprises the better. w

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my marriage. We truly are best friends and it is just us here in the house together.

We never get tired of being around each other, and I still get excited when I hear his truck pull into the driveway. Most people are not lucky enough to find their soulmate … I am very thankful that God blessed me with Kevin.

Why canine cuisine?

Cooking has always been a passion of mine so transitioning into cooking dog food was delightfully easy for me. The motivation behind this company was trying to treat my Doberman’s health issues. He had terrible gas and skin issues. So, it started the research that got this whole ball rolling. Only the freshest premium ingredients are used to make our dog food.

With all of life’s challenges, what one event changed you most profoundly? Losing my mother … I

lost her in 2012 in an accidental death after she had already spent years rehabilitating herself from a brain surgery gone wrong in 2006 that left her mentally handicapped and partially paralyzed. She was my best friend and I miss her and think about her every day. You grow up very fast when something like that happens and you also learn what things are significant in this world and what things are not. Never take anyone or time with anyone for granted.

blaire sullivan

i am an LKNw oman because…

"I had been coming here frequently to visit for about six months before I made the official move—so many young professionals and amazing people … I just fell in love with the area!"

Blaire Sullivan is the founder, pet chef, and owner of Carolina Canine Cuisine in Mooresville. You can reach her at 704.998.1305; Blaire@Carolinacaninecuisine.com; or at www.carolinacaninecuisine.com.

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WRITER LESLIE OGLE

PHOTOGRAPHER CHELSEA BREN

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family

pets

KEEPING YOUR

HEART-HEALTHY! in animals until their golden years, but with pets (like humans) living longer and longer lives, we are seeing more agerelated medical conditions such as heart disease emerge. While advanced age is a primary factor for heart disease in pets, puppies and kittens can also have heart problems due to heredity and/or birth defects. The good news is that heart disease can be treated if detected in time. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy heart in your pet: W E U S U A L LY D O N ’ T H AV E TO W O R R Y A B O U T H E A R T D I S E A S E

• WATCH THEIR WEIGHT.

One-third of our pets are obese, and this puts extra work on their hearts. If your pet is currently obese, then a combination of diet and exercise should be used to get them to a healthy weight. Avoid providing human food as treats. If you need help or are not sure how to get started, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian; they will also be able to check for underlying conditions that may make weight loss more difficult (such as thyroid problems).

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Dr. Madison Cloninger is a veterinarian and the owner of Mooresville Animal Hospital, 2681 Charlotte Highway in Mooresville.

For more information, please call 704.664.4087 or visit their website www.mooresvilleanimalhospital.com.

• EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE!

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Screening for heartworms is essential.

Heartworm is a type of blood-borne parasite where the adult worms settle in the heart itself and can lead to heart failure and damage to the heart. Your pets should also be screened for high cholesterol, thyroid problems, and other diseases that can affect your pet’s cardiovascular health (such as diabetes).

• KEEP YOUR PET’S TEETH CLEAN.

• PROVIDE A QUALITY DIET.

• GET YOUR PET AN ANNUAL EXAM.

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• GET YOUR PET AN ANNUAL BLOODWORK SCREENING.

Consistent, daily exercise is best. Avoid the “weekend warrior” type activities, especially with older pets that may have arthritis.

This makes them exert their heart muscles that are not adequately prepared for the level of activity you are asking of them.

Most dogs will try to please their owner and go above their comfort level. Exercise time is also a great bonding activity for you to have with your pet … a different kind of heart health for you both!

Unless your pet has been truly diagnosed with grain allergies, avoid “grain free” or boutique diets as several of them have been linked to cardiomyopathies. Consider adding a fish oil supplement to your dog’s daily

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diet. The anti-inflammatory effects have been shown to be good for heart health.

Tartar and gingivitis are an ongoing source of inflammation and infection that can affect your pet’s cardiovascular health.

Most pets over the age of three need a professional dental scaling and polishing every 12-18 months. Sometimes they may need them more frequently or at a younger age. This is in addition to the recommended daily at-home care (brushing or at least a dental chew).

Here your vet will check for any signs of early heart disease and recommend medication, if needed, to extend your pet’s longevity and improve quality of life. Senior pets or those with known heart disease may be examined closer to every six months. w

WRITER DR. MADISON CLONINGER

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FEATU R E

cover story

e h t n i y sta … e v i t i pos e h t n i y a t s

! t h g li WRITER CYNDY ETLER

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PHOTOGRAPHER CHELSEA BREN

a n astn owe

has a message for you, so stop and listen up. You got your earbuds out? Okay, here we go: you deserve to have the life you want to live. Actually, that’s the first of a handful of Annaisms, but it’s an important starting point.

