COMING IN DECEMBER
We have something spectacular in store for you this holiday season. While we can’t reveal the details just yet, they’re coming to our website soon!
Watch vivazmedicalspa.com to see all 12 days of savings first.
ONLINE ORDERING AVAILABLE
Vivaz Medical Spa
The Bridges At 57th Street
5019 S. Western Ave., Suite 130
(605) 328-9770
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS!
Publisher
Sioux Falls Woman Publishing, LLC
Jared Holsing, Owner/President
Editor
Jared Holsing | 605.728.9118
Creative Director, Graphic Designer
Lindsay Rohlfsen | L. Dezign | 712.332.1002
Photography
Ashley Sornsin, Christin Joy Photography, Emily Olson, Katelyn Clement, Kelly Middlebrooks, Lisa Marie Blair, Maggie Sweets Photography, Pennock Marketing
Mail Correspondence to:
Sioux Falls Woman Magazine
P.O. Box 89837
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
For Advertising Inquiries:
Jared Holsing | 605.728.9118 jared@siouxfallswoman.net
Max (Maxine) Haggar | 605.595.5320 maxineann@sio.midco.net
Danielle Haugan | 605.929.2480 sales@siouxfallswoman.net
Sioux Falls Woman Magazine is published six times a year by Sioux Falls Woman Publishing, LLC.
© 2021 Sioux Falls Woman Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Sioux Falls Woman Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Materials will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. Sioux Falls Woman Magazine does not necessarily endorse or agree with content of articles or advertising presented.
siouxfallswoman.net
Celebrating 20 Years!
Sioux Falls Woman Magazine is thrilled to be celebrating 20 years of honoring women’s lives, dreams and accomplishments! Having the opportunity to bring you trusted and reliable local stories from women in our own community has been an amazing experience. In fact, it has led to the strongest reach of women decision makers in the Sioux Empire.
We’d like to thank our loyal advertisers for supporting our publication and allowing us to bring Sioux Falls Woman to you. We also want to thank you, our readers for spending time reading our stories and supporting our advertisers. We wouldn’t have the opportunity to do this without each and every one of you.
At the end of the day, we are about women inspiring women who make our community even more outstanding. Thank you for helping us in our endeavor to do this!
From all of us who work diligently to bring you the best magazine in the Sioux Empire, issue after issue, we thank you for your trust and loyalty.
We wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
– Sioux Falls Woman Magazine
2022 SEASON PASS SALE
WET-N-WILD SEASON PASS ...................... $90 Reg Price: $160 ($70 Off)
Pays for itself by the third visit! Unlimited visits seven days a week.
TRANSFERABLE SEASON PASS ......... $220
Reg Price: $310 ($90 Off)
Transferable to anyone seven days a week using a barcode card. One person per day.
DAY TICKET ................................................................... $20 Reg Price: $30 ($10 Off)
Valid for anyone 2 years of age or older.
GUARANTEED TO BE THE BEST PRICE OF THE SEASON! SALE ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2021
Get Ready!
Print just came to in the Sioux Falls Woman Magazine!
TWO WAYS TO INTERACT!
Readers of Sioux Falls Woman Magazine, you now have the ability to interact with stories and advertisers. Utilizing your phone’s camera or the My Reality Pro app, you can turn a printed page/ad into a video. Whenever you see or the My Reality Pro icon you can either scan with your photos or open the app and scan the page/ad.
1. QR CODE:
1. Open photos on your phone
2. Scan QR CODE (with yellow arrow)
3. Touch the bar on your phone to open My Reality Pro app
4. Tap "open" on the app icon that appears
5. Continue to hold phone over the article or ad
6. Interaction will begin automatically
2. MY REALITY PRO APP:
1. Look for the My Reality Pro icon throughout the magazine
2. Open the My Reality Pro app on your phone
3. Hold the phone over the page/ad that has the My Reality Pro icon
4. The interaction will automatically begin
TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN FOR YOUR COMPANY, CONTACT:
Jared Holsing | 605.728.9118 | jared@siouxfallswoman.net
Max (Maxine) Haggar | 605.595.5320 | maxineann@sio.midco.net
Danielle Haugan | 605.929.2480 | sales@siouxfallswoman.net
holiday 2021
Through December 23
Christmas Now!
Browns Century Theater
thebrownstheater.com/shows
November 26
Downtown Holiday Lighted Parade
6:30pm | Downtown Watertown
November 26-28
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical
Nov. 26 at 4:00 pm | Nov. 27 at 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm | Nov. 28 at 2:00 pm
Washington Pavilion 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
November 27
Breakfast with Rudolph!
8:30 am & 10 am | Browns Central Event Center thebrownstheater.com/shows
November 27-28
Winter Wonderland 6pm | Stokes Thomas Lake City Park, Watertown
November 28
Chanukah Celebration and Menorah
Lighting – Chabad Jewish Center of South Dakota
Empire Mall
605.206.7700 | jewishsd.org/chanukah
December 2-5, 9-11
The Premiere Playhouse presents: A Christmas Carol
Dec. 2-4 & 9-11 at 7:00 pm
Dec. 4, 5, 11 & 12 at 2:00 pm
Orpheum Theater
605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
December 3
Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience: “The Nights Before Christmas Tour”
7:30 pm | Washington Pavilion 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
December 3 & 4
Handel’s Messiah
7:00 pm | First Lutheran Church sdsymphony.org
December 3-4
Sherwin & Pam Linton Concert
Redlin Art Center – Watertown
December 3, 4, 9-11, 16-18
Twilight Flights at Strawbale Winery
5:00 pm | Strawbale Winery
Admission: $275-$310
December 4
Tonic Sol-fa “Shake Up Christmas Tour”
7:30 pm | Washington Pavilion 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
December 4
Tinsel & Tails Holiday Craft & Bake Sale
Sioux Falls Area Humane Society sfhumanesociety.com
December 8
A Magical Medora Christmas
7:30 pm | Washington Pavilion 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
December 9
A Christmas Carol
7 pm | The Goss Opera House Watertown gossoperahouse.com
December 9 & 10
The Good Night Theatre Collective Presents: A Yuletide Cabaret
7:30 pm | Washington Pavilion 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
December 10
Clint Black featuring Lisa Hartman Black 8:00 pm | Washington Pavilion 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
December 10
For KING & COUNTRY | A Drummer Boy Christmas Tour
7:00 pm | Denny Sanford Premier Center
Admission: Starts at $20 dennysanfordpremiercenter.com/events
December 11 & 12
Christmas with the Symphony: ‘Tis the Season Dec. 11 at 7:30 pm | Dec. 12 at 2:30 pm Washington Pavilion sdsymphony.org
December 16-19
White Christmas
Dec. 16-18 at 7:00 pm | Dec. 18-19 at 2:00 pm Washington Pavilion 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
December 17
Christmas with Lorie Line 7:00 pm | Washington Pavilion 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
December 17
Brantley Gilbert
Denny Sanford Premier Center dennysanfordpremiercenter.com/events
December 18
A Bluegrass Christmas with Monroe Crossing 7:30 pm | Washington Pavilion 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
December 18
Holiday Jam with the Hegg Brothers
7:30 pm | Washington Pavilion
605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
December 18
Artistry Dance – The Nutcracker
1 Pm & 7pm O’Gorman High School contact@artistrydancestudio.com
December 18
The Nutcracker Ballet
3 pm & 7:30 pm | The Goss Opera House Watertown Gossoperahouse.com
December 29
Jeff Dunham: Seriously Denny Sanford Premier Center dennysanfordpremiercenter.com/events
January 1,2,6,7,8,9
Boeing Boeing by Marc Camelottie Olde Towne Dinner Theatre | Worthing 605.372.4653 | tickets@oldetownetheatre.org
January 8
Eric Church – The Gather Again Tour Denny Sanford Premier Center dennysanfordpremiercenter.com/events
January 15
A Night of Opera with Laura Wilde & Craig Terry
7 pm | The Goss Opera House Watertown Gossoperahouse.com
January 18 & February 15
Siouxland Republican Women sponsor state/local speakers
6:30 pm | 41st Street Pizza Ranch
Admissions: $5 for non-members info.siouxlandrw@gmail.com
January 22
Reba McEntire
Denny Sanford Premier Center dennysanfordpremiercenter.com/events
January 21-23
That Golden Girls Show
Jan. 21 & 22 at 7:30 pm
Jan. 22 & 23 at 2:00 pm
Washington Pavilion
605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
January 24
Schoolhouse Rock Live
6:00 pm | Washington Pavilion 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
January 27-29
The Good Night Theatre Collective
Presents: Suspect! A Murder Most Musical
7:30 pm | Washington Pavilion 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
January 28
Thalea String Quartet
7:00 pm | Washington Pavilion 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
January 29
Sioux Falls WOW 2022
8:00 am | Washington Pavilion 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
February 4-6
Fiddler on the Roof
Feb. 4 at 8:00 pm | Feb. 5 & 6 at 2:00 pm
Feb. 5 at 7:30 pm
Washington Pavilion 605.367.6000 | washingtonpavilion.org
February 5
Scotty McCreery
7:00 pm | The District thedistrictsf.com
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.
