—Letty Parrish
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Winter offers a great time to step back, re-evaluate, rest a bit, and gear up for spring. I encourage you to look for ways to lighten your load and simplify your life – physically, mentally and spiritually. Here are some ideas to get you started: T Just get moving. A walk in the crisp winter air will get your blood flowing.
T Consider simple changes that won’t overwhelm you. Set small goals leading to bigger ones.
T Think positively about you! We become what we dwell on, so mind the thoughts that continually roll through your head. T Simplify your finances and move toward reducing debt. T Revamp your calendar so you can invest time in your family and relationships that matter most.
WINTER 2010
My family moved into a new house just before the holiday season. We’re still unpacking and wondering where all this STUFF was hiding. It’s definitely time to declutter!
CONTENTS
T I M E T O R EF R E S H
pointe! magazine asked 250 women questions relating to our Winter issue content. Look for their responses throughout the magazine.
pointe to a healthy you
Fit2day4you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chase Away Winter Blahs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Winter Skin Health Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Just Keep Moving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
pointe! the way
Tips for a Great Hair Salon Experience. . . . . 9 Plan Your Vacation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
pointe! of view
Local Favorites for Fine Dining. . . . . . . . . . 22 Refreshing of Winter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Homeschooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
pointe! yummy
Dips and Spreads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Super Sandwich Sunday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
real life pointes!
Romance in Marriage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
T Consider making some new friends. Seek out people who encourage you and challenge you to be your best!
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T Learn something new. Exercise that brain!
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T Pursue answers to your faith questions.
T Find something you’re passionate about or discover what inspires you. T Rest. Sleep. Play. T Dream again!
T Celebrate the small victories. T Make memories.
Wishing you a refreshing winter season and a new year of health, joy and blessings! Because you matter,
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winter 2010
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EDITORS Lori Stephanoff Wanda Litchenberg Cindy Van Horn ADVERTISING Cara Adams
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LAYOUT & DESIGN Sherie LaPrade Christine Duckett
To advertise, go to pointemag.org or contact advertise@pointmag.org
pointe! magazine | cathedral of praise | 3790 ashley phosphate road charleston, south carolina | 843.760.2626 | www.pointemag.org
27 Winter fun days
CHOCOLATE CAKE DAY is a chocolate lover’s delight. No white or yellow cake allowed-all chocolate, please. This is the day to “bake your chocolate cake…and eat it, too!” Make yours milk chocolate or dark chocolate; maybe add some fudge icing. Too busy to bake your own, find a good bakery and enjoy.
Traditional winter holidays include New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day. This year, you can also enjoy these unique and bizarre “official” festivities. If you’re feeling creative, pick a day and invent your own way to have fun.
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January
February
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CUDDLE UP DAY is an opportunity to snuggle up to someone on a cold winter’s day or night. So, cozy up to a special someone and enjoy the warmth and love.
MAKE YOUR DREAM COME TRUE DAY. Do something, anything, to move in the direction of achieving your dreams. Sure, sometimes it takes several steps to accomplish them. So view today as a time to get started on them. With a little effort, they will come true!
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NATIONAL NOTHING DAY is quite simply... a day for nothing. Celebrate this day by doing... nothing. Of course, that assumes that doing nothing is okay with your boss.
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WINNIE THE POOH DAY. Be a kid again. This day was created to celebrate the birth of author A.A. Milne in 1882. Gather your children (or invite your friend’s children) and read a classic tale of Christopher Robin’s favorite bear and his friends: Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, Rabbit, Kanga and Little Roo. Adventure awaits in the Hundred Acre Woods.
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winter 2010
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On GROUNDHOG DAY, the groundhog awakens from a long winter’s nap and goes outside of his den. According to legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow (a sunny morning), there will be six more weeks of winter. He then returns to his den and goes back to sleep. If, however, he does not see his shadow (cloudy days), he plays around outside of his hole for a while. If he does not see his shadow, spring is just around the corner. For the record Mr. Groundhog sees his shadow about 9 out of 10 times.
You are an intelligent person. You are a kind and inquisitive person. I love the way you...
“How nice of you to pick up our magazine today. I can see by your choice of magazines, that you are an intelligent person. You are a kind and inquisitive person. I love the way you...” Yes, it’s COMPLIMENT DAY. Take up the challenge and compliment five people today. They’ll be pleasantly surprised.
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It’s KAZOO DAY. If you can hum a tune, then you’re already an expert at playing this fun instrument. The first Kazoo was made in the 1840's. Play solo, or get some friends together for a Kazoo chorus to play your favorite songs. You might even post your “concert” on YouTube.com.
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WAVE ALL YOUR FINGERS AT YOUR NEIGHBOR DAY is the perfect opportunity to greet your neighbor with a big wave. But, to show your respect and appreciation on this very important day, you must wave with all of your fingers! Without a doubt, this day was created to put a smile on your face and your neighbors’. P.S. Don’t forget to include a big, bright smile on your face!
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DON’T CRY OVER SPILLED MILK DAY is in recognition that everyone spills a little milk now and then. It’s a day to be optimistic, think positive, look on the bright side, and to find something good in everything that happens. We all know the concept of the question: Is the glass half full or half empty? The pessimist sees it as half empty. The optimist sees it as half full. It’s all an attitude towards life.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY. The 16th President of the United States was born in the Kentucky on this day in 1809. He became president in 1861. In addition
to serving as president during the civil war, Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation that ended slavery in the U.S. forever. Shortly after the war ended, Abraham Lincoln became the first U.S. President to be assassinated. He was shot and mortally wounded on Good Friday, April 14, 1865 by John Wilkes Booth in Ford’s Theatre.