What do you want to be doing with your time?

Maybe quit telling yourself you can’t because you have too much to do for others. Maybe, instead, take 30 minutes and do a little bit of that thing you most want to be doing.

That’s how Anna lives her life: in 30-minute blocks of exactly the life she wants. For example, she loves to travel, making several trips a year to Arizona for mind-wellness retreats. “The knowledge and good energy I bring back not only makes me a better person, but a better designer,” she says. But when you live in Huntersville, North Carolina, Arizona-retreat-style good energy is not always served on tap. So Anna uses her own approach to recreate that vibe.

“When I find myself facing one of life’s challenges, I step back and take a few moments for meditation,” she explains.

She gathers her thoughts and regains that wellnessretreat perspective, remembering that whatever the issue is, it’s temporary. She uses these half-hour meditation breaks to stay in the positive, to stay in the light. She maintains a constant intention to block the energy of negative thoughts and negative people.

“I have found that a couple of moments of meditation are worth more, and work better, than any medicine in a bottle,” she says.

Anna comes by her knowledge honestly, having struggled in the past with her own self-worth. When asked about the hardest lesson she’s ever learned, she didn’t hesitate for a second. “Truly loving and respecting myself,” she said. “If I could communicate one truth to my younger self, it would be that if you want anyone else to value you, you first need to value yourself.”

Anna has keen insights to share, and she loves to share them, both in her personal life and in her work as an interior designer.

A naturally creative person, she considered pursuing a career in architecture. But after some soul searching and research—“This was back before HGTV and design shows!”—she discovered

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When asked about the best part of her job, Anna makes a sound that can only be called a squeal. “Reveal day! My greatest satisfaction is seeing the look on my client’s face when they step into their new beautiful, functional space that was custom designed to match their vision.”

her calling and passion with interior design, and opened her business Great Design 4 U. The work affords her all the elements of her dream life.

It’s vital for Anna that she live a fully abundant life, complete with travel and adventure activities like sky diving, bungee jumping, and ziplining. She is also driven to share her experience and knowledge with others. As a business owner, she’s able to create her own schedule, working around her clients’ needs while still making time to travel to the Caribbean, or out west for a ski weekend. Returning to Lake Norman with her soul satisfied, she is brimming over with passion to bring to her work.

“I enjoy having fun and want to make the design experience enjoyable,” she explains. “My clients say I bring the three Ps: personality, professionalism, and passion … for life and design! I find that the broad experiences and insights I gain from travel enables me to help my clients discover their own personal style … to help them envision a space that they will truly love.”

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In addition to retreats and meditation, Anna credits her business coach with finding equilibrium between her active life and her thriving business. Balance and boundaries, she says, are the key. Slipping back into her natural helper mode, she says, “Life is not all about having a work plan. You have to schedule yourself some me time. Thirty minutes a day of self-care is worth five hours of effectiveness and efficiency.” If Anna ever seeks a career change, she might want to consider becoming a coach herself!

But given her unique talent with power tools—“I’ve been told my collection is bigger than most guys’! And I know how to use ‘em…”—she’s probably in exactly the line of work she’s meant to be.

Somehow, though, one gets the sense that even if Anna did decide to make drastic changes in her life, she’d weather the storm just fine. “I’m stubborn,” she says. “I’m determined.

That’s my best quality. I don’t let things get me down, and I never give up.”

When I asked Anna for a closing thought, one that the rest of us could savor and use when we need our own wellness retreat, she said this: “Life is full of experiences that mold us.

There are no bad experiences, only some that we might not want to relive. If we can come out of each experience a better, stronger person, each experience can be invaluable.”

When Anna decides to start running her own Lake Norman Mental Wellness Retreats, the line to sign up will extend for miles. w

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women ON THE

MACKENZIE GIBA earned

her degree in communications and public relations from UNC Charlotte at the commencement ceremony on December 14th.

Congratulations Mackenzie!

SWETHA GUJJA, MD, with Southern

Oncology Specialists, has recently started seeing patients at the new office location in Mooresville.

Dr. Gujja provides comprehensive medical oncology services for blood disorders and cancer care.

ANDREA LABADIA,

owner of Spotless Cleaning Service of Lake Norman, is celebrating 14 years in business in 2020. Originally from Brazil, Andrea came to this country with very little but worked hard to achieve the American dream.

