SavvyNovember2011 by Big Fish Works

Where women shop, talk, learn and laugh.

NOVEMBER 2011

Scorpion lollipops insect candy at Alix in Candyland

Ashley Fox creates unexpected, unique floral designs

No raise? No problem. Find the win within your current job

Hop on pop-up shops

contents

This and cover photo by Amy Zellmer

October 2011 Oc

Ridgeview Medical Center named among Top 100 Hospitals for Patient Experience by ® WomenCertiﬁed Ridgeview Medical

L Local Finds F W Where to find how to ttop it off.

4 5-6

Letter from the Editor Shopper Pop-up sales; Avanti Shoe Boutique.

“Let the blooms speak for themselves” Ashley Fox creates unexpected, unique floral designs

7-10

Local Finds New clothes, jewelry & décor from advertisers.

Beauty & the Bounty Learn how pruning your apple trees can help feed the hungry.

12-14

Power tools & ponytails Catching up with Nicole Curtis.

Health Preventing dating violence.

Publisher | Jennifer Sorenson

Editor in Chief | Melissa Gilman Graphic Designers | Jennifer Baker, Renee Fette Circulation Manager | Ruby Winings

Family Plugged in preschoolers.

Budget Find the win within: Creative compensation ideas.

Lead Writer | Sara Glassman Photography | Meryn Fluker, Amy Zellmer/Custom Creations Photography Web | Steve Delmont

Fun Alix in Candyland is a sweet spot.

www.ridgeviewmedical.org/quality

Savvy.mn Magazine is published monthly by

CONTACTS:

Southwest Newspapers. No part of this publication

Content: Melissa Gilman, 952-345-6387 or mgilman@savvy.mn

may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of Southwest Newspapers, 952-445-3333, P.O. Box 8, Shakopee, Minn. 55379.

savvy.mn | November 2011

Advertising: 952-345-6477 or advertising@savvy.mn Subscription and address change: Ruby Winings, 952-345-6682 or circulation@swpub.com

Reader makeover See Jacque's new look.

21-22 Scene Photos from Ficus & Fig; Twin Cities Live; Boots & Boas. savvy.mn | November 2011

Last year tickets sold out weeks before the event! Nationally Recognized

& Holiday Vendor Show

Get Your Tickets Today! Tickets are being sold at 2 local newspaper ofﬁces, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday General Admission: $17 | VIP: $55

Shakopee Valley News 327 Marschall Road, Shakopee

Scan the code to purchase tickets online

Prior Lake American

Show Date: Sat., Nov. 5, 2011 Doors open: 11 a.m. Show begins: 2 p.m. Location: Prior Lake High School

14093 Commerce Ave., Prior Lake

St. Francis Regional Medical Center

Village Market

Iris Valley Boutique & Gifts

Best Seat in the House Sponsor

Furniture Mart

Home for the Holidays Decoration Sponsor

Cal’s Market

By Sara Glassman

Snake charmer

love our readers and we’re always looking for ways to excite, engage and reward you whether it’s through stories, photos, events or contests. This month in the

If last fall was the season of leopard, then this fall is defi nitely being taken over by python. Subtly textured, tex patterned python prints are insanely glam and designers created some sleek new offerings of the reptilian variety. ariety.

Scene section, pages 21 and 22, you’ll see photos of readers who have participated in events created and hosted by Savvy.mn Magazine. Nearly 80 people turned out for the free Savvy Soiree at Ficus & Fig in Burnsville; 150 ran or walked in the first Boots & Boas 5K; and 50

readers participated in a live studio audience at Twin Cities Live. One of our readers even received a free makeover, which was revealed on live TV, page 20. So far we’ve hosted nearly 20 Savvy Soirees as well as our one-year anniversary event called Savvy in the City. Readers have shopped,

never attended one, please do. Many of them are free and we love meeting you in person! Our business partners enjoy seeing new faces and always reward guests with special discounts and prizes at the Soirees. We especially want you to meet the cool women we get to talk to on a daily basis. One such opportunity, Savvy Soiree with The Cheap Chick, is on Oct.

Brought to you by: Southwest Newspapers and Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Community Education Stage Decor Sponsor

Sara’s Style

Editor

a new movie, cruised Lake Minnetonka and much more. If you have

Strollers will not be permitted

Grocery Sponsor

from the

learned about fashion and style, stretched into warrior pose, screened

Phone orders accepted. Call (952) 445-3333 for assistance, or email LHartmann@swpub.com for ticket information

Presenting Sponsor

Letter

27. There are just a few spots left for this happy hour event with Erin

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Appliance Sponsor

Shakopee Chevrolet

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Schneider of Fox 9 Buzz. Learn firsthand how to put the fun in frugal living. Register at Savvy.mn and click on Soirees. This month we have two reader giveaways from some of our smart sources: Patty Hlava is celebrating the publication of her new book,

