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How to Host the Perfect Easter Brunch
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n enjoyable part of celebrating Easter is having friends and family over for brunch. With the promise of spring in the air, it's a great time to connect with people we love over a delicious relaxing meal.
Decorate your dining table. Something simple and tasteful will do. A vase of spring flowers or a bowl of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, even painted Easter eggs, make for a nice centerpiece.
Easter brunch can be as simple as fresh-squeezed orange juice and doughnuts on the patio, or as complex and elaborate as a multi-course meal. Whatever your plans for Easter weekend, here are some entertaining tips you'll find helpful on the big day. After all, even small gestures can leave a big impact on guests, and little things add up to creating the perfect day.
Serve food on warm plates. Although spring is just around the corner, it's still cool. Pre-heating your plates in the oven until you're ready to serve will keep food warm all through the meal.
How To Become A Better Host You're probably doing all these things, but they merit a quick reminder to make sure your guests leave with the satisfied feeling that you've been attentive and caring. Greet your guests at the door. On any other day, it may seem perfectly fine to have your kids invite them in while you're busy in the kitchen. But for Easter brunch, make your welcome personal. Offer everyone a drink. Depending upon your preferences, it may be iced tea, a glass of wine, or a glass of plain water. This breaks the ice and makes new arrivals feel at ease.
Have ice available. If guests enjoy a chilled drink, offer them the option to toss in a few extra cubes to cool it down to their preference. Lighting candles or using scented fresheners may be appropriate and can create a nice ambience that everyone will appreciate and enjoy. Seat people wherever it's best for lively conversation and a friendly atmosphere over brunch. You could simply direct people to sit at specific places or get more elaborate with place cards at their seats at the table. Adjust the room temperature to be comfortable. If it's too cold or warm, it detracts from enjoyment of the food and company. If you aren't sure, simply ask guests if they are comfortable. continued on page 5 April 2020 | 50+ Living | 3
50+Living of Western NC
CONTENTS 3
Sew into Spring 7 Visit our website for class schedule Create amazing craft and embroidery projects. Learn new techniques, tricks, and tips.
Host the Perfect Easter Brunch Easy-to-grow Summer Flowers
8 Spring Cleaning 10 Sustainable Investing Going Mainstream
12 Easy Coffee Shake
Recipes for at Home
Come Visit Our Shop ~ We are fully stocked! We also offer Services ~ Visit our website for so much more! 32 N Main St. | Weaverville, NC 28787
828-484-7200
fivemonkeyquilts.com Hours: Monday-Friday 10-6; Saturday 10-5 | Sunday - CLOSED 4 | 50+ Living | April 2020
14 Taylor’d with Style
April's Foolish Fashion
16 Probiotics for Beginners 18 Sandy’s Food for Thought
Kale Chip Salad, Strawberry Salsa, Avocado-Lime Crema
Warming bread and buns adds to their flavor and makes Easter brunch more enjoyable. Pay attention and keep the chatter going. It can be embarrassing to have lengthy silent gaps at the table. As an Easter host, it's up to you to restart stalled conversation or suggest topics to chat about. Plan your menu to suit your guests. Knowing (or asking about) their preferences will help you create an Easter brunch that everyone enjoys. You could even circulate your proposed menu and invite feedback ahead of the big day.
Easter Brunch Decorations To match the mood of the season, you could adorn your dining room in the spirit of Easter with some simple tweaks. Easter table centerpieces can be cheerful and decorative. There are readymade solutions you can buy off the shelf, though you might enjoy creating your own at home. Flower arrangements don't have to be elaborate or extravagant, as long as they are tasteful. Folding napkins into an Easter bunny is a nice trick. With a few twists and folds aided by a ball of cotton, you can turn a regular napkin into a cute little bunny rabbit. Kids will love it. You could extend the plan and decorate the entire house in Easter-themed style. Vases and planters, wall hangings and table top decorations can set the tone for the gathering. If you're having children over to Easter brunch, setting up a table exclusively for them with festive decorations, gifts and some fun activities will make the day memorable for them.
Easter Brunch Recipes
Quiches, casseroles and pies from a good neighborhood bakery are a failsafe option to feed a hungry crowd at brunch.
There's no limit to how diverse and elaborate your recipes can be for Easter brunch. Here are some popular favorite dishes.
Homemade waffles with a variety of toppings are another popular choice with Easter brunch hosts. You can reheat frozen waffles right before serving them, although freshly prepared waffles with batter that's whipped up the previous night can have your guests in rapture.
Prepared meat like a smoked ham or a fish platter can take center stage. Just pop it into the oven an hour ahead of meal time so it can be served hot.
Muffins, biscuits, and cupcakes make nice Easter desserts. Bake up a batch ahead of the weekend. They are guaranteed to please any crowd, and are fun to decorate with kids.
