RENEW Magazine April 2015 by Eneida Orchard

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Hampton Roads Peninsula APRIL 2015

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DECORATING YOUR HOME OFFICE

GIVE YOUR SPRING & SUMMER LOOKS SOMETHING FRESH

EASY WAYS TO ENHANCE OUTDOOR SPACES

HER BROKEN PLACES PT. 17

TRACY WAINWRIGHT

RAISING YOUR AWARENESS

TATRECE SWANN

Contents

April 2015

3 Easy Ways to Enhance Outdoor Spaces 4 Improve Your Home’s Air Quality With Your Spring-Cleaning Process 5 Is Your Money Going Out The Window? 6 5 Tips For Seasonal Allergy Relief 7 Save The Date: Go Red Women Luncheon Save The Date: “Caregiving-It’s A Brain Thing 8 Her Broken Places Pt. 17 9 5 Smart Spending Tips For Tax Refunds 10 Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie 11 Decorating A Home Office? 12 Raising Your Awareness 13 How Hearing Aids Give You A Great Return On Your Investment. 14 Give Your Spring & Summer Looks Something Fresh 15 RENEW Women’s Expo 16 8th Annual “Breast Ball” Golf Tournament - Beyond Boobs 19 Distribution Locations

RENEW Magazine is a free, full color, glossy publication distributed monthly and designed for and targeted to women residing in the Hampton Roads Peninsula region of eastern Virginia. RENEW is an acronym; Revitalize, Educate, Nurture, & Empower Women. RENEW Magazine provides readers with holistic editorial content benefiting women in Hampton Roads. Placement of advertising herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement. This publication is distributed and available free of charge at over 300 high traffic locations in Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg and Yorktown, Virginia. RENEW Magazine is published by Orchard Business Group, LLC. Articles are the opinions of the writers and do not reflect the opinion of the publisher, advertisers, or their agencies. All copy is protected and cannot be reproduced without written permission from Orchard Business Group. Publisher further claims no responsibility for errors or omissions. All copy is protected and cannot be reproduced or transmitted without written permission from the publisher. Orchard Business Group • Brad Orchard CEO Eneida Orchard Publisher/Editor P.O. Box 593 • Lightfoot, VA 23090-0593 • 757-561-5219 info.renew.va@gmail.com • www.facebook.com/renewmagazine.va • www.renewvamagazine.com Contributing Writers Brad Orchard Mindy & Eddie Lepp • Tatrece Swann Janice Underwood • Tracy Wainwright • Yiorgo Cover Model Alanna R. Wright Agency 11710-G Jefferson Ave. Newport News,VA 23606 757-873-3444

Cover Photography by Todd Wright of Todd Wright Photography

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(Family Features)

EASY WAYS TO ENHANCE

OUTDOOR SPACES

he arrival of sun and climbing temperatures mark the end of months in hibernation and the ideal time to refresh your outdoor living space. While constructing a new deck can be a major undertaking, the planning process doesn’t have to be, thanks to a wealth of online tools and resources available at your fingertips. In fact, it’s now possible to design the deck of your dreams entirely on your favorite electronic device. During the past several years, there has been an influx of online resources to help homeowners create and plan their ideal outdoor living spaces. Following are just a few of the helpful and handy digital destinations for those looking to make their dream decks a reality. Visual social channels. Today’s social channels are packed with inspirational images. You can peruse thousands of decks and outdoor living projects on Houzz and Pinterest. You’ll also find ideas from many building materials brands and suppliers on these channels, as well as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Magazine and manufacturer websites. For additional inspiration, you can flip through the digital pages of your favorite home and

garden magazines via their websites, and tour the online inspiration galleries of decking manufacturers and contractors. Each destination offers a unique experience, along with valuable information about different brands and products. Digital apps. As you transition into the design phase, seek out an online application that allows you to experiment with various combinations and configurations. The awardwinning Trex Deck Color Visualizer app for iPad is one such tool. This virtual resource allows users to experiment with the colors of various deck elements, as well as different railing configurations, to design a completely customized outdoor living space. Once the user has created an ideal design scheme, the finished

