West Chester & Liberty January 2016

West Chester & Liberty JANUARY 2016

WestChesterandLibertyLifestyle.com

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Cheers to Your Health HIGHFLYING FITNESS YOGA FOR A NEW YOU DITCH YOUR DIET

HOME your most valuable possession

Find your home’s value now at WestChesterLibertyExpert.com

When you need expert advice on buying or selling residential real estate:

Scot Avery The West Chester Liberty Expert 513-325-1361 • savery@huff.com

Lifestyle Letter

A healthier 2016 starts here.

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JANUARY 2016

appy New Year from the team at West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle! We’re thrilled to be your community magazine. Thank you for welcoming us into your home. We hope to bring you uplifting news every month of the new year.

publisher

Michelle Moody | Michelle.Moody@LifestylePubs.com editor

Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@LifestylePubs.com contributing writers

It is tradition to start each new year with resolutions and a renewed focus on healthy living. As we kick off 2016, we explore a few of the local businesses that can help us on our journey to a healthier lifestyle. Inside this issue we have tips on how to be healthier on the inside and out from Gracetree Yoga & Growth Studio and the newly opened Diet Center.

Tom W. Brewer, Tom May, Diana Telles

Perhaps you’d like to start 2016 by trying something new. This month we take you on a tour of one of the hot new restaurants in town, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse. We also take a closer look at the area’s first aerial gymnastics class, offered at West Chester Academy.

Some of us may resolve to do more volunteering or giving back in 2016. This month we share an inspirational story about a West Chester woman who is going above and beyond by giving a healthy kidney to help a friend in need.

CORPORATE TEAM

Whatever you resolve this year, just remember that you don’t need to wait for another new year to start fresh. Each new month, week, day or hour provides us with a chance to refocus on our goals.

2016 holds a fresh slate of 366 new days awaiting us. Make the most of each day and enjoy your new year!

contributing photographers

Masterworks Imaging, Michelle Lloyd

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AD COORDINATORS

| DeLand Shore | Brad Broockerd

| Sara Minor

ART DIRECTOR

| Nicole Sylvester

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker, Kim Foster, Megan Seymour

LAYOUT DESIGNER

| Nicolette Martin | Ashleigh Thomson

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR

Michelle.Moody@LifestylePubs.com

| Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

DESIGN SPECIALIST

Michelle Moody, Publisher Michelle.Moody@LifestylePubs.com On theMoody, cover: We raise a glass to you and your health. Happy 2016!

Michelle Publisher

| Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

| Melanie Carlisle

| Kendra Mathewson

APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPER

| Michael O’Connell | Hanna Park

by Community ™

WestChesterandLibertyLifestyle.com JOIN US

ON THE COVER We raise a glass to you and your health. Happy 2016!

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West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle | January 2016

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of West Chester and Liberty’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

January 2016 | West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle

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January 2016

20

Departments 8

Good Times

12

Around Town

14

Giving Back

24

Culinary Creations

26

Healthy Lifestyle

28

Hot Spot

30

Lifestyle Calendar

34 Parting Thoughts

14 The Gift That Keeps On Giving Be inspired by the amazing gift of a generous friend.

18 All Wrapped Up in Aerial Silks A mesmerizing new form of exercise comes to West Chester Academy.

20 Yoga for Everyone Get bent into shape at Gracetree Yoga & Growth Studio.

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Music | Dance | Gymnastics 8107 Market Place Drive • West Chester, OH 45069

$20 discount on each additional group class Mention this ad and we’ll waive the $30 administration fee when you register! (offer cannot be combined with other offers)

January 2016 | West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle

7

Good Times

Empty Bowls Hunger Event, Sponsored by C3 the Caring Community Collaborative

More than 200 people enjoyed lunch and live entertainment at the inaugural West Chester/Liberty Empty Bowls event held at Liberty Center’s Sabin Hall. C3, partnered with Butler County United Way and 70+ volunteers, raised $5,000 to fill local bellies through the Reach Out Lakota and Faith Alliance Summer Lunch Program.

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West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle | January 2016

BMW of Cincinnati North Grand Opening

BMW of Cincinnati North launched its remodeled showroom with a celebration worthy of the Winner's Circle. The Alpen Horns and Cincinnati Civic Orchestra kicked-off the event. The SPCA's furry friends made a showing. Auto enthusiasts enjoyed specialty vehicles on display and test drove 2016's new line of ultimate driving machines.

January 2016 | West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle

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Good Times

Chamber Alliance Women of Excellence Awards 2015

Congratulations to ten local women honored for their significant contributions to the community through service: Margaret (Mag) Baker, Michelle Brown, Dr. Cathy Bishop-Clark, Carolyn Coley, Amy Han, Sue Hill, Lyn Hogrefe, Rachel King, Shellie Leder and Dr. Chetna Mital.

The Gala crowd was addressed by Keynote Speaker Stephanie Worrell. PHOTOGRAPHY BY WEST CHESTER CORPORATE PHOTOGRAPHY

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West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle | January 2016

Top 10 Property Sales Sales in Lakota (1/1/15 - 11/18/15) Community Carriage Hill Carriage Hill Four Bridges Four Bridges Bridgetown Manor Carriage Hill Carriage Hill Carriage Hill West Chester Liberty Township

Street Address 6039 Winding Creek Blv 6325 Coach House Wy 8137 Laurel Lake Ct 8127 Laurel Lake Ct 6452 Bridgeton Mnr Ct 6336 Coach House Wy 6178 Carriage Oak Wy 6197 Carriage Oak Wy Muhlhauser Rd 6417 Maud Hughes Rd

Bed Bath 4 4-1 4 4-1 4 4-1 4 4-1 6 4-2 5 4-1 4 4-1 5 5-2 71 acres 63 acres

Days On Market 538 0 42 0 31 152 426 219 100 221

List Price $757,000 $739,600 $815,000 $790,000 $895,000 $930,000 $1,399,000 $1,349,000 $1,000,000 $950,000

Sale Price $738,638 $739,600 $750,000 $764,000 $907,000 $910,000 $1,167,200 $1,250,000 $780,000 $950,000

SP % LP 97.57% 100.00% 92.02% 96.71% 101.34% 97.85% 83.43% 92.66% 78.00% 100.00%

Featured Listings

5606 Selu Drive Excellent condition! Custom built with lots of details including crown molding, cased entries, wainscoting and more! Finished walk-out lower level with theatre room, full bath and bar. Neutral decor - entire home just painted 9/2015! 9' ceilings. Luxury master suite. Family room with built-ins. Private backyard. Oversized three-car garage. Pool community.

