Saratogamama summer 2014

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Easy Summer Recipes!

Track Fashion

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Summer Fun Guide

Welcome to our

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edition! birthday bash on page 19, and our fabulous cooking class at Healthy Living Market on page 54!

• Once again, we worked with the awesome and talented Keira Lemonis who was behind the lens capturing our beautiful cover, the

Colleen The spring edi t ion of SaratogaMama Magazine won a major nat ional design award!

We are gratef ul especially to our amazingly talented graphic designer Ms. Jessica Kane and the rest of the team at Saratoga TODAY. R WA D

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• We’ve created an entire section of this magazine devoted to summer survival! You’ll find grilling tips, our favorite kid-friendly recipes, a cool outdoor DIY project, sun safety essentials and more!

Check it out on page 25.

Whatever adventures big or small your summer brings, may your days be filled with fun.

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• On page 26, we’ve got plenty of super simple lawn games to keep boredom at bay.

Whether you’re on a lounge chair on a tropical beach or a lawn chair in your driveway, we hope you enjoy reading our summer edition!

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The good news is, enjoying summer in Saratoga can be as easy as staying in your backyard!

• You’ll meet a wonderful local family on page 15 who shares their Ethiopian adoption story with us.

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School’s (nearly) out for the summer and if your family is anything like mine, you’re already dreaming of daytrips, planning park adventures, and sourcing swim spots. It seems that there’s an ever-present urge to fill summer to the brim!

• Our “wish list” on page 10 includes our must-have items, must-do experiences, and mustsee events. Check out our top picks for summer!

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•Our Cover• Nothing says summer quite like ice cream! Lakeside Farms in Ballston Lake provided the perfect setting and the delicious soft serve for our two fabulous models, Jade and Logan.

Jade’s wardrobe was provided by Matilda Jane Clothing’s local Trunk Keeper and mama Alicia Brady. For ordering information, visit their website at www.matildajaneclothing.com or contact Alicia at (518) 306-5258. Angie is also wearing a Matilda Jane dress in the picture above. Photographer Keira Lemonis captured the moment perfectly!

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Owner/Publisher Chad Beatty Editor-in-Chief Colleen Pierre General Manager Robin Mitchell Managing Editor Jennifer Bloomingdale Editorial Assistant Jan Snedaker Creative Director Jessica Kane Advertising Chris Bushee, Jim Daley, Cindy Durfey, Dianna Firth Graphic Design Colleen Sweeney Jessica Kane Photography Keira Lemonis Thinkstock.com Published by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper Five Case Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 tel: (518) 581-2480 SaratogaTODAYNewspaper.com SaratogaMama is brought to you by Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Publishing, LLC. Saratoga Publishing shall make every effort to avoid errors and omissions but disclaims any responsibility should they occur. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2014, Saratoga TODAY Newspaper

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Table of Contents

SaratogaMama Summer 2014

Seek 10 15 62

Our Wish List Embracing Ethiopia Teacher Of The Year

Find 46 48 65

Summer Beach Reads Track Fashion Summer Fun Events

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Learn 34 36 56

Clean Up Your Condiments Sun Safety Tips Cooking Up Fun at Healthy Living Market

Play 19 39 67

Arts & Glass Birthday Party DIY Glass Terrarium Kids Games saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

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Contributors Jennifer Bloomingdale

Jennifer Bloomingdale is a former teacher, she is currently managing editor at SaratogaMama and teaching professional development eCourses through Powerful Learning Practice. She lives outside of Saratoga with her husband and two sons.

Jessica Kane

Jessica Kane is a graphic designer and photographer from Saratoga Springs. She has a true passion for all things “creative”.

In her spare time, Jessica enjoys drawing, crafting and capturing nature with her camera. She lives in Saratoga with her super cool dog Ari. 8 | SaratogaMama | Summer 2014

Jenna Burger

Jenna Burger is a local Interior Designer, Blogger, bargain hunter, and avid DIYer. She shares daily inspiration and DIY projects on her blog SAS Interiors, and strives to inspire and empower others through simple-to-implement decorating tricks and tips. She delivers smart, stylish, and sophisticated design solutions. Visit Jenna at www.sasinteriors.net

Jodie Fitz

Jodie Fitz is the creator and personality of the Price Chopper Kids Cooking Club and currently travels in a six state region cooking with children to encourage taste testing fun through a hands-on cooking experience. She is a wife, mother of three and currently authors several monthly columns. You can always find what she’s up to in her kitchen at www.jodiefitz.com.

Robin Morgan

An avid reader and technology enthusiast. Robin is an entrepreneur with nearly 20 years’ experience in communications and marketing. After being diagnosed with Celiac in 2003, she began her journey to became a certified Holistic Health Coach and now dedicates her life to helping others reach their potential through gluten free and all natural food choices. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Jan Snedaker

Jan Snedaker received a communication degree from Ithaca College and after switching gears for a while to become a special education teacher, she is following her passion, returning to her roots as a freelance writer and the creative director at SaratogaMama.

Jan resides in Clifton Park with her husband and two adorable children.

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Angela Thomas, R.N.

Angela Thomas is a board certified Holistic Nurse. She specializes in health and wellness promotion and has a special interest in stress management and chronic illness. Angela is a mother of five as well as a grandmother of four.

S.K. Parker Ward

Sarah, the girl with four names, is owner of Kathleen Palmer Media. A vintage-wearing, coffee-loving wordsmith, you’ll usually find her dual screening to catch up on the latest trends in art and technology, or on the go in Saratoga with her husband and two young daughters.

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wish list our

Solutions 10 to our 10 needs

By Jan Snedaker, Colleen P ierre, & Jennifer Bloomingdale

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My wish is to find a unique yet functional baby gift for my fashionista friend.

We found it with Razimus Jewelry! This cool local mama creates functional and fashionable jewelry like this mama&babe teething necklace which uses chewable BPA-free silicone beads and 100% organic cotton.

Find this necklace and many more styles at etsy.com/shopRazimusJewelry

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{ } My wish is to find a local restaurant where I can pick up a quick takeout meal that is healthy and suits our dietary needs (part gluten free, part picky eaters!)

We found it at Zest in Ballson Spa! You may have spotted Zest at some of the local farmers’ markets but they now have a cute cafe in downtown Ballston Spa. Dine in for lunch and pick up takeout dinner while you’re there! They cater to any dietary preference; whether paleo, gluten free, vegan, or just plain picky! There’s something delicious for everyone.

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My wish is to find a lip treatment with an SPF, a hint of color, and no harsh ingredients or petroleum.

We found it with Sugar Lip treatment

by Fresh. An all natural petroleum free lip treatment that comes in eight different subtle shades and has an SPF of 15. Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 blends reparative oils and waxes with real sugar, a natural humectant, for delectable and dependable moisture. This treatment also contains antioxidants to help repair and protect against the signs of aging. It is the perfect companion for your lips during any season!

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My wish is to find a take-anywhere snack bar that is both nutritious and delicious and does not contain any unnatural ingredients or chemicals.

We found it with Kind Bars. KIND Healthy Snacks are made from allnatural whole nuts, fruits and whole grains. No secret ingredients and absolutely nothing artificial. They make a great snack to throw in your bag on your way to the pool, park, or anywhere else your day may take you. Pick them up at Healthy Living Market.

