Lazy Summer Days
FRESHENING UP YOUR HOME With Coastal Style
SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT Local Concerts and Theater Productions Volume 5, Issue 4 $4.99 US
SHORE TREATS Refreshing Summertime Sippers & Snacks www.locallivingmag.com
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features 10 Decorating Tips to Achieve Coastal Style 24 Shore Treats Refreshing Summertime Sippers & Snacks
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56 Summer Concerts and Local Theater Productions
56 what’s cooking
21 Wine Pairings for Your Summer Seafood 22 Food Truck Craz 26 Low Cal Summer Snacks
out & about
34 Plan a Visit to Lancaster, PA 64 Local Goes Local to Portland and Rockland, Maine
health & beauty
28 Making Healthy Eating Habits
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44 Fashionista’s Summer Wardrobe Guide
sports & family
56 Ten Steps to Choosing Happiness
62 Male Bags Guide to Making Summer Traditions
59 Music as Therapy
home & entertaining 13 Make Mine Pink
19 Preparing to List Your Home for the Market 24 Summertime Sippers for Your Next Get Together
61 Pet Socialization
law & finance
15 Health Care Cost of Aging 47 When to Worry About Money
profiles & spotlights 32 Interior Designer, Barbara McInnis-Hayman
33 Attorney with Compassion, Jennifer Riley
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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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.
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PUBLISHER Karen A. Kovacs EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lisa Walters ART DIRECTOR Sherilyn Kulesh DIRECTOR OF SALES Blair W. Johnson FASHION & BEAUTY EDITOR Gabrielle Mwangi DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Amy McDermott CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jason A. Bleecher, Mike Hirata Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Diane Burns, Rosemary Caligiuri, Kimberly Cambra Lauren Cronmiller, Mary Cushing Doherty, Jillian Dunn, Lisa Frederick, Drew Giorgi, Michele Kawamoto Perry, Pattie Krukowski, Carla Papciak-Glatts,Erika Ringwald, Shannon Snyder, Susan Taylor, Michael Upton
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S
UMMER. When you’re a kid, there’s nothing that compares to this time of the year. And even though it’s been a while since I’ve personally heard that final school bell of the year ring, there’s still something about this season that puts a big smile on my face. For one thing, the onset of outdoor playtime is always a relief from my hectic schedule. And along with warmer weather and longer days, summer also means beaches, barbecues, and backyard soirees. (And hello, flip flop season!) So this month in Local Living, we’ll be celebrating summer in all its glory and we’re sharing that celebration with you. In these pages, you’ll notice we’ve made some additions, including more of what we love and what you love. And long after the last days of summer fade, we will continue taking chances, trying new approaches, and keeping each issue as fresh as a summer flower! So cheers to all of us, to you and yours, for a great “Summertime”! Here’s hoping “the living is easy,” and that we all remember to enjoy the simple things... sharing a story, or some laughter, and making a summer’s worth of memories that will live forever in our hearts and souls. Enjoy your summer!
Karen A. Kovacs, Publisher
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Hang Loose!!! Feeling on top of the world? It's a great sense of relief to know that your financial future is in good hands. For intelligent financial strategies you need Qualified advice. Objective advice that is unique to your situation. Advice that offers you an ocean of possibilities.
editor’s letter
T
hings are heating up, and summer is now in full swing. I am sure many of you have already squeezed in a beach trip, or at least a few days at the pool. As a former elementary school teacher, when the days of July were flying by I would feel my anxiety increase as the calendar crept closer and closer towards a new school year. Teacher or not, I think most mothers start to worry about how they will juggle the obligations that September brings. It is true that I am constantly trying to accomplish a never ending to-do-list and plan for tomorrow, but I do realize that I need to focus on enjoying today. It is only the end of July… creating summer fun should still be the top priority on all of our agendas! This issue of Local Living has much to offer to keep you inspired for making summer memories. Be sure to read Drew Giorgi’s piece on upcoming summer concerts and theater productions in our area. These warm summer nights are the perfect time to get outside and feel the music or catch a production on the local stage. Why not squeeze in a mini-trip to Lancaster, PA, or a long weekend to Maine? If time away isn’t possible, create some changes to make your home feel like a summer time retreat after reading “Coastal Style”.
Your needs are unique. So are our solutions.
With each season change, I am ready to experience something new for my taste buds. Of course this issue doesn’t disappoint with wine suggestions, cocktail recipes, and low calorie snacks to serve at your next get together. Be sure to check out what all the buzz is about with our article on the Food Truck craze. Local Living always has plenty to feed your appetite. Whatever you do, be sure to soak in these last few weeks of summer sun and embrace all that this season has to offer.
One of Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors as listed in the February 18th 2013 edition. Irvin W. Rosenzweig,* CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CRPS®, AEP® President
Rosenzweig & Associates Wealth Management Group, LLC is a branch office of, and Securities offered through WFG Investments, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC *A Registered Representative of WFG Investments, Inc.
480 E. Swedesford Road, Suite 120, Wayne, PA 19087 610.627.5921 • www.rzwealth.com
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Lisa Walters Editor
HOME & GARDEN
Coastal Style By Lisa Frederick
T
he style that probably springs to mind when you think “beach house.” Light and breezy, with a palette drawn from sand and shells as much as sea and sky, it whispers “summer” all year round. Light may be the single most important, yet most overlooked, element of coastal style. Think about it: When is
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the last time you entered a beach house that felt dim and cramped (and if you did, how fast did you want to scoot out of there?). That’s one reason white is the hallmark color of coastal interiors: It spreads and amplifies light rather than soaking it up. Coastal interiors blur the line between indoors and out or
remove it altogether. Plentiful windows, glass doors and skylights allow sunshine to flood in, so if your home is skimpy on these elements, consider adding them. If that’s not an option, at the very least fake it with lamps and sconces. Window treatments should be spare and simple enough not to muffle the glow — and if you’re lucky enough to have a home near the water, the last thing you want is to obscure that view. While coastal interiors aren’t known for shine and shimmer, a few carefully chosen accents can help to diffuse light even further. Consider a mirror mounted opposite a window or a glass-topped table in a sunny breakfast nook. Just be sure not to bring in so many high-gloss notes that you lose the cozy ambience.
Crisp, Clean Fabrics
In coastal interiors, fabrics are simple, unassuming and put-your-feet-up comfy. Think linen slipcovers, cotton rugs, and muslin curtain panels or floaty sheers that billow in the breeze. You can’t go wrong with pure white, but washed-out pastels or tailored stripes fit with the look as well. The market is loaded with shell- and nautical-print fabrics — many of them tasteful and chic — so go ahead and give in to temptation. But don’t layer them to the point of kitsch. Keep these patterns minimal: a pair of throw pillows, perhaps, or a single side chair.
in their purity and simplicity. But if they feel too austere or one-dimensional to suit you, branch out a bit. Layers of cream, beige and khaki evoke the subtlety of shifting dunes. Matte and honed finishes, rather than shine and glimmer, give the colors a soft, chalky spin. Barely-there blue is a close runner-up as an iconic coastal color, calling to mind the essence of ocean and sky. It’s a classic choice for bathroom tile and bedroom walls, but it can function as a neutral anywhere, especially when you keep it tone on tone. Like the beach itself, coastal rooms should feel breezy, so don’t stifle them with a surfeit of furniture and bric-a-brac. Decorate with an eye to maintaining clear vistas and sight lines — accent the periphery of a space rather than clogging its center. Even if there’s no briny air to blow through the house, it’s nice to feel as though it could.
Beach Treasures
What did you bring home from your last trip to the shore? Odds are, you filled your tote bag with shells, sea glass, bottles, maybe an old ship’s cleat or two. Take inspiration from these finds in choosing small accents. The key word is restraint. One or two starfish on a shelf look striking and sculptural; baskets and vases full of them can be overkill.
