SASSY Magazine July 2015 by FAMILY Magazines of Michiana

JuLY 2015

NO37

Balancing Life With A

Social Media

& the Female Brain Improving Your

Work-Life Balance the magic elixir

Coconut

Oil

The only area hospital

Hannah, 17

MemorialChildrensHospital.org

Just for me.

Empower yourself by taking ownership of not only your deliberate actions and choices, but also your reactions to things outside of your control.

JULY

/ contents

EVERY MONTH 4 On The Cover 5 Contributors & Testimonials SASS FACTORY: STUFF WE LOVE 6 Sassy Time SASSY BOOK REVIEW 7 Happiness: A Philosopher’s Guide

On the Cover:

dr. elizabeth ELLIOT

DDS at Comprehensive Dental Care, P.C. of ELKHART

Reviewed By: Helen Cawley

RECIPE 27

Firecracker Berry Trifle

By: Katie & Theresa Slott

SASS 8

Summer Accessories

By: Kathy Friend

Kitchen Upgrades That Add Value To Your Home

By: Andrew Skipper

LIFE 12

Hip, Hip Hurray For Parent’s Day

By: Cyndy Searfoss

Social Media & The Female Brain

By: Alexa Tupper

The Ultimate Girls’ Getaway

HEALTH 18

Amy Reinert is Michiana's Premier HS Senior,

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

Bethza Seminairo is the Co-Founder, Creative

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

By: Alexa Tupper

Coconut Oil: The Magic Elixir By: Alexa Tupper

BALANCE 20

Signs You Need To Improve Your Work-Life Balance

By: Allison Boelcke Smith

ON THE COVER 22 Balancing Life With A Smile

By: Allison Boelcke Smith

ADVICE FROM A BUSINESS COACH 24 Dear Charrise WORK 26

Keeping Your Cool At Work

By: Allison Boelcke Smith

SCENE AND BE SEEN 28 Women Inspired To Thrive In Their Lives 29

CAPS Vines, Steins & Stills Auction Fundraiser

ADEC Ride-A-Bike Delivers Big Impact

2015 Sunburst Race

SASSY | JULY 2015

SASSY

on the cover

President & Publisher: Betsy Tavernier

Betsy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

Let Go Of Work Place Negativity & Focus On The Positive!

MANAGING Editor: Jessica Haviland

Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

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

Don’t Let Social Media Ruin Your Personal Life!

Is Coconut Oil Really That Magical?

Improve Your Work Life Today!

A Great Smile Will Go A Long Ways!

GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud

Zuzanna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com

MEDICAL EDITOR: Dr. Jesse Hsieh Distribution Managers: Mike Trentacosti Kevin Reynolds

SASSY Magazine is a division of Michiana Family Magazines, LLC established in 2006. All rights reserved. We would love to hear from you! Please submit press releases, event information and inquiries to: Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com The FAMILY Magazines PO Box 577 Granger, IN 46530 PH: 574.387.5420 • FX: 574.217.4700 www.MichianaSassy.com Permission from the publisher is required for any reproduction or reprint of this publication. Read SASSY Magazine online each month! Go to www.MichianaSassy.com and flip the pages, cover-to-cover the organic and green way! JULY 2015 Volume 5: Number 7

LOOK WHO’s TALKING

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

JULY

/ contributors

CYNDY SEARFOSS

ALLISON BOELCKE

ALEXA TUPPER

KATHY FRIEND

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

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

is a student at Indiana University Bloomington where she is pursuing a degree in Journalism. When she’s not writing, she can be found with a history book in her hand, running outside or tweeting about her adventures.

is an Image Consultant, speaker and expert stylist. Her StyleU workshops have become a ‘must-attend’ for ladies across the country. She is a contributor to the Fox59 Morning Show out of Indianapolis and the fashion guru for Goodwill of Michiana. She is a busy Mom-on-the go trying to keep up with her daughter Anya.

“Great publication for inspiring women in our region!” – Leigh Ann J.

” I never really realized just how much great information this magazine has in it. I've seen new stores and restaurants, the best book recommendations and even the ND football schedule. Great magazine!” – Susan W.

Want to know when SASSY Magazine is giving away some amazing prizes? Sign up to be a part of our eBlast!

“A friend just shared the magazine with me. It covers everything!” – Lara M.

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

Happy 4th Of July!

Restaurant Week, All Day, Downtown South Bend Meet Me On The Island, 5:30 P.M., Century Center-South Bend

Workaholics Day

Auditions and Volunteer Fair, 6:00 P.M., South Bend Civic Theatre

Summer Fitness Series, All Day, Gridiron Plaza At College Football Hall Of Fame-South Bend

Harry Connicki Jr., 7:30 P.M. – 10:00 P.M., Morris Performing Arts Center

Second Chance Small Dog Rescue Adoption Day, 10:00 A.M., Martin’s Paw Mart-Elkhart

Outdoor Movie In The Park, 7:00 P.M., Shanklin Park-Goshen 1

SBCT Presents “Fiddler On The Roof”, 7:30 P.M., St. Patrick’s County Park

Magnolias, 7:00 P.M., Essenhaus Heritage Hall-Middlebury Hannah & Friends Family Fest, Zombie Prom, 11:30 A.M., Hannah & Friends 7:30 P.M., Neighborhood-South Bend Bristol Opera House New Carlisle Hometown Days, Legally Blonde, All Day, New Carlisle 7:30 P.M., The Lerner Memorial Park

Five Star Life Golf Outing, 7:00 A.M., Warren Golf Course At The University Of Notre Dame

Gateway mile Auto Fest, 8:00 A.M., Downtown Elkhart

Computer One-On-One, 5:30 P.M., Elkhart Public Library

Seitz & Sounds Open Stage, 6:00 P.M., Seitz ParkSouth Bend

Meditation Yoga, 5:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M., Elkhart Environmental Center

Red, White & Blue Sangria Ingredients: - Strawberries and Blueberries - Pineapple, Cut Into Star Shapes - 2 Bottles Dry White Wine

Grilling Favorites

- 1 Cup Triple Sec - ½ Cup BerryFlavored Vodka - ½ Cup Fresh Lemon Juice - ½ Cup Simple Syrup

Directions: Combine all ingredients into a large pitcher and stir. Refrigerate for at least five hours before serving. For the best flavor, prepare the night before!

