True Star Mile High Magazine Fall 2016

FALL 2016

EDITORIAL TEAM

RECIPES

SELF-HARM:

GET THE FACTS

DEMI LOVATO 101 E

EXCELSIOR

FUN & INEXPENSIVE

E

The 2016

Also Inside:

F R

Meet

WELCOME LETTER

D

ear Friends of Excelsior,

I am so proud to introduce for the second year the True Star Magazine written and published by our own Excelsior girls and young women engaged in youth development group work to reach their fullest human potential. Over the past 10 weeks our seven “true stars” have worked diligently to grow their skills and character through learning the arts of journalism, leadership and collaborative teamwork to create this amazing magazine with the support of their teachers and behavioral coaches. The topics they selected according to their individual and team interests span across areas of popular interest from fashion to the relationship between humans and animals as inter-dependent members of the planet Earth.

Our children, youth and families grow best when organizations like Excelsior work effectively together with their communities, donors and mission partners to build innovative opportunities for them to test their limits and reach for their own “stars” within the context of a safe and trusting network of support. Excelsior is now poised better than ever, as we’ve re-focused our business model on Community and Family-Based solutions by providing earlier opportunities for youth and families to avoid costly residential placement, to make a lasting difference in the lives of our fellow Coloradans.

I hope you enjoy the following pages. As you experience the imagination at work of our beautiful young authors, please know that your generous support of Excelsior’s mission to make young lives productive for the future as well as made this publication and many other character and wellnessbuilding results possible!

My Sincere Gratitude,

Susan

Susan J. Hebert, FACHE, MSW, M.PHIL, M.T.S. Chief Executive Officer

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CONTENTS MUSIC & ARTS 6-7: DEMI LOVATO 101: HOW THIS CELEBRITY TURNED HER LIFE AROUND BY MADISON MYLES & NATALEE MYLES- RANSOM

GET REAL TEEN ISSUES 8-9: SELF-HARM: GET THE FACTS BY JADEA RETALLACK 10-11: TEEN PREGNANCY: PREVENTION IS EASY BUT CHILDBIRTH IS NOT BY SKYLAR WILBER

LIFE OF A TEEN EXCELSIOR STUDENT PROFILES 12: TIME CAPSULE REFLECTIONS FROM THE LIFE OF A TEEN TRUE STAR CLASS: SPRING/SUMMER 2016 INTRODUCTION BY MADISON MYLES 13: STUDENT PROFILE BY MADISON MYLES 14: STUDENT PROFILE BY NATALEE MYLES- RANSOM 15: STUDENT PROFILE BY JADEA RETALLACK 16: STUDENT PROFILE BY DESTINY SIRAKAVIT 17: STUDENT PROFILE BY SKYLAR WILBER 18: STUDENT PROFILE BY JUSTICE SIRAKAVIT 19: STUDENT PROFILE BY LILLY TURNER

THE 303 DENVER TRENDS 20-21: 50 SHADES OF MAKEUP BY DESTINY SIRAKAVIT 22-25: FASHION SPREAD 26: ANIMALS, HUMANS, FASHION & MOODS BY LILLY TURNER

303 EATS – RECIPES FOR TEENS 27: MY GOD MOTHER’S CORNBREAD RECIPE BY MADISON MYLES 28-29: EASY AND INEXPENSIVE RECIPES FOR EVERY SEASON BY MADISON MYLES 30-31: FUN SUMMER RECIPES FOR KIDS & TEENS BY NATALEE MYLES- RANSOM

CONTRIBUTORS

Lilly Jadea

Natalee Destiny

Madison

Justice

Skylar TRUE STAR STAFF

Sarah Shirazi Editorial Instructor, Project Manger DeAnna LcLeary & Na-Tae’ Thompson Co- Founders Marti Parham Managing Editor Angel D’ Amico Bauer Art Direction Design & Illustration