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move LAURA RUSSELL has

launched a social media sensation with her three corgi dogs Reecie, Peanut, and Buttercup.

After Buttercup became paralyzed and wheelchairbound, Laura found a new direction—with Buttercup becoming a Therapy Dogs International representative. Now visiting nursing homes with her inspirational pup, Laura has also created a fundraising pillow for charity (pictured here with Buttercup) which can be purchased at Wagamuffins Dog Boutique in Mooresville.

connect with us!

Whether you are a woman on the move, looking for events, new businesses in the area, or are willing to contribute your opinion, follow us by visiting www.facebook.com/lakenormanwoman or e-mail leslie@lakenormanwoman.com.

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WITH LKN

Be SCENE with the staff of Lake Norman Woman or the magazine we create!

LKNW writer and president/founder of Stand Firm Warrior Foundation Michelle Love and Lake Norman realtor Tammie Blake at the Lincoln County Apple Queen Pageant last year.

Lucy Brown, Interactive Interiors, alongside LKNW’s Stephanie Sullivan at the 7th Annual Laketoberfest Music & Brew Festival.

cheese!

LKNW staff and Kim Branum (second from left, Charters for Charity) pose together at our annual Party in Pink 2019.

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Send or tag us in a photo of you with an issue of LKNW & see it here!

Kelley Ireland, Village Real Estate Group, and some gal pals enjoy an evening out.

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F AMI LY

teens aloud!

teens aloud!

YOUR TEEN, TRANSLATED

© Aleksand

r Kiriak | Dr

eamstime.co

m

Is your teen doing what they love... or what you love?

IF YOU’RE READING THIS, CHANCES ARE YOU’VE GOT A GOOD KID. They’ve hit the “terrible teens,” yet here you are, looking for ways to support their best life. A lesser parent would have bought ‘em a oneway ticket to Grandma’s when the clock struck puberty.

X) anymore. Not until they’re teetering on anxiety overload. But you can unwind the plastic wrap and set your sweetie free by making it clear they have a choice.

So you’ve got this good, if occasionally abrasive, teenager. If your kid is a good one, they want to please you. The math here gets complicated, but that parentpleasing might be the root of the abrasiveness.

Here’s a script: “You know, kid, I’ve been thinking. Sport/career/art X was my thing as a youth. I love that you’ve adopted it.

But…is it your thing? Are you loving it?

Or are there other things you’d rather be exploring?”

A guidance counselor I know polled her 600 students in September. First she asked, “Who does a sport or activity?”

About 90% of the kids raised their hands.

Then she said, “Keep your hand up if your parent did the same activity.” Only three hands dropped. Translation: here in the Lake Norman area, a majority of teens are spending a ton of time on the same pursuits their parents did.

Is this intrinsically bad? Nope. Could it become problematic? Sorry, but…yup.

Kids come to me for teen life coaching because they feel stuck, like they’re wearing a Saran Wrap straight jacket. It’s almost invisible, there’s a bit of give, but they can’t reach out and grab their goals.

They’ve tried everything, but nothing has worked. Usually, coaching does.

Why? Because there are zero external

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expectations. Coaching is entirely focused on drawing out what the kids themselves want in their life. It works like sharp shears, snipping away the plastic wrap and freeing up the kid.

Dear parent, good parent, I hate to say this, but your beloved sport/career aspiration/artistic endeavor might be your child’s Saran Wrap.

Most of the kids I coach present some version of this. They’ve known, from an early age, that their parents would be thrilled if they pursued (insert legacy sport/career/art X). And so they do.

And do. And it’s fine, if not personally fulfilling…all the way up until ninth grade, when two things happen: their own interests start percolating, and school becomes a vice grip. Suddenly, their parents’ beloved thing becomes the thing that breaks the teen’s back. They can’t do it all, but because they love you, they keep trying. Which creates anxiety. Which manifests as abrasiveness.

Your sweet, respectful kid isn’t going to tell you they aren’t in love with (legacy pursuit

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And here’s your next line: “(Silence.)” Just listen. Be curious about what they have to say. Maybe they love thing X! Or maybe they’d love to try thing Y, or thing Z. Either way, your sincere interest in hearing their perspective will decrease their anxiety and increase their love for you. That’s a promise. w

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Cyndy Etler is a board-certified teen life coach and awardwinning young adult memoir author. Her work has been featured on CNN, NPR, CBS’ The Doctors, Huffpost, Today’s Parent, and other international media.

