March 2016
NO43
Easter Brunch Hosting
Religion in the workplace When A Woman Says 'No'
diet & fitness
traps
that Keep You from Winning at Losing
Little Black Dress FASHION SHOW & LUNCHEON
Wednesday, April 27th Hilton Garden Inn, Gillespie Center South Bend 10:00 am Boutique Opens 11:30 am Fashion Show
See the Latest Looks for Spring Shop the Goodwill Boutique TICKET & EVENT INFORMATION www.GoodwillFashionShow.com $50.00 per ticket • (866) 649-7300 JOIN OUR EVENT ON FACEBOOK
FOLLOW US!
March
/ contents
EVERY MONTH 4 From The Publisher 5 Contributors & Testimonials
WORK 16
Open Office Etiquette
By: Cyndy Searfoss
SASS FACTORY: STUFF WE LOVE 6 Sassy Time
18
Religion In The Workplace
By: Allison Boelcke
SASSY Recipe 7 Mint Milkshakes
By: Katie & Theresa Slott
SASS 8
Design Trends For 2016
By: Andrew Skipper
LIFE 10
Hosting The Perfect Easter Brunch
By: Christina Clark
BALANCE 12 In The Journey, Not The Outcome
20
Give your Resume An Online Makeover
By: Allison Boelcke
HEALTH 22
Diet & Fitness Traps That Keep You From Winning At Losing
By: Sandra Gordon
SCENE & BE SEEN 26 A Rosie Place Celebrates Exceptional Relationships At The Sweethearts Ball 28
SPA Women’s Ministry Homes Dinner & Decadence Winter Wonderland
30
U93 Hosts “Goodwill Gives” Dress Drive To Benefit Hello Gorgeous
By: Chaunie Bruise
14
What Happens When A Woman Says “NO”
By: Chaunie Bruise SASSY | MARCH 2016
3
SASSY
from the publisher
M
arch is not my favorite month. My first winter after I came back to Michiana to live with my mom, I thought March would never end. The weather was gray and drizzly and the “perma-cloud” lasted forever. March seemed to be two or three months long.
Photography: Ann Reiff
According to tradition, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.
Along those same lines, March, to me, is a series of ups and downs, of sadness and hope. The beginning of March is a downer. My mother passed away two years ago at the end of February and her funeral was on March 8th. It was only two years ago so the 8th is still a sad day for me. By contrast, March 17th is St. Patrick’s day, a very happy party day. A few days later spring officially arrives, though local residents know it doesn’t really come until April or May. Fortunately though, the days will once again be longer than the nights. And this year, Easter is the earliest it can possibly be. And what could have more pain and suffering contrasted with such hope and promise than the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ? So this year, March comes in with a tear and goes out full of hope. Maybe I will change my mind about March. Since the groundhog did not see his shadow this year, maybe spring really will come in March. If it doesn’t, there are some great articles to read in this issue as well as some fun things to do. There is some great guidance on hosting an Easter Brunch as well as a recipe for Mint Milkshakes for St. Patrick’s Day. If you need to work off the calories from these foods, read about the Fitbit Craze. On a more serious note, there is an article on Religion in the Workplace. And there is much, much more!
President & Publisher: Sue Heinrich
Sue@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
MANAGING Editor: Jessica Haviland
Jessy@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
AD COORDINATOR & INSIDE SALES MANAGER Amanda Oiler Amanda@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN Manager: Zuzanna Zmud
Zuzanna@MichianaFamilyMagazine.com
MEDICAL EDITOR: Dr. Jesse Hsieh Distribution Managers: Leah Elick Taylor Horein
SASSY Magazine is a division of Michiana Family Publishing, 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 P.O. 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! MARCH 2016 Volume 6: Number 2
LOOK WHO’s TALKING
follow us on Twitter, and become our fan on Facebook.
I hope you enjoy this March issue of Sassy!
@MichianaSassy www.facebook.com/Sassy-Magazine pinterest.com/MichianaSassy/ instagram.com/michianasassymag
NEW DATE COMING SOON! COMING SOON: the SASSIEST Glitz & Sass Fashion Show Michiana has EVER Seen! Subscribe to our eblast and be the first to know the details and keep up with the Sassy gossip!
March
SASSY 2
Brew & View, 7:00 P.M., Smokestack Brew-Mishawaka
12 14
7
4
First Fridays, 5:00 P.M., Downtown South Bend & Goshen
4-5
Guys On Ice, 7:30 P.M., Elkhart Civic Theatre-Bristol
8
Tu
W
3
Th
F
Sa
9
10 11
Su
W
Th
M
Tu
F
Sa
Su
Trivia Night For Riley Hospital For Children, 6:00 P.M., Grissom Middle SchoolMishawaka
M
15
16
Tu
W
Th
27
22
F
Easter
The Great Logan Nose-On, 12:00 P.M., Century Center-South Bend
20
Happy St. Patty’s Day!
Daylight Saving Begins-Move Forward An Hour!
6
18
17
13
International Women’s Day 1
Sorin’s Wine Academy: Clos du Val, 6:00 P.M., Sorins-Notre Dame
Elkhart For The Love Of Art Fair, 10:00 A.M., Brit Flyod-Space And Northern Indiana Event Time Continuum-World Center At RV/MH Hall of Tour 2016, 7:30 P.M. – Fame-Elkhart 10:00 P.M., Morris Performing Arts Center- Save That Shirt, 9:00 A.M. – 11:30 P.M., St. Patrick’s South Bend County Park
28
25
Barefoot In The Park, 1:00 P.M., Everest Rohrer Auditorium, Bethel CollegeMishawaka Michiana Shop & Greet Expo, 4:00 P.M., Century Center-South Bend
Good Friday
31
Palm Sunday First Day Of Spring!
