Women's Inc. July 2013

WOMEN’S INC.

By Women, For Women, About Women of Central Arkansas

W W W . W O M E N S I N C . N E T

J U L Y

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WOMEN’S HEALTH

Barbara Williams Professor and chairperson for the Department of Nursing at UCA

WOMEN’S INC. Editor Lori Quinn Creative Director Stewart Cole Contributing Writers Rachel Parker Dickerson Angie Howard Dr. Patricia Knott Andrea Lennon Jill McCollum Susan O’Keefe Jennifer Stanley Chief Photographer Brandy Strain Contributing Photographers Sara Black Laura Derden Courtney Spradlin Gerald Washington Lindsey Faith Watson Retail Advertising Sales Manager Rhonda Overbey Advertising Coordinators Jackie Black Leah Brown Advertising Sales Sarah Allen Tara Mallett Jesica Talbert Betsey Willbanks Advertising Artists Jay Prince Tyler Rachel Editorial Advisory Board Nicolle Fletcher Haley Crafton Fowler Beverly Freiley Mary Harlan Becky Harris Nancy Jackson Helen Lockhart Velda Lueders Candace Meeks Misty Morse Carol Patty Lori Ross Mary Margaret Satterfield Traci Kennedy Smith 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 2013

Women’s health

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ith the focus on health this month, Dr. Barbara Williams was the perfect choice to feature as our cover story in this issue. As a professor and chairperson for the Department of Nursing at the University of Central Arkansas, Dr. Williams has helped educate class after class of nurses, and has watched them graduate and enter the work force. For 35 years at UCA, she has remained passionate about education, nursing, healthcare and wellness. The nursing program at UCA will continue to produce well-qualified nurses under her leadership for years to come. Thanks, Dr. Williams!

Paige Revis, owner and operator of Jazzercise in Conway, has been dedicated to helping women get healthy and fit since 1996. Paige’s upbeat positive spirit is the perfect match to help motivate women to meet their health and fitness goals. She promises to make exercise fun! Contact Paige at Jazzercise and find out how you can get started today.

In Downtown, three local businesses are highlighted. Liz’ Health Market, located on Oak Street, offers fresh organic produce and meats, health and beauty products and gluten-free products. Owner, Liz Wood has been working in this business for more than 21 years. This store has a great selection and variety to meet all your grocery and health needs. Next, check out Pilates of Central Arkansas. Elizabeth Grant is helping her clients work through pain issues and achieve alignment and balance in their bodies.

Finally, Toadally Nutrition on Front Street offers a variety of resources for its members: exercise and nutrition classes, smoothies and a weigh-in on the Tanita Iron Man scale. This scale measures body fat, muscle mass, water percentage and various other factors. Who knew Downtown Conway was so healthy?

Finally, check out our featured home and the new home interior store, Pazzaz Interiors in Downtown Conway. Keller and Christi Johnson’s Centennial Valley home, built by Keller Johnson Builders, Inc., has a lovely back yard retreat, complete with a beautiful pool by Luxury pools. And find that perfect piece of furniture or the perfect home décor item at Pazzaz Interiors. Located on Oak Street, this lovely store recently opened by Dr. Doug Stroud and Michelle Nabholz, truly has something for everyone: gifts, furniture, home décor and more.

Until Next Month,

contents

features

columns

6 Cover Story

12 Women’s Health Know the risks, and stay educated

Williams a critical key in the medical field

14

by Kelli Wells

14 Feature Story Revis finds Jazzercise success in Conway

10 Spirituality How would you describe yourself?

16 Local Beauty

by Andrea Lennon

K2K continues on the road of success; Solutions Day Spa keeps you at your best

18 Health Watch what you eat

by Dr. Patricia Knott

20 Downtown Downtown keeps it healthy

25 In the News 26 Shopping A Splash of Summer

28 Homes Keller & Christi Johnson

34 Homes Pazzaz Interiors

38 Food Sensational Salads

24 Healthy Fluids Let’s grab a drink

by Shannon Wilcox

44 Music The art of creating music with others

by Preston Palmer

45 Book Review “Carry On, Warrior: Thoughts on Life, Unarmed” review by Susan O’Keefe

events

41 FRIENDS OF CASA MEMBERSHIP Drive 42 Pazzaz Interiors Grand Opening

46 Community

43 The Walker-Thon: In Memory of

Making a difference in children’s lives

Drake Walker WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 5

COVER STORY

Dr. Barbara Williams, professor and chairperson for the Department of Nursing at UCA.

Williams a critical key in the medical field

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain Barbara Williams serves as Professor and Chairperson for the Department of Nursing at the University of Central Arkansas, where she has worked since 1978. Her curricula vitae reads like a how-to manual for a career nurse educator. She has written numerous grants, publications, reports and papers. She has presented to countless associations, boards and legislative bodies. Barbara has also served on numerous boards throughout her career. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Conway Regional Health Systems, the Arkansas Association of Hospital Trustees, the Arkansas Hospital Association, the American Hospital Association, QualChoice Health Plan, Inc., the Arkansas Graduate Nursing Student Loan and Scholarship Program and the Southern Regional Education Board’s Council of Collegiate Education for Nursing.

Barbara, married to Brad, a psychologist in Little Rock, says her career in education was happenstance.

“I went back to get my masters degree because there was still knowledge I felt I needed to meet the needs of patients, but I never thought I would do anything other than clinical practice. We were in Denton, Texas; I graduated in August and started looking for

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Dr. Barbara Williams with Susan Gatto, PhD RN, undergraduate program director.

a position,” she explains. Unable to find a clinical position in her masters area, which was cardiovascular, Barbara had to entertain alternative options.

“When I interviewed at the hospital, they mentioned an associates degree program at the community college in Gainesville in need of faculty, so I talked with them. I read and researched at the Texas Women’s Library on the degree and decided I could take the position. The plan was to do it for about nine months to help pay bills, and I fell in love with education. ... It’s one of those things; I was a good clinical nurse, and I have a good philosophy of nursing and a real desire to make a difference. I also found that, as an educator, I was able to influence a broader spectrum of people who would be going out in the field...,” says Barbara.

With her current position at UCA, she is responsible for both the baccalaureate and masters programs. In addition, the Department of Nursing is in the proposal stage for a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Within the baccalaureate program, there are several degree options. The Bach-

Nursing school uniforms over the years, including Dr. Williams’ own uniform, center.

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elor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is offered for students who are not yet registered nurses (RN).

Within the degree program, there is a track for LPNs who wish to complete the BSN, a track for RNs who do not yet have their BSN and a track for RNs who want their BSN degree and their graduate nursing degree.

Students desiring a masters have the ability to take nine hours that earn graduate credit in lieu of three undergrad courses, so when they graduate with the baccalaureate degree, they are already nine hours into their masters. Within the masters program, students can concentrate in nurse practitioner, family and geriatric or adult primary. The advantages of completing the masters program are financial and increased job opportunities. There is also a masters degree for nurse educators and clinical nurse leaders. If approved, the doctoral program will be a clinical practice program. The Department of Nursing partners with hospitals throughout the state, but Conway Regional Medical Center and the VA are major partners.

Barbara spent significant time from the late 1980s to the early 2000s working to help alleviate the nursing shortage in Arkansas. “There was a severe shortage of hospital nurses and an even greater shortage of graduate nurses. One project was to provide scholarships for graduate students, which is still an ongoing program.

While the shortage is not as severe as it was, it will come back. What happened, I think, was the economy. Nurses who would have retired continued to work when spouses were laid off.

Also, some nurses who worked part-time moved to full-time, and many were asking for overtime.

I think these factors artificially inflated the numbers, and hospitals did not have the acute need they’d had. Hospitals are aware of this and of the fact we have many baby boomers who will soon retire,” explains Barbara.

She specifically cites an expected need for nurse practitioners. “With graduate and nurse practitioners, the need will increase because of changes in healthcare that will place emphasis on primary care. A number of our graduates work in primary care, in a clinic with physicians. There will be more emphasis on keeping patients out of the hospital, and this is really where we need to be — stressing prevention and wellness,” says Barbara.

“Healthcare in America, I think, has been too much about treatment of diseases. Wait until you are sick, and we will treat you. With the acute, we can do a good job, but with the chronic, we haven’t done as good a job, so why not (work to) prevent it. Screening and teaching are going to be huge.” Barbara also believes in beginning health education earlier. “We know that if you teach the children, you teach the parents. We need to be in schools, reaching younger children and teaching prevention.”

