SASSY Magazine February 2014 by FAMILY Magazines of Michiana

FEBRUARY 2014

NO20

LOVE of wine

For the

Marriage

rekindle your

12workout Ways

to work your

molly HARBRON Owner of Body Evolution Fitness & Nutrition

Mystical

SEDUCTIVE Date-Night Ready Make-up

Work/Life

BALANCE

As An Entrepreneur

Savor the MoMent Morris Inn proudly offers a distinctive blend of classic elegance and casual dining options. Morris Inn guests and visitors are invited to join us for exceptional wine and inspired cuisine at the heart of Notre Dame’s campus.

Sorin’s is the University’s classic fine dining restaurant. With seasonally changing menus and fine wines served in an atmosphere of quiet elegance, Sorin’s is the perfect setting for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Daily 6:30 am to 2:00 pm Tuesday – Saturday 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm SorinsRestaurant.com 574.631.2020

The newest dining option at Notre Dame, Rohr’s serves casual but enticing food in a warm and welcoming environment. Ideal for game day gatherings and relaxed dining with friends or colleagues. Weekdays – 11:00 am to 1:00 am Weekends – 11:00 am to 2:00 am RohrsNotreDame.com 574.631.2018

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NOTRE DAME, IN 46556

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For your convenience use this address in your GPS. 1399 Notre Dame Avenue // South Bend, IN 46617

FEBRUARY

/ contents

EVERY MONTH 04 10 Things We Learned Making This Issue 05 Contributors & Testimonials SASS FACTORY: STUFF WE LOVE 06 Sassy Time 12

SASS 10 08 16 life

Product Spotlights The Love of Wine By Elizabeth Carris

Strategic Wardrobing By Kathy Friend

Mystical & Seductive Make-Up By Bethza Seminario

Checking in with Heather Bachman

Rekindle Your Marriage

Romance Your Life

By Jessica Haviland

By: Lara West

By: Andrew Skipper

BALANCE 20

26 28

Best Food Choices When Dining Out By: Ashley Johns

Tips To Help With A Work/Life Balance By: Jillian Koeneman

12 Ways To Work Your Workout By: Ashley Talmadge

Work 24

Leading With Love

How Blogging Can Help Your Business

By: Charrise McCrorey

By: Jillian Koeneman

How To Host A Successful Business Event

Top 10 Free Tech Tools For 2014

By: Cyndy Searfoss

By: Jillian Koeneman

ADVICE FROM A BUSINESS COACH 34 Dear Charrise... RECIPE 32

Vegetarian Quinoa Chili By: Jeannine Eubanks

THE SASSY EXECUTIVE FORUM 40 Local Executives Answer the Tough Questions SASSY BOOK REVIEW 44 Style Bible: What To Wear To Work

ON THE

COVER

MODEL: Molly Harbron Photography: CLASSIC IMAGE Photography

Reviewed By Lisa Felix

THE DATEBOOK 46 Sassy Events to Put in Your Calendar! SCENE & BE SEEN 48 2013 Okuyamba Fest By: Cyndy Searfoss 50 March Of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction SASSY | February 2014

LETTER FROM THE

publisher

Photography: Classic image photography Makeup: Camellia Maalouf, Camellia Cosmetics Granger

10 Things We Learned Making The February Issue

President & Publisher: Betsy Tavernier

Betsy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

MANAGING Editor: Jessica Haviland

Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Creative Marketing Director: Jena Bontrager

Betsy Tavernier

Jena@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Surround yourself with positive things to keep your workout productive. Even if it’s an encouraging quote that you hang on your wall in your office to keep you motivated! Read page 28 on how you can amp up your work out.

GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud

Zuzanna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNer: Katie Brenneman

Katie@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Marketing coordinator: Jill Ludwick

Jill@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Eating healthy while dining out can be easy. Look for their nutritional data online before you go out to eat to determine what to get before you arrive. Find other great tips on page 20.

MEDICAL EDITOR: Dr. Jesse Hsieh Distribution Manager: Mike Trentacosti

Leaders must win the hearts and minds of their employees. A happy workplace will result happy coworkers and in return generate better ideas. Learn how to be a leader who leads with their heart on page 24.

Blogging can help your business grow. Find out how to start a blog for your company on page 36 and how to use it to your advantage.

Play hooky with your husband! Life seems to be very overwhelming and your husband may not be getting the attention he deserves. Find some great ideas on how to rekindle that spark on page 18.

Know your target audience when hosting a business event. And most importantly, know your budget! Find other great tips on how to host a successful business event on page 18.

Take advantage of free tech tools! PicMonkey, Evernote and Wordpress are just a few free tech tools that you can find online. Read more on page 42 on which tool is best for you.

Lilac or peach eye shadows can be used as highlighters around your eyes. Learn how to create a mystical or seductive eye make-up look for Valentine’s Day on page 14.

4 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

The most common wine to have on Valentine’s Day is red, pink or something with a sparkle. Read page 16 on which wine would be best for your Valentine’s Day date!

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 1233 E. University Dr. Granger, IN 46530 PH: 574.387.5420 • FX: 574.217.4700 www.MichianaFamilyMagazine.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! FEBRUARY 2014 Volume 4: Number 2

LOOK WHO’s TALKING

. Local non-profit organizations give back to the community. Check out our Scene and Be Seen section on pages 48-51.

@MichianaSassy www.facebook.com/Sassy-Magazine pinterest.com/MichianaSassy/

FEBRUARY

/ contributors Charrise McCrorey is Certified as a Business & Transformative Coach, working with businesses and individuals around the world. Her local office is in Elkhart, where she resides with her family.

SASSY

/ testimonials

“Thank you Sassy Magazine & Meagan Church for taking me in to SASSY, I'm very grateful!” – Ashley

“Love this magazine!” Elizabeth Carris

– Mary

Elizabeth Carris is the Director of Hospitality & Customer Relations for Tiedemann Wines. She lives in Elkhart, along with her husband Aaron and their son, Adler. .

“Sometimes I just can’t wait for the next issue of SASSY to come out! Love reading the articles.” – Lindsey

Bethza Seminario is the CoFounder, creative director and head make-up artist of Bethza Professional Makeup Artist Studio in Elkhart, IN. At the beginning of her make-up career, she freelanced in Chicago and Indianapolis and was featured in local magazines, fashion shows and modeling agencies’ photo shoots. Her specialization on Editorial, Commercial and High Fashion Make-up inspired her to bring that style to her community and share the beauty of city fashion by creating her own cosmetic company, Nethyel Pro Beauty, at age of 26. Now Bethza is well-known in her community for helping other local artists and small businesses by organizing events and collaborating on numerous projects to create exposure while using her skills to see her community grow. You can learn more at www.bethza.com.

Jillian Koeneman (@jillianmk) founded Freshlime: Digital Marketing (www. freshlimemarketing.com) in 2010 in order to lead businesses to increased sales and greater brand awareness through social media marketing and other online vehicles. Koeneman is a Board Member of the Women Business Owners of Michiana and volunteers on the Marketing Committee for the Humane Society of Elkhart County. She also heads up all marketing for her husband’s new business, Anytime Fitness in Goshen. Koeneman earned a degree in advertising and public relations from Michigan State University in 2004 and was a member of two National Championship Water Polo Teams.

“Even though I am in my mid-fifties, I still enjoy reading SASSY Magazine. I am a working woman who likes to have some TLC with a great magazine and SASSY hits that spot.” – Linda

We'd LOVE to hear from you! Email your testimonials to Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com SASSY | February 2014

THE SA S SY FACTORY

stuff we love

SASSY Time 14

Groundhog Day Super Bowl XL VII

3 M

Bring It On: The Musical, Morris Performing Arts Center, 8:00 p.m. Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Begin on NBC

BAFTA Awards

Valentine's Day!

Monthly Mediation Yoga, Elkhart Environmental Center, 5:30 p.m.

February 16 2014

12 13

Go RED For Women® Affair in Red, 5-8 p.m., Lerner Crystal Ballroom

Mar. 1st

The Little White Dress, Dream Weddings & Events on a Budget, 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Windsor Park Conference Center

New Issue of BOOM Magazine comes out

Singles Awareness Day

Love Your Pet Day Cindy Crawford’s Birthday, 47-years-old

Drew Barrymore’s Birthday, 38-years-old

23 24 25 26

Valentine's Day Facts • 180 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged every year.

• 14% of women send flowers to themselves on Valentine’s Day. • 11,000 children a year are conceived on Valentine’s Day.

• There are over 900 dating services established nationwide.

Sassy Quotes:

• $116.21 is what the average person will spend on Valentine’s Day.

“

Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart." – Unknown

I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." – Marilyn Monroe

“

I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon." 6 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

- Unknown

vered

Chocolate Co

Strawberries Ingredients:

late misweet Choco Se of s ce un O 6 • hite Chocolate • 3 Ounces of W rawberries • 1 Pound of St

Directions: Wash and dry the strawberries. Fill two medium saucepans with a couple inches of water. Put the semisweet chocolate in one pan and the white chocolate in the other. Heat until they are both melted. Hold the strawberry by the stem and dip into the dark chocolate. After all strawberries are dipped, put a fork into the white chocolate and drizzle over the dipped strawberries.

Best Valentine’s Day Ideas

1. Get massages together in the same room.

2. Make your significant other breakfast in bed. 3. Recreate your first date with each other.

4. Plan a romantic getaway for the weekend.

5. Send flowers to work with a sweet note attached.

Best Love Story Movies to Watch Again • Titanic • 50 First Dates • Ghost • The Notebook • Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Famous Love Quotes in Movies: 1. "No, I don’t think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That’s what’s wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how." – Gone with the Wind

2. "Love means never having to say you’re sorry." – Ali MacGraw, Love Story 3. "Don’t forget I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her." – Notting Hill

4. Elle: "You’re breaking up with me because I’m too… blonde?" Warner

Huntington III: "Well, no. That’s not entirely true…" Elle: "Then what? My boobs are too big?" – Legally Blonde

SASSY | February 2014

SASSY

fashion

CAMOUFLAGE TIP: small patterns will actually make you appear larger while bigger, more irregular patterns work well to camoflauge problem areas and make you appear smaller.

