RENEW Magazine June2016

Revitalize

Educate

Nurture

Empower

Women

JUNE 2016

To Be...

To Do...

To Have...

The Coaching Spot Bianca Negrรณn

Finesse

In Plastic Surgery...

Dr. Glenn H. Shepard Tips For A Great Summer Vacation TATRECE DUNLAP SWANN

SIMPLY SWEET

SUMMER ENTERTAINING

ILLUMINATED

A P.I. IRENE MYSTERY PT 8

TRACY WAINWRIGHT

www.renewvamagazine.com

June 2016

Contents

3 Finesse In Plastic Surgery-The Earlobe Reduction 4 The Coaching Spot - Bianca Negron 5 Get The Skinny of Showering - Women vs Men 6 Dads & Grads: How to Pick the Right Gift 7 3 Ways to Begin Settling Loved Ones’ Affairs 8 10 Tips to Stop The Summer Slide 9 Summer Home Updates to Enhance Your Space 10 Illuminated - A P.I. Irene Mystery Pt.8 11 Simply Sweet Summer Entertaining 12 Tips On Keeping Your Baby Safe in the Sun 13 June: Home Safety Month 14 Tips For A Great Summer Vacation

Front Cover © Miramisska | Dreamstime.com

RENEW Magazine is a monthly publication designed for and targeted to women. RENEW is an acronym; Revitalize, Educate, Nurture, & Empower Women. RENEW Magazine provides readers with holistic, lifestyle editorial content benefiting women. Placement of advertising herein does not necessarily constitute endorsement.

RENEW Magazine is published by Orchard Business Group.

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.

Orchard Business Group 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 Bianca Negrón Castro • Tatrece Swann • Janice Underwood Tracy Wainwright • Brad Orchard

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Finesse in Plastic Surgery: The Ear Lobe Reduction he public is more exposed to the big procedures that define plastic surgery rather that the artful, delicate procedures that are performed for less dramatic deformities, which are done as brief procedures, in an office setting without the need for general anesthetics or even heavy sedation. Such a procedure is the ear reduction. Having done many facelifts over Dr. Glenn H. Shepard, M.D. my years as a plastic surgeon, approximately 2% of them had the problem of the earlobes Photo Courtesy of VHHA beginning to grow in their 50’s and sometimes reach gigantic proportions by age 60 or 70.

T

It is the popular conception that this problem is caused by the wearing of large ear rings, but in reality, it is more commonly a hereditary situation, passed on genetically. Women can often hide the defect by styling their hair to cover the problem, or conceal the unsightly earlobes with large ear rings. Still, a number of women (and a few men) have sought my help for the ear lobe reduction as a primary operation. Very nicely, ear lobes are relatively pain insensitive and is most often done under the application of a local anesthetic with no sedation. Post operatively, few patients have any discomfort at all. The stitch lines differ from patient to patient, but in most of these operations, the incisions are placed in the natural ear folds and noticeable scarring hasn’t been a problem. From a plastic surgeons perspective, the operation is small in scope but is a finesse operation, that’s enjoyable to perform, with satisfying results for both patient and doctor.

Dr. Shepard was born and raised in Newport News and graduated in the Warwick High School Class of ‘55. Undergraduate and Med School, UVA Internship and Surgical Residency Vanderbilt University. Plastic Surgery Residency, Duke.

Certified, America Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery Surgeon, US Army Hospital of Ft. Gordon, Georgia, and the Second Surgical Hospital in An Khe, Viet Nam. Dr. Shepard joined Oyster Point Oral and Facial Surgery in August 2013, and he continues to provide cosmetic surgery services to the community, as he has done for the past 30 years.

JUNE 2016 RENEW

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To Be...

To Do...

To Have...

The key to success is to connect with our being.

How can you achieve great things in your life? Well, there are three simple words that can be converted into three simple steps that can support you to achieve great things in your life. These three words are: 1- To Be... When you connect with yourself, you get to connect with whom you truly are meant To Be. In order to achieve this connection you must ask yourself: Who I am? What defines me? What makes me happy? What do I want to achieve? How can I live in harmony and connection with others and myself?

2- To Do... When we connect with our being, we can do many wonderful things. The connection we develop with ourselves is what allows us to do extraordinary things because we have more confidence. Doing wonderful things in our life depends on us and taking the time to know more about yourself will allow you to live in abundance and harmony.

