Crystal- "A Coastal Magazine for Women" by NCCOAST

NCCOAST

crystal

a coastal magazine for women

Premiere Edition, 2010

Preserving Heritage A Woman’s Quest to Celebrate Down East

Penny Pinching - Saving at Home Fashion Hits the Runway What’s in Their Lunch Box? www.nccoast.com

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Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

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crystal

a coastal magazine for women

contents features 14

Dressing Up Build the perfect business wardrobe with these essential pieces

Playing Decoy Karen Amspacher celebrates the culture of Down East Carteret County

Penny Pinching Tips for trimming the home budget

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Their Lunch Box? Fun, exciting (and healthy) options as the kids head back to school

Starting Over Take control of your financial health when you find yourself on your own

Fitting In Finding the perfect bra

Green Your Clean Tips on taking an eco-friendly approach to cleaning

regulars 10 12 15 17 34 35 38

26 6

Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

beginnings fashion & beauty $5 finds turn the page day planner ask a man advertiser index

Western Carteret Medical Center

Crystal Clear Skin Care & Laser Clinic

Complete Family Care • DOT / Work / Sports Physicals Men’s & Women’s Health Care • Laboratory Service Hours by Appointment • Walk Ins Welcome • Treatment for Minor Emergencies • Skin Surgeries Specializing in Skin Care • Juvederm • Facials • Microdermabrasion Botox • Permanent Hair Reduction • Skin Rejuvenation • Chemical Peels 718 Cedar Point Blvd., Cedar Point •252-393-6543 252-393-6595

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crystal

a coastal magazine for women

Vol. 1, Issue #1 - Summer 2010 Published by

NCCOAST Communications 201 N. 17th St. Morehead City, NC 28557 252.247.7442 - 800.525.1403 Publisher

Tom Kies Managing Editor

Craig Ramey (editor@nccoast.com) Crystal Editor

Amanda Dagnino

(amanda@nccoast.com) Sales Manager

Jamie Bailey 252.241.9485 Advertising

Ashly Willis 252.723.3350

David Pennington 252.247.7442

Wes Rinehart 252.241.4666

(sales@nccoast.com) Graphics Manager

Kim Moore Design/Layout

Amanda Dagnino Graphic Design

Mimi Davis Amy Gray Roze Taitingfong James Lowe Contributing Photographer

Joseph Wootton Contributing Writer

Kelli Creelman Crystal is a free quarterly publication distributed at high traffic sites in Carteret and Craven counties and is available in its entirety at nccoast.com. Entire contents, ad and graphic design and nccoast.com copyright 2010 by NCCOAST Communications. Reproduction of any portion of this publication or its website without the publisher’s written consent is strictly prohibited. Information found herein is as accurate as possible at presstime. Annual subscriptions of four magazines are also available for $10 and can be obtained by calling 252.247.7442.

nccoast.com

Welcome to Crystal

f somebody told me 10 years ago that one day I’d have the opportunity to write and design a woman’s magazine I would have (politely, of course) laughed at them. Yet here we are, you with Crystal in your hands, and I, with the first edi on firmly under my belt. Welcome – we’re glad you picked us up because odds are we may need you along the way.

Our goal here at Crystal is to focus on issues per nent to the women of the Crystal Coast – paren ng, careers, entertaining, health, recrea on, the home front and more, ever keeping in mind the threads that e us together and separate us from women in other parts of the country. In our li le piece of heaven women are mul -faceted individuals, constantly juggling a variety of tasks. We are wives and mothers, friends and daughters, employees and mentors. We manage a household, our health, our families and our datebooks with panache – while s ll taking me to enjoy the beau ful coastal community in which we live. We are beach me with the girls, Sunday brunch with our partner and a day at the Cape with family. From the carpool to the ball field to the commi ee mee ng our sense of focus is maintained by the knowledge that we live and play in one of the most beau ful parts of the world. As my daughter once told me, we live in the place that people save all year to come to visit just for a week. That certainly puts things into perspec ve and makes it easy to see just how lucky we are. We not only want to have our cake and eat it – but we want to bake it, too. And, if possible, we want to do it in the least amount of me possible because the boat, the sun, the sand and surf are calling our name. In our premiere issues, you’ll find informa on on building a business wardrobe, ps for taking a “greener” approach to cleaning, photos from a recent fashion show in downtown Morehead City, ideas for packing lunch for the kids, a look at one woman’s passion for preserva on and so much more. We hope you enjoy this first ou ng – and we hope you’ll help guide us in the future. Amanda Dagnino, editor

Crystal Magazine

Would you like to be a contributing writer or photographer for the next edition of Crystal? Or maybe you have a story idea that fits right in with the lifestyle and concerns of women living here on the coast. If so, we want to hear about it. From picking out the right bikini, to being a single mom, to making your husband listen, to letters about upcoming events for women along the Crystal Coast … we want to hear it all. Just drop us a line at editor@ nccoast.com or give us a call at 252-247-7442. We’d love to hear from you.

Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

The Elegance of Fall – This Season’s Most Wanted: • Sumptuous Cashmere from Scotland • Bitter Orange scents from AGRARIA • CC BIJOUX Jewelry – our new signature designs • Holiday tabletop from DRANSFIELD & ROSS • Strike an elegant note with our autumn selections

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beginnings

Apples Pears

woman’s memory may only be as good as her figure – at least that’s what a study released in July by Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., is sugges ng. And the more she weighs, the worse her memory. In addi on, women who have the common “pear” shape, carrying excess weight about the hips, scored lower than those who have the “apple” shape, with weight around the midsec on. “We need to find out if one kind of fat

is more detrimental than the other, and how it aﬀects brain func on,” said Dr. Diana Kerwin, an assistant professor of medicine at Northwestern Medicine and lead author of the study. “The fat may contribute to the forma on of plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease or a restricted blood flow to the brain.” The study, which involved more than 8,700 post-menopausal women ranging in age from 65 to 79, found that there is a one-point drop in the memory score for

every one-point increase in body mass index. The subjects were scored on a 100-point memory test. “Obesity is bad, but its eﬀects are worse depending on where the fat is located,” Kerwin said. “The study tells us if we have a woman in our oﬃce, and we know from her waist-to-hip ra o that she’s carrying excess fat on her hips, we might be more aggressive with weight loss,” Kerwin said.

Just the Facts... How Long Can I Keep That? From the first day she applies new lips ck or inaugurates a new bo le of facial cleanser, every American woman is headed toward the same dilemma. How long will that lips ck tube last? Does the blush you only used once and then forgot about have any life le in it? When is cleanser too old to be eﬀec ve? Cleaning out old beauty products can spare you from using expired items that may poten ally irritate your skin or just don’t work anymore. Because cosme cs are used on some very germladen areas of our bodies, 10

like around the eyes, nose and mouth, they can breed bacteria. Therefore, they don’t have an indefinite shelf-life. The shelf-life of some common cosme cs is: 3 months – Mascara and liquid eyeliner 6 months – Cream and gel blush and cream eye shadows 1 year – Liquid, cream or powder founda on, concealer, powder blush, nail polish and powder eye shadow Make sure you immediately dispose of any item that smells bad or shows signs of change in its color or consistency. It’s always be er to be safe than sorry.

Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

• 59.2 percent of the 122 million women age 16 and over in the US participate in the labor force, 74 percent in full-time positions and 26 percent in part-time roles. • The unemployment rate was 8.1 percent for women and 10.3 percent for men in 2009 • The median weekly earnings of women who were full-time wage and salary workers was $657, or 80 percent of men’s $819. (2009, US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Get up Stand up Get up oﬀ of that thing, ladies. A new study from American Cancer Society researchers finds it’s not just how much physical ac vity you get, but how much me you spend si ng that can aﬀect your risk of death. Researchers say me spent si ng was independently associated with total mortality, regardless of physical ac vity level, so exercise alone isn’t enough. The ACS is recommending that public health messages now promote both being physically ac ve and reducing me spent si ng. Researchers led by Dr. Alpa Patel analyzed survey responses from 123,216 individuals (53,440 men and 69,776 women) who had no history of cancer, heart a ack, stroke or emphysema/ other lung disease enrolled in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Preven on II study in 1992. They examined the amount of me spent si ng and physical ac vity in rela on to mortality between 1993 and 2006. They found that more leisure me spent si ng was associated with higher risk of mortality, par cularly in women. Women who reported more than six hours per day of si ng were 37 percent more likely to die during the me period studied than those who sat fewer than 3 hours a day. Men who sat more than 6 hours a day were 18 percent more likely to die than those who sat fewer than 3 hours per day. The associa on remained virtually unchanged a er adjus ng for physical ac vity level. Associa ons were stronger for cardiovascular disease mortality than for cancer mortality.

Ah, the wonders of vinegar Through the years, vinegar has become a mainstay in most homes. Many restaurants use the oxidized dis lled alcohol we’ve come to know and love as white vinegar to polish its silver. But the usefulness of the product, around the restaurant and around the home, doesn’t stop there. • To clean and deodorize drains, use a funnel to pour ½-1 cup of baking soda down the drain and add 1-1 ½ cups of vinegar. When the foam dies down, flush with hot water. • To clean your microwave, add ¼ cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water in a glass bowl and boil in the microwave for five minutes on the highest se ng. Once the liquid cools, use a towel to wipe any stains and mess away. • Remove bumper s ckers oﬀ the car or s ckers on the walls and windows by allowing undiluted vinegar to break the s cky bond. Let vinegar soak through the problem area and sit for about 20 minutes. Use addi onal vinegar to help clean up the s cky residue, too. • Clean blockages and deposits from

• • • • •

your shower head by si ng it in boiling water and vinegar for about 10-20 minutes. • Tenderize inexpensive cuts of red meat by soaking them in a full strength vinegar marinade. Adding a li le teriyaki sauce and minced garlic can make for a flavorful

•

dinner. If straight vinegar is used, rinsing the meat before cooking is recommended. Use vinegar in place of all-color bleach to brighten the wash cycle. Let garments soak in vinegar and hot water to get the yellow out of white garments. Pretreat underarm stains by pouring undiluted vinegar directly to the area prior to washing. Bring your favorite paint brush back to life by soaking it in vinegar un l the old dried paint dissolves away. Get rid of the burn with clothes dipped in vinegar – whether it’s a mosquito bite, bee s ng, poison ivy or that first sunburn of the summer. Vinegar neutralizes the s ng and allows for some quick relief. Stop the cat from scratching on the table leg and keep the raccoons out of the trash by spraying them with a li le straight vinegar. Many animals have an aversion to the smell of dried vinegar and will stay away at any cost. Keep rabbits out of the garden and the dogs oﬀ the lawn furniture, too. www.nccoast.com

fashion & beauty

On the Runway... Friends and models for Jame’s Clothing, Accessories and Art in downtown Morehead City took to the runway on Friday, July 16, at Jack’s Waterfront Bar, to showcase late summer fashions that are ready to take you into fall. The inaugural event was so popular, store owner Jamie Dickinson is hoping it will become a tradi on on the Crystal Coast.

Crystal is ready for a night on the town as she struts her stuﬀ in this sassy oﬀ-theshoulder dress in orange by Black Halo.

Photos by Joseph Woo on 12

Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

Flirty and fun, Ami is ready to take on the world in this adorable Rachel Pally dress in waterfall.

Erica is peachy keen in this shimmery Tibi racerback tank and popular Hudson skinny jeans.

Maggie can go from lunch with the girls to date night in this tribalinspired tube dress in vanilla designed by Tbags, enhanced by center details of yarn and sequins.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hit the town as EJ puts her best foot forward in a black sequined racerback tank by Young, Fabulous & Broke and Hudson bootcut jeans.

www.nccoast.com

Dressing Up Building a functional business wardrobe

When it comes to hanging out with our friends on a Saturday afternoon, everyone knows what they want to wear. But translating our everyday wardrobe into the business world can be a challenge for many. And completely building a new wardrobe from the ground up can be financially taxing. So where do you begin? What do you buy first? And how do you build upon it? “My idea of the foundations for a business wardrobe are pieces that work together that you can add to and change the look of the outfit,” said Skip Schnibben, owner of Morehead City’s Golden Gull. “Clothes that can even take you into the evening with added accessories or a change of the jacket and shoes. I like black because it works with everything, it’s the universal basic and everything plays off of it, but you can use navy, gray or even

Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

by Amanda Dagnino

brown in some cases to begin building upon.” For 34 years, Schnibben has been providing fashion advice to area residents through the Golden Gull, making the boutique one of the oldest in Carteret County. A Carolina grad, Schnibben went to work for the former Thalhimers department store in Richmond, Va., and she’s been in the business ever since. “The important thing about work clothes is that they should always be clean and neat. They should always fit well – not too tight, not too loose,” she said. “The one thing you don’t want to do is wear something to work that is too dressy or too shiny. I think in a business situation it is more about blending in and less about walking into a room and turning heads. Work isn’t necessarily the place where you want to stand out and make a fashion statement. And it’s definitely the wrong place to worry about what is going to happen to (See Business, page 36)

$5 finds Relax with a martini at the Arendell Room. On Wednesdays, a list of $5 martinis will greet you on the bar

What can you find for $5 on the Crystal Coast? Lots! Check out some of this issue’s favorite finds.

Swing by Gloria’s Hallmark Store for the wide array of Yankee Candles - the 3.7 oz size will add a glow to any room for only $4.95

They ’re so cute, they ’re hard to use, but even harder to resist - check out the Candy Cupcake Bath Bombs at Dee Gee’s Gifts and Books - $5

Make it your own with the help of Carolina Sports - basic monograms are $5

All first-time visitors to Morehead Citybased Concepts Jewelr y are treated to a free pair of manufactured pearl earrings, safe for sensitifve ears

Have fun on the beach with this whimsical cell phone chair - Coastal Crafts Plus - $5

It’s name - Absolutely Positively the Best Wine Bottle Stopper You’ll Ever Use, says it all. Toss the wine bottle from the boat to the beach and never lose a drop - Ginny Gordons Gifts and Gadgets - $5

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Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