Arden B. kimono belt, $29, ardenb.com. Wrap this faux python belt around any solid top or dress to define your waist and make a dramatic style statement. Snake skin effect earrings, $25, topshop.com. These bold earrings will light up your face and be a conversation starter. Haskell bracelet, $30, macys.com. This snake cuff will add a pop of color and print to your wrist. Forever 21 tee, $19, Forever 21, Mall of America. The subtly abstract snake-print scoop-neck tee will pair perfectly with a black blazer and jeans. MICHAEL Michael Kors clutch, $118, michaelkors.com. Use this embossed leather clutch on its own or pop in your bag as an oversized wallet. Calvin Klein loafers, $85, zappos.com. Move over ballet flats, the slip-on loafer is the hot look in practical shoes for fall. Wear these leather uppers with any colorful outfit. Crate & Barrel placemat, $9 each, crateandbarrel.com. Get your table settings in on the fierceness with easy-to-clean metallic PVC placemats.

“Cultivating Gratitude,” which is an in-depth exploration into gratitude with specific strategies for how to develop this skill and practice into daily life. Patty is gifting one reader a pair of books:

I’M YOUR MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER YOUR THERAPIST AND YOUR SECRET WEAPON READY TO TRANSFORM YOU INTO THE PERSON YOU WANT TO BE

“Cultivating Gratitude” and “Living Gratitude.” Visit the Savvy.mn website and share your thanksgiving story (things for which you’re grateful or how you show or have been shown gratitude).

SOIRÉE WITH THE CHEAP CHICK Time:

6-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 27

Location:

DANGERFIELD’S RESTAURANT 1583 East First Ave. (Hwy 101), Shakopee, MN $16

Cost:

better compensation at work, even without a raise, by clearly communicating your value to the company, page 18. Rajkumar

SAVVY SOIRÉE AT CUSTOM CREATIONS PHOTOGRAPHY

Savvy.mn website

with her CD “Common

3 Session Offer Expires Dec. 15, 2011. Includes F.I.T. Consultation. New clients only. Restrictions Apply.

Communication Blunders.” Visit the

Time:

6-7:30 p.m. or 7:45-9:15 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 10

Location:

CUSTOM CREATIONS PHOTOGRAPHY 120 First Ave. E., Suite 1, Shakopee

communication gaffe .

Free

enjoy the visual treat of

savvy.mn | November 2011

FITNESS TOGETHER CHANHASSEN

is gifting one reader

and share your worse

Amy Zellmer, owner and principal photographer of Custom Creations Photography, and her staff will take free Facebook photos of guests. Enjoy treats and the chance to win door prizes. Choose from one of two sessions; register for only one. Session A: Thursday, Nov. 10 6-7:30 p.m. http://www.eventbrite.com/ event/1755271063 Sponsored by: Session B: Thursday, Nov. 10 7:459:15 p.m. http://www.eventbrite.com/ event/2292946264.

shares advice for getting

Erin Schneider, The Cheap Chick, is a frugal shopping guru sharing her message in print, on FOX 9 Buzz and across the Internet. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, gift bags, prizes and a special coupon sheet from Savvy.mn’s advertisers. Visit Savvy.mn & click on Soirees to purchase tickets.

Cost:

I’LL GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH 3 $99 YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU HAD

Roshini Rajkumar

FOR

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Finally, we hope you

I’LL SUPPORT YOU AS YOUR CONFIDENCE GROWS YOUR WAISTLINE SHRINKS

1 CLIENT 1 TRAINER 1 GOAL AT A TIME

Feathered Friends Melissa Gilman, Editor in Chief, with Ashley Fox Photo by Amy Zellmer

Ashley Fox’s gorgeous, vintage-inspired floral bouquet. It’s an unusual look for a Thanksgiving arrangement and yet it’s refreshing and lovely. Ashley shares ideas for how you can shake up your fall table settings on page 13.

Savvy

adj., Being well-informed, astute, knowing, keen, smart, clever, intelligent, discriminating, discerning, canny, perceptive, sharp, far-sighted and artful.

952.934.9346

www.ﬁtnesstogether.com/chanhassen

201360

savvy.mn | November 2011

local finds Sponsored Feature

Foot Y Story & photos by Sara Glassman

in the

our head has smoothly transitioned into fall mode, but your feet remain a step behind. Get them up to speed at Avanti Shoe Boutique. Avanti means “forward” in Italian and is an appropriate name for the shop. Owner Jennifer Breyer will have you adorably accessorized in no time. Like the framed Cinderella quote on a shelf says: “One shoe can change your life.” Avanti has a trendy and affordable shoe and boot collection with options from Nicole, Volatile, Rocket Dog, Nicole, Madeline and Minnetonka Moccasins. Chooka rubber boots with fleece liners will keep feet dry and warm in the wettest weather. Bags, including those by Big Buddha, are less than $75. There’s also jewelry, including the 31 Bits line. Starting at $10, the colorful bracelets and necklaces are handmade by women in Uganda. As for fall, here are a few of Jennifer’s favorite footwear trends:

door

■ Grays: It’s the new neutral. You can wear them with everything – browns, black, different shades of gray and colors. ■ Ankle boots: They’re very versatile! Wear with skinny jeans so they become an elongating extension of your legs. They can be concealed under boot-cut pants. Or let them pop with skirts. ■ Wedges and stacked heels: The 1970s trend translates into footwear. With a more supportive heel, they are stable and extremely comfortable.

