Winc. May 2014

WOMENSINC.NET

WINC. M AY 2 0 1 4

Celebrating 10 years

INSIDE:

TASTE OF HOME INFO AND RECIPES

ANGIE HOWARD IS ALWAYS ON THE GO But family always comes first

“

I pray every day that God helps me to make those days and years really count because they are a gift He has so graciously given to me.

”

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WINC. Celebrating 10 years

Publisher Zach Ahrens 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 Courtney Spradlin 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 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 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. / MAY 2014

FROM THE EDITOR Lori Quinn

Celebrating mothers

Angie Howard, mother extraordinaire, really can do it all. She is a wife, mother of five (ages newborn to 10), works three jobs (one full time and two part time), homeschools her children, has recently mastered cooking 30 days of meals in a weekend and maintains organization in her calm household. Yes, I said calm. And I said organization. Her kids are extremely well behaved and her house is in order. We are so happy this month to honor Angie in our Mother’s Day edition of WINC. Read more in our cover story on page 7.

Donna Clawson is a wife, mother and grandmother and has recently turned an old camper into a fun area for her family, especially her grandchildren to enjoy. In her words, they “glamped” up the camper, making it kid-friendly and decorating with flea market items. They plan to have their first campout in the back yard before they venture on the road. Camp Clawson, and the camper named “Journey of Faith,” is a way for Donna to show the importance of love and family to her grandkids.

Finally this month, Brittney Williamson’s home in Greenbrier is a home full of love and memories. Brittney has a unique way of decorating her new home with old and repurposed items. She has collected items since she was 16 to include in her home. She has been especially careful to include family items in every room of her home. Brittney has décor from her great-grandmother and grandmother, including old barn wood from a family member’s barn applied to her ceiling, an antique bed that her father gave her mother early in their marriage and a green clothing chest from her great grandmother. This home is warm and friendly, and the attention to detail shows in every inch of this home.

WINC is especially excited to be a sponsor again of this year’s Taste of Home Cooking School. The cooking school will be Saturday, April 26 at Reynolds Performance Hall.

Bringing this event to Conway will allow more than 1,000 people to see live cooking demonstrations from culinary specialists, get at-home cooking tips and go home with some fabulous new recipes. There are approximately 300 Taste of Home cooking events across the country each year.

Happy Mother’s Day! Until Next Month,

contents

6 10 gift ideas for mom

cover story

Making time for what really counts

happy campers

Donna Clawson celebrates her successful family

creative items from The Kitchen Store and More

12 18 store with style

there’s more to our ACE Hardware than just nuts and bolts

16 local beauty

24 Taste of Home

40 homes

48 top ten

50 food

58 community

feel the love at The Shop

Williamson home all about making memories

death by chocolate mousse, glazed ham & mac ‘n cheese

recipes and information on the upcoming event

must-have kitchen gadgets

what’s new at Toad Suck Daze

columns 46 accents

55 book review

56 health

57 spirituality

front-door appeal makes an impression

by Jessica Zimmerman

Honey and your health

by Dr. Patricia Knott

“Left Neglected”

by Lisa Genova review by Susan O’Keefe

The beauty of adoption

by Andrea Lennon

EVENTS: Soaring Wings Gal Corral, 53; In Her Honor Health Fair, 54.

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COVER STORY

The Howard Family: Angie, Giuliana, Grant, Tim, Barrett, Lydia and Anderson.

When does she sleep?

Angie Howard, mother of five, has priorities in check

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain A wife and homeschooling mother of five with one full- and at least two part-time jobs, Angie Howard has a knack for making it look easy. Despite her jampacked schedule, Angie rarely seems frazzled. On the contrary, she makes time for friends and family and is always willing to share her hard-won knowledge with other moms.

Her children include Barrett, 10, Anderson, 7, Lydia, 4, Grant, 20 months, and Giuliana, who is a newborn. Angie, ironically an only child, has been the recycling coordinator for both the City of Conway and the Faulkner County Solid Waste Management District for 12 years. Her husband, Tim, is a telecommuting software engineer for Information Builders, Inc. In her “day job” role, Angie serves as recycling coordinator for the city and county, assisting in writing grants to fund the recycling program and handling education/public relation activities relating to the program. “I love working in the public service industry. Whether it be writing a grant or reporting for a piece of equipment such as a CNG (natural gas powered) recycling truck or speaking at an elementary school assembly about the importance of recycling, I know what I do each day through my career makes a difference in our community and for our environment,” she explained. Currently, she is working on a county-wide recycling bin decorating contest for Toad Suck Daze that will allow school groups to adopt and embellish a recycle can.

So, how does one with so many responsibilities make it through the day? Angie provided a glimpse into a “typical” day at the Howards:

A ‘typical’ day Understandably, the daily routine will vary based on work and activities. Generally, Angie wakes with Giuliana about an hour before the older children.

During this time, she feeds the baby and prepares herself for the daily grind. “I am a night owl rather than a morning person, so I love to have a little time just to watch “The Today Show.” This allows me to acclimate to waking up before my troops get out of bed and are on the move for the rest of the day!” she shared.

The family has breakfast together, and the two oldest begin their homeschool routine at 9 a.m.

“They have video teachers, so they start their respective lessons on their laptops while I get the little ones coloring or playing with toys and put the baby down for nap. This allows me time to check emails for work and make any necessary phone calls,” Angie explained. Tim and Angie incorporated a dedicated study loft into their house plans, in an effort to design for their years of homeschooling to come.

School for her first and fourth grader lasts until lunch, with requisite snack and recess breaks. During this time, her younger children play, watch “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” episodes (“I can quote about 50

Angie and Tim look at the “Bible Storybook” they read to their children each night. The book was Angie’s as a child and it is full of illustrations of Bible characters.

of them by heart at this point!”) and chase the family dog. During these morning hours, Angie takes the opportunity to tackle work projects, typically with the baby on her lap or asleep nearby.

Lunchtime consists of errands. “Either I make bento box lunches for kids to take on-the-go, or, for a treat, we will get lunch somewhere, and every day I get my mandatory caffeinated Diet Coke.”

Post-lunchtime, the school-aged children complete their lessons via computer, as the younger children play. Angie also dedicates reading time for the younger children during these hours, until their 2 p.m. nap.

As her oldest complete their daily lessons, they are allowed to read Kindle books or play an hour’s worth of educational apps, while Angie makes any necessary work phone calls.

In the late afternoon, Angie spends about 30-45 minutes with each of her oldest, reviewing their daily work and doing oral reading with her first grader.

This is the completion of their respective school days and naptimes, which means it is time for extracurricular activities. Two or three days per week, this consists of ballet, art and/or Taekwondo.

“We always make a point to have dinner together at the table as a family. There are exceptions where it’s just not possible, but nearly each night we sit down together, eat and visit,” shared Angie. After dinner, the kids play until time for family devotional.

“We all gather in the living room around 8:30 p.m. and read from the ‘Bible Storybook’ my parents read to me each night growing up. The stories are about 10 minutes, and then each child who is able prays aloud, and either Tim or I will pray.”

The Howards implemented their nightly devotion about four years ago and say, “It is our favorite time of the entire day and honestly, necessary for us. There are days where the kids are just ‘off,’ arguing amongst each other, maybe not motivated for school that day, or it seems they’ve spent more time in time out than out of time out. Those are the days where, as a par-

ent, you are just worn out from trying to discipline consistently and feel like nothing is sinking in with your kids. It has been refreshing to hear them pray and hear their hearts asking God to help them act better tomorrow and forgive them where they messed up; they will pray for help for their siblings as well,” shared Angie.

Around 9 p.m., the children go to bed. At that time, Tim and Angie enjoy much-needed downtime.