EXCELSIOR STAFF

Susan Hebert Executive Director Linda Johnson Behavioral Coach Program Manager/Coordinator Lisa Post BehavioralCoach, Program Assistant Yesenia Arredondo Behavioral Coach, Program Assistant Leta Calvert Volunteer Sheila Bollig Administrative Assistant

MUSIC & ARTS

Demi Lovato 101: How this Celebrity Turned her Life Around

BY MADISON MYLES & NATALEE MYLES-RANSOM

F

rom “Barney & Friends” to larger acting roles and a career as a musician, Demi Lovato rose to fame quickly, but this young talent struggled with depression, drug and alcohol abuse, cutting and bulimia along the way.

In the July issue of the American Airlines magazine American Way, Lovato shared how fame took its toll on her from a young age. “I lived fast and I was going to die young,” she says. “I didn’t think I would make it to 21.”

Lovato also discussed how she struggled with her body image since she was a toddler, how that progressed and led to “depression, suicidal thoughts, [and] self-harming impulses.”

By age 12, Lovato was cutting herself and purging in order to stay skinny. She says, “I had to do something that matched the way I felt inside. There were times where I felt anxious almost like I was crawling out of my skin – that if I didn’t do something physical to match what I felt inside I would explode.”

In a candid 2013 interview with the celebrity talk show “Access Hollywood,” Lovato shares some secrets about her drug addiction. “I couldn’t go without 30 minutes to an hour without cocaine and I would bring it on airplanes,” she says. “I would smuggle it basically and just wait until 6 TRUE STAR MILE HIGH

everyone in first class would go to sleep and I would do it right there. I’d sneak to the bathroom and I’d do it.”

Lavato’s past is troubling at best. “Perez Hilton” reports that it was in 2010 the then 18-year-old famously entered rehab after punching a backup dancer while on tour with The Jonas Brothers.

She shared with American Way that “I didn’t go into treatment thinking, ‘OK, now I’m going to be an inspiration,’” she says. “At times I was resentful for having that kind of responsibility, but now, it’s really become a part of my life. It holds me accountable.”

Lovato, author of the autobiography Staying Strong 365 Days A Year, took her last drink four years ago and continues to attend Alcoholics

“DON’T BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP, BECAUSE SOMEONE WILL BE THERE FOR YOU.” -DEMI LOVATO

Anonymous meetings and has since been a role model for young girls struggling with self-harm, depression, and drug abuse problems.

During the interview with American Way she says, “When I have meet-and-greets, I can’t tell you the amount of times that girls will show me their arms covered in scars or cuts.” She continues, “They’ll tell me, ‘You helped me get through this. Because of you, I stopped selfharming,’ or ‘I got sober.’ Hearing those things gave my life new meaning.”

Today Lovato, currently on tour promoting her most recent album Confident, is enjoying the benefits of living a healthy life and being an example to others. She if proof that with willpower, dedication, and support even your toughest challenges can be overcome. She continues to encourage others to stay strong, even at her concerts. American Way reports that during a live performance, Lovato showed empathy to her fans by offering some kind words

of support before singing one of her hits. “If you’re dealing with any of the issues I’ve been through, don’t be afraid to speak up, because someone will be there for you. And if you think you’re alone, put on my music so that I’ll be there for you.”

What to do if you’re struggling with self-harm or self-medicating:

• Ask for help.

• Tell an adult if you’re not sure you need help.

• Go to a rehab center or self-harming healing center.

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GET REAL / TEEN ISSUES

SELF-HARM Myths & Facts What Self-harm is and What it is Not

BY JAEDA RETALLACK

E

ach year 1 in 5 females and 1 in 7 males engage in self-injury, according to a list of Self-injury, Self-harm Statistics and Facts from the website healthyplace.com, American’s Mental Health Channel. Healthyplace.com also reports that roughly 90 percent of people who engage in self-harm do so during their teen or pre-adolescent years. Nearly 50 percent of those who engaged in self-harm have been sexually abused. About 50 percent of those who engage in self-harm begin at age 14 and carry on into their 20’s.