Strategic WARDROBING Keys to Camouflaging a Little Fluff

By: Kathy Friend

It seems like every year around this time

the results of our New Year’s resolutions haven’t kicked in yet, the cold weather is exhausting and our fashion seems to be lacking that pizzazz. Look around, we have all fallen into a winter monochromatic slump. The notion of dressing in all one color has us thinking we are looking instantly slimmer but that one-color ensemble can also make us look like we’re not even trying. There are several ways for us to add that splash of color into our wardrobe but still camouflage what the gym hasn’t taken care of yet.

Camouflage Tips: • Go All One Color: This doesn’t mean you can sim-

ply choose black as your “statement” and go with that until the first tulip pops up from the garden. Choose a hue you know you look good in, for example blue. There are very few people who don’t look amazing in blue! Vary the intensity of the colors from head to toe and mix in a little texture. This will make your outfit look styled as opposed to thrown together.

•

Keep Accessories Bold:

This would include big statement necklaces, over-thetop cocktail rings and bright lipstick colors. These are all things that will capture the focus in your look. There are many ways this can be done with jewelry, makeup and even shoes.

8 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

“

Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy,” said Dr. Haviland-Jones. “Now science shows us that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being.

”

Flowers Improve Emotional Health. JEANNETTE HAVILAND-JONES,

•

Become a Column:

Break up the monochromatic monotone in your outfit choices with column dressing. A column of color either on the inside or outside of your look can strategically direct the eye away from a little extra fluff. For example, if you are holding weight in your midsection, be sure to create a column on the outside to bring the eye away from your belly. Any place you have color or a detail is where onlooker’s eyes will fall. Be sure they are looking where you want them to!

Ph.D., Rutgers University completed a behavioral study that showed:

· Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. have a long term, positive effect on moods · –Flowers leading to less depression, anxiety and stress. Flowers make intimate connections between the · sender and the receiver.

Designer’s Choice:

Daffodils (N arcissus)

Bringing SPRING into Your Home:

· Place fresh cut flowers in a colorful vase. · Buy or plant a bulb garden on your kitchen table. out toss pillows (or just change the covers) · Switch with a brighter, spring fabric. · Bring the spring scents in with candles or diffusers. · Place a spring floral wreath on your front door.

• Proportion is Key:

The proportion of all of your accessories needs to be in-line with the proportion of your silhouette. If you are a petite gal, be sure not to opt for the largest handbag you can find. This will throw off your silhouette and make you appear unbalanced. Likewise, if you are a plus size sassy woman, make sure your jewelry isn’t on the delicate side. This “proportion is key” notion should also be considered when choosing the weight of prints and the busyness of patterns. The most important element on embracing your “transitional figure” between winter and spring is to know your true beauty is an extension of your true self. The best wardrobe with couture brands will not be flattering unless you are shining from within.

Fill your home with the scent of Spring with fresh cut flowers, bulb plants, candles and diffusers.

Flowers by

STEPHEN

4325 S Michigan St South Bend, IN 46614 574-291-2250 www.flowersbystephen.net SASSY | February 2014

SASSY

balance

The

Love of

Wine By: Elizabeth Carris

Romance and wine seem to go hand in hand

whether it is with a fancy dinner with a several course meal paired with wine or if it’s your loved one bringing you chocolates and champagne. Valentine’s Day seems to be the perfect day for wine or, at least, have wine on hand but what is this day actually all about? Saint Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th every year. The most popular story that goes along with Saint Valentine is that he was imprisoned for performing marriages to soldiers who were forbidden to marry and preaching to Christians who went against the Roman Empire. During his imprisonment he 10 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

was said to have cured the jailer’s daughter and prior to his execution he is said to have left her a letter saying “from your Valentine.” So with that being said, how do you pair wine with such a romantic and tragic history?

Red, Pink or Something With Sparkle

The most common wine to give or serve on Valentine’s Day is red, pink or something with a sparkle. Anything linked to love like passionate red wine is perfect. For those new to wine enjoy a soft Pinot Noir. Pinot Noirs are a medium bodied red wine that often have notes of cherry and vanilla and do not have a lot of tannins in them so they don’t give that “dry” sensation on the tongue. They are mild and smooth to drink. This wine is ideal for red wine starters or to pair with a meal of something light like chicken or pasta and can handle going with heavier entrées that include steak.

Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon or a French Bourdeaux

If you are spending time with a person more educated on red wines and that can handle something a bit bolder, try a Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon or even stretch out to a French Bourdeaux. All of these are fruit forward and have that bite and long finish that red wine lovers appreciate and adore. They often have aromas of incense and smokiness and can have notes of pepper, spice, black currents and cocoa. All lovely for a romantic evening of food such as lamb, pork or a hearty New York Strip!

Rose Wine

A Rose Wine is another option. Nothing says cute better than pink wine. A Rose is a wine that has some color from the grape skins but not enough to consider it a red wine. All wine starts out white from the grapes but when the skins are added it gives it color and tannins. These wines can be still, semi-sparkling or sparkling. And they can vary in color and

sguR rengiseD

sweetness. They can go from bone dry like a Provencal or sweet like a White Zinfandel or blushes. They are made from all types of varietals or grapes and can be found worldwide.

PRESIDENTS DAY

Most Rose’s should be paired with light dinner fair such as salads, rice dishes or pastas. They can vary in sweetness so even the drier varieties could pair up well with a chicken dish or a seafood dish and they even go well with raw fish such as sushi. The sweet varieties and the sparkling ones would complement a dessert or with a bottle of sparkling rose it could stand alone as a starter to your Valentine’s Day gathering with friends upon arrival served in a Champagne flute. Whether it’s a lovely romantic dinner for two at a fancy restaurant, cooked at home by your loved one with candles or, if you chose, throw an intimate gathering for friends or family to celebrate this day of love. Don’t forget to have wine available to help enhance the spirit of Saint Valentine on his special day to commemorate his love that was left in a letter with those three simple words, “From your Valentine”. Cheers and be loved.

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THE SA S SY FACTORY

stuff we love

BLUSH

&bashful

Glitz & Glamour

Add some glitz and glamour with this champagne pink “Contessa” set by Brighton at Sorella Boutique. This set is simply stunning and would be perfect for your Valentine’s dinner date! Sorella Boutique, Granger 574-855-1475

Vintage Heart Pillow

Perfect for a season filled with love! This deep red, 16” shabby chic pillow is adorned with ultra soft hand-cut fabric. Available only at Interior Motives. Interior Motives, Elkhart 574-262-9616

My Heart's on Fire!

By chiseling his painting into a jagged heart, local artist Dean Loucks creates an organic, intricate piece that results in distinctive, one-of-a-kind artwork. “My Heart’s on Fire” is a piece from the Dark Hearts Collection. Dean’s Place, Granger deanloucksart.com

Ravishing in Red!

Enjoy the Valentine season in a red dress, long or short. Steal his heart with the color of "love.” This Pretty Maids chiffon dress is just one of many at Blushing Bride on CR 17 in Elkhart. Blushing Bride on CR 17, Elkhart 574-294-2217

Daringly Darling

Be a little daring tonight and wear this deep maroon tunic with a fun cutout on the back! Find this tunic and many more at Jules Boutique. Jules Boutique, Goshen - $26 574.535.1119

SAS SY | February 2014

Heather Bachman: Checking In With

Sassy’s Cover Girl Cancer Warrior By: Jessica Haviland

In September of 2013, we were honored to bring you the courageous story of Heather Bachman, a mother of two who battled an aggressive form of breast cancer called Triple-Negative. Heather opted for a double mastectomy and underwent chemotherapy. She credits her mother, whom battled breast cancer herself and later passed away from a difference cause, for being the guardian angel that helped Heather detect her cancer early enough for treatment. We will be following Heather on her journey to recovery every month here in Sassy and if you missed her story in our past September issue, please visit www.MichianaSassy.com to read it.

alentine’s Day is just around the corner where couples will be sharing their love and appreciation to their significant others. Roses, chocolate and cards are just a few items that are purchased on this special day. But last year, Heather Bachman’s Valentine’s Day was far from that. “Last Valentine’s Day, I spent it at the Breast Care Forum,” Heather said. I sat down with doctors and talked about different treatments that were available. “Even though this Valentine’s Day Heather won’t be doing anything special, it will be far better than how she spent it the year before. Throughout Heather’s ups and downs last year, she is ready to get her life back to normal. “I started going to the gym and I do a morning routine before work now,” she said. “Since I have been working out, it has helped with some swelling that was on my left side and now I have no problems with swelling or soreness. It’s been pretty amazing and makes working out even more worth it.”

14 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

Bringing normalcy back into her life is something that Heather is striving for each and every day. “You know, I just want to go back to being my kid’s mom again and not being a patient,” she said. “I will always be a survivor and I always want to help educate women but cancer will not be in the forefront of my mind anymore. I want to go back to what I use to be for myself and my children.” But even though the cancer is gone and Heather is considered “cured,” the feeling of “it could come back” is a scary realization. “I had to learn to pick up on some cues on when my body isn’t doing well,” she said. “When my body isn’t doing well, I start to worry about what could be wrong but I know that after a couple of years that will slowly subside.” As we wrapped up the interview, we asked Heather an important question that left her silent for a few moments. “Let’s get to know the real Heather Bachman as the person and not the cancer survivor. What makes you, you?” Her silence wasn’t long, but it was long enough to know she was searching for the right words, the right answer to fully explain who she is today. “I think I’m still trying to find her. I know I am a mom, a wife and I live on a farm. Cancer kind of rocks your world and changes everything you once were before,” she said. “It tilts your world where you have to find your footing again and you have to find out who you are now. I know I will never be the girl I was before I had cancer. It takes a lot for me to cry then what it used to be. Most of all, I know that I am a mom who loves to take care of my kids and my family.” But with that answer that almost brought tears to our eyes, we knew right then, the real Heather Bachman was shining through and paving a new road ahead of her.

