To Life
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Walk ON JOY TO LIFE
Walk of Life 2016
FISHER’S + FINDING PURSELL FARMS FRUITY FRIOS
LIVE HERE. GIVE HERE.
15 years ago, Joy To Life took the first steps in the fight against breast cancer. Since then, we’ve impacted the lives of thousands throughout the state with early detection screenings for low income women.
APRIL 16, 2016 REGISTER NOW
WALKOFLIFE2016.ORG
It’s up to you to help us keep the momentum going.
JOY TO LIFE PROVIDES LIFESAVING MAMMOGRAMS AND BREAST SCREENINGS IN EVERY COUNTY IN OUR STATE.
A mammogram more likely to get it right the first time?*
I’d call that Genius. Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exams offer: • Better detection of invasive breast cancers** • Fewer anxiety inducing callbacks** Visit MyGenius3D.com to learn more!
*Versus 2D mammography alone. ** Data on file. Genius™ 3D MAMMOGRAPHY™ exams available only on the Hologic Selenia® Dimensions® system. Consult your physician for a full list of the benefits and risks associated with mammography. Hologic, 3D Mammography, Dimensions, Genius, Selenia and The Science of Sure are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Hologic, Inc. ADS-01461
EVERY KID CAN BE A LIFESAVER
JOY TO LIFE KIDS DASH 2016
The fun begins at 9:45am in front of the Riverwalk Amphitheater stage for kids 3-8. All participants receive a Kids Dash t-shirt, participation medal and other special goodies. There’s no sweeter way to teach your child to help fight cancer and give back to the community. $10 fee per child.
APRIL 16, 2016 REGISTER NOW
WALKOFLIFE2016.ORG
It’s up to you to help us keep the momentum going.
JOY TO LIFE PROVIDES LIFESAVING MAMMOGRAMS AND BREAST SCREENINGS IN EVERY COUNTY IN OUR STATE.
SPR ING 2016
PUBLISHER
In this issue, we begin by sharing a picturesque getaway for the simple Southern life (in a much more luxurious setting, of course). Pursell Farms in Sylacauga invites all those who want to experience Alabama and its many delights.
JTL Publishing EDITOR Jenny Enslen Stubbs WEB EDITOR Jennifer Stewart Kornegay
Learning about Alabama’s Therapy Dogs will definitely leave you with some warm fuzzies and, most likely, an individual desire to leave your own mark for good
ART DIRECTOR Erika Rowe Tracy
in this beautiful state.
DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCERS
And it’s that time of year again! Southern Makers, with the beautiful backdrop of the Alabama River in downtown Montgomery, will take center stage as it shares with us some of the best makers, artists and artisans in the state.
Big Dreamz Creative
And speaking of doing something worthwhile, get your walking (or running) shoes on for Joy to Life’s annual Walk of Life, which will benefit those affected by breast cancer in every county in the state.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Since it’s spring and you’re bound to want to head to the Gulf to soak up some sunshine, be sure to check out this issue’s Skin Deep to find homemade recipes for all-natural skincare and such.
PROOFREADER Georgia Pinkston
is bringing Alabama to life, and we plan to keep sharing ways to help you make the most of yours.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brenda Robertson Dennis Jennifer Stewart Kornegay
MARKETING Kelly Haynes
Denise Greene
Sarah J. Schmidt Jenny Enslen Stubbs Melissa Tate Witt
SUPPORT SUPPORT JOY TO LIFE FROM YOUR MOBILE DEVICE
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Big Dreamz Creative, Jonathon Kohn COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Big Dreamz Creative
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. EDITOR IMAGE BY AUBRIE MOATES.
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Features
IMAGE BY JONATHON KOHN
PURSELL FARMS
SPRING ISSUE 14
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DOGS ON CALL
CONTENT
32 ON THE MOVE
14 WHOLE LIVING
34 LEAN LOVES
16 THE DISH
37 IN BALANCE
20 FIT FOR KIDS
42 SKIN DEEP
24 TO LIFE
48 GO & DO
The Maker Movement
Beach Eats X Two
Kids' Diet & Behavior
Turning 30
Frios
Products & Gear
Why We Walk
DIY Natural Beauty Products
’s Calendar of Events
seek A D V E N T U R E
Learn more about Pursell Farms and plan your visit at www.pursellfarms.com
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ountryside Calling
Discover the luxury and serenity of Pursell Farms, a resort packed with options for fun tucked among the rolling hills and woodland glens on the outskirts of Sylacauga. Looking for a getaway that’s really not that far away? Check out Pursell Farms. This 3,500-acre family owned and operated resort sprawls across what was once (and part of it still is) verdant pastures and farmland in Sylacauga. And while there’s nothing obviously opulent at the resort, by creating a welcoming, comforting vibe that permeates the property, Pursell Farms lives up to the definition of luxury.
A sea of grass dotted with plump, round hay bales and resting longhorn cattle greets you when you turn off the county road. You’ve only driven a few miles into the property when you arrive at check-in, but you’re 1,000 miles away from whatever stresses or worries were occupying your thoughts moments ago. Add rustic-elegant accommodations, chef-driven cuisine and friendly professional service at every turn, and you’ll begin to see why it was a charter member of the exclusive Southern Living Hotel Collection. And then there are the many ways to spend your time at Pursell Farms: world-class golf, shooting and hunting or just relaxing with a good book in the quiet of the country. BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHON KOHN
The swath of land called Pursell Farms has actually been around as a business for the Pursell family for decades. But it began as an innovative marketing tool to sell Pursell Technologies Inc.’s controlledrelease fertilizer process for golf courses. Unlike its competitors, who were using basic sales techniques and traditional advertising to promote and move their products, in the 1990s, Pursell created a demonstration golf course on its former farming property and flew their target market—golf course superintendents and ornamental nursery growers—in for a show and tell called “The Experience at FarmLinks.” They’d spend a couple of days learning about the product and having fun, eating fabulous food, sleeping in beautiful rooms and playing golf on what’s been hailed one of the finest courses in the Southeast. It worked, and the company continued to grow. In 2006, Pursell Technologies was sold, but the Pursell family couldn’t bear to part with the property, so they didn’t. Now, they’ve recreated the experience at Pursell Farms, transforming it into a pastoral playground that’s open to anyone and everyone.