photo may be saved to the iPad and shared with friends, family or potential contractors. Interactive planning tools. Those further along in the planning process can take advantage of other online resources such as sample deck plans and video tutorials. Additionally, many major manufacturers offer user-friendly deck design tools on their websites that enable homeowners to specify dimensions, materials and color selections to bring their dream decks to life. With the many tools and resources available online, designing your dream outdoor living space can be nearly as much fun as enjoying the finished product. For more information and inspiration, visit www.trex.com.

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IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S AIR QUALITY WITH YOUR SPRING-CLEANING PROCESS

pring is cleaning season. You’ve opened the curtains to let in the sunshine, and every cleaning product you have in the house is primed and ready for action. The whole family has been enlisted to help. The youngest is in charge of wiping all the cobwebs off the floorboards. You have the older children giving the windows a good scrubbing, and your partner is assigned to hit all the hard-to-reach spots with a duster and vacuum hose. No room, piece of furniture or square inch of the house will be spared! The idea behind spring cleaning is to make your home healthier. You’re removing the dirt, dander and dust particles that have accumulated over the winter months, as well as

organizing everything for a more efficient lifestyle. But it can be easy to forget that cleaning the air is just as important as the rest of the house. Indoor air is two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports. And did you know that many of the cleaning supplies that will make your floors, windows and furniture sparkle in the spring sunlight can actually pollute your indoor air? Air quality is very important for homeowners. In fact, 34 percent of Americans are concerned about the air quality in their homes, according to a 2014 study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Additionally, some moms have to worry about health issues like asthma and allergies within the family. Clean indoor air is very important for helping to

prevent exposure to triggers like irritants and allergens for children and adults who suffer from these conditions. For those families without these health concerns, clean indoor air should still be a part of the campaign to help your family live as healthily as possible. The study found that more than half of Americans put a least a moderate effort into improving the quality of their indoor air. Yet many cleaning products are loaded with chemicals to help them sanitize or disinfect. These chemicals might be good for industrial cleaning, but unfortunately, they often aren’t so great for indoor air quality at home. AAFA reviews and certifies household cleaning products like vacuums and cleaning solutions that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies, as well as anyone wanting to promote healthy and clean indoor air in their home. For families with a loved one suffering from asthma or allergies, this is very important because poor indoor air can trigger asthma attacks or allergy flair-ups. The asthma & allergy friendly(TM) Certification Mark is only awarded to cleaning products that meet AAFA’s tough Certification Standards. New products are consistently certified and added to www.aafa.org/certified. So as you plan your household spring-cleaning campaign, be sure to consider Certified asthma & allergy friendly products that will clean your house, and help keep your indoor air clean as well.

4 RENEW

APRIL 2015

IS YOUR MONEY GOING OUT THE WINDOW? IT WON’T WITH ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOWS

ne of the largest contributors to a home’s energy efficiency is its windows. Energy-efficient windows can lower your energy costs and increase your home’s comfort while reducing your carbon footprint and increasing your home’s value.

