WINC. March 2014

WOMENSINC.NET

WINC. MARCH 2014

Celebrating 10 years

INSIDE: WINC WEDDING GUIDE

‘Our Story’ “ ” I knew very early, from our time as just good friends, that she was the type of girl I wanted to marry.

COOKING SCHOOL

Taste of Home returns to Conway

TAX GUIDE Tips for the filing season

SPECIAL INSERT Conway Schools Annual Report

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WINC. Celebrating 10 years

Editor Lori Quinn

Creative Director Stewart Cole Contributing Writers Michelle Corbet Dr. Patricia Knott Andrea Lennon Jill McCollum Susan O’Keefe Angela Spencer Courtney Spradlin Jennifer Stanley Chief Photographer Brandy Strain Contributing Photographers Lance Johnston Courtney Spradlin Lyndsey Sullivan Lindsey Faith Watson Videographer Eric White Retail Advertising Sales Manager Rhonda Overbey Advertising Coordinators Leah Brown Advertising Sales Sarah Allen Betsey Barham Tara Mallett Jesica Talbert Advertising Artists Jay Prince Tyler Rachel Editorial Advisory Board Donna Benton Detra Clark Nicolle Fletcher Haley Crafton Fowler Beverly Freiley Sarah Frost Mary Harlan Becky Harris Nancy Jackson Cate Ketcheside Leslie Kostecky Caroline LaVan Velda Lueders Candace Meeks Misty Morse Carol Patty Amy Reed 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. / MARCH 2014

FROM THE EDITOR Lori Quinn

WINC welcomes Cooking School Specialist adds culinary kick to the season, sharing delicious recipes with local home cooks Taste of Home’s local culinary specialist Jamie Dunn will be at the Reynolds Performance Hall on the University of Central Arkansas campus on Saturday, April 26 to share her home cooking tips and tricks while demonstrating stepby-step recipes for the season’s best dishes.

This season’s event is brought to Conway by the Log Cabin Democrat and Women’s Inc. magazine.

The Taste of Home Cooking School is America’s leading cooking school program, inspiring more than 300,000 passionate home chefs at approximately 300 events nationwide.

Attendees experience exciting recipe demonstrations using ingredients that are easily found at the local grocery store and best of all, the dishes are submitted by home cooks from across the country.

“From experienced home chefs to beginners learning their way around the kitchen, the Taste of Home Cooking School offers something for everyone — putting a fresh spin on old favorites and adding new recipes to your seasonal repertoire,” said Jamie Dunn, Taste of Home Culinary Specialist. Almond Torte is one of the recipes that will be demonstrated at the show. With its creamy custard filling and delightfully light texture, this not-too-sweet dessert is the perfect spring choice to make for your family and friends.”

All attendees will receive a gift bag including the Taste of Home Cooking School magazine. This magazine includes recipes featured during the program, along with many more, as well as coupons from participating national food companies.

Attendees can also enter for a chance to win one of many door prizes, including the recipes created onstage that night. VIP ticket holders will each receive a Taste of Home cookbook, apron, a VIP reception including a meet-ngreet with the culinary specialist and prime seating!

Tickets go on sale Mon., March 17 online at www.uca.edu/tickets or call the Reynolds box office at 501-450-3265 10 a.m. – 4p.m. Mon. – Fri. for details on two ticket options: VIP and general reserved seating.

contents

6 36 retail therapy

cover story Our Story: Whitney and Leo

Gift ideas and floral arrangements from Conway’s Classic Touch

food

Cut your wedding budget with these recipes

50 59 downtown renovation Lance Johnston puts his twist on Faulkner Flats

32 the venue

40 homes

44 homes makeover

48 shopping

60 local beauty

66 community

top places in Conway for celebrating

renovating the Pillow’s kitchen

Head to Toes Salon specializing in all things nails

Tipton kitchen

buy local for your wedding

Jeans & Bling set for March 7

54-57 tax guide

Tips for the filing season; watch for scams and identity theft

columns 34 spirituality Uniquely beautiful

62 beauty

Achieving that “fresh face” for your wedding

by Andrea Lennon

65 style

Place setting ideas from the Kitchen Store & More

64 design

Thoughtful gifts for that special day

by Allison Reed

EVENTS: Delta Beta Sigma 2014 Great Gatsby Charity Ball, 58.

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COVER STORY

‘ 6 WOMEN’S INC. / MARCH 2014

‘Our Story’

Whitney & Leo April 6, 2013

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain

Before they retreated down the aisle together as husband and wife to the melody of Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” Leo and Whitney Cummings, both Conway natives, had a chance meeting through work.

Whitney is the director of events at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce. In her role, she is responsible for the sales and development involved with certain Chamber events, such as Business After Hours, Bowling for Business and the Women in Business Awards Luncheon.

Leo is a financial advisor with MidSouth Financial Group, a MassMutual affiliate. In this role, he assists individuals and businesses with identifying financial goals and concerns, recognizing gaps in current plans and offering solutions for the future.

The Meeting

Before Leo began work with MidSouth, as fate would have it, he sent Whitney an email that initiated their relationship. “One day, I received an email from Mr. Cummings introducing himself as the new contact for one of our Chamber members. As updating the database was part of my job at the time, I did so and went on with my

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day. Lo and behold, I’d upset him in not replying to his email. So a few days later he came in to meet me and make sure I’d gotten everything updated in our system. I remember thinking he was handsome and even made mention that all guys holding his position must have to be buff; I’m a terrible flirt!” laughed Whitney.

After this initial encounter, Leo and Whitney became friends, and frequent emails morphed into occasional phone calls. “We were still strictly friends

at this point. A few months after our initial interaction, he took a new job and left for several weeks of training. I found it odd that he would stop at my office to visit when he came into town for a few days; in my head we were only friends,” said Whitney.

About eight months after their first encounter, Leo and Whitney began dating.

It didn’t take the couple long to know they were meant for each other. “I realize this sounds silly, but I knew the day of our first date. We had a really great friendship through those eight months, and by the time he finally asked me to dinner, I knew he was someone special. I remember when we were just friends telling him I felt he was a special gift from God — an answered prayer. Pretty heavy stuff for just friends, but we were best friends who happened to be attracted to each other too,” explained Whitney.

“I knew very early, from our time as just good friends, that she was the type of girl I wanted to marry,” added Leo. “But it became apparent after of couple dates that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.”

The Proposal

“About a year-and-a-half into our relationship, Leo scheduled dinner with friends. He figured I would be late and asked that I be ready by 6:30. I was ready by 6:10 and went into my living room to surprise him, but he wasn’t there,” shared Whitney. She searched the house for Leo, to no avail. “I even looked in the closets, like he’d be hiding,” she laughed. “I had a thought that he might have run to get gum, being a huge gum chewer, so I checked the driveway, and his car was gone. I called to ask where he was, and he told me to check the note in the front seat of my 8 WOMEN’S INC. / MARCH 2014

car and leave the house no later than 6:20. Then he hung up.

“As a girl, I’d daydream every day that Leo might propose, and this day was no different.”

Whitney’s note instructed her to “collect pages for our story that is sure to be one for the ages.” She followed the notes from Leo, six in all — sweet letters from family and friends explaining why he sent her to each location. She visited the place of their first outing with friends, first time with family, and the place of their first meeting, among others. The scavenger hunt ended in the parking lot of Old Chicago, where Leo first told Whitney he loved her.

“When I got to Old Chicago, I found him in the back corner of the parking lot, holding a book that read ‘Our Story’ on the cover. Inside, he had drilled a hole for the ring box. Neither of us can quite recall his exact words, but he got down on one knee, and I said, ‘Yes.’” After the proposal and acceptance, Leo and Whitney went to dinner downtown, where he had organized 30 of their friends and family members to join them in celebrating.

The Planning

Once the date was chosen, April 6, 2013, the couple began planning in earnest. “Leo basically told me to do everything, and he wanted input only with the music and with his attire. Unfortunately for him, I didn’t want all the decision-making power, so he got caught in the middle of bridesmaid dress colors and flowers — and he hated every minute of it, I think!” shared Whitney.

The venue decision was simple for Leo and Whitney. Several of her family members are neighbors on Farris Road, and she always wanted an outdoor wedding. Despite concerns about the volatile nature of Arkansas weather in April, they proceeded with plans to hold the wedding in her grandmother’s back yard, which is flanked by the yards of her parents and her aunt and uncle — the perfect location.

The couple took advantage of

the many wedding resources offered in Conway when planning their big day. “Ashley Carson of Anything and Everything Design was an amazing wedding planner. Sadly, she moved to Florida after last summer, but I have to mention her,” shared Whitney.

Hunter Brooks with Brooks Fine Jewelry crafted both rings. “They made my ring from scratch and did an amazing job fitting my wedding band to the engagement ring.”

The bride’s cake was made by Cake Art by Angelia, and Patti Stobaugh of PattiCakes created Leo’s razorback cupcakes. “They were both so amazing,” she said.

“Pastor Mark Dance performed our wedding and made it the best ceremony I’ve ever attended. It was funny and personal and exactly how I thought our wedding should have been.”

Some other providers included Ye Old Daisy Shoppe for flowers, A Southern Tradition for linen rentals and pub tables, Studio Skin for Whitney’s hair and makeup and for the bridesmaids’ and flower girl’s hair. Strain Photography did the photos, Boom Town Entertainment was responsible for the reception music and lighting and Tim and Sam Trawick served as wedding musicians.

The Big Day

The day went off without a hitch. “It rained the week prior to the wedding, and I was frantic thinking we would have to change venues after all the work my family put in to perfect the outside,” Whitney said.

Her fears were without merit, as the wedding day was a sunny 72 degrees. The bridal party wore teal,

floor-length, strapless chiffon dresses with sweetheart necklines. The flower girls wore pearl white dresses with floral details. The men in the wedding party wore dark grey suits, the groomsmen had matching teal ties and Leo donned a grey tie with white polka dots and a white pocket square. The flowers were a gorgeous yellow comprised of lilies, tulips and roses.

Whitney’s bouquet was constructed of the same flowers but was predominately white. “Around my bouquet was a necklace given to me by my grandmother.

On it is a small Mother of Pearl dove that belonged to my aunt Betty, my grandmother’s youngest daughter, who passed away as a teenager. That might have been one of the most important parts of my outfit, knowing I was carrying her with me all day,” shared Whitney.

The wedding itself was in the round, offering all guests a prime view of the service. The ceremony began with musicians Sam and Tim Trawick playing violin and acoustic guitar and singing a selection of the couple’s favorite songs, including “Hallelujah.”

Whitney walked down the aisle to “Canon in D.” “Seeing Whitney come down the aisle, smiling at me, while knowing all our friends and family were there to support us was one of my favorite memories of the day,” Leo said.

The Reception

A common goal for Leo and Whitney was to offer a fun, relaxing reception. They chose the Conway Country Club as their venue, as Whitney has always loved the view of the golf course from the main room.

Reception tables and pub tables were set up across the fireplace room, main ballroom and bar. Each table featured varying arrangements, from large vases with flora to lanterns with candles and smaller arrangements. The colors were shades of greys and blues with candles added for a more intimate setting.

The couple worked with the country club’s chef to create a menu the guests raved about. “My cake was five tiers of buttercream frosting with tone-ontone swirls topped with a yellow lily and other lilies cascading down the cake,” Whitney said. “The inside alternated from lemon to strawberry per tier. Leo’s table was all Razorback with a tower of Razorbackthemed chocolate cupcakes that were all gone within 20 minutes,” she laughed.

