May 2010 Her Magazine

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CELEBRATING, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING... the Women of Omaha.

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April/May 2010, Volume 9 / Issue 2

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR HEALTH EXTRA Thyroid Health HEALTH Advances in Weight Loss

Celebrating, Empowering, Inspiring... the Women of Omaha. published by

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COVER

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COMMUNITY Katie Frazell, Super Mom

omaha magazine, ltd HOW-TO Recycling

publisher

todd lemke editor

sandy lemke assistant editor

linda persigehl

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A LETTER FROM THE GIRL SCOUTS SPIRIT OF NEBRASKA A LETTER FROM YWCA OMAHA FOOD Light and Fresh

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Swimsuit Mistakes Her Magazine is published bi-monthly by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha, NE 68046. No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, LTD, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, however no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations.

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editor’sletter

EDITOR SANDY LEMKE

Dear Readers,

T

ime to come out of hibernation, women of Omaha! It’s warmer and boy, was it a long winter. This issue is like the sun appearing in spring: all that is warm and fresh and bright.

With articles ranging from getting bikini fit to tanning to light and fresh recipes, we’ve been working on getting our readers ready for some warm-weather enjoyment. So much is happening this year, it’s a good idea to get ready and start planning now.

We also need to start planning for Mother’s Day which is May 9 this year. See the article on page 22. Shopping tip: Miracle Icons Jewelry is now available online at www.miracleicons.com. Mary Jo Pane’s designs have been featured in the last two issues of Oprah Magazine.

An event we love here at HER Magazine is the “Celebrate: Women of Wisdom and Lifelong Learning” award luncheon sponsored by UNO’s Lifelong Learning Initiative. Anyone attending would be inspired by the amazing individuals being celebrated for their outstanding accomplishments. At the luncheon, which will be held Thursday, April 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., three Women of Wisdom will be honored for their impact on the community. The 2010 award winners are Carole J. Boye, executive director of Community Alliance; Louisa Brokering, a

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retired medical social worker and Elizabeth Draper. In addition, Marilyn Gilman Kirkwood will receive the Shirley Waskel Award for the Advancement of Women, which honors a gifted senior woman. This event is open to the public.

Tickets are $40 per person, $35 for seniors age 65 and above. Corporate tables are available starting at $500. For more information contact Patricia Adams at 554-4897, 554-2292 or email padams@unomaha.edu.

Congratulations to all these outstanding women.

On our cover is student and model Ellyse Coombes of Bennington.

Coombes, 20, a sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is studying Fashion Merchandising. She also works at BCBG at Dillard’s OakView Mall and hopes to continue her career there after graduation. Coombes is represented by IMAGE MODELING. Swimsuit by Becca. Hair by Kelly Verzani Smith of Salon Gallerie. Photo, Minorwhite Studios.

Enjoy!

Sandy Lemke Editor

Original Artwork by Local and Regional Artists

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Thyroid Health

U

nexplained weight gain or loss can sometimes be the fault of a malfunctioning thyroid, the butterfly-shaped gland found at the front of the neck. The gland produces thyroid hormone and helps regulate the body’s metabolism.

According to Dr. Whitney Goldner, an endocrinologist at The Nebraska Medical Center, thyroid disease is reported to affect 8-10 percent of the general population, and is three times more common in women than men. It is also often a hereditary disease, running in families. Thankfully, successful treatments are available.

Two of the most common thyroid conditions include: hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

Dr. Goldner said symptoms of hypothyroidism may include fatigue, weight gain, hair and skin changes, cold intolerance and constipation. If left untreated, it can lead to increased cholesterol and heart disease. Treatment is typically oral medication, such as thyroid hormone replacement.

Hyperthyroidism symptoms include racing heart rate, heat intolerance, jittery or anxious feelings, diarrhea and weight loss. If left untreated, it can increase one’s risk for heart arrhythmias and osteoporosis. Medication, surgery and even radioactive iodine have been used to treat this disease with success.

Dr. Goldner advises women follow the American Thyroid Association’s recommendation for screening, which states females above age 35 should be screened for thyroid disease and every five years thereafter as a precaution. If symptoms listed above are present in women of any age, they should consult with their physician immediately. H

health STORY BY SUSAN MEYERS

Doctors help patients shed pounds.

Advances in Weight Loss Provide Multiple Options

W

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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hen Joyce Lindstrom weighed the decision as to whether to undergo weight-loss surgery, it came down to how she wanted to live the rest of her life – in pain, constant fatigue and immobile, or healthy and energetic. She chose the latter.

“I had been overweight for most of my adult life,” says 59-year-old Lindstrom. “It seemed like no matter how much I tried to take it off, it always came back.”

At her heaviest, Lindstrom weighed 295 pounds. The excess weight was taking its toll. Lindstrom had undergone three back surgeries, suffered from painful arthritis in her knees and back, and watched her blood pressure and cholesterol creep up to dangerous levels. “I knew that if I didn’t take it off, I wouldn’t be able to stay mobile for long,” she says.

7

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health (continued) Lindstrom had been reading up on weight loss surgery for several years, so when she made an appointment to see Gary Anthone, M.D., bariatric surgeon at Nebraska Methodist Hospital, she was mentally prepared to take the next step. The word bariatric comes from the Greek word baros, which means “weight.”

“

Once you reach a BMI over 40, other non-surgical forms of weight loss are just not as effective.

”

— Dr. Anthone

Dr. Anthone and his partners specialize in four types of bariatric weight loss surgeries. These include lap band surgery, gastric bypass, duodenal switch and sleeve gastrectomy. Bariatric surgery is the most effective and long-lasting treatment for morbid obesity and many related conditions. Mounting evidence also suggests it may be among the most effective treatments for metabolic diseases and conditions including type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obstructive sleep apnea.

Bariatric surgery is reserved for the most obese patients. Patients must have a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 40, which is equivalent to about 100 pounds over the ideal weight.

“Once you reach a BMI over 40, other non-surgical forms of weight

loss are just not as effective,” says Dr. Anthone. “Oftentimes, there are physiological and genetic reasons these patients are overweight.”

