Today's Charlotte Woman May 2012 by Sharon Simpson

MAY 2012 VOL 16 | NO 1 | COMPLIMENTARY

Exercising

Mother, May I?

Her Options This ‘Grandma’ Pumps Up Pilates

Orange You Glad ... The Color Of The Season

Make Your Own Salsa Yes, You Can!

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FromTheEditor

Family Heirlooms & The Stories They Tell he moment I tell you about my most prized family heirloom, you will know that I am Southern. It’s one of those crude, old ceramic milk jugs … you know, the kind that Mr. Briscoe Darling (played by Denver Pyle) used as a musical instrument on “The Andy Griffith Show.” I am aware that most women point to something a bit more delicate when discussing heirlooms … an antique ring, a place setting of Noritake, a silver tea set. The thing is, I am one step up from dirt poor. There are no silver, crystal, or fine china collections to be found in my family. Instead, there are storytellers. Huggers. A few wayward alcoholics. And the ceramic jug. The jug is the only item I own that is directly tied to the grandfather I never knew. It was given to me by my favorite grandmother, making it doubly precious — especially this month, the month of mothers and grandmothers, and great women alike. The jug is a family heirloom of the most common sorts. It always sat at the corner of my grandmother’s dining room, propping open the wooden swinging door that led into the kitchen. Now, it must be noted that while my grandmother was a lot of things — an athlete; a Republican who stood behind Richard Nixon until the day that she died; a talented seamstress with a knack for creating dresses and curtains and, later in life, medical braces — a housekeeper she was not.The jug sat in the corner a good 40 years without being moved or dusted in any fashion. I can’t explain what initially made it special to me, as a child. I don’t remember first laying eyes upon it. But I always stared at the jug, and wondered about its significance. When I was about 9, I asked her about it, and she told me the story. About how my grandfather, Ed, found the jug half-buried in the woods not long

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 4

after they moved to the clapboard house that still stands on Dixie River Road, just shy of the airport. He brought it in the house to her, and it took up residence. The jug grew in importance in my mind. My grandfather died 10 years before I was born, but my father still clung to the loss.This made Ed somewhat of a hero in my mind. If my dad was the greatest dad in the world, then imagine how wonderful my grandfather must have been? And he had found the jug, held it in his hands, inspected it in the sunlight, before giving it to my grandmother. Ed may have found it, but the jug was inextricably tied to my relationship with my grandmother. Nearly 60 years apart in age, we were soul mates just the same. My character was shaped by the many visits I made to her tiny dining room on crisp fall afternoons and chilly winter nights, but most often on hot summer days, when the smell of cut grass was so rich it seemed like a dessert. She lived down the street from us, and I often walked over to feed my sister’s horse. Afterward, my grandmother would make me a glass of Tang and hand me the latest JFG jar to spoon clean of peanut butter. In exchange, I’d listen to her stories. The jug was always there. A tangible item tied to a collection of childhood memories. As an adult, I mentioned once that I would like to have the jug, one day. A few years later, she gave it to me, patting my arm and wisely saying,“Just to be sure it winds up with you.” Not long after, she moved to a nursing home. And promptly forgot who I was. I never knew if anyone else had dibs on the jug. Honestly, I never asked. The jug now sits in my foyer, by the front door, because it feels most comfortable there. It’s a venerable piece of my past … valuable only to me. [TCW]

May 2012

Contents 32

DEPARTMENTS 4

Editor’s Letter Family Heirlooms & The Stories They Tell

So Social

14 Girl Time

Around Town, In Pictures

Tips,Trends, And Fancies

10 Readers Respond 18 On The Move

Correspondence And Comments

Charlotte Women Making Strides

12 Queen City Jewels Happenings You Don’t Want To Miss Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 6

32 Fashion Orange You Glad: The Color Of The Season

38 Wine Up Try Tempranillo: A Shy Grape With Character

52 Health Flash What You Need To Know To Stay Well

56 Contributors Page The Names And Faces Behind The Photography

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Volume 16, Number 1 May 2012

Publisher

Sharon Simpson

Associate Publisher

Fern Howerin

Editor

Karsen Price

Sales Executive

PROFILES

Joy Nall

22 A Modern-Day Mother Nature Embryologist Lareina Welch Helps Couples Conceive Creative Director

26 Exercising Their Options

Kerrie Boys, idesign2, inc

At Hilliard Studio, Liz Hilliard & Daughter Clary Gray Mix Business With Pleasure Contributing Writers

FEATURES 42 Homemade Salsa? Yes,You Can

48 The Feminine Way A Photo Essay Celebrating Women In The Queen City

58 Essay: From Child To Mother One Woman’s Search For Balance

Trevor Burton Dana Durham Melinda Johnston Victoria Moreland Lee Rhodes Tamara Titus Contributing Photographers

Michael Hernandez Glenn Roberson P.O. Box 1676 Cornelius, NC 28031 704.677.9159 Today’s Charlotte Woman is published by Venture Magazines Inc., and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout the greater Charlotte area.

26 May 2012 8

OnTheCover Liz Hilliard keeps it all in the family. Photo By Glenn Roberson.

Subscription rate is $20 per year for 12 issues. Copyright© 2012 Venture Magazines Inc. All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited. Today’s Charlotte Woman and Venture Magazines Inc. do not necessarily endorse the views and perceptions of contributors or advertisers.

SoSocial Passport For Fashion

n April 21, the second-annual spring fashion show returned to the Queen City to highlight the area’s burgeoning fashion industry. Hosted by Charlotte Seen’s Rita Miles, plus Beverly Grant, and Coco Callahan, the event spotlighted emerging designers in the area, including Angelina Danette, Donna Rai Lineberger and Candace Frieden.The headliner of the event was Luis Machicao, whose collections have been showcased in San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and New York.

Designer Luis Machicao and friends.

YOUR FACE IS THE FIRST THING PEOPLE SEE. ENTRUST IT TO EXPERT HANDS. The Legacy Committee.

Beverly Grant with husband Walt Turner.

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WE JUST MAKE SENSE. Rita Miles (second from left) poses with attendees, including the winner of the event,Tricia West (third from right).

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Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

Fashionable attendees.

ReadersRespond

Warm Welcome All of us at Today’s Charlotte Woman would like to thank readers, contributors, photographers, and, of course, our wonderful advertisers for offering us such a warm welcome back into the Charlotte publishing scene this spring. From the bottom of our hearts, we can honestly say it is good to be back! We’d love to hear from you as the months go by; after all, this is your community, and your magazine. So don’t be a stranger! — Sharon, Fern, Karsen, Kerrie, & Joy Here are just a few of the generous comments we’ve received over the past few weeks:

finally got a chance to pick up a copy of the April issue, with Jenna Klauk on the cover, and I couldn’t be happier. Thank you so much for highlighting our team, sport, and, of course, Jenna.The article came out better than we could have ever anticipated, and the photography is topnotch.We’ve had many nice articles written about us … but for whatever reason, this is the one that seems to connect with the readers.You should all be very proud! CRAIG BAILEY President, Race City Roller Derby