The couple kicked off the dancing to Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together.” Whitney and her father followed that by dancing to Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful.” They made their exit as friends and family held sparklers aloft.

When asked to share words of wisdom from their big day, Leo said, “The day goes by so fast; take time to take it all in.” Added Whitney, “I would say for anyone debating about whether to see each other before the wedding — do it. That moment had all the buildup of the ceremony, but once we got to each other, we had the chance to talk. We didn’t have to have that moment in front of 300 people; it was just us.”

She added, “I was told to try to slow the day down and really appreciate every part. So that morning, I took a minute and went out onto my parents’ back porch. I looked at the sun rising and saw the wedding chairs set up with the stage in the middle. It was the perfect memory, and I got to soak in that that day I would get married!”

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SPOTLIGHT ON EVENT SPECIALISTS

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W E D D I N G S P O T L I G H T : AT T I R E

VIKI’S AT THE VILLAGE

V

iki’s is your one stop shop for all your Prom, Homecoming and Pageant needs. We carry more than 12 formal gown lines, so there is always something for everyone.

Viki’s has an excellent tuxedo rental line, Jim’s Formalwear, that offers a wide selection of colors and styles of tuxes and suits. Viki’s also has a wonderful Bridesmaid line, which has more than enough shades of colors to match whatever you have picked out for your wedding. Need a pair of amazing earrings or a pair of great shoes to go with your dress? We have that covered too.

When you come to Viki’s you are not just another prom girl looking for a dress for your special day. The staff and owners want to make your entire experience fun and easy. If you don’t come out of the dressing room loving the dress you have tried on, one of the Viki’s girls will be more than happy to search for every

possible option to find you dress of your dreams.

Viki’s strives to offer you the newest trends in fashion at an affordable price and excellent customer service. The store’s mission is to have each girl leave feeling beautiful and confident. Everyone deserves to feel special for that big day, our Viki’s girls are here to help.

Viki’s has an amazing staff of lovely ladies that have knowledge on all of the different lines and styles the shop carries to help you find the perfect dress.

“We are a family here at Viki’s, and it is important to us to make everyone feel like they are a part of that when they are here,” Vicky Hawk said. “We love getting to play dress up and watch each girl’s face light up when they put on THE dress. Come stop by and join in all the fun.”

For more information, call 501-450-6342

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W E D D I N G S P O T L I G H T : C AT E R I N G

TAZIKI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE

W

hy do so many of Taziki’s catering customers come back again and again? There are a number of reasons. First is the food. It is ALWAYS fresh, delicious and beautiful, with a variety of healthy choices you will feel good about serving to your guests. Just as important is the attention Taziki’s catering staff give to every detail, making sure you get exactly what you want, when you want it. And, they make it so easy! All you have to do is give them a call and an experienced Taziki’s catering manager will help you through all the decisions to make sure the food is a hit at your special event.

Weddings are the most special events of all at Taziki’s. Taziki’s owner, Tommy Keet, shares this philosophy, “We understand that weddings are one of the most special events in our customers’ lives.

Whether it be a bridesmaid luncheon, rehearsal dinner or reception, we will take every extra step possible

to make sure that your custom catering arrangements are worry-free and flawlessly executed.”

Taziki’s Mediterranean-inspired menu offers a tantalizing selection of juicy grilled meats and seafood, ultra-fresh, crisp salads and uniquely delicious sandwiches.

Full on feasts include a selection of perfectly grilled meat or seafood, a choice of basmati rice or roasted potatoes, and a generous portion of fresh salad greens with slices of ripened tomato and crisp cucumber. Finishing touches include roasted red pepper, red onion, kalamata olives, feta and Taziki’s signature Greek dressing. A variety of sauces and marinades, made from original recipes, are paired with each meat or fish selection for an extra dose of delicious flavor.

Looking for something lighter? Try one of Taziki’s crispy, fresh salads. The Mediterranean salad is a delightful mix of garden greens, with garbanzo beans, roasted red peppers, red onions, diced tomatoes,

roasted pecans and feta served with Taziki’s house made balsamic vinaigrette. Or choose from a variety of tasty and original gyros or unique sandwiches. The selection includes hearty yet healthy and delicious vegetarian options like the Village Veggie Gyro stuffed with tomatoes, cucumbers, red peppers, garden slaw, feta and Greek dressing. Sandwiches are served with a choice of refreshing sides including fresh pasta salad, tomato-cucumber salad or fresh-cut fruit.

Of course, in addition to gyros, the menu at Taziki’s offers Greek favorites like made from scratch hummus served with freshly baked pita chips, lemon Greek soup, dolmades and baklava.

Large or small, casual or elegant, your Taziki’s catering manager will help you customize a menu that is sure to please—and to fit your budget.

At Taziki’s Mediterranean Café you’ll always find a warm welcome, the friendliest service and fresh, delicious choices to make your event truly special.

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W E D D I N G S P OT L I G H T: T R AV E L

JENNY ELLIS, DISNEY DESTINATIONS

I

f you have been thinking that this is the time to make that magical trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland or any of the other Disney properties, there is someone close by who can help the magic come to life.

Jenny Ellis, Disney Destination Planner with Travel Time, is ready to take care of every detail for your Disney vacation, and according to Jenny, the magic lies in those details. Travel Time can make sure every t is crossed and i dotted so you only have to plan your fun.

The other reason to use Jenny and Travel Time is that the Disney planning service is free to you. All of the extra work that goes into your special vacation doesn’t cost you anything.

“There are so many little things that can be taken care of, from reservations to ticket packages to meal plans, and we want to take care of all of those details,” Ellis said.

While the world of Disney can be enjoyed by anyone at anytime, there is no better time to enjoy the most magical place on Earth than during a wedding.

From intimate weddings to lavish ceremonies surrounded by family and friends, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings can make your dream of the perfect wedding, vow renewal or commitment ceremony a reality. The folks at Travel Time in Conway are the perfect facilitators of these dreams.

Disney also provides the best honeymoon imaginable. A Walt Disney World Honeymoon surrounds you with an entire world of magic, not to mention an endless array of enchanting possibilities.

Whether you are looking for seven lands of fantasy or romance and relaxation, this is the place where all of your dreams can become a reality.

But Disney vacations are far more than just wed-

dings. They are for families, friends or anyone who wants to escape to that magical place, and Travel Time will be happy to take care of all the details so you can just have fun.

“Disney is my happy place,” said Jenny, who is a graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge, which means she knows everything to make your stay the best possible.

“Disney has so much to offer, including the resorts, the theme parks, cruise lines and adventures that can take you around the globe in ways that you never thought possible.”

Travel Time will make sure all tickets, reservations, special events and other details are in place.

Whatever a fairy tale wish is to you, Disney has the magic to make it come true.

To contact Jenny, call 501-328-7921 or 1-855468-8896 x105 or email her at jenny@travel--time. com.

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WEDDING SPOTLIGHT: PLANNING & SUPPLIES

A SOUTHERN TRADITION

A

Southern Tradition is a rental and fresh floral design boutique unlike any other, specializing in weddings and corporate events. One thing that is heard over and over again from clients of the store is how much they appreciate being able to check so many things off their lists at one place. According to owner Jessica Zimmerman, she often hears from her customers, “I had no idea a place like this existed in Arkansas!”

Along with her amazing team, Jessica designs and produces beautiful, one-of-a-kind events.

The planning process begins with a one-on-one consultation with the client and Jessica. After the initial meeting, the team at A Southern Tradition collaborates extensively on designing the best wedding possible. “We really take into consideration each individual client — even going as far as to say some-

thing like, ‘She has blonde hair and a fair complexion, so this color flower is going to compliment her skin tone better than this one.’” Jessica said.

“My team knows the key to a beautiful event is all in the details,” Jessica said. “When I arrive at a venue and the seams on the table linens aren’t all going in the same direction, I will personally adjust each one of them, because I believe those little details are important!”

At least once a year, Jessica travels to workshops to learn about new trends in fresh floral and color design. “Most recently, I attended a workshop in Atlanta where I learned fresh floral trends from New York City and Los Angeles florists,” she said. “One of the most important elements in any event is the color palette, and I spend a great deal of time studying which hues compliment one another. Overall, my

goal is to stay ahead of the trends, so I can offer my Arkansas brides the very best wedding possible.”

According to Jessica, each client is unique. Therefore each wedding should be, too. “I never want to design the same wedding twice.”

Something else every bride should know about is A Southern Tradition’s invitation division. “I worked very hard to secure a letterpress line from New York — a line that is only sold at two stores in the state of Arkansas, and we are one of them!” Jessica said.

“These are some of the most beautiful invitations you will ever see. Invitations are so significant because they set the tone for a wedding. If you send out a stunning invitation, people will want to attend your event. Let’s just hope they R.S.V.P.!”

For more information about A Southern Tradition, call 501-336-0326 or visit asoutherntradition.com.

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WEDDING SPOTLIGHT: BAKERY

PATTICAKES BAKERY

“You expect excellence and delicious memories… we create them.”

The heart behind PattiCakes is simple: To make a quality product our customers can enjoy. We want our bakery to feel like grandma’s house. When you walk through the front door, you’re always greeted with a comforting aroma – whether we’re baking fresh cookies, pulling a cheesecake out of the oven, or roasting homemade pita chips.

Creating memories is also a passion for us, and we understand your wedding day is the most important

moment of your life. This is why we promise to make a cake that’s equally as unforgettable.

Because when it comes to planning a wedding, no bride should have to worry about the cake. Tell us what you’re hoping for, and we’ll make sure it’s on the table after the ceremony. With PattiCakes, from simple to simply elegant, it’s just that simple.

Our team of skilled decorators works with each bride individually to ensure careful attention is paid to every detail. No matter how small or how large your ideas, we are right there with you. Tastefully

elegant or classically modern, richly decadent or simply succulent — our freshly-baked goodness will ensure the cake you’ve dreamed of since childhood becomes a reality. Even better, we will create the kind of memory you’ll treasure for years to come.

And of course, we are happy to talk you through your options if you’re unsure what you want on your big day. Come in with nothing more than a hope, and we’ll help you fulfill it.

Focus on all the other parts of your wedding, and let us be the icing on the cake.

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WEDDING SPOTLIGHT: FLORAL

TIPTON-HURST

T

ipton Hurst in Conway has a staff of professional designers, sales associates and drivers that help each other every day.

Their goal is to provide the best floral and gift service available.

“We are a family and a team here at Tipton Hurst,” said Barbara Welcher, who has been the branch manager for the Conway location for more than six years. “Customer satisfaction is our guarantee. I want everyone who comes in our door to feel welcome and comfortable while they are here with us. They can share their ideas with us and we can assist them in designing the perfect wedding! Then as they leave our store, they will know that we are taking good care of them and will meet all expecta-

tions they might have.”

The staff at Tipton Hurst is ready and willing to help with you with any florist needs. Weddings are a big part of the business at Tipton Hurst, and Barbara is always excited when they get to help with a new wedding.

“We enjoy having brides come in and walk through our fully stocked cooler,” Barbara said.

“They are able to go in and look over the selection we have and even hand select the flowers they want in their bouquet. We are able to customize each wedding to fit each bride. We also offer free consultations if the bride needs assistance in planning her wedding day.”

