WOMENSINC.NET
WINC. J U LY 2 0 1 4
Celebrating 10 years
&
QUESTIONS ANSWERS THE MEDICAL ISSUE
CONWAY BODYWORKS SPA’S CHASITY CAMPBELL: THE CALM AFTER THE STORM RETAIL THERAPY: THE BLUE KITE PUTS LOCAL ARTISTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT SUMMERTIME FRESH FOODS • FULMER HOME • BOOK REVIEW: ‘SPRING FEVER’
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WINC. Celebrating 10 years
Publisher Zach Ahrens Editor Lori Quinn
Creative Director Stewart Cole Contributing Writers Detra Clark Michelle Corbet Joe Lamb Andrea Lennon Jill McCollum Susan O’Keefe Rachel Parker Dickerson Sheldon Slinkard Jennifer Stanley Chief Photographer Brandy Strain Contributing Photographers Lindsey Faith Watson Videographer Eric White Advertising Coordinator Leah Brown Advertising Sales Sarah Allen Betsey Barham Tara Mallett Advertising Artists Jay Prince Tyler Rachel Editorial Advisory Board Donna Benton Detra Clark Nicolle Fletcher Haley Crafton Fowler Sarah Frost Mary Harlan Nancy Jackson Cate Ketcheside Leslie Kostecky Caroline LaVan Velda Lueders Candace Meeks Misty Morse Carol Patty Amy Reed Lori Ross Mary Margaret Satterfield Katherine Thomason Stefanie Holt Vann Jessica Zimmerman Women’s Inc. is published by the Log Cabin Democrat. Questions or Comments? Call (501) 327-6621, e-mail: womensinc@womensinc.net or write to P.O. Box 969, Conway, AR, 72033 www.womensinc.net 4 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2014
FROM THE EDITOR
T
Lori Quinn
his month we have several stories and columns devoted to healthrelated topics. From our cover story with questions and answers from local medical professionals to a feature on Chasity Campbell who shares her personal story of a health scare that led to a complete lifestyle change. We have also addressed mental health issues with our guest columnist, Detra Clark, who gives our readers 10 simple ways to live our lives to the fullest while maintaining emotional balance. Brandie Martin, MD; Keitha Holland, MD; Lindsey Sward, MD; and Michelle Campbell, APRN address some questions that are frequently asked in their offices. Another feature this month is one woman’s personal struggle to regain her health and change her lifestyle to a healthier, stress-free one. Chasity Campbell, a pharmaceutical rep for several years, spent many hours on the road and made many unhealthy decisions about her diet. She started suffering many health issues. And many of them were unexplained. While she knows this is a controversial topic, Chasity believes that diet drinks, specifically aspartame in diet drinks, were the cause of her health issues. She quit her 10 Diet Mountain Dew a day habit cold turkey, started paying careful attention to her nutritional intake, and had a total body detox. Her symptoms all disappeared, and she left her pharmaceutical sales job and now works as a patient care representative for seniors at Elite Home Health. She also recently purchased the spa she had been using for her detoxifying treatments, Bodyworks Spa. Our Retail Therapy feature this month is the artsy boutique, Blue Kite. Owner Marla Stanton has enlisted more than 25 local vendors who sell their handmade items at Blue Kite. They also offer classes at the store including yoga, jewelry making, knitting, wreath making and various other crafts. The Fulmer Home in west Conway was recently redecorated to have a calm, classic, timeless feel. Reggie Marshall of Marshall Clements was the designer that homeowner Stacy Fulmer chose to give a consistent look to her entire home. Neutral colors are used throughout. Beautiful lighting and fabrics give this home a very calm and comfortable feel. And finally this month, a special playground dedication at Second Baptist Church was recently held to honor Madelyn Johnston. Madelyn lost her life in accident in December of 2012. This playground located at Second Baptist Church is open to the community. More than $62,000 was given to help build the playground. Until Next Month, Lori Quinn
contents
6 10 FEATURE STORY
FEATURE STORY
Q&A with local medical professionals
RETAIL THERAPY Blue Kite features local artists
The calm after the storm
14 20 FOOD
25 strategic dining
ideas for healthy cooking from The Kitchen Store & More
Summertime treats
26 homes
Fulmer home: tranquil design reflects homeowner
columns mental health
spirituality
dining out
book review
10 thoughts for living life to the fullest Page 18
Top 10 tips for outdoor entertaining Page 32
Embracing the value of waiting on God Page 24
‘Spring Fever’ by Mary Kay Andrews Page 34
EVENTS: Dedication of Second Baptist Church playground in honor of Madelyn Johnston, page 30.
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COVER STORY
review your family history yearly with your gynecologist. recently, genetic tests have become available that can identify patients at risk for developing certain cancers and thus offer them more aggressive screening and prevention options. During your exam, your physician will perform a general assessment along with a breast and pelvic exam. a clinical breast exam is an important part of breast cancer screening. during a pelvic exam, your physician will be checking for abnormalities of the ovaries, cervix, and uterus. Pap smears screen for cervical cancer, and recent guideline changes suggest that not all women need a pap smear every year. Your personal medical history can influence this, thus I would encourage you to discuss frequency of pap smear screenings with your physician. — Dr. Martin
Ask a specialist
Q &A How often do I need to see my gynecologist and will I get a pap smear? While the recommendations for pap smear screening have changed in recent years, it is still important to schedule yearly annual checkups with a gynecologist. this is a time when you and your physician can discuss issues such as family planning, contraception, 6 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2014
How do I know if I’m in menopause and what are my treatment options?