Grilled Jerk Shrimp & Pineapple Skewers (www.closetcooking.com)

Summer Movies

Coming Near You Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sandwich

(www.ourlifetastesgood.blogspot.com)

Self/Less (PG-13) Release Date: July 10th Photos By: www.movieinsider.com

6 JULY 2015 | SASSY

Paper Towns (PG-13) Release Date: July 24th

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (PG-13) Release Date: July 31st

BBQ Mini Corn Cobs

(www.mashable.com)

SASSY

book review

Happiness: A Philosopher's Guide

By Frédéric Lenoir Translation By Andrew Brown Reviewed By: Helen Cawley, Harris Branch Reference Librarian Does money bring you happiness? Do you need other people to be happy? Does everyone really want and need to be happy? These are some of the questions that Frédéric Lenoir explores in his book, Happiness: A Philosopher's Guide, first published in France in 2013 and a best seller in Europe. Lenoir takes the teachings from Photo Courtesy: Amazon.com philosophers throughout the ages and applies them to our modern times and desires in a manner that is easy to comprehend for most readers. His chapters are short and rich in details, with examples from philosophical readings and connections to our modern, hectic lives. Lenoir has written a very accessible book for readers with a casual acquaintance of philosophy, or none at all, and with its short chapters, it has the feel of a book that you could use for daily contemplation. Some of the most interesting and meaningful chapters include Lenoir's thoughts on whether or not we can find happiness on our own. His answer to this is yes, we most certainly do need other people! Nobody, in his belief, can be happy without love, and this includes the love of spouse, children, friends, people with whom we share common experiences or interests, the coworkers we enjoy talking to during our busy day. This love and good feeling we share with the people who surround us gives us a sense of self-fulfillment within ourselves, leading to happiness and contentment. Happiness is also contagious. Have you ever heard that someone has an “infectious” laugh? If the people around us are happy, it can quickly make us feel happier, too. Lenoir also discusses the changeable nature of happiness. We fluctuate around a neutral state of being, and our highs and lows in happiness, brought about by reaching a career, financial, or romantic goal, or experiencing a tragedy or illness, eventually return us to a more neutral plateau. We then begin again to search for something that will bring us back to a higher level of happiness. We can use memory of other happy moments to do this, or we create new goals. Thus, the idea that we can achieve “true happiness” is not exactly correct, since happiness is ever changing, but at least we are able to strive, Lenoir believes, for a more constant state of overall contentment. Two additional nice features of the book are that there are excellent endnotes to follow up on quotes from the chapters, and a bibliography in case you are inspired to read more about the teachings of the classical and modern philosophers referred to in the book. Being busy with work and families, we often think about what might would make us happier. By studying Lenoir’s book and exploring what the philosophers have said about it, we can be reassured that happiness is attainable wherever and whenever we are in life. 

Editor Book Picks Summer Secrets By: Jane Green The Rumor By: Elin Hilderbrand The Vacationers By: Emma Straub All images found at www.amazon.com.

SASSY

sass

Summer

Accessories How to wear them and what’s “in!”

By: Kathy Friend

ow to use accessories is the final step in pulling together a perfect outfit; and it’s the step that stumps most of us. We don’t want to look like we are trying too hard or even worse look like we are trying at all. What to wear when can be a challenge…unless you know my little secret. The trick to being perfectly accessorized is to simply count to 16. It is a point system…the closer you get to 16, the more perfectly accessorized you are. Totally confused? Let’s back up. First, we should define what an accessory is. An accessory is something worn to highlight an outfit. Think of it as the “frosting on the cake” of an outfit, an accessory can play up an outfit for a night out, or play down a look for the office. This list includes: • • • • • • •

Shoes Leather goods (such as a belt or handbag) Jewelry Hosiery Makeup Hairstyle A bold print or pattern to an outfit

You get points for each “thing” you are wearing with your #OOTD. For example, if you have on two shoes – two points. Pants and a top – two more points, necklace and a ring – two more points…and so on. For a complete list of what you can count for points and how to get to that magical number 16, there is a FREE DOWNLOAD on at www.KathyFriend.com and click on the FREE STUFF page. Now that we know HOW to accessorize, let’s take a look at what’s hot this summer. In general, trends in jewelry, shoes and handbags have the same theme we see in clothing trends. The two major ideas that are of-the-moment include anything that is athletic inspired (I like to call this Athletic Chic) and pieces that harken back to the 60’s and 70’s (Hippie Vibe). 8 JULY 2015 | SASSY

Here are some key details to look for: Jewelry Gold – it seems that silver is ‘so yesterday.’ If you love your silver pieces, mix them with some gold for a fresh new look. •

Long pendant necklaces - especially ones with a stone pendant.

•

Chokers – opposite to the long pendant trend, chokers are in-vogue. This trend is taking all forms from rope chokers, bib styles and even styles that look like breast plates.

•

Heavy chains – think bike chains. Overly heavy links.

•

Wooden jewelry – has a definite hippie vibe. This look can be done with bright vibrant braided or embroidered details worked into the jewelry piece.

•

Anything that looks vintage - or looks like you borrowed itw out of your grandmother’s jewelry box.

•

Arm cuffs - worn both at your forearm and above the elbow.

Belts •

•

Harness styles – styles that look like they have a horse bit for the buckle and are fairly thick In keeping with the opposition that is fashion, very thin belts are also trendy.

Sunglasses •

Bright colors in frames and lenses

•

White frames

•

Oversize very round or square

Handbags •

Bucket styles that are cinched at the top.

•

Floral in detail and print, this might be seen in a brightly colored clutch or done with beads in a very lady like shoulder bag.

•

70’s style saddle bags done in leather and suede. Some are in neutral hues, but most that feel more modern are done in bright seasonal colors.

Shoes Anything unusual, the heel might have a pattern or bright color or the shoe might have an unusual detail like fringe or fur. •

Gladiator or cage styles, sandals that lace up past the ankle.

•

Athletic inspiration is seen in everything from flats to stilettos, the key detail being laces and rubber athletic looking soles.

Accessories are the easiest way to rev up your wardrobe and make you feel like you have all new options in your wardrobe. This season, take some risks with your accessories. I am sure you will love all the compliments that are waiting for you!  SASSY | JULY 2015

SASSY

sass

Kitchen

Upgrades

That Add Value to Your Home By: Andrew Skipper 10 JULY 2015 | SASSY

They say, “Home is where the heart is,” but as many of us know, the kitchen is the heart of every home. It is in this space that we spend every day preparing food, nourishing ourselves with good meals, and enjoying quality time with friends and family. The kitchen is no longer the strictly utilitarian room of yesteryear, meant to be hidden behind closed doors. Often placed in the center of the home and situated so it’s open to the living room, the kitchen has become a hub for daily activities and a space that requires thoughtful design which allows it to complement the overall style of the rest of the house. This is one reason many people choose to invest a great deal in making the kitchen a stand-out room in their homes. But, it’s no secret that when it comes time to sell your house, should you wish to move, upgrades made to the kitchen almost always yield the highest return on your investment. Regardless of what state the economy is in, making sure your home is in prime condition will improve your home’s equity value. Here are five areas to focus on when renovating your kitchen that will increase the value of your home and still allow you to enjoy it while you live there.

Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinetry can account for up to 2/3 of your overall kitchen makeover cost. Visually, cabinets take up the majority of space, often encompassing the perimeter of the room with both upper and lower cabinets. This means that style, color, finish and quality are all important when selecting the right cabinets for your kitchen. Depending on the overall style of your home, look at alternative options such as metal cabinets or freestanding furniture. Going the custom route will certainly cost more, but the results are sure to be spectacular. If your budget doesn’t allow for all new cabinetry, there are still ways to improve the look of existing cupboards with DIY projects. If your cabinets are intact and solid but lacking in style, consider repainting or refinishing them and replacing outdated hardware.

Countertops If you’re replacing cabinetry then now is the perfect time to install new countertops. Out with the old laminates and in with new designs—be they laminate or natural stone. Nowadays there are so many budget-friendly styles that can completely change the feel of a kitchen. After all, countertops are used for food preparation, serving and even dining, which means they need to be durable and visually appealing. Granite, marble, concrete and even butcher block wood can be chic choices that will enhance the aesthetic and monetary value of your property.

Appliances

If your appliances are outdated, you should definitely replace them. If you don’t, potential buyers will see this as a sign that the house hasn’t been wellmaintained and all they will see are dollar signs. New appliances look more stylish and also save money on energy costs. Be sure that all of the appliances are of the same finish and color. Having a red refrigerator, black over and white dishwasher might not bother you, but will turn off potential buyers.

Flooring

If you have tired looking laminate or vinyl floors, it’s time to pull them up and lay down something new. Go for wood flooring or tile that’s easy to clean. Many companies sell easy-to-install flooring that you can do yourself in a weekend, thus saving you money. Replacing the kitchen floor will automatically make the room feel cleaner and updated—a huge selling point!

Go Green

Even if you’re not big on going green, making “green” selections can add value to your kitchen. Green choices make a smaller carbon footprint and also save you money on incremental energy costs. Translation: They are a better investment in the long run. Start small by swapping out halogen or fluorescent light bulbs with CFLs. Then replace plumbing fixtures with efficient, tankless alternatives. Using eco-friendly materials in your renovation project will not only help the earth, but will also bring durability as natural materials often last longer and stand up to more use than their synthetic counterparts.  SASSY | JULY 2015

SASSY

life

Hip, Hip Hurray for

DAY By: Cyndy Searfoss

Parents… natural, adopted, foster… whatever the variety, they’re the people who made sure we survived our childhoods, that we had a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs and meals on the table. True, they are also the people who embarrassed us as teenagers, took baby pictures of us naked in the bathtub, told us how they hiked 12 miles in the snow uphill both ways to school each day and insisted that we eat Brussels sprouts no matter how nasty we thought they were. But, we love them all the same. To celebrate their role in our lives, Parents’ Day was established in 1994 “for recognizing, uplifting and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children." It falls on the fourth Sunday of July, which will be July 26th this year. It’s a great day to commemorate their dedication and love.

So how do you thank the people who gave you everything – and now have everything they need? Here are a few suggestions in various price ranges to make their Parents’ Day memorable: • Take a family portrait – This is especially good if your family’s last portrait features big hair, loud floral prints or a whole new generation has been born since it was taken. Even if you’re unable to get your siblings and their kids together, a portrait of your parents with your family makes a great gift.

12 JULY 2015 | SASSY

• Give a gift to their favorite charity or cause – This one is a winner all the way around. Most charities send a letter acknowledging the gift to those being honored. To make the gift even more memorable, you can create a certificate using a word processing template and personalize it –include a few sentences about the values they instilled in their children or why giving to this particular organization is meaningful.

• Do a chore they’ve been putting off – Maybe it’s cleaning out the garage or the basement or the hall closet. Depending on how much cleaning is required, this may be a labor of love but it could also turn into a chance to reminisce about family vacations and memories. By enlisting your children’s help, you can help instill the value that families help each – even with tasks that aren’t “fun” – as they learn some of the family lore.

• Help them check an item off their bucket list – Have they always wanted to go on a cruise, see the Grand Canyon or take a ride in a hot air balloon? Parents’ Day would be a great time to help make a wish come true! • Turn old family movies into DVDs – There are a number of online and local vendors that can convert older video formats into DVDs for a reasonable price. If you’re the techie type – or your parents have boxes and boxes of old videos – you may want to purchase a converter (you can find them online for a few hundred dollars) and do it yourself to save time and money. It’s a great way to revisit the good times. Your kids may be surprised to find that you were young once, too! • Give a gift certificate to take a class together online or in the classroom – If your parents have a shared interest or would like to discover a new interest, this could be the perfect gift. Classes in gardening, photography/photo editing, videography, cooking and technical skills are all offered in a continuing education format locally. There are also a number of online courses that range from free (edX.org offers hundreds of academically oriented courses online at no cost) to a few hundred dollars. • Offer to help them tell their life stories – Whether the end product is a printed, bound memory book filled with photos and stories or a DVD with photos and their stories in the own words, capturing their favorite memories is one of the best ways to celebrate your parents’ lives. It’s also a great way to make sure these memories are passed along to future generations.

Taste Epcot

Sample authentic cuisine from over 25 countries. Savor nightly Eat to the Beat concerts and discover the secrets of celebrity chefs at demos, Signature Dining events and more! Don’t miss the Epcot ® International Food & Wine Festival

September 25–November 16, 2015.

6-Night/7-Day Vacation Package at a select Disney’s All-Star Resort including Theme Park Tickets

for as $ low as

per person, per day

for a family of four. Total Package Price: $2,216*

*Sample prices are based on 2 adults, 1 junior and 1 child in a standard room at a select Disney’s All-Star Resort for select 2015 dates: May 25–May 28; Aug 16–Nov 20; and Nov 28–Dec 17, 2015. The number of rooms allocated for these packages may be limited. Tickets valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. All prices are in U.S. dollars. Walt Disney Travel Company CST# 1022229-50 NVST# 2006-0198

©Disney EPCOT-15-43627

To book your magical Walt Disney World vacation, contact us today!

574-534-1521 1-800-635-0963 www.mennotrav.com

Celebrate your parents this July 26th with a token of your affection – and a hug for a job well done.  SASSY | JULY 2015

SAS S Y

life

SocialandMedia the

Female Brain

The effects on self-esteem and relationships By: Alexa Tupper

A pageantry of vanity.

ocial media can be classified as any outlet that gives one the “means of interactions among people in which they create, share and/or exchange information or ideas in virtual communities and networks,” according to the Tufts University Digital Communications website. There’s a social media outlet for every objective nowadays. Want to share your engagement with your long distance friends? Post a status update to Facebook. Twitter is the place for you if you want to live Tweet your Fourth of July party #Easy. Instagram is the place to post your photos from 14 JULY 2015 | SASSY

In a YouTube video titled “Can We Auto-Correct Humanity,” spoken word poetry is used to address social media addiction. With over 12 million views, the speaker uses the phrase “a pageantry of vanity” to describe social media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter among others. The reality is that there’s no escaping social media, no matter who you are. the ballgame you went to- but don’t forget to pick a filter that makes you look tan! Pinterest is the place to plan out what you’re going to wear to all these events, and even to scheme for events that haven’t even happened yet. I’ll be the first to tell you that I’ve pinned wedding dresses when I’m not engaged, let alone dating someone.