3- To Have... We all want to have success and great result in our lives or career but we need to take the time to connect with ourselves, this will give you the appropriate tools and support in order to make things happen. Many times we want to succeed but are not willing to make the effort for things to happen. By connecting with ourselves, we can create spectacular things that allow us to have what we want and deserve.

Life is a gift and when we recognize that we are unique and have outstanding potential we get To BE who we are, DO what we are destine to do and HAVE many blessings and wonderful results. Make a difference and start being whom you truly are!

You can reach Bianca at: coaching@bianca-negron.com

Bianca Negrรณn Certified Leadership, Life & Instructional Coach Certified Business Image Consultant & Personal Shopper Certified Mindsonar Professional

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DADS & GRADS SEASON

I

t’s that time of year again. Whether you’re shopping for a new graduate or something special for Dad, you’ll want to find the perfect gift.

This Father’s Day and graduation season, skip the tie or the gift card -- old standards are great, but you’ll want your gift to stand out. Here are three cool ideas to consider:

HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT GIFT (StatePoint)

Big Sounds, Small Space Whether it’s for dad’s man cave or a graduate’s small apartment, new innovations are offering great sound in a compact instrument for musicians tight on space. For example, Casio’s Privia PX-160 features piano sounds recorded from a nine-foot concert grand piano, as well as newly developed string ensemble sounds. For quiet listening, it also features two headphone outputs, and USB connectivity that can be used with Mac or Windows computers.

DIY Food Fun Is your dad or grad a foodie? Rather than indulging in one shared meal out on the town, consider giving a gift that keeps on giving. These days, amateur foodies are taking certain things into their own hands -- they are pickling their own vegetables, brewing their own craft beers and even creating their own hot sauces. Specialty kits are fun and offer all the knowledge and supplies necessary to get started.

Better Movie Nights Beef up a home theater system with the latest tech gear. A portable projector that doesn’t require a mercury lamp is a fun and versatile present for anyone that loves to host movie and video game nights or sports-viewing parties.

For example, Casio’s LampFree projectors combine Laser and LED technology for high brightness that can last up to 20,000 hours. The newest models offer clear, bright images, and the projectors are only 1.7 inches thick and weigh five pounds.

This season, go beyond the standard gift items you know everyone else is giving. Get creative in your effort to find something useful and cool.

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images

3 WAYS TO BEGIN SETTLING A LOVED ONE’S AFFAIRS

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ollowing the loss of a parent, the list of to-dos can feel overwhelming. Not only are you adjusting to life without a loved one, you may be facing a seemingly insurmountable list of tasks.

From arranging services to dispersing personal possessions to taking care of yourself, it’s easy to find yourself in over your head.

Especially if the passing was sudden or you didn’t have the chance to discuss the loved one’s final wishes, you may find yourself wondering where to begin. Although the specific details will vary from one family to the next, there are some common steps to consider once the memorial services are over and your attention must turn to putting their affairs to rest.

With a long list of tasks looming, you may be tempted to put yourself on auto-pilot and power through.

However, failing to give yourself time to grieve and come to terms with your loss can be destructive to your mental and physical health. Seek the support of family and friends to ease your emotional burden so you are able to effectively tackle the duties that lie ahead.

With the financial implications of mortgage payments looming, real estate is often one of the biggest decisions following a loved one’s death. That was exactly the situation Becky Addison faced. She inherited her mother’s home but wasn’t in the financial position to fix, maintain or own the property along with her primary residence.

“One day it was my parents’ house and then suddenly it was my house. I was not prepared to be responsible physically or financially for the property,” Addison said.

“There were too many repairs to be made, my husband and I lived in another county and we didn’t have the money to invest to update it. We had to get rid of it.”

Unsure what to do, Addison contacted HomeVestors, the largest network of independently owned and operated home buyer franchises in the U.S. with more than 65,000 houses bought since 1996. Ultimately, she received a cash payment and was able to close in just 14 days. Today, Addison is a HomeVestors franchisee and helps others just like her sell their inherited houses for cash with no repair, cleaning or closing expenses.

Although it is a sizeable consideration, real estate is generally just one piece of a person’s estate that must be settled following their death. Settling a parent’s business affairs following their passing can be relatively simple, but in the absence of a will, it can become more complicated.

Enlisting the guidance of a qualified attorney can help you navigate probate court, if necessary, and ensure you comply with local laws as you settle any debts and distribute or dispose of personal possessions.

Learn more about the real estate resources available following a loved one’s death at homevestors.com.