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My wish is to find a quiet activity my three year-old can do during those moments I cannot give her 100% of my attention.

We found it with Crocodile Creek floor puzzles! The pictures are beautiful and the pieces are sturdy.

The puzzles are challenging enough to keep young children engaged but easy enough for them to do it on their own. With scenes from fairy tales, dinosaurs, bugs and ballet dancers there is sure to be one your child will love. Find them at G. Williker’s in Saratoga.

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{ } My wish is to find a fitness program that fits into my busy schedule, but without the monotony of other group fitness programs.

We found it at Rock Your Fitness! With classes for men and women of all fitness levels and times and locations that work with anyone’s schedule, Rock Your Fitness offers something different and fun! Check out RockYourFItnessNY.com for schedules and pricing.

{} My wish is to find a fun summer event my whole family will enjoy (but especially my truck-loving little boy!)

We’ll find it at The Children’s Museum Big Truck Day! Dump trucks, monster trucks, ice cream trucks, busses and more line the parking lot of Maple Avenue Middle School for kids to climb and explore. Come see all of the big trucks on August 2nd, at Maple Avenue Middle School. All of the proceeds from the day benefit the Children’s Museum at Saratoga.

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My wish is to be able to impress my friends this summer with a unique signature cocktail!

We did it using Basil Sugar from Brew Salt!

Rimming a glass with this delicious sugar is a pretty and delicious way to pep up a summer cocktail. We’ve tried it with SkinnyGirl Mojito and Margarita and highly recommend.

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My wish is to find something unique and different to do this year for father’s day

We found it at Sunnyside Gardens! On Saturday, June 14th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunnyside is offering a brand new BBQ and Planting Event, perfect for father’s day weekend. You’ll work together to plant a veggie container garden and can stay for an informal barbecue lunch afterwards! Register for this and other classes and workshops online at www.SunnysideGardensLLC.com

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My wish is to get my house more organized and less cluttered!

We found it with Clutter Advocate! They’ll work with any space in your home; bedrooms, playrooms, basements, garages, closets or pantries to organize and declutter and help create more order in your life. Call Jenny at (518) 280-4290 for a free estimate!

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Embracing Ethiopia Story by Jan Snedaker photos by aprilnewmanphoto.com

Ethiopia Will “Always be a Part of Our Family

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fter having four birth children Melissa and Justin Barnett felt blessed to have such an amazing family. They were filled with an overwhelming sense that their journey had just begun. The more thankful they were for their own family the more aware they became of the fact that there were children who did not have families to call their own.

Melissa and Justin knew in their hearts they were meant SaratogaMama.com

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to create a family for these children. They searched for a path that would lead them in the right direction. It took some time but eventually they were led to an orphanage in Ethiopia where they found two boys they were certain were their sons. A few years later they would find their daughter in the same orphanage.

The decision to adopt is a very personal and individual choice. Domestic or international adoption, foster care to adopt, babies or waiting children are all potential options for parents who have chosen this route.

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For the Barnett’s the decision was clear; they wanted to adopt a waiting child. These are the children most often forgotten, especially in developing nations. Orphanages are holding places for these children, but they do not provide the love and care babies and young children need. The children in these orphanages live without the comforts of warm baths, clean clothing, and sometimes not enough food and water.

Unfortunately these children also see and experience things no child should ever be exposed to. When Melissa and Justin became aware of the inhumane conditions these children were living in they felt compelled to create a change.

They began the long, challenging, and at times heartbreaking process of adoption.

Unfortunately this process is never easy; there is usually a long wait time along with a lot of uncertainty and when you are adopting from a developing nation these challenges can be even more difficult.

There’s a lot of red tape parents need to go through, produced by both the US and the child’s birth country.

The whole time these governments process and approve all of the formalities there are children living without the love of a family.

It is believed that for every three months a child is institutionalized they fall one month behind. Imagine how difficult it must be to know your child’s face, possibly have even met, hugged, and kissed your child, but then be separated for an unknown amount of time.

During that time you have no control over what is happening to your child; if they are being treated well, getting enough to eat, or being tucked in at night. Melissa and Justin went through this two times with their sons, and are now in the process of going through it again with their daughter.

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At one point they even had to get an international lawyer involved so they could bring their sons home. Their daughter is officially adopted but the paperwork is being held at the US Embassy and awaiting final approval for her to enter the United States.

The Barnett’s are living in a state of mixed emotions; they are anxiously awaiting the gift of their daughter, but they live with fear and the type of concern only a parent knows, as each day goes by without her.

“There is no hope or help over there… We just want to get her home and know she is safe and give her the family every child deserves.”

Melissa and Justin describe their adopted children as “little miracles”. To have survived the hardships, be open to love and learn a new way of life is a pretty amazing example of the inner strength and innocence of a child.

When they brought home their son Deginet he had never taken a bath with toys, slept in a warm bed, celebrated a birthday, or had a Christmas. When their younger son Biruk first arrived home he did not smile, laugh, or make eye contact.

Now their walls are covered with beautiful photographs of all their children with bright eyes, toothy grins, and an aura of love surrounding them. Melissa and Justin say it is a common mistake to assume their children are the lucky ones. It is they who have been blessed with the gift of their children. “We get to see them come to life, we get to look at life through their eyes and watch them grow. They teach us new things every day. We know not to take things for granted. We are the lucky ones that we get to be the parents of these amazing, loving, beautiful children.” saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

“Ethiopia Will Always be a Part of Our Family”

When the Barnett’s visited Ethiopia they not only fell in love with their children but with the country itself. Melissa says, “Although for some there is suffering and difficult living conditions, it is a place rich with culture and home to a people with great hospitality”. The people, their traditions, the clothing, and their spirit inspired the Barnett’s. While they always knew Ethiopia would remain a part of their children, they did not realize how much it would become a part of their lives too. They have embraced the Ethiopian culture. Melissa often cooks Ethiopian food and they celebrate Ethiopian Christmas, a holiday celebrated on January 7th, focusing more on reflection and culture rather than gift giving, and all of the children have traditional Ethiopian clothing. Ethiopia is also the birthplace of coffee, a morning ritual Justin (and most of us) are especially grateful for!

A piece of their hearts will always remain in the Ethiopian orphanages. They wish they could help every child find a family. The Barnett’s created a blog to write about their experiences. They recently wrote about a child living in the orphanage where their daughter had been. While over there visiting their daughter, the Barnett’s older son, Josh, grew attached to a little boy and wanted to help him find a family.

Melissa and Justin wrote about this little boy and his sister on their blog. Soon after, a family that had been interested in adoption welcomed these children into their family! The Barnett’s would love to help create more happy endings.

“When you ask most people what they are thankful for in life the most common answer given is family. There are children

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out there that do not have a family to be thankful for and that is not right. All children deserve a family; they deserve to be loved and valued. And these children are the most precious gift you could receive.”

To read more about the Barnett’s experience and stay connected to this wonderful family you can follow their blog, berootedinlove. blogspot.com. There are many organizations that are dear to the Barnett’s hearts. If you are interested in learning more about how to get involved and help the children living in orphanages in developing nations please visit the following websites: showhope.org, katelynsfund.org, lifesongfororphans.org, giftofadoption.org.

*While this article was being prepared to go to print the Barnett’s received the wonderful news their daughter was ready to come home.