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 10

I was recently given the April issue of Today’s Charlotte Woman by Pat Farmer, Allegro’s founder and president. She was so impressed by the magazine, and after reading it myself, I can certainly see why. The use of crisp colors, interesting titles, and great empowering articles make it a must-read magazine for women in this area! We just wanted to drop you a line to let you know we enjoyed this issue very much. JESSICA LAPRADE Development Coordinator, Allegro Foundation My hubby stopped at Harris Teeter on the way home from work and it was there — the April issue of Today’s Charlotte Woman. It looks fantastic! I’m so honored to be a part of the relaunch. Thanks so much for the opportunity. ERICA LINEBERRY I just picked up TCW — fabulous! Congratulations on surviving and reviving! BETH HOWARD

What People Are Saying On Facebook I love Today’s Charlotte Woman. Last year, I moved here from Canada with my husband, and the first magazine I saw was yours! I do look for it wherever I go. (I am a bit sad to see that your magazine is no longer available at Harris Teeter in my area.) Nonetheless, I am a follower! Thank you for your great work, especially for “newbies” in the area like me. ROSE CARTY ARMSTRONG Note:As of mid-April, Today’s Charlotte Woman is back in stands at Harris Teeter, and also can be found at area businesses around town. Thanks for choosing to profile a derby athlete and to share this exciting sport with your readers. I think that Vicki Moreland wrote a great article, and Glenn Roberson’s pics are beautiful.Wish I looked that good all the time! JENNA KLAUK Blocker, Charlotte Speed Demons Kindest thanks for putting this magazine back into our hands! There has never been a time when I have picked up this magazine without gaining new hope, inspiration, or a tidbit to pass along to friends. I simply love it. KELLY DEMARIO Purses With A Purpose Have something to say? Letters are welcome via email to Sharon@LNcurrents.com or karsenprice@hotmail.com; or mail to P.O. Box 1676, Cornelius, NC 28031. All correspondence should include names and full contact information. TCW reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and brevity.

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U E E N

I T Y

E W E L S

PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

HAPPENINGS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

Forecasting Fashion Turn Up The Heat Burn The Floor Brings Ballroom To Life Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 12

ptly described as ballroom invented,“Burn The Floor” is a new generation twist to ballroom and Latin dancing that is coming to the Belk Theater May 16. The dance spectacular, called “the new rock ‘n’ roll” by critics, features five new original pieces by Jason Gilkison, shaking up any remaining preconceptions of the show. WantToGo? Belk Theater is located at 130 N. Tryon St. Call 704/372-1000 or visit blumenthalarts.org for information.

With Arlene Goldstein & The Mint

urious to discover the forecast for fashion, and meet an amazing Charlottean with quotable style? On May 18, Friends of the Mint is presenting its May lecture, Forecasting Fashion Trends, featuring Arlene Goldstein, vice president of trend merchandising and fashion direction, Belk Stores Services. Coffee is served at 10 a.m.; the lecture is at 10:30. WantToGo?

Friends of the Mint hold their monthly lecture at The Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. Call 704/337-2000 for information.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DRESS FOR SUCCESS CHARLOTTE

Tinsel Town Tunes Carolina Voices Takes On Hollywood

o you love the big screen? If so, don’t miss the glam, glitz, and twinkle of Tinsel Town in “Hooray For Hollywood,” a musical salute by Carolina Voices May 12 and 13 at McGlohon Theater. “Hooray For Hollywood” includes renditions of some of the best-loved songs to come out of Hollywood, including “My Heart Will Go On” from “Titantic” and “Take My Breath Away” from “Top Gun.” All selections will be performed live along with remastered film footage and photos, allowing music lovers and movie aficionados alike to enjoy a unique musical experience. WantToGo? McGlohon Theater is located at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. Call 704/372-1000 or visit blumenthalarts.org for information.

Walk The Walk Feel The Power

WantToGo? Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the walk begins at 9. Visit dfspowerwalk.org to register.

Sing It, Girl Peyroux Does McGlohon

adeleine Peyroux, the master of “smoke and whiskey vocals,” is coming to McGlohon Theater May 16, with special guest Nellie McKay in tow. Peyroux was born in Athens, Ga., and earned her start in the quaint, acoustic streets of Europe, where she molded her style after Billie Holliday and Bessie Smith. She is known for her intimately arranged covers of early American blues and jazz songs. Her oddly sparse recording career began in 1996; she is most known for her 2005 release “Careless Love,” by Rounder Records. A $1 fee will be added to every ticket purchased as a donation to the United Family Services Shelter for Battered Women. [TCW] WantToGo? McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square is located at 345 N. College St. Call 704/372-1000 or visit blumenthalarts.org for information.

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

oin the TCW team and help support Dress for Success Charlotte by participating in the second-annual Power Walk, a 5K walk around Freedom Park May 12. Today’s Charlotte Woman team members are planning to field a team of walkers, and will be available after the event to talk with readers. Last year, the Power Walk was held in three countries and 32 cities. The 2011 Charlotte Power Walk for Dress for Success raised more than $10,500 for DFS’ Professional Women’s Group. In 2011, Dress for Success Charlotte provided workforce preparedness, career retention, and/or career advancement programs and services to 979 women, up from 276 just five years ago.

GirlTime T I P S ,

T R E N D S

A N D

F A N C I E S

COMPILED BY KARSEN PRICE

Mother, May I? Celebrate Your Way This May or many people, May is known for Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day. For me, May has a different connotation. May is officially the month I start sucking in my gut. I happen to be fortunate enough to have a sister with the flattest stomach ever. (Read: Sarcasm.) It’s her strong suit, like my quads or sense of humor. I am the squishy stomach sister, and always have been. It’s not a fun title, let me tell you. It doesn’t help that I am notoriously lazy all winter. Oh sure, I work out regularly, running, lifting weights, and riding horses — but I don’t hold in my stomach. I give my stomach a winter vacation. And in return, it gives me … nothing. That all ends on May 1, though. At that point, I know very soon I will be somewhere in a bathing suit, preferably a twopiece, and most likely, my skinny sister will be nearby. (If you happen to see me then and I don’t speak to you, you’ll know why; it’s hard to hold your breath and talk.) Interestingly enough, my own personal appointment of May as Gut Sucking Month hasn’t become a national holiday. Yet. But perhaps that’s because May is jam-packed with national celebrations. Need a reason to celebrate this month? Take your pick …

May is officially: • American Bike Month • National Stuttering Awareness Week (watch “The King’s Speech” in honor of this week, which falls on the second week of May) • Asian Pacific American Heritage Month • Asparagus Month (Who knew?) • National Bar-B-Que Month & National Hamburger Month (Meat lovers everywhere, unite!) • National Mental Health Month (You know who you are.) • National Physical Fitness Month • National Older Americans Month (This year’s theme is “Never Too Old To Play.”)

And don’t miss these important, albeit smaller honors this month: May 2012 14

• National Lost Sock Day, which you can celebrate to your tootsies’ content on May 9 • National Clean Up Your Room Day, May 10 • National Blueberry Cheesecake Day, May 26

The Mint Julep, Revisited A Twist On A Historic Drink he first Kentucky Derby was held May 17, 1875, and the mint julep has been the race’s official drink since 1938. Even though we are a long way from Kentucky, the month still wouldn’t be the same without a toast in honor of horse racing’s most celebrated event, the Kentucky Derby, also known as “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” Why not follow the historical pack by trying a mint julep on for size this month? Traditional mint juleps are basically sugar, water, bourbon, and mint.Try these two twists on the traditional mint julep in honor of the 138th Kentucky Derby this month.

