SASSY Magazine August 2015 by FAMILY Magazines of Michiana

AUGUST 2015

NO38

The Myth of Having it All ADULTS & ANXIETY

Avoiding the Upgrade

Weight

Loss Hacks

Trap

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS

Nonyem Onujiogu, M.D. Gynecologic Oncology

574.647.4230

BeaconMedicalGroup.org

AUGUST

“I believe that you don’t need much to impact the life of a child. You don’t need things -

just love and trust.”

/ contents

EVERY MONTH 4 On The Cover 5 Contributors & Testimonials SASS FACTORY: STUFF WE LOVE 6 Sassy Time RECIPE 31

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

By: Katie & Theresa Slott

LIFE 8

Preparing For Football Season

By: Allison Boelcke Smith

Graduate School: To Go Or Not To Go

By: Marianne C. Weesner

ON THE COVER 12 Lessons Learned

By: Allison Boelcke Smith

HEALTH 14

On the Cover:

mary LUCCHESE Middle School Teacher, St. Vincent's School in Elkhart

Adults And Anxiety By: Amy Westbrook Pracht

7 Weight Loss Hacks To Get You On Track

By: Marianne C. Weesner

A Chance To Dance Workout

By: Abbi Pollyea

BALANCE 20

The Myth Of Having It All

By: Cyndy Searfoss

Fun, Fabulous And Quick: Try A One-Hour Friend Adventure

By: Cyndy Searfoss

WORK 24

Avoiding The Upgrade Trap

By: Allison Boelcke Smith

10 Hacks For Business Travelers

By: Cyndy Searfoss

SCENE AND BE SEEN 28 Battling Huntington’s Disease Together 29 Jazz Around The Bend: Music For A Cause 30 Hannah & Friends Neighborhood 3rd Annual 5K Run & Fun Walk

Bethza Seminairo is the Co-Founder, Amy Reinert is Michiana's Premier HS Senior, Teen

and Fashion Photographer. She grew up working in her fathers studio and then decided to start her own. Her style is clean, modern and with a flair for fashion. She shoots a variety of sessions in her downtown Elkhart studio as well as on location. www.amyreinert.com amy_reinert@yahoo.com 574-903-6383.

Creative Director, Licensed Esthetician and Head Makeup Artist of Bethza Professional Makeup Artist Studio located in Elkhart and has her own cosmetic company, Nethyel Pro Beauty. She worked as a freelance makeup artist in Chicago and Indianapolis. Her specialization in editorial, commercial and high fashion makeup inspired her to bring that style to her community. www.bethza.com (574) 226-5261 SASSY | AUGUST 2015

SASSY

on the cover

President & Publisher: Betsy Tavernier

Betsy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

14 Anxiety Can

Be Controlled 12

Working With A Passion

Get An Extra Boost To Help Lose Weight

MANAGING Editor: Jessica Haviland

Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

AD COORDINATOR & INSIDE SALES MANAGER Amanda Oiler Amanda@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud

Zuzanna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

MEDICAL EDITOR: Dr. Jesse Hsieh Distribution Manager: Kevin Reynolds

SASSY Magazine is a division of Michiana Family Magazines, LLC established in 2006. All rights reserved. We would love to hear from you! Please submit press releases, event information and inquiries to: Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com The FAMILY Magazines PO Box 577 Granger, IN 46530 PH: 574.387.5420 • FX: 574.217.4700 www.MichianaSassy.com Permission from the publisher is required for any reproduction or reprint of this publication. Read SASSY Magazine online each month! Go to www.MichianaSassy.com and flip the pages, cover-to-cover the organic and green way! AUGUST 2015 Volume 5: Number 8

There Is No Such Thing As Having It All

Prove Your Advancement

LOOK WHO’s TALKING

follow us on Twitter, and become our fan on Facebook. @MichianaSassy www.facebook.com/Sassy-Magazine pinterest.com/MichianaSassy/ instagram.com/michianasassymag

AUGUST

/ contributors

CYNDY SEARFOSS

ALLISON BOELCKE

AMY PRACHT

Abby Pollyea

is a mom, fundraiser, writer, equestrienne, creative writing adjunct instructor, volunteer and insomniac (which is how she manages to fit everything into the space of 24-hour day). Her professional history includes stints as the managing partner of an advertising agency, director of creative services, director of alumni services at IU South Bend and director of advancement at a local independent school. She received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in journalism and her master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Notre Dame in 1995.

is a digital marketing specialist for Indiana University South Bend, and a freelance writer who loves to focus on topics of career and personal finance geared toward working women and mothers. She resides in South Bend with her husband and toddler daughter. During any free time she can manage, she is a foodie whose goal is to actually make more recipes on her Pinterest boards.

has spent years writing other people's stories. Her own story is simple. She graduated from the University of Kansas, married her high-school sweetheart and is the mother to two daughters, Caroline and Lily. Her story includes stops in California, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas and now in Granger.

is a proud wife of 14 years and has four children ranging in ages from 16 to two. She values family above all else. They keep her feeling humble and surrounds her with unconditionally loved. Abbi teaches Pilates, yoga, barre and dance classes in locally owned studios in Granger. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from IUSB in History and has also participated in IUSB’s Human Counseling Graduate program.

“SASSY Magazine is a staple in my purse! I carry this magazine everywhere!” – Katie S.

“The fashion articles in SASSY always help me keep up-to-date with the trends!” – Amy P.

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“This magazine covers everything! I also love how SASSY supports nonprofit organizations in each issue!” – Beth R.