SAS SY | February 2014

SASSY

beauty

Mystical & SEDUCTIVE

Get Date-Night Ready with These Make-up Looks By: Bethza Seminario

February is the month of love! It is a great excuse to get dolled-up and ready to have a dinner or lunch date with your significant other and ultimately a girls-night-out with your best girlfriends! One of the best ways to feel mystical or sexy is to be more dramatic, yet soft, with your make-up. Below you will find a few steps that are easy to help prep you for your big night out.

SKIN:

Let’s begin with your skin. A glowing and healthy looking skin is key to any make-up look you want to accomplish! Make sure you are moisturizing and exfoliating your skin properly on a daily basis. This will help clear breakouts, redness, flaky or dry skin. Consult with your esthetician on what products may work best for your skin.

Eyes:

Two quick looks that is instantly a date-night must are mystical/bright eyes and seductive/ dramatic eyes. First, let’s start with the basics for either look you decide to choose: • Apply eye primer to the whole eyelid from the lash line up to the brow bone then, do the same for the lower lash line. • Defining the eye with a matte, soft brown or taupe eye shadow is a must. Applying it on the eye socket /crease (use a crease brush) in a circular motion and along your bottom lower lash-line (use an angle brush) will accentuate your natural eye shape. • Choose a soft, shimmery lilac or peach eye shadows or a loose pigments as highlighters as an eye opener. Apply them on the inside corner of your eyes and on your eyelid. The light will hit those areas when you blink or when people are looking at your eyes it will give a shy and sexy twinkle on their own.

16 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

Mystical/bright eyes:

• Line your top lash-line with medium/dark brown waterproof pencil eyeliner. Get as close as you can to your lashes, this way you will create a subtle thicker lash line. Now with your pinky or a small brush smudge it very gently to give it a softer look. • With a skin tone or nude pencil eyeliner, line your waterline. Avoid white for this look since it may be too dramatic. The purpose of this step is to open and brighten up your eyes.

Seductive/drama: • Line your top lash-line and waterline (inside rim) with waterproof black pencil eyeliner. Press your eyes closed so the top waterline gets the pigment and eyeline the waterline once again. • Now grab a shimmer brown or shimmer black eyeshadow (small smudge brush) and apply on top of the eyeliner you just put on your top lash-line to give a smokey soft look. • With the leftover shadow on the brush, go over your lower lash line. This technique will also add a soft sexy look to the lower lash line. • Curl your lashes and apply waterproof black mascara if you have dark lashes and dark brown if they are blonde. Why waterproof? Let’s say, it is a nice dinner, laughs and too much emotions can cause small tears, and I am sure you will not want black tears running down your face. Apply more coats than what you normally apply, emphasizing the outside corners and the base of the lashes. This is your chance to experiment with false lashes. Get the natural looking ones to create more volume without looking too dramatic. • Fill your brows with what you normally use. Either you use pencil gel, powder, stay with taupe or soft brown tones to just add dimensions without creating too much drama.

Face:

• With a q-tip clean any fall out shadows under your eye area. • If you use a Beauty Balm (BB cream) or liquid foundation, apply now! Remember that either one is to even out your skin tone, not to cover any “flaws” or blemishes. Then, apply concealer (1 to 2 skin tones lighter) under your eyes, bridge of your nose, above you lip cupid bow, and BLEND! For blemishes and sunspots, concealer should be as close as possible to your skin tone. Lightly, set everything with a translucent powder. • If you use powder foundation, do the concealer step first and then apply your foundation. • Pink and Peach tones will provide a healthy and youthful look. Remember to apply just a little bit to the apples of your cheeks, not all the way up to your cheekbones. You would do that with your favorite bronzer if you decide to do that. • Pink or peach matte lipstick will keep the look soft and natural. Not a fan of lipstick, just add your favorite lipgloss to add juicyness to your lips! SAS SY | February 2014

SASSY

life

Your Marriage

Find the spark that first brought you two together. By: Lara West

Do you ever see a young couple so infatuated with each other that you involuntarily roll your eyes and think, “We use to have that?” I’ll admit that sometimes I feel a bit of jealousy over the infatuation blissful state they are in and may have even been the “love Grinch” a time or two saying, “Ha, just wait till they’re ten years in with children.” Life seems to lose a bit of that spontaneity and passion over time, and we don’t even realize it until a young romance is flaunted in our face or when Valentine’s Day rolls along. Outside of an anniversary or Christmas, February calls up a special day that is set aside each year for our significant other to woo us with a no holds bar date night that ideally includes dinner and dancing, movies and candles, babysitters and romance. We remember how much we miss that time together but fortunately, with a little work and scheduling we can gain a bit of that romance back. (Because let’s face it, life just moves too fast not to pencil everything in.) Between busy schedules and not knowing what to do together without the children, dates seem impossible. We don’t have to settle into this routine we’ve created, in fact, a break from routine may be exactly what you need. Here are some things to consider when that fire in your marriage needs a little rekindling:

• Think Positive. A negative focus will damper any spirits,

especially love, but it’s far too easy to let the little quirks irritate us. We are the foundation for our relationship so if we focus on the negative things about our husband (like how he can’t wash just one dish) then we’ll never stand as strong together as we should.

18 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

• Schedule time together. Reserve a monthly, biweekly or weekly date that is just for the two of you. It doesn’t have to be an extravagant night out but try to plan for at least one dressup date every season. Rotate choosing activities and always start the day excited about your date.

• Seek opportunities. Sometimes, the most intimate

moments don’t happen on a date. They need to be sought from our everyday routines. Saying “I love you” or “You look sexy” while just doing daily tasks around the house is a great way to express your love and gratitude. Sneaking a front-to-back hug while he’s getting ready after a shower, or snuggling into him on the couch instead of leaning on the opposite arm rest is not only a physical way to stay close but also strengthens the emotional connection.

• Play hooky together. When your weekends aren’t

long enough for the two of you to have some time together, make some during the week. Not only does playing hooky give you time together but calling in sick together can put you both back into serious young love mode. Remember the excitement from breaking the rules to spend the day together at an amusement park? ( Yeah, have one of those dates.)

• Be the initiator. It’s easy to slip into one of those funks

where you need him to reach out for you, and it’s easy to forget that men like to feel desired, too. If your lingerie drawer has been overtaken by sweatpants or if you wear the same thing for every romantic night, then it is time to invest in something that he hasn’t seen you in yet and arrange for a night to let him know that you want him in the same way, too.

February Events

• Be accepting of his advances. When you work all

day, raise the children and tend to the house, you may be too exhausted to even notice (much less reciprocate) the hug, kiss or smile that he gives you at random times. His timing might be wrong and you just feel annoyed that he’s distracting you from another task. It’s important to be on the lookout for his subtle ways of saying ‘I love you,’ and being sure to stop and appreciate his attention.

• Keep a journal. It sounds weird but keeping a simple journal of your romantic activities can be a great motivator to finding the time and the energy to devote to each other. It can become too easy to say, “Let’s just do it next week,” and before you know it six months have passed. Track the calendar date and list what you did together (including being physically intimate.) Use the journal to help keep date nights and love a priority.

(To get you out or get you thinking): • 5th- Classic Films: Hitchcock Series: "The 39 Steps" (1935)

(8pm, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, Notre Dame Campus)

• 7th-8th- Bring It On: The Musical

(8pm, Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend)

• 14th- Scuba Diving lessons informational meeting (7pm, Niles-Buchanan YMCA, Niles)

• 15th- (Tree) Tapping Day (9am, Bendix Woods County Park: Sauk Trail Shelter, St. Joseph)

• 19th- Reading: Lauro Vazquez, Nicholas Sparks Prize Winner 2013 (7:30pm, Hammes Notre Dame Bookstore)

• 21st- 22nd- Michiana Outdoors Sportsman Show (5pm, Michiana Event Center, Howe)

• 26th- Men’s Basketball: Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech (7pm Joyce Center, Notre Dame Campus)

• Communicate. You can have a date every night of the year but

if you’re not talking to each other then you’re relationships not growing, it’s sinking. Put the phones down, turn the television off and talk. You can discuss work, the weather, the children, your community but most importantly you need to talk about what you both want and what you need out of the relationship. A relationship needs the same maintenance and upkeep as a vehicle does. Just as we take the car in for an oil change every three months, we should evaluate our relationship frequently to determine areas that need maintenance.

It can take more effort to rekindle a fire but with a little attention and nurturing it will be done. One morning I witnessed my husband rekindle a fire pit by moving some logs, adding some leaves and blowing on it fiercely. If that fire can be rekindled so can the fire in your marriage.

Date Night Id

eas:

• Take a winter w alk through a ne arby park. • Use Groupon to make a fancy dinn er out affordable. • Attend a high school or commun ity theater perfo • Go bowling, sk rmance. ating, skiing toge ther, or play a ro • Watch movie/do un d of mini golf. cumentary screen ings at college ca • Play a favorite m pus. childhood board game.

Making Your House A Home

Whether you’re decorating a newly purchased house or updating your current digs, the little touches you add … add up. These one of-a-kind pieces, everything from area rugs to wall art, tell the world who you are, and they help you escape the world after a long day. Get the most out of your design (or redesign) with Interior Motives. Our certified interior design team can help create unique kitchen and bath plans, incorporate architectural design, and manage everything from custom furniture to designer bedding and window treatments. Everything you need to make your corner of the world perfect. Don’t forget our specialty gifts and bridal registry. Our promise to you: domestication never looked so good.

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INTERIOR motives SAS SY | February 2014

SASSY

balance

Best Food Choices

When Dining Out By: Ashley Johns

For many of us, going out to eat is more than just consumption of calories. It is about the experience we have while we are there, whether that be the atmosphere around you, the company you are with or the food itself. Leading a healthy lifestyle often seems like a daunting task. We live in an environment that bombards us with food based advertising and supersize everything. Many of us are often racing against the clock each day and don't have the time to make all of our meals, making dining not a necessity. Complicating matters is we seldom have the ability to review nutritional data while deciding what to order. Thankfully, more and more restaurants are offering healthier options for people to enjoy. Below you will see some of those healthier options highlighted, as well as some tips to keep those calories from adding up.