Orange Mint Juleps Courtesy of recipe.com. 2/3 cup sugar 1 cup snipped fresh mint leaves 1 teaspoon shredded orange peel 2 cups orange juice 2/3 cup lemon juice 1/3 cup bourbon or vodka (optional) Cracked ice 2 cups water

Cover; let stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Strain mixture through a mesh strainer; add liquor. Cover and chill up to 24 hours. Serve over ice. Makes 8 (4-ounce) servings.

1 cup sugar 2 cups water 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup bourbon 1/4 cup club soda Mint sprigs for garnish Combine sugar, water, and mint leaves in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature.Add the bourbon and club soda to the cooled syrup, stirring until combined. Freeze mixture according to manufacturer’s directions in an ice cream freezer. Place sorbet in a freezer-safe container and allow mixture to freeze for 4 hours before serving. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs.

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

Mix sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to boiling, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; pour over mint leaves. Stir in orange peel, orange juice, and lemon juice.

Mint Julep Sorbet Courtesy of Emeril Lagasse, foodnetwork.com.

GirlTime

“Give yourself the gift of a new experience.” — Michelle Icard

Mothers, Celebrate Yourself Go Extraordinary This Month otherhood has always been one of Michelle Icard’s callings. She recalls having the urge to parent as early as age 9. “My parents and I moved to Boston from Washington, D.C., and our new neighbors had four kids under the age of 6,” Icard recalls. “I could not have felt more at home in their messy, loud, loving home. Every opportunity I had, I would pop in to see if I could help take care of the kids.An only child, I loved jumping into their beautiful chaos and playing mini-mom.” As founder of Athena’s Path & Hero’s Pursuit, leadership programs taught in schools and summer camps, Icard knows plenty about playing mini-mom. However, she is painfully aware of how badly mothers need to view themselves as people, first and foremost. “As girls, many of us believed that growing up to be a mom would be the ultimate in fulfillment,” Icard says.“In fact, it is so profound and noble a position in life that it becomes easy to believe it is all we need, or can accommodate, in our busy lives. Maybe we’ll do something for ourselves when the kids go to daycare. Or kindergarten. Or college. “Sometimes,” she adds,“imagining the time and energy it would take to do things outside of our mom duties can be daunting.”

To counter that attitude, Icard challenges women to ask themselves: • Is your husband defined by more than being a father? • Is your son defined by more than being a son? • Is your daughter defined by more than being a daughter?

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 16

She asserts that all other members of the family enjoy activities, passions, and pursuits outside of the family. “You know that,” she says,“because you drive them to 90 percent of those pursuits!”As such, Icard encourages women to reward themselves with something extraordinary this Mother’s Day. “Give yourself the gift of a new experience,” Icard says. “This is not a ‘treat yourself to a mani/pedi’ kind of deal. Find some friends to go rock climbing at Inner Peaks; attend a writer’s workshop; buy tickets to a speaker series. Think big and bold! Trying something new keeps you young, ignites your passion, and allows you to bring all of your greatest potential to your family, your community, and the world itself.” Find more tips from Michelle Icard by following her website, MichelleintheMiddle.com.

Mix Your Metals This Season, Anything Goes! Breathing Fire Year Of The Dragon

he Year of the Dragon is considered to be one of the Chinese Zodiac’s luckiest years, full of love, prosperity, and success. (You are a Dragon if you were born in 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, or 2012.) In honor of the year of the dragon — and just in time for summer — create your own heat, with these dragon-inspired pieces by John Hardy, the master of edgy but sophisticated jewelry. Available from Nordstrom and fine jewelry stores.

Heavy Metal Make It Rose Gold emember when gold was king? Then it became a platinum world. This spring, color is the name of the game … and apparently that even applies to precious metals.According to Michelle Valcrose, sales associate at Michael Kors, Las Vegas, rose gold is the hot choice for accessories this year. “It pulls together your gold pieces, which are in style again, with your sterling silver and platinum pieces, and you wind up with a unique, warm look.” Available from Diana Warner Studio, dianawarnerstudio.com. [TCW]

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANA WARNER STUDIO

H E

O V E

WOMEN MAKING STRIDES • BUSINESS SUCCESS STORIES

Job Changes/Promotions Esthetician Nicole Ambrosio has joined Signature Style Salon; Ambrosio specializes in facials, microdermabrasion, and lash color and lengthening.

Lisa Stancil was promoted from job developer to business development representative with Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. She is responsible for identifying new business opportunities and employment opportunities.

YWCA Central Carolinas has named Monique Martin the youth learning center coordinator at YWCA’s newest location, Amay James. Martin will assist families in the community by offering daily services designed to help meet the needs of school-age children. Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 18

Carolyn Shaw has joined Kirk Palmer & Thigpen, P.A. as partner.

Leslie Gillock was named insights director at the marketing agency Insights Group, a division of Wray Ward.

Cassandra Shortt has joined the technology account management team at Sherpa.

New Business/Changes Linda Williams has opened Le-mu-el Women’s Couture & Designer Boutique in Jetton Village, located at 19826-A North Cove Road, Cornelius. Freelance Journalist Jodi Helmer has launched a series of mentoring programs for writers, including “The $50,000 Freelancer: Strategies To Help Writers Boost Their Bottom Lines.” Visit jodihelmer.com.

Mo2Salon has opened at 8200 Providence Road, Suite 900.

Awards & Installations YWCA Central Carolinas also has named Julianna Canfield director of fitness. Canfield will be responsible for directing, planning, and managing all program development and collaboration in the fitness department, including aquatics, group fitness, and community education.

Judge Yvonne Mims Evans was chosen by The Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County as the Doris Cromartie 2012 Honoree; she has been a Superior Court judge since 2003, and is currently the only female Resident Superior Court Judge in Mecklenburg County.

Angela J. Mattson, chief efficiency officer of Your Organized Guide Inc., was named President of Matthews Executive Group for 2012.

Sheila Passenant, an attorney with Wishart Norris Henninger & Pittman, P.A., has received United Family Services’ Commitment of Justice Award for her work in the agency’s Legal Representation Project. Since 2009, the Project has served over 650 victims of domestic violence by providing them free legal representation in obtaining domestic violence restraining orders. Sustain Charlotte has announced the winners of its first community-wide sustainability awards: June Blotnick, Clean Air Carolina, for Air Quality; Nicole Storey, City of Charlotte, for Buildings and Homes;Amanda Breeden, Michael Scott Mater Foundation, for Sustainable Economy; Helen Hilger, UNC Charlotte, for Outstanding Educator; Robin Emmons, of Sow Much Good, for Food; Ann Hayes Browning, Carolina Thread Trail, for Parks and Green Space; and Tracy Russ, Crossroads Charlotte, for Social Equity.

Katie Tyler, CEO of Tyler 2 Construction, has received NAWBOCharlotte’s 2012 Community Service Award.

NAWBO Notables Delaine Mead, owner of Valuebiz Business Furnishings & Relocation Strategies, has received the NAWBOCharlotte Woman Business Owner of the Year Award, given to a member who has demonstrated strong leadership skills in growing and managing a successful business that is more than five years old. Finalists for the award were: Gina Herald, Personal Success Partners; and Moira LoCascio, McLaughlin Young. Karen Bennetts, owner of Little Red Bird, has received the NAWBOCharlotte Rising Star Award, given to a member who has demonstrated entrepreneurial creativity in managing a business that is less than five years old. Finalists for the award were: Julie Bee, of Bee Smart Social Media; and Shay Prosser, of Get It Together Today. [TCW]

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TellUsYourNews

On The Move Send announcements about hirings, promotions, honors, and new business development â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all specifically about/for Charlotte-area women â&#x20AC;&#x201D; along with high-resolution images to Editor Karsen Price at karsenprice@hotmail.com.