Justin and his daughter Rachel hopped on a plane to Ethiopia and brought home Mehret!

Interested in trying a traditional Ethiopian dish?

Here are a couple Barnett favorites:

Misr Wot ( Lentil Stew) 1 cup red lentils 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 small onion 4 garlic cloves 2 tablespoons Berbere , 1 tablespoon for mild spice 1 small tomato cored, chopped 4 cups water Salt to taste Heat butter in medium pan over medium heat. Add onion, stir occasionally until golden brown (about 10 minutes), add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. Add lentils, Berbere, tomato, and water. Reduce heat to medium/low simmer until thick and smooth, 45-50 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

Crock Pot Sega Wot ( Beef Stew) 2 pounds round steak, or sirloin steak (cubed) ½ cup extra light olive oil 1 onion chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 tomatoes, chopped 1 teaspoon salt 1-½ tablespoons berbere ½ teaspoon cardamon ½ cup water ½ teaspoon meklesha (optional) Add all ingredients to crock pot, cook on high for about six hours until beef falls apart. Serve with injera!

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Party Perfect!

Photos by Keira Lemonis

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Arts & Glass, located in Clifton Park in the Shops at Village Plaza is a paint-your-own pottery and glass fusing studio. Arts & Glass offers a unique and creative setting for a fun afternoon with the kids, girls night out, special event or birthday party. They also offer a variety of classes and workshops for kids and adults.

Angela Barrett started Arts & Glass in 2013 as a way to share her love of pottery and glass with the capital region community.

When you walk into Arts & Glass, you’ll be able to choose from a huge variety of dinnerware, figurines, banks, decorative pieces and more.

There’s a unique project waiting for you and the staff will help guide you through the entire process.

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Arts & Glass provided a fantastic birthday party experience for our little guests! Each child was able to choose their favorite piece of pottery. Popular choices included kittens, mermaids, monsters, airplanes and dolphins.

Arts & Glass owner Angela Barrett assisted the kids in choosing pottery and gave them a brief art lesson including painting techniques and helpful hints.

Then it was time to paint!

The kids ranged in age from 3 to 11 and all really enjoyed painting and experimenting with colors and techniques. It was nice as a parent to be able to sit back and watch the kids work on a creative activity that captured their attention.

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A couple of our older children even got to experiment with glass fusion. They layered and arranged different pieces of cut glass which then gets melted together to create a pretty work of art. At Arts & Glass, you can make all sorts of fused glass projects from coasters and dishes, to ornaments and picture frames.

After adding their fingerprints to a ceramic keepsake plate, the kids enjoyed delicious cupcakes from Leah’s Cakery in Round Lake.

Our projects were ready for pickup about a week later and we were impressed with how beautiful they turned out!

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Arts & Glass has several birthday party packages to choose from, each including 10-24 artists, 90 minutes in a private party room, a dedicated party host, a keepsake ceramic plate, instructional art lesson, all paints, tools and firing of each piece.

Arts & Glass 7 Southside Drive, Clifton Park in the Shops at Village Plaza (518) 371-5649

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Summer Survival Guide SaratogaMama Summer 2014

Food 30 34 43

Going Grass-Fed Clean Condiments Kid-Friendly Cooking

Fun 26 39 48

Boredom Begone!

DIY Glass Terrariums Track Fashion Essentials

Sun 36 46

Sun Safety Tips Summer Beach Reads

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Boredom Begone!

Fun & Easy Outdoor Games

By Jennifer Bloomingdale Photos by Angela Thomas

Do you

have a collection of classic outdoor toys laying around but your kids don’t seem to notice them anymore? Is it one week into summer break and your kids don’t want to go outside because they’re “bored”?

Here are some fun games and activities that use many outdoor toys you probably already have!

Materials Needed: Bean Bags Hula Hoops Cones

Balls Chalk Jump Rope

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*Find these and other outdoor toys at G. Williker’s Toys in Saratoga. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Ring Toss

Bulls Eye Toss

Hop-Scotch

Cones, Hula Hoops

Chalk, Bean Bags

Hula Hoops

Set up cones across your yard and establish a throwing point.

Have kids take turns throwing the hula hoops, as you would a frisbee and see who can get a hula hoop around a cone.

Draw a bullseye on the the driveway, have kids throw bean bags into the bullseye and see who can get the most points!

Set up hula hoops in a hopscotch pattern. Have children take turns jumping through the hoops as they would a hopscotch board.

Sidewalk Obstacle Course

Oversized Marbles

Lawn Bowling

Sidewalk Chalk

A variety of balls, Jump Rope

Bean Bags, Balls

Mark off several areas of the driveway, within each section write directions for kids to complete.

For example: 10 jumping jacks, 5 push ups, bounce a ball 10 times without dropping it, sing a song, ride a bike around the outside of the course, etc.

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Create a circle with your jump rope and place all but one of the balls in the circle.

Have kids take turns rolling a ball into the circle(the shooter) and get as many of the balls out of the circle. If the shooter stays in the circle, then that child gets to take any balls they hit out of the circle. At the end of the game see who collected to most balls to determine the winner.

Throw a bean bag out onto the lawn, take turns throwing or rolling balls to see who can get their ball closest to the bean bag.

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Shark Tag Hula Hoops

Set up the hula hoops around the yard.

The person who is “it” is the shark, everyone else are fish. The fish are safe as long as they are inside a hula hoop, but when the shark yells “fishie, fishie, cross my ocean”, they have to run to another hula hoop. Anyone that is tagged becomes a shark. The game continues until there are no more fish.

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Shadow Chalk Obstacle Course Sidewalk Chalk

Use sidewalk chalk to trace outlines. Kids can trace each other’s shadows and then color them in for a creative outdoor activity!

Use all the materials and set up an obstacle course. Here are some ideas!

Station 1: Hula Hoop Hopscotch Station 2: Bullseye Toss for a certain number of points.

Station 3: Lay out a jump rope that children have to walk along or have them jump a certain amount of times before they can move on.

Station 4: Kick a ball through a set of cones.

Repeat to beat your time!

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Going Grass Fed: The benefits of choosing grass-fed meat and helpful preparation tips and tricks!

Information provided by Paul Hoffman, meat department manager from Healthy Living Market Nowadays more people are becoming aware that certain foods contain undesirable ingredients. As this concern carries over into the type of meat we eat, grass-fed meats are becoming a more popular choice for consumers over the traditional, commercially produced beef. Healthy Living Market offers a wide variety of locally–raised, grass-fed meats to choose from and can be a great resource if you are looking to try something new! Paul Hoffman, Healthy Living Market’s meat department manager, shares some ideas and helpful tips when choosing grass-fed beef for grilling.

When deciding on what type of meat to buy the three most important things to consider are, price, taste, and nutrition.

Price Price may be the first thing you notice about locally-raised, grass-fed beef. It can be a lot more expensive than traditional, commercially produced beef, just as artisanal cheese costs more than mass-produced cheddar.

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“Our farmers pride themselves on raising healthy, happy animals on their farms right up to the point of harvest. Raising pastured animals that do not get shipped to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) takes more time - incurring higher operating costs,” Hoffman says.

A feedlot cow can grow to slaughter weight up to a year faster than a cow fed only forage, grass, and hay. Time, patience and care are significant qualities of the meat offered at Healthy Living Market – and yes, they come at a price.