We'd LOVE to hear from you! Email your testimonials to Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com SASSY | AUGUST 2015

Zumba Fitness, 7:00 P.M., Pringle ParkGoshen

19th Annual Chalk The Block. All Day, Downtown St. Joseph, MI

30th Annual Walk For Hospice, 12:00 P.M., Center For Hospice Care-Mishawaka

Steel Magnolias, 7:00 P.M., Essenhaus Heritage Hall

Dancing With The Stars Live! Perfect Ten Tour, 9:00 P.M., Silver Creek Event Center At Four Winds Hospice at Home: New Buffalo, MI Celebrating the 10th Wine and Beer Tasting Benefit, 6:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M., South Haven, MI

In The Kitchen With Edie, 10:00 A.M., RiverBend Wellness Center-South Bend

On The River Beach Bash, 3:00 P.M., Downtown South Bend

10 11

Women’s Equality Day

Running Wild: 5k Trail Run & 3k Fun Walk, 9:00 A.M. -11:30 A.M., St. Patrick’s County Park

Wednesday Wine Walks, All Day, Downtown South Bend

Safety Last, 7:30 P.M., The Lerner-Elkhart

Osceola Bluegrass Festival, All Day, Fern Hunsberger Park-Osceola

Meet Me On The Island, 5:30 P.M., Century CenterSouth Bend

Outdoor Film Series, 9:30 P.M., Gridiron Plaza at College Football Hall of FameSouth Bend

All Night Long Volleyball Tournament, 6:00 P.M., Out Post Sports-Mishawaka

Walk “The Walk” & Run 5K, 8:30 A.M., Island Park-Elkhart

Summer Fitness Series, 8:00 A.M., Downtown South Bend

Art Beat, 12:00 P.M., Make South Bend

Sa Su

Celebrating Women’s Equality Day

How To Celebrate: Visit your local library or town hall to discover what women’s movements have happened in your area! When It All Started: On August 26, 1970, the 50-year anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment was marked. Women of the National Organization of Women hung banners from the Statue of Liberty and held huge rallies in almost over 100 cities throughout the United States. It was one of the biggest protests in U.S. history. A year later, Congress tried to pass the Equal Rights Amendment but failed. Finally, they decided to create Women’s Equality Day to recognize women’s accomplishments every year! 19th Amendment: This amendment protects not only gave women the right to vote but also the right to buy and own land and serve on juries. In addition it gave them more choices on marriage, occupations, money and recognized women as a member of society! Information found at www.imakenews.com.

Classic Date Night Heels

Guilt Free Banana Smoothie

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Ingredients:  1 Frozen Banana  2 Teaspoons Honey  1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon  ½ Cup Vanilla Organic Soymilk Directions: Add all the ingredients into the blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Pour into a glass of your choice and ENJOY!

Classic White

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Black Open Toed

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Do you know a professional woman in the Michiana community that has a great concept of

WORK, LIFE, BALANCE & SASS? Does she have proven passion and drive for her work, her family and her causes? Does she consistently tackle new projects with a positive attitude, a little SASSY moxie and a significant commitment to excellence in all that she does? Are you anxious to see what she does next with her flair for life? Does she have “IT?”

If so, SHE could be our kind of SASSY gal! NOMINATE this SASSY gal NOW for the 2016 class of

Sassy Women to Watch!

ALL WOMEN TO WATCH Will receive special VIP gifts from Sassy Magazine and its partners throughout the year. Each Woman to Watch will also be featured in the November issue of Sassy Magazine with their bio and a headshot on MichianaSassy.com site, social media and

SASSY Magazine will select 20 fabulous women

from the nominations submitted to SASSY Magazine between

August 17th – August 28th, 2015! Submit your nomination by filling out the Women to Watch nomination form at the following link below: www.surveymonkey.com/r/MXSSFMX

press releases and will also be included in several VIP events and special invitations/opportunities throughout the year.

PICK YOUR COVER GAL! Each of the 20 Women to Watch gals will be featured on the Sassy Magazine Facebook social media contest promotion where you, your friends, colleagues and the public can vote your favorite Woman to Watch from the Class of 2016. The gal that receives the most votes in this promotion will be featured as a FUTURE SASSY COVER GAL!

SASSY | AUGUST 2015

SASSY

life

Preparing for

Football Season By: Allison Boelcke Smith

Michiana is a college region, so whether or not you’re a fan of a local school, football season brings a renewed sense of excitement to cap off the last part of the year. Due to the popularity of the sport, it’s not as easy to make spontaneous decisions about game day-related festivities. Don’t lose the opportunity to engage as a spectator – take the time to prepare for football season before the clock runs out!

Research the Schedule and Demand

Unless you have season tickets, availability and pricing for sports tickets can ebb and flow depending on a variety of circumstances, from previous year’s performance to historic face-offs to special venues. Get started as soon as possible when deciding which games you want to go to, and determine which ones are likely to be the most popular (i.e. pricy or difficult to find). This will help ensure that your expectations are realistic in terms of the arrangements required to attend your preferred games, and help you prioritize as needed.

8 AUGUST 2015 | SASSY

“Determine an overall number you’d be comfortable spending during football season and keep it in mind as you make your plans.”

Make a Budget

The tail end of college football season merges into the end-of-year holidays, so it may be best to start putting aside funds ahead of time - especially if you’re a hardcore fan. You don’t want to blow your budget in the fall on football and be shortchanged for holiday gifts. Determine an overall number you’d be comfortable spending during football season and keep it in mind as you make your plans. This will prevent you from last minute impulse purchases that don’t align with your overall priorities. It would be a disappointment if you steadily overspent on game day grub, decorations or memorabilia throughout the season that you couldn’t afford to buy those coveted tickets that became available last minute – or hopefully for playoffs!

Select Your Apparel

Sports apparel merchandisers generally get their stock of items before the football season starts; therefore, if you want to choose from the biggest selection, it’s best to start early before coveted fan clothing items in common sizes are picked over. For the fashionista football fans for whom standard fan t-shirts or jerseys simply won’t do, extra time and effort may be needed for their football season shopping. Specialty apparel items may have a limited selection or only be available online and require shipping, so getting started on the search ahead of time will prevent the last minute scramble to find the perfect customized gear.

Plan for Tailgating Arrangements

Any experienced football fan knows that tailgating isn’t as simple as pulling into the parking lot and getting ready to chow down and celebrate until kick-off. Just as with the game itself, there are rules and regulations to keep in mind – not to mention all of the logistics behind the set up. Planning ahead for tailgating allows you the chance to get passes for the prime spots outside the stadium and determine what accessories you’ll need for the season. You can also keep it budget friendly by coordinating with other fans and splitting the cost. Dig out your cooking equipment and make sure it’s still working properly, as well as any other applicable evaluations – for instance, you don’t want to realize bright and early Saturday morning that you have a cornhole board but the beanbags are nowhere to be found!

Brainstorm Away Game Alternatives Avoid the away game week hustle and bustle in which your circle of friends scrambles to determine a location to watch together (or finding out that multiple people are hosting on the same day). When you know an away game is on the horizon, ask around to come up with group ideas for home parties or plans for meeting up at area sports bars. You could start a potluck tradition or set up a rotation for who hosts (or comes up with the meeting spot). Nothing has to be set in stone, but your fellow football fan pals may appreciate having something to look forward to, even when the team is out of the area.