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Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

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“Solefully” Stylish You’ll effortlessly pull together your look with this unique array of classy, trendy and glamorous women’s shoes, handbags, accessories and clothing. Styles range from casual to classy to chic. 72 Shoe Boutique 9856-G Rea Road • 704.542.0472 • 72shoeboutique.com

Discover Story by Kranz & Ziegler, the latest bracelet concept from Denmark. Choose from leather wrap bracelets, and over 100 expertly crafted sterling silver, 14k gold plated, or rhodium charms. You’re sure to find the charms that reflect special parts of your life and your style. Exclusively in our area at Leah & Co. Leah & Co. The Promenade • 5341 Ballantyne Commons Parkway • 704.845.5466

Colorful College Garters are a fun and playful way to show your team spirit. Perfect for weddings or graduation, no one will doubt your love for your (or his) alma mater. Mecklenburg Bridal 9101 Pineville Matthews Road (at corner of Park Road) mecklenburgbridal.com • 704.556.7789

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 20

Lift Your Skirts

Tell Your Story

Lovely Devotion This astonishing cross is handmade in Israel of Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones. Famous the world over, Mariana’s Jewelry is designed to spiritually uplift the wearer with good energy. The Mole Hole Colony Place • 7741 Colony Road 704.543.9969 • molehole.com

NeoStrata Summer Peels! Keep your skin looking radiant through the summer with this glycolic peel at Graper Cosmetic Surgery. This peel works gently in the hot summer months to enhance cell turnover and targets deeper layers for plumping and firmness while reducing fine lines and wrinkles, plus brown spots! Graper Cosmetic Surgery SouthPark • 704.375.7111 • grapercosmeticsurgery.com

Adorable and simple to use, the Stem Gem™ strawberry-stem remover will appeal to both children and kitchen-gadget fiends alike. A must-have for summer. Le Cookery Blakeney • 9844 Rea Road, Suite B • 704.542.5558

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

Berry Clever

A Modern-Day Mother Nature

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

Embryologist Lareina Welch Helps Charlotte-Area Couples Conceive By Lee Rhodes | Photos By Michael Hernandez

Making Babies Highly trained in laboratory and bio-techniques, embryologists prepare egg samples and sperm, and provide the necessary conditions for fertilization and embryo development in vitro. Embryologists also are certified to facilitate the growth, development, maturation, and preservation of human embryos. As a

result, couples facing fertility problems can take advantage of the advanced scientific processes available today to help them reproduce. “I love what I do,” Welch says. Her career began conventionally enough. Like many college students, she didn’t know what she wanted to be when she grew up. While earning

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

Birds, bees and ... microscopes? These days, the process of making babies is not necessarily what it used to be, and for many parents, this news is a godsend. Lareina Welch, M.S., plays a pivotal part in this modern-day, miraclemeets-science process. As an embryologist at REACH Fertility Clinic, Welch spends her days retrieving eggs, freezing and thawing eggs and embryos, processing sperm, and more. “I love having the ability to help couples have families,” Welch says. “I know how much having children changes your life for the better. This is truly my calling and my passion.”

“I love having the ability to help couples have families. I know how much having children changes your life for the better.” — Lareina Welch

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 24

her bachelor’s in science and biology at a New York state college, she chose biotechnology as a topic for a research paper, and was soon fascinated by the subject. She contacted a fertility clinic and spoke with Dr. Robert Kiltz, founder and director of CNY Fertility Center, central New York’s first successful in vitro fertilization clinic.“His excitement for helping couples really resonated with me,” she says. Welch soon accepted a position at Boston IVF, one of the country’s leading infertility treatment centers.There, she earned the requisite on-the-job training needed to build a career in embryology, which is the scientific study of embryonic development — the period from fertilization until birth.Welch worked in clinics in Augusta, Ga., and

Syracuse, N.Y., before arriving in Charlotte to work at REACH a few years ago. In layman’s terms, after the REACH physicians retrieve a woman’s eggs and follicular fluid through a specialized procedure, embryologists such as Welch view the eggs under microscopes.Welch isolates the egg and injects it with sperm.Then it’s off to the incubators for about a week to determine if the eggs will fertilize properly and become embryos. Fertility Facts A scientist at heart,Welch admits that her field excites her. She is especially passionate about one advanced reproductive technology in particular: vitrification.Through vitrification, scientists can instantly

freeze eggs and the embryo, in contrast to the more commonly used slowfreeze method. “The benefit is that both eggs and embryos survive the freezing and thawing process better, and eggs do far better with vitrification than with slow freezing,” Welch explains. “Freezing eggs is a growing trend for women looking to wait longer to have children.” Since more patients are freezing eggs for later use, the data around IVF success rates — which typically hovers around 42 percent for women under 35 — is changing.Welch explains that the single biggest fertility factor is maternal age, although many other issues affecting both women and men can come into play. Welch has plenty of advice for

programs.There are many different ways you can try to afford IVF,” Welch says. Ironically, while helping others conceive is her career, on a personal note, Welch is also currently “making a baby.” She and husband Jim are expecting a baby boy in July; he will join big sister Sidonie, who is 3. A believer in finding the work-life balance that best fits your life,Welch currently works part time at REACH, allowing her to spend precious time with her daughter. When she’s not working and raising her family,Welch writes a blog, Babymakerblog.com, which focuses on everything from fertility solutions couples can try before they visit a specialist to her own experiences as a mom. She also volunteers with The Sandbox, a nonprofit that joins

community resources to assist families in need, particularly those affected by poverty and disease. Welch says children are ever-present in her world.“My life is run by babies in all different aspects,” she says.“The balance of these two is the best of both worlds.” [TCW] ToLearnMore Visit northcarolinafertility.com for information about REACH Fertility Clinic.

Lee Rhodes is a writer in Waxhaw whose “babies” are now 7 and 9.

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

couples thinking about starting a family. Her best recommendation? “The sooner the better,” she says.“The true biological clock is much different than people imagine, and a women is really at her most fertile in her 20s.” She wants to clear up other misconceptions, as well.“Going to a fertility specialist doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be doing in vitro fertilization,” she says. According to Welch, there are many other options. Patients typically start with diagnostic treatments and then move on to intrauterine insemination. Welch notes that infertility treatments aren’t always covered by insurance, and because of the cost, people often wait longer to try the procedures.The good news? “Many centers offer financing and refund

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

Exercising Their Options

At Hilliard Studio, This Mother-Daughter Team Mixes Business With Pleasure By Melinda Johnston | Photos By Glenn Roberson This Mother’s Day, 6-month-old Aubrey Elizabeth Gray would like to honor her grandmother, Liz Hilliard — if only she can get her “Gandy” to sit still long enough. Hilliard is not known for being sedentary. In addition to her role as grandmother, the 58-year-old is also a wife, mother, former model, and coowner of Hilliard Studio Method in Myers Park, one of the most successful Pilates studios in town.

