Local Living Magazine by Blue Water Media, LLC

A SUPER SUCCESSFUL YARD SALE… HOW TO SELL YOUR STUFF GET YOUR BODY SUMMER READY SWIMSUITS DO’S & DON’TS FOR 2016

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features 20 A Super Successful Yard Sale... How to Sell Your Stuff 24 Taste of the World Event Recap

42 Swimsuits Do’s & Don’ts for 2016

64 what’s cooking

health & wellness

34 15-Minute Meals in a Snap

30 Nutrition Healthy Choices 57 Tips to Get your Body summer ready 52 St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital Named Top 100 Hospital

home & style 12 Windows of Opportunity 15 Stone School – “A New Deal”

style & fashion 46 Spring Gift Guide 49 Fashionista How We Shop Re-Sale vs. Retail

travel 64 Local Goes Local

Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

legal & finance 17 Do I Really Need a Financial Planner? 60 What Does it Mean When Your Children Turn 18?

pets 63 Protecting Your Children While Handling Animals

Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

Local Living Digital Magazine When you subscribe to our digital edition you will have access to additional content exclusive to our online version only. Visit www.locallivingmag.com to sign up. It’s free! Local Living Magazine & Local Living Green

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PUBLISHER Karen A. Kovacs ART DIRECTOR Sherilyn Kulesh

• Send us an email at info@bluewatermedia@ gmail.com. • Request the Local Living newsletter and you’ll be entered to win great prizes. • Stay in touch! Subscriptions For changes of address, questions about your current subscription, or to purchase a subscription for yourself or as gift for someone else, call (609) 938-1516 Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm EST. We are also listed on www.magazines.com. Advertising To request a Local Living media kit, call (609) 938-1516, or visit our website at www.locallivingmag.com and open the PDF under Advertise. Our Sales Director, Blair Johnson, can be reached directly at (215) 378-5928.

Writer Queries or Solicitations If you’ve got a must-read story or a good idea for an upcoming issue, what are you waiting for? Email us or send it through the mail at the respective addresses in the section above. (Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your mail. Local Living Magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.) Online, Facebook & Twitter Visit our website for features, contests and digital versions of each issue: www.locallivingmag.com. Local Living Magazine LocalLivingMag1

Letters to the Publisher It’s “Your Home. Your Community. Your Life.” We want to hear about it. Email the Publisher at klavery.bluewatermedia@gmail.com Local Living Magazine Attn: Karen Lavery 4 Gulph Mill • Somers Point, NJ 08224

Reprints & Back Issues High-quality reprints of articles are available, as well as entire previous issues. Make your request by calling (609) 938-1516 Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm EST. Local Living Magazine makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without permission from Local Living Magazine.

DIRECTOR OF SALES Blair W. Johnson FASHION EDITOR Jillian Dunn

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Amy McDermott CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jason A. Bleecher, Mike Hirata Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Boddington, Terese Brittingham, Lisa Bryant, Diane Burns, Jillian Dunn, Staci Hammon, Stephanie Henrick, Loretta Hutchinson, Patti Krukowski, Erika Ringwald, Carmen Stroman

MEDICAL CONTRIBUTORS St. Luke’s University Health Network

MARKETING DIRECTOR Susanna Koppany

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215-257-8483 • Fax: 215-257-2358 www.AtThePerk.com

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Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

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publisher’s page Beautiful young people are accidents of nature but beautiful old people are works of art. - Eleanor Roosevelt happened to be in a local convenience store recently, and found myself perusing some magazines while I was waiting for a prescription. To my surprise, and disappointment, on the cover of almost every single women’s magazine, was some type of “anti-aging” message. “Look Younger”, “Defy Aging Now”, “Get Younger Looking Hands” – essentially saying that we as women don’t look as beautiful the way we are!

Did someone figure out a way to stop time and I missed it? That would be weird – especially as I’m sort of looking forward to retirement, travel, watching my kids get older, becoming wiser, and whatever else the next chapter holds. We are aging. And we’re supposed to fight it? First off, “anti” anything to me sounds like a battle. A war. Personally, I’d rather not be at war with something that is as a matter of fact, going to happen. I am in fact PRO-aging. Like a favorite pair of jeans, the first time you put them on, they were nice, crisp, and pretty cool. Now they are lived in. A little beat up, but SO much better. And before I’m misunderstood, here’s my disclaimer: Everyone should do whatever they need to do to feel good about themselves – that may be exercise, volunteering, wearing whatever the you want with your head held high, and sure, Botox or boobs. But that desire and motivation should come from within – and should have nothing to do with this notion that we might just look like we’re getting older. There are girls in their 20’s getting work done. Maybe it’s just me, but that seems totally ridiculous Let’s send a message – we in fact, are quite happy with all that aging has to offer (okay, most of it anyway), and can’t wait to see what’s next. Enjoy Your True Beauty!

Karen A. Kovacs, Publisher

Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

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HOME

Windows of Opportunity By Pattie Krukowski

hen selling a home, one of the first pieces of real estate advice you’ll receive from your agent is to make sure the windows are sparkling clean. They are designed to be looked at and looked through. They are the art hanging on walls that have no paintings. They invite us in from the snow when gazing through them at a crackling fireplace. They beckon us out when they are streaming full of sunshine. They provide a front row seat to a view of the outside. They are the COO of curb appeal. They can be contemporary or 12

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traditional, dramatic or subtle. Horace Mann said, “A house without books is like a room without windows.” A room without windows. How dreary. Divided light or picture windows? Bay or bow? Dental crown or bolection molding? Window choices define a home’s exterior style. Window accents further adorn. Large molding or paneled shutters take on a tailored feel. Window boxes, lattice framed or pergola awnings make a whimsical statement. Matching the design of antique windows in a new addition creates a marriage of old and new. Custom

designed, dramatic shapes or arched windows make a declaration. Today’s window choices have creative, practical options. Window blinds, shades, panels and grills are placed inside the panes for easy cleaning. Flip out windows make exterior cleanup a breeze from the inside. Inside, window placement determines where a settee is positioned or a flat screen hung. They direct us which way to angle the table for two in the breakfast nook to catch the first morning light. Picture that tiny window above your sink in the kitchen. Now imagine it triple the size, crowned with a padded valence covered in that fabulous Schumacher fabric and trim you fell in love with. Bordered by glass cabinet doors, your window continues to feel even wider. Interior windows can completely recreate a space. Antique homes with high ceilings often have windows that opened over the interior doors with access to other rooms or hallways. At one time, they provided much needed ventilation to cool the house in summer and provide an access for heat to rooms without fireplaces. In addition, they passed light to otherwise dark spaces. Today, new construction designing windows over interior doors is mainly to create a feeling of height and add an open ascetic. Side lights framing French doors to an office or den fashion space division without walls. When more privacy is needed, drapes glide shut to conceal the interior. Install an interior window in an otherwise heavy tiled shower wall and create the illusion of more space and invite an open, airy feeling.