Pale Neutrals
Did we mention that white is key to the coastal palette? When they’re done right, crisp white rooms are arresting
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profile
Make Mine Pink By Susan Taylor
I
t’s not every day I get to design a room with the total drama of one of my recently completed projects. When they do come along, let’s just say it’s a dream come true! From the very first design presentation, my savvy young mother of twins set her stake in the ground with my suggestion of a dramatic color combination- high gloss navy walls and ceiling, with pops of hot pink, punctuated with pure white. From that moment forward, it was pure delight to design this living room. We worked closely with a well-loved and world-renowned artist/painter, Bob Gore, from Bucks County. Having studied in, and left his mark all over Europe, Bob caught my vision with enthusiasm and set out to produce this high
gloss, lacquer looking finish that speaks the language of pure style and haute design. This finish takes a true perfectionist to deliver, and that, he did! With the painting completed, and the oh-so-stylish metallic zebra wallpaper was hung as the bookcase backdrop, the stage was set for the delivery of navy velvet sofas, white chairs, and hip modern art. (Need I also point out the white silk draperies banded in that signature color, hot pink?) The day of this kind of installation is nothing less than exhilarating! Miss “A” left for the day, and we set out to transform the former playroom for twin darlings, into a glamorous scene for chic parties and intimate gatherings. The deed was done. So take a look at the room, and hope that you are soon part of the guest list. *Sigh* Susan Taylor is the Owner/Designer at Black-eyed Susan.
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Summer Hours M-T-Th 10am-5pm Wed. 10am-6pm Sat. By Appointment After Labor Day M-T-Th-F 10am-5pm Wed. 10am-6pm Sat. 10am-3pm
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FINANCE
The Health Care Cost of Aging... Can you handle it? by Rosemary Caligiuri, CASL®, RICP® President, Harvest Group Financial Services
Oh
my gosh! You wake up one morning and you are suddenly older. How much older do you say? Maybe you are in your 50’s, 60’s, or 70’s. Ahh…aging! It’s a fact: People today are living longer. Although that’s good news, the odds of requiring some sort of long-term care increases as you get older. Our health insurance policies simply do not cover the cost of the chronic debilitating illnesses of aging. And as the cost escalates, you probably wonder how you or your loved ones could ever afford long term care. One solution that is gaining popularity is LongTerm Care insurance. Could these products answer a financial dilemma? Many high net worth households worry about potential long term care expenses, but they are reluctant or unable to buy long term care insurance Costs of traditional LTCI policies are rising, and then you have the “use it or lose it” aspect of the coverage: if the insured party dies abruptly, all those insurance premiums will have been paid for nothing. If the household is wealthy enough, maybe it can forego buying a LTC policy and absorb some or all of possible LTC costs using existing assets. Are there alternatives allowing some flexibility here? Yes. Recently, more attention has come to hybrid LTC policies and hybrid LTC annuities. These are hybrid insurance products: life insurance policies and annuities with an option to buy a long term care insurance rider for additional cost. They are gaining favor: sales of hybrid LTC policies alone rose by 24% in 2012, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance’s 2014 LTCi Sourcebook. Typically, the people most interested in these hybrid products are a) wealthy couples concerned about the increasing costs of traditional LTCI coverage, b) annuity holders outside of their surrender period who need long term care coverage. Being able to draw on LTCI if the moment arises can be a relief.2 They can be implemented with a lump sum. Often, assets from a CD or a savings account are used to fund the annuity
or life insurance policy (the policy is often single-premium). In the case of a hybrid LTC policy, the bulk of the policy’s death benefit can be tapped and used as LTC benefits if the need arises. What if the annuity or policy holder passes away suddenly, or dies with LTC benefits left over? If that happens with a hybrid LTC policy, you still have a life insurance policy in place. His or her heirs will receive a tax-free death benefit. It is also possible in many cases to surrender the policy and even get the initial premium back (what is known as a return of premium rider). The annuity holder, of course, names a beneficiary – and if he or she doesn’t need long term care, there is still an immediate or deferred income stream from the annuity contract. There are some trade-offs for the LTC coverage. Costs of these products are usually defined by the insurer as “guaranteed” – LTCI premiums are fixed, and the value of the policy or annuity will never be less than the lump sum it was established with (though a small surrender charge might be levied in the first few years of the annuity). In exchange for that, some hybrid LTC policies accumulate no cash value, and some hybrid LTC annuity products offer less than fair market returns. If you shop for a hybrid insurance product, shop carefully. The first hybrid LTC policy or hybrid LTC annuity you lay eyes on may not be the cheapest, so look around before you leap and make sure the product is reasonably tailored to your financial objectives and needs. Remember that annuity contracts are not “guaranteed” by any federal agency; the “guarantee” is a pledge from the insurer. If you decide to back out of these arrangements, you need to know that some insurers will not return your premiums. Also, keep in mind that over the long run, the return on these hybrid products will likely not match the return on a conventional fixed annuity or LTCI policy; actuarially speaking, when interest rates rise there is no incentive for the insurer to adjust the fixed income rate of return in response. Are hybrid insurance products for you? If you can’t qualify medically for LTCI but still want coverage, they may represent worthy options that you can start with a lump sum. You might want to talk to your insurance or financial consultant about the possibility. Securities and advisory services are offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor. Supervisory Branch: 3902 State Street, Suite 101, Santa Barbara,, CA 93105, 1.888.569.1982.Harvest Group Financial Services and Centaurus Financial are not affiliated.
Volume 5 | Issue 4 Local Living
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Preparing Yourself When You List Your Home By Lauren Cronmiller
W
ho determines the sale price of your home? You? The listing agent? While the listing agent can inform you about current market trends, you as the seller will have the final say of the listing price but the buyer determines how much they are willing to pay for your home. Time and time again I hear sellers tell me how wonderful their property is, all of the improvements they have done, and why their property is the best of the best. I am glad to see that there is pride of ownership in a home but the moment you place a for sale sign in the front yard you have to leave your emotions on the curb. This is now business. I get it, your family grew up here. The birthday parties, holidays, the fights, laughter and tears all happened within those four walls. It is hard not to get sentimental when you are closing a chapter in your life and opening another one. As a seller, you have to prepare yourself for the harsh criticism of buyers. They will not see the sponge painted walls as a bonding moment between parent and child. The day your teenager decided they were sick of the baby pinks and blues and wanted a more adult room. When you went to the local hardware store and let them pick out a can of paint. You raced home and began to sponge paint on the wall because that was “in” thing to do. The day you and your teenager were actually on the same page. A buyer does not know these stories. They see the paint as dated and tacky. The buyer is seeing this home the same way you saw it when you bought it, for its potential. The new homeowners are picturing themselves making memories in the home just like you did. Do not get offended if their comments seem hurtful. It is better to have constructive criticism than none at all. When a home gets listed, sellers will tell me the lowest
amount they are willing to take. I hate having this conversation because although I am hearing what you’re saying and will try my hardest to get you every penny, I am not the buyer. I do not have a crystal ball that tells me what buyers will pay for your property. I can give an estimate based on the sale price of other homes in your area that have recently sold. Your castle is priceless because of the memories. All of the time and money you have invested in your home make putting a true value on it hard if you are leading with emotions and not with similar comparisons in the neighborhood. I do not want it to seem that I continuously slash prices and give my listings away. I’m very fortunate when working with sellers that we list the property at the right price and get it sold within a couple of weeks. But if the property is getting good reviews and no one is bringing an offer, the house needs to be reduced. If no one is setting up a showing to see the property, make sure your pictures online are good and consider a price reduction. Bottom line, if your house isn’t selling within 60 days, it’s because of the price. For some emotionally, this may be hard to take but try to look at the facts and the numbers to make a good business decision. Lauren Cronmiller is a real estate agent for the Cronmiller Team at Keller Williams Real Estate in Doylestown. She has been a realtor since 2006 receiving Philadelphia’s 5 Star Real Estate Agent award for the past 4 years. Lauren can be reached at her office 215-340-5700, always on her cell phone 215-870-2398, or through email lmcronmiller@gmail.com.
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2011 Nobilo Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand Pale yellow color. Lifted aromas of grapefruit, lemon, fresh herbs and a hint of jalape単o. Grapefruit, passionfruit, and lemon meringue balanced by bright acidity on the palate. Medium bodied with a long, crisp finish. Bold and zesty summer sipper! Price: $11 2011 Fritsch Windspiel Gr端ner Veltliner, Nieder旦sterreich, Austria Light straw color. Lime, grapefruit and white pepper on the nose. Juicy mandarin, kumquat, lime flavors with some dill. Light to medium bodied with zingy acidity, a sting of minerality and a bit of white pepper on the finish. Perky party pleaser! Price: $13 2010 Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California Golden yellow color. Aromas of apple, pear, vanilla and toasty oak. Melon, sweet apple, orange marmalade, toffee and candied ginger on the palate. Full bodied with creamy texture with white peach and honey notes on the finish. Luscious with a lively twist! Price: $22
Su mmer, Seafood and Splendid Sippers By Michele Kawamoto Perry
S
ummertime brings sunshine, shore lines and plenty of sizzling heat. What better way to celebrate the season than with fresh seafood and flavorful wines! What pairs well with seafood? Try ceviche or mixed seafood salad with Sauvignon Blanc. The crisp acidity of Gr端ner Veltliner provides a perfect balance to fried calamari or shrimp tempura. Match a full bodied Chardonnay with crab or lobster and drawn butter. Marry Pinot Noir with grilled salmon or tuna steaks for a match made in heaven.