Deviled eggs are great for these parties. The nice part about having them on the menu is that the filling can be prepared and stored on the previous day. Offer a choice of two or three different fillings for the greatest satisfaction.
No matter what you do to make your Easter brunch perfect, if you find yourself getting too stressed or anxious about the details, relax and remember that it's the holiday spirit that really matters. Ee April 2020 | 50+ Living | 5
50+Living of Western NC
PUBLISHER Tammy Sheppard tsheppard@rewnc.com
The Lodge at Mills River A leader in Short term Rehabilitation takes pride in excellence. We promise to serve the residents and families with compassion and integrity. The Lodge is committed to providing experienced care in a cheerful environment that features:
ART DIRECTOR Kimberly P. Anderson
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The Lodge offers physical, speech and occupational therapies in the community. Therapy services can be provided in an inpatient or outpatient need.
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We invite you to visit the community, meet our dedicated staff and discover for yourself what makes The Lodge at Mills River a leader in Short Term Rehabilitation.
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Trish Luzzi 828. 423.0248 wnccreations@gmail.com Terri Wells 828. 776.8886 twells.avlmedia@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sandy McCall Laurie Richardone JeanAnn Taylor Dave Werle P.O. Box 18416 | Asheville, NC 28814 828.230.7537 50pluslivingWNC.com All advertising published in 50+Living of Western NC is believed to be truthful and accurate. However AVL Media, Inc. assumes no responsibility and shall have no liability whatsoever for errors, including without limitation, typographical errors or omissions in 50+Living of Western NC. Any reference made to AVL Media, Inc. is not to be construed as making any representation, warranty or guarantee concerning the information on properties advertised in 50+Living of Western NC. The content of all ads contained herein are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. The opinions and statements contained in advertising or elsewhere in this publication are those of the authors of such opinions and are not necessarily those of AVL Media, Inc. AVL Media, Inc. reserves the right to edit or refuse any advertising submitted to this publication.
Ee 6 | 50+ Living | April 2020
5 Easy-To-Grow Flowers For Summer
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f you're looking for flowers you can grow with minimal effort this summer, these five, bright varieties will do you proud. Any combination will bring a riot of colour to your backyard, and with very little assistance. Provided you're in a reasonably sunny, warm climate, and have some crumbly, moist soil available, you can pop the seeds or seedlings in, then put your feet up. You may need to give them the odd splash of water or shoo away the occasional pest, but you'll find all these plants pretty resilient to adverse conditions.
1. Sunflowers The bright, smiling face of a sunflower can lift the lowest spirit, so the more you plant, the more cheering your display will be. Sow the seeds outside in late spring, when the climate and soil have warmed up. Spread them spaciously over the ground about two feet apart to enable maximum growth, and cover them with a thin layer of soil. You can also grow them in pots with plenty of root space and drainage holes.
2. Geraniums These pretty flowers are not fussy about where they grow, provided they get a few hours' sunlight most days and also moist, well-drained soil to feed on. Colouring tends to be pinkish or violet, but can also be red, deep purple or a light, delicate indigo, so check the range available before buying. Geraniums look pretty in pots as well as in the ground and require minimal care beyond watering in dry weather.
3. Californian poppies Californian poppies are very easy and rewarding to grow. With their papery petals of glowing orange or red, they can turn a dull backyard into a swathe of colour or provide a merry backdrop to smaller plants in front. You can either sow them in under cover in trays during the spring, planting them outside at seedling stage, or scatter the seeds straight onto the soil towards summertime, brushing a thin layer of soil over the top. For best results, water them well and space them out as they grow, but these tough plants will probably thrive anyway.
4. Marigolds These bright, orange or yellow flowers add a wonderfully warm glow to a garden. You can either grow them from seed, starting them off in pots under cover, or buy them as bedding plants in late spring and put them straight into your prepared ground. They'll withstand most weathers and soils and require minimal care. However, slugs are partial to marigolds, too, so if you spot any in the area, spread some slug repellent or salt around your seedlings. With your safeguard in place, the plants will light up your backyard all summer long.