Preparing for football season may seem a bit counterproductive if the sport is something you partake in as a leisurely activity, but the extra planning will help make sure you don’t miss a thing! You’ll be able to experience football season in the exact way you want to, rather than allowing last-minute circumstances to force your choices.  SASSY | AUGUST 2015

SASSY

life

Graduate School:

To Go or Not To Go?

By: Marianne C. Weesner

Have you ever considered graduate school? It can be daunting, at first, to decide whether or not it is worth the investment of not only your time, but of your money as well. Below are some pros of going to graduate school:

1. Opportunity to advance your career Graduate school has the potential to advance your career in the current field you are in or it can open opportunities in other areas, depending upon the degree program.

2. Career change You may now have a better understanding as to what your true passion is. Graduate school can help you acquire the skills needed for a career change if you desire it.

3. Tuition waived for some graduate programs Some graduate programs, depending upon the university,. will waive your tuition and pay a stipend for your monthly expenses. These programs do exist, but you have to do the research to find them. Your stipend may be on the condition that you get accepted to an assistantship program. An assistantship could be teaching or performing research.

4. Travel opportunities Some graduate programs require you have an internship. Many MBA programs have their internships in Latin America, Europe and Asia. It will give you the opportunity to explore the world and further your knowledge with travel. Graduate school is not for everyone. You need to know it should not be used to escape joining the workforce.

10 AUGUST 2015 | SASSY

There are also some cons to going to graduate school: 1. Time Graduate school will take away time from family and friends. It also will limit your time for being able to handle a full time job. It is not impossible to do both. It could, however, mean graduating in seven years instead of two years.

2. Money and Debt If you do not have your tuition waived, graduate school can be costly. Acquiring more debt on top of your student loans from your undergraduate degree can make it feel like you will never pay off your loans.

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Your advance degree can mean you are “too qualified” for various jobs. This can be frustrating when you are searching for a job after you finish your degree. When considering graduate school, please consider all of the pros and cons. If you can talk with someone who has been to graduate school (ideally in the same program you are thinking of ) it will help you assess whether or not graduate school is for you, and if that particular program is the one you want. 

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SASSY | AUGUST 2015

SASSY

cover story

By: Allison Boelcke Smith

What Being a Middle School Teacher Has Taught Mary Lucchese about Passion, Faith and Touching Lives

Photography: Amy Reinert Photography Stylist: Bethza Professional Makeup Artist Studio

“B

eing a teacher, you will never get to see a finished project,” explains Mary Lucchese, a middle school teacher. She is referring to the students in her classes, whose lives will constantly be a work in progress and for whom she may never get to witness the impact of her teaching. Mary, who will be starting a new position this year at St. Vincent’s School in Elkhart, discusses the importance of having passion in one’s career, keeping the faith through the ups and downs and the universal lessons her students have taught her along the way about life, love and perseverance. Born and raised in the Elkhart area, Mary attended Butler University and Indiana University, but her 27 year teaching career has been centered in the Michiana area: 18 years in the public Elkhart Community School system and eight years for the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese. She has been married to her husband Pat Lucchese (whom she describes as her “biggest cheerleader”) for 20 years, and has two teenaged children: Gabriella and Saverio. At this point in her life, Mary is continuing to develop professionally – she will be heading up Elkhart’s newly formed middle school, St. Vincent’s, where she will be concentrating on language arts and social studies. From an early age, Mary has known that a teaching career was the path she wanted to take – thanks to a defining moment when she was in sixth grade at Riverview Elementary School in Elkhart. “One of my favorite principals, Mike Ronzone, had asked me to help out with the kindergarten gym classes. I first thought that this would be a great opportunity (like any other sixth grader would) to get out of some class time. Little did I know just how much I would love working with the kids. It sounds corny, but after that experience I have never wavered on what career path I was going to choose,” explains Mary. “Right from the start of my college classes, I always headed toward that teaching degree. What is really ironic is that this favorite principal hired me for my first teaching job out of college. I totally credit Mr. Ronzone for helping shape my career path.”

This pivotal incident was just the beginning of a profession turned passion for Mary. “My favorite aspect of teaching for so many years is the fact that I get to make an impact on these young lives. The older I get, the more I see this as a personal mission.” As a middle school teacher, she works with what many consider a “difficult” age group (12 to 15 year olds). Part of her self-described personal mission is helping these adolescents successfully navigate a challenging time of their lives. “I find that these kids are so very misunderstood. What people see in these young kids as disrespect or arrogance is really just a whole set of insecurities and wanting to fit in. These wonderful young adults have so much to give our world and they just want to be loved, respected and heard,” says Mary. That’s not to say that the hard times are easy to overcome – and that’s where having faith in the purpose of her journey as a teacher comes into play. “Believe me, there are days when I ask myself, ‘Why do I do this every day?’ but the answer always comes back; I love these kids and know they need teachers like me to help guide them through these turbulent years,” explains Mary. Mary has seen firsthand the transformative power that caring teachers can have on a child’s development and ability to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. A past student in particular sticks out as a prime example of

“I believe that you don’t need much to impact the life of a child. You don’t need things just love and trust.”

why she does what she does, and has even taught her a lesson or two in never giving up despite the odds. “When I was teaching third grade at a parochial school, one young boy really struggled to keep up with his classmates. I knew going into the year that this student had been labeled with a learning disability and was most likely never going to pass the Indiana ISTEP test for the rest of his school career. Well, this kid NEVER gave up! With the help of support teachers, his parents and his friends, this young man was able to pass the ISTEP in eighth grade and has become a thriving high school student achieving great grades.” “To witness such determination and perseverance from this young man brings tears to my eyes. He most importantly proved to himself, as well as the rest of the world, that you can overcome a disability. This wonderful young man didn’t let his label define him. What a lesson I learned from him!” Unfortunately, the life of a teacher isn’t all success stories – there’s a great deal of less rewarding and sometimes mentally exhausting work that comes along with it. “It is difficult to maintain that passion every single day. When teaching kids you don’t get an off day. You always have to be ‘on it,’” explains Mary. But, what keeps her going is her love for her students. “All our children need is a teacher who loves and really cares about them. In turn, these children will work and achieve whatever is asked of them. I believe that you don’t need much to impact the life of a child. You don’t need things - just love and trust.” Throughout her nearly three decades of teaching, Mary has experienced highs and lows that have tested her faith and made her question her purpose as a teacher. She credits a strong support system for helping her overcome these doubts and never give up. “If it wasn’t for the love of my family, coworkers, friends and former students, I might just have thrown in the towel and called it quits. Through their love and encouragement and a lot of prayer, I knew my job wasn’t done. I still had work to do and kids to love and help. I was still needed. So I look forward to my new teaching assignment with a renewed sense of purpose!”  SASSY | AUGUST 2015

SASSY

health

Adults and Feeling nervous and powerless? Experiencing a sense of impending danger, panic or doom? Constant sweating, trembling, increased heart rate? While these may seem like minor concerns, they are real symptoms that are inflicting havoc in the lives of 40 million adults in the United States who are currently experiencing anxiety on a daily basis. While anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, they are also highly treatable. Yet, only one-third of those suffering from anxiety are receiving treatment.

