HEALTH HAPPINESS JOY TO LIFE
SPR I NG 2 015
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
SOUTHERN REVIVAL PRESERVATION ARTS
+
GENESIS PARK EX VOTO JEWELRY MOBILE BAY
2
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
PINK YOUR
lives are saved because cause i
RIDE JOIN OUR FIGHT
y JOYTOLIFE.ORG
LIVE HERE. GIVE HERE. EVERY ONE OF US IS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER. AND WHEN YOU SUPPORT JOY TO LIFE, YOU DIRECTLY IMPACT THE LIVES OF MEN AND WOMEN IN YOUR COMMUNITY. HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ALABAMA!
APRIL 18, 2015
REGISTER NOW WALKOFLIFE2015.ORG
Our purpose:
Health
Helping people on their path to better health
[ Our customers our community
[
CVS/Pharmacy has been a proud sponsor of The Joy to Life Foundation since 2008. We would like to thank our customers and communities for helping us to contribute over $ 73,000 locally to Joy to Life.
Camden Dothan Enterprise Greenville Millbrook Montgomery Pike Road Prattville Ozark Troy Union Springs Wetumpka
PASSIONATE ABOUT FOOD... AND THE COMMUNITY. US FoodsŽ is one of America’s leading foodservice distributors offering national brands and high quality private label items ranging from fresh meats and produce to prepared and frozen foods to its more than 250,000 customers, including independent and multiunit restaurants, healthcare and hospitality entities, government and educational institutions. Discover more at www.usfoods.com. Montgomery Division | 2850 Selma Highway | Montgomery, AL 36108 | 1-800-826-6366
watch us on youtube
like us on facebook
follow us on twitter
SPR ING 2015
PUBLISHER
Living in the South means being surrounded by history. Not surprisingly, the need to preserve it seems to be a never-ending conquest of the Southern heart.
JTL Publishing EDITOR Jenny Enslen Stubbs
We safeguard our history by being a storytelling people. I’ll never forget my mother’s childhood stories of skipping rocks and catching frogs in the creek bed, and those of my grandfather raising cattle and being so proud of the Hereford he bought from John Wayne.
WEB EDITOR Jennifer Stewart Kornegay ART DIRECTOR Erika Tracy
Preservation can be found in the unlikeliest of places: vintage jewelry pieces given new life and purpose (more on page 46), even in the skill and craft of porches, pews and foundries. Rekindle your love of learning about preservation trades that have been monumental in keeping these stories ever-present in the lives of the South (page 8).
DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCERS Big Dreamz Creative MARKETING
In fact, find out more about places you thought you already knew, like Fairhope, Mobile (page 26) and Eufala (page 34).
Kelly Haynes
And it wouldn’t be if we didn’t talk about preserving your energy (page 16) and saving some green (page 50).
PROOFREADER Georgia Pinkston
Trust me, we’ve got some good stuff in here.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Stewart Kornegay Cheyenne Martin Michele Olson, PhD, FACSM, CSCS Will Stewart, DC, CSCS Jenny Enslen Stubbs Melissa Tate Witt SUPPORT
SUPPORT JOY TO LIFE FROM YOUR MOBILE DEVICE
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Big Dreamz Creative COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Josh Moates/ Kim Box Photography
lean is published quarterly by JTL Publishing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission from the publisher. lean reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space. lean is not responsible for damage, loss or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts and/or unsolicited artwork. This includes, but is not limited to, drawings, photography, transparencies or any other unsolicited material. lean does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial. The publishers do not assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. lean is a news magazine with information on health, fitness, leisure activities and sports. Readers are advised to consult their physicians before participating in any sport or fitness activity or starting any exercise, dietary or nutritional program published in lean.
Features
8
PRESERVATION TRADES
46
26
CITY BY THE BAY
SPRING
15
ISSUE 10
24 FIT FOR KIDS
EX VOTO JEWELRY
Genesis Park
CONTENT
32 LEAN LOVES
Products and Gear
34 ON THE MOVE
The Eufaula Pilgrimage
12 WHOLE LIVING
38 IN BALANCE
16 THE DISH
42 SKIN DEEP
20 TO LIFE
44 GO & DO
22 FORWARD MOTION
50 FISCAL FITNESS
Food Storage Basics
Fitness Fuel
The Spit Test
Balanced Bodies
Suicide Prevention
Choosing Skincare for Aging Skin
’s Calendar of Events
The Coupon Clip
PRESERVING
COMMEMORATE These structures hold our history. Commemorate “Bloody Sunday” and the Selma to Montgomery March at a Bridge Crossing Jubilee on March 5-9.
bcjubilee.org
8
BY JENNY ENSLEN STUBBS VISIT READLEAN.ORG
dirtY
OUNDS US. ORY SUR R HIST
And while terms like masonry, carpentry and blacksmithing conjure up images of “Little House on the Prairie” episodes, the terms could not be any more relevant than they are today.
As a human race, we’ve finally begun to recognize the urgent need to preserve the ages, stories and evidence of our history. Many times, this involves protecting the spaces we’ve utilized along the way. So how do we do that? We purposefully employ the practices that made those structures possible in the first place. Traditional building trades include several different hands-on skills. Just a few of those familiar ones make up my list, but there are many, many more out there waiting to be re-discovered.
PINK YOUR
RIDE JOIN OUR FIGHT
y JOYTOLIFE.ORG
9
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
B L AC K S M I T H I N G : Also referred to as “metalsmithing,” this occupation implores the creation of objects using iron or steel by forging the metal using hammers and
“It has been said that, at its best, preservation engages the past in a conversation with the present over a mutual concern for the future.”
constant bending and cutting.
T R A DI T ION A L
Roofing :
Basically, there are three types of roofs
M A S ON RY:
IMAGE: JOSH MOATES / KIM BOX PHOTOGRAPHY
-William Murtagh, National Register of Historic Places
Working with stones in the formation of a structure.
involved in this trade: single roofs, double roofs or trussed roofs.
POST BEAM
a nd
TI M BER FR A MING : Known as “post and beam” construction, this practice uses heavy timber (and beams), unlike the usual two-by-fours used today.
JOINERY: This involves incorporating the wooden elements of
C A R PE N T RY:
a building such as doors,
Making or repairing
window frames and stairs.
things with wood.
10
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
GO BUILD BAMA The crafts themselves don’t tell the whole story. The practitioners (who most would argue are artists themselves) must know history and architecture as well as the science and procurement of materials used. In order to save the buildings, though, we must first save the trades. GOBUILDALABAMA.COM has an entire list of trades involved in helping us get back to the basics of building. It also provides alarming statistics involving how the once robust field of traditional construction is now endangered. For example, the site points out the following statistics: F O R E V E R Y F O U R P E O P L E W H O L E AV E THE TR ADES, ONLY ONE REPLACEMENT IS SUPPLIED BY APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS. THE AV ER AGE AGE OF A CONSTRUCTION TRADESMAN TODAY IS 47 YEARS OLD.