2009 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon Light to medium garnet red. Lifted bouquet of raspberry, sweet cherry, rhubarb, cinnamon, dried roses and a hint of mint. Raspberry and cherries flambe, clove, and allspice flavors. Medium bodied, well-integrated tannins and acid with earthy and leathery notes on the finish. Sumptuous and gratifying! Price: $28 Michele Kawamoto Perry is a wine industry veteran, sommelier, and international wine educator. Michele is a Certified Sommelier and instructor through the International Sommelier Guild, and co-owner of Rouge-Bleu winery in southern Rhone, France. She received her MBA from Bordeaux Business School with a focus on the wine industry, and her BA from Harvard University.
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The
Fork-1-1 by Kimberly Ca mbra
Keep on Food Truckin’... 22
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L
ong before the current food truck phenomenon and even before Mister Softee with his classic yet seductive melody to lure you to buy a cone of soft serve ice cream, there was the almighty chuck wagon. During the late 19th century, the chuck wagon is where it all came together when this country’s frontiers set out to discover this great nation. Nevertheless, they could not venture too far on an empty stomach especially not knowing what lie ahead or where their necessary provisions were going to come from for the journey. In turn, they needed to keep a well-stocked wagon. The chuck wagon, usually last in the caravan, was specially outfitted to store food, carry equipment and haul firewood. Some wagons had smaller areas off the back to keep a fire going - tailgating frontier style - as they discovered the Colorado Rockies. With World War II there was the introduction of the mobile canteen with the first resemblance of what we know a food truck to be today. These mobile canteens would visit military men and women to offer them something other than the usual mess hall mess. Tasty snacks, desserts and confections would be a welcomed change from the Same Ol’ Stuff (S.O.S): creamed chipped beef on toast and military issued food. Post war, the mobile canteen was better utilized by the emergency rescue organizations to provide food to disaster struck areas to feed people in need. Today, however, what people now need are more hours in their days to explore and discover the miles and miles of food trucks there are to choose from in any metropolitan city. Los Angeles, Chicago, D.C., Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs, look closely… they have taken to a rural route near you. Food trucks are best known for their quick service and affordability as well as a multitude of ethnic dishes. The choices and concepts of food trucks are almost endless; everything you can think of, there’s a “food truck” for that. The premise for the food truck invasion was primarily fueled by creative rogue chefs fresh out of culinary school who wanted an outlet to make great food but couldn’t afford expensive retail space in the major markets. Ah, ha! So, they acquired low cost trucks and outfitted them with high-end equipment to bring the food to their customers and have them line up for it. Sure enough over the past two years the upsurge in this industry has been from coast to coast.
The City of Brotherly Love happens to be a region with an exceptionally vibrant food truck streetscape. You’ll see this particularly true around University City with its synchronized alignment of global, mobile, wok and roll eateries positioned all along the curbs bordering Drexel and University of Penn at all hours of the day. One of the most famous curbside eateries was Le Bus, not a food truck but an actual bus, along the 3400 block of Samson Street. For years it was a thriving destination famous for its breads and baked goods and innovative casual menu. It later made the jump to brick and mortar, but as that was happening, the food truck revolution was just beginning. Another trend occurring is that chefs from that land of brick and mortar are expanding upon their locations to join the tour de force of specialty food trucks. Iron Chef Jose Garces, founder of Garces Group, with 15 restaurants under his toque from Philadelphia to Scottsdale, AZ, now also has Gaupos Taco. With its brightly colored, beer cap-studded mosaic exterior, it offers a fresh traditional and exotic selection of tacos served along with the imaginative sides dreamt up in the mind of Iron Chef Garces. However, you no longer will find the Gaupos Taco truck amongst the lunch time line-up. These days the truck makes special appearances for fundraisers and festivals. For the past two years, Gaupos Taco has had a cameo role at the Ottsville Farmer’s Market and the locals lined up for duck tacos ($7). An encore is hoped for in the season of 2013. Chow do you know when and where to line up for your favorite food truck? Well, replacing the “come and get it” ringing of the old school dinner triangle is, you guessed it…social media. Many vendors keep on truckin’ while they are tweetin’ – go figure. So, you need to follow your favorite mobile eatery by hash tag instead of hash browns. To learn more about people who left their careers to operate a food truck or to learn more about the local food truck scene in Philadelphia, be certain to check out the Philadelphia Mobile Food Association’s website, phillymfa.com.
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Summertime Sippers to Enjoy on the Porch By Michelle Welliver
W
hile relaxing on the front porch and taking in the warm summer breeze, my family likes to indulge with a delightful frozen or fruity concoction in hand to stay cool. An abundance of fresh picked fruit is available this time of year, so there is an endless selection of refreshing sippers to fill our glasses and quench our thirst. Lemonades, lassis, sangrias, or tea… which will it be? Here’s a little something for everyone to enjoy…
Frozen Coconut Limeade
5½ c. ice ¾ c. coconut rum (for non-alcoholic version, substitute cream of coconut, such as Coco Lopez) 4-5 tbsp. frozen limeade concentrate 1/8 c. water Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
White Wine Peach Sangria
2 bottles of white wine, such as a Riesling or Chardonnay 2-3 peaches, sliced into bite-size pieces 1 liter bottle of ginger ale 1 c. peach schnapps Optional: additional sliced fruit such as strawberries, raspberries or mangoes Mix a little bit of the wine and schnapps, and add fruit and let refrigerate for a few hours Pour all liquids into glass pitcher and mix. Add fruit and chill for 1 hour.
Strawberry Freckled Lemonade
2 tbsp. defrosted, sliced Strawberries in syrup 1 ½ cup Minute Maid lemonade in the carton Fill 2/3 of a tall glass with ice. Spoon strawberries and syrup over the ice. Pour lemonade over strawberries. Garnish with lemon wedge.
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Local Living Volume 5 | Issue 4
Mango Lassi
2 ripe mangoes 2-3 tablespoons honey 1/2 cup mango pulp puree 1 cup vanilla yogurt Splash of milk Peel the mango skin, discard seed and cut the mangoes into small pieces. Combine all the ingredients in a blender and mix well. Adjust the ingredients depending on your taste. Pour into glasses, and serve immediately.
Rhubarb Iced Tea
10 stalks rhubarb 3 ½ cup granulated sugar 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 2 star anise pods 4 tablespoons or tea bags Earl Grey tea Extra sugar, to taste Several ice cubes Mint leaves Wash the rhubarb and cut stalks into even sections. Place in a large saucepan over low heat with the sugar in 4 cups of water. Simmer for 2 hours on low heat until it is has the consistency of syrup. Strain the syrup, discard pulp, and leave to cool. Next, bring 4 cups of water to boil. Add the star anise and tea bags, brewing for 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and let cool. Chill in the refrigerator. To serve, first pour the strained rhubarb syrup into a pitcher, then add the tea and vanilla extract and stir well. Add sugar to taste. Serve with ice cubes and garnish with mint. Michelle Welliver finds passion as a writer, photographer, cake artist, runner, and mother. She currently resides in Quakertown, Pennsylvania with her husband and three children.
Recipe
Veggie Blueberry
• Apple (granny smith) 1 medium (3” diameter) • Blueberries - 1 cup • Broccoli - 1 stalk • Carrots - 6 large (7-1/4” to 8-/1/2” long) • Tomato - 1 medium whole (2-3/5” diameter) Directions Process all ingredients in a juicer, shake or stir and serve.