Fact

Myth Cutting is a kind of suicide attempt.

Therapist and school officials see more self-injury girls than boys, but it may be that girls are more willing to ask for help. In many research samples of self-injury people, there is a small difference or none at all in portion of males vs. females. Girls are more likely to cut; boys are more likely to hit or burn.

Fact

Myth Self-harm is a problem among teens

Healthyplace.com, offers the following myths and facts about the topic of self-harm.

Cutting usually isn’t intended to be life ending. It is a coping mechanism used by people who are stressed, overwhelmed or in emotional pain. It helps them manage their emotions and temporary relief.

Myth Self-injury is something girls do, not boys.

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but not younger children.

Fact

In a sample of 665 youth surveyed for a 2012 paper in pediatrics, 7.6 percent of 3rd graders, 4 percent of 6th graders and 12.7 percent of 9th graders reported engaging in non-suicidal self-injury/self-harming behaviors including cutting hitting and scratching.

Myth Self-injury is a problem among social misfits and struggling students.

Fact

People who self-harm include: excellent students and those who struggle, youth who have a hard time fitting in as well as leaders with a wide circle of friends, and those from advantaged and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Myth

People who cut are looking

According to Student Health 101, severe depression, when untreated, can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Some simple things to look for include:

•Decreased academic achievement •Feeling worthless or hopeless •Interpersonal conflicts or withdrawal from loved ones •Increased alcohol or other drug use •Wanting to “just disappear” or feeling stuck

for attention.

Fact Most people who do it say cutting,

while painful, makes them feel relief temporarily; young people often do it secretly. In a study, nearly a quarter of adolescent who reported self-injury said they were sure nobody knew or suspected. Some say that physical pain distracts them from emotional pain or that it makes them feel more alive. Psychologists warn that any emotional benefits are short lived. Over time, cutting can lead to feelings of shame and a downward spiral where the person feels progressively worse.

Helpful Resources : •Self-injury Outreach & Support www.sioutreach.org •Mental Health America www.mentalhealthamerica.net •Band Back Together, Self-injury Resources www.bandbacktogether.com

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Teen Pregnancy:

Prevention IS EASY, Childbirth IS NOT

BY SKYLAR WILBER

P

arenting at any age is hard, but teen pregnancy comes with a whole set of obstacles.

Finishing high school is among the many challenges that face teens who are pregnant.

Teens will be more likely to rely on state services to live, and therefore more likely to be poor as an adult.

Missing out on being a teen and young adulthood is another reason not to get pregnant as a teen. You have your whole life ahead of you and becoming a young teen mom will cause more complications than it might be worth. After all, you’re only a teen once.

Worry, disappointment and anger are all understandable responses to teen pregnancy.

A skipped period and a positive result on a home pregnancy test are usually what prompt 10 TRUE STAR MILE HIGH

a young woman to believe she’s pregnant.

However, preventing teen pregnancy is possible if you use contraceptives like birth control. If you are planning on being sexually active it’s better to protect yourself from STD’s and reduce your risk of becoming pregnant by using birth control or condoms rather than being stuck caring for a baby when your friends are enjoying their lives.

Thankfully teen pregnancy is at a historic low.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnancy rates among adolescent females fell steadily between 1990 and 2005, and while there was a slight rise between 2006 and 2007, subsequent data through 2011 indicate a return to the earlier trend.

At the same time, teen pregnancy is more prevalent in the U.S. The CDC reports that the

U.S. teen pregnancy rate is substantially higher than in other western industrialized nations, and racial/ethnic and geographic disparities in teen birth rates persist. Teen birth rates declined from 2013 to 2014 for all races.

The cost of teen pregnancy is alarming.

According to the CDC, teen pregnancy and childbearing bring substantial social and economic costs through immediate and long-term impacts on teen parents and their children. In 2010, teen pregnancy and childbirth accounted for at least $9.4 billion in costs to U.S. taxpayers for increased health care and foster care, increased incarceration rates among children of teen parents, and lost tax revenue because of lower educational attainment and income among teen mothers.