It shouldn’t be that way. Spending time with a mental health professional is the first step in treating this disorder. Many counselors can work with patients in identifying the underlying issues, as well as find treatments to help them manage their anxiety disorders. “First, we talk through it and see how their anxiety is interfering with their daily life,” said Kay Correira, licensed mental health counselor who works in private practice in Granger. Correira works with many people who suffer from anxiety disorders. “People need to zone into what causes their anxiety and then find ways to reduced it.”

14 AUGUST 2015 | SASSY

By: Amy Westbrook Pracht

Anxiety disorders develop from a wide set of risk factors, including brain chemistry, genetics, personality, as well as life events. Regardless of those factors, managing the disorder is the most important thing a person can do. The first step is making a plan to start reducing the anxiety. Correira says there are many tools that help people, such as deep breathing, meditations, visualization methods and physical exercise. Medication is always an option. “I think it depends on how severe the anxiety is,” said Correira. “If they are managing their anxiety, I like to start with talk therapy, however if someone is experiencing a type of anxiety that results in their inability to go to work or school, then I encourage them to get medication and then we can do talk therapy.” It is through that talk therapy that Correira likes to focus on what causes the anxiety. Finding the root cause is the key. “I like to start with a question like ‘tell me about it’ and let people tell me their story and then we work backwards.”

While anxiety does not discriminate between the sexes. Correira finds more women tend to seek professional help only because they often recognize their problem. Anxiety disorder can be diagnosed any time during a person’s life. It’s also common for adults to think they are just now experiencing anxiety issues, when in fact they have most likely had the disorder all their lives. “They could have always had anxiety but their younger lives could have been easier and then something in their adulthood had triggered it to a point where they seek help,” she said. “A lot of times I find that people have had this anxiety for a long time, but they don’t recognize it. They think being anxious is normal. They think that everyone feels that way because it is all they have known and believe to be normal feelings.” She goes onto to explain that for someone who has had a life that has been pretty easy going and then a major life-altering event like a divorce occurs, they are suddenly in a situation where they realize they can no longer cope. Adults will then come to her office and say they have never experienced these symptoms and they are often surprised to find out they were always predisposition to have anxiety issues.

“There are many tools that help people, such as deep breathing, meditations, visualization methods and physical exercise. Medication is always an option.”

Correira also said that she sees more teenagers suffering from anxiety disorders than ever before. They are often the teenagers who seem to have it all together. They are bright, athletic and popular and they are masking high levels of anxiety. “This is the group I am seeing more and more of in my practice,” said Correira. According to Correira, this generation as well as adults are not disconnecting from electronics. These kids go to bed with music on, computer screens left on as well as texting in the middle of the night. It is constant information overload and the brain is never shutting down. “I see this as an epidemic of sorts and I see this impacting across the board as adults are also not disconnecting,” she said. “It is only going to get worse.” Correira recalled a recent story when she was standing in the line at an airport gate and they made an announcement that there would be no Wi-Fi onboard the aircraft. “There was a mom and a little four year old next to us and when the four year old heard there would be no Wi-Fi on the plane, it was the child who had the look of panic on her face that she would be without her WiFi,” she said. “Our kids are getting overloaded on information and this is leads to more anxiety.”

The good news is, living with anxiety is manageable. It starts with seeking help and finding treatments that reduces anxiety, as well as eliminate the symptoms and living a happier and healthier life.  SASSY | AUGUST 2015

SASSY

health

Weight Loss Hacks

On Track To Get You

By: Marianne C. Weesner

Even though sleeveless shirts, bathing suits and fun in the sun are slowly coming to an end doesn't mean our bodies should start fading away as well! Below are 7 tips to help you shed a few extra pounds and keep you looking your best this fall season! 1. Limit your sugary drinks or cut them out completely.

Is having your coffee with sugar, milk and some flavoring a must? Those extra calories are not helping your waistline. If you cannot cut out your favorite coffee shop drink, then use it as a reward for sticking to your meal plan and exercise routine. Be careful with using your favorite coffee shop drink as a reward if it is trigger food. A trigger food makes you want other unhealthy food items that could keep you from your goals.

2. Drink water before meals.

Drinking water before meals helps you feel fuller. Drink your water in the morning before you eat breakfast and you will notice how much fuller you feel. If you need to drink something with flavor, try adding fresh fruits to your water, like lemons or kiwis.

3. Eat a healthy mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack.

You have to plan your snacks ahead of time. This will lead to healthier snack choices. It may keep you from heading for the vending machine or sugary treats around the office. Having a snack keeps your metabolism going. It also keeps you from feeling famished and eating too much at your next meal. Aim for a healthy fat and fruit or vegetable. For example, almond butter with apple slices or hummus with carrots are ideal snacks to help keep you feeling full.

4. Use smaller plates.

Using smaller plates can trick your mind into thinking you are eating more than you are. You will become more conscious of portion control as well. 16 AUGUST 2015 | SASSY

5. Eat your food slowly.

According to webmd.com, “Leisurely eating allows ample time to trigger the signal from your brain that you are full.” You will eat less and not be as likely to go back for seconds.

6. Do at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.

If you have not exercised all summer, it may seem like a difficult task to get in an hour workout. You can start exercising for 30 minutes a day. If you like you can split up the 30 minutes throughout the day. For example, do a 10 minute yoga routine in the morning; take a 10 minute walk at lunch and the last 10 minutes try doing a high intensity interval-training workout.