The Mother Of Invention The unique combination of Pilates, resistance training, ballet barre work,

and cardio was developed over a period of months, as mother helped precious daughter get in shape for her wedding. The two were already close. In fact, Clary spent much of her childhood traveling with her mother on modeling assignments. “In the 1980s and ’90s, I worked all over the Southeast, both on the runway and in print. My little girl — my future business partner — and my mother would travel with me. By the time Clary was 9 years old, she was

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

Along with her 29-year-old daughter and best friend, Clary Hilliard Gray, she has trademarked the Hilliard Studio Method, which promises to trim, sculpt, and tone like nothing else around. “It’s a results-driven, powerful workout unparalleled by any other workout method out there,” Liz Hilliard says.

“Clary and I have a symbiotic relationship. She’s my child and the CFO. I’m her mother and the CEO. We’re best friends. It’s the greatest way to have a business partnership.” — Liz Hilliard

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 28

hired as my ‘dresser.’ And she was really quite good at it,” Hilliard says. Clary attributes her mother’s success in life — no matter the arena — to her positive personality. “Mom is one of the most joyful, positive creatures you’ll find,” she says.“She is passionate for life and gives freely this positive energy to her clients, friends, and family. All of this wonderful sharing does need to be replenished, so you can usually find her recharging her battery at a movie Sunday afternoons.” After Clary graduated from Charlotte Country Day School and headed to UNC Chapel Hill, Hilliard decided to hang up her high heels and go back to school, as well. She spent a summer and fall in Toronto studying with Moira Stott, creator of STOTT Pilates. Upon returning to Charlotte, Hilliard opened a studio and taught traditional Pilates. Then Clary got engaged. She was

already power walking six days a week and taking hot-yoga classes, but she wasn’t getting the results she desired. Clary wanted to get in tiptop shape before her wedding day, and so she turned to her favorite Pilates instructor to fill in the blanks. “Clary wanted to lose a few pounds. She came to me and asked if I could help.We constructed this method together, and she was my muse. We added resistance to basic Pilates moves, then integrated weight training, as well as core-centric balance and stretching,” Hilliard says. “Clary ended up dropping two dress sizes, and we had to get her wedding dress resized several times. I thought I was in great shape, but I dropped a dress size, too. We quickly found out that was the norm. Every person who has come to us and stuck with the program for several weeks has seen dramatic results.”

All In The Family These days, mother and daughter are in the best shape of their lives, and doing what they love — together. Hilliard says Clary taught classes until two days before she gave birth, and returned three weeks after Aubrey Elizabeth arrived because she missed the workout so much. “She was begging to come back to work — not because her mother made her, but because she just loves it,” Hilliard says.“Clary and I have a symbiotic relationship.We are linked at the hip. She’s my child and the CFO. I’m her mother and the CEO. We work with a baby in the room.We’re best friends. It’s the greatest way to have a business partnership.” Clary agrees.“Now that I’m a mom myself, I have to say one of the greatest perks is to be able to run a business with the baby on my hip — or on mom’s

Wise Words “We’re trying to stay ahead of the DVD market,” Hilliard says.“Technology is changing so fast, we will be able to interact with a much larger community without diluting our brand.We will still do face-to-face classes in Charlotte, but with our website, we can branch out and serve clients across the world.” And they can do all of that together. [TCW] ToLearnMore Visit hilliardstudiomethod.com or call 704/236-3377.

Writer Melinda Johnston, an avid runner and grandmother, was so inspired by this story that she took Liz Hilliard’s advice to heart and wrote the entire story standing up.

Liz Hilliard offers the following advice on staying young as the years pass by: • Age is a badge of honor. The older you get, the more you need to own it. • Get off your bottom! Stand up, get out of your chair, and walk around. If you’re sitting down, you’re getting old. • Find the thing you love to do and do it. “Quit making excuses and just do it — write, paint, travel, whatever it is,” Hilliard says. “If you do what your heart desires, it will keep you excited and young and passionate about life.”

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

hip!” she says.“I feel blessed that I can be a mom and a businesswoman all at the same time.” Later this year, the two are taking things high-tech. Through their website, the mother/daughter team plans to offer Pilates classes online, so whether you are in Australia or Alaska, you can have access to the Hilliard Studio Method through your iPad, computer, or other smart device, anytime, day or night. Eventually, they hope to offer personalized training online to help individuals focus on the issues that bug them the most, be it arms, hips, tummy, or thighs.

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Idiom bangles, from top: In Full Bloom floral-print bangle, $148; When In Rome octagon-print bangle, $128; Come Full Circle bangle, $58; Good As Gold goldtone bangle, $48 each (three shown); Hot To Trot skinny bangle, $32; Gild The Lily skinny bangle, $32. Kate Spade â&#x20AC;˘ Nordstrom & Nordstrom.com

orange You Glad

By Dana Durham

This Season, Bursts Of Color Make The Outfit

ntense color.

If you don’t have it in your wardrobe, you might want to hit the mall. Asap! Gone are the days where neutrals ruled the world. Kiss vanilla goodbye; give beige the boot; tell black to brighten up. Today’s fashion forecast includes bursts of colors, paired with even brighter hues. And no color seems to be more popular than the hottest of oranges. This season, the trend seems to be the more the merrier. Pair those oranges with plenty of pink … and throw in a sprinkle of lime-green for good measure. Want to add a dab of purple? Go for it! From delicate bangles to chunky shoes to everything in between, color is the name of the game. After all, what goes best with brights? More brights, of course.

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

Halle slingback, color-blocked platforms, $88.95; Evangela anklestrap sandal platforms, $97.95. Jessica Simpson • Nordstrom & Nordstrom.com

fashion Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 34

Color-blocked dress with dropped waist. Price not available. Marshalls & Marshallsonline.com

Colored jeans, $19.99. Marshalls & Marshallsonline.com

Sweeney cap-sleeve dress with scoop neckline, $378. Kate Spade • Neiman Marcus & Neimanmarcus.com

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

Hammered and multi-stone, sterling silver bangles, $250 to $950. Ippolita • Nordstrom & Nordstrom.com

fashion Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 36

Jacket, $348; knit shirt, $88; pants, $188. Elie Tahari • Nordstrom & Nordstrom.com

Pleated laser-cut dress in crepe de chine, $395. Douglas Hannant • Neiman Marcus & Neimanmarcus.com

One-button jacket, $98; sleeveless chiffon tank, $59; cropped pants, $69. Halogen • Nordstrom & Nordstrom.com

Three-quarter-sleeve, color-blocked matte jersey dress, in 14w-24w, $158. Adrianna Papell • Nordstrom & Nordstrom.com Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

Watercolor floral-print caftan with skinny Powder jeans, $980. Roberto Cavalli Neiman Marcus & Neimanmarcus.com

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

y r T

By Trevor Burton

Tempranillo A Shy Grape With

Plenty Of Character

ntil recently, the Tempranillo grape has kept its name out of the headlines. That doesn’t mean you haven’t sipped on a glass or two, it just means that the grape didn’t toot its own horn too loudly. That’s beginning to change. Tempranillo is the workhorse grape of northern Spain, but its name rarely appears on wine labels from that region. Like most Old World wines, the majority of Spanish wines are named for the region they come from rather than the grape that’s in them.There is an excellent chance that in your winetasting moments, you’ve stumbled across a wine from the Rioja region of Spain. If you have, you’ve already made friends with Tempranillo. If you haven’t, it’s time to get acquainted. Rioja wines are typically blended, but Tempranillo plays the major role, making up 70 percent or more. The other players are Garnacha, Graciono, and Mazuelo. There used to be a French influence with the use of Cabernet Sauvignon, but that faded as growers figured out that local Spanish grapes produced an excellent wine. Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

Some Like It Hot Tempranillo (and its friends) thrive in the hot, almost desert-like conditions in Rioja — and that shows through in the wines. A deep red-black color, they scream out the character of the climate they are grown in. There’s lots of fruit on the nose: blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries.There’s a little bitterness or harshness … almost a charcoal aroma.These are definitely mouth-filling,“meaty” wines with lots of structure that comes from the grape’s tannin. And that structure stays around to the finish. On the palate the wine is spicy — sweet, peppery fruit with chocolate and butter oak. There are hints of grilled meat and leather within the wine.