A Gothic style home built in 1861 in Chestnut Hill that my husband and I renovated years ago needed to “lighten up.” A large window was cut and trimmed in wood through an interior, 15 inch thick stone wall to open up the bar room off of the kitchen to the oversized living room. The change was both beautiful and functional. Wine bottles and cheese plates now had somewhere to rest and be easily passed between the two most used, social spaces in the house. Love the look of antique leaded glass or stained glass windows? Custom pieces can be made for you or, for a simple resolve, check out architectural salvage markets and chose a collection of relics to hang as art. Those of you with shore houses understand the importance of windows designed to take a hit. After 1992’s Hurricane Andrew was responsible for catastrophic damage to South Florida, new stringent building codes were developed for both large renovation projects and new builds. Exterior windows were required to withstand 140 mph plus winds. Code changes thundered up the East coast and our seaside communities adopted the International Code Council’s strict standards for wind-resistant windows which are basically two systems: impact resistant windows or shutters. Chosen for both style and security, windows really are “the eyes of the home” as defined by feng shui. Pattie Krukowski is a freelance writer currently residing in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

profile

Stone School - “A New Deal”

he time was 1939, Franklin D. Roosevelt was President of the United States, and a new school was built in Collegeville/Trappe for the Perkiomen School District. Flash forward to 2016, FDR is a memory of presidents past, and Stone School is being repurposed as a luxury condominium project. The former school will be transformed thanks to the vision of Jerry Gorski, President and CEO at Gorski Engineering, Inc. Having attended the school, Jerry is very excited to be able to keep the integrity of the building, and work his project around the fabulous structure and beautiful stonework. The former school will be home to 30+ condominiums, ranging in price from the low $300’s, to several higher end customized units over $500,000. Keller Williams Realty Group, spearheaded by The Brittingham-McCouch Sales Team, will represent the property. “We believe this is a niche market, that is needed in the Collegeville area,” says Tom McCouch. ‘’There is a need for properties that offer all the amenities of a larger home, but without the maintenance, for those who want to downsize, and not sacrifice the finer things in life.”

Feel free to contact us to be placed on our VIP list for preferred previews and early enrollment opportunities. Our services are not limited to the Stone School project itself. With over 20 years of residential sales experience, Keller Williams Realty Group located in Limerick, can assist you in selling your current home. With 170 agents, and top notch marketing ideas, our company works pleasantly and efficiently to meet all of your real estate needs, creating a win-win for all parties involved. If you are in the market for a unique type of real estate or desire a space where there is not a care in the world, visit Stone School. Please call Terese Brittingham at 610-574-9271 or our main office at 610-792-5900. You can also visit our website at www.kwseven.com to view floor plan options, sign up for the VIP program, and check out local happenings.

“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

The buzz has quite literally just begun-signage is not in place, yet we have buyers inquiring at a rapid pace. During the due diligence process, it was noticed that honey bees had taken up residence in the front pillars of the building. Jerry has decided to hire a professional apiarist to protect and preserve the honey bees, as well as the integrity of the colony. Keep an eye on the website for information on the bees relocation. We are thrilled to get this project underway. In the coming weeks, we will be releasing details on the Grand Opening. Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

FINANCE

Do I Really Need a Financial Planner? by Loretta Hutchinson

his is a question that I am always asked. I respond by quoting Loren Dunton, founder of the National Center for Financial Education, from his book “Financial Planning Can Make You Rich” (1987). “Most people need a planner. The ones who don’t need one are usually smart enough to use one.” In this age of the internet, Twitter and the IPhone App, financial and investment information is available at the flip of a switch or the touch of a button. But putting that information into a cohesive personal financial strategy is a bit more complicated. The risk is that the results end up being uncoordinated and reactive. Not a plan at all. As a Certified Financial Planner™, I am passionate about educating and motivating individuals to take charge of their financial futures. Too many of us are busy with our daily lives that we tend to focus financially more on the shortterm. But what about your long term investments? Are they positioned appropriately for your needs and goals? Are you on target for meeting your retirement savings? So, do you need a financial planner? You can certainly go it alone when it comes to managing your money. But you could also try to do it yourself when it comes to auto repair or fixing the sink. In both areas, doing it yourself is a brilliant idea for some, and a flawed plan for others. Mastering personal finance requires many hours of research and learning. For most, it’s not worth the time and ongoing effort. As you get older, busier and (it is hoped) more wealthy, your financial goals – and options – get more complicated. A financial planner can save you time. More detailed personal planning regarding asset allocation, investment vehicles and tax strategies may be needed. Financial planners can also help you remain disciplined about implementing and maintaining your financial plan. They’ll make the moves for you or hold you accountable to make

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them yourself. Procrastination, that 800 lb gorilla, can cause all sorts of money issues or unrealized potential, so it pays to have someone looking over your shoulder. Ideally, he or she will look at your financial “big picture” and help you work to enhance it via money management. Depending on their credentials, they may recommend specific investments, long-run investing strategies, insurance options, retirement planning, risk management methods and more. Many individuals refer to themselves as “financial planners”, but not all perform true multidisciplinary financial planning. Investment, insurance and tax professionals sometimes specialize in certain areas of financial planning (such as retirement planning, estate planning, tax planning, or investment management) while others take a more holistic approach. The cost of hiring a financial planner can vary depending on who you hire, where they are located and what type of “fee structure” they use. A fee-only financial planner earns a flat fee, hourly or otherwise, for their services. A fee-based

So, do you need a financial planner? You can certainly go it alone when it comes to managing your money. But you could also try to do it yourself when it comes to auto repair or fixing the sink. In both areas, doing it yourself is a brilliant idea for some, and a flawed plan for others. Mastering personal finance requires many hours of research and learning. For most, it’s not worth the time and ongoing effort.

Loretta Hutchinson, Principal of InSync Financial Group, and the Founder of Financial Divorce Plan LLC, is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA™). She has been working and servicing clients nationwide for over a decade. Loretta was named Philadelphia Magazine’s 5 Star Wealth Manager for 2012 through 2015 and awarded the Women’s Choice Award for 2013 and 2014 for Financial Advisors. planner generally prefers to charge advisory fees (often .50% to 2.00% annually of the assets under management) for his or her services, rather than commissions linked to investments or product sales. Some advisors have adopted a more hybrid model that takes into consideration the financial needs and risk tolerance of the client. In most cases, your initial meeting with one of these professionals will be free of charge (be sure to ask in advance about this), and you can discuss fee schedules and compensation arrangements at that time.

You can contact Loretta at 215.302.3437 or email her at lhutchinson@InSyncFG.com. Or visit www.InSyncFG. com. Connect with Loretta on LinkedIn and follow InSync Financial Group’s and Financial Divorce Plan’s Facebook pages for regular posts on financial planning and investment management topics. InSync Financial Group is a registered investment advisor. For all disclosures, please visit www.InSyncFG.com.

So how do you choose a planner? In two words … ask questions. Sit down with any planner you’re considering and find out how long they’ve been in business, what their credentials are, how they operate, etc. Most importantly, make sure if and when you hire a planner that your personalities will mesh. This is someone you may well be working with for the rest of your life, so you should choose someone you feel comfortable with.

Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

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Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

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A SUPER SUCCESSFUL

Yard Sale…

How to Sell Your Stuff! By Carmen Stroman

he spring season is the perfect time to get started — you have cleaned, rearranged and organized the heck out of your home. You’ve spent weeks culling out the unnecessary and curating your collections, and now have a ton of stuff to get rid of! Before you donate your belongings to charitable causes, you’re going to have a yard sale! Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather with a yard sale this weekend. Here’s some of the things we’ve got in mind to make it successful: Team Up: Invite friends that have some things they’d like to get rid of to come join in. More items draw more traffic to your sale. They can help with the setup and sell some of their items along the way. It makes the day less tedious, and more merchandise will give your sale greater interest. Plus, someone might bring some doughnuts! Price Items Well: Pricing things well involves setting a fair amount as well as clearly marking that amount. A good rule of thumb is to price most everything at 10% of its original price. There are exceptions, but if you don’t know what to charge, this is a good starting point. The cost of every item should be easy to find, and if there is no negotiating, mark it as “Firm.” Consider offering quantity discounts for items that you have a lot of. Avoid creating a pricing chart or color-dictated price tags—just put the amount on the item. It saves a lot of hassle for everyone! Merchandise Your Stuff: Sure, there’s bound to be a ton of seemingly unrelated items in your sale. But try to group like things together, and create some pleasing vignettes. Just because it’s a yard sale doesn’t mean people don’t respond to

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nice styling. Group things of similar colors. Display clothing in outfits. Set a little table for sale with a place setting. One of my favorite tips? Bring a bookcase out in which to display books. Even if it’s not for sale, it will get those books you want to move out of the boxes and more frequently into the hands of your customers. Get creative with it—if nothing else, have a little fun with your items instead of just dumping and piling. Demonstrate Items: If you have a record player or a radio for sale, put some music on! Show that it works! Make sure you’ve got power supplies for folks to test out any appliances for sale. Have batteries available for people to try out electronics. People will be less apprehensive if you can readily show them that your item still works. Make it easy!