Pursell Farms is growing its own veggies, herbs, fruits and even pigs to be used in its culinary offerings. Learn more about the farm side of Pursell Farms at readlean.org.
eat W E L L As a full-service resort, Pursell Farms has put as much thought into feeding its guests as it has everything else. Chef Andrea Griffith is in the kitchen at the resort’s restaurant, The Grille, and is also in charge of the in-room dining and catering options on property. She’s passionate about highlighting local products, and this shows in her ever-changing menu focused on hearty, Southern foods prepared with the freshest, best ingredients she can find. Using in-season products and produce from the resort’s onsite garden and other area farmers, Griffith lets the flavors of the ingredients shine.
A labama-Made MARBLE The tee box on hole No. 5 at Pursell Farms’ golf course sits high atop a hill overlooking one of the area’s marble quarries, and a historic marker explains how a member of General Andrew Jackson’s militia actually discovered the deep vein of milky white marble while en route to the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. This rare stone has been used in the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and many other significant structures and is still prized today.
a fine T I M E stay P U T Pursell Farms has an array of different places to rest your head when the day is done. From charming cottages and cozy cabins to the lovely Hamilton Place (built in 1854 and listed on the National Register of Historical Places) and the handsome Parker Lodge, you can’t choose wrong. But the cottages and cabins, set around a private putting green, were designed for a golf foursome. They each have four bedrooms and four private baths clustered around a den with a large flat-screen TV and a full kitchen (cottages) or kitchenette (cabins). The den in the cottages is complete with a massive stone fireplace. Each is named for famous names in golf like Jones, Hogan and Snead and includes personal golf carts for use on the course and for driving around the property.
Pursell Farms is best known for its 7,444-yard, championship golf course, FarmLinks. It’s been named the No. 1 public golf course in Alabama by GolfWeek and is consistently ranked among Golf Digest’s top courses in the nation. The course is wide open, with scenic vistas that can prove distracting to even a seasoned player. Markers dotting the course share tidbits of area history, aspects of the course’s environmentally friendly design and pieces of the Pursell family story. The No. 18 hole alone is enough to get most golfers really excited and draw them back. Sitting alone in a 250-acre field, it’s a magnificent finish to a challenging but fun round of golf. PINK YOUR
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aim F O R I T If golf isn’t your game, Pursell Farms still has plenty to offer, including fishing in sparkling, stocked lakes, as well as its newest option for enjoying the outdoors, its Orvis Shooting Grounds, which just opened in October 2015. The Shooting Grounds offers Orvis Fly-Fishing and Wingshooting Schools and guided bird hunts. It also offers a state-of-the-art, fully automated sporting clays course. Twelve stations ring the bottom of Chalybeate Mountain and replicate shooting situations in both open and wooded settings. This partnership with Orvis, the country’s premier provider of outdoor adventures, has created only the second Orvis sporting destination in the United States, and new amenities and activities will be added to the Shooting Grounds later this spring.
ESCAPE TO A PLACE WITH GREENER GRASS, WIDER SKIES AND PEACEFUL PATHS TO THE QUIET AND CALM O F Y O U and your shot.
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G WHOLE LIVIN
The Maker Movement
Don’t miss Southern Makers, the event that celebrates the best of Alabama.
Today, all of our lives seem to move at lighting speed, but in the South, true craftsmanship—the kind that takes true time—is still highly valued. A new crop of Southern farmers, chefs and artisans is proving it by looking backward and forward at the same time. Whether it is with food, drink, furniture, jewelry or art, the past is becoming present, and old ways of doing things are the new way to live. Nowhere is this more evident than in Alabama, deep in Dixie’s heartland, and there’s no better way to experience it than at the 2016 Southern Makers events. A fundraiser for E.A.T. South, the event brings together creatives and producers of all kinds, highlighting Alabama’s most talented chefs, artists, craftspeople, brewers, farmers and designers in a hands-on, experiential way and gives attendees the chance to discover all the cool things being made in our great state and meet the folks making them.
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Chasity Curtis
FREEDOM SOAPS
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Garlan Gudger
SOUTHERN ACCENTS ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUES
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Debra Riffe
D RIFFE DESIGN
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Sarah Conklin FEATHER WILD
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Steven Lambert
COTTON & PINE CREATIVE
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April 30
&
May 1, 2016
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Small batch, all natural soap created in Birmingham, AL . freedomsoaps.com
The list of things to learn, people to meet, music to hear, delights to eat and drink and cool products to buy is a long one, so head over to
southernmakers.com
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The largest architectural salvage store in the South, home to a secondgeneration, selfproclaimed "junk man." sa1969.com
for full details and to get your tickets before they’re gone.
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IMAGES COURTESY OF MICHELLEMARIEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Original linoleum block relief prints of folk art images. driffe.blogspot.com 4/
Useful and durable accessories for your home created from hand printed, up-cycled fabrics. featherwild-sarah. tumblr.com 5/
A place where design and letterpress printing coexist and thrive. cottonpine.com
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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
the dish
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BEST BEACH EATS Two IT’S ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE AT FISHER’S AT ORANGE BEACH MARINA, an experience that can be casual or elegant (your choice) but is always laid back and centered on fresh, local ingredients that are expertly prepared and artfully presented.
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BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY
“y’all come” If “eat well” is on your to-do list for your next visit to Alabama’s coast (and it certainly should be), make sure you venture off the main beach road and make your way to Fisher’s. Located adjacent to the Orange Beach Marina, the restaurant opened in 2013 and has already racked up an impressive list of accolades, including a spot on Southern Living’s most recent 100 Best Southern Restaurants roundup and having its chef nominated for a 2016 James Beard Award.
Both Upstairs and Dockside at Fisher's include lots of outdoor dining spaces.