Some of the depth of character of Rioja wines comes from their aging. On the label of some of the wines, you’ll see the words Crianza, Reserva, or Gran Reserva.These designations tell you how long the wine has been aged in an oak barrel, and then in a bottle. Crianza wines are aged for 12 months in a barrel, and 12 more months in a bottle. At the higher level, Gran Reserva wines are aged 24 months in a barrel, and then 36 months in a bottle. Reserva and Gran Reserva wines are deeper and more complex due to this extra aging time.

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 40

Chillin’ Out What shapes the character of Rioja wines is the Ebro River. The vineyards of the region are found on the northern and southern slopes along the river. A little farther south is another river that gives its own, distinct character to wine — the Duero River. This wine is also made mainly from the Tempranillo grape. The name of the wine is Ribera del Duero, which means “the riverbanks of the Duero in the Duero Valley.” The Duero River flows into Portugal on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to the vineyards that produce grapes for Portugal’s famous Port wine. Ribera del Duero is all about altitude.The region is at 2,300 to 3,300 feet elevation, which is the highest average elevation in Europe for growing vines. In comparison, Rioja’s more rugged topography has gorgeous mountain vistas, yet most of its vineyards lie between 1,300 to 2,000 feet elevation. Ribera’s altitude has a great influence on its wine.There is plenty of clear air, with more than 2,400 hours of sunlight per year. During the summer there is a huge diurnal swing; the vineyards experience temperature fluctuations ranging from 100 degrees during the day to 50 degrees at night. The cool night temperatures do two things: 1) They slow down ripening — meaning, more hang time for the grapes to develop their flavor components, and 2) they allow grapes to build up a good level of acidity.

These are exactly the right conditions for producing deep, complex wines. Inevitably, Ribera del Duero is compared to the Rioja region.The two wines are both made mostly from Tempranillo. Ribera del Duero wines are subtler than their Rioja siblings. The goal of many of the winemakers in Ribera del Duero is toward a Burgundian style rather than a Bordeaux style — which means more nuance than power. The wines are a rich, red color. The aromas are refined.There are scents of ripe strawberries, chocolate, and figs. The supple tannins and acidity create a velvety feel in the mouth.There’s a floral aspect of violets, and the fruits are brighter than those found in Rioja. In the background there’s a bit of earthiness. All of this leads to a long and satisfying finish. One grape, two regions that shape its character. Terrific.

On the palate the wine is spicy — sweet, peppery fruit with chocolate and butter oak. There are hints of grilled meat, leather, and spice within the wine.

California, Here I Come Tempranillo is branching out a little bit. And, if you’re a grapevine, where better to set down some roots than California? It is, however, a bit of a work in progress, as winemakers try to find the growing conditions that can coax the best out of the grape. An area where winemakers are getting it right is Paso Robles. Bodegas Paso Robles has a goal of producing wines using Spanish and Portuguese varietals, and they make blends of Tempranillo, as well as a wine with 100 percent Tempranillo. An indication of how this grape might become a star in California is the fact that the prestigious Jarvis winery is getting on board. Jarvis produces premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and other wines. They are now producing wines made from 100 percent Tempranillo grapes. And so it seems that the shy grape is finally ready to stand up and be noticed for its rich complexity. [TCW] Unlike the Tempranillo grape, shyness is not a Trevor Burton attribute — check out that bow tie! However, the certified sommelier does like to get away from the grandeur that can make the world of wine intimidating.

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By Victoria Moreland

SALSA?

Yes, You Can c

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

inco de Mayo might mean an easy excuse for warm chips, fresh salsa, and salt-rimmed margaritas — but what about the rest of May … and the rest of summer? There’s no reason you can’t have fresh salsa every day, especially with the ripening of fresh tomatoes right around the corner. The important thing to remember is, you can make homemade salsa! Or so says Kristin Stone, who owns Unity Farms in Iron Station, N.C., with her husband, Jason. In fact, Stone says it’s quite simple to pull off a spectacular salsa. “Salsa is not complicated,” she says. >

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 44

Tomato, To-mah-to Making fresh salsa is a common practice for Stone, so much so that she doesn’t follow a recipe. She simply grabs a handful of fresh tomatoes and mixes it with cilantro, onion, and peppers, all produced from her own farm. Salsa ingredients are available for purchase on Tuesdays from her stand at Meeting Street Market at Cedar Walk. (Visit meetingstreetmarket.com for directions.) Stone encourages creativity with salsa concoctions, but there is one ingredient she insists upon. “Cilantro is the key ingredient to any salsa,” she says. But what about those who don’t like cilantro? (Yes, they do exist.) For those, Stone says to add her other “secret ingredient” … cumin. “It’s the something that people notice because it just adds a special touch,” Stone says. Then, of course, there are those red, ripe tomatoes to chop or puree, depending on how you like your salsa — chunky or smooth. Stone suggests “a nice ripe tomato.” But you don’t want it too ripe or your salsa will be mushy. “ You want it to have a texture to it,” she explains. Stone prefers roma tomatoes because they contain less water than your traditional heirloom tomatoes. She especially likes black plum tomatoes for their sweetness.

Tools & Techniques Chef Susan Batten, a senior instructor at Johnson & Wales University, offers techniques for preparing fresh salsa. First, use scissors to clip herbs such as cilantro. Sharp knives are safest, and “for those who don’t cook much, a serrated knife is great for tomatoes,” she says. When it comes to those pesky peppers, be careful! Batten says washing hands afterward is a must;

Tunes To Salsa By Here’s a suggested song list to bring out your inner spice girl: “Tequila,” by The Champs “Hips Don’t Lie,” by Shakira “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems,” by Kenny Chesney “Bamboleo,” by The Gipsy Kings “Hot Hot Hot,” by Buster Poindexter Anything by Gloria Estefan

better yet, she suggests wearing plastic gloves. She offers specific advice on how to cut the peppers. “Remove ribs and seeds from chiles, which is where the capsaicin [the hot stuff] is the most concentrated,” she says.“Cut peppers in half, scrape out the membrane and seeds, cut into thin strips, and then cut strips into cubes.” And whatever you do,“Don’t rub your eyes!” she cautions. If you want a little sweet to go with the spice, why not whip up a salsa with peaches? Peach stands will be popping up soon, and when they do, you’ll be able to enjoy the sweetness of fresh peach salsa with your favorite pork, fish, or chicken dishes. If you like, go ahead and scoop it up with a salty pita chip. Here are a couple of recipes to get you started. But remember, as Stone suggests,“It’s not an exact science.” Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipes until you find the right combination for you.

recipes From Simple To Spectacular Salsa Mexicana Courtesy of Rick Bayless, owner of Frontera Grill; rickbayless.com. 1/2 medium white onion, chopped Hot green chiles to taste (usually 1 to 2 serranos or 1 small jalapeno), stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped 12 ounces chopped red ripe tomatoes (about 2 medium-to-small round, or 4 to 5 plum) 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (thick bottom stems cut off) About 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Chop the onion and tomatoes into 1/4 inch pieces. Carefully remove the stems and seeds (if you wish) from the jalapenos and finely chop. Scoop the onion into a strainer, rinse under cold tap water, shake off the excess, and transfer to a medium bowl. Add the peppers, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime. Stir well, taste and season with salt, usually about 1/2 teaspoon. Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to serve.

more >>>

Mango And Peach Salsa Courtesy of Sunny Anderson; foodnetwork.com. 2 peaches, peeled and medium diced 1 mango, peeled and medium diced 1/2 cup chopped red onion 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro Salt and freshly ground black pepper Toss all the peaches, mango, onions, jalapeno, lime juice, oil, and cilantro together in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Note: If the fruit is under-ripe, toss with some lime juice and 1 tablespoon sugar. Set aside to macerate for 15 minutes before adding the other ingredients and refrigerating.