It’s a unique world, social media. In a study released by the Pew Research Center in January of this year, a breakdown of the demographics of social media is offered. The results show that Facebook is still the most popular social site for internet users, though its growth is slowing. Facebook’s growth pales in comparison to

other social media outlets, such as Instagram. In 2014, Instagram’s overall number of users increased by nine percentage points. Additionally, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest all grew significantly as well. So what does this all mean for us users of social media? If we’re changing the media landscape this dramatically, it’s logical to think that social media is having an effect on us as well. We talked to two experts in the field of psychology to get their take on the effect that social media can have on self esteem, bonding and the formation of relationships.

“

Idealizing others and holding someone up to a standard solely based on a doctored up image on Instagram is a dangerous game to play, yet many of us fall into this trap.”

Carolyn Becker, Ph.D. is a professor of psychology at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Her research has involved clinical work regarding body image and eating disorders. She agreed that the impact social media can have on a person depends on how that social media is used. “These days most are exposed to images that are in a sense not real images,” Becker says. “The pictures are routinely touched up or filtered.” Instagram is the biggest hotbed for doctored up pictures, as the app allows you to choose “filters” that alter the original shot. Additionally, you can manually adjust different levels such as warmth, brightness or contrast to give you what you think is the most flattering way to change how you look. While you may feel more confident while filtering photos and attempting to show yourself off in the most flattering light, it’s important to keep in mind that this isn’t always reality. We tend to idolize accounts that post beautiful pictures. We strive to be like someone we’ve never met in person simply because we’re envious of their life. But how do we know for sure that what they’re posting is actually their life? Maybe they posted a glamour shot in a party dress

“

It can really mess with a girl’s head.”

with a caption bragging about how they’re hitting the town tonight, but who’s to say that they didn’t snap their selfie while standing in the middle of the department store trying on a dress with no plans for the night? It can really mess with a girl’s head. Idealizing others and holding someone up to a standard solely based on a doctored up image on Instagram is a dangerous game to play, yet many of us fall into this trap. Becker also stressed the importance of staying true to how we see ourselves. It’s become natural to want to share the fun times you’re having. Say for instance you’re going to be in wedding. Before the wedding even takes place, you may be thinking of what type of pictures you want to post on Facebook. “People are constantly thinking about how they’re going to take a picture of what they’re doing,” Becker says. “It’s the difference between being super engaged in a dinner party versus thinking about how you’re going to get a shot of the food.” Overthinking social media posts can be detrimental and takes away from living in the moment. We also spoke with Dr. Paul Eastwick, Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin in regards to how social media is changing relationships. “Social media hasn’t changed the way that people go about forming relationships, Eastwick says. “However there are more avenues to go about meeting new potential partners.” While 10 years ago there was a stigma surrounding meeting a partner online,

this has eroded over the years, as social media is now one of the most common ways to meet people. It is important to note, however, that social media can skew what we’re looking for in a partner. “There’s a sense that there’s a large number of potential partners, which makes it difficult to commit to one partner,” he said. You’re given a sense that there are many alternatives. This can also affect current relationships, whether or not the couple met through social media. “When people see that they have alternatives, they tend to be less committed,” Eastwick says. “However, in a truly committed relationship, the couple is motivated to ignore that.” Eastwick made the argument that what people look for in a significant other hasn’t actually changed. Qualities that are attractive are “locked in a person’s head,” and social media isn’t going to change that. That being said, the way that a person portrays themselves on social medican makes them appear to have different qualities. What it comes down to is the way that you choose to portray yourself on social media. There’s a lot of room to embellish and change how you’re putting yourself out there, and it’s important to keep in mind that other people can change the way that they seem online as well. Keeping this in mind is one of the most important parts of having a healthy ideal of yourself and others.  SASSY | JULY 2015

life

SASSY

The

Ultimate

Girls’ Getaway

acations with your best friends are one of the biggest perks of being young. You take time off work to sip your favorite drinks and soak in the sun with your BFFs. Is

there anything better? If the trip is well planned, nothing is more fun than a girls’ getaway. However, messy organization can lead to chaos and disappointment if you’re not prepared to expect the

By: Alexa Tupper

unexpected. Follow our easy five tips to make the most of your trip and have the best Spring Break yet.

1. Divvy Up Planning The most crucial step in executing a great adventure with the girls begins at step one, the planning stage. While many women have planned solo trips for only one or two people, coordinating multiple busy schedules can get hectic in a hurry. Save yourself the headache later by diving up the planning in the beginning. One person can deal with airfare while someone else books hotel rooms. Another friend can Google the best things to do in the area. That way, everyone feels included and no one is burdened with planning for every little detail.

You 2. Know

r Budge

t nances, bu ing about fi lk ta s e k . li ge No one pment sta the develo to l ia c ru y, c it ’s nitty gritt ing into the willing Before gett veryone is e h c u m w o nd food. establish h re, hotels a fa ir a n o d out to spen lavish with e b ll ti s n a c Vacations tablishing et. Plus, es ll a w r u o y res that hurting et go ensu g e th m o a budget fr ge. e same pa th n o is e n everyo

16 JULY 2015 | SASSY

3. Pick Your Plans While you don’t have to map out what you’ll be doing minute by minute, having a solid framework of what you want to do is a great idea. Generally choosing what you want to do each day while arranging for spontaneity is an easy way to allow for flexibility and input once you get there. For more structured or formal events like dinner plans at a well-known restaurant, be sure to call ahead and put in reservations, especially if you’re going around peak vacationing times. Always expect a crowd.

4. Arrange for Indoor and Outdoor Activities While you don’t want to anticipate bad weather, if you’re going on a tropical vacation, have an array of options for indoor and outdoor activities. Storms can pop up or sun poisoning could confine you inside. Anticipating the worst though can turn out to be a good thing. Taking one day to relax and do something indoors can give you even more ways to bond with your besties.

5. Indulge Yourself With good reason, almost every chick flick includes a scene where a group of girls are getting mani/pedis, facials or having a spa day. Vacation is a time to catch up with your girls and treat yourself to the finer things that you normally wouldn’t be able to do with a hectic work schedule. So go and book the massage without regret. For most people, vacation time is rare, so spend it the way you want to.

6. Leave Downtime Planning is necessary to a point to ensure that all the activities you want to do are available, but keep in mind that you’ll be exhausted if you’re constantly on the go. Allow for space in between excursions to relax and refresh for the rest of your big plans.