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New and Pre-Owned Home Furnishings Shoes and Accessories Women’s, Men’s & Children’s Clothing

by Kelli Creelman

all is a great time to nestle down in a deck chair, put up your feet and give yourself a good read. Whether it’s new on the shelves or an old friend, taking time for yourself with a good book can be some of the most affordable therapy a woman can find. One of my favorites this month is “A Thousand Sisters” by Lisa Shannon (hardback $24.95) who discusses her “journey to the worst place on earth to be a woman” and it’s sure to encourage women that they can do anything they set their mind to. Shannon had a successful business, a fiancé, a home and security. Then, while watching a 2005 episode of “Oprah” she was awakened to the atrocities against women taking place in Congo – starvation, rape, torture and disease due to the worst civil war in African history. She left her business, her fiancé and her home to raise awareness “one run at a time” by founding “Run for Congo Women.” The book chronicles her journeys to the Congo, meeting the sponsored women and hearing their stories. Along the way she experiences lessons of survival, fear, gratitude and love from the women she so desperately wants to help. “A Thousand Sisters” is a deeply moving call to action for each person to find in them the thing that brings meaning to a wounded world. And it’s a meaning that many women have already found. Most of you will remember Linda Greenlaw who was

featured in the book and film, The Perfect Storm. Greenlaw, is the author of several books herself, the most recent of which is “Seaworthy” (hardback, $25.99). In this book the author returns to the sea, with serious reservations, to fish for swordfish after a 10-year hiatus. Her travails begin with a rusty bucket of a boat, a very salty all-male crew, and, at one point, she even ends up in a Canadian jail. Greenlaw handles all of this with grace and aplomb, proving to us that middle age does not have to stymie our ambitions. One can overcome nature, human or other, discern what one can and cannot control and step back into our “box” to find out we still have want it takes. For a twist on local history and lore, make sure you check out “Evidence

turn the page

Fall Back into Reading

(See Turn, page 36)

www.nccoast.com

Playing Decoy by Amanda Dagnino

Karen Amspacher is one of those people who doesn’t like a lot of attention. Mention a recent achievement and the first words out of her mouth are other people’s names, diverting the accolades from herself and planting them squarely on the dedicated collection of employees, board members, volunteers and supporters who have joined her on her quest. Even from afar, the story of the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center, Harkers Island, is one of success. But for those who have

Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

been involved, it has been an emotional journey as well. A journey spearheaded by a woman with an innate desire to retain the heritage and culture of a region that has struggled against the time and the tide. It wasn’t the job Amspacher necessarily set out to do. After college in Asheville, she embarked upon a career as a teacher, only to be pulled back by the people she had known and loved all her life and her childhood memories of growing up on Harkers Island.

Photo by Chris Seward

Opening day, Oct. 29, was like a wedding, a college gradua on and a funeral all rolled into one.

Down East, as a collective destination, is unlike anywhere else in the country. With its unique brogue and breathtaking landscape, the community is home to a continuously shrinking number of families who rely upon the sea for their livelihood. From commercial fishing to boat building to decoy carving, age-old traditions are the threads that tie the unique smattering of communities that make up the region. While the passing of time is to be expected, Amspacher, and many in the region who share her sentiment, have had a difficult time letting go of their heritage. They understand that time marches forward, but are resistant to the idea that the crafts, traditions, language, even the recipes, should be lost as Down East gives way to progress. The only way to truly ensure that the heritage was celebrated for generations to come was to build a facility where it could be brought to life daily. A nearly 20-year dream came to fruition last fall and this summer for its first season, the Waterfowl Museum opened its entire 20,000 sq. ft. site to the public. The $3.4 million project is a testament to the tenacity of the Down East people – to their dedication, to their heritage and to the unyielding desire to ensure their imprint has been left on the earth. “Opening day, Oct. 29, was like a wedding, a college graduation and a funeral all rolled in to one,” said Amspacher. “Key

people from all along the way were here. It’s definitely one of the top 10 days of my life. It was satisfaction. You know, you have this vision, this idea in your head of exactly how you want things to be, but sometimes it takes so long that even though you don’t lose sight of the vision you begin to wonder if you’ll be able to hold on long enough. We held on. All of us. And we made it.” People who understand the message and meaning behind the museum still walk through the doors and cry, she said. “They just stand there right inside the door and the tears start to flow,” Amspacher added. “They’re just so moved by it. They’re proud of what we’ve accomplished – and finally they’re able to see our vision in a true form.” She’s as proud as a first-time mom as she greets you at the door and takes you on a tour of the two-story, natural wood building with its community displays and soaring overlook of Willow Pond and Shackelford Banks. But she also understands the frustration and disappointment that some may have felt along the way as progress stalled intermittently. “People would come year and after year and ask if they could climb the tower,” Amspacher said. “Everyone felt like we had promised a lot and delivered a little. That we had bitten off too much.” Does she regret the bite she took? (See Decoy, page 20) www.nccoast.com

Decoy

(From page 19)

“Never,” Amspacher replied quickly. “I mean look around you. This is Down East. It’s not only what’s in the building, it’s the people.” And as she goes through her daily routine, Amspacher is surrounded by those people. Whether it’s the front desk volunteer who checks in and says “good morning” or the ladies sewing the squares of a community quilt together, she always stops what she is doing and gladly devotes her attention to each as they approach. And her joy is visible. These are her neighbors, friends and family members and each one is not only an important part of her day, but a vital aspect of her mission. “We never wanted to force the community to be something it’s not, but rather help the community figure out how it’s going to retain its heritage, its sense of place and its heritage. I had to move away

to understand. When I went to college in 1973 I thought everyone had been raised in a neighborhood where grandma and grandpa were across the road and where in school you start out with the same crowd you end up with. But that’s not the case at all. I knew there were cities and they were scary, but to me they were the exception and we were the rule. I (See Decoy, page 22)

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Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

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Decoy

(From page 20)

was so wrong. I’m happy to be able to embrace that every day; to be a part of it.” The Core Sound Decoy Carvers’ Guild, which formed in 1987, was the forerunner in recognizing the area’s rich heritage. The group, in hopes of renewing interest in the traditional craft, formed a guild of the area’s most talented decoy carvers and quickly decided they would like to hold a festival on Harkers Island. “They were the first to stand up and realize the importance of passing our heritage on to the next generation,” she said. A member came to Amspacher’s back door, she said, explaining the idea of a festival and hopeful that she would be interested in helping get people through the door. The popular Harkers Island cookbook, “Island Born and Bred” had recently come out and Amspacher struck up a deal. She’d help promote the event if they could sell the cookbooks at the site. It was 1988. “Twelve hundred people came and we sold 100 cookbooks so everyone was happy,” she said. “And like the cookbook, the event was more about the people and the heritage than anything else.” Besides board member’s living rooms and Harkers 22

Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

Island Elementary School, the group’s first home was a small building between the school and the fire station that had previously been a doctor’s office. Shelves of decoys and artifacts from Down East families packed the small quarters. “So we knew pretty quickly that there was interest and that we needed a permanent location,” Amspacher said. By 1992, an expanse of land owned by the National Park Service on Shell Point was chosen for the site with Amspacher and the 21-member board of directors ironing out the possibility of constructing a home. And that’s when the real work began. Traveling from Raleigh to Washington, DC, to Harkers Island in a three-day sprint became nothing for Amspacher, toting an armload of the site’s plan and the press kit printed on tan, parchment-like paper tied with natural string. It was hard to imagine the living room where Amspacher envisioned carvers would sit and whittle while chatting about their day; the library, where their words would be recorded and maintained; and the exhibit space where their work would be displayed and the stories of each community would be told through artifacts and images. Amspacher’s dedication was contagious, however