7. Lift weights.

Lifting weights can produce the after-burn effect, which allows your body to burn even more calories after your workout. After a run your body burns more calories, but only for a few hours. Weight lifting can burn calories for up to 24 hours.

If you do not see results quickly, do not get discouraged! Stick with it and ask a friend to help keep you on track. 

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S.R. 23 & Ironwood | 1827 N. Bendix | 4644 Western Ave. | svdpsb.org SASSY | AUGUST 2015

SASSY

health

A Chance to Dance Workout By: Abbi Pollyea

Happy August! June and July have flown by and here we are, already in our last month of summer. In an effort to celebrate this last month of warm weather and special time of year, a joyful form of movement was chosen for your SASSY workout, DANCE. It is not often that we create time in our busy lives to dance. We might make time to jog or even to spin perhaps, but to dance? This month SASSY is inviting you, persuading you, imploring you, to throw your hands in the air and "shake it" like you just don't care. Download the following 30 minute playlist and find a space to dance until you are sweaty and smiling. This muscle confusing cardio workout, plus the toning exercises that are listed below will leave you feeling happy and looking lean and strong.

1. CARDIO DANCE: I have been teaching dance in some form or another for many years. Currently, I teach Cardio Dance. This class bridges the gap between fitness and dance and is the happiest class of all that I teach. I encourage you to dance with your heart and really go for it! Lose yourself in the music and let the rhythm guide your movement. If 30 minutes is too much at first, start with 10 and then work your way up! Remember, there are no rules in dance. Break out some old school moves from your childhood, hello "Roger Rabbit," and own your moves! Photos Provided By: Abbi Pollyea

2. "Leg and Shoulder Abduction" This move multi-tasks! Target muscle groups are outer thighs and shoulders, and bonus, it will keep your heart pumping after all that dancin'. Start in a slight squat with a tall spine and burst up taking right leg and arms straight out to the side. Return to start position to complete one rep. Weights are optional. Start with 10 repetitions on each side and work your way to 30. Do not alternate legs, do all reps on one side and then switch. 18 AUGUST 2015 | SASSY

DANCE PLAYLIST "Sparks" by Hilary Duff - 3:06 "Dear Future Husband" by Meghan Trainor - 3:04 "Up" (feat. Demi Lovato) by Oily Murs - 3:44 "This Summer's Gonna Hurt" (Clean Version) by Maroon 5 - 3:44 "In the Closet" by Michael Jackson - 4:48 "(I Got That) Boom Boom" by Britney Spears - 4:49 "Want to Want Me" by Jason Derulo - 3:28 "Time of Our Lives" by Pitbull & Ne-Yo - 3:49 "Jealous" by Nick Jonas - 3:43

3. "Front Leg Lift with Biceps" Another great movement to tone more than one muscle group at a time. Target muscle groups are Quadriceps, Biceps and front of shoulders (anterior Deltoids). To start, stand tall with right leg extended forward. Arms are forward and parallel to floor. Lift the right leg and bend elbows to bring forearms up toward ceiling. Return to start for one rep. Hand weights are optional. Complete 10-30 reps with right leg and then switch to left. Keep those arms going! *Remember, many reps with light weights will help you achieve lean muscles.

4. "Plank..with a Twist on the Side" Great Core Move! Start in plank with a small weight in right hand. Make sure feet are shoulder width distance apart. Twist to right and tuck right arm into side. Return to first pose and then sweep left knee to right elbow. This completes one rep. Weight is optional. Complete 10 reps, (working eventually towards 20) and then switch sides. *To modify, keep knees on floor and eliminate the knee sweep.

5. "Roll-Over for a Teaser" I connected my two favorite Pilates moves together to complete this workout! The Roll-Over position is a beautiful way to stretch the lower-back and the hamstrings. The Teaser is an empowering movement that improves posture while strengthening the abdominal muscles. The transition between the two positions massages the spine. To perform, begin in Teaser position, roll lower back onto mat and use abdominal muscles to transition into Roll-Over position, using arms for support. Reverse the move ending back in Teaser position to complete one rep. Complete eight Reps to finish workout. Great Job! ď Ś

SASSY | AUGUST 2015

SASSY

balance

Myth The

Of Having It All By: Cyndy Searfoss

f you’ve ever worked with a manufacturing or printing company, you have probably heard the saying, “price, quality or speed of delivery… pick the two you want. You can’t have all three.” The reality of that statement applies to most of life. The simple fact is that having it all is a myth. Like any other myth, this one has grown because people want to believe it. Women of the Baby Boom generation and younger have been encouraged to believe the world is theirs for the taking. All that’s required is mastering the right skills – like working smarter (as well as harder), organization, networking, multi-tasking and delegating. Unfortunately, even mastering those tasks doesn’t put more hours into the day or take into account that some things are simply out of our control. Children have a predilection for getting sick the same day your firm’s largest client is in town for an important meeting. It’s also the day your husband/babysitter/mother-in-law is out of town. Careers and children, hobbies, husbands and houses. Each one of these takes a significant investment of time, effort and care to manage successfully.

Yet, there’s sanity to be found in realizing no one – even the rich and famous (or infamous) – can possibly manage to have it or do it all. Re-defining what “having it all” means in practical terms is the key to letting go of the myth while retaining the things that mean the most.

How do you go about the process of re-defining having it all? Here are a few simple steps to take: Have a Heart-To-Heart With Your Heart – Find a quiet space that’s conducive to thinking and make some uninterrupted time. Ask yourself what are the two or three (no more) most important things in your life. Don’t overanalyze or let yourself be influenced by what you think should be on this list. Total honesty is the very best policy in this process – you are the judge of what this list looks like. You don’t have to share with your career-oriented sister that your career didn’t make it into your top three.

Examine A Week Of Your Life – For the best results, pick a recent stressful week. First, list all the items that added stress to your life. Was it the day that was packed full of too many appointments? Then, next to each stressful item add a note whether it was something you could or couldn’t control. If it’s something you could control, make another note about how you could have done it differently… the trip to the grocery store could have waited until another time rather than taking three kids who had just been to the dentist. If it’s something that was out of your control, note if there is anything you could have done to make it controllable? In the sick child scenario, could you make arrangements in advance with a friend, neighbor or relative to watch your child while you’re at the meeting? Determine What You Can Say “No” To – Refer to your top two – three important items list and your stress list. The first round is the easiest. If the item is on the stress list and NOT on the important item list, draw a line through it. These are the things you want to say “no” to in the future. Granted there may be some things on this list, those that are mandatory work or life event, that you won’t have the option of refusing. But, if being volunteer of the year isn’t on your priority list and your days are already overfull, don’t feel bad for saying “no” to the next request you get. Think Outside The Box – Let’s say your job isn’t in the top three important things in your life, but reality dictates that you have to work. Perhaps it’s time for a new job or even a career change. Recent studies show that women entrepreneurs rate their ability to balance career and family highly. Do you have a skill or business idea that you can leverage into a career move?