Michiana has over 250 restaurants for us to dine at. Here are my tips to help you select the best food choices. • A lot of restaurants have nutritional data available online so you can review the best options for you in advance. • Skip the bread, chips or appetizers • Split an entree with the person across from you • Avoid anything creamy, this is where the calories add up fast! • Ask for your dressing on the side so you can control how much you use • Substitute fries and other unhealthy sides for vegetables. • Don't overdo those alcoholic beverages. Also keep in mind many of those mixed drinks and martinis often have mixers that add fat and sugar. • You can still enjoy those less healthy foods in moderation! 20 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

Here are some examples of healthier food choices at some of this area's popular restaurants. Many of us struggle or have struggled with making healthy food choices. Choosing healthier options and developing a guilt free relationship with food will go a long way. With a little bit of planning and self control you will keep yourself on track to meet your goals. Just remember, there is nothing wrong with having those so called “bad” foods in moderation so don't be afraid to occasionally indulge your taste buds with that dessert you have been eyeballing at the next table.

Olive Garden:

• Appetizer: Stuffed Mushrooms • Salad & Soup: Garden Fresh Salad with Low Fat Dressing & Minestrone Soup • Entree': Garlic Rosemary Chicken from 'The Lighter Italian Fare Menu' • For the Kids: Whole Wheat Linguine {with grilled chicken or shrimp and tomato sauce}, Fruit Smoothie

Bonefish Grill:

• Appetizers: Edamame, Ahi Tuna Sashimi • Salad & Soup: House Salad, cup of Corn Chowder • Entree': Grilled Fish with a side of Vegetables, 6 ounce Filet with Vegetables, Baja Fish Tacos no Sour Cream, Grilled Salmon & Asparagus Salad, Florida Cobb Salad with Bleu Cheese Crumbles on side • For the Kids: Grilled Chicken with Vegetables, Grilled Fish with Vegetables

Corndance Tavern:

• Appetizer: Hummus Platter • Salad: Mikado Salad • Entree': Sea Bass Cartoccio or Tuna Steak Dish or Bison Steak

TGIFriday's:

• Appetizer: Spinach Florentine Flatbread • Salad: Tomato Mozzarella Salad • Entree': Jack Daniel's Chicken & Shrimp with side Broccoli • For the Kids: Chicken Skewers with Grilled Pita, Chicken Sandwich, Pasta with Marinara, Salad, Fruit Cup

Bar Louie:

(Photos are representational)

• Appetizers: Hummus, Tapenade & Tzatziki Platter • Salad: Chop Chop with Chicken • Entree': Chop Chop with Chicken, Sesame Encrusted Ahi Tuna, Roasted Vegetable Flatbread, Grilled Veggie Wrap

Chipotle:

• Tips: Get a bowl vs a burrito, avoid the 3 C's {sour cream, cheese & chips}, add the fajita vegetables to any dish, add salsa for flavor • Dishes: Chicken or Steak Fajita Bowl {with brown rice, black beans, salsa and lettuce}, Chicken or Steak Salad {with black beans, fajita vegetables & chipotle-honey vinaigrette} • For the Kids: Taco Kit {with steak, black beans, fajita vegetables and lettuce}

Starbucks:

• Drinks Under 200 Calories: Tazo Iced Black Tea, Black Iced Coffee, Caramel Frappuccino Light, Soy Tazo Chai Tea Latte, Skinny Vanilla Latte, Steamed Apple Juice • Eats Under 350 Calories: Whole Grain Oatmeal with Blueberries, Greek Yogurt with Berries Parfait, Seasonal Harvest Fruit Blend, Chicken & Greens Caesar Bowl, Ham & Swiss or Roasted Vegetable Panini

McDonald's:

• Breakfast: Fruit & Yogurt Parfait, Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, Egg White Delight Muffin • Lunch or Dinner: Premium Bacon Ranch Salad with Chicken, Grilled Chicken Ranch Snack Wrap, Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich {without mayonnaise} • For the Kids: McCafe' Pineapple, Pomegranate or Strawberry Smoothie, Chipotle Chicken Grilled BBQ Snack Wrap SAS SY | February 2014

Romance

SASSY

life

Your Life

This month is all about love and romance. We all know that the most important thing we can give is our time but what do we do during the time we give? One of my favorite things to do is to sit by the fireplace with a hot cup of tea and catch up with a friend, really listening and engaging in the conversation. If I haven’t seen a loved one for awhile, I might sit at my desk and compose a thoughtful note telling them how much they mean to me. Sometimes we must make time to reconnect with ourselves, maybe by indulging in a long bath or reading our favorite book with a plate of yummy chocolates close at hand.

By: Andrew Skipper

Here are a few of my favorite (and easy) gift ideas that pave the way for relationship building whether that be with your lover, your friends, or yourself. These are tokens that are appropriate for Valentine’s Day and any time of the year. Whatever moments you choose to create this month, try and think of how you can work them into your everyday life. After all, its long term romance we really want.

Have a Cup:

Just the thought of sitting down for a hot cup of tea relaxes the body and soothes the mind. Turn this pastime into the perfect gift by placing a few favorite teas in a pretty cup and saucer along with a delicate cloth napkin. Make the experience even sweeter by including specialty crystallized sugar or a jar of local honey.

Photo PhotoBy:By:Anderson AndersonPhotography Photography

Love Letters:

In this fast paced world it’s important to stop and appreciate the people in our lives that make us happy. While an email or text message is nice, who doesn’t love a good old fashioned hand-written note? Beautiful stationary is a perfect gift and a kind note just saying “I love you,” is also a treat to receive. Take time this month to make someone’s day by telling them how much they mean to you.

Photo By: Anderson Photography

Good and Sweet:

A luscious box of seasonal fruit such as Clementine’s and oranges can be paired with decadent chocolates for a thoughtful way to spoil a friend or Valentine. Who could resist this sweet indulgence, especially when they can say, “Yes I ate a dozen bonbons but I had an orange too!”

Photo By: Anderson Photography

Pampering Priorities:

You can sooth the feminine soul with little luxuries that could include items like lotion or soap. To please yourself or guests, fill a mother of pearl dish with handmade soaps with divine scents. Scented sachets, to be used in closets and drawers also make thoughtful and useful gifts. Tie a few together with a pretty ribbon and you’ve got an inexpensive but lovely gift anyone would appreciate.

Photo By: Anderson Photography

Create a Vanity:

Renowned style icon Diana Vreeland once said, “I loathe narcissism but I approve of vanity.” What a wonderful Valentine’s surprise for a sister, daughter or niece to create a beautiful place for them to primp and ponder each day. With the simple components of a table, a petit chair, pretty mirror, and beauty accouterment such as makeup brushes and perfume, you can create a space that’s the ultimate in personal pleasure. Photo By: Anderson Photography

Fantastic Floral:

A classic way to say “I love you,” without saying a word is buying flowers. Take a dozen roses and place them in a classic container, such as a silver urn, for a statement that will make anyone feel special. SAS SY | February 2014

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work

Leading With Love

Teaching Leaders the Power of Loving Their People. By: Charrise McCrorey

t our core, human being self, we want to love and be loved. We want to know that we matter to someone else. We want to have a voice that is heard. We want to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s what we all want, regardless of our position in life or in business. For a company to operate at peak potential, leaders must win the hearts and minds of their employees. Everything works better when an individual are emotionally invested. Leaders can leverage the power of their employees by effectively understanding and using their talents, skills and energy. When leaders meet the needs of their employees, they win by keeping the best talent in the marketplace. This gives companies a strong competitive advantage, which translates directly to the bottom line. Meeting the needs of people begins by a commitment to leading with love.

Engagement

What does it look like to lead with love? How does that translate, specifically, to behavior? For starters, it’s about a leadership commitment to creating a workforce which has a high level of engagement. Engaged employees willingly go the extra mile because of their strong emotional connection to their work. They show up with 100% commitment. People are either engaged, not engaged or actively disengaged. As you might imagine, actively disengaged workers can do incredible damage to a culture by undermining positive morale. Engagement can be up-leveled when empathy exists in the relationship. Empathy is the capacity to recognize emotions in others. It’s when we understand the emotional impact of struggle and connect with someone from that emotional level. Having empathy for one another fosters a safe and loving environment where it’s okay to show emotions. It creates a culture where people openly care about the well-being of others.

Here are five concepts to consider as drivers for engagement in the workplace:

What if leaders actively collaborated with all levels of the workforce to improve both individual performance and bottom line results? Innovation happens when the people on the front lines are asked for input and respected for giving it. If a front line worker has easy access to top leader, and feels comfortable sharing key ideas, trust is established. Once leaders see front line workers as a valuable resource, innovation becomes a natural outcome of that culture.

What if the culture openly acknowledged humans for their efforts all the time? A culture is either focused on casting blame, or giving acknowledgement. Defensiveness takes hold when people who make mistakes are publicly admonished. If, rather, those mistakes are acknowledged as learning opportunities, and people are rewarded for taking risks, creativity expands. People are doing great things every minute of every day. Acknowledging them in front of their peers will support positive morale and higher productivity.

24 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

What if leaders made employees feel valuable as an integral part of the organization’s success or failure? Every person in a company can have a significant impact, if that is the expectation from leadership. When every employee understands that their contribution is a significant factor in the success or failure of the company, they feel vested in the outcome. It’s much more likely that they will be engaged in solution oriented thinking, if they know their input is valued. We want to make a difference and if we know we’re helping to solve a problem, we stay engaged.

What if employees were encouraged to work on their strengths rather than their weaknesses? The beautiful thing about humans is that we are quite diverse. What one person despises doing, another adores. Think about the last time you worked on improving something you’re not good at. Was that fun? Did it help? Why not match people up with job functions with which they can excel, rather than struggle to meet expectations?\

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What if being transparent and communicating openly were a core value of the organization? When we aren’t told what’s going on, our tendency is to make stuff up. Uncertainty breeds fear and a fearful culture kills creativity. When leaders tell as much of the truth as possible, they are creating an environment where trust is possible. Effective communication is one of the key components for creating a thriving culture of top performers.