Have a “Free!” Box: There’s some junk that you’re trying to get rid of that you know you won’t get much of anything for, so put out a box of free items! Include toys and trinkets for kids, and throw in a few paperbacks. If you mark it with a fun sign, it adds some happiness and fun to your sale. Make Good Signs: You don’t have to be an artist to make a sign that will catch people’s attention. However, it’s worth the $5 you will spend on sturdy poster board or foam core and markers to get people to your sale. Keep it clear, concise, and correct—make sure folks can read your sign, don’t include more information that people can read when they drive by, and make sure the sign is spelled correctly and pointing in the right direction! Advertise: Running an ad in the local paper is still a great option, but craigslist is a no-brainer by now. Here you’ll have an opportunity to list all of your major items, include photos, and conjure up some interest in your sale before the day of. There are also other sites out there devoted solely to listing

yard and garage sales—take advantage of these. Negotiate: Pricing your items well is important, but also expect to have some wiggle room in there. Customers are the happiest when the feel like they’ve gotten a good deal, or talked you down a little in your price. Play the game a bit! But don’t do this too soon—save the bargaining for a little later in the sale. You can be less flexible at the beginning of the day. Start Early: It seems basic, but getting as much prepared the night before so that you can start as early as possible can really pay off. Early birds are serious shoppers. If you’ve advertised your special items, folks may show up bright and early to purchase them. This is a good thing—our goal is to sell! But don’t be afraid to stick to your guns a little with pricing—it is, after all, only 7:45am. There will be more customers!

Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

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12th Annual Taste of the World Serves Up Funds and Fun!

crowd of more than 200 people gathered in the Estate Pavilion of Pearl S. Buck International on May 20, 2016, to enjoy the 12th annual Taste of the World gala. This international food and wine tasting event boasted more than two dozen food and beverage vendors, along with Buckingham Valley Vineyards, Doylestown Brewing Co. and Eagles Peak Water. Plumsteadville Inn was selected by the celebrity judges as the best dish and Mei Ting won the Top Taste competition as dinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice. During the event, guests enjoyed the music of Cherrry Lane and Lou Pompilio. In addition to the traditional appeal, this year Pearl Buck International included an online auction so that those who couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t attend could still support the effort.

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Celebrity Emcee - Don Polec Don Polec, a familiar guest in the living rooms of television viewers for the last 32 years, continues to chronicle the intriguing, offbeat and quirky aspects of modern life both on his “Don Polec’s World” website and in his upcoming TV series “Exploring Quirky”. Don worked for 27 years as a regular on Philadelphia’s 6-ABC Action News. In addition, his talents were utilized nationally for 2 years, serving Good Morning America as a special feature correspondent. ABC World News Now, The Weather Channel, BBC America, and abcnews. com have also recognized his special blend of talent and shared him with the world. His current endeavors involve developing TV shows as well as helping businesses create website videos through “Sunblossom Entertainment”, his family’s production company and newest adventure. Born in Buffalo, New York, Don Polec spent his youth narrowly avoiding detention in public schools before earning a BA in Speech Communication, cum laude, from the State University of New York College at Geneseo. Beginning his career in radio at a Buffalo NY station, Don’s unique talents quickly landed him a role with WKBW-TV, the ABC affiliate, as a feature correspondent in 1977, covering everything from the Winter Olympics to the National political conventions to International assignments in Poland addressing Solidarity and in Israel during the Lebanon war. This five-year on-air stint led to his induction into the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame. These attention-getting reports also impacted a teenage Canadian viewer named Jim Carrey, who went on to Hollywood fame. Jim Carrey used his memories of Don Polec’s reporting style as the basis for his character in the movie “Bruce Almighty”. This homage remains Don’s humble but enduring contribution to pop culture. Don always strives to reconnect people with their humanity through his down-to-earth way of “seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary”. He rekindles in people the fascination of learning something new. Don ignites the delight that enriches our day-to-day experiences. Don currently lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is an active member in his community and enjoys biking, swimming, reading, raising chickens (don’t ask), windsurfing and flying an ultralight aircraft.

Celebrity Judges: Barry Sexton, Kimberly Cambra and Guest Judge

Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

Competing Chefs The Plumsteadville Inn The Plumsteadville Inn is a landmark that dates back to 1751 when Original Owner Samuel Hart built the Inn on to the original cottage. Known throughout the years as many names, The Plumsteadville Inn is back and thriving as the place for all occasions. With newly remolded hotel rooms, a banquet facility, and a full service restaurant and bar. We live by Burgers and Beer, Lobster & Cheer!

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M & E Edibles M & E Edibles is an exceptional dessert bar, traveling or stationary, true to its philosophy, “Nothing but the best”. We offer customers options to purchase large orders or smaller portions, such as our 5” deep dish mini pies that are perfect for one person or to share. Our items are made the old fashion way, in small batches, baked fresh each day or the day of delivery to assure the high quality of each item ordered. We work with local farmers to get seasonal fruits and vegetables providing the “best [pick a fruit/vegetable] in town.” Loyal customers applaud our baked goods exclaiming “You make the best pies I have ever eaten!” M & E Edibles is a local business that believes in community involvement. We donate treats to many local charities, including nursing homes, food banks, homeless shelters, and youth homes. We provide desserts for any occasion. Mei Ting Mei Ting is the third restaurant in a series of family-owned restaurants by the Swei family. Starting from the first restaurant, Lai Lai Garden, opened in 1998, the Swei family has made serving high-quality Chinese and Japanese food their mission and goal. Having only been open for five months, Mei Ting quickly gained popularity among the local people for its nice atmosphere, good service, and a variety of high-quality dishes.

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LUHV FOOD LUHV FOOD is a family owned vegan and gluten free food manufacturer. We prioritize healthy and environmentally awesome food, without sacrificing taste. Our line up includes Black Bean Plantain Roasted Poblano Burgers, Sweet Potato Jalapeño Soup, and our famous Energy Soup. All our foods are produced maximizing the natural flavors and nutritional value of every ingredient.We use organic, non-gmo, and local ingredients in all of our products. Olive Oil Etcetera Olive Oil Etcetera is more than oil and vinegar. We are passionate and knowledgeable about food and entertaining. Our shop features hand – picked oils from boutique groves in Northern California, balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy and other specialty food items that are unique to our shop. Stop by for a Taste and be inspired. Pierre’s Chocolates For the past 30 years, Pierre’s Chocolates has been dedicated to crafting the most exceptional chocolates in Bucks County. We are a family owned and operated full service retail chocolate store in New Hope, PA. All of our chocolate is handmade on the premises by our two chocolatiers, Tom & Justin. Winner of Bucks County’s Best Chocolatier for 2014 & 2015, Pierre’s Chocolates features old world recipes created by Swiss chocolatier and original owner Jean Pierre Meyenberg with a modern touch. Owner Tom Block (founder of Thomas Sweet as well as Naked Chocolate Cafe) along with son-in-law Justin Zaslow (graduate of Natural Gourmet Institute in NYC) have debuted a new collection of artisan small batch chocolates, bars, and hot chocolate mix. These beautiful chocolates feature single origin cacao from small family farms around the world. We are among just a handful of chocolatiers in the United States sourcing rare South American varietals. Justin was one of 26

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six chocolatiers and pastry chefs recently selected to travel to Ecuador and witness the cacao harvest first hand. We only use highest quality local ingredients and most of our small batch collection is in collaboration with other Bucks County purveyors. Online at: www.pierreschocolates.com & facebook.com/pierreschocolates

