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Lessons
from a rocking chair
An iconic image of summer is the country wrap-around porch. Its wooden slats form a symmetrical path that beckons you to follow the beams of sunlight reaching across the rails and touching a tall, icy glass of lemonade sweating in the summer heat.
A
slight breeze meanders across the porch and bumps into the tall wooden sail of the back of the rocking chair causing it to creak ever so slightly. The gentle rock of the chair whispers your name and invites you to sit and ponder the slower things of life.
— E. Otto Tilley The rocking chair is a marvel of simple design. The shape
cradles your body and offers the perfect angle of rest for your arms. But perhaps the most ingenious part of the design is the slightly arching runners upon which the chair sits. Ingenious, not because of their shape, but because of their purpose; they use our stress to relax us. Sit in a four-legged chair and stress causes you to tap your foot on the floor, or pat your leg with your hand, but neither of these relax you. In fact, there’s the tendency to increase the speed of the tapping or the force of the patting which increases the anxiety of trying to relieve the stress!
But sit in a rocking chair and the world slows down as you gently, but purposefully, allow the stress to escape through your feet into the wooden slats below. The wood creaks beneath your feet, time slows down, and you begin to notice the little things that had been drowned out by the louder demands of life. You see the roses blooming along the fence, you hear the songbirds serenading the sun, and you watch a robin diligently seeking its next meal across the lush green grass of the front lawn. Then you notice the sky is a deeper blue as you watch the clouds dance, perfectly choreographed to the melody of the wind. The rocking chair has done its job. Your heart beats slower as you notice a world that you walk in every day but seldom see a world designed for you. It’s a love letter from a gracious lover and passionate friend, the Creator. It’s a work of art designed to inspire you and to help your soul find the way home. Coerced by a gentle breeze, you close your eyes, and for a moment in time, you surrender and simply rest. Are you tired? Worn out?...Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest…Learn the unforced rhythms of grace…Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11:28-30
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One high priority for me this summer is leveraging those extra opportunities to be with family and friends, making the moments really count. For me, that means being fully present and emotionally engaged, loving deeply and giving freely. And looking beyond my own world to see how I might be able to help others. What can you do to make your life really count this summer? I challenge you to identify your top three values. What is really important to you? Integrity, family, friendship, independence, creativity, balance, generosity, service, community. Take time to appreciate the people who have instilled these values in you. Then, consider how you can transfer them to your children.
SUMMER 2010
…Easy? Relaxed? Action packed? Exciting? Whatever your summer plans, you’ll find wonderful ideas for enjoying “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” in this edition of pointe!
CONTENTS
Summertime, and the living is...
If freedom happens to be one of your top three, then add an exclamation mark on your child’s mind regarding July 4th as we celebrate America’s 234th year of independence! Spend time together reading a book on American history and discussing the true price of the freedoms we enjoy. (Oh, by the way, did you know that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4? Maybe that will help you win a trivia game this summer. ) I trust that this summer will be one of your best ever. Spend time with those you love. Celebrate freedom. Sip lemonade in a rocking chair. Play hard, rest and make memories. Because you matter,
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Lessons from a Rocking Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Coosaw Pointe Business Association. . . . . . . 7 Go Higher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
focal pointe!
Pledge of Allegiance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Flag Ettiquette. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Birth of Our Nation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
pointe! yummy
Local Farmers Markets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Homemade Ice Cream. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Fresh-squeezed Lemonade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Backyard Burger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
summer pointe!rs
Summer Safety Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 In Style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Sand, Sun and Studying. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Put More Fun in Your Marriage. . . . . . . . . . 28 Last Minute Summer Fun Ideas. . . . . . . . . . 30 Moonlight Shaggin’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
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EDITORS
Lori Stephanoff Wanda Litchenberg Cindy Van Horn
ADVERTISING Cara Adams
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Sherie LaPrade Chris Duckett
To advertise, go to pointemag.org or contact advertise@pointemag.org
pointe! magazine
asked 250 women questions relating to our Summer issue content. Look for their responses throughout the magazine.
pointe! magazine | cathedral of praise | 3790 ashley phosphate road charleston, south carolina | 843.760.2626 | www.pointemag.org
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local farmers markets City of Charleston
North Charleston
Goose Creek
April 3 - December 19 Saturdays, 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Location: Marion Square, Charleston
April 22 – mid-October Thursdays, 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Location: Felix C. Davis Community Center at Park Circle
May 6 – September 30 Thursdays, 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Location: Goose Creek Community Center
Coosaw Pointe May 12 – October Wednesdays, 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Location: Off Park Forest Pkwy. at the ballfield behind Publix
Daniel Island
Summerville
May 6 – September 30 Thursdays – 3 p.m. until dusk Location: Family Circle Tennis Complex
April 3 – late fall Saturdays, 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Location: S. Main St. by Town Hall
Mount Pleasant
Freshfields Village
MUSC Farmers Market
April 13 – October 19 Tuesdays, 3 p.m. until Dark Location: Pavilion on Coleman Blvd. (Moultrie Middle School grounds)
June 7 – August 30 Mondays, 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Location: Freshfields Village, Johns Island traffic circle between Kiawah & Seabrook
April – late fall Fridays, 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Location: MUSC Horseshoe, 171 Ashley Avenue
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Coosaw Pointe — Brooks Hearn
Coosaw Pointe, a family community
Business Association
Happy First Anniversary!