Chasing the myth of having it all can make you feel like a hamster in a wheel – lots of motion without moving forward. With some reflection and prioritization you can break that cycle and find balance in your life. 

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SASSY | AUGUST 2015

SASSY

Fun, Fabulous

balance

Quick: and

Try a One-Hour Friend Adventure By: Cyndy Searfoss

When “busy” is replaced by “crazy busy” in your vocabulary do your friendships suffer? Even when you’re crunched for time, here are some ways to grab an hour of fun with your bestie. Buckle your seatbelt, keep your hands inside the car at all times and hang on!

Week Day adventures

These adventures work well after dropping the kids off at school, over lunch or while the kids are at practice. Even better, most of them have small price tags or are free.

Studebaker National Museum /// Get Your Culture On /// Our community is packed with museums and other cultural attractions and a great way to spend an hour on a rainy fall day. When was the last time you visited the Studebaker National Museum or the History Museum (formerly the Center for History) – and visited it without the kids? You can visit either for just $8 and spend an hour immersing yourselves in the past while catching up on the present. Or make a visit to Notre Dame’s Snite Museum. There is no charge for admission. The South Bend Museum of Art is ideal for downtown visits; there is a suggested $5 donor for non-members. Be sure to check each locations web site for hours.

/// Walk It Out /// Make a play date to meet at one of the parks along the Riverwalk and burn some calories while you catch up. Bring along your cup of Joe to sip on as you walk and the sights of the St. Joseph River. If the weather leaves something to be desired, make a stop at the Farmer’s Market (open Tuesday through Friday during the week) and browse the stalls. /// Let Them Eat Cake (Or Cookies) /// With a little advanced preparation, you can plan a one-hour baking session and come away with some goodies for the family. If each of you prepare the cookie dough in advance (which also helps if it needs to be refrigerated before baking), you can spend baking time visiting and share the finished products. Scared to try a fancy decorated cake by yourself? Bake the cake(s) ahead of time and enlist the help of a friend to put it together and decorate it. If it doesn’t work out, you can eat the evidence!

Week End adventures

With a more relaxed schedule, weekends let you expand your range for adventures. Grab a cup of coffee and hit the road!

/// Build a Bonfire And Raise A Glass /// Perfect for a Friday or Saturday night. A glass of hot, mulled wine and a bonfire add up to the perfect way to catch up with a friend you haven’t seen in too long. /// Throw A Party At A Local Nursing Home /// This one is not only fun but rewarding as well. Make arrangements in advance with the home to host an informal party for the residents. Grab some party hats, noisemakers, festive plates, napkins and cups along with some snacks (be sure to see if the home has any dietary restrictions) on the way.

/// Go Fly A Kite /// A windy fall day is a perfect time to head to one of the area’s local parks and relive your childhoods. George Wilson Park and Central Park, both in Mishawaka, offer open areas for kite flying. Even better – spend one hour building your own kite, then another hour flying it.

Join us for our Back to School Carnival on August 15th from 1:00-4:00

/// Be A Kid Again /// Paintballing, gokarting and putt-putt aren’t just for kids – or parents with kids. Spend an hour doing something you haven’t done in years. Or forever. Don’t worry about your score or becoming an instant expert. Most of the fun comes from being able to laugh at each other. These are just a few ideas of ways to spend a fun, fabulous hour with a friend or friends. The list doesn’t end here… pull out an old board game, play dress up (the more jewelry and make up the better), find some coloring books designed for adults and color each other a picture. The possibilities are endless. 

Gigi’s Cupcakes of Granger

Centennial Place 314 W Cleveland Road | Granger, IN 46530 (574)277-1700 | GigisCupcakesUSA.com SASSY | AUGUST 2015

SASSY

work

Avoiding

By: Allison Boelcke Smith

the Upgrade Trap

“Think about what would bring you the most joy.”

hen your hard works pays off and you finally get that promotion, you may think the salary increase is the answer to your financial worries. Fast forward a few months later, and your bigger paycheck doesn’t seem to have made much of a difference in getting ahead. The reason: lifestyle inflation. Lifestyle inflation is the act of increasing your spending as your income increases, leaving you with less extra money for saving or reaching your other financial goals, and it’s more common than you think.

The average family in the US spends approximately half of their income on housing and transportation, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. That means as a household makes more money, they are likely to spend more of it on lifestyle items, so their disposable income doesn’t seem to change. Avoid the upgrade trap by using these tips to prevent lifestyle inflation:

Think It Over When you get your first larger paycheck, don’t make any immediate decisions. Instead, take a few pay periods to get adjusted to your new cash flow so you can get a realistic idea for a new budget, as well as nip any bad spending habits in the bud before they get out of control.

Check Your Entitlement Mentality After the increased workload that comes with a promotion, it is easy to succumb to the tempting voice in your head saying “I deserve to buy this.” While there is nothing wrong with regularly splurging on yourself to keep your spirits up if you can afford it, it may cause you to use your money on short-term items that will prevent you from achieving long-term satisfaction and financial comfort.

Focus on What Will Truly Improve Your Lifestyle Money may not be able to actually buy happiness, but it does have the ability to improve your overall lifestyle quality - if it’s used correctly. Think about what would bring you the most joy. It is more likely that spending money on experiences or achieving your goals of saving or being debt-free will make you happier than buying more material items that only give you short-term satisfaction.

Avoid New Obligations The key to avoiding the upgrade trap is to not take on a significant amount of new debt or recurring expenses. Sure, you may have a bad month where you go out to dinner too much or buy too many new clothes, but at least it’s a one-time mishap that you can recover from. An expensive car or mortgage payment can crush you month after month, and you can’t easily escape. 24 AUGUST 2015 | SASSY

Stop the Comparisons It can be difficult to not compare yourself to others, but trying to “keep up with the Joneses” is a recipe for a lifestyle inflation disaster. Everyone’s financial goals and issues are different, and you don’t know the story behind your coworker’s brand new luxury car - maybe it was a gift or maybe he’s drowning in debt because of it. And remember: your real friends will want to spend time with you, regardless of how expensive the activity is, so don’t give into any peer pressure that prevents you from spending more than you’re comfortable with.