5. Nigella - or "Love-in-a-mist" These fragile-looking flowers are tougher than you'd think and can thrive in various terrains, especially with well-drained soil and some sunshine. In fact, wherever you plant yours, they'll probably venture out across the path or around the corner. The more you have, the more of a fine, blue mist their petals will make, but if you don't want them spreading you can easily pull up any you don't want. You can sow the seeds anytime from early spring, popping them just below the surface of the soil. Just one word of warning about these little flowers: they may wilt in a heatwave. You'll find more easy-to-grow flowers in the online catalogs, and by fine-tuning your search, you can pick out plants to suit every climate, terrain, and season. But if you don't want the bother of all that, you'll do fine with this tough bunch, especially with regular watering. For further growing tips, check out the gardening guidance sites. Plan your summer garden well ahead to make sure you have everything ready. Then, when the time is right, set a morning aside for planting, and the job will be done. After that, you can sit back in your deckchair and await your summer bloom. Ee April 2020 | 50+ Living | 7
Spring Cleaning
By Laurie Richardone
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hat a magical season Spring is, when the Sun returns and nature stirs with the birth of new life. We rush to meet her with clean windows, uncluttered closets, and planted gardens because the ritual Spring clean feels good. To take care of your home, your family, your pets feels good. And to keep that pep in your step it’s equally important to pay attention to yourself… Just a bit of self care goes a long way. Personal wellness practices are too often viewed as indulgent, time consuming or expensive. It becomes easy to skip over the importance of taking care of ourselves. Of course, life can get busy, and perhaps you are juggling a career, motherhood, a home. I believe that to care for others, one must also care for themselves. To stay strong, healthy,
and energetic is our obligation to ourselves. This change of season marks a time for all living things to experience renewal. This includes us… With an optimistic slant in our thoughts as a daily ritual, we can experience the day anew. Rituals keep us grounded, focused and purposeful. One of my favorites is a visit to the tailgate farmers market on Saturdays. It makes me happy to know that pretty much anything growing during our glorious Blue Ridge Spring is going to be beneficial to my body. And how fortunate we are to have one of the best farmers markets in the country. So, head over to your local farmer’s market in the weeks and months to come, and enjoy all the Vernal goodness mother nature has to offer.
Change Your View Not Your Lifestyle
Come Saturday with the kids. Take them on a fabulous field trip, where they will learn where their food comes from, and how it is grown; Right in our own backyard… To your continued good health…
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Celebrate Spring with my recipe for souped Sugar Snap Peas. Recipe…..
LaurieRichardone.com info@LaurieRichardone.com 505-577-6088 cell
Soup of Sugar Snap Peas Five ingredient soup, that tastes like spring. Think of shelling the peas as a meditation. The reward is a bright delicious soup that takes less than 10 minutes. I like to serve this chilled. Warm is delicious too. Snap peas have vitamin C, vitamin K and fiber.
Serves 4 2 lbs of sugar snap peas, shelled 1 small spring onion, minced 1 tsp. salt, to taste 1 1/2 -2 cups of vegetable stock 1 tbsp. lemon juice, fresh extra virgin olive oil, to drizzle 2 oz aged goat cheese, crumbled, optional heavily salted water for boiling, 2 tbsp. Taste. Shell peas, which you can do 1-2 days in advance. Store in refrigerator. Have a pot of rapidly boiling heavily salted water. Drop peas in pot and continue to keep boil vigorously. Set timer for 5 minutes. take out if tender, with a strainer. Pour peas into an ice bath to cool. Strain peas and pour into blender or food processor. Add some stock, start with 1 1/2 cup. Add salt, and minced onion. Blend. If too thick, add more stock. Taste for seasoning. Add lemon juice, taste again. Set 4 small white bowls, and pour soup in each. In center of bowl, add crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill. Cooks Note: You can use frozen organic peas. Continue with recipe. You might need a bit more stock.
The Spice & Tea ExchangeÂŽ of Asheville 46 Haywood St., #101 Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 505-7348 April 2020 | 50+ Living | 9
Sustainable Investing Going Mainstream by Dave Werle
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monumental change is happening in the world of investing: the rise of Sustainable Investing. As of 2018, one in four dollars invested by individuals and institutions in the U.S. are now in sustainable and responsible investment vehicles. That equates to $12 trillion, an increase of 38% just since 2016 according to the US SIF Foundation's 2018 Report on US Sustainable, Responsible and Impact Investing Trends.(1) That shift seems very likely to continue in the coming years. However, the investing public and even some financial advisors, continue to have significant misperceptions about sustainable investing. The misunderstandings are rooted in the origins of this type of investing. Socially Responsible Investing was birthed way back in the 1700s from the demand from some religious institutions (Quakers first, then Methodists) for their congregations to avoid investing in sinful things – slavery, weapons, liquor and tobacco. By the 1980s, this practice of avoiding certain types of investments had expanded to include environmental issues and avoidance of companies doing business in South Africa due to apartheid. The notion of socially responsible investing was laden with value statements about certain industries, companies or practices that were deemed harmful to society. This avoidance approach had its limitations. Investing this way was complicated and very new. How could you know how much pollution was emitted by a certain company? Disclosure 10 | 50+ Living | April 2020
from companies was limited. Also, avoiding oil stocks during the boom times of oil had a dampening impact on investment returns. A common perception emerged that you had to give up some investment performance to invest according to your values. Not many wanted to make that trade off. Skepticism was common. In more recent years, professional investment managers have developed an inclusion approach. They seek to find and invest in companies that are standouts in environmental, social and corporate governance “ESG” measures. This more comprehensive approach, now termed Sustainable Investing, has changed things dramatically. Integrating ESG performance into financial analysis of companies provides greater insight into risks and opportunities for investors. At the same time, two other factors have contributed to the rise of Sustainable Investing. First, fossil fuel corporations’ market dominance declined. They now make up a smaller portion of the earnings and growth of the largest U.S. companies. The FAANG stocks (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Google) plus other tech giants like Microsoft, now far surpass oil companies in terms of market capitalization. Not having oil companies in an investment portfolio now has a more limited impact. Second, disclosure of sustainable practices by the largest U.S. public companies has increased substantially. According to
the Governance & Accountability Institute, 86% of the companies in the S&P 500 Index® published sustainability reports in 2018, compared to just 20% in 2011.(2) Sustainable investors want to account for a company’s performance risk attributed to corporate governance, environmental compliance, or workplace safety. With increased disclosure, it is easier to discern differences and avoid investment risks in these areas. Now, before corporate failings such as Equifax’s data breach and Volkswagen’s emissions scandal severely impact stock prices, investors have more tools to examine potential risks and invest their funds elsewhere.