Just one year ago, a ribbon cutting ceremony officially designated the beginning of Coosaw Pointe, the brainchild of several business owners who envisioned bringing an identity and sense of community to the area radiating from the intersection of Dorchester and Ashley Phosphate Roads. Their Mission: To create a friendly environment that promotes family values, neighborhood events and community health.
current happenings
“Our Mission: To create a
friendly environment that promotes family values, neighborhood events and community health.”
Farmers’ Market On Wednesdays, bring home an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables for your family! (see details on the opposite page.)
Vote for Your Favorite The Coosaw Pointe Business Association (CPBA) sponsors a monthly contest recognizing noteworthy people, businesses, and achievements in the area. All community members are invited to participate. Winners in each category (Pet, Yard, Student, Teacher, Restaurant) receive prizes. Ballots are posted at www.coosawpointe.com.
Future Goals • Street lights along Dorchester Road • Park where kids can play • Community center
How You Can Get Involved “We are building a name and a personality, and when something good is happening, everyone wants to jump on board,” says a current association member. CPBA welcomes new members. “What a great opportunity for businesses to tie yourself to this community,” says association president Vickie Waller. If you would like more information on member benefits or how to join, visit coosawpointe.com or email vwaller@usobe.com.
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How many miles will you travel this summer to visit family + friends?
1 of out 5 gals will travel over 1000 miles
Reunion — Letty Parrish
tim e
If your passion is fun, travel and being with those you love, why not combine them in one
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event ?
Imagine being with your extended family around a campfire, roasting hot dogs and making s’mores! Or maybe you prefer dinner on a cruise with your best friends? If these sound fun to you, then it’s time to start planning your own reunion!
Here are few ideas on what to do once you’ve all arrived.
Reunion Planning Tips
A “Tacky Walk” – everyone dresses in their tackiest outfit and parades through the group. The winner gets a prize…a tacky one, of course.
Who? Immediate family or any group you’d love to be around.
Whether college roommates or small group friends, a reunion may be the perfect event!
Group Activities Games, such as Charades, Spoons or Crazy Eights. Eating Contests – “Favorite Cereal” or “Marshmallow” where everyone brings their preferred brand, the entire group tastes to choose the favorite.
When
Auction – Raise money for charity or pay for food at the next event with a family auction. Have everyone bring an item to sell such as something you no longer use or cherished items such as a family photo, Granddaddy’s stool, Nana’s pot or a favorite homemade cake.
Where? If this is a new event for your group, start in familiar
Outside Activities – Plan based on your location. Don’t forget to check for local events!
? Any time of year that works for your group. Consider holidays when school is out or maybe around another event, like a wedding, birthday or simply when a distant relative will be in town. territory close to home. Every group is unique, so plan what best fits their likes. • • • • •
Relative’s house Picnic at a local park Day at the beach Campsite Cruise
Why? Your love of family, fun and travel! How? Several months in advance, scope out a location and make
reservations. Spread the word by e-mail or phone. Make sure you provide all the pertinent information, such as dates, websites for the area around the location, contact information and deadline for lodging reservations. Ask for RSVP by phone or email then be sure to follow up with everyone.
Rainy-day Ideas – Museums or an aquarium are popular choices. Ask about group discounts. Meals – Plan in advance to share the responsibility for food and drinks. For one-day events, ask for everyone to bring food or donate money towards purchasing or catering the food. For multi-day events, evenly divide the meals between family units. Each would then decide on what they want to serve. One important thing to consider is for the “host” family to plan the first meal since others may be arriving at various times. Take LOTS of photos to share!
P lan your unforgettable reunion – starting today!
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The Pledge of Allegiance I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
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Flag Etiquette
Federal law stipulates many aspects of flag etiquette. The section of law dealing with American Flag etiquette is generally referred to as the Flag Code. Some general guidelines from the Flag Code answer many of the most common questions:
The flag should be:
• lighted at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source. • flown in fair weather, unless the flag is designed for inclement weather use.
The flag should not be:
• dipped to any person or thing. It is flown upside down only as a distress signal. • have any mark, insignia, letter, word, number, figure, or drawing of any kind placed on it, or attached to it. • used for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground or any other object; it should be received by waiting hands and arms. To store the flag, fold it neatly and ceremoniously. The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary. When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner. Saluting Protocol When the flag is being raised, lowered, or passing by (as in a parade) and also during the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, persons in uniform give the military salute. If not in uniform, members of the military, retired or current, may also give the military salute. All others salute the flag by standing at attention, tall and straight with the left arm at the side, and placing the right hand over the heart. Traditionally, men remove any head covers and hold them over their left shoulder; women are not required to do so. However, scouts in uniform keep their head covers on, and salute either with their hands over their hearts or with the scout salute. Men who are wearing a hat should remove the hat with their right hand and hold it over their shoulder so the right hand, not the hat, is resting over the heart. Citizens of other countries should stand at attention.
Have you served in any branch of the US Military? Personally served 7 % Husband served 47 % Parent served 46 %
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Birth of Our Nation 1. Where was the Declaration of Independence signed? a. New York b. Boston c. Philadelphia d. Washington D. C.
