KEY
TO THE
'20S
r u o y k c o l Un l a i t poten
JANUARY 2020
Today’s Woman / January 2020
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contents JANUARY 2020
spotlights
12
ENCOURAGE
4 Manifesto INFORM
6 Today’s Woman In The Now
56 Every Five Minutes INSPIRE
8 20+ Things To Do In 2020:
• Self Care (p. 8)
• Be a Better Friend (p. 10) • Meal Prep (p. 12)
• Organize Your Stuff (p. 32) • Fond of Louisville: 4 International Foods You Have to Try This Month (p. 34) • Volunteer Your Time (p. 36)
• Try a New Type of Fitness Workout (p. 18)
• Commit To a Fitness Challenge (p. 46)
• Catch Up & Curl Up (p. 24)
LIFESTYLE
• Make More Money (p. 30)
January 2020 / TodaysWomanNow.com
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• Three Ways to Relax Into Motherhood (p. 16)
58 What we can learn from national influencers who live right here
64 Celebrations: Sarah and John Hamilton
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features
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• Go Have Fun (p. 26) • Try a Solo Trip (p. 28)
• Take a Local Vacation (p. 40)
Today’s Woman / January 2020
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JAN. 2020 | VOL. 30 | NO. 2
PUBLISHER Cathy S. Zion publisher@todaysmedianow.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Anita Oldham editor@todaysmedianow.com
January 2020 Today’s Woman Manifesto
e b t ’ n o D m a e r d a killer.
We hope this issue challenges you in all arenas of your life!
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Lucy M. Pritchett
If you decide to only change one thing — read the article on Be a Better Friend (pg. 10), and join me in making this a year that you are intentional about where you spend time and how you treat your friends, coworkers, and neighbors.
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR April Allman april@todaysmedianow.com
Show you care.
CAMPAIGN MANAGER Jessica Alyea jessica@todaysmedianow.com
Listen. Don’t try to wait for the perfect time to help, because your schedule probably isn’t really going to slow down. When a friend shares an aspiration or goal, encourage and support those dreams. Encourage it authentically by avoiding jealousy and envy. — Anita Oldham
ON THE COVER: Lanisha Porter, is bringing back ’20s style for our 2020 kickoff cover. Lanisha wrote about taking a solo trip on page 28, but is involved in different arenas around this city, including Urban Girls Rock, a mentoring program for young women as well as being an author and speaker. Makeup by Stephani Jones, Z Salon and Spa Hair by Dianna Shanklin Outfit provided by The Nitty Gritty Photo by Melissa Donald
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tiffany White tiffany@todaysmedianow.com
DESIGN DIRECTOR Jill Cobb jill@todaysmedianow.com PHOTO DIRECTOR/PHOTOGRAPHER Melissa Donald melissa@todaysmedianow.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jillian Jones jillian@todaysmedianow.com
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Scheri Stewart Mullins scheri@todaysmedianow.com BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Rachel Reeves rachel@todaysmedianow.com SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS Susan Allen susan@todaysmedianow.com Teri Hickerson teri@todaysmedianow.com MEDIA CONSULTANTS Bailey Crush bailey@todaysmedianow.com Jennifer Phillips jennifer@todaysmedianow.com CIRCULATION MANAGER W. Earl Zion INTERN Emily Elliotte Today’s Woman is published monthly by: Zion Publications, LLC 9780 Ormsby Station Road, Suite 1400 Louisville, KY 40223 Phone: 502.327.8855 TodaysWomanNow.com TodaysMediaNow.com The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the position of the publisher. Today’s Woman magazine does not endorse or guarantee any advertiser’s product or service. Copyright 2020 by Zion Publications LLC, all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited without permission from Zion Publications LLC.
ADVERTISE: Call 502.327.8855 or email advertising@todaysmedianow.com.
REPRINTS: Call 502.327.8855 or email reprints@todaysmedianow.com.
SUBSCRIBE: Send $18 to the above address for 12 monthly issues.
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January 2020 / TodaysWomanNow.com
Today’s Woman / January 2020
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I N T H E N OW inform
|
inspire
|
encourage
YOUR WORDS
What are you changing in your life for 2020? Food and fitness @REBECCAINKY
Making healthy food choices. @IDM4MK
My weight and an overall healthier lifestyle.
#TodaysWomanLove
SONIA R SCARLETT
@MAKEITMAMMA showing off her holiday decorations #Repost
Nothing relevant but New Year is near so smile and be happy :-) @THEBARTENDERWORLD
Spend more time with my son and work less! JENNIFER LYNNE GILLESPIE
#TodaysWomanLove
@AB.DYE said it best — there’s something magical when seasons collide. #Repost
We love hearing from you! Watch our Facebook page and Instagram stories for a monthly question! Tag photos on Instagram with #TodaysWomanLove.
UPCOMING EVENTS FE BRUA RY 8 | 6 P M - M I D NI G H T A MER IC A N H E ART ASS O C I AT I O N H E ART BALL Heart Ball celebrates these efforts to build a foundation of health in our community and ensure everyone lives a longer healthier life. The evening festivities will include dinner, a live auction, an opportunity to Open Your Heart and further support the mission. Formal invitation to come.
F E BR UARY 13 | 5:30-8P M C E LE B RATI NG 28 YE ARS O F TOD AY’S W OMAN & O U R RI G HTS Join us on Galentine’s Day as we celebrate our 28th Birthday and the anniversary of the Women’s Rights Movement. Network with the community, listen to motivational speakers, and win some amazing giveaways and door prizes. todayswomannow.com/28birthday
BUCKET LIST FOR 2020 In 2020, make time for yourself. Whether you cuddle up on the couch with a good book or treat yourself to a manicure, self love is important. Here are a few things for your bucket list this month:
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January 2020 / TodaysWomanNow.com
WE AR YO UR FAVO R ITE O UTF IT
TRY A NE W R E STAURANT
G O IC E SKAT IN G O R SKIIN G
Today’s Woman / January 2020
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WELCOME TO JANUARY 2020! Let’s start off this year with a perfect vision of new challenges, new experiences, and a heightened life full of self care and confidence. Today’s Woman talked to women all over the city to find opportunities that just might be your next big thing.
Self Care By Lindsay McDonald
STOP FOR TEA TIME With over 150 teas on its wall, the Louisville Tea Co. has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a boost of energy or relaxation, Nicolette Spears, who opened the shop in 2012 with her husband and family, can recommend the perfect tea for you. “We have a tea for everything,” Nicolette says. If relaxation is what you seek, there are several specific blends that she suggests. The Bashford Bedtime Brew is an herbal tea they blend in-house. The combination of chamomile, rose, and lavender will help to lightly relax the mind and body without causing drowsiness. Aptly named Relaxation, Nicolette recommends this white tea to help calm the nerves. If you are looking for something a little stronger, Chill Out contains Valerian root, which can help promote sleep. “Tea leaves contain the natural compound theanine, which helps reduce stress and ups energy,” Nicolette says. Sounds like a winning combination for anyone looking for a little self care in a cup.
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January 2020 / TodaysWomanNow.com
Louisville Tea Co. 502.365.2516 louisvilleteacompany.com Pouch Sampler – 3 teas for $15
Photo by Melissa Donald
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+
THINGS to do in 2020
SOME TOUCH THERAPY If your focus is self care, Elizabeth Rackley recommends a 90-minute massage that is tailored to meet your needs. “If you are coming in to pamper yourself, you want that extra time, and 90 minutes is the sweet spot.” With co-owner Marie Brown, Elizabeth opened A Breath of Serenity, which has been offering massage services from its St. Matthews location for 10 years. A Breath of Serenity 502.614.8444 abreathofserenity.com 90 minute therapeutic massage $97
Young or old, everyone can benefit from massage and its numerous benefits, which include reducing stress and pain, improving circulation, and increasing range of motion. Joan Mayhugh, a long-time client who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, credits her vitality to monthly visits to A Breath of Serenity. “It keeps me going,” Joan says. “Elizabeth is my lifesaver.”
Ladyfingers Catering 502.245.7734 ladyfingersinc.com Charlotte Russe Dessert $45-$55
SOAK INTO IT Accessible and affordable, the simple act of bathing can become an indulgent experience for the senses if pampering is the goal. Bath enthusiast Greta Tucker has been taking baths exclusively for over 20 years and knows the benefits that a warm bath can provide. “The bath is a safe place for me,” Greta says. “The soothing water warms my body and makes me feel good.” Greta recommends a soft back brush and bath pillow for longer bath sessions. On days where she really wants to indulge herself, dimming the lights and lighting an aromatherapy candle can help to deepen the relaxation experience. For an additional splash of self care, bath salts or bubbles can be added.