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images

10 TIPS TO STOP THE SUMMER SLIDE

L

earning shouldn’t stop just because school is out. In fact, stepping too far away from the books can result in a learning loss. However, research has shown that encouraging kids to read just six books, or 20 minutes a day, over the summer can help prevent the summer slide.

The key is finding ways to make reading fun, combining education and entertainment for an activity kids can truly enjoy, said Kate DiCamillo, a two-time Newbery Medal Award-winning author and the 2016 Collaborative Summer Library Program National Summer Reading Champion.

“Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty, but rather as a gift that emphasizes the fun of opening a new book and celebrating the satisfaction that comes from reading another story,” said DiCamillo, who is also the 2016-17 Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program literary partner.

(Family Features)

Summer schedules can get busy, but with a little creativity it’s actually quite easy to fit in those 20 minutes a day, even when you have other activities planned.

• Take a book The best way to get your kids reading is to have books available, so take them with you, whether it’s in the car, at the beach or waiting at the doctor’s office.

• Summer recharge. Plan ahead for a fun reading-related trip midway through the summer to reignite the love of books and reward kids for reading. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; the trip could simply be camping like a character in a favorite book.

• Explore hobbies. Reading is extra fun when the subject matter involves your favorite things. Look for books that match your kids’ personal interests, such as dinosaurs or gymnastics.

• Magazine madness. Plenty of popular kids magazines can be delivered to your home for an exciting surprise in the mailbox that makes an excellent reason to flip it open and start reading.

• Road trip reading. A long car ride is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy an audiobook together. You can discuss the story over lunch breaks and fuel stops to engage even further with the book.

• Pen pals. Work with other parents to set up pen pals for the summer and have kids write letters back and forth to practice their reading and writing skills.

• Act it out. Encourage kids to gather some neighborhood friends and create a play based on a favorite book. This helps kids understand the characters and story lines by bringing them to life.

• Take direction. Ask kids to read the directions for a classic summer project, like setting up a tent or making a snack for a picnic. Whether they are directing you or doing it themselves, reading and understanding directions builds important skills.

• Head to the library. Most libraries offer fun and interactive summer reading programs for kids that include incentives, activities and structure to help get kids excited about reading all summer long.

• Tap into tech time. If you’ve committed to limiting screen time for the summer, consider a compromise that lets kids use devices for productive activities, such as reading e-books.

The sooner you start a habit of reading every day, the better your child will be prepared when school – and the annual BOOK IT! Program – kicks off again. The program, available to kindergarten through sixth-grade students, runs from October through March each year and motivates students to read by rewarding them for their reading accomplishments with recognition and pizza.

Learn more about the program and find more summer reading tips and activities at bookitprogram.com.

Aleixka Macfie 8 RENEW JUNE 2016

Summer Home Updates to Enhance Your Space

(StatePoint)

Updated appliances can help you streamline kitchen organization.

your house in need of a seasonal overhaul? Get your home in shape with these easy tasks and and enjoy the warmer months.

Isupgrades, • Top-to-bottom cleaning: In each room, start at the top and work your way to the bottom.

Crumbs will inevitably fall from kitchen counters and dust will fly from fixtures, so clean your floors last so you don’t have to redo them later.

In the kitchen, circle around the sink, starting at the right side of your stove and then move clockwise around the room. Stoves can be the dirtiest part of the kitchen, so ending there prevents the spread of grease and dirt.

Finally, when it’s time to sweep, hold the broom with one hand on top of the handle and the other in the middle. Having a proper grip on the broom will make each stroke more effective.

Ensure you don’t miss any dirt by sweeping from the outside in. Pulling dirt to the center of the room will make for easier pick-up.

• Creative upgrades: After the garage, the kitchen is tied with the home office as the second most cluttered room in the house, according to a Moen survey. Get rid of clutter by updating features with those that create a “home” for items that live out in the open.

For example, when selecting a faucet, choose one with style and function, like the Voss faucet from Moen, which has a transitional low-profile design, ideal for installation in front of windows or on a kitchen island, and features Reflex technology, which allows for easy, secure docking of the spray wand. The collection also offers matching accessories like towel bars to make organization functional and fashionable.

A new kitchen sink, when chosen carefully, is another update that can reduce the appearance of clutter. Look for a model with a low-profile center divider that provides the versatility of a double bowl with single-bowl functionality. For instance, those from Moen allow you to fit items like pots and cookie sheets across two bowls easily, limiting the visibility of dirty dishes in the sink -which is ideal for open concept layouts. To learn more, visit moen.com.