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Amy’s Creative Cakes Cake artist and instructor, Amy Recinos, developed a passion for baking at an early age while alongside her mother in the kitchen. In 2004, she started teaching the art of cake decorating as a Wilton Instructor. After 10 years of teaching Wilton she now teaches for the Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation Program and out of her home. Amy has taught over 2,000 students, including girl scouts in the Quakertown and surrounding areas. In 2006 Amy’s Creative Cakes, a home based custom bakery open in Quakertown. Made from scratch specialties include: wedding and special occasion cakes, cupcakes, custom cookie favors, cookie trays and homemade candy. Her cakes hold many awards nationally in both design and flavor. To keep current with trends and further her skills. Amy attends classes with renowned sugar artists from around the world. For more information, visit www.amyscreativecakes.com 215-529-5763 Mediterranean Catering Ordering food for an office can be a nerve-wracking ordeal, especially when the pressure is on to find an option that’s both reliable and flavorful. However, if you’re looking for a caterer in the Tri- State area you can rest easy when ordering from Mediterranean Catering. Mediterranean catering comfortably globe-trots between Greek, American and Italian dishes making it easy to pick a crowd-pleasing option. Our customers have been repeatedly pleased with the quality of our food. Since 2001 we have been excelling in corporate and social events, we are committed to deliver freshness, quality and value with every order. Offbeat Gourmet Premium all natural condiments, accoutrements and sauces. From our simple Raspberry and Rose-hips jam to our rich and complex, spicy and smoky Rated-X grill sauce, we have a combination that will tickle, tingle, or melt your taste buds! All produced from start to finish right locally in New Hope! Owner Scott Duncan insists on doing everything from scratch starting with the raw ingredients, keeping the focus on quality and maintaining the integrity of the ingredients in every step. He sources from local farms whenever possible. Organic Sandbrook Meadow Farms in Stockton NJ and Whistling Wolf Farms in Pittstown, NJ, to name a few. 100% Pure All Natural Gourmet Condiments NO High Fructose Corn Syrup | NO Citric Acid NO Artificial Preservatives NO Artificial Flavors or Colors | NO JUNK!! The Lucky Cupcake Company We are a small custom bake shop, first located in Pipersville, PA with our second shop now in Peddler’s Village. We opened our doors in spring 2010 and have been excited at the community support for our shops. Everything is made from scratch, using only the best and freshest ingredients. We specialize in filled cupcakes and have a nice selection in our cases seven days a week. Everything we make as a cupcake can be special ordered as a cake with just a few days’ notice. We make three sizes of cupcakes but serve the regular ones on a daily basis. Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

We also make homemade cookies, bars, cheesecakes and other delicious pastries, fruit tarts, lemon meringue tarts and chocolate pecan tarts just to name a few. If there is a special flavor that you are looking for and cannot find we are eager to try new recipes. We also make wonderful cupcake and regular style wedding cakes for your special day. MARSHA BROWN Creole Kitchen and Lounge We are a refined Creole Kitchen & Lounge located in a 125 year old stone church right in the center of New Hope, Pennsylvania. The main dining room features 40-foot ceilings, an impressive 30-foot mural, antique furnishings and stained glass windows. The lunch and dinner menus are highlighted with the finest cuts of meat in the area, fish delivered fresh daily and a premier raw bar. Marsha Brown’s has also become the location of choice for elegant family and company affairs, as well as a heavenly place to have your wedding. Our banquet rooms and menus are sure to please, contact us today to learn more. 15 South Main Street | New Hope, PA 18938 | 215.862.7044 Jamie Hollander Gourmet Foods and Catering Luke Smithson, Executive Chef Luke has over a decade’s worth of experience in the kitchen and at catering events of all sizes, from intimate wine pairing dinners to weddings of over 1,000 people. A graduate, with honors, of the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, Luke’s love of local and natural foods runs deep. He spends a week of his vacation time at the PA Farm Show every year, and the rest of his time off revolves around foraging, gardening, and cooking with his family. As a gardener himself, Luke is especially in tune with what’s growing when, and he searches out unique produce and other products for Jamie Hollander Gourmet Foods, whether it’s colorful organic carrots or less-familiar grains like farro. He likes to share his extensive food knowledge through special tasting sessions, cooking demonstrations, and events such as the Heritage Conservancy’s Farm to Table dinner. oWowCow

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Food nourishes both body and spirit. So we build our ice cream from scratch, daily, using grass fed dairy, cage free eggs, raw honey and seasonal fruit, all sourced from our local farms. In the spring of 2009 oWowCow opened in Ottsville. Since then we’ve added 2 locations in Wrightstown and Lambertville. Being a part of Delaware Valley’s rich agricultural and culinary community continues to support and inspire our growth. This past year we launched “Party Animal” our special events catered ice cream offering. Chambers 19 Chambers 19 offers a creative and artistic cuisine in an unpretentious and informal dining room. Whether you are looking for a romantic night out or you want to bring the whole family out for dinner, we are the place for you. If you are looking for a place to have some drinks, hang with your friends or hear some of bucks counties best live music, visit us at our sister bar, The Other Side, located right next door.

2016 Winners and Judges

Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

nutrition

HEALTHY CHOICES By Erika Ringwald

could talk about nutrition all day long. Actually, it is what I do all day long! No matter what a persons issue, I generally address three topics before going into specifics about making food choices.

Mindfulness. This is something that can be very useful. Being mindful when you eat can help you eat when you are hungry and stop when you are satiated. There is an art to mindful eating. If we can glean a few helpful points, we can start having a healthier relationship with food. One important tip is to pay attention to all the senses activated when you eat something. Pay attention to how it looks, how it smells. Notice how it feels in your mouth and what it tastes like. This is something that is often done in silence. For me, that is difficult. I sit down with my boys at mealtime and talk with them. But I am sure to have the TV off and any phones or tablets away from the table. I ask them questions about their food, too. From the start to the finish of the meal, you should have noticed something about every bite you took. Consistency. This is a word I emphasize often. If you eat well a day here and there, you will not reap the benefits of a healthy diet. If you treat yourself daily, rather than occasionally, you will be sabotaging some great effort. On the flip, one meal that may be indulgent will not ruin an otherwise fantastic diet. It is consistency that helps keep things level. 30

Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

Portion Control. I know I have talked about this before, but portion control is very important and we need to start recognizing what reasonable portions are. We live in a society that believes more is better. Often a “better deal” comes from upgrading a meal to include more food and drink. Our portions need to be scaled back. What is served in most restaurants is usually enough for two people. Start asking for half to be packed up right away. But eating out isn’t our only problem. Large portions are consumed at home too. Our plates and bowls are big. If we can start putting food on smaller dishes we will automatically take in less food. If you can master these three things, learning what foods to take in is the easy part. Now take a little time and think about your current habits and evaluate how they affect your intake and goals. Erika Ringwald is a Registered Dietitian with Erika Ringwald Nutrition. She focuses on bridging the gaps between nutrition information and making it work within your lifestyle. Erika can be reached at erika@erikaringwaldnutrition.com.

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For recipes and to order online visit our website at:

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Looking to bring a little southern hospitality north of the Mason-Dixon Line? Look no further than Marsha quality Brown Marsha Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s; the highest of fish, meat and poultry, and relaxed 215.862.7044 yet elegant surroundings. Lunch and Dinner Served Daily refined creole kitchen & loUnGe

15 S., Main Street, new hope, PA 18938 DINNER Mon-thurs ... 5 pm - 10 pm fri ................ 5 pm - 11 pm Sat ............... 4:30 pm - 11 pm Sun............... 4:30 pm - 9:30 pm

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looking to bring a little southern hospitality north of the Mason-dixon line? look no further than Marsha Browns; the highest quality of fish, meats and fowl, and relaxed yet elegant surroundings.

Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

15 S. Main St., New Hope, PA 18938 215.862.7044 | www.marshabrownrestaurant.com

JAPANESE SUSHI & STEAKHOUSE SUSHI BAR - COCKTAIL LOUNGE

Reservations Welcome Gift Cards Available BYOB Welcome! Open 7 Days BYOB, Southampton only. Private room available.