EAT SOME CAKE! Ladyfingers Catering has been offering Old World, home-style catering with originality and artistry for 30 years. Among its extensive menu, desserts still take the cake if you want to indulge and feel luxurious. “Eating a decadent dessert is like a pat on the back for something you deserve,” says Owner Deborah Lowery. Her go-to for a truly indulgent experience is the Charlotte Russe. This special-order dessert is prepared using ladyfingers around the bottom and the outside and is topped with fresh whipped cream and chocolate curls. The inside consists of Kahlua-soaked ladyfingers sandwiched between a layer of chocolate mousse and white espresso mousse. Deborah also recommends the popular strawberry filling if you prefer a more traditional taste.
Today’s Woman / January 2020
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Be a
Better Friend
By Tiffany White
Do your friendships need a reboot? Susan Vernick, founder
and owner of Etiquette Chics, has suggestions on how to keep your new or long-standing friendships strong. Relationships are not fed by neglect. Investing in them helps them to grow and be healthy.
SHOW YOU CARE Be intentional about planning times to be together. Schedule things ahead of time. Getting together can be as simple as meeting for coffee or a quick lunch. Try to make it a routine. For example, plan a monthly lunch at a new restaurant. LISTEN When together, don’t monopolize the conversation. Ask yourself: are you really listening or are you waiting to talk? Try the 2-2 technique. Look at your friend face-to-face and listen for two minutes without interruption. Nod and smile and acknowledge you are listening and then ask two questions about what they shared. Share this with a friend so that both of you can become better listeners. DON’T BE A DREAM KILLER When a friend shares an aspiration or goal, encourage and support those dreams. Encourage it authentically by avoiding jealousy and envy. BE LOYAL Care for and help your friend, whether it is through an up or a down time in life. Be present and don’t try to wait for the perfect time to meet or talk, because your schedule probably isn’t really going to slow down. You have to show you care even when the timing isn’t perfect. LEARN TO DISAGREE OR DEAL WITH ISSUES AS THEY ARISE Speak directly to your friend if an issue or disagreement arises and don’t involve other people. If there is some ongoing tension, say to your friend: ‘I feel like our connection is weakening. What are your thoughts?’ Apologize if necessary.
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USE PROPER ETIQUETTE Introduce your friend to other friends and family members. Be on time for outings. Short of an emergency, don’t back out of a planned gettogether. Respond to calls and texts in a timely fashion. Don’t constantly be on devices when you are with your friend. January 2020 / TodaysWomanNow.com
Today’s Woman / January 2020
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Meal Prep By Tammy Gilles Photos by Erika Doll
Ready to commit to a different way of eating but cannot seem to stay on track? You can find lots of mealprep options in the area to help you. Here’s a closer look at three.
Prep Meals 502 Cost per meal: $7-$11 | prepmeals502.com
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“THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION WITH MEAL PREP IS THAT IT HAS TO BE SUPER BORING.”
{
Prep Meals 502 offers a variety of options including keto, paleo, vegan, and vegetarian. Order online for pick up or delivery as well as in-store shopping. Meals are fresh and include nutritional information.
{
When Jamie Stitch realized that her personal training clients were struggling with knowing what to eat, she wanted to help. Prep Meals 502’s concept is “ready-to-eat macro meals.” Jamie says, “The biggest misconception with meal prep is that it has to be super boring. We really have some fun, healthy dishes. We play around with the flavors. You don’t have to sacrifice the flavor when eating healthy. “
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Kristel Allen’s story of weight loss is what ultimately inspired her to start her meal prepping business, Kristel’s Keto Kitchen. What started off as helping a few coworkers plan and prepare their meals each week turned into a business. Kristel attributes much of her weight loss success with “making meal prepping a lifestyle.” Kristel says, “It helps you to be ready and prepared for life.” Kristel focuses on preparing high protein, low carb meals for herself and her clients each week. Custom orders are an option as well. Kristel’s Keto Kitchen offers pickup or delivery to specific locations. Kristel’s Keto Kitchen Cost per meal: $6 or 5 meals for $25 502.356.9301 | facebook.com/kristelsketokitchen
{ {
“IT HELPS YOU TO BE READY AND PREPARED FOR LIFE.”
Home Cuisine is a family-owned meal delivery service run by mother-daughter duo Sandy and Mae Pike. Mae believes that what’s important for success is staying the course. “We come in to help folks who don’t have the time or know how to cook. We just make it easy,” she says.
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“WE COME IN TO HELP FOLKS WHO DON’T HAVE THE TIME OR KNOW HOW TO COOK.”
{
Home Cuisine Cost per meal: $7 homecuisineonline.com
{
Home Cuisine offers fresh, readyto-eat, portion-controlled meals. Choices include classic caloriecontrolled, keto, vegetarian, and paleo plans. Orders are placed online or by phone. Deliveries go out on Tuesdays or Fridays, or can be picked up at various locations around town.
January 2020 / TodaysWomanNow.com
Equality
Matters
MEET MARY ELLEN WIEDERWOHL
Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, 45 Chief, Louisville Forward
I
have let life bring me the next good thing by doing what I love and being in roles that allow me to give back,” Mary Ellen says. For over two decades, she has been in public affairs in some capacity, having worked in Frankfort in the state legislature under David Karem as well as in an education agency during Governor Paul Patton's tenure. Mary Ellen now leads economic and community development for the city of Louisville, working to attract, retain, and expand businesses as well as plan, design, and determine land use.
WOMEN MENTORS
Mary Ellen is the first to say she has worked for phenomenal women and men, including David Karem, Terry McBrayer, and Greg Fisher. “I feel extremely fortunate to have had male and female mentors, coaches, and ultimately, friends who have helped me to progress as a person and as a professional,” Mary Ellen says. A female mentor who stands out for Mary Ellen is Marie Abrams, a former legislative aide for David Karem. “She is a take-no-prisoners, straight-forward, get sh** done person. She taught me early on, in that heavily male environment of Frankfort and government, how you could be a strong yet feminine woman and be powerful,” she says.
WHAT SHE DOES TO BRING ATTENTION TO WOMEN AS LEADERS
Mary Ellen says young girls identify men as leaders before women as early as age six, and it’s partly because so many political and corporate leaders happen to be men. “The most important thing I can do is show up. I can be present, I can be obvious. I can be at the podium, at the microphone, in front of the TV cameras,” she says.
BY CARRIE VITTITOE PHOTO BY MELISSA DONALD
IN CELEBRATION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE, which granted women the right to vote, an anonymous supporter joins us in celebrating today’s Suffragettes, who continue to work for political and economic equality as well as social reforms.
PROMOTION
THREE WAYS TO RELAX INTO
Motherhood By Tonilyn Hornung
I parent hard. After driving to 11 different stores to find the right glue stick for my 6-year-old’s school project, then panicking that I bought the wrong glue stick for my 6-year-old’s school project, then worrying I left the glue stick in the grocery store bathroom, I can feel overwhelmed. Luckily, I’ve learned how to relax through these sticky parenting situations, but I didn’t start out that way. As a first-time mother, I was overcome by feelings of worry and self-doubt every time my newborn blinked. This tension was taking over my daily life, and I was running on a stress level like I’d never known. I decided to shift my focus and concentrate on more positive thoughts, and take the time to employ a few yogabased techniques to help support my new outlook. Here’s how I went from stressed out mom to chilled-out mama.
“WE NEED TO LOVE OURSELVES ENOUGH TO TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES.” 1. Staying In The Present: “Concentrating on your breath can clear your mind from worries and stresses,” says Brandi Leslie, yoga instructor for Yoga Baum and Waterside Wellness. “A simple breathing technique used for relaxation is to inhale for 4 seconds, hold that breath for a count of 7, and then exhale slowly for 8 counts.” When my mind jumps into the future and worries about all I haven’t accomplished, I breathe and come back to the present. This way I don’t miss out on laughing with my son or listening, and I’m able to stay fully engaged in the connection I share with my family. 2. Letting It Go: I’m a planner, but I quickly discovered not much goes according to plan in the land of motherhood. No matter
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how many diapers I methodically packed, I always needed more. No matter how many lists I made, I always left something out. I’d berate myself for being unprepared, until I realized this only served to sour my day. Choosing to “go with the flow” has helped me step more easily into a new plan and let go of the old, unworkable one. A yoga pose to complement this ”letting go” mindset is Standing Forward Fold. Brandi says, “It’s a mild inversion that reduces stress and energizes.” To practice Standing Forward Fold, stand with your feet flat on the floor and place your hands on your hips. On an exhale, fold forward over your legs and put your hands on your ankles or on the floor. Take a deep inhale as you come up to standing and then fully exhale. 3. Knowing I can Handle It: My big fear as a first-time mom was a result of questioning my parenting skills. Standing strong in my belief that I’ll be able to handle those tricky parenting problems
has helped me feel more grounded in my ability to guide my kid. To get grounded, Brandi suggests the active standing pose Tadasana (or Mountain Pose). “This pose helps you feel strong and rooted. Stand tall so that your shoulders are over your hips, and feel the floor underneath your feet. On an inhale, raise your arms out to the side, and then up over your head, and on an exhale bring them back down. Stand and breathe deeply.” Motherhood can be a wild ride. On the days I parent hard, I know when I take time to relax and breathe, I’m a more positive and engaged mama. Brandi says, “As we walk out into the world, we want to feel like we can do that wholeheartedly. In order to do that, we need to love ourselves enough to take care of ourselves.”