– winning over not only Carteret County friends and businesses, but reaching out to the big boys as well. As the billboard posted at Shell Point visually marked the funds raised to date, she was wooing the USDA, NC Electric Cooperative, the Sunshine Lady Foundation, Wachovia, Jarrett Bay Boatworks, NC Dept. of Cultural Resources, Glaxo-Wellcome, Progress Energy, BB&T, the state, the Smithsonian and so many others. The annual yearbook produced during the December Waterfowl Weekend celebration keeps track of each person, public and private, who have donated to the cause. And the list continues to grow. “It was a grassroots effort in its rawest terms,” Amspacher said, smiling at her choice of words. “But I don’t think it could have been done any other way. We’re grassroots folks.” “I don’t think it came together because of me. There are a dozen people who could have come in here and done this,” Amspacher continued. “It has been a calling for me, though. I had an exposure to oral histories by transcribing in college and I was always proud of my family. I was always proud that Stacy Guthrie was my uncle. I can remember the N&O did a story about him. He was an old whaler and boat builder. Those are the things that stuck with me – and made it so important to capture this all for our children and our children’s children.” Her fierce independence was instilled from the beginning, she said. Coming from Down East, “you just had to work harder.” `“People from Down East had to figure more out on our own, outsmart, outdo. And you have to be headstrong because if you listen to what other people tell you, you’re doomed.” She uses the people of Cedar Island as an example because of its

remote location. “Everything is more challenging – just getting to the grocery store – something that people who live in Beaufort or Morehead take for granted, is so much more work if you live in Cedar Island.” While there were starts and stops along the way, including a 5-year hump as funds for the gallery space were raised, the dream she had long sought came to fruition last year. And as she said, the tears began. “I still believe these are some of the smartest, most talented people I’ve known,” Amspacher said of her fellow Down Easters. “They can develop a new system of nets, tell the weather by the sky and build a boat without a plan. And this is about them. “We welcome visitors and tourists and people who are passing through. That’s certainly an important part of what we are here for,” Amspacher said. “But primarily it’s for the people and we tried to make sure that that was made clear all the way through the process. We’re trying to keep living traditions living. It’s about saving the heritage and carrying it forward. “The last few years have been the most challenging,” she said. “People are giving less and they’re giving less often. So we have had to work a little harder. But it’s made it sweeter, too.” Visitation, she noted, is up with the completion of the gallery. And while the fundraising will never end, her dedication has yet to falter. “I just have to believe that we have been and will continue to be instrumental in keeping it alive. It’s not about Stacy or Davis or Marshallberg, it’s about Down East,” she said. “My personal goal is to keep this museum independent, for the people, by the people.” “That’s vital to me.” www.nccoast.com

Penny Pinching 10 ways to cut the budget

With an economic recovery hard to find on most days, families who once had plenty of room to move about financially now find themselves scrimping by each month as income goes down and the cost of living con nues to rise. Cutbacks, layoﬀs, reduced hours, higher health

Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

by Amanda Dagnino insurance premiums –results of the country’s economic strife is reaching just about everybody. State and federal governments and wise businesses around the country are trimming their budgets to meet fiscal shor alls, and maybe they’re onto something. There may not be much fat to trim – but unless you’re independently wealthy and hiding your money in your ma ress, saving a few hundred dollars a month can certainly make a diﬀerence. No, we don’t think you should wash and reuse your sandwich bags, unless you want to, of course. But there are some simple things all of us can look at if we’re trying to cut our monthly overhead. Most of us are already thinking twice when we come across that sale on our favorite shoes and making frugal decisions about where to go for lunch when our girlfriends are in town. But is there more you can be doing? It may not be the ideal situa on – and it certainly isn’t fun – but taking a closer look at our household budget can usually uncover areas where we all can stand to ghten our bootstraps a li le bit, as grandpa loved to say. Make a budget. And you thought we were saving the budget, not making one. It’s important to have a star ng point, however. Why should everyone have one? Because nobody really knows where all their money goes. We think we do – but in general, we’re underes ma ng. Seeing it on paper can have an impact. And admi ng on paper that you’re spending $6 a day on take-out coﬀee may be a defining moment. Now if you added that up and saved it instead, that’s a dy $180 a month, or $2,160 a year toward your next vaca on or re rement fund.

Having a monthly budget not only helps you be er track your money and save, but it makes it much easier to manage your bills and their due dates and create a payment schedule that works with your pay periods. Lost electricity. Oh, if only dad could hear us now. O en referred to as the light Nazi growing up, he was the ringleader of the conserva on movement in our house … and rarely garnered much respect for his efforts. One website suggested lights with movement ac vated sensors in the children’s room, but this could easily make for a bad night’s sleep if there’s an animal in the house. Plus, dad was right, the kids really should learn that it’s important to turn off the lights when they leave a room and turn off the water while they’re brushing their teeth. It’s just environmentally correct. With that said, turning off the lights isn’t enough anymore to see huge decreases in electricity usage. But unplugging unused appliances and cords is. It’s called “standby” electricity, the electricity used by today’s smart appliances even when they’re not in use. Take a stroll through your house one evening with the lights off to check out the li le glowing red lights here and there, drawing your electricity while you sleep and stealing from your checking account. A recent study by the University of California-Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley Na onal Laboratory claims a household can save between six and 26 percent of their monthly electricity bill just by unplugging unused appliances. According to Popular Science, today’s smart electronics are always working – even when you’re not using them. Modern televisions, for example, constantly scan for remote control interac on, even when they’re turned completely off, said the magazine. Some of the worst culprits include cell phone chargers le hanging in receptacles; computer printers that can draw more than 11 wa s per hour at rest; and digital cable boxes, which o en use twice that, even when not turned on. If a home’s Wi-Fi system is le on, an unused Nintendo Wii pulls about 10 wa s to maintain the signal – but if the internet is off, that figure drops to a li le over a wa of usage. Try to get into the habit of unplugging those things you don’t use regularly (the toaster, printers, the lamp and television in the spare bedroom and yes, those cell phone and laptop chargers). Since a lot of the home’s wa age stealing electronics are centralized around the entertainment center, a power strip can make tackling that project much easier. Simply plug them all in together and flip the switch only when you want to use the items. Our sugges on would be trying it for a month to see if you no ce a worthwhile decrease. Programmable thermostats. According to the Home Energy Saver site, Energy Star programmable thermostats can save up to 20-30 percent off hea ng and cooling costs

with their mul ple daily se ngs for different mes of day and ability to adjust temperature as the outside temp changes. Considering that hea ng and cooling amount to about 40-45 percent of our monthly bill, the savings can quickly begin to tally up. With thermostats star ng at about $30, it should be easy to recoup your investment in the first few months of usage. See energystar.gov for se ng recommenda ons. Brown bag it. If it’s good for the children, ladies, it’s good for you as well. According to data from a variety of websites, most people spend an average of $5-6 a day on lunch. That’s $100-$120 a month – substan ally more than a sandwich, yogurt and apple from home would cost. It may not have the versa lity that the fast food vendors near your office offer, but it’s certainly less expensive and it’s be er for you, too. For a change of pace, cook extra the night before and take le overs for lunch and save those dining out dollars for a special occasion. Do the math. While it’s o en a nice perk for our mental health, is it really be er financially if you work? Or are daycare and a er-school care costs completely nega ng your income? There are plenty of things you can do to occupy your me and stop you from ge ng bored. Not working doesn’t have to mean that you’re stuck in the house all day scrubbing baseboards and coddling crying children. When you’re figuring the cost of working, make sure to figure in gas, clothing, lunches and wear and tear on your (See Pinch, page 37)

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What’s in their Lunch Box?