WRITER CYNDY ETLER

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self

FEATU R E

woman to watch on FOLLOWING YOUR HEART: I had been a lawyer for almost 13 years when I decided that I needed a change. I swapped my nine-to-five job to truly follow my calling -- opening an urban winery right in the heart of downtown Davidson. Wine has always been a passion of mine and as I started exploring careers in the industry, I decided to pursue a winemaking certification and start my own business. The alcohol licensing process has been challenging.

The Davidson Wine concept is totally outside the box and has involved a lot of approvals and regulatory discussions. Fortunately, my background as an attorney has definitely helped to navigate the red tape! on COMMUNITY: Having been a Davidson resident for some time, I was always amazed that we did not have a place to get high-quality wine.

This motivated me to not only create a wine shop, but to also provide an approachable environment where guests can gather with their community and explore different wines from the best wine regions. I want this to be a destination—a place where people can gather, feel comfortable, and just enjoy the moment. I’ve always wanted to bring something special to Davidson. That means a lot to me. on TACKLING CHALLENGES:

lindsey williams DAVIDSON WINE CO. Davidson

LINDSEY williams

LKNW RECOGNIZES A WOMAN DOING EXCEPTIONAL WORK IN THE L A K E N O R M A N C O M M U N I T Y, A L E A D E R W H O I S PAV I N G T H E W AY T O C H A N G I N G O U R AT T I T U D E S A N D I N S P I R I N G C O N F I D E N C E I N T H E F U T U R E .

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Entrepreneurship requires strong problemsolving skills. You will be told “no” more times than you can imagine. It’s crucial that you can deviate from your original plan and devise solutions to the problems you will encounter along the way. Do your research and have a business plan. Even though you will certainly have to change the plan many times, it helps to be organized and know the main objectives of your company (market, costs, competition, etc.). You will need to come as close to an expert in your field as possible. My advice to those who feel like they don’t have enough training or a particular skill set to follow their dreams? Never, ever stop learning. Never. Maybe Yoda said it best: “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”

on ASPIRATIONS: Over the next year I hope to fully implement all facets of our business model: wine production, wine club, events, and philanthropy. I also hope to make DWC a go-to in the Davidson community for all wine needs. It’s a tall order, but I’m up for it! w Lindsey Williams is the owner of Davidson Wine Co. located at 121 Depot St. in Davidson. Reach out to Lindsey at 980.689.0424 or visit now at www.davidsonwineco.com.

WRITER LINDSAY MARTELL

PHOTOGRAPHER CHELSEA BREN

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self

We know how busy life can get—kids, work, family, friends … sometimes just getting dinner on the table is a Herculean feat! So in an effort to save our readers some time, effort, and money here are a few tips, tricks, and hacks that might come in handy in your busy world!

For a lowercalorie ice cream snack, soak Oreos in milk and freeze!

© Chernetskaya | Dreamstime.com

Baking soda, what doesn’t it do?!

In a toxic-free and ecofriendly way, you can use it to freshen breath and whiten teeth; three parts baking soda to one part water makes an excellent exfoliate; make a paste for bug bites; add to bath water for skin rashes; unclog your sink with baking soda and vinegar; polish silver with baking soda and water paste; mix a tablespoon in a cup of water for upset stomach.

TIPS,

tricks,

& HACKS

If you come across mold or mildew

in your house, you can spray it with hydrogen peroxide and wipe it clean.

It’s a great way to disinfect, sanitize, and deodorize numerous surfaces and items around your home.

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Store plastic grocery bags

in an empty trash bag box…very handy and tidy!

Cook your eggs inside rings of onions.

Not only will the onions keep the egg whites in shape, but they’ll taste super yummy … the perfect brunch item! w

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Bride lake norman

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image: Freepik.com

AN EXCLUSIVE LOCAL GUIDE

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{ LKNW BRIDE guide }

where shall we gather?

LOVE, LAUGHTER, AND

y l i p p a H

EVER AFTER

When it comes to choosing your venue, the lake abounds with options.

THE CHARLES MACK CITIZEN CENTER in

Mooresville has all your bases covered for both the wedding ceremony and reception.

Offering two outdoor settings and six distinctive ballrooms, you will find the exact space you need for your dream wedding. THE CRAWFORD FARM is a beautiful venue in Statesville with a country setting unlike any in the area. The 10,000 square feet of indoor climate-controlled space has a comfortable mountain-lodge feel, elegant lighting, three exquisite rock fireplaces, tongue-and-groove wood ceilings, and beautifully crafted concrete tables and floors. If an equestrian feel is what you’re looking for then JOHNSON CARRIAGE HOUSE & MEADOWS

image: Freepik.com

Welcome to LKNW’s Bride Guide 2020!

