RENEW OCTOBER 2015

Revitalize Educate Nurture & Empower Women Hampton Roads OCTOBER 2015 VIRGINIA HOSPITALS:

OUR LIFELINE

STILL MAKING STRIDES CANCER SURVIVOR TATRECE SWANN

Page 6

ASK DR. J

JANICE UNDERWOOD

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER

THE

coaching SPOT Bianca Negrón Castro ¿CUÁL ES TU LEGADO?

www.renewvamagazine.com

HER BROKEN PLACES

PART 23

TRACY WAINWRIGHT

October 2015

Contents

3 Virginia Hospitals: Our Lifeline 4 Tips To Help You Avoid Surplus Fat As You Age 5 Sharing God’s Love 6 Still Taking Strides- Tatrece Swann Wigs & Hair Extensions

8 What Can You Do To Prevent Breast Cancer 9 The Coaching Spot - Bianca Negrón Castro 10 Ask Dr. J - Janice Underwood Cell Phone Accessories

Stylist & Barber Tools

11 Her Broken Places Pt. 23 12 Switch It Up In The Kitchen 13 How To Host A Halloween Party

FALL SAVINGS!

Custom T ’s

14 Trends Turn To Cozy And Comfortable Fall Entertaining

Uniforms & Scrubs

Jewelry INVENTORY CLEARANCE!

Natural Hair Care

15 Find The Silver Linings In Life

RENEW Magazine is a free, full color, glossy publication distributed monthly and designed for and targeted to women residing in the Hampton Roads region of eastern Virginia. RENEW is an acronym; Revitalize, Educate, Nurture, & Empower Women. RENEW Magazine provides readers with holistic, lifestyle 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 Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, Virginia. RENEW Magazine is published by Orchard Business Group, LLC.

(757) 221-0220

• Hats & Caps • Fashion Leggings • Men & Women Clothing • Eye Lashes • Pantyhose • Scarves • Body Jewelry • Hair Accessories • Body Oils Mon 9:30a - 7:00p • Tues-Sat 9:30a-8:00p • Sun Closed

20%%OFF First Item 10%%OFF All Additional Items*

SUPREME STYLES BEAUTY SUPPLIES & FASHION

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 • 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 Bianca Negron Castro • Tatrece Swann • Janice Underwood • Tracy Wainwright • Yiorgo • Brad Orchard

Scan Here to Like Us!

200-B Monticello Ave. 757-221-0220 (Monticello Shopping Center near Rita’s) *Valid at Supreme Styles with coupon. Discount off REGULAR priced items only!

May not be combined with any other offer or sale item. Exp. 11/15/15RM

www.supremestyles1.com

2 RENEW OCTOBER 2015

Cover Model: Tatrece Dunlap Swann Cover Photography by ©LynTracey Images

Select Magazine Photos by Sergio Sanchez-Grillo sergrillo@hotmail.com

VIRGINIA HOSPITALS:

OUR LIFELINE

V

irginia Hospitals are Our Lifeline. They are open 24/7/ 365 to treat everyone – those who can pay for care, and those who can’t – in times of medical necessity. They are there for you, your friends, family, loved ones, and neighbors.

Virginia hospitals and health systems protect public health and also boost our economy by employing more than 115,000 people in good-paying jobs and contributing $36 billion in economic activity. They are community staples and the assumption is hospitals and the benefits they provide will be everlasting.

The reality is more complicated.

Photo Courtesy of VHHA

Bon Secours Richmond Health System CEO Toni Ardabell (middle) and Augusta Health President and CEO Mary Mannix (right) speaking to a health care professional.

As important as Virginia hospitals and health systems are, Washington cuts, reimbursement shortfalls, and mandates have put providers in a financial pinch which imperils the jobs, economic contributions and health benefits they provide. Ignoring those challenges and the need for solutions is foolhardy; the outcome will leave our Commonwealth poorer economically and endanger public health.

That is the message of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association’s (VHHA) Virginia Hospitals: Our Lifeline campaign. VHHA in September launched the statewide public awareness campaign to educate Virginians and policymakers about the financial challenges facing Virginia hospitals and how these challenges threaten harm to the Commonwealth. The financial pressures facing hospitals are real and they can’t be solved with belt-tightening alone.