Shop, Don’t Chop No time to make your own? According to Epicurious.com, these chunky-style salsas fared the best on taste tests: Gringo Mountain Gringo Salsa Tostitos Chunky Salsa Pace Chunky Salsa Frontera Chunky Tomato Salsa

Mild Green Chile Salsa Courtesy of Joyce Robertson. South Charlotte’s Joyce Robertson has been preparing this salsa for over 20 years.“Every time I have an office get-together, this is what people want,” she says. “I have to make it.” When you want to share your salsa with friends and family, this is the way to go, especially if you grow tomatoes and have a bumper crop. It involves canning, but you’ve come this far, so why not take it to the next level?

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 46

10 fresh jalapeno peppers, or 3 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chiles 8 pounds firm, ripe tomatoes, chopped (Note: Place the chopped tomatoes in a colander to let the juice drain.You don’t need this juice because the tomatoes will make enough juice once they cook.) 3 cups chopped onions 1 cup chopped green bell pepper 1/4 cup lemon juice 6 tablespoons distilled white vinegar 4 teaspoons dried leaf oregano 3/4 tablespoon salt Dash of garlic powder

Clean and coarsely chop the fresh hot peppers, if using. Set aside. (Save some of the seeds depending on how hot you want the salsa to be.) Coarsely chop the tomatoes. In a large pot, combine the hot peppers and tomatoes with the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, cover, lower heat and simmer 5 minutes. If you want the salsa “hotter,” add some of the saved hot jalapeno pepper seeds to the mixture. Working with one jar at a time, ladle in salsa, leaving 1/4 inch space from the top of the jar. Wipe rim of jar clean with a damp cloth, and attach lid following manufacturer’s directions. Place filled jar in canner. Repeat with remaining jars. Process in a boiling water bath 45 minutes.Yields 8 pints. Note: Refer to the foodnetwork.com for specific instructions on canning; search for “how to preserve.” [TCW]

Victoria Moreland is a freelance writer who constantly found herself hungry while working on this feature. She’s looking forward to the bounty of tomatoes in her garden and all the fresh salsa she can eat.

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The Queen City

here’s an old adage, “It’s a man’s world,” but we beg to differ. From a grimy street corner to a smiling child to the curve of metal and concrete high in a Carolina blue sky, we believe that the idea of “woman” radiates within the tiniest of details. It is this quality that makes our city — and world — a better place. The levity and passion and utter strength that is femininity can be found everywhere. You only need know where to look.

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Angels: The epitome of eternal, gracious femininity.

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For the beauty of the earth.

There’s a “Queen” in all of us.

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Faith and the Firebird.

Green beans equal grandma.

Love, loss, and the search for good mascara.

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A N D

W E L L

Organic Foods Are They Really Healthier? e’ve all heard that organic fruits and vegetables are superior in nutrients compared to traditionally farmed foods. In fact, there are times when I have decided not to buy produce simply because it wasn’t organic. Apparently, any veggie is a good veggie. A 2009 analysis by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine of 46 related studies found that “there is no evidence of a difference in nutrient quality between organically and conventionally produced foodstuffs.” According to Alan D. Dangour’s report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,“A small number of differences in nutrient content exist between organically and conventionally produced foodstuffs, [but] whereas these differences in content are biologically plausible, they are unlikely to be of public health relevance.” In other words, don’t put down that red pepper just because you can’t find an organically grown one. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, not eating enough is a bigger concern for Americans. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables — whether organically or conventionally grown — is the key to good health; it has been shown to have positive effects on obesity, heart disease, digestive health, and certain types of cancer. New studies have discovered even greater benefits from the phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables, suggesting they play a greater role in human health than previously thought. Worried about pesticides on your produce? Then give the Residue Consumption Calculator a whirl at safefruitsandveggies.com/calculator/.The guide helps calculate how many fruits and vegetables a person would have to consume to come close to reaching a harmful pesticide residue level. And a 2008 USDA report found that 98 percent of fruit and vegetable samples had no detectable residue levels. Still worried? Take necessary precautions. Wash all produce thoroughly to remove any residing bacteria, dirt, and pesticides. Rinse all fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water, including those with skins or rinds that aren’t consumed.Then, eat up.Your body will thank you for it.

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 52

You Beat Cancer … Now What Focus On Total Health

study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research’s annual meeting revealed that nearly half of cancer survivors die of something other than cancer. After a cancer diagnosis, patients tend to get tunnel vision, working hard to beat the known enemy. However, this often leads patients to overlook other health problems. As a result, researchers are urging cancer survivors to pay closer attention to all aspects of their health as they age.

Sleep Less, Eat More? Get Your Zzzzz’s Or Risk Overeating

The study followed 1,800 cancer survivors over the course of more than 18 years, and found that 776 of the patients died. Of those, 51 percent eventually died from cancer, and 49 percent died from other conditions. “After the detection of cancer, clinicians and cancer survivors pay less attention to the prevention and treatment of other diseases and complications,” says lead researcher Dr.Yi Ning, assistant professor in the department of epidemiology and community health at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.“We shouldn’t neglect other aspects of health because we are focused on cancer and overlook other chronic conditions.” The longer a person had survived after the initial cancer diagnosis, the more likely they were to die from another illness. Of those who died during the study period from a condition other than cancer, 33 percent had been diagnosed with cancer within the previous five years. A whopping 63 percent had been diagnosed 20 years earlier.

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012

re you sleep deprived? A recent study presented to the American Heart Association suggests you might be eating more as a result. In the study, 17 healthy men and women were split into two groups and studied for eight nights.The control group received their normal amount of sleep; the other group was allowed only two-thirds of their typical amount of shut-eye. All participants were allowed to eat as much as they wanted during the study. Those in the sleep-deprived group slept one hour and 20 minutes less each night than those in the control group.They also consumed an average of 549 additional calories per day. Both groups burned relatively the same amount of energy for activity, proving false the idea that those who are awake longer burn more calories during the day. The study found that a lack of sleep was associated with increased levels of leptin and decreased levels of ghrelin, both of which are appetite-associated hormones. However, the change in hormones was found to be a result of overeating rather than the cause of overeating. “Sleep deprivation is a growing problem, with 28 percent of adults now reporting that they get six or fewer hours of sleep per night,” says study co-author Dr. Andrew Calvin, a cardiology fellow and assistant professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic. The study was small, and therefore needs more research before a cause-and-effect relationship can be proved. But just to be safe, you might want to give your body the sleep it needs.