Today’s Woman / January 2020
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TRY A NEW TYPE OF
fitness workout By Taylor Riley Photos by Melissa Donald
If you’re like me, you’ve tried barre, yoga, kick-boxing, cycling, and more in an effort to find what exercise would propel you to pull yourself from underneath those warm blankets at 7am. I’ve tried it all in search of a homebase, and I can’t choose just one.
So, what’s a reasonably-fit girl to do? What if I could go to different workout boutiques every day? I found it is possible! I tried ClassPass, an app designed for the active girl or guy who doesn’t want to commit to one business or exercise style over the other, and it is the perfect choice for me. My friends also signed up when they agreed to my recommendation for workouts together instead of drinks together. Here’s a bit more about a few of the boutiques in Louisville participating in the program. PAGE 20 >>
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Today’s Woman / January 2020
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Our writer, Taylor Riley, goes through a yoga move with owner Jessica Santos.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH OF YOGA
Yoga is something that I love to do once a week to get my mind right. For two years, Exhale Yoga in Jeffersontown has been on the second floor of an elegant office building. It’s quiet, clean, well-lit, and welcoming to all levels. “I really wanted it to be a non-intimidating yoga space,” says Jessica Santos, owner and a native of J-Town. Jessica had been teaching yoga in the Highlands and St. Matthews before she opened the only yoga practice in J-Town. Exhale joined ClassPass last year and Jessica says it helped the new studio market itself to experienced and new exercisers. “Personally, teaching to beginners keeps me fresh,” she says. “It keeps my job fun.” The app, she says, brings a variety of people to the studio who might not try yoga. “We have a class for everybody,” Jessica says. “We strive for no one to feel uncomfortable. If everyone did yoga, everyone would be much more happy.” She says her classes will teach users to “breathe, stress out, and feel good” and will help deal with the stresses of life.
l STRENGTHEN THE MUSCLES AT BARRE
I’ve been a fan of barre, a group class that incorporates the ballet barre and dance movements, for years and was super pumped that there were so many options available on ClassPass. One of my favorite studios, The Barre Code in Middletown, is owned by Heather Thomas, who has been in the fitness industry for over 14 years. Heather says the app is “for people who love fitness, who are adventurous, like to try new things, and are open-minded,” Heather says. “Our classes are all like this.”
Barre classes are a good option for someone who wants a different type of fitness experience.
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Heather says she’s seen growth for her studio, as those who want a flexible workout schedule can sign up for Boot Camp, Total Body Conditioning, Brawl, Heated Barre and Yoga, and the cornerstone The Barre Code classes. These classes include stretches and tiny muscle movements using small hand or kettle weights, stretchy bands, disks, and the ballet barre in a dark, barely-lit room. She wants everyone to feel at home at whatever class they choose, and her studio doesn’t treat ClassPass members any different than The Barre Code members. “Go to the places where you feel welcome,” Heather says. PAGE 22 >>
Today’s Woman / January 2020
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Boxing, kickboxing, and boot camps are a few of the fitness options available at SixPax.
POUND IT OUT AT FITNESS
Want to let some aggression out while burning hundreds of calories? When screaming into a pillow just doesn’t do it for you anymore, kick-boxing at SixPax Fitness may be the place to try next. Owner Christine Alfred has been in the fitness industry for a while, managing boxing boutique 9Round Fitness before she opened her own studio two-and-a-half years ago. “I wanted a gym to offer variety,” Christine says about her facility, which mixes TRX strength training, kickboxing, boot camp, one-on-one and group fitness training, as well as offers nutrition counseling. The name SixPax comes from Pax, Christine’s one-eyed beagle who is featured on the company’s logo. Christine and her family are passionate about rescue animals, so she’s made it the gym’s mission to help animals and people. She’s partnered with Pitbulls of St. Francis to hold puppy yoga classes, where rescue dogs, saved from fighting and emergency situations, roam around while people practice yoga. All of the proceeds go to the program. Christine’s gym has been on ClassPass for about a year, and she finds it is a great way to have people find her location and step inside. It’s not for any one type of person; whatever your ability, injury, or limitation, she wants all her members to feel strong and confident. “Wherever you are in your journey, you are welcome here,” Christine says. “Every member is a part of our ‘Pax.’”
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WHAT IS CLASSPASS? “ClassPass is a monthly fitness membership that provides users with access to thousands of different studios, gyms, and wellness offerings across ClassPass cities worldwide,” according to its website. The number of classes you can take each cycle depends on your membership plan, and you choose how to use your credits (up to 10 credits roll over). For example, a barre class may cost three credits, versus if you paid without the app, it may cost you $20. You can add additional credits each month and refer others for a lower rate. HOW DO YOU USE IT? Download the app for free, create a profile, and sign up for a month-long trial. Choose a class to attend by choosing “find a class” and either typing in an activity or a venue, along with your zip code.
Today’s Woman / January 2020
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Catch Up Curl Up
&
THE BEST BITS OF CULTURE YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED IN 2019 By Vanessa Hutchison
If you’re like me, 2019 went by in such a blur that it was difficult to keep up with the books, TV, and music that everyone was talking about. Last year brought us Lizzo and Billie Eilish, not to mention the final season of Game of Thrones and Margaret Atwood’s The Testaments. With so many incredible options over the past year, it’s entirely likely that a few key cultural moments may have flown under your radar. No fear; I’m here to make sure you don’t miss out. 3%: THE BEST NETFLIX SHOW YOU’RE NOT ALREADY WATCHING The opening moments of 3% introduce us to a world that doesn’t seem like too distant a reality: A young woman living in poverty in a town in South America gets a notice on an earpiece that lights up; she has somewhere to be. We learn that once a year in this dystopian future, every 20-year-old competes for a better life with 3% of them being chosen to live their lives in a separate society with no poverty or struggle, creating the ultimate divide between the haves and have-nots. 3% was filmed in Brazil but is dubbed over in English. While the voice acting is not always on point, the compelling story and complex characters will have you hooked by the third episode. DEAR GIRLS: THE BOOK FOR ANYONE WHO HAS A DAUGHTER — OR IS ONE. Like many, I was first introduced to Ali Wong through her Netflix comedy special, Baby Cobra, which she filmed while extremely pregnant with her first child. Touring while pregnant had to be difficult, but it proved to be a genius move, ramping up the hilarity of her offbeat humor, and opening the door for other projects — including a second Netflix comedy special and a featurelength film. Now, Ali Wong has penned her first book, Dear Girls: Intimate Tales, Untold Secrets, and Advice for Living Your Best Life, and it is exactly what you might expect — a poignant and heartfelt look at motherhood and womanhood sprinkled with Wong’s sense of humor.
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DUA LIPA: THE NEW VOICE THAT FEELS LIKE YOUR FAVORITE JEANS At the age of 24, it is no wonder that Dua Lipa’s fanbase skews young. But there’s something about her smooth voice over disco-inspired dance tracks that feels both comfortable and very new and sexy at the same time. While the lovelorn lyrics of many of the songs on her self-titled debut album might betray the inexperience of her youth, the fun dance beats and beautiful melodies will have their hooks in you before you even know what’s happening. MY LOVELY WIFE: THE DELICIOUS BEACH READ THAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED So many great books came out during the first half of 2019 that I missed out on My Lovely Wife until late October, which worked out perfectly since this fictional tale of murder and intrigue turned out to be ideal for the spooky season. The concept is deceptively simple: a husband and wife find that killing young women adds a little something to their marriage. My Lovely Wife is the debut novel by new author Samantha Downing. She is set to release a follow-up in April, and I will be devouring it as quickly as I can get my hands on it. MERCY BELL: THE SELF-TITLED ALBUM THAT’S AS PERSONAL AS IT IS POLISHED Mercy Bell is not a new artist, but her self-titled album released in October, feels more vulnerable than any of her previous work. With relatable lyrics and a folksy sensibility that has been compared to Linda Rondstadt, it is no surprise that Mercy Bell’s songwriting has been gaining in popularity. Reviewers love to talk about the artist’s unique voice as both gay and Filipino, but the fact is, the identity of her music doesn’t belong to any group; it is all her own.
