December 2011 - She Magazine

Skinny Jeans contest comes to an end Residents recall their favorite Christmas gifts Art and design center's Kate Rowold

Kathy Griffey December 2011

and the leading ladies of Hope schools

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ON THE COVER Kathy Griffey Photo by Joe Harpring

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4 Curator Kate Rowold

Contest wraps up

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10

Beauty mistakes

The best gifts

December 2011 • she magazine

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editor’s note My parents were absolute masters at building up the excitement of Christmas morning.

Trimming our tree was a process that started with me “helping” my dad saw the trunk to fit our stand. Then the holiday music came on, the eggnog or hot chocolate was served, and we sang along to our favorite tunes and learned the story behind each ornament as it found its branch for the season.

The weeks leading up to the big day were filled with Advent calendar openings, cookie baking and holiday crafting.

Christmas Eve was an annual party with both sides of our immediate family and my sister and I putting on some kind of show for the grandparents.

And then, as we got older, a trip with Grandma and Grandpa to our church’s candlelight service.

Of course we always put out the cookies, milk and an advance thank-you note for Santa, and then once midnight struck, we weren’t allowed to see the tree until awakened and given clearance by our parents on Christmas morning.

And boy did they milk that power. We’d be baited by breakfast in bed, told to “hold on just a couple more minutes,” as we shook in eager anticipation.

Then once given the OK we’d run down the hallway (which had miraculously lengthened overnight), eyes on the prizes.

Now, one might expect we tore into the gifts with reckless abandon. Nope.

We grabbed our spots and waited for Mom and Dad to settle in, and then we patiently took turns opening gifts, enjoying each other’s reactions to the surprises.

You see, we loved it all. We bought into the whole process, even when we no longer believed in Santa. Of course we desperately wanted to open our gifts, but we genuinely loved the sweet pain of waiting to do it as much as what was inside the box.

That is why when I recall Christmases past, they seem to lump together into an overwhelming feeling of joy. Sure, I can remember items I received over the years, but the greatest gift of all was how wonderful and meaningful this holiday was to our family. It was always a season full of pure love and gratitude. The toys and new clothes lost their luster over the years, but those feelings and memories remain as strong as ever.

We asked some community members to recall their favorite holiday gifts, and I think you’ll find that their responses highlight the true reason for the season, as well. Check out the feature in the pages to follow.

As always, I tried to fill this issue with a little bit of something for everyone.

So, grab your favorite holiday drink and snuggle in for a read. I wish you and yours a healthy holiday full of the delight and fond memories your own traditions afford.

Happy holidays and a joyous new year from all of us at She magazine!

Do you have a comment about a She article or feature?

E-mail Kelsey your remark or short personal story that pertains to a topic you read about and we may publish it.

It’s all about keeping She your magazine.

EDITOR Kelsey DeClue COPY EDITOR Katharine Smith GRAPHIC DESIGNER Stephanie Otte WRITERS Ryan Brand Jalene Hahn Crystal Henry Shayla Holtkamp Shannon Palmer Jennifer Willhite

photographerS Carla Clark Crystal Henry Joe Harpring Stock Images Provided by Thinkstock

December 21, 2011 She ©2011 All rights reserved.

Published monthly by The Republic.

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SheRegulars 38

View from Mars

40

Health

42

Cash Talk

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Cuisine

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Just a Minute

Designing under deadline

Winter exercise

Learning to give

Holiday cookies

Quick tips

December 2011 • she magazine

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Story and photos

by Kelsey DeClue

Under the care and expertise of Kate Rowold, fashion springs to life.

All clothing tells a story. It reflects our history.

It represents our personalities and interests. As curator of Indiana University’s Sage Collection, part of which is currently finding a home at the new IU Center for Art and Design in downtown Columbus, Rowold and her crew brought life to famous articles of clothing worn by generations of the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller family.

Rowold, assistant curator Kelly Richardson, students and volunteers selected items from the nearly 24,000-piece historic clothing and accessory collection to display in the center’s gallery, creating an exhibit called “Fashioning a Legacy: Irwin Sweeney Miller Style, 100 Years of Fashion.”

They prepped the priceless and extremely fragile pieces in less than a year and took only six weeks to install them. Members of the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller family have been donating to the collection for generations.

“When an object comes into a collection, I try to imagine the person to whom it belonged,” Rowold said. “Those times and places can’t be re-created, but we can see into a slice of that time through the article of clothing.”

The clothing on display was worn by the men and women of the family, including those worn to formal events, such as meeting political dignitaries.

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Rowold examines a trunk from the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller Collection.

The Indiana University professor and interim chairwoman of the apparel merchandising and interior design department doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t love art and fashion.

“I grew up in New York, and my parents always took us to art and history museums and really cultivated that interest,” she said. Rowold received her undergraduate degree from Albright College, her master’s from Miami of Ohio and her Ph.D. from Purdue University.

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“I liked teaching design, and I became very interested in fashion collections,” she said. As a professor and curator, Rowold gets the best of both worlds — working directly with museum-quality pieces for display and working with students.

“It’s amazing to see how fabrics and their use change over time,” she said.

“Fashion is a form of art because of its cut and construction, but it is also a form of engineering in how it all comes together.”

Rowold has worked closely with center director Kelly Wilson and assistant professor Kevin Lair and other community members from the concept of the center to its current fully operational status.

“It has been a wonderful ride,” Rowold said. “We started from a shell, worked up a proposal for a versatile living lab and have seen it gradually grow.”

The center serves mainly as classroom and work space for IU students who are incorporating Columbus’ art and archi-

she magazine • December 2011

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tecture into their curriculum, and eventually as a community education space, when residents and visitors alike will be encouraged to participate in non-credit classes and sessions.

“This project, and Kate’s role in this project, is one of true collaboration by many people at IU and many people in our community,” said John Burnett, director of the Columbus Education Coalition. “In the middle of every aspect was Kate.

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“She coordinated all aspects of the project for IU in collaboration with our local team, including the design of the space, with local architect Louis Joyner and IU’s chief architect Bob Richardson; oversight of the construction up to and including the final details as we were preparing for the opening; … and the search committee for full-time faculty and staff.”

“In short, Kate did a terrific job of leading this project.”

Although starting with an exhibit on fashion, the art and design center’s gallery will rotate a variety of exhibits featuring art, design and architecture.