“We watch TV, visit and fire our laptops back up to get caught up on work.” Angie also works on creating ornaments for her Etsy shop when needed. She also uses her evenings to prepare for the next day, when it all begins again. “I organize school work and prep breakfast for the morning. If they are going to a school enrichment program the next day, I lay out backpacks and snacks to make things as efficient as possible. Normally, I am up well past midnight on weeknights,” she shared.

On homeschooling Tim and Angie made the decision to homeschool when their oldest was in first grade, using the Abeka curriculum. “We knew the curriculum we chose was sound and familiar, as it was the same one used at his former school. We just wanted to make certain that he would have the opportunity to also enjoy the social aspects of learning. Thankfully, many of our friends have chosen to homeschool their children as well, so we already had a good network of families and kids to provide adequate socialization opportunities,” Angie explained.

The Howards host school parties at their home for fellow homeschooling friends, where they join to celebrate holidays during the school year. “We have been given so much encouragement by our homeschool parenting peers and strive to reciprocate by being an encouragement back to them as well,” said Angie.

They also have family memberships to the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre program and the Little WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 7

Angie prepared meals for more than 30 days to keep in the freezer before they had their last child a couple of weeks ago.

great deal on my meals, which averaged around five or six dollars per dinner.”

Angie used the following website for recipes and meal planning: www.theshabbycreekcottage. com/2013/10/freezer-meals. “While the heading claims you can make 30 of these meals in one afternoon, in reality, it will take you a solid 10-15 hours of work in the kitchen,” shared Angie of her experience. She chose to spread the process over two days: one for shopping, organizing and prepping ingredients; and one for assembling and labeling the meals.

• Vacation and packing: The Howards enjoy traveling as often as possible, which is incidentally conducive to homeschooling. Angie helps make vacation packing stress-free by organizing a Ziploc bag for each child, each day of the trip. She labels each bag with the child’s name and the day of the week.

“With everything in that bag they will need to get ready for the day; they know on vacation they get their bag from their drawer, shower and then come out dressed ready to go. This keeps me, as mom, from piling through seven different suitcases looking for the missing match to a sock!”

• House cleaning: Tim and Angie work to instill a sense of responsibility in their children. Part of that is requiring them to complete age-appropriate chores.

“Recently, we have taken that a step further with a ‘Work for Hire’ board of chore tickets. If they choose to go above and beyond their own personal chores and take a ‘Work for Hire’ chore off the board, they are able to earn the dollar bill clipped behind it,” shared Angie. Incidentally, the children do not earn pay for their required, personal chores as those are considered part of being a family. ‘Work for Hire’ examples include sweeping the back porch, cleaning the floors downstairs, dusting the dining room table and cleaning the kitchen countertops, among others.

Carving out special time

Angie with her daughters, Lydia and baby Giuliana.

Rock Zoo, which allows them to take advantage of field trip opportunities. “When we built our home last year, we did so keeping in mind our homeschooling lifestyle. We have a playground filling our secondfloor bonus area, where the kids have a twisty slide, a third-story fort, a rock climbing wall and a built-in cottage area to use when the weather is not conducive to playing outside for recess,” added Angie.

“We are fortunate here in our area, as there are wonderful public schools and private schools, as well as an active homeschool community. Homeschooling is the option that fits our family dynamic and suits our children very well. It’s a decision that we made and have never regretted,” she said. The Howards have homeschooled for four years and plan to continue this style of learning for their children.

Another advantage is the additional time Angie spends with her children; she appreciates knowing what they are learning. “By being there alongside them as they do their lessons and listening to their teachers instruct them as I facilitate their school day, I see their strengths as well as any weaknesses in subjects. So it’s easy to address any areas that need extra attention and push them to dig deeper into lessons 8 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

where they naturally excel,” shared Angie. She also explains that homeschooling has strengthened the bond between her children, through allowing them to learn and play together.

Organized chaos If simply reading about a day in the Howard household exhausts you, you are not alone. Admittedly, it takes great patience and planning to make their schedule tick. “Organization is absolute key to my sanity. Thankfully, I am naturally one to favor order and preparation, because with five kids, 10 years old and younger, I really need to stay ahead of the game!”

Following are a few of the ways, organizationally, Angie makes it all work: • Meal time: Angie plans and prepares to feed her large family by making freeze-ahead casseroles.

“Before we had our baby, I made 39 that will each feed our family for two nights, so I have a freezer full of two-to-three months’ worth of dinners,” shares Angie. She said the process, which has worked beautifully for her family, took about two and a half days to complete. “I planned ahead, purchasing my ingredients, clipping coupons and watching sale ads to get a

Where the children are concerned, Angie loves hosting parties, and with five children, someone is always having a birthday. “I love to look from Pinterest, and several party blogs (www.karaspartyideas.com is a favorite) to get ideas for fun ways to celebrate holidays and milestones. Many of the ideas I have found and used are simple and require the slimmest margin of planning. For example, my kids love when the leprechaun turns our milk green and lays out gold coins (Rolo candies) and Lucky Charms for breakfast on St. Patrick’s Day,” enthused Angie.

She also strives to find a meaningful theme for her children’s birthday festivities. “When my toddler turned one, we had a Jell-O Pudding Pop party, because we all call him our ‘Puddin’ Pop.’ We had pudding galore, even in the form of pudding finger paint he made wonderful, sticky masterpieces with!”

Angie maintains a calendar and makes special plans one month in advance, to make sure she has supplies on hand.

Specific to Tim and Angie’s relationship, she said, “Without time to recharge and reconnect as husband and wife, I don’t know if we could hold up at the pace we run!”

The couple makes time for weekly dates. “They are not always traditional dates in the form of getting dressed up and going to a nice restaurant, though we do make attempts at that whenever possible. At a minimum, we reserve one weekend night for a Netf-

Angie has an Etsy shop for her business, Four by Bay, where she sculpts and paints custom Christmas ornaments from photos of homes that customers send her.

lix movie date on the couch after the kids are asleep, occasionally with takeout. One at-home date we love are ‘Lobster Grams.’ This is a company in Maine that will ship live lobster and all the trimmings needed to cook your own fresh lobster feast. (www.lobstergram. com).

One Christmas, Angie gave Tim a basket of 12 large envelopes, each containing a pre-planned date night for each month of the year. “Some were simple, like a gift certificate for $20 to Target for a new Bluray, along with a package of microwave popcorn,” shared Angie. Others were more elaborate, such as tickets to The Rep in Little Rock and a dinner at Wiederkehr’s Weinkeller Restaurant.

“Bottom line, we have to make time to date each other; it’s a concerted effort we put forth as a couple. I don’t mean that statement in a negative context at all, just that we have to work at carving out time with how busy we are and the fact sometimes we get so tired, it’s easy to fall asleep on the couch rather than stay up, visit and watch a movie together,” added Angie. The Howards believe date nights not only help strengthen their relationship, they also provide

When the Howard family of seven prepares for a vacation, Angie labels Zip-loc bags with complete outfits for each child for each day while they are traveling.

the kids with a good example.

Wait, there’s more!

In addition to her role of recycling coordinator for the city and county, Angie sculpts and paints custom Christmas ornaments of homes, churches, businesses and virtually any location her clients need. “Often I make ornaments of the church where a couple married for a special anniversary gift or a new home for a housewarming gift. I have made countless homes for families who are moving from a house they have lived in for years and want a special way to capture and display the memory of their former home,” explained Angie. She recognized her knack for scale and perspective accuracy when she made her first ornament — a replica of their new home for Tim. “He loved it.

I showed the ornament to several friends and started getting requests to make replica ornaments for them as well,” she said.

Soon thereafter, she opened her Etsy shop for business, and it has taken off. A year and a half later, she has completed 165 online orders and more than 50 local orders. To visit Angie’s store, see: www.etsy.

com/shop/FourbyBay or her Facebook page at www. facebook.com/FourbyBay. The ornaments are sculpted from oven-baked polymer clay and are painted with acrylic paint. “I have sent replica ornaments all over the United States, as well as a handful of international orders including Aruba, Canada, and one home I made a replica of was located in the Alps!”