Today’s Woman / January 2020
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go
have fun
And... REUNITE WITH AN OLD FRIEND DISCOVER KENTUCKY DREAM UP A CRAZY PLAN
By Carrie Vittitoe
More often than not, the friends you have in middle school are not the friends you have in adulthood. You develop different interests and then follow different paths in life’s grand journey. Longtime friends Leigh Roach and Tamara Schneider, however, are like school girls having the time of their lives. Together, they created a lifestyle blog called Kentucky Taste Buds (kytastebuds.com), launched a podcast based on their blog, and now have a radio show on Lexington, Kentucky’s KISS 96.9. To be clear, Leigh and Tamara’s friendship was not without its challenges. “We were inseparable all through middle school and high school. We went off to roommate together in college, and we lasted six weeks. We had a huge falling out and did not talk for 10 years,” Leigh says. When Tamara offered an olive branch, Leigh accepted, and their friendship was renewed. Over the years, their friendship has seen them through job changes, raising children, and divorces. Both women experienced what amounted to mid-life crises of sorts, but Leigh found inspiration from her love of reality shows. In May 2017, Leigh called Tamara and said: “I have this fantastic idea. We’re gonna have a little fun. We’re gonna get out, go explore Kentucky, do all these
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free things, blog about it, and rediscover ourselves.’ I thought I was really going to have to sell Tamara on this because I’m known for my crazy ideas.” Tamara’s reply was: “OK.” Leigh owns a graphic design company, so she created a website and a brand, while Tamara did the writing for the blog. They started small, going to restaurants and events, and their experiences have evolved over time. “We suffer from the same affliction that a lot of native Kentuckians suffer from, and that’s thinking you have to go outside the state to have a vacation or experience something. We had just barely scratched the surface of all there is to see and do in our own backyard,” Tamara says. “We have this quest to become ambassadors for the state, so to speak.” After launching Kentucky Taste Buds, Leigh and Tamara were noticed by local radio shows and invited to talk about their blog. In early 2018, their connections with people in radio soon led them into starting their podcast, Brunch With the Buds, because they had access to a recording studio and professional producer.
While there is some overlap between the blog and podcast, the podcast allows them to venture a little beyond simply a Kentucky focus. They have talked about being mothers, Southern hospitality, and current events in the country. However, most of their shows have some kind of Kentucky flavor. They’ve featured Jason Whitis, a shrimp farmer in the state; Hannah Hardesty of Kids Cancer Alliance; and Michele Zavatsky, author of Kids Love Kentucky: A Parent’s Guide to Exploring Fun Places in Kentucky. As their blog and podcast presence has grown, Leigh and Tamara have gotten new and exciting opportunities that have come with their own unique learning curves, including their new radio show on KISS 96.9, which airs on Saturdays from 10am-2pm. They aren’t talk-show hosts, but rather disc jockeys who provide fun banter between songs. Although life gets tiring for them, especially since the blog, podcast, and radio show are not their full-time jobs, Leigh and Tamara are not complaining.
“WE’RE HAVING THE TIME OF OUR LIVES. WE SIGNED UP TO DO THIS,” LEIGH SAYS. Photo by Hunter Mitchell of Photography by Hunter Drake
The two friends have been pleasantly surprised by the doors that have opened since they started their adventure. They do a blog, podcast, and radio show besides full-time jobs.
Part of what makes everything work is the fact that Leigh and Tamara are longtime friends who allow each other to use their unique strengths to keep their enterprise and themselves balanced. “Tamara calls me the ‘grinder.’ I’m the visionary. Nothing is ever good enough for me. She’s the grounder. She says, ‘Leigh, remember. We’re here to have fun,” Leigh says. “We would love it to be full-time, but we have different ways to get there.” They’ve learned a lot over the past two years and have made mistakes along the way. They’ve learned to not be afraid to ask for help or opportunities. They’ve learned that the benefits they’ve gained from their experiences have far outweighed the pain of their failures. “To have an idea, to take it from nothing to something, and to do it with my best friend; I’m so thankful for that every day,” Leigh says. “Tamara and I are going to ride this train as long as it will drive us somewhere.”
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HERE ARE FIVE THINGS I DID TO PREPARE FOR CUBA: Safety Safety should always be a concern, although it shouldn’t stifle how you live. Taking time to actively be aware of your surroundings, research destinations, and share your daily itinerary with a trusted source should bring peace of mind. A huge key while traveling solo is sharing your location in real time via cell phone with a friend/loved one back home. Proper Documentation You will need a passport. In addition, you’ll need a visa, which can be purchased at the airport.
Lanisha Porter in Cuba during her solo vacation.
Try a
Solo trip By Lanisha Porter
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Political Awareness Many believe that Americans can’t travel to Cuba. This is incorrect. As of June 2019, U.S. citizens can travel to Cuba, but the reason must satisfy a travel category such as “Support of the Cuban people.” Photo submitted
“At first you feel awkward...then after a while you just begin to live.” At 24, I've traveled alone twice journeying to Mexico and — most recently — Cuba. Traveling alone means that in the most practical ways, you don’t have the luxury of depending on someone familiar to you. Simple things like having your picture taken or needing a trustworthy eye to keep sight of your belongings, make you get creative or devise a strategic plan ahead of time. Traveling alone may also bring about unsolicited remarks from others pondering why you are solo. You may notice a tinge of judgment in instances where you’re dining out and the waitress questions, “Oh… just one?” The question — and sympathy settling on her face — confirm what you already suspected: eating alone in public is…awkward. While traveling alone can seem scary or uncomfortable at first, it can also be a transformative experience.
Currency Exchange Take cash! Cuba doesn’t recognize American credit or debit cards. Research currency rates and decide which conversion will be most inexpensive. I exchanged my American dollars (USD) to Canadian money (CAD) in the U.S., and then upon arrival to Cuba I converted to Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). Lodging My lodging was accommodated through Airbnb, and it made my experience a breeze. My host provided me with airport pick-up/ drop-off, a cell phone, breakfast, and walking tour. Additionally, through Airbnb I was able to book group trips and sightseeing experiences — such as spending the day in Viñales, overlooking a breathtaking valley while having lunch with other travelers. This is a great way to naturally socialize with others. Traveling alone doesn’t mean traveling isolated. As I played water frisbee at the Santa Maria beach with my newfound friends, I felt content. There I was all alone immersing myself in a new culture unbothered by the noise of my high-pace life awaiting me back home.
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Make More Money By Anita Oldham
We talked to Louisville’s own bestselling author Rachel Richards, who at age 27, quit her finance job and retired, now living off $10,000+ per month in passive income.
What are three smaller, realistic things I can do this year to change my money situation?
“Passive income is no get-rich-quick scheme, so let’s get that out there first. Passive income is money earned with little to no ongoing work. It takes either time or money to create; there’s no such thing as a magic money tree. But once you create a passive income stream, it becomes much more hands off.”
“First, start a budget. Yes, that sounds very tedious and boring, but budgets are empowering. A budget is a tool to get you where you want to go. Want to pay off your student loans? Start a budget. Want to buy a house? Start a budget. You can use the free financial tracking tool called Mint, which will pull all of your transactions into one centralized location. Track your expenses for one month; once you do that it will be very obvious where to cut back.
Third, when it comes to saving more money, we tend to focus on cutting expenses… which is great! Getting your spending in line is essential. However, it’s only half the equation. We can also save more money by increasing our income. Commit to finding one small, simple way to increase your income on a weekly or monthly basis. Can you offer to mow the neighbor’s yard? Babysit? Take an extra shift at work? Rent out a spare bedroom in your house? Manage your entrepreneur friend’s social media accounts? Better yet, focus on both decreasing your expenses and increasing your income to really make an impact with your savings.”
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Photos submitted
Second, start paying more than the minimum on your credit card. Credit cards are designed to keep you in a vicious cycle of debt. Exorbitant interest rates combined with low minimum payments mean you’ll be paying it off for years to come. But even if you pay an extra $50, $20, or $10 toward the balance each month, you can shave off literally years from your debt-free journey.”
Rachel has two bestselling books. Her first book, Money Honey, is geared toward female millennials. In November 2019, Rachel launched her second book, Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement, where she outlines 20 different passive income stream models.
HOW ABOUT 21 DAYS OF SELF-LOVE? “Self-love is about learning how to love and accept ALL of you just as you are right now, while striving to be the best version of yourself and create changes through love not force.” — Sara Drury, in her new book 21 Days to Self-Love. Kentucky author Sara Drury offers up 21 days (because that is how long it takes to create a new habit) of easy-toincorporate short, actionable tactics in her self-coaching guide and workbook. “The book is meant to be your companion, and I am your guide. For 21 days, I ask the reader to set aside 10-30 minutes daily to do the work inside,” Sara says. (saradrury.com)
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Organize your stuff By Tiffany White
If your home is overrun with clutter, clearing it out is easier than you might think, according to Kim Jones, owner of L+K Home Organization. Being organized, she says, is about “taking the time to put a system in place that works well for you and your family.” Kim offers workshops and speaking engagements targeted toward moms who need help staying organized. She recently published The No-Nonsense Home Organization Plan.
Rather than placing cosmetics loosely in a drawer, Kim suggests using a makeup organizer or, if you need additional space, opt for acrylic stackables shown here. Lazy Susans are also another good option, because you can use them for perfume, hairspray, and other essentials. “You can place it on the countertop in your bathroom, spin it, and grab whatever you need.”