19
21
23
24
26
29 30
Sa
M
W
Th
F
Sa
Tu
Su
Tu
Su
M
W
Th
Have You Balayaged Yet? If you haven’t heard of balayage from at least 20 women in the past month, you might be living under a rock! But, lucky for you, SASSY Magazine is here to help! What Is Balayage? According to Amy Nedderman-Schroder, a master stylist and balayage expert at Salon 301, Balayage is a highlighting technique which comes from a French term meaning "to sweep" where lightener is hand painted or "swept" onto the surface of the hair to create natural looking highlights. Balayage mimics the sun-kissed highlights you probably got as a child in the summer. Balayage highlights are different than foil highlights because they start at a very diffused point up by the scalp and gradually get bolder throughout the mids and ends of hair. This means bold dimension is achievable without the chunky, dated highlights of the 90's.
@amyneddermanhair
What Are The Benefits? - Completely Customizable - Can Be Used To Subtly Enhance Natural Color Or Add Bold Highlights - Softer Replacement For Foil Highlighting - Perfect For Clients Who Can't Have Color On Their Scalp - Softer Outgrowth Process - Longer Times Between Appointments - No Harsh Foil Lines
@amyneddermanhair
St. Patty’s Day Nails
Word Of Caution: Ladies, don’t try this at home! Leave this amazing new hair technique for the professionals so your hair looks FAB!
6
Green Glitter Nails
Pot Of Gold Nails
Shamrock Nails
(www.stylecraze.com)
(www.babble.com)
(www.topinspired.com)
MARCH 2016 | SASSY
(Check out more of Amy’s work on her Instagram page @amyneddermanhair.)
SASSY
recipe
Mint Milkshakes Recipe & Photos By: Katie & Theresa Slott
Time: 10-15 Minutes Prep Makes: 4-6 Servings Ingredients:
For The Milkshakes: • 6 c. Vanilla Ice Cream • 1 1/2 c. Milk, Preferably Whole • 1 t. Peppermint Extract • 15 Drops Green Food Coloring For The Optional Topping: • 1 c. Heavy Whipping Cream • 1 T. Powdered Sugar • Green Sanding Sugar Or Jimmies Sprinkles
Steps:
To Make The Milkshakes: Combine all the milkshake ingredients into the blender and blend until evenly distributed. Pour into glasses and add a straw. To Make The Optional Toppings: Combine the whipping cream and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer and whip on mediumhigh speed until peaks start to form. Dollop on top of each milkshake and top with sprinkles.
Katie and Theresa Slott are sisters-in-law who write the food blog, Cooking for the Fam, where they share lots of tips, familyfavorite 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.
SASSY
sass
Design trends for 2016
By: Andrew Skipper
A
s modern life continues to progress and we are bombarded with more and more content each day, our homes have never needed to serve us more than they do now. The concept of working from home and the fact that many Millennials are choosing to live in smaller homes, or with roommates, makes personal space a luxury. If 2016 is the year for you to focus on interior design or home improvements, it’s important to know what trends are on the rise. However, whenever you’re creating an unique space that should reflect your personality and needs, the key is to always go with your gut instinct. Knowing the trends is one thing and adapting them to your specific situation is another. Rather than seeing design trends as necessary, view them as information that can inspire a space uniquely your own.
With that in mind, here are five design trends to be aware of this year: 8
MARCH 2016 | SASSY
Personal Property
People are craving rooms that tell a story. Rich layered interiors that feel collected are what make a house a home. That’s why antiques, vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces are extremely popular right now. The idea is to tell people who you are without saying a word. Displaying collections in thoughtful ways is a trend that we will continue to see grow. Artwork is another way to express individuality and people are getting away from prints, posters or mass-produced artwork from big box stores. Instead they are investing in original art from galleries and online retailers. For a budget friendly alternative, many people are purchasing original pieces from lesser known artists at local art fairs, pop-up galleries and interior design showrooms. The point is to make your space personal rather than a cookie-cutter room that looks like a furniture showroom.
Brown is Back
The last several years have seen a boom in the popularity of painted furniture and white washed pieces. This year we will see a resurgence of traditional wood tones when it comes to case pieces. Tables, commodes, book cases, desks and even built-ins are appearing on the scene in a variety of dark wood finishes. Antique brown furniture is also making a come-back, but often in a new way. For instance, what would usually be considered a serious antique such as a piece in Biedermeier or Empire style are now being incorporated into sparse modern interiors. Think about a highly edited space where the clean lines of a Biedermeier cabinet could be appreciated.
Smart Spaces
Technology plays a huge part in our daily lives and we’re seeing that reflected in the home. With every member of the family having a cell phone, areas with hidden charging stations are becoming extremely popular, if not necessary. Charging stations in drawers, under counters and built in to furniture are all the rage. Another convenient advance in technology has to do with going wireless—not just for your internet access, but for everything. Televisions, sound systems, hard and soft wired lighting, heated floors and even window shades can all be wireless and controlled by your smart phone. This year, expect to see even more technology incorporated into homes, especially in the kitchen and media rooms.
Integrated Kitchens
It’s nothing new to have an eat-in kitchen, but the trend in new construction and home renovation is to have the kitchen integrated into the main living space. Kitchens will continue to be the main gathering room, often set up equally as functional cooking spaces as well as entertaining spaces. Streamlined appliances, extra storage, decorative elements and comfortable furniture all help make today’s modern kitchen a living room where the entire family and even guests can hang out. We’re seeing small lounges for conversation, game playing and even television watching being incorporated into kitchen designs.
Prints
This year prints are back in a big way. While stripes and chevron have dominated the mass market over the past few years, other prints are here to add lots of personality and style. Chinoiserie, florals, geometric, paisleys and organic prints are showing up in patterned fabrics and being used for upholstery, window treatments and bedding. Many of these traditional patterns are being reinterpreted in new color stories which makes them feel fresh. Also take notice of how designers are playing with scale. You may see a traditional floral pattern printed in a very large scale which creates a dramatic and unexpected effect. SASSY | MARCH 2016
9
SASSY
life
Hosting the Perfect
Easter
Brunch By: Christina Clark
Easter brunch is a tradition in many families or close communities. Whether it is post-church services or simply a late morning get-together, the coziness of brunch with loved-ones to welcome in spring with the promise of renewal is refreshing and a time to catch up. Bearing the honor (and let’s face it, the responsibility) of hosting Easter brunch for family or friends is no small undertaking. Luckily, breakfast foods are amongst the easier dishes to prepare for a vast array of tastes and preferences. Breaking it down into an easy
Who will be joining you?