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DO A GROUCH A FAVOR DAY. Do it and make the world a better place. Everyone has been a grouch at one time or another. Some people are seemingly grouches all of the time. Others are occasional grouches, influenced by events in their lives, lack of sleep, the weather, etc. A few people are good at disguising their grouchy mood. But, they still need cheering up. Look around for someone who may be in a grouchy mood today. Then, do him or her a favor that will cheer up their day.
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RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY. You know what to do...perform a few random acts of kindness. Almost any kind deed will do. We highly recommend you perform kind acts for as many people as you can. It’ll make you, the giver, feel just as good as the receiver. Caution: What goes around comes around. Random Acts of Kindness are highly contagious.
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LOVE YOUR PET DAY is a day to pamper your pet. Today is an easy excuse to spend time with them and to give them special treats. Whether it’s a dog, cat, fish, or bird…give them lots of love and attention today. If you don’t have a pet, maybe today is the day to adopt a pet. Take a trip to your local Humane Society or Pet Helpers, and bring home an animal that needs you.
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This is a day that Fairy Tales are made of (and for). It’s TELL A FAIRY TALE DAY. To qualify as a fairy tale, a story does not have to begin with “Once upon a time...,” but they usually do. It is a requirement that the story has a happy ending. There’s nothing better than a good story that ends with “and they all lived happily ever after.” On Fairy Tale Day, cozy up under a blanket with the kids and read a fairy tale book.
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NO BRAINER DAY. Now this day is for me! By definition, a “No brainer” is doing something that is simple, easy, obvious, and/or totally logical. Therefore, today is the day for you to do all those “no brainer” tasks and activities. If a project requires thinking, study, or analysis of any kind, then it’s not the chore to do today.
March
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NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER LOVERS’ DAY. Today is a sticky day that salutes America’s favorite sandwich spread. What kid didn’t grow up loving a PB&J sandwich? It’s a staple in our house. Did you know? Peanut Butter is 90% or more peanuts. While it has no artificial preservatives, an opened jar is stored on a shelf at room temperature.
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NATIONAL ANTHEM DAY. The Star-Spangled Banner, written by Francis Scott Key, officially became the national anthem of the United States on this day in 1931. Celebrate today by proudly flying the flag. Go ahead and sing the anthem, even if you can’t sing well!
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Try to stay calm. Take a deep breath. For today is PANIC DAY. Can you handle today? Good, we were worried for a moment. Hopefully, everything is going just swell in your life, and you have no need for this day. But if problems and troubles are looming, try to hold off hitting the panic button until this day arrives. Don’t worry. Don’t fret. And above all, don’t panic. However, if ever there was a day to panic, today is that day.
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PLANT A FLOWER DAY is a day to get a little dirt under your fingernails. Take a few minutes to plant a flower today. Gardening is a great hobby, enjoyed by millions of people, old and young alike. Celebrate today by planting or transplanting any kind of plant.
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NATIONAL POTATO CHIP DAY celebrates the ever popular potato chip. Potato chips are America’s #1 snack food. Plain chips are by far the most popular.
ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE KIDS DAY. Today, pause and remind yourself that you have absolutely incredible kids. Take full advantage of this celebration and exercise your bragging rights, letting your kids and everyone else know that they are ABSOLUTELY incredible!
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PECAN DAY. A rather nutty day. It’s a day to celebrate and enjoy popular, tasty pecans. Name the only nut tree native to North America? You guessed it: pecan trees. Celebrate today by having some pecan pie. Don’t miss out on TAKE A WALK IN THE PARK DAY. It is an opportunity for exercise and relaxation. Are you stressed out? A walk in the park is just what you need. It’s calming and therapeutic. Enjoy it more with a little bit of company. Walk during lunch, and you will find the afternoon of work goes by quicker and easier.
—www.holidayinsights.com
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You spend your day watching the hands on the clock move until it’s time! Time to look better, feel better and to just have some “me” time! So what should you expect from your salon experience? —Chris Venesky
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L
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ook for a salon that’s fun, relaxing and educational. The service you receive separates the good from the great. Anyone can do basic cutting shapes and color placements, but the stylist that can go beyond average and put his or her signature on your hair is one to stay with! Your hairstylist should start your experience by greeting you with a great deal of excitement and passion. Consultation and communication are key elements in every successful visit to the salon. Your stylist should be attentive to your desires and ideas and provide you with up-to-date and professional expertise. Once you agree on a vision for your new style, a well-trained hairstylist should be able to convey every aspect of change from cutting shape to color placement. Then the shampoo! Ooh, aah! This is the time to relax, enjoy a thorough head massage and a great time to learn about what products they are using and why they’re the best for you.
RECREATING YOUR SALON LOOK AT HOME * Squeeze out excess water and pat hair dry with a towel * Product application is key to styling * Make sure product is evenly distributed throughout the hair
* Keep blow dryer 6-8” from hair * Low to medium heat is recommended * When using round brush, always move from root to tip to seal the cuticle and avoid the frizzies * Divide hair into 2” sections starting at the nape of the neck * Insert one section between flat-iron plates * Squeeze handle together and glide slowly through hair from roots to the ends
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Winter 2010 fashion Trends —Brooks Hearn
KERATIN Smoothing Treatments infuse natural keratin into your hair to reduce 85% of curl and 100% of frizziness. This chemical-free treatment lasts 3-5 months. The hair slowly returns to it’s natural state with no line of demarcation.
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After the cut and color placement, be an active part of the finishing process for your new look. Make sure you receive instruction about everything that is placed in your hair. It is so empowering to know how to reproduce the look and how to style your hair with the perfect products to support that style. Knowing what tools to use and how to manipulate them will make life easier in the morning. It’s a great start to the day when your hair looks beautiful in a minimal amount of time! As you leave the salon, you should be very confident in knowing what maintenance is needed and how often you need to come back in. Schedule your next appointment and have fun with your hair!