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Photos submitted
Use baskets to teach your children how to keep their bedroom and toy area organized. Baskets without lids she says, are ideal for kids because they can place items in them effortlessly. “I’ve learned with kids that you have to make it as easy as possible.”
When organizing your space, Kim says it’s best to start in the kitchen where there is no emotional attachment, because it will be easier for you to get rid of items quickly. “I tell people to start either with their junk drawer or their spices.” Oftentimes, people don’t check the expiration dates of their spices, which creates more clutter in the pantry. Before you buy anything else, take out all of the items in your pantry to determine what you do and don’t need. Categorizing your items, Kim says, is an important step most people miss. “People don’t know what they have in their pantry, and then they buy the same thing. When you categorize things, you’ll find that you have four opened bottles of cinnamon, because you forgot you had it.” Use containers for items such as sugar, cereal, or ground coffee and label the containers to help your kids find what they need fast.
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4 International Foods
FOND OF LOUISVILLE
You Have to Try This Month Story and Photos by Madeleine Dee
A new year is upon us, and it’s so tempting to stay home daydreaming about getting away for a relaxing vacation after the stress of the holidays But most likely, you’re focused on eating better, exercising more, and spending less. Why not cover all the bases by braving the chilly weather and taking a mini culinary vacation right here in Louisville? No plane tickets required. Madeleine Dee (AKA The Seasoned Cynic) is the resident chef of Logan Street Market and the owner of Fond, Fond Originals, and Bold Bird Productions. TheSeasonedCynic.com
KIMBAP k I love kimbap (also spelled gimbap), which is the Korean version of sushi. It features fillings such as egg, pickled vegetables, and braised meats. The rice is slightly sweet and flavored with sesame, which distinctly sets it apart from Japanese sushi. Choi’s Asian Market serves it warm on a roller by the register! You can choose between beef and veggie. Also good to note is that it’s wrapped tightly but pre-sliced, so you can drive around eating delicious slice by delicious slice without making a mess. Check out Choi’s Asian Food Market on Facebook.
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n PRINSESSTÅRTA Any avid fan of The Great British Baking Show remembers the episode when Mary Berry cackled with glee about issuing the difficult challenge of making Swedish Princess Cakes. The bakers shook as they assembled tender layers of almond cake with raspberry jam, vanilla custard, and whipped cream, then covered their creations with green marzipan. Truly a special dessert, the Swedish Prinsesstårta is difficult to find in the United States. Luckily, Smör Nordic Bakeri here in Louisville makes them to order. Check out www.smorbakeri.com. IG: @smorbakeri
n TRUE SMOKED SALMON A toasted bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but did you know that what we typically call “smoked” salmon is actually cured, and that truly smoked salmon is another thing? It’s tender, meaty, and delicious. Even though you can make your own at home, it’s way easier to grab some right off the smoker at Highland Fish Market in Chenoweth Square! While you’re there, pick up the freshest fish and seafood in town, as well as some handmade crab cakes. Visit HighlandFish.com.
l LEPINJA My best friend, Hallie, is married to a man from Bosnia named Emir. It has been a genuine pleasure over the last decade to spend time with his family and learn about southeastern Europe. Emir introduced me to B H International Market, where he and Hallie regularly shop for cured meats, cheeses, and a traditional Balkan bread called Lepinja (also sometimes spelled lepina and called “somun”). When I want an extra special treat, I buy a bag of this bread, which is frozen but thaws quickly and tastes wonderfully fresh. One night for dinner, try placing some Lepinja in the center of the table and share something new with your family! It’ll be fun. You can find B H International Market at 3914 Bardstown Rd., Suite 101 (behind Café Joker).
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Volunteer
your time
Volunteer to brighten someone’s day. Attend an upcoming event to help one of these local non-profit organizations. Here are five organizations that would love to get you involved.
By Tiffany White
SPARC HOPE, SINGLE PARENT RESOURCE CENTER
(FORMERLY MOM’S CLOSET RESOURCE CENTER) Mission: SPARC Hope encourages single moms and dads to pursue higher education and make career choices that will help them become self supportive.
SHIRLEY’S WAY Mission: The organization provides financial assistance to cancer patients living in Louisville and Southern Indiana. “We send out a lot of gift cards for gas and groceries. We cover utility bills,” says Mary Koppel, patient advocate for Shirley’s Way. Impact: Shirley’s Way has gifted over $800,000 since 2014 with a goal of reaching $1 million in 10 years. Volunteers: The organization has a strong base of volunteers but needs sponsorships and donations to continue providing financial assistance. Events: You can attend the annual 27th annual Cabo Wabo Coat Party at Mellwood Art Center on January 11. This year, all proceeds benefit Shirley’s Way. Contact: Shirleysway.com
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Impact: Thirty-nine graduates have completed the program. “A couple of our alumnae are working at Centerstone as social workers. One graduate is now an attorney in Kentucky and Indiana, and she does pro bono work for our moms when they need assistance. Another graduate owns her own cabinetry business, and we feel so blessed because we’ve gotten to see some of these moms’ kids go to college, which is really neat,” says Laura Wingfield, executive director of SPARC Hope. Volunteers: Volunteers are needed to assist with office duties, manage the in-house grocery store, plan events, write grants, and work with the parents. Events: SPARC Hope will be having its 8th annual Opening Night fundraiser event at Churchill Downs on April 25, 2020. Contact: Sparc-hope.org
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WELLSPRING Mission: Its mission is to promote recovery for people with serious mental illness through behavioral health services, crisis stabilization, case management, and employment services.
LIGHTHOUSE ACADEMY AT NEWBURG Mission: Lighthouse Academy at Newburg offers a safe place for students to achieve academic excellence. It provides homework assistance to students starting from kindergarten through eighth grade, Monday through Thursday. “We want to provide an experience that will foster a love for learning. We want to encourage them to learn and enjoy learning,” says Cynthia Overall, director of operations and student services. Impact: The organization offers a summer and fall camp, which draws more than 100 kids annually and often has a waiting list. Its summer camp starts the second week of June and lasts for five weeks. Their fall camp starts the day after Labor Day. “Our program has given the community something to look forward to. We hear all the time that this program has been a big help, and it is free,” Cynthia says. Volunteers: Volunteers are needed to assist students with reading and math. Events: The first weekend in August, Lighthouse Academy at Newburg has its Health and Back to School Art Fair, where physical exams, eye exams, and school supplies are provided to students. Contact: Thelighthousecenter.org
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Impact: The organization served 1,000 people in 2019. Kathy Dobbins, CEO of Wellspring, says its partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless and the Metro Housing Authority has enabled them to provide housing for more people. “We were only providing services to people for housing we owned, so it limited the number of people that we could serve,” she says. Now clients have the option of either living in housing provided by Wellspring, or Wellspring can help them secure housing somewhere else. Last year, its crisis unit served 560 people. “Close to 95 percent of the people who come to our crisis units are able to get their crisis stabilized without requiring a more expensive, intrusive in-patient stay and then are able to return home and resume their lives.” Volunteers: Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Derby Preview Party, to work on landscaping projects, assist with client holiday parties, and cook meals. Donations are welcome. Events: The Derby Preview Party — an annual fundraiser — will be held April 21 at Churchill Downs. Contact: Wellspringky.org
MY DOG EATS FIRST Mission: My Dog Eats First provides free pet food, supplies, and veterinarian care including free spay and neuter services for the pets of the homeless and the underserved in Louisville. “We do so in a non-judgmental environment, because we understand that finances shouldn’t dictate who is worthy to be loved. Everyone deserves someone who can help them look forward to tomorrow,” says Betheny Buster, founder of My Dog Eats First and owner of Paws Pet Care. Impact: Betheny says her organization spent nearly $7,000 this year to provide free spay and neuter services, which helps to reduce the homeless pet population. It works with Pets for Life to provide a lowcost veterinarian clinic in West Louisville and pay for emergency pet care. Its annual operating budget is $50,000 which all comes from donations. Volunteers: Volunteers are needed to help manage the food bank on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at The Table Restaurant. Volunteers are responsible for packaging and distributing pet food along with other supplies. Events: Check its website for details. Contact: Mydogeatsfirst.org
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take a local
Vacation By Anita Oldham
You can appreciate this city in a whole new way if you book a rental house or a boutique hotel in the city. We found three rentable spots that can move you out of the suburbs for the night and into this growing area of fun and shopping.
The newest boutique hotel in downtown Louisville, Hotel Distil on Whiskey Row, gives you access to everything downtown. Or you can dine in the in-house restaurant named Repeal or head to the Bitters End, the rooftop bar with a retractable glass roof. (left) From the King corner room, you can view the river and the Second Street Bridge.
Photos by Nathan Pedigo
(bottom right) The lobby reflects the aesthetic of historic faรงade meets modern amenities. The hotel has 161 king rooms, 33 queen rooms, and 11 suites.