Taste: In the End, What Else Matters?

Not long ago, corn-finished, “cookie-cutter” beef was prized by consumers. Today, Americans have learned the true joys of eating locally and seasonally. As with cheese and wine, the quality of the soil and forage, climate and other factors, in addition to the breed contribute to the final result. Grass-fed beef is intramuscularly leaner, more robust or “beefier” and to some palates “grassier” than typical store-bought beef. It can be delicious and versatile but if it comes from a lean cow it requires careful cooking.

Nutrition Pasture-raised, grass-fed cows receive very nutritious food – regardless of whether they are finished on grain or not.

Eating a wide variety of wild grasses, sedges, rushes, shrubs, and herbs, each with its own nutrient profile, beef from grassfed animals has lower levels of unhealthy fats and higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Grass-fed beef also has lower levels of dietary cholesterol and offers more vitamins A and E as well as antioxidants and up to seven times the beta-carotene. (Hence the yellowish-hue to some fat). Studies have found that meat from animals raised entirely on grass also had about twice the levels of conjugated linoleic acid.

Caring about what we eat begins with caring about what our food eats

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Top Tips for Cooking Grass-fed Beef • Grass-fed beef, like many other kinds of red meat, doesn’t like to be overcooked; we think it’s best between 120 (very rare) and 140 (medium rare) degrees. If you prefer your meat well done, try a braise because it preserves more of the meat’s moisture. Particularly lean cuts like sirloins and NY strips do well in marinades because it “beefs up” their juiciness.

• Let your meat rest at room temperature for 20 minutes or so before cooking to take off the chill of the fridge. Always preheat your oven, pan, or grill for maximum sear potential.

• Grass-fed beef cooks about 30% faster than conventional beef. That means it’s especially important to keep tabs on the temperature. Use an instant-read thermometer to check early and often.

It only takes a minute to go from perfectly midrare to overwhelmingly overdone! Note: carryover cooking will happen (when your meat continues to cook even after it’s off the heat) so pull your protein ten degrees before it’s at your desired eating temperature.

• For maximum juiciness, let your meat rest for 8-10 minutes after cooking and before eating. The juices will redistribute and every bite will be as good as the first.

• When grilling, sear quickly on each side and turn the temperature down to medium-low to prevent overcooking. Never use a fork to turn your beef, it’ll leave holes through which delicious meat juices can escape. Tongs are your friend!

• When oven-roasting, set the heat to 50 degrees below what’s typically recommended…it’s another great way to avoid overcooking!

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Some favorite cuts for grilling: Ribeye, NY strips and tenderloin/filet mignon are obvious choices but lesser known cuts gaining in popularity such as flap, skirt and hangar are delicious choices when available.

Marinades and other seasonings: We recommend keeping seasonings to a minimum; a coating of olive oil, some freshly milled salt and pepper. Smoked and other specialty salts are a wonderful addition. Save fancy and fuss for your side dishes and/or condiments. Let the beef speak for itself! For thicker, less-tender cuts like sirloins and those cut from the round (london broil) a marinade is a great option.

Have any more questions? Be sure to stop in at the Healthy Living Market Meat Counter, they would be glad to help you chose beef and provide recommendations for preparing it!

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Clean up your

Condiments!

By Robin Morgan

Most people find it much easier to eat healthy during the summertime. With tempting fresh fruits and vegetables all around, clean and creative eating can happen indoors and out! Cold salads, grilled vegetables and meat, and creative kabobs all call for ketchup, barbecue sauce or mayo to

make them extra delicious. The problem is, most storebought varieties are full of sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and unhealthy fats. The good news is that you can quickly and easily concoct sensible and delicious alternatives to jarred sauces.

Here are my favorite summertime from-scratch swaps

Clean Up My Ketchup: Ingredients: 6 oz. can tomato paste

(try to find organic and BPA free if possible)

1/2 cup vinegar 1/4 cup water 1/2 teaspoon honey (or agave if vegan) 3/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions: Stir together all of the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat; whisking until it is smooth.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes, stirring frequently.

Take off of stove and cover until it is cool.

Transfer to a mason jar and store in the refrigerator.

Have fun with it too---try adding other fresh herbs that you have on hand, try some basil, cilantro, celery seed or dill!

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Quick Fix Mustard: INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup mustard powder 1/2 cup water Sea or Himalayan salt to taste (add slowly)

DIRECTIONS: Simply combine the mustard powder and water in a bowl and whisk together. Let sit for about 15 minutes and slowly add salt to taste. Store in a mason jar in the fridge.

Made at Home Mayo INGREDIENTS: One large or extra large egg One cup oil of choice -- good options here include Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil or try some avocado, macadamia, almond or walnut oil The juice of half a lemon or lime (about 2-3 teaspoons) A pinch of sea salt to taste

DIRECTIONS: Blend ingredients together with an immersion blender and store in a mason jar in the fridge. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

!

Beats the Jar BBQ: INGREDIENTS: 1-15 oz. can of tomato sauce (try to find a BPA Free and organic version) 1-12 oz. can of organic tomato paste (try to find a BPA Free and organic version) 1 cup of red wine vinegar 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce 1/3 cup of honey 1/3 cup of molasses 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons liquid hickory smoke ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Sea salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: Stir together all the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat; whisking until it is smooth.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes, stirring frequently.

Take off of stove and cover until it is cool.

Transfer to a mason jar and store in the refrigerator.

Remember, it pays to take a little time in the kitchen in order to clean up your summer picnic. You’ll not only save money, but you’ll be able to eliminate those SaratogaMama.com

not-so-healthy ingredients from your otherwise clean eating. And the big bonus -- your friends and family will think it tastes better too!

Summer 2014 | SaratogaMama | 35

Sun Safety

Tips

Story and photos by Angela Thomas, R.N.

We all know that being outdoors is good for health and well-being. Yet recent studies by the National Cancer Institute show that two million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. I share this statistic not to cause fear but as a reminder of the importance of sun safety.

There are many simple ways and great products available to help minimize sun damage while enjoying all of the great benefits of being outdoors.

Our number one-best strategy is to cover-up!

This option is the best for babies, since the use of sunscreen is not recommended on infants under six months old. Sun protection is also crucial for young children as studies show that a bad sunburn early in life may increase the risk for skin cancer later on.

Sunglasses

They are not just for adults anymore! The lens of a child’s eye is more vulnerable to effects of the sun as the lenses of their eyes are clear, which enables the rays of the sun to penetrate easier.

• Wear a hat- Choose hats with a wide brim that protects face, neck and ears. A baseball hat is not the best choice.

• Wear protective clothing- There are many fashionable, fun styles available from companies like Solumbra and Cooloibar.

• Sit in the shade- Make your own with an umbrella

or for the little ones, consider using a sun tent. Many options are available including the Coleman Road Trip Beach Shade. Moreau State Park and The Peerless Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park have wooded areas that offer protection.

• Plan your outing around the sun-

The sun’s rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• Know your medications- Some may cause sun sensitivity. These include Doxycycline, Benadryl and Aleve.

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• Look for a brand that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. It will say it on the label.

• It’s not so easy to keep sunglasses on tots.