Life is too short to be bored and to have bad hair. You know when your hair looks amazing. Compliments are the best reward for both you and your stylist. If you look good, you feel good!
MOROCCAN OIL – protects hair and color, adds a lightweight shine, and makes your hair feel and look like a movie star’s. SURFACE – Sulfate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free vegan hair products. A percentage of their net profit goes to World Vision.
Don’t let the chilly winter months get you down! You can still look great while dressing warmly. Add these items to your winter wardrobe to balance function and fashion:
T Knits, particularly chunky knits, are
warm and versatile. This season, knits will appear in a variety of pieces and colors.
T Glitzy details – if you’re not afraid of a little shine! If you’re concerned about looking too bold, go for shimmery but demure pieces with good coverage.
T Capelets look great with a turtleneck
sweater underneath to keep your arms warm. Cinch the waist and balance the wider sleeves with wide-leg pants for a stylish look. This outfit creates a flattering silhouette as well.
T Large jewelry and accessories,
like cocktail rings and cuffs, add excitement to any winter ensemble.
T Bright colors have carried over
from the fall. Red is one of the “it” colors for Winter 2010. Never underestimate the statement that a red jacket can make!
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Do you diet or exercise?
—Keith Brown
Winter time seems to bring a big push to get fit. Maybe it’s the long season of eating and cold weather that fostered a lethargic attitude. But as the New Year turns and resolutions are set, losing weight and getting in shape show up on the top of most everyone’s “Must Do List.” So how do you get started?
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FIT TODAY FOR YOU
FIT and fabulous
Keith Brown has been a Personal Fitness Trainer since 1992. fit2day4you2@yahoo.com
14 % diet 23% exercise 39% both 24% neither
Perhaps the single most important element in any fitness program is commitment. National research statistics say that 93% of the
population that begins a 12-week structured program for improving their health and fitness will not finish. Simply setting the goal is not enough. Successful finishers must dedicate themselves to a goal and spend time planning and working to achieve it. Fit2Day4You motivates, provides opportunities for success and teaches an integrated approach: Resistance + Aerobic + Nutrition. All three components are essential. Learn to exercise the right way from the start. A healthy eating plan works for a lifetime‌diets are temporary and often have backlash effects that send weight-gain spiraling out of control in a hurry. Be willing to work steadily to improve and be patient enough to wait on the results‌they will come.
Fit2Day4You Fitness Principles
1 Keep your program simple. Minimize wasted time and motion. 2 Remember pre-workout stretching. 3 Always use a spotter. OVER-EMPHASIZE SAFETY. 4 Complete at least three sets of five to eight repetitions to develop correct motor patterns.
5 Continually monitor breathing patterns so that you breathe in
as you lower the weight, and breathe out as you pass the point of greatest resistance.
6 Implement the Overload Principle. Try a little more than you did the week before.
7 Modify your program to keep it fun and interesting, as well as forcing growth.
8 Develop and constantly monitor a system of recording progress.
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Focus on progress, not perfection. Bill Phillips Body for Life www.pointemag.org { 13
It’s chilly and gray outside…another dreary winter day. The “blahs” are close at hand. Chase them away and lighten up any day, any mood by simply laughing! Studies show that laughter has great effects on both your physical and mental health. And socially, when laughter is shared, it binds people together and strengthens relationships. Physically, a good, hearty laugh relaxes the whole body and relieves tension and stress. Your muscles stay relaxed for up to 45 minutes after! Humor and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy and diminish pain. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems. Humor shifts your perspective and creates psychological distance, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter gives you the courage and strength to have a positive, optimistic outlook. Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh–or even simply a smile–can go a long way toward making you feel better. And laughter really is contagious–just hearing laughter primes your brain and readies you to smile and join in on the fun. Mutual laughter, fun and play are essential components of strong, healthy relationships. By making a conscious effort to incorporate more humor and play into your daily interactions, you improve the quality of all your relationships–family, friends and co-workers.
Tips on how to bring more laughter into your daily life: • Smile. Smiling is the beginning of laughter. Like laughter, it’s contagious. Pioneers in “laugh therapy” find it’s possible to laugh without experiencing a funny event. The same holds for smiling. When you look at someone or see something even mildly pleasing, practice smiling. • Count your blessings. Literally make a list. Considering the good things in your life will distance you from negative thoughts that are a barrier to humor and laughter. • When you hear laughter, move toward it. People are typically very happy to share something funny because it gives them an opportunity to laugh again and feed off the humor you find in it. When you hear laughter, seek it out and ask, “What’s funny?” • Spend time with fun, playful people. These are people who laugh easily–both at themselves and at life’s absurdities–and who routinely find the humor in everyday events. Their playful point of view and laughter are contagious. • Act like a child. Spend a little time playing with children. When we choose to enter their world, ours becomes much brighter and more fun! • Laugh at yourself. Sometimes our own outlook on life is simply too serious. Choose to keep things in lighter perspective and laugh at yourself. As you seek laughter and humor, the chilly, dreary days of winter take on new life. A good laugh will help chase away the winter “blahs” and put a new spring in your step!
A merry heart does good, like medicine... Proverbs 17:22 14 } pointe!
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Are you a morning person or night owl? 61% morning 39% night owl
Getting Your
ZZZ’s...
Sleep Reduces Stress A good night’s sleep can lower blood pressure and the elevated levels of stress hormones which are a natural result of today’s fast-paced lifestyle. The physical effects of stress include excess “wear and tear” on your body and an increase in the aging and degeneration of organs, cells and other body parts. By reducing high levels of stress, sleep helps to reverse these effects and encourages a state of relaxation. Sleep Helps Your Body Repair Itself While you’re sleeping, your body produces extra protein molecules which help to mend your body at a cellular level. The damage from stress, pollutants, infection, sun exposure and so on is repaired while you’re happily in the land of nod. Sleep Helps Keep Your Heart Healthy Your heart and cardiovascular system is constantly under pressure, and sleep helps to reduce the levels of stress and inflammation in your body. High levels of “inflammatory markers” are linked to heart attacks, heart disease and strokes. Sleep can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels (which play a role in heart disease).