Wild Ruffle Pop-Up Sale What: Blogger and crafter Cate Mezyk has created a pop-up shop fi lled with shoes, handbags, jewelry and home goods, including items by local artists Liv Lane, Renee Larson, EKate Designs, Urban Halo, Lovefeast Table and, of course, Wild Ruffle. When: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Nov. 5. Where: 16120 Eagle Creek Ave., Prior Lake Website: wildruffle.com

Holiday Hustle What: Food, fashion and shopping designed to help you kick off the holiday season. Look for Alma Ann’s Chocolates, Amon Designs, Beaded with Charm, Beijo Bags, Body Bliss by Judity, Celebration Generation, Cookie Lee, Cuddle Boutique, Envy Skin Clinic, Lia Sophia, Miche Bag by Crazy Girl, Nancy Nelson’s Our Little Secret, Norwex, Stella and Dot and much more. When: 10 a.m. -6 p.m. Nov. 19, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Nov. 20.

savvy.mn | November 2011

Carver Country Flowers & Gifts You’ll love the expressive faces on these poseable elves, which come in two sizes (and seven personalities) to liven your holiday home. Find these and other unique holiday gifts and décor items at Carver Country Flowers & Gifts, 109 3rd St. East in historic downtown Carver, 952-681-7582; carverflowers.com

Vintage cherub candle holder, faux plant and vintage Transferware tureen. Camille on Rouge, 16220 Main Ave. S.E., Prior Lake, 612-756-1556; camilleonrouge.vpweb.com

Encore Consignment Boutique Chocolate metals for fall. Necklace, $36. Bracelet, $28. Mesh purse, $38. Encore Consignment Boutique, 8264 Commonwealth Dr., Eden Prairie, 952-944-9290; encorecb.com

Glenrose Floral and Bridal Grapevine pumpkin, n, $36.50. Grapevine acorn, $17.50. Naked Beee lotions, $4.95. Ceramic pumpkin, $12.50. Glenrose Floral andd Bridal, 582 W. 78th St., Chanhassen,, 725 Main Street, Hopkins, 14705 Excelsior Blvd., lvd., Minnetonka; glenrosefloral.com m

■ Embellishments: Clothing is simpler this season, so you can easily add a little panache with shoes or bags that have buckles, metal hardware and buttons. Thanks to Avanti, you’ll be a “shoe-in” this winter. Avanti Shoe Boutique, 314 Water St., Excelsior, 952-474-3527, myavantishoes.com

November’s pop-up sales Beat the holiday crowds by shopping the pop-up sales with tons of locally made goodies.

Camille on Rouge

Ficus & Fig Ficus & Fig is your holiday shopping headquarters! We are filling the store with fall and Christmas merchandise in all price ranges. Save the date for our Holiday Open House on Nov. 4-6 and enjoy a weekend of shopping, door prizes and food samples! Ficus & Fig, 12750 Nicollet Ave., Ste. 100, Burnsville, 952-746-4456; ficusandfig.com

Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave. S., Mpls. Admission: $10 or an unwrapped toy Website: atouchofthisnthat.com

Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair What: One of the top art shows in the country with more than 500 exhibitors from across the country and hourly giveaways, food and entertainment. When: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Nov. 10 and 11; 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Nov. 12; EKate Designs photographed by CT Ryan Photography and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Nov. 13. Where: Canterbury Park, Shakopee Admission: $8 adults, free for kids 10 and under Website: hpifestivals.com

The Vintage Gypsy This tunic is a must-have for your transition to a fall wardrobe, $34. Own your own unique piece of jewelry, made with vintage items, $25. A rich wine-colored handbag with silver hardware and crochet detail, $49. A beautiful piece of art made from repurposed metal and leather, $85. Vintage suitcases are extremely popular, $22. The Vintage Gypsy, 16228 Main Ave., Prior Lake, 952-388-9478; thevintagegypsy.com

It's a wild holiday at St. Clair Consignment! Let your inner animal free this holiday - come to the store and find holiday and decor items that will help you create an amazing holiday atmosphere in your home! Open Tues. through Sun. Check us out at consignmentchaskamn.com and get a preview and a peek at what we're about! Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. St. Clair Consignment, 114100 Hundertmark Rd., Chaska, 612-229-4312; consignmentchaskamn.com

savvy savvy.mn mn | November 2011

local finds

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Beauty and the

bounty

Program teaches care of apple trees; hopes you’ll share fruit of your labor with the hungry

Ultra 8™ - New non-twisting, comfort-fit rings concept of the future. Pricing available upon request. Brian Walters Jewelry, 216 Water St., Excelsior, 952-470-0013; bwrings.com

Taste of Home Cooking School & Holiday Shopping Show

oin nearly 60 local vendors for holiday shopping from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and a cooking demonstration from 2-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at Prior Lake High School in Savage. General admission tickets are $17. Details at tasteofhometwincities.eventbrite.com.