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15 Minute You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to forfeit flavor to beat-the-clock when you are on the go!

Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

hen you need a fresh, homemade dinner on the table ASAP, we’ve got you covered. With these sample recipes meal prep is a snap. Your family will love what you make, and you’ll love how fast supper is served!

Pasta with Shrimp and Bacon

Liven up pasta with succulent shrimp and savory bacon. A true family favorite every time! Ingredients • 12 oz. pasta of choice • salt • 4 slice bacon • 1 to 2 lemons • 1 lb. large shelled and deveined shrimp • ½ c. loosely packed fresh basil leaves Directions 1. Heat large covered saucepot of salted water to boiling on high. Add pasta and cook as label directs. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta cooking water; drain pasta and return to saucepot. 2. Meanwhile, in 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook bacon on medium 9 to 10 minutes or until crisp and golden. With slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Remove all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat from skillet. 3. While bacon cooks, from lemon(s), grate 1/2 teaspoon peel and squeeze 1/4 cup juice; set aside.

4. To fat in skillet, add shrimp; cook on medium 4 minutes, stirring often. Stir in reserved pasta water and heat to boiling on medium. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until shrimp are opaque throughout. Remove from heat; stir in basil, lemon peel and juice, and reserved bacon. Add shrimp mixture to pasta and toss to coat. Transfer to bowls and garnish with basil.

Fiesta Tex-Mex Salad

Mix thyme grilled chicken with Tex-Mex-style ingredients like black beans, salsa, and Monterey Jack cheese for a colorful and fun summer salad. Ingredients • 1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves • 2 tsp. vegetable oil • 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves • .13 tsp. salt • .13 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper Directions 1. Prepare grill for covered direct grilling on medium heat. In large bowl, toss chicken breast halves with vegetable oil, thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Place chicken on hot grill; cover. 2. Cook 11 to 13 minutes or until juices run clear when thickest part of chicken is pierced with knife, turning once. Transfer chicken to cutting board; let rest 10 minutes.

Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

Roasted Salmon with Asparagus & Lemon Moist and flavorful, this no-fuss fish doesn’t need much enhancement — or complicated cooking. Just pop it in the oven for 15 minutes and pair it with tarragon-tossed seasonal veggies for a feed-’em-fast supper. Ingredients • 1 lemon • 4 pieces skinless salmon fillet • salt and pepper • 1 bundle of fresh asparagus • 1 tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon leaves Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. From lemon, grate 1/2 teaspoon peel and squeeze 3 tablespoons juice. 2. Place salmon in 13” by 9” glass or ceramic baking dish. Sprinkle with lemon peel, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Roast salmon 14 to 16 minutes or until just opaque throughout.

Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

3. Meanwhile, in 4-quart saucepan, place steamer basket and 1-inch water. Heat water to boiling on high. Add asparagus; cover and reduce heat to medium. Steam vegetables 8 minutes or until tender. Transfer to medium bowl and toss with tarragon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Arrange squash and salmon on dinner plates; garnish salmon with tarragon sprigs.

Quick Mu Shu Pork

Like Chinese-style soft tacos, this fast dish of sautéed ready-to-use coleslaw mix and tender ground pork will become a fun family favorite. Ingredients • 1 lb. ground pork • 1 tbsp. dry sherry • 2 tbsp. lower-sodium soy sauce • pepper • 1 tbsp. vegetable oil • 2 clove garlic • ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper

• 1 c. diced jicama • 1 bag coleslaw mix • 2 tbsp. water • 3 green onions • 1 tsp. sugar • 8 soft taco-size flour tortillas • 8 tsp. hoisin sauce

4. Add green onions, sugar, pork, and remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cook 1 minute longer, stirring.

Directions 1. In medium bowl, combine pork, sherry, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

6. To serve, spread 1 teaspoon hoisin on each tortilla, divide pork mixture among tortillas, and fold to eat out of hand.

5. Wrap tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave on high 1 minute or until tortillas are warm and pliable.

2. In 12-inch skillet, heat oil on mediumhigh until hot. Add pork mixture in single layer and cook 1 minute without stirring. Cook 1 minute longer or until pork just loses its pink color, stirring. Transfer pork to large bowl. 3. To same skillet, add garlic and crushed red pepper and cook 10 seconds. Add jicama, coleslaw, and water. Cook 2 to 4 minutes or until vegetables are just tender, stirring occasionally.

Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

breakfast, brunch & lunch Lobster Eggs Benedict

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The Shops at Valley Square Warrington, PA 38

Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

Jersey’s Best Breakfast Coming to Warrington! Turning Point, New Jersey’s award-winning breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant known for fresh ingredients, creative dishes and great customer service, is proud to announce the opening of it’s newest location in The Shops at Valley Square. Come see what makes us Jersey’s favorite place to meet for a daytime meal. Florida Cocktail

Open 8am to 3pm y 7 Days a Week www. theturningpoint.biz

Let us transport you to the villages of France, Italy, Spain, Greece and America - where a good meal with good friends is at the heart of a good life!

Weekly Events MON - SAT • Lunch @ 11am! Put a little Mod Med in your midday with Lunch at Carmel Kitchen! MON - FRI • The New Happy Hour Our NEWWHappy Hour is available 5 days a week from 5-7pm...Try our $4 Sangrias, Vodka Mixed Drinks, or a Glass of Bubbly, $5 9oz “Big Pour” Wines and Cocktails, or $6 Shareable Appetizers. SUN • Brunch (10am-2pm) Enjoy our homemade, award-winning Sunday brunch. Enj SUN & MON • $16 Prix Fixe Explore Mod Med cuisine with our enticing three-course Prix Fixe. WED • Wine & Unwind Wednesday Kick back with half-priced bottles every Wednesday night. THURS • Martini Thursday Classic or Creative? 8 choices, your pick just $5 all night.

Carmel Kitchen, Warrington • 1613 Main Street • P 215.279.9607

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The Fairville Inn is the perfect place to treat yourself to a special evening (or two) or to host out-of-town guests. The Inn offers elegant country accommodations just minutes from Longwood Gardens, the Winterthur Estate, the Brandywine River (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wyethâ&#x20AC;?) Museum, fine dining and local wineries. Each room and suite features a private bath, individual climate control, satellite TV, and hi-speed wireless Internet service. Most rooms have a private deck overlooking the gardens or meadow, and a fireplace (in season). Full breakfast and afternoon tea are, of course, Present this ad for a complimentary upgrade to the best room available at check-in.

Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

included. Enjoy the elegance! 610.388.5900 www.fairvilleinn.com

Fabulous Clothing and Accessories 1201 DeKalb Pike Blue Bell, PA 19422 484 - 231- 8132 Open All Summer

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SWIMSUIT Dos And Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ts for 2016 By Lisa Bryant

Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

Have you had that “I’ve found it!” moment yet? You know, when your eyes just land on the suit hanging there on the rack (cute), it feels amazing on (comfy), and it just looks so good on you in the dressing room (flattering). It’s like every little thing you’ve done in preparation for this summer has been leading up to this eureka moment.

ell, all of those crunches are about to pay off! We weeded through tons of different styles, cuts, shapes, colors and patterns to find the best (and worst) swimsuit for your body type.

Now all you need to do is read through the dos and don’ts for each body type, and your next trip to the mall will be fun and stress-free (which bathing suit shopping totally should be). We just think everyone deserves to find their perfect swimsuit without spending hours trying on different bikinis.

~ PETITE ~

Your goal is to make your body look longer, leaner and meaner (in the sense that you in a bikini will totally intimidate the other body shapes). Dos: DO wear high cut bottoms that go up your thigh, because they’ll make your legs look longer. DO wear a solid bottom with a patterned top to draw the eye upward and elongate your body. DO be versatile with the style of suit. Don’ts: DON’T wear boy-cut shorts or skirted bikinis, because they will make your legs look shorter. DON’T wear a top with too much support, or your small chest will look even smaller. DON’T be afraid to play around with fun prints and patterns. This helps make a big statement on a delicate frame.