For example, replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR windows can save between 1,106 to 6,072 pounds of carbon dioxide a year from entering the atmosphere. According to ENERGY STAR that is equivalent to saving 51 to 310 gallons of gasoline. Plus, replacing old windows with new energy-efficient designs can return more than 78 percent of the project cost back to you upon resale, the National Association of Realtors reports. To learn more about these statistics, visit www.pella.com. So what factors should you consider when shopping for energy-efficient, environmentally friendly windows? • The ENERGY STAR logo - You’ve probably seen the blue ENERGY STAR logo on a variety of products including your washer or refrigerator. That logo designates products that meet strict energy-saving guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency. Windows and doors with an ENERGY STAR designation lower household energy use which saves you money and helps protect the environment. • Low U-values - In addition to ENERGY STAR ratings, look for windows and doors with low U-values, which means they resist the transfer of heat - the lower the U-value, the better. Double-pane insulating glass windows, with a gas-filled space between the glass, can insulate more than two times better than single-pane windows based on a comparison of U-values. • Recycled materials - Evaluate the amount of recycled content used, either post-consumer or post-industrial. The roll formed aluminum cladding, the metal exterior that protects the wood from the weather, on Pella’s wood windows and doors is made from more than 95 percent recycled aluminum material. • Product material - Wood windows utilize renewable resources. When shopping for wood, look for certified wood. There are several wood certification systems available, the most well-known being the Forest Stewardship Council or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Most of the well-known certification systems are developed and used with the same key purpose in mind; to practice sustainable forestry. * Your location - Windows allow for natural daylighting, which reduces or eliminates the need for artificial lighting saving on your electrical use. Plus, your climate or area within the United States has specific requirements to qualify for ENERGY STAR certification. To learn more, visit ENERGY STAR. Visit Pella Windows and Doors on Pinterest or Houzz for more home tips and design inspiration.

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NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT:

5 TIPS FOR SEASONAL

ALLERGY RELIEF

pring is upon us, and if you have seasonal allergies, you may be less excited about that than most. After all, what fun is finally freeing your face from that scarf if you’re just going to bury it in a tissue? It’s no fun at all, but allergies don’t have to make you miserable. “The key to surviving spring allergies is

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knowing what triggers your symptoms,” said allergist James Sublett, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Because there can be millions of pollen particles in the air, finding allergy relief can seem nearly impossible for some. But by knowing what triggers your allergy symptoms, and how to avoid these allergens, you can be on your way to a sneezefree season. Here are tips from ACAAI to help you find relief and enjoy spring. • The feel of cotton. For allergy suffers, not all clothing materials are created equal. Research shows that when synthetic fabrics rub against one another, they create an electrical charge that attracts pollen, which, as it turns out, is also electrically charged. Natural fibers such as cotton also breathe better, so they stay drier and less hospitable to moisture-loving mold. • Adjust your workout routine. After months indoors, you can’t wait to exercise outside. However, exercising causes you to breathe more deeply and inhale the pollen that affects your allergy symptoms. If you’re planning a vigorous workout, try to stay indoors and if you’re planning on taking a casual walk, take a nondrowsy antihistamine before you go. Exercise outdoors when pollen counts are at their lowest - before dawn and in the late afternoon or early evening. • Garden smart. Think your spring allergies are going to force you to quit gardening? Think again. Taking an antihistamine about half an hour before you head outside will help. You should also wear gloves and a NIOSHrated 95 filter mask if your tasks including

digging in the dirt, which can stir up pollen. Avoid touching your eyes, and be sure to wash your hands, hair and clothing once you go back indoors. • Take something a little stronger. Over the counter intranasal steroids (nasal sprays) as well as non-drowsy antihistamines and decongestants can be beneficial for those suffering from mild allergies. However, people suffering from more severe allergies will benefit from seeing an allergist. “An allergist will help you develop an action plan with ways to avoid allergy triggers and determine what treatment is best for your individual needs,” says Dr. Sublett. Many severe allergy sufferers find relief in immunotherapy allergy shots that help the body build resistance to the effects of the allergen. While there is no cure for the more than 50 million Americans suffering from allergies, immunotherapy is known to modify and prevent disease progression. • Eliminate uninvited guests. You can make your spring allergies more bearable by limiting your exposure to indoor allergens. Vacuum your furniture, leave your shoes by the door, shower frequently, cover your floors with washable throw rugs and use a dehumidifier to limit your mold exposure. All of these steps will help, and look for a good air purifier with a HEPA filter. Spring allergies are a fact of life but you don’t have to let them dictate yours. Employ the tips above, and you’ll be able to enjoy the warmer weather without constantly reaching for a tissue. To learn more about how to relieve your seasonal allergy symptoms, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org