Barbara said that Tipton Hurst does everything it

can to assist in the bridal party,” she said. “Weddings will always be a very special day for the bride and her family. Here at Tipton Hurst in Conway we want to help make that day all she has dreamed it to be. We are equipped to handle any size wedding from simple to extravagant. We can have everything delivered, set up for you, or have it ready for pick up in the store.”

Since Tipton Hurst has other locations in Little Rock, their resources can always be used. “They also have an outstanding team full of great ideas and outstanding products!” Barbara said.

“Please come in and look around, let us help you with planning your wedding day or with any other florist needs you might have.”

For more information, please call 501-358-5259.

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WEDDING SPOTLIGHT: CAKES AND MORE

GIGI’S CUPCAKES

H

ave Your Cake & Cupcake Too! A wedding cake is the centerpiece of the wedding reception, the focal point of your careful planning. Long gone are the days of where brides are bound by traditional white tiers of fondant. Your wedding cake can be personal, unique. It represents you and the love you’ve made. When it comes to your wedding day, details matter. Gigi’s Cupcakes, the largest cupcake bakery in the United States, know that better than anyone.

While the decoration of a wedding cake is the most sought after attribute, taste is key to a reception home run. In years past, vanilla cake with vanilla butter-cream frosting was the golden rule.

But today’s couples are being more adventurous with their flavor selection and winning rave reviews from guests. You can try traditional varieties like Wedding Cake and Champagne or unique combinations

like Chocolate Salted Caramel, Kentucky bourbon, Crème Brulee or Banana Toffee Pie. Choose from hundreds of flavor combination to suit your preferences. Love the idea of a cupcake tier for your wedding reception, but still don’t want to cut ties with the traditional wedding cake? Who says you have to choose? Get your favorite Gigi’s Cupcakes flavors baked into full-sized, gourmet wedding cakes.

“At Gigi’s Cupcakes, you can customize each cupcake to tie in your carefully chosen theme. We customize your cupcakes to meet your exact preferences. Imagine your own cupcake tier with your precise decorations, and your delicious flavors with the perfect shades of icing.” –Kevin Bauerle, Managing Partner Gigi’s Cupcakes of Arkansas What’s popular for 2014? A dessert bar!

Design your Pinterest-worthy reception spread by choosing varieties of flavors, texture, and colors.

Begin by choosing your Bride and Groom’s cakes to

set the theme. Next, add Gigi’s mini cupcakes, the perfect-sized treat for your reception dessert. Guests can taste several varieties, and no cake goes to waste.

Include indulgent cheesecakes topped with fresh fruit and buttercream frosting for a rich and refreshing treat. Finally, complete the table with Gigi’s Stuffed Cookies, two baked-from-scratch cookies stuffed with Gigi’s world-famous frosting.

Whether it’s a bridal shower, a rehearsal dinner or the big day itself, Gigi’s wedding coordinators will work closely through each phase of the selection and order process. Tower rental, set up, and delivery are also available to make your wedding day simple.

Call us to schedule a private tasting!

CONWAY • Tel: (501) 205-1676 LITTLE ROCK CHENAL • Tel: (501) 225-9900 LITTLE ROCK UNIVERSITY • Tel: (501) 6147012 www.GigisCupcakesUSA.com/Weddings

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WEDDING SPOTLIGHT: RECEPTION

photos by Lyndsey Sullivan Photography

HOLE IN THE WALL CAFE

T

he Hole In The Wall Cafe, located in The Old Gin building for the past two years, has become a household name in Conway, and the move to the large building has allowed Toni Burrows the opportunity to host all types of groups for any occasion.

First and foremost, Hole In The Wall is a restaurant serving the best in home cooked lunches.

All meals are made fresh and from scratch, and the crowd is booming throughout the week. The Old Gin is also a venue for a variety of groups for lunch, evenings and weekends, and the staff is available to take care of your meeting, banquet or wedding reception.

“You can choose one of our meeting rooms for your venue, or we can cater the entire event,” Toni said. “There are rooms that accommodate as few as

50 and as many as 200 or more.”

Toni spent years as an interior designer, and she is available to plan a celebration to fit your needs.

Allison (Franks) Land recently chose The Old Gin for her wedding reception, and she said it was the best choice she could have made.

“We had a full house of about 250 people,” Allison said.

“Toni and her staff took care of everything. Our main goal was to have really good food. Everyone knows the Hole In The Wall for great home cooking, but Toni said that we could have anything from fried chicken to bacon-wrapped scallops. They were ready to prepare anything to make our event special.”

Allison said that she was very impressed with the look and feel of the entire event. “They are such

good people and so easy to work with,” Allison said.

“I trusted her, and it paid off.”

Toni is proud of the ability to cater for any event, but she is also proud of the everyday business, which operates for lunch. The staff also caters “all the time.”

“We take care of any type of group, from banks to churches and all kinds of businesses,” Toni said.

“We do it constantly.”

No alcohol is provided for any event, but Toni said the BYOB rule is in effect.

If you would like your event catered by the Hole In The Wall Cafe or if you have any interest in using The Old Gin as your special venue, Toni and the staff can work at any level. For any information about these services, please call 501-205-1325 or 501-336-4226.

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W E D D I N G S P O T L I G H T : AT T I R E

EMERGE

Emerge Fashions has a simple mission: to offer high fashion, stylish, and impeccable clothing and accessories and provide the best one-on-one customer service in the state of Arkansas.

“We are a one stop shop,” said Emerge’s owner, Renee Stone. “We can completely dress someone from head to toe. It is our number one priority and goal to provide excellent customer service to everyone who walks in the door, helping them find whatever it is that they are looking for. We have everything from pageant, prom, homecoming, bridesmaid, mother of the bride and groom, tuxedos, jewelry, shoes, makeup, little girl pageant dresses and many other special occasion needs with a wide selection and variety of trendy day wear from casual to dressy.”

In addition, Emerge deals with services that pro-

vide the personal touch, such as personal spray tans and makeup services. Renee, who has more than 30 years in the pageant industry, has won pageant titles since she was three years old. She has been a coach for the past 12 years.

“I love helping girls accomplish their dreams, not only in the pageant industry but also in life. I feel like I am helping them better themselves for their future and to be ready for whatever they want to do when they grow up.”

Renee said that because of the girls’ experiences in pageants, they will be ready for any job interview or public speaking event in the future. They will have better self-esteem, and they will be ready for anything life may throw at them along the way. “I don’t believe you have to be better than everyone else to be

a winner,” she said. “I believe you have to be better than you ever thought that you could be.”

For weddings, Renee designs custom wedding veils for brides who are looking for a little something more than the average veil. Emerge offers private appointments where the entire bridal party can come in and get fitted for their bridesmaid dresses and tuxedos all in one setting. After hours spray tan parties for weddings or proms are also available.

“When you walk into Emerge, you will be treated like family, and we will strive to provide you with the best one-on-one customer service,” Renee said.

For more information, please call 501-329-5123 or email emerge2007@att.net. You can also follow the store at emergefashions on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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WEDDING SPOTLIGHT: BRIDAL REGISTRY

CONWAY’S CLASSIC TOUCH

W

hen you need that special floral arrangement for weddings, birthdays or other significant occasions in your life, look no further than Classic Touch in Conway.

Although floral arrangements are the main focus of Classic Touch, many different gifts are available to assist in giving that special someone that special something.

Classic Touch does everything it can to “symbolize a moment in life,” and they usually are immersed in arrangements for weddings, gifts or anything that can accent a special time in your life.

Owner Emma Vote and her staff can work with any customer for a collaborative effort or they can

take care of the entire job on their own. The expert florists create the perfect gifts to suit any special occasion.

Fresh flowers can represent friendship, sympathy, or love. From birthdays to Mother’s Day to a time to get well, you can trust Conway’s Classic Touch to have just the right bouquet. The group at Classic Touch can bring a smile to your loved one’s face with flowers for an anniversary, holidays such as Valentine’s Day or the ability to show your sentiments with sympathy funeral flowers. Classic Touch has great floral gifts that fit any occasion, style and budget.

When that special day comes for a bride and groom, Classic Touch can be the one-stop shop for

floral and gift needs. The shop offers a bridal registry, which allows the happy couple to pick out other gifts including crystal, frames, settings for tables and more.

There are even custom-made gift baskets that allow a variety of presents combined in a very special way, many coming from locally made products.

Classic Touch doesn’t just take care of the arrangement, they can also get it to you, many times on the same day.

They are located in Conway, but they serve Faulkner County, including Greenbrier, Vilonia and Mayflower.

For more information about any of the services of Classic Touch, please call 501-327-3004.

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F E AT U R E

All about the venue

TOP PICKS FOR A WEDDING RECEPTION IN CONWAY B ack A chers R anch 3275 College Ave.

Back Achers Ranch offers 1,500 square feet for birthday parties, weddings, meetings or special events of your choice. The Back Achers staff can decorate its event center to the theme of your choice and also provides a party planner if you wish.

• How many people does it hold? Back Achers Ranch’s event center can hold about 120 people with round tables and about 150 people with square tables.

• Rental fee? Back Achers event center is available for $150 an hour if it is not catered in-house, and is available for $100 an hour if it is catered in-house by Legends Restaurant, also located on-site.

• Alcohol service? Alcohol is available at the event center, but must be provided by the event center. Guests are not allowed to bring their own alcohol.

• Outside catering available? Outside catering is available to guests, but raises the event center’s rental fee.

• Membership needed? No membership needed to rent event center.

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T he B rick R oom E vent C enter 1020 Front St.

The Brick Room Event Center in downtown Conway provides guest with 6,400 square feet of versatile space for their wedding reception or special event.

The area includes a large, open space complete with a patio.

• How many does it hold? The event center can hold 976 people standing or 285 seated, with room for a dance floor and food service.

• Rental fee? The Brick Room is available from Monday through Wednesday for $500 in the daytime hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Monday through Wednesday for $750 in the evening.

Rates are $1,250 for Thursday, $1,500 for Friday or Saturday and $750 for Sunday.

A cleaning deposit of $200 is required 14 days prior to the reservation date.

The Brick Room also offers table and chair rentals for up to 100 guests.

Tables are $5 each and chairs are $1.50 a piece.

• Serve alcohol? Alcohol is available at The Brick Room, and includes a variety of beer, wine, cocktails and specialty items. A bartender service is available for $15 per hour, plus tips.

• Outside catering available? The Brick Room prides itself on being unique for allowing its guest to pick any caterer, decorator or vendor he/ she wishes.

H ilton G arden I nn 805 Amity Road

Hilton Garden Inn offers a ballroom for weddings, receptions and special events that includes on-site catering and a full bar. The 2,000-squarefoot space allows guests many options to make their special day one to remember.

• How many does it hold? The ballroom holds, comfortably, about 100 people.

• Rental fee? Rental fees depend on rooms rented and food and beverage totals, but prices begin around $600.

• Serve alcohol? With a full-service bar, alcohol is available.

• Outside catering available? Because of a restaurant on-site, in-house catering is required.

Guests are allowed to bring in cake, but all other food and beverage must be provided in-house.

C onway C ountry C lub 555 Country Club Road

C entennial V alley C ountry C lub 1555 Centennial Club Drive

Centennial Valley offers an elegant ballroom for its guests various weddings, banquets, parities or special events.

• How many does it hold?

• Rental fee? For nights and weekends, the Centennial Valley ballroom is $500 for up to 150 guests, $850 for between 150 and 250 guests and $1,250 for more than 250 guests. The charge includes a four hour event time with additional hours available at $100 per hour.