Getting an idea of who will be coming gives you (our beautiful hostess) a good place to start. When preparing brunch, the numbers don’t need to be exact, but it is important to know how many children might be coming and if anyone has food allergies, sensitivities or exclusions. Children may not fully appreciate the work that goes into a poached egg or an ornately set table with the fine china, so simpler options more to their tastes are appropriate. Those that must exclude certain items or ingredients from their personal diets will be seriously thankful that you took them into account, even if it means there is less variety for them, a couple items in a spread that have been prepared away from their offending ingredient makes a huge difference. If it is truly difficult to maneuver and you are not comfortable attempting to prepare something that fits their needs, the host may ask them to prepare a dish or two ahead of time to bring with them to contribute to the spread!
prep-process helps to ease the stress placed on the one tasked with being a magician in the kitchen. 10
MARCH 2016 | SASSY
“Brunch should be a relaxing, laid back meal to enjoy conversation and quality time.”
Wet Your Whistles
Make sure to have coffee and/or tea options on hand for the caffeine-fiends in your life! Need decaf? Having a French Press on hand to make smaller batches of specific coffees or teas may be handy. Having at least one juice option is always appreciated among the younger crowd, along with ice water and coffee, and everyone should be happy in some regard. Having some spirits at the party? Bloody Mary bars are a popular staple at some local Sunday brunchhour spots. Having options to dress up one’s Bloody Mary the way they want with hot sauce, olives, pickles, pepperonis, celery and all sorts of other things makes it personal and becomes a conversation piece. The ability to mix-their own custom ingredients into a pre-balanced Bloody Mary starter also takes the pressure off of the hostess to also play bartender! Having mimosas available is also an easy option to mix spirits and breakfast fare, as well as use those champagne flutes that are currently under-utilized in your life. Don’t feel limited to champagne, however. Andrew Elegante, South Bend Brew Werk’s (SBBW) owner, suggests a twist on the traditional mimosa: a beermosa. Popular at Brew Werks Sunday Brunch offerings, Elegante recommends using a beer like SBBW’s Cascading Wheat, a wheat beer with a 20 IBU rating and 5.3% ABV. This beer uses Cascade hops, grapefruit and orange rind to impart a zesty flavor that pairs with orange juice perfectly. (SBBW beers may be purchased in growler jugs for consumption at home.)
Work smarter, not harder!
Having fresh fruit to sit out sets a colorful display as well as offering something simple immediately to guests. Dishes such as quiche originated from repurposing leftovers! Overnight steel-cut oats or baked oatmeal can be prepared ahead of time. Slices of bread for French toast may be soaked and put in the refrigerator overnight (Europeanstyle bread holds up very well overnight). Casseroles may be made ahead and stored until just before brunch, and then warmed in the oven. Chopping any vegetables or fruit up the night (or two) before can be a huge help when it is time to combine ingredients and get cooking! Baked goods can be mixed and portioned out ahead of time in some cases, such as scones, rolls and cookies, to be placed on a baking sheet in the morning so that the house smells amazing when guests enter. Using unusual and unexpected ingredients to impart fantastic twists into foods can up the ante as well. Elegante of South Bend Brew Werks divulged that the establishment has been experimenting with certain flavor combinations. “We are trying to use more of our brewing products and we’ve had good feedback where we’ve used coconut and grapefruit.” Incorporating just one dish in the spread that has an unusual flavor can be enough to really mix it up. Preparing your family and friends’ favorites need not be something the resident chef gets up at 4:00 A.M. Brunch should be a relaxing, laid back meal to enjoy conversation and quality time.
Treat Yourself Right
Wake up early enough to sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee, tea or hot water with lemon before the day begins. As a host, you have to take care of yourself first to be able to be present the calm, cool and collected (and perfectly coifed) self that you always are. Be sure to have a good night’s sleep beforehand, have time to prepare yourself for the rest of your morning in your most confident light and make sure to sample the wonderful things you’ll be serving as you go, since hostesses are the last to be able to sit down and enjoy the fruits of their labors and are the first to start on clean-up. Last, but not least, be sure to enjoy the company that you invite into your home. Life is less stressful as a whole when you surround yourself with loved ones and positive company. Those interested in celebrating togetherness with you are the ones that should have the honor of attending your beautiful brunch. SASSY | MARCH 2016
11
SASSY
balance
In The Journey, Not The
Outcome By: Chaunie Bruise
Today, I was supposed to be running 13.1 miles, my first ever half-marathon. It was a day I had trained for months for, booked hotels for, packed and planned and packed and planned for. It was a day I had been looking forward to for a very long time, a goal I had set to get my body "back" after a rather enormous fourth pregnancy. But, instead of running my race today, I spent the morning making waffles, eating bacon and then moving and cleaning under my fridge for the first time in six years, a task I am still horrified by and trying to recover from, it was that disgusting. The night before we were slated to leave to make the four-hour trek to the race location, complete with a water park hotel for the kiddos and a hot tub for Mom and Dad, our littlest started running a fever. No biggie, we said, we'll just see how she's doing in the morning. And, of course, by morning time and a sleepless night, she was still burning alive. The second child started acting cranky and one ear thermometer check later, she too was running a low-grade fever. Still no biggie, we said. We'll just cancel the hotel for tonight and go up in the morning, still plenty of time to catch the race! Except by morning, it was raining, three out of four kids were running fevers and the whole prospect, instead of sounding like a fun family adventure, sounded like pure and absolute torture. 12
MARCH 2016 | SASSY
My husband was feeling really bad for me, knowing how hard I worked and how important goals are to me, in general. It's the way I've always been–set a goal, achieve that goal, move on to the next one. But lately, I've been getting a little tired of the whole goal game. Not because I necessarily think goals are bad, mind you, and not because I will ever give up setting goals, but just because I am more aware, now than ever, how easy it is to use goals as a way to self-validate myself.