Another project on the horizon for UCA and Conway Regional could assist in furthering the promotion of teaching and wellness. “Our hope, vision and desire is that UCA and Conway Regional will have a shared building, and the nursing program will be housed there. It’s been an exciting development. Once the planning 8 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2013

started, we realized the need to share resources and be together. We wanted the ability to share dialogue and to bring the clinical and educational sides together,” explains Barbara. Additionally, the entities will be able to share equipment and lab space, which will help contain costs.

Currently, they are planning to include a community education room.

“If we get our entire wish list, the community education portion will offer cooking demonstrations and educational programs. We also hope there is a small bistro offering locally-grown foods. We really look at the project as a stool with three legs: Conway Regional, UCA and the community. We really want strong community involvement, which is where I think healthcare is moving. It used to be more fractionized — someone was sick, they went to the physician’s office. This model will be much more integrated,” she says.

Barbara feels her role on the Board of Directors at the hospital provides tremendous opportunity for the nursing program at UCA. “I went into that position with a pretty good knowledge of healthcare, but what they do is broad, and to be able to see an organization that is changing to meet

the needs of the community has been a wonderful experience. I’ve also enjoyed being able to give back to them by looking at quality issues and different clinical issues as well,” she says. “Conway Regional knows it has a critical role in the community and wants ... to increase the health and vitality of the entire community.”

This is a positive trend that Barbara has observed in UCA’s nursing programs as well. “We also have a huge emphasis on patient education within our masters and baccalaureate programs. In fact, we have a standalone course within our clinical courses in this area. We have always seen the critical role nurses have in education, whether that involves educating the patient or becoming involved in community education. I also think students are looking at ways they can give back and have professional leadership.

Nurses should remain aware of what is happening in healthcare and should use patient stays as teaching opportunities,” says Barbara. Certainly, under her direction, UCA’s Department of Nursing will continue to produce well-qualified nurses who go the extra mile for their patients and for their communities.

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SPIRITUALITY

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How would you describe yourself?

f you had to choose four words to describe yourself what would they be? I recently asked myself this question. A few obvious answers came to mind — driven, loyal, dependable and a people person. These words accurately depict my personality.

However, the more I thought about the question, the more I thought about a different type of answer.

This answer is rooted in my relationship with Jesus Christ. Because I am a believer in Jesus Christ, I can describe myself as: Chosen. Just let the word chosen rest on you for a minute. The God of the universe, the One who spoke and all things came into existence, choose you and me! Anyone who has tasted the sting of rejection knows how hard it is when you are not selected.

One of my first experiences with rejection occurred in grade school. I stood against the wall waiting for someone to pick me for their team. As I stood next to the wall, I kept thinking, “pick me, pick me, pick me.” It is funny how this same tendency materializes in our adult lives. In a more sophisticated way, we long to be chosen. Whether it is a job promotion, a fun evening out with friends or an invitation to be a part of something special, we long to be selected. Have you ever noticed that it is easy to focus on the areas of life where you are not selected? When we do this, we miss out on an amazing truth. We have been chosen in the most important area of life. God chose each of us and made a way for us to have a relationship with Him. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy

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nation, a people belonging to God.” (1 Peter 2:9, New International Version) Loved. God’s love is pure. It is not dependent on the things that we say or the things that we do. In fact, the Bible states that God is love. God showed His love for us when He sent Jesus to die in our place. “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” (1 John 3:16). Christ-like love makes an impact on us because it never fails. Think about it.

How many things in life are 100% certain? If we are honest, no thing or person measures up to the 100% mark. Amazingly, God does. God’s love is real and it is lavish. When you are feeling unloved by the people around you, turn to God. He is waiting for you and He is inviting you to experience His love in a fresh new way.

Forgiven. Have you ever had a moment when you were overwhelmed by the mistakes in your life? In those moments, run to God and embrace His forgiveness. Forgiveness allows the guilt in our life to fade away and a sense of hope and peace to permeate our hearts and minds. Knowing that we are forgiven helps us to avoid the tendency of acting like we have it all together. We are able to be real with ourselves and with those around us. We have struggles, but God is greater than our struggles. “This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” (1 John 3:19-20). If you are wondering

if your sin is too great for God to forgive, you can rest easy knowing that God is able and willing to forgive you. Take your mistakes to Him and confess them to Him. The truth of the matter is this: God already knows. Embrace His forgiveness and see how His peace takes the place of your guilt.

Empowered. Knowing that we are able to live a life full of God’s power gives us great confidence. In every situation, God’s power flows in and through us.

How do we access God’s power? We give up control of our lives and invite Jesus to direct us. The outcome?

We live a life beyond our abilities. This life demonstrates the power of Jesus in a way that others see Him in us. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Are you facing an overwhelming situation? You are not alone! God is with you. Do not allow fear to take the place of faith.

These four powerful words describe anyone who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ. To me, these words represent a gift, a gift that is offered to anyone who believes. What a difference to know that we are chosen, loved, forgiven, and empowered!

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.

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W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H

Know the risks, and stay educated

By Kelli Wells, RN

W

omen’s health month is July, and we women are complex creatures (if you don’t believe me, just ask the men in our lives!) Therefore, there is an abundance of topics when it comes to our health issues. Since we can’t discuss them all, here’s a refresher of our top concerns.

SKINCARE Being in the midst of a Deep South summer, it’s beneficial to stay updated on skin care and the risks of that big orange ball that we adore so.

Although I’m not a big fan of astrology, my sign sure fits me perfectly! I’m a Leo, a diehard sun worshipper. My generation is that of baby oil, iodine and a silver “foil-looking” mat, with the goal of sizzling like bacon! Ahhh yes, ignorance is bliss. We’ve learned a lot since then, and now we don’t leave the house without sunscreen.

Because we now know that our skin will pay a hefty price otherwise, with wrinkles and sun spots being the least of our worries. Melanoma is a killer, and other skin cancers can be fatal and undoubtedly disfiguring.

• Wear sunscreen, ALL the time, and reapply!

Wear a hat in direct sun.

• See your dermatologist regularly, reporting any new areas of concern or changes in moles or lesions.

• It’s all about UV exposure; 90% of skin cancers cases are directly linked.

• Your SPF should really be a minimum of 30, and contain both UVA and UVB ray protection.

• Self-tanning creams have come a long way, and spray tans simply ROCK! BREAST HEALTH Breast health gets lots of attention, and it should! We have all been affected by breast

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cancer in some form, whether experiencing it ourselves or watching a loved one endure its pestering path. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way in erasing the taboos surrounding the topic.

Our local Race for the Cure is one of the largest in the nation. If you’ve never been, I encourage you to attend. It is an emotional, beautiful, overwhelming and empowering experience. And ... you don’t have to RUN (trust me on this one!)

Angelina Jolie recently underwent a bilateral mastectomy due to testing positive for the BRCA gene mutation (linked to her mother’s diagnosis of ovarian cancer.) This mutation can potentially increase risk by 80% in some women.

Some would ask “how could she do something so drastic?” yet others, “how could she not?” She educated and empowered herself. We can, too.

I personally was privileged to work with breast cancer patients for many years. I learned that it is a very personal struggle, and each woman must face her own individual fears and battles.

They are heroes and warriors, and pioneers for us all.

• Know your breasts. Perform self-exams and report new or “different” findings to your doctor.

• If you’re over 40, yearly mammograms are recommended.

• Women in their 20s and 30s need a clinical breast exam at least every three years.

• Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in American women (second, incidentally, to skin cancer.)

• Current statistics on breast cancer occurrence is one in eight women • Excessive alcohol intake, as well as obesity, have both been linked to increased risk.

• Certain hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs are linked to increased risk, and oral contraceptive use over long periods has suggested a possible slight increased risk, according to the American Cancer Society. Always consult with your physician for expert advice.

DEPRESSION I mentioned that we’d eradicated our taboos regarding breast cancer. However, we sadly haven’t where depression is concerned. Although I’d venture to guess that most of us have been engulfed by that ominous black cloud at some point in our lives, many women struggle with depression every single day. You know these women; they work and live with you. They don’t walk around with a sign on their forehead, nor are they weird or crazy. They have an illness, different from other illnesses simply because: we don’t understand it, therefore we don’t talk about it. This is unfortunate, and hopefully soon we’ll educate ourselves more appropriately.

• Depression is not your fault, nor can you “snap out of it.”

• Common symptoms of depression include fatigue, insomnia, weight changes, irritability and hopelessness.

• 35 million adults will experience depression at some point in their lifetime.