Weight loss surgery has become significantly safer and more successful over the last five years since the initiation of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence® designation, notes Dr. Anthone. The designation recognizes surgical programs with a demonstrated track record of favorable outcomes in bariatric surgery. Clinical research shows that the most experienced and best-run bariatric surgery programs have much lower rates of complication, says Dr. Anthone. To earn a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence designation, the hospital must perform at least 125 bariatric surgeries annually.

“Before this designation, you saw all kinds of surgeons performing bariatric surgery who didn’t have the experience and proper training,” he says. “That is becoming far less common today.”

The gastric band procedure, the safest but least effective of the surgical procedures, involves placing a band around the stomach near the upper end to make a small pouch and narrow passage into the rest of the stomach. This allows the normal anatomy to be maintained so food and vitamin absorption is maintained, but reduces the amount a person can eat before feeling full.

Gastric bypass involves bypassing part of the stomach and rearranging part of the small intestines to bypass a section. Duodenal switch goes a bit further by resecting part of the stomach and bypassing more of the intestine. With both of these procedures, patients lose their appetite and eat less because their stomach is smaller, and absorb

Take one step that will allow you to take many.

From the region’s most experienced bariatric surgery experts.

Get help, compassion and understanding, as well as answers to your questions, from Dr. Gary Anthone and Dr. Brad Winterstein, the most experienced bariatric surgeons in the region. Since 1992, Dr. Anthone has performed more than 2,500 weight-loss related surgeries.

And Methodist Hospital has been designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Trust Methodist for bariatric services that are second to none.

Free informational programs occur the second Thursday of each month. ®

ap r i l /m ay 2 0 1 0

For more information, call (402) 354-1321.

8

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TM

www.methodistbariatric.com

(continued) health

fewer calories and fat because part of their intestine has been bypassed. The newest weight loss surgery is called sleeve gastrectomy.

This involves laporascopically removing 80 percent of the stomach so that it can’t hold as much food. Actual weight loss accomplished as a result of these surgeries varies from 50 to 80 percent of desired weight

“

This has been such a life-changing surgery.

I feel wonderful. It feels so good to know you are where you should be with your health.

”

loss, depending on the type of surgery and patient compliance, says Dr. Anthone.

Lindstrom chose to have the duodenal switch and lost 120 pounds the first year and another 27 pounds over the next two years. “This has been such a life-changing surgery,” says Lindstrom, who recently returned from a cruise with her husband. “I feel wonderful. It was so nice to be able to do what I wanted to do instead of sitting back and watching. It feels so good to know you are where you should be with your health.”

Not only did Lindstrom lose all of her target weight and more, but also her arthritis pain has been reduced drastically, and both her blood pressure and cholesterol have dropped to acceptable levels.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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— Lindstrom

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health (continued) Weight loss surgery is not for everyone, however, and many people also are finding success with new and improved weight loss programs and aesthetic procedures. Jeffrey Passer, M.D., internist and bariatric medicine specialist, is medical director of the Center for Medical Weight Loss. “We provide a multitude of weight loss options from exercise, appetite suppressants, prepackaged meal replacements and use of the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone,” he says.

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About 80 percent of individuals reach their goal weight in about a year.

— Dr. Passer

”

“The programs are medically supervised by board-certified physicians and focus on both the physical and the behavioral aspects of the weight loss process.”

Use of HCG, which was first used as a weight loss enhancer through needle injections in the 1950s, has regained favor in the last couple of years when it was introduced in an oral form. HCG is a natural hormone that is produced in more abundance during pregnancy and allows the body to mobilize fat and use it as energy. HCG combined with a low-calorie, high protein diet triggers the body to use stored fat for energy, eliminating excess fat reserves. It has no side effects and allows individuals to quickly lose body fat as opposed to muscle or bone mass.

Dr. Passer, who has been using the HCG hormone for the last three CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

or leading the way in maternity care,

only one hospital delivers.

Generations of families have known Methodist as the place to have a baby.

Now, the area leader in comprehensive birth services is creating a new legacy in women’s health with the opening of Methodist Women’s Hospital.

We know it’s about giving you our full attention. An advanced communications system that gets you assistance the moment you need it. Areas designed so staff can be highly efficient and react quickly. And all the care you deserve from Methodist Magnet-certified nurses, the gold standard of nursing care.

We know it takes a team that’s above and beyond in expertise. Our team is prepared to handle any unexpected situations because every birth services nurse has advanced training and certifications specific to maternity care. Thanks to wireless fetal monitoring, we always track your baby’s well-being during labor. And should your baby need special attention after delivery, our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides the highest level of NICU care in West Omaha.

We know it’s about comfort for you and your family. Rooms created with the perfect ambience. Special accommodations that allow C-section moms and their babies to recover side-by-side in the same room. And ample room for family and friends so they can share in your joy during this truly special time.

In comfort, in care, in security, we’re the name that’s raising the standard in birth services. And the name chosen by more moms-to-be than any other metroarea hospital. Our Methodist Women’s Hospital will arrive right on schedule in June. To begin your Methodist birth plan or to get more information, please visit methodistforwomen.org.

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devoted to helping women lead healthier lives.

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11

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health (continued) years, says he is seeing significant success. “About 80 percent of individuals reach their goal weight in about a year,” he says. “Maintaining weight loss requires patients to make long-lasting lifestyle changes that include healthy diet changes and regular exercise,” says Dr. Passer.

Approximately 30 percent of patients are able to maintain the weight loss after HCG is discontinued, he says.

Julie Waddell, M.D., a family practitioner with Devenu Medical Rejuvenation Center, which specializes in weight loss and aesthetic procedures, says she has seen significant success with HCG. “Most patients lose 15 to 20 pounds a month,” she says. “One patient lost over 100 pounds. Not only is it safe, but patients eat normal food and learn to make healthy food choices.”

Dr. Waddell also offers several minimally invasive body contouring procedures that can target fat in specific hard-to-lose areas. Laser lipolysis uses lasers to melt the fat, which is then carried away by your body’s own natural cleansing system. Most patients return to normal activities within 48 hours. Lipodissolve uses phosphatidylcholine, a

“

natural substance derived from soy to break down fat and cellulite into a liquid. The substance is administered by needle in the desired area and is then safely eliminated from the body through natural functions. Treatments are fast and can be administered over a lunch break or between errands. While six to eight treatments may be needed, positive results are generally noticed after one session, says Dr. Waddell.