In order to combat this, the ACRI (A labama Construction Recruitment Institute) implemented the Go Build Alabama initiative in 2009. This strategy was enacted to “educate young people on the value of learning a trade, dispel their misconceptions about the construction industry and inspire them to consider building a career as a skilled construction tradesman.”
BRUSH UP
GOBUILDALABAMA.COM
G WHOLE LIVIN
SAVE y
SOME FOR LATER In the South, we are blessed with fertile lands and bountiful harvests. So if you have fruits or veggies left over, can them! Not only does canning save you money, it’s eco-friendly, cuts down on waste, has no BPAs or additives and just plain tastes fresher and better! Check out our canning tips at READLEAN.ORG.
BY JENNY ENSLEN STUBBS
F O OD S T OR A G E B A S IC S
12
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
WHETHER IT’S FOR A NATURAL DISASTER, SUSTAINABILITY, SELF-SUFFICIENCY OR ANY EMERGENCY SITUATION, KNOWING YOUR FOOD STORAGE BASICS CAN LITERALLY BE A LIFESAVER.
-IN AN EMERGENCY-
ADPH’s Emergency Preparedness division has several suggestions about how to be prepared in case of an emergency. And when it comes to food storage, here are some of its helpful tips:
WATER
PICKLES
Have one gallon per person per day, plus extra for pets. And as long as the seal is not broken, purchased bottled water has an indefinite shelf life.
FOR DINNER ANYONE? TIP When choosing the
food you’d like to include, pay attention to your family’s tastes and any special needs diets needing attention.
FOOD
Be sure to include nonperishable (doesn't deteriorate quickly) items. Examples are ready-to-eat canned fruits, vegetables and meats; crackers, granola and trail mix; boxed or canned juice and powdered milk.
OH, AND
be sure you have a manual can opener‚ and that you know how to use it!
SUPPORT
13
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
-STORE IT!ROTATE YOUR FOOD AND WATER EVERY SIX TO 12 MONTHS.
STORE CANNED GOODS IN A COOL, DRY PLACE (ABOUT 40-60F) TO HELP PREVENT SPOILAGE.
START YOUR FOOD STORAGE Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months. These items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage.
STORE FOOD IN AIR-TIGHT CONTAINERS TO KEEP THE BUGS AND RODENTS FROM GETTING INTO THE GOODS.
TIP FROM PROVIDENTLIVING.ORG/SELF-RELIANCE
IF YOU’RE WITHOUT POWER FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, BE SURE TO EAT THE FOODS IN THE FRIDGE FIRST, THEN FROM THE FREEZER AND THEN FROM STORAGE.
FIVE- GALLON FIX Yo u ’ l l a c t u a l l y n e e d t w o b u c k e t s f o r southernplate.com's DIY $20 Survival Food Bucket, but Alabama’s own Christy Jordan gives easy step-by-step instructions on how to create long-term food storage buckets based on your own family’s tastes and wants. And she goes even further to note the exact amount of money you’ll be paying for each item!
In fact, foods in the freezer are usually good for about two days if doors are mostly kept shut, the freezer is well insulated, and there are still ice crystals in the center of the food.
CHECK IT OUT AT SOUTHERNPLATE.COM.
IF THE CONTAINER LOOKS DENTED, SWOLLEN OR CORRODED, DON’T EAT IT.
14
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
15
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
the dish
FOR EVENTS UNDER
90 MINUTES
IT’S BEST TO SIMPLY EAT A HEALTHY AMOUNT OF COMPLEX CARBS ALL THROUGHOUT YOUR TRAINING.
BY WILL STEWART, D.C., C.S.C.S.
FITNESS FUEL ) (
CARB TO NOT CARB? TO
OR
WHAT TO EAT WHEN, AND WHY, FOR PEAK EXERCISE PERFORMANCE.
THIS IS THE ANSWER.
COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES
Stay away from carbs! Eat tons of carbs if you want to perform better! Wait, what? Which is it? If you’re exercising, and especially if you’re training for a race, carbs play an important role in your before, during and after exercise diet.
Complex carbohydrates are the better bet. They take longer to digest (translating to sustained energy) and are packed with valuable fiber, vitamins and minerals. Examples include vegetables, whole grain breads, oatmeal, legumes, brown rice and wheat pasta.
Carbohydrates are a type of macronutrient and are the body’s primary source of fuel. They are converted by the body into glucose and stored in the liver or muscle as glycogen. There are two types of carbohydrates: simple carbs and complex carbs.
DO YOUR BODY GOOD. Bananas' high carbohydrate content makes them good sources of energy. They're rich in potassium and magnesium, minerals that you lose as you sweat.
STAY OFF SUGAR
Whether you are training for a race or not, it's best to eat only minimal amounts of refined sugars.
When you’re physically active beyond normal everyday activity, your body’s use of carbs increases. Without adequate amounts of carbs, you begin to hit what exercisers everywhere affectionately call “the wall.”
SIMPLE CARBOHYDRATES
So how can you best use carbs to your advantage before an exercise event like a race? For high-intensity or long events (90 minutes or more), “carb-loading” is a good option. It will provide the energy needed for endurance so you perform better and faster and experience less fatigue when you’re done.
Simple carbohydrates are broken down and digested very quickly, but most simple carbs contain unwanted refined sugars and very few essential vitamins and minerals. Examples include table sugar, soft drinks, molasses, maple syrup and brown sugar.
17
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
DRINK UP! Even though it’s still cool outside, you need to drink plenty of water. If you’re not properly hydrated, it won’t matter what else you put in your body; your performance will suffer.
HIT THE ROAD Be sure to burn some calories at JOY TO LIFE'S WALK OF LIFE in downtown Montgomery on April 18! To learn what the Walk does for your Alabama, check out LEAN's Summer 2014 issue at READLEAN.ORG.
IF YOUR EVENT CALLS FOR CARB-LOADING,
FOLLOW THESE TWO STEPS:
1
ONE WEEK BEFORE EVENT Adjust your carbohydrate intake so that it’s about 50 to 55 percent of your total daily calories. Increase protein and fat intake to compensate for any decrease in carbohydrates. Continue training at your normal level. This helps deplete your carbohydrate stores and make room for the loading that comes next.