In 2013, one-third of Virginia’s acute care hospitals had negative operating margins, a claim affirmed as “true” by the Richmond Times-Dispatch’s Politifact Virginia. Roughly half of rural acute care hospitals were in the red that year. Despite such challenges, health care is a top employer in many Virginia communities (particularly in rural locales) and was one of the few economic and employment growth sectors in the Commonwealth’s economy in 2014. At the same time, Virginia hospitals provided $1.5 billion in community benefit in 2013 due to charity care, financial assistance, Medicaid shortfall, and other factors. The cycle of federal cuts and charity care mandates coupled with Richmond inaction has created a financial vortex bearing down on hospitals.

Consider for a moment what might happen if we let these financial challenges fester. Lost jobs. Hardship across Virginia, especially in rural communities where hospital jobs are crucial to economic stability. And worsened health outcomes for Virginians.

Already, many Virginia hospitals have merged into larger health systems to survive, as Chuck Carr, CEO of Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington explained in a recent Modern Healthcare Magazine article.

His hospital consolidated into Roanoke-based not-for-profit Carilion Clinic: “We needed to partner with a system to stay afloat,” Carr said.

Photo Courtesy of VHHA

Virginia’s hospitals and health systems are always there for you. They need your help now. Learn how you can support Virginia Hospitals: Our Lifeline at www.ISupportVirginiaHospitals.com.

Sean McMurray, Chief Executive Officer for the Northeast Market of Mountain States Health Alliance and Vice President and CEO of Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, speaking to the audience.

OCTOBER 2015 RENEW

3

TIPS TO HELP YOU AVOID SURPLUS FAT AS YOU AGE

T

here are many ways you can stay fit and promote a long, healthy life. And you probably know about some of them, particularly those habits that are widely discussed in the media and by doctors. However, scientists have recently made new discoveries that can help you activate weight loss while gaining control over deadly aging processes.

Beyond eating a well-balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise, how can you facilitate a healthy body weight?

(StatePoint)

(c)Wavebreakmedia-Shutterstock.com

Photo Courtesy of Grillo’s Photography

Your Body’s Enzymes Can Help New research indicates that when certain enzymes in your body are functioning properly, certain aging processes, such as weight gain, can be slowed or even reversed. One enzyme, in particular, known as AMPK, is being highlighted by medical researchers, Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme found within every cell, serves as your body’s master regulating switch, determining body fat composition and how long you will live.

When switched ‚ “AMPK triggers the use of stored energy from fats, enhances removal of fats and sugar from the blood, increases production of mitochondria, and reduces inflammation and cellular”.

“When AMPK is more activated, it can help protect you against obesity and diabetes and many degenerative processes can be reversed,” says Dr. Michael A. Smith, senior health scientist for Life Extension and host of “Healthy Talk” on RadioMD.com.

Smith likens the processes that AMPK promotes as, “cellular housekeeping” warning that when these processes don’t work, dysfunctional cells can accumulate and create problems like weight gain and chronic inflammation.

Setbacks As we grow older, cellular AMPK activation decreases, weight gain often follows, and we are more likely to succumb to the destructive factors of aging.

Additionally, excess calorie consumption impairs the enzymatic activity of AMPK. Unfortunately, most humans today suffer chronic nutritional overload, say experts.

Solutions Researchers have discovered four ways to boost the body’s AMPK activity: • Exercise: AMPK activity increases with regular vigorous exercise.

• Restrict calories: By taking inCourtesy fewer calories, you create increased AMPK Photo of Grillo’s Photography activity as cells sense a requirement to function more efficiently.

• Metformin: One of the drug metformin’s most beneficial mechanisms is to activate AMPK. This is one way it lowers elevated glucose. However, most physicians only prescribe metformin for Type II Diabetes, making access to this drug difficult for most people.

• Botanical Extracts: Two natural agents, the Chinese herb Gynostemma pentaphyllum and trans-tiliroside derived from rose hips, have been shown to activate AMPK, reducing belly fat, cholesterol, blood sugar, and insulin levels.

You can supplement your diet with an AMPK activator to turn off many damaging effects of aging. More information can be found at LifeExtension.com/activateAMPK. Over the years, you don’t just have to quietly accept weight gain and the effects of aging. Take advantage of the new scientific findings that can help you promote a long, healthy and fit life.

4 RENEW

OCTOBER 2015

SHARING GOD’S LOVE Ministro Luis Cruz RENEW: When did you first share the Gospel with someone?