Brandie Martin, MD Conway Women’s Health Center menstrual problems, and breast self awareness. for more mature women it is a time to discuss the menopause transition and hormone replacement therapy. Some women may elect to have their gynecologist perform preventative health screening tests such as cholesterol and thyroid checks. It is also important to
Menopause is classically defined as the absence of menstrual cycles for one year. the years leading up to this are called perimenopause, and are a time of decreasing estrogen production by the ovaries. This often results in irregular bleeding and the beginning of the dreaded hot flushes. 75% of women will experience hot flushes at some point during menopause. Other common symptoms are night sweats, poor sleep, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, anxiety, irritability, and fatigue. I find that women often come in with a host of vague complaints all centered around “just not feeling good.” There are treatments available, with the most
common being hormone replacement therapy. HRT traditionally means estrogen for women without a uterus and estrogen plus a progestin for women with a uterus. There are many options in the world of HRT- pills, patches, and compounded creams being the most popular. As with any medication there are risks, and before beginning hormones you should discuss the risks and benefits with your physician. There are other therapies that are working for women who do not want to or can not take hormones. One of the newest options showing great potential is a low dose of the commonly prescribed Paroxetine. Brisdelle is giving women who may have medical conditions that prevent them from taking estrogen an option in treating hot flushes. The most common therapy for vaginal dryness associated with menopause is vaginal estrogen in either a pill, cream, or ring. There is a new oral medication available that is also now being used to treat vaginal atrophy. Selecting the right option often. — Dr. Martin
When should I seek fertility help? It is very normal to start obsessing about your fertility after just a month or two of trying to conceive without success. Most physicians say not to worry until after an entire year of trying. However, if you are over 35 then you should consult your physician after six months of trying to conceive. The average menstrual cycle is 28-34 days but the exact time of ovulation can vary. On average, it happens between day 11 and 20 of your cycle. If you aren’t having a regular cycle or are skipping months between cycles it would be advised to set up an appointment with your physician to discuss fertility. Tracking your most fertile days can be difficult but generally the highest chance of pregnancy is when intercourse occurs 1-2 days prior to ovulation. Ovulation kits can be purchased over the counter and are convenient and accurate. — Dr. Holland
Keitha Holland, MD Conway Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic
What are some common causes of infertility in males and females? It is super common for women to blame themselves for fertility issues but up to 35% of fertility problems can be male related. The most common culprit in males will be a sperm disorder such as low sperm count, slow sperm motility, or a deficiency in the sperms quality of movement. There are many more factors that can cause infertility in the female. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is a common cause. Signs and symptoms include irregular periods, acne, obesity and sometimes excess facial hair. Age can become a factor for some women. Egg counts start to decline around age 30. Uterine fibroids can often times affect fertility. Endometriosis affects women of reproductive age and can be associated with infertility. Scar tissue or adhesions can cause blockages in the fallopian tubes leading to fertility problems. Ovarian cysts can be present on one or both ovaries and affect ovulation. Unexplained infertility can be present in approximately 1 out of 5 couples. If you have been struggling with infertility for some time speak to your gynecologist about scheduling an appointment. — Dr. Holland
What is HPV, and what should I know about it? Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a broad family of viruses with the ability to affect several different organ sites. In fact, over 100 types of HPV have been discovered. While some types affect the skin, causing the common wart, others infect the genital area. Even among those strains of the virus just infecting the genitals, over 30 different types have been discovered. Genital HPV is acquired through sexual intercourse, and it is estimated that 75-80% of sexually active adults will acquire a genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. Though the incidence of infection is high, most HPV infections are cleared or suppressed by the body’s immune system. Some risk factors for HPV infection include cigarette smoking, multiple sexual partners, other sexually transmitted infections (like chlamydia and gonorrhea), and illnesses that suppress the immune system. Genital HPV is divided into two categories: low risk and high risk. The low risk types have the potential to cause genital warts, while the high risk types are implicated in abnormal pap smears, cervical cancer precursors, and cervical cancer as well as cancers of the vulva, vagina, and anal regions. Two high risk types in particular, HPV 16 and HPV 18, are the most common HPV types associated with cervical cancer. It is only persistent infections with high risk HPV types that appear to lead to cervical cancer precursors and cervical cancer. HPV testing is now performed with many pap smears. This test is able to detect up to 14 high risk HPV types. It is recommended that all women over 30 have co-testing (meaning a pap and HPV testing). If both are negative, no testing at all is not required for 5 years, as the likelihood of acquiring a cervical cancer precursor in this time frame is extremely low. HPV testing should not be a part of routine screening on women younger than 30, but it can be performed on anyone with a borderline abnormality of their pap smear. A borderline abnormality accompanied by a negative HPV test is not worrisome; routine pap smears can be continued. A borderline pap smear with
Lindsey Sward, MD Renaissance Women’s Center a positive HPV test is grounds for further testing. The HPV vaccine, known in the United States as Gardasil, is a three-dose vaccine against HPV types 6 and 11 (low-risk types seen in genital warts) and 16 and 18. Clinical trials have proven the vaccine to be safe and effective. The FDA has approved the vaccine for both males and females ages 9-26 for the prevention of genital warts, cervical cancer precursors & cervical cancer (females only), and anal cancer precursors/anal cancer. — Dr. Sward
What is the recommended screening for breast cancer detection? Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, and it is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths (behind lung cancer). It is estimated that 12% of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at sometime in their lives; that is 1 out of every 8 women. On a positive note, however, there has been a steady decline in the number of breast-cancer related deaths since 1990. Experts believe that this is due to enhanced screening leading to earlier disease detection and also to improved cancer treatments. Breast cancer screening is comprised of three parts: patient self-screening, physical exam, and breast imaging. Several different organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, and the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, have assessed the value of each of these components. Each organization has slightly different recommendations regarding these screening methods, but major conclusions can be drawn. The breast self-examination is no longer taught in a strict, rigid manner. The concept of breast self-awareness has emerged more recently as a more appropriate method of self-screening. This concept encourages women to be aware of the normal appearance and feel of their breasts. They should report any changes to a health care provider. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 7
Clinical breast exams, or exams performed by a health care provider, continue to be recommended by major medical organizations. Most recommend that these clinical exams begin at age 20. From age 20-39, clinical breast exams should be performed at least every 3 years. After age 40, these exams should be performed annually. Mammograms, the most common form of breast imaging, have the ability to detect breast cancer 1.5 to 4 years before it becomes clinically evident. Most organizations recommend beginning mammograms at age 40. Most groups also recommend that mammograms be obtained annually, though some organizations feel that screening every 2 years is likely acceptable. There is no age cut-off for mammograms; however, women aged 75 and older are encouraged to discuss this issue with their doctors. Jointly, they may decide to discontinue screening. Women at high risk for breast cancer include those with a personal history of breast cancer gene mutations (known commonly as BRCA-1 and BRCA-2), those with a family member affected by BRCA-1 or BRCA-2, and those with a strong family history of breast cancer. If a patient is determined to be high risk, there are some different, more stringent screening guidelines. Recommended tests include clinical breast exam every 6 months, yearly mammograms, and yearly breast MRI. Breast MRI as a screening tool is not recommended in lower risk patients. Women who feel they are at high risk for breast cancer based on family history are encouraged to discuss this with their physicians; many different tools are available to aid in risk assessment. — Dr. Sward
What can I do for my allergies? It seems like I’ve tried everything! Summer is underway, and we are still seeing lots of complaints of seasonal allergies, and they can be tough to treat! Allergic rhinitis often causes runny or stuffy nose and is can be associated with watery eyes, sneezing, sinus pressure, and headaches. The single most effective thing to use is a nasal steroid spray. The good news is this year a nasal steroid called Nasacort has gone over the counter. You can get it at most pharmacies and it usually cost less than $20. You should use it daily throughout the entire allergy season for best results. Beyond that, you can add a daily antihistamine such as loratadine
these bumps are most often caused by a staph infection in the skin. First you should apply warm, wet compresses to the area several times a day. Over-the-counter triple antibiotic ointment can be helpful too, along with Tylenol or ibuprofen for pain. If it is not getting better after that, you need to see your doctor. Sometimes these areas end up having to be lanced and occasionally will need a round of antibiotics by mouth. Some patients may find that they get these types of skin infections frequently, or that other family members in the house get them, too. Staph colonizes in the nose, so a intranasal antibiotic is often used in this case to eliminate the source of the infection. Your health care provider can tell you if this treatment is right for you. — Michelle Churchill
I think I have poison ivy, what should I do?