“These procedures are gaining in popularity because they are quick, cause minimal discomfort and require little down time,” says Dr. Waddell. “They are especially popular with people who don’t have a lot to lose but need some help resolving some problem areas. Because the fat cells are permanently destroyed, the fat will not return.”

“Weight loss is a very difficult thing to accomplish and maintain,” says Dr. Passer of the Center for Medical Weight Loss. “Ultimately, success is dependent on the patient’s ability to make healthy lifelong lifestyle habits that will help them keep the weight off over the long term.” H

Most patients lose 15 to 20 pounds a month. One patient lost over 100 pounds.

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community STORY BY HEATHER HEIER LANE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINORWHITESTUDIOS.COM

Katie with daughter Mary Kate, who suffers from Sturge-Weber Syndrome.

Katie Frazell Super Mom

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M 14

ost moms feel a little bit like super heroes now and then.

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Katie Frazell is not just your ordinary mom. Sure, she has a beautiful family, but what makes her truly super is that she makes it all look easy. If you ran into her at the grocery store, you would barely notice

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the spit-up on her shoulder. Four-month-old Anna, the youngest of Frazell’s children, is the original owner of the spot on her mother’s sweater. Mary Kate is 3 1/2 and loves to sing and dance. Aleia is an active 7-year-old sports enthusiast and budding cake decorator who loves to watch Cake Boss. The boy in the bunch is Ryan, a rambunctious 5-yearold who adores hanging out with his fireman daddy—and who ironically happens to love superheroes. It is a busy life for Frazell, and she loves every part of it.

Well, almost every part. The one thing that Frazell faces on a daily basis that separates her from ordinary moms is that one of her children has a condition that makes caring for her a little more challenging. Little Mary Kate, the singer and dancer of the brood, lives with a condition known as Sturge-Weber Syndrome. Born with a port wine stain around her left eye, Frazell was informed the day after Mary Kate was born that her new baby could potentially have the rare syndrome. Initially told not to worry, three months later things changed when an MRI confirmed Sturge-Weber Syndrome. Gone were the days of worrying about the little things. Suddenly Frazell was immersed in a new life filled with medications, doctor visits, multiple laser treatments and the kind of uncertainty that can drive a person crazy. “I started off being ashamed, I didn’t want to talk about it,” Frazell admits.

Most port wine stains are innocuous and affect only 3 percent of births, with a very small percentage of those affecting the face.

In 8 percent to 20 percent of these cases, where port wine stains are present on the face, there is also neurological involvement, which makes it Sturge-Weber. For Mary Kate it means a life-long propensity for glaucoma, seizures and strokes. Sometimes the seizures cannot be controlled with medication and major surgery is needed to remove the affected side of the brain. Some kids require eye surgery or suffer blindness when the glaucoma cannot be controlled or is caught late. While the medicine is often life saving, it can also have serious and unknown side affects, which only deepens the frustration. For

15 www.heromaha.com

community (continued)

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Frazell, this all means a life-long need to be hyper-vigilant about her daughter’s health and surroundings.

When Mary Kate was just 17 months old she had her first seizure. It was not dramatic like something you would see on in the movies, but while subtle-looking, it was severe enough to merit a five-day stay at Children’s Hospital here in Omaha. Frazell is forever grateful to The Sturge-Weber Foundation—for without their help and guidance she might not have recognized that first seizure. “I appreciate the people at the foundation more than they could ever know,” says Frazell.

For the Frazell family, life as they once knew it had changed, and they had to adapt to a new normal. When Frazell and her husband, Greg, brought Mary Kate home from the hospital after that first seizure she says she had a change of thinking. “I stopped praying for the seizures to never come and started praying that I would be with her when she had a seizure, and thanking God that I recognized the seizure, and that the paramedics got the oxygen to her when they did,” says Frazell. Since then, Frazell has started living by her favorite quote by author Edward Teller, “When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.”

Frazell has learned to fly. With the help of her family, friends, and most importantly the support of the Sturge-Weber Foundation, she is soaring. She doesn’t have a cape, a fancy costume or official recognition as a member of the Justice League—but this is definitely Super Mom. Once afraid and ashamed, Frazell is now an outspoken advocate for all children and parents dealing with unfamiliar and life altering illnesses. More than anything Frazell wants parents to know they are not alone; that they can indeed find light in their unknown. H Frazell proudly raises money for The SturgeWeber Foundation by selling hair bows online at www.creations4acause.com and at Seven Salon (120th and Maple in Omaha). You can also make a donation at www.firstgiving.com/ marykatefrazell. If you are the parent of a child dealing with an illness and are looking for advice, support or friendly guidance, you can contact Frazell directly at creationsforacause@ gmail.com

Her Business

profile

Becky Carrico may not have set out to become a clothing retailer, but she couldn’t be happier that it turned out that way. Today she owns and managers Christel’s, an upscale, multi-brand clothing and accessory boutique at 633 N. 114 St. in Omaha. The store caters to women of all ages and styles.

A University of Kansas graduate with an Art History degree in Fine Arts, Carrico had imagined she would someday be in the gallery business, buying and selling art. “One day I realized that was not for me, and decided to go and get a mental fix at my favorite boutique, Christel’s,” she said. After visiting with the owner, she learned they were hiring, and in need of a job herself it seemed a perfect fit. “From then on [we] were like ham and jam. My heart and soul were totally involved, and I knew my dream was to one day buy this incredible business.” That dream came true in March 2007.

Christel’s offers everything from basics to eveningwear, as well as a selection of contemporary couture and emerging designers. New merchandise comes in daily. Carrico and staff stay educated on the latest trends in fashion, and make customer service their top priority. “When it comes to dressing and styling our customers, we are always honest with them, just as we want them to always be honest with us. They appreciate that. And of course, we always keep it fun!”

Carrico said she loves the creative aspects of her job. “In a way [dressing clients] is an art to me… the customer being the canvas, and the clothing and accessories the mediums to create something wonderful.” Surprisingly, she’s equally enamored with the business side. “I love the challenge of trying to buy the best at Market, taking into account not just the fashions, but also the quality and price.”

Carrico credits her parents, Ed and Pam Stanek, small businesses owners themselves, for teaching her how to balance work and family and how to be successful at both. Carrico and her husband, Scott, try to emulate their example, while supporting one another, she said.