SUPPORT
18
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
For high-intensity or long events (90 minutes or more), “carb-loading” is a good option. It will provide the energy needed for endurance so you perform better and faster and experience less fatigue when you’re done.
THREE TO FOUR DAYS BEFORE EVENT Three to four days before the event, increase your carbohydrate intake to about 70 percent of your daily calories. Cut back on foods higher in fat to compensate for the extra carbohydrate-rich foods. Also scale back your training to avoid using the energy you’re trying to store up. Rest completely the day before your big event.
HOORAY! YOU DID IT
FINISH LINE AFTER YOUR TRAINING SESSION OR EVENT IS WHEN CARBS CAN BE YOUR BEST FRIEND. Your body has just depleted its energy stores and is ravenous for replacement. At this point, simple carbs are an acceptable option since your body will quickly convert them to glucose and replace what was used up. (See the below recipe.) Protein is also an essential post-exercise nutrient.
Go for a
4 1
TO carb to protein ratio.
SKIP THE CANDY AND TRY THIS POST-WORKOUT, POST-RACE SNACK PACKED WITH BETTER-FOR-YOU SIMPLE CARBS.
EASY ENERGY BITES
1 1/2 cup oats 1/2 cup raisins 1/4 cup ground flax seed 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter 1/4 cup honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix all ingredients together and use your hands to form into small balls. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.
E
R
WITHIN SPIT TING DISTANC
E
IMP
RO V
DB
C T S EA
A NC E
T IO N C E T E RD
PINK YOUR
RIDE
ES T T t i p s
THE
JOIN OUR FIGHT
y JOYTOLIFE.ORG
20
FAMILY HISTORY IS IMPORTANT; KNOW WHAT IS IN YOUR TREE. EARLY DETECTION IS STILL KEY.
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
BY CHEYENNE MARTIN
hope abounds
B reast cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer
death in the United States. Yet, despite the soberness of that statement, the odds of fighting breast cancer and winning have never been better, thanks to early detection and increased awareness. And now women have one more ally:
THE SPIT TEST.
EARLY DETECTION is key in treating and beating breast cancer. With every decade, the chance for survival increases thanks to education, awareness and medical advances. The spit test has the potential to be a game changer in all three areas.
ALL IN THE FAMILY A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer can double if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister or daughter) who has been diagnosed. It’s important to also know if the family members were diagnosed under the age of 50 and if they were diagnosed in both breasts. But the American Cancer Society says that most women who develop breast cancer don’t have a family history of the disease. The spit test is a reliable test that can offer more specific information about the possibility of developing breast cancer. Dr. Pamela Strickland says it will only get even more accurate as data and information from spit tests is accumulated and cataloged.
WHAT IS IT? The spit test is a DNA-based test using saliva that can help women know whether or not they are at an increased risk of breast cancer. It does not diagnose breast cancer, but it can help in early detection. Dr. Pamela Strickland, a well-respected surgeon at Central Alabama Breastcare in Montgomery and member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, says the spit test works by looking for a mutation in a woman’s DNA. Women who have this particular mutation have an 87 percent chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer. However, she is careful to point out that the absence of the mutation doesn’t mean you will remain cancer free. “If the test is negative, it doesn’t mean that you’re not at risk,” Strickland says. “You just don’t have a high risk. You can still get breast cancer.” Any woman who is concerned with her risk of breast cancer can request the spit test. The test has gained some popularity in recent years but still might not be available everywhere. Talk to your gynecologist or contact a local breast center to inquire about the spit test.
21
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
you positive? START NOW.
Strickland recommends increased surveillance for women who test positive for the mutation.
A WOMAN IN HER 30S, FOR EXAMPLE, SHOULDN’T WAIT UNTIL 40 BEFORE GETTING AN ANNUAL MAMMOGRAM. Strickland also recommends clinical screenings every six months, alternating between a breast MRI and a mammogram. She also counsels patients on taking certain medications and surgery to remove the breasts. Prophylactic surgery is a viable option for women who are plagued with a family history of breast cancer and receive a positive spit test result. Strickland says it still doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of breast cancer, but that surgery is as close as a woman can get to zero.
Women who have this particular mutation have an
87% CHANCE
of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
FORWARD MOTION BY MICHELE OLSON, PHD, FACSM, CSCS
BALANCED BODIES
STRIKE A BALANCE Hold on to a chair, table or railing to get started, then work on holding each pose for 15-45 seconds without using any support. Doing these in your bare feet will also wake up any weak arches in your feet, which are also key to keeping you steady when you’re bearing weight.
As the baby boomer generation continues to age, (with the largest segment between the ages of 50-55 years), so does the concern over feeling as balanced as we once did. Racing up stairs and playing pick-up ball just doesn’t feel the same! So does our balance change? And why?
BE A WARRIOR
Holding this position improves your balance, concentration and core awareness.
Our balance does change. Some is attributable to weaker vision and how the fluid in our inner ear reacts (or doesn’t react). However, our balance is also related to how well a few key muscle groups perform when we stand, exercise, get in and out of cars, and turn quickly to grab our ringing cell phone. As with much of aging in general, the changes we experience in our bodies are often linked to lack of physical activity and loss of fitness and muscle strength. These changes can easily be tackled with exercise‚ something we should be doing most days of the week (for about 30 minutes) anyway.
TRY A TREE This basic yoga pose is aimed at perfecting balance and focusing the mind.
22
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
TO IMPROVE BALANCE AND LESSEN OUR CHANCES OF TRIPPING OR FALLING, we simply must re-awaken and strengthen our balance muscles, most of which surround our hip joint. The stronger the muscles in the hips, the less stress we experience in our knees and back and the better we are at moving and balancing. Along with the core muscles, which include your abdominals and back muscles, the hip girdle muscles go far to keep us steady.
TRY THE DYING BUG
WAKE UP
MUSCLES
HOW-TO'S FOR GETTING YOUR MUSCLES BACK TO WORK
Lay face up with knees bent and lower the right foot to the floor while sending your right arm back by the right ear. Alternate doing 30 total repetitions.
PERFORM BRIDGES Perform Face-up Gluteal and Low-Back Bridges. With bent knees, press your feet into the floor and lift your back up. Lower slowly and repeat 15 times.
DO CHAIR STEP-UPS Simply place your right foot on a chair. (You can start with the lowest stair step on a staircase or a lower stool.) Place your right foot in the chair and step up your left foot onto the chair. Reverse and repeat, working up from five on each side to 15 repetitions.