What I mean is simply this: I have always used setting--and achieving goals--to measure my self-worth. As in, become Valedictorian of the new high school you transferred into to prove you did OK as the awkward new kid. As in, win a full scholarship to college to prove its OK you don't know what the heck you want to do with your life. As in, go to grad school and write a book and make more money to prove you didn't mess up your life having kids too early. As in, run a half-marathon after your fourth baby to prove you're not a fatty who still looks six months pregnant.
As in, setting goals can swiftly become a trap of masking my own insecurities and inadequacies. I didn't run today and the past version of myself would have been devastated by this, because my past self was the kind of person who set goals and achieved them to the bitter, bitter end. But today? Today I was fine. I realized, simply that I had nothing to prove to anyone–even myself. The months of tracking my training on Facebook with my Nike running app, showing the world and myself how hard I was working didn't matter. The fact that I had told all of my friends about my race and would now have to explain that I didn't run it after all, didn't matter. The fact that I had worked my butt off and maybe would never run a half-marathon didn't matter. The fact that my mom planned a weekend up north to join us and would now be going without us didn't matter. The fact that for the first time in my life, I was failing at a goal, didn't even matter. I had absolutely nothing to prove. I had learned a lot in the journey of training for a race I would never run. I had gained strength and clarity and peace and endurance and knowledge.
“I had gained
But most of all, I had learned acceptance.
strength and
That I am fine just the way I am. I set out to run 13.1 miles in an attempt to prove on some level that I was more, that I could be better by weighing less, that I could be a version of myself that I currently was not.
clarity and
I set out to prove, to myself, that I was still relevant. That I still mattered. That I was strong, even as a mother.
endurance and
peace and knowledge. ”
But, instead of crossing that finish line and getting my medal and feeling that runner's high I so longed for, I realized that I never needed any of that to begin with. Because, all along, it's been the journey to the finish line that has mattered–not necessarily crossing it. SASSY | MARCH 2016
13
SASSY
balance
What Happens When A Woman Says
"No"
By: Chaunie Brusie
R
ecently it seems like everything I read or listen to is all about encouraging women to say "no" to too much commitment in their lives. Say no to the PTA and the volunteer cupcakes and the free babysitting and the extra work projects, one suggestion reads. Say no and make time for yourself. I've always heard that advice and thought how strange it was. Well, obviously, if you have too much going on, you will say no, I thought. How hard can it be? Turns out, it's a lot harder than I thought, because apparently, I've never actually said "no" to anything in my life. You want that article in the next hour? Sure thing! Another speech three hours away? Why not? Get up at 5:00 A.M. so you can go to the workshop? Coming right up! But this week, I listened to one of my favorite podcasts, The Write-at-Home Mom Podcast and they encouraged us as women to listen to our guts. If something feels "off," don't do it. You know best, right?
So I did it. I said "no" to an event that I felt in my gut I just couldn't handle right now. I expected that to be the end of it, for me to feel proud for putting my gut feelings first, for taking charge of my own time and needs. But I didn't expect that saying "no" would actually be more work. The backstory is this: I've gone through a few personal issues this month and just feel like I need to slow down before the holidays start. I won't get into them, but they included some personal losses and more than one mental health breakdown. So, when I said "no" to this event, I was fully anticipating that my life would become easier as a result. And, I don't know if it's so shocking to me because I have never really said "no" to anything before or it's just a fluke, but since I turned the event down, my answer has been unacceptable. I am literally fighting to stick to my guns. I expected saying "no" for what I believed I needed would then mean my life would be better, more easy-going and freeing, but I didn't realize that it could actually make it harder. Why doesn't anyone mention that when talking about how
“If something feels "off," don't do it. You know best, right?� 14
MARCH 2016 | SASSY
important it is for women to be able to say "no" when they are asked to do something? I feel completely blindsided by how much mental energy and soul-sucking has been drained from my body simply by turning down one event that is beyond my capabilities at the moment. Maybe that's why as women, we just say "yes" to so much--it's just easier. It's much, much harder to feel like you deserve to say no and to fight for yourself and that's something I wasn't expecting at all. How can saying "no" actually be more work for me? Perhaps it's a process and that first time you realize you don't want to do something and timidly say "no," there is a backlash, like how I'm trying to train my kids to put their own dishes in the sink. Perhaps it's a big shock to the system when a woman believes she can say "no" and then gradually, as she learns to stand up for herself, the universe accepts that she means business. I'm struggling so much with wondering if I had it wrong--maybe my gut was wrong and I should just be the responsible person who says "yes" and makes everyone happy and doesn't let anyone down. I don't know and I definitely feel stuck at the moment, churning my wheels and going nowhere fast. It's dramatic, I realize, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that even saying "no" to something is work for a woman. Maybe this is normal and maybe it's insane, but either way, I need to find a way to move forward. Tips appreciated! ď Ś
SASSY | MARCH 2016
15
SASSY
work
Open Office Etiquette How to Share Space and Stay Sane
C
By: Cyndy Searfoss
ompanies love them because they not only encourage teamwork among co-workers but they also save money on construction and furnishings. Some employees love the collaborative aspect… and some hate everything about them. They’re open office spaces. And they’re popping up everywhere. If your employer is answering the call of the open space phenomena and eliminating cubicle walls, here are some tips for surviving the transition: As a rule of thumb, if what’s going on in your space can be seen, heard or smelled, you may be in violation of good open-space etiquette. Let’s start with what can be seen. For
example, some employers restrict or prohibit personal decorations in office areas. If yours doesn’t, be aware that while the picture of you and your significant other in bathing suits on the beach with frosty adult beverages in hand may be a reminder to you of a great vacation, it may scream “inappropriate” to everyone who walks past your desk.