Sleep Improves Your Memory That “foggy” feeling you struggle with when you’re deprived of sleep makes it difficult to concentrate. This often leads to not being able to “commit to memory” facts, faces, lessons or even conversations! Sleeping well eliminates these difficulties because, as you sleep, your brain is busy organizing and correlating memories. One of the great benefits of sleep is it allows your brain to better process new experiences and knowledge, increasing your understanding and retention. So, the next time you hear someone say, “Why don’t you sleep on it?” take their advice! Sleeping Properly Can Help Control Your Body Weight This one might surprise you! One of the lesser known benefits of sleep is it helps regulate the hormones that affect and control your appetite. Studies have shown when your body is deprived of sleep, the normal hormone balances are interrupted and your appetite increases. Unfortunately, this increase in appetite doesn’t lead to a craving for fruits and veggies. Instead, your body longs for food high in calories, fats and carbohydrates! So, if you’re trying to lose those stubborn few pounds that just keep hanging around, make sure getting enough sleep becomes a priority! www.better-sleep-better-life.com
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Spring is just around the corner! Start planning now for the best travel deals.
—Cheryl & Sherie LaPrade
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Do Your Homework
Before tackling any vacation planning project, you need a destination! Chances are you already have an idea of places you might like to go. Start by checking out the official visitor sites for states or countries you’d like to see. These are usually easy to find on search engines like Google (i.e., to find info on London, search “London Tourism”). Always double check to make sure the site you are looking at is an official “Tourist Board” or government-run website. These sites are a wealth of information and essential to good planning. Also, don’t forget to check the weather! A good resource for weather information, especially when planning several months out, is Wunderground.com. Simply search your destination city on their site, click “Trip Planner” in the menu below the radar map, and then you can enter your custom travel dates.
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Don’t Forget a Visitor’s Guide
Visitor’s Guides are an often overlooked tool that can really help with planning your trip. The easiest way to locate them is from official travel and tourist boards. If you are the impatient type, like we are, many offer downloadable versions of the printed Visitor’s Guides that you can click through at your leisure from your home computer. These guides offer information on climate, sights, events, local dining options and lodging. Occasionally, you may even find some great coupons!
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Don’t be Afraid to Bargain shop
One you’ve picked your location and an approximate date, it’s time to bargain shop! We always start at the big name sites (e.g., Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity) to compare flight and hotel prices. With hotels, you’ll want to be especially careful and find out about the neighborhood, distance from public transportation and reviews from other vacationers. An essential source for this information is TripAdvisor.com. Real vacationer photos will tell you more than a fancy hotel website. When you’ve picked a hotel or area you like, definitely check out Kayak.com to comparison shop prices or Priceline.com to find hidden deep discounts. (Note: There is a system to getting the best deal on Priceline. Do your research on the internet before you use it.)
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Do Prepay & Buy Packages
One thing that we’ve learned in all our vacation planning and trip-taking is “it pays to prepay!” Don’t get caught by surprise. When we visited London for the first time five years ago, we reserved our hotel room with a credit card, but did not prepay. Twenty four hours prior to our arrival, a hold was placed on our card for the full amount. The hold was still on our card when the actual bill was charged! One really good way to avoid this problem is to take advantage of packages and pay upfront. Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity all offer great packages that include hotel, air, admission to popular tourist locations and even theatre tickets!
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Do Plan a Route & Sites to See
Don’t feel like you need to plan out every minute of every day on your vacation. However, it is really helpful to at least outline the places you’d like to see and a loose itinerary so you don’t miss out on the important stuff. TravelMuse.com is an excellent resource for this type of planning. They were crucial to us in planning our London trip in spring of 2009. If you’ll be doing a lot of the driving yourself, Google Maps will guide you just about anywhere you need to be!
VALUABLE LINKS One-Stop Shops Expedia.com Orbitz.com Travelocity.com Priceline.com
Comparison Shopping
Kayak.com (great for flights!) Sidestep.com
Research & Reviews
TripAdvisor.com (essential!) TravelMuse.com Fodors.com IgoUgo.com
Itinerary & Routes
TravelMuse.com Maps.Google.com AAA (if you are a member)
Travel Weather
Wunderground.com
Which vacation spot do you prefer? 36% mountains 64% beach
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MEALS in one day —Liz Price
What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘cooking’? I don’t have time, don’t know what to cook, no energy or all of the above? What if you could pull out a homemade dinner from your freezer in the morning; let it thaw, and then bake it when you get home from your long, busy day? Dinner in an hour or less, homemade, with no prep and minimal clean up! It can happen! And you can have fun while you do it! The idea came from my friend’s mom. One weekend while her two daughters were away, she cooked enough dinners to last them for a month! My girlfriends and I have been doing this for a while now and have organized the menus and calculated the amount of total food needed. We each end up with 30 meals because we have 15 recipes which we double. (That means eating the same item only twice a month.) We have it down to an art!