N O W T H A T T H E Q U E S T I O N H A S B E E N P O P P E D and the ring is on the finger, what’s next? The amazing and wonderful world of wedding planning can be a bit daunting even for those who know exactly what they want! So with that in mind, we have once again compiled our popular Bride Guide along with some of the best wedding professionals around the lake so that the bride and groom will have nothing but smooth sailing on route to their special day.

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is one of Lake Norman’s most unique event facilities.

A European-style stable with a hardwood paneled gathering room and gourmet catering kitchen, this venue is certain to make your day memorable. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed,

stop by PINKIES ON MAIN for a full-service nail salon with an excellent variety of high-quality polishes and acrylics. Choose from a multitude of colors to match your wedding ensemble; discounts and gift certificates are available for your parties.

NORTH CAROLINA WEIGHT & WELLNESS

fear not! SUMMER BLAISE

INTERIORS AND EVENTS

specializes in the planning, logistics, and execution of your big day with unparalleled imagination combined with southern hospitality to create something amazing and uniquely YOU. And if you’ve got some specific decorating or theme ideas in mind, A BUSHEL AND A PECK VINTAGE RENTALS

offers a vast assortment of antique, eclectic, reclaimed, rustic, shabby chic, vintage, and modern rentals.

Their vast inventory includes specialty pieces like mismatched chairs, church pews, benches, sweetheart table options, farm tables, buffets, vanities, arbors and arches, doorways, mantles, oak barrels, and much more.

food, fun, and libations Experience wine like never before as CORKS & BOARDS takes you on a personalized wine adventure. Each program will build your knowledge, enhance your palate, and provide a memorable experience for an engagement, bachelorette, wedding, or any special occasion. For amazing food and fun, LATITUDES BAR & GRILL is a great place for parties or catering. They have more than 25 years of catering

experience with a variety of menus and budgets to choose from, and their location in Denver is warm and inviting, creating a perfect party locale. When it comes to personalized gifts, LAKESIDE CUSTOM TEE’S & EMBROIDERY is your go-

to place. Tee-shirts, caps, cups, novelty items, koozies, magnets— the list is endless. If you can think of it, they can personalize it … and that is what makes the memories magic!

in Cornelius can help you with everything from weight loss to Botox to HydraFacial treatments and body sculpting … having you looking and feeling your best. The center has an exceptional medical staff and their results and patient testimonials speak volumes. There’s nothing wrong with a little nip n’ tuck prior to your big day, and at RIOU PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER they take a personal

interest in helping you achieve the look that you desire. Dr. Riou brings with him superb credentials from Yale University and is dedicated exclusively to plastic and reconstructive surgery of the breast and body contouring (liposuction and tummy tucks).

powerful glam!

When you trust THE LILY ROSE bridal boutique to help, they make their own vow to you: “We promise to do all we can to ensure that you feel your most beautiful when you walk down the aisle. We’ll make certain that your dress, veil, jewelry and shoes, bridesmaids’ dresses, the motherof-the-bride dress, and all details are just what you’ve dreamed of.” If you want to treat your wedding party or bridal shower to a luxurious experience, then you will want to contact PAINT NAIL BAR in Birkdale Village.

Making all the arrangements for food and beverages to make your event special, you and your guests can enjoy non-toxic manis and pedis while celebrating “something new.” In Mooresville, be sure to

the honeymoon and beyond PATTI’S TRAVEL PLANNER

(Patti Merkel) is a honeymoon specialist and can help you with destination weddings too. She will work with your budget and offers all-inclusive packages to popular spots such as the Caribbean, Bora Bora, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, and river cruises in various locations across the globe. Once the honeymoon is over, so to speak, perhaps you will be ready for a merging of households, and few around the lake top Crystal McIntosh with LAKE NORMAN REALTY. Crystal will help you find your dream home as you embark on your journey together. w

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{ LKNW BRIDE guide }

healthy

relationship CHECKLIST

100 percent transparency

There’s a fine line between secrecy and privacy so make sure you both agree on what those things are. And in today’s world, social media can be messy. When it comes to posts, messages, texts, emails, and other electronic communications, couples should have no secrets.

Make time for each other

Date nights are a MUST! And get creative ... sometimes the local steakhouse just isn’t the answer.