“By profession, Kate is a curator, and she is terrific,” Burnett said. “I hope many people in the community visit the Columbus gallery to see the curPag e 1 0

rent exhibit. It is a great demonstration of Kate’s skills.

“For anyone interested in local history and the wonderful (Irwin-Sweeney-Miller) family that contributed so much to our community, the exhibit is truly worth seeing.”

Those involved with the project envision the center becoming recognized internationally for design.

“We want things to happen here,” Rowold said. “A place where artists and designers can come to create. A place to talk about art and design, but also a place to do it, where the staff and the community involved are always thinking, ‘What can we do to facilitate that?’”

The center will also host community programs, discussions and speakers

on art and design.

“This center has the potential to bring together the very best of an internationally known university and the strength and beauty of our community and its many design elements — architecture, urban planning, interior design, landscape design, industrial design and more,” Burnett said.

And although not a resident, Rowold said she already feels like a part of Columbus and has enjoyed learning about the community and trading stories with exhibit visitors.

“Fashioning a Legacy” remains on display through Jan. 7. The gallery is open to the public from 2 to 7 p.m. Fridays and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays, or by appointment.

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Christmas blessings Memories of best gifts often incorporate family Story by Crystal Henry

All little Ralphie wanted was a Red Ryder BB gun to make his Christmas complete. And despite the ocular hazards, his Christmas morning was complete when he spotted that coveted last gift tucked behind the tree, in the famous movie “A Christmas Story.” Last month, we took to the streets and asked people around the community to think about the best Christmas gift they ever received, and while pink handmade bunny suits weren’t mentioned, a few responses would put a leg lamp to shame.

Janette Blair, Columbus Early one Christmas morning, a young Blair woke up in a fit of excitement and ran to the Christmas tree to see what Santa brought her. She rubbed her sleepy eyes in disbelief as one present seemed to be moving.

She ran back to her parents’ room and shook their bed shrieking for them to get up. Santa left a wiggly present, and she wasn’t sure what to do. Her father walked her into the living room and said, “Janette, you are right. That present is moving.”

He told her to go get it, and so she carefully approached the moving box.

As she got closer she heard a whimper and saw holes in the top. She tore open the box, and a little black puppy poked his head out. Blair was 5 that year and still views it as one of her best Christmas memories.

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she magazine • December 2011

Danielle Storm, Columbus Storm anticipates getting one of her best Christmas presents of all time this year. She and her husband are in the process of building a new house, and it is supposed to be completed by Christmas. While there might not be a big red bow on the door, the key will work. They can’t wait to move in and raise their children in their new home.

Overall, Storm commented that the most meaningful gift in her life is Jesus. She said Jesus gives her a reason to celebrate, and she wants to teach her children about the true meaning of the season.

This year, the Storms asked their children if they’d be willing to give up some of the presents they would ordinarily receive and instead give gifts to other children who might not get so much as clean water. Her children agreed, and the family chose to purchase gifts for needy children through the Angels of Love program at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and Compassion’s Water of Life program. Storm said being able to share those values with her children is one of the greatest gifts she could receive.

Teresa Wright Shoaf, Columbus The best present Shoaf received was in 2009. Her oldest daughter, Ashley, coordinated a family photo at the Holiday Inn. Shoaf’s oldest son, Trey, had returned in October from a two-year church mission in Japan, and the family was elated to all be together on Christmas Eve for the photo. Teresa, her husband, their five children, son-in-law and two grandchildren gathered as the photographer captured this wonderful memory.

She remembers her husband commenting, “You never know when we’ll be together again.” Seventeen days later, their 17-year-old son, Chase, died.

She still remembers that Christmas as a happy one because of her daughter’s gift.

Patricia and Jon Hecker, Bloomington The Heckers met in art school, fell in love and got married 26 years ago.

They are artists by trade, but when they were first married money was tight. So for Christmas they made a deal that they would make ornaments for one another.

The rules were that they had to work with an artistic medium they’d never tried, and they had to hide the ornament on the tree. The couple used recycled materials, and the gifts became a body of work they created together for 25 years.

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Paul Peterson, Columbus Peterson’s favorite childhood gift was a Jonny Eagle Red River Rifle. He said they didn’t worry about things like eye safety back then.

As an adult, the rifle was trumped by his December wedding to the love of his life and then the December birth of his second daughter.

Jo Anthony, Columbus In July 2002, Anthony’s best friend, her mother, was diagnosed with cancer. They tried to make every day seem normal, because no one knew how much time she had.

Anthony invited her parents over for Christmas that year and tried to make it a very special day. She treated her mother “like a queen” and pampered her the whole day. After the celebrations, her dad went home, but Anthony’s mother stayed the night and slept in bed with her. Her mother died that January, so that Christmas was the last time she ever got to cook for her mother. It was also the last good meal her mother ate before her health really began to decline.

Anthony feels fortunate to have been able to give her mother that gift.

Anita Kubik, Columbus Christmas came a little early for Kubik in December 1994. Just four days before Christmas her second daughter was born; however the baby came into the world with a heartbeat, but nothing else. The little one didn’t take a breath for almost three minutes, leaving her parents suspended in terror, waiting. The scare ended, everything turned out fine, and now Kubik remembers that year as the best Christmas she’s ever had.

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she magazine • December 2011

Linda Young, Columbus Young recalled 1978, when her greatest gift came just a day late during Christmas that year. Her son was born Dec. 26, and she said one of the best parts of her gift was a quick, four-hour labor and delivery.

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Fit and women

celebrate

end

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she magazine • December 2011

fabulous of

Skinny

Jeans

contest

By Kelsey DeClue Photos by Carla Clark Last week we crowned the latest queen of She magazine’s Skinny Jeans contest. We had to send the pages of this magazine to press before the winner was officially announced, but we’ll have a profile of her in our next issue.

She was chosen based on her total percentage of body fat lost and will receive a $500 prize.

The second- and third-place contestants receive $250 and $100 thanks to contributions from the challenge sponsors.

Over the course of 12 weeks, the 12 contestants went from being strangers from varying backgrounds with an age span of more than 30 years to a group of empowered women unified under one ultimate goal — adopting healthier lifestyles.

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sk i n n y

je a n s

“We’re so diverse with so many backgrounds, but the one thing we have in common is being here and being accountable, and that’s been really fun,” said contestant Buffy Shelton.