7920 Royal Fern Court

5344 Autumn Oak Drive

Custom built in desirable Four Bridges! Over 3000 sq ft of living space! Neutral decor. New carpet throughout in 2015. Two-story great room. 9' ceilings on first floor. 42 inch cabinets in kitchen. Lots of natural light. Paver patio overlooking fenced backyard. Cul-de-sac street. first-floor bedroom/guest suite can be used as office.

Excellent condition! Great location! 3184 sqft per BCA. 9' ceilings on first floor. Multi-level cabinets, butler’s pantry and stainless steel appliances in kitchen. Oversized laundry/mud room on first floor. second floor bonus room.

Luxury master bath. Iron spindles. Hardwood floors in entry/kitchen/breakfast area. New paver patio overlooks large backyard. Walk-in closets in every bedroom!

Winter Is The Perfect Time To Sell!

•

Less competition from other sellers.

•

A high percentage of existing listings are sold during this time of year.

• • • •

Winter prospects are more serious buyers.

You may receive more money for your home now because you have less competition.

January is traditionally the biggest transfer month and you must be on the market to capture these buyers.

When you sell during the winter, you have an opportunity to buy during the spring when many homes are on the market.

Tiffany Allen-Zeuch

513-349-7311

executive sales vice president pbd, srs, relocation specialist

#1 agent sibcy cline west chester office

tzeuch@sibcycline.com • www.tazhomes.com

www.facebook.com/tazhomes

CABR-Circle of Excellence: 2005, 2009-2014 Sibcy Cline Top & Premier Clubs: 2004-2015 OAR President’s Sales Club: 2005-2015

Around Town

AROUND TOWN

CARRIAGE HILL EXPANDS CYPRESS VILLAGE AND ADDS NEW MODEL HOMES Carriage Hill, a 500-acre community featuring nine neighborhoods, announces the opening of 16 new lifestyle home sites in The Enclave section, exclusively by M/I Homes. Cypress Village, Carriage Hill’s low maintenance patio and courtyard homes, offers two distinct neighborhoods—The Enclave and Wynn’s. Both include the benefits of living in a master planned community with the convenience of provided lawn care and snow removal. Now open in

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP CELEBRATES NEW OFFICE SPACE

Carriage Hill are new model homes from Arthur Rutenburg Homes, M/I Homes and Pendragon

Liberty Township held an Open

Homes. These fully fur-

House and Ribbon Cutting in Novem-

nished models offer a

ber to celebrate its new temporary

look into the stunning

office location at 7162 Liberty Centre

selection of estate-style

Drive, Suite A. The new location is an

homes throughout the

increase of 1500 square feet and pro-

Carriage Hill commu-

vides additional offices, increased stor-

nity. Carriage Hill offers

age and conference space, and a more

the opportunity to build

functional working environment. Aging

your own home or set-

mechanics and a dated septic system

tle into a move-in-ready

at the Township’s previous location

home. More new model

spurred the need to begin identifying a temporary solution sooner than

homes and home sites are expected to be

originally anticipated. The temporary lease at the new location provides

announced soon. CarriageHillLiving.com

Liberty Township the time it needs to determine its long-term facility strategy and plans—a project currently underway. The Township occupied its previous location at 6400 Princeton Road since 1995. It will be used for storage in the short-term and will be evaluated as part of the facility master planning efforts. Liberty-Township.com

LAKOTA’S CHRIS BURKHARDT WINS STATEWIDE AWARD

EAST BUTLER YMCA OFFERS FUN2BFIT YOUTH PROGRAM The East Butler County Family YMCA is one of 10 locations selected to offer the Fun2BFit program in the new year. Fun2BFit is a program designed to meet the needs of overweight children and their families in surrounding communities. Children will have the opportunity to participate in one-hour group exercise sessions up to

Congratulations to Director of Child Nutrition and Wellness for Lakota

three times per week, led by trained YMCA staff and offered in a fun,

Local Schools Chris Burkhardt for being named 2015 Outstanding Food

non-competitive environment. All activities in the group exercise ses-

and Nutrition Director by the Ohio Association of School Business Offi-

sions are tailored to the age and capabilities of the children enrolled

cials’ Foundation for School Business Management. The award comes

and include stretching, cardiovascular training, strength training and

with a $500 scholarship, to be given to a Lakota graduating senior. A rec-

active group games. Fun2BFit is a collaboration between Cincinnati

ognized advocate for child nutrition,

Children’s Hospital Medical Center and select YMCA locations in the

Burkhardt serves as a board mem-

Tri-State. The class is intended for overweight youth ages 7–13, with

ber for Reach Out Lakota and was

a body mass index (BMI) at the 85th percentile or above for their age

instrumental in pioneering a summer

and gender. Contact Jerry Gregory at 513.892.9622. GMVYMCA.org

food program for Lakota. Burkhardt championed such ideas as soup and noodle bars and healthier crusts on Domino’s individual pizzas, served

Lyons and Lyons Co. LPA announces that Kara Hagen Lyons

in school lunchrooms. Burkhardt

joined the practice as an associate attorney. Lyons is the third gen-

has been with Lakota Local Schools

eration of Lyons family attorneys, following in the footsteps of her

since 2008. LakotaOnline.com

late grandfather, Robert D. Lyons, and her father, Robert H. Lyons.