The couple has two daughters.

Christel, the boutique’s namesake and founder who hired Carrico years ago, has also been a mentor. “[Christel] taught me to believe in myself and strive for my goals, and that it is always important to have business smarts.

“If there’s anything I’ve learned in operating a business, it’s to be good to your employees, to always care about your customers, and to always give your very best.”

L-R: Jackie, Becky and Ann.

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633 N. 114th St. Omaha, NE www.christelsclothing.com (402) 493-7343

17 www.heromaha.com

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Call us today and experience the distinctive differences our clients enjoy: 397.8822

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Her Business

profile

Looking for a dramatic makeover? Or maybe just to freshen up your look for summer? JB’s Salon & Day Spa and J’Amour Boutique are great places to start. The sister stores, jointly owned and operated by Jamie Morrison and Brenda Thille, offer a full menu of personal services and grooming products, as well as clothing, jewelry and accessories to meet all your aesthetic needs head to toe. The stores’ tagline: “Fashion and Beauty All In One” Morrison, a Central High grad, attended barber and beauty college here in Omaha, earning a dual license. She managed stylists for a beauty salon chain for a decade before striking out on her own.

Thille, a Papillion North graduate, attended David’s Head School of Hair Design, then in Bellevue. She assisted Morrison in managing the chain salon for a couple of years before moving on to become a booth renter at a Papillion Salon.

Together, the two opened JB’s Salon in LaVista in 1996.

“We started as a small salon with eight stylists in a space only 1,100 sq. ft.,” she said.

A fun, team-oriented environment for her employees, paired with a comfortable atmosphere for clients, helped build the salon a strong customer base, which dutifully followed the business to its new locale in One Val Verde Place five years ago.

Then Morrison and Thille made the decision to expand JB’s into a fullservice salon and day spa and lease two additional bays. Business boomed. Today JB’s employs 20 stylists, two nail technicians, two massage therapists and two estheticians in a 6,000-sq.ft. store at 9637 Giles Road.

Staying on top of the trends and new techniques of the industry through continued education at workshops both locally and nationally keep her stylists and technicians in high demand, Morrison said. An example: “We provide sought-after airbrushed makeup that is perfect for weddings, homecomings and proms, or for anytime you want your makeup and skin to look flawless and stay all through the day and evening,” she said.

The positive relationships its stylists have with customers also are to credit for the salon’s success. Morrison philosophy is, “Treat people the way you would like to be treated and be honest with them, and yourself, and they will want and continue to come back.”

Morrison said her greatest professional achievements are making customers look and feel beautiful. “Ultimately, that’s what it’s all about! When [clients] leave, they should feel like a million dollars.” She credits her husband, Joe, for helping her fulfill her dream.

9637 Giles Rd. La Vista, NE 68128 www.jbsalonandspa.com (402) 597-8691

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Thille says, “My greatest achievement, business-wise, is the growth of our salon into a gorgeous facility with co-workers who we both consider our extended family. We have had many clients comment on how warm and inviting our salon is and how we just seem like one big happy family.”

L-R: Brenda Thille & Jamie Morrison.

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Her Business

profile Melanie Judkins

“Tattoos aren’t just for sailors, anarchist adolescents or rock stars anymore.” So says Melanie Judkins, a featured tattoo artist at Big Brain Productions in the Old Market.

“It’s not uncommon for me to have baby boomers, senior citizens, doctors, lawyers, law enforcement, ministers, athletes, handicapped, cancer survivors…I have people in their 50s and 60s starting back pieces and sleeves right now!”

While the popularity of tattoos has skyrocketed in recent years, so too has respect for the medium as an art form. So much so that it lured Judkins, a Council Bluffs native with a degree in Art and Art History from UNO, to make tattoo art her profession. “I think it was a combination of my people skills, an eye for design, and a love for really being hands on with a project [that determined] what was to become of me.”

Judkins learned her craft during her time spent at Skin Art, a shop in Jacksonville, NC, in 2000. “I started working the front counter, then learned to body pierce, all the while going through the tough tattoo apprenticeship. My advice for any new artists: don’t take any short cuts. The tougher your training is, the better artist you become.”

Upon a visit home to the metro, Judkins stopped in Big Brain and visited with internationally known artist and then-owner, Chris Blinston. Soon, she was commuting back and forth until Big Brain’s new owner, Joseph Smith aka Smitty, convinced Judkins to return home for good and join his team.

Big Brain has recruited six new artists since Judkins came on board. “[The team] is certainly the most gifted group of people I have ever worked with. The environment is high energy. I think I’ve learned so many new skills just by osmosis.” Judkins also enjoys the give-and-take relationships she has with customers.

“I create meaningful permanent imagery, and [customers] teach me a great deal about life by sharing their own personal experiences.”

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Despite growing more popular, tattoos still carry with them a stigma, which frustrates Judkins. Breaking that prejudice is a career goal. “We need to educate the world about not only the history of body art, but of its significance in our culture. It’s meaningful and it’s beautiful.”

When not doing ink, Judkins spends her time volunteering with humanitarian causes such as child literacy, senior help, and animal welfare groups. She has two Boston terriers from the Mid-America Boston Terrier Rescue. Visit www.meljudkins.com to learn more about Melanie and her work.

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1123 Jackson St. Omaha, NE 68102 www.bigbrainomaha.com (402) 342-2885

Her Business

profile Lesa Maneman

Lesa Maneman’s business “trains the brain!” Her company is called LearningRx and its program is a prescription for learning struggles. Maneman is proud she made a profound career change to invest in this franchise that takes a different approach than traditional tutoring.

LearningRx “strengthens the skills that make up IQ and accurately identifies and corrects the most common root cause of learning struggles: cognitive skills weakness,” according to Maneman.

Brain function is certainly becoming more understood. According to Maneman: “LearningRx’s cognitive brain training is more than a Band-Aid for learning troubles. Its patented methodology strengthens underlying mental skills, like attention and memory, so students learn faster and easier. We train students one-on-one to strengthen skills such as attention, short-term and long-term memory, visual processing, processing speed, logic and reasoning, auditory processing, and word attack.”

A former corporate veteran who found herself amid a shrinking workforce, Maneman went from layoff to payoff by taking charge of her career. Maneman actually asked to be laid off – to force her career change. Now that’s an unusual professional segue!