Create a Goal Having a clearly defined financial goal can help you avoid upgrading your lifestyle with changes that don’t align with your vision. Do you want to retire earlier, increase your emergency savings, finally pay off that credit card debt, or simply not feel stressed about living paycheck to paycheck? Use the same strategy for setting your financial goals as you would for your professional ones - make them specific and measurable.

Set Limits Don’t worry, just because you want to prevent lifestyle inflation doesn’t mean you don’t get to have any fun! Going too far in the opposite direction and being overly frugal can make you miserable. Instead, determine an amount that you can comfortably afford each month to use on a lifestyle splurge of your choice. Then you can really enjoy your splurge because you won’t have a nagging feeling that you shouldn’t be spending the money.

Get it Out of Sight, Out of Mind You know yourself better than anyone, so have a preemptive plan in place if you know you have a tendency to spend without thinking. Set up a portion of the new increase in your salary to be automatically transferred out of your paycheck to a separate account that you can’t easily access, or as an extra automatic debt payment. If the money never touches your checking account, you’ll never miss it.

Don’t let your career achievements be rendered ineffective at helping you achieve your financial goals. It is often a matter of overcoming natural psychological tendencies, like lifestyle inflation, that hold you back. Use the same dedication and discipline that helped you land your promotion to successfully master a lifestyle that balances happiness and financial goals. 

SASSY

work

Hacks Business Travelers for

By: Cyndy Searfoss

Business travel isn’t as glamorous as those airline commercials would like us all to believe. Long days – and nights – spent with strangers in strange places can be overwhelming. Here are 10 hacks to make getting there and back less of a hassle: Hack #1: Be Willing to Vary Your Mode of Travel – Air travel and business travel have become synonymous but flying may not always be the best option. Depending on your destination and timeframe, car or train may be a cheaper, quicker way to travel by the time you factor in lay overs, travel time to the airport and flight time. A number of Amtrak routes go through Michiana on their way to the East Coast; train cars offer the advantages of being able to move around, dining cars, sleeping quarters, in-train WiFi and a view of the countryside. Hack #2: Pick Your Brand – Hotel, airline and rental car reward programs give you upgrades and other perks for using them. It may be tempting to look for the best bargains each time out, staying loyal can pay off in the long run. If you just can’t bring yourself to staying with one brand, experts recommend using a credit card with a reward program so you’re still able to take advantage of those perks.

“Train cars offer the advantages of being able to move around, dining cars, sleeping quarters, in-train WiFi and a view of the countryside.”

Hack #3: Boost Your Rewards – If you’re using a credit card for the reward program don’t limit your purchases to trip-related expenses. Plan on using this card at the grocery store, gas station, restaurants and for other every day expense to build up your reward points. There’s an important caveat, however. Don’t accumulate credit card debt just to get reward points. Look for a card that allows you to pay off your balance every month without penalties.

Hack #4: Remember Karma Travels, Too – Be on your best behavior, especially when everyone else isn’t. Like it or not, the airline clerk behind the counter could be the person who decides whether you get on the plane or go on standby, whether you get a free upgrade or have to pay for that only available first-class seat. Being polite and understanding when the hassles start could be the best way to keep your travel plans intact.

Hack #5: Timing is Everything – If you’re able to time your arrival at the car rental counter or hotel check-in to slow times you may be able to negotiate better rates or free upgrades, especially if you’ve paid attention to Hack #2. Most franchises give their employees some flexibility to negotiate, especially with members of loyalty programs. Timing also relates to the days/times you’re traveling. If you can schedule your travel time on non-peak days – typically Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday for domestic flights – you can expect lower airfares, as well as less time spent going through airport security, in car rental lines, etc.

Hack #6: Be Prepared – The Boy Scouts didn’t make this one their motto for nothing. In a world that revolves around battery-powered gadgets, make sure all of yours are fully charged before you leave. Murphy’s Law says that the more likely your phone is to die, the less likely it will be there will be a charging spot open. Being prepared also means having your travel documents easily accessible, your laptop ready to pop out for the security check and easy on/off shoes.

Hack #7: Get Pre-Checked – Even better than being prepared is to see if you qualify for the TSA’s Pre-Check expedited screening program. With a Know Traveler Number (KTN), you can expect to spend less time in screening lines at participating airlines.

Hack #8: Perfect Your Packing – Make “less is more” your mantra. Invest in a rugged rolling suitcase that doesn’t have to be checked – you’ll save time and money. And while you may pay more for a better quality model, it’s better than having your clothing strewn all over the terminal when a zipper breaks as you’re running to make your flight. Color coordinate your wardrobe so you can mix and match throughout the trip.

Hack #9: Make Travel Apps Your Friend – There are dozens of choices for making travel arrangements and tracking your miles. Some will even track your rewards and passwords. Hack #10: Find Your Happy Place – If you travel the same routes frequently or through the same airport, find a place to call your home away from home – it can be as simple as quiet spot at the far end of the terminal, a stop along the way for a cup of your favorite coffee or a comfortable seat in the frequent flyer lounge.  SASSY | AUGUST 2015

Scene +Be Scene

Please send us some of your favorite photos from your organization’s or charity’s best events and fundraisers. They just may make the next issue of SASSY Magazine! We prefer snapshots of people that are full of life and enjoying the moment, so please send them our way: Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com.