Chris Burkhardt is given the 2015 Outstanding Food and Nutrition Director award.

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THIRD GENERATION ATTORNEY LYONS JOINS FAMILY PRACTICE

West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle | January 2016

Lyons graduated summa cum laude from Northern Kentucky University’s Chase College of Law in 2015. While in law school, she

clerked for the Honorable Chief Judge Susan J. Dlott of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and worked as a law clerk in Luxottica Retail’s corporate legal department. She was elected to and served on

Your Love Captured Forever

the national board of the National Latina/o Law Student Association. Lyons’ practice will focus on wills, trusts, probate, estate planning and elder law. A lifelong resident of West Chester, Lyons Kara Hagen Lyons is a third generation attorney with Lyons and Lyons Law.

looks forward to serving the West Chester and Liberty community. She is admitted to practice in Ohio. 513.777.2222 LyonsandLyonsLaw.com

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY GROWS IN WEST CHESTER Did you or someone you love get a cancer diagnosis? So that no one faces cancer alone, Cancer Support Community offers free programming in the Greater Cincinnati area to anyone affected by cancer: those recently diagnosed, going through

www.MasterworksImaging.com 513.494.6015

treatment, survivors, bereaved, family, friends and caregivers.

The mission of Cancer Support Community is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community. With main locations in Blue Ash and Ft. Wright, this non-profit organization

win at losing

is growing in this area. It currently provides a weekly Gentle Yoga class at West Chester’s Crestview Presbyterian Church, 9463

with DIET CENTER®

Cincinnati- Columbus Road. Educational programming at West

Theresa lost

109

Chester Hospital resumes this March and will continue through November. CancerSupportCincinnati.org

NEW LOCATION FOR CINCINNATI HOME THEATERS

pounds

†

Cincinnati Home Theaters has been West Chester's go-to home theater and home automation specialist for 13 years. It recently relocated from the Princeton-Glendale Road store to a bigger and

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better showroom at 11755 Mosteller Road in Sharonville. Take a tour of the fabulous new showroom to see how Cincinnati Home Theaters can upgrade your home entertainment experience or

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when you enroll by 12/31/16.

automate your lighting, sound, security and more with a custom program that’s easy to use. CincinnatiHomeTheaters.net

SHARE YOUR VACATION PHOTOS FOR UPCOMING TRAVEL ISSUE West Chester & Liberty Lifestyle wants to feature you in our upcoming Travel issue. Tell us about your favorite vacation destination

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Laser Assisted Fat Loss

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One-on-one counseling Supplements for appetite suppression & energy

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by LIPOGENICS™

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513-779-6500

and send your best vacation photos. You may be selected as a feature story for our April issue. You inspire us! Tera.Michelson@Lifestyl-

Programs using grocery store foods

DietCenterCincinnati.com follow us on:

*Based on a full service program of at least 8 weeks. Registration fee, required nutritional supplements, if any, at regular low prices. †Results not typical. Available at participating locations. Void where prohibited. ©2016 Diet Center® Worldwide., Inc. Akron, OH 44333. A Health Management Group™ company. All Rights Reserved.

January 2016 | West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle

13

Giving Back

ARTICLE TERA MICHELSON PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE LLOYD

L

Generous donor Megan Kirchmer and grateful recipient Liz Doriott.

These longtime friends work together at Liberty Township's The Blow Dry Bar & Salon.

Gift

The Greatest

KIDNEY DONOR GIVES THE GIFT OF LIFE

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West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle | January 2016

iz Doriott is a giver. Each Thanksgiving she gives away turkey dinners to those in need within her medical practice, where she treats lower income families that have trouble obtaining proper medical care. She’s a giving physician, missionary, wife, mother and friend. Due to a genetic kidney disease, it is Doriott’s turn to receive.

At age 21, Doriott was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)—the world's most common inherited kidney disease.

Worldwide, around 12 million people suffer from this condition and 50 percent of them are expected to have kidney failure by the time they reach 60 years old.

“One in 1,000 people get this disease,” says Doriott.

She has already outlived everyone in her family with the disease. She lost her father to PKD when he was only 46 years old; her brother died at age 39.

“We knew for a long time that I might need a kidney,” she says.

When it became clear in August, 2015 that her kidneys were struggling, she knew it was time. A healthy kidney could add 20 or more years to her life.

“Without a kidney, I’d only have 4.5 years to live and I’d be on dialysis,” she says.

“I have some rare antibodies,” says Doriott. “26 people offered [to be donors]–only two matched. Of the two, the best match was Megan.”

Doriott had already met her match—long-time friend, Megan Kirchmer.

This wasn’t the first time Kirchmer was the best match to Doriott. They first met because their husbands are friends. When Doriott and her husband Derek Hindman opened Liberty Township's The Blow Dry Bar and Salon in 2013, Kirchmer was at the top of the list for Business Manager.

“She is the best at customer relations—she’s the best manager,” Doriott says of Kirchmer.

Kirchmer is unruffled by handing over one of her healthy kidneys. As a former flight attendant, she is known for her calm, peaceful nature.

“I know my blood type is universal. I’ve always said I’d give her a kidney.

I always was up for it. She’s very much a giver, it’s hard for her to take. She’ll do anything for a stranger off the street–give her shirt off her back. For her to take something like this is very difficult,” says Kirchmer.

“I’m speechless–overwhelmed,” says Doriott, humbled by her friend's generosity as a living donor. “I can’t imagine anyone more selfless, giving, loving. She’s an incredible mother, incredible wife. And she’s stunningly beautiful, inside and out.”