with corporations to improve their ESG practices and encourage long-term growth of shareholder value. Sustainable Investing no longer means simply avoiding sin stocks and giving up some investment growth to feel better about your money. It is a rapidly evolving and growing practice that seeks to understand and mitigate company ESG risks and maximize long-term value for investors. If you’d like to know more about this exciting trend in investing please contact us for a free consultation.
Sustainable Investing will continue to grow in the coming years and become even more mainstream for two primary reasons. Demand from individual investors, especially millennials, is high. According to the Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing, more than eight of ten U.S. individual investors (and nine of ten Millennial investors) now express interest in sustainable investing.(3)
Dave Werle, CFP®, CSRIC™ Financial Planner Starks Financial Group, Inc.
However, the biggest jump may come from professional investment managers embracing of this way of investing. In January 2020, Larry Fink, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, titled his annual letter to the CEOs of the world's largest companies, “A Fundamental Reshaping of Finance.”(4) In that letter, he stated that “climate change has become a defining factor in companies’ long-term prospects.” Furthermore, he proclaimed that BlackRock “believe[s] that sustainable investing is the strongest foundation for client portfolios going forward.” Those are incredibly significant statements coming from the CEO of a company that manages more than $7 trillion dollars for institutions and individuals.
(440 Montford Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 // 828-285-8777). Starks Financial Group is not a registered broker/deal, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. This article expresses the opinions of Jennifer L. Adams and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ and CFP® in the U.S.
Fink’s letter was directed toward CEOs of companies in which his clients are invested. The intent appeared to be a warning to those CEOs that, if they do not account for sustainability-related risks to their businesses and have clear plans to address those risks, his company would move clients’ investments elsewhere.
4) https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/investor-relations/larry-fink-ceo-letter
2) https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/05/16/1826306/0/ en/FLASH- REPORT-86-of-S-P-500-Index-Companies-Publish-Sustainability- Reports-in-2018.html 3) https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/sustainable-investing-growinginterest-and-adoption
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In addition to the Sustainable Investing trend, the practice of investing to bring about change is evolving. You can still invest in a way that avoids things that don’t fit your values. But you can also intentionally invest in a way that aligns with the things you do value. For example, if you believe companies should have gender equality in their boards of directors and executive management, you can invest specifically in companies showing leadership in that area. If you want to target some of your investing to companies that are providing market solutions for renewable energy, you can do that as well. You, joining force with other like-minded investors, can have a significant impact. Additionally, you can use investment companies that use their status as large shareowners to successfully engage
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Invest in the Bigger Picture.
Easy Coffee Shake Recipes to Make at Home
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f you find delight in frozen mochas, frappes, and other delicious coffee concoctions, then coffee shake recipes will provide just the drink to shake up your home blender. With the following recipes, you’ll discover that frozen coffee beverages are easy to make at home. The bonus to your budget by making your own shakes will also bring a smile to your face as you watch your savings grow.
What Are the Ingredients in Coffee Shake Recipes?
With Sustainable, Responsible Investing, we can help you develop a portfolio that balances the issues you care about most with the financial goals you want to meet. Because in the end, we’re all invested together. Get started with a free consultation at sfginfo@raymondjames.com
P L A N N I N G W I T H H E A R T. I N V E S T I N G W I T H P U R P O S E .
starksfinancial.com 828.285.8777 | 877.285.RJFS (7537) 440 Montford Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 Starks Financial Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of the strategy selected. Sustainable/ Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) considers qualitative environmental, social and corporate governance, also known as ESG criteria, which may be subjective in nature. There are additional risks associated with Sustainable/Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), including limited diversification and the potential for increased volatility. There is no guarantee that SRI products or strategies will produce returns similar to traditional investments. Because SRI criteria exclude certain securities/products for non-financial reasons, investors may forego some market opportunities available to those who do not use these criteria. Investors should consult their investment professional prior to making an investment decision.