7. Turn Off The last step for a killer vacation is to completely unplug. It’s called a vacation from work for a reason. After working hard the rest of the year, you deserve time to step back and relax. Also, you don’t want to be the buzzkill who’s always on their phone at the table or the beach. Kick back with a magazine or book instead and enjoy paradise.  SASSY | JULY 2015

SASSY

health

Coconut

Oilthe

Magic Elixir

By: Alexa Tupper

Chances are,

Usages and Applications for Beauty, Home and More!

you’ve heard of coconut oil at one point or another. It’s likely that you’ve seen a jar in the grocery store and wondered what its usage was. While coconut oil was once denounced for it’s high saturated fat content, recently the oil has bounced back and become known for its versatility. There are thousands of old wives tales claiming that coconut oil works miracles, so how’s a girl to know what will actually work? Starting off with the health benefits, coconut oil is unique in its structure, as it’s composed of medium-chain fatty acids, or MCFAs. Medium-chain fatty acids differ from long-chain fatty acids because MCFAs are “harder for our body to convert into stored fat and easier for them to burn off than long-chain fatty acids,” according to a report from Medical News Today. However, it’s important to note that like any other oil used in cooking, when searching out coconut oil at the store, choose virgin coconut oil instead of refined. Refined oils use chemicals and high temperature cooking in attempts to vary the taste, while virgin oils are generally straight from the source with less tampering. When it comes to cooking, coconut oil is the better choice when it comes to health benefits. Studies have shown that substituting coconut oil for other common oils with soybean bases leads to increased health activity, such as decreased risk of cardiovascular problems, improved management of diabetes, and weight loss, when used in moderation. While there have been initial studies done on the benefits of coconut oil, incorporating it into your diet should be minimal, as the oil still contains saturated fats. Moderation is key. Outside of the kitchen, coconut oil has many other usages.

18 JULY 2015 | SASSY

Food Uses - Salad Dressing - Sauté Sauce - Alternative to butter or eggs in a recipe - Additive to smoothies - Use to grease frying pans

Take for instance your daily beauty routine. Dry, flaky skin? Break out the coconut oil. With antimicrobial properties, coconut oil also serves as an exfoliator, which will give you the silky smooth skin you’re looking for. If you’re really looking to exfoliate, mix in a tablespoon of brown sugar for added power to leave your face feeling fresh and healthy. As summer nears, humidity brings out the worst in hair. Frizz and flyaways can be combatted with the help of a special DIY coconut serum. Because coconut oil is high in lauric acid, it is easily absorbed into the roots of hair, making hair more pliable and tame to style. It also has a “high moisture retaining capacity,” according to Organic Fact’s website. This means that when applied to your luscious locks, the moisture is locked into your strands, giving hair a soft feel all day long. This also serves to prevent hair breakage.

Don’t limit this magic serum just to beauty purposes though- it can be used for medicinal home remedies as well. If you’re feeling congested and stuffed up, skip the vapor rub in favor of a more natural remedy- coconut oil and peppermint! The essential oil will open up your sinuses and soothe your lungs. It is important to note that the texture will be different from what you may expect. Coconut oil will be a bit more of a liquid than what a traditional vapor rub would feel like. Additionally, if you’re dealing with a runny and dry nose, dab on a bit of coconut oil. Your nose will be relieved and you won’t have to deal with a stickier, fragrant lotion that will irritate the skin anymore. Lastly, coconut oil can be used around the house as a leather polisher. When mixed with lemon juice, it will shine up your leather goods right away. It can even be used on wood furniture if you’re looking to shine that up.  SASSY | JULY 2015

SASSY

balance

Signs You Need to Improve Your

Work-Life balance By: Allison Boelcke Smith

Work-life balance is an issue that every working woman has likely struggled with, especially as technology has made society more accessible round-theclock. Whether it’s ambition or fear of losing one’s job, many workers have a difficult time not overworking themselves to the detriment of their personal lives.

20 JULY 2015 | SASSY

Prevent becoming overstressed and burned out by recognizing the signs that you need to improve your work-life balance: • You’re Afraid to Take Breaks Consistently working through lunch on a regular basis or answering work emails at all hours during your time off because your workload seems never ending? If you feel you cannot separate yourself from work during your designated personal time, it is time to take a step back and set some boundaries. Your productivity doesn’t remain constant after an extended period of time, so taking breaks (whether it’s a half hour for lunch or paid time off for vacation) actually will result in more work being done. You won’t be fatigued and you’ll have a fresh perspective and attitude that will positively affect your productivity in the office.

• Your Physical Health is Suffering Skipping your workouts or relying on caffeine, sugar and fast food meals because you’re working so much? Working at the expense of taking care of your physical health can make you tired and sluggish – not to mention the plethora of issues associated with poor eating and lack of exercise. If you’re not fueling your body through proper nutrition, exercise and sleep, it will eventually catch up with you. The choice is yours: prioritize your health at the cost of working slightly less, or be forced to miss work due to ailments caused by overworking and not taking of yourself. Schedule time on your calendar to exercise, plan your meals and sleep – then treat it as importantly as any other work meeting!

• You’re Constantly On Edge Finding yourself prone to be exasperated or angry at everyday inconveniences, like slow drivers or waiting in a long line at the grocery store? Being ready to snap on a regular basis is a sign that you may be overstressed from working too much. Make some time to relax and enjoy calming activities that lessen your stress. Don’t just save enjoyable activities for the weekend or vacation – try to fit

small pick-me-ups into your workday. Bring a good book to read a chapter of during your lunch hour, or take a short break to walk outside on a nice day. Having something to look forward to will help you maintain a positive mindset, even in the midst of a fastpaced workday.

• Your Social Life is Dwindling Passing or cancelling on important social events because of work? Whether it’s because you don’t want to take time off, would rather use your free time to catch up on work or are simply too tired or stressed to want to partake, it’s a sign your work-life balance may be skewed. Maintaining social ties is essential for your mental well-being, but you risk alienating your friends and family and becoming isolated if you continually put work far ahead of your personal life. Plus, you don’t want to look back and regret missing out on holidays and milestone celebrations that you’ll remember long after any work memory recollection fades. You have an obligation to perform your job, but it doesn’t have to be at the cost of important social needs.

• Your Work Performance is Declining Missing deadlines or making more mistakes than normal at work? An ironic outcome of having an out of whack work-life balance that favors work is that it makes you more likely to drop the ball and be prone to errors or lessened productivity. Mental strength has a limited reserve, just like physical strength. Both your body and brain become fatigued after extended usage, which would explain why working more hours doesn’t necessarily translate to quality results. Knowing when to step away from your desk and take a break is an important professional skill to develop.

Available in 25 exquisite, one of a kind, colors. 30% human hair blended with 70% heat friendly fibers.  Looks, feels, moves & styles just like your natural hair.  Not only can you see the difference but you can feel it too.  We custom fit and alter your wig just for you! Call us today for you complementary consultation to find your perfect match.