Croakies, a type of eye wear retainer is a really helpful way to keep them in place • Lenses that wrap around offer the most protection. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Sunscreen

There are so many options on the market. With ranges from SPF 2 (Sun Protection Factor) to SPF 70. How do you choose?

The SPF shows how long a sunscreen will protect you from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays which are the rays that cause sunburn. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that you choose one that is broad spectrum, water resistant, and has a SPF of at least 30.

Then there are gels, sticks, creams and sprays. Sticks and creams are great for the face, while gels are a great choice for the scalp. The sprays which are very quick and convenient may not be a good choice as there are questions about the safety of accidental inhalation.

Never spray directly on to the face, and always be aware of the direction that the wind is blowing before applying, to reduce accidental inhalation.

How much?

‘One ounce, enough to fill a shot glass’ is a common recommendation from AAD. Adjust for body size. Apply 15 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours or after swimming or exercise.

Which one?

There are hundreds of sunscreens on the market.

I prefer to use sunscreens that are sun protective and non-toxic. The skin is our largest organ, and many sunscreen ingredients may be damaging to our health. Lucky for us, we have Healthy Living Market which stocks many healthy and safe choices.

I spoke with David Wolfe, manager of The Wellness Department and he shared that they have many choices to choose from that are safe and protective, and a few are even local brands.

Those recommendations include Badger Brand Broad Spectrum SPF 30, Kiss My Face SPF 40, and Raw Elements Eco-Formula which is even GMO free. For the tots, they have Little Twig Sunscreen SPF 30+.

A great resource for Sunscreen Safety is EWG or Environmental Working Group. They have a free database where they rate sunscreens and other beauty products for safety. They even have a downloadable Sunscreen Guide. They use a handy hazard score card that rates toxicity. For example, both the Badger and Kiss My Face scored in the 0-2 category which is low hazard.

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• Sunburn? Sometimes even with the best

intentions sunburns may occur. Simple steps can alleviate the discomfort: • Apply a cool cloth a few times a day.

• Apply aloe vera gel or lotion. Keep in the fridge for added relief.

• Drink lots of water as sunburns can be dehydrating.

• Protect it from the sun as it heals.

• If the sunburn is severe or blisters, contact your health care practitioner.

• If at any time a mole changes, especially in color, symmetry, borders or diameter contact your health care practitioner.

Pack your sunscreen and hats and head out to all of the wonderful places Saratoga has to offer because the benefits of being outdoors and fun family outings outweigh the risks of sun exposure!

“The best type of sunscreen is the one you will use again and again “ ~Dr. Henry Lim, dermatologist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

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Create Your Own Glass Jar Terrariums

Story and photos by Jenna Burger

After a long winter, we welcome this new season with open arms. As we break out of hibernation, a beautiful and easy-to-make plant project that will get you excited about the warmer season ahead are terrariums.

Terrariums are ideal for indoors or out, they are incredibly easy to maintain, and they are perfect for a table centerpiece or coffee table display. Get the kids involved, and this simple DIY project will be a win-win for ALL!

Supplies: Glass mason jars Small rocks Terrarium style plants Miracle-Gro Potting Mix Moss Rocks Gardening tools

Step 1:

Fill the bottom of a mason jar with a 1/2” layer of small rocks.

Step 2

Add about 2” of potting soil.

Tip:-sized

rge Most la will work. s r glass ja from apple rs Glass ja mato sauce, o t , e c be sau uld also o w y ll t or je Use wha per fect. dy have a you alre and! h on

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Summer 2014 | SaratogaMama | 39

Step 3:

Remove your plant out of the store-bought container, gently break up the roots, and take a small section of the plant to place in the jar.

Step 4:

Snuggle the roots into the layer of soil.

Get th e kids involv ed!

This is th e per fec project t DIY to help welcome spring a nd summ er!

Step 5:

Add a layer of moss (which we found in our yard).

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The result...…

TIP! keep If you want to r the Mason Ja ed ntain Terrarium co will be r te a (less w n use needed), the the the cap from glass jar.

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Kid-Friendly Cooking with Jodie Fitz

Summertime Favorites

By Jodie Fitz, photos provided

If your summer is anything like ours, it’s a guarantee you’ll be entertaining kids on some if not most days! It’s great to have some go-to recipes to serve up in a snap, or to take to a picnic or summer gathering with friends. The following three crowd-pleasing recipes are a few of my summer favorites!

No-Bake Fruitcake Dessert Fun 8 oz. lite whipped topping 1 Watermelon Fresh blueberries Cantaloupe Flower fondant cutter Plastic wrap Mini wooden skewer Two mini spring form pans Markers Parchment paper

Directions: 1. Trace the outside of one spring form pan with a marker onto parchment paper to create a circle.

Repeat to create two circles.

2. Cut the two circles out. These will serve as your watermelon stencils.

3. Line one mini spring form pan with plastic wrap.

Once lined, add a one-inch layer of whipped topping to the pan and freeze it for at least one hour to create a frozen layer to be used in the cake.

4. Cut a large slice of seedless watermelon approximately two inches thick that will accommodate both stencils. Cut two circles of watermelon with a sharp knife to create two circles of watermelon.

5. Place the watermelon circles onto paper towels to drain the excess liquid for at least 15 minutes on one side, flip and let set on the other side for an additional 15 minutes.

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6. Rinse the blueberries and let them set.

7. Cut the cantaloupe in half, remove the seeds and cut one large slice. Remove the rind and use the flower fondant cutter to create a cantaloupe flower for the top of the cake at the end.

8. Remove the frozen whipped topping from the freezer and remove the plastic wrap.

9. Place one watermelon circle onto a plate, add the frozen whipped topping center, and top it with the remaining piece of watermelon.

10. Slide a skewer through the center of the fruitcake.

11. Holding onto the skewer, frost the cake with the remaining whipped topping.

12. Line the top and bottom of the Fruit Cake with blueberries and slide the cantaloupe flower onto the top.

Summer 2014 | SaratogaMama | 43

Grand Slam Frozen Yogurt Vanilla frozen yogurt 1 cup strawberries, frozen 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon cornstarch Chocolate cookies*

1. Grind up the cookies in a mini chopper or food processor to create the dirt affect for the baseball of this recipe creation. You can use a gluten free chocolate cookie that can be found in the gluten free aisle at your grocery store, chocolate graham crackers or a cream filled cookie like an Oreo. The amount you will use depends on the number of baseballs you are creating; 1 – 2 Oreos is enough for one baseball.

2. Instead of using the frosting gel to create the seams on the baseball I make a strawberry puree that’s quick and easy. Place 1 cup of thawed frozen strawberries in a mini chopper and puree them. Place the pureed strawberries into a saucepan and begin to heat it over low heat. If the strawberries are tart, add 2 tablespoons of honey. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and stir continuously until the mixture thickens.

Remove it from the heat and let it cool completely.

3. Scoop the frozen yogurt and put it on top of the edible dirt that you created.

4. Fill an icing bag with a writing tip with the strawberry puree and add the baseball seams. *My favorite dirt base is created by using the Chocolate O’s brand cookies. They have gluten free options available as well.

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Frozen Lemonade 4 cups of ice 2 lemons 2 cups water 2 teaspoons raspberry extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup honey 1. Cut the lemons in half to create four halves.