Pregnancy and birth are significant contributors to high school dropout rates among teens. The CDC reports that only about 50 percent of teen mothers receive a high school diploma by 22 years of age, whereas approximately 90 percent of women who do not give birth during adolescence graduate from high school. The children of teenage mothers are more likely to have lower school achievement and to drop out of high school, have more health problems, be

incarcerated at some time during adolescence, give birth as a teenager, and face unemployment as a young adult.

Resources for Teen Pregnancy Prevention: •Healthy Teen Network offers planning resources for teen and parents to help shape a happy and healthy life. For more information visit: www.healthyteennetwork.org •The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Teen Pregnancy Prevention Resource Center provides training materials and resources for TPP grantees and other organizations working to reduce teen pregnancy in the United States. It offers: E-Learning modules, informative podcasts, webinars, and training materials. For more information visit: www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/oah-initiatives/ teen_pregnancy •The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy offers a variety of facts, data, and resources for teen pregnancy prevention. For more information visit www. thenationalcampaign.org TRUE STAR MILE HIGH 11

LIFE OF A TEEN / EXCELSIOR STUDENT PROFILES

Time Capsule:

Reflections From The Life of a Teen INTRODUCTION BY MADISON MYLES

D

uring the spring and summer of 2016 a group of seven girls from various grades met every Monday for 10 weeks at Excelsior’s Englewood location. The program was powered by True Star Foundation, which is based out of Chicago. Excelsior invited us to participate in the program to help improve our literacy skills and learn how to put a magazine format together. We learned how to write magazine articles and how to take photos and assemble a photo shoot. The program was both challenging and fun. We are forever grateful for the experience made possible by Excelsior and its contributors.

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Madison Myles

Favorite Quote: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. “ - Martin Luther King Jr. Favorite Animal: Puppies Favorite Food: Sushi Favorite Song: “Bad,” by Wale Featuring Tiara Thomas How can you be a better person?

“I can be a better person by helping pick up litter; not help make more litter.”

When I grow up, I would love to be an animal rescuer because there are many animals out there in the wild that need homes.

6th, Grade

My role model is my dad because he taught me not to give up.

Reflections on the True Star

program: During the True Star program, I learned how to write magazine style articles. I found that writing about what you enjoy makes the process more fun. For example, I just took my favorite subjects that I know a lot about, which is music, arts and cooking and wrote about them. When you start with what you know, you can build your research questions from there and expand on the topic.

Another thing that I learned about was the different ways to plan out your writing. One way is to look at different article examples. At first I didn’t know that looking at different articles could help give me ideas on what to do. I also improved my writing skills and enjoyed the photo shoot.

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Natalee Myles-Ransom 9th, Grade

Quote: “Sometimes the smallest things take the most room in your heart!”

-Piglet, (Winnie-the-Poo) Favorite Animal: Horse Favorite Food: Chocolate Favorite Song: “Sneakernight” by Vanessa Hudgens.

How can you be a better person? I can be a better person by being nicer to everyone.

When I grow up, I would like to be a fashion designer.

My role model is my mother.

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Reflections on the True Star program: During the True Star program I learned how to put together a magazine. I learned how to be a better writer by researching and reading articles about different subjects. I also learned how to take photos and learned how photos and different elements can compliment an article. I especially enjoyed the cover story and writing articles about ourselves.

It will be neat to look back at the magazine and reflect on what I learned and experienced during the True Star program. As a result of the True Star program, I feel that my relationship with my little sister has improved, mainly because we are not fighting as much anymore. I also enjoyed participating in the photo shoot. I loved getting dressed up, getting my hair and makeup done, and posing for the photos. I mostly liked taking pictures because I got to choose my poses and that was really fun!

Jadea Retallack 9th, Grade

Favorite Quote: “H.O.P.E. Hold On, Pain Ends.”