Battling

Huntington’s Disease

together

n the morning of June 20th, 2015, our Michiana community gathered at Grace Church in Granger to raise funds and awareness for Huntington’s disease. With sun in the sky and joy in the air, it was a morning filled with friends, family, fun and fundraising! HD is a rare neurodegenerative brain disorder that steals a person’s ability to walk, talk, reason, swallow and control movement. HD is a genetic disorder and if one parent has the gene, their children have a fifty percent chance of receiving the gene. Currently, there is no treatment that halts the progression of HD. HD symptoms are similar to other neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS, and a cure for one is likely to benefit all. The morning started off with coffee in hand and a viewing of the inspiring Alive and Well documentary. Alive and Well shares the journeys of seven people and their battle with HD. Trey Gray, a 1987 graduate of Penn High School and current professional drummer for country duo Brooks & Dunn, is one of the seven. Trey was diagnosed with HD in 2003 and his mother and uncle also battled the disease. Trey has been working tirelessly to bolster research and aid families impacted by Huntington’s. He has partnered with Vanderbilt University Medical Center under the Trey Gray HD Fund and last year created the Huntington’s Disease Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, with Doug Michael. Following the documentary, Mr. Leo Rafail, President of Thomas Cellini Huntington's Foundation, Social Worker in the Huntington's disease community for 20 years and Community Liaison for Harbor Light Hospice led a thought provoking and encouraging discussion with all in attendance. The documentary viewing and discussion were partnered with a Silent Auction which had over fifty wonderful items to bid on. All proceeds from the auction and in-kind donations were donated to the Huntington's Disease Foundation and the Thomas Cellini Huntington's Foundation. Because of the generosity and out-pouring support of our Michiana Community, we have been able to donate close to $57,000, over the past 5 years, to organizations that support HD research and families who are in battle with the disease. For more information on HD, please visit http://www. huntingtonsdiseasefoundation.org/. For information on our local support group, please contact Sandy Iavagnilio (574) 215-5810 or Sally Harris (574) 674-8403. To participate, volunteer, donate or sponsor the 2016 HD Walk and Silent Auction, please email troyerhd@hotmail.com.  28 AUGUST 2015 | SASSY

Photos Provided By: Sarah Schreuer

Jazz Around The Bend

Music For A Cause

Jazz Around The Bend took place this July at The Brick to pay tribute to Tom Merluzzi , director of Notre Dame's Laboratory for Psycho-oncology Research. Currently, Tom is studying the psychology of cancer survivorship and what it means to be "cancer-free.â&#x20AC;? He views RiverBend Cancer Services as a partner in that work. His contributions are innumerable and we were thrilled to recognize him at this year's event! This year, RiverBend also recognized Josh Comeau, a stage IV glioblastoma survivor who has found support at RiverBend. Josh shared his story about life with cancer as a husband, father of five, and firefighter. He shared with us the impact that coming to RiverBend has had, not only on him but on his entire family. Music from regional jazz musician Don Savoie filled the room as participants dined on culinary delights from Events with Style at LaSalle Grill. We wish to thank our many sponsors, donors, volunteers and attendees who helped to make the night a great success! The funds raised allow us to continue providing vital, non-medical, support services to people in our community affected by a cancer diagnosis. All of the services we provide are available at no cost to participants. As you conduct business and go about your daily activities in the community, we ask that you consider supporting our sponsors and donors. Also a special thank you to our Gold and Silver Sponsors: Saint Joseph Health Systems, Events With Style Catering, Memorial Regional Cancer Center, Michiana Hematology Oncology, PC and The Brick! ď Ś

Scene +Be Scene

Hannah & Friends Neighborhood 3rd Annual 5K Run & Fun Walk Hannah & Friends Neighborhood hosted the 3rd annual 5K Run and Fun Walk to take the "DIS" out of disabilities in South Bend, Indiana this past June. Hannah & Friends Neighborhood is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and adults with special needs. The race began three years ago with the help of John Adams High School students and cross country runners, Michaela Lewis and Aubrey Curl. With over 400 people attending the race, Photos Provided By: Kayle Sexton, Assistant Director of Operations at Hannah and Friends

Hannah and Friends property was filled with many smiling faces. As the 5K started, many of the Fun Walk participants enjoyed Zumba® and music. Several non-profit organizations in the area participated in an info fair to share their mission and services with those who attended. Platinum sponsors included Unity Medical and Surgical Hospital, Fleet Feet Mishawaka, Kohl’s and the South Bend Cubs. It was a great day to take the “DIS” out of disabilities. Hannah & Friends invites everyone to join them next year on the last Saturday in June! 

SASSY

recipe

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake By: Theresa and Katie Slott Time: 20-30 minutes,

plus 4 hours freezing time

Makes: 12-16 servings Ingredients:

Katie and Theresa Slott are

sisters-in-laws who write the food blog, Cooking for the Fam, where they share lots of tips, family-favorite recipes and meal plans. For more recipes like this one, or to see step-by-step photos of this recipe, check out their website, www.cookingforthefam.com.

Homemade chocolate mousse: • ¼ c. cold water • 1 envelope unflavored gelatin • ¼ c. hot water • ½-1 c. sugar • ²∕³ c. cocoa powder (Hershey’s Special Dark preferred) • 2 c. heavy whipping cream • 1 T. vanilla Remaining ingredients: • 1 (12 count) package of ice cream sandwiches Topping ideas, optional: • crumbled Oreos, • mini chocolate chips • chocolate curls • M&M’s • chopped peanut butter cups

Steps:

To make the mousse: Chill your stand mixer bowl for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small measuring cup, measure 1/4 c. cold water. Sprinkle the gelatin on top and allow it to sit for two minutes. Add the hot water and whisk until the liquid is clear and the gelatin is dissolved. Cool. Using the whisk attachment of a stand mixer, place the sugar, cocoa powder, heavy whipping cream and vanilla in the chilled bowl. Beat on medium speed until stiff, five minutes. Add the gelatin mixture and beat until stiff. To assemble the cake: On a foil lined baking sheet, place a layer of four ice cream sandwiches. Spread evenly with a layer of mousse. Repeat layers twice more. Using an offset spatula, spread the sides of the cake evenly with mousse. If the ice cream sandwiches start to get soft, freeze the cake for 10 minutes before continuing. Garnish as desired. Freeze the cake, covered, for four hours, or until firm. To serve: Using a chef ’s knife, carefully slice the cake. If the knife has trouble slicing through the frozen layers, rinse it clean in hot water and then wipe it dry.

Tips: • Cool Whip (regular or chocolate flavored) can be used instead of the homemade mousse for an even faster prep time. • You can make this however wide you want, but do not stack more than three layers high of ice cream sandwiches. It’s a very tall cake with that many layers–be sure to check out how much freezer space is available before starting to assemble the cake!  SASSY | AUGUST 2015

We want all people to experience more of life's precious moments with healthy hearts and minds. So until there's a world free of heart disease and stroke, we'll be working to make a healthier, longer life possible for everyone.

her wedding is why. Everyone has a reason to live a heathier, longer life. What is yours?

To celebrate and share your “why” • Visit lifeiswhy.org • Use #LifeisWhy on Twitter and tag @AHA_Michiana