During the last month the contestants heard from last year’s winner, Keri Moenssen, about her experience during the contest and how she has maintained her healthy lifestyle this year.

“I think I finally achieved a balance between that fanatic I was during the contest and the times I fell ‘off the wagon,’ so to speak, after,” Moenssen said. “I have found what works for me in my real, day-to-day life.”

2010 Skinny Jeans contest winner Keri Moenssen.

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she magazine • December 2011

When not working out with Tipton Lakes Athletic Club trainers, this year’s contestants get together in smaller groups to exercise and motivate each other. They sailed through the temptations of Thanksgiving indulgence, with tips from fitness director Ian McGriff on which traditional foods make the best choices.

Stay tuned for the January issue, in which we’ll reveal our winner and “after” photos of all the contestants. In the meantime, here is a glimpse of how the contestants fared in their final month of the challenge, which officially ended with a celebration on Dec. 15.

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she magazine • December 2011

is in the eye of the beholder — and sometimes so are mishaps

By Shannon Palmer Over-plucked your eyebrows? Self-tanner making you look like a pumpkin? Broke a nail before a hot date? It seems no matter what advances in beauty come out way, there are just some mishaps we can’t avoid. Well, read on, we have some tips on how to fix those beauty blunders and quickly get yourself out the door and back to business.

EYEBROWS While most people ideally would like to have perfectly arched and groomed eyebrows, the reality is there is not always time to get into a salon to address the issue. So what do most women do when in a crunch? Use the handy dandy tweezers.

However, plucking just one stray hair here, one there, can easily turn into one too many, and what’s left is half of an eyebrow. What to do?

Luckily, eyebrows grow quickly, and until the hair comes back, the best thing to do is to fill in the area with an eye liner brush or pencil. Just follow the natural curvature of your brow bone as a guide.

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PANTYHOSE RUN It’s 15 minutes before an important meeting, and as you get up to grab that fax off the desk, your hose snags on your chair. Now there is a small dot of exposed skin that will undoubtedly grow larger within minutes of the meeting.

Quick fix? If you wear hose often, then it would be beneficial to keep a bottle of clear fingernail polish in your desk or purse and apply a layer of polish to the run immediately. No polish available? Try hair spray, which will help “freeze” the run.

For the thicker tights that have regained their popularity, carry a travelsize needle and thread kit and quickly stitch the run shut to prevent further tearing.

LIPSTICK STAIN With the promise of lipstick that keeps its color for hours, what happens when you buy a new shade and try it out only to find it’s obviously not your color? Rub as you may, the lip stain is here to stay for at least five or six hours, so any way to disguise or get the color off?

Mary Kay consultant Connie Geurkink suggests using a product that specializes in removing makeup.

“Some clients insist that the Mary Kay oil-free eye makeup remover will remove the lip stain,” Geurkink said.

“If, however, you are not in a position to get to a product, then cover up the offending color with a lighter shade of lipstick and coat with a lip gloss as well.”

SELF-TANNER Although self-tanners have come a long way in the past few years, the athome application process can be a bit tricky. No one wants to walk around with orange palms or ankles. It’s just not natural.

However, if you happen to go for the glow at home and the desired effect is less than well, desirable, Asheley Castetter from Sun Kiss Tanning has some suggestions.

“If the self-tanner dries leaving streaks or looking unnatural, there are a few things you can do. First, use a loofah and exfoliate the skin. It may take two or three times to lessen the effect,” she said.

“Also, Sun Kiss has a tan corrector kit that includes an exfoliant, a bronzer to help enhance the tan and make it appear more natural and a neutralizer to help diminish odor, if there is one, from the self-tanner.”

BROKEN NAIL The dreaded broken nail. Another beauty blunder that always happens when pressed for time. What to do? How about going through hubby’s tool kit and digging out the Crazy Glue.

Yes, if the offending nail just has a tear in it, the most popular and quick solution is to glue it back together. Be cautious and use the less-is-more mind-set. Use a toothpick to ease only a small bit of glue out of the container and apply a dab to the tear.

Once dry, cover with a base coat and then your matching polish (if they’re painted), and this should suffice until the nail grows out or you can safely trim it back.

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she magazine • December 2011

MASCARA CLUMPS Mascara leaving clumps on lashes? According to Geurkink, it is time to throw that tube in the trash.

“There really is no way to salvage mascara once it begins to clump. Pumping the brush to try to load more mascara onto the wand will only add more air into the tube and dry it out,” she said.

She also advises changing mascara every three months to prevent the possibility of bacteria build-up that could cause an eye infection.

RAZOR BURN Taking your children to one of the surrounding indoor water parks for Christmas vacation? If you decide to shave the bikini area, it may be a good idea to prepare before you bare.

Kari Bright, aesthetician for Shear Illusions in North Vernon, offers tips for avoiding the dreaded razor burn and what to do if it happens to you: “Always shave after you are done showering, as heat and steam will soften hair; shave in the direction of the hair growth; and replace razors often,” Bright said.

If you do get the burn, she suggests covering the area with Vaseline and then placing a cold wash cloth over the affected region.

So charge ahead, ladies, and remember those little beauty mishaps happen to all of us. Arm yourself with these tips and tricks and a sense of humor, and you’ll be ready for anything.

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Learning to lead

Principal Kim Harsh with Hauser High School students.

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she magazine • December 2011

Administrators at Flat Rock-Hawcreek rely on each other and their experience to guide school system

By Jennifer Willhite Photos by joe harpring Education is a journey. And for Kathy Griffey, Kim Harsh and Lisa Smith, the trip has been unique. The three women are administrators for Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corp.

Griffey’s love for social studies was the beginning of her journey as an educator. While working as a school counselor, she got her administration license. Prior to becoming superintendent of Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corp. in 2010, she was assistant superintendent for 15 years at two school corporations in Michigan.

Griffey sees the rapport she builds with students, parents and faculty as a key part of her position.

“I try to make it a point, several times during the week, to be in the hallways with the students and teachers,” she said. “Especially … when people are coming into the building.

I think that is very important for people to know what I look like, where I am and to be able to approach me.”

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Like other professions traditionally dominated by men, the field is opening up for women pursuing a career in education administration.

Of the three, Harsh is the veteran. She spent four years as assistant principal at Hauser before becoming principal in 2007.

Smith became principal of Hope Elementary in 2005.

Harsh says she never anticipated entering administration.

When she began her career in education, the Hanover alumna spent seven years in the classroom teaching math and science before pursing her administration license.