• Color Your World: A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a room. And lighter hues are both in style and perfect for summer.

For the first time, Pantone, the worldwide standard for color communication, selected two colors of the year: Serenity and Rose Quartz. The light pastels complement each other and make for a calm and soothing design aesthetic. Meanwhile, paint maker Sherwin-Williams named Alabaster its 2016 color of the year. Keeping with the trend of light colors, this white hue is a nice blank canvas to showcase your summer décor.

A few projects around the home can get you set for sunny seasons ahead.

JUNE 2016 RENEW

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H

azel stood on the side of the road contemplating her next move. Her innate curiously urged her feet to move forward. To walk the last couple hundred yards to the back entrance of the Willis farm. She hadn’t been back there in so long. What if she got there and had no protection for herself. What if it was just a bunch of kids hanging out having fun and she made the extra trek for no reason. She walked every day, but knew her body had increased its limits on what it liked her to do.

As she debated whether to turn home or see what was going on, her feet began moving of their own volition. Apparently they hadn’t gotten the message from her legs and back that adding another half mile to her walk wouldn’t be appreciated.

Slow and steady steps brought her closer to the mystery. At first, her ears only picked up chirping birds and the occasional moo from a cow. Long gone were the days of the multitude of farm sounds on this road. She smiled, remembering when all the farms were in working order. And while she spent many times complaining about all the smells, truth was she missed them.

Breaking away from her musings, she glanced to her left as she passed by the entrance. Several male voices made it to her ears, but she only caught a handful of words. “...shipment...”

“That’s a .....”

Part 8

“....price.....”

They began laughing and she risked another peek. Around five or six young men stood behind the vehicles looking at something in the trunk of the BMW. The head of the tallest man turned her way and Hazel trained her eyes on the road ahead of her. The trunk slammed shut and she stilled her muscles from jumping.

Fast footsteps approached on the gravel that led from the road to the property’s cabin. While her hearing was still almost pristine, she didn’t so much as twitch in the direction of the noise. She looked ahead. Almost to the small bridge. That was her goal. Get to the bridge and turn around. It was a natural rounding point.

Hazel looked behind her, as if checking for cars, and crossed the road. Two of the men stood at the entrance. Her heart sped up. The walking had increased it some, but she knew adrenaline caused the most recent spike. She took her time closing the distance. She was almost to the drive when the tall one spoke.

“You alright, ma’am? This is a long way from anything. You lost?”

“Heh?” He repeated himself several decibels louder.

She paused in front of them a minute or so later. “No, I haven’t lost anything.” “I said are you lost.”

She laughed. “Lost? Round here parts. No, sirree. Lived here most my life. A long one at that. On account partly because I walk every day, I reckon.” She tapped her chest. “Keeps the ticker going steady.”

He raised an eyebrow. She could tell he was debating on whether to be worried about her presence at what was obviously a private meeting.

“Alright, then. You boys enjoy your huntin’ or fishin’ or whatever you’re doing. I’ve got to get back home before my favorite show comes on.” She wished she had a clue what was on TV in the afternoons these days to make her excuse more credible.

“You need a ride?”“Thanks, but remember, it’s the walking that keeps the ticker ticking.” She began her steps up the slight hill, reminding herself to breath.

It would do her no good to pass out while waiting by to see what they’d do.

Tracy “Okay, you have a nice day, ma’am.”

Wainwright, Home Manager, Writer, “You, too.” She’d gotten out of that. But now she Speaker, Conference Director had more to investigate than before.

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ight, refreshing flavors are the perfect solution for a summer meal. As temperatures heat up, take your summer entertaining to the next level with a secret ingredient that is as pretty as it is tasty.

Alone or in a recipe, grapes from California are a deliciously healthy way to bring refreshing flavor to the summertime table. Delightful as a cool snack, grapes are also a great choice for your entertaining menu because they pair well with so many other ingredients.

You may be surprised by all of the combinations of flavors and textures you can achieve, from main dishes to sides and even desserts. Impress your guests with this mouthwatering lineup featuring grapes that includes a grilled flank steak, an extra fresh classic salad and an unexpectedly sweet but savory sorbet.

Find more refreshing recipes for summer entertaining at GrapesfromCalifornia.com.

Grilled Flank Steak with Grapes and Stilton

Grilled Flank Steak with Grapes and Stilton Servings: 6

Heat grill to high and oil grates.

1

In small blender or food processor, combine vinegar, shallot, mustard and olive oil to make dressing. Season with salt and pepper, and puree until smooth.