16
MARCH 2016 | SASSY
Clutter is another visual hot button. Papers piled four inches high
across your desk, a week’s worth of Wall Street Journals, four iterations of proposals waiting to be filed and an overflowing inbox may be a sign of productivity to you. But, to your OCD neighbor the mess may be as grating as nails on a chalkboard. And speaking of noise, you may want to use headphones to block out the sounds of typing, phone calls and squeaking chairs unless it’s against company policy. Just be sure to keep the volume at a level
that keeps the music for your ears only (and remember, it’s not karaoke – or the shower – so no singing along). A work-friendly play list can also keep you motivated as you move through the day. Be sure to step into a small conference room or other private area to handle personal calls or work calls that need to be kept confidential. Even if your organization doesn’t require that cell phones and tablets be muted in the office, be considerate and put your phone on silent or vibrate.
While sights and sounds can be distracting or annoying, odors (particularly cologne and perfume) can trigger health issues such as allergic reactions or asthma attacks for some people. If you’re in that category, share that
information with your coworkers before there’s an issue. This also holds true if you have other types of allergies, like peanuts. If eating at your desk is permitted, stay away from strong smelling foods – like tuna, eggs and spicy items.
In close quarters, good hygiene is a must. If you rotate workspaces among
colleagues make sure none of the work surfaces in the area you’ve been using are dirty or sticky. Hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes are your friends, especially when you – or someone who sits close to you – have a cold. Use them frequently and be sure to use and dispose of tissues properly. It’s also important to remember that what you do throughout the day and how you do it is on display. Spending too much time in obviously non-work
related activities, such as social media, will call your productivity into question. And finally, remember that being a good neighbor is part of the territory in an open space office. Respect your coworkers’ belongings and need to work.
In an open office tapping fingers, feet and fidgeting can turn from being minor distractions into major ones when they go on all day long. It may be tempting to talk around the person next to you but it’s best to pretend there are doors between you. Get up and walk to their area and hold a (quiet) conversation there. Open office space can help build team spirit and collaborative efforts – it does require you hone your social skills and flexibility, however. SASSY | MARCH 2016
17
SASSY
work
Religion in the
Workplace
W
By: Allison Boelcke
hether you need to request time off for a religious observance or decline participation in a company activity that doesn’t align with your viewpoint, many working women aren’t quite sure how to effectively handle religious topics in the workplace - particularly to their managers who may have different belief systems. If you have a reasonable boss and approach religious topics with careful consideration, there’s no reason that religion can’t be discussed in a professional manner without affecting your standing as an employee or your religious beliefs. Ensure that you are treated fairly regarding religion in the workplace, and determine the best way to frame any religious discussions in the workplace by knowing the federal regulations.
Work Situations “Knowing your rights and what is considered religious discrimination under federal law can help you be aware of any work situations.”
As an overall rule, the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission states that "the law forbids discrimination when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment." Knowing your rights and what is considered religious discrimination under federal law can help you be aware of any work situations that may be negatively influenced by management knowing your religion or lack thereof. For instance, if you are turned down for a promotion because you are told you are not dedicated enough to the workplace because you require certain religious accommodations, this would be a form of religious discrimination because they're making employment decisions based on religion.
Religious Discussions/ Harassment Although workplaces tend to refrain from religious discrimination, it is actually permissible for colleagues to discuss religious topics or even to engage in debate - as long as neither party feels harassed. While isolated incidents of teasing aren't prohibited under federal law, harassment is considered to be a pattern of offensive remarks about a person's religion that is "so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted)." So if you discuss your religious beliefs with your manager who has differing ones, it's completely fine as long as you're respectful of one another. Even trying to persuade a colleague to learn more about religion is okay, unless you don't stop when he or she asks you to - then it counts as harassment.
Accommodation If you need time off for religious practices or to wear something outside of the dress code, or any other workplace requests based on your religion, EEOC law requires that your employer "reasonably accommodate" them whether through allowing flexible scheduling, voluntary shift swapping, or changing workplace policies. However, there is a key distinction: your manager does not have to approve these requests, and it wouldn't be considered religious discrimination, if doing so would cause "undue hardship to the business." If it would cost the business too much money to accommodate your requests or infringe on the rights of your coworkers, your manager would be in compliance with federal law even if he or she didn't allow it. Be prepared with suggestions on how to best make any accommodations you request feasible and you'll likely have more success and maintain a productive relationship.
Religious Activities at Work If it seems you are a minority in terms of your religious viewpoints in the workplace, religious activities in the workplace can be an uncomfortable situation. Religious activities at work are not expressly forbidden, so if your manager (or you) wanted to open every meeting with a group prayer, it would be permissible according to the EEOC. However, just because religious activities can occur in the workplace doesn't mean you have to participate. Under federal law, "an employee cannot be forced to participate (or not participate) in a religious activity as a condition of employment." It is reasonable as an employee to politely decline to participate in religious activities, just as your manager couldn't forbid you from praying before lunch. If you find yourself receiving pushback, open up a dialogue by asking for your manager’s viewpoint so you can determine if it’s discrimination or simply them being a little pushy with no true ill intentions. Religion in the workplace can be a challenging issue in which to find balance. However, by being prepared to handle potential hot button issues and knowing your rights, you can prevent miscommunication and preserve your career and your faith.
SASSY | MARCH 2016
19
SASSY
work
Resume Give Your
an Online Makeover By: Allison Boelcke
T
he days of keeping printed versions of your resume to hand out or mail to potential employers are becoming a thing of the past. Many hiring managers opt to keep recruiting and application processes online for a variety of reasons: to have the information at their fingertips with an easy search or to save time by having search engines and software find and filter candidates. When you use your resume online, you need to keep in mind how exactly it is being utilized and tailor it accordingly - or risk not getting considered for opportunities for which you’re qualified.
1. Think Like a Search Engine When you're putting together your resume for online usage, your end goal should be for the hiring manager to type relevant keywords or phrases into a search engine and have your resume pop up as a top result. This means you need to keep it simple and include the most likely searched keywords or phrases in your resume, rather than trying to use "creative" wording to stand out. Look through job descriptions you're interested in, and ensure that commonly used words and phrases are added in your resume in an organic manner that makes sense. Cover all your bases by using different forms of words, including abbreviations and expanded definitions.