• Women are affected more often than men.

• According to the American Psychiatric Association, most patients will eventually respond to treatment.

Again, women are complex. But we are strong, and smart. There is a common denominator in dealing with all of these issues: stay in tune with your body. Nobody, not even the most brilliant physician, knows your body and its “norms” like you do.

Trust your instincts.

Educate yourself.

Identify your battle and fight it.

Kelli Wells earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Arkansas. Her career history includes Oncology and Obstetric nursing. She is currently a case manager for JMS Consulting in Conway.

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F E AT U R E S T O R Y

Revis finds Jazzercise success in Conway

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain Upbeat and energetic, Paige Revis has the perfect personality for Jazzercise. In fact, she has owned and operated the Conway location since its inception in 1996.

Prior to opening Jazzercise, she worked as a corporate travel agent for Worldwide Travel in Little Rock.

“I had gotten married, was working full-time and was expecting a baby. I left my job when I had the baby to be a stay-at-home mom, and a former coworker invited me to a Jazzercise class. I went, and I took my little baby with me. I was brand new at this and had no friends who were stay-home moms. I went to the class, and I loved it. I thought, ‘This is fun,’” enthuses Paige. She loved the dance, the music and the fact they had childcare, so she joined Jazzercise in Little Rock in 1990.

When Paige and her family moved to Conway in 1993, she found there was no Jazzercise available, and she missed it. “I tried other things that worked great, because all physical activity is great, but I kept asking the owners in Little Rock if they would bring a franchise to Conway,” she says. The Little Rock owners had full plates, so Paige researched ownership for herself and found out how to become a franchisee.

“That was quite the undertaking with two little kids, and I was still working part-time for Worldwide Travel.” Despite these perceived obstacles, she became a certified instructor in 1996 and started the Conway Jazzercise franchise that fall.

“Jazzercise is most advertised by word-of-mouth, but when you are brand new in a community, you have to advertise. So I marched myself right down to the Log Cabin Democrat and placed an ad with my kid in tow. I did a lot of advertising up front,” says 14 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2013

Paige. Jazzercise started as five classes per week, all taught by Paige, at two facilities. “I had to set up the stage, which is required, and the sound system at each location. I was constantly setting up and breaking down the equipment, but I didn’t care a bit. I was doing what I loved, and people were signing up and coming every day,” she smiles.

Paige and Jazzercise moved locations and added classes as the years went by. She moved to the current space at 2225 Prince Street in 2007. “We now have 27 classes per week with 10 instructors, when it started with only five classes and me with the mobile stage. It has been a wonderful journey!”

Jazzercise is family-owned. The founder, who is 70-years-old, still owns the corporation and teaches.

They use current music of all genres in their classes, and the corporate office out of California creates the choreography, which is updated annually. They work with the music industry, and they have a physiologist on site who helps them safely adapt their routines for many fitness levels. Each has movement and intensity options. Franchisees such as Paige receive and learn the new routines as they are made available.

Each Jazzercise class is 60-minutes. There is a warm-up, a minimum of 25 minutes of cardio, strength training for arms and legs, abdominal work,

Paige Revis, owner of Jazzercise of Conway.

a flexibility component and a cool-down in every class. “Participants don’t have to think about balancing their own workout; they get a full-body workout every time.

“We take the guess work out of it. If you like to work out with a group, we have that atmosphere. We also don’t have mirrors, so you are really concentrating on yourself and what the instructor is saying. We give so much instruction, so you can be optimally effective while you are here,” adds Paige.

Paige says of Conway Jazzercise, “We have a very positive, encouraging, non-competitive class environment. There are no cliques; all customers get along. I think the atmosphere makes people feel really comfortable, really fast, so there isn’t a break-in period. We encourage people to come when it works for their schedule, but of course, the more you come the better the benefits.”

Current participant Ashley Stevenson says of the classes and facility, “I’ve been going to Jazzercise for several years, and I notice the more often I go, the better I feel. It’s an hour I can count on for fun stress relief, and it gives me more energy to take care of other parts of my life. The childcare option really makes it work with my lifestyle too.”

“We have a new client who has been to three classes, and she has a goal to lose 100 pounds.

She never wanted to be physically active, and now she can’t wait to come to Jazzercise. I have another customer who was in a work-related accident and has had multiple surgeries. She is leery about what she can and can’t do, and she is new to Conway. She came to class and has dropped 10 pounds so far, and she can do the workout and know she isn’t going to risk further injury,” shares Paige. Those are two recent stories, but there are many Jazzercise success stories spanning the years. Participants have been able to stop taking medications, not to mention the numerous other health benefits of a regular exercise program. They also offer a class specific to the active aging population, which can help increase bone density.

In fact, Jazzercise has clients ranging from fifth grade to over 80 years-old; however, the national median age is 35-55. They are open seven days per week, and classes are offered at varying times, with childcare available for several classes. As for her future plans for Jazzercise, Paige says, “The company is at its strongest since 1969. When you think about fitness fads, we have outlasted.

We are adding classes and are always recruiting instructors. By this time next year, we would love to have 40 classes on the board every week.”

“Our intention here is that we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We really create a fun environment to work out in, but we do take our customers very seriously. I think all fitness professionals feel that way. We try to create a nurturing place since women are so relational.

We really minister to them because we have a huge impact on their days, and women generally have a lot going on.

“One of my favorite things about class is really sweating, but I also love that everyone is so happy! Participants smile the whole time they are here, and that is our goal with Jazzercise!”

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LOCAL BEAUT Y SERVICES

K2K continues on the road of success

Kristy Fruits-Horton never dreamed she would be operating an award-winning business in Conway, Ark., but at K2K Salon/Spa on Salem Road, that’s exactly what she does.

Fruits-Horton evacuated to Perryville from New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast.

At the time, she was operating a salon in the city.

It was destroyed by the storm. She recalled back even further to the time she got into the business that led her to open that salon.

“In New Orleans, I was in the restaurant industry for a long time. I always Kristy Fruits-Horton, owner of K2K Salon/Spa had an interest in doing hair. I met a couple with a huge salon and went to work with them as their front desk clerk.”

She didn’t like being a front desk clerk, but the owners encouraged her to go to school to learn to do hair, she said.

“They are still in business in Baton Rouge,” she continued. “That’s what I model after. Their salon is a North American Hairstyling Awards winner. That’s like an Oscar in our industry.

That’s where I started, and I have never looked back. I love it. They are still my mentors.”

When New Orleans was wiped out by Hurricane Katrina and Fruits-Horton ended up in Arkansas for several weeks, Conway was not her immediate choice for rebuilding her life. She went back home, found her house still standing, and rebuilt her salon. Then hurricane season came around again.

“Everyone evacuates now. There’s not even a question. It was too much,” she said.

With annual evacuations proving to be a burden she could not bear, Fruits-Horton began considering where in Arkansas she might locate a business. She and her sister moved to Conway and started K2K Salon/Spa six years ago. The moniker comes from the sisters’ names, Kristy and Kim. After about a year, Fruits-Horton said, her sister Kim decided the salon business was not for her, but the two parted on good terms. The name stuck.

“We’ve been really well-received,” the owner said. “We keep it small. We’re very customerservice oriented. We do cuts, color, manicures and pedicures and makeup. We do scalp massages and neck massages before you get your shampoo.”

She is especially pleased with the salon’s two product lines, Bumble and Bumble and Oribe.

“Oribe is in the top four ever, in my opinion,” she said. “We have in-house training with an educational team from Oribe.”

She noted, “I consider us an upscale salon, but we also want people to feel comfortable. We’re very consistent. You will never walk out of here not liking your hair.”

— Rachel Parker Dickerson 16 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2013

ACCENTS SALON 690 S. Salem, suite 306 Conway, AR 72034 501-327-8191 Our warm and welcoming atmosphere at Accents Salon, will have you feeling satisfied, refreshed, and apart of the family. With 30 years of experience, we specialize in hair care for everyone in your family, and walk-ins are always welcome! Our services include hair care, manicures, pedicures, and massages for an all around relaxing experience, with full satisfaction guaranteed! Call us today, and ask about our special offers!

JOLARU SALON AND RETAIL CENTER 2125 Harkrider Conway, AR 72032 (501) 327-2301 With 12 stylists to fit any and all beauty needs or wants, and the professional haircare for any style, cut or color to be perfect for you, jolaru salon and retail center takes pride in offering a relaxing atmosphere. Feel like the most important person while being pampered.