SUPPORT
S F IT F O R K ID
G
enesis Park
In its 15 years, the Joy to Life Foundation has continually strived to provide hope to its survivors, their families and friends, as well as serenity to those searching for peace. Now, through a partnership with the City of Montgomery and the Montgomery Zoo, the foundation will bring enrichment to all who enter the only butterfly pavilion in the world tied to breast cancer. Very much a place of peace, hope and reflection, Genesis Park will be a 5,000 square foot structure designed as “a built metaphor of great hope,” according to Richard Norris of McAlpine Tankersley Architecture, designers of the park. With literal and symbolic elements of the journey through breast cancer evident throughout the edifice, both an education-
A SPECIAL
PLACE
al theatre and sanctuary will be part of the experience. In fact, entomologist Dr. Michael Weissman remarked the project will “create a complete habitat immersion experience unrivaled anywhere else in the region.” Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange pointed out additional benefits to Alabamians by adding, “We are proud to partner with Joy to Life in this important project. The survivor park and butterfly pavilion in Montgomery will be a source of hope and strength for women and families diagnosed with breast cancer. Proceeds from the park will help fund precious early detection screenings that will allow more cancer patients to become cancer survivors. This unique pavilion will raise awareness of breast cancer and save lives.”
“BUTTERFLIES ARE, IN A SENSE, MAGICAL GIFTS JUST AS JOY TO LIFE HAS BEEN TO MANY BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS THROUGH THE YEARS. EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES WILL ABOUND FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN THAT VIEW VIDEO PRESENTATIONS PRIOR TO ENTRY.” -DOUG GOODE, MONTGOMERY ZOO DIRECTOR 24
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
A SERENITY PARK AND BUTTERFLY PAVILION LOVINGLY DEDICATED TO CANCER SURVIVORS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS AT THE MONTGOMERY ZOO
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Joy to Life has some FUNdraisers in the works! Check
GENESISPARKPAVILION.COM often to learn more about upcoming events and donation drives. And while you’re there, enjoy an amazing, one-of-akind performance by Sand Artist Kseniya Simonova as she illustrates the HOPE Joy to Life wants to invoke for future visitors of Genesis Park!
“As the only breast cancer butterfly pavilion
In Honor
in the world, HWOENOARREED to provide those affected by this disease a serene setting as a quiet space for prayer, meditation, relaxation and reflection.” The Joy to Life Foundation’s Genesis Park is dedicated to those among us FIGHTING TO ELIMINATE BREAST CANCER. The Park’s name is inspired by the re-birth of hope and new beginnings that are part of rebuilding lives post-cancer.” -JOY AND DICKIE BLONDHEIM, CO-FOUNDERS OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
Support the Cause
At the Genesis Park website, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a beautiful 6" x 12" bronze plaque for your family or friends who are survivors or to honor in memory those who have lost their battle with breast cancer. These 1000+ plaques will be displayed on a wall as you enter the park for all to see and admire. Each plaque will display the name of the honoree and the name of the donor.
SUPPORT JOY TO LIFE ON APRIL 18 BY REGISTERING FOR OUR 14TH ANNUAL WALK OF LIFE 5K AT WALKOFLIFE2015.ORG. 25
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
bama's
CITY by the
Bay A bygone charm cloaks the city of Mobile and the areas around Mobile Bay like the Spanish moss covering the trees. Walk the historic streets, tour Civil War-era forts and antebellum homes, and you’ll sense the shadows of the old South hanging heavy in the air. But modern Mobile is more than
WAY COOL
& free
Housed in the Italianate style Old City Hall, The History
its rich past; its harmonious mix
Museum of Mobile offers an
of yesterday and today creates
engaging way to explore the city’s
the perfect weekend escape.
300-year history with permanent and rotating exhibits, including the Community Gallery that highlights local artists.
Time Travel
PINK YOUR
RIDE
Take a stroll down Dauphin Street, the principal thoroughfare for the original French settlers who established the city in 1702. A walking tour of the district of which Dauphin Street is the center highlights the city’s original commercial corridor, harkening back to the days when
cotton was king and Mobile was the third busiest port in the nation. For a glimpse of 19th century Gulf Coast living in style, visit the Oakleigh House Museum. The main draw here is the Oakleigh house itself, the “official period house of the city of Mobile.” The Greek Revival mansion has distinct features including a cantilevered front staircase and double parlors. The Fort Conde Site sits just down the street. Built by the French in 1723, the fort was demolished in the early 1800s to make way for the city’s growth. In 1976, the city recreated part of the fort on the original site, and it now contains exhibits and artifacts depicting life in Colonial times.
JOIN OUR FIGHT
y
BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY
JOYTOLIFE.ORG
26
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
“DAMN THE TORPEDOES! FULL SPEED AHEAD!”
history lives How many times have you heard this phrase? But do you know who said it first? After moving between French, British and Spanish control for over 100 years, the territory around Mobile Bay was seized by the United States in 1813. To protect the state’s long coastline, the construction of Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island in Mobile Bay began in 1819. For 30 years the work started and stopped as multiple problems were encountered along the way. Finally, by 1861, the fort was almost completed, but as the Civil War broke out, it was the Confederacy that added the finishing touches. The fort played a vital role in the Battle of Mobile Bay, one of the war’s most notable naval conflicts. During this battle, Union Admiral David Farrag ut attempted to capture Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines. Amid intense
fire and while watching one boat sink after getting hit by a torpedo, Farragut shouted, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” in an effort to rally his troops. For three days afterwards, the battle to take Fort Gaines raged on, until finally the Confederates su r r ender ed t he for t t o Fa r r a g ut . Tour the fort and see for yourself where this bold and bloody battle played out.
www.dauphinisland.org/fortgaines
TOUR THE MIGHTY BATTLESHIP THAT BEARS OUR STATE’S NAME Walking along the massive U.S.S. Alabama's decks and squeezing into the U.S.S. Drum submarine’s tiny spaces gives a sense of what our veterans felt and faced as they served our country in World War II. Additional park attractions include other military boats and aircraft, including one of the planes flown by the famous Tuskegee Airmen.
www.ussalabama.com
27
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
live and roam freely in their natural habitat.
ALLIGATORS IN ACTION
bloomin' beauties
DON'T MISS THE ANNUAL
Festival of Flowers 2015 March 26-29
There’s always something spectacular to see at Bellingrath Gardens and Home, but in spring, Mother Nature puts on one of her most vibrant shows. Stroll through the gardens' 65 acres of floral fantasyland, to gaze at blankets of color-drenched azaleas. Other seasonal favorites include roses (there are more than 2,000 bushes and 75 different varieties), camellias, chrysanthemums and more.