Candy Bar Apple Salad Photos and recipes by Taste of Home 12 Prep/Total Time: 15 minutes Servings 1-1/2 cups cold 2% milk 1 package (3.4 oz.) instant vanilla pudding mix 1 carton (8 oz.) frozen whipped topping, thawed 4 large apples, chopped (about 6 cups) 4 Snickers candy bars (2.07 oz. each), cut into 1/2-inch pieces

The Jewelry Liquidator idator There's no such thing as too much BLING! Austrian Crystal necklace sets, $25-$60. For the gal on the go! Large selection of hobo bags, all colors and styles, $10. Open every Sat. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jewelry Liquidator, #5 - 11th Ave., Hopkins, 612-801-1242

All tweens sparkle at Zelaz …particularly in this darling sequined top, $46. Pair it with this fall's must-have – fleece lined leggings, $36. Stop and see our amazing selection of accessories including tanks and specialty jewelry selected especially for tweens. Zelaz, 287 Water St., Excelsior, 952-920-1044; zelaz.com

Glenrose Floral and Bridal

November 11, 12, 13

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savvy.mn | November 2011

That’s okay. And you don’t need a green thumb when you have Fruits of the City Program, a division of the 30-year-old non-profit Minnesota Project dedicated to helping your fruit trees thrive.

Fruits of the City started in 2009, hoping to reduce the amount of wasted fruit from local trees with the goal of getting donations to food shelves that were not just about quantity, but quality.

ANTIQUES ON MAINSTREET

HOPKINS ANTIQUE MALL

h, the apple tree. Every year, you water it, watch the flowers bloom and then the apples don’t grow.

In the fall, they offer classes about pruning your fruit trees so that after the dormant season, they’ll be ready to grow next spring.

We now carry Willow Tree figurines, $14-$45. Wilco scented candles, $12.50. Tabletop lanterns, $24.95-$49.95. Glenrose Floral and Bridal, 725 Main Street, Hopkins, 582 W. 78th St., Chanhassen, 14705 Excelsior Blvd., Minnetonka; glenrosefloral.com

Hopkins Antique Stroll

By Sara Glassman

The Jewelry Liquidator Fabulous, funky fashions for fall. Necklace and earring sets, all $15 per set. Open every Sat. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jewelry Liquidator, #5 - 11th Ave., Hopkins, 612-801-1242

“We want to get that produce that usually goes to waste to increase the availability of local foods to underserved populations,” said Heidi Coe, the program’s coordinator. “That’s where our heart is. Why not take

something that’s a valuable resource and feed people nutritious local food.” The classes are taught by Jeffrey Johnson, an arborist for more than 30 years. The morning session is classroom educating – how and why to prune. After lunch, you have a hands-on workshop where you can bring you pruners and do some actual pruning. “Once you do it, you feel more comfortable with it,” said Heidi. “You leave feeling like you can go home and prune your own trees. If it’s pruned correctly, it will reduce disease and increase the amount of fruit.”

Directions In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Fold in whipped topping. Fold in apples and candy bars. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 12 servings (3/4 cup each).

myTalk107.1’s Colleen Kruse is getting back into shape with Complete Nutrition! Visit the myTalk107.1 website (www.mytalk1071.com) and keyword “Complete Nutrition” to see her monthly videos and track her progress.

Whether you have a brand new tree or one that’s been around for while, this class can help fight insects and disease and maximize circulation and sunlight. In a few short months, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Fruit tree pruning classes, 10 a.m. -3 p.m. on Nov. 5 at Mississippi Market and Nov. 12 at Bachman’s on Lyndale. Details at mnproject.org or call 651-789-3321.

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savvy.mn | November 2011

Ashley Fox creates relaxed, romantic & unexpected, floral designs

Story by Sara Glassman Photos by Amy Zellmer

Unusual table tips

“M

Candles are highly underrated: Try this if you don’t have a budget for flowers and you have a bunch of candles around. Put tea lights in glassware (wine glasses or anything else) and raise them up to create your own candelabra. Four or five little glasses will add some sparkle in the middle of your table.

y earliest memory is picking peas out of the garden,” said Ashley Fox. “The smell of dirt and the smell of green were just good. I was a teenager and I would still be planting herb gardens.” The Chaska resident credits her parents for her nature-loving, conservation-minded ways. “You take care of it, it takes care of you.” She lives on one of the original streets in the old part of Chaska and renovated the 1885 home she shares with her husband and their two kids – Evelyn, age 5 and Luc, age 4.