Kirchmer shrugs off the compliments.

“Liz is like family to me. I’m just really glad to help. I want her to feel better. That’s important to me—that she can live a long, healthy life.”

Doriott promises to take good care of Kirchmer’s kidney.

“I’ll talk to it everyday,” she says, patting her right side, where Kirchmer’s healthy kidney will be placed. “I’ll take good care of it.”

It doesn’t take any medical tests to see that these two women are a match.

“We’ll always be connected, no matter what,” Kirchmer says. They are forever linked by the greatest gift, a second chance at life.

At press time, the transplant surgeries for Doriott and Kirchmer are scheduled for early this month.

BE A DONOR

According to the National Kidney Foundation: • More than 101,000 people in the US are waiting for a healthy kidney–each year, only 17,000 people receive donated kidneys.

• To make a living donation of a kidney, you must be in good health, have normal kidney function and pass an evaluation process with a social worker.

• Besides kidneys, living donors may also give parts of their lungs, pancreas, intestines or liver.

• One deceased donor may save the lives of up to eight people and help many more with donated organs, eyes and tissues.

For information on becoming an organ donor, go to Kidney.org. Register as a donor at DonateLife.net.

January 2016 | West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle

15

Welcome Home to . . . the Winter Season at Carriage Hill.

Natural Beauty • Old World Design • Refined Quality

Shake Off the Winter Chill…

Visit our beautiful models and move-in-ready homes today!

• Custom, Estate and Move-in-Ready Single Family Homes • Lifestyle-Low Maintenance Courtyard and Patio Homes

513.894.4455 • CarriageHillLiving.com

We Invite You

to visit our new Pembrooke model home and discover the elegance, craftsmanship, and lasting value expressed in every Legendary Custom Built Arthur Rutenberg home.

FROM THE MOMENT YOU ARRIVE MANY WORDS WILL BEGIN TO FLOW BREATHTAKING, EXQUISITE, IMPECCABLE, FLAWLESS, LUXURIOUS, CAPTIVATING, FORWARD THINKING, THIS COMES FROM OUR 60 YEARS OF BUILDING EXPERIENCE.

513.486.5628 • ArthurRutenbergHomes.com Model Located at 6348 Carriage Oak Way in Carriage Hill, Liberty Township

A

erial silks is a true spectacle in exercise. The colorful flowing silks anchored at great heights distinguish this unusual athletic pastime from any other. The curious and elegant activity is captivating to behold, featuring the grace of an aerialist who expertly manipulates the colorful fabric like an acrobat in the circus.

Fresh to our vicinity, aerial silks has been introduced by West Chester Academy as a brand new and unique form of exercise. It is appropriate for all ages and abilities and is characterized by three main maneuvers in a variety of combinations: climbs, wraps and drops. These tricks are done while gripping two strips of brightly colored silk fabric, each roughly one yard wide, hanging fourteen feet from ceiling to floor.

erial Get Wrapped Up in New Form of Fitness

While strength and a limber body are ideal for perfecting such stunts, these characteristics are very much earned as a result of one’s continued effort in the activity. One major draw to participation in aerial silks is the healthful advantage of cross-training with other sports. Fitness and increased flexibility are also enticements. It is most certainly a workout.

The unique movements required in aerials silks cultivate flexibility and muscle. An aerialist lifts and manipulates his or her body weight while gripping the fabric. The intrigue of aerial silks for the artist as well as the onlooker is no coincidence.

The activity was created and perfected by a former Cirque du Soleil performer and current choreographer 18

West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle | January 2016

André Simard. Simard, a former Olympic gymnast, is highly revered in the world of circus arts, where he trains performers and develops aerial acts. Aerial silks has earned mainstream affection in just the last two to five years.

The advantage for West Chester Academy in offering such a class is not only to present a highly unique course to its families, but to provide an opportunity to further enhance the skills of its current dance and gymnastics students.

Savannah Biedenbach, a ballet and aerial silks instructor at West Chester Academy, respects the new aerials class as a cross-training experience.

“It is excellent for upper body strength. Dancers come in and have trouble with that. It’s also great for stretching as well as flexibility,” she says.

Aerial silks is a great way to perfect “the splits," a difficult position required of dancers and gymnasts.

Even with very little experience, an aerial silks student gains confidence quite quickly. Participants are in

l Silks ARTICLE DIANA TELLES

PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERWORKS IMAGING

complete control of their own movements and perfect maneuvers close to the ground before increasing their height. Elegant and impressive effects with the swaying silks are easily created even for the beginner aerialist.

For young athletes, aerial silks as a form of exercise is quite the novelty.

“It’s really fun. It builds your muscles. It’s fun to do aerial stunts in the air,” says Evie Colpi, an 11-yearold budding aerialist at West Chester Academy. Early feedback from parents suggests a flurry of excitement among the students regarding the new class.

West Chester Academy is currently enrolling for its aerial silks classes and can accommodate pupils ages 5–18.

“We are partnering with parents to help provide for their children opportunities in the performing arts.

We help them find their gifts and strengths. Our new aerial silks class is just another way we are able to do this,” says Owner Patsy Rabinowitz.

WEST CHESTER ACADEMY: MORE THAN AERIAL SILKS West Chester Academy has something for everyone, offering classes for music, dance, gymnastics and acting for beginners of all ages. Children to adults are welcome to explore a long list of opportunities to learn something new in the arts. Known for its quality and upbeat instructors, West Chester Academy is committed to helping students find their fit and do their best.

MUSIC

• Music instructional groups starting at birth through adults • Individual private lessons for a variety of instruments: piano, voice, guitar, drums, violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and french horn • Group piano lessons DANCE

• Ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and Irish step • For adults: West Coast Swing, Bollywood and ballet • Competitive dance team for advanced dancers GYMNASTICS

• Tumbling • Boys and girls gymnastics • Competitive team gymnastics • Aerial silks ACTING

• Acting classes • Musical Theatre classes West Chester Academy also offers summer camps and themed birthday parties based on gymnastics, hip hop, princesses and music parties for little ones.