SHIP EARLY FOR MOTHER’S DAY

APRIL 2015 RENEW

Part 17

Her Broken Places

BY TRACY WAINWRIGHT “So, why is it I had to come eight hundred miles to get you to finally have dinner with me?” Marla shook her head. Her heart had finally calmed down from the racing it’d done when she’d first seen him earlier that day. Her stomach, now the other hand, still hadn’t settled down. “Let’s say I’m reacting from shock.” Carlos grinned. “Right.” Marla pushed her salad around her plate before finally stabbing a bite with her fork. “Seriously, what are you doing here?” “I prayed about what God wanted me to do. He led me here.” She’d asked. And he’d given her an

answer. One she couldn’t argue with. “So you were already on the Relieving Disaster list?” He nodded while chewing a bite of cheeseburger. “I went through training a couple of years ago. This is the first time I’ve been called to help.” “I thought you said you prayed about it.” “I prayed. I got the call the next day.” Fascinating. She never did know what to do with Carlos. How to react. What to say. He’d never hid his attraction to her. She failed at every attempt to get him off her trail. Now she was beginning to waver on whether she wanted to or not. “And how exactly did you end up in the same neighborhood I’m working in? I’m sure there are crews all over the area.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin and when it moved away his smile was wide enough to show off his dimples. “That might have taken a little more than prayer. Maybe a phone call or two.” “Okay, why?” His eyes glistened and he reached across the table, covering her hand with his. Her heart raced again. “Because I want you to understand, to know that I’m not going away. Not unless you give me a really good reason to. And, ‘I don’t date’ isn’t one.” She swallowed. There was no way she could give him the real reason. It was true, she didn’t date. Anyone. She’d given up on dreams of marriage and having her own family a long time ago. If she wasn’t going to get married, there was no reason to date anyone.

At that particular moment, however, her heart was arguing vehemently with her. Why couldn’t she enjoy Carlos’ company beyond friendship? Maybe he was the one person she could trust with her decision and the reason behind it. Meeting his gaze, she knew. She could be vulnerable with him. He wouldn’t tease her or ridicule her or chastise her for being foolish. All the things she’d done in her own mind. That she’d imagined other would say if she ever shared her deepest fears. He didn’t force her, didn’t push for an answer. He refused to give up, but he didn’t attempt to make her tell him. “All right.” He raised his eyebrows. “All right, what?” “I’ll tell you why I don’t date.” She would. She’d share what she’d never told anyone her whole life. Her decision based on details only a handful of people knew. Then maybe he’d lose interest and quit pursuing her. Except now she wasn’t sure she wanted him to.

by Tracy Wainwright, Home Manager, Writer, Speaker, Conference Director

For more than thirty years, Pat Wright, President of Wright Model & Talent, has provided her knowledge and expertise in the multifaceted fields of modeling, fashion, and acting to individuals who strive for success. Established in 1989, the agency has focused on developing the confidence and skills essential in careers where personal appearance and impression are important. Wright is a full service modeling and talent agency representing males and females ages 5 and up. We are Hampton Roads #1 placement agency for both models and actors in local, national and international markets. Our clients include advertising agencies, casting directors, production companies, fashion and commercial photographers, fashion and bridal show coordinators, and magazine advertisers as well as individual companies and corporate marketing groups in the entire Hampton Roads Virginia area and in North Carolina. Also included are clients in Richmond, Northern Virginia, and the Washington DC metro area extending into Maryland. Wright also offers placement assistance for models and actors in the Major Markets of New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Wright is always looking for “New Faces” to meet the ever changing needs of our clients. If you are an experienced model, we will ask that come prepared with a working model book, marketing materials, and a client list. If you are an experienced actor, we will ask that you provide a recent headshot and resume. If you are a fresh New Face, we may refer you to development. Development was created for those with little to no experience in the modeling and acting industry. This developmental training process is only offered to those who we feel have the potential to be successful. A team of professionals has been selected (Runway Instructors, Acting Coaches, Stylists, Makeup Artists, Photographers, and Bookers) to prepare a professional model and/or actor for marketing to clients. Wright Agency can be reached at 11710-G Jefferson Ave. Newport News,VA 23606 • 757-873-3444