The paradoxical truth is that to work more effectively, you ultimately may need to work less. There may even be times when the work and life juggling act fails, and one has to take precedence over the other temporarily. The important thing is to prioritize what’s most important: you and your long-term happiness. 

Studio I is also here for you Pre & Post breast surgical needs. CALL OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS.

Some costs may be covered by insurance companies. WE HOLD CONTRACTS WITH: Anthem • Select Healhcare Network • Sagamore • Medicare • Medicaid & More

MICHIGAN 2540 Paulmar Ave St. Joseph, MI 49085 269-428-3400

INDIANA 5340 Holy Cross Pkwy ste 110, Mishawaka, IN 46545 574-231-6470

LIKE US ON

FACEBOOK!

ILLINOIS Naturally Yours 7219 S. Kingery Hwy (RT 83) Willowbrook, IL 60527 630-570-5004 www.naturallyyoursshop.com

SASSY | JULY 2015

SASSY

on the cover

Balancing Life With A

By: Allison Boelcke Smith

rofessional women strive to find the right work-life balance that allows them to succeed in their career goals while being personally fulfilled outside of the office. Dr. Elizabeth Elliott of Comprehensive Dental Care in Elkhart shares her tips for achieving the right balance of mind, body and soul, and how a healthy smile can be life-changing. A native of Terre Haute, Dr. Elliott has been practicing at Comprehensive Dental Care, P.C. in Elkhart since 1995, when she joined her husband Dr. Terry Bryant and his staff after earning her dental credentials. For the past 20 years, Elliott has practiced alongside her husband. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our staff is a group of caring, compassionate, friendly, and professional individuals and my husband and I feel extremely fortunate every day we work beside them,â&#x20AC;? says Elliott.

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

She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Indiana University and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry and is also currently a member of professional organizations including the American Dental Association, Indiana Dental Association and the North Central Dental Association.

Elliot was initially drawn to a career as a dentist for both personal and professional reasons that essentially boil down to wanting to positively affect those around her. “I knew I wanted a career where I was using my hands to create, my love of people to interact and a somewhat flexible work schedule to allow for raising a family,” explains Elliott of her choice to go into the dental field. Being a dentist is rewarding for Elliott for a variety of reasons, including improving the health of her patients, helping them overcome their fears of the dentist and transform into no longer being afraid of maintaining their health and providing them a renewed sense of confidence through the appearances of healthy smiles. It does, however, also comes with its own set of challenges. In addition to the demand to keep pace with rapidly changing dental technology while offering affordable care, dental insurance coverage for patients is also a major obstacle, according to Elliott’s viewpoint. “We have not seen a change in the annual maximum coverage (typically $1000) in our 20 years in dental care, yet insurance premiums have increased at a steady pace. This is unfortunate because the average dental patient requires more treatment than is typically covered by insurance,” explains Elliott. Elliott credits her husband and dental practice partner Dr. Terry Bryant and their three children, William, Lauren and Ethan, for helping her handle the stress and difficulties of a dental career. “My family is a constant reminder to not ‘sweat the small stuff.’ Life is too short,” says Elliott. For other professional women struggling to not let work ambitions overshadow their personal lives, Elliott recommends finding activities that promote a sense of peace and well-being and making them a priority. Her inspiration for finding work-life balance actually comes in part from her everyday patient interactions at her office. “Watching young patients develop into mature adults reminds me daily of how quickly life can pass us by,” says Elliott. For Elliott, she gets the most out of life and finds balance outside of work by cultivating her spiritual growth through her Catholic church, which she joined two years ago, and

focusing on building her physical and mental strength through exercising, particularly her favorite, running. “Running is a fantastic way to stay physically fit and mentally focused. It is a wonderful time to clear your mind, a positive way to begin your day or decompress at the end of the day and an excuse to be outside.” “There is beauty in the simplicity of it: all you need are running shoes, weather-appropriate clothes, the great outdoors and the will to go. After a run, you feel like a new person!” explains Elliott. For those who have limited time and conflicting personal priorities, taking care of one’s self often falls to the wayside for seemingly more urgent needs. Elliott manages her time most effectively by utilizing her physical activity as a way to take care of herself mentally and physically while spending time with family and friends. “My husband and I both enjoy staying active and try to instill a similar passion in our kids by keeping our physical activities fun and family oriented,” says Elliott. Family favorite activities in their household include road biking, waterskiing, wake-boarding, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and hiking.

choices, but also your reactions to things outside of your control. “I believe each of us should do what we love, and love what we do. You can choose your destiny and determine your happiness by looking inside. It’s up to you to be a positive and meaningful person and role model to those who surround you. And, as Janine in our office is fond of saying, ‘Make it a great day!’” explains Elliott. As part of her mission of continuously building a life she loves, Elliott has both professional and personal goals she’d like to achieve. These include staying up-to-date on current dental trends in technology, materials, care and communication, and eventually volunteering as a dentist in the US and abroad when her children are older. She would also like to pursue hobbies like drawing, painting, sculpting, gardening, photography and travel more. Dr. Elliott and her husband Dr. Terry Bryant provide general and cosmetic dentistry services at Comprehensive Dental Care, located at 3820 East Bristol Street in Elkhart. For more information about the services offered at Comprehensive Dental Care, visit http://www. elkhartsmiles.com/ or call the office at (574) 264-4161. 

“It’s up to you to be a positive and meaningful person and role model to those who surround you.” In addition to juggling her plethora of professional and personal responsibilities as a working mom, Elliott has run a full marathon and has completed several half marathons, the most recent being the Indianapolis Half Marathon – thanks to two good friends that also act as her running partners. “We motivate and encourage one another, as well as discuss life in general,” says Elliott. Satisfaction in one’s career is necessary, but Elliott also believes that it is fortunately also in one’s control and goes beyond time management and productivity. Her best piece of career advice; empower yourself by taking ownership of not only your deliberate actions and

SASSY

advice from a business coach

I work in a job that is mostly satisfying, with people who are family oriented and flexible about work schedules. I’m newly married and within a few years I am planning to start a family. I’ve been offered another position that would have me working for a different leadership team, and I want to take the job because it’s considered a promotion. My fear is that if I accept the new position, when I get pregnant I will not have the flexibility I have now. Do I have to forfeit upward career mobility just because I want to start a family? Answer: If you’re a few years away from starting your family, you will have time to create a trusting relationship with your new leadership team. It’s all about the agreements you make when starting the new position. If you’re up front, letting them know your intentions, you have a much greater chance of negotiating the flexibility you desire. You can have a family and a career -- it may not look the way you think it will look, but it’s possible to do justice to both. Once you have a baby, so many aspects of your life will change. You will want to re-evaluate your life’s core values then, because it will likely look different than it does right now. It’s always a risk to leave a comfortable environment - and all you growth is embedded in those kinds of risks. Ask yourself “What’s the worst that can happen?”