Can you imagine being part of a culture where these concepts were actively explored? What do you suppose the turnover rate would be? Wouldn’t everyone want to work in a company with core values like these? This is why leading with love is such a difference-maker. My thesis is that love is the answer. By now you know I’m not talking about romantic love, or group hugs. I believe that leadership IS love. Because, after all, we ARE human.

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balance

Tips to Help You Maintain

Work/Life B alance as an Entrepreneur

By: Jillian Koeneman

Feeling like you have a sense of balance in your life is one of the most rewarding and peaceful experiences. On the contrary, if you feel like your life is unbalanced, you may feel like you are onboard a runaway freight train in which you have no idea where the brakes are located.

s an entrepreneur, you aren’t just juggling the challenges of running a business - a huge undertaking in and of itself; chances are you are also taking on the role of being a wife, mom, sister, daughter and a friend.

achieve overall peace, harmony and happiness.

Think of your life like a wheel with each area of your life being a spoke on the wheel (business, marriage, relationships, children, learning, health, fitness, spirituality, finances and fun). In order for the wheel to turn, each of the spokes needs to be of equal weight and length. The spokes are also all interconnected, meaning one depends on and impacts another. If some of the spokes are broken or missing, the wheel won’t turn. It will wobble and may eventually break.

We are each blessed with 24 hours in a day, no more and no less. It’s what we chose to do with those 24 hours that matters.

Turn Off Your Smartphone

The same is true for your life and your mental well-being. In order to thrive as a person and as an entrepreneur, you need to nurture each area of your life to make sure they are in balance. While I am certainly not saying each area of your life will be perfect or that you will always feel balanced, it’s important to recognize the need to focus on each aspect of your life in order to

As an entrepreneur your day is never officially “over.” However, you are not a super human and cannot work 24/7. Pick a time each day to shut off your smartphone (or put it on silent). Use this time to focus on the other areas of your life and on your relationships. Let your employees and business partners know that you are doing this and provide an alternative way for them to contact you in the event of a “true” emergency.

26 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

The great news is that we have the ability to choose the things we allow or disallow in our life. We have much more control than we often think.

As an entrepreneur with two businesses, here are some tips I have found to be helpful.

Set Boundaries This is a hard one for most women. You need to establish boundaries about your work and life and stick to them. As women, we tend to be people pleasers which is a very good quality but can also get us into trouble. Boundaries help us be the best versions of ourselves while looking out for the important people in our life.

Schedule Time For You Remember the last time you flew and the flight attendant gave their typical safety instructions. One thing that they always say is that you have to first put on your oxygen mask before helping

others. Same is true with your life. You must take time to take care of you, before you can help others. If your cup is empty how will you fill up someone else’s? Put time on your schedule for self-care, exercise, reading and other activities that make you feel good. This isn’t being selfish, this is a necessity.

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Learn To Say “NO” You can’t please everyone all the time. Nor should you try! Learning to say “no” in the appropriate situations is going to be key to finding balance. If you said “yes” to every committee, non-profit or event your child was invited to, you would go crazy! Saying “no” is a good thing and if you explain to someone why you are saying “no” they are much more likely to be understanding.

REGAN

HEARt DisEAsE suRvivoR

Be Kind To Yourself Stop being so hard on yourself. You aren’t a perfect person and that’s okay. Sometimes you will stumble and fall and make a mistake. That is 100% okay; that is part of learning and being an entrepreneur! We are often our harshest critics. Do yourself a favor and stop being so hard on yourself.

Ask For Help Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of a good leader. By delegating things that you are not good at, you will be able to focus more of your time on efforts on things you are good at and that will help you grow. Ask for help early and often.

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Ignore Negative Opinions People have the right to their opinion, and you have the right to ignore it. Surround yourself with as many positive thinking people as possible - you don’t have time for naysayers.

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balance

12 ways to work

Your Workout

By: Ashley Talmadge

yourself Baby Steps First: Promise r lunch a brisk 15-minute walk on you yoga DVD first hour each day, or a 20-minute h something you thing in the morning. Start wit w from there. know you can manage and gro

Did you indulge a little more than you would have liked at the end of 2013? If so, you’re not alone.

Those extra dollops of whipped cream and smidges of fudge have many of us promising to lose weight and eat healthier food in the upcoming year. But if current research is any indicator, these everpopular New Year’s resolutions will never go out of style. Though we all know that maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising regularly and eating well are good ways to prevent chronic health problems, only 8% of resolution-makers meet their goals. There are ways to beat the odds and ensure your personal success. Make a commitment to becoming fit, stick to a plan, and most importantly, take a long-term view of your health. Think about what you’re modeling for your kids. Start slowly and don’t expect a miracle in three weeks. Follow these twelve surefire tips to start and maintain your workout routine and maybe you won’t be making the same resolutions next year.

Beware the Shortc ut Charlatan. No, you can’t use “vibr ation technology” to jiggle flab into a beach-r eady bikini body. The quicker you’re able to develop immunity to such outla ndish claims, the quicker you can get to the real busin ess of getting fit. Exercising ca n be fun but it’s not eff or tless. View your health and fit ness as a creative lifelon g endeavor rather than a phase.

28 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

self. Not a rooster? Know Yourself, Be Your at 5 a.m. Enjoy Don’t schedule your workouts ss. Inspired by screams of, camaraderie? Join a fitness cla in pain after your hundredth “Make it burn!” as you writhe marine as your personal crunch? Hire the burly retired t quicker than hating every trainer. Nothing burns you ou es the equipment and techniqu minute of your workout. Use that motivate you.

Precision Counts. It’s easier to work toward a goal that’s detailed and specific. So “I’ll exercise more,” becomes “I’ll bike five miles, three times a week.” Amy Carroll, full-time insurance agent and mother of two, has been going to the gym regularly for almost four months. She says, “My long-term goal is to be the weight that is on my driver’s license. I have mini goals to shoot for along the way…[and] currently have hit my first goal of losing 15 lbs!”

rsonal e-on-one time with a pe Personalize It. On iques hn tify the vast array of tec trainer can help demys ims that iner Brandon Senn cla tra l na rso Pe t. en pm they’ve and equi ness program because fit a th wi ck sti n’t do many people any people don’t r routine.” He says, “M tte cu kie oo “c a en os ch rsonal trainer can doing and why.” A pe ’re ey th at wh d an rst st can also unde diversified program. Mo d an le xib fle a ate cre ent. help you n and weight managem tio tri nu g in rd ga re e provide advic

Scale Back. Resist the urge to weigh yourself every day. Sure, you want a concrete way to track the pounds being siphoned away in your sweat. But for most people, losing more than 1 to 1½ pounds per week is unrealistic. Senn says progress is more accurately tracked by getting a regular body fat measurement (easily obtained at most gyms). In addition, he recommends keeping an accurate log of your workouts as “a great way to see where you’re making progress and where you might need to modify what you’re doing.” Hop on the scale only weekly (or even monthly) to get a better sense of weight loss and avoid discouragement. SAS SY | February 2014

Buddy Up . A workout p artner with si goals can fost milar er some heal don’t need to th y competitio coordinate e n. You very workou with your bu t but check in ddy regularly to compare n person who otes. Choose won’t let you a off the hook miss your wo to o easily if you rkout.

12 ways to work Your Workout continued...

body at rest ur Physics. A o Y r e b m e otion Rem hile a body in m w , st re at ay st tends to ur body too. This goes for yo g. in ov brisk m ep ke tends to nges arise, do a le al ch le du he en sc ur workout When unforese er than ditch yo th ra g jo or k al an nothing” 20-minute w hing is better th et om “s a t op your completely. Ad p quickly, while u ile p ts u ko or w an. attitude. Missed le on the ottom ab rt fo m co e or feet get m

10.

Use Bribery and Blackmail. Reward yourself in some small way for completing your workout. Sometimes all it takes is the thought of a post-workout shower at the gym or uninterrupted by small children pounding on the door. If you’re more motivated by penalty than reward, agree to buy your workout buddy lunch if you miss more than two sessions in a row.

Avoid the Blame Game. You ate a huge piece of cake after your friend’s birthday party and now you feel like your workout was all for nothing. Allow yourself a specific amount of time to indulge in guilt (no more than 15 minutes!) and move on. Don’t try to compensate for those cake calories by doubling your workout time. Forget the “sugar debt” and keep moving.

30 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

11.

Mix It Up. Tr y you something new when ll rro ine. Ca feel stuck in your rout ba® class but m Zu r says she loves he some weight also uses the elliptical, free weights. machines and some d doing some She adds, “I just starte ff at home and I basic kick boxing stu o.” have enjoyed that to

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Get Inspired. Look for someone who makes you think, “If she can do it, so can I.” Whether it’s the restaurant blogge r who shed 90 pounds or the 90-yea r-old who still walks three miles a day, let your “hero” spur you on.

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SASSY

recipe

MAKE QUINOA A STAPLE:

Slow Cooker

Quinoa is a grain that is low in calories, high in vitamins, fiber and protein. It is low on the Glycemic Index meaning that it won't spike your blood sugar and will keep you fuller for longer!

Vegetarian

Quinoa Chili By: Jeannine Eubanks

Ingredients

• 2 quarts veggie stock • 1 quart black beans • 1 cup uncooked quinoa • 3 - 5 tomatoes, diced • 1/2 an onion, chopped • 1/2 a green or red pepper • Any other veggies you feel like throwing in • 1T chili powder • 2t cumin • 1t garlic powder • 1/2t salt • 1/2t pepper (adjust any ingredients to taste)

Directions

Put all ingredients in slow cooker, cook on low 6 hours or on high 3 hours. Serve with sour cream and shredded cheese, tortilla chips and/or cornbread.

Woman THE

SASSY

Business

Michiana Business Women Striving for Work, Life, Balance.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

THE SA SS FACTORY advice from a business coach

Dear Charrise: Managing Family Through Work

Charrise McCrorey is a global coach/consultant, writer, speaker and founder of Arms Wide Open Corporation, supporting the empowerment of people and businesses to live and work in their highest purpose. She has offices in Elkhart and Chicago.

Email your questions to: Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com to have them answered by Coach Charrise!