Angie has also started a personal blog at www.bugsandbuttercups.com. She refers to it as a “Mom Blog” and posts family-friendly recipes, a monthly calendar with easy suggestions for celebrating special days and holidays, as well as other tips for busy households.

In the end, Angie has claimed Luke 12:48 as her verse: “‘...for unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required...’” I see this as a terrific reminder that God has entrusted me with caring for these precious children, and in doing so, He requires the best effort of me in the role of being their mother.

I know each day that passes is one we cannot get back, and the years with our kids being little fly by in a flash. So, I pray every day that God helps me to make those days and years really count because they are a gift He has so graciously given to me.”

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What’s Her style?

Gift Ideas for Mom from The Kitchen Store and More

“Mother’s Day means so many different things to each of us throughout our lives. I remember my first Mother’s Day when Mike brought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. And I can remember the Mother’s Day after my mom passed away – missing her but taking satisfaction in a life well lived. The things that meant the most over the years are the gifts that had a personal touch. May you have many blessings this Mother’s Day.” —Jeanne Smyers, owner at The Kitchen Store and More.

10 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

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Happy campers Donna Clawson celebrates successful family life

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain Donna Clawson and her husband, Judge Charles “Ed” Clawson, live on five acres at the edge of Conway with their three rescue dogs.

The Clawsons, both Conway natives, began dating when Donna was 15 and Ed was 16. They have three sons. The oldest son is Chuck, assistant city attorney for Conway (who will be running for city attorney). Their middle son, Spencer, recently appeared on “Big Brother 15.” He lives in Conway and restores homes. “He has a real talent for it and lots of patience,” Donna said. Their youngest, Grant, is a pharmaceutical representative and is married to Jessica.

Donna taught school for 29 years. However, she took off a few of those years when her boys were young. Just before retiring from teaching, she went back to school and earned her mediation certificate. She performed mediation work on nights and weekends while teaching. In fact, she still facilitates mediation, and said, “I mostly work with families, which I enjoy. If you can get people to sit down and talk, it is always best. Teaching certainly helped with mediation; I did it as a teacher every day and didn’t even know it!”

Retirement coincided with the first grandchild.

“The sun rises and sets with the first grandchild.

We rocked along with one for a while. It’s the best thing; you love them like your own, but you can completely spoil them. It’s up to the parents to give them green beans,” Donna laughed.

She and Ed now have three grandchildren.

Chuck’s children include Case, 5, and Sam, 19 months. Grant and Jessica’s daughter, Emory, is also 19 months. “It is great being parents to your own children. When those children make you grandparents, there is nothing better than that.

My boys are great, but we all still have that need for nurturing, so it is wonderful to have a baby in my lap again!” Donna added their family is extremely close and affectionate.

The Clawsons’ home is “Kid Central.”

“Every inch of our house is devoted to the kids,” stated Donna. Each grandchild has their own personalized chair in the living room. Toy baskets abound, and family photos can be seen throughout the home. Donna is also grateful for her proximity to the children, especially the grandchildren. “There is nothing better than being able to pick them up any time I want to; it is such a blessing.”

She and Ed also host a family lunch each 12 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

Donna Clawson with her grandchildren, Emory, Sam and Case.

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Sunday. “My family is really close. Ed’s family had Clawson’s Truck Stop, and my parents also lived here, so every Sunday we either ate at the truck stop café or with my mother and daddy. We still do that; the kids come here every Sunday, and we eat. That way they get to see each other at least once a week. It is a nice touch point,” she said.

A few years ago, Donna decided to do something significant for the grandkids. The Clawsons debated several options, such as building a tree house or adding a play house to the property. Around that time, Donna came across an online group known as Sisters on the Fly. “They are all women who get campers, fix them up and go different places to camp. Sometimes you take your grandkids, sometimes your husband and sometimes it’s just women,” she said. The group is comprised of 5,000 women from all over the United States and Canada.

“I decided to buy a camper, ‘glamped’ it up, and ‘Camp Clawson’ was born.” She found a 1982 camper on Craigslist and went to work. “I wanted it to be kid-friendly, so much of the décor has come from the dollar store and the flea market. I am going to add a little chandelier for Emory eventually,” Donna said.

They purchased the camper in November, and they hope it makes its maiden voyage in the coming weeks.

“We plan to start with our first campout in the yard with Case in the next few weeks. We want to make S’mores and just have fun!”

They plan for their excursions to grow as they acclimate to the camper and as the grandchildren grow.

“I have visions of going to Toad Suck and Woolly Hollow this summer, so the parents can bring the

14 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

Donna has decorated the inside of her camper to make if fun for her grandchildren with custom curtains and fun, bright colors throughout.

kids out for hot dogs and fun,” said Donna. She and Ed hope to eventually journey to their South Arkansas deer camp. “We can adapt the camper for the kids easily, and we can’t wait to take them along. We just have a ball with them, being ‘Pop’ and ‘Gigi!’”

Currently, the camper can be found in their sideyard, surrounded by interesting chairs and kitschy vintage items. A Camp Clawson sign sits just outside the camper door. The interior is decorated in orange and aqua, and owls are incorporated throughout.

Donna even made curtains with a woodland creature theme. All of the décor was chosen by the kids — “Chuck wanted blue, Jessica wanted turquoise, Case started the owls,” said Donna, who was happy to oblige.

She laughed, “I call her ‘Journey of Faith.’ Ed calls her ‘Money Pit.’ It is only going to get better as the kids get older — I can’t wait! It is a family thing; we love each other and are teaching the grandkids to be loving too. The camper is an extension of that.”

The Clawson family.

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LOCAL BEAUT Y SERVICES

Front: Ramissa Delph, Yolonda Hickman and Amber Henderson; back: Latrice Flakes, Anisha Adell and Chandra Tidwell.

16 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

Feel the love at The Shop The Shop was established in October of 2012 by four stylists who came together to continue a tradition of love and exceptional hair care in the Community Court shopping center off Oak Street.

The Shop had been operating for about 10 years as Nelson’s Nail and Hair Salon, when the owner told the stylists they had one week to find alternative employment as the nail and hair salon was expected to close.

“When we were told we had one week to find another place to work, we came together to take on ownership of the shop,” said stylist and coowner Yolonda Hickman.

The Shop was founded by Hickman and stylists Latrice Flakes, Amber Henderson and Ramissa Delph. All four co-owners are licensed professionals who work along stylists Anisha Adell and Chandra Tidwell.

When the stylists were on the phone with family or friends they always told them they were at “the shop.” Stylist and co-owner Amber Henderson said her mom suggested “The Shop” be the official name of the salon, and the name stuck.

From the moment you interact with the staff, you’ll feel the love at The Shop, Henderson said.

Equipped with six professional stylists, The Shop is always prepared to meet the hair care needs of women, men and children. Services include haircuts, colors, relaxers and hair weaving and braiding. As well as eyebrow waxing and false eyelashes.

The Shop provides an atmosphere that encourages positivity amongst not only the stylists, but also the clients, Hickman said.

The 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, Henderson said.

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 Adell, 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.

CUT ABOVE SALON

SALON ELEVEN

912 Chestnut Street (501) 327-1720

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

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!

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.

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 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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ACE Hardware of Conway has a great selection of kitchen and gift ideas.

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ACE Hardware: Not just nuts and bolts Photos by Brandy Strain Haynes ACE Hardware is much more than the typical hardware store.

You’ll find all the hardware needed for upkeep of the traditional home and landscape, but you’ll also find gifts, seasonal decorations and even kitchenware.

The store’s Fusion & Housewares department carries high-end cookware and popular kitchen gadgets.

The Fusion room, located center in the store, has trendy brands and even clothing and jewelry.

Mary Pollock, store manager, said her customers call the store “Conway’s best kept secret.”