Yoga for Whole Health

Pose Your Way to a Healthy Mind, Body & Spirit

ARTICLE TOM W. BREWER | PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERWORKS IMAGING

W

e don’t live in a world conducive to balance and harmony.

We fight traffic. We nuke our food. We’re bombarded with information from the TV and notifications from our smart phones.

We hurry from appointment to appointment and spend our free time scrolling through photos on our social networks wondering if our friends’ lives are better than ours. The cycle of comparison and competition seems inescapable—unless you practice yoga.

Since 2010, the trained teachers, staff and counselors at Gracetree Yoga & Growth Studio have been helping local residents turn the autopilot switch to the off position and live more intentional, balanced lives. They offer yoga sessions to people of all fitness levels and body types. The escape from the rat race begins with their welcoming studio space on Cincinnati-Dayton Road.

“It’s a converted home,” says co-owner and yogi of forty years Betsy Brothers, “so it has that homey energy. It’s a place you can 20

West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle | January 2016

come and be yourself with your family without any pretenses or putting on any acts.”

It’s this absence of pretension and artifice that inspires Gracetree’s three prohibited “C’s”: the studio disallows competition, comparison and criticism.

“I’m not into saying, ‘How long can you hold that plank pose?’”

Brothers says. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get a good workout.

Yoga can absolutely improve your core strength and flexibility, but according to co-owner and certified yoga therapist Janet Nash, the physical perks go beyond slimming your waistline. Yoga can reduce stress, improve muscle strength and balance and help you sleep better.

“The physical movement associated with yoga allows people to really understand what it means to live and feel inside your body,” Nash explains.

Gracetree provides a variety of services and activities to improve physical health beyond yoga, including acupuncture, aromatherapy and massage. But they don’t just help people heal from the neck down: the studio offers mental health therapy and holds workshops to help local residents expand their consciousness and live a more aware, present life.

“We want to help people understand why we consume what we consume. We want people to know the emotional reasons for behavioral changes. For example, the holidays just ended and we all tend to eat more and drink more alcohol than normal around the holidays. Why is that? We help people see the dynamics at play that lead to those changes,” Brothers says.

Gracetree offers a safe space, uncluttered by the noise and demands of modern living.

“Yoga is for everyone,” Nash says. “It’s not a religion; it’s not a belief system—it’s more of a science and a way of being. Yoga is a way of life."

Gracetree is more than yoga, offering mental health services, massage, Reiki, aromatherapy and more.

CONTINUED >

Gracetree owners Betsy Brothers and Janet Nash.

Nest Yoga School teachers Laura LeJeune, Janet Nash and Pam Painter. The trio trains yoga instructors at Gracetree's studio.

YOGA FOR WHOLE HEALTH (CON TI N UED)

YOGA POSES FOR REST & RELAXATION Easy Pose

Try these poses to rest and relax in the midst of a busy day or just before bed to help you sleep better.

Once you get into a pose, hold it for one to two minutes, breathing deeply, inhaling through the nose and exhaling from the mouth.

SUKHASANA—EASY POSE

Sit on the floor and cross your legs in a criss-cross position. Sit on a folded blanket, or place folded blankets under each of your knees to relieve pressure. Rest your hands on your knees, palms facing up. Be sure to sit tall and keep your shoulders back.

Reclining Butterfly

SUPTA BADDHA KONASANA—RECLINING BUTTERFLY

Lower your back onto the floor or an angled cushion. Extend your arms out, reaching towards your knees, with your palms facing upward. Bend your knees, put your feet together and pull them toward your pelvis. To increase comfort, rest your ankles and wrists on folded blankets.

SUPTA MATSYENDRASANA—RECLINING TWIST

Recline on your back and extend your arms along the floor at shoulder level. Keeping your shoulders on the mat, exhale and let your knees fall to the left, taking Reclining Twist

your hips and lower torso with them. Allow your shoulders and spine to settle into the floor. Bring your legs back to center and switch sides.

EKA PADA RAJAKAPOTASANA—PIGEON POSE

Start on all fours. Draw your right knee in and place it behind your right wrist. Bring your right foot to the front of your left knee. Extend your left leg toward the back of your mat. Place your fingertips near your hips. Then, press your left foot back, and lift your inner left thigh toward the sky. Lift up through your torso and chest. Now, press the fingers or hands down and lower your pelvis. If your right Pigeon Pose

hip is off the floor, place a folded blanket beneath it. Avoid straining the neck. Repeat on the other side.

BALASANA—CHILD’S POSE

Kneel on the floor. Touch your big toes together and sit on your heels. Exhale and lay your torso down over your thighs and rest your head on your folded arms. Once this is comfortable, extend your arms out over your head on the floor, and release the backs of your shoulders.

Child's Pose

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23

Culinary Creations

DON'T BE

FOOLED

5 FRAUD FOODS TO AVOID

Here are five foods that have successfully disguised themselves as diet-friendly foods. Don’t let them fool you.

GRANOLA

Shocked? Granola is often touted as an outdoorsy health snack.

Yet it’s super high in calories and many variations are loaded with sugar and saturated fat.

SOLUTION: Go raw. Muesli is basically just raw granola and it tends

to have less sugars and oils—but just in case, always read the label.

If you are trying to lose weight, make sure to measure to keep your portion size reasonable.

FROZEN DIET MEALS

Frozen dinners are not as healthy as advertised. Though many are low in calories (most range from 240–400 calories), the meals are highly processed, lacking in nutrients and brimming with sodium. Although they may seem convenient, you give up a lot in exchange for the convenience of a three-minute microwaved meal.