Ahhh, the beginning of the school year is upon us once again. If there’s one thing women look forward to the most it’s that opportunity to have just a few more minutes to ourselves each day. If there’s one thing we dread, it’s that age-old bi er ba le over lunch me nutri on. If all children loved carrot s cks life would be so much easier! Unfortunately that isn’t the case at all. If children could live on nothing but chicken nuggets and French fries from the nearest fast food chain, they’d be happy campers. As parents, however, we know that isn’t the appropriate path to take – especially now that childhood obesity has been thrust into the na onal spotlight. And we have to admit, the sta s cs are pre y staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Preven on, about 16 percent of children in the US (more than 9 million) are overweight or obese. Those figures have more than doubled over the past three decades for children ages 2-5 and adolescents, 12-19 and more than tripled in ages 6-11. Those youngsters, the study goes on to say, have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight adults; 80 percent if one or both of their parents are overweight. As a parent, that’s a bi er pill to swallow – and a he y responsibility. While there are a mul tude of diet fads and exercise programs to help keep everything in check, one basic fact remains true: our intake must not exceed our output. If you ingest too many calories without the benefit of exercise to work oﬀ the extra calories, your body is going to store it. “The energy balance is a central concept,” said Dr. David Collier, director of the Pediatric Healthy Weight Research and Treatment Center at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. “It really comes down to that right balance of calories in, calories out. And a very small imbalance day in, day out can cause large weight changes over me.” Dr. Collier used a regular child-sized juice box as an example. If a 6-year-old child is oﬀered two juice boxes a day over and above his nutri onal requirements, it can translate to 7 or 8 pounds of extra weight over the course of a year. It’s a subtle 26

Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

by Amanda Dagnino

balance, he explained, finding the right amount of calories for growth, development and energy without exceeding the allowance we need. “Generally, most people underes mate calories coming in, par cularly with beverages,” he said. “So it’s important to understand how to use that calorie balance. In theory, it’s a simple concept – but it’s very complex. There are a lot of influences on your energy balance and a subtle diﬀerence in behavior can have a sustained eﬀect.” But how do we maintain that balance when it comes to preparing a lunch for our youngsters that they will actually eat? “First of all, make it fun and colorful, mix it up, don’t pack the same thing daily, involve kids in making of their lunches, see what they want to take,” suggested Shannon Guthrie, a registered die cian with Carteret General Hospital. “One easy way to pack a healthier lunch is to make extra chicken or turkey breasts to slice for sandwiches the night before, or use extra veggies for salad or side dishes for them to take the next day to dip into low fat dressing/dips,” Guthrie said. “Don’t be afraid to send something other than the standard carrot and celery s cks. Try sending raw broccoli and cauliflower trees, sugar snap peas or sliced cucumbers. One of my friends sends edamame with her girls, they love it. Plus, it introduces new foods to other kids.” Guthrie recommends using individual unsweetened applesauce, canned fruits or dried fruits or adding sliced fresh apples and bananas to natural nut bu er sandwiches as a fun way to incorporate fruit into the meal. “Fresh fruit kabobs can be dipped into light vanilla yogurt – to get a calcium boost. Try to use 2% milk cheeses and s cks as lower fat op ons or sending individual packets of almonds can boost protein and calcium intake,” she said. “Try to use whole grain breads, but again try to use alterna ves to keep it interes ng like pitas, tor llas, rounds, rolls instead of sliced breads – ‘think beyond the sandwich.’ Cu ng sliced breads into shapes can add interest,” suggests Guthrie. “Send whole-

grain crackers instead of chips. A trail mix with oatmeal squares, whole wheat pretzels and dried fruits is a great way to combine whole-grains with fruits. Turning le over whole grain pasta into a salad with veggies, meat and a light dressing can be sa sfying.” Other sugges ons include: • Egg or tuna salad • Chicken or shrimp salad • Using le overs from the night before • Natural peanut, cashew or almond bu er as a spread or dip • Humus and whole wheat crackers • Cold pasta salad • Chili, soup or stew in a thermos • Add sprouts or cucumbers to a cheese sandwich • Make pizza rolls with tor llas – they can even be cut as sushi to make it fun for younger children • Use lowfat cream cheese as a sandwich spread. It’s perfect with smoked salmon or a few slices of tomatoes or cucumber Dr. Collier’s sen ment about beverages is echoed by Guthrie. Don’t discount the number of calories found in sweetened drinks and plan accordingly. Instead of sugary drinks, Guthrie suggests calorie free waters, 100 percent juices and flavored soy or almond milks. To have an idea of what is working and what is not, encourage your children to bring their le overs home instead of dumping them in the cafeteria trash can. Don’t get your feelings hurt if your grand idea for lunch wasn’t as accepted by your youngster as you had hoped. Discuss it with them – what did they like? What didn’t they like? And go back to the drawing board. A er a li le bit of trial and error, you’re sure to find some healthier op ons that s ck.

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Sta r t i n g

Over Illustra on courtesy of Ge y Images

Women are more educated, earn higher incomes and have a more powerful role in the workplace than women of previous generations. But in spite of this progress, 90 percent of women say they feel financially insecure, according to the 2007 Allianz Women, Money and Power Study. The vast majority of women will need to take financial responsibility at some point in their lives, so it is vital that they have the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their financial future. Women at Risk A 2009 report by The Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER) says that women are

Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

particularly vulnerable going into retirement. The findings in “How Can Women’s Income Last as Long as They Do?” show that: • Women at age 65 are expected to live, on average, another 20 years — four years longer than men. That means they will need to save more for retirement. • Less than one third of retired women today receive pension income. And less than half of today’s working women have access to a pension or retirement savings plan through their jobs. • For more than 40 percent of older women living alone, Social Security is virtually all that

they have. This group is four to five times more likely to be poor than married couples. “Each stage of life holds events that can shape your financial needs and impact your ability to achieve long-term goals,” says Katie Libbe, vice president of Marketing Solutions for Allianz Life. “Divorce and widowhood are two stages that have significant financial impact for women, so they need to learn how to take control of their financial futures.”

Tips for Starting Over Losing one’s spouse through divorce or death means a change in financial needs and responsibilities. Here are some tips to help begin the process of starting over. Find Your Starting Place. Before you begin any new journey, you need to know where your starting place is. Gather all the information you need to evaluate your current financial situation. These include: • Checking and savings account statements • Credit card information • Tax returns • Social Security records • Investment information — stocks and bonds certificates, mutual fund statements • Insurance policies — homeowner’s, life, auto, health, long-term care • Retirement assets — 401(k), pension, IRA, ROTH IRA, annuity statements • Deeds • Wills and powers of attorney Know Your Benefits As a divorced spouse, you may still be eligible for certain benefits from your partner’s retirement plan and Social Security payments. • You may be able to obtain rights to a portion of your spouse’s retirement benefits. In most plans, this is done using a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). Find out from the plan’s administrator what requirements must be met. • If you are divorced after at least 10 years of marriage, you can collect retirement benefits on your former spouse’s Social Security record if you are at least age 62 and if your former spouse is entitled to or is receiving benefits. • If you have filed joint tax returns, you may be able to apply for Innocent Spouse Relief, which frees you from the responsibility of paying taxes attributable to your former spouse.