12 | 50+ Living | April 2020
Frozen coffee drinks require a few ingredients to create a glassful of frothy goodness. Coffee shakes vary in their contents, but most contain fresh coffee, milk, ice, sugar, ice cream, and flavorings. Depending on individual taste preferences, flavor variations abound including vanilla, hazelnut, chocolate, or mint.
How Do You Make Frozen Coffee Shakes? To make frozen coffee shakes, pour two shots of cool coffee into a blender pitcher. Add one cup of milk and two teaspoons of sugar. Blend on low speed to combine ingredients. Next, add one cup of ice and blend on high speed to desired thickness.
How Can You Customize Coffee Shake Recipes? Using the above recipe as a foundation, simply add whatever flavoring you desire. For chocolate mocha frappes, add two tablespoons of chocolate powder or syrup in place of the recipe’s two teaspoons of sugar. For frozen vanilla coffee, try substituting vanilla syrup for sugar. Customizing shake ingredients changes the taste and texture. Instead of whole milk, try cream, or half & half. In place of brewed coffee, use espresso or instant coffee granules. Experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique drink flavors.
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For a truly decadent experience, add a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Coffee and vanilla ice cream offer creamy texture while enhancing the overall taste. When using ice cream, just remember to eliminate the sugar from the recipe. Top all drinks with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon to rival your coffeehouse favorites.
Are There Low Calorie Options for Coffee Shakes? Coffee is naturally low calorie, but the items mixed into frozen coffee blends, bring up the calorie content. Eliminating sugar from coffee shakes keeps them low in calories. Instead of using sugar, try stevia, agave nectar, or artificial sweetener. Reduce fat content by substituting milk with skim, low-fat, soy, or almond milk. Use these easy coffee shake recipes any time you crave the icy goodness of a frozen coffee. Ee April 2020 | 50+ Living | 13
Taylor’d with Style
April's Foolish Fashion By JeanAnn Taylor
Happy April Fool’s Day!
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hat a fun holiday to dress foolishly, haphazardly, and mis-matched. I once attended an “April Fool’s Tacky Dance” where everyone was encouraged to wear his or her tackiest outfit. I won first place with an ensemble of leopard print, hot pink lace, black fishnet hose, pink flamingo accessories, and way too much makeup. It was a night of laughter, dancing, and poking fun at our lack of fashion sense. Unfortunately, I see many people who seem unconcerned with what they wear on a daily basis—not just on April Fool’s Day. However, being well dressed can change your life. There are many reasons to dress well every day. People will take you more seriously—it shows that you care and respect who you are. You’ll appear more capable and trustworthy—if you look like you don’t take care of yourself, why should you be trusted to care for someone or something else? On a personal level, you’ll be more motivated to stay healthy and fit—so you can wear those nice clothes. Your self-confidence will 14 | 50+ Living | April 2020
increase—you’ll stand taller and sit straighter. Your standards will rise—you’ll be more likely to take care of your possessions such as keeping your car and home clean. All this being said, what does “well dressed” mean? The dictionary definition is: “Attired in clothing that is of good quality, is properly fitted, and is appropriate and becoming.” Of course, this meaning is subjective. Being well dressed depends on the particular society, culture, and occasion. There are, however, a few guidelines that can keep your well-dressed wishes from turning into foolish fashion faux pas. Sleeves continue to be a popular fashion element, and I love it! They add detail and interest, and they keep me warm. What I don’t understand is the long sleeve trend that hangs lower than the wrist—even past the fingers. Obviously, the sleeve would get in the way of everything you tried to do, and imagine the filth from them dragging around. Showing too much cleavage is a risky expression. The eye will always go to the spot where fabric meets skin. If that is the point where you want attention, go for it. But if not, skip the
skimpy top. Too-tight button-up shirts that pull at the buttons across the chest are one of the most distracting—and uncomfortable— fashion blunders you can make. If your shirt doesn’t lay flat when buttoned, consider wearing a tank top under the shirt and leave it unbuttoned. When it comes to pants, there are several styles that will take your fashion sense down a notch or two. Number one: gauchos. This fashion flop is unflattering on everyone. If you are thin, they make you look frumpy. If you are large, they make you look larger. In addition, this shapeless garment falls at the widest part of your leg which emphasizes the width. Remember, the eye will always go to the spot where fabric meets skin. On the flip side of shapelessness are leggings. These body-hugging garments were once considered appropriate only for the gym. Now, they are perfectly acceptable for practically every occasion. The problem comes when tops are too short and show too much bottom. Anyone past the age of three should avoid this fashion gaffe by taking care that the top adequately covers the derrière. Also, consider the color. Wearing leggings in the color of your skin tone may appear as if you forgot your pants! Taking this trend one step lower is wearing tights as pants. Ladies, tights are made to be worn under a dress or skirt when the goal is to look elegant or professional. They are also great for an added layer of warmth under pants— but they are not pants. I understand the desire to look trendy, however, a current fad that can lower your look is distressed jeans. As someone who loves fabric, it’s hard to wrap my mind around taking a perfectly good piece of material and destroying it. Some of these garments are more “distressed” than “jean.” The ripped and torn statement is one to choose carefully. In the animal world, a shabby coat is a sign of easy prey. On an environmental note, making slashed and worn-out jeans requires sandblasting and tons of extra water. Sturdy denim, woven to last for years, will last only one season when abused and shredded. Distressed jeans, along with the scraps that are cut out, end up in landfills long before regular jeans. Adding insult to injury, distressed jeans have a price tag that can triple regular styles. This foolish trend not only looks crude, it’s bad for our pocketbook and our Earth. Accessories are items that can enhance or diminish your overall look. Oversized chokers or scarves wrapped tightly around your neck may look like a neck brace. Too many large accessories may appear as if you are playing dress-up with your grandmother’s jewelry collection. Bright, bold, and funky costume jewelry is fun to wear but can easily look tacky. Just be selective; find an accent piece that expresses your individual style but doesn’t overpower your look.