2. Prioritize Qualifications Just because you have experience and skills in certain areas doesn't mean you necessarily have to include them in your online resume. Determine the types of jobs for which you want to apply and/or be recruited for, and mainly list those supporting qualifications. This will prevent you from coming up in search results for jobs you're not interested in, but technically qualify for. It will also help ensure you're not automatically filtered out via an application tracking software program for not being a high enough match. Remember: a resume is essentially a marketing document, like a brochure, about you as a candidate. Highlight your assets, but don't include every detailed task you've ever done, or you risk confusing your readers. 20
MARCH 2016 | SASSY
“Type relevant keywords or phrases into a search engine and have your resume pop up as a top result.�
3. Forgo Fancy Formatting Simple is best when it comes to formatting your online resume. When you make your resume accessible online, you sacrifice some control as to how it is used and/or viewed. In comparison to a printed resume you hand out, in which what you see is what you know hiring managers get, your online resume could be saved and viewed in different browsers or programs. The formatting that looked fantastic on your computer screen may be incompatible with what the hiring manager is using to view it. Stick to the basics - no borders or uncommon fonts/symbols.
4. Take Advantage of Hyperlinks One of the beneficial aspects of online resumes is the ability to include working website links within it. This can be a perfect opportunity for you to provide real-life examples of what you can do, rather than simply stating your accomplishments. Include relevant links, such as to an online portfolio of your work, a professional blog you run, or even social media profiles that you use in a professional capacity. Anything you can add that provides more context to your qualifications and you as an overall candidate can help make you stand out and gain hiring managers' interests.
5. Use LinkedIn Strategically The go-to social media site for hiring managers and recruiters tends to be LinkedIn. Since it's intended for professional networking, there is more information available about candidates' qualifications and an easy, non-invasive way to contact for professional opportunities. Tailor your LinkedIn profile in the same manner as you would when creating an actual resume. Include relevant keywords in your experience section and in your headline so you pop up in LinkedIn search engine results. Upload your online portfolio, and take part in group discussions. Being strategic on LinkedIn can increase your chances of being contacted for opportunities when you're not actively looking - and prevent you from missing out on your dream job!
“Being strategic on LinkedIn can increase your chances of being contacted for opportunities when you're not actively looking - and prevent you from missing out on your dream job!�
It may seem like a lot of work to tailor your resume, but the increased visibility to hiring managers will make the investment pay off. There is no magic formula for the optimal online resume, so if your first attempts don't seem to be working, make some tweaks until you find what hiring managers respond to best. ď Ś SASSY | MARCH 2016
21
SASSY
health
Diet and Fitness Traps that Keep You from Winning at Losing
By: Sandra Gordon
You’ve been hitting the gym regularly, skipping the office donuts and deskinning your chicken. Still, you’ve got pounds that won’t budge. What’s the problem? It could be hidden habits or mental mistakes you’re making that sabotage your efforts. To help you gain clarity, we reveal eight common diet and exercise traps that may be keeping you from losing—and what you can do to get on the right track.
Trap: Skipping meals. You grab a bagel and coffee in the morning, work through lunch, nibble on cookies in the afternoon office meeting and arrive home later to devour everything in sight. If that scenario sounds familiar, it’s no wonder you’re gaining instead of losing. By shortchanging yourself on calories during the day, you’re setting yourself up to overeat and slow your metabolism.
food fix: Although it sounds counterintuitive, “feed yourself well and often by establishing an eating routine that makes you feel great and in control by figuring out what works for you,” says Katherine Talmadge, RD, author of Diet Simple. Is it breakfast, lunch and dinner? Breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner? It may take some experimenting. But the idea is to spread your calorie allotment throughout the day. Eating frequently—at least every four hours—stokes metabolism and shortcircuits bingeing. 22
MARCH 2016 | SASSY
Trap: Not troubleshooting. To lose weight and keep it off, you need to be motivated. Still, you need to be practical too, which is where many of us fail. “Most people need to dig deeper to weed out the diet and exercise changes they’d like to make that don’t match their values or their lifestyle,” says Susan Head, PhD, a weight-loss psychologist. They decide to start walking every morning, for example, when they’re not really a morning person. Or they vow to never eat fast food again, even though they’re married to a fast food aficionado. You get the idea.
fitness fix: Map out a diet and exercise plan that’s Trap: Being a problem drinker. In the U.S., we’re sipping an average of 19 ounces (1.6 cans) of soda per day. For regular (non-diet) soda drinkers, that adds up to about 240 daily nutrientempty calories—or 25 pounds per year. It’s easy to guzzle more than you think because liquid calories—from fruit and coffee drinks and juice to regular soda— don’t yield much satiety. “You can easily consume large amounts without even realizing it. And you hardly miss those calories if you give them up,” says Walter Willet, MD, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health and co-author of Eat, Drink and Be Healthy. Moreover, it’s not just the 240 (or so) calories sodas, for example, generally contain per 12-ounce can. And studies show that when we consume calories in liquid form, we don’t compensate for those calories by eating less at subsequent meals.
truly doable—for you. Before deciding to jog every morning, for example, ask yourself why you haven’t been doing it before, and anticipate how this change will affect your life. Will it, for example, disrupt your work schedule? Before eschewing fast food, figure out the changes you need to make to be able to eat fast food, without resorting to McDonald’s. One suggestion: “Cook on Sundays and freeze a bunch of lunch or dinner items for the week,” says registered dietitian Jennifer Keller. If you’re on the road, be on the lookout for Mexican. Keller touts bean burritos with veggies sans the sour cream as a healthy alternative to a burger and fries any day.