SOLUTION: Prepare healthy meals in bulk at the beginning of the

week to deter you from having to choose these unhealthy convenient options. Or, if you absolutely must, read the labels. Some brands are better than others.

SPORTS DRINKS

Note the word “sports” in the title. These drinks are specifically designed to replenish carbs, electrolytes and other nutrients during long, hard efforts. In any other situation, they’re just sugar water. You might as well drink soda.

SOLUTION: Generally, sports drinks are only useful for hard

exercise going longer than an hour. Otherwise, you’re probably better off with water. High fructose corn syrup or artificial dyes won’t give you the fitness boost you’re looking for.

“FAT FREE” PRODUCTS

“Fat Free” might look good on paper, but your body actually needs fat. Plus, as nutrition expert Denis Faye explains, in most of these products they just replace the fat with carbs and salt, so you’ve basically gone from pouring a little unsaturated fat on your salad to dumping on a pile of sugar.

SOLUTION: Stick with simple homemade dressings like balsamic

vinaigrette, and, if you’re out, ask for dressing on the side to control how much you use.

VEGGIE CHIPS

Just because something contains the word “veggie” in the name doesn’t mean it’s healthy. High in fat and sodium, veggie chips are often extraordinarily high in fat and sodium and, honestly, not much better for you than potato chips.

SOLUTION: When snacking, eat your veggies raw—dip them in

hummus if you want to add flavor.

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West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle | January 2016

True Blue Muffins Muffins are often considered off limits for healthy eating, but not these. With oats and sugar substitutes, these Blueberry Oat Muffins are healthy and tasty. Enjoy!

BLUEBERRY OAT MUFFINS

• 1 cup oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked) • 1 cup non-fat buttermilk • 1/4 cup egg substitute or 2 egg whites • 2 tbsp margarine, melted • 1 cup all-purpose flour • Sugar substitute (heat stable) equivalent to 3 tbsp sugar • 1 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp baking soda • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray. In a bowl, mix oats and buttermilk well. Let mixture stand 10 minutes. Stir in egg substitute and margarine. In a large bowl, combine flour, sweetener, baking powder and baking soda. Add oat mixture to flour mixture. Mix just until dry ingredients are moistened. Do not overmix. Gently fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups almost full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool muffins in pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes before removing. Enjoy.

Yields 12 muffins, 1 serving = 1 muffin January 2016 | West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle

25

Healthy Lifestyle

Your Diet is Failing You EATING FOR HEALTH IN THE NEW YEAR

ARTICLE TOM MAY

T

he new near has arrived and with it, the resolution to lose some of those pounds put on by the holidays. Do you know the one thing that

almost every diet has in common? They fail.

According to a recent survey, the number one resolution for the year is to lose weight. About 45% of Americans make resolutions and by far weight loss tops the list. About 25% of those resolutions are broken during the first week of the diet and another 10% fall by the wayside during week two. The best estimate is that 95% of resolved dieters will be off the diet by the beginning of the summer.

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West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle | January 2016

Why do so many people struggle with keeping their weight loss goals? For many people, the holidays have been a time of over-indulgence in everything—food included. They make a resolution to drop the weight and they want to do it quickly. They get pumped up to finally achieve it and they soon find it is more difficult than they thought it would be. Temptations come and they soon give in. They spend the rest of the year either feeling sorry for themselves or guilty they failed at another diet. Rather than thinking that 95% of people are failing at their diet plans, perhaps the truth is that 95% of diets fail people.

Many of us equate the word “diet” with short-term deprivation of some foods for immediate visible results. A diet is something you go “on” and ultimately go “off.” According to Claudia Peterson of Diet Center Cincinnati, that is one of the biggest reasons that they fail.

“Americans live with almost a drive-through mentality. We want instant everything, including weight loss. But that isn’t what your diet should be. It should be a lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise,” she says.

According to Peterson, the Diet Center’s method of weight loss and management success is different than most. It begins with a personal assessment of the body needs of the individual. After determining the right calorie level that is uniquely “you,” the center helps you find a way to plan meals based on your habits and lifestyle.

Diet Center’s program is based upon four essential phases: conditioning, reducing, stabilization and maintenance. The plan focuses on preparing balanced meals and more appropriate portion sizes. Peterson points out that there are two main causes for the issue of obesity in America. First, the portion size of our food servings— probably based on the amount of eating out that many of us do—is far too large. Second, most of the food that we eat has been blitzed with additives and chemicals.

Can the average person actually lose pounds and keep them off? Peterson recognizes that there are some physical and psychological reasons that hinder weight loss, but affirms that the vast majority of people actually can lose weight and maintain it.

“Remember though that you did not gain weight overnight. You aren’t going to lose it overnight either,” she says.

Some practical suggestions for a lifestyle eating change include education, realistic expectations, control of portion size and consistency.

“It all starts with education. You have to understand what your body really needs for its intake of calories,” says Peterson. Though we are motivated by instant success, realistic expectations understand that long-term success is more important than immediately dropping ten pounds.

Counting calories may seem like a chore, but being careful about portion sizes can go a long way in reducing calorie intake. Consistency is the final important ingredient in this healthier lifestyle. Understand that it takes time and effort to change a habit. Poor eating choices usually come from years of bad habits.

Knowing the right amount of calories for our bodies and then controlling the portion size, taking the time to eat as fresh and organically as possible and consistently including activity and exercise can get your year off to a healthier, happier start.

January 2016 | West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle

27

Hot Spot

BRINGING BACK THE SUPPER CLUB ARTICLE TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE LLOYD

THE OLD AND NEW OF JOHNNY'S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE

W

hen you step into Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, it is almost a step back in time, but in all of the best possible ways. It’s no challenge to pick up on the theme in West Chester’s latest hot spot. “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” pipes through the blue-lit bar. A classic picture of Frank Sinatra and his boys in the Rat Pack watches guard over the dining room, waiting for it to fill like their casino concerts back in their heyday. A glamorous slice of classic Hollywood has moved into our neighborhood, and it is primed to pamper us with top-notch service and glorious steaks.