The rental includes use of 60-inch round tables, 6-foot rectangular tables, 42-inch tall cocktail tables and chairs, tablecloths, cloth napkins, dinnerware and service pieces. Table setup and cleaning is also included, along with full use of AV equipment, CD player, DVD player, VCR, digital cable, 12-foot drop down screens, laptop hookup and an MP3 hookup.

• Serve alcohol?

• Outside catering available? Guests are allowed to bring in cakes, cupcakes, cookies, candy and party favors. Centennial Valley offers various menu options that range from $10.95 up to $19.95 per person.

The Conway Country Club features unique, elegant architecture along with a beautiful view of Conway to make any special event or wedding reception memorable.

• How many does it hold? The Conway Country Club seat 150 people for dinner or up to 350 people for a reception • Rental fee? Rental for non-members is $850, and includes set up, dinnerware, linens and cleanup.

• Serve alcohol? Alcohol is available at Conway Country Club.

• Outside catering available? Catering must be in-house at Conway Country Club, but guests are allowed to bring cakes, desserts. The club provides full-service catering and is charged in addition to the rental fee. The additional fee depends on food and beverage minimums, which is different for times of the year and days of the week.

B rewer H egeman C onference C enter UCA campus

Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center has two rooms to offer to guests on their special days.

The rooms offer neutral colors that would match almost any color arrangement and include a projector for slideshows.

• How many does it hold? The conference center offers two rooms for receptions, weddings and special events. The larger room can seat about 225, theater-style. For a standing reception, closer to 250 people can be accommodated while a sit-down meal will house about 165.

The smaller room seats about 90, theatrestyle, and about 65 for a sit-down meal.

• Rental fee? The larger room is available for $400 a day, and the smaller for $300 a day.

• Alcohol service? Alcohol is available, by request, but has to be approved by the university president. Alcohol must also be provided by the guest, as the university does not have a license to sell.

• Outside catering available? Guests are allowed to bring cakes, but Aramark is required to cater all events at the university.

T able M esa 1117 Oak St.

With three separate options — including a private third floor, patio space and the downstairs dining — Table Mesa has plenty of options to make its guests feel special and make their special day memorable. The upstairs area offers a more secluded atmosphere while the downstairs still offers a somewhat private environment.

However, the patio space is recommended because of its beautiful view of downtown Conway.

• How many does it hold? Table Mesa’s upstairs private room holds about 60 people while its patio holds 100 and the downstairs dining room seats about 50 or 60.

• Rental fee? Table Mesa’s rental fee is based upon a per person, pre-fixed menu. Prices range from around $30 per plate, which includes appetizers and a choice from the restaurant’s four best entrees and desserts. Cheaper options of around $15-18 is available, and includes a variety of appetizers.

There is a $300 fee on top of the pre-fixed menu for guests.

• Serve alcohol? Alcohol is available at the restaurant.

• Outside catering available? Table Mesa said outside catering is an option for its guests.

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SPIRITUALITY

Uniquely beautiful

By Andrea Lennon

A

sk yourself this important question. What does it take to be beautiful? God’s Word teaches that we can have a unique type of beauty. This unique type of beauty has nothing to do with the right hair product, the best makeup, the most stylish clothes or the perfect body type. Instead, this unique type of beauty has everything to do with our relationship with the Lord. It is exciting to know that God’s unique beauty is not reserved for a select few. In fact, God’s unique beauty is a gift from Him and it is available to you.

The Bible teaches that we are loved, valuable and chosen by God. As a result, we can have a unique beauty that outshines and outlasts anything that our culture offers. Psalm 34:5 states, “Those who look to Him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame,” (New International Version). This verse of scripture teaches us how to be uniquely beautiful. Let’s take the verse apart and see what we can learn.

“Those who look to Him are radiant...” Each day we have the chance to look to God and His Word for lifechanging truths. The Bible defines God’s unique beauty and teaches us the only way to obtain it. I am going to go ahead and let you in on the secret — God’s unique beauty requires that we focus on Jesus. When we focus on Jesus, something amazing takes place. We see things differently. Instead of looking at life from the perspective of our culture, we learn to look at life and value the things that matter to God. “...their faces are never covered with shame.” When we focus on Jesus and His Word, feelings like shame, doubt, fear, worry, anxiety and inferiority have no place in us. Instead, we experience God’s love, peace, joy, acceptance and happiness. Additionally, we learn to value eternal things more than temporary things. Before long, other people will notice that there is something different about us. An unexplainable beauty will be all over our lives. Of course, we know that the source of this beauty is God. When we understand that God makes our lives uniquely beautiful, it changes the way we live. Our lives offer praise to God in the way that we think, act and react to the situations going on around us. As we think, act and react in the right way, God gets the praise. That, more than anything, makes our lives beautiful. Each day we have the chance to praise God and point others to Him. Isn’t it good to know that we no longer have to define beauty solely based on what our culture teaches?

Instead, we can define beauty based on God and His Word. Right now thank God for all the amazing ways that He makes your life uniquely beautiful. The very fact that you are loved, valuable and chosen by God makes you special. Not only that, you are beautiful in His sight!

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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IN THE NEWS

Food drive a success Strain Photography collected more than 29,000 donated food items through a photography prize package contest. They were able to distribute the food to more than 25 local food pantries and non-profits including several local elementary school backpack programs, The Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas, H.A.V.E.N., Glenhaven Youth Ranch, Bethlehem House, Soul Food Café Mission, CAPCA, and several church food pantries.

Heroes for Hope 5K, 10K and Superhero Race On Saturday, April 19, the Children’s Advocacy Alliance will host their annual race as a part of child abuse prevention and awareness month.

Heroes for Hope is a 5K & 10K timed race open to runners, walkers, families and corporate teams. Starting and ending at Simon Park in downtown Conway, the races are certified by the USATF. There is also a 1K superhero race for kids 10 and under (parent can run too). Capes and tights are optional but they sure make it more fun.

Race registration ranges from $10 to $25 during early registration, and there are team options as well as a family deal. “We want the race to be great for runners as well as families,” explained race director Katiina Dull. Early registration ends March 31.

After the race there is an awards ceremony and costume parade on stage with prizes awarded for best costumes, including best family. Following the costume contest, the Children’s Music Festival gets under way, featuring choirs, dance teams, baton twirlers, gymnasts and cheer leaders from across Faulkner County.

Simon Park will be filled with activities for kids of all ages, including a bounce house, face painting, arts and crafts, games, games, food, beverages and more.

Vendors will also be on hand with jewelry, books, children’s apparel and more.

All activities are free, however vendors may charge or request a donation for food, drinks and merchandise.

The theme of the event is, “All kids need a hero.” Abused kids need a superhero.

To learn more or to register to run visit www.hopeandjustice.org or call 501328-3347.

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R E TA I L T H E R A P Y

Emma Vote, owner of Conway’s Classic Touch.

Classic Touch provides floral, gift service

By Angela Spencer Photos by Brandy Strain Flowers are more than nature’s splash of color. The blossoms play key roles to moments where memories are made: The young man placing a corsage on his prom date’s wrist; women lined up on the dance floor to catch the bouquet at a wedding; a beautiful arrangement showing up to the office for a birthday, Valentine’s Day or just to say “I love you.”

Roses, daisies, carnations and lilies are more than gorgeous blooms growing in gardens. They are ways to express love, joy, sympathy and appreciation. They are used to say “Congratulations to the new parents,” “Get well soon” or even “I hope this can make you smile today.”

Whether it is flowers for a wedding or a gift for a significant other, Conway’s Classic Touch can provide service and expertise for shoppers from all situations.

Owner Emma Vote said the shop takes care of a lot of weddings, proms and “anything to help symbolize a moment in life.”

“We like to help our customer’s creativity come to life,” she said.

Customers can look at books of arrangements for inspiration, or they can come in with their own ideas. Vote said the staff is prepared to help balance style of flower, budget, seasonal options and purpose to make sure the customer gets exactly what they need.

“We like for you to come in and look at the flowers and feel them,” she said.

“We can help be price-conscious by looking at what’s in season, and we consider things like which flowers hold up better indoors or outdoors depending on your venue.”

Vote has owned Conway’s Classic Touch for 13 years and said she loves being able to help people find the flowers and gifts for their particular celebration.

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Classic Touch can make it into a gift basket to make it both beautiful and thoughtful.

The shop serves Conway, Greenbrier, Vilonia and Mayflower, but they are able to deliver outside of this area as well. Conway’s Classic Touch has delivered to several local facilities as well, including Acklin Funeral Home, Conway Regional Hospital, St. Andrews Place Nursing Home and Roller-McNutt Funeral Home.

The shop, located at 2850 Prince Street in Conway, is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. They can be contacted at 501-327-3004.

At the end of the day, Vote said being local and caring about people is what makes them stand apart.

“We’re just home grown and locally owned and love to take care of our customers.”

“I’ve always loved flowers,” she said. “It finally came to the point where I took that step to purchase the flower shop.”

Creativity is something Vote said makes her shop stand out. A customer may have an idea of what they want — a boyfriend who knows his girlfriend likes red roses — but the staff at Conway’s Classic Touch can take that arrangement to the next level.

“We love to do the different things people ask for,” Vote said. “We really try to work with them to come up with something different, if that’s what they’re looking for.”

It is obvious a bride can go to Conway’s Classic Touch for her floral needs, but what about what she needs after the bouquet is tossed and the honeymoon is over?

Conway’s Classic Touch offers a bridal registry for ladies to pick out table runners, crystal, picture frames and more for their new life.

“They can come in and get things for their new home, their new beginning in their life,” Vote said.

Conway’s Classic Touch is more than flowers and bridal-geared gifts. The shop also boasts a variety of items that can be used to say “I love you” either on their own or paired with flowers.

Vote said she carries lotions, jewelry, chocolates, candy and other items to add a selection of options for customers to look through. From teddy bears to door wreaths, Conway’s Classic Touch’s gifts can do everything from decorate to communicate how you feel about someone.

“Also, we try to carry a lot of locally made products,” Vote said.

Thinking about getting lotion or jewelry as a gift but aren’t excited about wrapping it all up? Conway’s

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Tim and Connie Tipton’s kitchen has a French country feel that is perfect for cooking some of their family’s favorite foods.

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TIPTON KITCHEN

Connie’s grandmother’s wooden biscuit bowl from 1913 is proudly on display in her kitchen.

THE HEART OF THE HOUSE HOME OF GOOD MEALS, GOOD TIMES AND GOOD MEMORIES

By Michelle Corbet Photos by Brandy Strain People often say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and the kitchen of Tim and Connie Tipton of Tipton Equipment and Kitchen Store is no exception.

“The minute I walked into the kitchen, I knew immediately that I had to cook here,” Connie said.

The kitchen has a mix of greenishsage walls paired with exposed brick, black accents, antiqued cabinets and granite counter tops.

“All these textures give the room depth and personality,” Connie said.

Former University of Central Arkansas football coach Clint Conque and wife Angele originally designed the home with the help of their oldest son. Being from Louisiana, the Conques designed the home with a French-country flair that also speaks to the Tiptons.

To complete the French-country look, Connie added plantation blinds, rooster decor and fresh eggs to Angele’s fleur-de-lis accent tiles and French doors.

A rooster Tim bought for Connie the year they first started dating sits on the front counter serving as the patriarch of the Tipton kitchen.

“Even though it was built and designed by the Conques to fit their family’s needs, it fits our needs too,” WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 41

Beautiful inlaid brick work surrounds the chef’s stovetop in the Tipton’s kitchen.