1 1/2 1 1/4 1/4 2 1/2 2

(Family

flank steak (2 pounds) kosher salt freshly ground black pepper tablespoons red wine vinegar tablespoon chopped shallot teaspoon Dijon mustard cup extra-virgin olive oil bunches (8 cups) watercress, trimmed cup crumbled Stilton or other blue cheese cups red California grapes, halved

Grape and Spinach Salad with Raspberry Balsamic Dressing Servings: 8 8 4 1/2 1 1/4 1/3 3/4 1/4 3 3/4

Sprinkle steak with salt and pepper.

Grill steak until it reaches 130 F for medium-rare, about 6-7 minutes per side. Transfer to cutting board and let rest 5 minutes.

In large bowl, combine watercress, salt, pepper and enough dressing to coat. Thinly slice steak across the grain and transfer to platter. Top with watercress, Stilton and grapes, and serve with additional dressing.

Nutritional information per serving: 376 calories; 29 g protein; 10 g carbohydrates; 24 g fat (57% calories from fat); 8.5 g saturated fat (20% calories from saturated fat); 73 mg cholesterol; 299 mg sodium; .8 g fiber.

cups fresh baby spinach, washed cups California grapes cups mandarin orange segments (drained, if using canned) cup thinly sliced red onion cup bottled light balsamic vinegar and oil dressing cup orange juice tablespoons raspberry jam cup crunchy chow mein noodles Place spinach in large salad bowl. Top with grapes, oranges and onion.

Whisk together dressing, orange juice and jam. Pour over salad and toss until greens are coated with dressing. Top with crunchy noodles.

Grape and Spinach Salad with Raspberry Balsamic Dressing

Serving suggestion: Add noodles just before serving to maintain crunchy texture.

Nutritional information per serving: 166 calories; 3 g protein; 32 g carbohydrates; 4 g fat (22% calories from fat); .71 g saturated fat (4% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 350 mg sodium; 3 g fiber.

EASY IDEAS FOR A SUMMER PARTY Plan the perfect summer party with these easy entertaining tips: • Create cozy seating arrangements complete with cushions and ample shade so guests can laugh and chat in comfort until the sun sets and beyond.

• Be sure to create pops of color with your tableware and food. Available in three vibrant hues - red, green and black - grapes make a beautiful centerpiece and colorful addition to any menu offering.

• When you need a simple appetizer, grapes are as easy as it gets. Ripe and ready when you bring them home, give them a rinse, place them in a pretty bowl and you’ve got an edible centerpiece in seconds.

• As day gives way to night, keep the festive mood strong by adding some ambient light.

Whimsical paper lanterns or strings of white or colored Christmas tree lights lend a playful touch to parties after dark. California Table Grape Commission JUNE 2016 RENEW

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S

un safety is important for people of all ages, but it’s even more critical to protect babies’ skin, which is far more sensitive than that of older children and adults.

TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR BABY SAFE IN THE SUN ©Evgenia Tiplyashina - Fotolia.com

“Prioritize a healthy and safe summer sun care routine for babies,” encourages Dr. Richard C. Kirkpatrick of the Brevard Skin and Cancer Center. “Burns are painful and dangerous, but they are also preventable.”

This summer and beyond, consider the following baby sun care tips.

Avoid the Sun The FDA recommends not using any sunscreen products on infants under six months of age, so keep newborns out of the sun as much as possible. Umbrellas, hats, wraparound sunglasses and protective clothing can help you avoid sun exposure.

(StatePoint)

Limit sun time for babies over six months of age, too. Remember, the hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. are when ultraviolet rays are most intense.

Baby Sunscreen For babies six months or older, use sunscreen liberally. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Reapply as necessary after spending time in water, and every two hours.

Because babies’ skin is so sensitive, many pediatricians will recommend seeking out sun care products specifically designed with babies’ needs in mind. To ensure that the product is safe and effective, look for The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.

Two great sunscreen options that have earned the Seal are the new NO-AD Baby Sun Care Lotion SPF5 and No-AD Baby Sun Care Stick SPF50. Both are paraben-free, retinyl palmitate-free, fragrance-free, oil and dye-free, hypoallergenic and are enriched with cocoa seed butter and vitamins.

Organic beeswax allows the stick to apply super smoothly unlike other baby sunscreen sticks that drag on delicate skin.

These water-resistant products are available at a lower cost per ounce than national brands. More information can be found at www.no-ad.com.

“Don’t wait until you get to the beach or the park to put on sun protection.