Have a co-worker who’s driving you batty? A boss who just won’t listen to reason? Or maybe you’re wondering if this is your time to break out and show the business world what you’re really made of – but you don’t know exactly how to go about it. Sounds like you need some sound business advice! Send your questions to Charrise, our SASSY business coach, and have them answered here. It’s time to get a fresh perspective!

My son works for me as my technical advisor where he is doing most of the work from another state. He’s really gifted at all things technical but I’m finding it difficult to help him manage his priorities and it is especially complicated by the distance. I like giving him the opportunity to help me with my business but worry that being his mom alters the way I would manage this function. Any tips for me?

Charrise Says:

It can be challenging to manage your children in your business. The upside is that you know them well and most likely you trust them more than you would an outsider. It’s great that you can add value to your child’s life by mentoring their business career and compensating them financially, while they are also adding value to your business by performing key tasks. The challenge is managing them like any other employee. You must decide the level of accountability that best serves your business and separate the emotions that might come up due to being his mom. As 34 July 2013 | SASSY

with any employee, you need to be able to trust that he will do what he agrees to do, within the committed time frame. Many such arrangements work out well when there is an extreme commitment to clear and open communication. Everything works better when expectations are clearly communicated and agreements are created. This is true in any relationship and especially true if you want to continue to have a healthy relationship with your son. Be clear about what you expect and be willing to create consequences for non-performance. Regularly give positive feedback as well as coaching around the areas for improvement. Sometimes because an employee is a family member, one is less verbally appreciative of their contributions. It’s easy to take their talents for granted. Be sure to communicate both the good things and the not so good things.

“

Above all, be clear about which aspect of your relationship is more important. If things aren’t working, be willing to cut your losses to protect the sacred mother/son bond. No business task is worth sacrificing that.

”

How important is social media as a tool for marketing my business, really? I hear all the buzz that I must showcase my business on all the social media channels. First of all, who has the time for that? Secondly, how can I know that if I spend time on it, that it will pay off for my business?

Charrise Says:

That’s a very common concern and one that I’ve asked myself many times. I’m no social media expert, though I do use many social media outlets to market my business. Even though it’s free, there is a cost. Time is a finite asset and once you spend it, you can’t get it back. So, how you spend your time building marketing buzz is something important to consider. There is no guarantee that it will pay off for you to have a social media presence on all the various available channels. It does no good to set up a profile and then do nothing with it. Here are the first three things to do once you’ve decided to take the plunge:

1. Get a Strategy. It’s very easy to go down an unintentional path with social media.

2. Get Engaged. Social media is useless unless you’re willing to share yourself. Be yourself and share openly to gain trust and awareness about what your gifts are.

3. Measure Progress by noting how people come to your business. The amount of “Likes” you may have does not mean that more people are doing business with you. Decide if the time you are giving up is worth the gain you will experience. Social media can be a tremendous tool for connections and can be highly entertaining. It makes new relationships possible without regard to geography. Use it wisely.

The Little White Dress Dream Weddings & Events on a Budget Saturday, March 1 st 10:30 am – 3:00 pm Windsor Park Conference Center 4020 Edison Lakes Pkwy Mishawaka, IN 46545 Admission is FREE Learn the secrets to planning your own dream wedding or special event without spending a fortune! • Fashion Show Coordinated by: Fashion Expert, Kathy Friend • Vendor Booths Photographers Caterers Florists And Many More • Light Refreshments • Goodwill Boutique Wedding Attire Honeymoon Wear Prom Dresses Special Occasion Attire Accessories If you are planning a wedding or just looking for something beautiful to wear for a special event, join us!

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Provide jobs, training and placement services for people with barriers to employment.

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Kathy Friend Fashion Expert Join The Little White Dress Event SAS SY | February 2014

1/15/14 3:01 PM

THE

Woman

SASSY Business

how

Blogging

Can Help Your Business By: Jillian Koeneman

s we kick off the New Year, I’d like to encourage you to get outside of your comfort zone and stretch your wings when it comes to marketing your business on the Internet. Your digital marketing strategy and the tools in which you use will vary depending on the type of business and audience you have. However, there is one online vehicle that will benefit 95% of all businesses – a blog. A company blog that is customer-focused, well-written, and consistently updated will reap many significant benefits.

According to Hubspot’s 2013 State of Inbound Marketing Report and Social Media Today, blogs offer the following benefits for businesses:

WordPress is the most popular and trusted blogging software available and lets you host your blog directly on your website. It is easy to use and provides valuable search engine optimization benefits.

• Positive ROI: 80% of marketers who blog see positive ROI.

As you get into blogging for your business, you will find that your biggest challenge is not thinking of things to blog about, but rather finding ways to fit it into your schedule.

• Boosted Website Traffic: Websites with blogs have 55% more visitors than those who don’t, fueled by 97% more inbound links, and 434% more indexed pages.

I was recently deeply convicted (and motivated) after recently reading a great article about how to constantly produce quality blog content and practical ways to fit blogging into your daily life.

• Increased Visibilit y: Small businesses with blogs generate 126% more leads.

I am a blogger by nature but since starting two businesses, I have let other things pull me away from blogging.

• Revamped Sales: 57% of companies who blog just once a month acquired a customer via their blog. By comparison, 82% of marketers who blog on a daily basis have acquired a customer via their blog.

It’s not that I don’t have time to blog; I simply haven’t made it a priority in my business like I should.

• Heightened Credibilit y: 81% of US consumers trust advice and information from blogs. 61% of US consumers have also made a purchase based on a blog post. When using a blog in combination with other social tools, your blog acts as the focal point which you use the other tools to draw attention to. 36 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

Someone once told me there isn’t a shortage of time but rather a lack of priorities. There are things my business that take up my time and produce little to no results. However, blogging is NOT one of those activities. There are HUGE rewards that can come from blogging. With a well-written, consistently updated blog at the core of your overall social media strategy, you can expect to experience things like increased web traffic, increased search engine visibility and higher sales.

In addition, blogging is also a great way to hone your writing skills while making a connection with your customers. Blogging is one of the MOST EFFECTIVE marketing tools a company has. Don’t you think it deserve a little more time and effort? I believe so.

Here are some improvements I am going to make in my business in 2014 so that I can work blogging into my daily routine. They may be helpful for you too! • Block out time & commit: I’ve physically blocked out one hour in my schedule three to four days per week. I’ve label the time slot “BLOGGING: NOT NEGOTIABLE” and fully committed this time to myself and to my business. • Get ahead: I am going to use the weekends to get ahead a week or two on drafting blog posts so that I am never left scrambling if an emergency would ever come up. • Utilize guest bloggers: I am lining up a handful of marketing pros who will be a guest blogger a few times a month. This helps lighten the load for me while giving the guest bloggers enhanced visibility and expanding their reader base.

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• Video Blog: Consider doing some of your posts as videos. Pick up an inexpensive video camera or use the camera on your computer to record an engaging two minute video on a relevant topic. Make 2014 your most profitable, fruitful year yet and invest in your business by creating and committing to a blog.

Our impact is

COMMUNITY-WIDE SAS SY | February 2014

THE

Woman

SASSY Business

How to Host a

Successful

Business Event By: Cyndy Searfoss

Whether it’s an open house to welcome customers to your newest location, hosting a seminar or a fundraising-gala, great business events are a lot like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. You have to look at the big picture and have some sort of strateg y, then, put together all the little pieces.

Determine Your Budget. The first order of business: determine your budget. Even though you’ll be holding an event at your facility, there will be some incremental costs involved, even if it’s only for coffee and water for your guests. Some budget items you’ll want to consider, regardless of your event location, would include food, beverages, cups, napkins, company/ product brochures, any other handouts and promotional give away items. There are a number of local restaurants and caterers who are very skilled at putting together appetizers, lunches and other goodies at a very reasonable cost and are able to work within a per person budget for your event.

Who is Your Target Audience? Next on the list is your target audience. Sometimes this one is a nobrainer. Your current customers are likely to be very interested. It’s also a good opportunity to invite potential customers but there are times that thinking outside the box will lead to the biggest payoff for your event. Here’s an example. If you’re holding an open house, the first names that come to mind are probably current and potential customers. 38 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

It’s also a great time to invite back customers who may no longer be on your active list to see what’s new. Make sure to include your neighbors as well as local dignitaries, which would include the mayor, city and/or county council person, and etc.

Create a Visual Invitation. This will allow you to generate an invitation list for your event. Next is putting together an invite. It can be as simple as a letter on your corporate letterhead or a deluxe four-color hand addressed invitation. You’ll want to include an RSVP so you have an idea of the number of people planning to attend. Plan on giving your guests a 10-day to two-week response timeframe. Be aware, however, that you could have as many as a 10% swing in your numbers to the plus or minus side, even with an RSVP. As you’re developing your invitation, you’ll want to formulate exactly what it is you’ll be sharing with them, how you’ll be sharing it and the timeframe involved. A brief outline of the event should be part of the invitation, particularly if there will be program involving a speaker or speakers. This is also the best time to create a list of the resources, typically people and equipment, you’ll need.

Deciding on a Location. Next on the list is location, location, location. Just as in real estate, this one is critical. Even if you’ll be hosting your event on-site at your offices, you’ll want to designate which areas will be used and how they’ll be set up and used. While budget is always a consideration, if your offices or facilities are in need of anything more than a thorough cleaning an offsite event may be more cost-effective in the long run. Your customers won’t be impressed by peeling wallpaper, black scuffs along the walls, crowded conference rooms and dirty carpeting. There are a number of outstanding offsite event choices available locally that is able to accommodate a wide range of budgets and number of participants. Outdoor events can be a huge hit, particularly if your facility has landscaped areas available. The caveat, however, is to always have a back up plan in case of bad weather. A rented tent can keep visitors dry, cool and shaded during the summer months but in the event of a strong thunderstorm, or worse, you’ll want to make sure you have an indoor contingency.