Arthritis Soother
Helps soothe the aches and pains arthritis sufferers. If you don’t have extra-virgin olive oil, don’t try to substitute with any
other oils, as they could actually do more harm than good. Avoid dairy products to get the most out of this recipe. • Apple - 1 medium (3” diameter) • Asparagus - 4 spears, medium (5-1/4” to 7” long) • Broccoli - 1 stalk • Carrots - 3 large (7-1/4” to 8-/1/2” long) • Celery - 3 stalks, large (11”-12” long) • Olive Oil (extra-virgin) - 1 tablespoon • Parsley - 1 handful Directions Make sure you don’t put olive oil into your juicer. Place the olive oil into a glass, then pour the juice onto it and stir to mix well.
Full Of Kale-Cium
Kale is rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium and iron. This makes it perfect for juicing! • Apple - 1 medium (3” diameter) • Carrots - 3 medium • Cilantro - 1 handful • Collard Greens - 1 cup, chopped • Kale - 4 leaf (8”-12”) • Pepper (sweet red) - 1 medium (approx. 2-3/4” long, 2-1/2” diameter) Directions Process all ingredients in a juicer, shake or stir and serve.
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summer snacks
Under 200 Calories
Spicy Edamame Guacamole
Per serving (1/2 cup): 110 calories, 6.3g fat, 5.3g fiber, 6.8g protein Pack some more protein into this summer party food by adding in edamame. Serve it with fresh crunchy veggies like sliced peppers, carrots, celery, or cucumber to keep it under 200 calories. Ingredients: 1 medium ripe avocado 1 cup shelled frozen edamame 2 cloves of garlic 1 jalapeno pepper, washed and seeded 1 lime, juiced 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves (approx 5-6 sprigs) 1 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp sea salt 1 tsp black pepper Directions: In a medium saucepan, boil the frozen edamame for 4-5 minutes until bright green. Drain and set aside to cool. (Skip this step if you are using fresh edamame). In a food processor, combine the garlic cloves, cilantro, jalapeno and lime juice and puree. Add cooled edamame and puree until smooth. In a mixing bowl, add avocado flesh to the edamame mixture and mash to combine thoroughly. Serve chilled with fresh veggies. Makes 4 servings
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Roasted Grapes
Per serving (2 toasts topped with mixture): 183 calories, 13.7g sugar, 9.3g fat (2.4g saturated), 21.4g carbohydrates, 5.2g protein Grapes make a refreshing summer snack on their own, but if you’re looking to jazz them up a little, try roasting them. This sweet and filling snack also makes the perfect light and refreshing dessert! Ingredients: 1 lb. seedless grapes (use your favorite variety) 2 tbsp Olive Oil 1 pinch of kosher salt 3-5 sprigs fresh thyme 1/4 cup hazelnuts (crushed) 3/4 cup ricotta cheese 3/4 tbsp orange flower water (this distilled water contains essential oils of orange blossoms and can be found in markets that carry Middle Eastern foods. If you can’t find it, you can still make this delicious dish without it) 1 tsp orange blossom honey 1 1/2 tsp vanilla 12 Melba toasts
Directions: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Break the grapes into small clusters, or remove grapes from the stems completely. Place them on a rimmed baking sheet along with the hazelnuts. Randomly place the thyme sprigs on top of the grapes. Drizzle olive oil over the grapes and mix. (Make sure they are well coated.) Roast in the oven for 15 - 25 minutes (timing will depend on how roasted you want them to be). NOTE: The Grapes will change color a bit, split open, and wrinkle. Remove the thyme sprigs. In a medium size bowl combine cheese, orange flower water, honey and vanilla. Stir to thoroughly combine. Spread some of the cheese mixture onto the toasts. Top with a few grapes, some of the roasting juices, and hazelnuts. Serve and enjoy! Makes 6 servings
Watermelon Salad
Per serving (1 cup): 70 calories, 1g fat, 13g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 10g sugar, 3g protein This refreshing, sweet, and savory salad makes a great between-meal bite (especially after you’ve been at the beach all day!).
Ingredients: 10 cups watermelon (reserving ¼ cup of its natural juices) ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar 1½ tsp olive oil ¼ cup reserved watermelon juices 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped 1 tbsp fresh stevia leaves, chopped 1 cup Vidalia onion, thinly sliced (can use red onion is desired) 3 oz (3¾ cup) fat-free feta cheese 6 mint leaves (for garnish) salt and pepper (to taste) Directions: Cut the watermelon into bite-sized pieces, removing and discarding the seeds; and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, salt and pepper and whisk until salt is dissolved. Slowly whisk in the olive oil and the reserved watermelon juices. Add in the chopped mint and stevia leaves. In a large bowl, combine the melon, onion and feta. Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture and toss gently until everything is coated and evenly mixed. Garnish with mint springs and serve. Makes 10 servings
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HEALTHY CHOICES By Erika Ringwald
I
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.
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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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15 S. Main St., New Hope, PA 18938 215.862.7044 | www.marshabrownrestaurant.com
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Barbara McInnis-Hayman
Good Design is Life Changing... BY SHANNON SNYDER
D
esign is something that comes natural to Barbara McInnis-Hayman. The award-winning interior designer has been dabbling in the field for over 20 years and opened her own franchise of Decorating Den Interiors five years ago. Barbara has a degree in Communications from Villanova, a skill she believes is vital in translating clients’ ideas into finalized projects. She has also been through Decorating Den’s Professional Design School training. Even her hobbies are artistically-oriented. When she’s not working, she enjoys watching HGTV or painting. The Jamaican native moved to the United States 15 years ago with a quick stint in New York before settling down in Pennsylvania. Her Caribbean roots may have inspired her love of color, something she incorporates readily into her design. Barbara doesn’t like to put her own personal style into a box, while working with clients she assures them that their style is her own. If her clients are most interested in contemporary, that is what they will get. She believes good design can be life changing and loves witnessing clients’ reactions after the transformation is complete. She believes that there is a misconception about interior designers being expensive, but says it doesn’t have to be. A lot of people end up spending hundreds of dollars in a store
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only to realize that their vision does not work. In the long run, they end up spending more time and money to rectify those mistakes. Hiring a designer from the onset could have eliminated those issues. There is a lot of work that goes into developing design plans. After meeting with clients, Barbara sits down and spends hours pulling the right items, fabrics and accessories from her list of over 100 preferred suppliers while taking the colors, space, and balance of the room into consideration. Although Barbara loves all aspects of the design process, accessorizing is a very important and often overlooked part. She loves how small details fill in the blanks and help make the room complete. The past twelve months have been a very emotional ride for Barbara. After recovering from a bout of cancer and experiencing a family tragedy, she went on to win both an Inaugural and a Directors award from Decorating Den. A strong and professional woman for sure, as she has surmounted her obstacles and ended the year on a good note. To contact Barbara at Decorating Den Interiors, you can reach her at (484) 624-4787 or barbaramcinnis@hotmail.com . She is located in East Coventry but serves the entire Philadelphia region.