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Connie said.

A family priest came from Louisiana to bless the house before the Conques moved in. The priest’s words are hand-written in pencil above the door on the inside of the kitchen pantry.

“Even though that wasn’t for my family, we still feel like this house is blessed,” Connie said. “We’re people of faith, and we felt so good when Clint Conque came in here and showed us that. It was so special to them and it’s special to us too.”

Not only do Tim and Connie love the kitchen, but so do their three children, oldest daughter Jordan, who’s now married and lives in Little Rock, son Chandler, 17, a senior at Catholic High School for Boys, and their youngest daughter Maddie, 11, who attends Simon Middle School.

“When I’m cooking they’ll come in and snack on whatever I’m chopping or whatever I’m baking — somebody always wants to stir something — it’s just the most fun and most used room in the house,” Connie said.

With the refrigerator, stove and a double oven all located on adjacent walls, surrounding a large island with a double sink, the kitchen is truly an integrated experience.

A small television screen sits in the corner of the kitchen displaying the most recent headlines in the morning and the tastiest Food Channel recipes in the afternoon.

If the Food Channel isn’t broadcasting news or inspirational recipes, then the radio is playing the family’s favorite tunes.

“We love music, and it’s nothing for my husband and I to be cooking together and just stop and slow dance — we’ll just dance around the kitchen and it’s the sweetest thing,” Connie said.

The Tipton’s youngest always manages to squeeze in-between them saying ‘He’s mine, he’s mine; let me dance with him,’” Connie said.

A small cheese tray sits on the kitchen table where Tim and Connie often enjoy fresh cheeses and fruits paired with their favorite wines pretending their on a romantic Parisian vacation.

Connie grew up in the South, and Conway is home, but she’s fascinated with the flavors of the world, and wants to share them with her children.

To expose her children to different flavors and

cultures, Connie often cooks themed meals.

We may not be in France or Italy or Mexico, but we can experience the food, she says.

As a co-owner of Tipton Equipment and Kitchen Store, Connie said she believes you need good, quality cookware to prepare wonderful meals to love your family with, but Connie’s most prized kitchen possessions are two pieces of priceless cookware — her mother-in-law’s mixing bowl and her grandmother’s wooden biscuit bowl.

Connie’s grandmother wanted Connie’s father to drill a hole in the bottom of her old wooden biscuit bowl, so she could repurpose it into a planter, but he wouldn’t because he knew it was an antique.

Since the bowl was cracked, Connie’s grandmother had no use for it, she said, and left it with him.

She wrote the date she received the bowl on the bottom — Dec. 24, 1913. Perhaps it was a Christmas present, Connie said.

From 1913 until the mid-80s, Connie’s grandmother made biscuits in that very wooden bowl.

The bowl now sits on Connie’s counter as a symbol of the love she had for her grandmother. This Christmas the bowl marked its 100th year as a kitchen tradition.

There are still traces of flour in the crack in the bottom of the bowl.

“I would never want that to come out — never,” Connie said.

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KITCHENMAKEOVER

Client: Greg and Sherri Pillow General Contractor: re•form Design+Build (Lance Johnston) Objective: to re-form the clients’ outdated and worn-out kitchen

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Clients wants: • turn electric stove into gas • upgrade all of the appliances • create a pantry • increase cabinet space • replace lighting • make the kitchen feel larger • update fireplace surround in adjoining room

Results: • a larger feeling kitchen • expanded cabinet space • a walk-in pantry (previously lacking) • modernized high-end appliances • larger island area for eating • lighter and more current feeling overall design in kitchen and living room

BEFORE

&

AFTER

photos by Lance Johnston Photography

Resources: • Sellers Electric :: electrical • AR HydroJet :: plumbing • Metro Appliance :: appliances • River City Flooring :: tile and flooring • Hambuchen Electric :: lighting • Moix Marble Works :: granite countertops • Elms-Clowers construction :: cabinetry WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 45

Contractor’s scope of work: • rearranged the layout • redesigned around the built-in Thermador fridge • created a walk in pantry with a sliding pocket door matching the cabinetry • added a double oven and ice maker • replaced some kitchen cabinets and added others • enlarged the size of the island area and added support columns as a structural and architectural feature • replaced fluorescent light with chandelier and upgraded under-cabinet lighting • replaced damaged flooring • repainted cabinets and walls in kitchen and adjacent living room • replaced existing tile around fireplace with granite and brick

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SHOPPING: WEDDINGS

SERVING DISHES BY CONWAY’S CLASSIC TOUCH

COOKWARE BY TIPTON EQUIPMENT & KITCHEN STORE

RING FROM BROOKS FINE JEWELRY

FLORAL AND INVITATIONS BY A SOUTHERN TRADITION

CUPCAKES BY GIGI’S CUPCAKES

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S WEDDING RINGS FROM FLETCHER SMITH’S JEWELERS

CAKE BY PATTICAKES BAKERY

WEDDING RINGS FROM DAYER JEWELERS

CAKE BY ED’S BAKERY

CAKE BY JULIE’S SWEET SHOPPE

FESTIVE PLASTIC SERVING PIECES FROM STATEMENTS

DRESS AVAILABLE AT VIKI’S AT THE VILLAGE

FOOD

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Artichoke & spinach dip Sweet & sour ham balls

Ways to cut your wedding budget

By Chef Jill McCollum, CC Photos by Lindsey Faith Watson • Purchasing linens is sometimes less expensive, then you can sell them after the wedding • For your rehearsal dinner, go with a casual barbecue for just families and bridal party • Instead of hiring a make-up artist, go to a department store for a free makeover • Use postcards for save the dates • Save credit card points to use for booking your honeymoon • Hire a wedding planner — they can help you negotiate better deals • Vendors often offer specials and giveaways at bridal shows • Design your own invitations for a local company to print 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

Fruit dip WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 51

Artichoke and Spinach Dip 4 cloves garlic 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped Spinach, thawed and drained 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, Drained and chopped 1 (10 ounce) container Alfrado-Style pasta sauce 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place garlic in a small baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven 20 to 30 minutes, until soft. Remove from heat.

When cool enough to touch, squeeze softened garlic from skins. Mix all ingredients together and place in an 8x8 inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until cheeses are melted and bubbly. Serve warm.

Sweet and Sour Ham Balls 1 ¼ pounds ground ham 1 ½ pounds ground fresh pork 2 cups corn flakes 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup milk Mix together and make into balls. ¾ cup brown sugar ½ cup apple cider vinegar ½ cup water ¾ teaspoon dry mustard Mix and pour over meat balls. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Uncover and cook for another 30 minutes at 250 degrees.

Fruit Dip 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow crème 2 teaspoons lemon juice Using electric mixer, blend cream cheese, marshmallow crème and lemon juice until mixed thoroughly.

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R E L AT I O N S H I P W R E C K E R S

10 faults lethal to your love life

By “America’s Marriage Coach” Jacqueline Del Rosario Relationships often collapse because couples are not prepared to withstand the inevitable conflicts or even the humdrum and monotonous plateau period that’s nearly certain to present as the years go by. A relationship can feel more like “boot camp” when trying to acclimate to each other’s personality differences and habits—frustrations, tensions, and resentments that can persist well into a long-term love affair and undermine the ability to feel happy and content.

For other couples, it’s shear boredom that can wreak havoc—if the partnership doesn’t continue to stimulate and enrich their lives, the doldrums can be a relationship death knell!

“When couples do not understand these are anticipated and natural events in the course of a relationship, they may start looking for the exit door thinking that they have made a grievous mistake,” notes Dr. Jacqueline Del Rosario, “America’s Relationship Doctor.” “But, many people don’t realize the extent to which their relational health and happiness is under their own control. That power lies in one’s ability to self-assess and foster quality communication with their partner.”

Below Dr. Del Rosario has identified 10 relationship wreckers. Turning these faults around can not only help a relationship survive, but also thrive so that both partners can actualize their dreams of “happily ever after”: 1. Not putting your best face forward. People dress up in their best clothes, make sure their hair is done, and put on makeup for the outside world. Do you put forth the same effort to impress and excite your mate?

2. Not continuing to grow. You must come to a relationship, willing to continuously improve who you are so that your relationship can continue to evolve.

Consider trying new things together. Exploration and adventure can go a long way to keeping things fresh and appealing and will help you understand and appreciate who your partner is today. Continue to date

and experience new things as a couple.

3. Not continuing to invest the time and effort to maintain a strong foundation. All good things take work, and both parties must roll up their sleeves and commit to doing their part to add value to the union.

This includes continually stoking the flames of passion. Are you as proactive or even adventuresome in the bedroom, or are you relegated to business as usual?

Break the routine here and watch the magic ensue.

4. Not knowing the relationship ‘anchors.’ What are the things that keep you rooted and well-connected with your partner? Why are you together in the first place? Identifying and nurturing similar values, goals, and expectancies in your relationship are fundamental and will help you endure during the tough times.

5. Not ensuring an effective communication style.

It is essential to learn how each party in the partnership prefers to communicate. You must then make the conscious effort to deliver and receive messages from your mate according to their personal style, which may differ from yours. Knowing when and how to disseminate information is a key relationship skill that can be a saving grace unto itself. And, during an argument, always fight fair and with respect— no name calling, no degrading one another, and no using your tongue as a weapon of mass destruction.

6. Not addressing unmet expectations. Unfortunately, unmet expectations are often not shared and, instead, they can fester within and result in resentment and bitterness. How can you expect your mate to meet your expectations if you don’t voice them?

It’s unfair of you to feel that your partner “should know” or be able to decipher passive aggressive cues that something is wrong. Met expectations equal relational bliss, so be honest with what you need from your partner for a real chance that those needs will be met, or even exceeded.

7. Not resolving emotional triggers that might be adversely affecting the relationship. Triggers link back to past traumas and can hinder the way we

respond to or even perceive present day issues. Were you lied to or cheated on in the past? It doesn’t mean you cannot trust your current mate. Did your past partner drink too much? It doesn’t mean this partner can’t enjoy a cocktail responsibly. Put your old baggage aside and experience your current partner on their own merits and actions.

8. Failing to stop, look, and listen. Take the time to listen to and validate your mate. Couples often decrease their talk time once they have been together awhile and feel comfortable. Keep the channels of communication open—chatter about the day’s events, current events, family matters and similar. It bonds the heart and abates the feeling of growing apart.

Should a concern be expressed along the way, it’s imperative to hear your mate and try to empathize with how they feel.

9. Allowing outside interference. There is a reason “interference” is a penalty in most sports. It is because someone is getting involved where and when they do not have a right. This can result in focusing on the wrong issues and reinforcing dangerous and emotional conclusions that can be detrimental to your relationship. Your partner may also be very angry to find out that others are now involved in your private life. Instead, go directly to your partner to resolve relationship problems. However, if things are critical and seemingly out of both of your control, qualified assistance can come from marriage coaches and counselors who are there to help get the dialogue between the two of you on the right track.

10. Not having a relationship maintenance plan.

Are you still doing what you did to get your mate?

Do you know exactly why your mate should or would want to stay with you in the months and years ahead?

What emotional benefits do you offer your mate that others don’t? Take the time to assess what your virtues are and even ask your mate to cite favorite qualities about you. Then, make a concerted effort to foster these qualities to not only ensure interest remains, but also maximize the caliber of that interest.