Michelle Churchill, APRN Freeman Family Medicine (Claritin), citirizine (Zyrtec), or fexofendadine (Allegra). Benadryl works great, too, but causes most people to feel sleepy and requires more frequent dosing than its newer counterparts. If these measures do not seem to help, then you could probably benefit from allergy testing and immunotherapy, usually known as allergy shots. There are now new sublingual tablets hitting the market for select allergens. — Michelle Churchill
I think I have a spider bite, what should I do? This time of year we see lots of people come in with complaint of a “spider bite”. However, these usually end up being a skin infection known as a cellulitis or abscess, and are commonly referred to as boils. These are red, painful, swollen bumps that look like big pimples. Patients often assume that they have been bitten by a bug or spider, but that usually is not the case. Nowadays,
Summer time is prime time for yard work and gardening. Unfortunately, some patients will likely encounter poison ivy in their outdoor adventures. Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac are all plants that can cause the symptoms that bring patients to our doors. These symptoms include a very itchy, red, and occasionally swollen rash. The rash is usually linear (or streak-like) and often develops into blisters. This is a result of skin contact with the oils of the plant, of from contact with items that have been contaminated with the oil such as tools, clothing, pet fur, etc. Contrary to popular belief, poison ivy is not spread by contact with the blisters or fluid from the blisters or from the rash, however, the oil of the plant can sometimes linger under fingernails or on the skin which can lead to further skin contamination. The best treatment for poison ivy is prevention. This means wearing protective clothing, long sleeves and pants and heavy-duty outdoor work gloves when contact with the plant may be likely. Washing the skin thoroughly after suspected exposure is the next best thing, especially under the nails. Beyond that, treatment is aimed at alleviating the symptoms. Some patients find that oatmeal baths and cool, wet compresses are helpful with this. And although the jury is out on how helpful oral antihistamines such as Benadryl are, some patients feel this helps as well. The rash will usually resolve within 1-3 weeks without any treatment at all. Occasionally, you will need to see your doctor if the rash is severe, or if it involves the face or genitals. In some cases oral steroids or a steroid injection may be warranted. Finally, as the saying goes “leaves of three, let them be!” — Michelle Churchill
My ear is killing me! Is this an ear infection? Otitis externa or Swimmers ear, is a painful infection of the outer ear or ear canal that we often see in summer months. Swimmers ear is characterized by pain or itching in the ear that is worse with pulling or tugging on the ear lobe. There is often drainage from the ear that accompanies this infection. Although it is often called swimmers ear, this type of infection does not only happen to persons who swim. It occurs when the skin in the ear canal becomes abraded or scratched and then becomes infected. This can be caused from putting Q-tips, fingers or other objects into the ear, cleaning the ear canal to remove ear wax, prolonged swimming, or the use of hearing aids, headphones, or ear plugs that can damage the skin inside the ear. — Michelle Churchill 8 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2014
H E A LT H C A R E
H2MD bringing Integrative Medicine to Central Arkansas Amy Beard, MD explains this exciting concept to Winc. readers
root cause of health problems. Our goal is to get our patients on a pathway to optimal health.
What is Integrative Medicine? “The practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence-based medicine and makes use of all appropriate approaches, professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.”
We offer: • Nutritional programs for Weight Loss, Maintenance and Performance • Board Certified Physician and Dietitian Consultations • Health Plans designed for every patient’s unique needs and circumstances • Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy • IV Nutrition Therapy • Sleep Studies • Advanced Lab Testing — Nutritional, Hormone, Allergen, Genetic and Cardiac • Health Psychology, Behavioral Health Consultations and Psychotherapy • Stress Reduction Strategies and Programs • Massage Therapy • Complete Medical Spa using licensed aestheticians with Onsite Medical Director
Why do you practice Integrative Medicine? The current health care model is broken. It forces the physician to treat the symptoms and not the root causes of the patient’s health problems. Five to 10 minutes with your physician is usually not enough time to determine the problem, nor to assess a patient’s unique healthcare needs. The current model does not allow physicians to do what they do best — practice medicine. My journey with the Integrative Medicine approach began while working as a dietitian. I quickly learned that many of the chronic healthcare problems that plague our society were due to poor diet and lifestyle choices. Yet, it seems that the focus still remains on pills and procedures. And even after graduating from medical school and completing a residency in Family Medicine, my opinions on the root causes of many of our chronic healthcare problems have not changed much. My medical training has allowed me to be much more adept at putting all the pieces together — diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, hormones, allergies. What are the services that you offer? We focus on everything that helps us get to the
How are your services offered? We offer all of our services on a fee-per-service basis, or you can become a member of our Concierge Integrative Family Medicine Practice. The Concierge service is for those who want a primary care provider with a different approach, as well as 24/7 access to their health care provider; longer, relaxed visit times; and same day appointments. We are able to provide such services because we have a patient load of only 300-400 patients, not 3,000-4,000 patients, which is typical of today’s standard medical practice. And because of my additional Emergency Medicine training I am able to address many urgent medical needs at any time those needs may arise.