It’s earned the praise by consistently serving amazing food, but also by creating two different experiences under one roof. You’ll find backwater breezes and a “flip-flops and cover-ups welcome” vibe in the open-air downstairs section, called Fisher’s Dockside. (It’s accurately named; it sidles right up next to the water and boats resting at the marina.) Just above, at Fisher’s Upstairs, clean-lined décor washed in soothing sea colors and flooded in soft, setting-sun light, creates a sophisticated, fine-dining atmosphere, but one that’s still relaxed. The menus at each are packed with innovative, elevated takes on classic coastal flavors and an emphasis on local farm-fresh ingredients, locally made products and justcaught Alabama Gulf seafood. Having two distinct dining options in one location sets Fisher’s apart in the area, and despite each having its own menu and own feel to it, they never seem in conflict; instead, they truly complement each other. One common denominator is the “y’all come” welcome that
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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
permeates every inch of space (indoors and out) at Fisher’s. It’s all by design, as owner Johnny Fisher explained. “I often describe it as a house where Upstairs is the nice, fancy dining room and Dockside is the kitchen with kids running in and out with wet bathing suits and everyone feels comfortable just as they are. We treat Fisher’s as our house, our employees as family, and our customers as guests in our home.”
secret ingredient One key difference between this “home” and yours: You probably don’t have a culinary talent like Fisher’s Executive Chef Bill Briand whipping up meals at your house. After spending time in some of New Orleans’ hottest kitchens working under and with some of the biggest names in food, like chefs Emeril Lagasse and Donald Link, Chef Bill has pushed beach dining in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores to dizzying new heights, earning him a spot on the James Beard Best Chef South 2016 semi-finalist list. His main source of inspiration—the bounty of Alabama’s Gulf—is only feet away. “Being on the Gulf Coast, we take advantage of the abundance of Gulf seafood, which is the best in the world,” he said. “We have the best crabmeat around. Also having access to farm-raised oysters and being able to get so many inshore and offshore species of fish fresh on a regular basis is great.” He treats these ingredients with respect; his cooking philosophy is to let the food speak for itself. “I don’t like to drown things in sauces or cover up the ingredients’ natural flavors. I just highlight and balance them. I want you to taste everything on the plate,” he said. Chef Bill is also driven by the seasons, meaning the menu changes often. “This lets our guests experience food when the components of the dish are at their peak.” It also means you’ll want to visit as often as possible to enjoy a taste of it all.
PICKING YOUR NEXT FRESH CATCH ASK THE EXPERT
If you can’t make it to Fisher’s anytime soon, you can still benefit from Chef Bill’s expertise. If it swims or lives in the ocean or coastal bays, chances are good that Chef Bill has prepared, cooked and served it. So the next time you’re craving some seafood (and you’re nowhere near Orange Beach), don’t be afraid to make a fish dish at home. Armed with Chef Bill’s picky picking advice, you can choose wisely. And using his simple but scrumptious recipe, you can cook your selection like a pro.
Chef Bill Briand
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SMELL. When buying fish, I always start with the smell. Really get your nose close and smell it. It shouldn’t smell really “fishy” or have a smell of ammonia.
TEXTURE. Texture is another way to determine freshness. The flesh should be nice and firm with no slime and not mushy. Also look at the eyes. They should be clear, not cloudy or bloody. And always ask where it came from. Is it local? Has it been frozen?
IN THE SHELL. When buying shellfish, it’s all about the smell. Again, you don’t want it to have an overly “fishy” scent. Crabmeat is easy, but oysters are different. For them, I always look at the liquid they’re in; if it’s clear, good. If it’s foggy and milky, not so good.
Pan-Seared Grouper
with Roasted Cauliflower, Salsa Verde & Cherry Tomato Herb Salad / Serves 4 4 pieces (5 ounces each) Grouper filets (you can use Mahi, Snapper, Cobia or swordfish too) Season with salt and pepper SautĂŠ in extra virgin olive oil and cook to medium (about 4 minutes on each side; if filets are really thin, about 1 1/2 minutes on each side) Let rest for 1 minute 2 heads cauliflower, cut into florets Toss in extra virgin olive oil and roast at 425 degrees for 8 minutes or until they have a golden color
+ Salsa Verde
2 cups extra virgin olive oil 8 anchovies, finely chopped 3 T finely diced shallot 2 T minced garlic 1 cup finely chopped parsley 1/2 cup finely chopped basil 1/4 cup finely chopped mint 2 T cappers drained and chopped 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. black pepper 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 1 tsp. cumin
Mix all ingredients together.
+ Cherry Tomato Herb Salad 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup whole mint leaves 1/4 cup whole parsley leaves Half a red onion, shaved thin
Mix all ingredients with 1/4 cup Salsa Verde.
Put the finished fish, cauliflower and salad on a plate, and finish with a drizzle of additional Salsa Verde. Enjoy!
S F IT F O R K ID
Kids’ e i t D & BEHAVIOR
IS IT LINKED?
HYPERACTIVITY. RAGE. DEFIANCE. ALL WRAPPED UP IN A PRETTY, BRIGHT BLUE CUPCAKE? Although there is little scientific evidence specifically stating behavioral issues (such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, aggression and oldfashioned defiance) are caused by certain foods that are eaten, several studies conclude foods can contribute to and worsen these behaviors. Although it’s nearly impossible to eliminate additives from your child’s diet full time, avoiding these groups of unnecessary ingredients may help curb behavioral issues and lead to a healthier life overall.
ARTIFICIAL COLORS AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORINGS.
Artificial colorings contain petroleum and often mercury, arsenic and carcinogens. And artificial flavorings are basically a chemical-mixed option for creating a specific taste (much cheaper than the real thing!). Both are not truly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so just about anything can go into the “secret formula” and does not have to be specified. Another sneaky place to find colorings and outside of the pantry? Kids’ toothpaste!
flavors
BY MELISSA TATE WITT
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Know your stuff.
CHECK FOOD LABELS. Artificial colors are easily identified by their FD&C or D&C numbers such as Red #40, Yellow #4, and so on, but artificial flavors can be tricky because they are not always labeled. Avoid things like vanillin, ethylvanillin, dimethyl, maltol or anything that’s unrecognizable and used for flavoring.
PRESERVATIVES. Think about how long cereals or cookies can potentially last in your pantry. How long do you think it takes our body to break down these foods? Preservatives such as BHT, BHA, TBHQ (found in cookies, crackers, macaroni and cheese), as well as nitrates and nitrites (lunch meats, bacon, hot dogs), are intended to help food last longer but have been linked to asthma, hyperactivity and contain known carcinogens. Try to find options that are preservative free.
Although fairly easy to identify, some sneaky names for artificial sweeteners include sucralose, neotame, acesulfame potassium, saccharin and aspartame. Artificial sweeteners have been linked to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, low levels of serotonin in the brain, epilepsy/ seizures, mood/ emotional disorders, birth defects and brain cancer. MSG can be found in dairy products, meats, soups, ketchup, cereal—you name it. And, sadly, there are over 40 different names for it. Get acquainted with the various terms—and also what other food additives are proven to create MSG naturally— and avoid them as much as possible.