– Jeremiah 29:11-14MEADOW BARN
YOUR WEDDING WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH
For engaged couples looking to tie the knot in the next year or two, booking the venue is one of the most important tasks to check off the list. One location couples should definitely consider is The Meadow Barn, located right in the Country Apple Orchards in Harrisburg, South Dakota.
In 2016, Greg and Katie Jones opened The Meadow Barn after noticing the lack of unique wedding venues in the area. Together, the Jones’ have over 30 years of experience in special events and hospitality.
Katie says, “What is special about The Meadow Barn –besides the location and all-inclusive amenities – is the fact that it’s a family-run business.”
“This is what supports my family,” Katie said. “It’s important for us to provide a beautiful venue for every wedding and a great experience for every guest.”
The Meadow Barn is right in the Country Apple Orchards, which Katie says offers unlimited photo opportunities and is something many wedding photographers have complimented them on. The venue is private, provides plenty of space for the bridal party to get ready and relax, and once the party starts, a full service bar is available for the reception.
The bride and groom are also able to choose their own vendors, which Katie shares is a big plus if you have specific vendors in mind when planning for the big day.
In 2019, the Jones unveiled another beautiful venue option called The Veranda, located right next to The Meadow Barn. The Veranda is also a barn, but a slightly different style. It’s also a bit smaller, offering a more intimate setting.
Katie explains that prime wedding season is May
through October, with booking season usually happening December through February. There may be a few 2022 dates available, but The Meadow Barn and The Veranda are already booking for 2023. For couples that are interested, they can get a private tour of the venues and determine if it will be the right fit for their special day.
A big plus when choosing The Meadow Barn or The Veranda is the high level of customer service the Jones’ provide. Katie says her husband is on the properties maintaining the facilities and any couple that books one of their venues will personally work with the Jones to get every detail ironed out before their wedding.
“Leading up to the big day, you’re getting that personal touch from us,” Katie said. “We take a lot of pride in what we do.”
themeadowbarn.com
605.370.2786
events@themeadowbarn.com
Fun & Frugal Christmas
It's the best time of the year!
By Jennifer DumkeWhat if you and your entire family could experience all the holidays had to offer and you didn’t have worry about pinching pennies as you navigate a daunting todo list? Sounds like a true holiday to me. If this sounds like you and you’re looking for fun things to do as a family around the holiday season without breaking the bank, here’s a wide range of ideas to keep Christmas fresh, fun, and within budget.
HOLIDAY BAKE-OFF
Most families have food traditions for holiday gatherings and if ever there was a time to showcase culinary talents, it’s Christmas. But here’s a twist. Instead of spending endless hours making frosting noses or pretzel antlers, why not get the entire family involved and kick it up a notch by having a holiday bake-off. This is where is gets fun and frugal. Make sure you plan the little bake-offs in time for work parties, small gatherings or the big day itself! After all, no matter how many or how old your guests are, no one can resist homemade goodies.
OH CHRISTMAS TREE
Holiday decorating trends are ever changing and who has the time and money to keep up. Go for a classic Christmas and
decorate on budget with homemade tablescapes and accents. If you really think about it, we bring live trees into the home all the time. Why not look to the outdoors for other crafty items? Pine cones, clusters of evergreen sprigs and even plain branches and sticks can all be made into something festive and fun. Decorate the perfect branch and simply spray paint it gold or silver and hang small crystals from the ends. For a more dramatic effect, add lights. No need to worry about size. For smaller trees, select battery powered LED lights are a good choice.
TRIMMINGS WITH EASE
Holiday decorating really has no rules. A simple nativity set or small table tree can be enough. Stop being intimidated by perfectly coordinated Christmas décor and take things into your own hands… literally. Current style trends could never be more in your favor for going hand-made with tree trimmings. It’s economical and can be a lot of fun for the entire family. Felt, glue gun, a little glitter and a lot of imagination and your tree will fill up fast! You can also go outside with your projects and involve the neighborhood. n
Prairie Cocoa & Confections
This exquisitely lovely luscious dessert and beverage experience – is made available by the team of Courtney Weeldreyer and Keyes Clemmer. The East Coast meets the Midwest for a sweet venture.
Q: PCC Specialty? A: “The only non-alcoholic “Bar” and “Dessert Bar” in Sioux Falls.” An upscale boutique specializing in sweet couture emphasizing edible art. Desserts are produced using quality ingredients in small batches. Gourmet cocoas “Mocktails” are exclusive to PCC.
Q: Why 8th & RR? A: “Love being part of downtown, and that most of the businesses at 8th & RR are women owned. The East Bank is the heart of the “artisan” community. Our motto Eat More Art fits perfectly. Surrounded by successful women, the feeling of mutual respect and support cannot be found anywhere else in Sioux Falls.
Q: Inspiration? A: “Create an environment loved by all ages. Whimsical, sophisticated, a place to prolong a date you wished would never end.”
Sanaa's Gourmet Mediterranean
Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean has inspired gourmet eating at 8th & RR Center for 18 years! Owner Sanaa Abourezk, is a Gourmet Chef, Restauranteur, Author and Blogger who is PASSIONATE about cooking, recipes, and fighting child hunger worldwide Tidbits about Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean:
Q: About your business? A: “We make Mediterranean Food and Bakery Items from scratch with fresh ingredients EVERY morning.”
Q: Particular Specialties? A: “We are known for our salads and FATAYERS – baked stuffed pita. We make them with regular flour and also gluten free flour.”
Q: Inspiration? A: “I wanted to offer fresh, healthy and gourmet meals for any budget.”
Q: Why 8th & RR? A: “I loved the old building, the location, the history and a lot of parking spaces.”
PRAIRIE COCOA & CONFECTIONS
A dessert boutique specializing in sweet couture with an emphasis on “Edible Art,” holiday gifts & catering, custom gourmet Cocoa’s and hand-crafted Mocktails; “cocktails” with no consequences.
8th & Railroad Center | Eastbank Downtown Sioux Falls | 605.777.3445 Dessert Bar Hours: Thurs 11am-8pm • Fri & Sat 11am-9pm
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:30am-3:00pm Friday 10:30am-4:00pm | Saturday 11:00am-2:00pm
Beating the South Dakota Winter Blues
A couples guide to planning a weekend vacation
By Chellee UnruhWinters in South Dakota can seem long with the belowfreezing temperatures, piles of snow, and shorter days. It can be hard not to get a case of the South Dakota winter blues. Some people are affected by a real medical condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is a recurring yearly condition bringing on depression caused by the short winter days. It disrupts our biological clock related to brain chemicals. Melatonin and serotonin, brain chemicals that affect sleep patterns and maintaining mood balance; are decreased due to the reduced sunlight hours in the wintertime. SAD occurs more commonly in women than men. When your partner is affected by SAD it can weigh heavy on your relationship. When you are both experiencing SAD, it could lead to some serious troubles in your relationship.
SAD affects about 5% of adults in the United States. While quite a few people strongly dislike South Dakota winters, for most it isn’t as extreme as developing SAD. Most of us just develop a simple case of the South Dakota winter blues. If you are a couple that finds yourself fitting into the winter blues category, there are things you can do to combat the blues like eating healthy and exercising regularly. Chasing the sunlight in a warmer destination is another way to beat the dark cloud feeling that winter brings. Yes, we are talking about packing your bags and taking a quick flight to enjoy a long weekend in a nice sunny spot! Fortunately, Sioux Falls has the advantage of having an airport that offers inexpensive flights to a lot of destinations that are
reachable for a weekend or an extended weekend.
If you are in the mood to sit on a beach and soak up those rays, check out flights that connect from Sioux Falls to Florida or California. There are several locations in Florida and California to choose from depending on what part of the state you want to see and what activities you want to do like golf, beach, amusement park, etc.
And if you are the type of couple that prefers the mountains over the beach, hiking in some sunlit mountains or the desert can be a great option. Book a weekend trip to Denver, Phoenix, or Las Vegas.