Squeeze the lemon juice from the lemons. If you have a citrus squeezer, simply squeeze it right into a blender pitcher. If you do the lemon squeezing by hand, squeeze the juice into a liquid measuring cup so that you can extract the seeds from the juice before pouring the juice into the blender.

2. Add the ice, water, extracts and honey together with the fresh lemon juice in a blender and blend. It’s delicious and fresh to serve for a backyard barbecue or enjoy all summer long.

Optional: Add 5 – 7 fresh frozen blueberries into the frozen lemonade and the lemonade will turn a beautiful color!

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SUMMER Beach Reads

Book Recommendations from Northshire Bookstore

Beautiful Ruins, by Jess Walter

Whether on the beach or curled up in a comfy chair, Beautiful Ruins, by Jess Walter is a wonderful vacation read. Set both in the Greek islands and in LA, the novel encompasses love, memory and that place where lost loves and great passions go when we become “civilized adults”. The iconic filming of Cleopatra starring Taylor and Burton in the 1960’s serves as the novel’s background which sizzles with all kinds of scorching emotions and scandal. Walter’s engaging writing style vividly captures this journey as the characters grow and age over a 40 year span.

Who or where is the “real” beautiful ruin? ~Reviewed by Maeve Noonan

The Red Book,

by Deborah Copaken Kogan

An epic novel about friendship and life, The Red Book, by Deborah Copaken Kogan zooms in on the lives of Harvard grads preparing for a reunion in 1989. Its one of those books that you know is going to be good, but you don’t know how good until you’re spending the next two days performing everyday tasks with one hand because you can’t leave the story behind. Engaging characters weave truly one of the more unique stories I’ve read in a while. Very highly recommended! ~Reviewed by Jess Hanlon

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We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves

by Karen Joy Fowler If this book does not seize your heart with empathy and compassion within the first 10 pages, consider having a friend check your pulse! Experience this book without advance knowledge of the story line to really appreciate the author’s genius. Not just a good novel about a unique family, but a great novel about the ties that bind, human connection and love. ~Recommended by Nancy Scheemaker

Wool, by Hugh Howey

For those who enjoy the escape and suspense of dystopian storytelling, consider reading Wool, by Hugh Howey. Imagine a world where you are told the outside air will end you. The only life you know is an underground silo where every birth requires a death and any mention of the outside world is forbidden and punishable. Called an “epic feat of imagination” by other writers in the field, Wool is receiving high praise nationwide from independent booksellers. ~Recommended by Jessica Elder and Chris Linendoll

424 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 682-4200 • northshire.com SaratogaMama.com

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Summer Fashion: Your guide for what to wear at the Track this year

By Jan Snedaker, photos provided

Saratoga in the summer

means many different things to people but one thing everyone agrees on is a trip to the track is a must! Carole King mentions our lovely historic venue in her infamous song ‘You’re So Vain’; “Well I hear you went up to Saratoga and your horse naturally won”, and even Disney has a resort designed to capture the historic appearance of this iconic location from the 1800’s.

I remember watching my brother and his friends spend hours searching the paper, using a precise method to pick their horses the night before attending the track. I, on the other hand, openly admit to choosing my horses based on color and name five minutes before race time. But that is all part of the experience.

There is no right or wrong way to play at the track, it’s all a gamble and there are no guarantees as to who will win and how big.

However one thing that is never a gamble is fashion at the track! Nowadays anything from jean cutoffs to high heels and cocktail dresses somehow seem to coexist peacefully, and where else can you wear a huge flower on your head and not even be given a second glance? English weddings and the Track, that’s where!

Photo courtesy of NYRA

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As moms our lives go in many different directions during the summer. Playgrounds, pools, beaches, and barbecues are on most of our calendars! A trip to the track is a chance for us moms to spice it up a little and add some flair to our everyday wardrobe. But there is no need to buy an outfit only fit for the track! There are plenty of ways to accessorize even the most basic of tees and make it track ready! Add a sparkly necklace to a crewneck tee or polo shirt and slip on a soft, flowing skirt with low heels, or pair a maxi dress with a studded belt to give it a more fitted shape and slip some beaded bangles on your wrist, or even wear a cute graphic tee with a fuller skirt and heels for a fun twist on a dressed up look. Of course if you are daring enough the only true accessory you need to fit in at the track is fancy head topper in the form of an outrageous hat or fascinator! saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Graphic Tee SaratogaFilly.com

Ryan Bag Piper Boutique 441 Broadway Saratoga Springs

Get some inspiration by some of these local finds and we bet you will be the belle of the grandstand this summer!

Magazine Purse MarEle Boutique 427 River Street, Troy

Floral Fascinator Saratoga Trunk 493 Broadway Saratoga Springs

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Vintage Statement Necklace Lola Accessory Boutique 454 Broadway Saratoga Springs

Athena Double Wrap Studded Hip Belt Clothes Horse 396 Broadway Saratoga Springs

Pink Plunge Back Tank Alexis Aida Boutique 437 Broadway Saratoga Springs

Floral Maxi Dress Lucia Boutique 454 Broadway Saratoga Springs

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Lace Shorts Alexis Aida Boutique 437 Broadway Saratoga Springs

Beaded Clutches Alexis Aida Boutique 437 Broadway Saratoga Springs SaratogaMama.com

Summer 2014 | SaratogaMama | 51

A Vintage Fairytale

By S.K. Parker Ward

My Consignment Love Affair

“Because everyone should have caviar with their grilled cheese!”

under the guise of singing lessons, that I began my ascent into a life mesmerized by fashions brought back to life.

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was thirteen years old, sitting in an old, unassuming farmhouse at the edge of town with a woman two generations older than I and yet every bit as curious and inspiring as my adolescent self.

More than a decade later, consignment shops are now my haven.

Whether the local boutiques I regularly frequent or the tiny hole-inthe-wall shops I stumble upon during my travels, there’s something unquestionably fabulous about being surrounded by such a seemingly chaotic array of shirts, skirts, dresses, and shoes, each of which have their own unique story to tell.

She handed me half her sandwich (“Fish eggs?!” I thought) and sashayed back into the parlor, which was utterly teeming with leather bound books, sheet music, and the scent of unapologetic passion for life. It also happened to be the gateway to the second floor, where multiple rooms played closets to an unadulterated plethora of ladies’ fashions from decades - and decadence - gone by. Hand-beaded chiffon, Victorian-era lace, strands of pearls that were miles long, and runway ready gowns that left my young mind longing for a time I’d never experienced in the first place. It was there in that farmhouse, 52 | SaratogaMama | Summer 2014

In stocking my own closet – and my daughters’ - with such delights, I find particular joy. Perhaps it’s the relief that no one else will show up in what we’re wearing. Perhaps it’s that I’m rescuing another garment from already overflowing landfills. Or perhaps it’s simply the thrill of the hunt for a show-stopping bargain. Regardless, it tickles my fancy to no end, as do the all too often “What are you wearing?” chuckles and the “Where did you find that?” inquiries. saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Yet a fair portion of my fascination with the underground world of consignment shopping is not only the clothes themselves, but equally so the people. I’ve wandered across some of the most charismatic individuals ever encountered between the dollar book-bins and the dress rack. A wandering washed up rock star, a mother to twelve, a former European runway model, and a cello-playing hippie still high from the 70’s - this is just a smattering of the delightfully intoxicating people I’ve had the good fortune of crossing paths with.