Smith believes in having high standards for her students. When given the right resources, she says, every child can succeed. Often referring to the 496 students of Hope Elementary as her kids, she keeps an open-door policy. To the mother of three, it is matter of respect.

“If a student needs to come and talk to me, I take the time to talk to the student,” she said. “I take time to celebrate positive things with the kids and try to promote making good choices and showing them that they can succeed.”

Smith, like Harsh, did not set out to become a principal either.

“My whole thought in becoming a principal, I affected so many in my classroom, the kids and parents,” Smith said. “And as a principal, I feel like I could affect more.”

Valuing the advice Harsh and Griffey have to offer, Smith says she knows if she ever needs anything all she has to do is pick up the phone. It is easy for Griffey to “just pop in on a daily basis,” which Smith says is great.

She says the children are her motivation for coming back day after day.

“Everything is for the kids,” she said. “Every decision I make, every day, whether it be looking at our instruction or curriculum or the way something is approached in the classroom, it’s for the kids. It has to be, that’s why we’re here.”

Smith says her own children’s participation in sports keeps her on the move when she’s not working. She enjoys her daughters’ interest in volleyball, which was her favorite sport in high school.

She holds high expectations for them, too.

“They know I mean what I say,” Smith said. “They know I love them very much and I am very proud of what they do. I do have expectations that if they get in trouble at school, they’ll be in worse trouble at home. But I am also their biggest supporter, their biggest cheerleader.”

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Kathy Griffey chats with a Hope Elementary School teacher.

Hauser Principal Kim Harsh

Hope Elementary School Principal Lisa Smith

“I try to make it a point, several times during the week, to be in the hallways with the students and teachers. Especially … when people are coming into the building. I think that is very important for people to know what I look like, where I am and to be able to approach me.”

A graduate of Shelbyville High School, Griffey returned to Indiana from Michigan two years ago. Moving back into the home her parents built, she believes she was led back for a reason.

“I believe that there is no real control over where we’re led in life,” she said. “I think I was led back here.”

She says she, Smith and Harsh are getting better acquainted amidst their hectic schedules and changing field.

According to Griffey, managing the current modifications and supporting one another are their primary focus.

“We know one another better now than we did a year ago,” she said. “I think that we’re very much in the same wave length in regards to what our goals are with the students and some of the initiatives under way.”

Harsh says she has no typical day. Aside from making sure her students and staff have what they need to be successful, the Hauser principal immerses herself in administrative responsibilities.

“Much of our time is spent reacting to the needs of our constituents,” said Harsh. “Whether it is the students, staff or community.”

Traditionally, people have looked to education as one of the more stable professions. However, she says, the changes the field is currently facing are presenting unprecedented challenges for teachers and administrators alike.

“My foremost goal is to help my staff navigate through the new procedures and protocols going into place,” Harsh said. “And provide them with a sense that we can do this and keep morale up at a time when it is very difficult in education for that to happen.”

— Kathy Griffey

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she magazine • December 2011

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A firm believer in servant leadership, she says the student perception of principals is usually “us against them,” which isn’t the case. She says people don’t understand that it is an administrator’s goal to help make students happy, but one should never discount the role of sacrifice.

“Happy doesn’t mean happy in the moment,” Harsh said. “Happy means being able to be comfortable, stable.

And sometimes that means you have to sacrifice at being uncomfortable in the moment so you have the ability to achieve that long-term goal of being stable.”

Similarly, Griffey believes the role of education has changed over the years. Instead of seeing education as a destination, she says people view it more as a lifelong journey. She suggests education is something people are pursuing all the time, whether intentional or not. Taking in every experience, she says, is what helps us to prepare for future experiences.

“It is very important for us, as educators, to make that as high quality as possible while we have the kids in school,” Griffey said. “But one of the changes that we want to have, not only have the students who walk through the building understand and incorporate into their lives, but the community itself, that it is a journey.”

Smith, Griffey and Harsh agree it is important for administrators to see their roles as supportive and understanding.

Recognizing that women are often held to a higher standard, Harsh says it can take a few years to establish one’s credibility.

“They may not agree with all your practices and philosophies,” she said. “But if you get the job done, it is hard to argue with that ultimately. And you have to prove to people that you are there for the best interest of their kids.”

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It’s just a matter of time Compiled by Kelsey DeClue photo by joe harpring Despite easy access to the time via our mobile devices, the wristwatch remains a wardrobe staple even as its role has changed.

Gone are the days of pure utility. Now a watch is an extension of a woman’s daily accessory repertoire and a representation of her personality.

Whether you’re into flashy bling, sporty function or eco-friendly designs, we have options for every occasion thanks to these styles available at Lockett’s Ladies Shop:

Faux crocodile in navy from Geneva. $25.

Real wood watches from We Wood in a variety of tints. $94. Pictured are beige and brown army.

Two-tone changeable skinny leather band from Brighton. $90.

Brooklyn design from Brighton. $125.

Dana Point design in bone from Brighton. $130.

Cherry Hill charm bracelet from Brighton. $120.

Rubber banded bright turquoise from Geneva. $25.

Encino design from Brighton. $120

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she magazine • December 2011

Victoria’s Secret

s m o m l e mod stacks its stage with

By Samantha Critchell AP Fashion Writer Photos by associated press

NEW YORK — It’s not just the push-up bras or feathered wings that give some top Victoria’s Secret models their sexy swagger: It’s their off-the-catwalk lives as mothers that give them their confidence and signature curves, they say.

Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes and Alessandra Ambrosio have all been crowned VS Angels, so they are among the half-dozen models to get the best outfits and most face time during the lingerie giant’s televised annual fashion show.

Backstage, wearing their short, hot-pink satin robes, they’re also the ones attracting the most attention.

What were they talking about with all those photographers, makeup artists and other models? Nutrition, exercise and juggling their jetsetting careers with their little ones.

December 2011 • she magazine

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Miranda Kerr

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Kroes and Kerr have babies, both giving birth to sons last January. Ambrosio’s daughter was born in 2008.

Motherhood hasn’t slowed them down at all: Kerr even got to wear the coveted diamond-covered bra.

“I was asked to do it after I gave birth,” said Kerr.

“That was awesome. It’s such an honor.”

Ed Razek, chief marketing officer for Victoria’s Secret parent Limited Brands, has long taken the position that the company wants feminine, womanly models, because that’s who looks best in the lingerie.