Johnny’s has its very own Rat Pack: Director Michael Gaines, Managing Director Aaron Hammond and Culinary Maestro Ian Jordan. Like Sinatra, Gaines is indeed “The Chairman of the Board.”

He and his team don’t just like what they do, they are passionate about providing great service and great food.

Johnny’s is at the heart of Centre Park, a one-stop-shop for business and pleasure. Its modern design is award-winning. Johnny’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. With a chapel down one hall and 28

West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle | January 2016

Director Michael Gaines, Managing Director Aaron Hammond and Culinary Maestro Ian Jordan Johnny's very own Rat Pack.

Holiday Inn down the other, Centre Park is a wedding destination out of a dream. Johnny’s food is the icing on the cake.

The famed supper club of the past has come back to life in Johnny’s vibe and menu.

“The atmosphere here makes us a little bit different,” Hammond says. “You aren’t seeing the ‘40s-‘50s supper club scene anywhere else, especially with the Rat Pack genre. There’s really nothing else like this place around here.”

As a Lakota grad, Hammond knows what’s around here. He remembers what it was like before anything was being built in the area.

“I want Johnny’s to be that neighborhood place where people come after work to get a drink and bring their family for dinner,” he says.

“We have that upscale, casual feel that you are going to get downtown, and you don’t have to go far from home for it,” adds Jordan.

What’s the menu like?

"Steak is foremost,” says Gaines.

“When you come to Johnny’s, I’m going to tell you point blank and period, get the 6-ounce filet ($27) topped with either Chanel or Sinatra ($7). With that, you get the best of the best,” says Jordan. The steak toppers are rich and flavorful cream sauces that put the “Italian” into Johnny’s name.

The Chanel topper comes from the signature pasta dish Johnny’s Chanel No. 5 ($22).

“Johnny’s Chanel No. 5 is rumored to be the favorite dish of Marilyn Monroe herself,” says Hammond.

“You take the lobster and prosciutto and crab, add a nice béchamel sauce and smother your steak with it. It’s awesome. You won’t need to eat for a week,” says Jordan.

The Sinatra topper takes its name from Johnny’s Veal Sinatra ($28), with shrimp, crab, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil in a light garlic and cream sauce.

“You can pair it up, mix-and-match the steaks and the pastas,” Jordan says. “In our price point, you can have both.”

All steaks are served with sides: family style house salad, focaccia bread and choice of potato, pasta or vegetables.

“We don’t do á la carte,” Gaines says.

“The steps of service that are taken out here bar none, but the price point is considerably lower than most,” says Jordan.

There’s a pleasant surprise behind every privacy curtain at this new restaurant with old values. Johnny’s is ushering back an era of glamour and service once thought long gone. For an exceptional experience at an affordable price, swing into Centre Park. Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse just might get under your skin.

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse at Centre Park is located at 5800 Muhlhauser Road, West Chester. JohnnysItalianSteakhouse.com January 2016 | West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle

29

Lifestyle Calendar

January THROUGH MARCH 6

20th century: Chanel, Dior, Givenchy and

THE BEACH MOUNTAIN

others. In addition to this special exhib-

THE BEACH WATERPARK

it, the Museum holds more than 65,000

Embrace the cold! Bundle up and snow tube

works. The museum is free; parking is $4.

down The Beach Mountain, a 400-foot-long

CincinnatiArtMuseum.org

run, featuring 10 lanes of fun. Warm up in the winter chalet with hot food and drinks.

JANUARY 5 - 17

Build snowmen and make snow angels in a

KINKY BOOTS

snow play area. Purchase tickets for two-hour

ARONOFF CENTER

sessions of fun. TheBeachMountain.com

Broadway’s Kinky Boots comes to Cincinnati with its inspiring story of friendship,

THROUGH FEBRUARY 15

family and high-heeled shoes. The musi-

U.S. BANK ICE RINK

cal is the winner of six Tony Awards, in-

FOUNTAIN SQUARE, DOWNTOWN

cluding Best Musical, Best Score and Best

Enjoy the views of Downtown Cincinnati’s

Choreography. Cyndi Lauper, Jerry Mitch-

iconic Fountain Square as you skate on 7,000 square feet of ice at the seasonal U.S. Bank Ice Rink. The rink is available for open skate and private parties. Skate rental

ell and Harvey Fierstein teamed up to give us this “huge-hearted, high-heeled hit.” CincinnatiArts.org

and hot cocoa is onsite, along with lockers and other concessions.

JANUARY 6

MyFountainSquare.com

KNITTING GROUP MIDPOINTE LIBRARY, WEST CHESTER On the first Wednesday of each month, MidPointe Library, West Chester, opens its doors to all local yarncrafters. Pack up your needles and yarn and come join the Knitting Group. If you like to knit or crochet and are looking for good conversation, this group is for you!