what you’ll need • • • • •
Aluminum disposable casserole pans Saran wrap, aluminum foil, permanent marker Recipes (We use the Charm of Charleston II cookbook.) Larger pots and pans for cooking in bulk A large freezer
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Do you prefer to eat out or cook at home? 51% eat out 49% cook at home
how it works • Select your recipes and increase quantities depending on number of girlfriends cooking. • Spend one evening shopping, usually Friday for us, at a wholesale and grocery store. (Buying food in bulk can be cheaper.) • Divide out the items that can be prepared in advance and do it the night before, i.e., cook chicken, brown meat, chop vegetables, etc. • Get together the next morning, typically a Saturday, to prepare and assemble all of the meals. (Preferably you can do all this without children so there will be less interruption.) • Before freezing, we write the baking instructions (temperature and time) and page number from the cookbook on top of each casserole. We spend about $300/person (family), if none of the items are on sale. The meals usually last us for a minimum of 30 days up to 2 months. There are usually leftovers for lunches the next day. We all still LOVE to coupon for side items, lunches and for those times you don’t feel like having a casserole. The benefits of cooking this way are absolutely priceless. No more daily hassle of figuring out what’s for dinner. Less effort is required to produce nightly meals AND it’s so much fun doing it with your friends! For single parents, imagine having extra time with your family each evening instead of preparing dinner! And it’s homemade! Give it a try and see how much easier your life becomes!
below are three sample recipes we love:
The original recipe is shown first. Each person gets a double recipe/2 dishes. Quantities for 2 or 3 families are as indicated.
Aunt Neila’s Chicken pg. 112
Spaghetti Casserole pg. 98
1 lb chicken, cooked (4) {6} 1 1/2 c uncooked rice, cooked (6 c) {9 c} 2 cans cream of chicken soup (8) {12} 1 1/2 c sour cream (6 c) {9 c} 1 stick butter (4) {6} 1 1/2 sleeves butter crackers (6) {9}
2 tbsp butter (1 stick) {1 ½ sticks} 1 clove garlic, minced (4) {6} 1 tsp sugar (4 tsp) {6 tsp} 1 tsp salt (4 tsp) {6 tsp} pepper to taste 1 1/2 lb ground beef, cooked (6 lb) {9 lb} 1 (8oz) can tomato sauce (32 oz) {48 oz} 1 (8oz) pkg spaghetti, cooked (32 oz) {48 oz} 1 (3oz) pkg cream cheese (12 oz) {18 oz} 1 1/2 c sour cream (6 c) {9 c} 1 bunch green onions (4) {6} 1/2 lb cheddar cheese (2 lb) {3 lb}
Take cooked chicken off the bone and mix together with soup and sour cream. Place cooked rice in freezable dish. Spread chicken mixture over top of rice. Melt butter in large bowl; stir in crushed crackers. Sprinkle cracker crumbs on top of casserole. To serve: Bake uncovered at 350 degrees until bubbly (approximately 30 minutes).
(x4) = 2 families {x6} = 3 families Recipes from Charm of Charleston II cookbook
Place butter in cold skillet, adding garlic and mash with sugar, salt and pepper; cook until butter is melted. Add cooked meat and tomato sauce; simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream and onion; set aside. Place spaghetti in freezable dish. Top with cream cheese mixture, followed by meat mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. To serve: Bake uncovered at 350 degrees until bubbly (approximately 30 minutes).
Ham & Hash Brown Potato Casserole pg. 140 2 lb frozen hash browns (cubed) (8) {12} 1/4 c butter (1c) {1 ½ c} 10 oz cheddar cheese (40 oz) {60oz} 1 can cream of chicken soup (4) {6} 1 tsp salt (4) {6} 1/2 tsp pepper (2) {3} 1 c sour cream (4 c) {6 c} 2-3 c ham, cubed (12 c) {18 c} Combine all ingredients and place in greased freezable dish. To serve: Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly (approximately 55-60 minutes)
A complete 30-day Meal Plan with adjusted recipes and master grocery list is available for purchase on pointemag.org
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Local Favorites for
Fine Luncheon Dining —Lee Kieseling
Call a girlfriend and take a long lunch or plan a special surprise lunch date with your man. Every day is a good day for making memories.
Tomatoes Italian Ristorante Exudes an Italian flair with the upbeat music from the brat pack era. Décor in wine bottles, a grand espresso machine, grapes, marble top bar and Tuscan tones. The luncheon menu is true to its Italian roots offering select choices in sandwiches and pasta dishes; each with a subtle twist that brings a burst of flavor calling to mind a trip to Nonni’s Sunday dinner. That light hand in artful spicing and combination of flavors in all the dishes may be the key to the success of Tomatoes Italian Ristorante. The main meal items are absolutely worth the trip for luncheon, but the additional offerings are not to be forgotten. The imported desserts at Tomatoes come highly recommended. tttt - for recipes, preparation, friendly service, and atmosphere
$$ - Luncheon prices including beverage, bread and tax Located at 717 Old Trolley Road, Summerville www.tomatoesitalianrestaurant.com / 843.871.9696
The Mustard Seed You might be tempted to pass by The Mustard Seed’s plain exterior. Some may dismiss it because of its location next to the train tracks, without realizing that just beyond the front door is a relaxed dining experience with a skilled and pleasant staff, a fine American cuisine menu and well-crafted foods. The Mustard Seed has developed a faithful following for its welcoming attitude and neighborhood feel. The friendly wait staff is casual; the food choices are diverse, tasty and inventive. Daily specials and desserts are renowned in the local area; demand is high, so go early for the best selection. ttt - casual ambiance, good food, tasty specials, accommodating staff
$$1/2 - very reasonable
Located 101 North Main Street, Summerville www.dinewithsal.com or mustardseedsc.com / 843.821.7101 (reviews continued on Page 24...)