WWW.BELLINGRATH.ORG
Approaching Alligator Alley outside of Mobile, you might suspect you’re about to encounter a few sad little gators penned up in chain-link enclosures a nd maybe a g uy ready to “rassle” an alligator for your entertainment. Yo u c o u l d n ’ t b e m o r e w r o n g . Alligator Alley is, instead, a preserve for nuisance alligators. Owner Wes Moore “rescues ” ma ssive rept i les who’ve got ten too close to people and lost their innate fear of humans. In 20 acres of cypress swamp, the park’s 450 gators live and roam freely in their natural habitat, and lucky visitors get to observe them feeding, courting or just sunning themselves, all from the safety of an elevated boardwalk. Unseen fencing around the swamp’s borders creates the illusion of watching the magnificent animals in the wild. Of course, alligators in the w ild don’t have names like Mighty Max, who at 13-feet, 10-inches long i s t he p a rk ’s l a r g e s t i n h a bit a nt .
WWW.GATORALLEYFARM.COM
SUPPORT
28
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
ILLUSTRATION BY GIBBS LEE
The park’s 450 gators
ISN’T IT TIME TO CHANGE YOUR
POINT OF VIEW? a ront V Gulf-F
s
cation
s Condo s u o i r Luxu ties Ameni t r o s e R
Research shows that people who take beach vacations are HAPPIER, HEALTHIER, and MORE PRODUCTIVE, both at home and at work. We invite you to hit your reset button at one of our luxurious Gulf Coast resorts. And come back RELAXED.
Panama City Beach AquaResortFun.com
855.349.2505
Orange Beach SeachaseResortAl.com
855.349.2510
Ft. Morgan Road, Gulf Shores MartiniqueResortAl.com
855.389.3402 PREMIER COMMUNITIES
AR03-32353-Resorts-LeanAd-2015.indd 1
2/9/15 1:10 PM
29
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
. . . gas-lantern-lined brick streets of downtown
need we say more?
stay in style
RESTAURANTS TO RAVE ABOUT You now know what to do and where to stay on your visit to Mobile. Find out where to eat at READLEAN.ORG.
Tucked away in Fort Conde Village on the edge of downtown, the Fort Conde Inn provides comfy, elegant accommodations in the serene atmosphere that permeates the gas-lantern-lined brick streets of this quiet and quaint area. The A A A 4-diamond boutique bed and breakfast is within walking distance of downtown’s multiple attractions, but feels a world, and centuries, removed. The Inn is housed in one of the city’s oldest historic residences, an 1836 home that’s been restored to its nineteenth century glory, with great attention pa id to its a rchitectura l heritage. The original heart pine floors, custom-milled stairways, thick trim and crystal chandeliers are all preserved and lend yesterday’s charm to modern conveniences like in-room coffee makers
30
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
fancy french toast, fluffy pancakes & more
and flat-screen TVs in each of the Inn’s eight rooms, five suites and two cottages. A night spent blanketed with luxury linens in a cozy, four-poster bed gives way to a scrumptious morning meal in the dining room. Find hot coffee and chilled fruit juices along with fat, warm biscuits ready and waiting with a selection of homemade jellies and jams. (The Monkey Butter, a mish-mash of tropical tastes, is a must-try.) The Inn’s chef prepares your gourmet breakfast to order after you choose from tempting options including omelettes (often including fresh Gulf shrimp and crab), fancy French toast, fluffy pancakes and more.
WWW.FORTCONDEINN.COM
TAME THE DRAGON.
IS HEARTBURN A PROBLEM? Baptist Medical Center East now has Montgomery’s only state-of-the-art diagnostic testing for heartburn and reflux. Our special team of doctors and nurses can put together a treatment plan just for you. And the best news? Most insurance plans will cover it. So call the heartburn team at Baptist East. And let us help you slay that dragon.
Visit BaptistEastHeartburn.com or call 334.273.4444
Some patients may require a primary care physician referral depending on insurance provider.
Visit our new
HEARTBURN TREATMENT CENTER
GET AN EYEFUL OF THESE PRODUCTS AND PLACES WE LOVE.
Gear PRODUCTS &
SEE THESE BEAUTIES UP CLOSE! DON'T MISS SOUTHERN MAKERS IN MONTGOMERY ON MAY 3-4. This is the third year for the event that celebrates Alabama artisans and makers of all kinds and the foods and goods they craft, including many of the items we feature in Lean Loves like CAB Yachts. Its first two events were so popular, SM has added a second day for 2015. Visit SOUTHERNMAKERS.COM for details and tickets.
SEE-WORTHY CABYacht’s skiffs and other boats are eye-pleasing proof of a successful collaboration between time-honored techniques and the latest technology. Floating on the backwaters and bays of the Gulf, their gleaming mahogany hulls reflect the twinkle of the sun bouncing on the current. Each custom-made craft is built at the company's workshops in Penscola, Florida, and Perdido, Alabama, and is designed to last for generations. cabyachts.com
32
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
EVEN BETTER BEER Alabama's craft beer industry is booming, and there's no better way to store a great local beer than in one of these great pottery growlers from Southern Growler in Huntsville. Each beautiful vessel is slip cast and handmade, and you don’t have to be a beer drinker to enjoy their form and function. Fill them with wine, juice, milk, whatever!
IMAGES: JOSH MOATES / KIM BOX PHOTOGRAPHY
RENEWING
southerngrowler.com
HANDMADE HERITAGE
MAKING A MARK Letterpress printing was almost a dying art, but now, a new batch of shops popping up all over Alabama is bringing it back to life. We love Cotton & Pine Creative, a design studio and print shop in Montgomery. Using a vintage letterpress printer, C&P is turning out custom stationary, notecards, invitations and more, all with the unique feel and look that are the hallmarks of the time-consuming process. Wanna make a strong first impression? Order yourself a set of letterpress business cards.
A hundred and fifty years ago, plenty of people knew how to take natural materials from the landscape and weave them into beautiful, useful baskets. Today, those people are harder and harder to find. But in Lowndes County, Andrew McCall, a.k.a. the “vine man,” is hand-fashioning baskets from native plants. Self-taught, McCall has been weaving baskets of all shapes and sizes out of wisteria, kudzu and grape vines for the last 20 years. No two are alike, and each provides ample evidence of McCall’s passion for his work. Find his baskets at Black Belt Treasures in Camden. blackbelttreasures.com
cottonpine.com
PINK YOUR
RIDE JOIN OUR FIGHT
y JOYTOLIFE.ORG
33
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
ON THE MOVE
34
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLEN WHITE
HISTORY AND HERITAGE Uncover the past with a walk through some of our state’s most elegant, historic homes. On the banks of Lake Eufaula and a stone’s throw away from the Georgia state line, little Eufaula, Ala., is a hotbed of hospitality. Its annual Eufaula Pilgrimage, celebrating its 50th year this April, draws over 6,000 visitors to the city every year, and every one of them receives a genuinely warm welcome.