Here’s the layoff story: “For almost 20 years, I worked in corporate America. At the end of the day, I didn’t feel as though I really made a difference in someone’s life. I decided it was time to make a career change. I contemplated going back to school to get a teaching degree or studying psychology. There were ten people in my department and one of us was going to be laid off.

I approached my boss and requested that if someone had to get laid off, let it be me.” After seeing an ad for a part-time trainer at LearningRx and working for the previous owners, Maneman bought the franchise.

14217 Dayton Cir., Ste. 3 Omaha, NE 68137 www.learningrx.com/omaha (402) 991-5335

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Lastly, Maneman wants readers to know “There is a better alternative to traditional tutoring. Tutoring is good at re-teaching but if a student has a deficit in long-term memory, the re-taught material will not be retained. Readers need to know that LearningRx brain training doesn’t just help in academics.” Also, she says, “We train adults too!”

21 www.heromaha.com

feature STORY BY SANDY LEMKE AND JENNY HARPER

Mother's Day is May 9 Special Women Deserve a Special Day

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t’s the busiest day of the year for florists and rightfully so – Mother’s Day is the day where we show our appreciation to our family matriarchs. This year, Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 9. We would all do well to take some time to reflect on our mothers (and grandmothers) and all they have done for our families.

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WHAT A MOM WANTS Above all, on Mother’s Day, mothers want time with their children and grandchildren. It should be a day where the mother shouldn’t have to be the hostess doing all the cooking, baking and cleaning. Plan a special menu or take her out for a nice brunch or dinner (see below). If you do go out for a meal, call way ahead for reservations. Restaurants are jam-packed on Mother’s Day. Afterward, relax and watch home movies or look at family photos. Ask her what she wants to do and make your best plans to do just that.

GIFTS FOR MOM Children’s handmade gifts are treasured forever. Fresh delivered flowers are always a hit as are spa and shopping gift certificates. Take a

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few extra moments to match the gift wrap to the gift: a day spa certificate in a soft washcloth tied with a fancy ribbon; a movie gift card in a popcorn box with movie candy inside; a nice crystal wine glass with a wine-club membership. Make it fun!

EVERY MOTHER’S DAY Mothers of all kinds deserve to be recognized and appreciated. If you have a stepmother, it’s nice to at least give her a call on Mother’s Day. She’s not your Mom, but you have probably spent a good amount of time with her and she might have even helped raise you and your siblings. It’s also fun to call any sisters or friends who are moms, especially new mothers.

HOST A BRUNCH Gather friends and family to celebrate motherhood at a leisurely brunch. Take plenty of photographs and pass around a memory book for guests to write down words of thanks and encouragement.

Set up a buffet that includes Crustless Broccoli and Cheddar Mini Quiches. These bite-size beauties can be made ahead of time and frozen - they’re a snap to reheat. H

Trees • Shrubs • Perennials Photo provided by: NestlÈ

Crustless Broccoli and Cheddar Mini Quiches

Makes 12 servings 1 3 2 1/4 1/4 2 2 1/2

can (12 fluid ounces) NestlÈ Carnation Evaporated Lowfat 2% Milk large eggs, beaten tablespoons all-purpose flour teaspoon salt teaspoon ground black pepper cups (8 ounces) shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese cups chopped, frozen broccoli, thawed and drained cup chopped red bell pepper

PREHEAT oven to 350˚ F. Grease and lightly flour twelve 2 1/2-inch muffin cups. WHISK evaporated milk, eggs, flour, salt and black pepper in medium bowl until blended. Stir in cheese, broccoli and bell pepper. Spoon 1/4 to 1/3 cup of mixture into each prepared muffin cup, filling almost to rim.* Stir mixture frequently to evenly distribute ingredients. BAKE for 23 to 28 minutes or until knife inserted near centers comes out clean and tops are lightly browned. Cool in pans for 15 minutes. Run knife or small, flat spatula around inside edges of muffin cups. Carefully remove quiches.

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*NOTE: Number of quiches will depend on the size of muffin cups. Bake time may need some adjusting.

TIPS: Quiches can be made ahead and frozen. To reheat, place on baking sheet and bake in preheated 325˚ F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or, place 2 to 4 quiches on microwave-safe plate and microwave on MEDIUM-HIGH (70%) power for 2 1/2 to 5 minutes or until hot.

For more memorable recipes, visit TheCookingMilk.com.

Clean green.

Visit fashioncleaners.com to learn more.

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Nutrition Information per serving: 120 calories; 60 calories from fat; 7g total fat; 5g saturated fat; 80mg cholesterol; 220mg sodium; 6g carbohydrate; .5g fiber; 4g sugars; 8g protein; 15% Vitamin A; 35% Vitamin C; 25% Calcium

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beauty STORY BY SANDY LEMKE

Tan Plan Beach, booth or bottle?

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T

24

ake a good look at those before-and-after photos of people in the weight-loss ads. They always have a suntan in the after photos! Tan skin is associated with fun in the sun, with vacation and relaxation.

How to achieve that healthy summer glow? Midwestern weather is so unpredictable, and we are lacking in beach facilities. For you tan fans, it’s easier than ever with state-of-the-art tanning salons available.

At a tanning salon, every day is Sun Day! Wise clients choose a salon that has updated equipment and limits

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booth time for newer tanners. There are risks with over-tanning, so moderation is key.

What’s new: tanning beds now have luxurious options such as CD players, iPod hookups, aromatherapy misters, air conditioning, contoured acrylic for comfort, satellite radio, and surround sound.

Tanning is certainly not for everyone. Certain medications and some dermatological procedures such as microdermabrasion cause photosensitivity. For others, it can help with some conditions such as psoriasis and Vitamin D deficiency, not to mention lighten your mood. Ask your doctor

fashion faux pas STORY BY SANDY LEMKE

Swimsuit Mistakes:

Avoiding the Fallout

O

oh la la, fashion faux pas! Swimsuit season is quickly approaching and we’re here to help you avoid this minefield of mishaps. It pays to be prepared – prevention is key.

Overhang, Underhang, Falling Out Avoid these code red mishaps — get the right size. Others at the pool, the beach or on the cruise ship can’t see your size tag. Find a suit that fits your body, right now. Swimsuits run notoriously small. Size up for a flattering fit.