From nail guns and plumbing to a bridal and gift registry service, there’s something for almost everyone at Haynes ACE Hardware.

Pollock said a recent trend at the store is the use of grooms’ registries.

She said guys are registering for Yeti Coolers, hoses, “anything they could possibly want to take care of home and yard.”

The store has just remodeled the paint department into The Paint Studio, said Pollock.

The studio, which offers color matching service, offers Ace brands and has added Clark & Kensington, which Pollock said has been rated as a top performer WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 19

The patio and garden area at Ace offers a variety of plants, pots, and dĂŠcor for your home and garden.

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in national publications.

The store carries Benjamin Moor brand paints, and stains from ACE, ZAR and Minwax.

What makes the store special, beyond the products and services offered, is trained staff who are on hand to help get a project started and who are equipped with the knowledge customers appreciate.

They’re able to offer guidance as customers approach projects in the DIY style, said Brian Porterfield, sales manager.

“ACE is the helpful place,” Porterfield said.

“We’re training our employees and constantly push them to be helpful. We pride ourselves on not only greeting a customer when they come in and pointing them to an aisle, but we go to the aisle with them and help with the project.”

Another unique aspect of the store, Pollock added, is that it is locally owned.

Owners are Todd and Leann Haynes. The couple also own ACE Haynes Home Center in Morrilton.

“A great feature is that we’re locally owned.

People may think we’re a big box store, but we’re not. Being locally owned and operated gives us the ability to be unique in what we offer,” Pollock said.

The store has a collegiate department featuring University of Central Arkansas Bears and University of Arkansas Razorbacks items.

Pollock said ACE has the market in UCA and Razorback tailgating equipment like tents, tables and chairs, and the store also has Bears and Razorback clothing and decor.

Other departments at Haynes ACE Hardware are electrical, lawn and garden, outdoor living, plumbing and tools.

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D esi g n

Feathering the nest

By Allison Reed

W

hen I was a sophomore in college, my poor roommate had a lot to deal with — not only was I loud and bossy, I might have been the only 19-year-old I’ve ever known that had their own ficus tree! I know I drove her crazy with the decorations in our room, since I wouldn’t let her use her bookcases for anything practical, and I spent hours arranging our picture frames just so, and she had nowhere to store her things. I’ve always had a need to “make my nest” everywhere I’ve stayed more than a few days. I just feel the need to be comfortable in my surroundings, and for me to be comfortable, I need to be able to look at pretty things.

My taste has changed dramatically over the years, and I no longer look for silk greenery as my source of beauty. But the concept is still something I stand by: Make your home a sanctuary, and you will always love being there.

Many people who come in my shop have the same complaint — they think their home is boring and want to bring more personality to it. A common myth is that you have to overhaul your whole home in order to give it a new life. Honestly, small changes can make a huge impact when it comes to decorating. Chances are, you already have some décor in your home that you love — family pictures, a special throw pillow you just had to have — you just need to build on the things you like by adding small touches of something new. Go find an inspiration piece that you already have, adding something new to go with it will give it new life.

Here are a few tips to help you get started: 1. Throw out the fear! It’s YOUR house — it only has to be right for you and your family. If you like it, then it’s not wrong. You just may have to find some supporting pieces to fit it into the space.

2. Get your family involved. If you have other people living in your home with you, then it stands

22 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

to reason that they need to feel comfortable in their home too. If they have an opinion, it should be heard and taken into consideration. My daughter is very particular about the decorations in her room, and I try to give her free reign to change them as she sees fit, within reason. Right now she has a wall of art that she, her friends and her brother have drawn. It’s her nest and that’s how she chooses to feather it — works for me!

3. “Nothing” is better than wrong! I received this peice of advice years ago from a friend who is a talented decorator and I’ll never forget it. Don’t just fill spaces with random things just because you have a blank wall. Be patient, and you’ll find the perfect piece for your space. Until then, a blank wall never killed anyone!

4. Cut out the clutter. I’ve found that scale is most people’s biggest challenge. It’s better to have three large things on a shelf with 11 tiny things. Go through your “sit abouts” and edit — keep only your favorite décor and you’ll never miss the other stuff — promise.

5. Alter something that “almost” fits. Once, when I was trying to revamp some bookshelves, I gathered up several picture frames and vases that were pretty shapes but boring colors, and spray painted them all red. Instant collection! I also spray painted my HIDEOUS dining room light fixture that I’d hated since we moved into our house. My logic was that I could not possibly make it uglier. It turned out fab and now I love it! A little bit of elbow grease (and a can of spray paint) can go a long way toward giving tired objects new life.

We all need to feel peaceful and re-energized when we are at home. My 19-year-old college student self knew that, even if I didn’t know why. And my sweet roommate was pretty patient about it. And the next year, when I transferred to the University of Arkansas, I hauled that ficus tree on a four-hour car ride to my new dorm. And thankfully, I had another long suffering roommate that understood that I just needed something pretty to look at.

Give the gift of green for Mother’s Day Mom may appreciate chocolate or flowers. But for children who want to offer her something a little more special — especially for their eco-conscious moms — there are a number of different gift options to make Mom’s big day as eco-friendly as it is enjoyable.

An eco-friendly gift for Mom is a gift that keeps on giving. When you jot down your gift idea list, think about adding these “green” gifts.

• Make a basket of gardening gear. Garden plants and supplies are perhaps the greenest gifts to give Mom. Plants are so plentiful and varied that there are bound to be ideal flowers or greenery for every mother’s tastes. Compile different gardening essentials, such as seeds or seedlings, organic soil mix, mulch, all-natural compost, and a few different planting containers. You can also include gardening gloves and ergonomic tools made of recycled materials. Finish the gift with the inclusion of a book that describes different garden designs and gives tips for beginners.

• Dine at a local restaurant. Many families take Mom out for a meal on her special day. To make the experience eco-friendly, select among restaurants that are close to home in the area. Explore the possibilities of restaurants that may serve foods made with local, organic ingredients. If you cannot find such a restaurant, do not worry, just choose a local establishment to conserve fuel.

• Pay for a car tune-up. Improving the gas mileage on Mom’s car is one gift that can be environmentally friendly. According to the United States Department of Energy, keeping a car in shape can help save money and improve fuel economy. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve Mom’s gas mileage by as much as 40 percent. Also, be sure to have her car tires properly inflated. She can be losing gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in all four tires. Getting an oil change with the recommended grade of motor oil is another gas mileage improvement measure.

• Purchase eco-friendly kitchen items. It may be a major faux pas to give Mom an appliance or a new vacuum for Mother’s Day. However, if your mother is an avid cook or baker, she may appreciate some new mixing bowls or utensils made from recycled materials. If Mom is the consummate entertainer, get her new glass tumblers and sipping straws made from recycled glass. They are perfect for serving cocktails and outdoor entertaining.

• Pamper mom with organic products. What mom doesn’t enjoy a little pampering from time to time?

You can treat your mother to a spa experience at home by assembling a basket full of organic shampoo, conditioner, massage oils, bath salts, and any other organic spa items you can find.

• Select organic fruits and flowers. Companies like www.organicbouquet.com can assemble a bouquet made from responsibly grown flowers or even a wreath for a wall or door. They also have food gifts, from organic fruits to nuts.

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Taste of Home Cooking School brings the taste of spring to Conway Specialist adds culinary kick to the season, sharing delicious recipes with local home cooks The perfect recipe for creating new memories with loved ones includes good friends, good conversation and, of course, great food. As home cooks across the country head back to the kitchen to cook up spring’s flavorful dishes, the Taste of Home Cooking School is preparing to share seasonal recipes that are certain to delight.

Taste of Home’s local culinary specialist Jamie Dunn will be at Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA campus on Saturday, April 26 at 6 p.m., to share home cooking tips and tricks while demonstrating step-by-step recipes for the season’s best dishes. This season’s event is brought to Conway in part by Women’s Inc. magazine and the Log Cabin Democrat.