8 RENEW APRIL 2015

5 SMART SPENDING TIPS FOR TAX REFUNDS GET THE MOST VALUE FROM YOUR MONEY THIS TAX SEASON

(Family Features)

or savings-savvy consumers, tax season means getting creative with how to use your federal tax refund check.

your tax refund. Pay off a credit card bill, wipe out a lump sum on loans, or make an extra mortgage payment to help toward becoming debt free.

3) Spend wisely by taking advantage of seasonal promotions If you are going to spend on something you want, do it the smart way. Take advantage of seasonal promotions in order to keep much of your refund in your pocket. For instance, if you’re in the market for a new phone, go to Cricket Wireless to receive free or discounted phones, all after mail-in rebate, such as the Nokia Lumia 635. And, if you port your To help you become a better saver and a more number to Cricket, you may also get a free prudent spender, Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The month of service after completing two months Money Coach and personal finance expert on one of the provider’s Smart, Pro or Advanced Julie Stav suggest five smart ways to stretch plans. Check out more details at your refund check, making your money go www.cricketwireless.com. further and enhancing your quality of life: The IRS says the average tax refund issued so far in 2015 tops $3,500. While it can be tempting to hit up the mall and blow through your money the second that big check arrives, smart spenders find ways to turn a refund into a “MeFund” through thrifty money-management decisions that keep cash in their pocket.

1) Invest in yourself In today’s economy, it’s wise to invest in your education, your career and your health. Each will benefit you personally and professionally. Consider using some of your tax refund check to take a continuing education class or attend a business networking event. Similarly, invest in your health by signing up for a gym, taking yoga classes, or getting the aid of a personal trainer. A healthy body can boost creativity and productivity - and hopefully lower your long-term healthcare costs too. 2) Pay off debt A recent study from the American Psychological Association showed money is a top cause of stress for Americans. To help rid yourself of money worries, reduce debt with

found by switching to a no-contract wireless carrier like Cricket on a nationwide 4G LTE network - so you can spend more on the things that matter to you in the future. Whatever your goal, you’ll reach it a lot sooner if you save exclusively for it. From investing in yourself to paying down debt and being a smarter spender and saver, let tax refund season be your time to get ahead. After all, by using that tax refund check wisely, you’ll set yourself up for financial prosperity in 2015 and beyond.

4) Budget for larger purchases If you’re thinking about spending your tax refund on a vacation or must-have electronics, be sure to first budget realistically. Remember, a vacation won’t just involve travel expenses and hotel accommodations. Be sure to factor in food, entertainment and miscellaneous costs such as tips, souvenirs and parking. Before using your refund on a big-ticket purchase, you should also use helpful budgeting tools to monitor your monthly spending. Mint.com is a good online and mobile budgeting software tool that can help you track your spending. 5) Create a “MeFund” A final way to put your money to good use is to boost your savings. Create a “MeFund” as a way to save more every month - whether from a tax refund check, through smart budgeting or value APRIL 2015 RENEW

(Serves 8)Note: This filling for the pie can be made a day or so in advance. Feel free to put an egg wash (one egg whisked with a tablespoon of water) on the finished pastry before baking if you prefer a sheen on your crust. This version of pot-pie is loaded with vegetables, gets rid of the cream or milk usually called for in other recipes, and the crust is trans-fat-free.