6. How many stripes are on the American Flag? a. 10 b. 13 c. 21 d. 50
2. How many signatures are on the Declaration of Independence? a. 13 b. 28 c. 50 d. 56
7. What do the white stars on the flag represent? a. No symbolism, just the number that would fit b. The number of battles won in Revolution c. The number of original signers of the Declaration d. Each state
4. What is the nickname for the colonists who fought in the war? a. Redcoats b. Sons of Liberty c. Minutemen d. Boston Red Sox 5. Why was John Hancock the first signer of the Declaration? a. He was the primary author b. Signatures were in order by colonies c. He was the president of the Continental Congress d. He owned an insurance company
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8. What date is Flag Day celebrated each year? a. February 22 b. May 5 c. June 14 d. December 7 9. What was the 50th state admitted into the union? a. Hawaii b. Colorado c. Montana d. Alaska 10. Which is not a nickname for the flag of the United States of America? a. Old Glory b. Stars and Stripes c. Lady Liberty d. Star-Spangled Banner
Answer Key: 1. c; 2. d; 3. b; 4. c; 5. c; 6. b; 7. d; 8. c; 9. a; 10. c
3. Which one of the following men also rode with Paul Revere on his “midnight ride�? a. John Larkin b. William Dawes c. John Hancock d. Samuel Adams
— Cindy Van Horn
I love the Fourth of July! We celebrate with decorations, patriotic music, food and fireworks! This year, I decided to commemorate the birth of our nation by brushing up on American history and remembering how our nation began. Initially, our settlers were from England. By the 1700’s, Germans, French, Dutch, Swedes, Finns and Scots had arrived by the thousands. Some came for adventure or to escape persecution. Others were brought as servants or slaves. The diversity of our growing population created unity combined with an attitude of self-reliance and independence that came from being separated by an ocean from the Old World. Through a series of parliamentary acts in the 1760s and 1770s, the British sought to gain greater control and profit from the colonies. These acts imposed restrictions and created taxes without any input or representation from the colonies. With each new act, the colonists’ protests and discontent grew. Two events were turning points: first, the “Boston Massacre” on March 5, 1770 when five colonists were killed in a skirmish with British soldiers. Then in 1773, the “Boston Tea Party” occurred and protesting colonists attacked three ships in the Boston harbor, throwing their cargo, tea, overboard. Parliament reacted by closing Boston Harbor and enacting the Coercive Acts (or the Intolerable Acts) intended to punish and subdue the troublesome colonies. A formal, unified response was needed by the colonists, so fiftyfive delegates from twelve colonies gathered in Philadelphia in September 1774 as the First Continental Congress. At this point, they sought to right the wrongs that had been inflicted on the colonies and to become self-governing. Congress planned to meet again in May 1775 to discuss their options if the King had not responded favorably to their formal petition. The congressmen returned to their homes and began organizing governing bodies and creating militias to defend themselves. Farmers, peasants, and shopkeepers were trained to pick up their guns and fight on a minute’s notice, earning the nickname “minutemen.” With tensions escalating and British troops occupying Boston, confrontation was inevitable.
On the night of April 18, 1775, three riders, including Paul Revere, alerted the Massachusetts countryside that British troops were on their way. The next morning in Lexington, history was made with “the shot heard round the world.” While the British were only slowed down by the minutemen at Lexington, they were decisively defeated at Concord. With these two battles, the American Revolution had begun. Less than one month later, the Second Continental Congress convened. George Washington was appointed commander-inchief. Another petition was prepared requesting representation and reconciliation. King George responded by sending 25,000 more troops. In June 1776, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingstone, and Thomas Jefferson were appointed to prepare a document declaring independence from Britain. On July 4, 1776, the final draft of the Declaration of Independence was formally accepted. A new nation, the “United States of America,” was born. There were fifty-six signers of the Declaration. The first and most famous signature was John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress. The oldest signer was Benjamin Franklin (age 70); the youngest was Edward Rutledge (age 26). Two future presidents signed: John Adams (second President) and Thomas Jefferson (third President). All were brave, committed world changers. For 234 years, our freedom has been preserved by men and women who also were willing to fight, many making the ultimate sacrifice. No matter what our current situation may be, remember these words of our Founding Fathers:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness…And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. Happy Fourth of July to you, your family and friends and to this great Nation! May this be a special year of celebration and remembrance of America’s birth and godly heritage.
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Summertime is playtime! Whether you’re just in it for the fun or have a competitive streak, call up a few friends and...
Have you ever played: Bocce ball 70 % Ladder golf 24 % Half-rubber 25 %
BOCCE BALL Bocce can easily be played on the beach or lawn. This age-old game has been a staple of American cookouts, lawn parties, and beach outings for decades. Almost all major discount and sporting goods stores sell bocce ball sets. Bocce can be played between two to four players or teams of two, three or four. It is played with eight large balls of two different colors and one smaller ball (called a pallina or “jack”). The object of the game is to get your ball as close to the pallina as possible. There are different versions of the game, but some of the basics are: Before you begin, define a “zone” for the jack to land. A match starts with a randomly chosen side throwing the jack from one end of the playing area into a determined zone. If they miss twice, the other team then places the jack anywhere they choose within the prescribed zone.