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The Garden House in Nulu (available for booking on Airbnb) is a carriage house surrounded by green space, right in the midst of a happening area.
Sliding glass doors provide access to a private porch and patio equipped with a grill and tables and chairs. Photos submitted
The description says that “the first floor is spacious enough to plan a dinner party or have friends over to watch a sporting event. A well appointed kitchen with a breakfast bar looks out onto a beautiful garden space.�
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Photos submitted
You can find these historic, designer-renovated rentals in the heart of the bustling Nulu area. The renovation was done by two designers who relocated to Louisville from Brooklyn. Four different residences can be booked in a restored 1843 Gothic Revival Church in the Nulu area. Two ground floor suites are offered together or separate: The Ali Suite is outfitted with a king bed, kitchenette, and two twin sleeper sofas. The Braden Suite boasts a queen bed, full kitchen, and sleeper sofa for two. Nanny Goat Books, a bookstore, is on the premises, and an outdoor courtyard adds to the amenities. Found on AirBnB or at holygo.at.
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SHE CAN TEACH YOU ALL ABOUT DIGITAL MARKETING
Join the PLANET EINSTEIN DIGITAL LEARNING LAB at facebook.com/groups/ PEDLLPower/ or check out its YouTube channel at youtube.com/channel/ UC2vAHB9FxEp9MCGINyb03kw.
Jackee Schwartz reinvents herself with Planet Einstein By Barbara Myerson Katz Photo by Melissa Donald
J
ackee Schwartz says she’s stubborn to the core. “I do not give up.” With a Master’s degree from the University of Louisville, Jackee spent a decade working as a teacher — her passion — in the Jefferson County Public Schools. Over the years, she has also worked in sales, and in restaurant, training, and international relocation businesses — several of those simultaneously. In 2012, at an age when many folks are already enjoying retirement, Jackee, with her husband, retired attorney Max, tapped her inner entrepreneur once again and launched Planet Einstein, a Louisville business that teaches digital marketing skills to independent business owners like themselves. We talked to Jackee about her latest business invention and professional reinvention. WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF PLANET EINSTEIN? I help business owners do their own digital marketing and learn how to do it right, even if they’re a total non-techie. All of the businesses we work with are small businesses or independent businesses. HOW HAS THE BUSINESS CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED IT? Before I was doing digital marketing for my customers. What we are now doing is teaching business owners how to do it themselves through online courses. All our online courses are video-based instructional courses that people can take at their own pace. I have 10 modules, so it would be an eight- to 10-week course, and then I have weekly live Zoom calls with my students to give individual coaching, and Zoom also has the capability of doing screen sharing. WHAT INITIALLY PROMPTED YOU TO CREATE PLANET EINSTEIN? We had hired a couple of companies that professed to be experts to help us with digital marketing, and it ended up being a total waste. After hip replacement surgery, I came home and broke my leg. I was in a wheelchair for three months and decided I was going to start taking online courses, learn this stuff myself, and do my own digital marketing. The first one I took was a 12-week course in e-commerce — learning how to sell something online by using Facebook ads. The part that really intrigued me was getting customers with Facebook ads. I started taking more and more courses. Over the three months I had a minimum of five courses going at any one time, just bursting my brain with new knowledge. HOW IS SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING DIFFERENT FROM OTHER MARKETING? It’s called “social” because that’s exactly what it is. Socially you make connections, and people get to know and trust you, and that’s the whole premise of social media. People, online especially, will not buy from somebody they don’t know, like, and trust. With social media, you don’t wait for the customers to find you: You go find them, and you start with people that already know, like, and trust you, and then they can give you testimonials, and that, on social media, is the best kind of recommendation, because they say, “Oh, I know this person who used Jackee, and said she was wonderful!” WHY SHOULD BUSINESS OWNERS CONSIDER MARKETING THROUGH FACEBOOK? The biggest advantage of using a tool like Facebook ads is that you can hone in on exactly who your ideal customer is. If you send out your ads to everybody in Louisville, if you’re lucky, maybe about 10 percent of them are really going to be your ideal customer. With Facebook’s platform, once you target who is your ideal customer, then you can target only the people who are most likely to buy from you.
JACKEE@PLANETEINSTEIN.COM | (502) 963-9666 PROMOTION
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Commit to a
Fitness Challenge By Meredith Walston Photos by Melissa Donald
We met with five women who are setting big fitness goals for themselves. Be encouraged and motivated to set your own (and share them with us @TodaysWomanNow).
HER 2020 CHALLENGE: “I am 36.5 weeks pregnant now and will be coming back from a scheduled c-section for my third child. Getting into a fitness routine and not feeling guilty about taking the time for yourself is a huge factor. Starting over brings a whole new challenge into my fitness journey for 2020. It is easy to give up and say, ‘Well, I am a new mom and this is how it’s going to be,’ but I also believe it is important to remember how good you felt while you were working out pre-baby. “For me that is going to be my motivating factor — how good I feel mentally, physically, and spiritually. When I take care of myself, I am a better mom, friend, wife, and co-worker.” She plans to start cycling again in February.
Erika Massey, a long-time cyclist, has moved her ride indoors. For the past five years, Erika has found a way to be “engulfed in the darkness of the room, the sound of the music, and able to lose myself for 45 minutes.” While she admits that her first class was the hardest, she saw and felt the energy of the riders around her. Finding her community of riders at CycleBar in Middletown, she draws inspiration from the sense of camaraderie and accountability. “We ride as one,” she says.
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PROMOTION
BEING FIT AT ALL STAGES OF LIFE Photos by Melissa Donald
By Barbara Myerson Katz
C
rossFit workouts can be rigorous and challenging. The Louisville Metro Police Department has incorporated CrossFit into training for police academy recruits. But JoEllyn McAtee, who with her LMPD officer husband, Steven, has owned CrossFit Bluegrass in Middletown since 2012, says what makes CrossFit a successful path to health and fitness for so many is the strong sense of community it provides. “You’re encouraged and motivated by the people around you,” she says. “You build relationships and family — what we call the Bluegrass family — and you’re motivated to come in and learn how to do functional and fun fitness training.” JoEllyn says CrossFit is for everyone — including women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are in the postpartum months and years after having their babies. The gym recently launched a program called Glow, with a focus on women at all stages of reproductive life. A mother herself of a four-year-old and 15-month-old, JoEllyn says all workout routines can be tailored to every fitness level and body. “We’re all doing the same workout,” she explains, “but it looks different depending on what your goals are and where you are in your fitness journey.”
“All women struggle with feeling confident about their bodies after they have babies . . . It takes time, and that’s OK.” Equally important before, during, and after pregnancy, women at CrossFit Bluegrass thrive on the encouragement and support they get working out with other moms in a community that includes doulas, nurses, and coaches certified in nutrition and postpartum training, and by being in a place where questions about the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy can be answered. CrossFit Bluegrass nutrition coach and mother of three Mallory Froman says, “Raising a family takes a village, and CFBG is a huge part of ours. It’s the place where I relieve stress, connect with other like-minded women, and build friendships.” Exercising parents can even keep an eye on their children as they nap and play in a kids’ room outfitted with a floor-to-ceiling window.
Top: Some of the Crossfit Bluegrass “community.” Bottom (l to r): Ashley Lewis and her daughter Avila; Mallory Froman and son Gunner; and Denise Heiner with sons Dallas and Lewis. Crossfit Bluegrass offers Glow, a program that focuses on the health and fitness of women at all stages of their reproductive lives.
Glow events at the gym feature outside experts in prenatal and postpartum health including physical therapists, chiropractors, nutritionists, and others. “I have been at CrossFit Bluegrass through three pregnancies,” says LeeAnn Burfict, mom of three ranging from infant to age 4. “Each has felt completely different and required different training and rest. My coaches have helped me modify movements and passed on key information to keep me strong, active, and have a healthy recovery.”
13005 MIDDLETOWN INDUSTRIAL BLVD, LOUISVILLE, KY 40223 (502) 509-3427 | CROSSFITBLUEGRASS.COM
JUMPING INTO IT HER 2020 CHALLENGE: Aimee Bratetic finds a joint-friendly, shock-absorbing workout with bouncing also offers detoxification, lymphatic system drainage, and endorphins sure to boost her mood. “I could never leave a bounce class in a bad mood. You get to channel your inner athlete and your inner child!” For the new year, she plans to maintain her current workouts. ”But I am always looking for something new and to continue living a healthy life, putting good things in my body.”
Aimee, a self-proclaimed “cardio-crazy, adrenaline junkie,” has been getting her fix through bounce fitness classes for two years. Bounce fitness is a fast-paced, high-intensity exercise performed on sport trampolines. B.YOU Fitness is her studio of choice.