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F E AT U R E S T O R Y
The calm after the storm “Every time you saw me, I had a diet drink in my hand, because if I wasn’t drinking one, I had a headache. ... I had temperature and night sweats, and I even lost some vision. I lost a lot of memory, as well. I went through several life changes I didn’t remember, like selling my house; I didn’t remember how it happened or who I went through to sell it.” 10 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2014
By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain
Patrons of Conway’s Bodyworks Spa are greeted with a sense of tranquility. Scents of lemongrass and mint and the sound of running water add to the spa’s aura. Spa co-owner Chasity Campbell exudes this same calm; she appears fresh, rested and upbeat, which is a stark contrast to her condition just two years ago. Chasity previously worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative, a job she held for six years. “In that job, you want to look your best and be slim and trim. I was in my 20s when I began my career and had been drinking a lot of sweet tea, which caused me to gain quite a bit of weight. I wanted to be thinner, so I started doing the frozen meal-type foods, and I began drinking diet drinks. Specifically, Diet Mountain Dew was my go-to drink,” she explained. The caffeine helped her stay awake, and the diet soda helped her lose weight. “I also hated water; the only time I had water in my mouth was when I brushed my teeth, so the diet drinks built up pretty quickly in my system.” About two years ago, Chasity began experiencing chronic fatigue. “I am very energetic and always on the go, and I would come home from work and go straight to bed,” she stated. Subsequently, she developed migraine headaches, which caused her to miss a significant amount of work. During the last six months of her illness, which lasted one year, she had severe muscle pain. “My muscles hurt so badly, I had to lie on my back the entire night. It hurt to lift my arms or move my head from side-to-side.” Eventually, even sitting for periods of time became challenging. Driving was specifically difficult. “My work had to accommodate me with a handicapped vehicle that had cameras, so I didn’t have to turn my head,” Chasity added. She began seeking treatment with her primary care physician, who sent her for a CT scan. “The severe part of my pain was in my spinal cord, and it started radiating to my arms. I had throbbing, numbness and tingling, so they thought something might be wrong with my vertebrae, but those tests came back normal,” Chasity explained. However, the scan did show abnormal bone marrow. “The doctors were concerned about cancer, so I had bone scans and other tests. My labs all returned normal. They tested me for lupus, multiple sclerosis, leukemia, and it all came back fine. That is when the doctor said I had fibromyalgia.” During this process, Chasity’s mother believed the diet drinks were the culprit. “My Mom is a health fanatic. Every time you saw me, I had a diet drink in my hand, because if I wasn’t drinking one, I had a headache,” she said. By this time, she was drinking eight to 10 diet drinks per day. “One side effect with aspartame is the potential for causing neurological issues. I am an intelligent, healthWWW.WOMENSINC.NET 11
Chasity Campbell and Benjamin Gilley
“I couldn’t have done it without my partner, Ben. He really helped me get healthy again.” conscious person, and I had no idea that’s what could be causing my problems. I just thought I liked diet drinks.” Even after her fibromyalgia diagnosis, Chasity was unconvinced. “I researched and believed I had some kind of blood poisoning because my symptoms were so serious. I had temperature and night sweats, and I even lost some vision. I lost a lot of memory, as well. I went through several life changes I didn’t remember, like selling my house; I didn’t remember how it happened or who I went through to sell it.” Through her ordeal, she visited multiple doctors. “I’d asked one of my physicians to write an excuse for me to not go on a cruise I’d booked. She basically
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refused to write the excuse, told me to go, and said she was going to do some more blood tests to rule out cancer.” Chasity went on the vacation, and there was a spa aboard the ship. “I went because I was miserable and didn’t want to leave my room. They had a naturopathic doctor, an acupuncture therapist and other holistic treatments you could do. I saw they had a treatment for fibromyalgia, so I went in for a consultation. The therapist asked ‘What are you eating? What are you drinking? What are you doing?’ I explained that I couldn’t live without diet drinks, and she immediately said I had aspartame poisoning.” Chasity argued with her, so she produced a checklist of side effects; Chasity checked all but one. The onboard spa performed an intense detoxification treatment for Chasity. “I went into a detox chamber, and they put this stuff on my body that soaks up lactic acid. What drained out of me was horrific. I had immediate relief after one detox treatment. It didn’t cure everything, but it improved my movement enough that I could enjoy the trip. I didn’t have another diet drink on the cruise. I felt amazing. As soon as I got home, I tried to drink a diet drink, and it tasted like metal,” she said. Chasity never had another diet soda. “I understand this topic is controversial. It doesn’t show up on blood tests or X-rays. You can only test to determine if you are allergic to one of the components (of aspartame). If a person suspects they have an issue with aspartame, they should stop consuming it and pursue detoxification,” she said. Chasity returned to Conway and continued detoxification treatments at Bodyworks Spa. She did body wraps, took detoxifying supplements and consumed a strict vegan diet for six months. “I am now the healthiest I’ve ever been. I was an athlete in high school, and I am healthier now than I was then.” Bodyworks Spa has done a thriving massage therapy business for seven years. The spa has three massage therapists: Jason Fisher, Deonn Spears and Danilia Trisollini. The previous owner, Terry Wise, planned to move out of state, so Chasity and her partner, Benjamin Gilley, decided to purchase the business. Given Chasity’s newfound interest in health and wellness, the business was a natural fit for her goals. “We use all organic products and are very conscientious.” Chasity met Ben during her recovery and credits
him for helping her regain her health. Ben’s mother had been diagnosed with cancer, and Chasity was interested in researching homeopathic ways to help her be more comfortable and healthy. “We started her on a good diet and supplements. She was able to remain very active even during chemotherapy. For her diagnosis, she lived as comfortable a life as possible. She was able to stay active and carry her grandchild around until two weeks prior to her recent death. Her quality of life was amazing because she took care of her body while she was sick,” explained Chasity. As a result of the experience, she started Abundant Wellness as the health coaching side of Bodyworks Spa. This is where her passion for health and wellness can help others. Currently, her primary job as a Patient Care Representative with Elite Home Health allows her to serve as a senior advocate, helping seniors get the care they need in the home or in assisted living communities. However, she is in the process of becoming board certified by the American Board of Drugless Practitioners, which will be completed in January. She is also being certified as a Holistic Health Counselor and Nutritionist. After these initial certifications, she will become certified in toxicology and detoxification. As of June, she is available for coaching, including diet redesign. “Massage and detox are essential in beginning a road to wellness. It starts with a background consult where we look at your entire health picture. I will work with your labs and your current physician,” said Chasity. Her goal is to be part of the client’s entire health profile, an advocate. “I specialize in nutrition, detox, lifestyle balancing and stress reduction. Basically, if someone comes in and is overweight, we get to the root of cravings in order to solve the real problems. We look at career, relationships, how you feel about your life in general. It could be a vitamin deficiency. We look at a week’s worth of your food to see what we can change,” Chasity explained. “I work with your blood type, which determines how well you will lose weight on certain foods.” Chasity believes in, and is passionate about, sustainable lifestyle changes. “It has to be about balancing your life, making it fun and learning what is in our food.” Abundant Health focuses on prevention and a desire to create permanent, healthy habits. “We want to work with people who struggle with weight
Bodyworks Spa 306 Salem Road, Suite 106 Conway 501.749.7572 www.bodworksspa.net bodyworksconway@gmail.com
Abundant Wellness www.chasity-campbell. healthcoach. integrativenutrition.com
issues and people with diabetes, stroke or cancer. We want to help those with celiac disease, parents with autistic children and anyone who wants to detox their body or their life. We can also do these things within a budget,” she said. Some changes people can easily make now include food education. “You have to read labels religiously. Look for sucralose, aspartame or any items that are sugar-free or light. Gum, sugar free candies, light yogurts and vitamin water are examples; anything
flavored with no calories should be suspect. Even though there are no calories, your body will still process it as sugar, and it takes a long time for artificial sweeteners to process. It is all about eating real, whole foods to be healthier.” Likewise, some signs of aspartame issues include chronic fatigue, migraines, bloating, vision issues, insomnia, forgetfulness and attention issues. “It is very neurological. Severe depression is another sign. I was very depressed to the point it was scary. I would pray
that I wouldn’t wake up because I was in so much pain, and I am not a depressed person, normally.” Chasity’s own road to recovery resulted in an unexpected new career path. “This has all been an unexpected blessing, and I can’t wait for it to grow. I couldn’t have done it without my partner, Ben. He really helped get me healthy again. Also, my mom has been an amazing influence and supporter. And to Ben’s mom; helping her helped me. From here, we see where this path takes us!”