Some couples just live for entertainment options and enjoy the nightlife. If this resonates with you, then book your weekend getaway to Nashville, Miami , Austin, or Las Vegas. These destinations have endless options for entertainment that can take you from the day well into the nighttime hours.
If you do decide to book a discounted flight, watch out for baggage fees. Those extra fees and possible surcharges are used to make up the low cost of the ticket.
We suggest fitting everything into a nice carry-on bag that is 9 x 14 x 22 and avoid the fees of checking a bag as well as the stress of your bags not arriving when you do.
Here is a quick list of space-saving ideas to pack for a weekend vacation.
• To maximize space, use dead space. Comfortable shoes are a must-have, so fill the inside of those shoes with socks, underwear, or toiletries.
• Wear layers. You are going from cold to hot, so it is easy to layer up your clothes so that you have extra options when you arrive at your destination.
• Pick neutral accessories that go with a lot of outfits
• Roll your clothes as tightly as possible instead of folding them.
• Packing cubes are also a great way to save space and organize.
Now that you have ideas for where to go and what to pack, the most important tip we can give you is to plan your trip ahead of time. If you and your spouse develop a case of the winter blues, it can make it hard to get motivated to do much of anything! So be proactive and schedule a weekend vacation or two during the winter months to a sunny location and sing bye-bye to those winter blues! n
Children, teens, and adults need to feel heard. At Embark Mental Health, we are licensed mental health therapists here for you, when you need us. Embark on your path for change, soar into growth, and find strength within a sense of peace.
Individual • Family • Couples
Phone: (605) 961-4746
Web: EmbarkMentalHealth.com
This ad has been removed at the request of the advertiser.
Fluttery Lashes
By Jessalyn HolsingWhile trends last year leaned toward extending the length of the eye via the popular “Fox Eye” style of eyeliner and lashes increasing in size toward the outer ends of your eye, this year we’re going for something softer, rounder, and much gentler: the Fluttery Lashes.
Fluttery eyelashes are full and soft, with their peak at the fullest point of the center of the eye. These lashes are also long, making them ideal for their namesake, as they flutter rather effortlessly when blinking. Popular for their good-natured and friendly doeeyed look, this lash style is perfect for any setting, casual or formal. This look can be accomplished fairly easily if you go by route of false lashes, seeking ones that have a good mix of long pieces with shorter, fuller pieces in-between. It can also be achieved by seeking out mascaras that are a mixture of both lengthening and thickening—these types of mascara typically come with a wand and a brush that is wider on either end and tapered into a slightly shorter center.
To provide additional fullness, pair this style with a classic black winged eyeliner, nothing too bold, and you’ll be turning heads with your classy, cute fluttery lash look! n
Party Picks Posh
By Jessalyn HolsingVelvet and satin and sequins–oh my! Who says semi-casual party picks can’t also be fabulous? A sequined top paired with a solid color bottom, be it skirt or pants, adds the flair to what may have been an otherwise vanilla outfit. If you’re feeling extra fab grab something in velvet – a velvet skirt is all the rage. Fear not the cold, for a trendy party pick will always be woolen tights. If those aren’t warm enough or you’d rather opt for a sheer pantyhose look, a life-hack to try is nude-colored insulated leggings underneath–no one will be the wiser and you’ll be staying warm!
This holiday season we’re seeing a bit of a deviation from the familiar reds-andblacks trend. While those colors are still totally chic and in, try splashing in bold dark blue or navy. Dress, sweater, or blazer, blue is in and will keep you cozy while looking cool. Finally, don’t forget to accessorize! Classic gold jewelry is a must, and we’re seeing a resurgence again in pearls, so don’t fear decking yourself out. Pointy-toed shoes are also very chic, whether it be flats or heels. Try a knee or thigh-high boot with a skirt or dress, you’ll be guaranteed to look like you’ve got legs for days. Step out, stay warm, and look absolutely fabulous and fun at any holiday gathering this year! n
Photo by Maggie Sweets Photographyshop
1. The Diamond Room 3501 W 57th St 605.362.0008 | thediamondroom.com
From beautiful and luxurious items to unique styles and designer fashions; The Diamond Room by Spektor has something for everyone!
2. SEINT 605.360.2342 | jen-eimers.seintofficial.com
Insta: jjeimers | FB: JENNuine Beauty
Can all your makeup fit into one beautiful compact? Ours can. 8 Singles HACSTACK – Customized specifically for you! All-in-one compact makeup! A little goes a long way with the pigmented creams – tins last 3-6 months!
3. Mahlander’s Appliance and Lighting 8th & Minnesota Ave 605.336.7798 | mahlanders.com
Light up your loved ones’ holiday! Lamps and fixtures for any room in the house make wonderful, longlasting gifts.
6. Houndstooth
6809 S Minnesota Ave, Ste 101 605.306.4481 | pinnacleaudiologysf.com
Take part in all the special moments in your life. Ask us about the all-new WIDEX MOMENT™ with PureSound® technology. Get back to fully participating in life when you experience the clear sound of WIDEX MOMENT, and enjoy the sounds of your life wherever you’re living it!
2333 W 57th St, Ste 109 605.334.1672 | rxpsi.com
Have Energy for the Holidays! MitoCore – #60. $34.70 - 20% off is $27.86
201 W 37th St 605.271.2278 | houndstoothhouse.com
Move over “wall-flower,” the Pura Smart Home Fragrance Diffuser is cleaner, easier, high tech, & a great gift! You can manage the scent, intensity and schedule of your Pura all from an app on your smart phone/device. When you’re ready for a new scent or your favorite fragrance is running low, stop by the HTH showroom to shop all the scents!
4. Pinnacle Audiology, LLC 5. Pharmacy Specialties & Clinic7. Prairie Cocoa & Confections
8th & RR Center 605.777.3445 | facebook.com/PCConfections
Exquisite hot chocolates, gourmet cocoas, hand crafted mocktails, unlimited creative confections and edible art! Sensational!
8. First Impressions
775 10th St, Hwy 18 | Rock Valley, IA 712.476.2945 | firstimpressionstogo.com
Add holiday sparkle to your tabletop with these battery operated ornaments. Three sizes: 6”- $19.50, 8”- $25.50, and 10”- $32.50. All of these ornaments are hand-painted and unique!
GIFT CARDS!Buy$100 Get$20FREE!
10. Dimock Dairy Cheese
155 W 1st St | Dimock, SD 605.928.3833 | dimockdairy.com
Start your Christmas shopping with Dimock Cheese Gift Boxes – Seven different gift boxes available. Call us or go online today!
11. Interiors Etc. 421 N Phillips Ave, #123 605.334.0303 www.siouxfallsinteriors.com
Diffusers have never looked so good! This beautiful flower rests upon a gold base and is available in several fragrances. $94.
9. ROAM Kitchen + Bar 4525 W Empire Pl 605.215.0020 | roamkitchen.com
Gift Cards – Buy $100, Get $20 FREE! Nov. 22 – Dec. 31, 2021. In-store & online.
12. Country ‘N More
69th & Western at Heather Ridge 605.361.9797 | countrynmoresiouxfalls.com
Lighted Water Lanterns featuring continuous swirling glitter. Six hour timer. Choose from many sizes and images!
1. Forget Me Not Gift Boutique 5009 S Western Ave 605.335.9878
“Brighton” someone’s holiday this year with Brighton jewelry or handbag at Sioux Falls’ only exclusive Brighton dealer!
2. The Eye Doctors, P.C. 5116 S. Western Ave. 605.338.7104 | theeyedoctorspc.com
Check out our line of Draper James sunglasses and take advantage of our sunglass sale! In December, you can get $100 off this frame and many more sunglasses with prescription lenses.
4. Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean 401 E 8th St, Ste 100 (8th & RR Center) 605.275.2516 | sanaacooks.com
Fatayers Combo – The PERFECT lunch. A Mediterranean Calzone with your choice of filling accompanied by salad or basmati rice pilaf and yogurt cucumber sauce. Dine in, pick up or order online.
3. McCrory Gardens at South Dakota State University 631 22nd Avenue | Brookings, SD 605.688.6707 | mccrorygardens.com
Experience the region’s ONLY Botanical Garden while it is dressed for the holidays! Stroll through our outdoor wonderland of more than 200,000 lights on display, depicting nostalgic scenes of the season. 5pm – 9pm. Dec. 4, 2021 – Jan. 6, 2022 *excluding Dec. 24-25, Jan.1.