“After the detection of cancer, clinicians and cancer survivors pay less attention to the prevention and treatment of other diseases.” — Dr. Yi Ning

HealthFlash

Put That Packaged Food Down! Blame Your Bad Moods On Trans Fats eeling grouchy? It might be all those trans fats you just ate. Trans fatty acids, found in baked goods, fried foods, and other prepared snacks and foods, might be tied with negative and even aggressive behavior, according to a study by the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. In the study, published online in PLoS ONE, researchers found a connection between the amount of trans fats people consumed and their levels of irritability, impatience, and believe it or not, aggression. Researchers analyzed the diet and behavior of 945 men and women, and considered other possible contributing factors, such as each participant’s history of aggression and alcohol and tobacco use. The study explains that dietary trans fats are “primarily products of hydrogenation, a chemical process that makes [unsaturated] oils solid at room temperature.” Previous research has linked dietary trans fatty acids to adverse health effects on lipids (such as cholesterol), metabolic function, insulin resistance, inflammation, and cardiac and general health. Study leader Dr. Beatrice Golomb, an associate professor in the UC San Diego department of medicine, says that higher levels of trans fatty acids in the diet were “significantly associated with greater aggression.” Dr. Golomb adds,“If the association between trans fats and aggressive behavior proves to be causal, this adds further rationale to recommendations to avoid eating trans fats, or including them in foods provided at institutions like schools and prisons, since the detrimental effects of trans fats may extend beyond the person who consumes them to affect others.”

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 54

Attention, Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Opt For Aggressive Treatment pdated treatment guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology suggest that people in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis should receive more aggressive treatment from the moment they are initially diagnosed. More than 1 million Americans have rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic disease that causes pain and swelling in the lining of joints. Three-quarters of those diagnosed are women. The guidelines were published in Arthritis Care & Research, and are the result of emerging opinions that RArelated joint damage is irreversible. Likewise, early, intensive treatment helps preserve patients’ physical function, quality of life, and ability to work. The updated treatment recommendations guide doctors in the use of two main classes of rheumatoid arthritis treatment: disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and biologic agents. “With so many new advances in the treatment of RA since 2008, it was important to update recommendations now as the field strives to better control disease progression and improve quality of life,” says guidelines principal investigator Dr. Jasvinder Singh, an associate professor of immunology and rheumatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.“The new guidelines offer for the first time guidance on how and when to switch between drug classes.”

A Defense Against Dementia Get Moving To Reduce The Risk

recent study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise reveals that those who are physically active have a lower risk of dying due to dementia. In the study, researchers assessed the health of more than 45,000 men and nearly 15,000 women, ages 20 to 88 years.The study grouped the Americans into one of three fitness categories — low, middle, or high. After an average follow-up of 17 years, about 4,050 participants died. Of those deaths, 164 were attributed to dementia (72 due to vascular dementia; 92 due to Alzheimer’s disease). Of those 164 deaths, 123 of the people were in the low-fitness group, 23 were in the middle-fitness group, and 18 persons fit in the high-fitness group. Researchers concluded that those in

the high- and medium-fitness groups had less than half the risk of dying as those in the low-fitness group. “These findings support physicalactivity promotion campaigns by organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, and should encourage individuals to be physically active,” says study author Riu Liu. Liu conducted the study as part of her dissertation at the University of South Carolina, and is now a postdoctoral fellow at the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. In the United States, deaths associated with heart disease, breast cancer, and stroke have declined in recent years; however, deaths related to dementia and Alzheimer’s have risen 46 percent between 2002 and 2006. [TCW]

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From Child To Mother

hen my mother experienced sudden-onset dementia at age 63, I was unprepared for the changes her illness would bring to my life. I was 40 years old, and when people asked if I had children, I’d grown used to answering, “Yes, the fuzzy kind,” in reference to my two golden retrievers. I never expected to become a parent. Until her hospitalization, my mother had been self-sufficient: living alone, driving, managing her own finances. Unfortunately, 20 years of alcoholism had taken its toll on her, and when she stopped eating — and kept drinking — it didn’t take long for her body to shut

By Tamara Titus

One Woman’s Search For Balance see her, and when she remained inconsolable, we cried together. Over time, the situation stabilized. My brother Everett took charge of repairing my mother’s house in Georgia so we could sell it. He handled the contractors and the real estate agent, and whenever I needed a sympathetic ear, he listened. My husband kept me sane and organized. And after months of physical therapy, my mother learned to walk again. Only short distances, and she required supervision, but it was progress. Her strength and balance improved, and her hallucinations faded. Her memory, though, remained a mess. “Oh,Tamara, look at these,” she said one day when we were shopping in

clippers to help another patient cut off his WanderGuard monitor. Her missing monitor turned up in the toiletries bin in her room. I scolded her after the clippers had been taken away. “Mom, what you did was very dangerous,” I told her. She held up her leg and pointed to the replacement monitor. “I had this thing off for three days,” she said. “I could go out onto the front porch anytime I wanted. It was great!” I couldn’t help it. I laughed.This was the mother I remembered from childhood.The funny, resourceful mom who used to unwrap her Christmas presents while my father was at work, then wrap them up again so that they looked untouched.

Every Dairy Queen Blizzard that we eat is the best one she’s ever tasted.

Today’s Charlotte Woman | May 2012 58

down. After a three-week hospital stay in Georgia, she remained incontinent, unable to walk, and delusional. She was unable to form new memories, and the neurologist indicated that her recovery would be slow and incomplete. Faced with this daunting prognosis, I admitted my mother to a skilled nursing facility near my home in Charlotte. I spent six hours a day with her, but it was seldom enough.The nursing home called every time she fell, and every time she became combative or tried to escape in her wheelchair. For her protection, the staff fitted her with a WanderGuard ankle monitor that locked the exterior doors if she got too close. When nighttime approached and her anxiety increased, she would often call me crying. “I want to go home,” she’d say. “They’ve stolen my wallet, my cell phone, my keys.” I always drove over to

Marshalls. “These shoes are adorable.” The black and tan saddle oxfords looked like something she might have worn in the 1950s. I helped her find her size and we put the shoes in our cart. Twenty minutes later, we were headed for the checkout line and we passed the shoes again. “Oh, look!” she exclaimed. “Look how cute these are. Do you think they have my size?” I opened the box we’d already selected.“They sure do, Mom,” I said. “You picked these out a few minutes ago.” She laughed, unfazed by her mistake. “Well, I guess you know I really like them!” she said. Not long after that, my husband and I returned from a vacation to Asheville and discovered that my mother had been causing trouble at the nursing home. She’d been caught using her nail

It’s been 18 months since I brought my mother to Charlotte, and she remains childlike in many ways. When I take her out, I carry a purse large enough to hold her Depend underwear. She’s easily distracted, and I have to watch her closely in parking lots. But I’ve discovered that her memory loss has an upside, too. Every Dairy Queen Blizzard that we eat is the best one she’s ever tasted. Every trip to Freedom Park is her favorite. She has shown me both the pitfalls and the joys of parenting, and those are lessons I would have missed. [TCW] Tamara Titus is a recipient of the North Carolina Writers Fellowship in fiction. She is a full-time writer and part-time caregiver who shares her mother’s passion for dessert.

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