Need a good ingredient? Nature.
ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS AND MSG. These additives can actually overstimulate brain cells causing them to fire irrepressibly, leading to cell death, heart issues, high blood pressure, seizures and ADHD. This overstimulation can even affect unborn babies, which is why we are told to stay clear of diet soda when pregnant. It always seemed to me that if we shouldn’t have something pregnant, then why should we have it at all?
?)
Yeah, even yogurt includes artificial sweeteners.
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6 WEEKS
Much of this information was pulled from an amazing website created by a mother who had significant results modifying her children’s diets. She even has a “Six Weeks Challenge” that walks you through all of the above. It’s easy to follow and super informative!
OurFamilyEats.com
Take it Further. We’re not saying this is the answer to all of your child’s behavioral problems, but modifying a child’s diet is a good start to help make a difference. Quite honestly, the entire family will benefit from eating less processed foods. If you see a difference as you eliminate these additives, you may want to go even further. Watch out for artificial fragrance, found in dishwashing and laundry detergents, as well as personal care products (lip gloss, shampoos, soaps) and even various additives to medications and supplements.
HE ONCE MADE INSTANT PUDDING ALL BY HIMSELF, HID HALF OF IT IN A LAUNDRY HAMPER AND THEN PROCLAIMED HIMSELF “A BIG BOY.” C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine. 1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org
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TURNING BY SARAH J. SCHMIDT
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FOR EVERY EIGHT WOMEN ALIVE TODAY, AT LEAST ONE WILL DEVELOP BREAST CANCER DURING HER LIFETIME.
On the morning Beth Ridgeway turned 30, she woke to an inbox full of birthday wishes from family and friends, but a strange message caught her eye. The subject line read “free genetic breast cancer screening for 30-year-olds.” What a downer on your birthday, she thought, but it turned out to be the best birthday present she could possibly imagine. The email reminded her of a friend who had breast cancer. “Something in my brain switched on,” she said. “To be offered a free cancer test when I turned 30 was such a crazy thing, but I realized this is something I should be prepared for and at least have the information as I move forward in life.” For every eight women alive today, at least one will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Women in five North Alabama counties now have the best opportunity that modern science can give them to change that statistic. Beth Ridgeway is taking advantage of that opportunity.
A CANCER WAKE-UP CALL FOR TWO ALABAMA WOMEN
A genetic screening test, developed by Huntsville’s HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and Kailos Genetics, detects 23 genes connected with various cancers, such as colon, endometrial, breast and ovarian cancers, including two genes known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 that cause hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The test is currently available for free to 30-year-old women and at a greatly reduced cost to all others in Madison, Jackson, Limestone, Marshall and Morgan counties.
BUT WHAT IF YOU DON’T KNOW YOU’RE HIGH RISK?
SUPPORT
That’s why HudsonAlpha and Kailos elected to offer the genetic test free to 30-year-olds.
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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
WHAT’S YOUR RISK? Many experts recommend a woman at high risk should begin mammograms at age 30 instead of waiting until her 40’s or 50’s, when women typically receive mammograms. But what if you don’t know you’re high risk? That’s why HudsonAlpha and Kailos elected to offer the genetic test free to 30-year-olds. It alerts young women who test positive to take additional preventative steps that might not otherwise be available until much later in life, perhaps too late.
Thirty-year-old Andrea Williams thinks she might be at high risk because two aunts on her father’s side have breast cancer, and her maternal grandmother died of breast cancer. So far, however, her doctors have not ordered a mammogram because she has no other risk factors. They tell her, “Your maternal grandmother had it, but your mother doesn’t have it or hasn’t had it yet, so that extra gap in the family lineage makes it not as pressing,” she said. Plus, her insurance won’t pay for a mammogram this early.
TAKE THE TEST (It’s really simple.) Order the test kit online at www.kailosgenetics. com/information-ispower. Follow instructions to swab inside your cheeks with cotton sticks provided in the kit. Mail swab back to Kailos. Results are ready in about two weeks.
Williams took the free genetic cancer screening test to learn if she might actually be in that high risk category. The simple test required her to swipe the inside of her cheeks with two cotton swabs. “If I do get a positive result, I hope that would urge them [her doctors] to say, ‘Let’s fight the insurance company for you. Let’s get this done,’” she explained. Kailos Chief Scientific Officer Troy Moore agrees. People with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes definitely fit in the high risk category, where he points out “it is extremely important to detect cancer early [by] starting mammograms around age 30 and continuing to do those regularly—or to take more proactive steps.” To be clear, a positive test result does not mean you have cancer. It means you have an increased risk of breast or ovarian cancer, reported in percentage terms. Doctors and genetic counselors at Kailos discuss any positive results with participants and help them understand how to use the information.
EDITOR’S NOTE // At the time of this publication, Ridgeway and Williams were both awaiting the results of their genetic screening tests. Watch for a follow-up story on readlean.
org to see what their tests
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WHAT’S THE RESULT? “Honestly, before you take it, you kind of need to have an ethical battle with yourself. Do you want to know?” Ridgeway said. “For me, I like to know. Having that information helps me go from point A to point B in my life.” For Williams, not knowing creates the biggest dilemma. “Opportunities like this are a no-brainer. Why would you not do this?” she asks. Then, with tears in her eyes, she tells the story of her grandmother. For years, she got her annual mammograms just like the doctor ordered. But one year, she skipped it. A year later, doctors found an aggressive form of breast cancer that claimed her life within a few months. Could a genetic test have saved her grandmother? That option wasn’t even available at the time, which makes Williams more determined to take advantage of this free genetic testing opportunity now. “You cheat yourself if you don’t want to know,” Williams said. “Anytime there’s an advancement in science and technology, it’s an advancement for all of us.”
Suddenly, you’re in a whole different state of the road less traveled. morning commute. island cruise.
Beyond our expansive sugar white beaches, you’ll find quiet back bays, miles of unspoiled nature trails, wildlife preserves, open roads and bikeways waiting to be explored. Come be transformed. GulfShoresOrangeBeach
GulfShores.com
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877-259-3946
braVo, bravo!
In 2008, Easter Seals of Alabama recognized the value of using therapy dogs to provide comfort to those living with disabilities, suffering trauma or living in rehabilitation centers and hospitals. They launched Dogs on Call as part of their canine program to fill this need.