5. Montgomery’s 1725 W 41st St 605.332.4400 | montgomerys.com
Accentuate with elegance. This cushioned accent bench offers a sliding tray perfect for coffee or cocktails. The live-edge accent table combines functionality with unique styling perfect for any size space. Both items are in-stock. See store or montgomerys.com for details.
6. Harold’s Photo 912 W 41st Street 605.336.2833 | haroldsphoto.com
Photo Ornaments – Available in several shapes & 5 materials: Glass, Metal, Wood, Acrylic & Porcelain. $19.99 - $12.99 each.
7. Gunderson’s Jewelers
The Bridges at 57th & Western 2109 W 57th Street 605.338.9060 | gundersons.com
Huggie Hoop Earrings – Shy Creation
0.11CT 14K Rose gold diamond huggie earrings. $420.
8. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop 2504 S Marion Rd & 3617 W Avera Drive 605.271.7303 | capriottis.com Ultra premium american waygu! $7.50-$21.49
9. Handy Man Home Remodeling Center
910 E 10th St 605.336.0316 | HandyManHome.com
Square Hand Shower on adjustable Rail. Sliding hook, push button 3 function: Rain Shower, Rain Mist, Rush Jet. 60” expandable braided hose. Shown in: Chrome, Stainless Steel, Black. Pricing starts around $200.
10. Wild Water West 26767 466th Ave | Sioux Falls, SD 605.361.9313 | wildwaterwest.com
2022 Season Passes- a season pass is your ticket to fun, all summer long! Unlimited waterpark, go-karts and more! Passes start as low as $90 per person (including tax).
11. The Dance Line, Inc. 2115A S Minnesota Ave 605.335.8242 | thedancelineinc.com
Nutcracker Activity Kit. Get four different crafts, a pointe shoe sleigh and a sweet treat for some holiday fun.
YOUR BEST HOLIDAY GIFT EVER!
If you could find a gift that could improve quality of life and boost happiness, mental-clarity and health in a serene and peaceful environment, wouldn’t you be all over it? Now more than ever, stress threatens to overtake our daily lives and cause chaos with our ability to enjoy life physically and mentally.
This holiday season you can avoid stressful shopping by giving the gift of stress relief to your friends and family and even yourself! At 3 Degrees Infrared Sauna Studio, in just forty relaxing and soothing minutes, healing heat helps to de-stress, unwind, improve health and find personal zen in a private, comfortable sauna. And the best part is that it’s a perfect gift for everyone on your list!
From new moms and couples to mature adults, truly anyone can experience rejuvenating and dextoxifying results from as little as one session. Set up to accommodate both individuals and couples, members enjoy pre-sauna vibration machines that assist in flushing toxins as well as cooling eucalyptus infused towels.
Unlike traditional steam saunas, infrared saunas provide a dry heat that doesn’t feel as hot and doesn’t cause difficulty breathing. But perhaps the largest difference is that infrared light actually penetrates human tissue up to two inches and offers therapeutic benefits because of its ability to be absorbed by your body. It safely raises core body temperatures by 3 degrees during each 40-minute session! This results in a healthy, deep and detoxifying sweat similar to a fat torching workout.
According to co-owner Tiffany Hansen, “Stress causes so many harmful effects including headaches, anxiety, fatigue, muscle pain in addition to so many more mental and physical challenges. To give your friends and loved ones something that allows them take a break and rejuvenate is a brilliant gift. And it’s a great time to stock up! Buy $100 in gift cards get $20 FREE now through December. In addition, we are celebrating 12 Days of Christmas with a special on every day starting December 1st. Just watch our social media pages for details.”
3 DEGREES INFRARED SAUNA STUDIO BENEFITS
• Relax & Relieve Stress
• Lose Weight
• Detox at the Cellular Level
• Rejuvenate Your Skin
• Ease Chronic Pain and Tension
• Lower Blood Pressure
• Boost Your Immune System
• Improve Circulation
Tiffany shares, “Infrared light therapy can help with cardiovascular conditioning by increasing your heart rate by 50-75% to help burn calories and assist in weight loss. It’s a great way to boost your gym routine and can also help with pain management by easing chronic pain and tension. And, it’s a great way to warm up during the coldest and dreariest time of year!”
3 Degrees Infrared Sauna Studio has several membership options and has two convenient locations in the west and east side of Sioux Falls. It’s open seven days a week Monday through Friday from 8am-9pm, Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sunday from 11am-5pm. Visit www.threedegrees. com or find them on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
Unwrap the Best Gift: A New Community You’ll Love
Dow Rummel takes senior living to a whole new level. With great amenities and all levels of care – from independent living through skilled nursing – you will feel at home in no time.
Discover the Dow Rummel difference.
INCREASING ENERGY FOR THE HOLIDAY!
Every cell in your body needs energy to perform the thousands of metabolic reactions needed to keep you healthy. Mitochondria live within cells and are responsible for producing that energy. In fact, 90% of the bodies total energy production comes from the mitochondria. They are tiny biochemical power plants that convert the food you eat into cellular energy called ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). Every cell in the body needs energy to function properly. This is especially important during health challenges, when energy demand is higher. Mitocore is scientifically designed to boost cellular and mitochondrial energy production, maximize anti-oxidant capacity, support detoxification and strengthen immune support.
WHAT’S IN MITOCORE?
1. Foundational nutrition - provides a therapeutic amount of micronutrients when combined with acetyl-L-carnatine, this mixture can be used as a high octane fuel supplement to increase energy.
2. Ignition - N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), and Acetyl L-Carnitine work synergistically to act as fuel for the mitochondria and increase the amount of ATP being produced.
3. Protection - Resveratrol, Green tea Extract, and broccoli seed extract. These bioactive phytonutrients act as a defense shield for the mitochondria against aging and negative lifestyle factors.
By supporting the mitochondria, you can increase your energy and your health!
Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30am – 5:30pm
No gift is greater than an education. To learn how to start saving today visit www.collegeaccess529.com.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the CollegeAccess 529 plan before investing. This and other important information is in the Plan Disclosure Statement, available at www.CollegeAccess529.com. Read the Plan Disclosure Statement carefully before investing.
Before investing, you should consider whether your state of residency, or your intended beneficiary’s state of residency, offers a state tax deduction or any other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in that state’s 529 savings program.
The CollegeAccess 529 Plan is issued by the South Dakota Higher Education Savings Trust. The Program Manager and Underwriter for the CollegeAccess 529 Plan is VP Distributors, LLC, One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103, 800-243-4361.
Certain of the investment management firms that manage underlying mutual Funds in the Program, including Virtus Investment Advisers, Inc., are affiliated with the Program Manager.
Only South Dakota residents and Account Owners who designate a South Dakota resident as Beneficiary can invest directly in the CollegeAccess 529 Plan. Certain Portfolios are not available to those who invest directly. Residents of states other than South Dakota can invest in the CollegeAccess 529 Plan only through a financial professional. Additional fees apply for investments made through a financial professional. Please see the Plan Disclosure Statement for details. State taxes may apply for residents of states other than South Dakota.
Notice: CollegeAccess 529 Plan accounts are not insured by any state, and neither the principal deposited nor any investment return is guaranteed by any state.
Give your child the freedom to dream with CollegeAccess 529
oodie
Healthy Holidays
Story & photos by Ashley SornsinCheers to a New Year and to the same amazing you, the you that desires to make and implement eating healthy meals and snacks once and for all! This resolution time of year brings up thoughts of having to give up certain “forbidden” foods. Instead of avoiding foods, put the focus on adding more whole, real foods, primarily plants (vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, and seeds) which will naturally result in eating less processed foods. Embrace the New Year by fueling your body with the best, so you can feel your best! Not sure where to start? Use these tips and recipes to start making and eating healthier meals and snacks today!
1. Take your favorite recipes and remake them by making simple swaps and substitutions. Try swapping out meat for beans, lentils or chickpeas, to add plant based protein along with vegetables any chance you get! Make your focus with meals on how you can add in nutritious foods. Take this pasta dish for example, it uses chickpea pasta (which is a great source of plant based protein), which adds in a hefty dose of vegetables along with tomato sauce. Skip the cheese, but add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, which is a plant based product that has a delicious cheesy flavor! This one dish pasta recipe is super easy to make, the swaps and substitutions are delicious and it’s guaranteed to be a meal you’ll love!
2. When it comes to snacks, there are so many whole foods (again, mainly plants) that are easy to grab and go! Charcuterie boards are still popular, so when snacking, think about creating a variety of healthy options, adding in all the plants and whole foods possible. Think olives, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables and of course dips for veggies. The best healthy options for dips are plant based (like hummus), which you can find at the store or you can make your own. Try this spinach and artichoke dip for example, it uses whole, real ingredients (it’s also dairy free), all of the ingredients are good for you and it comes together in just a few minutes!