Locally, my thrill for the undiscovered hand-me-downs brought me together with yet another two fabulous characters: Kate Zumback and Lori Scena. As the managers of Treasures Boutique, which benefits Saratoga Hospital, these two gals know secondhand fashion better than most. “I love the uniqueness, the versatility, the colors, the patterns – and the surprises.” Kate describes, “We get one of everything, and we’ve gotten pretty good at recognizing what’s what.”

“I’m always excited to learn the stories from our donors,” she continues, “I got a pair of Frye boots that had been trudging around in the snow at 1980’s Lake Placid Winter Olympics.

It’s fun to know that history.”

And let me tell you, Kate wears

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her flair for fashion and history well.

More often than not, you’ll find her rocking an eclectic, layered mix of chic neutral tones. In her own words, “It’s bold, but not too bold.”

“We’re always getting great items in; retro ski clothes, petticoats, vintage church bonnets, and loads of costume jewelry. It goes like crazy,” Lori shares with me, “Last year we received dozens of vintage dyed shoes in every color of the rainbow from a notable figure in Saratoga. A grandmother came in and took four pair home for her granddaughter, McKenna, to play dressup in. It’s so exciting to see the life cycle of the clothes and everyone leaving here with a smile.” No doubt, Treasures is one of the best places in the entire Capital District region for the inspired shopper to walk away with both unique styles and an undeniable sense of zen.

For a creative like me, these are the people and the adventures that jolt me from triple-screening and push my life back into a real-time, in-person thrill.

It’s a passion that was handed down to me by one of the most incredible female powerhouses in my life and one that I fully expect to pass on to my own darlings – a celebratory tradition of history, fashion and individuality.

So, have I tempted you enough yet? Are you ready to ditch the mall and join the league of extraordinary vintage sleuths?

Come on - you know you want to. Next time you see a sign, do yourself a favor: pull over and let the treasure hunt begin. I promise that even if you don’t find something to wear, you won’t be disappointed.

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7 Classic Must Haves

Give any modern outfit a vintage twist with a few accessories from yesteryear.

1. Pearl Earrings – Simple, classic studs that will go with anything, anywhere, anytime.

2. Silk scarf – An easy-to-use throwback for around the neck or in the hair, scarves creates a fun, but polished look.

3. Brown-Black Eyeliner – Hit the top eyelash only with a heavy line for an instant return to the ‘60’s. Think Zooey Deschanel.

4. High-Waisted Paints – Pair with a staple white button down for in the office or a flowing floral tank for a playful Saturday.

5. Lace-Up Wedge Sandals – A ‘50’s staple for the summer, these are the perfect way to show off your style while still being able to chase after the kids.

6. Ravish Me Red Revlon Matte Lipcolor – A bold red lip with minimal makeup creates an instant throwback. Combine with #3 for the perfect evening look.

7. Oversized brooch – Pin to a lapel, pull back your hair or use on a belt. You can’t go wrong.

Savvy Spots for Fun Fashions Treasures Boutique: 60 West Ave. Saratoga Springs New2You Consignment Boutique: 2100 Doubleday Ave #7 Ballston Spa Reruns Consignment Shop: 1 Phila St. Saratoga Springs

Kate Zumback (left) and Lori Scena at Treasures Boutique in Saratoga.

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Cooking up Fun at Healthy Living Market

Photos by Keira Lemonis

The Learning Center at Healthy Living Market Offers a wide variety of hands-on cooking classes for kids and adults.

Whether you are a novice or seasoned cook, you will surely find something to peak your interest and taste buds!

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We worked with Learning Center Coordinator Shannon Beckwith, to plan our ‘girl’s night out’ private cooking class. She was able to easily accommodate our dietary needs (gluten free) and preferences and came up with the perfect summer menu: sautéed mixed vegetables with gluten free pasta and smoked mozzarella accompanied with a strawberry and rhubarb galette for dessert.

Our evening started with a stop at Divine Wines, the wine store attached to Healthy Living Market. We tasted a delicious Cava wine that paired nicely with our meal and learned that Cava wine is the Spanish version of Prosecco.

The bottle was a unanimous hit and we finished it off quickly!

After enjoying our wine, we headed to The Learning Center (located at the back of the store near the mall entrance) to begin our cooking class.

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Shannon was the perfect person to guide us through our kitchen adventure. She is extremely knowledgeable (Culinary Institute of America trained) but is very approachable. Shannon made learning how to cook fun and we shared a lot of laughs while we learned.

With Shannon’s expert tips and guidance, we rolled out our pie crust, sliced our strawberries and rhubarb, and assembled our galette.

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With our galettes in the oven, we started on our pasta dish which included leeks, grape tomatoes, zucchini, asparagus, basil, garlic, and smoked mozzarella.

Shannon provided helpful tips on selecting fruit and vegetables including how to properly cut and prepare the vegetables, the best way to sauté, how much salt to add, and other useful ‘chef’ tips.

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With our galettes nearly finished, we sampled our pasta which was delicious! We enjoyed a hearty portion of the pasta and there were still leftovers to box up and take home. Before we concluded our evening, we dove into our delicious galettes! We left with a full serving of pasta, 2-3 servings each of dessert, and great memories!

Plus we are all a little savvier in the kitchen!

Pasta with Sautéed Vegetables & Smoked Mozzarella

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Interested in scheduling your own cooking class, birthday party, or event at Healthy Living Market?

Contact Shannon Beckwith at shannonb@healthylivingmarket.com or call the store at (518) 306-4900 ext. 519.

Prices for the classes vary but start at $20 per person.

Strawberry & Rhubarb Galette

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Congratulations

Saratoga County Teachers of The Year!

to help select It was truly an honor to be part of the team Teacher of the Saratoga TODAY’s first annual ‘Saratoga County’s students and from Year’! We read through countless nominations amazing of parents and one thing was clear, there are TONS teachers in this area! caring teachers, of We were touched by stories of kindhearted and and humorous etic imaginative and creative teachers, and of energ at online ble teachers. All of the nomination letters are availa out!

SaratogaMama.com so be sure to check them ise our three winning Being able to actual visit the schools to surpr teachers are teachers was an unforgettable experience! These staff and that and admired, respected, and loved by their students donations, we rous was immediately apparent. Because of some gene engraved an with were able to award our three winning teachers Target gift $50 a e, glass apple, a framed certificate from A.C. Moor gift DBA $250 a card, $50 Northshire Bookstore gift card, and card from Adirondack Trust Company. and for all of the Congratulations again to our winning teachers, ng a difference, maki other teachers who are out there every day I sincerely thank you.

~ Colleen P ierre

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tEAChER OF thE

YEAR 2014

Spa Christian Elementary School

Miss Mandy Klint Schuylerville Middle School

Mrs. Amy Dunbar Saratoga Central Catholic High School

Mr. Brad Walajtys “Mr. W”

Check out the Saratoga County Teacher of the Year video produced

by Junda Video Production

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Saratoga...

July 2 18

By The Numbers

th

Number of miles of hallways in The Grand Union Hotel

Courtesy of: SaratogaTours.net

7,200,000

NUMBER OF GLASS BOTTLES PRODUCED IN 1850 BY OSCAR GRANGER (MOSTLY FOR MINERAL WATER)

Opening Day at Saratoga Race Course!