‘Let the

blooms speak for themselves’

As an outdoors lover whose property is covered with cutting gardens and a few chickens, Ashley has a different way of tracking time. “This was our 7th summer – I mark it by growing seasons,” said Fox. “The basement stays nice and cool, which is really good for the flowers.” They bought the place in shambles, but cleaned it up and have transformed it into an idyllic spot. They recently held a vow renewal for their 10th wedding anniversary in the backyard. Fox has always been drawn to flowers, nature and gardening. She earned a bachelor of science in Agriculture, Food and Earth Science from University of Wisconsin, River Falls. She worked in a floral shop in Minnetonka, worked at the recently shuttered Chaska Farm and Gardens and was the family programs coordinator at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. In 2006, Fox decided to be a stay-at-home mom. She kept her green thumb in the flower business by doing flowers for a few friends’ weddings. In early 2008 she decided to make her business official as Ashley Fox Designs, which focuses on weddings. “With floral design, it’s a little bit different every time,” she said. “You never get the same bride twice.” She was a MN Bride 2011 Best of Floral nominee. When she’s not putting together bouquets and centerpieces, she is in the garden. “I like to have my quiet time – weeding is my meditation. It’s kind of my therapy.”

Go edible: Use what you have on hand, with minimal cost and minimal effort. I’ll take a bowl, fi ll it with pears and a sprig from the Christmas tree for green. Then you can eat it for dessert with a cheese plate. Try metallics: I’m spraying everything that doesn’t walk away. With a brush nickel spray that is a dusty, grayish metallic with great undertones of gold and silver, spray paint large preserved leaves

from Joanne Fabrics, wood flowers or succulents. They just need a lightish coating for a glint on top. Another bonus to wood flowers: People won’t be allergic. Can the goods: Wash out cans from yams or another food with a nice label and fi ll them with roses or mums cut way down, so they’re just barely sticking out. Three to five in the middle of your Thanksgiving table on a beautiful plate won’t obstruct your view. It’s special because you’ll have whatever you’re eating on display. Change colors: If you don’t want to do red and green for the holidays, try a light blue, green and silver theme for your mantle. At the local tree lot, buy juniper greens with bluetinted berries. Place them in a low or bowl with water so they don’t dry up.

Her creations are all about classic lines. “I can create a bold, clean sort of bouquet, but I’m getting into a more pulled together, ‘I went into my garden, picked it and there’s your bride bouquet look’,” she said. “Let the blooms speak for themselves.” She’s quite taken with garden-inspired designs based on the

Find Ashley Fox Ashley Fox Designs, ashleyfoxdesigns.com, 952-393-4080

savvy.mn | November 2011

Ashley Fox Designs' signature style is soft, elegant and inspired by her backyard garden in Chaska.

savvy.mn | November 2011

look and feel of botanicals from 18th century Dutch paintings. Her Ashley Fox Designs signature: “soft, elegant, garden.” Her favorite flower right now is oregano. “They have the tiniest, most beautiful purplish blue blooms that have a wonderful texture that not a lot of people use,” she said. She also favors the flowers from the 20-some heirloom peony bushes from her grandparents, plus anything else she can get her hands on. “I’m kind of a floral scavenger. I will stop along the side of the road if I see something on the rural route,” she said. For Ashley Fox, inspiration grows everywhere.

Ashley’s cover arrangement

his time of year it’s easy to be fall back on pumpkins for decorating. True, fall leaves are beautiful. But why not try something a little different? Ashley Fox created this vintage-feeling bouquet to demonstrate a different take on the fall table setting. It contains artichoke, Ocean Song rose, delphinium, lavender, aster, celsoia, Silver-Dollar Eucalyptus, white balsa wood flower, privet flowers, Brazilia, tulips and hydrangea.

Ponytails and power tools By Mollee Francisco

itting in the light-fi lled home office on the corner of Minnehaha Parkway and Lyndale Avenue, Nicole Curtis (April 2011 Savv.mn cover woman) can see exactly where the last two years of her life have gone. Since 2009, the Realtor/DIY’er has been rehabilitating her 95-year-old dream home on Minnehaha Creek in Minneapolis. There’s been plenty of blood, sweat and tears along the way, much of which was captured on the fi rst season of DIY’s “Rehab Addict.” Season two, which starts soon, will pick up where the last season left off. “Season two is the on-going saga of this home,” said Curtis. Curtis didn’t go into the Minnehaha project with TV in mind. “Back then it was just me being crazy,” she said. “There was no show.” But there was a handy gal with a notion

Photo by Amy Zellmer to give the long-neglected home a sense of its original grandeur. Today, the Minnehaha house is fi nished and on the market for $789,000. Curtis has since moved on to other projects for the show including a few around her own house, but getting Minnehaha the right owners remains at the top of her priority list. “I get so emotionally invested in my properties,” said Curtis. Old houses will always have a place in her heart. “No matter whether I have the show or not, I’m still going to be working on old houses and talking about old houses,” she said.