For centuries, dogs have been providing companionship and comfort to their human counterparts. Naturally, this makes them the perfect ally when it comes to providing assistance to individuals in need of a comforting paw.
BY BRENDA ROBERTSON DENNIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIG DREAMZ CREATIVE
Therapy Dogs are trained and certified to provide comfort and assistance in a variety of activities.
A COMFORTING PAW There are few things in life more comforting than a furry little friend to spend time with and love us unconditionally. In recent years, studies have shown “man’s best friend” can provide tangible health benefits to humans, such as the ability to lower blood pressure, enhance moods and even fight depression. In 2008, Easter Seals of Alabama recognized the value of using therapy dogs to provide comfort to those living with disabilities, suffering trauma or living in rehabilitation centers and hospitals. They launched Dogs on Call as part of their canine program to fill this need. DOC is a non-profit, volunteer driven division of Easter Seals of Alabama and is a recognized therapy dog certifying organization of the American Kennel Club (AKC). They provide training for potential therapy dogs and schedule placements for DOC teams (handlers and dogs) to visit schools, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, atrisk children’s programs and youth detention centers. More advanced certified therapy dogs are often sent to visit people in hospitals, mental health facilities and cancer centers.
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Therapy Dogs are handled by their owners, who are typically volunteers.
REACH OUT According to the Easter Seals Office Coordinator Lisa Stanton, a therapy dog team is made up of an owner and their personal dog, and anyone is welcome to take the class. On the first night of class, the dogs must pass temperament and basic obedience testing. The classes train the owner and dog on how to have a successful visit in different venues. “This program requires a commitment from the owner and the dog,” says Stanton. “Some dogs are just not cut out for this type of work. If the dog does not enjoy the visits, it makes for a stressful situation for everyone.” Stanton also reports there are currently about 80 teams, half of which are very active, but more volunteers are constantly needed as they continue to add venues. For Stacy and Matt Manning, DOC is a true labor of love. The Manning’s, and their two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Roxie and Jackson, have been volunteers for five years. The Manning’s also became trainers in the program.
BE A GOOD DOG For more information about how to enroll your dog in a class, or volunteer in the many other areas of need, contact Easter Seals of Alabama at (334) 395-4489 or visit them on the web at alabamaeasterseals.com.
SUPPORT
A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
WHAT A TREAT. COMPANIONSHIP AND COMFORT THERE WAS AN ELDERLY PATIENT IN A NURSING HOME THAT NEVER SPOKE OR RESPONDED TO US . . .
SO I KNELT DOWN IN FRONT OF HER AND PLACED MY DOG ROXIE IN HER LAP. SHE PLACED HER HAND ON ROXIE’S HEAD, AND THE SMILE THAT CAME OVER HER FACE WAS AMAZING. “We were both involved with various ministries through our church but wanted a ministry we could be involved in together,” says Stacy. “The idea of Pet Therapy appealed to us, because we loved dogs and [our] Cavalier King Charles Spaniels had such sweet, calm temperaments. We contacted Easter Seals Dogs on Call and took the training class, and it was truly life changing for us.”
PINK YOUR
The training helps the dogs learn to adapt to different needs and personalities of those they visit. For the Mannings, there are visits, such as physical therapy or the Miracle League, that require them to be more active by encouraging children who have difficulty walking to walk with them, or maybe run the bases with the players at the Miracle League. And then there are visits that require them to be very calm and still, such as with a child or adult that may be afraid at first or have Alzheimer’s disease. “They just seem to sense what is needed,” she says. The Mannings have learned to adjust in different situations as much as their dogs have. “There was an elderly patient in a nursing home that never spoke or responded to us,” Stacy recalls. “After a few weeks of visiting, her daughter was there and told us that she loved dogs. She then went on to explain that her mother was both visually and hearing impaired. So I knelt down in front of her and placed my dog Roxie in her lap. She placed her hand on Roxie’s head, and the smile that came over her face was amazing. After that, she was always eager to visit with her and the other therapy dogs that came there.” Stacy tells another story that happened to fellow trainer Mark Vosel.
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“Mark has spoken many times about leaving a children’s rehabilitation appointment and running into a little girl coming into the waiting area for her appointment,” she says. “She immediately ran up to his dog Millie and began talking to her. She continued to talk to Mark and ask questions about Millie and just had a great conversation. The speech therapist witnessed this and was amazed. She went on to tell him it took months to get her to speak and that it was still a struggle for her. [The therapist] had never heard her speak that much before.”
HEARTS ON CALL It’s hard to know who is benefiting most from the Dogs on Call program: Is it the people receiving the visits, the handlers or the dogs themselves? One thing is for certain; it is having a profound effect on the individuals it serves, as well as a quantifiable impact on their health.
MIND YOUR MANNERS PRIOR TO ATTENDING A DOC BASIC TRAINING COURSE, THE DOC REQUIRES THAT A DOG SHOULD BE ABLE TO WALK QUIETLY ON A LEASH AND SIT AND STAY ON COMMAND.
CHECK A LOCAL PET STORE FOR BASIC OBEDIENCE OR CERTIFIED THERAPY DOG TRAINING.
RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE
ON THE MOVE
creamy/ fruity
You always knew your state had some incredibly unique treats to
Frios has an in-house chef who
offer. Heck, Alabama’s reputation of
creates “fruity” flavored and
delicious food precedes it. But what
“creamy” flavored pops on a
if we told you that a dessert made
daily basis. Filling up fruity pops with usually about 90
solely in Alabama, incorporating
calories, while creamy ones
the freshest seasonal ingredients
are about 150 calories. You can
(including its dairy!), was right down
literally taste the fruit or the
the road just waiting for you to take
graham or the wafer.
a bite? We thought you’d like that.
taste the
flavors of our
S T
/ frios
wee state
Frios are gourmet frozen popsicles made from Alabama-
grown fruits, vegetables and dairy products. And if you’re wondering where the “frios” comes from, it’s a version of the Spanish word for cold. But it’s important to know it’s so much more than a pop—it’s an Alabama dessert. PINK YOUR
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BLUEBERRY 32 VISIT READLEAN.ORG CHEESECAKE
FRIOS!
RASPBERRY LEMONADE
WHERE ARE YOU? Wetumpka (River Region) Gadsden Alabaster (Birmingham) Fairhope Guntersville Gulf Shores (In Lulu’s) Destin, Florida (Open Seasonally)
NEW!