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Clip & $ave
continued... Firewater Grille Firewater Grille’s pride is the burger, which comes in three size options and can be made with turkey or chicken, as well as beef. All are prepared with delicious combinations of toppings and sauces to entice the burger lover. The menu pleases the southern palate with a variety of appetizers such as lightly-battered fried green tomatoes topped with homemade horseradish marmalade and Boom Boom Oysters that live up to their name with the Grille’s signature combo - sweet, spicy and crispy. It’s hard to choose a favorite among all the unusual appetizer combinations. ttt - for friendly, efficient service, overall ambiance, and originality of recipes $$$ - a great value Located at 109 Holiday Drive, Summerville www.TheFirewaterGrille.com / 843.261.2121
Middleton Place Restaurant An authentic southern experience served with friendly attention and hospitality. Try a traditional southern favorite: she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, smoked pork barbeque, stewed okra and tomatoes with “Hoppin’ John” and collard greens, batter-fried chicken or cornmeal fried catfish. Your threecourse lunch includes an appetizer or soup, one of eight main courses and dessert. The seasonal menu changes in keeping with available local and organic ingredients procured from on-site gardens or local purveyors making the offerings as close to authentic as possible. ttt½ - well worth the trip for those who seek authentic Low Country cuisine $$$$ - an extremely good value Located at Middleton Place Plantation off Ashley River Road (Highway 61) www.middletonplace.org / 843.266.7477
Pines Restuarant at Woodlands Inn Everything enjoyed at the Pines is offered with something extra to make the dining experience a pleasure: real silverware, crisp linens, cotton hand towels and an expertly trained staff. Every possible need is anticipated so one comes away feeling unhurried, sated and quite special-pampered, in fact, and all for a reasonable cost. The chef supports local purveyors to ensure the freshest possible products; more exotic items are flown in overnight from places like Hawaii or Maine for top quality and freshness. Expect a delightful luncheon with traditional dishes (including salads, soup and sandwich, pasta, fish, chicken and beef ) expertly prepared and elegantly presented. tttt-t - just what you’d expect from Charleston’s 5 star and 5 diamond location $$$$ - highly recommended for a special occasion or celebration Located at Woodlands Inn, 125 Parsons Road, Summerville www.woodlandsinn.com / 843.308.2115 t (up to 5) for quality, service, selection, ambiance
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$$$ - $10-15
$$$$ - $15 and up
DIPS AND SPREADS
No Bones Chicken Wing Dip
Hot Crab Dip
8 ounces cream cheese, softened 16 ounces sour cream 1 cup blue cheese salad dressing ½-1 cup buffalo wing sauce 8 ounces Provolone cheese, shredded 2½ cups shredded cooked chicken (you can buy a roasted whole chicken and shred)
1 pound jumbo lump crabmeat, free of shells 1 cup grated Pepper Jack cheese ¾ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup green onion, minced (optional) 5-6 roasted garlic cloves or 2 cloves minced 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce ½ teaspoon dry mustard Salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, salad dressing, and buffalo wing sauce until blended. Stir in chicken and Provolone cheese. Transfer to a greased 2-quart dish. Cover and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly hot. Serve warm with carrots, celery, and crackers.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish and gently stir until thoroughly mixed. Bake for 40 minutes. Serve hot with crackers or toast points.
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pg 24
Spinach Dip
Hot Artichoke Dip
1 1 1 1 1 3
Ingredients : #1 1 envelope garlic and herb soup mix 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 1 cup mayonnaise 1 (8 ounce) carton sour cream 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (~ 4 oz.) ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
package dry vegetable soup mix (12 ounce) sour cream cup mayonnaise (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, chopped green onions, chopped
Thaw spinach and squeeze dry; set aside. Stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, and soup until blended. Stir spinach and other ingredients into creamy mixture. Chill 2 hours before serving. Serve with Hawaiian sweet bread or crackers. Makes 4 cups.
pg 27
All recipes from Charm of Charleston II cookbook
Ingredients: #2 ⅓ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese ¾ cup buttered breadcrumbs ¼ cup Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 1-quart greased casserole dish, combine all #1 ingredients. Top with #2 ingredients. Bake uncovered 30 minutes or until heated through. Serve with your favorite dippers.
pg 21
Bean Dip 2 2 1 2 1
cans black beans, rinsed cans petite cut tomatoes can corn avocadoes bunch of fresh cilantro (about 4 tablespoons) 1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar ½ tablespoon olive oil ½ chopped red onion Juice of 1 lime Salt and pepper Combine ingredients. Salt and pepper to taste.
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Super Sandwich Sunday —Dana Stokes & Angie Brown
S.S.S. evolved one evening while dining. A friend was telling us about a job application he received. Under his recent accomplishments was listed, “Sandwich Artist.” During the interview, when asked about his sandwich artistry, the applicant responded, “Oh, I used to work at Subway.” Knowing my love language is “words of affirmation,” my friend turns to me in complete adoration with her hand over her heart and says, “YOU are a sandwich artist.” To which her husband responds, “I thought you said I was a sandwich artist.” That being said, a spirit of competition rose quickly between the men and women and Super Sandwich Sunday was on. Out came Panini makers, foccacia bread, endless mounds of meats and cheese and the imagination of four brilliant sandwich artists in bloom. Final results:
MEN – 1st place in presentation WOMEN – 1st place in taste
Four new titles emerged: Sandwich Artist Sandwich Artist Executive Sandwich Architect (for deciding which ingredients go on the sandwich) Sandwich Surgeon (with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel, delicately slices the sandwich for the award winning presentation) The tastiest sandwich from our first S.S.S. is:
Pa-ni-ni (noun):
Panini grilled sandwiches are increasing in popularity. In Italian, the word Panini refers to both “sandwich” and “bread roll,” but the term is most often used to describe a sandwich that has been grilled. Traditionally, Panini’s are two slices of lightly oiled bread filled with a combination of sliced meats and cheeses. The bread is then pressed and grilled, yielding a hot and delicious sandwich.