Chicken Pot Pie

For the chicken: 2 tablespoons olive oil 6 cloves crushed garlic 1 tablespoon picked thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon or 1 teaspoon dried 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon turmeric 2 teaspoons salt-free all-purpose seasoning 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 ⁄ 2 tea s poon sa 2 cups frozen pearl onions, thawed 1 cup carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes 1 cup celery, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced 1 ⁄ 2- i nch thi 1 cup crimini or button mushrooms, quartered 4 tablespoons flour 1 ⁄ 4 c up Pe r nod ( opt i ona 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 2” cubes 1 cup frozen sweet peas, thawed 1 ⁄ 2 c up chopped parsl For the crust: 1 and 1/3 cups flour 1 ⁄ 2 tea s poon salt ( opt i ona 1 ⁄ 2 c up tr ans fat f ree margar i ne spre 3 tablespoons ice water Prepare the chicken. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil until hot. Stir in the garlic, thyme, oregano, tarragon, bay leaf, turmeric, salt-free all-purpose seasoning, pepper, salt and sauté for one minute. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and mushrooms and sauté for two minutes. Stir in the flour and coat the vegetables well. Add the Pernod, if using, and chicken stock and stir to blend well. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer. Stir in the chicken and simmer for five minutes. Stir in the peas and parsley. Remove from heat and pour the mixture into a 3-quart oval casserole. Cover loosely with foil and set aside. Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set aside. To make the crust, placed the flour (and salt, if

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using) in a medium-sized bowl and add the margarine spread, cut into in one-inch pieces. Cut the margarine spread into the flour with a fork or pastry cutter (this can all be done in a food processor) until crumbly. Avoid over-working the dough. Add the ice water and mix (pulse in a food processor) until the dough just comes together. Roll the dough between two pieces of film wrap until it matches the size of the casserole. (Hold the dish above the dough to check for correct size.) Peel off the top layer of wrap and bring the casserole next to the dough. Lift the dough by the bottom wrap and use it to help invert the crust onto the casserole. Trim the outside edges of the crust and gently press the dough so that it fits perfectly around the inside perimeter of the casserole dough. Cut eight, evenly -spaced 1-inch vents in the dough as demarcations of portions and to release steam while baking. Place

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the casserole on the foil-lined baking sheet and bake until the crust is golden brown and the juices are bubbling, about 45 minutes. Let the casserole rest for ten minutes before serving. Serve the pie in a soup plate over a small mound of Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes. Nutritional Analysis (per serving) Calories 295 Total Fat 9.0 g Saturated Fat 0.5 g Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5 g Monounsaturated Fat 5.0 g Trans Fat 0.0 Cholesterol 33 mg Sodium 493 mg Carbohydrates 33 g Fiber 3g Sugars 4g Protein 19 g Dietary Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 1/2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat This recipe is brought to you by the American Heart Association’s Face The Fats program. Recipe copyright © 2007 by the American Heart Association. Look for other delicious recipes in American Heart Association cookbooks, available from booksellers everywhere.

DECORATING A HOME OFFICE? PRODUCTIVITYENHANCING PRINCIPLES I

splurge on one luxury piece.” Chan suggests an inspiring piece of furniture, but you can also create a luxe effect - with only a modest “splurge” - by decorating with lighting elements such as a skylight.

The same axiom can apply to your home office. Is it tucked in a dark corner of the spare bedroom? Is your desk beside a bed covered in old toys? Is your filing cabinet stuffed in the closet under clothes that no one has worn since the first Bush presidency? If your home office doesn’t feel professional and uplifting, how productive and happy will you be spending eight or more hours a day there?

If your home office happens to be located in a renovated attic space, roof windows, which are very much like skylights but are in-reach, can offer natural light and fresh air plus access to the roof for debris removal, maintenance or for emergency egress.

t’s a common piece of advice from effective home-based workers: start each day as if you were going to work in an office outside your home (translation - take a shower and don’t work in your jammies). The philosophy behind this tidbit is easy to understand. By dressing professionally, you’ll feel more professional and your productivity and quality of work will keep pace.

“The mental and physical health benefits of natural light and fresh air are well documented,” says Ross Vandermark of VELUX America, makers of Energy Star-qualified skylights. “Energy efficient venting skylights not only make your home and your home office feel more open, airy, bright and productive, they can help you control heating, cooling and lighting costs, too.”