What’s Your Financial Personality? Knowing your particular financial personality type will help you and a financial professional create a personal approach to planning your financial future. Financial Dreamer: Intimidated by money and investing, you feel helpless and hope that someone else will help you take care of your financial problems. Financial Avoider: You feel overwhelmed by all the financial choices available to you. A lack of financial knowledge keeps you from taking the necessary steps to resolve your financial problems. Financial Initiator: You’re self-assured, empowered and optimistic. You’re quite clear about your financial goals, and typically know how to achieve them. Financial Collaborator: When in a relationship, you’re healthy, happy and cooperative. You provide family financial comfort and stability. You and your partner share equally in financial decisions and actions. Financial Analyzer: You have a good understanding of household finances, and take initiative in thoroughly researching investment opportunities and tracking financial results. You’re a comparison shopper, an avid saver and rarely purchase something you can’t afford.

As a widow, can explore the following options: • You are allowed to rollover an IRA you may have inherited from your husband into your own IRA. • Be sure to contact the Social Security Administration to apply for the $250 death benefit under your spouse’s Social Security benefits and to determine your new benefit amount. Typically you will receive the greater of his or your benefits, but not both. Develop a New Budget Evaluate how much money you will need for the next six to 12 months and keep that money in an easily accessible account in your own name. • Pay Your Bills. Failure to pay your bills can result in bigger problems due to late payment fees, interest charges and a bad credit rating. • Take it Slow. Don’t make any major purchases or changes right away. Give yourself time to heal emotionally before rushing into major decisions. www.nccoast.com

Fitt ng n

I S Sta s cs show that up to 80 percent of women don’t know their correct bra size. Women around the country are either cramming the girls into something far too ght and confining or they’re not receiving the support they deserve. A recent episode of Oprah defined purchasing a bra that fits as a “life changing” event. Not only does it affect the way an individual looks, but it has a dras c effect on the way clothes fit. O en, the talk show queen lamented, women can look 10-20 pounds lighter just by li ing their load up and providing the support they so desperately need. The best first step is a trip to a local department store. Most, including the Morehead City Belk, have staff who is trained to measure the right spots and get you into an appropriately sized bra. The alterna ve, measuring yourself, can be tricky. We’d recommend having a friend help so the tape measure doesn’t fall too low on your back and produce an inaccurate reading. 30

If you decide to go at it alone – you need to take two measurements with a so dressmaker’s measuring tape. First get your band size by measuring around the rib cage immediately below the breasts. Make sure that you’re not inhaling as you measure. You’ll add 3 to 4 to that number to calculate your band size, rounding up to the next even number. For example, if you measure a 32 ½, your band size is 36; if you get a 35, your band size would be 38. For the cup size, measure around the fullest part of the breast, crossing the nipple, while wearing a bra. Subtract the band size from this figure and use the balance with the chart below. For

Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

by Amanda Dagnino

example, if you have a 36 band size, and measured 39 around the bust, then your bra size is 36C. 1-inch = A 2-inch = B 3-inch = C 4-inch = D 5-inch = DD or E 6-inch = DDD or E or F 7-inch = F or G The calcula ons may not give everybody the ideal bra size, but it definitely gives you a great place to start. A bra that fits well should be snug yet comfortable and oﬀer a perfect amount of support. The band should not ride up the in back, but rather fit squarely around the body and stay in place. The straps should not be carrying the total weight of the breasts – instead, the band and/or underwire should carry most of the load. Of course, when in doubt, visit the lingerie sec on of the department store and have the staﬀ check your calcula ons and recommend a bra that will fit your frame.

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Green YOUR CLEAN

More people than ever are looking for more natural ways to keep their homes clean and free of harsh chemical fumes and residues. Others are also concerned about keeping the Crystal Coast clean and natural by leaving chemicals out of their drains and stormwater runoﬀ. But there is s ll plenty of confusion about the best way to do that. With so many products making vague claims, it can be hard to make an informed decision. What works? What’s truly natural? This guide to greening your clean will help you make smarter, more natural cleaning choices for your home.

The Problem Many families today are looking for ways to minimize their exposure to harsh chemical fumes and residues. But as they look for new alternatives, they are not looking to compromise on the performance they have come to expect from all sorts of home products.

This means that the NPA has reviewed the product’s ingredients and manufacturing processes, and determined that it meets the organization’s rigorous guidelines. This easily identifiable seal will help consumers discern which products meet the organization’s standard of natural. npainfo.org. Green Good Housekeeping Seal: Introduced in 2009 by Good Housekeeping magazine and the Good Housekeeping Research Institute (GHRI), the seal helps consumers sift through the confusing clutter of “green” claims on hundreds of products on store shelves today. goodhousekeeping. com. Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment program: The US Environmental Protection Agency created the Design for the Environment (DfE) program to evaluate products that are made with safer chemistry methods. This logo on a label means that the review team has screened the manufacturing process for the product for potential environmental effects. epa.gov.

Understanding Label Language There are a lot of product labels that use words • like “eco-friendly,” “organic,” and “nontoxic.” Unlike the food world, when it comes to cleaning products, these terms are largely unregulated, so they can be misleading. Read past the vague claims and take a closer look at the product’s label. Here’s what to look for: Plant-Based Ingredients Look for plant-based ingredients rather than petroleum-based ones. For example, citric acid, which is derived from citrus fruits like lemons and limes, acts as • a soil remover in natural cleaners. Know Your Buzzwords Organic is well-defined for food, but less so for home care products. The USDA’s National Organic Program, which regulates the national organic standards, does not currently regulate home care products. Credible Seals Look for products that have one or more certifications or seals from credible sources such as Good Housekeeping, the Natural Products Association How to Clean Green and the Environmental Protection Agency. Clearing the Air • Natural Products Association (NPA) Natural Dust harbors pollen, pet dander, bacteria, mites, Home Care standard: The NPA has developed mold and mildew. To control dust: a natural standard for home care products. 32

Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

Photo courtesy of Ge y Images

•

Use electrostatically charged dusters or damp rags frequently. • Use vacuums with HEPA filters that trap fine particles. • Change your home’s air filters every month or two. • Remove your shoes before entering the house to avoid tracking in dirt, dust and pollen. • Use kitchen and exhaust fans to increase ventilation and reduce exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that get released into the air. Doing Laundry Some detergents and fabric softeners can contain ingredients that irritate sensitive skin. Look for

products that are made with plant-based cleaning ingredients and have been dermatologist-tested, such as Green Works Naturally Derived Laundry Detergent. • Try fragrance-free variations for those who are sensitive to strong perfumes and scents. • Soften fabric by adding one-quarter cup baking soda or one-quarter cup white vinegar to the wash cycle. Cleaning Kitchens and Bathrooms For an all-natural way to clean the oven, try using a nonabrasive scrubbing pad and baking soda. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply to the stove. Leave it overnight and rinse the next day. (See Green, page 38) www.nccoast.com

day planner

The Crystal Coast and the surrounding area are literally teeming with events and activities. We’ve chosen a few of our favorites for you and the youngsters. Enjoy! August Wed. 18: Shackleford Banks: Horses, Hiking and History, 8:30am-12:30pm, $25, NC MariƟme Museum, 252-728-7317. Thur. 19: Beach Jive AŌer Five, 5:307:30pm, free, Western Ocean Regional Beach Access, Emerald Isle. Pine Needle Basket Workshop, 10am, $40, Beaufort Historical AssociaƟon, 252728-5225. Greater New Bern Business Expo, 10am-5pm, 252-637-3111, ext. 231. 20-22, 27-29: Southern Hospitality, $1215, Rivertowne Repertory Players, New Bern, 252-638-1333. Sat. 21: Scrapbooking Workshop, 10am1pm, $5, Emerald Isle Parks & RecreaƟon, 910-326-6164 or rphelps@ec.rr.com. Adult Learn to Sail, 9am-1pm. $85, NC MariƟme Museum, 252-728-7317.