food fix: To curb liquid calories, “start by making everything you drink between meals low-calorie or noncaloric,” suggests registered dietitian Byron C. Richard. He suggests water, seltzer, coffee, tea, diet soda, Diet V-8 Splash or Crystal Light. Also, make specialty coffee drinks like frappucinos a splurge rather than an everyday event. SASSY | MARCH 2016
23
SASSY
health Trap: Sweating only the small stuff. You’re taking the stairs instead of the elevator and walking instead of using the airport’s moving sidewalk. Good for you. Still, that’s not enough to help keep your weight off long-term. In fact, according to the National Weight Control Registry, a study of 3,000 people who lost at least 30 pounds and kept them off for a year or more, 90 percent of them said exercise was the key to their weight maintenance. Study participants, however, reported doing roughly an hour of moderate exercise daily like brisk walking (to burn roughly 400 calories through exercise each day), which is certainly more than 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends for health.
fitness fix: If you need motivation, strap on a pedometer and try to log in 11,000 to 12,000 steps per day (roughly 5 miles). That’s the amount the Registry participants achieved. And with a pedometer, you get instant feedback and “credit” for all you do, like walking to and from office meetings.
Trap: Multitasking at meals: Eating while you’re doing something else, whether it’s driving or answering e-mail, is a good way to inhale calories without realizing it because on-the-go calories can be dissatisfying on an emotional level, which is an important component of satiety—to psychologically feel like you’ve eaten. “What you lack in emotional fulfillment, you may make up by indiscriminately nibbling at different times of the day,” says Daniel C. Stettner, PhD, a clinical psychologist who specializes in health psychology and obesity. Consider: Even just hearing a TV program can be a diet downfall. According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, subjects ate 300 more calories while listening to a detective story than they did when they ate in silence. That’s not to say you can’t have soft music in the background during meals, but still.
food fix: Schedule at least eight minutes for eating without your phone or the TV on. Even reading can be distracting. (Eight minutes is the time it take for your brain to get the message you’re full.) Your aim: To make less more by focusing on the food before you had savoring every morsel. One caveat: Breakfast. “Most people don’t overeat at that meal,” says Joy Bauer, RD, author of The 90/10 Weight Loss Plan. So go ahead and have your bagel while watching The Today Show. But what about those off-the-cuff meals you seemingly can’t avoid, like the half sandwich you consume on your way to a meeting? “When they happen, acknowledge and mentally account for those calories by saying to yourself, this is half of lunch, Bauer suggests. 24
MARCH 2016 | SASSY
“Schedule at least eight minutes for eating without your phone or the TV on.”
Trap: Avoiding heavy lifting. Starting in your 30s, you’ll naturally start to lose muscle—and gain fat—at a rate of two percent per decade, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle, says Michael F. Roizen, M.D., author of The Real Age Diet. This subtle muscle-to-fat ratio change makes it tougher to maintain your ideal weight as time goes on. As your muscle mass shrinks, your calorie requirement decreases, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be any less hungry.
fitness fix: To help preserve the muscle you have and build even more, “Work out with weights at least twice a week, with a day off in between to allow for muscle growth and repair,” says Calvin Blair, Jr., a personal trainer and speaker at large for the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Don’t have time to go the gym that often? Create a home gym as a fallback. “With two or more dumbbells of varying weight and an exercise ball, you’ll have all the equipment you need for a full-body weight training workout,” Blair says. To weight train at home effectively, choose a weight that fatigues your muscles after 10 repetitions. For many women beginners, five-pound dumbbells will satisfy that requirement; for men, 15 to 20 pounds will probably be appropriate, although a lot depends on your age and how strong you are to begin with. If you’re purchasing dumbbells, experiment with various dumbbell sizes in the store to find your rep max. Buy a second set of 10 pound dumbbells (women) or 30 to 40 pound (men) dumbbells to have on hand for when that entry-level weight becomes too easy, suggests Blair. Or ideally, purchase dumbbells that allow you to add weight in one to two pound increments so you can increase your load more gradually. Strive for one or two sets of six to eight repetitions for each of the eight major muscle groups (chest, shoulders, back, outer thighs, inner thighs, butt and abs).
Trap: Eating out often. It’s no picnic to try to lose weight and eat out because restaurant calories add up fast. A review in The Journal of Nutrition nailed restaurant eating as a major factor of weight gain because restaurant portions are generally larger than you’d normally serve yourself at home and calorie laden.
food fix: To control restaurant calories, develop several ironclad restaurant behavior policies that reflect the type of restaurant you’re frequently, suggests Cathy Nonas, R.D. For example, one calorie management policy you might adopt as a kind of meal mantra for American and French restaurants might be “I only eat half my entrée, no matter what it is,” suggest Nonas. In Italian restaurants, your policy might be to only have a salad and half an order of pasta. In Chinese restaurants, your policy could be to always get one steamed entrée and one regular and share, if you’re with a friend. Other policies to consider: Always ordering two appetizers—one as an appetizer, one as an entrée, and/or allowing yourself dessert if you don’t have a glass of wine or vice versa or always ordering sauce and dressing on the side and/or pushing your chair six inches away from the table so you won’t be tempted to grab the bread basket. No matter what your policy, it should be consistent, repeatable and take into account what’s most important to you when eating out. If you really love dessert, for example, your policy should reflect that. And to increase the chances you’ll remember and stick with it, “review your policy with yourself before going out,” Nonas says.
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.
Photos Provided By: Peter Ringenberg
A Rosie Place Celebrates Exceptional Relationships at
The Sweethearts Ball Over 250 guests filled the Hilton Garden Inn to celebrate the medically fragile children, families and partners of A Rosie Place at the 4th Annual Sweethearts Ball held on Saturday, February 13th. The generosity of our community was again exemplified throughout the evening as they raised funds and awareness for A Rosie Place, a specialty hospital designed to serve children who require medical intervention for their everyday living. Tieal Bishop, CEO/Executive Director of A Rosie Place and Dr. Feranmi Okanlami, MD and representative of the Board of Health co-hosted the successful evening with humility, gratitude and a dose of humor. Ms. Bishop spoke passionately of her personal experience with her son “Max” which was the inspiration and driving force of her ambition to see the dream of A Rosie Place made to a reality for the over 2,000 families residing in Northern Indiana “who need this lifeline.” Dr. Okanlami spoke boldly about the impact of a community embracing one of the most vulnerable populations, how amazing for a community to have such an innovative facility, addressing an extremely underserved population, located right here in our own backyard. Mrs. “Rosie” even took the stage for fun and to say a few words in honor of the efforts made for these special children.