Courtesy of: SaratogaTours.net

13

75,000

222,133

17

Number of Apple Orchards in Saratoga County Courtesy of: Cornell Coop. Ext

Acres of Land in local AREA working farms Courtesy of: Cornell Coop. Ext

62

Saratoga Number of County’s years the population Number of as of 2012 active mineral Putnam family operated their The highest springs in recorded Tavern and temperature Saratoga Hotel (The in Saratoga Springs County… the Union Hall) year was 2011 in Saratoga.

(Later known Number of as The Grand Cows in Saratoga County Union Hotel)

օ

99 8,100

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Courtesy of: SaratogaTours.net

Courtesy of: Cornell Coop. Ext

Courtesy of: SaratogaSignature.com

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s

SUMMER FUN Events

Sunday, June 1

Cantina Kids Fun Run Congress Park near the Carousel 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Family fun for a cause! Run or walk to support the Pediatric Emergency Services at Saratoga Hospital. Kids up to age 12 are welcome! The whole family will love the bounce house, face painting, and healthy snacks in Congress Park. For more information call (518) 583-8340.

Saturday, June 7

TUFF eNuff 5K Obstacle Course Challenge BOCES, Henning Rd. Saratoga Springs, 8:30 a.m.

The Third Annual TUFF eNUFF Obstacle Course Challenge hosted by the Prevention Council. The TUFF eNUFF Challenge pushes kids and adults to work their way through obstacles and push themselves to come out on top! All proceeds of the event will benefit The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council of Saratoga County. For more information call (518) 581-1230.

Wednesday, June 11

Saratoga ArtsFest 2014 Saratoga Springs, Wednesday June 11 – Sunday, June 15

Art for all ages! SaratogaArtsFest is back again this year, drawing thousands to a five-day celebration of the arts in its many forms including music, dance, visual art, film, theatre, and literary art. You can expect live music, local artist displays, international artists, dance exhibits, pottery demonstrations, student projects, family events, and more! For more information visit saratogaartsfest.org.

Saturday, June 14

Dinner for Dad 2014 Sunnyside Gardens, 345 Church St., Saratoga Springs, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Saturday June 14th, bring the whole family to Sunnyside for a BBQ and planting event.

And after you plant a container garden, all are invited to stay for an informal BBQ lunch.

Register for this workshop online at: SunnysideGardensLLC.com.

Saturday and Sunday June 14 & 15 Ballston Spa Village Wide Garage Sale

In a tradition that goes back well over 20 years, residents and community groups hold sales throughout the village and the surrounding area.

Hours vary by location.

SaratogaMama.com

Friday, Saturday & Sunday June 20 - 22

Saratoga Balloon and Craft Festival Saratoga Fairgrounds, Ballston Spa

The first ever Saratoga Balloon & Craft Festival marries local artisans with the magic of hot air balloons. There will be morning and evening balloon launches, tethered balloon rides, 100 artists and artisan tents, 25 specialty food producers from area restaurants and caterers, craft beer tent, live entertainment and food court. The Kids Zone offers hands-on craft activities and Art Takes Flight event will be a hotspot for family visitors. Adults $10, kids 17 and under are free. For more information call (518) 584-8101.

Thursday, June 26

The Double H Ranch Digging Into Dessert. The Great Escape, 89 Six Flags Drive, Queensbury, 2 p.m.

Are you a home baker looking for your big break into the culinary competition world? Here’s your chance! This year’s Double H Ranch Annual Gala will feature a one-of-a-kind Amateur Brownie Baking Competition. Double H Ranch is looking for the area’s best amateur bakers to compete for a grand prize of $1,000 American Express Gift Card! In coordination with Sponsor Dunkin’ Donuts all brownie recipes MUST contain an item off of Dunkin’s menu. For more information call (518) 696-5921 ext. 228 or visit doublehranch.org/ competition.

Saturday and Sunday June 28 & 29

Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival Saratoga Performing Art Center, Noon

The 37th annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival is one of the most celebrated and longest running jazz events in the world. This year’s festival headliners include Earth, Wind & Fire, Trombone Shorty, Terence Blanchard, Dave Holland Prism, Patti Austin, Jon Batiste & Stay Human, Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra, Quinn Sullivan, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Newport Jazz Festival®: Now 60, among others. For more information call (518) 584-9330 or visit spac.org.

Sunday, June 29

Ballston Spa Village Family Fun Day Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 162 Prospect St., Ballston Spa 3 – 9 p.m.

Enjoy family-friendly activities, food and music and fireworks at dusk. For more information or to volunteer, contact the Village of Ballston Spa office at (518) 885-5711.

Friday, July 4

Firecracker4, Saratoga Springs City Center, 9 a.m. – Noon

Start the 4th with an invigorating run through the beautiful streets of Saratoga Springs. Race features live entertainment along the course, awards, prizes, refreshments, large vendor courtyard, goody bags and awesome race shirts. Grab your friends and family and create a “Run Your Colors” race team.

Win $1,000 for your favorite charity! Visit our web site firecracker4.com for all the details. For more information call (518) 744-5646.

Saratoga’s All-American Celebration 2014, Downtown Saratoga Springs 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Watch fireworks with your friends or family in Saratoga Springs on the fourth, instead of traveling to other fireworks shows nearby. And don’t forget - this special event weekend is about much more than just fireworks, featuring a parade, BBQ and Dessert Festivals, live music, a car show and more!

For more information on Saratoga’s All-American Celebration and up-to-date event information, visitsaratogajuly4th.com.

Wednesday, July 9

The New York City Ballet at SPAC - American Girl Night, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, 8 p.m.

Consistently one of SPACs most popular nights, SPAC and American Girl Place, NY host a cele-bration for girls and their families. Girls are encouraged to bring their dolls and experience an evening of music, American Girl crafts, pink lemonade, sugar cookies, free photo booths by Saratoga Photobooth Company and American Girl Doll giveaways. For more information visit spac.org or call (518) 584-9330.

Tuesday, July 22 – Sunday, July 27

173rd Saratoga County Fair Saratoga County Fairgrounds, 162 Prospect St., Ballston Spa, 9 a.m.

The Fair is open 9 a.m. to midnight daily; the midway is open 12 noon to midnight daily. The Live Music Pavilion is open every night at 8 p.m.

Concessions are open every day 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. During the week, expect everything from tractor pulls and cow shows, to jugglers, magicians, hypnotists, pig racing, beauty pageants and, of course, live music! For more information call (518) 885-9701.

Summer 2014 | SaratogaMama | 65

66 | SaratogaMama | Summer 2014

saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com

Summer Crossword Across 4. It’s yellow and you might put this on your hamburger or hot dog.

5. You sit under this to block the sun.

6. It’s red and you might put this on your hamburger or hot dog.

Down 1. You wear this on your head to block the sun.

2. A yellow vegetable that you might eat at a barbecue.

3. You wear this on your skin so you don’t get a sunburn.

Barbecue Chicken Grill Corn Hamburger Ketchup Vegetables

WORD SEARCH S B C L X P O D N K T E A O W U T H E E H R L R R P H U K T R H N B B N Q C C C O E G P A E J D I H L L I R G T C M H U R A Z A M U E U C P K V Y Q B H E G E G N F W I I D F Y E O R E G R U B M A H V

SUMMER FUN!