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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 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.”

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.

Tickets are on sale now. Visit www.uca.edu/tickets or call 501-450-3265 to order now!

For more information, visit www.TasteofHome. com/Cooking-Schools.

Chicken Bacon Bites TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. + marinating Broil: 10 min.

MAKES: 8 servings Ingredients:

12 bacon strips, halved

10 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 24 cubes

1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained

1/2 cup orange marmalade

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root

Sweet-and-sour sauce, optional Directions: Place bacon on a broiler rack. Broil 4 in. from the heat for 1-2 minutes on each side or until partially cooked; cool.

Wrap a piece of bacon around a chicken cube and water chestnut slice; secure with a toothpick. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the marmalade, soy sauce, garlic and ginger. Add wrapped chicken; seal and carefully turn to coat. Refrigerate for 2 hours.

Drain and discard marinade. Broil chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side or chicken is no longer pink and bacon is crisp. Serve warm with sweet-and-sour sauce if desired.

Yield: 2 dozen.

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Mexican Chicken Soup with Jalapeno Dumplings TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. Cook: 40 min.

MAKES: 6 servings Ingredients:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into

1-inch cubes

2 teaspoons olive oil, divided

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tablespoon chili powder

5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 can (15-1/2 ounces) petite diced tomatoes,

undrained

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

2 cups frozen corn

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

1 cup reduced-fat biscuit/baking mix

1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/3 cup fat-free milk Directions: In a Dutch oven, saute chicken in 1 teaspoon oil until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm.

In the same pan, saute onion and chili powder in remaining oil until onion is tender. Add the broth, tomatoes, beans, corn and jalapeno. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in reserved chicken.

In a small bowl, combine the biscuit mix, cilantro and cumin.

Stir in milk just until moistened. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto simmering soup. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in a dumpling comes out clean (do not lift the cover while simmering). Yield: 6 servings (2-1/4 quarts plus 12 dumplings).

EDITOR’S NOTE: Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

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Baked Ham with Honey-Chipotle Glaze TOTAL TIME: Prep: 10 min. Bake: 2 hours + standing MAKES: 16 servings Ingredients:

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8 to

10 pounds)

2-1/4 cups ginger ale

1 cup packed brown sugar

3 tablespoons honey

4-1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar

4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce,

minced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin Directions: Preheat oven to 325째. Place ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham, making diamond shapes 1/2 in. deep. Bake, uncovered, 1-1/2 hours.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine ginger ale, brown sugar, honey and vinegar.

Bring to a boil; cook until glaze is reduced by half, about 15 minutes. Reduce heat. Stir in remaining ingredients; cook 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Set aside 1 cup for sauce.

Baste ham with some of the remaining glaze. Bake 30 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 140째, basting twice with additional glaze. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with reserved sauce.

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30 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

Balsamic Pork Scallopine TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Cook: 30 min.

MAKES: 12 servings Ingredients:

3 pounds pork sirloin cutlets

1-1/2 cups King Arthur Unbleached

All-Purpose Flour

1/2 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet

red peppers

6 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium

chicken broth

1/2 cup minced fresh basil or 2 tablespoons dried basil 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 1/2 teaspoon pepper NOODLES: 1 package (16 ounces) egg noodles 1/2 cup half-and-half cream 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese 1/4 cup butter, cubed 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions: Preheat oven to 325째. Place ham on a rack in

a shallow roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham, making diamond shapes 1/2 in. deep. Bake, uncovered, 1-1/2 hours.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine ginger ale, brown sugar, honey and vinegar. Bring to a boil; cook until glaze is reduced by half, about 15 minutes. Reduce heat. Stir in remaining ingredients; cook 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Set aside 1 cup for sauce.

Baste ham with some of the remaining glaze.

Bake 30 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 140째, basting twice with additional glaze.

Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with reserved sauce.

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32 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

Berry Patch Pie TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. + cooling MAKES: 8 servings Ingredients:

Pastry for single-crust pie (9 inches)

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

2 cups halved fresh strawberries

1-1/2 cups fresh raspberries

1 cup fresh blackberries

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions: On a lightly floured surface, unroll pastry. Transfer to a 9-in. pie plate. Trim pastry to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate; flute edges. Line unpricked pastry with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 450째 for 8 minutes. Remove foil; bake 5-7 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in berries and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, over medium heat until mixture just comes to a boil; pour into prepared crust. Cool completely on a wire rack.

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34 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

Chocolate Fruit Basket Cake TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 25 min. +

cooling MAKES: 12 servings Ingredients:

1 package chocolate cake mix

(regular size)

1 can (16 ounces) chocolate frosting

11 Kit Kat candy bars

(1-1/2 ounces each)

2 pounds fresh strawberries

1 pint fresh blueberries

1 pint fresh raspberries 2 tablespoons apricot preserves, warmed Fresh mint leaves, optional

Directions: Prepare and bake cake according to package directions, using two greased 9-in. round baking pans.

Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Spread frosting between layers and over top and

sides of cake. Separate candy bars; lightly press into sides of cake. Arrange berries on top; brush with preserves.

Garnish with mint if desired.

How-To: To keep the cake stand clean while frosting, line the edge with 3-in. strips of waxed paper.

Center the first cake layer over the strips. When finished frosting, carefully remove strips one piece at a time.

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38 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

Pina Colada Slush TOTAL TIME: Prep: 10 min. + freezing MAKES: 12 servings Ingredients:

3 cans (6 ounces each) unsweetened

pineapple juice

2 cups water

1 can (10 ounces) frozen non-alcoholic

pina colada mix

1 tablespoon lime juice

3-1/2 teaspoons Crystal Light lemonade drink mix 6 cups lemon-lime soda, chilled

Directions: In a large bowl, combine the pineapple juice, water, pina colada mix, lime juice and soft drink mix; stir until drink mix is dissolved. Transfer to a 2-qt. freezer container. Freeze for 6 hours or

overnight.

Remove from the freezer 45 minutes before serving.

For each serving, combine 1/2 cup slush mixture with 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda. Yield: 12 servings (3 quarts).

EDITOR’S NOTE: This recipe was tested with Crystal Light lemonade soft drink mix.

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Brittney Williamson of Greenbrier has decorated her new home with a mixture of family pieces and antiques she has collected since she was 16 years old, providing an

40 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

WILLIAMSON HOME

Making memories DECOR IN GREENBRIER HOME COMES WITH SENTIMENTAL VALUE

By Michelle Corbet Photos by Brandy Strain

overall eclectic feel.

When Real Estate Agent Brittney Williamson walks through her home, it’s like flipping through a photo album as each antique, heirloom and nick knack can be associated with a specific memory.

The antiqued, metal Esso sign, displayed on the front of Williamson’s house is actually a replica, she admits.

Her grandmother, Netta Holloway, has the original tucked away at her home in Stephens, Ark., but Williamson hopes to have it proudly displayed at her home one day.

The sign comes from Williamson’s late great grandmother Kella Salmon who worked as a Railroad Telegrapher for the St. Louis Southwestern RR Company and was the co-owner of Salmon’s Esso Service Station.

“My great grandmother wasn’t your average woman,” Williamson said.

Williamson comes from a long line of proud and sentimental women who cherish their accomplishments and memories. She credits her grandmother for hanging on to her family’s relics.

“She is extremely sentimental like I am,” Williamson says.

Most of the large furniture pieces in Williamson’s home are antiques that were given to her by a family member.

Williamson received her first antique when she was 16, and she has been collecting ever since.

While most 16-year-old girls wish for a car or a shopping spree, Williamson’s parents, Richard and Marie Williamson, took their daughter to an old antique store where they bought her a wood and marble bedroom set from the early 1800s.

Williamson and husband, Ryan Allen, moved into their house at 101 Burgess Lane in December. Since then, Williamson has diligently worked to make the house a home by putting her own unique touch on it.