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R E TA I L T H E R A P Y
Marla Stanton, owner of Blue Kite boutique in downtown Conway.
Blue Kite puts focus on local artists By Rachel Parker Dickerson Photos by Brandy Strain The Blue Kite boutique in downtown Conway gives local artisans a place to sell their creations, and the store also tries to offer locally-made products at a reasonable price. Owner Marla Stanton started the business in Springhill in August of 2012. After a year, she moved to 1103 Oak St., where she has become a thriving member of downtown. She explained how the business came to be. “I had been making things for stores in Conway and Little Rock and selling them online — mostly baby clothes and shoes, table 14 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2014
runners ... sewing and knitting things. I had a full-time job at Lifeword. My fifth year there I felt like God was telling me he was going to do something different. About a year later the opportunity came about for us to open the location in Springhill. We decided to take the leap.” Stanton and her husband, Colin, live in old Conway, not far from downtown, so moving the store close to home was a welcome change. “Moving here allowed us to have more space, to have the classroom space we didn’t have before. We love being downtown,” she said. As for the store’s merchandise, she said, “When we started we
“When we started we knew we wanted to offer local, handmade items. We wanted to offer that opportunity to all these local people who wanted to sell their stuff.”
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“We don’t order our Arkansas jewelry from China.”
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knew we wanted to offer local, handmade items. We wanted to offer that opportunity to all these local people who wanted to sell their stuff. We later brought in clothes so we could be a one-stop shop. People can get an outfit, accessories and gifts, all in one place.” The Blue Kite has 25 to 30 different vendors of locally made items. Almost all of the merchandise in the store, other than clothing, is handmade. Stanton said her customers who are not so crafty often come in with an idea or a picture and she is able to find someone to make exactly what they want. “There are some talented people in Conway,” she said. She went on, “We offer everything from baby and kids’ items to adult clothes, jewelry, home décor, candles and bath products. When people think of handmade items, we want it to be a one-stop shop. When you’re visiting and you want to get a gift, this is the place. We don’t order our Arkansas jewelry from China. We get a lot of people from out of town. If people are visiting, they always try to come downtown.” She explained how the shop got its name. “Growing up, I moved a lot, and I traveled a lot when I worked at Lifeword. The kite is something I identified with because I’ve always been on the move. When we got married, my husband and I decided to land our kite in Conway.” The store gives a portion of its sales to a nonprofit organization each month. So far, The Blue Kite has given to an orphanage in India, Gypsies in Romania and a feeding program in the Philippines. This year Stanton has been focusing on local nonprofits. She is now raising money for the Red Cross for tornado relief. With space for a classroom, The Blue Kite also has classes several times a month. Yoga classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. with instructor Lana Moix. A couple of weekends a month craft classes are held. Instruction is given in making crafts, often seasonal, such as burlap wreaths, wirewrapped jewelry and knitting projects. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 17
M E N TA L H E A LT H
10 thoughts for living life to the fullest
By Detra Clark, LCSW
I
n therapy I often reference with my clients what is known as the cognitive triad. This states the way we think, affects how we feel and our feelings affect our actions. SLOW DOWN ... If we’ve heard this once, then we’ve probably heard it a thousand times, but does it actually make us approach our life any differently? Perhaps for the moment or for the day. I would like to challenge you to start thinking of your minutes, hours and days as priceless blessings that you will never get back; because that is exactly what they are. A good friend of mine shared an article with me that she read about viewing the daily tasks, and events that fill our calendars as a reflection of fullness in our lives rather than busyness. Webster’s dictionary defines the word “full” as not lacking or omitting anything; complete. With that definition in mind, I consider myself very grateful to have a life full of people, family and events that surround them. A significant part of our emotional health surrounds our relationships with others and the way that we care for ourselves. I would like to share 10 simple, but often overlooked considerations for appreciating the fullness of our lives while maintaining emotional balance. 1. Schedule prayer, reflection or alone time that is non negotiable. This time is just as important as the conference call, Monday-morning meeting and coffee date you scheduled with a friend. It allows us to refocus and recharge before giving of ourselves to others. No one likes drinking from an empty glass ... we’ll always end up thirsty. 2. Be intentional by writing down all activities planned to avoid overextending ourselves. If we fail to plan, then we plan to fail. 3. Begin viewing our day-to-days through eyes of
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gratitude for the job we are blessed to have, the weddings, birthday parties and graduations of those who value their relationship with us. Their inclusion of us in such monumental moments in their lives should really shift our perspectives to one of appreciation. The phrase “it’s always something” really is true. Without the “somethings” life could easily be nothing. 4. Prioritize: Let’s be good stewards of our time so that we can say no to the good and yes to the best. I read a devotional last week by Renee Swope that really made me stop and think. She said, “Say no to many things so you have energy and emotion to say yes to those closest to you.” 5. Say no without feeling that you have to explain yourself. This is different than No. 4 because if you’re going to beat yourself up for saying no, apologize a million times and feel guilty, you might as well have said yes. Personally, I think it’s more work and more emotionally draining when we punish ourselves for being unable to be all things to all people. Sometimes the answer just has to be no. Period, and that’s OK. 6. Get moving! Movement and getting fresh oxygen into our bodies is therapeutic in nature. A brief walk, yoga session or whatever you enjoy doing that requires you to be physically active can be so beneficial in clearing your mind and rechanneling your energy. 7. Set your own pace. If you were running a marathon, you would not win by running at someone else’s speed, whether faster or slower. Winning comes by setting your own pace and running the race set out before you. We are all called to a different purpose in life, so live yours out with intentionality, grace and your own style. Keeping up with someone else is just exhausting. Be you!