JENNIFER RILEY Compassionate Attorney That Treats You as Clients, Not Cases By Shannon Snyder
A
s a kid, attorney Jennifer Riley’s knack of talking herself out of trouble led many family members to suggest her pursuing law. A childhood filled with these remarks must have sunk in, for now Jennifer operates her own successful family law offices and has in recent years been the recipient of many impressive accolades within the field. The Philadelphia native and Temple Law graduate was attracted to the profession because it empowered her to help others. Her impressive list of pro bono work is a testament to her dedication. On top of her 10-12 hour days, Jennifer volunteers at the American Bar Association’s Military Pro Bono Project where she provides free services to active military personnel. Additionally, she provides free consultations at community resource centers. Her hard work hardly goes unnoticed. For the fourth year in a row Pennsylvania’s Super Lawyers Magazine has honored her with their rising star distinction. In 2014, The American Society of Legal Advocates named her as one of the Top 40 Family Law Attorneys under 40 in the state of Pennsylvania. While they may not garner as much attention, it is her client reviews that Jennifer often finds the most touching. Clients’ acknowledgment that Jennifer successfully helped them through difficult times is something she finds very reaffirming. For an attorney whose days are spent in court
or in preparation and evenings filled responding to client emails and phone calls, this positive feedback fuels her in addition to copious amounts of coffee. Her persistent work ethic translates outside of the courtroom. Jennifer financially put herself through college, law, and graduate school, which she admits was an incredible challenge. To do so, it meant that she had to have career throughout her schooling. Although difficult, it was these experiences that helped dictate the type of attorney Jennifer has become today. She has learned how to communicate with clients from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and walks of life, in addition to understanding the financial restraint her clients may face. These empathetic traits were the inspiration behind her law office’s motto of “providing high quality, compassionate legal services that treat you like clients, not cases,” which Jennifer strongly believes is an important quality for an attorney to possess. The firm is more than a divorce firm. They also draft prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and help families with adoption, as well as estate planning. They focus their practice on helping clients through some of the more difficult parts of life. To contact Jennifer for a free consultation, call her at the Law Offices of Jennifer J. Riley (215) 283-5080 or email her at jennifer@jjrlawfirm.com Volume 5 | Issue 4 Local Living
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TRAVEL
Lancaster, Pennsylvania: In with the New! Story by Michael C. Upton | Photos by Jason Bleecher
T
he typical portrait of Lancaster features Amishthemed entertainment, gluttonous smorgasbords, and the horse-drawn buggy. Forget that image. For years, Lancaster has undergone a renaissance. The arts are flourishing with new music venues, painters and artisans triumph on Gallery Row, and the food has transformed from the benign to the extravagant. Culture is on every corner. EATS & DRINKS Sampling the great food of Lancaster no longer includes standing in a line and peering over a sneeze shield. From 34
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classy food trucks to high-end eats, Lancaster has more mouthwatering offerings than ever before. The Souvlaki Boys opened less than a year ago and already have a faithful following. The blue and white food truck serves what Mike Kambouroglos describes as authentic, Greek street food. Their signature entrée—souvlaki—harkens back to true Greek roots and features skewered pork. “People are excited about the food,” said Mike after a busy weekend. “Nowhere in Lancaster can you find the foods we are serving, like they serve it in Greece.” Mike admits people are not only excited about the Souvlaki Boys food; people are flocking to the food truck movement in
Lancaster. Urban Olive serves Mediterranean style vegetarian and vegan dishes. Lancaster Cupcakes, as seen on the television show Cupcake Wars, rolls through town with desserts. GypsyGrill specializes in local, grass-feed, beef burgers. Grills Gone Wild has just opened a brick and mortar site. Extreme Catering is housed in an old airstream trailer retrofitted with pizza ovens. Fiesta Tacos, well, the name says it all. Serious fry guys like NiCE SiZE FRiES and Naters Taters are found both in and out of the city. Most vendors are active on Facebook, updating locations and specials. Off the streets, food and drinks are approaching a pinnacle of quality. Whether it is a handcrafted cocktail at POUR on Gallery Row or a masterfully brewed beer at the Taproom by Spring House Brewing Company, the drinks in Lancaster are delicious. The craft cocktail movement has exploded over the past few years and just like you would look for fresh ingredients in a dining experience people now look for the same in cocktails,” said Eric Garman, General Manager at POUR. “Our bartender, Matt Wolfe, always uses fresh squeezed lemons and limes for his sours and creates his own bitters and syrups.” Directly across from the Taproom stands the iconic Lancaster Central Market. Built in 1730, the market was once the hub of all raw staples. Now, the market with worldwide notoriety also offers specialty foods and high quality ingredients. The man who hand grinds his own horseradish is still working hard, but gourmet stands like Rooster Street Provisions have made the market a destination for different reasons. Rooster Street produces whole hog charcuterie including head cheese (much better than what you think), country terrine, and black pepper and honey jowl bacon. The newest addition to the Lancaster food scene is Hunger n Thirst. Brothers Andrew and David Neff opened the 24-tap, craft brew-filled restaurant as an “American nouveau-gastro pub with a Mediterranean slant.” Since opening in June, Hunger n Thirst has been packed. “We wanted to bring something urban and modern to this area,” said Andrew. This new twist for Lancaster dining features a marketplace full of unique kitchen gear and specialty meats and cheeses. There’s also a bottle shop containing hard to source brews from around the world. For a more grassroots spin on sustenance, many foodies are simply heading to the farm, well, actually, the farm is heading to them. Seven years ago Casey Spacht returned to Lancaster with the vision of forming a cooperative business between local farmers and those who wanted fresh, local, organic produce. Now with over 75 farmers, Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative serves all of Eastern Pennsylvania and reaches from New York City to Washington, D.C. Each week, members of the farm share program receive a box of vegetables, which have included unique offerings like Italian dinosaur kale, Japanese kometsuna, and rainbow chard while providing staples like salad greens, turnips, and radishes. MUSIC Throughout the city, perhaps near the open air of a park or in an offset entrance to a previously lifeless building,
sit eleven custom pianos. Keys for the City is part of the non-profit organization Music For Everyone’s push to raise awareness and resources for music in schools and the community. The pianos arrive on the city streets in spring and stay through summer and are free to use whether you are the next Amadeus or merely an amateur. Also arriving with the fair weather is the LAUNCH Music Conference and Festival. Fifteen venues (all within a three block radius) feature stage performances from more than 175 musicians all in one weekend. This year’s lineup included Holly Williams (granddaughter of Hank Williams Sr.), Foxy Shazam (one of Spin magazine’s “10 bands you need to know”), and The Pietasters (a D.C.-based ska band). HOT SPOT Since 2003, the community spanning the northwestern corner of the city has taken great strides through the James Street Improvement District. Take a walk; Siren songs from several Lancaster hot spots echo along the beautifully landscaped Northwest Corridor Linear Park (a converted railway system). The Fridge beckons beer lovers to sample everyman’s man cave and enjoy artisan flatbread pizzas with locally sourced ingredients. The flickering sound of indy movies lead filmaholics to Zoetropolis movie house, showing local and festival works five nights a week. If aroma were sound, the following restaurants would create a melody of sweetness through the park. FENZ, a sleek Americana-inspired bistro offers nosh meals like Julie’s Meatloaf. One of Lancaster’s preeminent farm-fresh, fine dining establishments caps off a walk through the park; john j. jefferies is the perfect place for a signature cocktail and an attempt at handling The Truth— house butchered steak tartar. The truth about Lancaster? It’s a lot more than shoo fly pies and tourist traps. Michael C. Upton works as a freelance writer specializing in arts and leisure covering subjects ranging from funk punk to fine wine. He currently resides in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Volume 5 | Issue 4 Local Living
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A bed and breakfast sanctuary where mind, body, and spirit ourish in a relaxing woodland setting. 121 Santosha Lane East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 Bed & Breakfast 570.476.0203 www.SantoshaOnTheRidge.com
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Lancaster Arts Hotel: History and Luxury Paired to Perfection
I
n case you haven’t heard, Lancaster, Pa., is having a heyday, and Lancaster Arts Hotel provides a luxury, first row seat to the very best the town has to offer. Situated in the heart of downtown, Lancaster Arts Hotel has been outfitted with deluxe accommodations within a one-of-a-kind historic landmark. Every room is decked in original works of art, with a special emphasis on local Pennsylvania artists. The collection includes some of Lancaster’s finest pieces, and has been valued at a worth over $300,000. In addition to this unique and inspired setting, there’s also everything else a modern guest needs to feel at home, from an on-site restaurant to fitness facilities. The 63 guestrooms and suites have been appointed with comfort as well as beauty in mind. In keeping with the heritage of the historic former tobacco warehouse that houses the hotel, the décor includes handcrafted furnishings, exposed
ceiling beams and brick walls. It is a spectacular setting for the artwork, and a distinctive synergy is created by the designer’s thoughtful placement of 21st century comforts as well. There’s Wi-Fi Internet access, iPod docking stations, HDTV, flat-screen televisions, and more. Named after tobacco inspector, John J. Jeffries, the on-site restaurant has become a popular destination for locals as well as guests. The chefs and owners work with local farmers to incorporate fresh produce into the menu as well as many other organic delectables. Also served are locally made cheeses and bison from a local buffalo farm. Because of the advantages of the partnership with the local farmers, a daily bounty is available and the menu is always changing to serve up homegrown goodness. Book your stay at Lancaster Arts Hotel and plan your trip to see for yourself what all of the buzz is about. For more information, visit www.lancasterartshotel.com or call (1-866) 720-ARTS (2787). Volume 5 | Issue 4 Local Living
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Local Living Volume 5 | Issue 4
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TRAVEL
The Reeds at Shelter Haven Stone Harbor, NJ A Luxury Boutique Hotel Resort
T
he Reeds at Shelter Haven is a signature 37room boutique hotel resort in Stone Harbor, NJ, designed for those seeking a new and distinctive experience along the southern New Jersey coast. “The Reeds delivers a dramatic, memorable experience marked by distinctive service,” said Ron Gorodesky, The Reeds at Shelter Haven’s managing director. “Simply stated, it is magnificent and unrivaled by any resort on the East Coast.” As was intended by Philadelphia-based architects DAS, this coastal home-away-from-home is intimately connected to its natural surroundings. The property’s blend of sweeping waterfront views and refined aesthetics are complemented by contemporary décor splashed with coastal style. The Reeds offers comforting escapes in its well-appointed guestrooms and suites that are rich in appointments, elegance and easy style with warm, rustic tones and fine furnishings. A masterfully crafted dinner prepared tableside or an intimate cocktail reception are among the inviting options in one of three extraordinary Bay View Celebration Suites, which can accommodate up to 50 guests.