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savvy.mn | November 2011

8264 Commonwealth Drive, Eden Prairie (Next to Green Mill) 952-944-9290 www.encorecb.com savvy.mn | November 2011

health

Smart safety: How to prevent, handle dating violence With its ups and downs and uncertainties, falling in love hasn’t changed much over the years and neither has the potential for abuse that goes with it. For more than 25 years, Cornerstone has been a comprehensive service provider, helping those in abusive situations and working to prevent abuse. They help families and individuals with everything from restraining orders to support groups. Barton Erickson, the school-based violence prevention (PAVE Program) coordinator, explained that “dating violence means violence between people who don’t live together." Erickson shared the following advice for preventing and handling dating violence: Recognize the warning signs: The hardest thing about abusive people is that they don’t show their controlling behaviors in the beginning. They will often attempt to build trust by introducing big promises and talk of the future too early in the relationship, like talking about moving in together after four dates. Abusers are trying to get you to trust them. Trust your gut.

time, the honeymoon period is shorter and shorter and bad behavior escalates.

Be extremely clear: Most abusive people tend to be socially blind and your desire to be left alone needs to be specific. Instead of saying “leave me alone,” say “do not call, do not text, do not e-mail. I will block you if you chose to do that again.” Get really specific with your requests and the consequences. This type of clarity also helps if legal action, like a restraining order, is necessary in the future.

Create a safety plan: Ending an abusive relationship or communication with a stalker is the most dangerous time. If you’re trying to break up with this person never do it alone. Don’t go to their house. Make sure other people know where you are and that you break up in a public place. You might want to program 911 under a safe name, like “Mom” or a friend’s name, so that the abusive person doesn’t get alarmed.

Avoid isolation: An isolation tactic is designed to make sure you keep your mouth shut. Abusers are extremely manipulative and always feel justified in their actions. It will feel like they keep trying to convince you two plus two equals five. They try to isolate you by interfering with your other relationships. The abuser may tell you your friends and family don’t like and love you anymore.

Put the blocks in place: Lay low for a while on Facebook and Twitter. Avoid posting a trash talking status update; the abuser is looking for reasons to contact you. Don’t accept any odd requests, because people will create false identities. Keep social networking at a low volume, change your passwords and maximize your privacy settings.

Avoid the cycle of abuse: There’s a honeymoon period, tension builds, he has a blowout and then he does whatever he can to gain your trust back. “I’m sorry,” and “It will never happen again” are common responses after bad incidents. It’s very easy to fall back into the relationship when the sweetheart shows up again. But over

Contact Cornerstone at 952-884-0330 or cornerstonemn.org or Day One MN Domestic Violence Crisis Line at 866-223-1111. ~ Sara Glassman

PLUGGED IN Preschoolers By Sara Glassman Sorry, Crayola. Crayons are so 20th century in the preschool classrooms at the Eden Prairie Schools Early Childhood Center. Well, not exactly, but paint brushes and building blocks have been joined by technological tools. Integrating the digital world into the classroom has really been beneficial for teachers like Crystal Thompson, the only preschool teacher nationwide to be trained at Google Headquarters in Mountain View, California. “The kids aren’t just playing a game,” she said. “They think they are, but a lot of intentional teaching is happening around those focuses to get them ready for kindergarten.” The kids still have book corner, pretend play and painting at the easel, but they also have futuristic tools designed for the classroom. The Early Childhood Center currently uses four instructional technologies: Sound Field Systems to enhance the teacher’s voice so all of the kids can hear it; SMARTboards to serve as graphic chalkboards that engage and motivate students; SMARTtables to help kids collaborate and cooperate as they problem solve; and iTouch and iPads that offer individualized lessons. These high-tech It has changed the options play on the way we teach; it hasn’t natural curiosity of the changed what we teach.” student and prep them for the future, while Crystal Thompson holding their attention.

“

Since kids have grown up watching their parents use smart phones, using technology in the classroom comes naturally to the youngest generation. “I don’t have to teach them how to use the iPads or iTouches, they’re so intuitive,” said Crystal. There’s no question about it – they sure are better than flashcards. “It has changed the way we teach; it hasn’t changed what we teach.”

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Any parent who has witnessed a child entranced by Baby Einstein might wonder if all of the screen-time hasn’t decreased kids’ inschool socialization. “We were concerned about their social and emotional development, but it actually increases their social skills. Now they have something to talk about – ‘let me show you what I’m doing’. They’re really interacting with each other.”

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Also great for parents, all of the classrooms have websites so parents can easily find out what has been happening at school and reinforce learning at home. They include a variety of apps that parents can download at App: Monkey Preschool Lunchbox home to continue exploring.

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Creative compensation ideas By Melissa Gilman It’s that time of year when many of us lucky enough to still be employed will sit down with a supervisor for a year-end review. It’s quite possible you won’t be receiving a big boost in pay or benefits, regardless of your performance. Managing personnel costs is of higher priority to employers than employee retention and productivity, according to the 9th annual MetLife “Study of Employee Benefits Trends” (conducted during the fourth quarter of 2010). Given the economic climate it’s understandable that employers have hyper-focused on the fi nancials. But there will be a price to pay, according to the MetLife survey.