26-28: New Bern Art & Wine FesƟval, mulƟple events, 252-638-2577.

September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Cooking Class, 6-7pm, $30, ChrisƟna’s Collectables, Cedar Point, 252-422-3071.

October 1-3: 24th NC Seafood FesƟval, free, ncseafoodfesƟval.org.

Sat. 4: Concert in the Park, 7-8:30pm, free, Jaycee Park, Morehead City. Sun. 5: First Sunday in the Gardens, free Tryon Palace Historic Sites, 252-514-4900 or tryonpalace.org. 9-12, 17-19, 23-26: Ain’t Misbehavin’, $2022, New Bern Civic Theatre, 252-634-9057 or newberncivictheatre.org.

Fri. 10: Friday Free Flicks, 7pm, Emerald Isle Parks and RecreaƟon, 252-354-6350. New Bern ArtWalk, 5-8pm, downtown New Bern. Sat. 11: Scrapbooking Workshop, 10am-1pm, $5, Emerald Isle Parks and RecreaƟon, 910-326-6164 or rphelps@ ec.rr.com. Cinema by the Sea, 7pm, $2-10, NC MariƟme Museum, 252-728-7317. Thur. 16: Beach Jive AŌer Five, 5:307:30pm, free, Western Ocean Regional Beach Access, Emerald Isle. 17-19: 5th annual Crystal Coast Superboat Grand Prix, crystalcoastgrandprix.com or superboat.com.

Sun. 26: 3rd annual Fall Family Fun Day, 2pm, The History Place, 252-247-7533.

4-5: Arts & CraŌs CoaliƟon Fall Show, free, Beaufort Historic Site, 252-728-5225.

10-17: Demode Fashion Week, Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens, 252-5144900 or tryonpalace.org.

What to do, what to do?

Wed. 25: Horse Sense and Survival, 8am, free, Cape Lookout NaƟonal Park Service, 252-728-2250.

Sat. 2: Twin Bridges 8K Road Race, 8am, ncseafoodfesƟval.org. Family Day – Life in a New Colony, 9am-3:30pm, Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens, 252-514-4900 or tryonpalace.org. Sun. 3: Blessing of the Fleet, 10am, free, NC State Port. First Sunday in the Gardens, 1-5pm, Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens, 252-514-4900 or tryonpalace.org. 7, 14, 21, 28: Cooking Class, 6-7pm, $30, ChrisƟna’s Collectables, Cedar Point, 252422-3071. Fri. 8: Friday Free Flicks, 7pm, Emerald Isle Parks and RecreaƟon, 252-3546350. 9-10: Swansboro Mullet FesƟval, free, 910-326-1174. 30th annual MUMfest Weekend, free, mumfest.com.

Sat. 18: Emerald Isle’s 5th Annual Day4Kids, 10am-2pm, free, Emerald Isle Parks and RecreaƟon, 252-3546350 or ldavis@emeraldisle-nc.org.

Wed. 9: Horse Sense and Survival, 8am, free, Cape Lookout NaƟonal Park Service 252-728-2250.

25-26: Carteret NumismaƟc Society Coin Show, $1, Civic Center, 252-2473883.

16-17: New Bern Fall Home Show, free, New Bern Riverfront ConvenƟon Center, 910-219-8403 or encshows.com.

Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

ask a

man

Q: My boyfriend is very tight with his money. What can I do to get into his wallet? If he’s not paying for a few dates here and there, try suggesting cheaper restaurants (or even one running a twofor-one special), start the date earlier with a Saturday matinee and be aware of what you order from the bar – if he’s ordering $2 domestics and you make a habit of top-shelf cocktails, he’ll groan the next time you suggest going out for drinks. But if all you want is him to buy you stuff, you need to get over it or find a new man because no man on a budget wants to hear “will you buy me that?” Q: Why do you all eat so fast? Have you ever noticed that we don’t talk much during meals either? That’s because we’re eating while you’re talking.

af bricate

If you want to slow us down you have to get us talking, then you can eat while we talk. Q: Why is it important for men to have free time as opposed to women? At the end of the day it comes down to this simple phrase: boys will be boys. Notice that nobody ever says, “Men will be men?” That’s because men are always going to be boys at heart. We don’t want to grow up, take on mortgages, stop playing with our G.I. Joes or come home for dinner before sundown. Of course we eventually end up doing those things anyway – usually for a woman that makes us want to grow up. But sometimes we need to feel like boys again and like it or not, nothing makes a man feel more grown up and responsible than having a girlfriend or wife asking him “why don’t you ever want to spend time with me?” Q: What is wrong with a guy getting a massage? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a man getting a massage … we just prefer them to be done by a woman. Just last week I got a massage and was on

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my stomach when the massage therapist came in. I laid there, face down on the table, thinking, “wow, she’s really knocking those knots out.” And then I was paranoid for the next 30 minutes that it was a man giving me the massage because no therapist had ever been able to bust those knots loose. Instead of relaxing and going to a happy meditative place, I just laid there, trying to draw gender clues from the sounds of footsteps and breathing. When it was time to roll over I tried to keep my eyes closed but lost to the temptation and opened them for just one second. You guessed it. It was, in fact, a man. No bueno, my friend. No bueno. Q: Why is it so difficult to admit when you’re wrong? I wasn’t aware that we ever were.

Answers to “Ask a Man” are provided by a boy hidden in the body of a 35-year-old man. He resides in Beaufort with his wife, son, two dogs and a camouflage pump action shotgun. Submit your questions for the next edition of “Ask a Man” to amanda@nccoast.com.

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Businesss

(From page 14)

your clothes when you bend over. Everything should be functional and comfortable.” The basis for every business wardrobe, she explained, are four building blocks. The working woman’s closet should include a pair of black slacks, a black skirt, a black blazer and a traditionallycut black dress. From there, Schnibben said, you can add color with interchangeable shirts, sweaters, jackets and accessories, mixing and matching the pieces to form an entire wardrobe of options. “You can just mix and match and add to your wardrobe as you go. Add a color splash with accessories and layers. Add a scarf or a cardigan, change your shirt and you have a completely different outfit.”

Often, when women think of the traditional business suit, the skirt and jacket, they instantly think of heavy, itchy wool. But that’s not the case anymore, Schnibben said. “You don’t necessarily have to turn to wool anymore – there are so many synthetic fabrics out there these days that work wonderfully, mostly cotton blends, that breathe with you. Today’s synthetic fabrics take color very well, take patterns very well and they just fit really well.” And they make it easier than ever to begin mixing and matching to create business options everyone is comfortable in. “With three good pieces and a black dress, you can really just go on forever. It’s a good, timeless basis for the wardrobe and can last for years.”