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Additional Event Preparation. If you’re a member of your local Chamber of Commerce, there may be additional resources available to help you with businessrelated events, particularly for groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting events. Typically, they can provide assistance with some of the event preparation as well as making available those invaluable goodies such as gold shovels for groundbreakings and giant scissors for ribbon-cutting ceremonies. They can also have a representative available for the event, provide contact information for other chamber members for the invitation list and invite dignitaries on your behalf. Finally, remember to enjoy the event! With a good strategy and adequate time to prepare, all the pieces should come together for a successful event. When the guests arrive, it’s time to have fun and show off your organization!

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574-534-1521 1-800-635-0963 www.mennotrav.com SAS SY | February 2014

THE

Woman

SASSY Business

Advice from Area Execs

assy Magazine and the Renaissance Executive Forums are pleased to bring you our new monthly column The Sassy Executive Forum. Each month we will have a featured business question that will be answered by female executives to help guide you in your own business endeavors.

This Month's Question:

“

I would like to grow as a professional and I have been advised that it would be helpful if I were to connect with an experienced woman in my field. Do you have any advice on how to find a mentor and what we might talk about if I found one?

”

Answer: In my opinion, the best place to find a mentor is through a professional organization related to your field. If not already a member, it is wise to join at least one. Attend meetings, get on their email list or connect in other ways with the membership. It is much easier to reach out to someone who is member of a group to which you both belong to start a mentor relationship. If possible, connect with someone who is at least one, if not two, steps ahead of where you are currently positioned professionally. Extend an invitation to join you for coffee or issue a lunch invitation. Be clear that you are in a related field or position and have interest in learning more about her business as well as the career path that led her there. She will then know right away the nature of the relationship you seek and may accept or decline the invitation based on her willingness and/or availability to take on the relationship.

40 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

This article is provided by Executive Forums which helps executives achieve their goals and reduce risk by providing input from a confidential team of their peers and tools from thought leaders. For information, contact them at 574.243.0175 or visit their website: www.ExecutiveForums.com. Melissa L. Grubb, Head of School at The Stanley Clark School in South Bend Melissa Grubb is enjoying her fourth year of service as Head of School at The Stanley Clark School in South Bend and her twenty-seventh year as an educator. Melissa and her husband, Tom, have been married for 26 years. They have one son, Christopher, who is currently in his senior year at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN.

Once you connect with someone and have an opportunity to meet, consider asking the following kinds of questions: • How did she get started in the business in the first place? • Did she have mentors of her own along the way that helped on her journey from "start" to her current position? • If she had it to do all over again, what would she be certain to repeat and what would she do differently? • Is the reality of her current position consistent with what she had imagined it to be? Is that OK? • What is toughest for her? Where are her struggles? • Does she have any "life rules" for maintaining balance? How does she "do it all" or does she?

Establishing a mentor relationship can be extremely rewarding for both the person seeking guidance and counseling as well as the mentor. Everyone gains from positive, supportive nature of the relationship that, in many cases, becomes a long-lasting friendship.

Answer:

The wisdom from an experienced woman as a field mentor is decidedly a fast track method to follow to grow personally and professionally. There is no right way to find a mentor. The journey begins with the search for the suitable person. Focus on establishing a relationship first. From Amy Errett in Wharton magazine, “The mentorship relationship is unique in that the mentor doesn’t just give advice but is also part of personal trusted relationship between two people where questions, advice, knowledge and discussion flow back and forth openly.”

on a cold winter day, select...

Within your field, search for a founder CEO, or a woman in a strategic operational role, so you can benefit from her best practices and lessons learned. Seek for someone who fought long and hard to reach where she is. Someone you respect, imbues self-confidence, competence and leadership qualities that you wish to emulate. She should be able to demonstrate passion to help others, introduce you to the right people, coach you and encourage you. Successful mentoring relationships become dynamic and effective when a mentor shares her expertise, is willing to honor you with the gifts of time and empathetic listening skills and will point you in the right direction.

Martha Smith, Project Director for WEI and Executive Forum Leader for Women at Saint Mary's www.wei.saintmarys.edu Saint Mary’s College WEI provides students with opportunities to learn about and experience entrepreneurship. It also partners with community businesses and organizations to provide financial and business education services to women entrepreneurs. WEI is pronounced "we."

Made in Napa by Elkhart businessman Carl Tiedemann and distributed in Michiana, ask for the Tiedemann Signature Series Red Wine, and the Glenwood Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc at your favorite wine shop, country club or restaurant! www.tiedemannwines.com or 574-296-1300 SAS SY | February 2014

THE

Woman

SASSY

Business balance

Top 10 FREE TECH TOOLS

for 2014 By: Jillian Koeneman

Make 2014 the most profitable year yet for your business with these smart tech tools that won’t put a dent in your budget. These tools can save you time and money and, quite frankly, are just-plain-awesome to use.

1. PicMonkey:

Not a Photoshop diva? PicMonkey allows you to edit photos, resize and crop, add filters, create collages, add text, incorporate seasonal themes and more for free. It’s also web-based so you don’t have to install anything on your computer.

2. HARO:

Help a Reporter Out (HARO) helps you connect with journalists and publications that can help give you unpaid exposure and boost your credibility in your field. Visit their website www.helpareporter.com and signup for their daily e-blasts which alert you to various opportunities by reporters who are looking for niche related information and quotes from a business professional like you.

3. Evernote:

Evernote is probably the most popular free organizational and productivity tool for small business owners and for a good reason. Evernote gives you a place to create notes, store contacts, record meetings in video and audio form and capture images of handwritten materials all in one place. It is also extremely intelligent when it comes to organizing your notes so that they are easy to find. Evernote automatically syncs across all of your devices so you always have access to your content and notes even when you are on the go. 42 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

4. Free Conference Calling:

Free Conference Calling is a free service that allows small businesses to host online meetings via telephone. When you sign up you will be given a phone number, link and access code you can share with your meeting participants. Another great feature is that you can host a conference call with up to 96 participants for six hours at a time.

5. Google Alerts:

Stay on top of what is being said about your business, your competition and your industry with Google Alerts. This tool lets you type in words or key phrases related to your business and will alert you via email every time (or once a day) when a new match appears. Google Alerts helps you to be proactive in forecasting trends, opportunities and potential weakness in your business.

7. Square:

Accept payments on the go with Square. Signup via the Square website and they will send you a free credit card reader. There is no monthly fee and it will cost your business a flat 2.75% to process payments. When a customer pays you, the amount is automatically deposited to your bank account in 2 working days. You can also setup a free Square Store and sell merchandise or services online for free. Square also offers an intuitive dashboard and analytics. Square makes getting paid easy and headache free.

8. Dropbox:

Dropbox is a great online storage tool because it makes running a business from multiple locations easy! Dropbox is a safe place to store documents online. As a small business owner, you typically have various documents that you need to access frequently and most likely on different devices and computers. Dropbox lets you create a link between these devices. You can access the documents and files you upload to Dropbox anywhere at any time. You can also create folders to keep your content organized. Dropbox is also a great way to back up your computer if should anything happen (think computer crash, theft or spilling coffee on your favorite laptop - eek!). By using Dropbox to backup your computer you can restore your files quickly if needed and it will also give you peace of mind.

6. Wordpress:

WordPress is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest and most popular website content management system and it also happens to be free! From Fortune 100 Companies to Small Business and Startups alike, Wordpress offers a scalable website solution for almost any business. With Wordpress you customize the site to fit your brand and can incorporate things such as lead capture, blog and social integration, ecommerce and membership functionality. Wordpress sites are also notoriously search engine friendly and highly ranked by Google.

10. MailChimp: 9. Survey Monkey:

In order for your business to be successful in 2014, you need to get really good at listening to your customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wants, needs and problems. Your customers want to feel like their voices are being heard. One of the best ways of interacting with your customers and keeping perspective of your business is to conduct surveys. Survey Monkey lets you set up and email surveys to your customers so that you can gain enhanced understanding into how they think and act. You can set up different surveys for different target audiences and receive results via your inbox.

Reaching your customers via email is an important piece of any good marketing strategy. MailChimp is an easy-touse email software platform that enables you to design newsletters using the different templates available. Upload your email list of people who have given you permission to email them and hit send! You can then review analytics which tell you exactly who opened your email and if they took the desired action or not.

Do you have a free tech tool that you love? Share it with other SASSY women via our Facebook page! SAS SY | February 2014

SASSY

book reviews

Style Bible:

What to Wear to Work By Lauren A. Rothman Bibliomotion Books, 2014 Reviewed By: Lisa Felix, Bittersweet Branch Manager of the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library “Style Bible: What to Wear to Work” applies to both women and men and covers the overall fashion sense as well as detailed information for selecting the clothing pieces that build a professional wardrobe. Lauren Rothman covers the differences in acceptable dresses in various cities as well as dressing for different working environments and professions. “Identifying the Perfect Fit” section of the book explains how to dress a certain one’s body type and how to accentuate it. In addition, attention is also given to proper grooming for the workplace. “Style Bible” not only focuses on how to build a basic professional wardrobe but also show how to “shop” for that wardrobe. The book will explain how to put those outfits together and share where and how to shop on a budget. It focuses on buying quality items that are timeless and last rather than hoarding inexpensive, trendy items. Inside the book there are tips on what not to do and fashion faux pas. I would highly recommend this book for any new college graduate who wants to dress appropriately for success as well as anyone in the business world wanting to revamp their image.

Editor’s Book Choices of the Month: Currently Reading: 3rd Degree by James Patterson Next Top Choice Reads: 1. The Help by Kathyrn Stockett 2. You Knew Me When by Emily Liebert 3. The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks 44 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

The

Datebook F e b r u a ry 2 0 1 4

February 2014 Events

This listing includes events around town. Always call ahead for updates.

online at morriscenter.org or by calling the The Morris box office at 574-235-9190.

5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

Cameron Carpenter

Ice Fishing Derby

Fish Lake American Legion

The Fish Lake Property Owners Association is having their 42nd annual Ice Fishing Derby. Registration is open between 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for whoever catches the biggest fish. There will also be community projects raffle, a 50/50 raffle, bingo and a silent auction.

Design a Mug Pierre Moran Branch-Elkhart Public Library

Get out of the cold and visit the Pierre Moran Branch of Elkhart Public Library to design a mug for hot chocolate or coffee. This is free to anyone who stops in. For more information, please visit www.myepl.org.