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Home for the Holidays at Iris Valley

Find the win within:

“[W]hile employers were focused on dealing with a difficult business climate, the recession has taken a toll on employees. The Study has reported a decline in employee loyalty year over year and that loyalty has now reached a three-year low. But what is disturbing is that employers seem unaware of this downward trend. Employer responses show that they assume employees feel as loyal today as they did three years ago.” Let’s say you’re not ready to jump ship but you’re defi nitely feeling under compensated. What’s a hardworking woman to do? Roshini Rajkumar, who was the February 2011 Savvy.mn cover woman, is a professional speaker, executive coach, author and guest instructor at St. Catherine University. Rajkumar shares several tips for communicating with your employer with intention and clarity in order to positively demonstrate your value to the company. Look back to move forward: Assess strengths and accomplishments during the past eleven months. Identify the wins you brought to the company, team or brand. Itemize these wins in a list. Why? Knowing your accom-

plishments helps you showcase your accomplishments. Showcase your wins: Use clear and active language. Decide if supporting documentation is needed; for example, an exhibit, product, graph. Why? You have the most insight about your own wins. Ask with intention: If it’s $10,000 more a year, say so. If it’s Fridays off for the summer as a way to use your stored up vacation days, be clear and also point out how the heads-up helps your team plan. Do your homework on all possibilities. Why? Intentional communication is the most powerful kind and brings the best results. Understand your big asks and alternatives: More money may or may not be what you want. Making more money may not be possible. So, think about creative compensation ideas that could make up for the money, such as an improved title; company paid conventions or training; or even a clothing allowance. Why? Seeing more than one side of the coin is a valuable tool for business negotiations and for gaining/building the respect of others. Show gratitude: Whether in your personal or professional life, let gratitude guide you. Why? Showing gratitude pumps up overall morale and naturally opens the door to more wins for you and those around you. Celebrate!: Celebrate and commemorate key accomplishments. For example, Rajkumar started her business, Roshini Performance Group, on Feb. 13, 2006. Each year she celebrates that date. This past February she sent gratitude cards to everyone in her company’s database. Why? Celebrating moments and accomplishments helps keep you mentally and physically healthy. Plus, recognition of past wins can inspire you to achieve new accomplishments.

Iris Valley offers a unique variety of Home Accessories, Seasonal Decor, Purses, Jewelry, Clothing, Scarves & much more.

By Sara Glassman When Alice fell through the rabbit hole, she woke in a world fi lled with colorful characters. When partners Alix Noonan and Lynn Evinger opened Alix in Candyland in Edina, they created a shop where sugarfi lled dreams come true. Here’s the prologue: The two had been family friends for more than a decade when Lynn wanted to do open a candy store and Alix wanted to do desserts, they decided to leap into the world of sweets together. “It kind of happened over family dinner,” said Alix.

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Together they opened the ultimate fun house of sweets with an Alice in Wonderland theme, featuring Mad Hatter chandeliers, white rabbit statues and whimsical flowers. They say that the bulk candy, especially sour items, are huge for kids now and adults go for the international offerings. Kids of all ages will fi nd something to obsess over. Many people reconnect with their youth through a taste blast from the past – Bit O’Honeys, Watchamacallits and more. “People will go through the whole story from when they were four or five and where they got it,” said Alix, who’s hoping to give a whole new generation a story to tell. “I like to know that we can create a positive memory for people,” she said. Naturally, the nostalgic powers of candy can be very personal. “If we don’t have something and someone wants it, we try to get it,” said Alix. “If we can make someone happy by giving them candy, we try.” Some of the most popular items they have now are:

Scorpion lollipops and insect candy: Yep, those bugs encased in lollipops are real (edible) scorpions. There are also chocolate covered bugs (ants!) and sour cream and onion crickets. Eat, if you dare.

Wine and chocolate pairings: For grown-ups only, there are specific kits for how to match your wine and chocolate at a party. Plus, chocolate makes a great hostess gift. Licorice: They have everything from basic Twizzlers to more exotic twists in mango and green apple. Look for a wide variety of black licorice. “People are obsessed with it,” said Alix. It’s available in all sorts of textures and flavors, including “double salt,” which Alix dares you to eat. “It’s intense.”

Alix in Candyland, 5400 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-915-1000, alixincandyland.com.

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TV makeover magic Savvy.mn reader receives a makeover from Twin Cities Live, New Reflections and Lillians Story and photos by Sara Glassman

hen Savvy.mn took over the audience of “Twin Cities Live,” it meant an afternoon of fun for a group of readers and a life-changing opportunity for one Shakopee mom. At 33, Jacque Denardo didn’t look her age. She’s a mother of 2 ½-year-old Danielle; she works as a nurse at a care facility for adults with mental illness; and she goes to school full time. As if she didn’t have enough to do – she recently lost 40 pounds. Eating right, exercising, studying, working and being a mom meant she was taking care of everyone and everything, but herself. “When I lost 40 pounds, none of my clothes fit,” said Jacque. “I was safety pinning them so they fit or buying the same clothes in smaller sizes.” That made her the perfect candidate for a TCL/Savvy.mn makeover, which was revealed live Sept. 29.

AFTER: Jacque in a jersey dress ($38), belt ($14), necklace and earrings ($18), handbag ($38), bracelet ($18) and leggings ($22), all from Lillians on Grand, 841 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-290-2040, lilliansshoppe.com.