Ministro Luis Cruz: I first shared the gospel more than ten years ago I was invited to a church family gathering. I spoke about God’s love and mercy to secular music producer. Years later I received a phone call from this particular individual thanking me for sharing the gospel because now they are dedicated on working with pastors and churches in the evangelistic area.

RENEW: Why should you share the Gospel?

Ministro Luis Cruz: I share the Gospel because it has been beneficial to my life and I know that it will be beneficial to others. God transformed me into the man I am today . If He can change me, He can change anyone. And, it is also established in Matthew 28 verse 19.

RENEW: Do you provide Community Outreach?

Ministro Luis Cruz: We are dedicated working with the missionary ministry, Food bank ministry, and together working with the evangelistic ministry we provide food, clothes , personal hygiene items for the people in need in the local area. I am also apart of a international ministry that spiritual educates military soldiers that come here from different countries. It’s been a great pleasure to work with all of these ministries for the kingdom of God first and also for the souls. God bless everyone.

You can reach Ministro Luis Cruz at Oasis Life Christian Church, 13749-A Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23602, office 757-886-7408.

Organizing your closet may help you feel less overwhelmed as you get dressed.

Organizing your clothes may help you put together the look you want even on the busiest of mornings. It all starts with determining what you own, what you want to keep, and what you need to donate or toss out. For more tips and tools to help you with organization, visit www.OrganizeYourStuffContest.com.

OCTOBER 2015 RENEW

5

STILL MAKING

STRIDES

Tatrece Dunl ap Swann

I

n October we commemorate hasn’t disappeared completely.

National Breast Cancer Awareness, Stats for 2015 (National Cancer Institute): however, general cancer awareness and survival is an initiative to be •In 2015, an estimated 1.6 million new considered throughout the year. This cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the month is as much about raising funds for United States and over 500,000 people breast cancer research and support, as it is will die from the disease. about raising awareness, and although I’ve •The most common cancers projected spoken openly about my own 14 year for this year are: breast cancer, lung and breast cancer survival story, there are bronchus cancer, prostate cancer, colon others that join me every day with a and rectum cancer, bladder cancer, personal story of their own. I’d love to melanoma of the skin, non-Hodgkin hear from readers about your own lymphoma, thyroid cancer, renal pelvis personal survival story. cancer, endometrial cancer and pancreatic cancer.

Cancer survival rates will tell you the percentage of people who survive a certain The one statistic I felt was extremely type of cancer for a specific amount of important but also speaks to how critical it time. Cancer statistics often use an is that we continue to be vigilant in taking overall five-year survival rate. Overall the necessary preventive steps to ensure that survival rates don’t specify whether cancer we practice self-care when it comes to our survivors are still undergoing treatment at health: five years, or if they’ve become cancer-free (remission). There are two types of •National expenditures for cancer care survival rates that give more specific in the United States totaled nearly information: $125 billion in 2010 and could reach $156 billion by 2020. The burden of Disease-free survival rate. This is the cancer affects us worldwide. number of people with cancer who achieve remission. That means they no The statistical trends we see aren’t longer have signs of cancer in their bodies. applicable to individual patients, but are more essential for governments, our policy Progression-free survival rate. This is the makers, health professionals, and researchers number of people who still have cancer, that understand the impact of cancer on the but their disease isn’t progressing. This population, and assist in developing includes people who may have had some strategies to address the challenges that success with treatment, but the cancer cancer poses to our society at large. We’re

6 RENEW OCTOBER 2015

still making strides against cancer, and you can help. Maintaining scheduled medical and self-exams are critical to a diagnosis, a potential prognosis, and the overall quality of life; and while seeking information is a personal decision when you have cancer, the more you know and understand, the better you and your loved ones are able to make decisions.

If you’re diagnosed with cancer, arm yourself with these three bits of information: Understand your diagnosis the chance your cancer will be cured, develop a treatment plan along with your doctor what are the pros and cons of each treatment option, and know your survival rate. It’s up to you whether you want to know the survival rates related to your cancer, and while the numbers can be confusing and sometimes frightening, the more you know and the better your overall health, the greater chance we have of one day hearing your survival story.