Favorite Food: Chinese food from Panda Express.

woman, who has proven that even though life can be tough, she didn’t give up and she stayed strong. She inspires me.

When I grow up, I want to be a therapist for teens and children.

Favorite Animal: Horse Favorite Song: “Battle Scars” by Lupe Fiasco & Guy Sebastian.

How can you be a better person? I can be a better person by staying strong and entering situations with an open mind.

My role model is Lisa from Excelsior. I look up to Lisa because she is an example of a strong

Reflections on Overcoming

Challenges: I have been able to overcome challenges in my life by allowing people to support me.

These people have challenged me to grow and overcome obstacles in my life. This year I have learned how to persevere and how to keep trying and to never give up.

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Destiny Sirakavit 9th, Grade

Favorite Quote: “Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a boss.”

Favorite Animal: Dolphins Favorite Food: Macaroni Favorite Song: “Sorry Not Sorry,”

by Bryson Tiller.

How can you be a better person? I can be a better person by helping improve my community.

When I grow up, I want to be an actress or work at a nightclub.

My role model is my mom and dad because they are supportive of my dreams.

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Reflections on the True Star program:

I learned how to set up a photo shoot and how much preparation is required, including getting hair and makeup done, selecting outfits, and posing. I also learned about magazine layouts and how to position a photo to compliment an article. I also learned how to collaborate and work on projects with the other teens. As a result of the True Star program, I feel I have improved my collaboration skills and have learned how to work with others productively.

Skylar Wilber

Favorite Quote: “Never give up.”

Favorite Food: Pineapple Favorite Animal: Cat Favorite Song: “Wait Out The Days” by Ricky Horror How can you be a better person?

By looking out for my loved ones.

9th, Grade

My role model TJ Perkins. He started training to be a wrestler at the age of 13, and I admire that he started so young.

When I grow up, I want to be a wrestler.

Reflections on the True Star

program: I learned how to work with other students and how to be a better writer.

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Justice Sirakavit

Favorite Quote: “I have a dream.” - Martin Luther King Jr. Favorite Animal: Monkey Favorite Food: Fried chicken Favorite Song: “When I Was Your Man,” by Bruno Mars.

How can I be a better person? By being nicer, and not having an attitude.

My role model is Beyonce.

When I grow up, I want to be culinary chef.

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10th, Grade

Reflections on the True Star program:

During the True Star program I learned many things. In particular, I learned how to create a magazine page, including writing the article and the elements that complement the article. I also learned how to use evidence and research to build my article. Photo shoot day was one of my favorite days of the program. I am grateful that I was able to participate in the True Star program. Thank you.

Lilly Turner 11th, Grade

Favorite Quote: “Stay happy, be happy” is my favorite quote because it’s from one of my favorite songs [by] Pharrell and I feel it’s good motto to live by.

When I grow up, I would like to be a model and maybe one day walk on the red carpet. I know that with a positive goal and mindset I will succeed.

Favorite Animal: My favorite animals are horses and dolphins because they are calming and therapeutic animals.

Reflections on Overcoming

Favorite Food: Pepperoni and sausage!

Favorite Song: “Mean” by Taylor Swift How can you be a better person?

I can be a better person by being kind to everyone, and sharing my story with others to let them know what it’s like struggling with a disability.

My role models are Taylor Swift, and Katy Perry. They both show they can help people in different ways.

Challenges: I have learned to be more open about talking about my disability as a way to cope with it and accept myself. I was born with mild CP, which is a learning disability that I’ve struggled with all my life and I work with it every day. It can be really hard some days but less challenging other days.

I know now that I can overcome my disability.

I’m not as shy as I used to be. I’m more open to meeting new people and trying new experiences.

During the True Star program, I enjoyed learning how to be part of a photo shoot. I also learned how to be more comfortable with writing.