8. Look for opportunities to serve others. Cliché maybe, but definitely true. Life is so much richer when it’s not all about us. Giving back and helping out is a win-win for everybody. What a wonderful gift to look beyond our own needs and struggles, and see the needs of someone else. 9. Eat well and rest well. We are what we eat, and so much of how we function from day to day is really impacted by our food intake and sleep hygiene. Two hours of sleep and a sugar-filled coke to counteract the sleep deficit usually won’t get it done. These poor choices alone can affect your mood, cortisol level (stress hormone), appetite and energy level throughout the day. Bet you are fun to be around! Think of your body as your car ... how far would you get on an empty tank and a flat tire? Your body operates very similarly. Be good to it. 10. Have some fun. Do not be afraid to pencil in the fun stuff! Give yourself something to look forward to. This is an obligation to ourselves that we should fulfill to sustain our own mental health and well being. Starting today, let’s change the way we think about life and the many facets that come with it. I began by discussing how our thoughts affect our feelings which then in turn affect our actions. I plan to look for the many opportunities in my life to celebrate and appreciate the whos and whats and count it all joy. How can you change your thoughts to reflect a life of fullness? Detra Clark is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has been Children’s therapist at Counseling Associates Inc. since 2008. She lives in Conway with her husband, Bryan, and three children, Kayla, Micah and Channing.
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FOOD
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SUMMERTIME
FRESH 7-LAYER DIP • CHEESE BALL • FRUIT PIZZA
By Chef Jill McCollum, CC Photos by Lindsey Faith Watson Summertime can be a fun relaxing time for the kids; it’s a chance for them to get a nice break from school, but often times this can lead to boredom. So how fun would it be to get those kids in the kitchen and start teaching them some of your “tried and true” recipes? Let the kids plan an entire meal — start to finish, for the family. • Let them plan the menu • Make a budget • Make a grocery list • Let the kids shop for the ingredients • Plan a prep day — let them mess up the kitchen prepping your main course a day ahead • Dessert can be made ahead of time
• Teach them how to set a nice table using your summertime dishes that are collecting dust in the pantry • Make sure they do the clean-up, it will help to teach them to be a “cleaner” cook • Make sure they know the proper way to load the dishwasher Teaching your kids the way around a kitchen will be something they will appreciate as they get older. My 14-year-old son is now spending the night with friends and cooking them breakfast when they get up! They are never too young to start learning. Chef Jill McCollum, CC is the Caterer and Food Service Director for Central Baptist College. Jill is the owner of Jill McCollum Catering in Conway. She can be reached at jmccollum@cbc. edu or (501) 730-4422
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7-layer dip
Appetizer Cheese Ball 2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened 1 8 ½ ounce can crushed pineapple, drained 2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts ¼ chopped bell pepper 2 teaspoons grated onion 1 teaspoon seasoned salt Mix all ingredients; shape as desired, roll in nuts, refrigerate until serving. Serve with cracker assortment.
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2 avocados-peeled, pitted and diced 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lime juice ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro ¼ cup salsa Garlic salt to taste Ground black pepper to taste 1 8 ounce container sour cream 1 package taco seasoning mix 4 roma tomatoes, diced 1 bunch green onions, chopped 1 can refried beans 2 cups shredded cheese blend 1 can sliced black olives In a medium bowl, mash avocados, mix in lime juice, cilantro, salsa, garlic salt and pepper. In a small bowl, blend the sour cream and taco seasoning. In a 9x13 dish or large serving platter, spread the refried beans, top with sour cream mixture, spread on guacamole. Top with tomatoes, green onions, cheese and black olives. Serve with chips.
Fruit Pizza Sugar cookie dough 2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup powder sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Assortment of fresh strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, raspberries, bananas Spread sugar cookie dough on cookie sheet and back at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool. Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla together, spread on top of cooled cookie dough. Arrange fresh fruits on top, chill and serve.
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SPIRITUALITY
Embracing the value of waiting on God
By Andrea Lennon
I
n a fast paced world that values quick decisions and easy resolutions, how do we embrace a life that waits on God and watches for His move? The answer is simple. We just do it. Waiting and watching occurs each time we live a life that responds to God’s leadership and direction. This type of life requires deep faith, spiritual focus, and a heart that trusts God even when the outcome is unknown to us. It is not uncommon for us to wonder if God see, cares, and remembers us during our time of need. Sometimes waiting is hard especially when we feel like God has forgotten us. However, as we learn to wait and watch, we learn to embrace God’s timing and direction for our life. Three important truths help us to embrace a life of waiting on God and watching for His move. First, God is moving on our behalf. The resolution to the situation we face may or may not happen today or even tomorrow; but at some point we will experience God’s resolution. When we know that God is moving on our behalf, we live with hopeful expectation. We wake up each morning excited about our day. This excitement positions us to engage in life with a sense of purpose even when we are unsure of God’s specific plan for our life. Second, the outcome is clear in God’s heart and mind. We must remember the truth that God is sovereign, providential, and fulfilling a plan. Our lives are
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never out of control or beyond God’s ability to direct, redeem, or use for His glory. God knows exactly what we need and what needs to happen around us. God is faithfully at work even when we do not sense how He is working. Third, we can be empowered through the waiting and watching process. We should never view the waiting and watching time as forsaken time or wasted time. In fact, the opposite is true. Times of waiting and watching offer an opportunity for spiritual growth. As we wait and watch, every area of our life is impacted and changed. Our hearts are more in tune with God because we learn to identify the ways that God works in our life. As we identify these areas, we have the opportunity to join Him. Joining God always leads to spiritual growth and positions us to walk in step with His plan. The bottom line of the waiting and watching process is that the journey is just as important as the outcome. This is true because through the journey we learn more about God as well as ourselves. Why should we wait and watch? I mean really. Waiting and watching are contrary to everything that we learn in today’s world. The simple answer to this question is found in the fact that waiting and watching are biblical. God calls His people to wait on His timing and to watch for His move. In the midst of this call, we have an incredible promise to claim. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6, New International Version)
From the moment that we entered this world to the moment that we leave it, God is doing a good work in us. We do not have to wonder if God desires to complete this good work in our lives. He does. We do not have to worry that God has forgotten us in the process. He has not. We do not have to question God’s level of commitment during our time on this earth. He is “all in” when it comes to you and me. The question is this. Are we “all in” when it comes to Him? When we wait and watch we let go of the need to over-plan, over-prepare, and over-organize our lives to the point where God is no longer in the mix. Instead we put God in the leadership position. We commit to follow His lead, no matter how long it takes. When we wait and watch we also avoid the tendency to manipulate the situation in order to reach a desired outcome. Instead of manipulating we surrender to God’s will and walk in step with His purposes for our life. Such sweet relief comes as we know that God is able and willing to lead our lives. This week take a step back from leading your own life. Instead, wait on God and watch for His move. You might be surprised at how empowering this action proves to be in your daily walk with God. Andrea Lennon lives in Conway, Arkansas, with her husband, Jay, and sons, Jake and Andrew. Andrea ministers to the women of Arkansas through a speaking and writing ministry called True Vine Ministry. To learn more about this ministry, access Andrea’s website at www.andrealennon.net.