Maybe a picnic under the stars or a sail around the lake. Surprise your partner with a trip to the mountains for a romantic dinner.

It’s all about the R word

A S U C C E S S F U L R E L AT I O N S H I P I S B A S E D U P O N

such as love, honor, respect, and loyalty. But like any fluid, living thing, it must be nurtured. There are some key ingredients to successful, long-term relationships … are these on your Relationship Radar?

MANY THINGS,

Always, always show respect … their wants, needs, views, perspectives.

Even if you are in a dispute or argument, you need to be respectful and problem-solve as a team.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

You must really practice and concentrate on listening! It can be difficult when emotions are high, but remember to take a deep breath and share your feelings and concerns.

Your partner is not a mind reader … it’s ok to ask for what you need.

Forgive and move on

Don’t get caught up in past mistakes; we all make them. Forgive your partner and focus on all the positives … love conquers all! w

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For more marriage and family advice, visit www.psychologytoday.com

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{{ lknw bride guide LKNW BRIDE guide } } { lknw bride guide } stay HydratEd –{ lknw bride guide }

Dostay HydratEd – Dostay HydratEd – Do

Drink plenty of water to keep impurities away and keep the area around Drink plenty of your eyes from becoming toowater puffy.toAskeep a Drink plenty of keep impurities away and keepskin thewater area around bonus, it will make your glowto and speed impurities away and keep around your eyesmetabolism! from becoming tooarea puffy.

As a to up your It’sthe the easiest way your becoming too puffy. bonus, it from will your skin glow As anda speed get eyes ready for make any big event. bonus, it will make your skin glow and speed up your metabolism! It’s the easiest way to up your metabolism!

It’s the easiest way to get ready for any big event. get ready for any big event.

bridal bridal beauty beauty The Do’s & Don’Ts of

The Do’s & Don’Ts of The Do’s & Don’Ts of

to look her very best on her special day! The good news is E v E r y b r i d E wa n t s to look her very that a number small Ev E r ythere b r i dare E wa n t s to of look herchanges very is best on her special day! The good news you can make to prepare and nurture best on herare special day! The good news your is that there a number of small changes skinthere in theare weeks, days, and hours before that a number of small changes you can make to prepare and nurture your your wedding. Above you’ll find do’s and you can make to prepare andhours nurture your skin in the weeks, days, and before don’ts that will have you looking radiant and skin in the weeks, days, and hours before your wedding. Above you’ll find do’s and illuminated when you walk down the aisle your wedding. Above you’ll find do’s and don’ts that will have you looking radiant and on your wedding day! don’ts that will have you looking and illuminated when you walk downradiant the aisle illuminated when you on your wedding day!walk down the aisle on your wedding day!

E v E r y b r i d E wa n t s

Lake Norman Wedding Showcase

Sunday, March 22nd 12-3pm The Charles Mack Citizen Center

215 N. Main Street Mooresville NC

Visit with our wedding experts.

Door prizes given out every 30 minutes.

Get exclusive deals available only to brides that attend the show.

A fun afternoon with your Bride tribe.

Pre-Register online to automatically be entered to win the Grand Door Prize! online registration for brides only

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Don’t OvErdO tHE tanninG – Don’t Don’t OvErdO tHE tanninG – OvErdO tHE tanninG –

While a warm glow to the skin looks great in person, While you can easily overdo it. You certainly don’t want While atowarm glow to the skin looks great in person, have to deal with unsightly tan lines or a spray ayou warm glow tooverdo the skinit. looks great in person, easily You don’t want tan can that’s too orange.

It’s bestcertainly to avoid heavy you can easily overdo it.

You certainly don’t want to have to deal with unsightly tan lines or a spray tanning or last-minute sprays during the week totan have to deal with unsightly tan lines or a spray that’s too orange.

It’s best to avoid heavy before the wedding. tan that’s or toolast-minute orange. It’ssprays best toduring avoid the heavy tanning week tanning or last-minute sprays during the week before the wedding. before the wedding.

GEt a Facial – DoGEt a Facial – GEt a Facial – Do Do You’ll want your face to be a perfect canvas for flawless You’ll want face makeup application andyour pictureYou’ll want your face to be a perfect canvas for flawless perfect smiles. Treatments such as tomakeup a perfect canvasand for flawless application picture-will abe diamond microdermabrasion makeup application and pictureperfect smiles.

Treatments such as remove dead skin and smooth perfect smiles.

Treatments such as arough diamond microdermabrasion will patches. aremove diamond microdermabrasion will dead skin and smooth remove dead skin and smooth rough patches. rough patches.