Whether a meal or a snack, each can be revised with a healthier spin, it’s a matter of looking outside the box and choosing the best, least processed option. Now is the time to take the step, making healthy additions, swaps and substitutions that result in the healthiest meals and snacks to feed yourself and your family. Don’t focus on what you can’t or shouldn’t eat, but rather the small changes you can make to the meals and snacks you love, making them healthier. Here’s to a New Year, fueling and feeling your best! n
Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
(dairy free)
• 1 ½ cups raw cashews (soak and drain)
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more as needed
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk or water
• 10 – 14 oz. spinach, frozen or fresh (thaw and remove extra moisture if frozen)
• 1 can (14oz.) artichoke hearts in brine, drained and finely chopped
Preheat oven to 400°. Soak Cashews: Soak, covered with 1 inch of very hot water for 5 minutes to help soften them up so they blend ultra creamy. Dice the artichoke hearts and prep the spinach. Cashew Cheese: Using blender, add the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic and onion powder, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and liquids to the bowl and process until smooth, about 3 minutes or so. Assemble: In a medium sized baking dish, add the spinach and artichoke hearts, pour the cashew cheese overtop and mix to combine. Bake: Place in the oven, covered with foil for 10 minutes, remove cover and bake another 10 minutes.
Super Easy Veggie Spaghetti
• 8 oz. Banza pasta or gluten free pasta
• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup water (may need ½ cup more)
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped zucchini
• ¼ tsp each: salt, garlic powder, pepper, dried basil
• 1 cup spinach
Preheat oven to 375°. Spray 9 x 9 casserole dish with olive oil, add pasta and make sure noodles are coated with olive oil. Pour liquids over noodles, add veggies and seasonings. Mix around. Top with greens and make sure noodles are covered with liquid. Bake uncovered for 30 min.
In the Kitchen: Perfect Kitchen Gift Baskets
Story & photos by Lisa Marie BlairGift baskets make the perfect gift because they can be customized to each person’s individual style and taste. I can’t imagine anyone not loving a basket of goodies put together just for them.
Do you have a foodie friend on your list that loves hosting parties? A charcuterie board themed basket makes an excellent gift. A simple basket with a cutting board, cheese knife and some snacks will help them get started on making their own yummy platters. The Platters and Boards book is a great addition to this basket because it shows how to make beautiful, casual spreads for every occasion. A bottle of wine is a nice added touch for the holiday season.
With colder weather upon us, I can’t think of a better time than now to gift someone a chili lovers themed basket. Whenever possible, try to make the basket a functional piece of your themed gift. In this case, the Le Creuset pot for making chili in doubles as the basket. Fill it with the fixings to make a delicious chili and cornbread dinner. The colorful napkins are a nice addition that are both pretty and useful.
Gift basket options for the bakers in your life are so easy to put together and the filling options are endless. Dutch ovens and mixing
bowls are great options to use as a basket. You can easily create a theme using a boxed mix and some toppings. Adding in everyday kitchen necessities like sea salt and vanilla extract will be appreciated by the recipient. Tossing in items like spoons, spatulas, oven mitts, and tea towels are a great way to add some color and texture to a themed basket.
Crinkle cut paper shreds in the bottom of every gift basket helps prop items up and display them properly. To make the gift basket more festive you can wrap the basket in clear cellophane and tie it up with a pretty bow.
PLUM’S TOP FIVE TIPS FOR GIFT BASKETS
1. Make the container count – choose a container for your basket that is unique and has a dual purpose. Put your container to work by having it be an essential part of the gift. A few examples from Plum’s Cooking Company would be a Dutch oven, mixing bowl, stock pot or bundt cake pan.
2. Themes are more fun! Choose a theme that you think your recipient would like and run with it. Who doesn’t want to receive all the essentials for pasta-making or grilling?
3. To budget or not to budget? If you’re worried about price, be sure to pick a smaller container to keep your item count down but remember to make every item count. You want to be very precise with each item you choose to make the gift feel special.
4. Shop Small – There’s nothing quite like finding that unique item that makes your gift basket truly special. Shopping small businesses is the best way to support the local economy and give a gift that is set apart from the rest.
5. Don’t Stress – There are so many local shops in Sioux Falls that have premade baskets ready for you to purchase. Don’t stress about the details and leave the rest to them! n
PLUM’S TOP FIVE FAVORITE GIFT BASKETS
1. Popcorn Lovers Gift Basket
2. Charcuterie Basics Gift Basket
3. Olivelle Sampler Gift Basket
4. Cocktail Connoisseur Gift Basket
5. Coffee Lovers Gift Basket
Living in a Winter
Wonderland
By Jennifer Dumke Photos by Margaret PennockSleigh bells are ringing and snow is glistening, the festive holiday season is upon us and what better way to get into the true holiday spirit than to decorate. For homeowners Debbie and Scott Fiedler, they especially love adding all the classic trims to their fully updated two-story style home located in the heart of Sioux Falls.
Today, this 4,000 square foot two-story style home is a showstopper thanks to the creative vision of Debbie, who enjoys decorating as a hobby and often looks for second opinions from her daughters and also designer, Lisa Blair. To stay current, she explains how they go from room-to-room updating at their own pace. This gives Debbie the chance to explore new design trends while keeping the home up-to-date.
The grand entrance is a minimalist showstopper that toggles trends by blending mid-century modern furniture with a classic wrap-around open staircase. High ceilings allow for a second level overlook where one can admire the hanging orb light fixture. A modern classic holiday swag graces the railing with flocked garland.
For an open and airy feel, the kitchen remains bright and spacious with white painted cabinets and grey and white marbled quartz countertops. The classic white subway tile was given a fresh look by simply using white grout. The walls are kept a neutral grey that blends with the crisp white trim. “These are actually the original cabinets,” adds Debbie. “They are of very good quality but just didn’t fit with the style I was going for so we simply painted them.” The only drawback for Debbie, “with white cabinets, you must stay on top of cleaning,” she says with a laugh. The floor remained a neutral grey ceramic tile for a subtle contrast.
Leading into the family room is a casual dining area. The furniture takes a contemporary twist with modern black chairs, circular table and is finished with a pewter circular light fixture. For both sunlight and convenience, a set of patio doors lead to an outdoor patio with a stamped concrete pad perfect for entertaining.
With traffic flow in mind, the home’s versatile layout works perfect for the Fiedlers. Guests and family members can easily navigate from the kitchen to the cozy family room. Flooded with natural sunlight, this spacious room features hand-scraped hardwood floors that are softened with neutral grey rugs and a unique upholstered ottoman. A carameltoned leather sofa is given holiday flair with black and white checkered buffalo plaid throw pillows. Dual lit topiaries flank the original fireplace with its white painted brick surround and wood mantle. With comfort in mind, two additional side chairs are the place for comfortable seating which leads into one of the most unique spaces in the home.
“When we first moved in, we utilized this room for a piano. We actually did purchase a piano for our children and it was used in that room for many years until we sold it,” she adds. Not knowing what to do with the space, Debbie started to think of her hobbies and interests. “We really enjoy hosting gatherings and drinking wine,” she adds. “So we decided to turn this room into our wine tasting room.” It’s complete with an elongated table nestled in a bay window while on the other side of the room, dual bookcases were painted a neutral grey to feature their wine selection and bar items. “We love having people over just for tastings. The space works very well for this purpose.”
The formal dining room takes on a clean, minimalist relaxed feel while giving a sense of formality. A unique rattan center light fixture illuminates a simple but elegant table scape. Guests and family can enjoy conversation and company as they dine on the dark wood table surrounded with dual fabric upholstered chairs. Although somewhat dark in tones, the table provides the perfect visual anchor to the open space.
The formal sitting room is like a Hallmark card; breathtaking with its subtle black and white motif that remains consistent throughout the room. Darker toned hardwood floors add a touch of contrasting elements when paired with the grey and cream patterned area rug. A bay window allows for plenty of sunlight that displays their classic flocked tree trimmed in tones of white and silver. The grey walls are the perfect backdrop for various looks. “I love accessories,” adds Debbie. “I really enjoy moving things around. It really is an easy way to change your look by just switching out accent pieces.”
For the holidays, whimsical oversized silver and black gift boxes serve as a table scape. Dual grey and white upholstered chairs add a bit of drama, meanwhile, the formal sofa melts into the room and is a modern day twist of formal meets contemporary. Hints of brushed gold are seen throughout the space and add a dimensional accent.