What’sYourStrategy? Healthy cooking at the Kitchen Store and More
“What works for one person doesn’t work for another. Make healthy eating a priority and look into the gadgets that make prepping easier! Being healthy is something I do for myself and for my family.” —Jeanne Smyers, owner at The Kitchen Store and More.
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FULMER HOME
TRANQUIL DESIGN REFLECTS HOMEOWNER By Michelle Corbet Photos by Brandy Strain
Reggie Marshall of Marshall Clements helped Stacy Fulmer transform her home in Sunderlin Park into a comfortable and welcoming space for family and friends. Reggie created a light feel with oversized mirrors, neutral colors and a mix of linen fabrics. All the rooms are painted a rich taupe, with a dark cream
“My home is an extension of me. I’m a calm person and I wanted my home to feel that way.” trim. Stacy said she decided to create a consistent look throughout the home about two years ago. “My home is an extension of me,” Stacy said. “I’m a calm person and I wanted my home to feel that way.” The house flows in one big loop, moving from the foyer with a welcoming cow skin rug to the living room with high ceilings and unique accent chairs to the kitchen with a customized breakfast nook and back around to the dining room with a rustic hand-painted table with a cast cherub sitting on top. The living room, dining room and breakfast nook each have artfully made light fixtures from Turkey, Dallas and France. Most of the lights in the house are set on a dimmer, Stacy said. “I didn’t want anything to be really stark or bright,” she said. “I think lighting makes a huge difference.” Stacy’s favorite place to sit and WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 27
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have a cup of coffee or visit with friends is at an antiqued French table in the breakfast nook. The table sits beneath a bronze chandelier with crystal beading and soft recess lighting with a pairing of mixed chairs. Reggie said one of the sets is the classic French bergères design with rounded backs. The other is an oversized look with big down pillows for lazy Sundays. Stacy said Reggie doesn’t just put together furniture but a whole feel and look. “To me that’s just such a talent,” she said. Reggie describes Stacy’s home as “livable fresh and modern, but classic at the same time.” “It’s really calming, but classic,” he said. “It won’t be a trendy look, but a classic, timeless style.” Stacy lives with her daughter Lauren, 15, a sophomore at Conway High School, and her son Ross, 19, a sophomore at the University of Arkansas, when he comes home during the summers. Lauren’s friends always say they feel so comfortable and at home when they come here, Stacy said. Reggie helped Stacy design a home that feels relaxing and inviting for all who visit. “Your home is an extension of you, and if you can design it to reflect who you are — that’s what it’s all about,” Stacy said.
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DEDICATION OF SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH PLAYGROUND IN HONOR OF MADELYN JOHNSTON By Andrea Lennon On Sunday, May 11, 2014, the Second Baptist Church playground was dedicated at 2600 Dave Ward Drive. The majority of the money given was given in honor of Madelyn Johnston. Madelyn passed away unexpectedly on December 15, 2012 at the age of eight. Following Madelyn’s death, her parents, TJ and Rachel Johnston, and the leadership of Second Baptist Church decided to honor her life by providing a wonderful place for children to play. TJ states, “the playground is a perfect tribute to Madelyn. It’s unique, beautiful, inviting, and fun. So many amazing people spent countless hours on this labor of love. They could not have done a better job. This playground has Madelyn written all over it. We are extremely proud and forever grateful for it.” Madelyn loved her church. Her legacy of faith was beautifully captured in a prayer that she wrote just prior to her death. Madelyn wrote, “Dear Lord, Thank you for 2nd Baptist. Thank you for my family. You gave me everything I need. Thank you, God. Love, Madelyn Johnston.” This prayer, Madelyn’s picture, and the Johnston’s life verse are featured on a rock in the playground. The Conway community gave over $62,000 in cash and donated services so that the playground could be the very best. At the dedication, Stephanie Crockett, Children’s Minister at Second Baptist Church, shared an invitation to the people of Conway, “This playground and our campus are for you. Please bring your family and enjoy it. If you are looking for a church home, please come and see us. We will take good care of you.” Sawyer, Madelyn’s younger brother, who is now five years old, loves the playground and says that the slides are the best part. As the Johnston’s think about moving forward, Rachel shares some exciting news, “We are unexpectedly expecting!” The Johnston’s are looking forward to welcoming a new baby into their family. The Johnston’s know that they will take Sawyer and the new baby to the playground for years to come.
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Mark Dance, standing with TJ and Rachel Johnston, speaks at the playground dedication.
Whitney and Leo Cummings
Sara and Donny Bradley
Kate and Sherri Pillow
Stephanie and Glen Crockett
Bryan and Laura Throckmorton
Harol Dene, Maxine and Brad Lacy
Janet Dance, Andrea Lennon and Donna Seal
Mark and Janet Dance
Madelyn Johnston’s family
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ACCENTS
TOP TEN TIPS FOR
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING
1
PREP YOUR YARD
If you’re hosting a party in your yard, mow your grass and make sure your lawn is free of debris and toys. Quickly sweep off your patio or porch, and wipe up cobwebs or anything else that might be unappetizing.