Don’t OvErindulGE Don’t in snacks – Don’t OvErindulGE OvErindulGE

The no-brainer side effect of not in snacks The eating healthily in –the weeks in snacks – The no-brainer side effect not before the wedding isofthe no-brainer side effect of not eating healthily in the weeks chance that you may not fit eating healthily inBut theisthat’s weeks before the dress. wedding the into your before the wedding is the chance that you may not only one of the negative fit chance thatdress. you Fried may fit into your But not that’s consequences. foods, into your dress.

But that’s only of and the negative junkone food, sweets will only one of the negative consequences. foods, leave you withFried clogged pores consequences.

Fried foods, junk food, and sweets and less than glowingwill skin. w junk will leavefood, you and withsweets clogged pores leave you with clogged and less than glowing pores skin. and less than glowing skin.

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Start your forever in our beautifully decorated, elegantly lit, breathtaking venue! The Crawford Farm truly is the place where dreams come true. The only thing missing is You!

216 Cannon Road • Statesville, NC 28625 704-902-6922 donna@thecrawfordfarm.com www.thecrawfordfarm.com Photography by Katie Whalen Photography and Dana Leigh Photography

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Grace Kelly’s wedding dress had a bodice made from 125-year-old lace.

© Wisky | Dreamstime.com

{ LKNW BRIDE guide }

According to the ancient Greeks and Romans, the bridal veil’s original purpose was to protect the bride from evil spirits.

weird

WEDDING WONDERS

Queen Victoria’s wedding cake weighed 300 pounds!

Something old, something new, something

The tradition of a wedding cake comes from ancient Rome where guests broke a loaf of bread over the bride’s head to wish the couple good fortune and fertility.

borrowed, something blue …. Tradition after long-standing tradition, let’s look at some interesting (or not!) wedding facts:

All of Henry VIII’s wives were related to each other.

In Egypt, the bride’s family traditionally does all the cooking for a week after the wedding so the couple can relax.

Nice!

In the western world, the tradition of the bride wearing a white dress started with Queen Victoria in 1840. Until then, brides just donned their finest gown. w

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Source: www.theknot.com

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self

FEATU R E

success story

healthy THE

road to success

F O R M O S T O F U S , the road to success isn’t a straight line. It’s

a wave of peaks and valleys — the result of untold amounts of strength, determination, and passion. Just ask Dr. Lori Schneider.

Her path to success began many years before her privately-owned practice, Lakeside Neurology, opened 25 years ago.

She was inspired to become a physician after soaking up the brilliance of a comic strip many of us know and (still) love: Peanuts.

“From the time I was 6 years old, I would tell everyone that I was going to be a psychiatrist because I was impressed by Lucy who was always giving her friends psychiatric advice for 5 cents,” she says. “It wasn’t until I was doing my clinical rotations in medical school that I became fascinated by the field of neurology. It’s a lot like being a medical detective!”

That led her to a thriving career that has spanned decades of providing high-quality, general neurological care for adults — including the treatment of headache disorders, neuropathy, neck and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, seizure disorders, dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and more. Over the years, Dr. Schneider adopted a more holistic approach to treating her patients. Her goal is to offer a natural way to achieve good health by minimizing medications and using natural supplements, physical therapy, and healthy lifestyle to treat a host of medical conditions. Dr. Schneider spent this past summer in San Francisco studying acupuncture and now offers this timehonored treatment to her patients. She wants to combine the best of Western medicine with the best of Eastern medicine—offering a full line of natural supplements, including hemp products/CBD oils and the Fisher Wallace Stimulator.

Not only is she board certified in neurology, she’s a devoted member of the Lake Norman community, a place she has called home since 1994. “I take very seriously the challenge of delivering high-quality, personalized medical care to this community that we love so much.”

A native of New York City, she never cared for the brutally cold

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dr. lori schneider LAKESIDE NEUROLOGY Cornelius

winters that are notorious along the Eastern Seaboard. The sunny skies of North Carolina seemed to be her destiny.

“I knew that once my medical training was finished, I would move to a warmer climate. My husband and I always wanted to live on the water. In 1994, after some colleagues told us about the area, we came down to visit and never looked anywhere else.”

Her path to success also includes an unwavering devotion to her family as a loving wife to her husband, Dr. JP Riou, and mom to Jessica, 22, Justin, 18, and two furbaby cats.