~ RECTANGULAR ~

Use these tips to nip and tuck away at your straight lines, and show off some fab curves. Dos: DO wear a one-piece suit with a belted waist in a bright color. DO include details that keep the look flirty and girly, like a nipped waist and ruffled neck. DO try a bandeau top to add curves and show more skin. Don’ts: DONT choose drab, solid styles that don’t add definition to your shape. DON’T wear too many patterns, or it will distract from your curves.

DON’T wear a spaghetti strap suit, because the vertical lines will make your straight figure stand out.

~ HOURGLASS ~

You’ve got the perfect body (we’re so freaking jealous of it). Just use these tips to flaunt your sexy curves and that teeny tiny waist. Dos: DO wear a bra or halter-top with underwire that supports your curvy bust. DO opt for a two-piece style- it was totally designed for your body type. DO accentuate your waistline with side insets. Don’ts: DONT choose a mix and match style, because this can make you look disproportional. DON’T wear boy shorts, they will stifle your curves. DON’T wear a Tankini that hides your slim waist.

~ PEAR-SHAPED TRIANGLE ~

Pear, schmear. Slim down your hips and thighs (it’s what you’ve always wanted, right?) and make your boobs the center of attention. Dos: DO wear a suit with patterns or embellishments on the top, like ruffles or beading. DO wear dark, solid bottoms that fit. DO wear a padded halter style top that will accentuate bust and add cleavage. DO try a strapless suit to balance the figure with horizontal lines. Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

~ APPLE-SHAPED (INVERTED TRIANGLE) ~

Hide your tummy and flatter your sexy legs (it’s what all the guys are checking out) with these tips. Dos: DO wear a suit with patterns and embellishments on the bottom, like ruffles or beading. DO wear a bathing suit with a flowing empire waist to hide your belly. DO try V-neck suits that draw attention away from trouble zones. Don’ts: DON’T wear a top with skinny straps, stick to wide straps instead. DON’T wear skimpy bottoms, they will just make your hips look smaller, which will make your upper body look larger than it already is. DON’T wear a bathing suit with a belt or bow around the waistline.

~ PLUS SIZED ~

Use these tips to play up your sexy curves and make yourself look skinny in the right places. And don’t forget to embrace your body, ‘because it’s beautiful! Dos: DO wear a black bathing suit: it will never go out of fashion. DO try other suits with dark, cool solid colors. DO wear a style with a deep, plunging neckline to play up your curvy bust. Don’ts: DON’T choose a suit with too much fabric or detailing as it adds more bulk. DON’T wear tight suits or ones with ruched waists. DON’T wear high cut bottoms, they will make your thighs look larger.

Now go ahead and feel confident and beautiful this summer season and the beach or the pool!

Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

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Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

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Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

fashionista

E-Commerce Shopping By Jillian Dunn

ow we shop is going through a “makeover” as new ways of gaining access to luxury goods are being added daily by e-commerce luxury resale sites. Traditional retailers are facing challenges in how to compete with online luxury resale retailers, who seem to have a limitless supply of new items and amazing prices well below retail. Both traditional and e-commerce luxury re-sale sites are competing for the fashion hungry consumer’s attention and purchases. A savvy shopper can maximize what is the best of both options and feel that they just won the lottery with their purchases. High-end Department stores and Boutiques cannot compete with the endless supply of items on the e-commerce luxury re-sale sites but they do offer personalized service to their clients. Traditional retailers also provide product knowledge about sizing, the designers and the season’s must have item. You have an actual not a virtual interaction with someone who can answer your questions immediately. The downside of shopping in brick and mortar stores is the pricing which is not competitive with e-commerce luxury re-sale sites. The overhead of the stores limits what flexibility they have with pricing to cover their costs. The traditional retailers actually own their merchandise so have a limited selection each season based on floor space and cost of goods. The normal retail cycle of an item is you pay full price the first 6-8 weeks of a season and then reductions start at the end of the season. In e-commerce luxury re-sale the supply and values are

limitless and seemingly constant as new items are always being added to the site by consignors that want to shop, sell and save all at the same time. The re-sale business model is “luxury flipping” at its best. The downside of e-commerce shopping is the general lack of real time service and answers. The consumer has to be savvy and know what they are looking for and educate themselves on the product details, sizing and authenticity of the items. Luxury re-sale retailers are facing these challenges to shopping online by guaranteeing the item is “authentic” and they are your advocate in the process if anything is not what it is represented to be online. This is essential as consumer confidence and trust need to be assured in order to make a sale. Savings while important to consumers does not always encourage the consumer to purchase, it is the value and buying with confidence that does. That is why luxury e-commerce sites like Tradesy, Real and First Dibs are creating brand images that reflect who they want to be perceived as by their clients. The atmosphere has to be a virtual luxury store that the client feels reflects who they are or want to be, similar to the brick and mortar retailers. Bottom line whether online or in an actual store the consumer has to feel good about who they are choosing to spend their money with, what they are purchasing and have confidence they received the best value for their money. More options and ways to shop means that the luxury hunger consumers have a better chance of affording the top brands they want without waiting for a sale.

Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

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Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

St. Luke’s has been named one of Truven Health Analytics™ 100 Top Hospitals in the Nation and one of the 15 Top Major Teaching Hospitals for the second year in a row. St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital was named one of the 100 Top Small Community Hospitals in the Nation for the first time this year! No other hospital in the region has ever been recognized by Truven.

To learn more visit:

stlukes100top.org

profile ST. LUKE’S QUAKERTOWN HOSPITAL

Named TOP 100 Hospital

St.

Luke’s Hospital – Quakertown Campus has come a long way since the mid 1990s. Then, like many small, independent hospitals, it found it increasingly difficult to keep pace with expensive technological advances and remain competitive with larger health systems. Meanwhile, Richard A. Anderson, president and CEO of St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, saw promise in Quakertown Hospital’s physicians and staff, and believed that by working together, and with financial support, in time the small inpatient facility could evolve into a first-rate community hospital. St. Luke’s Hospital – Quakertown Campus was born.

Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

Twenty years later, Anderson’s vision for the hospital has become a reality, as validated in February when Truven Health AnalyticsTM, named St. Luke’s – Quakertown as one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals®. Truven Health AnalyticsTM, formerly Thompson Reuters, is a leading provider of data-driven analytics and solutions to improve the cost and quality of healthcare. St. Luke’s Hospital – Quakertown Campus is one of only two hospitals in Pennsylvania, and the only one in the region, named to the list in the small community hospital category. Also, St. Luke’s University Health Network’s Allentown and Bethlehem campuses were the only hospitals in the region to be honored in the Major Teaching Hospital category.

“The 2016 100 Top Hospitals award winners represent the highest national standards in hospital care and management. They set the benchmarks for peers around the country to follow,” says Jean Chenoweth, senior vice president at Truven Health Analytics. “Hospitals in three out of the five report groups actually reduced overall expense year over year, while improving patient outcomes – exactly the results that the entire industry hopes to attain.” Research shows that patients at Truven Health 100 Top Hospitals have: • Better survival rates • Fewer complications • Better long-term outcomes • Shorter hospital stays • Cost savings •Superior overall hospital experiences Being a top hospital in the small hospital category is particularly challenging, says Donna Sabol, Chief Quality Officer, St. Luke’s University Health Network. Of 861 small hospitals eligible, only 20 are selected, as compared with 15 of 202 in the large teaching hospital category. The selection criteria consider clinical quality, operational efficiency and cost of care over a five-year period, she says. Not only is the current quality level considered, but also the rate of improvement. “This award is affirmation of the hard-work and dedication our talented team at St. Luke’s Hospital-Quakertown Campus puts forth every single day. We are committed to providing high quality, affordable health care at convenient locations throughout our community and will continue to do so by focusing on the patients who entrust their health care to us,” says Ed Nawrocki, president, St. Luke’s Hospital – Quakertown Campus. Thomas Filipowicz, MD, Vice President for Medical Affairs, St. Luke’s – Hospital Quakertown Campus, has worked at the hospital for more than 30 years and says the award validates what he has spent his career doing. “It’s not just your mom saying you’re special,” he says. “It’s a national rating organization telling you you’re special.” The data upon which the award is based reflects thousands of small patient encounters that occur everyday, he adds.