Dressing well doesn’t have to be stressful. Don’t force yourself to wear something that doesn’t fit your body or your personality. Authenticity is attractive, artificial is awkward. Pay attention to fit. Ill-fitting clothes that are too-tight or too-baggy look careless and sloppy. Wear clean clothes that have no pills, tears, or stains. Many fabrics are wash and wear, but if your shirt needs ironing, take a few minutes for this task. Well dressed in wrinkles is an oxymoron. Choose quality over quantity. Having an excess of ill-fitting, out-dated, or low-quality clothes will not increase your sense of style. We all need a little fashion help from time to time, and there are many reasons as to why some choose to dress poorly: economics, not caring, or trying to hide behind too-big clothes. Remember, everything we wear sends a message. Every thing. Every day. Today’s women have mostly lost the art of dressing well. Many give little thought, effort, or attention to what they wear, and our society supports this ultra-casual mindset. The misconception is that what we wear doesn’t—or shouldn’t—affect how we are treated. The truth is that it does. I believe in the power of a great outfit. There is no reason to be an April, May, June, or anytime fashion fool. It’s not indulgent or self-absorbed to dress well. It affects the way we think, feel, act, and how others react to us. Dressing well shows respect for others, the event, and the day. And, as Coco Chanel famously said, “Being well dressed is a beautiful form of politeness.” Ee
Style expert JeanAnn Taylor jeananntaylor@rewnc.com
The perfect gift for your little ballerina! Read the story of Lily, an endearing little girl who’s passion for spinning gets her into trouble until she learns to spin like a ballerina. Available at
A Walk in the Woods 423 Main Street, Hendersonville The Sock Basket, 99 Edgewood Rd, Suite A, Asheville
and online at gratefulsteps.org
Written by local author, JeanAnn Taylor
For more information on book signing events, please call 828-989-2651 April 2020 | 50+ Living | 15
WNC Bridge
FOUNDATION
Estate Sales
A PARTNERSHIP FOR HEALTH
wncbridge.org
SERVICES
DOWNSIZING? MOVING? RELOCATING? HANDLING AN ESTATE? Whatever the circumstances, home transitions can be stressful. Our experienced team is here for you. We have helped thousands of area clients pack, move, and liquidate furnishings, household items, artwork—even cars. Whether you’re moving, settling an estate, or just want to streamline your life, we can make the process easier. Proceeds from estate sales are divided equally between the seller and WNC Bridge Foundation Estate Sales and Services. There are no additional fees for our services.
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VOLUNTEER! WNC Bridge Foundation retail operations are friendly, upbeat places to serve as volunteer. Folks of all walks and ages are making a positive impact in our community. Call 828-575-2509 to learn more
Thrift Store
WNC Bridge
FOUNDATION A PARTNERSHIP FOR HEALTH
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828-274-8206 HOURS Monday–Saturday, 9–5 Donation Center, 10–4
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ACCEPTING DONATIONS of gently-used household items and furniture. For pick-up of large items call 828-575-2509. 16 | 50+ Living | March 2020
Probiotics for Beginners
W
hat are Probiotics? Generally, when we think of bacteria, we think of the harmful, disease-causing organisms dubbed "germs." But just as some plants are poisonous and others are medicinal, some types of bacteria are beneficial and help support and promote good health. The human digestive system is home to billions of bacteria, some of which play an important role in our digestive and overall health. When our gut ecosystem is out of balance, our health may suffer as a result. Probiotics are dietary supplements that contain beneficial bacteria. Taking probiotics can help restore digestive health and may have other benefits as well. Because probiotics have proven benefits and have recently enjoyed a boom in popularity, the market is flooded with various brands of supplements, not all of which are equal. Here are some basic guidelines to help you select high-quality probiotics.