50th Annual Eufaula
PILGRIMAGE APRIL 9-12
35
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
A profusion of bright azalea blooms and delicate dogwoods greet you at the beginning of the Seth Lore-Irwinton Historic District that’s full of almost immaculate homes, seemingly plucked right out of the past: opulent mansions, charming cottages and everything in between.
One of the most well preserved cities in the South, Eufaula boasts over 700 historically significant buildings and houses with 20 on the National Register of Historic Places. The Pilgrimage invites visitors from across our state, from across the country and from around the world to step back in time and explore antebellum and Victorian houses. The homes on tour differ every year. The houses, privately owned and generously opened to the public for the Pilgrimage, are inviting, but so are the informative costumed guides, dressed in hoop skirts and Confederate uniforms. The tour is sponsored by the Eufaula Heritage Association, a group founded in 1965 when ordinary citizens banded together to preserve Eufaula’s historic homes and treasures. The impetus for the Association’s formation was the possible destruction of the Shorter Mansion, one of the most imposing homes in Eufaula, representing the grand style of neoclassical architecture. The Association bought the mansion at auction and made it the headquarters for both the Association and the Pilgrimage. The Shorter Mansion was built in 1884 by Eli and Wylena Shorter and was remodeled in 1906. Its gleaming white, columned facade gives way to an interior beautifully furnished with antiques, and it stays open to visitors Monday through Saturday‚ year-round (except on holidays).
LEARN
MORE
ABOUT
THIS Y E A R’S EV ENT AT E U FAU L A PI L GR I M AGE .C OM . The Pilgrimage has more than home tours on the agenda. Activities like a cemetery tour, an open-air arts show and musical entertainment make for an event that appeals to almost everyone. EAT EUFAULA
Hidden Gem The Yoholo-Micco Trail, accessed at the edge of downtown, is a 2.5-mile, paved trail named for a Creek Indian chief and built over an old railroad bed. Points of interest include a small waterfall, nesting bald eagles and a cemetery dotted with headstones chiseled in Hebrew and dating back to the early 1800s. The section traversing an old railroad bridge offers an unimpeded view of Lake Eufaula. 36
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
G r ab a hef t y R iv er Cit y sandwich at River City BBQ for lunch. Chopped, smoked pork topped with slaw and ribbons of tangy pickled onions gets a flavor boost from the joint’s mild Alabama White Sauce. For a snack, swing by the Donut King and enjoy a fluffy, sugary Cinnamon Twist.
in
Balance
You, as a teacher, parent, friend, relative, first responder or even coworker‚
can make a difference.
SuicidePrevention where do
YOU
fit in?
39,000
Americans commit suicide every year. These stories become headlines all too often and are tragic, leaving us heartbroken and shaken for the families left behind. BY MELISSA TATE WITT
38
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
For some great examples of these types of situations within various organizations, and your role within them, check out The Suicide Prevention Resource Center at sprc.org/basics/rolessuicide-prevention.
What we don’t often hear about are the success stories. The stories of over eight million Americans annually who seriously considered suicide but are still with us today. Many owe their life to a friend, coworker or teacher who simply asked a question and pointed them in the right direction. A lot of organizations and communities (corporations, schools, the military, etc.) now have professionals in place to ensure people can find help quickly when they need it. These professionals are also educating people on suicidal warning signs and how to inquire and/or respond to someone who may be in danger. Creating a stronger, closer-knit and educated community enables the people who work closely together day-to-day to see the red flags. Getting help early on may be exactly what someone needs to prevent taking that fatal step.
RISK FACTORS Alcohol and drugs Financial problems Mental illness Bullying / Job loss Relationship changes Trauma / Physical Illness Hopelessness / Depression Mistakes
Be comfortable in starting the conversation. If you feel someone is struggling, privately express your concern.
!warning
signs
Offer support, ask questions and listen closely but try not to give them cliche hope or advice. It is also important to not make confidentiality promises. You will want to point them in the direction of the resources available to them for professional help and this may mean you have to engage as well.
ADPH Suicide Prevention, adph.org/suicideprevention/ HelpGuide.Org learn more Suicide Prevention Resource Center, sprc.org American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, afsp.org
39
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
Talking about death Getting affairs in order Saying goodbye Seeking out lethal means Hopelessness Unbearable pain Looking for revenge Feeling like a burden Increased use of alcohol Increased use of drugs Reckless behavior Sleeping too little or too much Isolation Extreme mood swings
HelpGuide.Org has some great verbiage in regards to how to start and continue this conversation: “I have been feeling concerned about you lately.” “Recently, I have noticed some differences in you and wondered how you are doing.” “I wanted to check in with you because you haven’t seemed yourself lately.”
WHEN TO ACT If during the conversation you find the person has already started to plan a suicide, you must act immediately.
Call 911 (and others) for help. Ensure the person is not left alone. Evaluate the threat by asking these four questions below:
GET HELP NOW NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE 24/7 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Do you have a suicide plan? Do you have what you need to carry out your plan (pills, gun, etc.)? Do you know when you would do it? Do you intend to commit suicide?
41
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
art
Skin DECISIONS, DECISIONS
THE OF CHOOSING ANTI-AGING
CARE 42
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
Department stores and marketing slogans can make choosing an anti-aging skincare regimen almost impossible. With so many choices, how do you know what you really need?
w
hen faced with too many options and confusing, competing claims from skincare companies, many people end up making the wrong choice when it comes to anti-aging products for their face. Or they simply use nothing. But according to Dr. Michael Bowman and Dr. Thomas Cawthon at River Region Facial Plastics, education can help you take the guesswork out of caring for your mature skin.
3
CHANGES IN AGING SKIN
Loss of volume Sagging skin Textural changes
grass Remember this acronym that highlights what you need in a skincare regimen:
G R A S S
Growth factors or proteins that help to maintain and stimulate collagen in a healthy skin structure.
Retinoids, which help skin become smoother and thicker while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Antioxidants, which improve the appearance of skin tone, texture and firmness while protecting the skin against damage caused by exposure to the sun, environmental assaults and natural aging. Specialty products, which allow you to have a customized regimen for your skin. This includes acne treatments and/ or the type of moisturizers that best suit your skin type and conditions.
Sunscreen, which is important in any daily skincare regimen to protect the skin from sun damage and cancercausing rays.
River Region Facial Plastics in Montgomery offers free skincare consultations that provide you with a complete understanding of your skin’s specific needs. Visit RiverRegionFacialPlastics.com to learn more.