I’m a freelancer doing Search Engine Optimization for clients. One of my retainer clients continues to make demands on me that make me uncomfortable. For example, they have at times demanded I be available for a conference call at a certain time, assuming I would drop everything and be available. I like the income from this client, but am regularly offended by their lack of respect for my time. What can I do to change this without losing the client? 24 JULY 2015 | SASSY

Answer: Everything begins with a conversation. You are a freelancer, which by the very nature of the terms, means you work for yourself, not them. You’ve allowed them to treat you as if they were an employee - making disrespectful demands on your time. They will continue to do that until you have a direct conversation with them, creating the appropriate boundaries. They likely believe that since they pay you a retainer fee, they have unlimited access to you. It’s important to create an agreement up front so that they don’t begin to expect things you didn’t sign up for. If you didn’t do that, it’s time to circle back and create another agreement. They can’t disrespect you unless you allow it. You either come from a position of fear -taking whatever they dish out because you’re afraid they will fire you -- or from a position of love -- creating powerful collaborative agreements that work for everyone. You get to choose, every time. 

www.goodwill-ni.org

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was arrested more times than I can remember. I lost my freedom, my familyâ&#x20AC;Ś I almost lost my life. But mom never gave up on me. Not many stories like mine have happy endings. My future began when Goodwill Janie #give2goodwill

SASSY

work

Keeping Your Cool At Work-

How to Handle Work Frustrations By: Allison Boelcke Smith

rom entry level positions to executive titles that come with corner offices, there’s one issue that all share: dealing with work frustrations. A variety of personality types in one space are bound to result in interpersonal issues. Add in miscellaneous factors that affect your performance (like slow running software or inefficient company policies that haven’t been updated in decades), and you’ve got the ingredients for a perfect storm of frustration.

Keep your cool at work with these tips: Wait to Take Action Pause and allow a moment to separate yourself from the situation before outwardly reacting. Even if the situation is critical and needs immediate attention, a 10 minute break will help you handle things with a better state of mind. It is difficult to look at issues and communicate them to others objectively if the emotion is fresh in the heat of the moment. This can make the frustration even worse, because people may brush off your valid points as you just being temporarily upset. Whether it’s a conflict with a coworker or other complaint, wait until you’re more clearheaded before deciding how to handle the situation. A moment of emotional weakness in the form of an outburst could potentially derail the impact of your hard work. Instead, wait until you’ve calmed down so you don’t take action you’ll regret later. You may even find that by the next day, you’re not even as bothered anymore.

Focus on Your Goals Weigh your frustrations against your overall career goals to determine if the issue is worth

pursuing a solution to an issue or simply letting it go. For example, it may be worth it to escalate an issue of a coworker taking credit for your ideas because it prevents others from recognizing your contributions, which could hurt your career progress.

Brainstorm to develop ways of solving or at least alleviating your problems at work. This is more helpful than venting because focusing on the problem instead of the solutions just gets you caught in a state of negativity that makes you feel even worse about the situation.

On the other hand, it may be better to ignore a gossiping coworker or other similar annoyances. Their actions will eventually reflect badly on them, but you risk getting tangled into a sticky situation for something that doesn’t truly hinder your career objectives. Anytime you work with people, there will be ones whose personalities or actions simply don’t mesh with yours, so knowing when to let things go is an essential career skill.

Understand Other Viewpoints

Proactively Seek Solutions Often work frustrations are the result of small issues that build up over time. The longer you allow it to continue, the more challenging it may be to resolve. If something is an ongoing issue that affects your ability to work, take back control by being proactive instead of handling situations as they come.

Conflict, both personally and professionally, is most often the result of a breakdown in communication between two people. When someone’s actions cause you frustration at work, it is easy to get caught in the mindset of immediately assigning blame to him or her; however, for every slacker or undermining colleague, there are likely many more whose intentions were not bad – even if the outcome was negative on your end. Rather than getting upset, try to see things from their side. Ask questions about why they decided on their particular actions, or request their input for ideas on how to solve the problem. This turns conflict into collaboration and will improve your productivity and morale going forward.

It is part of human nature to struggle with balancing emotional impulses that can undermine your rational goals and desires. Don’t let a short-term annoyance or conflict derail your professional reputation and performance. Learning how to control your responses to work frustrations will allow you to ultimately turn conflict into career opportunity!  26 JULY 2015 | SASSY

SASS Y

recipe

By: Katie and Theresa Slott

time: 15 minutes

Makes 10-12 servings

ingredients: • Pound cake, store-bought or homemade • 1 lb. fresh strawberries, washed, cored, and halved (or quartered, if large) • 1 pint fresh blueberries, washed • 6-12 oz. fresh raspberries, washed • 2 (3.4 oz.) boxes of instant pudding, vanilla or cheesecake flavor • 4 c. milk • 1-2 c. Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream

steps: 1. Using a serrated or bread knife, cut the pound cake into slices. Cut the slices into strips, and then cut the strips crosswise into cubes. Set aside. 2. Prepare the pudding according to package directions, using the 4 cups of milk. Set aside.

layers: In a trifle dish, layer the ingredients as follows:

tips:  If you don’t have a trifle dish, use custard cups, short drinking glasses, half-pint mason jars, or parfait glasses. Be sure to cut the cake into smaller cubes so that you can get a nice layering effect.  Though frozen berries are great for many recipes, this is not one of them. Frozen berries release water as they thaw, which would make this dessert slimy in a hurry. Stick to fresh fruit for this recipe!  As you are forming the layers, be sure to set aside some berries to decorate the top!

• Strawberries – Cake – Pudding • Blueberries – Cake – Pudding • Raspberries – Cake – Pudding • Strawberries – Cool whip • Berries for decoration

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

Scene +Be Scene

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

WOMEN INSPIRED A

women’s college was the perfect backdrop for a one-day conference called “THRIVE: Women’s Leadership Engagement Day.” About 250 Michiana women converged on the Saint Mary’s campus on May 27th for the full day of workshops led by regional and local leaders and inspirational speakers. The college’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative ( WEI), 1st Source Bank, Sassy Magazine and Ignite Michiana sponsored the day. The conference promised to motivate mind, body and spirit. “It was an amazing day that I hope inspired women to move to the their next place in life, wherever that may be,” said Joan McClendon, WEI associate project director and the event’s lead organizer. “We intentionally chose to spotlight a diverse group of women with gifts and talents from our region.” Keynote speakers included Karen Freeman-Wilson, mayor of Gary, and Tonya Brothers-Bridge, chief of staff for Indiana Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, both of whom spoke about careers, and Norma Williams, a TEDxCountyLineRoad presenter, who gave an inspirational talk on “Living a Passionate Life on Purpose.”