OCTOBER 2015 RENEW

7

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER

E

very year, 1.3 million women across the globe are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breast cancer awareness is high, but the primary focus of research is on early detection and treatment rather than prevention. Detection and treatment are undeniably important, but many feel prevention deserves more than the 2 percent of funding it currently receives, especially given the promising preventative strategies already out there. One of these strategies could make preventing breast cancer as easy as warding off the flu. While the causes of breast cancer are diverse, nearly 40 percent of women with breast cancer test positive for a virus called the Human Mammary Tumor Virus, which could be completely prevented if there was a vaccine. In fact, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic have developed a breast cancer vaccine that targets a protein found in most breast cancers, and they announced a month ago that they are planning to begin clinical trials in two years. Luckily, you don’t have to wait until the breast cancer vaccine is available to protect yourself. Here are three researchproven natural approaches to help you prevent this all-too-common disease.

1

Get the Toxins Out with Panchakarma: Environmental toxins collect in the fatty tissue of the breasts, where they may contribute to the development of breast cancer. Panchakarma is a detoxification treatment that can effectively eliminate these toxins from the body. Consisting of saturating the body with oils, pulse diagnosis, massage, heat treatments and internal cleansing, it is performed in a spa-like setting with medical personnel.

2

Take Medicinal Mushrooms: Japanese medicinal mushrooms have extraordinary immune system-supporting and cancer-fighting properties. The most effective way to consume them is in concentrated supplement form. One highly researched www.ahccresearch.org is AHCC, a fermented extract of medicinal mushroom mycelia (roots). AHCC is widely used in clinics throughout Asia to bolster the immune system, reduce risks of infections and provide complementary support for the treatment of cancer, Hepatitis C, liver disease and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Observational human studies have suggested AHCC can improve outcomes and quality of life in breast cancer patients. In one study, 33 percent of breast cancer patients taking AHCC experienced remission.

3

Allow Love In: Studies show that women who develop breast cancer give more love than they receive. By surrounding yourself with nurturing relationships, you can reverse this unhealthy imbalance.

8 RENEW OCTOBER 2015

THE

coaching SPOT Bianca Negrón Castro

R

ecuerdo que de pequeña siempre soñaba con hacer la diferencia en el mundo. Sueños muy ambiciosos, dirían muchos, pero haber definido mi legado me ha ayudado a tomar decisiones que me han permitido tener éxito. Y te pregunto: ¿Cuál es tu legado? No tenemos que ser lideres, ni personas de farándulas o políticos para definir nuestro legado. Solo necesitamos crear un compromiso con nosotros para así≠vivir una vida con mayor propósito.

Tengo una frase que me apoya mucho a conectar con mi legado y dice: “No quiero pasar por desapercibida en el mundo”. Esta frase me permite reconectar mi visión sobre mis metas y también me da la oportunidad de estar clara en mi misión de vida. Te comparto que mi legado profesional es apoyar a que las personas logren sus metas en el ámbito profesional, ya sea obteniendo su “dream job” o convirtiéndose en un “entrepreneur”. Mi legado de vida es inspirar a que las personas hagan la diferencia ya sea en su trabajo, comunidad, familia…Lograr definir nuestro legado también nos permite diferenciarnos en el mercado profesional y hasta crear marcas, como lo ha hecho Anthony Robbins ( Motivador y Coach de gran influencia en E.U).

Un legado puede ir alineado al área profesional pero también puede ser personal. Por ejemplo: Como madre, ¿Qué legado quieres dejarle a tus hijos/familia? Como vecino: ¿Quélegado quieres dejarle a tu comunidad?

Como hispano: ¿Quélegado quieres dejar en E.U.? Como ciudadano del mundo ¿Cómo quieres ser recordado? La lista es infinita pero lo esencial de un legado esta resumido en esta frase de Luis Gabriel Carrillo Nava “tal vez muera pero mi legado perdurará”.

Inicia tu búsqueda de legado definiendo tus talentos. Al lograr definir tus talentos podrás conectar fácilmente con tu legado ya que estarás haciendo cosas que te apasionan. Contesta estas preguntas: ¿Cuáles son mis talentos como mamá, profesional, hija, etc.? ¿Cuál de estos talentos me apasiona más y cómo puedo desarrollar mi legado?¿Qué quiero lograr y para qué?

7 Pasos para un Legado Exitoso: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7)

Crea un acuerdo claro contigo.

Desarrolla confianza en ti y en tu legado.

Demuestra interés genuino por lo que haces.

Escucha y demuestra entendimiento hacia los demás.

Transfiere conocimiento.

Asegura el seguimiento de tus acciones.

Valida y reconoce tus logros y el de los demás.

Recuerda que cada acción conlleva una consecuencia…tú determinas el logro y la grandeza de tu legado. ¡Haz la Diferencia!

Bianca Negrón Castro - CEO, The Coaching Spot Certified Leadership & Life Coach Certified Business Image Consultant Certified MindSonar Professional Tel: 787-955-9000 / Email:bnegron@thecoachingspot.com Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TheCoachingSpot OCTOBER 2015 RENEW

9

ASK

DR. J JANICE JANICE UNDERWOOD

N

ow that the school year is finally underway, I am excited to share some of the great questions that have been coming in by our faithful RENEW readers. Keep those questions coming…

Jackie: I work full time outside of the home and have three very active school-aged children. Please tell me how I can balance all of this homework that is and will be pouring in? I am having a hard time getting back into a routine.

Dr. Underwood: Jackie, thank you for writing into me about this! Being a parent is the hardest job in the word, but it is especially difficult being a mother and a working professional outside the home because one has to balance pouring into a job all day, while also saving enough of yourself to still pour into your children and family. Most importantly, remember that your family must come first. So, when I walk out of my office, I attempt to leave my work frustration behind the door because when I get home, my husband and two young children deserve all of my attention. Also, to get back into a routine consider the following suggestions: 1. Plan healthy meals ahead of time and structure mealtime around the family.

2. Initiate a walk-through-the-door routine. As soon as the kids cross the threshold of the front door, they should already know what to do. For example, as you are driving and fast approaching your home, rehearse the routine by saying, “Ok kids, when we walk in the door, I want you to…take your shoes off, go to the restroom, place your books at the kitchen table, make your lunch for the next day, get a snack, and sit down for homework time.

This is also helpful on non-school days…just remove the homework directive. Make sure you repeat this everyday and before long, they will be able to recite the entire list.

3. Post a family calendar in the kitchen or use a virtual calendar app to track and organize your family’s daily routine, events, extra curricular activities and project due dates.

4.Make sure you have your children start a bed-bath time routine and are going to bed at a decent hour. They need plenty of rest to stay focused throughout the day.

5. Limit television watching during the school week. This is where we lose so much valuable time.

Jackie, good luck to you and all parents out there who are working hard to get back into the routine of school. Have a great school year.

e

Sherita: Why does it seem that children in public schools are being stressed out from being over-tested?

Mrs. Underwood: Sherita, because they are! I get this question a lot, and I share your sentiments about the standardized testing overload across the board. I don’t remember being tested as much as this new generation of students. The fact is that testing is most likely here to stay, but I think there is a better way to do this. For example, each grade (grades 3-8) and can have one standardized test at the end of the year in basic reading, writing, and math skills and be tested on all subjects within the scope of the school year using teacher generated assessments.

Therefore, school systems in my opinion should eliminate quarterly benchmark exams and the tons of practice tests they force our kids to endure preparing for the real tests. The good news is that the Virginia Department of Education has begun looking at how the number of SOLs at a variety of grade levels can be reduced, so that teaching and learning can be improved. You can find out more information about this effort by examining the work of the SOL Innovation committee on the Virginia Department of Education’s website. And I encourage you to have your voice heard. Contact your local congressman and/or attend the state school board meetings, where you can sign up to speak during the “public comment” portion of the meetings to share your concerns.

For more details go to: www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/meetings/index.shtml

Thank you to everyone who submitted a question or shared how much you have enjoyed the “Ask a Teacher” column. If you would like to submit a question you can email me directly and confidentially at mailto:janicebellunderwood@gmail.com and your question could be featured in an upcoming issue of RENEW Magazine.

Dr. Janice Underwood is the program chair for the science education program at Old Dominion University, where she trains preservice science teachers to engage diverse learners in K-12 science classrooms.

10 RENEW OCTOBER 2015

Her Broken Places

BY TRACY WAINWRIGHT

Marla had been on the most fantastic whirlwind of her life over the last week. She’d talked to Kimberly and Mack about adopting the baby. They’d been thrilled. The paperwork was already started. She’d agreed to date Carlos and see where things went. She allowed herself to dream. She’d even bought the first thing for her baby –oh, wow!

That sounded so strange: her baby.

Yet, there was a car seat already taking up residence in the backseat of her car.

Tomorrow, she had a meeting with Kimberly to transfer her to begin working with a colleague she had high respect for. She’d met with her parents, called Jen and just about talked her ear off, and made a to-do list three pages long.

Part 23 The next thing on it was to reach out to Amber. She had no idea what bringing a baby home would do to the atmosphere. She had five months, give or take, to figure it out. Amber still had a little more than nine months on her lease. Something had to change, though.

She’d worked it over and over in her mind. Wracking her brain with something she could do to have a real, positive impact on her new roommate. Yet she was coming up empty handed.

“Lord, I need your help on this one, too. Show me a way to reach Amber for you. Please help fix this situation.”

After her quick prayer, she closed her notepad and slipped it into her desk. At that moment the doorbell rang. She glanced at her bedside clock. Carlos was early. He wasn’t supposed to be there until six-thirty. She hadn’t even had her shower yet.

She dashed to the door and opened it only a few inches. Her stomach leaped at the sight of him. “You’re early.”

His smile deepened. “I was anxious to see you.”

“Well, I’m not ready. You’ll have to wait a few minutes.”

“No problem. But can I wait inside?”

She screwed up her face as if she were contemplating her answer, then giggled. “Of course.”

A few minutes later, she was showered and dressed. She dabbed on a bit of makeup and pulled a brush through her damp hair. No time to dry it. Why did she all of a sudden feel like she needed to be dolled up to be with Carlos? He never cared before. Neither had she. But so much had changed.

She stepped out of her bedroom and paused at the sound of a female voice.

“So, you’re the elusive boyfriend.”

“Carlos. And you must be Amber.”

“Um, hmm.”

Woah. That was beyond friendly.

“So, Carlos. What in the world makes you want to be with someone as boring as Marla? She’s like a wet blanket covered with mud.”

A pause proceeded his answer. “That’s not very respectful, Amber. You obviously haven’t spent any time getting to know her.”

“More than enough to tire of the God-dribble. Surely that’ll get old with you, too. I could offer you so much more.”

Marla’s mouth dropped open and her eyes filled with tears. Her feet remained planted.

When Carlos spoke, his voice remained low and steady. “Amber, I’m not sure who’s hurt you or why you’ve decided to reject the Lord who loves you absolutely, but nothing is an excuse for you to cross the line you just did. I am not flattered, amused, or interested.

“I happen to be deeply in love with God and madly in love with Marla. You will not speak of my future wife like that in my presence.”

Marla’s feet flew down the hall. “Your what?”

Carlos looked over at her from where he stood by the sofa. Amber’s face turned beat red and she backed up from him a few steps. Marla kept her gaze locked in with his.

Several seconds passed and Amber exited towards the den towards her bedroom. The door slammed.

“I had it planned out a little different than this.”

“Had what planned?”

“Proposing.”

He dug into his front jeans pocket and pulled out a sapphire-surrounded diamond ring. Her hand flew to her mouth. This couldn’t be happening. She had to be dreaming.

“Marla, I’ve loved you from afar for a long time. Now I want to love you from up close. Will you marry me?”

by Tracy Wainwright, Home Her answer stuck in her throat on her first attempt.

Manager, Writer, Speaker, Then it finally escaped, “Yes!” Conference Director OCTOBER 2015 RENEW

11

SWITCH IT UP IN

THE KITCHEN

W

hether cleaning up after a busy weekend or hosting company, having a few quick kitchen shortcuts on hand is a great way to be prepared for whatever life brings. Many of the best shortcuts come from switching things up and using typical kitchen items in not-so-typical ways.

Aside from being the de facto mess cleaner, paper towels are among the most versatile kitchen tools you can have on hand. They can prolong the life of produce, be used to prep beverages and clean up spills. In fact, paper towels have so many uses, they may render some kitchen “staples” unnecessary.

(Family Features)

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Check out these tips from Viva Vantage paper towels that show you how to switch-up your kitchen routines and tap the full potential of the paper towel: • Ditch the bulky colander in favor of a paper towel. Place veggies and fruit on a sheet of paper towels under a running faucet to function as a strainer; the stretchy strength will keep the towel intact when wet.

• Keep lettuce fresh longer by wrapping a paper towel around a head of lettuce to soak up excess moisture.

• Hand wash and dry wine glasses and other stemware using the cloth-like texture of Viva Vantage paper towels for a sparkling finish.

• Replace the need for a vegetable scrubber by utilizing the great scrubbing power of Viva Vantage paper towels to properly clean mushrooms, potatoes, etc.

• Need to chill white wine quickly? Don’t dilute it with ice; wrap a damp paper towel around the bottle and put it in the freezer to chill rapidly.

• Slip a damp paper towel under your cutting board to prevent it from shifting while slicing and dicing.

• Need to get that grime off your stove? The great scrubbing power of Viva Vantage paper towels allows you to clean the toughest messes and restore your kitchen’s shine.

Finding non-traditional ways to use common household tools is a handy trick to make kitchen maintenance easy. So switch things up and see what a difference one item, like a paper towel, can make! Visit Vantage7DaySwitch.com for a coupon to purchase and try Viva Vantage paper towels, share your switch up experience and enter for a chance to instantly win a $100 gift card.

12 RENEW OCTOBER 2015

Cake plate Wilton Cake Leveler Wilton 13-inch Angled Spatula Wilton 12-inch Disposable Decorating Bags Prepare cake according to box instructions and make two layers using 6-inch round pans. Bake and cool on cooling grid.

(Family Features)

T

ransform your house into Frankenstein’s lab with a few party tricks and Halloween treats. Set the scene with a mad scientist-themed sweets table and carry it home with a crazy good menu featuring frightfully yummy appetizers, mocktails and, of course, treats.

Tricks for Your Treats • Chili Mac Cup Concoction: Use a regular muffin pan to bake mac and cheese cups - a fun twist on the kids’ favorite. The macaroni cups are the perfect chili topper for a hearty fall favorite.

• Little Monsters Mocktail: Play mixologist with a perfect potion recipe featuring a few easy ingredients: apple juice, club soda and delicious drops of Treatology flavor concentrates in tastetempting Cinnamon Graham and Creamy Vanilla Custard flavors. Serve up these mad scientist mixtures in food-safe Wilton plastic beakers.

• Candy Corn Craze: Halloween wouldn’t be the same without candy, especially candy corn. Wow guests with your inventive use of the iconic Halloween flavor. Infuse limited edition Candy Corn flavored Candy Melts Candy into cupcake icing.

• The Guest of Horror: You can’t have a mad scientist Halloween party without Frankenstein. This easy buttercream cake makes a big statement, a fantastic centerpiece for your sweets table and will make others green with envy over your decorating skills. The Color Right Performance Color System makes it easy to mix the precise shade of Frankenstein green.

For more Halloween party ideas and inspiration, visit www.wilton.com.

Prepare Spring Green icing using this color tint formula from the Color Right Performance Color System: 4 cups icing + 30 Y + 6 B. Stack layers on cake plate for a two-layer cake, using leveler as needed. Ice cake sides smooth with green icing.

Use black pouch icing without tip to cover top of cake. Use tip of spatula to create spiral effect.

Use black pouch icing with star tip to pipe pullout bangs around top edge and two hair strands on cake top.

Prepare a disposable decorating bag with green icing; cut a hole in point of bag the size of tip 3.

Attach candy eyeballs with dots of green icing.

Pipe green eyelids.

Use black pouch icing with round tip to pipe dot nose and neck bolts, outline mouth and stitches.

Frankenstein Cake Serves: 12 6 cups favorite cake recipe or mix 4 cups Wilton White Ready-To-Use Decorator Icing (4.5-pound tub) Wilton Color Right Performance Color System Wilton Black Icing Pouch with Tips Wilton Large Candy Eyeballs Tools: Wilton 6-by-3-inch Round Pan More Recipes: Wilton 10-by-16-inch Cooling Grid Scan Here

10% of Profits Will be Donated to:

Every Saturday Night in October 2015

OCTOBER 2015 RENEW

13

TRENDS TURN TO COZY AND COMFORTABLE FALL

ENTERTAINING

(BPT)

Purples and oranges are trending colors this fall

A

s the glorious days of summer slip into crisp evenings, the changing colors trigger a transition in seasonal décor.

“There’s an exciting mix of texture and color in fall fashion that’s extending into home decorating,” says designer Julie Robbins. “As for tabletop, a big trend this season is blending patterns you wouldn’t ordinarily put on the same table. For example, paring a very exotic or modern pattern, like an animal print or an architectural design with a mainstream vintage Americana pattern such as Fiesta, or maybe mixing a polka dot pattern with fine china. It’s unexpected, but it really works.”

Robbins helps customers put a new spin on their dinnerware as the lead designer at Replacements,

Ltd. touted as the world’s largest retailer of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles.

Robbins says shades of purple are trending this fall, including various tones of berry and plums, along with warm autumn oranges and sage. Popular textures lean toward natural materials such as burlap, leather and knits. If you really want to get your creative juices flowing, Robbins suggests repurposing an old shawl into a table runner.

Get cozy with friends and family As home decor changes with fall trends, so is the way many entertain. Gatherings lean toward relaxed, cozy evenings making memories with friends and family; a respite before the upcoming busy holiday season.

“My favorite autumn get-togethers are around the fireplace with homemade chili and cornbread - a very casual, blue jean kind of thing and that’s a big trend for fall entertaining,” Robbins says. “People are paring back and looking for ways to entertain that don’t mean setting a table for 12. This ranges from baby boomers looking to downsize to millennials who want substance over flash. It’s earthy and simple.”

Robbins says fall root vegetables and apples coming into season signal a time for cool weather dishes and the tableware that goes with it, such as soup bowls and mugs. Canapé plates and individual dip bowls are perfect for tailgating and outdoor finger food buffets around a bonfire or fire pit, because these smaller pieces give guests the freedom to mingle.

14 RENEW OCTOBER 2015

Reuse, repurpose, recycle Another great tip, when moving your entertaining out of the dining room: think about the space you’re going to use, then brainstorm innovative ways to repurpose things from your Part 22 table.

“I like to fill pitchers with flowers or fall foliage to create gorgeous accents that can be used outdoors or anywhere around the house,” says Replacements’ Product Marketing Manager, Keith Winkler. “It’s easy to turn a serving tray into a unique center piece by placing small mums, pansies or other fall potted plants in a nice arrangement on the tray. You can turn wine glasses upside down and place candles on the base to create unique holders.

The possibilities are endless.”

Americana patterns are popular Repurposing is this fall for entertaining more than fun and functional - these new uses also make great conversation starters. Robbins plans on posting fall entertaining and decorating ideas on Replacements’ Facebook page throughout the autumn months.

FIND THE SILVER LININGS IN LIFE

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

(Family Features)

E

very year, approximately 250,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer.

As a vegan-eating, marathon-running, mother in her 30s with no family history of breast cancer, Hollye Jacobs was unexpectedly diagnosed with the disease. Now, the nurse turned New York Times bestselling author of “The Silver Lining: A Supportive and Insightful Guide to Breast Cancer” has partnered with Allstate to help everyone impacted by cancer receive a free guide with practical tips, important information and inspiration to inform and support people from diagnosis, through treatment and recovery, and into life after cancer.

“I am honored to partner with Allstate to empower women with knowledge to take control of their health and encourage each other along the way,” said Jacobs.

“I hope we can all be there for each other and find the silver linings in life.”

As a follow-up to her successful book, Jacobs offers this inspiring advice on how to find the silver lining and feel your best in any situation:

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Messina

• Dress the part: Dress to feel your best no matter where your day takes you, from school to work to chemotherapy. Invest in pieces that make you feel comfortable and confident. During her chemotherapy experience, Jacobs found that cotton scarves were the easiest to tie and most effective at staying comfortably on her head when out and about.

Bestselling author, nurse and breast cancer survivor shares advice for healthy living • Exercise: Pace yourself and set reasonable goals to take control of a healthy lifestyle. Begin slowly but consistently to establish a positive habit on which you can build; even a slow stroll can be transformative for your health.

• Healthy eating: Like exercise, good nutrition helps offset exhaustion that comes with the weight of daily stresses and fatigue. A balanced and healthy diet doesn’t have to be expensive. Incorporate nutrient-dense foods like avocados and nuts, and drink plenty of water. Whenever possible, avoid alcohol, sugar and processed foods.

• Encourage each other: Jacobs’ biggest life lesson from her experience with cancer was that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you think that you could benefit from professional or spiritual support, pursue it. Celebrate positive thinking and remember that everyone reacts to life’s unexpected struggles and pain differently. Be kind and patient with others and, most importantly, yourself.

• Express yourself: For Jacobs, writing was cathartic. Her book evolved from her blog, www.TheSilverPen.com, which unexpectedly reached audiences far beyond her circle of friends and family. She encourages people to write down at least three silver linings each day, from noticing the color of a flower to petting an animal.

• Educate yourself: Be an active participant in your health by learning from trusted sources and resisting the urge to blindly search online for information. When learning anything new, be patient, open, flexible and assertive to find what works best and most comfortably for your routine.

The free Silver Lining Companion Guide is available for download or for pick up at participating distribution centers and select Allstate agencies nationwide. Download or find the nearest participating distribution center at www.Allstate.com/SilverLining.

OCTOBER 2015 RENEW

15