“It’s true, a number of our models have come back from having a baby more beautiful than ever. I know that some of them have used the show date as a goal to get back in shape, and I think, having a baby has given them a sense of confidence, an ‘I can do anything’ attitude that is reflected on the runway.”

One thing model moms can do is make money.

Forbes ranks Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum, Kate Moss, Adriana Lima and Ambrosio — all often photographed with their children — as the top earners of the industry this year.

Some tidbits on mixing modeling and motherhood: Kroes It was empowering to mold her new figure into shape, said Kroes, 27, who did “abs, abs, lots of ab exercises all the time.” Her body isn’t quite the same now as it was pre-baby, and she hopes it never goes back. “I wish every woman can feel so sexy after birth. It’s your body, but it’s also a feeling.”

Her two worlds might not seem on the surface a perfect match, but they are, she said. “You get your hair and makeup done!”

She also has a lot of control over her schedule. Even if she needs to be on location for a few days, it’ll never be longer, and then she’ll have many days off, Kroes explained. “It’s not a 9 to 5 job.”

She often can bring Phyllon on set, although she only does that when working locally. “I don’t want him to become a ‘traveler’ when he is still so young.”

Ambrosio Her catwalk costumes are a little less risque now, but she’s not ready to hang up the Brazilian-cup bras and short shorts. “I’m definitely more proud of my body now,” she said. “Our bodies are changed as we get older, and I’m more conscious of it now. Now, I’m a woman doing the show, not a girl.”

Part of that is giving up chocolate in the weeks before the show; she didn’t always have to do that. Part of it is being able to walk in heels without teetering and she’s also learned to ham it up for the camera and the audience.

she magazine • December 2011

Ambrosio got her Angel wings in 2004, when she was the first spokesmodel for the then-new Pink collection, which is loungewear geared for a more youthful customer. That’s when she felt she was “a flirty and cheeky teenager” versus the sexy woman she is at age 30.

There might be a model in training at home in daughter Anja, who also loves to come to work with her.

“She loves dressing up, and there is always a lot of dress up here. There are wings — so much fun for her!”

Kerr Pilates, yoga, weight training with resistance bags. They were all key factors in Kerr’s new-mom fitness routine, said the 28-year-old, and they’re all things that can be done in her living room.

“I do have less time, but I do try to exercise every day.

I exercise at home with my son playing around with his toys on the floor.”

She says she hopes he’s watching and that he’ll learn to incorporate physical activity into his daily life without a thought. The same goes for a healthy diet.

Flynn is too young to watch the Victoria’s Secret show now, of course, but Kerr will let him see her runway photos later.

“I’m sure he’ll be happy his mom had wings.”

Alessandra Ambrosio

December 2011 • she magazine

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Solo travel offers unique perspective for women

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she magazine • December 2011

By Kristi Eaton Associated Press Photo by associated press

Three years ago I embarked on my first solo travel experience, a nine-

day reporting trip to Samoa. I was 23, fresh out of college and eager to see what the world had to offer.

Looking back, I marvel at how eager people were to strike up conversations with me, invite me to an activity or offer tips on a hidden gem not listed in my guidebook. But I also cringe at some of my decisions, like getting in a car alone with two men who offered to show me around the island of Upolu. Fortunately that adventure turned out fine, and overall, my visit to Samoa opened up my eyes to a whole new way of traveling.

I’ve since gone on solo trips to Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia and Antigua, and I’ve learned to make safe choices while experiencing destinations in ways that traveling with others might not allow.

Other women who travel alone have similar perspectives. “I find that if I am traveling alone, it is much easier to meet the locals,” said Betty Thesky, 46, a flight attendant who has been to more than 30 countries and whose first solo trip was to Jordan and Israel.

She said that while people assume couples and groups want to be left alone, “you are more approachable when you are by yourself, and people assume that if you’re alone, you would appreciate company.”

Angie Orth, 29, who left her job as a New York public relations executive to travel the world for a year, said traveling solo allows her to be selfish with her time, money and itinerary.

“You can do whatever you want. If

you want to sit in a cafe and drink coffee and be on Facebook all day, you can. You don’t have to have someone saying why didn’t we go here or see this museum,” said Orth, who has so far this year traveled to Fiji, New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand, Greece and Spain, among other countries.

But the downside of being alone, she said, is that she can’t trust everyone she meets.

“You just have to be a little more careful when you’re on your own,” she added. Orth, who is single, says she tells people that she’s in a relationship as a way to set a clear boundary from the start.

Thesky said she finds there’s an unwritten rule among solo travelers that asking another traveler to dinner or drinks in a new country does not automatically constitute a date. In fact, she said, simply asking about a destination or something listed in a guidebook can sometimes lead not only to helpful information but to an invitation for coffee or dinner.

“Once you start to realize how friendly people can be, it gets much easier to approach them,” Thesky said.

Elinor Warkentin, 52, of Vancouver, recommends that female solo travelers consider joining an organization like Women Welcome Women World Wide. The group connects female travelers with women living in the country they are visiting. Warkentin has met or stayed with more than 100 women this way and is often met at airports and train stations by other group members.

“We all have a desire to get to know

December 2011 • she magazine

each other,” she said.

Safety is also an important consideration for Warkentin. After being robbed of her camera at knifepoint while traveling alone in Chile in 1992, she downsized her camera and routinely uses windows or other reflective surfaces to see who’s behind her. She also always maps out in advance exactly how to reach her first hotel upon arrival in a new country and leaves expensive jewelry at home while trying to blend in to the local culture.

She recommends a bus tour the first day in a new place too, as a way to get oriented. “I kind of geographically get the lay of the land and then I can go back and explore,” she said.

Thesky recommends hostels and budget hotels for single travelers because they often have common areas where people can meet. Another resource is the website for Couchsurfing, which connects travelers to hosts with free informal lodging as well as offering options for simply meeting locals for coffee or a drink.

On a recent trip to Antigua, I connected with a 22-year-old woman through Couchsurfing who picked me up at the airport, showed me local spots on the island and introduced me to her friends and parents.

We bonded instantly over our shared sense of wanderlust and were laughing within minutes of my arrival. We still talk about once a week and often discuss the possibility of traveling together.

So far, though, we haven’t done it.

We’re too busy planning trips on our own.