Cindy Deuser of Lillians and Coalee Carlson of New Reflections salon presented the results on the show.

To get Jacque out of her go-to ponytail, a stylist at New Reflections SpaSalon in Minnetonka took off eight inches of hair and added copper highlights at the part of Jacque’s hair. The color was subtle and designed to grow out naturally, but also give her a little oomph. Jacque doesn’t usually wear makeup, so a makeup artist used a lightweight tinted moisturizer, brown eyeliner and a little lipstick, all by Aveda, to give her an easy routine that she can do in minutes.

Savvy Scene Savvy Soiree at Ficus & Fig Nearly 80 guests turned out for the Savvy Soiree at Ficus & Fig in Burnsville Sept. 15. Everyone received a treat bag, chocolates, snacks and a special shopping discount. Plus, many readers went home with décor from the store and gifts from Savvy.mn Magazine.

Photos by Meryn Fluker

Cheryl Eterno, co-owner of Lillians on Grand, helped get Jacque out of her uniform of oversized tees and baggy jeans. “I want you to love it, wear it and enjoy it,” said Cheryl.

“

I feel wonderful!” Jacque Denardo

You don’t need a television show to give yourself a new look. “People have to put some faith in us,” said Cheryl. “We get it. We’re mothers. We have husbands. We get them as women.” She added that they are very “respectful of budget and comfort.” Jacque couldn’t wait to start mixing and matching her new dress, handbag and jewelry. The transformation clearly had its intended effect: “I feel wonderful!” said a teary Jacque.

Savvy.mn readers take over Twin Cities Live Savvy.mn readers became Twin Cities Live’s studio audience Sept. 29. The special Savvy Soiree at TCL included catering by Jason’s deli, door prizes, gift bags, a Q&A with TCL hosts John Hanson and Elizabeth Ries and the chance to see a Savvy. mn reader’s makeover revealed (page 20). Guests also learned how to TV clap (which means clapping in double time!)

Savvy.mn readers were the live studio audience Hosts of Twin Cities Live John Hanson and Elizabeth Ries

Latrenda and Anne Schechter Jennifer Bharucha and Vicky Mendez Lisa Heilman and Lori Gardner Photos by Sara Glassman

(At left) The makeover team backstage after the show: Coalee Carlson of New Reflections, Jacque, Cindy Deuser and Cheryl Eterno of Lillians.

BEFORE: (At right) Since this family photo was taken, Jacque lost 40 pounds.

savvy.mn | November 2011

Savvy Scene Photos by Leah Shaffer, Karla Wennerstrom and Melissa Gilman

Boots & Boas A flurry of feather boas and leather boots could be found racing around Purgatory Creek Park in Eden Prairie Sept. 10 as part of the Boots & Boas Dash/5k Run/Walk. The event, sponsored by Eden Prairie News, Savvy.mn Magazine and St. Francis Regional Medical Center, included a 50-yard dash where the participants could race wearing boots and boas, followed by a 5K run around the park.

Overall winners First: George Oien, 18:51 Second: Omar Rosas, 19:09 Third: Holly Kapla, 21:25

Winners by category Female 19 and under 1st place Sidney Brastad of Chanhassen, 28:22 2nd place Jayden Debus of Waconia, 29:09

Male 20-29 1st place Joe Borer of Maple Grove, 25:50 2nd place Ryan Duffy of Eden Prairie, 46:28

20-29 1st place Eartha Bell of Maple Grove, 24:09 2nd place Ellen Klahn of Minneapolis, 25:38

30-39 1st place Omar Rosas of Eden Prairie, 19:09 2nd place Jason Debus of Waconia, 30:18

30-39 1st place Holly Kapla of Shakopee, 21:25 2nd place Jenae Vieregge of Shakopee 22:11

40-49 1st place George Oien of West St. Paul, 18:51 2nd place Rob Shuman of Eden Prairie, 25:23

40-49 1st place Tracee Misgen of Shakopee 26:40 2nd place Karen Swift of Eden Prairie 28:09

60 and up 1st place Mike Duffy of Eden Prairie, 23:06 2nd place Curt Goke of Eden Prairie, 24:40

50-59 1st place Annie Loney of Minnetonka, 34:17 2nd place Katie Loney of Maple Grove, 37:51 60 and up 1st place Jeanie Lahn of Bloomington, 38:45 2nd place Carol Bell of Maple Grove, 40:46

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Find out whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holding your child back. Answers are just a phone call away! Thanks to all of our runners, walkers and rollers, as well as our sponsors and exhibitors, who turned out for the first Boots & Boas Dash/5K Run/Walk Sept. 10 at Purgatory Creek Park in Eden Prairie. Thanks to you we were able to donate $500 to Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women and $500 to Cornerstone; two organizations working to end domestic violence through education and advocacy. Major Sponsor

Nutritional Food Sponsors

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Savage (952) 226-1115 www.LearningRx.com/Savage

savvy.mn | November 2011

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