SUPPORT
43
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
APRIL/MAY 2015 MONTGOMERY
April 18
Joy to Life's 14th Annual Walk of Life walkoflife2015.org Take steps to help Joy to Life continue its fight against breast cancer by taking part in its annual signature fundraiser—the Walk of Life! Participating as a walker/ runner in the Walk is a must-do (and be sure to stay for the afterparty at Montgomery's Riverfront Park).
CELEBRATING 15 YE
... AND MUCH MORE NEED MORE NOW? CHECK OUT READLEAN.ORG FOR MORE EVENT LISTINGS.
Cheers!
RACE BEGINS AT 8:30
A RS
OF JOY TO LIFE
KIDS DASH 9:45
In celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Joy to Life Foundation, the USATF-certified 5K early registration fee is ONLY $25 this year, and the Kids Dash is $10.00. Your 5K registration includes a Tek t-shirt and a special pink race bib. Kids Dash participants receive their own special t-shirt and green race bib as well. The Tek t-shirt and race bib (pink or green) allows you access to the U.S. Food Court and entertainers at the riverfront, which are only accessible to REGISTERED participants or those who purchase a $10 wristband. 44
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
SPRING IS IN THE AIR! AND NOW IS THE TIME TO ENJOY ALL THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF SWEET HOME ALABAMA.
MONTGOMERY
MONROEVILLE
Montgomery Zoo Weekend
25th Season of “To Kill A Mockingbird”
Let your inner-animal out at this annual celebration of music, entertainment, food and fun. (And for another rip-roaring good time, check out their Dino Dig on May 2.)
Presented by the all-local Mockingbird Players, this popular performance depicts the renowned novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Harper Lee. Tickets go on sale March 1.
April 11-12
montgomeryzoo.com
April-May
discovermonroeville.com
MONTGOMERY
May 2-3
02/ MAY
Southern Makers
IMAGE: CARTER PHOTO DESIGN
southernmakers.com This two-day event in the Union Station Train Shed works to recognize the authenticity of the South by bringing in “makers” in textiles, literature, farming, food, art and design through a series of demonstrations and workshops. All proceeds benefit E.A.T. South. IMAGE: THOMAS LUCAS PHOTOGRAPHY
GULF SHORES
May 15-17
Hangout Music Festival hangoutmusicfest.com FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER , CHECK
Feel the white sand of the Gulf between your toes while you rock out to an impressive array of musicians during this popular music fest.
OUT WALKOFLIFE2015.ORG.
IMAGES: JONATHONKOHN.COM
PINK YOUR
RIDE JOIN OUR FIGHT
y JOYTOLIFE.ORG
45
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
great
A CAUSE S
PIECE E X VO T O P O R T P U HELP Ssnow.org
thecures
tart
46
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
RESTORING
When tragedy struck Elizabeth Adams and her family, she responded not with anger but with art. WHEN TRAGEDY STRUCK ELIZABETH ADAMS AND HER FAMILY, SHE RESPONDED NOT WITH ANGER BUT WITH ART.
In 2007, Elizabeth Adams’ three-year-old daughter died from a brain tumor. The Montgomery artist sought solace in her creativity, making mixed media collages that included bits and pieces of broken vintage jewelry she found at antique shops. She then began adding some of the lockets, trinkets and charms she didn’t use in her collages to her own jewelry. These pieces became their own works of art. “I was doing it just for me; it was a kind of therapy,” Elizabeth said. But people started commenting on the unique necklaces she was always wearing. “They really liked them,” she said. And so, Ex Voto Vintage Jewelry was born. The Montgomery-based company is now selling Elizabeth’s designs that combine antique lockets and pendants with chunky chains and freshwater pearls all over the world. After some of her necklaces were included in gift bags for celebrities at the Golden Globe awards in 2011, the demand for her work became so high, she moved from her home studio and opened a retail location in the capital city. Last March, she opened a second store in Birmingham.
BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY
47
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
Ex voto ? WHAT IS AN
TEXTBOOK DEFINITION
history, and its own meaning,” she said. “Each that was broken has been redeemed; it made it through something bad to find new purpose and joy.” ELIZABETH ADAMS
story
EACH PIECE SHARES THE
OF HER OWN
hope.
HEART HEALING, AND IT'S A TALE OF GRATITUDE AND
G A RELIGIOUS OFFERIN TO R DE OR IN GIVEN FULFILL A VOW
Today, Ex Voto offers one-of-a-kind pieces made with antique elements as well as limited edition pieces made with items cast from an original antique. The one-of-a-kind pieces are just that; there are no two alike. The limited edition pieces are usually made in a series of 50.
Her elegant, feminine pieces are the epitome of sophisticated Southern style and put a fresh spin on classic looks, but there’s a deeper meaning to be found in every necklace and bracelet she designs, and it’s as lovely as the jewelry itself. By breathing new life into items discarded and long forgotten, she’s taking something broken and making it whole again. Each piece shares the story of her own heart healing, and it’s a tale of gratitude and hope, a tale inherent in the jewelry company’s name. In the Latin Catholic faith, when a prayer is answered, the person who offered the prayer makes a small trinket and places it on the alter so others can see it and be encouraged. These handmade testaments of thankfulness are called ex votos. “Around the time I first started the collages, I read an article about a man who collected ex votos,” she said. “As I learned more about them, the idea held so much meaning for me with what I was going through.” When she decided to start selling her jewelry, she knew there was no other name that so perfectly fit her work and inspiration behind it. “Each of the little pieces I use has its own
And those who buy and wear Ex Voto jewelry are doing more than making an extremely fashionable choice; they’re helping other families avoid the loss the Adams faced. A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS FROM EVERY PURCHASE GOES TO THE FOUNDATION ELIZABETH SET UP, THE CURE STARTS NOW, WHICH FUNDS RESEARCH FOR PEDIATRIC BRAIN CANCER.
And all of the proceeds from pieces in the Couture to Cure line go directly to the foundation.
48
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
ADD EX VOTO'S TIMELESS APPEAL TO YOUR JEWELRY BOX. exvotovintage.com
49
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
$1 OFF
THE
COUPON CLIP
WHAT'S IT COSTING YOU?
LIST: IS IT REALLY WORTH IT? You’ve heard about extreme couponing‚ when the shopper in the family goes to the grocery store and finds a way to be paid for a week’s worth of groceries. But how much time was invested? How much is our time worth?! For most of us, extreme couponing can be pretty impractical and not worth the “investment” of our time.
BY MELISSA TATE WITT
BUT WHAT ABOUT COUPONING IN GENERAL: IS IT WORTH IT? IT ABSOLUTELY CAN BE. HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER:
THE LEVEL TO WHICH YOU TAKE COUPONING AND WHETHER OR NOT IT MAKES SENSE FOR YOU WILL
HOW MUCH TIME DID I INVEST?