“I don’t like for stuff to match,” Williamson says. “My style is very sporadic. The key is, you don’t plan anything. The

Old tin ceiling tiles were used as a wall covering in the master bedroom on one entire wall.

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42 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

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Antique doors mark the entrance to the master bath.

WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 43

Brittney’s dining room is colorful and eclectic with a unique chandelier as the focal point.

44 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

things I buy that I don’t have room for are the things everybody loves the most.”

Williamson has covered some of her ceilings and walls with beat-up barn wood, rusty tin and 4x6 white shiplap boards to give it the “antiqued barn” look she loves.

“Anything I find in an antique store or flea market, I can repurpose or reuse,” Williamson says.

Her favorite store to scour is Arkansas Peddlers Antique Mall in Greenbrier. She has purchased many items for her home there including several beautifully hand-painted pieces from Donna Benton’s WaterHouse Market collection.

Although decorated with antiques and flea market finds, the house isn’t a hodgepodge of hand-medowns, but a fresh take on shabby chic using timeless heirlooms that are truly special to Williamson.

When decorating the guest room in her new home, Williamson created a feminine space that recognizes the women who came before her.

The room centers around a white, four-poster bed, one of the first nice antiques Williamson’s father gave her mother early in their marriage.

The antique bed is paired with a few of Williamson’s great-grandmother Salmon’s things, including a green clothes chest and a few of her personal items like the handkerchiefs she kept in her pocket while working at the railroad company.

The room is framed with her grandmother Holloway’s first prom dress that she wore dancing with what would one day be Williamson’s grandfather, and her great-grandmother’s wedding dress complete with delicately placed hat and gloves.

“This is the first time I’ve put all (my great-grandmother’s) things in the same room,” Williamson says.

A distinct smell of powder fills the room, and is undeniable by any who visit.

“In the other house, I couldn’t smell it, but she’s in this house,” Williamson says. “I feel like this is her room and she likes it.”

Memories of her loved ones fill the rest of the home, some in the form of a photograph, others in an old desk drawer or hanging on the wall, but each piece is significant to Williamson.

The couple resides in Greenbrier with dogs, Gucci and Hank.

A guest room in the home features a white, four-poster bed, that Brittney’s dad had given to her mother early in their marriage. A green clothing chest from her great-grandmother sits in the corner of this guest room.

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ACCENTS

46 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

Front-door appeal

By Jessica Zimmerman Photos by Brandy Strain We’ve all heard about the importance of curbappeal, and when it comes down to it, your front door is the most important part of your home. It’s what draws people in. It gives a clear message to the outside world of who you are. While any old door will provide passage, high-style doors make a great first impression and offer a sneak peek into your home’s interior décor.

Your front door is a reflection of how you live inside. Like so many people, my everyday life is crazy and busy, so I need my home to be peaceful and calm.

I chose navy for my own front door to help achieve that. Dark blue doors are believed to create calm and peace for your home, in turn, bringing those feelings to all who enter through it. The dark hue paired with white casing offers a look that’s clean and sophisticated. I’m always a fan of high contrast. Black and white will forever be a favorite color combo of mine — it’s timeless!

If the exterior of your home doesn’t necessarily reflect your personal style, an easy and inexpensive

way to spruce it up is a new coat of paint on the door. Some people even choose to repaint it with the seasons. Just be sure to select a durable finish that can withstand the elements and cleaning.

Now, let’s talk accessories! The front door can be enhanced by doing so many things: adding a beautiful knocker, installing a great pair of outdoor sconces, growing ivy around it, etc.

These are all the “jewelry” for a front entrance. For me, less is more. The blue color on my door makes a statement on its own, but I have flanked it with a pair of really simple urns so that I can change out the plants.

For spring, I planted a couple of hydrangea trees that I bought for one reason — the round shape. This is all I need for my front entrance. However, if it’s a really special occasion, I will also hang something fun on the door. For instance, fresh floral wreaths in a square shape just like you see in the photos here. The colors not only go with the season, but also compliment the exterior of my home.

An unexpected touch of detail will also personalize your entryway. When I first showed my husband, Brian, the handleset I chose for our front door, he

looked at me and said, “That looks like it belongs on a commercial property.” He had to trust me on my decision, and now he loves it.

The contrast of a commercial style door handle with a large chrome backplate against our bungalow style door is what makes it interesting. I personally love a keyhole swing cover, so I chose hardware that would allow me to have one.

The choices may be somewhat unexpected, but they reflect the style of the home and family behind the door.

Of course we can’t forget — on the front porch or inside sleeping on the couch — my sweet dog, Sophie, who is the best fixture of all!

Jessica Zimmerman is the owner of A Southern Tradition in downtown Conway. Her work has been featured in regional and national magazines. As a graduate of the University of Arkansas’ Art program, she’s an avid blogger, a lover of travel, and has a passion for all things creative! She resides in Conway with her husband Brian and daughter Stella. For more, follow her blog at asoutherntradition.com/blog.

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LeKue Citrus Sprayer $14.99 Available at The Kitchen Store

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FOOD

50 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

Remember Mother’s Day! Mother’s Day is a great time to really show your mother that you love her. Not to say that you don’t need to show love the other 364 days out of the year, but Mother’s Day is extra special.

There are plenty of special things you can do for your mother that don’t require a lot of money. For example: • Toast and Coffee in bed • Shoulder Massage • Offer to pick up something for dinner • Take her out to dinner • Go see a movie together

• Tell her to put her feet up while you take the dog for a walk • Take out the trash in every room in the house • Straighten up the house • Hand wash her car • Plant her some flowers that she can enjoy all summer • Straighten up the garage!’

I know as a Mother, any little thing that requires you to “go the extra mile” will always be appreciated.

Glazed Ham

Death by Chocolate Mousse 21 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed ¼ cup butter, softened 1 cup heavy cream 1 (12 ounce) package semisweet chocolate chips 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 pinch salt 2 cups heavy cream ¼ cup white sugar Topping 1 cup heavy cream, chilled ¼ cup white sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously grease a 9 inch springform pan. In a medium bowl, mix together crushed cookies and softened butter or margarine. Press mixture evenly into greased pan. Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes, then allow to cool. Combine 1 cup cream, chocolate, vanilla extract and salt in the top of a double boiler. Heat until chocolate is fully melted and mixture is smooth. Blend mixture in a food processor by placing chocolate, vanilla extract and salt in processor bowl. Bring 1 cup cream to a boil on stovetop, then slowly pour cream into processor with blade running. Continue to process until mixture is smooth. Pour chocolate mixture into a bowl and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

In a large bowl, beat 2 cups chilled cream with ¼ cup sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into chocolate mixture. Pour mixture into cooled crust.

Chill pie at least 6 hours before serving.

Prior to serving, beat remaining 1 cup cream with ¼ cup sugar. Beat until stiff, then pipe onto top of pie crust, or place a spoonful on top of each slice.

9 to 11 pound ham 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup prepared mustard Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cook ham covered for 2 hours. Uncover ham and pour glaze on. Bake uncovered for another 30 minutes.

Baked Mac and Cheese for One 3 tablespoons uncooked macaroni pasta 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt 1 pinch pepper 1/8 teaspoon onion powder ½ cup milk 1/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 1/8 teaspoon ground mustard 1 dash Worcestershire sauce 1 dash hot sauce 1 teaspoon bread crumbs 1 tablespoon shredded Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease an oven proof soup crock or 1 cup baking dish. Fill a small saucepan with water, and bring to a boil. Stir in the macaroni; boil until cooked but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well. In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium high heat. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, onion powder and milk; whisk until smooth.

Cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and whish in 1/3 cup cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Stir in the cooked macaroni.

Spoon the macaroni and cheese into the prepared dish; sprinkle with bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered, until the cheese is melted and macaroni is heated through, about 10 minutes.