Grilled Cheese
Pesto (from jar) Grated parmesan cheese Olive oil Sliced asiago cheese Provolone cheese Goat Cheese
Make a paste with the pesto, parmesan cheese, and olive oil and spread on both slices of foccacia bread. Then add as many cheese slices as you want. Spread both sides with olive oil and grill in a Panini maker. Y’ALL, this is the best grilled cheese you will ever put in your mouth!
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—E. Otto Tilley
Everyone gets excited about spring with its budding trees, blooming flowers, and cool mornings on the porch. Summer is full of life: ball games, vacations, cookouts, and pool parties. And fall’s beautiful, too. But what about winter, that cold, grey, lifeless time of the year? Trees look like skeletons sitting up in the grave, beautiful flowers wither and fall to the ground, and the bitterly cold air chills. What can we say about this seemingly lifeless time of the year? We can thank God for it! 30 } pointe!
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How many times have you thought, “I just need a break”? Well, now’s your chance. Winter is a time of rest, and it was designed to be that way. All of nature rests in the winter: the trees, plants, grass, and animals. Everything slows down. Oh, I know, everything appears to be dead; but it’s not. It’s just resting. Scientifically, you could say that everything rests to its very core during winter because as the temperature becomes colder, molecules slow down, and molecules are at the core of many living things. We get so hung up on what we see that we miss what we can’t see. The reason spring is so beautiful is because all through winter nature stores up energy that will explode in the springtime. Trees accumulate the necessary nutrients to produce masses of new leaves. Grass uses the downtime above ground to allow roots to go deeper into the soil to bring forth a lush green for spring. So take time this winter to slow down and take a breather. Instead of saying yes to all the social activities that run you ragged, curl up with a good book and allow the roots of your soul to go deep and gain strength needed for the road ahead. Allow the seeds of new life to begin to grow inside of you. What are your dreams and desires? What do you want your life to look like in the next season? Winter provides a wonderful time to reflect on the past, rest in the present, and prepare for the future. Remember, everything looks dead and lifeless in the winter, but it’s really only resting for the explosion of new life for the next season. May this winter bring you much needed restoration and reflection, and may your dreams burst forth this spring with new life and vitality!
—Alyce Reeves
E
ven in the South we experience some cold winter days when we love to put on our favorite flannel PJs and cuddle before a warm fire with a hot chocolate or café mocha. Just because the days are chilly, we don’t have to live in a chilly marriage, one where the spark of romance, the easy flow of loving words, and the desire to be near each other are missing. In the beginning, couples experience a hot marriage because they don’t let anything or anyone come between them. Marriages cool down because one or both partners choose to make other things a priority. It doesn’t have to be that way. God will use the one mate who will choose to build the fire and stoke it regularly to create an atmosphere where passions can blaze with excitement and intensity. Winter is a wonderful time for romance. These hot little tips will warm up your man and turn up the heat of romance and intimacy for both of you. Get busy and have fun!
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PRACTICE FLIRTING
We forget how much we used to enjoy flirting with our men. Text your husband a spicy little message or leave a note in his car. Be playful, light-hearted, and even spontaneous. LISTEN–UP
Every man loves to be heard; and when you’re a good listener, your husband will be drawn to you. Good listening means focused attention, eye contact, acknowledging the difficulties, and expressing your confidence in his ability to accomplish or solve his issue. As you are more interested in what he has to say, he will think being with you is the best thing ever. TOUCH HIM EVERY SINGLE DAY – STARTING TODAY
Hold hands, rub his back, put your hand on his leg and let it linger while making conversation. When you touch a man, he knows it, and a connection is made to his heart. Remember holding hands and softly kissing him like there was all the time in the
world? Hold onto that feeling and get close to him. He’s hungry for your touch. PUT THOSE DISTRACTIONS TO BED!
If your kids don’t have a normal bedtime routine, make one now so the two grown-ups can have some grown-up conversation and alone time. If your kids aren’t getting to bed before 9:00, you and your husband have almost no alone time, and that’s not good for either of you. It’s impossible to have a fire burning for your husband and be occupied with kids at the same time. This could also apply to the computer, TV, and other projects. Put those distractions away for your sweetheart. KEEP IT FUNNY
Men adore women who laugh at their attempts to be funny. This is so attractive to a man. Think about it. When you’re around someone who laughs easily, what do you think? You think, “I want to be with that person. That person is having a good time, and their laughter makes me happy, too.” BE GENEROUS WITH COMPLIMENTS
You know how special it is to hear affirming, appreciative, accepting, adoring words. Don’t be stingy. Tell him often how proud you are of him. Tell him you need him just the way he is wired, and you’re blessed God gave him to you. FEED HIM
Don’t forget: the way to a man’s heart is often through his stomach. Find one food dish you can cook or make fairly well and start there. Get recipes from a good cook friend. If you’re a rotten cook and hate the kitchen, find great take-out that your hubby would enjoy, and serve take-out with a smile. Believe it or not, food is another way to light his fire!
walk downtown, a motorcycle ride or visit Frankie’s Fun Park but go somewhere “just the two of you.” In the conversation, try to avoid your problems with the kids, finances, or your relationship. Think of three things to talk about that don’t include children or complaining. You’re not just a momma; you’re a hot, sexy momma! Think like one. DRESS FOR THE PART
You are now the new “Hot Momma,” the “Foxy Lady,” the one who captivated his heart. Put on a little mascara and lip gloss, a touch of perfume, and brush your teeth. Change that shirt if it’s covered in spit-up! You may be immune to that smell, but your husband, who’s been working all day, isn’t. Lose the baggy sweats and put on some nice tight jeans and a fitted shirt. If at home, you could show some cleavage or dress and undress when he’s nearby. Your goal is to heat up your marriage, not cool it off! GREET HIM AT THE DOOR WHEN HE RETURNS FROM WORK
Greet him with a smile, a hug, positive inviting words, and a juicy kiss; it could even be a kiss with a promise of good things to come…and carry it out!