Stubble Trouble The sun, however glorious, illuminates every follicle. Those with high-cut suits need to pay special attention to detail, or know the number of a good esthetician.

Streaking Not the nekkid kind, the tanning kind – selftanning streaks are far more unsightly than pale skin. For more about tanning, see the Beauty article on page 24.

The Age to Coverage Ratio The older you get, the more coverage and support you need. It’s not even a matter of body size. The force of gravity does a number on women’s bodies that string bikinis can no longer support at age 40 without surgical assistance. Tankinis are a wonderful invention.

Plan B Swimsuit mishaps can still happen despite the best battle plans. Have a stylish wrap or coverup handy at all times to go undercover. Add a wide-brimmed hat, chic sandals and sunscreen and you’re confident and ready to go. H

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or dermatologist prior to exposure.

Many choose the spray tan option. These have been greatly improved, says Sally Barrett at Paradise Bay Tanning. “The ‘Cadillac’ of spray tans is the Versa Spa. It takes 10-15 minutes total and starts with a prep treatment, which balances skin pH and helps prevent blotches from dry spots. Then the 4-pass bronzing process begins followed by an anti-aging formula which helps the spray tan last longer. The skin is blown dry, so there is no need to wipe off.” According to Barrett, this spray tan deepens the skin tone immediately and continues to develop over the next few hours. H

Droopy Drawers Worn elastic is the cause of most swimsuit mishaps. A swimsuit from three seasons ago won’t have the holding power of a new one.

Chlorine, detergent and sun all contribute to elastic deterioration. Shop for a fresh suit.

New, higher-end suits have tighter elastic and more construction so your parts stay in place.

You will be doing yourself a favor by springing for a better quality suit such as Becca, Jantzen or Gottex.

Thongs are…Not Right The level of physical perfection needed to achieve thong-worthy status is virtually impossible without Photoshop. All kidding aside, swimsuits are meant to cover certain parts of the body. If your swimsuit confuses small children, it’s all wrong.

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art

Dawn Belik: Looking for the Story in the Shadows

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“I 26

used to stay up when I was little and watch all the Creature Features. Remember those? Plan 9 from Outer Space, Robot Monster, Godzilla…” Those were the kind of movies many parents worried would frighten children or “mark” them in some way.

And they did leave a mark on Dawn Belik. “I loved the excitement, the anticipation of reading clues and guessing ahead,” she says. “Old movies like those, and Hitchcock’s movies, they have such great body language and facial expressions, and shadows—they’re so dramatic!”

Her enthusiasm is shared by her husband, Dan, and the two of them occasionally host movie-watching parties, complete with popcorn, at her Hot Shops’ third-floor studio.

It’s no great plot twist that the child who was captivated by physical storytelling has become a photographer who looks for the story in the shadows. She realized anew the emotional power of photography with the birth of her first child. Ten years later, she still glows when she describes the smiling baby sitting in the grass, the summer sun haloing his peach-fuzz head. “I took so many pictures,” she says, “that Dan bought me a 35mm SLR camera.” Soon afterwards, Belik applied for a

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position booking wedding photography jobs.

“Instead, I was hired as a photographer, and worked for them 10 years.

They gave me equipment and taught me how to use it. I learned the technical stuff first. Then I was able to see and understand light. Finally, I began to realize the creative possibilities of photography. A friend, Tom Laurence, showed me his Hasselblad and helped me to get one. Ka chunk, fllh, fllh. Ka chunk, fllh fllh. [Belik imitates the sound and motions of snapping a picture and winding the film.] That camera was exciting!”

In 2005, Belik formed her own company, CKImages Photography (www.ckimages.com). Her commercial portfolio includes weddings, graduation pictures, families, special events, and magazines, as well as photography for Contrivium, Inc. an urban design firm. Yet even in this work, a picture’s expressive qualities may reveal a transcendent moment, hint at some evanescent emotion which touches the viewer in a deeply personal way. We may find we relate to a skateboarder’s posture or the unconscious gesture of a bride’s hand.

Creative work is done under her own name. She shot a series of portraits of her father-in-law, Vern Belik, who was born in the farmhouse

COLUMN BY SUZANNE SMITH ARNEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MINORWHITESTUDIOS.COM

how-to

BY LINDA PERSIGEHL

Behind the Numbers

Understanding Recycling

Plastic ID #s 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Also known as

PETE

HDPE

PVC

LDPE

PP

Polystyrene

Misc.

Safe for Food

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

Recyclable

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

No

E

Visit Dawn Belik at Studio 310 during Hot Shops Spring Open House, May 1 & 2 www.hotshopsartcenter.com

Here’s a look behind the numbers: Plastic #1: This is polyethylene terephtalate, or PETE. It’s the plastic that’s used most often for disposable pop and water bottles.

It’s clear, considered to be a safe product, but has a porous surface which allows bacteria and flavor to accumulate. Takeaway: do not keep reusing #1 bottles over and over. Recycle them after initial use. Curbside recycling programs do accept these.

Plastic #2: This is high-density polyethylene, or HDPE, and is what’s found in most milk jugs, juice bottles, butter tubs and detergent and shampoo bottles. It’s usually opaque and often colored, and has a very low risk of leaching dangerous chemicals such as BPA. Takeaway: It’s considered safe to humans and is picked up by most recycling programs.

Plastic #3: This plastic is polyvinyl chloride, commonly called PVC. It’s used to make bottles for cooking oil, plumbing pipes and food wrap. This plastic contains phthalates, or softening chemicals that affect hormone development in humans. Takeaway: Limited contact with food is recommended,

even if wrap says “microwaveable.” #3 is rarely recycled.

Plastic #4: This is low-density polyethylene (LDPE). It’s used to make grocery bags, some food wraps, bread bags and other food and drink packaging. Takeaway: this plastic is safe for humans, though not accepted by recyclers.

Plastic #5: This plastic is polypropylene.

Medicine bottles, ketchup and syrup bottles, straws, yogurt cups and water bottles with a cloudy finish are commonly made with this plastic. Takeaway: #5 containers are considered safe, and some recyclers are now accepting them. Check with your provider.