Chef Jill McCollum, CC is the Caterer and Food Service Director for Central Baptist College. Jill is the owner of Jill McCollum Catering in Conway. She can be reached at jmccollum@cbc.edu or (501) 730-4422

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SOARING WINGS GAL CORRAL

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In Her Honor Health Fair reaching women of all ages

Kentucky Derby watch party to benefit HAVEN The HAVEN board of directors is hosting the first annual “Pony Up for H.A.V.E.N.” event, where guests are invited to watch the Kentucky Derby while enjoying derby-themed hors d’oeuvres and desserts. There will also be silent auction items available for bidding.

The “Pony Up for H.A.V.E.N.” event will be held on Saturday, May 3, from 4-7 p.m. at Back Achers Ranch in Conway. Traditional Derby attire is encouraged, including derby hats. Food will be provided.

Silent auction items include an original painting

by V. Noe, handcrafted items and artwork, Altitude Trampoline Park birthday party package, weekend getaway packages and more.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 the day of the event. Guests can purchase tickets in advance by visiting the event posted on the H.A.V.E.N. facebook page at www.facebook.com/havenAR or by contacting Marti Jones at 501-327-1701 or mjones@caiinc. org.

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About 190 women, along with children and men, participated in the 13th annual In Her Honor Women’s Health Fair held at the Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center on April 5.

The free health fair provided services for women of all ages and backgrounds as well as activities for children. Health Fair Chairperson Julie Finley noted that this was the first year the health fair has included a children’s activity area, self-defense instruction, prescription drug take-back service, WIC and a number of other services. The health fair is organized and conducted each year by the Conway Regional Health Foundation and Conway Regional Women’s Council.

“We expanded the services that were available to women in an effort to reach a wider sector of our community,” said Finley. “There were services for women and families of all ages, and the women who attended were actively seeking services to improve their health and their family’s well-being.” Some of the numbers include: • Forty-nine women participated in free private breast exams • Eighty people signed up for Code Red Emergency weather alerts • 100 participated in cholesterol/blood glucose screenings • Eighty people had their blood pressure checked The sun damage screening booth was busy all morning. A Girls Scout group was on hand assembling First-Aid kits. Grand Master Hahn’s Martial Arts instructors caught everyone’s attention with their self-defense demonstrations.

Vendors and services included senior services, stroke education, lactation, ovarian cancer, diabetes, Arkansas Insurance Department, WIC program, oncology, therapy services, Conway Interfaith Clinic, Women Run Arkansas, Conway Regional HomeCare and Lifeline, hospice, emergency services, spinal services, mammography and bone density, literacy and others. Spanish translation services also were provided.

Finley said organizers will continue to critique the fair and look for additional services to provide in the future. More than 3,800 people have participated in the health fair since it began in 2002.

BOOK REVIEW

‘Left Neglected’ by Lisa Genova

Reviewed by Susan O’Keefe

R

ush to work. Conference call in 13 minutes with top client. Dash to soccer fields. Meet the nanny. Watch the toddler run around like a wild man. Sprint to car for peace and quiet to take emergency phone call from boss. Pry designer heels from swollen feet.

Serve a few fish sticks and pretzels for dinner. Find a box of smashed raisins in the bottom of purse. What a nice side dish — a fruit for good health. Exhausted and empty, three kids are finally in bed. Plop down on couch with laptop, cell phone and iPad to catch up on work. Say hello to husband. Prepare to repeat cycle in eight hours. Such is the life of Sarah Nickerson.

As a high-powered vice president in a Boston firm that strategizes in building business teams, Sarah struggles to keep all the balls in the air. With a Harvard degree in hand, she’s a career-driven supermom with a hectic schedule who constantly compliments her own multi-tasking skills. She can pour cereal at 6 a.m. for her daughter, Lucy, while reviewing notes for a meeting in Europe. Changing baby Linus’ diaper and calling out spelling words to Charlie is simply a routine morning. One day, however, her frantic search for her cell phone hiding in her purse, turns tragic. Sarah wrecks her car and nearly her life.

Hospitalized and confused, Sarah awakens to her mother, whose been absent from Sarah’s life for nearly a decade. Sarah’s brother’s drowning death years ago sent her mother into isolation. Now, she re-enters Sarah’s life asking for a second chance, similar to Sarah.

Accustomed to a lifestyle where every minute is managed and 60 seconds could serve as the time span used to send a few important emails, Sarah now spends her days trying to reclaim her body. A traumatic brain injury completely erases the left side of Sarah’s body. She has no awareness that she has a left arm, left leg or left side. Without the ability to even floss her own teeth, Sarah must rely on the help of doctors and therapists. Her husband places her expensive Rolex watch on her left wrist to challenge Sarah to push her brain to reclaim her left side. With Herculean efforts, Sarah determines to look left, be aware of the left side and seek the left. Her condition is diagnosed as “Left Neglect.”

While the occupational therapists in our book club complimented the book overall, they were skeptical of Sarah’s recovery. “In a perfect world with a stubborn type-A personality like Sarah’s, yes, patients improve, go home, make adjustments and can live a productive life. But those are the rare cases. Left Neglect is a horrific, life-changing condition,” offered one reader who works as an occupational therapist.

Our group agreed that maternal guilt seems to invade or at least introduce itself to most women, whether they’re home full-time, working a paid job full-time or a combination thereof. Sarah’s initial eagerness to return to her six-figure job gradually wanes as she realizes she cannot button her $300 crisp, white designer blouse.

Then the discussion turns to what is truly top priority? Can women have it all? Perhaps all has to be redefined from season to season.

In Sarah’s case, readers witness priorities being re-examined and shuffled. There are tears and breakdowns, tantrums and breakthroughs. Instead of a savvy busiSusan O’Keefe enjoys reading, writing and ness broker, Sarah’s mind functions a little more like her son Charlie’s, who is exploring life. She and her husband, Jack, having trouble focusing in school. It’s not that he can’t. His way is just different will be moving to Augusta, Ga., where he will assume head coaching responsibilities from the mainstream. Sarah’s way is no longer the same as her colleagues. That for the Georgia Regents University-Augusta life is over. men’s golf team. Susan plans to join or start a Author Lisa Genova, who also wrote “Still Alice,” deserves accolades for such book club in Augusta as it is truly an incentive a thought-provoking story. Our group agreed that perhaps the title has a deeper for her to find time to read. If you have meaning than just the condition it names. Every page causes us to question selection suggestions, please email Susan at what area in our lives might be “Left Neglected” at the present, and for most of womensinc@womensinc.net. us, tomorrow is sufficient time to implement change.

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H E A LT H

Honey and your health

By Dr. Patricia Knott

A

fter record cold temperatures this winter in Arkansas, I would hazard a guess that many, like me, are looking forward to the warmer days of spring when nature rolls out a beautiful display of brilliant colors and lively scenery. Even though the season brings with it a number of pests such as bees, wasps and snakes, it also allows for activity which ultimately benefits our health. Those bees are bothersome, but they also provide us with the sweet taste of honey — and honey has been known throughout the ages to have some medicinal properties.

Honey is a complex substance made when bees modify the nectar and sweet deposits that they gather from plants and trees. The nectar produced in plant glands is a liquid high in sucrose. It contains water (80 percent) and complex sugars. Water loss occurs as the bees make the honey, and at one point the bees actually fan the nectar to aid in evaporation, causing the sugars to thicken into honey. Honey contains about 70-80 percent sugar, and the rest consists of water, minerals, some proteins, acids and other substances.

As far back as the ancient Egyptians, man has been aware of some of the medicinal properties of honey. This sweet substance has been touted to help everything from allergies to diabetes, but physicians warn that most of these claims have not been backed up by research in humans except in a couple of areas.

Just like some fruits and vegetables, honey has some antioxidant properties which are believed to protect against some illnesses and diseases such as cancer.