Formula Look for brands that are formulated by medical professionals. This improves the chances that the supplements will be of high quality and will not contain extraneous ingredients or chemicals.
Strains Look for supplements that contain strains (types of bacteria) that have been proven to have beneficial properties. A supplement that identifies the specific strains it contains is likely to be of higher quality, although it may also come with a bigger price tag, as some strains are more expensive than others. One well-known strain is L. acidophilus NCFM, which can withstand the highly acidic environment of the human gastrointestinal tract.
Potency Because bacteria are living organisms, the effectiveness of a probiotic supplement will depend in part on what percentage of the bacteria are still alive, or viable, when ingested. A high-level of shelf-stability is a desirable quality of probiotics, so it's best to avoid supplements that require refrigeration and to pay attention to dates of manufacture and expiration.
Number of CFUs Look for supplements that advertise a high number of CFUs, or Colony Forming Units. CFU is a measure of how many colonies will grow from a sample in a prepared medium. If a very small sample grows a lot of colonies, that would indicate a high number of CFUs. This number is an indicator of concentration and viability.
Doctor Recommended Ask your medical care provider what type and dose of probiotics are best for you. Your doctor can also help you identify what types of probiotic are best suited to your particular health needs, and possibly recommend some quality, trusted brands as well.
A Few More Things to Keep in Mind Depending on your country of residence, regulatory oversight of probiotics may vary. Bear this in mind when evaluating the claims of a product to cure or treat a condition or disease. Also, everyone's body chemistry and health are unique, and these factors will affect how and if probiotics have noticeable benefits for you. Probiotics are powerful health supplements with proven benefits; understanding what they are and how they work will help you get the most out of these natural, human-biome balancing organisms. Ee
Quality Patient-Centered Dental Care Whatever dentistry you’re in need of, you’ll feel comfortable with Dr. Zachary S. Holcombe, and his team. Being “patient-centered” means that your positive experience, in every detail, is our primary concern. Our team offers a wide variety of services and procedures to accomodate all your dental wants and needs. • DIAGNOSTIC & PREVENTATIVE • COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Dr. Holcombe is a native of Greenville, NC who attended North Carolina State University for undergraduate studies before earning his DMD from East Carolina University. He is married to his wife Amy and they have one child. When not practicing dentistry he enjoys spending time out doors with his friends and family.
• DENTAL IMPLANTS • PROSTHODONTICS • PERIODONTICS • ORAL SURGERY
New Smiles are Always Welcome! ParkSouth office complex, Suite B-2, 1944 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 684-3839
Zachary S. Holcombe, D.M.D. GENERAL DENTISTRY
www.DentalAsheville.com
Full service agency ... Are you ready to buy, sell or do you need a property manager? We specialize in YOU! Call Sandy at 828-273-9755 or email Sandy@SouthernLifeRealty.com “Your Dream, Our Expertise ... Matching People With Property”
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stephensupholstery.com April 2020 | 50+ Living | 17
Sandy’s Food for Thought Kale Chip Salad with Spicy Strawberry Salsa and Avocado-Lime Crema By Sandy McCall
“
Get ready to enjoy the crunch of the kale chips, layered with the pleasing sweetness of ripe strawberries (with a little added heat), topped with the creaminess of a delicious and healthy avocado crema. I used lacinato kale for this recipe, but any kind of kale will work. You can also add grilled chicken, fish, or beef for more protein. Using very, very ripe strawberries will make the salsa sweet without added sweetener. And you can adjust the heat by using more or less jalapeño pepper. You can serve this kale chip salad as four or five individual salads or make it into one large salad.
,,
A new study led by Professor Charles Spence, the Oxford University gastrophysicist making waves in the food industry, has proven beyond doubt that making something look good makes it effectively taste better too. Sandy McCall is the Broker/Owner of Southern Life Realty. Email: SandysFoodForThought@gmail.com
Spicy Strawberry Salsa 1/2 medium lime zest & juice 12 oz strawberries hulled and diced 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and chopped* 4 scallions chopped 1/3 cup fresh cilantro chopped, extra for garnish Freshly ground black pepper to taste Pinch fine Himalayan sea salt Trim, hull, and dice the strawberries into small pieces. Place into a bowl. Add both the lime zest and lime juice to the bowl with strawberries. Trim the jalapeño pepper, remove the seeds and pith for less heat and mince into very small pieces. Leave some or all of the seeds if you desire more heat. Trim and chop the scallions and cilantro. Add everything to the strawberry and lime mixture. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, to taste. Stir all of the ingredients. Although you can serve this strawberry salsa right away, it is best to refrigerate it for at least an hour so the flavors meld. 18 | 50+ Living | April 2020
* Use a smaller one for less heat or leave some of the seeds in for more heat.