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GETTING OUT THE DOOR HER 2020 CHALLENGE: “Run a 10K race or a half marathon. Doing this kind of distance again (since I had my twins a year ago) would be awesome. I want to enjoy the sport for what it is, and seeing my body as a powerful machine is what is so cool. This is a new chapter for me. The fun is in actually doing the race, in the training, and running with friends who aren’t necessarily the same pace as me.” Cindy Baerny admits that just getting out the door is half the battle since she became a mom. In order to push through the everyday obstacles of making her run a priority, she reminds herself how she will feel afterward and the example she wants to set for her kids.
Cindy has found her “zen,” as she refers to it, through running. “I do my best thinking when I’m running,’’ she says. As a longtime runner, she keeps herself challenged by including new routes, training for races, and participating in local running clubs. As a new mom of twins, finding time and energy isn’t always easy.
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MENTAL & PHYSICAL WORKOUT HER 2020 CHALLENGE: She is increasing her mental and physical fitness levels while learning self-defense training and techniques. As a domestic abuse survivor, Leeann Manganello credits this training for her increased confidence and heightened awareness, as well as emotional healing. “It’s so important that people learn to defend themselves,” she says. In 2020 she plans to “stay focused and stay on track. Don’t let temptation derail me or put other things before fitness.”
Leeann has found her confidence and strength through training in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Louisville. “You don’t realize the workout you’re getting!”
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PROMOTION
omen In
By Barbara Myerson Katz Photo by Melissa Donald
FITNESS/HEALTH/LIFE IMPROVEMENT
meet Gina Compton Activities Director The Grand Senior Living (Prospect)
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ina Compton says she has always loved senior citizens. “I always felt like I was born in the wrong era,” says the activities director at The Grand Senior Living in Prospect, which opened in August at the edge of Norton Commons. “I always connected with my grandparents — their stories, their fashions, their music. Seniors have so much to give and so much to teach us.” While her work in the past included property management, and, as her children were growing up, working as a “lunch lady” in the Oldham County Public Schools, it was a natural fit for Gina to circle back to working with seniors.
“IT’S NEVER TOO LATE AND YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD.” Gina brings energy and a zest for life to her job at The Grand. “We keep them busy morning, noon, and evening,” Gina says of the residents currently living in the new community. Operated by Civitas Senior Living of Fort Worth, Texas, The Grand includes 177 memory care apartments that accommodate a range of needs from personal care to independent living. Physical activities include taking a dip in The Grand’s indoor pool, taking part in weekly water aerobics classes, joining the indoor/outdoor walking club that strolls through the adjacent Norton Commons neighborhood, and attending weekly armchair yoga classes. Gina herself is certified to lead daily exercise in a program called Ageless Grace, which gets residents working different body parts (most importantly their brain), often with a touch of humor and whimsy. Gina tells residents if they can wiggle their fingers, they can exercise. Gina also engages residents in art projects, games, lectures from outside experts on topics from health to history, movie nights, adventure outings, community outreach, and spiritual moments. “I am blessed because it’s truly an honor and a privilege to work with these fine people every day, and loving what I do.”
9300 CIVIC WAY | PROSPECT, KY 40059 (502) 233-3855 | THEGRAND-SL.COM
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PROMOTION
omen In
FITNESS/HEALTH/ LIFE IMPROVEMENT
By Barbara Myerson Katz Photo by Melissa Donald
meet Sarah Van Heiden Community Integrated Health Specialist YMCA of Greater Louisville
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arah Van Heiden describes her hometown in Iowa as a “small, rural, low-resourced community,” where she observed growing disparities in the prospects for good health among residents as she grew up. “That lit a spark,” she says, leading to a career in public health that now includes her position as one of two community integrated health specialists for the YMCA of Greater Louisville. The YMCA of Greater Louisville is well-known for innovation and culturally relevant approaches to health interventions. This month, Sarah will launch the Y’s YES initiative — Youth Engagement in Sports — funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to address the recent nationwide drop in youth sports participation, particularly among girls. The YES initiative will focus on diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged youth in west Louisville. Sarah says that under the auspices of YES, 500 area middle school students will become integrated into the YMCA family. Half of those students will be randomly selected to participate in additional sports and nutrition programming after school, with a focus on swimming, running, and competitive jump rope as well as traditional team sports like field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse. “We’re really focusing on west Louisville,” Sarah says, where the new Republic Bank Foundation YMCA offers a safe place for these students to gather after school, opportunities to learn healthy habits, and access to nutritious food. “The program acknowledges the diverse conditions and social determinants of health in which all people are born, grow, live, work and age.” Sarah notes the new program is designed to target health from multiple angels, “making sure we’re giving students the opportunity to live their healthiest, happiest lives.” The recently opened Republic Bank Foundation YMCA includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, 25-meter swimming lap/family pool, gymnasium, classrooms, modern locker rooms, an indoor track and a Kids’ Club that offers
“[WE’RE] MAKING SURE WE’RE GIVING STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE THEIR HEALTHIEST, HAPPIEST LIVES.” childcare while members exercise. There is a Best Buy Teen Tech Center that will help prepare local youth for tech-related jobs. Republic Bank & Trust, Norton Healthcare, ProRehab Physical Therapy, Family and Children’s Place, and Gilda’s Club are all collaborating partners with services offered inside the shared facility.
(502) 587-9622 YMCALOUISVILLE.ORG Today’s Woman / January 2020
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Every Five Minutes By Cathy Zion
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Photo submitted
met Marisa Wittebort on October 26, 2019, at the American Lung Association’s Breath of Fresh Air Gala. I knew as soon as I saw her that everything I had heard about her was true. She was chatting with those in the crowd and catching up with friends, who had come from across the country to surprise her as she was honored as the 2019 Lung Force Hero. Here she was with a smile on her face, but at 34 years old had been fighting lung cancer four hard years. She shared her lung cancer story with me. At the age of 30, she decided to leave a job she had enjoyed for over eight years working in Congressman John Yarmuth’s office to move abroad to pursue a master’s degree in legal and political theory at University College London. She had only been there a couple of weeks when she began to experience trouble breathing and was coughing. After deciding it wasn’t just the stress of moving, she went to the emergency room where they detected fluid in her left lung. They sent her home but called her back the next day where further tests showed a blood clot and, seven days later, she was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. A healthy, active young woman, she couldn’t figure out why or how she contracted lung cancer. But as was Marisa’s way, she dug in and gave it the fight of her life. She was able to take a trial drug that targeted the tumors, which worked initially. But then the cancer spread to her brain, and she underwent whole brain radiation. During this time, she connected with others who faced lung disease and advocated to raise awareness about lung cancer and the need for increased funding for research. She created a ROS1ders project, which was the first-ever patient-driven research study. She was on a mission to spread the word that “You just need lungs to get lung cancer.” Sadly, a month to the day after I met Marisa, she passed away. Her death has made me even more determined to raise awareness about women and lung cancer. To learn more, visit lung.org.
Cathy Zion met Marisa Wittebort when she was honored as the 2019 Lung Force Hero.
Clark Memorial Health is offering low-dose CT lung scans during January for only $104 at its Hunter Station location. To register call 812.246.4801. Visit the Clark Memorial Facebook page for details.
“You just need lungs to get lung cancer.”
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What We Can Learn From National Influencers WHO LIVE RIGHT HERE
By Bobbe Ann Crouch
BE REAL. BE YOURSELF. BE BRAVE.
The fortunate part of social media is that the message from the most authentic influencers is largely inspirational. It’s easy to spot the accounts worth following because they spark something good inside their viewers. The posts make you want to get off the couch and be an active creator in your life. The influencers want you to benefit from lessons they’ve learned or are learning. They aren’t afraid of showing you their real lives (including the notso-glamorous parts) and, yes, they do make a great living at the same time. We wanted to see what else we could learn from some of the influencers based in Louisville. 58
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Each of these incredible influencers offers a variation of the same advice to those who aspire to be like them: Comparison is the thief of joy. Be real. Be yourself. Be brave. Practice winning.
SHE GETS YOU IN SHAPE FROM THE INSIDE OUT Alison Cardoza (Alisoncardoza.com, sosouthernatheart.com) is a former UofL Lady Bird and NFL Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader with degrees in exercise science and sports medicine. Alison is now a certified personal trainer at Louisville’s Baptist Health/Milestone Wellness Center. Over the past 17 years, she has worked with thousands. Additionally, she regularly instructs dance at local studios and schools and specializes in preparing dancers and cheerleaders for high school, college, and professional teams. “I love to help people stay active and be the healthiest versions of themselves,” Alison says.
Alison and her daughter Alexis will visit Gilda’s Club on January 18 to teach a free youth hip hop class. Additionally, they’ll be passing out their Be Brave, Be You charms. These are good luck heart charms that are intended to help kids get through each day in a positive way. “We all face obstacles in life — a test, surgery, problems at home, a big school recital,” Alison says. “Our heart charm is meant to remind kids of the strength they carry within. It can be worn as a necklace or placed in a pocket. A simple rub or wish on the heart reminds them that they’ve got what it takes.” Alison says, “I always aim at mental health first with my clients, especially the children. These days they have so much on their hearts that we [adults] may not even think of. Tension needs to be released, and minds need to be cleared before we can set good, realistic fitness goals. I always emphasize the positive, and the charms are an extension of this.”