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GET YOUR GAME ON! The side that first attempted to place the jack bowls first. Once the first bowl has taken place, the other side bowls. From then on, the side which does not have the ball closest to the jack has a chance to bowl, until one side or the other has used their four balls. The other side then bowls its remaining balls.
“bolas” (which consist of two golf balls attached by a nylon rope.) The object of the game is to wrap your bolas around the steps of the ladder. The ladder consists of three steps, a top, middle and a bottom step. Teams can play by alternating play each round or additional bolas and ladders can be purchased for team play. Ladder Golf games are sold at most discount and sporting good stores.
How to Play
Set ladder 15 feet away from the “Toss Line” (can be measured as five paces).
red scores two points The team with the closest bocce ball to the jack is the only team that can score points in any frame. The scoring team receives one point for each of their balls that is closer to the jack than the closest ball of the other team. The length of a game varies but is typically from 7 to 13 points. Players are permitted to throw the ball in the air using an underarm action. This is generally used to knock either the jack or another ball away to attain a more favorable position. Tactics can get quite complex when players have sufficient control over the bocce ball to throw or roll it accurately. Simplified version: randomly choose a team to throw the jack wherever. The goal is simply to bowl your ball closest to the jack. Alternate turns until all balls have been thrown. One point is given to whichever two balls are closest to the jack.
LADDER GOLF
Ladder Golf is played with two or more players or teams. Each player has three
Ladder Golf is played in rounds, each round consists of all players tossing three bolas. Use a coin toss to decide which player or team will toss first.
Each player tosses all three bolas before the next player’s turn. Bolas are tossed in any way the player chooses, even bounced off the ground, just as long as the bolas are tossed individually.
one point. A bonus of one point may be given by hanging all three bolas from the same step OR by hanging a bola on all three steps. The maximum points a player can earn in a round is 10. This can only happen by hanging all three bolas on the top step. In the case of a tie, the players that tie will play overtime rounds. These rounds continue until one player ends a complete round two points ahead of the other player. To win, a player must be the only one to score exactly 21 points after the completion of a round. If a player goes over 21, the points for that round do not count.
other summer games to consider • • • • • • • •
Badminton Bean-bag Toss Cornhole Croquet Frisbee / Frisbee Golf Half-Rubber Horseshoes Volleyball
Scoring: After all teams have tossed their bolas, only bolas that are still hanging from the steps receive points. (Good defensive tactics encourage knocking off other players’ bolas.) Points are determined by which step your bola wraps around. Top step = three points; middle step = two points; bottom step =
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Favorite ice cream topping? Chocolate syrup or hot fudge 59% M&Ms / other candies 12% Fresh fruit 13% Oreos 12%
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Go higher — Nancy Strickland
When summer comes to the Lowcountry, she always brings with her a spiteful humidity that seems to reach out and flatten my hair. Despite my dampened hairdos, summer has managed to produce many fond memories, particularly of growing up on a farm. I often think back to the days when sweet tea was served in mason jars and weekends were spent reading the comics section of the newspaper. One of my favorite summer pastimes was swinging on the front porch. My mother never really let me swing too high for fear of me crashing into her kitchen window. One day while my uncle was keeping me, I talked him into swinging as high as we could go. The next thing I knew, we flew through the air and landed in the yard. We weren’t hurt – although I can’t speak for the kitchen window. Many years have passed since then, but swinging still remains a vital part of my summer. Recently I was watching my grandsons swinging in my backyard. Their little, excited voices started to squeal as they begged, “Push us higher!” As I pushed them with everything I had, the thought on the inside of me was, “Why don’t you get in the swing and let Me push you higher?” I felt like there was something God was trying to say so I thought about this for several days. I pictured myself getting into a swing and saying to God just what my grandsons said to me, “Push me higher!” If you’re like me, I began to question, “What is higher?” Higher is the “above and beyond” lifestyle! Deuteronomy 28:12-13 tells us that God’s plan is for us to be the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath, the lender and not the borrower. This “higher” living is being able to experience the blessing of God, which is exactly what He desires for His children. Someone said, “God’s only pain is to be doubted and His only pleasure is to be believed.” I made up my mind that I’m going to bring pleasure to Father God by believing in His blessing for my life. Every time He makes a promise, I choose to accept that promise. I picture it as a caterer serving a huge platter of goodies at an event. He comes to offer me the platter, waiting for me to choose. I say, “Thank you, I believe I will,” then help myself to what has been provided. God has offered us numerous promises in the Bible. All we need to do is find the scriptures that cover our situation and say, “Thank you, Lord. I believe I will receive that.” This brings great pleasure to our Father. So whenever you see a child swinging this summer, remember that there is a big God who will always want you to go higher too—higher into the blessings He has provided!
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recipes
Ingredients: 1 (15 ounce) package pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie 1 egg, beaten 5 cups sliced peeled peaches 2 tablespoons lemon juice ½ cup all-purpose flour 1 cup white sugar ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line the bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie plate with one of the pie crusts. Brush with beaten egg to keep the dough from becoming soggy. Place sliced peaches in a large bowl, and sprinkle with lemon juice. Mix gently. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Pour over the peaches, and mix gently. Pour into pie crust, and dot with butter. Cover with the other pie crust cut into 1 inch strips. Fold and flute the edges to seal. Brush the remaining egg over the top crust. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is brown and the juice begins to bubble through the vents. If the edges brown too fast, cover them with strips of aluminum foil about halfway through baking. Serve warm.