Our firm is based in Sioux Falls and serves clients throughout southeastern South Dakota.
Heading upstairs, the upper landing is the perfect place for the Fiedlers to display images and photographs of all their travels. “We believe in supporting local artists,” adds Debbie. “And these are a great keepsake to take home.” The master bedroom continues with the simple lines, neutral tones and the minimalist feel. “We have neutral bedding so that we can easily switch it out,” she says. And nothing says cozy Christmas quite like their soft bedding in red and white plaid.
The master bathroom feels contemporary with a touch of modern elegance. Elongated grey tile blends with the white walls and trim. Dual sinks with custom cabinets and quartz countertops offer plenty of space for sharing. Classic subway tile is used as the backsplash along with glistening chrome hardware.
The lower level continues with the same look. Tones of cream, mahogany, grey and terra cotta all come together like a symphony. “This is where we spend most of our time,” adds Debbie. “We generally like to come down here to watch TV.”
And with over 4,000 square feet of exquisite living space, Debbie surprisingly reflects nostalgically when walking into the lower level bedroom. “This room is one of my favorites because it is used for my daughter for my granddaughters in mind. The elegant ivory fabrics meld with the soft pink but remain anchored by the dark wood floors."
“We really have enjoyed this home and I love decorating,” adds Debbie. “So I will likely continue updating and redecorating with the trends. But the best part of this home isn’t discovering my hobby, it’s being able to have our entire family home for the holidays.” Because after all, there’s no place like home for the holidays. n
Make Every Day a Holiday
Surround yourself and those you love with the warmth, love, and comfort of home this holiday season and always.
Happy Holidays From Montgomery’s
SUPPLIES
• 7 empty cardboard egg cartons
• Cardboard or foam poster board for backing
• Heavy duty scissors (kitchen shears work well)
• 15 ft tinsel garland
• 36 small ornaments (the plastic indestructible kind are perfect)
• Glue gun/sticks
DIRECTIONS
DIY Egg Carton Christmas Tree
Story & photos by Emily Olson
This recycled egg carton craft is inspired by a vintage Christmas tree my great grandfather made in the 1960s. Ours was thrown out years ago due to broken ornaments. When I had the idea to make one of my own, I combed through countless egg carton Christmas crafts online and couldn’t find anything like it. Luckily my grandpa’s creation was in the backdrop of several holiday photos over the years and I was able to recreate the design used here.
1. Cut off the egg carton lid and closure flap.
2. Cut the egg reservoir in half lengthwise.
3. Remove the end cups from each of the strips.
4. Use a glue gun to glue the strips, one on top of the other, creating openings for the ornaments.
5. Glue the sections together to form a tree.
6. Use cardboard or foam poster board as a backing and glue it to the back of the egg carton tree.
7. Cut tinsel into 4½ inch lengths for a total of 36 pieces.
8. Wrap each piece of tinsel into a loop and connect with glue.
9. Glue an ornament into each ring of tinsel.
10. Affix a tinsel-wrapped ornament to each hole in the egg carton tree and secure with glue. n
THE H.E.A.R.T. OF SCHULTE SUBARU
Schulte Subaru in Sioux Falls, located on Minnesota Avenue near 85th Street, is known for their high-quality customer service. Nationwide, Subaru has the Subaru Love Promise, which is their vision to show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru. The Love Promise says, “Together with our retailers, we are dedicated to making the world a better place.”
Schulte Subaru has fully embraced and exemplified this promise. In 2020, they were named the Subaru Love Promise Retailer of the Year. They earned this recognition by placing an emphasis on the HEART Pillars
The HEART Pillars are Subaru’s customer commitments to display honesty, empathy, appreciation, respect, and trust with every customer, co-worker, and the Sioux Falls community as a whole. Subaru also has a focus on Love Promise Moments which they define as “a special and emotional connection created by applying our HEART Pillars to every interaction during the customers shopping, buying and ownership journey.”
The HEART Pillars are the foundation of the Subaru Love Promise. Subaru recently rolled out the Love Promise University whose mission is “to share the knowledge and skills necessary for retailer employees to embrace the HEART Pillars and Love Promise Moments to bring the Subaru Love Promise to life at retailers and create a Subaru-Level Customer Experience.”
The Love Promise Moments focuses on these three ideas for customers: “Make me feel welcome”; “Take my safety seriously”; and “Make me feel special.”
These help Subaru staff make improvements in how they meet customer expectations.
Creating a strong and positive experience for each customer means they will become lifelong customers and will recommend Schulte Subaru to everyone they know.
Staff at Schulte Subaru is trained on the HEART Pillars Positive customer comments and testimonials are shared with staff through email and on Love Promise Moments boards located in Subaru stores.
Along with the customer commitments, Schulte Subaru is committed to being a positive force in their community and improving the lives of those around them. They want their actions to be an example for others to follow.
Schulte Subaru believes that their customer service is what sets them apart even more from the competition because they focus on the whole customer experience. From the moment customers walk in the door to the time they leave the lot with their new car keys in hand, Schulte Subaru wants the HEART Pillars shown each and every step of the car buying process.
Learn more about Schulte Subaru at subaruofsiouxfalls.com.
At Avera McKennan Fitness Center— Getting a jump start on your health and wellness journey today!
Are you looking to get back to or start a fitness journey? Many Americans are slowly getting into their fitness routine after being home since the beginning of the pandemic.
According to the CDC, an estimated 41% of Americans delayed medical care due to concerns of COVID-19 in the last two years. Because of this, studies have show there may be an increase in morbidity and mortality risk (CDC, 2020).
If you have delayed your health and wellness goals during this trying time, Avera McKennan Fitness Center (AMFC) has a program that’s right for you! As a facility certified by the Medical Fitness Association, we are committed to providing our members with health and wellness opportunities.
MyFitRx™ pathways are designed to help improve the level of physical activity in individuals living with chronic disease, managing medical conditions or who need additional support. We achieve this through healthcare provider-based referrals and guided exercise by our fitness specialists, who hold degrees and national accredited certifications in health and fitness.
With the knowledge and experience of our certified Medical Integration Coordinator, Jess Walhof, creates exercise plans to get you started! “It’s a great next step for anyone. Exercise isn’t a quick fix, you got to keep working on it,” says Walhof, who has been the coordinator since 2015. She says, “exercise can be a big mental boost for anyone. People start to feel better emotionally and see changes in their lifestyle.”
Experience a personal fitness plan within our ten specialized pathways designed to support your health and fitness goals.
• Cancer Fitness
• Cardiac Fitness
• Cognitive Health
• Diabetes Fitness
• Fit for Surgery
• Functional Fitness
• Orthopedic Fitness
• Pulmonary Fitness
• Transitional Care
• Weight Management
Avera McKennan Fitness Center started these pathways in 2014 and continue to grow in participants and pathways offered!
Since 2014, we have helped over 800 individuals get started on a guided exercise program, and we hope to help you, too!
With the CDC and hospital guidance, we’ve made sure all members and guests feel safe to work out in a clean environment.
During this time, our participants have full access to our facility and classes, so we encourage them to take advantage of all we have to offer!
For more information, please call 605-322-5300 or visit averamckennanfitness.org/MyFitRx today!
Pathways are just $ 99 to start, with a discount on standard membership to the center once the program is completed!
ealth
Managing Stress During the Holidays
By Sanford HealthThe holidays are a joy-filled time of year for most, but the additional activities and responsibilities can add to our normal stress. Holiday stress in particular affects women, who often take on the burden of planning holiday celebrations, decorating the home, purchasing the gifts and doing most of the preparations for the season.
Research shows that women suffer more from stress during the holidays than men.
WHAT CAUSES STRESS?
Stress can be caused by:
• Personal expectations of yourself when it comes to preparing, extra social events, entertaining.
• Family expectations, including children and aging parents who need assistance.
• Emotional burden around the holidays.
• Financial obligations.
With the added stress and limited time to get everything done, it can be a very difficult time of year to relax leading to unhealthy behaviors such as overeating, poor food choices, impacted sleep schedule, feelings of anxiety or depression, among other issues.
WAYS TO REDUCE TENSION
How can women ease the stress of the season and make the holidays healthy and happy? Sanford Health specialists offer advice to make the most of the season without the added stress:
• Focus on the purpose of the season. If we strive for perfection, we will miss it all.
• Get organized. Make lists and delegate. You don’t have to do it all alone.
• Prioritize. How much of your list can you realistically accomplish?