Latin Wednesdays: Weekly Dance Special 7:30 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

The Goodwill Extreme Closet Makeover Community Service Project is continuing until the end of this week. Those who donate gently used items to Goodwill Collection Centers turn in the tickets so that their student’s school will receive credit for participation. For more information please contact Katie Paceley at 574-472-7379 or email her kpaceley@goodwill-ni.org.

Leading Ladies 2:00 p.m.

South Bend Civic Theatre

The South Bend Civic Theatre opens their 2014 season with a comedy called “Leading Ladies” from master farceur Ken Ludwig. Tickets range from $15-18. For more information please visit the Civic Theatre’s website at www.sbct.org.

Langlab

Every Wednesday, Langlab is having a dance social for those who are interested in wanting to learn Latin dancing. Each session is 30 minutes and light refreshments are included. Admission is $5 per person. For more information please visit their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/youcandance4life or call 574-993-1190.

Team Trivia 8:30 p.m.

Between the Buns Osceola

Enjoy answering questions ranging from movies to current events? Between the Buns in Osceola is having a Team Trivia night. Reservations are recommended if you want to take part in the fun and is free to play. For more information please visit their website at www. betweenthebuns.com.

8:00 p.m.

Open Mic-Comedy Showcase The Drop Comedy Club

Always wanted to show your funny side to a crowded room? Well, now is your chance. The Drop Comedy Club is having an open mic night that is free to the public. For more information go to www.thedropcomedyclub.com. 46 FEbruary 2014 | SASSY

Lerner Theatre

Cameron Carpenter will be at the Lerner Theatre on February 7th to show his talents on the organ. Ticket pricing ranges between $15-30 depending on the seating. For more information please visit the Lerner Theatre’s website at www.thelerner. com.

Downtown Goshen 1st Fridays: Sweet Indulgence

Goodwill Extreme Closet Makeover Goodwill Industries of Michiana

7:30 p.m.

Bring It On: The Musical 8:00 p.m.

Morris Performing Arts Center

The Theater League is performing BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL at the Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend February 7th and 8th. Tickets start at $33 and can be purchased

Downtown Goshen’s 1st Friday’s theme is “Sweet Indulgence” to help promote St. Valentine’s Day. For more information about this event, please visit their website at www.cityonthego.org. Downtown South Bend 1st Fridays

Date Night Downtown

Downtown South Bend’s 1st Friday’s theme is “Date Night Downtown” where local restaurants and stores will be having specials throughout the evening. There is plenty of free parking in the garages and parking lots. For more information please visit their website at www.dtsbfirstfridays. com.

Frosty 5K & Mitten Mile 10:00 a.m.

Studebaker Park Pavillion in Elkhart

The 5K course is an out and back on a smooth fire trail-type path. The Mitten Mile is a loop course that explores a small island area. The cost to visit is between $15 to $24. For more information please visit their website at www.stonesouppromotions. com/event/show/55323270. All ages are welcome!

For the Love of Art 11:00 a.m.

Northern Indiana Event Center/RV Hall of Fame

This event happens every year on the second Sunday of February. Adults can purchase a ticket for $5 and children under the age of 12 are free. For more information please contact Shireen Cline at 269-625-1638 or email her at luckykozmo@ gmail.com.

Monthly Meditation Yoga 5:30 p.m.

Elkhart Environmental Center

This free yoga session is open for anyone at any age. Classes are held on the second Monday of each month at the Elkhart Environmental Center. Anyone with any experience is welcomed to join. It is recommended to dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat or towel. Registration is required before attending. For more information please call 574293-5070.

Daddy Daughter Dance 6:00 p.m.

South Bend Century Center

The 14th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance is happening February 11th from 6-8:30 p.m. You will need to register at the O’Brien Recreation Center in South Bend, go online at www.sbpark. org or by phone at 574-299-4795. Space is limited so register early. The cost is $16 per person and parking at the Century Center is $5. For more information please visit their website or call them with the number provided.

Century Center February 15th through the 16th. For more information please visit www. shipshewanaontheroad.com.

March 1

Windsor Park Conference Center, Mishawaka

St. Margaret’s House Winter Walk 1:30 p.m.

County City Building in South Bend

Please join St. Margaret’s House for a one-mile solidarity walk through the heart of downtown South Bend to benefit St. Margaret’s House, a day center for women and children. For more information please visit their website at www. stmargaretshouse.org.

The Little White Dress 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Goodwill’s Little White Dress Fashion Show – Dream Weddings & Events on a Budget will be at the Windsor Park Conference Center in Mishawaka. Admission is free. Light refreshments and shopping at the on-site Goodwill Boutique is encouraged. For more information, please contact Katie Pacely at 574-472-7379 or visit their website at www.goodwill-ni.org.

Sommore Presents The Standing Ovation Tour 7:00 p.m.

Morris Performing Arts Center

SOMMORE, the “Queen of Comedy,” will be at the Morris Performing Arts Center February 16th. Tickets range from $45-50. Dinner and show packages are available for purchase. For more information please contact the box office at 800-537-6415 or visit their website at www. MorrisCenter.org.

Fun Family Movie 5:00 p.m.

Elkhart Public Library Main

The Elkhart Public Library Main is having free popcorn and a family movie showing. All ages are welcome to attend. For more information please visit their website at www.epl.org.

Tapping Day 9:30 a.m.

Bendix Woods County Park, New Carlisle, IN

Volunteers are needed to help tap trees and get the Bendix Woods sugar bush ready for making maple syrup. Please bring a hammer and a brace with a 5/16 inch bit (if available). Volunteers should arrive before 10 a.m. For more information, please contact Amal Farrough at 574-654-3155 or email at afarrough@sjcparks.org.

The Power of Love 8:00 p.m.

Go RED For Women® Affair in Red 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Lerner Crystal Ballroom The Women’s Heart Health Expo, doctor’s panel and style show will be at the Lerner Crystal Ballroom in Elkhart Thursday February 27th. For more information on how to get tickets, please visit their website at www.michianagoredforwomen. org or call 574-274-1783.

The Lerner Theatre

The Symphony will be performing music with the moving story of “The Velveteen Rabbit.” Tickets for adults are $20, seniors $17 and $7 for students. For more information please visit their website at www.thelerner.com

Shipshewana on the Road 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

South Bend Century Center

Air Supply 7:30 p.m.

The Lerner Theatre

Air Supply will be performing at The Lerner Theatre on February 28th. Ticket prices range from $39 to $69.50. For more information please visit their website at www.thelerner.com.

Shipshewana on the Road is happening at the

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Scene Be Seen

SASSY Magazine promotes Michiana’s cultural offerings, personalities, attractions and local businesses with a special emphasis on non-profit organizations’ events and activities. We expect this section of SASSY to grow significantly and we’d like your help to get it rolling! 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.

2013

Okuyamba Fest By: Cyndy Searfoss

he 2nd Annual Okuyamba Fest, held November 14th at the new Center for Hospice Care Mishawaka Campus, was an evening of art and international food, wine and beer in celebration of a great cause – making palliative care accessible to millions of Ugandans who would otherwise have no access to relief from pain and symptoms brought on by end-of-life diseases. Proceeds from the event provide financial support for the Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU) in their efforts to bring palliative care to the more than 35 million people of Uganda. Currently, it is available to only about 10% of the country’s population. Guests for the event sampled international foods, wine and beer (with thanks to event sponsor Granite City, David Thompson of City-Wide Liquors, Sommelier Ian Wulfsohn, Sean Wojkowski of Indulgence Pastry Shot & Café as well as the many volunteers who made the event possible) while bidding on more than 90 Ugandan art and craft items in the silent auction.

This was followed by a brief program, which included a sneak preview of the Hospice Foundation's upcoming documentary about child caregivers in Africa called The Road to Hope. After the program guests sampled a host of desserts and dessert liquors. Center for Hospice Care and the Hospice Foundation became partners with PCAU in 2008 through an innovative program developed by FHSSA (formerly known as the Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa). A year later, PCAU's country director, Rose Kiwanuka came to the US to share her mission of easing the pain the suffering of those dying deep in the rural villages of her country. To share her story and support PCAU's work, the Hospice Foundation produced the award-winning documentary “Okuyamba.” Titled for the Lugandan word meaning, "to help," the film has screened at film festivals, universities, churches and in hospice and palliative care organizations across the US and around the world.

A variety of international wines, including a selection of South African wines.

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Hand-crafted carved bowls from Uganda were among the silent auction items.

Silent auction items also include nativity scenes, woven baskets and African wines and liquors.

The wine tasting table was a popular stop throughout the evening.

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Scene Be Seen

Community Leadership Comes Together for Stronger, Healthier Babies at the March of Dimes® Signature Chefs Auction® On November 21, 2013 at The Palais Royale in South Bend several hundred civic, corporate and community leaders gathered for an elegant evening featuring signature dishes from Northern Indiana’s top chefs and to bid on exclusive items and experiences in live and silent auctions to help March of Dimes help babies. This annual event for the March of Dimes raises much needed funds to support its research and community programs that are fighting the number one cause of infant death and disability – premature birth. Premature birth is the most serious infant health problem in Indiana today. It affects more than half a million babies each year nationwide and more than 1 in 7 children in our community. The March of Dimes is committed to reversing this trend by working to find the causes of premature birth and funding programs to prevent it. Photo by OMG Photography

Locally, March of Dimes funds community programs that help women get proper prenatal care and has funded scientific research at Notre Dame to help discover new treatments that help babies survive and thrive. “Thanks to the generous support of Michiana businesses that provided wonderful items for the silent auction and the outstanding leadership of our volunteer committee, the event was outstanding,” said Kristi Geiger, Division Director for March of Dimes Indiana Chapter. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and everyone who donated to this year’s Signature Chefs Auction.”

Dr. Bashrat Buchh speaking on behalf of the evenings Honorees- the staff of Beacon Health’s NICUs.

Delicious tasting by Chef Kip Peters with Centerplate

Photo by OMG Photography Photo by OMG Photography

Guests enjoying silent auction items donated by local businesses.

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SAS SY | February 2014

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