Turn

(From page 17)

of Insanity” by Carol Piner (paperback, $21.95). Piner remembers her Carteret County childhood with candor and sensitivity. Though it is a diary of an unruly life, it is suffused with her endearing ability to find laughter, even when there is little to celebrate. This local author’s debut is unflinching but always captivating. In wry and sometimes hilarious prose, she stares down disaster with righteous rage and prevails over her extraordinary life – an uplifting story for all women. Speaking of uplifting stories, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee (paperback, $14.95) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this 36

year. Most of us probably remember when we were first captivated by this book. Some may ask “is it still relevant?” I say do yourself a favor, reconnect with your “inner Scout” and celebrate its 50 years by reading this classic example of Southern American literature. As a bit of a postscript, I’d also like to suggest this fall, “The Plantation” by Chris Kuzneski (paperback, $7.99) I say postscript, as it may seem an unlikely suggestion for this column. It is, at first, contrived, the girlfriend of a former Special Ops agent, with a trust fund no less, gets kidnapped. He enlists the help of his best friend/military buddy to find her.

Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

All of the typical suspense novel trappings, but the underlying theme is so profoundly disturbing you will become, at first, enraged then border on shame for feeling that way. This is a modern story with a twist on the history of slavery and its horrors that is both provocative and unsettling. Whether you go for the classic, or the new, here’s to hours of happy reading! Kelli Creelman is the owner of the Rocking Chair Bookstore, the oldest independent bookstore in historic Beaufort. She resides in Beaufort with her family.

Pinch (From page 25)

car. Some mes just adding those figures to the alwaysclimbing cost of child care can be eye opening. Another alterna ve is rota ng shi s. If your husband worked during the day and you worked in the evenings, the need for child care is eliminated. It’s not a lot of fun always going to bed alone, but if it can trim a dy $500 or more oﬀ your monthly expenses and allow you to save for a rainy day – it may be worth it for a year or two un l the children reach school age. Shop sales/consignments. While it goes without saying, it is those spontaneous shopping trips that hurt our bo om line. Give yourself a monthly allowance for clothes and s ck to it. Then make it a challenge to see just how much bang you can get for your buck. Be on the lookout for end of season sales – while you may not be able to wear it for four months, buying a $120 dress for $25 makes it worth holding on to un l the weather comes back around. Likewise, consignment stores harbor amazing opportuni es, especially when it comes to clothes for the youngsters. Remember how li le Annie only wore that Easter dress one year before it was too small? Well there are hundreds of li le girls out there just like her and their parents are taking their clothes to area shops hoping you’ll come and find them. In good loca ons, the items are almost new in appearance and nobody will be any wiser – unless, of course, you want to brag about your find! Quit smoking. It’s one of those tricky ones to talk about it. But let’s face it, everyone who smokes knows that it costs them a huge unnecessary expense on an annual basis – and that doesn’t even take into considera on the associated health costs that are coming down the pike if you con nue. Those who smoke a pack a day are spending more than $1,600 a year at $4.50 a pack, enough to buy ckets for two on a seven-day cruise to the Caribbean, with round-trip airfare.

Do it yourself! Pull your own weeds, cut your own grass, change your own oil. In too many ways to count we have become a society built on convenience. And while there may have been a me when we could pay for a li le convenience, now may be one of those mes when we really need to pick and choose what we pay for. The more we can do for ourselves, the more independent we feel and the less we spend on unnecessary assistance. From changing the float in the toilet tank and installing your own dishwasher to swapping pedicures with a friend and le ng your hair color come from a box, there’s no end to what we can take on ourselves. Curb the entertainment. Do you really need premium movie channels on cable, a subscrip on to Ne lix and a video store account? Do you get your money’s worth from them all on a monthly basis? Swap with neighbors or borrow movies from the librarys. Make sure you have movies on hand, though, because it really is one of the cheaper forms of entertainment. In fact, staying in is just be er on the overall budget. Few people leave the house without spending something – even if it’s just the cost of gas to get to where you’re going. The Dept. of Labor’s latest study es mates that each individual spends more than $2,500 a year on entertainment a figure that can easily be cut in half. Cut the cards. It seems extreme, but credit isn’t always as helpful as it is made out to be. Build an emergency fund first in case you encounter any unwanted expenses or keep an emergency card on hand, but the sooner you give the rest of them the boot, the be er your financial health will be. The average American has more than $8,500 in credit card debt. At the average APR of 14.4 percent, that figure will cost as much as $1,100 a year in interest alone. Try your best to honor the idea that there are three things in life that you may need to finance: a car, your home and your educa on. Everything else can wait un l you save enough to make the purchase. www.nccoast.com

Advertiser index

Crystal would not be possible without the generous support received from our adver sers. As a special “thank you,” we’ve listed those businesses and services below. Please remember to patronize each of them whenever possible because they, like our Crystal readers, are dedicated to suppor ng a voice for women along the Crystal Coast. To join our list of adver sers in suppor ng the next edi on of Crystal, please call 252.247.7442.

Bear Essentials................................21 Bella...................................................5 Blessed Body Day Spa ......................4 Calypso Cottage ................................9 Carolina Sports ................................31 Coastal Crafts Plus ..........................31 Crystal Clear Skin Care Center .........7 Dee-Gee’s .........................................5 Dental Care Center, The..................16 Dinnertime Magic.............................21 DP Jewelry ........................................2 Fabricate..........................................35

ria’s Hallmark o l G

Fran’s...............................................27 Gloria’s Hallmark .............................38 Golden Gull........................................7 Harbor Specialties .............................5 Ibis ...................................................35 In the Click .........................................4 Indulgence Spa................................16 Island Furniture..................................9 Jame’s ...............................................3 Johnson Family Dentistry ................20 JR Dunn...........................................27 Lighthouse Boutique ........................16

Green Cypress Bay Plaza 5167 Hwy 70 Morehead City (252) 726-2888

NC Aquarium ...................................39 New Visage ...................... Back Cover Party Place ........................................5 Rosemary St. Clair ..........................21 Sanborn Orthodontics......................31 Sandi’s ...............................................9 Second Go Round ...........................16 Snug Harbor ....................................27 Stamper’s ..........................................9 Swan Feathers ..................................4 Sweet Dreams ...................................4 Tassels...............................................3 Twice as Nice ..................................21 Yoga For You ...................................20

Crystal - a coastal magazine for women

(From page 33)

• Cut back on chemical fumes and residues with plant-based cleaners, such as Green Works Naturally Derived All-Purpose Cleaner. It contains no ammonia or phosphorus and is made of plantand mineral-based ingredients. For more on green cleaning products, visit greenworkscleaners.com. • Prevent the build-up of mold in the bathroom by regularly running an exhaust fan. Keep in mind, the easiest way to clean is to avoid the mess in the first place. Stay Informed Find out more about creating a greener, safer environment in your home: Sierra Club – Learn how to create a more energy efficient, environmentally sustainable and healthy home environment with the help of The Sierra Club. sierraclubgreenhome.com. Environmental Protection Agency – Learn about the chemicals in your home with an interactive house tour at epa.gov/kidshometour. Natural Products Association – Find out about the NPA’s programs at npainfo.org.

Celebrate by the Sea...

• Rehearsal Dinners • Ceremonies • Receptions

Photos by EllenLeRoyPhotography.com

We offer complimentary use of our catering kitchen, centerpieces, tables and chairs, housekeeping and event coordination. We also offer rental options for linens, and our NEW dance floor.

For more information, please contact Special Events Coordinators

252-247-4003 Ext 291 or Ext 260

Visit www.ncaquariums.com for a complete rental guide

Join Crystal and the NCCOAST Business Journal as we celebrate

Join us as we announce the winner during a luncheon held Wed., Oct. 21 at the Country Club of the Crystal Coast in Pine Knoll Shores