• Ask for help. Decorate the tree with the family, or bake cookies with children and grandparents. This makes wonderful memories that will last a lifetime, and it won’t feel like a chore.
• Allow yourself to say “no.” Make healthy choices for you and your family.
• Exercise. Physical exercise releases endorphins, which are our happy hormones. These help reduce cortisol, which is a stress hormone, and exercise can help improve sleep. Physical exercise relieves mental stress.
• Drink your water. You should take in one half to a full ounce of water for every pound of body weight.
• Reduce your caffeine intake. Limit to one to two servings a day, and avoid caffeine within eight hours of going to sleep.
• Maintain good sleep habits. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Honor the hour before bed, and develop a nightly routine. Read, turn off all screens, soak in a warm bathtub to relax, enjoy soft music.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, use of relaxation music, yoga, meditation or aromatherapy.
• Set realistic expectations of yourself. Find a balance between work, home and the additional activities you need to do and want to do. n
• Stocking stuffer ideas
• Tree and garland decor
• Exquisite snowmen, Santas, & Angels
by Jim Shore• Snowbabies
• Dept 56 Villages and accessories
• South Dakota T shirts
• And much more!
Flu Season:
Things you can do to stay healthy
By AveraThe facts are black and white: Flu is a killer, its season is here and you do not want to be one of the more than 220,000 Americans who each year are hospitalized because of this preventable, virus-caused disease.
As flu season unfolds, remember that thousands of people die each year from the flu. Last season was unusual in that flu activity was very low due to the extra safety precautions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. Influenza and pneumonia together comprise the ninth leading cause of death in our country. For some populations — the very young and very old, people with chronic disease or immune-system conditions — the threat is even more intense.
“Get the vaccination – do it now,” said Jawad Nazir, MD, Avera Medical Group infectious disease specialist. “It’s a good idea for everyone older than 6 months. Even younger, healthier people who contract it will do better being vaccinated than they would if they skip the shot.”
Nazir provides these five main ideas for fighting back in the face of flu season:
Get the shot, the mist or any form of the vaccination. “That’s where prevention starts and where you’re best served if you want to help everyone avoid the flu,” he said. “If you’re not concerned with your own health, think of others. You’re not just helping you when you get the shot, you’re helping everyone.” In addition, it’s vital to get the COVID-19 vaccination. It’s here to stay -- just like the flu.
Wash your hands, and avoid touching your face. Hand washing is an easy way to avoid spreading the disease. The flu can live on surfaces shared by many people, so wash your hands, especially before you touch your face, especially your nose, eyes or mouth. Another way to prevent the spread of germs and viruses is to wear a mask like we did to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Stay home if you’re sick. “Without symptoms, there’s really no way to know if someone has the flu,” said Nazir. “But people can
transmit it before the symptoms are full-blown. They also should remain at home to avoid sharing it with their coworkers.”
Know the signs of flu. Fever, cough, body ache, dizziness and runny nose, along with general fatigue, all are signs of the flu. Kids, most commonly, can show other signs including nausea and vomiting, but these are less common signs of the illness.
Find out for sure. If you or your child are having flu-like symptoms, it’s best to get tested for COVID-19 to ensure you are isolating long enough to prevent spread to others. The Delta variant is especially contagious. It’s estimated that every person who catches it spreads it to five to nine others. People age 65 and older, children and anyone who faces chronic illnesses who develops symptoms should schedule appointments with their doctor to possibly start timely treatments. Most people who are younger and healthier can stay home and rest, drink plenty of fluids and recover.
If your symptoms are due to the flu, you should stay home for a full 24 hours after the symptoms, especially fever, have gone away. Call your health care provider about getting the flu shot or other vaccinations to stay up-to-date on your health. You can get a COVID-19 vaccination at the same time if you haven’t been vaccinated yet. You can also log into AveraNow if you have symptoms. n
Sinus Surgery When All Else Failed
One patient’s health journey in overcoming chronic sinus infections
By Virginia OlsonFor as long as she can remember, Erica Williams suffered from sinus problems. It was more than a pesky condition. “Not only did I have chronic sinus infections, I suffered from eczema, headaches, itchy eyes, congestion, a runny nose, sinus pain and pressure as well as chronic fatigue.”
She thought it was allergies, but all the tests proved negative. With no change in her condition, she underwent her first sinus surgery in 2015. She also moved to Colorado and, for a few years, seemed fine.
“Unfortunately, when I moved back to SD in August of 2020, it was like hitting a wall! All my allergies flared up, and I was more than miserable. I wasn’t sleeping and even developed sleep apnea which left me gasping for air. That is when I'd had enough.”
A co-worker recommended that Erica see Dr. Peter Kasznica at Midwest ENT & ALLERGY.
Dr. K, as his patients call him, has been practicing at Midwest ENT & ALLERGY since 2010, when he moved here from the East Coast. He treats patients for everything ear, nose and throat related, however, has special interest in sinus and allergy. He has completed additional training and certification in allergy and holds a Fellowship with the AAOA. He is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of all sinus disease and his patients rave about him!
“Dr. Kasznica was the first specialist to really listen and told me, 'You DO have allergies, but it is not something on the traditional allergy test panel. We would normally give you allergy shots as a solution to your problem, but since we cannot pinpoint the allergen there are a few other options.’”
Photo by Summer Street Photography Jon and Erica WilliamsErica and Dr. Kasznica discussed surgery, including revision sinus surgery, along with a nasal valve procedure, and ultimately decided on this combination to best meet her needs.
The 34-year-old had sinus surgery April 30, 2021 and says her life couldn’t be more different.
“In Erica’s case, she was struggling to breathe and sleep and she was not enjoying the quality of life a young woman should have. We decided on the surgical approach to ensure maximum results. We were thrilled with the success of her surgery and we are very happy she is back to feeling 100 percent,” says Dr. K.
“I can sleep now, breathe clearly, my headaches have been reduced, my ear pain is gone, and my sinus pain and pressure have disappeared,” she says. “People ask me all the time if this sinus surgery was worth it? “I always say, ‘yes’ especially when you have a surgeon like Dr. Kasznica who truly cares, gets to the root of your problems and provides lasting solutions.” n
Germs are Gross, They Live on Your Hands!
Sioux Falls Woman Magazine sat down with Charlotte Hofer to ask about SD Project Firstline and the new CDC training videos on infection prevention that are available to frontline healthcare workers and the public on their new website, sdprojectfirstline.org. But first, we just had to talk dirty...that is, we had to talk about the dirt and germs and bacteria that people often carry on their hands!
1. In general, how many infections are spread by hands?
About 80% of common infections! Germs get on hands and then people touch their eyes or nose and the germs enter the body. The most important way we can reduce the spread of infections is hand washing – so the CDC says to wash hands frequently with soap and water, or if unavailable, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, containing at least 60% alcohol.
2. Who has germier hands, men or women?
Scientists have found that a typical hand actually has 150 forms of bacteria, and women generally have a greater number than men! (University of Colorado study).
3. Are men’s restrooms cleaner, or women’s?
You may not believe this, but a study by Cleaning Industry Research Institute swabbed restroom floors and toilets, and from a germ standpoint, men’s restrooms are by far the cleaner!
4. Estimated global rates of washing hands after using the toilet?
According to the CDC, estimated global rates of handwashing after using the toilet are only 19% - far too low! And some people wash, but don’t use soap. That doesn’t count.
5. How many deaths a year could be prevented if everyone routinely washed their hands?
Researchers in London say that if everyone washed their hands, a million deaths a year could be prevented! These are some fun facts to illustrate how important good hand hygiene is. The CDC recommends -WASH hands often, use soap, and wash for at least 20 seconds. Clean hands save lives, just like your mom said.
Seven things you need to know about good hand hygiene
6. What is Project Firstline?
It’s a national CDC training collaborative on infectious disease control for frontline healthcare workers to STOP the spread of COVID-19, flu and other emerging diseases. The partners on it in our state are the SD Foundation for Medical Care, and the SD Department of Health and the CDC. We have 7 training modules from the CDC posted on our site. Anyone can take the video training –it’s absolutely FREE, whether you want to watch 1 video or a dozen! Just go to sdprojectfirstline.org, click the Training tab, and sign up with an email to get access to the CDC videos! Videos are short - about 5 minutes - so you can do them on a lunchbreak, they’re easy to understand, with timely information and the latest CDC science!