Perhaps what’s most inspiring about Dr. Schneider is her ability to combine a passion for work, WRITER LINDSAY MARTELL

family, and community into one package of success. She also recognizes the importance of selfcare, and she encourages women to make sure they carve out time for themselves. Creating harmony between family and work doesn’t have to be insurmountable and it makes good sense to put yourself first.

“So often women run themselves ragged at home and at work, which often results in compromising their own health.

If you take care of yourself, you will have so much more to give to others.”

Giving of yourself while nurturing yourself will always lead to success. One healthy step at a time. w

PHOTOGRAPHER TONI LOVEJOY

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Words are magic. They actually change

WORDS

our brain chemistry! As wordsmiths here at LKNW, we are especially fond of words

matter

that will resonate with our readers, in hopes they will help guide & inspire you:

"

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—

“Smile from your heart; nothing is more beautiful than a woman who is happy to be herself.”

THEY MUST BE FELT WITH THE

heart.”

–HELEN KELLER

–KUBRA SAIT

“health

does not always come from medicine.

– W W W. D A I LY I N S P I R A T I O N A L Q U O T E S . I N

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– A L LY B R O O K E

" "

Exercise

should be regarded as a tribute to the heart.

Most of the time it comes from peace of mind, peace in the heart, peace of soul. It comes from laughter and love.”

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“FOCUS ON YOU-YOUR SOUL, SPIRIT, BLESSING PEOPLE WITH WHO YOU ARE, AND FOLLOWING YOUR HEART’S PASSION.”

–GENE TUNNEY

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self

BETTER ME … BETTER YOU … BETTER WORLD

MIND body SPIRIT

By mixing the ingredients of attitude and action, we can change the flavor of our own lives. Learn to nurture your body and soul to lead a more balanced life.

FINDING peace WITH YOUR teen …

THAT EVER-ELUSIVE RELATIONSHIP!

“You will continue to suffer if you have an emotional reaction to everything that is said to you. True power is sitting back and observing everything with logic. True power is restraint. If words control you that means everyone else can control you. Breathe and allow things to pass.” –Author Unknown we could just follow these wise words—every person, all the time! But for parents of teens, it is especially powerful. As a pediatrician, I find that the most amount of time spent with my patients’ parents is providing them with advice about raising their children in the teenage years. All of a sudden, parenting a rosy-cheeked toddler becomes a breeze. I also confess that until my own children became teenagers, I had no idea what a challenge it presented. “How can it be so difficult?” I’d ask myself. This was because I was referencing my advice to book knowledge rather than practical experience. It can be hard to find peace of mind, body, spirit when the household is revolving around the negative energy that can often arise during the teen years.

WE WOULD ALL BE BETTER OFF IF

Your child who was “an angel” can hear you but is obviously not listening. They magically regress to being 5 years old again and simple everyday tasks—such as waking up in the morning and being on time for school, remembering projects and chores, basic hygiene—become alien concepts. Of course, I can go on and on … . So, when I tell other parents that we face the same issues in our household, I get looks of relief and satisfaction. Apparently by being a pediatrician, my children are held to a higher standard.

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While I am honored with such an assumption, my wife and I face similar challenges. Below are some strategies that I learned from my parents: Pick your battles … there will be plenty to choose from!

Don’t be a helicopter parent; allow them to fall flat on their faces and make mistakes, but be there to pick them up.

If and when they’re out of line, always tell them you love them, but that you dislike their words or actions. It thwarts an argument.

Encourage them to approach you when they’re in trouble, and try to control your immediate reaction by not “exploding” when you don’t like what you see or hear. Act. Anticipate. But whatever you do, don’t REACT. Last but not least is to always practice the Golden Rule … it works for a reason!

In closing, perhaps my greatest lesson I learned from my father: As a teen, I crashed his car into the garage door, totaling the car AND the garage door. It seems like it was yesterday. He hugged me, held me tight to his chest, and said, “I am very upset right now, but we can always buy another car … all that matters is that you’re ok.”

Later, I wondered and asked him why he wasn’t angrier with me. His wise response was, “From birth until you and your siblings leave the house to find your own way in life, you are our honored visitors. We need to treat you with respect even when you mess up because we love you. One day when you have your own home and family, you’ll want to visit us again and again.” w

Wissam E. Nadra, MD, MHA, FAAP, AIHM, is the president and clinical director at Lakeshore Pediatric Center in Denver. He is a boardcertified pediatrician and is also certified in integrative medicine. For more information, visit www.lakeshorepediatric.com or call 704.489.8401.

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WRITER DR. WISSAM NADRA

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