I bless you with a passionate, exciting, hot marriage that will burn brightly so the entire world can see what God has done for you!
SHOW YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILE.
Your husband is attracted to a genuine, heartfelt smile. A smile in his direction tells him that you’re happy and that he has done something right. AGREE TO A DATE NIGHT ONCE A WEEK
Get a babysitter or switch off babysitting with a friend. Go for dessert, dinner, a football game, a
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WINTER health tips SKIN —Toia Thompson
During the winter, your skin can become so dry it cracks. If you suffer from dry, patchy skin in the winter months, here are some tips that can help keep you moisturized and prevent cracked skin. DRY SKIN - After taking a shower or bath, leave your body damp and apply body oil (or even baby oil) to seal in moisture. The steam from hot showers also opens your pores and allows moisture to slip in. Consider it your own personal sauna and sit in your steamy bathroom for five to ten minutes. CRACKED FEET OR HEELS – Before going to bed, soak your feet in warm water for 15 to 30 minutes. With your feet still damp, apply petroleum jelly. (For very dry and cracked areas, use a generous amount.) Loosely wrap plastic wrap around your feet and put on socks to seal in the moisture. When you take your socks off in the morning, use a foot file to remove any dead skin, then apply lotion or body oil. CHAPPED LIPS – Protect your lips by finding a lipstick that contains hydrating moisturizers and retinol, which helps to rejuvenate the skin. Chapstick and lip gloss are other products to keep close by to fight dry, chapped lips. Avoid licking your lips since this dries them out and can even make them wrinkly! DRY HANDS – During winter, simply washing your hands may leave them feeling dry and hard. Rub in a dab of petroleum jelly on damp hands to seal in moisture. Wearing powder-free latex gloves while cleaning will also protect your hands from water and chemicals. MOISTURIZING LOTION OR CREAM – Vitamin E is a natural moisturizer and antioxidant.Look for a lotion or cream with Vitamin E as one of its main ingredients. Don’t forget to apply lotion or cream to the extra-dry areas of your body – elbows, knees, or heels!
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Just Keep Moving —Cindy Van Horn Each year, I start off with desire and determination to get in shape. I join a gym, and start an exercise routine. Then, inevitably, the sore muscles, crowded (and smelly) gym and busy life take over, and I gradually fizzle out. (Of course, the fact that I loathe exercise is probably a disadvantage, too.) This year, I’m going to focus on an activity I enjoy - walking. Fit and active people have better overall health.You can increase your chances of living a longer, fuller life by simply walking regularly. Consistency is one of the most important factors in developing a healthy physical activity program. Studies show that walking can: • Reduce risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, colon cancer, osteoporosis and non-insulin dependent diabetes • Improve overall health by helping control body weight, increasing bone density, and reducing cholesterol levels, blood pressure and body fat • Increase mental alertness and memory • Spur intellectual creativity and problem solving Walking affects not only your physical health, but your mental health as well. It has been shown to improve self esteem, ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve mood. A walk in the fresh air and sunshine is relaxing and it simply makes you feel good. What else could we ask for? “Of all exercises, walking is the best.” - Thomas Jefferson
WALKING FU
N FACTS:
To burn off jus t one plain M&M candy, y ou need to walk the full le ngth of a football field! Hmm... do I rea lly want that M&M?
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Longer, moderately paced daily walks are best for losing weight while shorter, faster walks are r best for conditioning you heart and lungs.
—Jake Sauppe
So, you’ve probably heard of homeschooling. Well, I’ve been homeschooled for eight years, and I’d like to share a teen’s perspective on some of the questions about this “different” type of education.
Did you know that our world’s history has been changed by men and women who were homeschooled? From Presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and James Madison to artists, inventors and pioneers such as Leonardo da Vinci, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Albert Einstein, C. S. Lewis, Mark Twain and Clara Barton — all were homeschooled and rocked this world. Here’s my story. When I attended both public and private schools, I had the same rhythm most kids do. I woke up early, ate breakfast, went to school, came home, ate dinner, did homework, and went to bed. Then I got up and did it all over again. I did extremely well in both public and private schools, but I found myself feeling trapped in the routine. So we tried homeschooling, and it’s still working for me. What are some of the benefits of homeschooling? Flexibility is an appealing benefit. Need more sleep? No problem — sleep in, we have all day. Didn’t eat breakfast? Grab a snack while you work. Unfocused? Take a quick break. Are there educational events and fun events during school hours? Then go! Bright enough to take high school courses in eighth grade? Then do it and get credit! How is homeschooling different? Our daily schedule can change based on other activities: serving at church, friendtime, etc. We’re usually up by eight or nine and start school by ten. All of my schooling is independent, and the order is up to me. My mom lays out the list of subjects to be done, and I do them. Then, I’m free for the rest of the day. Simple. And there’s no peer pressure of trying to fit in. I don’t have to try to be like anyone else; I’m me.
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Homeschooling has allowed me to pursue my dreams without time constraints. When I was in public school, I barely had any “me” time. Now I’ve been designing video games since I was 11 years old, playing the guitar, working as an online student mentor and teaching assistant for a video game design school, giving out-of-town presentations of my games, writing, traveling, playing soccer and much more. I am not saying public or private schools are bad; some students may prefer them over being homeschooled. Some parents may not have the time or even want to homeschool, and that’s okay. Homeschooling is not for everyone. Just as God called my mom to homeschool me, He has a plan for your child’s education, too. I hope you see that homeschooling isn’t merely some “foreign” form of education. It has allowed me to learn and have extra time to focus on my God-given gifts. It’s not just an education. It’s an adventure. In memory of my dad, Larry Sauppe, who made homeschooling possible for me.
“
Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle . . . a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream.
—Barbara Winkler