Apply sunscreen to babies 15 to 30 minutes before you leave home so they won’t be left unprotected while adults are busy setting up,” says Dr. Kirkpatrick. “sunscreen stick is less likely to get into baby’s eyes.”

He also warns not to apply sunscreen on eyelids -- shield baby’s eyes with a broad-brimmed hat.

Make it Routine UV rays can do damage even in cloudy weather. So don’t become complacent when it seems like the sun is hiding. Take the same precautions every day -- even in cool weather. Keep sunscreen on hand for regular application and remember to pay attention to your baby’s skin. Burns can happen quickly.

Remember to consult your pediatrician about your baby’s sun care routine.

The summer can be a particularly challenging time of year to protect a baby’s skin, but establishing good habits now can help set your baby up for a lifetime of healthy skin.

12 RENEW JUNE 2016

Home Safety Month:

New Ways to Protect Your Family

W

hile you may think of smart home technology as a convenience -- something to save you a few steps of walking between the couch and the nearest light switch, smart home offerings also include important preventative measures that can help you protect not only your valuables, but your home itself and everyone in it.

June, which is Home Safety Month, is a great opportunity to learn how to use new technology in order to help protect your family: • Beyond the Burglar: The first thing that comes to mind when most people think about home security is almost certainly burglary. But intruders aren’t the only thing you have to worry about (StatePoint) © bmak - Fotolia.com entering your home. Water damage is the second most common cause of property loss and accounts for a quarter or more of homeowner’s insurance claims. A good early detection device, such as a Z-Wave flood sensor, could be the difference between a damp inconvenience and a soaking wet catastrophe in your home, especially when combined with a smart shutoff valve.

• Avoid dangers: Some sensors, like GoControl’s Z-Wave Door/Window Sensors, for example, are a great way to keep you alerted to potential dangers -especially on days when the kids get home earlier than you do. A few placed judiciously around the house -- on liquor or medicine cabinets, for example, or even the knife drawer, are a great way of keeping your mind at ease. And those same sensors placed on entry points could alert you in the event of an invasion.

• Deter intruders: When it comes down to it, though, the best way to deal with home invasion is to deter intruders altogether. When you’re out of town for a vacation or business trip, it’s important to make sure your home still looks lived in, and rigid pre-programmed lighting timers aren’t fooling anyone. Newer smart light bulb systems, like BeON Home, go one step further by recording and playing back your daily lighting routines, and even include a sophisticated listening system that can respond to a doorbell, by turning inside lights on organically, one at a time, exactly the way you would if you were home.

Smart home technology is becoming more versatile than ever. To learn more about how it can be used for keeping people, pets and property safe, visit ZWave.com and BeONHome.com for DIY videos, how-tos and live customer assistance.

While there’s no replacement for a caring neighbor’s watchful eye, these days there are a great number of ways of taking home security into your own hands -- no matter where you are. Smart hubs, combined with sensors in and around the home, can take the worry out of being away from home by alerting you when something goes wrong.

With a connected home, you can better keep tabs on your house and keep the things and people in it safe, even when you’re not home.

JUNE 2016 RENEW

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TIPS FOR A GREAT SUMMER VACATION Tatrece Dunlap Swann

S

igns of summer are clear as we enter the month of June, and you can be certain that teachers as well as kids are excited that the school year has just about come an end. The work has ended, the graduates have breathed a sigh of relief, and the fun begins with summer camps and family vacations even if it’s for just a few moments. The time has come to decide how you will spend your summer.

What new adventure s will you explore? How about reading a good book? If you’re like me, I’ve kept a list of projects and home improvement ideas I look forward to completing this summer.

A great way to enjoy the summer is to get the entire family moving! Set a goal to walk or run a certain distance and the family member that contributes the most miles to the goal wins a prize….make it fun. If you started the year with a workout regimen and diet plan, it’s time for the new you to stand up and take charge as others will take notice. Remember, as you plan the fun activities and outing, remember important tips like stocking up on the sun screen for those outside activities, plan ahead to keep things simple, and be sure to get everyone involved. Vacations are the most fun when the plans include everyone.

Did you know statistics show that educators and parents strongly believe that a threemonth summer vacation hurts children, rather than provide the necessary break from the normal routine? Think about how you will keep those young minds stimulated this summer.

Summer is an exciting time for graduates as they look forward to bigger and better challenges of a college life or a particular trade. No matter your decision, make it enjoyable for the entire family….the possibilities are endless!

Have a great and safe summer!

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