It is no surprise that the Reeds is also one of the most exclusive seaside wedding and special event destinations at the beach. The elegant, open-air concept Sweet Grass Ballroom accommodates up to 220 guests. The Roof Garden at The Reeds – a sun deck featuring a soaking pool and two hot tubs – is the perfect setting for ceremonies and waterfront celebrations, as well as sheer outdoor relaxation for resort guests. The Reeds’ ballroom, breakouts, hospitality suites and private spaces also offer cutting-edge meeting space. Indoor and outdoor dining experiences for guests and the public alike are sure to become traditional seaside favorites. Dining options include Sax - an intimate, 64-seat, yearround indoor restaurant & cocktail lounge; and the Water Star Grille, where one can feed his or her senses while dining with an overlook to the bay. Guests may book rooms at The Reeds online at www. reedsatshelterhaven.com or call (609) 368-0100. To book a Celebration Suite to host private parties or dinners, contact Julie Yeager, Director of Sales, at jyeager@reedsresort.com, or call (609) 368-0100.
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QVC
Sizzling Summer Style Susan Graver Multi-Strand Statement Necklace QVC Item #J321545 Approximately $45.50 Steel By Design Polished Wishbone Bangle QVC Item #J319538 Approximately $37.50 Susan Graver Weekend Printed French Terry Short Sleeve Dress QVC Item # A263831 Approximately $51.25 40
Local Living Volume 5 | Issue 4
Susan Graver Aviator Sunglasses with Soft Case QVC Item #A268098 Approximately $22.00 Susan Graver Braided Bracelet with Gem Detail QVC Item #J293437 Approximately $29.00 Isaac Mizrahi Live! Bridgehampton Leather Crossbody QVC Item #A251189 Approximately $134.50 Edward Bess Blush Extraordinaire QVC Item #A335911 Approximately $43.00
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Stainless Steel Set of 3 Double Sided Stud Earrings QVC Item #J323228 Approximately $39.75
Isaac Mizrahi Live! Bridgehampton Cut-out Leather Crossbody QVC Item #A264633 Approximatly $153.50
Isaac Mizrahi Live! Bandana Print Knit Dress QVC Item #A266061 Approximately $73.00
tarte LipSurgence Power Pigment QVC Item #A332542 Approximately $24.00
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Edward Bess Lip, Eye & Cheek Essentials Palette QVC Item #A254721 Approximately $66.00 Laura Geller French Kiss 3-piece Lip & Cheek Collection QVC Item #A261850 Approximately $33.00 Sole Society Leather Wedges w/ Strap Detail - Jenny QVC Item # A265504 Approximately $69.95 Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee, 0.18 oz QVC Item #A333597 Approximately $22.00
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fashionista Bare it All
H
ow to “bare it all in the summer” and still be fashionable is a question that confuses even the most die-hard fashionphile! As the temperature rises and the amount of clothes required is less, there are limited ways to add that unique style to your look. So how does one make a statement in the summer? We all know what we love to make the focus of our looks… some love clothing and others accessories. Your style does not have to change in the summer. There are plenty of ways to be creative and modify your wardrobe to the weather. If you love clothing, than pick one piece to make your focal point. If you love dresses, make sure that the fit of the dress is flattering. Love color? Pick an article of clothing that is in a color you love and then add simple pieces to it in order to complete the look. If accessories are your thing, look at shoe and bag options that define the look. Easily add flavor to a simple dress or jeans and a tee in an instant. If you love jewelry pick just one piece to add to your outfit. Consider turquoise or other summer associated materials. One special piece can really make simple looks more personalized.
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Don’t be tempted to add too many accessories or wear complicated styles in the warmer weather. “Less is more” is the adage to surviving the summer in style. Think clean and polished from your head to your toes. Hair, makeup and nails are what everyone notices, when you wear less clothing and have fewer accessories. Rather than splurging for a new summer accessory, get your hair trimmed and color refreshed instead. Be sure that when you carry the bag you love and had to have despite only being able to carry it 3 months a year, your hand is perfectly manicured. The smallest details make the biggest impact in the summer! Treat yourself to a spray tan if you are not a sun lover. Everyone always looks more chic with a little glow to their skin. The trick to being fashionable in the summer is to make sure you are comfortable in whatever you are wearing. You never know when an opportunity to have fun in the sun will pop up. Make sure you are prepared to enjoy it, rather than worrying about what you have on! ~ Anonymous Self-Proclaimed Shopaholic
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legal
When to Worry About Money by Mary Cushing Doherty, Esquire
O
ne probably should think on a regular basis about money; the income available, current needs, and saving for the future. Ideally, one should not become consumed with worry about money. And the corollary is if one has money problems the advice is, “Don’t panic. Its time to budget.” As a parent, it’s a wonderful gift to teach your child (or children) about managing money. Sadly, when couples separate and there is inadequate cash flow to support separate households, the issue of money is complicated by the emotional hurt of pending divorce. If one’s children are old enough, they will likely be aware that money is more scarce after parents separate. As with other lessons learned from the stress of divorce, money stresses occur during other family crises. What if the primary wage earner loses a job and no replacement work can be found? What if the income provider has a long-term disability without insurance? Or worse yet, what if a parent is permanently disabled? How does one share this with the children? In a separation and divorce situation, one doesn’t want to embroil their child in the emotional upheaval. And in other family crises mentioned above, one doesn’t want to unduly frighten any child. On the other hand, in each situation, this may be a valuable teaching opportunity. Those who have had “Depression era” parents (or grandparents) know the children in the family knew money was tight, and many children learned about budgets, sacrifice and adjusting expectations. Some criticize families who overspent on homes before the real estate bust several years ago. Some criticize parents who provide the children with every benefit so their children could become the most talented athlete, academically impressive, and physically attractive, etc. The families that get
the gold star are the ones who also teach their children that the extras are earned through hard work and careful planning. When the bubble bursts – be it due to separation, unemployment, illness or worse, where does this leave the family? The shift in priorities will not be a shock if parents taught their children that the luxuries were not entitlements. Children benefit when they know that through planning, the family managed income, covered necessities first and then reserved funds for reasonable extras. And due to the tight budget, the extras may be time together, not an expensive trip. Whether a lawyer meets someone who is recently separated or sadly widowed without a comfortable inheritance, it could be time to focus on realistic financial planning. As scarce resources are budgeted, older children should be taught they too can learn to budget and rebuild toward economic security. Think of how those “Depression era” loved ones bragged about how they managed after 1929. If financial hardship comes one’s way, perhaps parent and child will likewise be proud to have overcome that challenge. Mary Cushing Doherty is a family lawyer and partner at High Swartz LLP, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. In recent years, she has received recognition from her peers and the community, including the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Lynette Norton Award in 2012 and one of the 2012 Women of the Year by the Legal Intelligencer. She was one of the Women of Distinction chosen by the Philadelphia Business Journal and received the Margaret Richardson Award from the Montgomery Bar Association. Mary can be reached at mcdoherty@highswartz.com.
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profile
Difficult Wounds. Successful Treatments.