FRESH.
frozen. fun.
If you ask Andy Harp, founder of Frios Pops, what truly sets Frios
Fresh. Local farms and suppliers and none of the preservatives or
apart, he might point you to the apropos definition on friospops.
additives (or guilt) that comes with your typical dessert types.
com. “It’s a combination of passion for our product, balanced team
Frozen. Even though it gets hot a lot in Alabama, Frios is also a great
chemistry, appreciation of science
treat in any type of weather! Just visit the down-home, local, climate-
geekery, and culinary know-how
controlled Frios store closest to you!
that makes Frios Pops different.”
Fun. We love this part. Hundreds of flavors, including some exciting,
With only a handful of mouth-
one-of-a-kind pops, like Banana Pud'n, Blackberry Ginger Lemonade and
watering flavors and a single cart
Pineapple Jalapeno, grace the menu. And even your fave cereals, like
strolling the streets of Gadsden,
Captain Crunch and Fruit Loops, are on there too! But mostly it’s nothing
Harp started the Frios business in
but the deliciousness you’d expect from Alabama. Some of our favorites?
2013. Today, there are hundreds
Well, it depends on the season. In the spring and summer, Strawberry,
of flavors, largely based on what’s
Watermelon, Peaches and Cream, Sweet Tea with Lemon or Pink
available seasonally from area
Lemonade might be your thing. When in the fall, your go-to Frios could
farmers.
be Caramel Apple, Black Forest Cake or Pumpkin Spice Latte. But the steadfast Frios are there, too—Key Lime Pie, Raspberry Cheesecake, Buttermilk, Cookies and Milk, Chocolate Peanut Butter—you get the idea.
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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
Gear PRODUCTS &
GET AN EYEFUL OF THESE PRODUCTS AND PLACES WE LOVE.
NAP NIRVANA If you’ve been chasing that perfect nap since you were a toddler (and were no longer forced to sleep in the middle of the day), you’re gonna want one of Four Oak Designs’ Swing Beds. Based in Pike Road, Ala., this furniture company is owned by David Belser, and he custom designs and hand-builds all of his pieces using reclaimed wood. His Bed Swings have become instant best sellers thanks to their good looks and the incredible comfort. Hang one on your porch or covered patio and then gently swing yourself into a deep sleep where your dreams will be bathed in fresh air. David thinks every house needs a bed swing, even if you can’t figure out where one would go. “You have a place to put one, even if you don’t know it yet,” he said. “You can even put them inside. They are lighter than they look and easy to hang.” fouroakdesigns.com
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A path T O T A K E
SWEET TEES Just a few short years ago, Honey Bee Tees grew from an idea in owner and designer Darby Strickland’s head to a reality in her dining room, where she hand-drew the first simple-lined designs that have become the hallmark of her now thriving business. Based in Dothan, Honey Bee Tees has stuck with what worked: whimsical images of alligators, puppy dogs, tractors, ballet shoes, trees, bees and more, screen-printed on soft short-sleeved and long-sleeved T-shirts, sweatshirts, tanks and even onesies all in bright, cheery hues. Grab some for the kiddos and yourself! honeybeetees.com
HIKE THROUGH HISTORY SAVE
Reward your furry friends with some A labama-made treats that taste good and do good. Made in Birmingham, Cahabones all-natural doggie cookies are handmade with locally sourced ingredients. Plus, a portion of the proceeds benefits the work to keep one of our state’s most ecologically important rivers, the Cahaba, safe and clean. Learn more and find out how to get your paws on some at cahabones.com.
With its 1,500 acres of forest, fields and streams, Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park in McCalla is an outdoor lover’s paradise. But it offers much more than access to Mother Nature; it boasts a wealth of iron industry artifacts too. The focal points of the park are the remains of its giant stone furnaces, which started smelting in 1830. It is now one of the oldest and best-preserved industrial landmarks in the Southeast, and interpretive exhibits at the onsite Iron and Steel Museum explain 19th century iron-making technology. Scenic trails in the park trace the old roadways used to transport raw materials and finished goods. Two of the most popular are the Iron Haul Road and the Furnace Trail that leads to the now-dormant furnaces on the banks of Roupes Creek. Spring is a wonderful time to explore all this treasure offers. Learn more, get directions and find out about this season’s upcoming events and festivals at tannehill.org.
cahabones.com
tannehill.org
WAV E S
GOOD DOG!
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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
FIGHT BREAST CANCER RIGHT HERE IN ALABAMA. PURCHASE THE ORIGINAL PINK PLATE FOR YOUR CAR OR MOTORCYCLE. BUY THE TRASH CAN. JOIN THE LEAN TEAM AT READLEAN.ORG. REGISTER FOR THE WALK OF LIFE 2016.
Thanks to your support, we’ve provided thousands of mammograms and hundreds of screenings and physician visits to the underserved in our state. But the best news, through our efforts hundreds of cancers have been diagnosed and treated. Lives have been saved! And that’s what makes us joyful!
VISIT O UR WEBSITE
J OY T O L I F E . O R G TO LEARN ABO UT MO RE WAYS TO SUPPO RT O UR MISSIO N , PLUS THE LATEST N EWS AN D UPCO MIN G EVE N TS .
JOY TO LIFE P R O V I D E S L I F E S AV I N G M A M M O G R A M S A N D B R E A S T S C R E E N I N G S I N E V E RY C O U N T Y I N O U R S TAT E .
wA Lk WHY WE
AND THE LAWS OF MOTION. When it comes to people walking and running in the Walk of Life, Joy to Life’s primary fundraising event, it’s more than a physical force that keeps them going. There are other motivations helping people move step by step to the finish line. Some walkers are breast cancer survivors, while others are dear friends and relatives of those who lost the fight against breast cancer, some still fighting the battle against the disease. What keeps them progressing amidst the laughter and tears are the sense of community, the camaraderie, the solidarity of being unified in a common purpose—to move forward. In 1687, Sir Isaac Newton, a physicist, mathematician, philosopher and astronomer, published his three laws of motion, essentially changing man's perception of the laws of the universe. While I don’t believe he envisioned his laws having much to do with a race to raise breast cancer awareness, he unknowingly provided us with a very applicable model of what happens when we grow in strength, advancing from one point to another.