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THE 303 / DENVER TRENDS

50 Shades

of Makeup

H

BY DESTINY SIRAKAVIT

ERE ARE A FEW BEAUTY TIPS ON SEASONAL LOOKS THAT WILL GET YOU THROUGH THE SUMMER, FALL, WINTER AND SPRING!

Summer

Wear natural light colors, wear sun block for protection, and moisturize every day (because Colorado is dry and hot especially in the summer).

Summer Colors Include: Light gold, light blues, and not so heavy makeup but a light color that blends in with your skin tone.

Summer Makeup Trends: Moisturize! Use moisturizer with SPF. Use about the size of an almond on the face and neck to keep skin hydrated.

Fall

Wear warm colors, and use natural tones. Â Fall Colors Include: Green, dark green, orange, dark orange, browns, reds, and dark pink.

Fall Makeup Trends: Keep skin moist; use gel products and BB creams; get rid of all dead skin before applying lipstick or lip gloss.

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Winter

Moisturize! Face lotion protects skin in winter. Try using Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion or Lubriderm light touch lotion.

Winter Colors Include: Dark colors, dark pinks, and dark blues.

Winter Makeup Trends: Dramatic red lips and eyes are perfect for holiday parties.

Spring

Use light colors to blend in with your face.

Keep skin moisturized.

Spring Colors Include: Corals, pinks, golds, and light greens and blues.

Spring Makeup Trends: Spring is all about renewal. Keep your makeup routine light, by wearing little makeup. Recommended looks are simple mascara and lip gloss instead of lipstick.

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Makeup Tips You May Not Know About…

•Sharing makeup such as lipgloss can cause cold sores, so think twice before sharing lip gloss with your friends.

•Sharing mascara can cause pink eye, so keep your mascara wand to yourself.

•Most makeup has a shelf-life of 3-6 months, like lip glosses and mascara, other items like eyeshadow and blush can last longer; up to four years in some cases.

•Clean your makeup brushes, to prevent build up and the spread of pimples.

•Clean out your makeup bag; do this every three months.

Remember to wash your makeup bag, and throw out any old products.

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Fashion FUN William Mason - Photographer • Paris of Color Lounge Salon - Makeup and Hair Stylist Leta Calvert - Makeup and Hair Stylist • Sarah Shirazi - Fashion Coordinator

Animals, Humans,

Fashion & Moods

BY LILLY TURNER

C

an fashion affect your mood? Does fashion also have an affect on an animal’s mood?

Fashion can affect human moods. For example, certain colors or patterns such as tie-dye can make you feel free and spirited. Blue is a calming color, while red usually symbolizes passion.

Yellow means sunny and warm, and black, which goes with everything, can symbolize many different things such as being in mourning or being an artsy/creative person.

Animals have a hard time with wearing clothing because it can restrict their movement, add weight to them, their body temperature can rise, and in return, this can make for an unhappy pet.

People, please stop trying to dress your animals in clothing. Dog collars are just fine.

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Just like animals, humans do not like to wear things that can restrict our movement, bring up our body temperature, or add weight to us because in return it can make us unhappy humans. So let’s stick to happy colors and lightweight clothing to bring happiness and lift our moods!

6 Colors to help lift your mood:

•••••Blue••••• •••••Green••••• •••••Yellow••••• •••••Pink••••• ••••Purple•••• ••Orange••

303 EATS RECIPES FOR TEENS

My Godmother’s Cornbread RECIPE

BY MADISON MYLES

L

ooking for a side dish to go along with your main course? You won’t go wrong with this tasty cornbread recipe.

Ingredients: 1 c cornmeal 1 c all purpose flour 1tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt ½ c unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled ⅓ c packed light brown sugar 2 tbsp honey 1 large egg room temperature 1 c buttermilk room temperature

Method: •Preheat oven 400°F. Grease and lightly flour an 8 or 9-inch square baking pan. Set aside.

•Whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the cooled melted butter, brown sugar, and honey together until completely smoothed and thick. There should be no brown sugar lumps. Then, whisk in the egg until completely combined. Finally, whisk in the buttermilk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until combined. Avoid over mixing.

•Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top and the center is cooked through. Use a toothpick to check if cooked.

•ENJOY! TRUE STAR MILE HIGH 27

Easy & Inexpensive DISHES FOR EVERY SEASON

BY MADISON MYLES

H

ave you ever wanted quick and inexpensive meals, snacks, and treats for all of the seasons? Here are nine tasty dishes to keep you nourished and happy for the spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Spring Good eating for the months of March, April and May. •Banana Blueberry Pancakes •Cream Cheese Cucumber Sandwich •Tacos •Fruit Salsa •Cinnamon Chips •Applesauce •Ice cream Cone Cupcakes •Fruit Donuts •Easter Cupcakes

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Summer Give these a try in June, July, and August.

•Egg and Toast cups •Garden Salad Noodles with Veggies •Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs •Crunchy Peanut Butter Apple Dip •Homemade Guacamole •Deviled Eggs •Frozen Yogurt •Fruit Slushes •Homemade Ice Cream

Fall Every fall the leaves start to change and your recipes should too. Makes these dishes in September, October, and November.

•Oatmeal •Spinach Dip in Bread Bowl •Chili-Cheese Macaroni •Cinnamon Granola Bars •Bacon & Cheese Spread •Party Pitas •Spice Mug Cake •Cinna-sugar Butter Spread •Pumpkin Spice Hot Cider

Winter After fall it is the coldest season of the year, winter. These ideas are great during December, January, and February.

• Gritts • Tomato Basil Soup • Spaghetti with Turkey Meatballs • Taco Dip with Nachos • Loaded Baked Potato Dip with Bread • Fireside Cheese Spread • Homemade Hot Chocolate • Oatmeal Cookies • Tea All four seasons have a unique flavor of their own. Hopefully you’ll add these ideas to your meal plan. Have fun and enjoy!

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Fun Recipes FOR A COOL TREAT!

BY NATALEE MYLES-RANSOM

H

ere are two recipes for kids ages 5 to 17 year olds to enjoy. They are fun, fast, and easy! Everyone loves ice cream and popsicles, right? If you’re like me, you will want to make these tasty treats for yourself. Here’s how.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Ingredients: 1 cup milk 1 cup half and half ½ tsp peppermint extract 3 drops green food coloring 1 cup chopped up chocolate chips 2 cups ice ½ tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method: •In a large bowl, stir together the milk, cream, sugar, salt, vanilla extract and peppermint extract until the sugar has dissolved. Color to your liking with the green food coloring.

•Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker, and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

After about 10 minutes into the freezing, add the chocolate chips. After the ice cream has thickened, about 30 minutes later, spoon into a container, and freeze for two hours.

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Strawberry Popsicles Ingredients: 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped 1/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) Greek yogurt Method: •Combine the strawberries and sugar in a small bowl. Let stand about 20 minutes to macerate the fruit, stirring occasionally. The fruit will soften and become syrupy.

•Pour the strawberries and syrup into a food processor or blender. Add the lemon juice and pulse a few times until the fruit is pureed.

•Stir the yogurt into the strawberry mixture until combined. Pour into molds and freeze for at least 8 hours or overnight.

•To remove, run hot water over the outside of the mold until you can gently pull the popsicle out.

Enjoy!

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The Production of this True Star Mile High Magazine was made possible through funding from the Anschutz Foundation and the Daniel’s Fund for substance abuse treatment programming.

ANSCHUTZ FOUNDATION Anschutz Foundation Mission and Values: The Anschutz Foundation supports giving nationwide with an emphasis on social and cultural organizations which work in areas larger than local communities; support for media projects; projects that support the underprivileged, public policy and traditional family values.

The Daniels Fund provides funding to nonprofit organizations that assist youth and adults with alcohol and substance abuse challenges to achieve and maintain stability in their lives through prevention, treatment, or supportive/after-care services.Â