JANUARY 2 - 17

MidPointeLibrary.org

GIMMIE, GIMMIE, GIMMIE

JANUARY 9 & 23

WESTON ART GALLERY

WEST CHESTER FARMERS MARKET

Don’t miss the opportunity to see this free exhibit of the compelling

MUHLHAUSER BARN, WEST CHESTER

work of Cincinnati native Todd Pavlisko. An artist and independent

Now on the Winter Schedule, the West Chester Farmers Market gathers

curator, Pavlisko presents two exhibitions that center around the

under the shelter of Muhlhauser Barn twice a month. Bundle up to shop

common practice of collecting and amassing objects. It’s a statement

and support vendors who have locally grown produce, locally made

on “stuff.” Closed Mondays. CincinnatiArts.org/Weston-Art-Gallery

baked goods and other products available for purchase. The market

JANUARY 2 - 24

meets 2-4 p.m. during winter. WestChesterOhioFarmersMarket.org

HIGH STYLE: 20TH-CENTURY MASTERWORKS FROM BROOK-

JANUARY 12

LYN MUSEUM COSTUME COLLECTION

SELF-DEFENSE CLASS

CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM

MIDPOINTE LIBRARY, WEST CHESTER; COMMUNITY ROOM AB

Take a tour through the evolution of fashion from 1910-1980. See gar-

The West Chester Police Department trains residents in self-defense

ments and accessories made by the most influential designers of the

with this free class for those aged 16 and up. Beyond basic self-de-

30

West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle | January 2016

fense, participants will learn about awareness and mental preparation in the event of an attack. Please wear comfortable clothing for the one-session class. Registration is required for participation. MidPointeLibrary.org

JANUARY 14 & 20

New Beginnings, New Lifestyle, New You!

BOOK BUMS BOOK CLUBS BELLA VINO OR BOOK BUMS Join a Book Bums Book Club for adults this month. Bring a friend--and make some new ones--as you discuss this month’s selection, Circling the Sun, by Paula McLain. Groups meet Thursday, January 14, 6:30 p.m., Bella Vino and Wednesday, January 20, 12 noon, Book Bums. Reservations required. anna@ bookbums.com BookBums.com

JANUARY 15 GUIDED GHOST TOURS OF MUSIC HALL CINCINNATI MUSIC HALL Take an after-hours tour of historic Music Hall with The Cincinnati Research & Paranormal Studies team. Hear stories of paranormal ex-

Create a healthier lifestyle for you and your loved ones this New Year.

Healthy Weight • Healthy Nutrition Healthy Children • Healthy Home • Healthy Beauty Feel the Shaklee Effect! Let us help make 2016 your best year with Shaklee-The #1 Natural Nutrition Company in the US. 100% Guaranteed!

periences of visitors and staff. Patrons see the auditorium, freight elevator, ballroom, Corbett Tower, stage, backstage and Critic's Club. Tours depart at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

CincinnatiArts.org

JANUARY 23 NEW YEAR, NEW YOU JUNGLE JIM'S INTERNATIONAL MARKET Spend a day dedicated to your health at Jungle Jim’s International Market. Sample nutritious snacks, get a health screening and learn how to make positive lifestyle changes for you and your family at this free health fair.

Call to hear about our January Specials and Feel your Best in 2016!

Call Rita McCormack and Tara Root (513) 607-3941 thinkhealthytoo@gmail.com

Health and food specialists will be on hand to answer questions. JungleJims.com January 2016 | West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle

31

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HEALTH & WELLNESS Diet Center (513) 779-6500 dietcentercincinnati.com East Butler County Family YMCA (513) 892-9622 gmvymca.org/east.html Gracetree Yoga & Growth Studio (513) 759-4458 gracetreestudio.com Shaklee - Rita McCormack & Tara Root (513) 607-3941 thinkhealthytoo@gmail.com

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RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse (513) 874-2744 johnnysitaliansteakhouse.com/ west-chester The Jaded Fork (513) 201-8706 thejadedfork.com

SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES Hillandale (513) 777-1400 hillandale.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS The Spicy Olive (513) 847-4397 thespicyolive.com

Welling & Co. (513) 779-8883 wellingsjewelers.com

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January 2016 | West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle

33

Parting Thoughts

Gratitude in a Jar

CREATE A FAMILY MEMENTO

WORDS MICHELLE MOODY

L

ast January I saw a great idea on Pinterest that grabbed my attention—a Gratitude Jar. Starting on January first, my family was supposed to write the good things that happen in our lives on small pieces of paper and put them into a decorative container. Then on the last day of the year, it would be time to open the Gratitude Jar and reflect back on what made us happiest.

I immediately pinned it and posted it to Facebook, publicly declaring to friends and family that I was going to create a Gratitude Jar and start a new family tradition for 2015. Then I did the same thing I do with about 99% of the things I pin– nothing. I looked around the house a few times for a container I could dress up that was worthy of holding our most special memories, but nothing ever seemed good enough. Eventually the idea fell by the wayside.

Five months later I was at a women’s retreat and one of the craft activities was to create a decorative jar. The Gratitude Jar idea that had lain dormant in my mind came rushing back. Using a hot glue gun and a few decorative items, I finally had my Gratitude Jar. The year was almost halfway over, but it was not too late to start appreciating all the great moments of 2015. I placed the new jar in the middle of our kitchen island so our family would see it often. It took more than a few reminders and gentle nudges to get my children to contribute to the jar, but even just seeing it served a purpose.

34

West Chester and Liberty Lifestyle | January 2016

Each time I passed by our Gratitude Jar it provided a visual reminder to focus on the good things in life and to pause for a moment to be grateful for even the smallest pleasures.

Then on New Year’s Eve we sat around as a family and took turns reading those beautiful scraps of paper. It gave us a chance to relive some great moments from the year, many that I had already forgotten. It was also a wonderful surprise to learn about what had made other family members happy throughout the year.

I plan to save all our precious pieces of paper in a scrapbook and add new pages each year. We’re building a special family memento that we’ll treasure.

This year we will all be faced with happy moments and sad moments. We can’t control many of the things that will happen to us in 2016, but we can control our attitude. We can choose to let the negative events in our lives weigh us down or we can focus on the positive. A Gratitude Jar is just one small way to help us do the latter.

If you’re having a particularly bad day, sneak an early peek into your jar to help lift your spirits.

Don’t delay the start of your very own Gratitude Jar. Don’t wait like I did to create the perfect vessel—an old coffee tin or empty shoebox will work just fine. Start off 2016 choosing to focus on the good all around you and this could be your happiest year yet.