The conference is part of the ongoing THRIVE series, co-sponsored by WEI and 1st Source, which up until now had been shorter seminars. “We’ve had a successful partnership with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative to provide women with valueadded networking and educational opportunities through the THRIVE seminar series,” said Julie Herring, assistant vice president for small business banking at 1st Source Bank. “We recognize the significant impact women have on family, business and our community. The conference offered assistance to advance their financial fortitude, health and overall well-being,” Herring added.

Organizers hope the one-day THRIVE women’s conference will be an annual event. 

Photos Provided By: Paula Sours and Beatrice Pedraza

CAPS Vines, Steins & Stills

n a rainy June evening, more than 400 people came together to help make the lives of Elkhart County children and families sunnier than ever. CAPS, Child and Parent Services, held its Vines, Steins & Stills auction fundraiser event June 12th at the Northern Indiana Event Center in Elkhart. In addition to enjoying wine, beer and spirit tastings and a plethora of delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres, guests bid on trips, dinners, jewelry, wine and many other items, all in the name of raising money to support the mission of CAPS: To end child abuse in Elkhart County. It was also a night to recognize the impact and reach of private philanthropy and volunteerism in improving the lives of our families and the futures of our children. CAPS honored Lippert Components Inc. with the 2015 Friend of the Child award in recognition of that company’s culture

Auction Fundraiser

of giving back to the community through fundraisers, service days and serving on nonprofit boards and committees. Lippert CEO Jason Lippert and a group of his top managers accepted the award and spoke about their commitment to making Elkhart County a better place to live and work. CAPS is a nonprofit agency in Elkhart County made up of seven distinct programs, all united by a common goal of preventing child abuse and strengthening families. CAPS programs range from the preventative – parenting education and inhome visitation programs to help families – to the intervention services of courtordered supervised visitation, forensic interviews and advocates for children in the justice system. 

5 4 Photo Captions:

1.) Guests place bids on silent auction items June 12 at the CAPS Vines, Steins & Stills fundraiser. 2.) Auctioneer Neil Saffer takes bids on a special 40-inch square painting by artist Anna Ryan Drew in collaboration with children in the CAPS Building Blocks Preschool. 3.) CAPS event committee members (from left) Steve Gruber, Anna Ryan Drew and Florindo Rozante pose for a picture. All three are artists who have given freely of their talents and time to help CAPS in its mission. 4.) Representatives from Lippert Components Inc. pose with the 2015 Friend of the Child award. From left are Jason Lippert, Josh Roan, Brian Hall, Byron Chartier, Shawn Lewis and Andy Murray. 5.) CAPS event committee chairperson Kim Cammenga addresses the crowd at the Vines, Steins & Stills event. 6.) Auctioneer Neil Saffer jokes with the crowd during the Vines, Steins & Stills auction.

Photos Courtesy: Darrel Yoder/CAPS SASSY | JULY 2015

Scene +Be Scene 2 1

Photos Provided By: Rod Tackett, ADEC Communications Specialist

ADEC Ride-A-Bike

Delivers Big Impact ADEC’s 43rd Annual Ride-A-Bike, presented by 1st Source Bank, delivered this year! With more than 250 riders and walkers, 100 volunteers, one costumed bear cub and five llamas, it was a day to remember and a place to be seen. The addition of a Family Fun Fest with a DJ, bounce houses and Nelson’s Port-a-Pit chicken, gave the event a more celebratory feel.

ADEC and friends took over the parking lot at Northridge High School on May 16th, turning it into the Ride-A-Bike/Family Fun Fest hub. From there, riders and walkers headed out to Krider Gardens in Middlebury, where they picked up the Pumpkinvine Trail and pedaled on to Shipshewana. Route guides and rest stops along the way kept everyone refreshed and on the right course.

Participants and sponsors raised more than $30,000 to support ADEC’s services to children, adults and families living with the challenges of disabilities. ADEC, based in Bristol, serves more than 1,000 people in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties, offering a range of services from therapies to residential supports to job training and placement. “Ride-A-Bike is ADEC’s largest community fundraiser and the longest-running event of its type in Elkhart County,” said Nancy Miller, ADEC Mission Advancement Manager. “I can’t think of a more fun way to impact the community.” 

Photo Captions: 1.) The team from Presenting Sponsor 1st Source Bank wear matching T-shirts and pull everyone together for a photo. 2.) Three Indians from Hawthorne Elementary School ham it up for the camera. The Hawthorne team won the Spirit of Ride-A-Bike Award. 3.) Faith Nickel, ADEC Ambassador for the day, waits for her family’s team, Keeping the Faith, to return from their ride. Her father, Tom Nickel, was the Top Adult fundraiser for Ride-A-Bike. 4.) Riders line up at the start of the 18-mile ride. Ride-A-Bike offers something for every skill and ability level, from a 1-mile walk to a 30-mile ride. 5.) Stu D. Baker, mascot of the South Bend Cubs, welcomes riders and hangs out with the Loveable Llamas who walked the 1-mile course for ADEC. 6.) Two riders round a curve on the scenic Pumpkinvine Trail. 7.) Drew Lincoln and Missy Mast pose with one of the llamas after completing the 18-mile ride. They were among the Top 10 fundraisers for Ride-A-Bike and part of the winning team.

ore than 7,000 people took to the streets of South Bend for the 32nd annual Sunburst Races on June 6, 2015. The event, which includes a marathon, half marathon, 10K run, 5K run, 5K walk, and a family walk, raised more than $150,000 for Memorial Children’s Hospital, including over $46,000 raised by the Isaac Nation charity team. The finish line, located at Irish Green on Notre Dame’s campus, was lively and festive as family and friends greeted the Sunburst runners and walkers. Notre Dame Stadium, which has traditionally served as the finish line, was unavailable due to construction. The 2015 Sunburst Races featured newly-revamped courses, which earned positive feedback from participants. “The course changes really knocked it out of the park,” said one blogger. The revamped courses sought to feature more of the natural beauty of South Bend and Mishawaka, particularly along the St. Joseph River.

This year’s Sunburst Races also featured a post-race celebration at Eddy Street Commons. Early finishers and spectators alike packed out the restaurants at Eddy Street and enjoyed breakfast and lunch as they watched the runners go by. The celebration, a first-ever for the race, included live music, corn hole, spoon races for kids, a hula-hoop contest, a variety of outdoor games, plus food and drink specials. Sunburst Races is one of the premier regional running events in the Midwest. Held each year in South Bend, Indiana, the race begins in downtown South Bend and finishes at the University of Notre Dame. The Sunburst Marathon is a Boston-qualifier; both the marathon and the half marathon are certified by the United States of America Track & Field (USATF) governing body. Proceeds from Sunburst Races benefit the Child Life Endowment at Memorial Children’s Hospital.  Photos Provided By: © 2015 Grant Beachy Photography

SASSY | JULY 2015

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

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

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