Avocado-Lime Non-Dairy Crema 1 ripe avocado peeled and seeded Pinch fine sea salt Himalayan 1/3 cup coconut cream only from top of a can of good coconut milk 1 Tbsp lime juice 2 Tbsp cilantro more for garnish 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, crushed OPTIONAL 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar, reduced until thick enough for drizzle OPTIONAL
Instructions
Blend everything except cilantro in a blender or food processor. Stir in minced cilantro. Remove from blender. Garnish with extra cilantro. If you refrigerate for use later, crema will thicken significantly. Optional: Reduce balsamic vinegar in a small skillet until it starts to thicken. Remove from heat for a minute or two. Drizzle on top of crema. Optional: crush a pinch of whole Sichuan peppercorns and sprinkle on top of crema.
Baked Kale Chips 8-10 Lacinato Kale leaves 1-2 Tbsp avocado or olive oil Pinch of Celtic or Cypress Salt to serve Optional: add small pinches of ground Sichuan pepper to top of the crema and drizzle with reduced balsamic vinegar.
avocado-lime crema in the center of the salsa. Sprinkle with a small pinch of Celtic or Cypress salt on the kale chips. Serve immediately.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully remove the spines from the kale leaves with a sharp knife. Chop into 1- to 2-inch pieces. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drizzle the kale lightly with avocado oil or olive oil, and carefully coat each leaf with your fingers. Spread the kale pieces out on the baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp. Move kale around on the baking sheet after a few minutes. Watch carefully so they don’t burn.
For one large salad:
For individual salads:
Divide strawberry salsa onto individual salad plates. Scatter kale chips around the edge of salsa. Add a large dollop of
Put avocado-lime crema in a small dish for serving and place it in the center of a large serving platter. Arrange strawberry salsa around the dish of crema. Add kale chips around the edge of the strawberry salsa. Add a pinch of Celtic or Cypress salt on top of the kale chips.
Enjoy!
Want to Adver tise? Call us at 828.230.7537 for information and rates.
Donate your car. Change a life. Working Wheels repairs and recycles donated cars, transforming them into reliable transportation for working families in Western North Carolina. We enthusiastically accept donations of vehicles in any condition. The process is easy, and your donation is tax-deductible.
Call 828-633-6888 or visit us at workingwheelswnc.org April 2020 | 50+ Living | 19
ADVERTORIAL
Avocado is back on the table and on the walls! The all white kitchen is yielding to the resurgence of the celebrated 1960’s color and the avocado itself is showing up with everything from toast to dessert. The color palette is your call but we can help with the avocado, the fruit, palate pairing. The relatively mild avocado, indigenous to Central America, with its creamy texture started as an aphrodisiac! By 1871, the avocado had found its way to California. Hass and Fuerte are the two most easily accessible varieties. While Hass has more oil content and Fuerte more fiber, the two are similar in taste and interchangeable for recipes and for our purpose of pairing. Got a great recipe and the wine ready but the avocado is not yet ripe? Put no more than a few avocados in a paper bag with an apple at room temperature. The apple emits ethylene gas, a ripening agent. And to stop the avocado from turning brown, a teaspoon of lemon or lime juice helps the fruit retain its lovely green color. Most of us think of the avocado as uniquely suited to Mexican dishes but this versatile fruit is holding its own in many other cuisines. You have no doubt encountered western style sushi known as the California Roll. So, now the avocado is surround by cucumbers instead of black beans and salsa! And the avocado is a welcomed addition to any dish with the heat turned up as the natural fat tempers the heat and
calms the spices. Avocados are now in ice cream, sweet drinks and vinaigrette. But for all its virtues, the Avocado has a bad reputation for wine pairing. Natalie MacLean, author of Red, White, and Drunk All Over says: “I put them in a category I call ‘Green Wine Stalkers’ because their natural compounds don’t marry well with many wine styles.” Look for a white wine with high acidity to cut through the sweetness and fat in the fruit. A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc such as Kim Crawford or Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige would be good matches. If you prefer red, avoid tannic wines and opt for Domaine Depueble Beaujolais or California Pinot Noir such as Bodan Roan. Depending on the heat level of the recipe, the pairing may require a demi-sec Vouvray such as La Vigne Des Sablons or a domestic sparkling like Roederer Brut. And in case of doubt, call for backup! A middle of the road Rosé works with almost anything almost anytime! Finally, many fear the avocado for its fat content. But rejoice! It is, as they say, the good fat. Avocado is loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, the kind that doctors say can lower the bad LDL cholesterol and maintain levels of the good HDL cholesterol. Pick up avocados and let us pair a wine to your recipe @MetroWines. Painting the walls is up to you!
Charlotte Street! It’s the Next BIG Thing! “Big Shop Selection. Small Shop Service” 828-575-9525 | www.metrowinesasheville.com 20 | 50+ Living | April 2020