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early everyone can remember having a wound. For most of us, it was a familiar occurrence of childhood. Tumbling off the monkey bars, wrecking a bike and sliding into home base caused bumps, bruises and skinned knees. Usually all these injuries needed was soap and water, a band-aid and a kiss from Mom. If really serious, there was a trip to the Emergency Room for stitches. A short time later, the wound was all but forgotten. But many people – particularly those who are elderly or have serious health conditions – suffer from wounds that refuse to heal. These wounds can create discomfort, limit mobility, cause loss of limbs and even lead to life-threatening infections. Fortunately, help is available. The Wound Management Center at St. Luke’s Quakertown Hospital combines wound care experts with leading edge technology, including outpatient hyperbaric oxygen therapy. “Understanding the issues affecting a person’s ability to heal is as important as treating the wound itself,” Dr. Bowers says. “Most non-healing wounds are associated with immobility, inadequate circulation and poorly functioning veins. Health conditions like diabetes and circulatory problems can contribute to the formation of wounds. We not only diagnose and treat non-healing wounds, but also the conditions that contribute to their development.” The Wound Care Center team consists of specially trained physicians, wound care nurses, certified wound ostomy continence nurses (CWOCN)
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Steven Bowers, MD
and certified wound specialists (CWS) and collaborates with general surgeons, trauma surgeons, plastic and vascular surgeons, podiatrists and infectious disease physicians. The Center treats a spectrum of wounds including: venous ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, non-healing surgical wounds, pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers, traumatic injuries and minor burns. Our team helps to heal skin conditions that manifest as a result of underlying conditions such as scleroderma, pyoderma gangrenosum and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Treatments available include hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in which the patient enters a pressurized chamber filled with 100 percent oxygen. HBOT helps heal wounds and fight certain types of infection by rapidly delivering concentrated oxygen to the bloodstream. It may also encourage the growth of new blood vessels, which improves circulation. Another treatment option, debridement removes dead tissue and contaminated substances from a wound to enable quicker healing. This can be done surgically or through other methods. “Through these and other treatments, we help to improve the quality of our patients’ lives and in some cases even save life and limb,” says Dr. Bowers. St. Luke’s Wound Management Centers welcome Steven Bowers, DO, who treats patients at the Quakertown Hospital Wound Care Center. Dr. Bowers is board-certified in family medicine and trained in wound care. At the Wound Care Center, he provides patients with comprehensive treatment plans and coordinates ancillary services to ensure proper wound care and management. For more information, contact the Wound Care Center at 215-529-6300.
When Should I Seek Help for My Wound? Talk with your doctor when you notice a wound that has not improved within four weeks or healed completely within eight. Call your physician immediately if you see signs of potential infection including increased pain, redness, warmth, or oozing around the wound, or any unusual odor coming from the area. Having diabetes puts you at greater risk of non-healing wounds, as well as foot complications. If you have diabetes, call your doctor as soon as you develop a foot sore, ulcer or callus. Also, ask your physician to check your feet regularly during your appointments. Early treatment reduces healing time and the risk of complications – so don’t delay in seeing your physician should you notice a non-healing wound.
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cultural corner Be an Artist of the Season: Creating Experiences and Capturing Memories by Drew Giorgi
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icturesque, colorful and emotive, the hues of summer have been captured by such disparate American artists as realists Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth to landscape painter Winslow Homer and abstract expressionist Bridget Riley, but for most of us the energy and promise of a summer day is exceedingly hard to capture. The expansiveness of the season defies paint, the written word, and even the lens of the camera—just look at old summer photos; your memory is most likely far richer than what the frames hold. After the passing of a long and bleak winter, summer undulates to the rhythmic music of crashing waves on a sun-kissed surf, the high-pitched calls of seagulls, and the grainy feel of sand between one’s toes. Summer is an active season, a departure from the schedules that dictate the rest of the year. Unfortunately, it’s a short season for our area and even though we want to make it memorable, summer can become something of a routine. If you recognize any of
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these, you will know what I am talking about: the same family members host the July 4 barbecue, the kids go to the same camp every year, the shore house is nice to own, but you don’t feel like you are getting your value from it if you don’t use it all summer. Aside from the planned destination vacation that some make a point of doing—which can also become a victim of routine—many summers follow a certain set of traditions, an expected schedule that literally fills in the calendar itself. While traditions are important, writer Samuel Beckett is correct in pointing out that “habit is the great deadener” and we can let the season pass without doing something personally noteworthy. This issue is filled with advice on new foods to try, new places to go, new crafts to learn, and new ways to think about your living space. All of those activities can lead to a memorable summer, but another thing you can do, which is not quite as intensive, is to check out what our area has to offer in terms of live entertainment. A
quick, spur of the moment trip to a live theatrical performance or music venue, can refresh you. Best of all, you can do it whether you are working or down the shore catching a much-needed break. The arts are a little different in the summer. Theatrical companies typically put everything into one or two productions. Celebrating its successful 2012 renovation and attracting local star power from the likes of Justin Guarini, the Bucks County Playhouse is performing “On Golden Pond” in July and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” in August. Their youth company will also be putting on “Aladdin Jr.” from the end of July and to the beginning of August. Just down the street, The Town & Country Players are presenting “The Wizard of Oz” in July and “Good People” in August. Even more is happening over at the Morrisville Heritage Center where Actors’ NET of Bucks County is staging Neil Simon’s “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” in July. Normally, Actors’ NET does NETStock in August. This is their version of summer stock, which is typically when theaters use sets and props from previous productions to stage plays in the summer. But general manager and playwright in residence Joe Doyle explained that this year is different: “Jim Petro and Jaci D’Ulisse are starting a new theater company and using our space to produce the musical ‘The Last Five Years’ in August.
This is a very exciting time for us since we are ramping up for our 20th anniversary year after being voted Bucks Happening list winner for theater.” “The Last Five Years,” which will also costar Jim Petro, runs from August 14-23rd. If you are down the shore, you can catch Tricia Alexandro as Trudy in Jane Wagner’s “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in The Universe” at the Cape May Stage, a play that earned Lily Tomlin a Tony Award when it debuted. Looking for something more traditional? The East Lynne Theater is presenting a world premiere of a new adaptation of Twain’s classic “Huckleberry Finn” starting at the end of July. This unique theater’s home is the First Presbyterian Church of Cape May and its mission is to preserve American heritage. It is worth mentioning that summer also has a special relationship with the playwright who sells more tickets than anyone else but with a twist: Shakespeare is free in the summer. You don’t have to go to Central Park or the Berkshires to soak in the honey-tongued lines of the Bard. Philadelphia has its own free Shakespeare in the Park productions at Clark Park. This year “A Winter’s Tale” is running from July 29 to August 2. Theaters transform themselves into educational destinations and offer alternatives to their typical theatrical performances. Bucks County Playhouse, Actors’ NET, and the Wilma Theater in Philadelphia all offer camps and workshops on acting and playwriting. Some are companion programs to the shows. For example, East Lynne Is doing a one-day student workshop entitled “Twain Tales.” The Wilma—located on Broad Street just across from the Kimmel Center—is the home of Volume 5 | Issue 4 Local Living
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BalletX, which features a dance performance series. Depending on where you are and what you are looking for, you may find a gem of a show in the most unexpected place. The same can be said of music, which abounds in small venues down the Jersey Shore to the larger ones in Atlantic City and Philadelphia. Though Coachella and Firefly have already passed, the Greater Philadelphia Area will be hosting new and classic acts all summer. Philadelphia’s biggest outdoor summer music offering continues to be the Mann Music Center, which features everything from symphony orchestras to Brian Wilson, who will be performing during what is undoubtedly one of the biggest summers of his career given the recent movie Love and Mercy. Though a bit smaller, the Keswick Theater has a great roster of acts such as Buddy Guy, Jefferson Starship, Gordon Lightfoot, and the Psychedelic Furs. While bigger venues attract the top current acts, there are many smaller halls that have much to offer. One example of this is the Sellersville Theater. A 350-seat venue tucked away in a corner of Bucks County, Sellersville is hosting performances by some great musicians and entertainers in an intimate setting that often includes after-show meet and greet opportunities. King’s X, guitarist Gary Hoey, Red Molly, and comic Louie Anderson are all on their way this season. Built in 1894, the gorgeous theater is in its fourteenth year of hosting live music after extensive renovations. “We are a great listening room,” Alyson Faga, director of marketing, promotion and publicity, explained to me as
she pointed out the theater’s new state-of-the-art Meyer sound system. “Our space is very flexible and in addition to music and comics, we also have movie nights in the summer. You can watch them at home, but they are much more fun here.” The concert hall does indeed boast superior acoustics, and the summer movie nights are free with the concession stand open in the plush lobby that hearkens back to a prewar era. Additionally, the theater is connected to the Washington House restaurant, which is in the process of renovating the upper five stories to add a hotel. Another secret of Sellersville is that it has a full service box office open every day. This makes it a great place to see new acts since it is as easy as picking up the phone and asking the staff for recommendations. Philly also continues to be a destination for great indie music, rock and country with The Trocadero, TLA, and Electric Factory all hosting big name acts as well as up and coming groups. Philadelphia also has the distinction for many people as being the city that closes out the summer with its Made in America concert on the Ben Franklin Parkway. The concert will be on September 5 and 6 with a wide variety of music chosen by Jay Z. While it feels wrong to conclude by looking toward the end of summer, we can take a cue from Jay Z’s task. Like Hopper, Wyeth, and Riley, he is trying to pick a slate of artists whose work captures the zeitgeist of the summer of 2015. Whether you decide to take in a show this summer or not—or go to a new place or learn a new skill, develop a new craft, or participate in a new sport—it is important to be the artist of your own summer and cultivate a memory or two. After all, we will not get another summer of 2015. Drew Giorgi is a teacher of English at New Hope-Solebury High School. He is a graduate of LaSalle University and holds master’s degrees from The College of New Jersey and St. Joesph’s University in English and Educational Technology. He is a Fellow of the Pennsylvania Writing and Literature Project, a Keystone Technologist, and author of Blues for Beginners (an instructional music book), and many articles on Media Ecology.