Everything they do is for you. services include hair care, skin care, nail care, some spa treatments, self tanning products and a retail section. services are offered to men, women and children, and walk-ins are welcome. owned by brad heston, special offers include a $5 lip wax with any chemical service for new clients. You can also receive 50% off your first facial with jennasyn beck when you book two facials. late appointments are available.

K2K SALON 740 S. SALEM RD., suite 103 Conway, AR 72034 (501) 764-1097 At K2K we consistently strive to make our guests feel pampered, nurtured, and beautiful! We are Conway’s only Oribe and Bumble and Bumble Salon, maintaining the industry’s highest standards. While specializing in Women’s Hair Care and Nail Care, we also accept walk-ins. So come visit Kristy Fruits at K2K Salon, today! Women’s Inc. Readers’ Choice Award Winner for Favorite Hair Salon & Stylist!

OASIS MASSAGE THERAPY 7 Medical Lane, Suite A Conway, AR 72034 501-205-1908 Oasis Massage Therapy is neither a spa nor salon. We focus on one thing; specializing in providing the best bodywork possible. We offer a variety of techniques in a professional, relaxing environment with ample parking and flexible hours. The website allows you access

Solutions Day Spa keeps you at your best Reta Brewer and her staff at Solutions Day Spa have been promoting wellness through relaxation for 15 years at 1130 Pat’s Lane.

Tucked away in a quiet corner off East Oak Street, the day spa offers a full menu of massage therapy options, facials and cosmetics, nail care, salon services and more. From the small jewelry boutique and private label cosmetics line to the comfy nook where children can play and watch cartoons, the interior of Solutions Day Spa whispers, “Come and stay awhile.”

Brewer dreamed of owning a salon from the time she started barber school. It took several years to build her dream, and when she opened Solutions Day Spa 15 years ago, there was only one other place in town offering spa services.

“Opening a new business is always a little scary, but it was exciting,” she said. “Some of the same girls have been here the whole 15 years.”

She noted the day spa has won awards from the Log Cabin Democrat’s Best of Conway customer favorites for its massage therapists. Unique to the spa is a whirlpool bath, which customers can soak in before a massage for additional relaxation. Warm stone massage and raindrop therapy massage are also offered, as well as mud wraps and other body treatments.

Brewer said, “We pride ourselves in everything we do. As a boss, I don’t think I could have a better group of girls to work with. We’re a family, and we get along great. I think that carries over to the customer too.”

The private label line of skincare and cosmetics at to our schedule 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Simply sign-in, select the service you require, the staff and time. You will receive an immediate confirmation and a reminder the day before. At Oasis our goal is for our clients to leave stress free and with reduced pain. We love what we do.

We combine compassion and nurturing touch to help our clients feel lighter in spirit, with increased mobility and an overall sense of wellness.

SALON ELEVEN 1027 Front Street, suite 1 Conway, AR 72032 (501) 205-8624 Be more than a ten! Our stylists are owner Erica Wickliffe, DeShay Poe, Becca Lawson, Kacey Barton and Corey Short. We are always up to date on the latest hairstyles for men and women. All stylists are color specialists and do highlights and extensions too. We also offer facial waxing and shellac and manicures. Call today for an appointment!

SHEAR ENVY SALON 803 HARKRIDER, SUITE 13

Solutions Day Spa is called Retaliation. Brewer said the idea behind the name is “Get revenge on fine lines and wrinkles.” She said the line is so diverse it has 111 eye shadow colors.

“I wanted something exclusive to our salon,” she said.

Rounding out the relaxation experience is the opportunity to shop for jewelry. Brewer said she started carrying accessories so that customers could shop between treatments, in case they needed a gift or just wanted to pamper themselves.

In the past year, the business has undergone

a makeover with new paint, tile and additional cabinets. Brewer said she and her 12 employees have added new services over time, but she has no plans for expansion at this time.

“We have wonderful customers,” she said.

“They’re almost like family members. They’re very loyal to us. I have customers whose hair I’ve done for more than 15 years.”

Among the other offerings at the day spa are customized facials, makeup artistry, spa manicures and pedicures, waxing, electrolysis and hair care.

— Rachel Parker Dickerson

Conway, AR (501) 548-9987

modeled Day Spa.

SALON OWNER IS BRANDI BREWER. WE HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 4 1/2 YEARS. WE ARE LOCATED NEXT DOOR TO BLACKWOOD’S GRILL & GYROS. WE HAVE FIVE STYLISTS WHO ARE EXPERIENCED AND TALENTED WITH WOMEN’S HAIRCUTS, CHILDREN’S HAIRCUTS, PERMS AND WAXING. WE HAVE ALL WORKED TOGETHER FOR 2+ YEARS AND ARE FAMILY ORIENTED. WE ALL LOVE WHAT WE DO AND ARE VERY FRIENDLY. COME GET YOUR SALON EXPERIENCE WITH US!

STUDIO SKIN

Solutions Day Spa 1130 Pats Lane Conway, AR 72033 (501) 329-9000 Our goal at Solutions is to pamper and promote wellness through the benefits of true relaxation. Serving Faulkner county for fifteen years in haircare, manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, body wraps, waxing, cosmetics, electrolysis and cellulite treatments. Solutions also carries jewelry to complement every individual style. Spa Packages make a great gift for a friend or loved one. Solutions invites you to come relax with us in our recently re-

1016 OAK STREET Conway, AR 72034 (501) 358-4653 Located in Conway’s Historic Downtown.

Studio Skin offers corrective skin care treatments, provided by our Aesthetician with 11+ years experience in the medical field supervised by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Studio Skin also offers all injectables: Botox, Restyline, Juvederm, Radiesse and Boletoro. All injectables are provided by a Registered Nurse who has been doing these treatments for 8 years.

Our studio also offers hair services with a staff of 5 hair stylists always up to date on the latest styles, color, highlights, and extensions. Other popular services offered at Studio Skin: Full body waxing, shellac manicures and pedicures, personalized airbrush tanning, eyelash tinting/ perming, and a boutique full of unique jewelry, handbags, and gift ideas as well as top of the line professional skin and hair care products such as Moroccan Oil, Kevin Murphy, Keratin Complex, Glo Minerals, Skinceuticals, and Theraderm.

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H E A LT H

Watch what you eat

By Dr. Patricia Knott

F

ourth of July, church and company gettogethers, fun, friends and family reunions — all of these conjure up even more care-free summer activities to dance through our heads. We are happy as we finally begin to do all the things we planned as we waited for the ice, snow and cold rain and wind to dissipate — that is, until we have a continuous string of 90 and 100 degree days causing us to long for the good ole days of autumn.

And what’s a good family reunion or Fourth of July without food — in particular, potato salad, barbecue, deviled eggs, hamburgers and hot dogs? Do you know of anyone who doesn’t make a slight adjustment in their diet so they can have the pleasure of their favorite comfort food at these gatherings? But amidst all this pleasure lies a potentially painful foe — food poisoning, a common and sometimes serious malady for millions of Americans and others around the world.

Food poisoning is caused by eating food contaminated by certain bacteria, viruses or parasites — or their toxins. The contamination can happen anywhere — from production to preparation for consumption — and it can happen in your very own kitchen. Crosscontamination (transfer of organisms from one surface to another) is a common cause of this problem. Salads and other ready-to-eat foods (including raw) deserve careful attention since the lack of cooking does not afford the opportunity to kill the harmful organisms

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before consuming the product.

The symptoms of food poisoning depend on the organism involved but common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and fever. These symptoms may begin within hours (sometimes days) after eating the contaminated food and can last up to 10 days (more with complications).

Some people can have no symptoms, but some people can die because of food poisoning. Most cases are mild and require no treatment, but severe cases often end in hospitalization.

The most common bacteria-causing food poisoning are Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Listeria and E. Coli O157:H7.

Salmonella • May cause Reiter’s syndrome in a small percentage (joint pain, eye irritation and painful urination).

• Most commonly caused by ingesting unpasteurized milk, undercooked poultry and eggs, food prepared on surfaces contaminated with salmonella from raw chicken or turkey or food contaminated by the person preparing it.

• May enter blood stream from the intestines and go to other organs.

• Affected person can become a carrier.

• Usually last 5-7 days. Does not require treatment unless severely dehydrated or it spreads to other areas.

• Antibiotics are prescribed if needed.

Shigella • Transmitted through feces.

• Often causes bloody diarrhea.

• Symptoms occur within 24-48 hours and recovery is within a few days without treatment.