BY JENNY ENSLEN STUBBS
“Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” – NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE
inin
Balance Balance
NE W T ON’S First L AW OF
5 MOTION
What do Joy to Life’s Walk of Life and Sir Isaac Newton have in common?
MO T ION.
An object at rest tends to stay at rest, while an object in motion tends to stay in motion.
More specifically, forward motion. It’s the idea that before we can successfully move forward, both literally and figuratively, there has to be some significant force behind us.
After she successfully won her fight against breast cancer, Joy Blondheim visited her son in Los Angeles to participate in the EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women where she witnessed thousands of people honoring those who had succumbed to breast cancer. As she looked upon the immense crowd, she could not believe the amount of support people showed and felt for loved ones who had fallen to the disease. At that moment, she recognized how the Joy to Life Foundation could find the momentum needed to help other women affected with breast cancer in Alabama.
Get to Steppin’
“I looked at Dickie and said, ‘We can do this, Dickie. We can do this!’” Joy explained.
The Walk of Life will be Saturday, April 16, with the starting line on Tallapoosa Street near the Renaissance Hotel.
And they did. Today, the Walk of Life provides the primary funding for women in Alabama who would otherwise be unable to afford any type of breast cancer screening and treatment.
Once you cross the finish line on Commerce Street, it’s time to put on your wristband and make your way to the party where you'll enjoy food, drinks, the Mighty Kids Dash, vendors, artists, music and live entertainment.
If Joy had stayed in one place, satisfied with the triumph of her own personal journey, the motion needed to catapult the Joy to Life Foundation would never have begun.
We will never reach our destination if we do not take our first step.
SUPPORT
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NE W T ON’S Second L AW OF MO TION
The more force, the more acceleration.
The book Why We Walk, written by John Yow and edited by Deb Murphy, describes what they term the “inspirational journey toward a cure for breast cancer.” In this book, they recognize the four main motivations participants have for walking in different breast cancer races throughout the country.
C ECLEELBERBARTAET E TO Yow and Murphy acknowledge the purpose motivating a walker who has been diagnosed with breast cancer is very different than the purpose of others. Yow wrote, “When the rest of us think we just can’t go another mile, a walker wearing a ‘SURVIVOR’ shirt inevitably comes into view, and we find the strength to keep on walking. If they can finish after what they’ve been through, so can I!”
T O R A I S E AWA R E N E S S The Walk of Life, in and of itself, is helping to raise awareness about breast cancer. But surrounding all of that glorious pink hangs some heavy statistics. For example, did you know every three minutes in the U.S. a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer? Also, according to the UT Health Science Center, of women who detect and treat breast cancer early, 95 percent of those women will be cancer free after five years. That’s why raising awareness is so important, as is raising money to fund those who would not be able to afford the medical care needed to fight the fight.
TO R EMEMBER The Walk of Life not only brings people together to remember those who died from the disease, but it also honors those who survived it. Remembering and honoring those we love is an amazing FORCE that keeps us MOVING.
NEWTON’S Third L AW OF MO TION For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. To put it simply, forces are found in pairs. No one can fight breast cancer alone. There must be someone or something to help keep us moving. Even those who feel alone can rest easier knowing Joy to Life has provided more than 10,000 mammograms to date. With the help of funding (largely as a result of the Walk of Life) and volunteers, many women throughout the state literally owe their lives to the Foundation and its Walk.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
TO SU PPORT Yow and Murphy point out the following: “Walkers have support from friends and family when they sign up for the event, but what many of them don’t know is that they will have a whole new family supporting them behind the scenes. These are the people who feed them, cheer them…help set up their tents and hand out water. They are ‘the crew,’ and their stories are often as moving as the walkers.” It takes determination, it takes devotion, and it takes momentum to hurry and get where we need to go. When it comes to breast cancer, motivations of all kinds are our driving force.
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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
JOIN US! This is a family-friendly event so register your entire family and help raise funds to fight breast cancer! Visit joytolife.org to register online.
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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
o D
r u o Y it
NATURAL SKINCARE RECIPES
PINK YOUR
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BY MELISSA TATE WITT
Par
h A W T ? a
If it contains ingredients you cannot pronounce, you probably shouldn’t lather it all over your face—or anywhere else for that matter.
FACE
&
BODY
Lotion
Foaming
1/2 cup (4oz) Shea butter
FACE WASH
1 cup filtered or previously boiled water (now room temp)
2 tablespoons of skin-nourishing oil, such as jojoba, avocado, apricot, sweet almond oil or coconut oil, if your face handles it well 15 drops lavender essential oil
1/4 cup liquid Castile soap
10 drops rosemary essential oil
5 teaspoons jojoba or sunflower oil
5-7 drops carrot seed oil
2 tablespoons raw honey
3-5 drops tea tree essential oil
1 teaspoon tea tree oil 15 drops lemon essential oil
(Depending on your skin type, you may want to adjust these ingredients—less Castile soap for drier skin and more oil, etc.) Gently mix everything together in the order listed. If you add the soap before the water, expect the wash to get sudsy! Pour into a foaming soap dispenser, shake before use, and voila!—a fantastic face wash! It should keep for up to a month. Compliments of bodyunburdened.com
In a saucepan, over medium-low heat, melt the Shea butter. Add in the nourishing skin oil. Turn off the heat and pour into a bowl. Place in the freezer and allow to cool and return to a more solid (not hard) form. This takes about 15-20 minutes, but be careful not to let it freeze. Remove from freezer and add in the essential oils and carrot seed oil. Using the whisk attachment on your mixer, whip the mixture until it’s soft and looks like buttery whip cream. This takes just a minute or two, so be careful not to over whip. Scoop into a jar and store at room temp. Apply to both body and face as desired—a little goes a long way and leaves your skin looking and feeling amazing. Compliments of livesimply.me
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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
ut o c N o C
VER EYE MAKE-UP REMO
Ditch the expensive stuff or the baby oil and simply use coconut oil or olive oil on a cotton ball/tissue and wipe away eye makeup. (This recipe still kind of blows my mind.)
ar SugScrub
1/2 cup sugar (white or brown organic sugar)
Shaving
1/2 cup oil (olive oil or coconut oil) 10-15 drops of preferred essential oils
CREAM
Mix all ingredients and store in an air tight jar up to two months. Use 1 tablespoon and scrub skin with the mixture; rinse well.