VARY FROM FAMILY TO FAMILY, BUT
Fina ncia l ex per t Dave R a msey (daveramsey.com) discusses how to calculate your time versus your savings by keeping up with it for a week. Record the time collecting, cl ippi ng , sor t i ng a nd pr i nt i ng coupons, plus any time running to various stores; then take note of your savings. Divide your savings by the hours spent and see how much you saved per hour. Was it worth it to you?
HERE ARE A FEW COUPONING TIPS
DO I REALLY NEED THIS ITEM? Seeing a great deal may entice you to buy a new product or a product you wouldn’t ordinarily buy (this is kind of the point of a coupon, after all!). You may discover a new favorite item, or you may end up with something you didn’t want or need just because the deal looked too good to pass up.
CAN I USE THAT MUCH? Coupons sometimes require you to purchase a larger amount of the product for the savings to kick in. If you know you’ll use it and have the space to store it, the item could be a great deal. But if it is something that is thrown out because you simply couldn’t use that much, you lose money. And you don’t want a huge stockpile of cereals and granola bars sitting in your house; we all have enough clutter!
WE CAN ALL BENEFIT FROM:
A QUEST FOR DISCOUNT CODES If you shop online, be sure to search for a company promo/discount code. You can often get 10-25 percent off plus free shipping!
PLAN AHEAD Plan meals in advance and coupon accordingly. Most grocery stores will have a website and/or email you certain coupons to upload to your store rewards card.
YOUR FAVORITE BRAND
If there is a certain product you always buy, look online for coupons as well and check the product’s website.
TAKE OUT TONIGHT? For eating out, always look for a coupon with a quick internet search or scan of the weekly paper. There may even be a deal on the restaurant website.
TRY THIS! Coupon sites like GROUPON and LIVING SOCIAL are great, especially for trying new restaurants or new activities as they often offer substantial discounts.
YOU'VE GOT THIS. IT'S IN THE BAG. A REUSABLE BAG.
Grocery coupons aren’t necessary to save money. They can even be difficult if you typically buy fresh, whole and/or organic foods versus a lot of processed items. Here are a few reminders on how to save money without coupons:
BUY IN SEASON
STOCK UP Freeze discounted items to use at a later date.
Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season and in abundance.
PLAN AHEAD Plan your meals in advance and limit impromptu shopping trips. IT SAVES TIME TOO.
Buy in bulk— meat, seeds, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate, etc.
AUTOMATE
Check out “subscribe and save” options online for your favorite staples.
CHECK THE
SHOP FARMERS MARKETS
WHY WE LOVE THEM: Fresh selection straight from farmers Using cash typically equals spending less Interesting, friendly people (It's shopping and entertainment in one!)
HAVE FUN
CLEARANCE AISLE IT COULD BE TONIGHT’S DINNER!
-ORWATCH THE
Make your own version of your favorite treats!
SUPPORT
52
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
SALES AND BUY IN ADVANCE.
MEALS FOR MILES At Wind Creek Hospitality, we’re proud of our local roots and always looking for new ways to give back. By using our food truck to reach the community around us, Good To Go brings our best to the people we love and the places we call home. From charity events to disaster relief and every stop we make in between, each time we get behind the wheel, we’re going the extra mile.
FOLLOW THE
TRUCK! Visit WindCreekHospitality.com/GoodToGo to see where we’ll be next.
FIND YOUR WINNING MOMENT. TasteWindCreek
@TasteWindCreek
303 Poarch Rd., Atmore, AL 36502 Copyright © 2015 Wind Creek Hospitality. An authority of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
{A SHOUT OUT TO ALL SURVIVORS + SUPPORTERS}
Join us in supporting the Joy to Life Foundation and the fight against breast cancer. 54
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
HOW THE
LOCALS
ROLL
DONATE
NOW
TO JTL
LIVE HERE. GIVE HERE. WITH EVERY PURCHASE OF THE ALL PINK JOY TO LIFE CAR TAG, ALABAMIANS HELP SUPPORT FUNDING OF MAMMOGRAMS AND OTHER BREAST CANCER SCREENINGS FOR UNDERSERVED WOMEN IN EVERY COUNTY IN ALABAMA.
JOYto OFFICIAL
LIFE All
TAG
JOYTOLIFE.ORG
55
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
PINK
FUNDS
MAMMOGRAMS
LOCALLY
56
VISIT READLEAN.ORG
IN SUPPORT OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION AND THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER.
iHeartMedia, with its 245 million monthly U.S. listeners, is the leading media company in America with a greater reach than any radio, digital or television outlet.
GREAT TRIPS COVER MILES OF SMILES. At Wind Creek Hospitality we believe nothing’s more important than community. It is why we do everything we do. Everything, like Good To Go, the mobile food truck that brings our best to the people we love and the places we call home. From charity events to disaster relief and more, each time we get behind the wheel, our commitment to community drives us to go the extra mile. Look at the map and you’ll see, there’s no stopping Good To Go.
FIND YOUR WINNING MOMENT. Copyright © 2015 Wind Creek Hospitality | 303 Poarch Creek Rd., Atmore, AL 36502 | WindCreekHospitality.com
Best Dining Spots
Your next memorable meal is closer than you think.
New at Kowaliga Restaurant KOWALIGA FAMILY SUPPER Enjoy a meat & three at every Wednesday night and Sunday lunch for just $14.00.
75¢ WING NIGHT Thursday nights are Wing Night, with mix-andmatch wings for just 75¢ each! Voted Lake Martin's best lakeside dining experience, Executive Chef Ban Stewart brings his knowledge of gulf coast seafood as well as his love for fresh, seasonal, and locally-sourced fare to Kowaliga’s southern comfort menu. KowaligaRestaurant.com
fine dining in a rustic, casual setting
the gathering spot of russell crossroads
Lake Martin's premiere dining spot, SpringHouse
Check out the weekly grocery specials, grab a quick
ranked in the Best 100 Restaurants in the South by
breakfast or lunch in the Café or pick up essentials for
Southern Living. Chef Rob McDaniel, a two-time semi-
dinner and a bottle of wine. We bring our customers the
finalist for the James Beard Best Chef: South award,
best provisions found anywhere, including prime, fresh
creates magnificent meals complimented by the
cuts of meat, gulf seafood, unique cheeses and delicious
spectacular wines and specialty cocktails.
breads and pastries from our own in-house bakery.
SpringHouseAtCrossroads.com
CatherinesAtCrossroads.com
60
VISIT READLEAN.ORG