Organize with attractive storage.

Choose a wall color that facilitates focus. Even if your home office will be in the guest room that you just painted last year, it may be a good idea to repaint. Not only does a fresh coat of paint make a room feel energized and new, repainting gives you the opportunity to put a color on the wall that’s office-appropriate.

As more people have begun working from home, office furniture manufacturers have branched out from the sterile-looking metal storage units ubiquitous in workplaces across the country. Today, it’s easy to find attractive storage options that fit with virtually any home office decor.

In an interview by Chris Bailey of the blog “A Life of Productivity,” color psychologist and author Angela Wright suggests that your home office color scheme needs to match the type of work you do because different colors create different effects. For example, Wright says, blue might be stimulating if you do a lot of mental work in your home office. Additionally, yellow could encourage creativity, and green might be soothing if your work is particularly stressful and balance is important.

If you just can’t find a file cabinet that speaks to your soul, why not try some alternative storage options? Move that beautiful sideboard you inherited from grandma - that just never fit anywhere else in your house - into your home office and use it for filing. Not in love with any of the desk options available at your local office store? Hit an antique shop and find an antique desk or even a dining table that you adore. Remember to keep furnishings and storage solutions size-appropriate for the room so your home office doesn’t feel crowded.

Luxuriate in light. “You are stuck in your office - albeit at home - all day, working and slaving away, staring at the same wall and some bland office furniture you got at a garage sale,” writes Herman Chan in Home Business Magazine. “Spending all those hours in the same spot, it would behoove you to

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Add a solar-powered fresh air skylight and an energy-efficient solar-powered blind to your home office and the products, as well as the installation, can be eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit as a green home improvement. Ground-floor offices can benefit from SUN TUNNEL tubular skylights. Visit whyskylights.com or energystar.gov to learn more about energy-efficient skylights.

If your idea of home office storage includes the cardboard boxes you used to transport files from the last job you had outside your home, it’s time to revisit your organizational plan. A cluttered, disorganized home office can cause you to misplace important documents and can make you feel overwhelmed.

Decorating your home office isn’t an art, but following some basic principles of office design can help create an organized, effective and productivity-enhancing space.

(BPT)

Working from home offers many advantages, including the opportunity to decorate your home office the way you want. By following some basic steps and incorporating your own personality, you can create a home office where you’ll be productive and happy throughout the work day.

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RAISING YOUR AWARENESS Tatrece Dunl ap Swann

hroughout the year, we highlight a notable observed commemorative month. The recurrent months are used by various governments, groups and organizations to raise awareness of an issue, commemorate a group or event, or to celebrate something. April focuses on raising the awareness of mental and social health issues, as well as the arts.

universities plan events and activities to reinforce the need for prevention efforts.

Marches and rallies against women date back as far as 1976 with the ‘Take Back the Night’ initiatives, which rallied an organized protest of women against rape and sexual violence. The fear and violence encountered by women as they walked the streets at night was the central focus for many of the protests. This movement was the catalyst Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) for even more broader activities to raise is annual campaign to raise public awareness. In 2009, President Obama was awareness about sexual assault, educate the first United States President to proclaim communities, and individuals on how to April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. prevent sexual violence. Each year during April, state and community based There are events and activities locally of organizations, along with colleges and which you can participate to support these

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important initiatives for women. The annual ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes 2015’ will be held April 11 at Peninsula Town Center. It is a Men’s March to stop rape and sexual assault, with all proceeds to benefit the Center for Sexual Assault Survivors. Raise your awareness and pledge to make a difference today!

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SMART BUYING DECISIONS: HOW HEARING AIDS GIVE YOU A GREAT RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT

f you’re one of the nearly 40 million Americans who suffer with hearing loss, maybe it’s time to consider investing in your hearing health.