Plastic #6: This is polystyrene, and is best known by its brand name, Styrofoam. It is often used to make disposable coffee cups and plates and restaurant take-out packaging. When heated, #6 is believed to leach dangerous chemicals. Takeaway: #6 should be used as seldom as possible, and is not recyclable.

Plastic #7: This is the catchall category of plastics. Baby bottles, Tupperware, iPod cases and some kitchen utensils fall into this group. Things made from #7 may be suspect as some contain the dreaded BPA. Takeaway: Do not recycle these products, and do not allow them to become heated, as they may leach damaging chemicals.

If you’re unsure whether your recycling provider accepts particular plastics, call their customer service number or visit their website and check for a listing under FAQs. For more information on understanding recycling, visit Recycle Bank’s site, www. curbsiderewards.com H

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where he lives today, and which was built by his grandfather, a Czech immigrant. The wrinkles around his eyes, his rough hands, his easy slouch — “These show his years, his hard work, and his contentment,” Belik says. “I like people [as a subject, rather than landscape, still life, etc.] because I like the feeling you get when you look at the picture later.”

Although she still has the Hasselblad, Belik has switched to digital. Taking a class in New York City, she met acclaimed photographer Jay Maisel. “That was a real treat,” she says. “I love his street-style photography, the way he finds the extraordinary in the ordinary.” Other photographers she admires are Dorothea Lange, Cindy Sherman, and Annie Liebowitz, each of whose photos suggest a narrative begun and continued beyond our view.

It is this tantalizing glimpse that Belik hopes to capture in a display of large, black and white stills during the Hot Shops Open House, May 1st and 2nd. Although a series, each photo will be independent. “I’m an ‘on the spot, see what you get’ kind of photographer, so it’ll be fun to use actors and develop a storyboard. I want people to wonder, ‘What’s going on?’ ‘What’s this about?’”

Be forewarned. Belik’s photography might leave its mark on you. H

ver wonder what those numbers on the bottom of your plastic recyclables stand for? Or whether you’re recycling the right ones in your collection bin? In fact, there are meanings and a purpose behind those digits…

According to www.EcoVillageGreen. com, there are seven numbers identifying recyclables. Each number serves as resin identification code for the plastic being used in that container, and explains the composition of that product, informs how safe it is for humans and the environment, and helps recycling programs determine which plastics to accept and which to deny.

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message from

Theresa Cassaday, Chief Communication Officer

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska

The Changing Face of Girl Scout Camp The Three Keys of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience Discover: Girls understand themselves, their values and use their knowledge to explore.

Stop in to See What we do With Glass.

From Entryways to Cabinets.

Use Your Imagination.

Rainbow Artistic Glass

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• Bel Air Plaza St. 330-7676 330-7676 • 3709 S 138th (138th &Road, B St.) Suite 505 12100 West Center www.rainbowartisticglass.com www.rainbowartisticglass.com

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Connect: Girls care about, inspire and team with others locally and globally.

Girl Scout camps provide both traditional and modern experiences for girls.

I

f you ask most people what they know about Girl Scouts, chances are you will hear, “Cookies and camping.” Cookies, well, there is no denying that they are a major component of our financial stability, and yes, camping has been a Girl Scout mainstay since the day we were founded.

It was the vision of Juliette Gordon Low, who established Girl Scouts nearly 100 years ago, that girls would become as adept and immersed in outdoor adventures as boys.

She perceptively recognized that building a campfire, hiking trails, navigating by the stars and getting to know the ecosystem face-to-face helped girls develop independence, critical thinking, team-building skills and the realization that they are not only part of a bigger global picture, but that they can do anything they set their minds to.

Of course we never lose sight of the fact that camping is also about having fun, making life-long friendships, and it wouldn’t be the same without songs and s’mores around the fire. Classic camp traditions will always be synonymous with Girl Scouting. However, today’s girls and the way that we provide the camping experience are evolving. We have broadened the scope of what is possible and what a girl can accomplish during a summer program to meet their changing needs.

Take Action: Girls act to make the world a better place.

This year, our camp line-up includes opportunities in art, design, business, sports, science, engineering, technology, travel, culinary arts, ecology, environmental education and more — each program specifically designed to appeal to girls — even those who don’t like bugs! Today’s camps also address what girls themselves tell us they want – to connect with others and to have diversity in choice for both personal growth and the exploration of the world around them. It centers on what we call the “Girl Scout Leadership Experience,” where girls discover, connect and take action for the betterment of the world (see inset).

But, don’t put down the marshmallows, roll up your sleeping bag or think you might never encounter a dangling spider; some of those things will, and should, always be a part of camping. It’s just that we realize that as girls change and their needs evolve, we have to be part of that evolution and continue to provide the kinds of programs that will not only engage, but support today’s girls as they become tomorrow’s leaders. H You do not have to be a Girl Scout to participate in our summer programs. Check out the 2010 Summer Camp book on our website, www. girlscoutsnebraska.org or call Erin Huerter at 402.779.8227.

EVERY ISSUE, HER MAGAZINE BRINGS YOU AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE GIRL SCOUTS – SPIRIT OF NEBRASKA. YOU CAN HELP, GET INVOLVED!

fitness message from

By: Melissa DeLong

Natalia J. Peart, PhD Chief Executive Officer

YWCA Omaha

A Time for Transition:

A

Rebuild, Renew and Reclaim

many more stay-at-home moms are headed back to work, or to work for the first time, following divorce or a husband’s loss of job.

That trend is expected to continue. The trend is expected to continue across the full socioeconomic spectrum.

Women can grow personally and find renewal by embracing life and learning experiences. This requires women to accept change, maintain energy and optimism, rebuild life intelligently with a fresh perspective and realize that they are important too.

In March, the YWCA Career and Community Services program initiated a new offering: The Women in Transition Series-Starting Over.

These are topical presentations that include Financial Planning and Starting Over, Wellness and Healthy Lifestyles and Legal Issues of Starting Over After Divorce. In addition, former television news anchor, Mary Williams, gives an uplifting presentation, The Little Girl is Back, of her journey in starting over, finding her “voice” and telling her story.

Starting over isn’t easy, but as Oprah said, “It doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from; the ability to triumph begins with you, always.”

Just as April is the month for renewal and transition, the YWCA wants to help women rebuild, renew and reclaim. An unintended journey gives you the opportunity to redesign your life. H

EVERY ISSUE, HER MAGAZINE BRINGS YOU AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM Y WCA OMAHA. YOU CAN HELP, GET INVOLVED!