7. Final takeaway?
Preventing illness is important for everyone – from flu to the common cold, so we encourage everyone to get educated by watching the Project Firstline videos! Stay safe. Stay healthy. Now go wash your hands. n
Watertown your holiday destination
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday destination, look no further than Watertown, SD. Watertown, located just 100 miles North of Sioux Falls on I-29 is the perfect day trip or weekend getaway for all ages. Kick-off the holiday season by checking out the 25th Annual Holiday Lighted Parade the Friday after Thanksgiving and sticking around for a weekend full of shopping, good local cuisine, and a drive through the Optimist Club Winter Wonderland. Other holiday
activities this year include breakfast with Santa at the Bramble Park Zoo, the Sherwin and Pam Linton Christmas Show at the Redlin Art Center, and A Christmas Carol along with The Nutcracker Ballet at the Goss Opera House. With all the happenings this holiday season you won’t want to miss out. Start planning your trip today!
Holiday Events
rofiles
Life Living "Four" Her Best
By Chellee UnruhPhotos by Maggie Sweets Photography
Makeup by American Beauty SD
Arica and her husband Chad were not necessarily trying to have kids. “Our attitude was if we do we do, and if we don’t we don’t.” Arica was only a few weeks along when she realized she was pregnant. Arica wanted to have twins, one boy, and one girl. “I wasn’t super fond of being pregnant so I thought I would have the two kids that I wanted, one of each, with just one pregnancy.” The chances of this happening were fairly likely since multiple births run in her family. Arica’s sister has fraternal twins, her Dad had twin sisters and her mom’s dad was a twin. There were also extended uncles and other family members that had multiples.
When Arica was around 13 weeks into her pregnancy, her doctor noticed that she was measuring a little big. She said to her doctor, “Maybe it’s twins” and his response was, “that’s highly unlikely” but he ordered an ultrasound for the next appointment at 17 weeks. When Arica went in for the ultrasound, she asked the ultrasound tech to look for twins. The tech asked if the doctor was concerned, and Arica’s response was, “No, I just have a feeling that I am having twins.” Sure enough, the tech immediately found two, then after a short time, the tech said, “Wait a minute… I think I found another one.” Before Arica and Chad had time to digest the fact that they were having triplets, the tech said, “ I think I found ANOTHER one.” Needless to say, the moment was stunning and surreal for the couple. The couple conceived quadruplets naturally, which is an extremely rare occurrence that happens in just 1 in 700,000 pregnancies. Approximately 90 percent of quadruplets are conceived with the assistance of medical technology.
Even though Arica wasn’t fond of being pregnant and she was carrying four babies, she did not experience a difficult pregnancy. She considers herself lucky for not having morning sickness, although she remembers feeling very hot, with the first part of her pregnancy being in the summer months. Arica
The story of a mom on her journey of growth and raising quadruplets
also started having nose bleeds which she never had before and has not had since giving birth to the babies.
“I remember there was constant movement,” shared Arica, “the kids were always moving around which was fun to feel and see. It felt like watching an alien movie sometimes with all of the babies moving around.”
Arica’s doctor had been preparing them that likely the babies would need to be born early. The doctor’s goal was for Arica to carry the babies to 32 weeks. At 30 weeks (ten weeks early from her due date), the doctor noticed that one of the girls (Jacey) had stopped growing, so it was decided to do a c-section. That Monday, December 18, 2000, Arica and Chad went to the hospital for the birth of their babies. Alexis Loretta came first weighing 2 pounds 12 ½ ounces and 15 inches long, next was Jacey Rae weighing 1 pound 10 ounces and only 13 inches long, then Ty Lee, the only boy weighing 3 pounds 12 ½ ounces and 16 inches long, and finally Jasmine Casey weighing 2 pounds 4 ounces and 14 inches long. The babies were born roughly two minutes apart, however, Jacey and Ty were born within the same minute. The three girls are identical, and Ty is fraternal. “Ty looked huge compared to his sisters even though he was ½ the size of a “normal newborn”.
Arica spent 5 days recovering in the hospital. The babies stayed much longer since they were so tiny and needed to grow. “We went to the hospital daily.” Shared Arica, “I remember crying (something I rarely do) because I had to leave them behind, even though we lived right here in Sioux Falls and could see them every day.” Arica and Chad were at the hospital every day visiting the babies, holding them, feeding them, giving them baths, and doing all of the things they were able to do while in the hospital.
Arica and Chad felt fortunate that the babies didn’t have any major issues, they just needed to stay in the hospital so they could grow and get bigger. Alexis and Jasmine came home at 5 weeks. Jacey being so little took a little longer and she came home at 7 weeks. Ty had more trouble with breathing, so he was in the hospital for 9 weeks. “Having them come home staggered was good for us, Arica recalled. It gave us a little time to adjust between each baby coming home.” All four of the babies were on monitors for a while but given the situation, Arica and Chad were very, very lucky that the babies were as healthy as they were.
Adjusting to this new life was challenging for Arica. Arica and Chad had both been working full time but with
the cost of daycare, it didn’t make sense for Arica to work simply to pay for daycare. Also, with the kids being preemies they were scared of them getting sick with RSV or something that could be very serious or even fatal for them, so Arica quit her job and became a stay-at-home mom. “Financially it was very difficult for us and emotionally it was very difficult as well.” Arica remembers, “I had just bought a brand-new car 10 days before I found out we were having 4 babies which suddenly wasn’t big enough and also we couldn’t afford, so we eventually sold that car and bought a used larger SUV. A lot of families have 4 children, we just so happened to have them all at the same time. It was stressful, but we made it through with a lot of help from our families.”
Soon the babies grew into toddlers and before they knew it, the quadruplets were ready to start school. Arica says, “I remember the day they started kindergarten as being such a happy day for me. Some of the other moms had tears and I was so puzzled - I was not sad at all, it was a nice break for me, and I was happy for the kids to be able to get out and meet new friends.”
They were able to be in separate classrooms for most of elementary school so they could make their own friends and be on their own a bit to establish their own identities. “Elementary school was a great experience for the kids,” smiled Arica, “I remember that being a very happy time. Middle school and high school really did fly by just like parents say they do. Middle school is where they started having a little different interest from each other but still the same circle of friends and were still on the same academic team. When they got to High school, they started to have different friend groups and their interests started to differ a little bit more. “Ty is a great singer,” shared Arica, “ so he was in choir and show choir in middle and high school and found his niche there. Jacey tends toward the dramatic so was in theater, Alexis was in color guard and
Jasmine didn’t participate in a school activity but was very into hunting and archery.”
All of the kids danced so that was their extracurricular activity outside of school.
At the same time, the children were working to find their own unique identity Arica was also trying to find her place now that the children were older. For so many years life was a blur operated often on survival mode, and now Arica found herself in a place of finding herself again. “Being at home taking care of four babies full time could get rather lonely at times. So to make some new friends and get back in the workplace, I started working at the same school where the kids attended elementary school.” When the kids were in high school, Arica went back to college to get a master’s degree.
“Alexis was interested in computers because of the work I did before having the quadruplets and had participated in the GenCyber camps at Dakota State. She would come home with a lot of cool stuff, so I decided to do the Master’s in Cyber Defense program. “ When I finished the master’s program, DSU was just starting their Ph.D. program in Cyber Defense, and I only had the research classes and dissertation remaining to complete the Ph.D. so I stayed and completed the Ph.D. as well. When I started the master’s program, I wasn’t sure what path it would lead to but knew I was interested in digital forensics.” The Digital Forensics Lab was founded at the same time Arica was continuing her education, so she feels fortunate to be able to be part of that from the beginning, first as a graduate assistant, then analyst, and now the director. “I love what I do, it is interesting every single day and I get to work with really great people.”
The kids have grown and are now in college building their own paths. Alexis is studying Cyber Operations at DSU so Arica gets to see her every day. Jacey is studying criminal justice and psychology at USD and wants to go to law school. Ty is taking a break from school and is finding his own path. He is good at taking things apart and putting them back together to make them better. He has an older motorcycle that he bought and is fixing up. Jasmine is studying English and philosophy at USD.
Arica would say the best way to describe her quadruplets is that they are siblings that just happened to be born on the same day. Even though they are multiples, they don’t have a secret language, finish each other’s sentences, or know what the others are thinking like the media portrays. They are as close as any siblings are. Arica says, “I am a normal person with a normal family. I look back now and can see things I should have done differently with them but who doesn’t? As moms, I think we all do the best we can when we are doing it and make whatever we think is the best choice for our kids. My choice may not be the right one for someone else. I think as moms and as women, we are often hard on ourselves to always do things perfectly and often compare ourselves to each other even when others don’t. We all just do the best that we can.” n
Merry Christmas
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
– 1 Peter 1: 3-5