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One-man makeover crew beats the clock

By Ryan Brand Since the addition of our third bundle of joy, Harper, my two oldest daughters, Ellie and Amelia, have been sharing a bedroom and doing quite well.

Their room was last painted and decorated a few years ago, and though quite appropriate for Amelia, our 6-year-old, Ellie’s tastes had changed and grown up a bit. The cartoon owl wall stickers and butterflies, the pictures of fairies, had begun to drive Ellie a little crazy, especially in the presence of her friends.

She began dropping hints, some subtle, others very direct. With both girls’ birthdays approaching, I started hearing things like, “I want an extreme bedroom makeover for my birthday, Dad,” more frequently. I knew that it really needed to be done.

Both girls had lost a bit of pride and excitement in their accommodations, and it was showing.

Though a clean room never made the top of their priority list, it was falling fast.

I knew that this type of project would be nearly impossible with them in the house and would certainly ruin the element of surprise. I needed a window of time with an empty house.

Both Ellie’s and Amelia’s birthdays fall between the months of September and November, and so did their school’s fall break. Perfect. The stars aligned, and their grandmother decided to drag all the ladies of the family, including my wife, to Chattanooga for a getaway. I had my window.

The original plan gave me four and a half days to accomplish a makeover that I hadn’t even begun to develop. Where would I begin? The tastes of my little girls in bedroom décor seemed to change on a weekly basis. Different colors and ideas had been constantly discussed, fueled by DIY network programs and children’s catalogs that constantly arrived in our mailbox.

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So many colors …

I had a collection of color swatches from the Brands Inc. paint department that Ellie updated every time she came by my office — no rhyme or reason to the selection, just a collection of her favorite colors that particular day. I quickly realized how disconnected a 37-year-old father can be from his young daughters.

As fall break closed in, my extreme makeover window began closing also. The trip that was running from Wednesday afternoon to Sunday afternoon originally was cut in half! The new return time of Friday night pushed me into panic. I would have to burn the candle at both ends to make this present a reality for my girls.

The Wednesday departure arrived. With the van still pulling out of the driveway, I was rushing upstairs to begin moving furniture.

It was amazing what lived in the dark hidden spaces of my daughters’ room. With each dresser slid away from the wall, relics of toys and clothes eaten by dust bunnies appeared. Long-lost game accessories, socks, markers and even silverware once again saw the light of day.

Thirty minutes later I had a clean slate to work from. I knew that my sister had some lightly used bedroom furniture that was taking up space in her garage that just might be the ticket for a fresh look.

Two phone calls later and the “new to them” bedroom furniture was mapped out on the floor with blue painters tape. By the end of the first night everything was masked off and ready for paint, and I began recruiting a little help.

So little time The first call was to Mom. She agreed to not only help paint the next day but sort laundry to go into the new dressers and wardrobes. I had made ar-

she magazine • December 2011

viewfrommars

rangements to have my sister’s furniture picked up from Greenwood and delivered Friday morning. I went to bed feeling pretty good about my progress.

I had chosen three different shades of purple for the walls, thinking I better increase my chances of getting it right. Getting purple paint to cover blue and green is a bit like red over white. How many coats was it going to take? The paint scheme consisted of three large stripes in different shades, a bit outside my painting comfort zone, but I was determined.

Many coats later I realized the failure of my painters tape in making the crisp lines. Disaster! I spent the next two hours painstakingly free-handing the lines around the room. The clock was ticking.

My sister Jen had called from Cincinnati and volunteered to do some shopping for the accessories and decorations that would match the new room.

Her excitement in participating gave me the breath of fresh air I needed. She began sending me pictures of lamps and decorations in different shades of purple for my approval. By Thursday night I was ready to begin putting the room back together again.

With less than 24 hours remaining, the pieces of the puzzle were showing up. Jen arrived with her car loaded down. A new lamp, pillows, sheets, inspirational artwork — all made their way upstairs to the room. The furniture was unloaded and fit the room like a glove. My mom began filling the drawers and hangers with Ellie’s and Amelia’s clothes.

Final touch With no room for the hand-me-down box of a television that had made its home in the old room, there was one last thing necessary to make this makeover complete, a new TV. Besides, every extreme makeover consists of some sort of new electronic device.

December 2011 • she magazine

With only hours remaining, I was assembling the shelf neatly in the corner and making the final connections to the new flat screen. One final sweep of the room, leveling of pictures, a bit of staging and it was complete.

I called the girls to check on their progress toward home. I was anxious for the surprise. They were running later than expected, and I was worried that Ellie and Amelia might wake up to their new room the next morning rather than celebrate it the night they got home.

Either way, I couldn’t wait for their reaction. It was after 11 p.m. when the van pulled in, both girls sound asleep. I carried the luggage and bags into the living room and went back out for the girls. Ellie woke up while I wrestled her out of the seat, and I told her that I had a surprise for her. I went out for Amelia, who was dead weight and did not stir.

With Amelia in my arms, the whole family marched up the stairs toward the surprise. Standing outside their bedroom, I couldn’t help but say, “Move that bus,” as I opened the door. Ellie’s reaction was priceless, eyes wide and mouth open! Her excitement woke Amelia, who reacted the same way. This was a surprise for my wife as well, and she was all smiles.

We spent the next day lounging around the new room, watching the girls’ favorite TV programs and enjoying the new look.

I am proud to say that it looks almost as good today as it did the day it was completed. Way to go, girls.

Ryan Brand is vice president of Brands Inc. He lives in Columbus with his wife and three daughters.

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health

By Shayla Holtkamp

Need for exercise doesn’t end

when warm weather does

By Shayla Holtkamp Don’t let cold weather make it open season for an excuse not to exercise. Exercising in winter weather and its ever changing conditions may go down as one of your most memorable workouts.

You just have to plan ahead and take a few extra precautions. Wearing proper attire is essential. Here are tips to stay comfortable while exercising in the cold:

Dress in layers • Wearing layers keeps you warm while giving you the option to remove layers as you warm up.

• The base layer should be a thin layer of breathable fabric that allows sweat to evaporate.

• The next layer should be a little thicker and again made of a wicking fabric like polyester or polypropylene.

• The top layer should be a jacket that is both wind and water resistant.

• Cotton close to the skin will remain damp after you sweat, increasing the risk of dangerous hypothermia (a condition in which core temperature drops), especially if it is windy.

• Don’t forget your extremities — protect your fingers and your head.