[ [ Having a hospital is an asset, having a good hospital is a

tremendous asset, having an

award-winning hospital raises up the entire community.

— Dr. Thomas Filipowicz,

Vice President for Medical Affairs

well so an infection was avoided. Someone prepared nutritious, tasty food and the patient got stronger. The X-ray and laboratory personnel processed tests in a timely manner and a correct analysis was made. The finance people processed the insurance claim correctly so the insurance covered the patient’s care and so on.”

Sabol agreed that it takes teamwork and commitment to doing everything right, every time. The leadership sets the goals, the management team aligns the resources, and the staff at the bedside implements the plan and offers feedback. “It’s not static,” Sabol says. “You have to continuously weed the garden and water it or it’s going to die and not flower. Enthused with pride, the Quakertown staff is devoted to tending the garden so they can provide the best possible care for their patients.” Dr. Filipowicz adds that the sense of pride extends well beyond the walls of the hospital. “Having a hospital is an asset, having a good hospital is a tremendous asset, having an award-winning hospital raises up the entire community,” says Dr. Filipowicz. “It has a halo effect on the Quakertown area that attracts businesses and helps everyone have a better quality of life.”

“Patients get better faster with less complications because doctors and nurses made the right decisions and communicated well,” he says. “Someone cleaned the room

Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL TOUR.

Dr. Kent Lane Mueller, D.D.S. Let us welcome you into my VERY UNIQUE and SPECIAL SERVICE Dental Practice! What makes my Practice unique may be VERY IMPORTANT to you; this may be the very best place for you to receive your care: I accept adult dental patients, which includes patients as young as 12 years old approaching a full adult dentition development. 1) ‘SLEEP-DENTISTRY’ - I often deliver treatment with an Anesthesiologist Physician chair-side, to provide care for those special patients that cannot ‘get numb’, have debilitating gag-reflex, high anxiety or sensitivity; or need complex surgical, prosthodontic, implant, surgical periodontic, restorative, and root canal care. My office facility provides for private post-treatment drive-in dismissal for our I.V. sedation and handicapped patients. 2) ‘DENTAL-IMPLANTOLOGY’ - This has different application and treatment objectives from patient to patient: Immediate single tooth replacement, denture stabilization, fixed bridge full arch tooth replacement, immediate full arch restoration, and more… 3) ‘CONE BEAM CAT-SCAN’ UNIT ON SITE - This low-radiation very sophisticated digital equipment assists in placing and guiding your implant placement in the office, as well as identifying and defining intra-boney pathology, impacted teeth, and missing teeth that may be otherwise obscure. This is a VERY important pre-treatment adjunct in planning my FAST-BRACES and INVISALIGN orthodontic cases. 4) THIS REMAINS A ‘FULL-SERVICE’ DENTAL PRACTICE - I will not require you to interrupt your overall treatment with off site visits. Your treatment is completed here START FINISH! DENTAL EMERGENCIES ARE WELCOME! 5) THIS IS ALSO A ‘PREVENTIVE’ DENTAL PRACTICE - Here your periodic Periodontal-Restorative care is maintained post-treatment for you and your family through my chosen Dental Hygiene Staff. 6) ‘COSMETICS’ - WONDERFUL! - Ailing, failing, and aging bridgework a problem for you? From a FULL SMILE MAKEOVER to modest touch-ups, my chosen porcelain artisans are fantastic. I treat ‘dental train-wrecks’.

7) ‘TMJ’ PAIN / OCCLUSION ANALYSIS AND CORRECTION Should you notice pain in your ear, cracking and/or clicking pain in the joint with jaw movements, fracturing of teeth, rapid wear of teeth, gum recessions and grooving of exposed tooth roots, clenching, or grinding… Often, the solutions are much more simple than you may think. I was schooled in OHIO with respect to the ‘Gnathologist’ principles of occlusion (bite). I proudly incorporate these principles into my treatment of dental pathology and prosthetic dental reconstructions. 8) ‘PERIODONTAL DISEASE’ (GUM DISEASE) This generally painless and often life-threatening disease is often ignored and left untreated or under-treated. Despite the advent of new technologies and medications made available to treat this insidious disease, surgical intervention under microscopes remains the definitive treatment for advanced disease processes. The delivery of this treatment modality is most often performed under I.V. Sedation. 9) ‘FAST BRACES’ AVAILABLE HERE - This is a U.S. patent approved orthodontic bracket technology reduces treatment time SIGNIFICANTLY! Talk to me regarding the dynamics of this treatment modality. CORRECT CROOKED TEETH ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL DISEASE THAT COMES WITH CROOKED TEETH. (Treatment may be significantly less expensive, too!) 10) ‘HOLISTIC DENTISTRY’ - As in medicine, we look to provide you with information that may benefit you from outside the corporate product-marketing model. We are organizing a presentation here for our patients, new patients, and interested others, regarding holistic solutions that may be outside the traditional dental umbrella. CALL US TO RESERVE A CHAIR FOR YOU TO ATTEND! You may contact Dr. Mueller’s office by calling (215) 657-5700, or for more information, visit www.kmuellerdds.com 1115 Easton Rd., Willow Grove, PA 19090

Office building is just south (left) of PA Turnpike Exit 343 across street from BEST BUY

“One-On One” PersOnalized dental service With tOday’s MOdern dentistry PrOvidinG the hiGhest QUality MaJOr restOrative dental & iMPlant treatMent

Volume 65 || Issue Issue 32 Local Local Living Living Volume

• ‘Sleep Dentistry’ • ‘Artistic Smile Design’ • Surgical Placement and Restoration of Dental Implants

Kent Lane Mueller, D.D.S.

(215) 657-5700

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fitness

Tips to Get Your Body Summer-Ready

ust because beach weather is a few weeks away does not mean you have to go on a crazy crash diet.

Instead, we suggest you take action with these expert tips to get your body (and mind!) in tip-top shape — the healthy way. From inspirational eating ideas to quickie workout secrets, consider this our countdown to summer fitness cheat sheet. 1. Do a little internal spring cleaning by drinking lukewarm (not hot) water with juice from a half or a whole lemon in the morning before you eat or drink anything else. Lemons are a natural diuretic, so it helps your body to flush unwanted materials out of your body, stimulating your liver, maintaining urinary tract health, and promoting clearer skin. Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which aids in fighting off hunger cravings. In addition, the high alkaline content of lemons aid in faster weight loss. The refreshing scent of lemons in the morning is also energizing, brightens your mood, and helps you to clear your mind as you prepare for a challenging workout routine and busy day at work. 2. Workout on the beach once in a while without shoes! It’s great for the muscles in your feet, as well as ankle stability and mobility. Not to mention, you get great resistance, which results in a set of amazingly toned legs.