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Pet Socialization by Carla Papciak-Glatts
S
ocialization is defined in the dictionary as “a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior and social skills appropriate to his or her social position.” Socialization is very important in helping to mold our pet’s behavior and can be done at any age. Like many of us, we enjoy time spent away from our house and being in the company of others. Most pets enjoy going on an “outing” as we’ll, especially to a park, a car ride, friend’s house, or social event. Socializing your pet can help with the behavior and overall wellbeing. Exposing your pet to people, dogs, children, places and situations that they’ll encounter during a lifetime will help teach them how to deal with different experiences in a calm matter and view the world as a good place to be. The more socialized your pet is with people and other pets, the better his or her behavior is. As mentioned above, dog parks, outdoor malls, a friend’s house, doggy daycares and your neighborhood are all great places for socialization. Every pet is different so the behavior of your pet will ultimately depend on the choice of socialization. What’s really cool is dogs are being more accepted at many outdoor venues such as shopping plazas and restaurants. The Iron Pigs minor league baseball team in Allentown, PA, hosts a yearly event to bring dogs to the ballpark. This is a great event that draws families and their dogs. People can also depend on pets for socialization. An old “male” theory, one I have heard many times, goes something like, “If only I had a convertible and a dog, I could meet more women.” And it’s true. Women tend to gravitate
towards dogs and babies, and being around either one can be beneficial for males in the dating scene. Dogs have also played a key role in the rehabilitation of the elderly and confidence building for children. Pet Therapy is used in many nursing homes and assisted living locations as certified pets visit the ailing or rehabilitating patients. A pet’s kiss or paw shake can often bring a smile to those who are suffering. Therapy dogs have also helped children become better readers and develop confidence while reading aloud to the dogs. So the next time you are out shopping, or at a park, visiting a relative in a nursing home or at the library, take a look around you. You may see a “baby carriage,” but don’t be fooled if you peek inside and actually see a cat, a ferret, a snake or small dog strolling along. People love their pets and sometimes go to the extreme to get them out and about! Dog parks to visit: Doylestown Dog Park – www.Doylestowndogpark.com Montgomery County Bark Park – North Wales, PA Perkasie Dog Park – www.perkasiedog.org Monocacy Dog Park – 259 Illick Mill Road, Bethlehem, PA Outdoor shopping malls – dogs welcome: The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley 2485 Center Valley Pkwy, Center Valley, PA (dogs welcomed outside and inside shops) For more information in the Philadelphia area visit www. thephillydog.com/bring-your-dog-along/. Volume 5 | Issue 4 Local Living
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male bag
By Blair Johnson
Summer: A Time for Traditions When I was young, my family took annual trips. Usually my parents took us to a new place for one getaway and a visit to the local campground for some time along the Gulf Coast, for the other.
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ne of my favorite summer traditions was walk to the local sandwich shop. It was one of those mom and pop places where the customers were able to watch the staff make the specials. After we choose a sandwich, (mine was always a Roast Beef Po’ Boy) we’d walk back. It was simple, but it was special. Now that I have a child of my own, I find myself passing on many of my favorite childhood traditions. It may not be a sandwich shop, but our town does have a place where we can watch pizza being made. We walk to get pizza for dinner almost every Friday night in the summer. As a parent it is fun to watch my child experiencing joy from a simple activity, just like I did when I was a kid.
5. Picnics Pack a lunch and find a beautiful place.
Here are 11 traditions you could do and pass on to your kids.
9. Camping If you don’t have a tent, borrow one. Get out and camp! (Even if it is in the backyard.)
1. Reoccurring Vacation Return to the same destination each summer to enjoy good things multiple times. Set a benchmark for fun. 2. The Family Reunion Give them time with their cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and new family additions that happen more than we can keep track of! 3. Get Near Water Take them to the beach, a lake, or a river. Create experiences of water sports, swings, fishing, or boating/rafting. 4. The No Rules Vacation or Day Let them choose the meals (even if it’s candy every meal), bedtimes (or none), and activities. I’ll admit this one takes guts. 62
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6. Bike Rides Find a route that is good for everyone and start pedaling. 7. After Dinner Walks Walk off what you just ate and enjoy the summer evening air together. 8. Run in the Rain There’s nothing quite like playing in the rain during a downpour. Note: never when there is lightning.
10. Backyard Sports–Badminton, Volleyball, Races, etc. Set up the net or obstacle course and get everyone involved. 11. Weekly Dinner Out It doesn’t have to be a fancy place. A friend’s favorite summertime tradition was eating dinner at the restaurant in the local grocery store every Friday night. Take time to reflect on your favorite summer traditions from childhood. What can you pass on to your own children? However, you choose to spend your summer, don’t put off creating wonderful memories you can relive again and again! Originally from New Orleans, Blair Johnson, consultant, writer, creator, and compulsive over-thinker, currently lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, with his daughter and dog.
Local
goes local
Portland and Rockland, Maine By Diane Burns
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ummer is here and it’s time for sun, fun and state festivals. This month Local Goes Local is visiting the great state of Maine and two of its most popular festivals. We begin our journey by traveling to the city of Yarmouth, 15 miles north of Portland, for the annual Clam Festival. This festival, attended by thousands every year, begins on July 20th and continues for five days. All of the money raised goes to the non-profit organizations in the town such as school groups and community services. The theme of this year’s festival is “Favorite Children’s Books”. The parade on Friday will feature floats depicting those books. On Saturday the 21st, one of the favorite aspects of the festival begins with the Clam Shucking Contest, professional as well as amateurs compete for bragging rights as the “Best Shucker” in the state. The firefighters of the town compete in events like bucket brigades and an old-
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fashioned tug-of-war with a fire hose. Another popular event is the Lobster Crate race. Sunday is race day, with adults participating in a 10K race, and children competing in the “Healthy Kid, Happy Kid Fun Run.” There is also a “diaper derby” for crawlers and toddlers. Housed in a large tent you’ll find arts and crafts created by the townspeople. All weekend you will find plenty of good food to eat and lots of fun to enjoy. We continue with our festival hunt by heading to Rockland, Maine for their Lobster Festival beginning on Wednesday, August 1st. The activities commence on that day with the coronation of the Sea Goddess and her Princess court. This group along with their naval escorts and King Neptune will be on the lead float of the parade on August 4th. More than 25,000 visitors attend this festival every year to see more than 20,000 lobsters cooked and enjoyed.
A craft tent will house the wares of vendors and local crafters featuring pottery and hand-woven baskets. Along with the crafts the festival features a fine arts tent with the works of local artists and photographers. All types of music can be heard all weekend long from jazz, and oldies, to Celtic and folk. The kids will have fun donning a costume for the parade and competing in the Cod Fish Carry contest or a ride on one of the amusements. There is quite certainly something for everyone to do. And if not, after all, who can resist a lobster on your plate with melted butter running down your chin? I know I couldn’t. Whichever festival you choose (or maybe you’ll visit both) you and the entire family will experience fun-filled days and some really good food. For more information on both festivals visit www.mainefestivals.com.
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