1/4 cup olive, almond or coconut oil
Some awesome variations:
2-3 tablespoons Shea or cocoa butter 1/4 cup aloe gel or honey
PUMPKIN PIE SCRUB // 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2
1 tablespoon kaolin clay or white cosmetic clay (optional)
cup coconut oil, 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil and 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spices (or just 1/2 tsp cinnamon)
2 teaspoons baking soda
VANILLA BROWN SUGAR SCRUB // 1 cup
1/4 cup liquid Castile soap
brown sugar, 1/2 cup almond oil, 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil and 1 tsp real vanilla extract
Vitamin E or GSE (to preserve)
Melt the oil and Shea/cocoa butter in a double boiler until just melted. Remove from heat and add other ingredients. Whisk or blend well for several minutes and then transfer to jar or container to store. Check while it is cooling to make sure it doesn’t start to separate. If it does, shake or mix well to re-incorporate. Should last up to two months.
PINK YOUR
LEMON HAND SCRUB // 1 cup white sugar, 1/2
cup olive oil, 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil, 15-20 drops (or more) of lemon or orange essential oil VANILLA LAVENDER RELAXING FACIAL SCRUB // 1 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup almond oil, 1/2 tsp vitamin E oil, 1/2 tsp real vanilla extract and 15 drops lavender essential oil.
Compliments of wellnessmama.com
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BECAUSE THAT’S HOW WE ROLL, THE JOY TO LIFE PINK PLATE IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR YOUR MOTORCYCLE. GET YOURS AT THE NEAREST PROBATE OFFICE.
V I S I T OUR WEBS IT E
J OY T O L I F E . O R G TO LE A R N A BO UT MO RE WAYS TO S UP P O RT O UR MIS S IO N, PLUS TH E L AT EST NEWS A ND UP C O MING EV ENTS . JOY TO LIFE P R O V I D E S L I F E S AV I N G M A M M O G R A M S A N D B R E A S T S C R E E N I N G S I N E V E RY C O U N T Y I N O U R S TAT E .
TICKETS on sale now
LIVE MUSIC FOOD & DRINK TASTINGS WORKSHOPS DIY
DEMOS
STORY SESSIONS
P R O D U C E D B Y G O O D W Y N , M I L L S A N D C AW O O D I N C O L L A B O R AT I O N W I T H S O U T H E R N A C C E N T S A R C H I T E C T U R A L A N T I Q U E S
APRIL 30 & MAY 1, 2016
noon – 5 p.m.
union station train shed DOWNTOWN MONTGOMERY, AL Tickets and curated list of makers available at
SOUTHERNMAKERS.COM
MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH SUPPORT FROM
2016
MAR/APRIL/MAY RIVER REGION
1an5nutahl
April 2
Autism Crawfish Boil autismmudbugball.org
Kick-off Autism Awareness Month with a plate, or two, of crawfish. This all-youcan eat with all the fixings event with live music in the April sunshine benefits Easter Seals Central Alabama through financial assistance to local families in need of Autism diagnosis and speech therapies.
APRIL 16 Historic Downtown Montgomery
MONROEVILLE
April 15
Since 2001, the Joy to Life Foundation has hosted one of the most well-attended 5Ks in the state to help bring all those affected by breast cancer together. Not only does this event raise awareness for the organization’s mission of providing life-saving mammograms for medically underserved women in Alabama, it also serves as the primary fundraising channel for the Foundation.
BE A WALKER, RUNNER, VOLUNTEER, SPONSOR, TEAM MEMBER OR VIRTUAL PARTICIPANT! JOY TO LIFE NEEDS YOU!
To Kill a Mockingbird Theatrical Production tokillamockingbird.com
Let the season begin! Ever-growing in popularity, this seasonal show, typically performed by all-local Mockingbird Players, depicts the renowned novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Harper Lee.
SUPPORT
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ILLUSTRATION BY KARLA MERRITT
joytolife .org
See you there . . . The dead of the winter has passed and the beauty of spring is beginning! Expect the Market at Pepper Place to open back up for business mid-April. We love it!
MONTGOMERY
April 30-May 1
GULF SHORES
Southern Makers
May 20-22
southernmakers.com
Hangout Music Festival
is a proud supporter of this authentic event, which recognizes superb artisanship of the South in its many forms. New and well-loved chefs, craftsmen and more will be back at Union Station Train Shed. Be sure to check out their website for tickets and more info.
hangoutmusicfest.com
Feel the white sand between your toes as you rock out to an impressive array of musicians at this popular music festival.
DECATUR
May 28-29
CULLMAN
May 6-7
Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Festival
Cullman Strawberry Fest alabama.travel
alabamajubilee.net
A celebration of small, delicious fruits eaten with cream? We’re in! This festival features some of the best produce in North Alabama. Go on a history tour, listen to local musicians, car shows, farm-fresh delights; it’s all in downtown Cullman.
One of the oldest hot air balloon races in the South, this festival draws over 60 pilots from 20 different states for two days of competition and has been named a Top 20 Tourism Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.
Check out more .
Sign up to get our e-newsletter highlighting some of our favorite festivals, races and other events all around the state in your inbox twice a month. Visit the Contact Us page on readlean.org to stay in the know on all that’s happening in Alabama.
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A PUBLICATION OF THE JOY TO LIFE FOUNDATION
Alfa Life. ®
A Legacy of Love. Five generations of the Bates family have counted on Alfa Insurance® for security, service and savings. When Ralph passed away unexpectedly, his life insurance policy provided peace of mind for his wife, Cheryl, and a college education for his children. Today, Ralph’s son, Joseph, has an Alfa Life policy to protect his daughter, Piper. It’s part of Ralph’s legacy of love. Ask your local Alfa agent about affordable life insurance options for your family. Call Alfa®.
Alfa Insurance® Find a local agent: 1-800-964-2532 • AlfaInsurance.com
It’s not just your joints that are suffering.
It’s your life.
Introducing the Joint Center of Alabama at Baptist South. Is joint pain making you miss out on life? It’s time to stop hurting and start living. The new Joint Center of Alabama at Baptist South offers joint replacement surgery, recovery and rehab all in one convenient
Joint Center of Alabama
AT BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER SOUTH
location. And our specialized doctors and surgeons know how to get you back to living. So call us today to schedule a visit.
Bring the pain. 52
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BringUsYourPain.com (334) 273.4444