Photos by Erika Doll
Recently, she co-founded a group (her passion project) called So Southern at Heart, which is aimed at helping the children in our community. “My goal is to teach kids to strive for a healthier lifestyle,” she says. “So many of them come from families that don’t know about good nutrition and healthy habits, and so many are living sedentary lives. I want them to get up and moving and feel good mentally.” BE BRAVE BE YOU — Who do you know who needs one of these heart charms? We make them to remind kids of the strength they carry within. It can be worn as a necklace or placed in a pocket. A simple rub or wish on the heart reminds them that they’ve got what it takes. #BeBraveBeYou
Alison Cardoza and her daughter Alexis are teaching a free hip-hop class at Gilda’s Club on January 18 and will also be passing out these charms. Alison is especially interested in helping improve mental health first. “These days [children] have so much on their hearts that we might not even think of.”
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SHE INSPIRES HEALTHY CHOICES Morgan Tyler Haley’s (@FindingMorganTyler) instagram account has gone through a lot of transformations. She recently changed the title from The Southern Yogi to Finding Morgan Tyler (her real name) to reflect what she’s working on right now. What’s remarkable about Morgan is that she began as a person who found a passion for yoga and started following various yoga hashtags. “It led me to a whole community of people who I took online challenges from and was able to interact with,” Morgan says. “I started to realize my account was rapidly growing after I completed a few yoga challenges and started posting my progress pictures. It felt like it went from 200 to 10,000 in just a few months.”
Nowadays, she says, “Giving myself the grace to be who I want to be every day, without judgment or self doubt” is what she tries to live by. She admits that she used to keep her body in a certain condition because she felt she needed to because of her platform. She’s continuing to practice yoga, film her tutorials, and sell her merchandise, but she’s had a bit of a shift of mindset. “Now I ask myself if I am choosing a certain behavior in order to maintain what I think is society’s definition of healthy...or am I doing it because it makes my body and spirit feel good? If it’s the latter, that’s what I go with.”
Even though Damaris has found considerable fame and success, it is still apparent that she loves to celebrate her Louisville roots. Via her Instagram stories, she takes her followers through her daily life, which can mean anything from a behind-the-scenes look at what she goes through in order to become camera-ready; a hilarious jaunt through some of her favorite local thrift stores looking for and modeling costumes (she loves to dress up and has an insane collection of wigs); or a sentimental visit with her 104-year-old grandfather on his birthday. In between, she shares tips and tricks for great recipes, takes her viewers to the Food Network for tapings, and of course, she visits her favorite local bakeries, eateries, and nightlife establishments.
Photo by @shawnamarie20
SHE MAKES YOU LAUGH WHILE SHE TEACHES YOU HOW TO COOK
Photo by @elisherman
As Morgan continued to document her progress with yoga, (which led to certification, teaching, loads of retreats to far off lands, a yoga apparel sponsorship, and writing her own online yoga tutorial), her Instagram account grew to over half a million followers. She credits this growth with her willingness to share most (sometimes too many) of the details of her life (including her relationships) online. “It’s so hard to stop working since everything you do is at your fingertips. Sometimes I have a hard time separating work and home life.”
Louisville’s own Damaris Phillips (@chefphillips, @bluebirdandblackberries) first rose to fame in 2013 when she won the ninth season of the Food Network TV series Food Network Star. From there she hosted her own show, Southern At Heart, for five seasons; she’s gone on to write numerous cookbooks (most recently Southern Girl Meets Vegetarian Boy). She continues to appear in Food Network shows such as The Bobby and Damaris Show and her streaming series, Southern and Hungry, which she co-hosts with auto racing analyst Rutledge Wood.
Perhaps lesser known is what she touts as her passion project, Bluebird and Blackberries (bluebirdandblackberries.com). She runs this website for intentional living with her chef friends Becca, Nikki, and Terra, and they hack the trends seen online in order to make them “easier, faster, cheaper, and more thoughtful.” Their mission statement says it best: “We are not the shiniest or the coolest. Our lives are not perfect. Our houses are sometimes messy, our dinners often thrown together, and our outfits may or may not involve sweatpants, but we are happy.” Damaris says, “As a girl I loved fairy tales, but now as an adult I’m conflicted because I worry that the stories we use as entertainment also teach girls to be comparative. In fairy tales, the only friends are animals. There is only one prince, one glass slipper, one bit of magic, and only one princess is the most beautiful. But in reality, I think there can be enough happy endings for all of us. We started Bluebird and Blackberries because we wanted to create a space that helped remind women of this.” Separately but together, these ladies perform all sorts of challenges such as “Blackberry Anniversary Recipe Challenge,” where they each made a recipe with blackberries and shared their results; “World Kindness Day,” where they each reported on what they were inspired to do to show kindness; and “My Brows are Fading,” where they each tested and showed the results from all sorts of eyebrow products.
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SHE’S SHOWING YOU HER TRUTH WHILE SHE’S WORKING HARD ON HER GOALS When professional bodybuilder Autumn Cleveland (@autumnattik) was a 15-year-old high school student, constant bullying led her to spend a lot of time hiding. “In high school there was a group of girls who were always picking on me for being skinny. As it progressed, my self-consciousness grew, always feeling I was about to be beaten up,” Autumn says. “Because of this, I hid in the bathroom a lot and had very low self esteem. When I turned 16 and got my license, I changed schools to get away.” One night she attended a party hosted in her old town and once again, the bullies reared their heads to threaten her. Autumn had had enough. The next day she went to her father, a retired police officer, and told him what had happened and asked about weightlifting. He got her into a gym, and her journey began.
“The biggest challenge for anyone is looking at yourself and asking if you have what it takes. For me, I have always known that I do, so I have made sacrifices along the way that have been needed,” Autumn says. “It’s up to me whether I want to win or lose, so I put in the work.” And work she does. In addition to training in the gym two to three hours a day in her off season, Autumn also has a personal training business, and she teaches posing to other aspiring bodybuilders. “I like to take all of the things I’ve learned and use them to help others, whether it’s on or offline.” Autumn’s social media presence is filled with recommendations for great products and honest (and funny) tutorials on various subjects such as how to self apply lash extensions, do makeup, get stage-ready hair, and even how to make protein donuts. “My main focus (outside of training) is to try to stay relatable to other women. I used to be one who compared myself to others and that’s just wrong. We are all different, and no one is living a perfect life. We each have our struggles,” she says. “Even when I don’t come in where I might want to, I don’t give up on my goal and by not giving up, I hope I am inspiring others not to give up on theirs. I practice winning every day of my training. I imagine how it will look, how it will feel, every aspect of it.”
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Photo by Erika Doll
Inspired by female bodybuilder Natalie Barnett, Autumn began to learn the basics of the sport and at 16 took fifth place in her first competition. For the next 15 years she continued to push forward, growing, learning, and competing. In 2012 she won her first show and in 2018, she earned her professional card.
Don’t Give Up: I practice winning every day of my training: I imagine how it will look, how it will feel, every aspect of it. We are all different and no one is living the perfect life. Just keep working. #Don’tGiveUp #WeCanDoIt
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CELEBRATIONS Photos by Naomi Ruth Photography
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arah Cocanougher dreamt up a naturally beautiful wedding day for her marriage to John Hamilton last September. The ceremony at St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church with a reception at Buthcertown Pointe turned out to be a perfect fit, complete with a pasta bar and local Louisville Cream ice cream for their guests. Sarah and John made sure to incorporate sentimental details into their photos on the big day, traveling around via a trolley to hit important spots, such as Hopcat in Louisville, where she and her husband had their first date. “It was wonderful to sit in the same place where I first was smitten by John on our wedding day,” she says. They also took photos at Cherokee Park, where John proposed. The ceremony backdrop held a special place, made from wood from the first house her father-in-law shared with her mother-in-law. “I had showed him a picture of my vision, and he was able to go beyond what I had ever imagined,” she says.
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THE DETAILS Wedding Style rustic chic Color Palette green, gold, and rose Must Haves extra dessert from Louisville Cream in addition to the wedding cake Ceremony Location St. Louis Bertrand Reception Location Butchertown Pointe Photographer Naomi Ruth Photography Videographer Cameron Campbell Planner Kaela Hammerstrom Floral Design Michaelis Events Dress Couture Closet Bridesmaids Dresses Lulus Tuxes Men’s Warehouse Catering/Food Michaelis Events, Louisville Cream, Butchertown Pizza Drinks Michaelis Events, Old Town Liquor Cake Brett Barry (groom’s cousin) Music (ceremony and reception) Todd Hamilton Entertainment Rings Macy’s Makeup/Hair Misty Loggie Rehearsal Dinner Captain’s Quarters Honeymoon Switzerland January 2020 / TodaysWomanNow.com
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