So what do you want first, the good news or the bad news? What you pick to hear first can tell much about a person’s disposition and ability to succeed, so let’s not dwell on the bad news for long, but focus on what we have to work with. So here goes….The bad news is swimsuit season is just around the corner! The great news is there is still time to make a positive impact on how you look in that itsy-bitsy polka-dot bikini. Here are some tips to help you look your best this season: Give up those “go-to” comfort foods. Resist the temptation and eliminate those unwanted items that can lead to overeating.

Eat at the table. Never eat on the go, in the car, or in front of the TV. Stop eating mindlessly and this will reduce your caloric intake significantly.

Eat slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to register your food intake against your “full meter,” so eating slowly gives you a better chance to move away from your plate before it’s too late.

Reduce your carbohydrates to about 25% of your daily intake. Keep carbs in the fruits and vegetables arena and stay away from breads and simple sugars.

Lift weights! I’m not talking about lifting five-pound weights once in awhile. I’m talking about muscle-exhausting training 3-4 times a week. Progressive high-intensity pyramiding will transform your body in 8-12 weeks if done properly.

Drink a protein shake after working out to optimize your muscle repair.

There’s still time to make an impact on your appearance for this season, so don’t despair! Focus and follow these guidelines for optimal success. Need help or have questions? Call me at Rockbrook Women's Fitness at 933-6031.

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pril is traditionally and historically a month of renewal. The historical meaning of the word is from the Latin aperire, “to open.” This is reflective of spring when trees and flowers are in bloom and Mother Nature renews herself.

For those women who are transitioning in some way, whether they are leaving a relationship, starting over from divorce, recovering from illness, or recovering from the loss of a job, they reach out in search for help in renewing and getting to the next point in their life. Often people are faced with the pain of starting from square one, with no roadmap to help them regain ground they have lost. For many women transitioning means both an end and a beginning as they seek help in reaching their goals or their potential.

Nebraska attorney, author and life coach, Susan Koenig, wrote in her article, Help!

Letting in Support, “Taking a look at our willingness to let in help can give us great insight into how we have been making our lives so much harder than they need to be.”

These days, times are tough and women are forced to make many impossible choices between putting food on the table, paying for rent and taking care of themselves.

Official estimates reported by the National Women’s Law Center, indicate that one in four children and nearly half of single-mother families are expected to be poor in 2011.

According to 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics,

Tone-Up Time

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food

COLUMN BY JUDY GILLIARD

Light and Fresh

Recipes with Flavor

A

s we go through spring, we start thinking about summer and the prospect of wearing a swimsuit….And hence, the dieting begins! But not to worry, you don’t need to sacrifice your enjoyment of food in your quest to cut the calories and drop a few pounds.

This Seared Scallop Salad is packed full of flavor! I made a few changes to reduce the fat calories, but you’d never know it by the taste. We get some of the fat calories from the grape seed oil, but most of the oil stays in the skillet, not on the salad.

These Chicken Wraps are full of flavor and can be served as a meal or an

appetizer. With only 5 grams of fat per serving, they are a low-guilt snack.

Another perfect snack item to have around is Olive Cheddar Spread. Always have this in your fridge and serve with celery.

(A tip for the celery is to peel the back of the celery with a vegetable peeler. This takes the ribs off, as those tend to get stuck in your teeth.)

A few other tips: to cut the fat when cooking vegetables, like zucchini, carrots or green beans, sauté the veggies in chicken broth that’s been reduced (by reducing, you are intensifying the flavor). If you prefer butter flavor, I found the “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” spray is excellent as well. H

Olive Cheddar Spread Serves 6 8 ounces cottage cheese, dry curd 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded 6 medium green olives 2 ounces pimientos 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Put cottage cheese and cheddar cheese in food processor with steel blade and process until smooth. Place olives and pimentos in processor and pulse two or three times until chopped. Place in airtight container and refrigerate. Per Serving: 115 Calories; 7g Fat (54.3% calories from fat); 11g Protein; 2g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 22mg Cholesterol; 162mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 1 Fat.

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Seared Scallop Salad Serves 4 1 pound bay scallops, large 1 tablespoon grape seed oil 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 6 cups mixed lettuce, sliced 1/2” thick 2 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled 4 ounces dried cranberries 2 ounces balsamic vinegar 2 ounces seasoned rice vinegar salt and pepper to taste 1 lemon, sliced

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Pat scallops dry, then sprinkle with sea salt and cayenne and black pepper. Heat olive oil in skillet and sauté scallops on medium-hot, turning as needed (do not burn or char), for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. Meanwhile, place lettuce, Gorgonzola cheese, cranberries and balsamic vinegar in a mixing bowl. Toss gently with tongs. Neatly place salad in middle of plate. Arrange scallops around top and sides of greens. Garnish with lemon slices. Per Serving: 194 Calories; 8g Fat (37.9% calories from fat); 22g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 50mg Cholesterol; 616mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 3 Lean Meat; 1/2 Fruit; 1 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

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Chicken Lettuce Wraps Serves 6 6 chicken breast halves, boneless and skinless, chopped 1 tablespoon cornstarch 3 tablespoons dry sherry 1 tablespoon grape seed oil 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine 4 each scallions, chopped 8 ounces mushrooms, chopped 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil 1/2 cup water chestnuts, canned, chopped 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 3 tablespoons soy sauce 12 each lettuce cups, iceberg or bib 1/2 cup plum sauce Combine cornstarch and sherry and mix into chicken. Cover and put in refrigerator to marinate for 15 minutes. In large wok or skillet, heat grape seed oil, sauté garlic and scallions lightly. Add mushrooms and 1 tablespoon water. Stir and cover for 3 minutes.

Remove cover and cook until all water is gone. Add ginger, sesame oil and chicken, and cook quickly using a stir-fry method. Add water chestnuts, pepper and soy sauce; mix well.

To serve, have everyone take a lettuce cup and put plum sauce and chicken mixture in the lettuce and roll up. Per Serving: 109 Calories; 5g Fat (42.0% calories from fat); 2g Protein; 14g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 608mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 1 Vegetable; 1/2 Fruit; 1 Fat

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