Guests danced the night away to the sound of Blammo!, a local favorite band who has been supporting A Rosie Place’s Sweethearts Ball every year. Bishop stated, the guys from “Blammo! are our kind of group, they get involved and encourage participation, just like us!” A Rosie Place is in its 5th year of operations serving medically fragile children and empowering the families who care for them. Tieal Bishop reported that in 2015 “our generous community members generated over $500,000” to support the children and mission of A Rosie Place, “just imagine what is possible as we begin to reach those across our country who have never heard of us!” Bishop is planning a trip in March to go to North Carolina to collaborate with a team and learn more about the successes of Victory Junction, a camp for fragile children that began as a dream of Adam Petty, legendary NASCAR driver, Richard Petty’s late grandson. Bishop wrote to Richard “The King” Petty and within a week received an invitation to visit Victory Junction. A Rosie Place invites you to visit and see for yourself this amazing asset for children and families in our community. To learn more visit the website at www.arosieplace.org or call Tieal Bishop directly at 574-315-6283.
Scene +Be Scene SPA Women’s Ministry Homes Dinner & Decadence
Winter Wonderland
By: Carrie Zickefoose, Executive Direction Photos Provided By: Dan Hulse, SPA Volunteer Drug addiction, sexual assault, domestic violence and feelings of inadequacy are nightmares experienced by many women in our community. At SPA Women’s Ministry Homes we know that Jesus Christ is the healer of hearts and the author of new beginnings. We have seen the lives of women and their children completely transformed as they lean on the biblical principles and promises of the Bible. Things like Meth, Heroin, Alcohol and dysfunctional relationships no longer chip away at the fabric of their lives. Rather, these women are learning how to live lives of sobriety in relationship with God and others. For this reason, over 500 people gathered at Maple City Chapel in Goshen on Friday, February 12th to declare God’s goodness and to share testimony of the amazing things He is doing in the hearts and lives of the women served by the ministry.
Each year SPA Women’s Ministry Homes hosts an annual Dinner & Decadence fundraising banquet. This event presents a powerful evening of food, fellowship and testimony. And in SPA fashion, the event is made complete with a silent auction, mystery gift purchase, and a deliciously, decadent cake auction. This year’s “Winter Wonderland” displayed over 70 cakes made by local bakers and dessert connoisseurs, all of which were enjoyed to the musical talents of harpist Anna Hagen. In addition, Ascribe dance team prepared the hearts of guests as they performed a sign language dance routine to “Behold the Lamb.” And while these activities alone were an experience to behold, the cardboard testimonies shared by SPA ladies and the Ascribe dance team to “This is my Story” along with testimony from SPA graduate, Elizabeth Logsdon, and SPA volunteer, Tammy Holmes, truly gave voice to God’s grace and redemptive power. As a ministry that provides Christ-centered, residential treatment for hurting women, we rely on God and his people to walk alongside our efforts. So when it was announced that the event raised over $73,000 dollars, we were overwhelmed with gratitude and encouraged to know we have another amazing year ahead of us providing residential treatment and services, transitional housing, and aftercare support for women who desperately need to experience the love of Jesus Christ! For more information about SPA Women’s Ministry Homes, go to www.spaministryhomes.org or check out their Facebook page. You can also email Carrie Zickefoose, Executive Director, at carriez@spaministryhomes.org or call Carrie at 574-333-3150.
SASSY | MARCH 2016
29
Scene +Be Scene
U93 Hosts
“Goodwill Gives” Dress Drive to Benefit Hello Gorgeous
30
MARCH 2016 | SASSY
U93 hosted a “Goodwill Gives” Dress Drive on Saturday, February 20th to benefit Hello Gorgeous at Centennial Place Shopping Center in Granger. The drive was held to collect gently used special event wear. On-air personalities Nikki Reid and Irish Dave were on-hand from U93 to welcome donors and thank them for making a difference in our community. Wedding gowns, prom dresses, evening wear and accessories were accepted on-site near the familiar Goodwill truck. Centennial Place retailers offered additional incentives for donors with discounts and specials throughout the day. Their support was greatly appreciated by Goodwill and Hello Gorgeous.
This dress drive did more than support Goodwill’s job training programs and help area fashionistas gain valuable closet space. The “Goodwill Gives” initiative was developed to support local charities. For this event, Hello Gorgeous was chosen to receive up to $1,000 from Goodwill as they join to help Stuff-A-Truck. Hello Gorgeous is a non-profit organization that provides complimentary professional make-overs to women battling cancer. “We were so pleased to see U93 listeners and Hello Gorgeous fans giving back to the community by donating their cherished wedding gowns and formalwear. Their generosity allows others to purchase these beautiful items affordably from Goodwill, and that supports our programs. It’s really true that when you donate and shop at Goodwill, you can change lives for the better,” commented Katie Paceley, Goodwill’s Public Relations Specialist. Donations of wedding gowns and formalwear are always welcome at Goodwill. Items can be dropped off at any Goodwill Industries of Michiana Drive-thru Donation Center at their retail stores. Donations help further Goodwill’s Mission to strengthen communities by empowering individuals and families through education, training and job placement. Photos Provided By: Goodwill
Join Goodwill on Facebook and visit www.GoodwillFashionShow.com for the latest news on all their special events.
SASSY | MARCH 2016
31
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 love is why. Everyone has a reason to live a heathier, longer life. What is yours?
©2016, American Heart Association. Also known as the Heart Fund. MWA
To celebrate and share your “why” • Visit lifeiswhy.org • Use #LifeisWhy on Twitter and tag @AHAIndiana