• Invest in a pair of ice spikes (Yaktrax) for your shoes to grip the snow.

More tips • Drink up — It is just as important to stay hydrated in the winter as it is in summer even though you might not feel as thirsty.

• Begin your workout heading into the wind so you will finish with it to your back.

• Remember those all important lifestyle activities that help you burn calories and are fun. Go outside and have a good, old-fashioned snowball fight with your children. Shovel the snow from your driveway and that of your neighbors.

Go ice skating and sledding. Take the whole family out for a walk to find the best holiday decorations.

These activities count in promoting a healthy lifestyle.

My most memorable winter run was early on a Sunday morning. It was still dark, very few cars were out and there was about ½ inch of snow on the ground.

As I was running, an animal, which I thought was a big cat, crossed in front of me. Taking a closer look I realized it wasn’t a cat but a fox. My first thought was, “Wow, I love this!”

As a colleague once said, “There is no bad weather, just bad equipment.”

Choose the right equipment and make some memorable winter exercising moments.

— Shayla Holtkamp is a personal trainer for Columbus Regional Hospital’s Wellness program.

Be Active Your Way this Holiday Season

W W W . W H AT S Y O U R R E A C H . O R G

Let your inner child inspire you with winter activities that don’t feel like exercise!

Made possible by funding from the Department of Health and Human Services.

December 2011 • she magazine

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Help your children learn about

giving

cashtalk

By Jalene Hahn “To give away money is an easy matter in any man’s power. But to decide to whom to give it, and how large and when, and for what purpose and how, is neither in every man’s power nor an easy matter.

— Aristotle At a recent book club meeting we were talking about the Bartholomew County Women’s Giving Circle, and it led to a discussion on how we teach our children about charity and philanthropy.

One mother shared the story of her grandmother giving her great-grandchildren money and requesting that they research various charities, make a contribution and be prepared to present their research and efforts at the family gathering.

What a wonderful opportunity for those children and a fabulous legacy for the grandparent.

Philanthropy is defined as “the love of humanity” and “goodwill toward one’s fellow men especially as expressed through active efforts to promote human welfare.” It is often viewed as large, impersonal contributions. Charity is often thought of as more personal, “the kindly or sympathetic disposition to aid the needy as a result of deep feeling or understanding of their misery or suffering.”

While researching this article I found what I thought were some interesting statistics. A Barclay’s Wealth study titled “Tomorrow’s Philanthropist,” released in July 2009, showed that women in the U.S. give an average of 3.5 percent of their wealth to charity, while men give an average of 1.8 percent. A USA Giving Foundation report stated, “Individual giving represented 73 percent of all giving.”

If you are not in the habit of making regular charitable contributions and would like to start but don’t know how, here are some suggestions from the Guidestar.org website: • Identify your preferences.

• Ask yourself: “What is important to me?” The environment? Education? Hunger? Animal welfare? Helping sick children?

• Where should the charity do its work — in your neighborhood, region, nation or internationally?

• Ask yourself if you want to support a large or small charity, a new or an old one.

After you have identified the area in which you want to concentrate your gifts, research charities

that fit your vision. We also have some wonderful local resources in our United Way and Heritage Fund. If you are interested in making a difference locally, numerous organizations and programs could benefit from your support.

The most important thing is that giving is not just with dollars. Organizations need volunteers and in-kind donations as well. So this holiday season, take time for some reflection on the state of the world and how you and your family would like to make an impact and then find those opportunities to make a difference.

Use this year end to set the example for your children. Instead of an extra gift, if you are in a financial position to do so, consider giving your children cash to use to make a difference.

— Jalene Hahn is a certified financial planner with Warren Ward Associates.

Resource list • Guide Star, www.guidestar.org • Charity Navigator, www.charitynavigator.org • JustGive, www.charitynavigator.org • Network for Good, www.networkforgood.org • Idealist, www.idealist.org You also can learn more about making charitable gifts at: • Philanthropy Journal, www.philanthropyjournal.org • Chronicle of Philanthropy, www.philanthropy. com • Foundation Center, www.foundationcenter.org • Community Wish List, www.heritagefundbc. org • United Way of Bartholomew County, www. ubarthco.org

cuisine

Associated Press Photos by associated press Life is sweet, especially when a batch of home-baked cookies can make someone’s day.

To ease into the Christmas baking spirit, we decided to keep it easy and start with a nobake cookie. Then we added a classic German pepper cookie, a basic icebox cookie, an always popular peanut butter variation, a mini tart and a rich caramel shortbread to complete our holiday cheer.

Makes 30 cookies: 2 cups granulated sugar ½ cup cocoa powder ½ cup whole milk Pinch salt ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 2½ cups quick or rolled oats 1 cup peanut butter ½ cup chocolate chips 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Line 2 baking sheets with waxed paper.

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder to eliminate lumps. Add the milk, salt, butter, cinnamon and ginger.

Set the pan over medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat. Let cool for 1 to 2 minutes.

Add the oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips and vanilla. Stir together until well combined.

A tablespoon at a time, drop balls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. If desired, the balls can be rolled between your hands for a smoother appearance. Let cool. Store in an airtight container.

she magazine • December 2011

Peanut Butter Sandwiches recipe on page 44.

December 2011 • she magazine

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Makes 72 cookies: 3¼ cups all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon ground allspice ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon ground pink peppercorns ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 2 eggs ¾ cup packed brown sugar ¾ cup granulated sugar 2 tablespoons butter, melted ¼ cup honey

Makes 36 sandwiches For the cookies: 1 cup peanut butter ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature ¾ cup granulated sugar ¾ cup packed brown sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¾ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1½ cups all-purpose flour For the filling: 10 ounces peanut butter chips (found alongside the chocolate chips) 1 cup peanut butter Colored sprinkles, to decorate

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Heat the oven to 350 F. Lightly coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cardamom, cloves, allspice, baking soda and the pink and black pepper.

In a second medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the eggs, brown sugar and granulated sugar until thickened, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add half of the flour mixture, mixing well, then add the second half and mix again.

Add the butter and honey, then mix until thoroughly combined.

Roll the dough into 1 inch balls and arrange on the prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch around each ball. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until firm. Store in an airtight container.

After they cool, these cookies often are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a snowball appearance. We skipped this, but it’s easy to do (and would make a good job for the kids).

Heat the oven to 350 F. Lightly coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray.