Some results with honey show that it may be beneficial for reduction in the amount of time it takes for burns to heal. Other promising results in the research of honey’s medicinal properties are in the areas of infertility, high blood pressure, cold sores, gum disease and mouth sores caused by radiation treatment. Early research with tualang honey shows some positive results for memory issues in the menopausal woman.

The areas which have shown some actual proof of benefit from honey is that of wound care and cough

56 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

suppression. Manuka honey is made in New Zealand and is used in Medihoney, which was approved in 2007 by the FDA for use in treating wounds and skin ulcers. Its acidic ph helps the healing process.

In a study involving 139 children, honey did better than dextromethorphan (cough medicine) and diphenhydramine (an antihistamine and the main ingredient in Benadryl) in easing the children’s nighttime cough, which improved their sleep.

Drinking warm lemon tea mixed with a bit of honey has been used by many to soothe a sore throat. Laboratory studies have shown honey’s ability to fight certain bacteria (the darker the honey the greater the antibacterial effectiveness) but it has not been proven to do the same in humans.

Some warnings should be acknowledged in the use of honey: • Do not give honey to pregnant women and children less than one year old because of the risk of botulism. Infants do not have an immune system to defend themselves against the botulinum bacteria.

• Honey may increase the risk of bleeding in those patients who take medications which increase the risk of bleeding such as aspirin and Coumadin.

• Honey may contribute to low blood pressure in people taking blood pressure medication. Honey may also affect other drugs and supplements.

• There are reports of certain toxic types of honey, such as those made from the plants of the Rhododendron genus.

Though honey is showing some promise for medicinal purposes, it is wise to discuss any desire to use it in such a way with your physician. You and your physician can weigh the pros and cons of its use based on your medical history and the goals you wish to achieve for your specific health.

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

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

SPIRITUALITY

The beauty of adoption

By Andrea Lennon

O

ver the past few months and years, I have watched more and more of my friends walk through the beautiful process of adoption.

Adoption is special to me because I am adopted. Each Mother’s Day, I take a few minutes and thank God for my biological mother. She demonstrated love and sacrifice by giving me a chance at a life that was better than what she could provide. I also take time and thank God for my adoptive mother who pursued me, brought me into her family and raised me as her own.

I think God has a special place in His heart for adoption too. Through the process of adoption, we see the greatness of God on display. We also learn that we can trust Him. When I think about my adoption I think about the way God directed the events of my life. Even when I did not know what was happening, God selected just the right family for me; and even today, I think about my life and I am so thankful. Great hope springs up in my heart when I remember that God directs the events of our life. He is leading and guiding us even when we do not recognize what is going on around us.

When I think about my adoption, I think about God’s heart toward me and the steps that He took in order to bring me into His family. There are so many similarities between an earthly adoption and a spiritual adoption. In fact, this is the main reason I love being adopted. I know what it is like to receive lavish grace to the point where I am granted standing that I do not deserve. Just like my adoptive parents took sacrificial steps in order to make me their own, God took sacrificial steps in order to make a way for me to be a member of His family.

Without a doubt, adoption provides a beautiful picture of salvation. When adopted, a person moves from no standing, rights and privileges, to full standing, rights and privileges. Why? Because a loving parent pursued that child in order to make a way for them to be wanted and welcomed into their home. The same is true in God’s family. We are wanted and welcomed in the family of God. In fact, we are so wanted and welcomed that God took the necessary steps to provide the way. Think about this. God

loved you and me so much that He sent Jesus, His only son to this earth. While on earth, Jesus did amazing things.

He healed people. He taught people. He loved people.

Ultimately, Jesus made a way for you and me to be a part of His family by dying on the cross to pay our sin debt.

This action is something that we could not do on our own.

Because of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, the way has been made and the payment has been fulfilled.

Today we have the opportunity to respond to God’s love.

Even before we were on this Earth, we had a great need in our life. We had the need for a savior. Only Jesus fulfills the role of savior and offers salvation to anyone who places their faith in His sacrificial death. Today you can be saved.

You can ask Jesus to forgive you for your sins. The process of salvation is simple yet profound. Jesus is the way. Jesus is the truth. Jesus is the life.

Not long ago, I sat in a courtroom and witnessed a family finalize the adoption of their child. The experience was emotional for me. During the 30-minute process, I saw my life play out on two different levels.

First, I thought about the steps that my parents took in order to bring me into their family. I will say with certainty that the adoption process is not for the faint of heart.

A child who is adopted is a child who is wanted. There are many steps and commitments to make. I will always respect and love anyone who graciously adopts a child.

Adoption is a picture of love and grace.

Second, I thought about my heavenly Father who set the stage, before creation, for the best adoption that would ever take place in my life — the spiritual adoption that allows me to be wanted and welcomed into the family of God. What a profound, life-changing truth: God willingly adopts us into His family. We are wanted and welcomed in the family of God. Andrea Lennon lives in Conway, Arkansas, with her husband, Jay, and sons, Jake and Andrew.

Andrea ministers to the women of Arkansas through a speaking and writing ministry called True Vine Ministry. To learn more about this ministry, access Andrea’s website at www.andrealennon.net.

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COMMUNITY

What’s new at Toad Suck Daze

By Joe Lamb

A mix of old favorites and new attractions should make this year’s Toad Suck Daze one for the ages.

This year’s headline entertainer will be doing double duty as both Stanley Burrell, tech entrepreneur and investor, and as the pioneering hip-hop artist MC Hammer.

Stanley Burrell will be one of three judges in LaunchPad, which will look something like a live reality show where judges will hear pitches from 10 “startup” entrepreneurs. The best one will get $15,000 to help get off the ground. And of course, MC Hammer will perform Saturday night.

MC Hammer’s opening act will be Arkatext, a local hip-hop group whose lyrics express a deep knowledge of hunting and fishing. There may be other rap groups who have dedicated an entire track to the Chatterbait bass lure, for example, but none as well as Arkatext, we’re sure.

Friday night’s headliner will be Sawyer Brown, a country group that’s been recording and touring 58 WOMEN’S INC. / MAY 2014

since 1981.

Also new will be the Toad Suck Kids Club — a $25 event package for children 12 and under that includes a goodie bag, T-shirt, a birthday card from the Toad Master, $5 in Toad Bucks and a wristband that gives access to a members-only “fast lane” line at the toad races, among other perks. These will be available at the Toad Store and some other locations during the festival.

There’s also the new TSD mascot, Croaker the toad, who will join the beloved Toadmaster this year and be available for pictures with kids at the Toadal Kids Zone.

The Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre will also be involved this year, putting on kid-friendly performances at the Toadal Kids Zone at 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Then there will be the Crain-Arvest Challenge, an 85-foot inflatable obstacle course on Oak Street between Chestnut and Court streets where individuals and teams will compete for prizes.

And finally, for car shoppers and gearheads, Caldwell Toyota, Crain Buick/GMC, Crain Kia and

Smith Ford will have their offerings at the Conway Chamber of Commerce parking lots for ride-anddrive demonstrations on designated streets. We’re thinking that a six-speed Scion FR-S, a massive turbodiesel GMC, a Kia K900 and a Carroll Shelby-spec Mustang would be a well-rounded assortment.

As for the old favorites, they’re all going to be there — except for Stuck on a Truck, of course. The petting zoo and pony rides, Conway Fire Department Crawl, Drag and Squirt competition, VIP and kids Toad Racing, toddler tricycle racing, kid-friendly concerts and theater at the Toadal Kids Zone and food and craft vendors aplenty. Pick up a program at the festival or go to toadsuck.org for a full schedule of events and other information.

The location for the Toad Hunt hasn’t been finalized, but it will be somewhere along the Tucker Creek Walking/Bike Trail either at the Salem Road trailhead or the new part north of Prince Street.

The big news this year that that one toad will be secretly marked, and whoever hunts this one down will get a special prize.