When it comes to the purchase of personal items that enhance your life, there’s more than one way to measure value. Here are some ways that investing in professionally fitted hearing aids - if recommended by a hearing care professional following a comprehensive hearing evaluation could bring you a greater return on your investment than you ever imagined. Unleash your earning potential. Using hearing aids reduced the risk of income loss by 90-100 percent for those with milder hearing loss, and from 65-77 percent for those with severe to moderate hearing loss, according to a Better Hearing Institute (BHI) study. People with untreated hearing loss lost as much as $30,000 in income annually, the study showed. Maintain your cognitive function. Research shows a link between hearing loss and dementia, leading experts to believe that interventions, like hearing aids, could potentially delay or prevent dementia. Research is ongoing. Relieve stress and lift your mood. When people with hearing loss use hearing aids, many feel more in control of their lives and less self-critical, BHI research shows. One study found that the majority of people with mild and severe hearing loss felt better about themselves and life overall as a result of using hearing aids. Strengthen your relationships. Research shows that using hearing aids can help improve interpersonal relationships. In one BHI study of people with hearing loss, more than half of the respondents said using hearing aids improved their relationships at home, their social lives and their ability to join in groups. Many even saw improvements in their romantic lives. Make the investment today. Start by taking a free, quick and confidential online hearing check to determine if you need a comprehensive hearing test by a hearing health care professional. Visit the Better Hearing Institute’s website at www.BetterHearing.org. APRIL 2015 RENEW

GIVE YOUR SPRING & SUMMER LOOKS SOMETHING FRESH

arm weather has arrived, and with it comes the need for new spring and summer fashions. By now you’ve already gone through your closet and have determined you have absolutely nothing to wear. For this reason, the changing season means it’s time to go shopping and update your wardrobe with this spring and summer’s must haves. You could spend a lot of money purchasing all new clothes that will keep you comfortable and cool, or you can be strategic about giving your wardrobe a refresher with seasonal pieces that work well all spring and summer at affordable prices.

Here are some of the latest seasonal pant styles for every woman’s summer wardrobe: * Straight crops with a modern boyfriend fit - Pants are sometimes preferred during the summer months - even when the temperature gets hot. If you work in a casual office setting, sit in air conditioning all day or spend your days traveling, the Straight Crops by DENIZEN from Levi’s are exactly what you need. Pair them with stylish blouses for a more professional look that will still feel comfortable out in the heat. * Cool and fashionable crops - When you need pants that move but keep you cool and comfortable, the Jamie Crops by DENIZEN from Levi’s are the perfect solution. They are great for summer days at the office and also for hanging out in the backyard. Choose fun and casual tops for playtime with the kids, or go with dress shirts and blouses for office wear. * Sometimes you just need a longer pair of shorts for summer activities. The Bettina Bermuda from Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. is great for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. You can even dress them up for less casual occasions like neighborhood parties, and date night. They go great with tanks, blouses or even sweaters on a cooler evening. * The any occasion shorts - When the temps are rising, the high-stretch fabric found in the Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. line of 5-Inch Bridget Shorts is exactly what you need. They’re perfect for casual wear, play and even dressy events if you pair them with heeled sandals. With a good selection of each of these styles in your closet this spring and summer, you’ll never have to worry about finding the perfect outfit for any occasion. Plus, you’ll be looking cool, comfortable and classy all season long.

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“Empowering women through resources to enhance body, mind and spirit.” RENEW Women’s Expo is a one-day fun filled lifestyle celebration event that features informative exhibits, food demos, dance demos, free vision screenings and booths highlighting products & services that are of particular interest to women. RENEW Women’s Expo will provide attendees guest presentations on their products. Attendees can shop for leisure, financial services, health and fitness and more. RENEW Women’s Expo promises to have high energy atmosphere with prizes and giveaways conducted throughout the event. P.O. Box 593 • Lightfoot, VA 23090-0593 • 757.561.5219 O • 866.297.5241 F info.renew.va@gmail.com • www.renewvamagazine.com

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