2
CLEAN UP INSIDE (at least a little!)
Even though the party is on the outside, it is a good idea to at least tidy up the entry, kitchen and bathroom on the inside. Your guests will likely see all of these spaces at some point in the evening.
3
HAVE LOTS OF SEATING
Make sure you have plenty of chairs for your guests. Not everything has to match - borrow from friends, spread a quilt on the grass, etc. (I borrowed this bench from a neighbor for additional seating)
4
CHOOSE A SEASON-APPROPRIATE MENU
This dinner party was held in June, just as the weather was starting to really heat up, so I prepared a light meal of grilled salmon sandwiches with creamy dill sauce, french potato salad with fresh herbs, and a spring mix salad with a simple olive oil dressing - perfect for the season!
5
DON’T MAKE TOO MUCH
Spending all day in the kitchen won’t make your guests have more fun, and you will be worn out. Everyone will be just as happy and satisfied with a meal that simply has a main course, one or two sides, and a dessert.
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PREPARE FOOD IN ADVANCE
A side like french potato salad can be served at room temperature (perfect for summertime) and be made four hours in advance. This is a lifesaver!
DON’T MAKE EVERYTHING YOURSELF
For dessert, try something as simple as a store-bought lemon pound cake and vanilla ice cream - refreshing, easy, delicious, and guests will love it!
CREATE A TABLE THAT IS BEAUTIFUL AND INTERESTING
A beautiful setting will encourage your guests to linger at the table. No one wants to sit at an intimate dinner party and not be able to see the person sitting across from them. I chose to do three short arrangements on the table, but the “wow” factor was the hanging floral installation we did from my porch ceiling.
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DON’T GET FUSSY WITH CHINA
You’re outside! It needs to feel laid-back. Keep it casual. My personal opinion is food always looks best on a simple white plate.
A LARGE ICE CHEST
A large stainless steel ice chest that sits up table height is useful and attractive for outdoor gatherings. Plus, this keeps your guests outside enjoying the party rather than continually going inside to grab another beverage. Dinnerware, Fresh Floral, Linens and Rentals all available at A Southern Tradition. The glassware is from Jessica’s personal collection and was originally purchased at Fifth Season.
Jessica Zimmerman is the owner of A Southern Tradition in downtown Conway. Her work has been featured in regional and national magazines. As a graduate of the University of Arkansas’ Art program, she’s an avid blogger, a lover of travel, and has a passion for all things creative! She resides in Conway with her husband Brian and daughter Stella. For more, follow her blog at asoutherntradition.com/blog. WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 33
BOOK REVIEW
‘Spring Fever’ by Mary Kay Andrews
Review by Susan O’Keefe “Spring Fever” is definitely a beach read. It’s a bit dramalicious, mixed with a hint of honeysuckle. If you listen hard enough, you’ll hear the theme from “Dallas” playing in the background. Again, this is a beach read. There are life lessons and funny moments, but mostly, it’s small, Southern town charm, family business debacles and marrying for love instead of a country club membership. A stuffy church sets the opening scene of the story. There’s a bride, groom and ex-wife all under one steeple. Annajane Hudgens declares her allegiance to her divorce and promises that she is truly over her exhusband, Mason Bayless, top dog at Quixie, the local family-owned cherry cola plant. Mason is the groom. His soon-to-be-wife, Celia, is everything Annajane is not. Celia frames her size 2 figure in designer suits with three inch heels to match. Her brief case coordinates perfectly. She’s an entrepreneur, admired in the business world, and arrives in Pascoe, N.C., to consult the floundering Quixie and return it to her glory days. Although Annajane works in Quixie’s marketing and advertising department, her sketches and ideas are never up to par for Celia. Annajane confides in her gal-pal Pokey. The two have been thick as thieves since Kindergarten. There’s something not quite right about Celia. Her stories are forced and fishy. Obviously, Mason fell for them though — hook, line and sinker. And so, at the opening wedding scene, Pokey plops on the pew next to Annajane, just seconds before the bride’s grand sashay down the aisle. Pokey is Mason’s sister, another ingredient to the Quixie dynasty. Just as vows are about to be exchanged, the sweet bespectacled flower girl, Sophia, informs the congregation of her aching tummy. Leave it to kids. The wedding is postponed. Sophia is rushed to the hospital and has Mason’s full attention. Readers are led to believe that Mason is Sophia’s father after a one-night stand. But at our book club discussion, there was hardly a woman who believed
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that part of the story line. Within minutes, Annajane scrambles to help Sophia and untangle the mess of emotions flooding her body. Seeing Mason in his wedding wear stirred something in the pit of her soul. She’d been in love with the Quixie king since she was a teenager. Now, four years after their divorce, Annajane’s heart beat rapidly as if to remind her of why she in fell in love with him in the first place. Was this really the beginning of second chances? Sally Bayless, Mason and Pokey’s mom, fingers her heirloom pearls, and calms Celia. “There will be a wedding,” Sally stated. And what Sally wants, Sally gets. Her deceased husband had made sure of that, to a certain point anyway. That certain point adds a lot of fuel to the fiery vim and vigor of the Bayless clan. Davis Bayless rounds out the trio of adult siblings. He’s usually spying a shortcut and changes girlfriends like most men change their socks. And that’s just a synopsis of chapter one! Whew! Throughout the story of second chances and finding complete truth amidst half-truths, the characters exhibit charm, wit and keep readers on their toes. Annajane learns exactly why her own mother despised Quixie and forbade the sugary drink in their home. Celia gets trapped in her own web of trickery. Sophie’s sudden appendicitis seems to spark newness in old relationships and long overdue discussions. The story weaves from personal relationships to saving the town’s economy by boosting Quixie sales. Davis is pushing to sell what he calls an outdated company, take the money and run. The noble Mason wants to fight to keep alive the business that’s been in his bloodline for generations. Their father’s will is finally going to be read, five years after the elder Bayless’ death. The contents of the will are sure to deal a mighty blow to the current battle brewing among family members. It’s a fast-paced read that’s been called addicting and enthusiastic. Consider packing “Spring Fever,” along with the sunscreen and beach towels. It’s sure to be a summer favorite.
Susan O’Keefe recently moved to Augusta, Georgia, with her husband, Jack, four children, and enthusiastic black Labrador puppy, Oxford. Susan plans to continue reading and reviewing as books create a window and relationship to thousands of lives and adventures. Drop Susan a line or suggest a book by emailing her at womensinc@womensinc.net.