To make the cookies, in the bowl of an electric mixer combine the peanut butter, butter and both sugars. Beat on medium until well combined and creamy. Add the eggs and the vanilla and beat again. Add the baking powder, salt and flour and beat on low to combine, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure thorough mixing.

Using a teaspoon-size measuring spoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches on all sides. Use the palm of your hand to slightly flatten each cookie.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until just golden around the edges. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Meanwhile, make the filling.

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, heat the peanut butter chips in 20-second intervals, stirring frequently until melted. Add the peanut butter and stir to combine.

Let the cookies and the filling cool to room temperature. Once cooled, spoon a small amount of filling onto the bottom side of 1 cookie, then top with a second cookie. Roll the edges of each cookie in colored sprinkles so they stick to the filling along the sides. Store in an airtight conPictured on page 43. tainer at room temperature.

she magazine • December 2011

Makes 48 cookies: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup packed brown sugar 1 egg

2 tablespoons whole milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon salt 2½ cups all-purpose flour Colored sugars, optional

December 2011 • she magazine

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium to beat together the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and beat until combined. Beat in the milk, vanilla and salt.

Stir in the flour until combined and the mixture forms a smooth dough.

Stir in the mix-ins of your choice: • ½ cup chopped dried cranberries and ¾ cup white chocolate chips • Zest of 2 oranges and ¾ cup chopped pistachios • ¾ cup toasted sliced almonds and ½ cup toffee bits • ¾ cup chopped toasted pecans and ½ cup finely chopped dark chocolate • ¾ cup dried currants and ½ teaspoon each of cinnamon, ginger and allspice • ¾ cup chopped dried apricots and ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg You also can divide the dough into 2 batches and do different mix-ins for each batch (each will need only half of the volume of the suggested mix-ins).

Set 2 large (about the size of a baking sheet) sheets of waxed paper on the counter. Place half of the dough on each.

Using your hands and the paper, form each batch of dough into a log about 2 inches around and 12 inches long. Wrap the paper tightly around the logs, then twist the ends to seal.

Refrigerate or freeze the dough logs until ready to bake.

When ready to bake the cookies, heat the oven to 350 F. Lightly coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray.

Remove the log(s) from the refrigerator or freezer and unwrap. If cookie dough was stored in the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before unwrapping.

If desired, roll the log in decorative colored sugar. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into rounds about ¼ inch thick.

Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden around the edges and slightly firm to the touch. Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before using a spatula to transfer the cookies to a cooling rack. Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container.

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Rum Raisin Tartlets Makes 30 tartlets: 8-ounce block cream cheese 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons melted ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1¾ cups all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup raisins 2 eggs 1 cup packed brown sugar Pinch salt ¼ cup rum In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the cream cheese and 1 cup of butter until smooth. Mix in the granulated sugar and vanilla. Add the flour and salt, then mix until a dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured counter, then divide it in half and shape each piece of dough into a disk. Wrap each with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Heat the oven to 350 F. Spray a minimuffin tin with cooking spray. A non-stick muffin tin does not need to be sprayed.

On a lightly floured counter, roll out 1 piece of the dough until 1/8 inch thick. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut circles from the dough. Press each circle into one of the muffin tin cups. Place 1 teaspoon of raisins into each tart shell.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, salt, rum and melted butter until well combined. Pour a bit of the mixture over the raisins in each shell.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the custard is set and the crusts are lightly browned. Let cool 10 minutes and then remove from the pan. Repeat with remaining dough and fillings.

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she magazine • December 2011

Pecan Diamonds Makes 60 cookies: For the dough: ½ cup granulated sugar 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter 1¾ cups all-purpose flour For the topping: 1 cup (2 sticks) butter 1¼ cups packed brown sugar ½ cup honey ¼ cup heavy cream 2 cups chopped pecans 1 cup pistachio meats 1 cup chopped dried cranberries Heat the oven to 350 F. Line a 9-by13-inch pan with foil.

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the sugar and 12 tablespoons of butter until creamy. Mix in the flour on low speed until well combined. Press the mixture — it will be crumbly — into the prepared pan. Prick all over with the tines of a fork, then bake for 20 minutes. Set aside to cool, but leave the oven on.

Meanwhile, prepare the topping.

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the butter, sugar, honey and cream to a boil.

Simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture reads 240 F on a candy thermometer. Stir in the pecans, pistachios and cranberries. Pour the mixture over the baked crust, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly all over. Let cool completely.

To cut, use the foil to lift the entire slab from the pan. Trim the edges with a sharp knife. Cut the bars into 1-inch strips. Cut each strip diagonally to form diamonds.

December 2011 • she magazine

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Landscape logic If you missed the best time to seed bare areas on your lawn in late August through September, this winter brings more options.

Called dormant seeding, the process takes place between Dec. 1 and late April. As with any seeding program, good seed-soil contact is vital. Several methods can be used.

The most common method is working

the seed into the soil by raking. A second method is to seed when there has been a light snowfall of up to an inch. The last option requires the surface of the soil to be moist, then seeded, then sealed by some freezing weather.

For more information on dormant seeding, call 379-1665.

— Extension educator Mike Ferree

Recommended reading “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,”

by Jonathan Foer. $14.95.

Jonathan Safran Foer emerged as one of the most original writers of his generation with his best-selling debut novel, “Everything Is Illuminated.” Now, with humor, tenderness and awe he confronts the traumas of our recent history.

Nine-year-old Oskar Schell has embarked on an urgent, secret mission that will

take him through the five boroughs of New York. His goal is to find the lock that matches a mysterious key that belonged to his father, who died in the World Trade Center on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.

This seemingly impossible task will bring Oskar into contact with survivors of all sorts on an exhilarating, affecting, often hilarious and ultimately healing journey.

Healthy habits Cold or flu? It’s that time of year when many of us can start feeling blah. But how can we know if our aches and pains are just the common cold or something more serious?

Colds and flus produce similar symptoms, but here are some factors that set the flu apart:

• High fever.

• Coughing.

• Extreme fatigue.

• Head and body aches.

Out and about In need of New Year’s Eve plans? The Columbus Area Arts Council and Bartholomew Consolidated School Foundation present the second annual New Year’s Eve Celebration at 8 p.m. Dec. 31 at The Commons.

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This year’s theme is royalty. The evening consists of music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $85 and may be purchased online at www.artsincolumbus.org.

she magazine • December 2011

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