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TA X G U I D E

IRS releases the ‘Dirty Dozen’ tax scams

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams, reminding taxpayers to use caution during tax season to protect themselves against a wide range of schemes ranging from identity theft to return preparer fraud.

The Dirty Dozen listing, compiled by the IRS each year, lists a variety of common scams taxpayers can encounter at any point during the year. But many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns.

The following are the Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2014:

Identity Theft Tax fraud through the use of identity theft tops this year’s Dirty Dozen list. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number (SSN) or other identifying information, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. In many cases, an identity thief uses a legitimate taxpayer’s identity to fraudulently file a tax return and claim a refund.

The agency’s work on identity theft and refund fraud continues to grow, touching nearly every part of

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the organization. For the 2014 filing season, the IRS has expanded these efforts to better protect taxpayers and help victims.

The IRS has a special section on IRS.gov dedicated to identity theft issues, including YouTube videos, tips for taxpayers and an assistance guide. For victims, the information includes how to contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit. For other taxpayers, there are tips on how taxpayers can protect themselves against identity theft.

Taxpayers who believe they are at risk of identity theft due to lost or stolen personal information should contact the IRS immediately so the agency can take action to secure their tax account. Taxpayers can call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800908-4490. More information can be found on the special identity protection page.

Pervasive Telephone Scams The IRS has seen a recent increase in local phone scams across the country, with callers pretending to be from the IRS in hopes of stealing money or identities from victims.

These phone scams include many variations, ranging from instances from where callers say the victims owe money or are entitled to a huge refund. Some calls can threaten arrest and threaten a driver’s license revocation. Sometimes these calls are paired with follow-up calls from people saying they are from the local police department or the state motor vehicle department.

Characteristics of these scams can include: • Scammers use fake names and IRS badge numbers. They generally use common names and surnames to identify themselves.

• Scammers may be able to recite the last four digits of a victim’s Social Security Number.

• Scammers “spoof” or imitate the IRS toll-free number on caller ID to make it appear that it’s the IRS calling.

• Scammers sometimes send bogus IRS emails to

some victims to support their bogus calls.

• Victims hear background noise of other calls being conducted to mimic a call site.

• After threatening victims with jail time or a driver’s license revocation, scammers hang up and others soon call back pretending to be from the local police or DMV, and the caller ID supports their claim.

In another variation, one sophisticated phone scam has targeted taxpayers, including recent immigrants, throughout the country. Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer.

If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are then threatened with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or driver’s license. In many cases, the caller becomes hostile and insulting.

If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, here’s what you should do: If you know you owe taxes or you think you might owe taxes, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. The IRS employees at that line can help you with a payment issue – if there really is such an issue.

Phishing Phishing is a scam typically carried out with the help of unsolicited email or a fake website that poses as a legitimate site to lure in potential victims and prompt them to provide valuable personal and financial information. Armed with this information, a criminal can commit identity theft or financial theft.

If you receive an unsolicited email that appears to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), report it by sending it to phishing@irs.gov.

It is important to keep in mind the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels. The IRS has

information online that can help you protect yourself from email scams.

False Promises of ‘Free Money’ from Inflated Refunds Scam artists routinely pose as tax preparers during tax time, luring victims in by promising large federal tax refunds or refunds that people never dreamed they were due in the first place.

Scam artists use flyers, advertisements, phony store fronts and even word of mouth to throw out a wide net for victims. They may even spread the word through community groups or churches where trust is high. Scammers prey on people who do not have a filing requirement, such as low-income individuals or the elderly. They also prey on non-English speakers, who may or may not have a filing requirement.

Scammers build false hope by duping people into making claims for fictitious rebates, benefits or tax credits. They charge good money for very bad advice.

Or worse, they file a false return in a person’s name and that person never knows that a refund was paid.

Scam artists also victimize people with a filing requirement and due a refund by promising inflated refunds based on fictitious Social Security benefits and false claims for education credits, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), or the American Opportunity Tax Credit, among others.

The IRS sometimes hears about scams from victims complaining about losing their federal benefits, such as Social Security benefits, certain veteran’s benefits or low-income housing benefits. The loss of benefits was the result of false claims being filed with the IRS that provided false income amounts.

While honest tax preparers provide their customers a copy of the tax return they’ve prepared, victims of scam frequently are not given a copy of what was filed. Victims also report that the fraudulent refund is deposited into the scammer’s bank account. The scammers deduct a large “fee” before cutting a check to the victim, a practice not used by legitimate tax preparers.

The IRS reminds all taxpayers that they are legally responsible for what’s on their returns even if it was prepared by someone else. Taxpayers who buy into such schemes can end up being penalized for filing

false claims or receiving fraudulent refunds.

Return Preparer Fraud About 60 percent of taxpayers will use tax professionals this year to prepare their tax returns. Most return preparers provide honest service to their clients. But, some unscrupulous preparers prey on unsuspecting taxpayers, and the result can be refund fraud or identity theft.

It is important to choose carefully when hiring an individual or firm to prepare your return. This year, the IRS wants to remind all taxpayers that they should use only preparers who sign the returns they prepare and enter their IRS Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs).

The IRS also has a web page to assist taxpayers. For tips about choosing a preparer, details on preparer qualifications and information on how and when to make a complaint, visit www.irs.gov/chooseataxpro.

Hiding Income Offshore Over the years, numerous individuals have been identified as evading U.S. taxes by hiding income in offshore banks, brokerage accounts or nominee entities and then using debit cards, credit cards or wire transfers to access the funds. Others have employed foreign trusts, employee-leasing schemes, private annuities or insurance plans for the same purpose.

The IRS uses information gained from its investigations to pursue taxpayers with undeclared accounts, as well as the banks and bankers suspected of helping clients hide their assets overseas. The IRS works closely with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prosecute tax evasion cases.

While there are legitimate reasons for maintaining financial accounts abroad, there are reporting requirements that need to be fulfilled. U.S. taxpayers who maintain such accounts and who do not comply with reporting requirements are breaking the law and risk significant penalties and fines, as well as the possibility of criminal prosecution.

Since 2009, tens of thousands of individuals have come forward voluntarily to disclose their foreign financial accounts, taking advantage of special opportunities to comply with the U.S. tax system and resolve their tax obligations. And, with new foreign

account reporting requirements being phased in over the next few years, hiding income offshore is increasingly more difficult.

Impersonation of Charitable Organizations Another long-standing type of abuse or fraud is scams that occur in the wake of significant natural disasters.

Following major disasters, it’s common for scam artists to impersonate charities to get money or private information from well-intentioned taxpayers.

Scam artists can use a variety of tactics. Some scammers operating bogus charities may contact people by telephone or email to solicit money or financial information. They may even directly contact disaster victims and claim to be working for or on behalf of the IRS to help the victims file casualty loss claims and get tax refunds.

They may attempt to get personal financial information or Social Security numbers that can be used to steal the victims’ identities or financial resources.

Bogus websites may solicit funds for disaster victims.

The IRS cautions both victims of natural disasters and people wishing to make charitable donations to avoid scam artists by following these tips: To help disaster victims, donate to recognized charities.

Be wary of charities with names that are similar to familiar or nationally known organizations. Some

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phony charities use names or websites that sound or look like those of respected, legitimate organizations.

IRS.gov has a search feature, Exempt Organizations Select Check, which allows people to find legitimate, qualified charities to which donations may be tax-deductible.

Don’t give out personal financial information, such as Social Security numbers or credit card and bank account numbers and passwords, to anyone who solicits a contribution from you. Scam artists may use this information to steal your identity and money.

False Income, Expenses or Exemptions Another scam involves inflating or including income on a tax return that was never earned, either as wages or as self-employment income in order to maximize refundable credits. Claiming income you did not earn or expenses

you did not pay in order to secure larger refundable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit could have serious repercussions.

This could result in repaying the erroneous refunds, including interest and penalties, and in some cases, even prosecution.

Additionally, some taxpayers are filing excessive claims for the fuel tax credit. Farmers and other taxpayers who use fuel for off-highway business purposes may be eligible for the fuel tax credit. But other individuals have claimed the tax credit although they were not eligible. Fraud involving the fuel tax credit is considered a frivolous tax claim and can result in a penalty of $5,000.

Frivolous Arguments Promoters of frivolous schemes encourage taxpayers to make unreasonable and outlandish claims to avoid

paying the taxes they owe. The IRS has a list of frivolous tax arguments that taxpayers should avoid. These arguments are wrong and have been thrown out of court. While taxpayers have the right to contest their tax liabilities in court, no one has the right to disobey the law or disregard their responsibility to pay taxes.

Those who promote or adopt frivolous positions risk a variety of penalties. For example, taxpayers could be responsible for an accuracy-related penalty, a civil fraud penalty, an erroneous refund claim penalty, or a failure to file penalty. The Tax Court may also impose a penalty against taxpayers who make frivolous arguments in court.

Falsely Claiming Zero Wages or Using False Form 1099 Filing a phony information return is an illegal way to lower the amount of taxes an individual owes. Typically, a Form 4852 (Substitute Form W-2) or a “corrected” Form 1099 is used as a way to improperly reduce taxable income to zero. The taxpayer may also submit a statement rebutting wages and taxes reported by a payer to the IRS. Sometimes, fraudsters even include an explanation on their Form 4852 that cites statutory language on the definition of wages or may include some reference to a paying company that refuses to issue a corrected Form W-2 for fear of IRS retaliation. Taxpayers should resist any temptation to participate in any variations of this scheme. Filing this type of return may result in a $5,000 penalty.

Abusive Tax Structures Abusive tax schemes have evolved

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from simple structuring of abusive domestic and foreign trust arrangements into sophisticated strategies that take advantage of the financial secrecy laws of some foreign jurisdictions and the availability of credit/debit cards issued from offshore financial institutions.

IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) has developed a nationally coordinated program to combat these abusive tax schemes. CI’s primary focus is on the identification and investigation of the tax scheme promoters as well as those who play a substantial or integral role in facilitating, aiding, assisting, or furthering the abusive tax scheme (e.g., accountants, lawyers). Secondarily, but equally important, is the investigation of investors who knowingly participate in abusive tax schemes.

Misuse of Trusts Trusts also commonly show up in abusive tax structures. They are highlighted here because unscrupulous promoters continue to urge taxpayers to transfer large amounts of assets into trusts. These assets include not only cash and investments, but also successful on-going businesses. There are legitimate uses of trusts in tax and estate planning, but the IRS commonly sees highly questionable transactions.

These transactions promise reduced taxable income, inflated deductions for personal expenses, the reduction or elimination of self-employment taxes and reduced estate or gift transfer taxes. These transactions commonly arise when taxpayers are transferring wealth from one generation to another.

Questionable trusts rarely deliver the tax benefits promised and are used primarily as a means of avoiding income tax liability and hiding assets from creditors, including the IRS.

TA X G U I D E

2014 filing season continues with higher refunds issued WASHINGTON — The IRS today released 2014 tax filing season statistics showing that 15 percent more refunds were already issued this year, compared to 2013 figures. Additionally, the average federal refund totaled $3,211, an increase of $190 compared with the same period a year ago.

The statistics issued today, covering the period through Feb. 14, show that while the overall number of tax returns filed this year is down slightly, less than a percentage point, nearly 95 percent of all returns received were filed electronically.

For more information on tax credits available for this filing season and other tax questions, visit IRS.gov to use our Interactive Tax Assistant online tool. You may also use our Where’s My Refund? tool to get up-to-date refund information.