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Fresh Peach Pie
Peach Trifle Ingredients: 1 (8 ounce) carton vanilla low-fat yogurt 1 (3.4 ounce) package vanilla instant pudding mix 2 cups skim milk ⅓ cup strawberry jam 1 (8 ounce) angel food cake, cut into ¾ inch cubes and divided 2 cups canned sliced peaches in juice, drained and divided Fresh strawberries, sliced (optional) Fresh mint sprigs, (optional) Spoon yogurt onto several layers of heavy-duty paper towels. Spread to ½ inch thickness. Cover with additional paper towels; let stand 5 minutes. Scrape yogurt into a bowl using a rubber spatula. Combine pudding mix and skim milk; whisk until blended. Stir yogurt into pudding mixture; set aside. Arrange half of cake cubes in a 2-quart trifle bowl. Spread half of pudding mixture over cake. Drizzle jam evenly over pudding. Arrange 1 cup sliced peaches over jam. Repeat layering procedure with remaining cake, pudding and peaches. If desired, garnish with sliced strawberries and mint sprigs.
summer 2010
recipes
Strawberry High-Rise Cake
Ingredients: 8-10 medium peaches, peeled and sliced 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup flour, all-purpose 1 cup white sugar 1 egg, beaten 1 stick butter, melted
Ingredients: 1 package yellow cake mix with pudding 1½-2 pints fresh strawberries, sliced 5 whole strawberries for top of cake 1 (16 ounce) strawberry glaze 1 (8 ounce) cream cheese, at room temperature ½ cup sugar 12 ounces whipped topping, thawed 1 cup powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line sprayed casserole dish with peaches and sprinkle with brown sugar. In bowl, mix flour and white sugar together. Form a little well in the center of flour mixture and pour a in little of the egg. Drag a fork through the mixture, forming crumbles. Do not let mixture become a lump of dough. This needs to be crumbly. Sprinkle on top of peaches and brown sugar. If so desired, repeat with another cup of flour, cup of sugar and egg until you have covered the top. Drizzle melted butter over cobbler. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Ingredients: 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple 1 cup coconut 1 cup brown sugar 1 box yellow cake mix, prepared ½ stick butter 1 cup nuts, chopped Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 x 13 inch pan. Pour pineapple with juice on bottom of pan. Sprinkle coconut, then nuts and then brown sugar on top. Pour cake batter on top. Dot butter over cake batter. Bake 1 hour. Cool 5 minutes; invert.
Strawberry Whipped Sensation Ingredients: 4 cups fresh strawberries 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk ½ cup lemon juice 1 large container whipped topping 8 Oreo chocolate sandwich cookies, finely chopped 1 tablespoon butter, melted Line 8 x 4 inch loaf pan with foil. Mash 2 cups strawberries in large bowl. Stir in condensed milk, juice and 2 cups whipped topping; pour into pan. Combine chopped cookies and butter; press into mixture. Cover and freeze for 6+ hours. To serve, invert onto plate. Remove foil; frost with remaining whipped topping. Top with remaining strawberries.
Bake cake according to package directions for two round cake pans. After cake has cooled completely, slice through layers to make four thin layers. Place in the freezer. Mix sliced strawberries with glaze. With mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar, whipped topping, and powdered sugar. On cake plate, place one layer of frozen cake. Spread a layer of cream cheese mixture on layer. Spread some strawberry glaze on top of the cream cheese mixture and add another layer of cake. Repeat layering process until you end with cream cheese mixture on top. Add the five whole strawberries in the center of the cake top for decoration. Refrigerate until serving time.
Fruit Pizza Ingredients: Sugar cookie dough ¾ cup water 3 tablespoons cornstarch 1 cup orange juice 1 (8 ounce) package of cream cheese ½ cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla Strawberries Blueberries Cherries Bananas Kiwis Grapes Spread sugar cookie mix on a round pizza pan and bake according to package directions for 10-15 minutes and cool. Mix water, orange juice, and cornstarch in a pan and cook on stovetop until thick and let cool. Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Spread cheese mixture over cookie dough and then top with slices of fruit. Top with orange glaze.
summer fruit
Peach Cobbler
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fresh-squeezed Lemonade
in 3 simple steps By the Glass Step 1
Make sugar syrup: Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan and heat to boiling. Remove from heat, stir to dissolve sugar completely, and allow it to cool. (Each glass uses only a couple of tablespoons so make this ahead and store, covered, in the refrigerator. It keeps for weeks.)
Step 2
In a tall glass, combine the juice of half a lemon, 2 tablespoons of the sugar syrup and 8 to 10 oz. of cold water.
Step 3
Add ice and garnish (strawberries, fresh mint, watermelon, etc). Serve immediately.
By the Pitcher Step 1
Cut 6 – 8 lemons in half then juice them over a sieve to remove pulp and seeds. You will need 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Pour juice into a large pitcher.
Step 2
Add 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of cold water. Mix well, until sugar crystals disappear. Stir in 5 more cups of cold water.
Step 3
Serve cold, garnished with strawberries, fresh mint sprigs, watermelon chunks or strawberries.