• Severe cases may require antibiotics and treatment to prevent dehydration.

Campylobacter • Transmitted by ingesting contaminated food, water or unpasteurized milk or by contact with infected infants or pets.

• Can cause serious problems in people with compromised immune symptoms such as those with AIDS and cancer.

• Can rarely cause arthritis or nerve damage.

• Symptoms occur within 2-5 days and recovery is 2-5 days.

• Antibiotics such as Cipro may be used in severe cases.

Listeria • Found in soil and water.

• Has been found in uncooked vegetables and meats and processed foods such as cold cuts and soft cheeses. May be found in unpasteurized milk.

• The elderly, people with weak immune systems and pregnant women are at increased risk for serious infection. This infection can cause infection of the newborn, premature delivery or stillbirth.

• Can spread to nervous system causing headache, confusion, loss of balance.

• Diagnosed by testing blood or spinal fluid and treated with IV antibiotics.

• It is thought that some food poisoning from potato salad may have to do with organisms from the soil on the potato more than it has to do with the mayonnaise.

E. coli O157:H7 • Associated often with eating undercooked ground beef, ingesting contaminated alfalfa sprouts, drinking sewage-contaminated water or ingesting food contaminated by feces from infected persons.

• Can cause bloody diarrhea.

• Can cause a complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (destruction of red blood cells and kidney failure) in the elderly and small children. It is a medical emergency.

• Symptom onset is 1-8 days. Most recover without treatment within about 5-10 days.

Clostridium botulinum • Rare.

• Serious illness and can be deadly. Should be treated as an emergency.

• Causes neurologic symptoms such as blurred and double vision, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing

and muscle weakness. Can cause paralysis of muscles (including respiratory, which can lead to respiratory failure).

• Symptoms develop within 18-36 hours but can occur in 6 hours or in 7-10 days.

• Diagnose by nerve symptoms, lab for toxin detection or stool cultures looking for the bacteria.

Antitoxin is used in early stages for treatment.

• Found in home-canned goods, fermented fish such as sardines, and can even be found in some baked potatoes cooked in aluminum foil.

Prevention of food poisoning includes good hand washing with soap and water before and after handling food. Also, wash utensils and surfaces after food preparation. Cook food well and to appropriate temperatures using a thermometer. Refrigerate perishables promptly after purchase. Keep raw foods away from other foods during preparation. Thaw food in refrigerator or use microwave. Do not thaw at room temperature. Do not eat food you suspect has not been handled properly. Seek physician care if you suspect you have food poisoning.

The most common complication of food poisoning is dehydration because of diarrhea and vomiting.

Fluids and electrolytes need to be replaced. Drinking Gatorade, clear sodas or non-caffeinated sports drinks may be helpful. IV fluids may be needed in severe cases. Anti-diarrhea medicines are not advised because they may slow up the elimination of the bacteria or its toxin.

Paying close attention to preventative measures and remaining alert to symptoms of food poisoning in order to obtain early treatment goes a long way in making fond memories during those moments of summer fun.

So go ahead. Enjoy every minute of it!

Patricia Knott is a graduate of LSU Medical School in New Orleans and is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

She serves as the Medical Director for Conway Regional Rehabilitation Hospital.

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DOWNTOWN

Liz Wood, owner of Liz’ Health Market, offers fresh organic produce and meats, health and beauty products and gluten-free products at her Oak Street business.

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Downtown keeps it healthy

By Rachel Parker Dickerson Photos by Brandy Strain

Downtown Conway is rich with opportunities for pursuing better health, and that does not just include a brisk walk while window shopping.

Liz’ Health Market Liz’ Health Market on Oak Street has been in business for almost 11 years, and owner Liz Wood couldn’t be happier. She partners in the business with her mother, Georgia Robinson.

“I do my thing and help people get healthy,” Wood said.

She was formerly in the medical field and always purchased whole foods, health supplements and allnatural products. Her venture into the industry started 21 years ago when a friend asked her to help out at a health food store that has since gone out of business.

“I was just filling in, and it turned into 10 years,” she said. “The other store went out of business. My mom and I decided to put one in ourselves, and here we are, 21 years later. All the customers followed us here. It’s grown and grown.”

The market offers fresh organic produce and meats, health and beauty products and gluten-free products.

The store also carries local foods, such as RoZark coffee and Honeysuckle Lane cheese from Rosebud, local eggs, etc.

Wood said of her business, “I love it and I wouldn’t do anything else.

I love the people that come in the store. It’s kind of like a small family.”

Elizabeth Grant, owner of Pilates of Central Arkansas .

Pilates of Central Arkansas Elizabeth Grant at Pilates of Central Arkansas, located upstairs at 831 Parkway, is passionate about the business she started in 2007, because Pilates allows her and others to live without pain.

A nurse for 22 years, Grant suffered a work-related injury that caused chronic pain. After discovering that Pilates helped, she pursued her own certification, which required almost 500 hours of training, she said. She opened the studio six years ago and began teaching full-time two years ago.

“Most people (in my classes) have pain issues,” she said.

“They’re getting the same wonderful relief that I get from it.

Pilates helps with pain in that you’re taught how to engage your core muscles properly. You’re taught body awareness, alignment, how to work the muscles in a way to balance them, how to move every joint properly.”

She said her classes are small, and she is aware of each person’s pain issues so that she can help them more.

“Pilates is for anybody, any age, any body shape or style,” she said. “My oldest client is 69 years old, and my youngest is 16. I love it. I’m very passionate about it. I get messages throughout the day (such as), ‘I’m sitting here not hurting.

Thank you.’”

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Toadally Nutrition is “shaking up” health in Downtown Conway.

Toadally Nutrition Toadally Nutrition at 1028 Front Street offers its members a variety of resources for improving their health. The business opened in January and has hours 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Owner Cindy Ballard said, “It’s a $6 daily membership, and with that you get a 20-ounce smoothie, a 16-ounce energy tea, and a weigh-in on the Tanita Iron Man scale. And you get to participate in any exercise or nutrition class we’re holding that night.”

The Tanita Iron Man scale scans the body and reports information on body fat, muscle mass, water percentage and many other factors that can help members get on the right track, Ballard said.

“If you get on it every other week, I can tell you if you’re not eating enough protein or if you’re dehydrated. It tells you a lot of interesting stuff,” she said.

“You can use our products to gain, maintain, or lose weight. We’re not weight loss; we’re nutrition. We help you change your lifestyle for healthy, balanced nutrition.”

The health club also plans to add Zumba classes soon, Ballard said.

Owners Cindy and Ray Ballard.

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H E A LT H Y F L U I D S

Let’s grab a drink

By Shannon Wilcox

W

hen it’s hot out, and you are dying of thirst, what do you reach for? An ice cold ... something, right? In that situation, too many Americans are reaching for soft drinks, too frequently. The sugar and calories in regular sodas make them an obvious, and poor, choice. Per the website, www.kickthecan.info, “We drink twice as much soda and other sugary drinks as we did 30 years ago. The average American now drinks 45 gallons of sugary drinks each year — taking in an extra 39 pounds of sugar. Today, 13% of the calories teens consume come from sugary drinks. Also, sugary drinks are a huge contributor to the obesity epidemic. Scientific evidence shows a strong link between consuming sugary drinks and obesity.”

A logical option for many people would be to choose a diet soft drink instead. It is sugar free and provides no calories, after all. This must be a better, healthier choice, right? Not necessarily.

This exact point has been heavily researched and is actually quite controversial. Some studies indicate that there may be many negatives associated with significant diet drink consumption, with various findings that diet drinks actually lead to weight gain and increased appetite, as well as increased risk for obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular events, impaired kidney function and urinary tumors. Studies also indicate that diet sodas may erode tooth enamel and interfere with normal body chemistries.

Many of these findings may have merit, yet the problem with the data is that often these studies are poorly designed or only one study has been done. The data may ultimately be inconclusive and lack the scientific community’s support, or there are politics involved. The media runs with what might be characterized as misinformation, data gets misconstrued and we all get really confused.

We should consider that some of the information in these studies could nonetheless be accurate. If we are at risk for health problems or already have a diagnosis and take medications, we should really evaluate our dietary habits as a whole and determine if we are making good choices and how we can improve. Another problem with the research that is available is that we just don’t know for sure if soft drinks — regular or diet — are the cause of or present an increased risk of disease or illness, or otherwise adversely affect our health.

What we do know is they are both very processed beverages that Americans are drinking in huge quantities.

These drinks are full of chemicals, acids, sugar or sugar substitutes & artificial who-knows-whats, and that they should not be what we are reach-

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ing for to quench our thirsts.

Sodas are actually one of the least thirst-quenching options out there, and may actually make us thirstier. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, inducing fluid losses. Large amounts of sugar may attract water to the gut and actually dehydrate us. There are certainly no health benefits to these drinks.

So what should we be drinking? You know the answer. We should always be reaching for the least processed and most natural foods and beverages we can get our hands on. Coffee and tea, in moderation, actually provide some positives like antioxidants and phytochemicals. Diluted juices provide a serving of fruit and some vitamins and minerals. Milk and milk alternates are great sources of protein, calcium and many other valuable nutrients. In fact, many recommend fat free chocolate milk for rehydrating after exercise in place of heavily processed sports drinks and protein shakes. The ratio of carb, protein, vitamin, minerals and fluid is just right.

And of course there is water. Who could forget refreshing, delightfully inexpensive water? Nothing quenches a thirst better. And virtually nothing in the world is better for you. It is, as they say, indispensable. Try to add some good ol’ water to improve hydration.

We’ve heard all the objections: Water is tasteless. Boring. But there are some great ways to dress this plain Jane up. Cucumber slices, a few berries or any fruit really, add some flavor and sweetness with very few calories, and lemons and limes are old standbys that are easy and healthy additives. But what about melon, fresh Arkansas blackberries or peach slices from the orchard this morning? Throw one of those in a beautiful pitcher full of water or tea and let them infuse for a couple of hours and you are set.

We are in the South, so let’s not forget our beloved tea. All of these same fruits would be delicious in iced tea and are incredibly refreshing. We have many tea options available from black and green to white, caffeinated and decaf. Iced coffee with skim milk can also provide fluid and caffeine with minimal calories. If you love the fizz a soft drink provides, then carbonated water is widely available and relatively low calorie for a treat. Add your fruit to club soda or seltzer just like still water for a burst of flavor.

If this hasn’t sold you on the virtues of water, and you still must have your regular or diet soft drink, at least try to limit consumption to one a day. Moderation is always a key component to any diet.

Shannon is a dietitian who teaches nutrition and health & wellness at Pulaski Technical College and is a consultant for Burn Studio in Conway.

She loves teaching others how to make better food choices to improve their health and feel amazing.

IN THE NEWS Photography, a framed 11x14 portrait and a 4x10 slimline print for her desk at school. Hello Gorgeous Salon, Unhinged Attitudz, Ed’s Bakery and Jazzercise also provided gifts for the prize package. You can send you nominations for the September Faulkner county Teacher of the Month award to brandy@ strainphotography.net.

these building blocks, and help to have programs that focus on improving the community.

The United Way moved to this location for higher visibility and felt that United Way was out of the public eye.

Teacher of the Month First “Faulkner County Teacher of the Month” was announced in May. Strain Photography is the presenting sponsor of this award.

The first month had more than 100 nominations.

A group of 5 local residents read over the nominations and selected a winner for the month.

The first winner was Mrs. Memorie Freyaldenhoven. She is a mathematics teacher at Bob Courtway Middle School. Mrs Freyaldenhoven was nominated by her student, Acelyn Ellis. Mrs. Freyaldenhoven was surprised at school with a presentation of cookies, balloons and her student, Acelyn.

Mrs. Freyaldenhoven received a gift package that contained a family portrait session with Strain

United Way ribbon cutting The United Way of Central Arkansas, 1120 Oak Street, is a nonprofit local organization that works to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community.

The business is a non-profit that wants to create long lasting changes that advance the common good of the whole community. They help fund programs in 19 agencies here in Faulkner and Perry counties that provide many diverse services. United Way focuses to improve three areas of life: education, income and health. All 19 agencies exemplify at least one of

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All clothing in this photo available at HipSway Johnny Was silk tunic Green “Rock Me” necklace $45 Michael Stars flip flops $26 Available at Grand on Oak

Peach Love blue and cream chevron dress $44 Zenzii resin necklace $48 Available at Lefler’s

Karen Kane ≤ sleeve electric tide dress $118 Mellow World teal clutch $32 Available at Lefler’s

Palm Beach chevron stripe maxi dress $46.99 Lucite link necklace $16 Available at Wilkinson’s

Red top with roused sides $25 Indian chief necklace $59 Leather hip belt with brass studs $79 Available at The Flirty Chick

Michael Stars Crochet dress $98 Turquoise Cross necklace $22 Elle Designs red ombre beaded necklace $45 Available at Grand on Oak

Wide-legged multi-colored chevron palazzo pants $36.99 Red tank $19.99 Turquoise multi-stand necklace $16.00 Available at Wilkinson’s

Various Gypsy Soul flip-flops Available at The Flirty Chick

28 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2013

KELLER & CHRISTI JOHNSON

Built for a builder A CLOSER LOOK AT THE JOHNSONS’ CENTENNIAL HOME

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Courtney Spradlin Local builder and developer Keller Johnson gave us a glimpse of his own family’s Centennial Valley home, which he built in 2010. He resides there with wife, Christi, and their daughter, Kinleigh Grace. The couple also has two adult children, Kristen and Kerrick, and one grandson, Jaxson.

Their backyard is a proverbial oasis. The Johnsons worked with Jeremy at Luxury Pool and Spa of Conway to implement the pool and fountains. One fountain cascades into the pool and includes a fire pit on top, which Christi uses as a planter. The kidney-shaped pool is saltwater and has a sun bench at the end. “We chose this pool because it added character and mood and was more of a lounging and relaxing pool. Jeremy did such a great job, and they worked well with Cabe at Conway Sprinkler as well,” says Christi.

Conway Sprinkler & Landscape is responsible for the amazing landscaping, rock work, and sprinkler system. They also rotate the seasonal landscaping and potted plants. “They put so much time and effort into the design to make it an extension of the home,” says Christi. “We tried to balance the colors and textures to give an overall appearance and look that flows well with the design of the pool and the house.

Adding things like stepping stones instead of concrete walkways offers a different feel, while saving money,” states Cabe WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 29

Instead of a formal dining room, the Johnsons chose to have a family room complete with sentimental items and family photos.

30 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2013

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The custom cabinet houses more than 200 hot sauces that Keller Johnson has collected and received as gifts since the early 90s.

The master bedroom features a travertine walkway around its perimeter, which provides a path from the French doors out to the pool area.

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with Conway Sprinkler. “We do the maintenance, keeping it pruned, mulched and mowed, which can also help the landscaping last longer. We also put in all trees on the property and did the irrigation and sprinklers.”

They worked in conjunction with the Johnsons to customize the job to their needs, saying every landscape is different, and each project is unique to the owner’s tastes.

The pool area flows right into the covered patio/ seating area, which Christi calls their “happy place.”

“We love the beach and would go every week if we could, so we wanted the patio to be reminiscent of the beach. The space is great for conversation or for relaxing, and it gives us a little privacy since we are on the golf course,” explains Christi. The Johnsons’ inspiration for their patio was a tiki hut. “That’s why we went with the natural wood ceilings and accents and cedar beams. It reminded us of places on the beach, but it was also rustic enough to fit in with the house.”

The patio opens to both the living area and the couple’s master bedroom, which includes a travertine walkway leading down the hallway to a half bath, thus providing guests with easy access. “We debated a pool house but didn’t want to take up green space in the yard. It would have also blocked the pool in the afternoons,” explains Christi. The kitchen also

looks out onto their backyard paradise and features a cabinet showcasing Kellers’ love for hot sauce in the form of a 200-bottle collection dating back to 1994.

“He has always had a love for cooking, and each one has a story, from the ones his dad bought him when he traveled before he passed away in 2000 to friends sharing the enjoyment in finding fun sauces,” she says.

The interior décor was mostly purchased at Hambuchen Home Furnishings and Cajun Bros.

Furniture, both of Conway. The foyer is a wooden masterpiece, which took seven weeks to build. “They really put thought into the arches and made the space warm but not too dark,” says Christi. There is a family sitting area to the left that houses heirlooms, memorabilia, and photos. The Johnsons were able to incorporate some of these ideas used for their own home when developing their most recent business undertaking in the form of a new West Conway subdivision.

Keller Johnson Builders, Inc., got their contractor’s license in 2003 and began building residential properties with a goal of moving into development. “We had tenants in a property on Hogan Road who needed to move somewhere with more space. I bought the building at the corner of Prince and College and moved my tenants there. Every week I would see the road cut in at the property there, and I always saw

potential,” explains Keller. After purchasing the commercial property, Keller began work on acquiring the 15 acres behind it, which is where he is developing the new subdivision, Princeton Village.

“Our goal for the development is creating a community with a village-feel. There will be around 30 cottage-style homes, all with garages in the back. The roads are already in place, and we are going to put in trees, sidewalks, and streetlights,” he says. “We would like to put a daycare center, a drycleaner, and a place to eat in the front area as well.” The development will offer nine floor plans to choose from. Keller Johnson Builders, Inc. will build the homes, which will be marketed by Matt Grissom of Grissom and Company.

The homes will range from 1,800-2,200 square feet, with customizable interior spaces, and building is planned to begin in the next eight weeks.

Princeton Village is Keller Johnson Builders, Inc.’s first subdivision, and they could not be more excited about the undertaking. “We’ve had our commercial license since 1996, which is the year we built our first building.

Now I am working on this development, and my son, Kerrick is working with me as well,” explains Keller of this exciting time. “Our own home is our happy place in the sense that we ensured we could enjoy the view whether inside or outside,” says Christi.

The Johnsons are bringing that same sensibility to Princeton Village.

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P A ZZ A Z I N T E R I O R S

A SENSE OF STYLE STROUD, NABHOLZ BRING HOME DECOR DOWNTOWN

By Rachel Parker Dickerson Photos by Brandy Strain Dr. Doug Stroud and Michelle Nabholz of Conway have opened Pazzaz Interiors in downtown on Oak Street, offering the latest in home decor, furniture and accents, as well as a selection of gifts.

Stroud, an ear, nose and throat specialist practicing in Conway, opened Pazzaz Interiors in Little Rock in 1986. He said he first became interested in interior design after medical school when he began reading “Architectural Digest.�

Nabholz has been an interior designer for 35 years. She also began working in real estate at Century 21 Hart-Dunaway eight years ago. She previously owned a home interior retail store in Conway called Room to Room.

Stroud said once he began practicing in Conway, he grew tired of driving to his retail store in Little Rock. He asked Nabholz if she would

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Michelle Nabholz and Dr. Doug Stroud, owners of Downtown’s newest furniture, gift and home décor store: Pazzaz Interiors.

be interested in partnering with him on a store in Conway.

“Michelle and I have been friends for 35 years,” he said. “We spent a Saturday looking around, deciding if there was a need for a store with furniture and accessories. We were lucky enough to find this location.

We signed the lease in January and went to market.”

Nabholz said the trip to market in Dallas was exciting as they pulled together looks that will be on trend for the next two years.

The store is made up of several rooms, each of which the owners have arranged into a series of wellordered vignettes made up of furniture, floor coverings and various accessories. Stroud said the building, most recently an attorney’s office, was a furniture store in the 1970s. Once the space was opened up and properly lighted, it was well-suited to their purposes, he said.

The owners specialize in finding statement pieces and new things. They believe furniture should be different, but still comfortable. The store has a large selection of art glass, stenciled cowhide rugs in many colors and wall art. They have also collected items in high demand such as shabby chic décor and a large amount of mercury glass.

36 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2013

Nabholz said, “I always follow clothing, because (those colors) always show up in homes next. As a designer, my challenge is to incorporate the new with the old.”

She indicated one area that incorporates modern pieces in vivid yellow with black and white, a new design trend, with traditional pieces such as complementary oil paintings. She said the past emphasis on a particular design style is evolving toward mixing styles together, and the partners have tried to reflect that eclecticism in the store.

Stroud said, “I like eclectic rooms that have a story to tell … something old that can be incorporated

with something new.”

He said Pazzaz carries merchandise from one company that uses reclaimed wood and wrought iron. A large credenza made with decorative, reclaimed wrought iron is a one-of-a-kind piece, he said.

To round out the store’s selection, the owners included lines of candles, jewelry, gourmet foods and candy. Nabholz said many people will come in just to look while passing through town, and these gift items are especially geared toward those shoppers.

In addition to all the merchandise Pazzaz has to choose from, the store offers a bridal registry and has a work room where designers may meet with their clients.

Nabholz said in the future she hopes to offer design seminars for the public.

Stroud noted Christmas at Pazzaz will be big.

“The Christmas merchandise we saw at Dallas market is new and over-the-top and like no one has ever seen before. We can’t empty the whole store, but we are going to focus on the front room. I think it’s going to be fun and it will bring customers in.”

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FOOD

38 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2013

Sensational salads

By Chef Jill McCollum, CC Photos by Lindsay Faith Watson

Layered Caribbean Chicken Salad 4 cups torn romaine lettuce 3 cups cut-up cooked chicken 1 can (15 ounce) black beans, drained, rinsed 1 ½ cups chopped tomatoes 2 ripe medium mangoes, seed removed, peeled and chopped Dressing 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1/3 cup lime juice ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons sugar ¾ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, if desired 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped Directions In 3-quart glass trifle bowl, layer lettuce, chicken, black beans, tomatoes and mangoes. In jar with tight fitting lid, shake dressing ingredients. Drizzle over salad; serve immediately.

Broccoli Salad 1 package Broccoli Slaw 1 cup mayonnaise 1 small package Splenda Salt/pepper/garlic to taste Mix all ingredients together, cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour.

Carrot Raisin Salad 1 pound carrots, grated 1 cup raisins 1 medium can pineapple tidbits, drained ½ cup shredded coconut Mix all ingredients and add 2 tablespoons light cream with ¼ cup mayonnaise.

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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FRIENDS OF CASA MEMBERSHIP Drive

Tollie Lancaster, Hope Reed, Alex Reagan, Amy Malik

Annabeth Jackson, Angela Washington

LeeAnna Boyce, Sara Luneau

Tess Fletcher, Kat Dull

Kacey Edwards, Abby King

Janita Williams, Lidia Canady

Lori Quinn, Karan Deaver

LaTresha Woodruff, Greshin Grayson

Sara Rambo, Kim Williams, Teresa Thompson, Pam Hueston WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 41

Pazzaz Interiors Grand Opening

Linda Johnson, MaryKay Dunaway

Michelle Nabholz, Sandra McCoy, Carolyn Hambuchen, Gaylin McChristian

Doug Stroud, Michelle Nabholz

Tom Hicks, Bill Patterson

Paul McChristian, Gaylin McChristian

Becky Tubaugh, Karen Hunter, Jennifer Starr, Sharon Kincade, Pat Bastion

Misty Norman, Sarah Ingram

Beth Nabholz, Cesa Hammett-Moix, Michael Yancey

42 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2013

Anthony Hawkins, Drake Rodriguez

The Walker-Thon: In Memory of Drake Walker

Mike Kemp photos

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MUSIC

The art of creating music with others

By Preston Palmer

H

umans have been making music for thousands of years now. Starting with simple rhythms and vocal sounds in early civilizations and now encompassing innumerable instruments, genres, and styles, music has always had a life of its own – growing, adding, learning, and adapting to its surroundings. But one constant that links all music – no matter how different – together is that people have a desire to create and enjoy music with other people.

As we’ve talked about in previous articles, there’s nothing quite like getting together with other musicians and the feeling of the room when music “arrives”. Or, if you aren’t a musician, perhaps it’s something like going to see a performance with a group of other folks just like you who also enjoy music. There’s just something intangible about music that causes people to band together around it.

Musicians and singers have pretty much always been forming bands, and people have been gathering to hear and see them perform for just as long. A quick look back through the history of American music glimpses a time over a hundred years ago when the songs and hymns of African slaves echoed across the cotton fields of the South, and kept their homes warmer and with better cheer than any fire ever could. Up in the hills of Appalachia, the descendents of Scottish, Irish, and English immigrants pulled battered fiddles out of closets and accompanied the voices of their extended families singing folk songs from their home countries. Jumping ahead a few decades one could find early blues musicians gathering together to jam in rural communities, with the whole town turning out to sing old favorites, stomp their feet, and clap their hands. Later, when rock n’ roll began to emerge from the surrounding genres, anyone with a guitar was looking for a rhythm and bass section

44 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2013

to fill out the sound.

They came with whatever they could find. Sometimes a treasured instrument that had been passed down through the family for generations, sometimes a makeshift noisemaker cobbled together from bits of odds and ends, but often it was only hands, feet, and voices with which these early bands created their sounds and their stories. Now, and especially in America, we have access to just about everything under the sun when it comes to music! Most of recorded music is now available digitally, along with careful notation and lyrics. Affordable instruments of every sort can be found at almost any music store, which is often only a few minutes’ drive from our homes. Things have changed a bit since those old days!

But what hasn’t changed is that people still have a passion for gathering together around music. We certainly do; it’s why we’re in business! And it’s why we’ve structured things as we have: our primary objective is to get our students playing with other people. Whether that’s through the recitals we hold at the Studio, the community performances that our choir stages, the rock band clinics and school that we’re putting together, or one of the other many endeavors in which we’re engaged, we understand that something unique happens when we join with other people in this way. We hope this resonates with you, and that the next time you find yourself in a room with other people who love music, you’ll know that you’re participating in a tradition that is one of the most profound and meaningful in all of human existence. Or at the very least, you’ll like having someone else to make noise with!

Preston Palmer Studios is a music school and full-service instrument repair shop in Conway, AR. For more information, please visit our website at prestonpalmerstudios.com, give us a call at (501)513-9459, or shoot an e-mail to info@prestonpalmerstudios.com. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

BOOK REVIEW

‘Carry On, Warrior: Thoughts on Life, Unarmed’ Reviewed by Susan O’Keefe

email she sends to a few dozen girlfriends goes something like this …

t’s a definite beach read. It’s a pick-it-up and put-it-down kind of book and you won’t forget what’s happened or need to reread to refresh. Most chapters were originally personal essays which have stood alone before and can again. Expect a new perspective on visiting the dentist, dancing at wedding receptions, and finding patience for the smelly guy who coughs throughout most of yoga class. Remember, it’s a beach read.

Popular blogger and author of Carry On, Warrior; Thoughts on Life Unarmed writes with painful honesty, insightful humor, and longs for a world of transparency. Glennon Doyle Melton has little need for fluff or fuss. One magazine article described her as “refreshingly unselfconscious”.

For years, Melton says she hid behind a wall of shame. There were battles with alcoholism, drugs, and toxic relationships. But one day she snapped for the better. She was pregnant and knew a drastic change was essential. That’s when writing became part of her salvation. Her dad asked if it was necessary to pen every personal detail about her journey. She felt adamantly that yes, it was quite necessary. She wanted to leave nothing out. Show all her cards. Put everything on the table. Secretly, she hoped others would come clean as well.

Melton is a champion for the cause of living life unarmed.

It’s OK to have a bad day. Don’t sweat the fact that you were the only mom who forgot to bring snacks to the school party. And if your kid is never chosen for the all-star team, so be it. Life goes on. The sun will shine another day. (Melton recalls her disgust with the light of each day when she writes about her dark days of alcoholic living. The sun was a constant reminder that life indeed continued.) Melton now encourages readers to carry on. Live life to the fullest, but do so honestly and with integrity.

Mothering three children, struggling in her marriage, and moving often in search of satisfaction, Melton freely shares her toils and pains. While the audience with which she mostly identifies is women, there is certainly room for men in her readership.

Melton is candid when she refuses the well meaning elderly woman at Target who encourages her to seize the day! “Enjoy every minute of their toddlerhood. It’s gone in a blink,” chimes the more experienced matriarch. Melton gives readers permission to not enjoy every minute. Changing diapers, feeding toddlers, and wrangling wild youngins isn’t always a joy, but it is part of the gig. Melton says a carpe diem here and there is good enough for her. The pressure to make everyday picture perfect nearly sends her over the edge.

Inviting people into her home does exactly that. Sweat beads form the second someone mentions that they’ll be coming to Melton’s house. Yet as a Christian, she believes she’s instructed to show hospitality, to share her home, to welcome friends and enemies. After much thought and prayer, she decides to open her home although she freely admits her hostess skills are nil. The

Dearest Friends, I have decided to face my hostessing issues by having you all over the week after we move in to our new home. Please bring food. I don’t have any. (And I don’t cook.)

Bring a seat. We don’t have many. No fabrics other than flannel will be permitted to cross my door step. Pajamas, please – don’t be a show-off. Also bring something to drink and something to drink that thing out of. I can’t deal with the glasses situation right now. Too many different types of glasses if you ask me. It’s ridiculous! At nine o’clock, when you say “We should go.” YES. Please go. I’m really tired but I’m trying to be polite.

I

That’s a glimpse into Glennon’s world; how she thinks, how she perceives life, how she plans and purposes. Every friend invited to the soiree attends.

It’s a success. It’s one of the many areas where readers shared that they laughed aloud.

“The author doesn’t just say what she thinks. She says it with grace and humor, seemingly trying to take the high road but feeling badly for the guy on the low road,” offers one reader. There is certainly empathy in her voice, because she’s been on that low road more than once. She writes from the sum of her experiences.

Another reader described Melton’s faith as a bit quirky, but desires a coffee date if the two are ever in the same town. “I’m curious how Melton reached her conclusions about God. I can tell our theology differs in many ways, but I’m grateful that she’s bold enough to give me a window to her own soul.”

That window is a gift from Melton to her followers, both readers of the book and of her blog, www.momastery.com. The most recent blog headline boasts of all she ever really needed to know, she learned in a mental hospital.

Remember, it’s a beach read.

Carry On, Warrior is arming readers to have the courage to live in a world where truth trumps tradition, where flaws and weaknesses are just as welcomed as trophies and tiaras. It’s a book worth your time, on the beach, or anywhere else your summer travels might take you. Carry Carry On, Warrior with you.

Susan O’Keefe is a wife to Jack, mother to four children, and eager to face the crazy, awesome, fun things God delivers daily. She and her family recently moved to Oxford, Mississippi, where Susan will continue to read and review, instruct fitness classes, and embark on this next adventure in life.

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COMMUNIT Y: FRIENDS OF C ASA

From left to right: Stephanie Smith, Lisa Gamble, Sara Rambo

Making a difference in children’s lives

By Rachel Parker Dickerson Photos by Brandy Strain Women in all stages of life are drawn to Friends of CASA, a charitable organization that exists to raise funds for Court Appointed Special Advocates of the 20th Judicial District.

CASA assists children in the court system who have been abused or neglected by providing court-appointed advocates who can study cases and serve as the child’s voice in court. The Friends group supports this effort through fundraisers, most notably the annual Festival of Chairs.

Lisa Gamble is a 16-year employee at Acxiom Corporation in Conway and mother to an 8-year-old daughter, Josie. She has been part of Friends of CASA for four years and has helped each year with the Festival of Chairs.

“Having a child of your own makes you very sensitive to children,” she said. “I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives in our county.”

Friends of CASA meetings generally take place in the evening or at lunch time, and events are on the weekend, all of which enable her to attend without taking time away from her full-time job, she said.

Stephanie Smith is a stay-at-home mom of two children, Kohen, 4, and Saylor, 2. An Arkadelphia native, she and her husband moved to Kansas City, Mo., 10 years ago, and then to Conway in 2007.

“I didn’t know anyone in Conway,” she said. When she was invited to a Friends of CASA meeting, she had no idea what the meeting was about.

“They welcome new people who might be interested,” she said. “My favorite part was it was about children. I was so happy to get involved and get to know people; plus I get to help kids.”

46 WOMEN’S INC. / JULY 2013

Smith has been involved with Friends of CASA four years, and for the past two years she has been in charge of the auction committee for the Festival of Chairs. One year she painted a chair for the festival, she added.

“I love the organization. I love that part of that committee,” she said. “To see all those companies and individuals donate (items for the auction) … it’s overwhelming, in a good way. I’m going to continue to be the head of the auction committee this year. I really do look forward to it.”

She said at the festival each year, CASA workers showcase stories from children who benefit from the funds raised.

“You know the kids need us, and when you donate, there’s no question that it’s going to someone who needs it,” Smith said. “It’s exactly where I need to be and what I need to be doing right now while my kids are young to help others.”

Sara Rambo is retired after working 33 years for the federal government in Michigan with the National Park Service. She moved to Conway last year to be near her oldest daughter, Michelle Hoyt. Her daughter told her one way to get involved in the community was to volunteer, and Rambo began volunteering with her daughter in Friends of CASA. “It’s been great ever since,” she said. “I’ve been able to meet all these fine ladies that are part of it. I’m still able to do things with my granddaughters, work part time and sign up for events. It’s been really good.”

Rambo is a part-time substitute paraprofessional at Sallie Cone preschool. She said volunteering with Friends of CASA and the Festival of Chairs has provided a good mother-daughter bonding opportunity.

To find out how you can get involved, call 501-3283347 or visit www.hopeandjustice.org.