Filing season begins with more returns filed

WASHINGTON — The IRS today announced that tax filings in 2014 have outpaced filings for the same time last year. As of Feb. 7, the IRS received 27.3 million returns, up 2.5 percent compared to the same time last year. Electronically filed returns account for almost 96 percent of those filed so far this year.

Taxpayers, either through tax preparers or from their home computers, have e-filed more than 26 million returns so far this year, up almost 4 percent compared to the same time last year. As of Feb. 7, taxpayers have filed more than 13 million returns from home computers, an increase of 14.7 percent compared to the same period last year.

Refunds are up for 2014, with almost 19.5 million issued this year, an increase of more than 18 percent compared to the same time last year. The average refund as of Feb. 7 is $3,317, up 4.6 percent compared to the same time last year. (Refund averages generally have higher dollar values early in the filing season than later in the year.)

Prepare for tax time Although some are ready to say their fond farewells to 2013, thought needs to be given to the 12 months that just passed as tax-filing season approaches. Tax season is close, but it’s never too soon to begin preparations for filing income taxes. Some people prefer to toast the new year and then arrange appointments with their accountants, while others use the new year as an opportunity to get organized and start compiling paperwork and tax questions.

Preparing for tax time at the dawn of a new year can make the process go more smoothly in the months ahead. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the upcoming tax season.

• Start a documents folder. Employers, charitable organizations, banks and other financial institutions begin mailing out tax forms from the previous year in early January. Individuals should keep their eyes open for any mail that appears to be tax-related.

Store these documents in a folder that can protect any sensitive information. Such folders also make information more accessible as more and more documents arrive in the mail.

• Begin collecting receipts and itemizing expenses. Many expenses are tax-deductible. These can include education costs, moving expenses, home improvements, medical expenses, charitable donations and childcare costs. Store receipts and other documentation, including canceled checks, with the other tax documents. These will come in handy should an audit ever be ordered.

• Create a spreadsheet of important information. It is handy to have all financial information at the ready. Some accountants will lower their fees if people do some of the filing preparation work themselves. This can include creating a profit/loss statement on investments, or working up a tally of charitable donations. Make an itemized list of all pertinent information so it will be handy when taxfiling time arrives.

• Decide on a filing option. Technology has made filing taxes much easier. Tax preparation

software is available for those who choose to file their taxes themselves. There also are walk-in centers that will prepare tax-filing documents. Individuals also can visit a certified public accountant. Whatever method taxpayers choose, allow for ample time to gather information and get the taxes filed by the deadline. Leave some wiggle room in case one filing method doesn’t work out.

• Start saving money. Although the goal is to get a refund each and every year, taxpayers sometimes owe money, which can be troublesome for men and women whose budgets are stretched thin already.

Those who owed money in the past should begin saving money for tax expenses as early as possible.

• Develop a good filing system. Many financial professionals will advise people to keep financial records for 7 years. Any tax documents should be kept together should they need to be referenced or if an audit is ordered.

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Delta Beta Sigma 2014 Great Gatsby Charity Ball On Feb. 1, the Delta Beta Sigma Great Gatsby Charity Ball was held at the Arkansas Arts Center to raise money for St. Jude’s and the Drake Everett Walker Foundation. Diamond Donor List includes: Hello Gorgeous, Statements Inc., Danny and Merida Kordsmeier, Simon Electric Inc., Butch Schictl, Conway Dental Care, Risinger Interiors, Four Winds Technology Inc., Conway Pediatric Dental Group, Linn’s Auto Glass Inc., Hambuchen Home Furnishings, Doralee Chandler, Trinity Painting Company, Pyramid Painting Company, Clark Power Corporation, Dalrymple-Crain P.A. LTD., Xocai Wellness Center, The Studio by Lauren, Centennial Valley Golf And Athletic Club, Preferred Medical, Troy Braswell, Grandmaster Hans Martial Arts, Ladd Elllis and Maxillofacial Surgery Center of Central Arkansas.

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Johnston renovates Faulkner Flats Story and photos by Courtney Spradlin Local photographer Lance Johnston, who has dabbled before in historic renovation, has recently completed a project at Faulkner Street in Conway.

The “Faulkner Flats” are four historically renovated apartments in the redbrick two-story building at 915 Faulkner St. Johnston purchased the property in 2011 for just less than $150,000 with the idea to strip it down to the now-popular shiplap and wooden floors, perform other renovations and install modern fixtures in order to market the downtown building to young professionals interested in urban and downtown living.

From what Johnston knows, the multi-family dwelling was built in 1937.

“We’ve reached out but haven’t been able to find out a lot about it,” he said, adding that he sought assistance from local historian Vivian Hogue. “There are definitely folks who have posted on the (Faulkner Flats Facebook page) that they’ve lived there. And someone who was sort of prominent lived there in college in the ’50s.”

It was a year-and-a-half project and a $170,000 remodel.

“I redid everything. We restored and refinished everything, including the kitchen and bathrooms.

There are all new appliances. The cool thing is we exposed the original shiplap, the eight-inch boards that are on the walls of apartments,” said Johnston.

“In most cases it was an underlay that typically had wallpaper over it. If you look in home magazines you’ll see shiplap board in new houses, it is very much the look.”

Stainless steel appliances were installed, and counter tops are a mixture between butcher’s block and granite.

An old-style apron sink is in the kitchen, and vessel sinks were installed in bathrooms.

“It’s modern but has a throwback kind of style,” Johnston said. “There are modern amenities in them.”

Johnston said he took on the project recently after missing the opportunity when the building was posted for sale about six years ago.

“I always thought this was the coolest old building in old Conway. When it came up for sale a couple of years ago I thought it was a shame this is a run-down low-rent building because it has so much character and is in a great location with its proximity to downtown,” Johnston said. “With downtown being revitalized it was an obvious candidate for restoring to be a nice place to live downtown.”

Not everyone understood or even understands yet, he said.

People either get it or they don’t.

Young professionals and young couples who don’t want to hassle with a yard or don’t need a big house because they like to play, to go out to eat and hang out downtown are Johnston’s ideal tenants.

“People who are wanting to live downtown and who want to live where they can walk to stores and restaurants, so far that is the trend,” Johnston said.

Johnston said he looked at other developments like The Village at Hendrix for confidence.

He said the development proved there was a

market for nicer rentals surrounding downtown, and he’s confident enough people will want to live near downtown that are willing to pay a bit more for something nicer.

Conway Area Chamber of Commerce President Brad Lacy said Johnston’s project reflects the results of a chamber survey that showed a strong demand from people, particularly young professionals, who would live in upscale apartments and rentals near downtown, “but there isn’t a product available right now.”

“We haven’t seen that here, but hopefully we will begin to. If you look at Hillcrest in Little Rock for instance, the housing stock we have in old Conway is no different. What you haven’t seen happen is the type of renovation that has occurred where there are blocks and blocks of old housing stock being completely renovated,” Lacy said. “Square footage for those parts of Little Rock bring in as much in square footage as anywhere in town.”

Lacy said what he’s beginning to see is a bit more understanding that in order to offer everything residents want, there has to be a variety on the market.

“It’s not about west Conway versus downtown, or Hendrix Village versus Centennial Valley. It’s all important, we just haven’t had part of the offerings we’re starting to see now. Hendrix Village is a great example. It has been wildly successful,” he said. “The price per square foot is shocking for people, and some

didn’t think it would work.”

Lacy said he hopes other developers will take note and begin to look at old housing stock differently.

Johnston’s putting his money where his mouth is and moving his family from their west Conway lot to an older home downtown.

“We’re going to do what we think and expect other people are doing and reap the benefits of living two blocks from church, from where the girls take dance, their schools, and we’re going to embrace that lifestyle within the next year,” he said.

Johnston said he likes the charm of older homes and their personality.

Johnston and his wife, Melissa, have fixed up two other old homes near Conway’s downtown.

“The houses we fixed up were uncared for for generations. They were going to be rent houses or continue to fall into disrepair and be torn down at some point. I feel like I’m rescuing these little gems that have been neglected for decades and giving them a midlife makeover,” Johnston said. “They get a whole new life with a new set of people. It’s cool that people who lived in our apartments tell us they lived there in the ’40s or ’50s, and it’s going to be neat 50 years from now when people talk about having lived in the Faulkner Flats. That, to me, makes it an interesting story.”

Two of the Flats have been rented, and two are still available.

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LOCAL BEAUT Y SERVICES

The stylist of Head to Toes Salon (from left to right) Lauren Cook, Rebecca Scarbrough, Emily Hoyt and Brandy McFarland are pictured with owner Anne Clarizio (center).

Head to Toes Salon specializes in all things nails

By Michelle Corbet Head to Toes is a full-service salon offering the latest techniques in cutting, coloring, highlighting, extensions, perms and relaxers, facials, facial waxing and all things nails.

Owner Anne Clarizio first opened Head to Toes salon at the corner of Main and Chestnut Streets in 2009. In May of 2011, she moved to the Village shopping center on Oak Street.

This spring the salon will celebrate three years of teased hair, false eyelashes and polished nails in its new location.

With over 60 years of combined experience in the beauty business, the stylists of Head to Toes can give you the look you want.

Stylists Lauren Cook, Brandy McFarland, Rebecca Scarbrough and Emily Hoyt each specialize in their respective fields of up-dos, cutting, coloring and ethnic hair.

The stylists can cut, color and style any hair type, Clarizio said.

“We service all kinds of clients,” she said, “from a variety of backgrounds.”

Clarizio’s specialty is finger nails of any kind. She is also an educator for

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Creative Nail Design who travels to hair shows and teaches classes on a variety of nail services, and has been cutting, coloring and styling hair for 23 years.

In 2011, Clarizio designed and painted acrylic nails for designer Jason Wu’s collection for New York Fashion Week.

The salon uses CND products for all nail services which include natural nail manicures, pedicures, acrylic and gel nail enhancements, Shellac and twinkle toes and fingers, along with nail art and nail makeovers for problem nails.

The stylists attend a lot of hair and nail shows to make sure they are upto-date on all the latest trends.

“We make sure everyone gets a great service for a reasonable price,” Clarizio said.

The salon also offers hair and eyelash extensions, color correction and updos for proms and weddings.

Head to Toes Salon is located at 813 Oak St. Suite 3.

The salon is open Monday through Saturday. Call 501-336-8001 to schedule an appointment.

SALON ELEVEN

1027 Front Street, Suite 1 (501) 205-8624

CUT ABOVE SALON 912 Chestnut Street (501) 327-1720

The four stylists at Cut Above Salon: Shawna Evans ( Owner & Stylist, Tonya Moix, Evon Collins and Peggy Bonds, want clients to come in and feel at home! ! Cut Above Salon is a family salon with a family atmosphere. Some clients have been using their services since childhood and now bring their own children in the salon.

Cut Above Salon stylists, with over 100 years of combined experience, work together to do what’s best for their clients because customer satisfaction and enjoyable experience is Cut Above Salon’s top priority. Women, men, children and walk-ins are welcome. The salon is open at 8 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday fro salon services from hair care to waxing and a full staff of color specialists.

Be more than a ten! Our stylists are owner Erica Wickliffe, DeShay Poe, Becca Lawson, Kacey Barton, Vicki Haile 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!

HEAD TO TOES SALON 813 Oak St., Suite 3 (501) 336-8001

Looking for a salon where clients have a luxurious experience without the high-end cost?