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Lemonade
this classic summer quencher can easily be made from scratch
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Summer
safety tips ... or or L essons essons from from a a Mom om — Cindy Van Horn
School’s out and outdoor fun is in full swing. Enjoy all that summer has to offer, just be careful about protecting yourself and your family. As I now have children who are old enough to have children of their own, time has provided me with lots of learning moments. Most of these tips seem like common sense, but I have had to learn a few the hard way. Hope these quick reminders prevent hard lessons for you and your family!
what spf sunscreen do you use? Don’t use - 12 % 8-8% 15 - 22 % 30 - 31 % 45 - 19 % 60 - 8 %
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Get Closer! Shaving Secrets:
Fun in the Sun: •
• • • •
•
The best defense against too much sun is to cover up. Stay in the shade and avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day.
Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15. Apply it before leaving home and re-apply often. Drink lots of water, and then drink even more. (Avoid caffeine since it dehydrates.) Eat small meals and eat more often.
Wear a helmet and safety gear when biking, skating, skateboarding, and riding scooters, ATV and horses.
Make sure that metal slide is cool BEFORE your child slides down.
Water Safety: •
•
• •
We all feel a little safer when visiting beaches and pools with lifeguards, but still keep a close eye on your kids. Backyard pool safety includes fencing with gates to keep children from entering without an adult present.
82% claim that it’s all about the razor. Half of those responses were brand loyal to Gillette Venus. Many other women state any 3 blade razor on sale will do the trick. 60% prefer gel vs. cream. shaving Tip: If you run out of shaving product, try hair conditioner!
“
overheard:
Never shave in a hurry, while talking on the phone, while riding in a vehicle or boat and never on a jet ski!
Rescue equipment (shepherd’s hook and life preserver) should always be near the pool. Implement the buddy system rather than swimming or playing in the water alone.
Food Safety: • •
• •
Make sure perishable food stays cool, whether on a long trip or simply a picnic at the park or beach.
Avoid food-borne illness by not letting perishable food sit outside more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature is over 90°). A full cooler maintains its cold temperature longer than one that is only partially filled. Use the charcoal grill outside only – it produces dangerous carbon monoxide.
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The Backyard Burger …build your own
average # of times you grill each week?
75% grill 1-2 times each week
Making hamburgers should be fun! Get adventurous!
Burger Basics
Add just about anything you like To your burger mixture • Fresh or dried herbs and spices, like finely cut chives or oregano • Dehydrated or fresh minced onion and garlic • Seasoning mixes for soups or salad dressings • Your favorite cheese, such as Bleu cheese, goat cheese, Gorgonzola, Feta, Stilton, Cheddar, or Pepper Jack • Prepared sauces including barbeque sauce, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, Hoisin sauce, plum sauce, oyster sauce, salsa, or salad dressing • Other tidbits like olives, capers, chopped tomatoes, diced chilies, sundried tomatoes, crumbled bacon, or minced ham • Wait on the salt! Don’t combine it into the mixture because salt will extract moisture from the meat, leaving you with dry burgers. Instead, sprinkle each burger with salt right before you put it on the grill.
Top it off with any combination of these ingredients • • • • • • • • • • •
Bacon Barbeque sauce Grilled or raw onions Grilled mushrooms Guacamole Lettuce or spinach leaves Marinara sauce Peanut butter Salsa Sliced pineapple Tomato slices
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• Any of your favorite cheeses: American Monterey Mozzarella Muenster Provolone Swiss
summer 2010
• Meat with higher fat content will be juicier, but it will also shrink more when it cooks. For ground chicken and turkey, add a little olive oil or broth to the mixture. • Use a gentle touch. Mix ingredients just until combined. Overworked meat makes for a tough burger. • Leave the meat mixture (or patties) in the refrigerator for several hours to allow all the flavors to mingle. To form patties, wet your hands a little to keep the meat from sticking to them. If you patty ahead of time, stack them on a plate separated by waxed paper and cover with plastic wrap before you put it in the refrigerator. • Don’t form patties too thick or too thin. A ¾-inch thick patty is ideal. To keep patty from swelling in the middle, make a small indentation in the center. • Always clean and oil the grill grate. This prevents burgers from sticking, extends the life of your grate, and helps put those beautiful grill marks on your patties. • Make sure the grill is the appropriate temperature. Mediumlow to medium heat is best. Too hot, and burgers burn on the outside before getting done on the inside. Keep the lid closed while cooking; it shortens cooking time and keeps burgers moist. • Turn burgers only once. And it’s hard to resist, but try not to flatten them with the spatula. It squeezes out flavorful juices. • Cook burgers properly. Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. For an accurate reading, insert the thermometer into the patty horizontally.
To keep burgers from crumbling, try adding ½ cup of bread crumbs and 1 beaten egg per pound of ground beef.
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in style summer 2010 fashion trends — Brooks Hearn
Build your summer 2010 wardrobe by thinking versatility. Save for vacation (and make more room in your suitcase) with pieces that work for a variety of occasions. White Jeans: Many designers are doing cropped versions this season, although a wide range of cuts are available. White denim is a wardrobe staple for summer because you can dress it up or down. You won’t go wrong wearing them with either a fancy top and wedges or a casual cotton top and sandals. During the summer months, white jeans are also a great option for casual Friday in your workplace. Wedges: Wedges can easily go from day to night. If you tend to avoid heels, don’t fear – wedges are more comfortable and easier to walk in than stilettos! Cotton Dresses: Some cotton dresses can work for church, a night out, or a beach trip depending on how you accessorize them. Try adding a belt or long necklace to dress it up or pair one with your favorite swimsuit and flip-flops. Sandals: Cuffed sandals are a fun, current trend that compliment almost any outfit. Go daring with bold ankle straps or, if you like a more subtle look, pick a minimalist version. Be sure to keep your toenails looking good because these sandals will definitely draw attention. Blazers: You’ll see different versions ranging from the “boyfriend” look to more fitted blazers throughout the summer months. Wear a blazer at work or pair it with a breezy knee-length dress (in one of summer’s popular prints) for a more casual look.
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flip-flops or barefoot?
Flip-flops 75 % Barefoot 25 %
Sand, Sun
&…Studying? — Stan Perrine
Yes…you heard me right. Among all of the great times that can be had with your kids this summer, be sure to make room to keep their basic school skills sharp. For most parents, getting your child to read or do a few word searches probably isn’t too difficult. But what about math? Yes…math… that four-letter word for many students (and parents)! Many of the misgivings about math, however, are rooted in the fact that students try to treat it like other courses. The difference is that learning math is more like learning to play an instrument or a sport. Math skills are best learned kinesthetically (a fancy education word for “doing”). We learn math by repeating the times tables, writing formulas over and over, doing problem after problem. Just like learning to play the piano or hitting a tennis ball, the basic skills must be repeated to the point where you don’t have to think about what you are going to do…you just DO it! Imagine being a guitarist who takes three months off without playing a note. How well do you think he would do when expected to remember the songs he knew last year AND be ready for newer, more difficult songs? Yet we do this to our kids every summer and math is where it shows the most. Even if math is not your forte, there are plenty of math resources out there. There is a plethora of free, online tutorials and worksheets for all grade levels. Many schools offer summer programs for students who need more than just a skills brush-up. Finally, there are math educators who run summer workshops and/or do one-on-one tutoring. Just a little bit of work over the summer to keep those skills in the forefront of your child’s brain will pay huge dividends in the fall!
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put more
Fun in your
marriage — Alyce Reeves
Resist thinking you have to wait for fun time together until “you have enough money,” “the kids are grown” or even “when you retire.”
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“Couples who know how to play and have fun together develop a bonding that can carry them through the most difficult of times,” writes Dr. Steve Stephens in his book, Blueprints for a Solid Marriage. Do you live a hectic schedule where you and your spouse merely pass in the night with no real interaction? Is your marriage routine and unromantic? Are the kids consuming all your time and energy? It’s time to put a little more fun in your marriage! Resist thinking you have to wait for fun time together until “you have enough money,” “the kids are grown” or even “when you retire.” Capture the time you have now and make every moment count!
Make each day count for fun The smallest things will change a dull day into a fun day. Greet the love of your life with affirming words and a delicious kiss. Regardless of what’s happened during your day, let him know you’re so glad he’s home. That’s a lot more fun than asking, “Why are you so late?” or “Did you get the milk?”
Make time for fun In the summer, and all year long, declare one night of the week “date night,” or carve out time during the week to relax with your sweetheart. Mark it on your calendar and furiously protect that time slot.
Make time for other couple friends Choose couples who value their marriage and will be supportive of your marriage commitment. Laughing with others is always fun and besides, you can beat them in a card game or on the Wii!
Make a decision to relax It’s true - life gets serious sometimes, but make time to relax, laugh, and have fun together. It helps to give the problems to God and trust Him to handle things for you. The Bible reminds us in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
Make a list of fun things to do Some suggestions to get you started: • Go for a walk and hold hands. • Make a CD / playlist together of your favorite songs. • Give your spouse a massage. • Read a book aloud to each other like The Love List by Les and Leslie Parrott or 21 Days to a Great Marriage by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. • Have a conversation using only questions. • Watch a funny movie. • Plan a traveling dinner with other couples. (Salad at first location, entrée at another and dessert at another.) • Stay overnight at a local hotel. • Play a sport, swim, or exercise together. Shower together afterwards, of course. • Write a love letter to your spouse; then read it to him.
Let the fun begin! Add to the list and start doing them! Remember, the main objective is to have fun together. No filling the time with conversations about work, bills, or to-do lists. Use the time to enjoy your spouse. This is just as important as anything else you do for your family.
Start today and play your way to a healthier, happier marriage!
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Last-minute
Summer Fun ideas
Consider a weekend or day trip for lastminute summer vacations that won’t cost a fortune. Your family will love making fun memories together. Hit Your Nearest Theme Park
A day at a theme park can be so full of activities and things for the kids to do that it can actually feel like a vacation. Many theme parks offer a discount on tickets purchased online. Consider an overnight stay at an inexpensive hotel or a nearby campground. Check out www.tripadvisor.com for reviews of local hotels, as well as rates and availability. If you’re a member of AAA, most attractions offer a discount. Better yet, buy your tickets at your local AAA and avoid the lines waiting to buy tickets.
Visit a Nearby City Pick a major city within driving distance that you’ve always wanted to visit. Do a little research on the web for “must see” and “must experience” attractions and dining opportunities. Simply Google the city’s Visitor’s Bureau to take you to the official site for tourism tips. To find what events may be happening, simply search www.zvents.com for that area.
Go to the Country If you prefer to get away from the city, it can be fun and relaxing to hit the mountains or the countryside for a getaway before
your perfect summer temperature:
70-79: 30% 80-89: 65% 90-99: 4% 100+: 1%
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school starts. Bring fun board games for the family and enjoy quality time in a relaxed setting. Perhaps rent a cabin or camp site. A great resource for finding cabins or other lodging is www.vrbo.com (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Vacation in your Own Backyard Pitch a tent in the backyard, grill hotdogs or hamburgers, inflate a wading pool for some splashing, churn some homemade ice cream, start a fire in the fire pit and roast late-night marshmallows…the list is endless! You don’t have to go anywhere to get that summer vacation atmosphere. Do stay up late and tell lots of stories! Your kids will treasure the memory, and so will you!
Take a Vacation Break After School Starts Summer isn’t technically over until late September. You can find great deals on many popular summer attractions, such as the beach, if you visit after Labor Day. You’ll also avoid all the lines at popular family attractions. It’s a nice way to inject a last summer fling for kids who are down about getting back into the school schedule. If planning a long weekend at the beach, contact a local real estate rental agency for what homes are available. Many of these agencies will offer a discounted rate for last-minute rentals.
moonlight Shaggin’
— Vicki Vincent
Carolina Girls, I Love Beach Music, Under the Boardwalk...
If you’ve lived in South Carolina for very long, right now you probably have the urge to jump up and shag. Shag dancing, declared the official SC state dance in 1984, is a very loose, easy dance to learn. My husband Doug and I first learned to shag by taking a public education class offered at one of the local high schools. The shag is a slowed-down version of the very fast swing dance. Some people prefer the “heel-ball-change” step while others prefer the easier “one-two-three-back” step. But my most favorite part of this dance is how the lady places her hand in her man’s steady grip. He then takes her on a delightful spin around the dance floor. It’s oldfashioned courting at its finest. For those of you who think you could never learn to shag, listen to what my husband Doug tells people. “It’s all about attitude. People are not necessarily looking at your feet or grading you on technicality. People are attracted to fun, and shag dancing is 75% fun.” If you’d like to try your feet at shagging, give “Shagging on the Pier” a whirl at Folly Beach this summer. Dates: June 4, June 25, July 16, August 13, September 3, September 17 and October 5 Time: 7-11 pm For ticket information: (843) 795-4386 The great thing about shagging on the pier is you can learn this dance right on the dance floor next to your neighbor. If you can count, you can shag. If you’re not ready to venture out just yet, here’s another fun idea. Clear out your living room furniture or use your back deck. Call some friends, put on your best beach music and shag the night away. Go ahead…you know you want to. It lifts your heart, clears your head, and makes everything just right.
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expect Life Inside cathedral academy’s athletic center — Brooks Hearn Expect to see something happening inside Cathedral Academy’s Athletic Center on any given day. Since its opening in the summer of 2009, the facility has hosted countless practices and games and an array of events including an indoor soccer league, job fair, church services, fall festival, corn hole tournament, pep rallies, and a regional basketball tournament. Not only has the Athletic Center provided the school with a place for physical education, team practices and games, its benefits have extended beyond the traditional purposes. Even in the planning and building stages, the Athletic Center was intended to serve as a community center and a place for families to have fun. The Athletic Center is a physical manifestation of a longtime dream shared by school and church staff, parents, and students. Prior to its opening, Cathedral Academy athletic teams relied on the support of other facilities for practicing and competing. Now, the school is able to hold games in its home gymnasium. The stands are full with students, parents, and alumni and the concession area stays lively but efficient thanks to its dedicated team of volunteers. Cathedral Academy girls’ basketball coach Magan Harrell notes that the Athletic Center stands out among similar facilities in that it’s “welcoming and inviting” and that guests are “immediately greeted
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with a smile and the smell of the best concession stand around!” Guests have enjoyed everything from fried Oreos to smoothies, in addition to typical concession fare. According to Athletic Center Administrator Brian Price, the center “has given us the opportunity to be an outreach to the community through various sporting events.” School and church staff work constantly to host and promote events that attract various groups into the facility. Cathedral Sports sponsored its first basketball and cheerleading league for kids ages 5-11 this past winter. Numerous summer camps that will be open to the public are scheduled to take place throughout Summer 2010. Other events, such as a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for community members and a Christmas carnival for local foster families, have welcomed the public into the Athletic Center. The value of the Athletic Center cannot be seen in the bleachers or the shiny wood floor. The facility’s significance outweighs the fact that it is one of the largest of its kind in the Charleston area. Its value is apparent in the people that pass through its doors, fill its bleachers, and bring a flurry of activity to its concession stand. The value of the Athletic Center lies in its potential to make an impact on local youth and families through opportunities for physical fitness, recreation, and fun.
cathedralacademy.com
share your
heart
& home
In South Carolina, there are almost 5,500 youth in foster care. Many children have been abused and neglected. They need your attention, time, and love.
800.723.9672
become a SaFY FoSter parent
www.safy.org
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“
I love my new look. I can style my hair and still get to work on time! 38 } pointe!
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“
We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”
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—Mother Teresa