3. Aim for only 30 minutes of exercise each day. Why? A Danish study proved that exercising less equated to moving more the rest of the day. But don’t forget, intensity is your BFF when it comes to results. 4. Make fruit ice cubes for your water to help you not only lose weight, but also give you glowing skin and improve digestion. Drop a raspberry, blueberry, or small slice of strawberry into each ice cube tray after you fill them with water. Freeze, and then use ice cubes in your glasses of water throughout the day. 5. There are so many ways to take your workouts into the sun for summer. Are you a runner? Make a stop every mile or so and do a short circuit to get that heart rate up. An example could be 20 body squats, 15 burpees, 10 pushups, and a one-minute plank. Then, hop back up and start your run again. Shocking the body with sprints could be another way to break up a mundane running routine. 6. Sign up for a fitness challenge near you that offers prizes, discounts, and motivation! They are typically short (30 to 60 days) to help you keep focused. This is a great way to get and stay motivated with a group of people — and just in

Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

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legal

What Does It Mean When Your Children Turn 18? By Stephanie A. Henrick

hile the law considers an 18-year-old to be an adult, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your child is independent. At 18 your child can get a credit card, vote, take out school loans, and enter binding contracts, but what 18-year-old really understands the consequences of those responsibilities? I certainly didn’t! The simple things you do as a parent for your children change drastically when they turn 18. Most people believe that being a parent gives you the right to your children’s medical records, report cards and financial information. Unfortunately, without a Power of Attorney (also known as POA), your title as “parent” won’t get you very far. Consider this scenario: A mother insures her daughter on her family medical plan through the mother’s employer and she pays the premiums. Mom received the daughter’s medical

Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

bill for which daughter is responsible to pay. Mom calls the doctor’s office and is told that her daughter needs to call. The mother is not provided with any further information. Next, mom calls Blue Cross to discuss the charges. Again, she is told that her daughter needs to call and Blue Cross refuses to discuss this matter with her mother regardless of the fact that she is paying the premiums and daughter is on her mother’s medical plan. Blue Cross asks mom if she has heard of “HIPAA.” Frustrated, mom emails her daughter with the bill and detailed information of who to contact. The daughter is now tasked with the laborious and vague path of medical billing and insurance coverage. Will she know the right things to ask? Will she follow up if it does not get rectified? A simple mistake from the doctor’s billing department has now become a hassle to deal with for both the mother and the daughter which could have further negative ramifications if the bill is not paid timely or not paid at all.

Here is another scenario: A father receives a jury duty summons addressed to his daughter while his daughter is away at college. The father calls the county to tell them that his daughter cannot attend because she is in school. Dad is told that his daughter needs to call and fill out a form. Dad then send the summons to his daughter and tells her that this needs to be handled ASAP. The daughter gets bogged down with finals and forgets. Three months later, the daughter is pulled over for a brake light that is out. The officer asks her if she is aware she has a warrant out for her arrest due to failure to appear at jury duty…. It is not hard to imagine what happens after that. Unfortunately, these things happen on a regular basis and the children are the ones held accountable. They are thrown into adult circumstances instantly when they turn 18 with little to no preparation. In fact, many children turn 18 while still in high school. Thankfully, there is a simple solution. With a POA, the parent, as the “agent,” can guide the children through the process by being able to assist them. If the above true stories don’t scare you, maybe this will…. Just because you pay your children’s college tuition does not provide you with access to their grades. You may be shelling out anywhere from $10,000 to $70,000 a year and the only class attended is Beer Pong. Don’t you want to know how your hard earned money is being spent? I would. A Power of Attorney will give you the right to monitor your investments and your children’s best interests. The purpose of a POA is not to allow you to spy on your children. That’s what the “Find My Phone” app is for. The purpose of a POA is to protect your children. It allows you to help them handle finances, make medical decisions and plan for the future when they are unable to do so because they are away at college. And for children who opt not to go to college, that does not mean they are yet capable of handling their own affairs or navigating these issues and responsibilities for the first time.

dealing with scheduling on their own and more financial

Being a parent never ends no matter how old your children are; but exercising your “parental rights” has an expiration date unless your children name you as their agent under a Power of Attorney.

responsibilities. A POA allows you and your children to have peace of mind so that you may continue to help and protect them and ease them into adult responsibilities. The bottom line is that a POA allows you to steer your children through the uncharted territories of adulthood. Stephanie A. Henrick concentrates her practice in Estate Planning, Estate Administration, Tax Law and Social Security Disability. Stephanie’s customized approach to estate planning provides her clients with personalized attention to address their unique circumstances. Stephanie reviews all elements of her clients’ financial and personal situations with attention to detail, which enables her to plan accordingly so her clients’ wishes are fulfilled. She works closely with her clients to create a seamless process of passing down their legacies and protecting their heirs.

If the children in the above scenarios had a POA, their parents could have resolved the issues and then discussed the issues and solutions with their emancipated children. Being a parent never ends no matter how old your children are; but exercising your “parental rights” has an expiration date unless your children name you as their agent under a Power of Attorney. Getting a POA is a simple process to complete. At the beginning of college, kids face many changes, such as

Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

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pets

Tips to Protect Infants and Young Children From Getting Sick While Handling Animals by Susan Boddington

nfants and children less than 5 years old are more likely than most people to get diseases from animals. This is because young children often touch surfaces that may be contaminated with animal feces (stool), and young children like to put their hands in their mouths. Young children are less likely than others to wash their hands well. Objects such as pacifiers may fall to dirty surfaces and then be placed in an infant’s mouth. For some animal diseases, young children are more likely than others to get very sick.

• Children younger than 5 years old should be supervised while interacting with animals. • Children should not be allowed to kiss pets or to put their hands or other objects into their mouths after handling animals. • Children’s hands should be washed thoroughly with running water and soap after contact with animals. • Handwashing prior to breast feeding or preparation of formula is strongly recommended.

CDC also recommends that infants and children under 5 years old avoid contact with the following animals: • Reptiles (lizards, snakes, & turtles) • Amphibians (frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders) • Baby chicks & ducklings • Petting zoos Additionally, children less than 5 years old should be extra cautious when visiting farms and having direct contact with farm animals, including animals at petting zoos and fairs.

Volume 6 | Issue 3 Local Living

Local

goes local

Highland, New York

ith summer fast approaching our thoughts turn to what to do or where to go for our vacations. We discovered a wonderful family resort, The Rocking Horse Ranch, located in the beautiful Hudson Valley Region in Highland, NY. The ranch was created in 1958 and is celebrating 55 years in operation. The staff centers its energy and creativity on activities that all ages will enjoy. There is even fun for the smallest child at Fort Tiny Children’s Nursery or The Wild Buckaroo Day Camp. The heart of the ranch is of course its horses. Whether you’re an old hand or a new rider you’ll have adventured filled moments to last a lifetime. Youngsters under the age of seven can ride the ponies, while the older children and adults can ride horses supervised by ranch hands through beautiful trails on the property. During the day enjoy some of the activities for young and old alike. There 64

Local Living Volume 6 | Issue 3

By Diane Burns

are hayrides, horseshoeing demonstrations, barn tours and organized games of all kinds. The ranch has its own indoor water park that will keep the kids busy for hours. There is also an indoor arcade with video games, ping pong and pool. Situated on a private lake, you may go fishing or water skiing or even take a ride on The Big Banana Boat. If a leisurely stroll is for you take a walk through the award-winning gardens on the ranch. No one goes hungry at Rocking Horse! You will enjoy three all-you-can eat meals daily prepared by their award-winning chefs. The children can have lunch with a number of their favorite cartoon characters. In the evening there are cocktails and wine and cheese parties for the adults. Part of the ranch’s family entertainment is the Wild West Show, put on by the talented staff. Also on site is an Exotic Wildlife Exhibit that houses a camel, zebra, miniature donkeys and many others. Every evening you will be entertained

with a variety of shows, from musical revues to magic and comedy shows. Enjoy some family time around the bonfire sipping hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows. Who doesn’t like a gooey s’more? Join in for an old-fashioned campfire sing-along and story time. At day’s end experience the thrill of the daily fireworks display. Don’t forget to take care of yourself! The ranch has a lovely spa for a relaxing massage or soothing facial. If a workout is what you need, the ranch has a fully equipped fitness center. So if you are looking for a great family vacation a little off the beaten path, try The Rocking Horse Ranch. For further information go on the website: info@rhranch.com or phone (845) 691-2927. Diane Burns is a freelance writer currently residing in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

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