You’ll find that and more at Anne Clarizio’s Head to Toes Salon. It’s a modern, relaxed, upscale salon that appeals to all ages. The stylists have more than 60 years’ experience in the industry while staying on trend with changing fashions.

Head to Toes has a full menu of top quality hair and nail services including color correction and hair extensions; manicures, pedicures, shellac, gel and acrylic nails. You can mention this review and get a free eyebrow wax with your service valued over $25. Men, women and children will enjoy the upscale experience at Head to Toes salon where with or without an appointment, you’ll come in as a client but you’ll be treated as a friend!

STUDIO SKIN 1016 Oak Street (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.

ADRIENNE’S ULTIMATE U SALON THE SHOP

1050 BOB COURTWAY DRIVE, SUITE 101 (501) 327-7712

From the moment you interact with the staff, you’ll feel the love at The Shop. Equipped with six professional stylists: Yolanda Hickman, Latrice Flakes, Amber Henderson, Ramissa Delph, Anisha Dell, and Chandra Tidwell, are always prepared to meet hair care needs of women, men and children, including eyelashes. The Shop provides an atmosphere that encourages positivity amongst not only the stylists but also the clients. Staff at The Shop desires its clients to feel blessed to be involved in the business, know their importance, feel love, and know that their very existence matters. Mention this ad for 10% off services. Walk-ins are welcome or call for an appointment.

SHERI’S SALON

Chrissa Smith 1100 Main Street, Suite 8 (501) 472-4553

Sheri’s Salon, owned by Sheri Lowry, is a quaint little shop located in Downtown Conway near the post office and Regions Bank. The salon is perfect for women, men and children. It’s a great place for haircuts for the family, as well as perms, color, highlights and specialty styles and updos.

We strive to make our clients feel comfortable, relaxed and beautiful. Chrissa Smith is formerly from Jo-La-Ru and went to work in Greenbrier.

Now Chrissa is back in Conway. Sheri and Chrissa have worked together for more than 13 years.

Chrissa brings 24 years’ experience to the salon.

Call Chrissa for an appointment today.

809 Court St., Conway, 501-450-9100 1002 West 37th, North Little Rock, (501) 812-4822

Customer satisfaction is the number one priority at Adrienne’s Ultimate U Salon! Clients look better and feel better after a professional salon experience where stylists are personable and have more than 20 years’ experiencing servicing clients. Adrienne’s Ultimate U Salon staff in Conway: Polletta Johnson, Carol Black, Antonia Byrd and Shaun Ruth, plus Gina Porter and Ariel Pitts in NLR strive to give their clients the ultimate salon experience they deserve. The Ultimate U Salon opens early to accommodate clients’ schedules because meeting clients’ needs is Adrienne Tolbert and her staff’s top priority. Women and children are welcome to experience the best in hair care and other special services like eyelashes and eyebrow arches. College and senior discounts are available.

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BEAUTY

Achieving that ‘fresh face’ for your special day

H

ave you ever desired to have that ivory, dew-kissed face? There are several options to choose from to attain just that! First and foremost, we all need proper rest and limit to sun exposure for our skin to have that healthy look.

Secondly, we must hydrate our skin from the inside out by drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day for the radiant glow we all want.

Next, using the right skin care products for our age and skin conditions is key.

But… What if this is not enough?

Treatments like facials, chemical peels and microdermabrasion can help. Newer technology such as the Hydrafacial and Rejuvapen can also step up your game in the fight against aging.

So… What do you need to do and when?

At Conway Women’s Med Spa, we offer free consultations to tailor your skin care plan for your specific needs.

We recommend starting to think about your skin the moment you decide to set that special date. Some skin conditions need more than one treatment, while others just need a little refreshing. Let’s dive deeper into the options listed above, so you can decide which of them might be suited for your needs.

Skin care products: Theraderm Clinical Skin Care provides simple solutions to complex problems by creating products that effectively restore youthful-looking

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skin. Their policy is that every one of their products must outperform any other product in its class and have its own unique function in the skinrestoration process before receiving their Therapon name.

Revision Skincare, a leading provider of advanced skincare products for physicians just recently announced that their Intellishade® Original has won the 2013 NewBeauty® Beauty Choice award. This product provides daily anti-aging moisture, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, provides broad-spectrum protection and fights photodamage that causes premature aging.

Treatment options: • Facials can provide stimulation of blood flow to the skin while deep cleaning pores and hydrating our face.

• Chemical peels range from light flaking to deeper sloughing for reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and large pores, as well as stubborn skin conditions like deep folds/wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and acne scarring.

• Microdermabrasion works on all skin types and colors. It makes subtle changes like polishing the upper “dead” skin layers, causing no skin color change or scarring.

• Hydrafacial removes surface damage and replenishes the skin with antioxidants — the most natural defense against

free radical damage. Their Vortex Fusion®, the most advanced way to apply nutrients to restore healthy skin, spirals vitamins A and E, as well as plant extracts like white tea, rosemary and horse chestnut seed to protect skin from damage.

• Rejuvapen Fractional Collagen Induction Therapy System™ uses precise micro-needling to tighten, firm and rejuvenate skin while also reducing the appearance of wrinkles, refining pores, improving the appearance of stretch marks, scars, including acne scarring while improving the overall condition of the skin.

Call Conway Women’s Med Spa now to schedule your free “Fresh Face” consultation!

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DESIGN

Make it special with thoughtful gifts

By Allison Reed

R

aise your hand if you want a wedding do-over! With all the fabulous resources these days, brides have tons of ideas at their fingertips to plan the perfect wedding. When I got married, I had to carry a dog-eared copy of “Martha Stewart Weddings” around with me everywhere I went. Uphill. In the snow... of course, my memory might be faulty... I loved my wedding, I really did, but things just seem to be cooler now!

I’d keep my groom, but I’d love the chance to plan a whole new wedding — there are lots of things I’d do differently. (This is also true about baby gear, but I am totally not interested in a do-over in that department, thankyouverymuch.)

One major trend with brides these days is to let your personality shine through on your big day — no more cookie cutter, pastel, nuts and mints affairs — brides are incorporating their hobbies, careers and (gasp) their fiance’s wishes into their weddings.

The music is more fun, the cakes are more specific and most likely there will be some clever touches that really show what is important to the couple.

The results are warm, fun events that leave you feeling like you actually celebrated a union, instead of completing a boring chore.

This individuality is also carrying over into the couple’s gift registry. Lots of brides and grooms already live on their own, so they have some basics.

(I mean, you’re not going to wait until you get married to buy forks and spoons — those can’t really wait.) So why not register for something out of the ordinary? More and more, couples are registering for things they will actually use instead of what’s traditional — less tea services and more board games.

Lots of people wanting to celebrate a bride and groom are even planning themed showers — Christmas showers for holiday décor, honey-do showers for tools and yard equipment and even stock-the-pantry showers, to help couples start their married life fully stocked on necessities.

When we were engaged, my hubby was lucky

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enough to be the guest of honor for a few showers in his honor, and he had as much fun registering for gifts as I did (maybe more fun than I did, when they gave him the registry scanner that looks like a video game controller.)

When choosing a gift for a couple, consider their lifestyle. Razorback fans? How about coolers and tailgating equipment? Do they like to cook? Consider some fun and funky serve and bakeware. One of our favorite gifts was a colander and the ingredients for spaghetti — the perfect gift for two broke college students! Also, most couples are anxious to make their house feel more homey, and with all the wedding pictures they’re sure to order, a funky picture frame is always welcome.

Another option to consider when choosing a

shower gift is experiences — a gift card to the movies or the couple’s favorite restaurant is a luxury for most couples just starting out in life.

There are less rules than ever regarding weddings and showers. (Except thank-you notes. That rule isn’t going anywhere!)

So, find out what a couple might really use and want — make it special. Of the household items that have survived 15 years of wedded bliss, I have some lovely things in my home that were wedding gifts — and I can look at those things and remember the person who gave it to us. That always makes me think back fondly to our wedding and to the wonderful time we had planning and celebrating it, even if I would have a completely different wedding if I had a second chance!

What’s Your style?

PLACESETTINGS FROM

THE KITCHEN

STORE & MORE

“Wedding registry is the perfect time to choose the ‘look’ for your table.

Trending now are white dishes that lend themselves to a variety of tablescapes.”

—Jeanne Smyers, owner at The Kitchen Store & More.

Sorrento by Signature

Lastra by Vietri

Berry and Tread by Juliska

Meridian by Casafina

Incanto by Vietri

White by Fiestaware

Sophie Coran by Portmeirion

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COMMUNITY

Jeans & Bling set for March 7

So you want to make a donation to a local charitable organization? That’s great. But maybe you’re new in town (or just new to the idea of disposable income) and don’t know where to start.

That’s understandable. There are a lot of options because there’s a lot of need and, sadly, sometimes it’s hard to tell where your money’s going to ultimately end up. Happily, though, there’s a diverse group of citizens who make it their job to see that locally donated money does the most possible good.

The United Way of Central Arkansas (UWCA) is having its major yearly fundraiser on Friday, March 7, at the Conway Country Club. It’s a charitable dinner and dance with silent and live auctions, and it’s going to largely decide whether UWCA meets its donation goal this year.

Maret Cahill, executive director of UWCA, said that the “Jeans and Bling” fundraiser is meant to be more casual and relaxed than some other fundraisers, with blue jeans and boots encouraged along with jewelry “bling.” UWCA has currently raised about $454,000. Its goal for this year’s giving cycle is $650,000.

The United Way of Central Arkansas currently funds 19 local agencies, which encompass 35 charitable programs or organizations. The United Way board of directors, composed of 21 members representing a broad cross-section of the community, actually visits the organizations receiving money donated to the United Way and “ask the tough questions,” Cahill said. UWCA also looks at charitable organizations’ tax records and audits, and there’s a stringent grant process for an organization applying for money donated to United Way.

Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers donated this beautiful 1.0CT total weight diamond pendant with interlocking circle designs for this year’s Jeans and Bling live auction. The necklace is in 14K white gold and on a 14K white gold cable chain.

When you give to the United Way, you can trust that the board knows where it needs to go and how to get it there. A big part of what they do is helping organizations apply for federal and state matching grants. Some organizations can take one dollar and turn it into four, Cahill said, depending on what matching grants are available. Others can double their money.

Generally, Cahill said, “any dollar you give to United Way triples.”

Tickets to “Jeans and Bling” are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. A table of 10 can be reserved for $1,000, and the buyer of the table is considered one of the event’s sponsors with their or their company’s name added to the night’s program and posters.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and goes to 11. The auctions feature a watercolor from local artist Sheila Parsons, a Riverfest VIP package, jewelry from Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers, local private parties and box seats for six at a University of Central Arkansas 66 WOMEN’S INC. / MARCH 2014

football game with food and drinks.

For a ticket or to become a sponsor, visit unitedwayofcentralark.org, call the UWCA office at 501-327-5087 or drop by the UWCA office at 1120 Oak St. Funded UWCA Partner Agencies for 20132014 are: American Red Cross of Faulkner County, Bethlehem House, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas, Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner County, Children’s Advocacy Alliance, City of Hope Outreach, Community Action Program for Central Arkansas, Community Connections, Conway Cradle Care, Conway Interfaith Clinic, Faulkner County Council on Aging, Faulkner County Day School, Faulkner County Council on Developmental Disabilities, Girl Scouts Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas Faulkner County Chapter, Glenhaven Youth Ranch, HAVEN House, Step by Step Center for Exceptional Children in Perry County, and Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas.