Voice Magazine 1216

free!

DECEMBER 2016

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appalachian • regional • women

Easy Holiday Hors d’oeuvres

Sparkle During the Holidays!

5 Fashion Tips

Calling

All Authors!

Details on Page 20

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Celebrating our 12th year!

We wouldn’t be here and there without all of you!

LITTLE CREEK BOOKS MOUNTAIN GIRL PRESS EXPRESS EDITIONS ROSEHEART PUBLISHING DIGISTYLE

From the EDITOR

A

s we prepare for the most festive time of the year, Christmas and the New Year, it is the perfect time to let others know that they have made a difference in your life throughout the year! Voice Magazine and Jan-Carol Publishing want all you to know that you have made a positive difference throughout the year for us and others! We are thankful for all our readers, our loyal fans, and our faithful supporters and advertisers and authors.

As we move into a New Year, 2017, we are looking at changes. To mention a few of the future changes, Jan-Carol Publishing and Voice Magazine for Women will be ‘stepping up’ our online presence with both JCP books and Voice Magazine. We will be more rooted in the region with local columns in the magazine, providing a broader focus for our readers. With our books, we are planning for a larger footprint of distribution to better serve authors. Our marketing arm of JCP, blAWESOME Marketing, offering marketing packages to ALL authors will continue to improve. We are looking forward to new changes in the New Year! We are making our 2017 another year about you! Watch for more exciting news and changes!

We want to include you in our changes, and we ask for you continued support. Are you the family ‘chef’, or are you the ‘Martha Stewart’ of the neighborhood? Would you want to have your own column? Let us know! We are accepting local informational articles. Also, keep in mind, we are adding members to our sales team. If interested, please email publisher@jancarolpublishing.com or call the office, 423.926.9983.

Check out JCP’s websites—voicemagazineforwomen.com and jancarolpublishing.com. To buy our books, or retail JCP books in your business, and/or have a book signing, please call 423.926.9983 for information.

Remember that books are among the best sources of inspiration, and JCP wants to help you to embrace the season’s changes with a stimulating JCP reading list. For younger readers and the young at heart, JCP features great books for adults, children and teens. From fairy tales to romance to self-help to historical fiction, JCP’s titles have something for everyone.

Verse of the month: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 KJV Thought of the month: “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language, and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning...” —T.S. Eliot From all of us to all of you, we pray God’s blessings upon you and your family during this holiday season!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays!

Janie C. Jessee, Editor

4 | December 2016 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

“every story needs a book”

voicemagazineforwomen.com • jancarolpublishing.com Serving Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia!

PUBLISHER Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc PO Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605 EDITOR Janie C Jessee, 423.502.6246 editor@voicemagazineforwomen.com publisher@jancarolpublishing.com DECEMBER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS April Hensley Ken Heath

Nancy Binder Craig Armstrong

ADVERTISING SALES Jamie Bailey - Account Executive 423.384.8402 jamie@voicemagazineforwomen.com Christina Campbell - Account Executive 423.926.9983 christina@voicemagazineforwomen.com OFFICE Brandon Goins - Office Assistant office@voicemagazineforwomen.com office@jancarolpublishing.com Office Phone/Fax: 423.926.9983 GRAPHICS/PRODUCTION Tara Sizemore - Senior Graphics Designer tara@voicemagazineforwomen.com graphics@jancarolpublishing.com MARKETING Tammy Robinson Smith - JCP Director of Communications communications@jancarolpublishing.com DISTRIBUTION Karen Corder Staff JCP Internships Available PUBLISHED BY JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC. (Volume 13, Issue 12) While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of the published material, Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. / Voice Magazine cannot be held responsible for opinions or facts provided by its authors, advertisers or agencies. All rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without written permission. Agencies, Advertisers and other contributors will indemnify and hold the publisher harmless for any loss or expense resulting from claims or suits based upon contents of any advertisement, defamation, libel, right of privacy, plagiarism and/or copyright infringement. The views expressed in Voice Magazine for Women are not necessarily those of the publisher. © 2016 EDITORIAL MISSION: Voice Magazine for Women wants to provide a useful and complete reliable source of information for women and their families. We seek to celebrate women’s successes, and support their growth by defining and recognizing their needs and providing a concentration of resources for them. We want to be that “link” to all women.

find us:

www.voicemagazineforwomen.com /voicemagazineforwomen @VoiceMagazineTN

contents December 2016 | Volume 13 | Issue 12

7

5 Holiday Fashion Tips

Gift Giving at the Office

“Go Green” and Donate your Prom Dresses to the YWCA

Spiritually Speaking

6

r,

Hoagl and,

Author,

Missing

IS

n for the seaso camping trip in state on their last stranded her boyfriend is and her dog are home, Dumped by road, back ndacks, Artem the county , “in the in the Adiro . Her search to find son’s quote forest Waldo Emer Ralph preserved to a homage ” n and faith. turns into return to reaso woods, we Tale of the

B: The children’s book born in author of the as Diana Denner, was D. L. Luke, writer Cat, also known published short-story and Halloween A ion City in 1965. free educat New York earned a in New York , Denner The New School and painter g and in 1993 from Arts in Fiction Writin graduated of State Watch, a Bachelor’s New York lor City with Editor for on counse ure. inclusi Literat American community Colonial works as a an old Dutch on the Denner also g laer. She owns workin is Rensse for ARC York and the Dog upstate New children’s book How home in second her of completion l from the Hawk.

Saved the Squirre

to the Wind, Find

the Story Within

—Rita Quille n Author,

M

Hiding Ezra

adison and her dog discove r a skull along Emotions overflo the Appala chian w as she sees Trail. her. Madison the empty eye feels pity for sockets looking the lost one’s abandonment; up at life. She knows what it’s like the feelings of to be thrown the voice of out like trash. the skull. She She wants to silently asks, place? How did be “Who put you you die? And in this lonely who are you?”

Silence of the Bones

ONES

n —Linda Hudso

—Saundra G. Kelley

Storyteller, Listen

“In Bev Freeman ’s debut mystery novel, Silence of discover y of a skeleton while the Bones, a young on a trail run, woman’s not only her own eventually leads true identity, but her to the discover also the true evil in her quiet northeas y of identity of people t Tennessee commun she’s close to what happened ity. Her quest to to her mother know the truth takes us from caves about snowy peaks of in the Palmer, Alaska, as Freeman presents Unaka Mountains to the a puzzling mystery coming-of-age story all rolled and a into one.”

ART EM

r with winte ed and alone r and a hope left desert her dog are only a praye judgment, is’s “Artemis and the Adirondacks, with cloud Artem . D.L. Luke g, in nary fears approachin safety Real and imagithe county road and .” for survival. t put down desire to reach you canno but not her g story that Sammy tells an excitin

SILENCE OF THE B

Harp, Autho

DAC KS

—Billy W.

ADI RON

of life’s tale of one the intriguing ndacks Artemis, y portrays ness. In Adiro not only her Luke vividl “Author D.L. being lost in the wilder she faces past is’s past, as her dog and greatest fears—acks unravel Artem with only n, her myriad flashb but fears for the future lonely introspectio her present fears, guide her. Through revealed.” are to esses experiences and weakn strengths Failed Dawn

“There are some characters you don't forget, and of that elite group.

Madison McKenz On her 21st birthday ie is a member a lie after a solo , Madison learns trek on the Appalac her life has largely hian Trail and and much later, been discover y of a a precious amulet woman’s skull, that matches the Madison’s task one she’s worn is to solve the mystery all of her life. of the she uncovers secrets broken heart but in the process, long hidden.”

Bev Freeman

BEV FREEMAN

e D.L . Luk

was born in Virginia Appalachians until her teens. Her family and lived in the where she graduate relocated to Florida d high school, married a Floridian raised a son. In 1993, with shattered , and dreams, she returned Appalachia. She married a local, to God-fearing man and life is beautifu in 1996, l in Tennessee, with two spirited sons living close grandby. A member of The Lost State Guild, she enjoys Writers a large audience on Facebook.

THE MADISON MCKENZIE FILES (BOOK 1)

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U.S. $9.95

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LLMAN PHOTOG HT 2016 BOHM-TA SCHAUER COPYRIG HEATHER RAE MARIE PHOTO: AUTHOR ER DESIGN: TOR/COV ILLUSTRA ING, INC OL PUBLISH JAN-CAR ING.COM LPUBLISH JANCARO

$19.75 COPYRIGHT 2016 COVER ILLUSTRATION : ROBERT L. COVER DESIGN: CONWAY TARA SIZEMORE AUTHOR PHOTO: BILL FREEEMAN JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUB LISHING.COM

RAPHY

18

Bev Freeman

Musings Jonesborough Porch from

a

T MA N

over time, while sitting on his offering is of essays created, gh, Tennessee’s oldest a delightful porch in Jonesborou itself and of sightings from the porch town. The essays are of the remembered while enjoying musings on scenes and events afford. only a screened porch can peaceful ambience that

WI TH OU

Musings from a Jonesborough Porch

T

cats. two Airedales and numerous

$14.45 U.S. $10.95 • CAN COPYRIGHT 2016 INC JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, .COM JANCAROLPUBLISHING

HELEN THATCHER

New Releases 18

April Hensley 9

Cold Weather Car Care 23

Make the Holiday Special for the Elderly

HOUT

MAN

29

Christmas Gifts and Stocking Stuffers for the Traveler Nancy Binder 12

U.S. $10.

Illustrated by

Jan-Carol Publishing

Planting a Living Christmas Tree

LD WIT

00 • CAN COPYRI GHT 2016 $13.10 FRONT COVER DESIGN JAN-CA : TARA ROL PUBLIS SIZEMO JANCAR HING, RE OLPUBL INC ISHING. COM

GINNY WALL

7

10

A WOR

Wa lker

II

town in Scotland to who came from a small settled in Helen Thatcher is a Scot a-born husband. They caring for Tennessee with her Chattanoog have enjoyed living, gardening, Jonesborou gh where they

Jim Burns 17

Easy Holiday Hors d’oeuvres

Jam es Bar ton

16

World War

A WO RL D

Consid er a wo rld wit it look hout ma like? Wo n. What and bec uld oth would er ani ome the mals rise Earth? domina Why wa nt influe up s man nce on man’s create purpos the d and e on Ear what is th?

16

James

Barton

Walker

See Next Month: New Year—New You

VoiceMALE Ken Heath 15

Realistic Resolutions Healthy Soup Recipes

December Hot Hunk Hunt!

The November “Hot Hunk” was Chris Michaels on page 25.

Morgan King (Good Day Tri Cities)

Each month Voice will “hide” a picture of a “Hot Hunk.” If you find him, fill out this form, mail it in, and you could win two tickets to Bristol Motor Speedway in Lights.

Congratulations to: Lenise Jenkins from Virginia

Name: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone Number: Email:

HOT HUNK LOCATION:

free!

DECEMBER 2016

voicemagazineforwomen.com

$1.95

Where did I pick up my copy of Voice Magazine?

Mail this submission form to: Voice Magazine P.O. Box 701 Johnson City, TN 37605

as the winner in the November Hot Hunk Hunt!

or e-mail: hothunk@voicemagazineforwomen.com Deadline for submission is December 20, 2016.

PLEASE, ONE ENTRY PER HOUSEHOLD

Thanks to ALL for sending in your entry!

As the selected winner, you must contact Voice Magazine for Women at 423-926-9983 within 90 days to claim and receive your prize. After 90 days, winning becomes null and void and the prize cannot be claimed.

appalachian • regional

10 6

• women

Easy Holiday Hors d’oeuvres

Sparkle During the Holidays!

5 Fashion Tips

Calling

all authors!

Details on Page 20

20

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2016 | 5

Sparkle During the Holidays!

5 Holiday Fashion Tips

By Jan Howery

T

he holiday season brings the opportunities for your fashion style to shine brighter than your Christmas tree. When attending office parties, social gatherings, and family get-togethers, you will have many opportunities to sparkle.

You may want to grab that award-winning ugly Christmas sweater, but it will not channel the spirit of the season at every occasion. This time of year is the perfect time to channel your festive side through sequins, sparkles, metallic dresses, and tops.

While you may shine like you’re Christmas, you don’t want to be a Christmas tree. Here are tips to glimmer with class and style and to announce your festive mood.

1. Shimmering fabrics are always a great choice. Easy to adorn with accessories, shimmering tops will go with black slacks, while shimmering dresses are eye-catching with metallic boots.

2. Sequins pass the test of the season. The updated sequin dresses or skirts are perfect in short to midlengths. Put your best foot forward with those toes peeking out from metallic strappy heels. It’s a look that is so modern.

3. Dazzle with metallic. Update your holiday fashion with a metallic top, or accent your style with metallic footwear. Be careful not to overdo, but, remember, metallic is the color of the season.

4. Love glam? Try satins, velvet, and fur. With beading or fur trim, satin and velvet in rich, bold colors will kick start your wardrobe for the holiday season. A velvet jacket paired with a pair of satin slacks, or if you are brave, a pair of sequin shorts will twinkle at any party.

5. Not sure? The little black dress will light up any party. Dress it up with lots of razzle dazzle, or dress it down with a bold bracelet or bright dangle earrings.

The updated little black dress is a holiday must-have in your wardrobe. Be dazzling this holiday season with vibrant, bold, rich jewel tones, shimmery metallic and sequins. Mix them for that perfect “holiday cocktail” of fashion!

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Since 1934, Stressless furniture has filled homes all around the world with comfort. This has made Stressless one of the best known brands in the furniture industry. There are many reasons why Stressless furniture is so comfortable. It has to do with the people, the choice of materials and all the innovative solutions put into production.

The surrounding landscapes play a big role in defining Stressless products. The majestic peaks and endless fjords will set your mind at ease and is the perfect medicine on the most stressful of days. If you have not visited the fjords yet, but want a taste, even just a small one, give Stressless a try. It may very well be the closest you’ll ever get to the bliss of pure comfort. For your comfort furniture solution, visit Mauk’s in Jonesborough, TN. See their ad on page 2.

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“Go Green” and Donate your Prom Dresses to the YWCA

very year, area teens and young women have an opportunity to “go green” by donating their prom gowns to the YWCA Prom Dress Project hosted by the Junior Board of Directors. The annual sale, which will be open to area high school girls February 23–25, will feature hundreds of previ129A east main street ously worn gowns and accessories at deeply discounted prices. abingdon va 276-628-2700 “As you are going through your closet, cleaning out for winter, open mon–sat 11–6 sun 1–5 just a block down from Barter Theatre please bring any prom gowns or accessories to YWCA Bristol located at 106 State Street,” said Tammy Henkel, Director of Mission Advancement. “All contributions are greatly appreciated!”

The YWCA is looking for gently used, up-to-date gowns as well as accessories such as the jewelry, clutches and shoes that accompany the prom attire. “We are in desperate need of fuller figure gowns, especially sizes 16–28, but all sizes and styles are welcomed,” said Henkel. Donations can be dropped off at YWCA Bristol.

Ask The YWCA Junior Board About Our of Directors is a diverse group of Weekly young women ages 20–40 who have Specials! a desire to acquire leadership and service skills within the commuGet brandbrand-name women’s apparel everday discount prices at ever nity. Their goals are to build awareness and support of the YWCA in We have clothing for men, women, and children.

We also have home décor, kitchen items, and electronics. the younger adult segment and to enhance and support the mission of 4451 N. Roan St. Suite 201 the YWCA. Johnson City, TN Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

For more information, please 423.915.1052 139 E. Main St. | Jonesborough, TN call YWCA Bristol at 423.968.9444 ouratticconsignment.com or email t_henkel@ywcabristol.org.

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voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2016 | 7

ABCs of Diamond Quality

A

Monday - Saturday 9am - 6pm

diamond is a miracle of time and place and chance. Like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike. Today, the 4Cs of Diamond Quality is the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. Until the middle of the twentieth century, there was no agreed-upon standard by which diamonds could be judged. efore you purchase a diamond, you should know that every diamond is different in quality, price and value. Look for educated professionals when purchasing diamonds. The GIA Graduate Gemologist (GG) or Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP) offer diploma programs.GIA created the first, and now globally accepted standard for describing diamonds: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight. olor—In most diamonds, the term actually refers to the absence of color. The less color in the stone, the more desirable and valuable it is. Some of these differences are not visible to the naked eye, but directly impact the overall quality and price of the stone. larity—In a diamond, clarity measures the amount, size and placement of internal ‘inclusions,’ and external ‘blemishes.’ Grades run from ‘Flawless,’ with virtually no imperfections, to ‘Included,’ which contain a significant number of imperfections. ut—For a diamond, cut does not refer to a diamond’s shape, but to the proportion and arrangement of its facets and the quality of workmanship. The amount of brilliance, sparkle and fire in a diamond is determined by cut. Grades range from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Poor.’ arat—In a diamond, carat refers to a diamond’s weight. Generally speaking, the higher the carat weight, the more expensive the stone.

Two diamonds of equal carat weight, however, can have very different quality and price when the other three Cs are considered.

B

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Vent fre free and direct vent gas logs Fireplace Inserts Fireplace Accessories F Screens Hearth Rugs

C C

Fire up the Fireplace T

here are three different types of gas fireplaces, and each has its own set of advantages and operating needs: Fireplace Inserts; Direct Vent Fireplaces; and Vent-Free Fireplaces.

Fireplace Inserts Gas Fireplace Inserts are installed in the opening of an existing wood burning fireplace, and they are vented through the existing chimney with a special vent pipe that carries the exhaust to the outside. Depending on the particular model of insert, the combustion air can either come from a pipe layer which is around the exhaust pipe, or it can come from inside of your home (it is more energy efficient to have a style that uses outside air), and some models have outside air vents.

Majestic American Oak Vented Gas Log Set RealFyre Foothill Oak Log Set

Direct Vent Fireplaces Direct vent fireplaces can be vented directly through an exterior wall, and do not require a traditional masonry chimney. Like fireplace inserts, direct vent gas fireplaces come in styles which can either bring combustion air from the outside, or from the room inside. These models can operate at or near 90 percent efficiency.

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Vent-Free Fireplaces Vent-Free fireplaces are designed to operate without the venting of exhaust fumes to the outside (sort of like a gas oven which burns gas in your home without a vent). Vent-free models draw room air for combustion and deliver the combusted hot air back into the room. Vent-Free fireplaces are highly efficient, burning at an efficiency rate of more than 90 percent.

Source www.home-wizard.com

8 | December 2016 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Planting a Living Christmas Tree

By April Hensley

I

n many families, the anchor for all holiday decorations is a Christmas tree covered in twinkling lights and colorful ornaments. A tradition for hundreds of years, the tree warms the heart and helps make family memories through decorating and gathering around it for the celebrations.

Holiday shoppers can choose an artificial tree, a cut living tree or a living tree with a root ball. Nowadays with busy work schedules and lots and lots of children’s activities, it’s easier to use an artificial tree. Modern technology has made them very realistic looking. After Christmas, the tree can be boxed up for use next year. However, nothing can compare to the smell and feel of a real tree. And a practical choice is a dwarf spruce

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tree, which from only a few inches tall to towering beauties, are available for busy families as well.

A living tree will take more work than an artificial tree. The difference between a living cut tree and one with a root ball is you will recycle one and plant the other. Many communities provide recycling opportunities after Christmas for people who choose cut trees, by chopping the trees into mulch for use in the spring.

So, why would someone want to buy a living tree to plant?

It can be permanent memorial perhaps for a special occasion like baby’s first Christmas, or moving into a new home.

Outdoor trees can also be decorated for the holiday in a new family tradition.

How the tree is treated indoors and afterward will give a living tree a better chance of survival. Most important before buying is ensuring you have a place to plant it not under power lines and at least 20 feet away from building foundations for trees that grow big. If you still want to try a tree to plant, read on to learn more.

• Purchase a tree that looks healthy.

• While inside your house, keep watered and do not place near heat.

• After the holidays, place tree on a covered porch or in the garage for several days to get used to colder temps.

• Plant after a few days. Do not wait until spring.

• Dig the hole for the tree before the ground freezes. This may be before you need it.

• Dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

• Remove all wrappings, twine, burlap or pots before placing in the ground.

• Cover with dirt, water well, and mulch.

• Water the tree at least once a week for the first year so the roots get established.

• Don’t worry if it starts to look a little droopy. The temperature change shocks the tree but it should recover.

{

April Hensley works as an office manager and is an avid gardener, writer and greenhouse hobbyist. April loves the outdoors and is passionate about animal welfare and the environment. She can be reached at aprils1105@embarqmail.com.

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Spinach and Goat Cheese Tartlets

Easy Holiday Hors d’oeuvres Creamy Potato and Roasted Red Pepper Dip Yield: About 4 cups Ingredients 2 russet potatoes russet potatoes (about 1 pound), scrubbed Kosher salt 6 medium cloves garlic cloves garlic 3/4 cup whole blanched almonds 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling 2 whole jarred roasted red peppers, rinsed and patted dry 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar white wine vinegar Baked pita chips and/or warm fresh pita bread wedges, for serving Instructions Special equipment: a food mill or ricer Put the potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat and simmer until the potatoes are very tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Once the water is at a simmer, add the garlic cloves to the water and cook until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove 10 | December 2016 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

the garlic from the water. Cool the garlic slightly and then coarsely chop it.

Add the garlic to a food processor along with the almonds and 1/2 cup of oil.

Process until the mixture becomes a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a large bowl and reserve.

Rinse out the food processor and add the roasted red peppers, parsley, pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons of the oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Process until the mixture is a mostly smooth with some small chunks.

Reserve.

When the potatoes are tender, drain them well then cool slightly. Use a clean dishtowel to rub off the skins. Discard the skins and coarsely chop the potatoes. Run the potatoes through a food mill or ricer and add them to the bowl with the reserved almond mixture. Add 2 teaspoons salt and gently stir the potatoes and almond mixture together until just combined. Stir in the lemon juice, vinegar and 1/2 cup water. Taste for seasoning and add more salt if needed.

Spoon the potato mixture into a shallow baking dish and make a large well in the middle. Fill it with the reserved red pepper sauce and lightly drizzle everything with olive oil. Serve warm or at room temperature with pita chips and/ or warm pita bread wedges. Foodnetwork.com

Yield: 24 tartlets Ingredients 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese Vegetable oil, for brushing 1 large shallot, minced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour 1/4 cup milk Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 3 1/2 ounces mild goat cheese, softened 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 2 large eggs, separated 1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry Chopped chives, for garnish Instructions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt 1 tablespoon butter. Place 1 phyllo sheet on a clean surface (cover the other sheets with a damp towel), brush with melted butter and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon parmesan. Cover with another phyllo sheet, brush with more butter and sprinkle with another teaspoon parmesan. Top with the remaining phyllo sheet and brush with butter. Cut the phyllo stack into 24 squares, about 3 inches each.

Brush a 24-cup mini muffin tin with oil, then firmly press a phyllo square, buttered-side down, into each cup. Bake until golden, 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and cook until translucent. Stir in the flour, then add the milk and stir until the mixture is smooth, 1 minute. Add the nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste.

Stir in the goat cheese, lemon zest and vinegar until the cheese melts. Remove from the heat and mix in the egg yolks, then the spinach.

Beat the egg whites to stiff peaks and fold into the spinach filling. Spoon about 1 tablespoon filling into each phyllo cup and top with the remaining parmesan.

Bake until the filling is set, 15 minutes.

Cool slightly in the pan; remove and top with the chives. Foodnetwork.com

Swedish Meatballs

Yield: 8 servings Ingredients 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped Kosher salt 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs 1/3 cup milk 2 teaspoons dry sherry 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder 3 large eggs 1/2 pound ground pork 1/2 pound ground turkey 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice Freshly ground pepper Vegetable oil, for frying 3 tablespoons lingonberry or cranberry preserves 1/2 cup sour cream Chopped fresh dill, for topping Fresh pickled cucumber slices, for serving Instructions Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, season with salt and cook until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes; set aside.

Combine 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and the milk in a bowl; set aside until the milk is absorbed, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir the sherry and mustard powder in a large bowl until dissolved, then beat in 1 egg. Add the soaked breadcrumbs, the browned onion, the pork, turkey, honey, allspice, 2 teaspoons salt, and pepper to taste.

Gently mix with your hands until combined.

Dampen your hands; form the mixture into 36 small meatballs, about 1 tablespoon each.

Put on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Put the remaining 1 cup breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Whisk the remaining 2 eggs and 2 tablespoons water in a bowl. Dip each meatball in egg, letting the excess drip off, then roll in the breadcrumbs; return to the baking sheet.

Heat about 1 1/2 inches vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 325 degrees F. Working in batches, fry the meatballs, gently stirring with a slotted spoon, until golden and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.

Let stand 10 minutes.

Fold the lingonberry preserves into the sour cream and top with the dill. Skewer each meatball with a pickled cucumber slice and serve with the lingonberry cream.

Foodnetwork.com

Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Blue Cheese

Ingredients 1 pound sliced bacon, cut in half 1 pound pitted dates 4 ounces blue cheese Add all ingredients to list Instruction: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Slice dates in half, and open them up.

Pinch off pieces of blue cheese, and place them into the center of the dates. Close the halves of the dates, and wrap a halfslice of bacon around the outside. Secure each one with a toothpick. Arrange in a baking dish or on a baking sheet with sides to catch any grease.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the bacon is crisp.

Turn dates over after the first 20 minutes for even cooking. Aluminum foil can be used to keep food moist, cook it evenly, and make clean-up easier. Allrecipes.com

Cranberry Dip

Ingredients 1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries 1 cup white sugar 1 cup apricot jam 1 cup chopped pecans 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese Instructions Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Combine cranberries with sugar in a 2 quart baking dish with a lid, stirring well to coat all the berries. Bake in the preheated oven, covered, for about 30 minutes, until the cranberries pop and release their liquid.

Remove from oven and stir in the apricot jam and pecans. Refrigerate overnight to blend the flavors. To serve, allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature, and pour dip over the block of cream cheese on a serving dish. Serve with buttery round crackers or small pretzels. Allrecipes.com

Flatbread with Bacon and Scallion Pesto

Yield:4 servings Ingredients 4 thick strips bacon, thinly sliced 1 large white onion, thinly sliced Pinch of sugar Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper 6 scallions, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon capers

1/2 cup fresh parsley Grated zest of 1/2 lemon 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/3 cup creme fraiche or sour cream 1 pound frozen pizza dough, thawed All-purpose flour, for dusting Instructions Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring from time to time, until browned and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain; keep warm. Add the onion slices to the drippings in the skillet; sprinkle with the sugar and season with salt and pepper.

Cook until light brown and tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Taste for seasoning.

Combine the scallions, capers and parsley in a food processor. Add salt and pepper to taste and half of the lemon zest; pulse gently to chop and blend. Turn the processor on and add the olive oil through the top in a steady stream. Transfer the scallion pesto to a bowl; set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk the creme fraiche and the remaining lemon zest until smooth. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.

Roll the pizza dough into an 8-by-14-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough around the rolling pin and unroll it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the center of the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Spread the creme fraiche mixture on the crust. Dot with the onions and some of the bacon drippings from the pan; sprinkle with the bacon. Slice into pieces and drizzle with scallion pesto.

Recipe courtesy of Alex Guarnaschelli/Foodnetwork.com

Caprese Skewers

Ingredients 20 grape tomatoes 10 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped 1 pinch salt 1 pinch ground black pepper 20 toothpicks Instructions Toss tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper together in a bowl until well coated. Skewer one tomato and one piece of mozzarella cheese on each toothpick. Allrecipes.com

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2016 | 11

Christmas Gifts and Stocking Stuffers for the Traveler Article and Photographs

by Nancy Binder

F

or those of you who have travelers on your shopping list, I have chosen a mixture of stocking stuffer suggestions and gifts that as an avid traveler I would appreciate receiving.

RFID protectors for your passport and credit cards. These are supposed to cut down on electronic pickpocketing. They can be purchased as sleeves or as wallets that fit in your front pants pockets. Price range $6–$15 A money belt is a must for travel to hold cash, credit cards and a passport. My favorite has a mesh back and two zipper pockets. It fits comfortably around my waist under my clothes with an elastic, adjustable belt. I prefer the waist money belts to the ones worn around the neck that fit under your shirt or blouse. Price range $10–$25 A hybrid solar powered flashlight that contains batteries for backup. I bought one last year and love it. It is small, lightweight, provides good illumination and supposedly holds a charge for 3 years. A flashlight is a MUST for travelers whether on a cruise ship, touring or camping. Price range about $8–$15 Large luggage tags that are brightly colored or have a unique design needed to aid in spotting your luggage quickly on the carousel.

There are GPS equipped luggage tags but after reading the reviews, I can’t suggest them yet. Price range $5–$15 TSA approved luggage locks.

The locks will have “TSA and a number” on the lock near the key hole. I prefer the locks with the key rather than the combination style locks. Price range for 2 $7–$15.

12 | December 2016 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Resealable plastic bags for packing each day’s outfit is a very practical gift. It prevents wrinkles once the air is removed from the bags and prevents clothing from getting damp in wet conditions and keeps clothes clean in dusty conditions. Multiple reusable bags in a set sell from $15–$20 depending on size and quantity.

If you know where your gift recipient is traveling, a travel guide book would be much appreciated. I like Lonely Planet guides especially if I am not going on a tour. They contain lots of practical information such as where a laundromat, grocery, discount ticket booth, etc. are located along with history, maps, museum, hotel and restaurant guides. DK Top 10 guides for the city or country being visited is a great source for the highlights of where to stay, where to eat, entertainment venues, museums, parks, tours, shopping, etc. Price range $17–$30 If your traveler is going outside the country for the first time, an electrical adapter set will be needed. $10–$15 Are they traveling in the United States by car? A membership to AAA, American Automobile Association, will not only provide them with emergency road assistance but also with tour books and maps for all of the States and Canada. If you wish, they will also plot a course and print Triptix for you. With an AAA membership, you receive discounts at some hotels, restaurants, and museums. Membership costs range from $50–$100 depending on your location and membership options. continued on next page

Gift cards to a favorite chain restaurant are always appreciated, especially as one travels. You can set the price and the cards can be purchased at most big box stores.

A journal with a pen holder is a great gift for the recipient to record memories of their trips. The pen holder will ensure that they always have something to write with.

Extra memory cards and batteries for their camera will also be an appreciated gift. You will need to know the make and model of their camera. And speaking of cameras, a cleaning kit for the lens that contains a brush, air blower and microfiber cloth is a great gift, especially if the recipient shoots a lot of outdoor photos. Prices vary for the above items from $5–$30.

Single packet laundry detergent would be a great stocking stuffer as well as a spot remover stick.

For the outdoor traveler going to biting insect areas, towelettes with insect repellent in them in a resealable packet is another stocking stuffer idea. Price range $7–$20 If your traveler is going on a cruise or tour and you are looking for a more expensive gift, you can contact the tour operator or their travel agent and purchase one of the optional tours or other gifts the companies have available.

Happy Traveling, Shopping and Gifting.

For comments or travel related questions contact nancybinder@msn.com.

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voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2016 | 13

Aren’t you ArtCurious

about the newest gallery to the area?

SYMPHONY OF THE MOUNTAINS HOLIDAY CONCERTS

“Traditions” Holiday Concerts for the Whole Family art • craft • • creative creative Located in a landmark Victorian green house by the train trestle in Boones Creek, we have locally-made gifts that fit eclectic to elegant tastes.

423.788.8006

2632 Boones Creek Rd. Johnson City, TN facebook.com/artcuriousgallery artcuriousgallery@gmail.com artcuriousgallery.com

A

s the weather turns colder and shopping becomes a battlefield, it can be hard to remember the beauty of the season. Cornelia Laemmli Orth and Symphony of the Mountains invite you to refill your Yuletide cheer as we present our beloved holiday concerts honoring the traditions of the season.

“Traditions” Holiday Concerts will be performed on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 3:00 pm at the Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center in Kingsport, TN and Sunday, December 4, 2016 at 3:00 pm at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, VA. This annual family favorite is overflowing with festive carols and sacred holiday selections. Repertoire includes favorites such as: • Hark! The Herald Angels Sing • Chestnuts Roasting • Handel, Messiah Halleluja • How the Grinch Stole Christmas • It’s a Wonderful Life: Christmas Event Finale Performing with our fully professional orchestra and Voices of the Mountains choral group this year will be several special guests: one hundred and sixty students from Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy—a regional youth choir, seventy students from Mountain Mission School Choir—an award winning children’s choir from Grundy, VA, and eighty students from Academy of Strings—a youth music school from Johnson City, TN. The stage will be filled with the sights and sounds of holiday cheer amid an indoor snow flurry.

Join the performers and Santa after the concert for our traditional cookie and punch reception sponsored by our Women’s Symphony Committee. There will be an opportunity to take a picture with Santa and tell him what you want for Christmas. Just make sure you’ve been good!

Tickets to this delightful afternoon event are only $25 with all children and students admitted free. Group discounts for 10+ are available by calling the Symphony Box Office.

To order your tickets, call Symphony of the Mountains Box Office at 423.392.8423 or visit us on the web at www.

SymphonyOfTheMountains.org.

Sponsored by: Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, C. Bascom Slemp Foundation, Eastman Chemical Company, Eastman Credit Union, James & Laura Rogers Foundation, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas D. McGlothlin, Marcia & Marvin Gilliam, Jr. Foundation, The Estate of James C. Martin In Memory of Mary B. Martin, National Endowment for the Arts, Pro-Art Association, Tennessee Arts Commission, Town of Abingdon, United Companies Charitable Foundation, Women’s Symphony Committee.

14 | December 2016 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Voicemail

Male

By Ken Heath

G

rowing up, by this time of year, my siblings and I would be ready for Christmas to get here. The pages of the Sears & Roebuck Catalog would be dog-eared at the GI Joe section for me and at the Barbie section for my sister. Our little brother was too young to pick out his own gifts, so we just assumed Ol’ Saint Nick would bring him what was left over.

My grandfather was the local Tom’s Peanut route man; delivering his goods to country stores across the region, while my grandmother sold Avon to make a little extra money. Truth be known, my grandfather was the Avon guy too, taking those little sales catalogs around and then delivering those white paper bags to beauty shops and the like in-between his peanut stops.

My dad was the town’s fire and building inspector, and every year, Santa would arrive in Marion on the back of a fire truck.

It was one of my dad’s favorite duties, to make sure Santa got up there in time to start the parade. So, my pop and Santa were friends. It was kind of nice that our Santa was on the fire department, too. My mom was a stay-at-home mom, prone to making her shopping decisions based upon the number of green stamps she had stockpiled, or the gift inside the box of an often-purchased product. One of her favorite collectibles was the yellow prismed plastic glasses inside oatmeal boxes. Those were special occasion, fancy “company” glasses, not for us kids.

Anyway, to make a Christmas extra-special one year, my dad conspired with my grandfather to have Santa stop by our house early, just after dark set in, and bring us kids a little extra

gift—a new pair of pajamas to wear Christmas Eve. Everything was going per plan. They’d done the buildup, working us into an excited frenzy. Suddenly, we heard the faint sound of bells in the yard. We held our breath, silent, as the knock-knock-knock on the front door and the muffled “Ho, ho, ho” assured us we were so special that Santa was delaying giving gifts to all the kids around the world, just to stop by and see us first!

My dad opened the door and just as soon as he and Santa shared hellos, here came the Jolly Ol’ Elf himself with a brown box!

But imagine my stunned amazement as Santa reached into the box, calling out my name first, only to be handed...a bag of AVON! Seems that, in the dark, Santa had mixed up the boxes in my grandfather’s station wagon, so instead of Lone Ranger footie pajamas, I was holding a white sack of Skin So Soft!

I don’t remember the details of how they pulled it off, but by the time Saint Nick had departed, we were in new pajamas, the Avon was in the backseat of the car again, and our parents and grandparents were sharing an oatmeal glass of this strange smelling brown elixir with Santa in the kitchen just like company is supposed to do to celebrate the holidays.

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Ken Heath is a Marion, VA hometown boy who expresses his passions in his writings and through music. After his ‘real job’, Ken is owner of the legendary Cliffside Roadhouse, doggie dad to two yellow labs with his wonderful wife, and a professional mobile DJ with Bow Tie Pro Music and Sound. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at #kenheath.

“Virginia's Most Awarded DJ Service”

(276) 759-1102 | www.kenheath.com voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2016 | 15

Gift Giving at the Office

By Craig W. Armstrong

N Holiday Safety Tips for your furry friends Oh, Christmas Tree:

Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water— which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset— from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a petsafe bouquet.

Tinsel-less Town: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel. Source: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty ot Animals (www.aspca.org)

16 | December 2016 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

othing says holiday fun like gift giving at the office. It’s a tradition that most of us are forced into. We go along to get along because you don’t want to be the Scrooge who doesn’t want to participate. If you are forced into participating, here are some ideas to make this awkward tradition a little less painful.

The classic office gift giving tradition is of course, Secret Santa. Everyone randomly draws the name of a co-worker who then becomes the person that you give a gift. There is normally a limit on the amount of the gift, so things don’t get out of control.

A tradition that is a more cutthroat is the White Elephant gift exchange. Each person buys a gift.

When the gift exchange occurs, one person starts.

The next person then picks, but has the option to take the previous person’s gift, thus forcing them to pick again. It’s kind of like Let’s Make A Deal, but on a smaller scale. One way to keep the atmosphere light and avoid hard feelings is the make sure the gifts are gag gifts.

For the studious office, there is the book gift exchange. Everyone offers their favorite book as a gift. The books can be given randomly or in Secret Santa fashion.

Maintaining the theme idea, how about a coffee mug exchange? Most people drink coffee or tea at work. Coffee mugs come with practically anything printed on them.

An altruistic approach would be a charity exchange.

This means making a donation to someone’s favorite charity. This is the true meaning of the holidays.

What about no gifts and a potluck instead? Take the money you would normally spend on each other and put it toward a nice meat and cheese tray or a seafood platter. This is good way to take the pressure of gift giving off and just have a good time. Remembering to buy gifts for your co-workers is just one more thing to do during the holiday season. But if you make it fun and creative, it might not be so bad.

Your Use of Time

By Jim Burns

“He appointed the moone for seasons; the sunne knoweth his going downe.”

Psalm 104:19 KJV Interpretation: Thou hast made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting.”

T

he greatest commodity you have at your fingertips is time. Everyone has the same amount of time to use or waste today. The happiness in your life depends on how you use your time. Periodically I need to evaluate how I am using my time. This little paragraph helps me keep perspective.

Take time to THINK—it is the source of power.

Take time to PLAY—it is the secret of perpetual youth.

Take time to be FRIENDLY—it is the road to happiness.

Mission Team Fundraiser

Sinking Creek Baptist Church 2nd Annual

Craft and Christmas Show December 10th 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Sinking Creek Family Life Center 2313 Elizabethton Highway Johnson City, TN 37601 Ph: 423.928.3222 www.sinkingcreek.org Area Artisans, Local Crafters & Vendors Including: Arbonne, The Crafty Baker, Ella’s Jewelry Creations, Jamberry Nails, LuLaRoe, Mary Kay, Matilda Jane, Paparazzi, Photography, Premier Designs, Rodan+Fields, Scentsy, Yetis/shoes, Damsel In Defense, Jewelry in Candles, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Thirty One, Tupperware, It Works, Plunder, Young Living Essential Oils, Xocai Chocolates and much much more.

Silent Auction

Door Prizes

Concessions

Admission is FREE!

Take time to LOVE—it is a God-given privilege.

Take time to READ—it is the fountain of wisdom.

Take time to PRAY—it is the greatest power on Earth.

Take time to LAUGH—it is the music of the soul.

Take time to GIVE—it is too short a day to be selfish.

Take time to WORK—it is the price of success.

Bristol Christian Women’s Club The Euclid Center at Food City 1320 Euclid Avenue, Bristol, VA 3rd Wednesday of each month, 11:30 am, $15 each

Open to all Women Special Speakers, Entertainment and Luncheon For reservations call Nancy Young at (423) 968-7976.

Bristol Christian Women’s Club is affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2016 | 17

with winter er and a hope mis’s judgment, ety. D.L. Luke down.”

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OUT NOW

COMING SOON

Adirondacks Artemis

They Gave All Save Honor

Written by D.L. Luke

Written by Elizabeth Steffaniak A journal kept by Eden Stuart during the tumultuous years of 1858–1870 detailing life in Federal City as southern senators left the Union to build a new country and an army and war brewed in Congress. Stuart’s writings cover the troops encamped at Richmond, the battles fought at Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Seven Pines, Richmond and Appomattox, the deaths of Stonewall Jackson, Jeb Stuart, and General Lafayette, the surrender of the Confederacy and the aftermath as President Lincoln is assassinated. Booth’s coconspirators are tried, Johnson is impeached and the Union is restored.

Dumped by her boyfriend on their last camping trip for the season in the Adirondacks, Artemis and her dog are stranded in state preserved forest. Her search to find the county road, back home, turns into a homage to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote, “in the woods, we return to reason and faith.”

D.L. Luke

book B: The Tale of the na Denner, was born in hed short-story writer free education and w School in New York n Fiction Writing and New York State Watch, ty inclusion counselor n old Dutch Colonial d is working on the n’s book How the Dog

NEW RELEASES

ADIRONDACKS ARTEMIS

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“every story needs a book”

The Grand Stories of the All Too Adventurous Alex Book One: Trouble Inside the Magical Oak Tree

$13.25

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Jonesborough Porch

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Written by Helen Thatcher, Illustrated by Ginny Wall

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his offering is of essays created, over time, while sitting on a delightful porch in Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town. The essays are of sightings from the porch itself and of musings on scenes and events remembered while enjoying the peaceful ambience that only a screened porch can afford.

Written by Michael Dillon, Illustrated by Teresa Wilkerson Alexander’s first real adventure inside a magical oak tree is a ride you will want to go on more than once! Come meet all the creatures and enjoy the humor and action as you follow along with Alexander on this grand journey to the top, and you can decide what is real, and what may not be.

Musings from Jonesborough Porch

This offering is of essays created, over time, while sitting on a delightful porch in Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town. The essays are of sightings from the porch itself and of musings on scene and events remembered while enjoying the peaceful ambience that only a screened porch can afford.

Books make great gifts!

Helen Thatcher is a Scot who came from a small town in Scotland to Tennessee with her Chattanooga-born husband. They settled in Jonesborough where they have enjoyed living, gardening, caring for two Airedales and numerous cats.

Illustrated by

U.S. $10.95 • CAN $14.45

GINNY WALL

COPYRIGHT 2016 JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

BEV FREEMAN

d lived in the ated to Florida Floridian, and he returned to man in 1996, pirited grandState Writers k.

Musings from a Jonesborough Porch Musings

SILENCE OF THE BONES

is a member argely been man’s skull, l of her life. e process,

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. is a small independent publishing press with a motivated force of authors. Mountain Girl Press; Little Creek Books, Express Editions; DigiStyle and RoseHeart Publishing are all imprints of Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc.

Silence of the Bones

THE MADISON MCKENZIE FILES (BOOK 1)

HELEN THATCHER

Silence of the Bones Written by Bev Freeman Madison and her dog discover a skull along the Appalachian Trail. Emotions overflow as she sees the empty eye sockets looking up at her. Madison feels pity for the lost one’s life. She knows the feelings of abandonment; what it’s like to be thrown out like trash.

She wants to be the voice of the skull. She silently asks, “Who put you in this lonely place? How did you die? And who are you?”

The Little Store

Bev Freeman

A World Without Man

Consider a world without man. What would it look like? Would other animals rise up and become the dominant influence on the Earth? Why was man created and what is man’s purpose on Earth?

World War II

A WORLD WITHOUT

MAN

“every story needs a book”

shows support to local authors!

James Barton Walker

Consider a world without man. What would it look like? Would other animals rise up and become the dominant influence on the Earth? Why was man created and what is man’s purpose on Earth?

A WORLD WITHOUT MAN

Written by James Barton Walker

U.S. $10.00 • CAN $13.10 COPYRIGHT 2016 FRONT COVER DESIGN: TARA SIZEMORE JAN-CAROL PUBLISHING, INC JANCAROLPUBLISHING.COM

James Barton Walker

Located in: THE MARKETPLACE Old, New, Antique, Unique 280 West Main Street • Abingdon, VA Hours: Tues–Sat 10:00–5:00 (Closed Sunday and Monday)

18 | December 2016 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

“every story needs a book”

AUTHORS on the ROAD Amber D. Tran Moon River Thursday, December 15, 2016 4 pm–9 pm Book Signing and Poetry Slam, Wish You Were Beer, Madison, AL

D. L. Luke Adirondacks Artemis Sunday, December 11, 1 pm–3 pm, Book Signing, The Bookstore Plus, Lake Placid, NY

“This is a book that every young girl should read.

I would highly recommend this book to any teenager, as well as the parents.”

Saturday, December 17, noon–4 pm, Book Signing, Good Buy Books, Rensselaer, NY

— HAZEL RASH FLEMING, Author

A PLACE TO LIVE

Kathleen M. Jacobs Honeysuckle Holiday Sunday, December 18, 2016, Tamarack, Beckley, WV

Linda Hudson Hoagland Snooping Can Be Helpful—Sometimes; Onward & Upward; Missing Sammy; Snooping Can Be Doggone Deadly; Snooping Can Be Devious; Snooping Can Be Contagious; Snooping Can Be Dangerous; The Best Darn Secret; and anthologies Broken Petals and Christmas Blooms Friday, December 2, 2016, 9 am–4 pm, Book Signing, Over 50 Expo, Higher Ed Center, Virginia Highlands, Community College, Abingdon, VA

L

THE HOPE SERIES • BY CHARLOTTE S. SNEAD

aura’s parents wanted no part of her baby, nor did her boyfriend. Feeling bereft, she no longer belongs anywhere when she leaves Hope House, the maternity home where she found Christ. Can she find a place to belong, a home, a family? Does God have a plan and a purpose for her, to give her hope and a future?

AVAILABLE:

charlottesreaders.com, amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com

Saturday, December 3, 2016, 9 am–3 pm, Book Signing, PFES Craft Show, Price’s Fork Elementary School, Blacksburg, VA Saturday, December 10, 2016, 9 am–2 pm, Book Signing, Holiday Bazaar Graham High School Project Graduation, Bluefield, VA Tuesday, December 13, 2016, 11 am–1 pm, Reading, Reminiscent Writers, King Building, Southwest Virginia Community College, Richlands, VA

Martha Jane Orlando A Trip, a Tryst and a Terror; Children in the Garden; The Moment of Truth; Revenge!; Redemption; Revelation Saturday, December 3, 2016, 9 am–5 pm, Book Signing and Sale, Women’s Christmas Brunch and Bazaar, Roswell Street Baptist Church, Marietta, GA

Victoria Fletcher Fletcher’s Fables and Fletcher’s Fables Too Friday, December 2 from 9 am–4 pm, Over 50 Expo at the Higher Ed. Center in Abingdon, VA

Wayne A. Major and Ralphine Major Adventures of Piddle Diddle, the Widdle Penguin—Piddle Diddle’s Lost Hat; and Piddle Diddle, the Widdle Penguin, Goes to Hawaii; will also have Moondance of the Fireflies, by Tamela Marie Wheeler; and Little Teddy’s Big Adventures, by Teresa Wilkerson.

Saturday, December 3, 2016, 10 am to 3 pm, Book Signing and opportunity to take a photo with Piddle Diddle, the Widdle Penguin, wearing her favorite Santa hat, Clear Springs Baptist Church Christmas Market, 7350 Tazewell Pike, Corryton, TN 37721, 865-688-7674 Sunday, December 4, 2:30 pm, Piddle Diddle, the Widdle Penguin, Float in the Gibbs Ruritan Club 7th Annual Christmas Parade, starting at Gibbs High School, 7628 Tazewell Pike, Corryton, TN, and ending at Clear Springs Baptist Church, 7350 Tazewell Pike, Corryton, TN

SHATTERED BUT NOT BROKEN

is an autobiography of being blinded by love at first sight. Author Tawana Campbell shares personal details of falling for and living with a controlling and abusive husband. Although her marriage was filled with overwhelming challenges and heartwrenching tragedy, Campbell shares her inspirational accounts of finding the strength to survive and thrive.

AVAILABLE:

amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and jancarolpublishing.com

“A richly detailed debut novel of a Southern girl's 1960s childhood.”

“Jacobs is a talented, descriptive writer who provides particularly lush descriptions...”

“A brief but enjoyable historical novel.”

— Kirkus Reviews

AVAILABLE

NOW

jancarolpublishing.com amazon.com barnesandnoble.com voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2016 | 19

ES

e

Believe and Achieve Novel Award 2017 Are you an aspiring writer, trying to break into the market? This could be your big chance!

Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc. is hosting the 2017 Believe and Achieve Novel Award.

Voice Magazine recognizes the

Reader of the Month

For submission rules and details visit jancarolpublishing.com

Ask the Book Editor Judi Light Hopson

Q:

Call:

42on 3.7a43 .9052 budget, and I’m a stay-at-home mom. I’d love to hire I am squeaky-tight Em : someone to edit myail book, but I worry my husband will think I’m indulging in a luxury judihopson@earthlink.ne we can’t afford. Writers in my writing group tell me the book is awesome. Any ideas? t — Lilly S., Charlotte

A:

Lilly, if your cohort group is bragging, pay attention! Start earmarking money now.

Use Christmas gifts (any cash), a little money from your income tax refund, or hold a garage sale in the spring. Don’t hide your project from your spouse, though!

— Judi Light Hopson

• We serve national and local publishers • We provide a FREE sample editing of your book 20 | December 2016 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

From: Huntington, WV Occupation: Nurse Practitioner I feel empowered when: I can help someone by being kind.

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52

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1. Hindu princesses 6. Unload, as stock 10. Supergarb 14. Avoid 15. “Mi chiamano Mimi,” e.g.

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20. “Star Trek” rank: Abbr.

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22. Nay-______ 24. Illicit cigarette 26. Provides an upper interior surface to a room 28. Cabernet, e.g.

29. To create a ring 33. #1 spot 36. Dalai ___ 38. A flat sheet of microfilm 39. Defamation 41. Small bag 43. Beverage made with fruit juices 44. Airy 46. Some male dolls 47. Odd shaped fish with elongated snout 49. Crystal meth, in slang 51. Admiral’s command 52. Home decorator Stewart 56. Round lot’s 100 59. Toni Morrison’s “___ Baby” 60. Howard of “Happy Days” 61. Checker, perhaps 62. Not willing to endure 66. ___ vera 67. Dirty coat 68. Enjoy 69. Short for generations 70. Certain surgeon’s “patient” 71. About 1.3 cubic yards

DOWN

1. Allude 2. Dress style 3. Care for 4. Driver’s lic. and others 5. Couch 6. Preserve, in a way 7. Victorian, for one 8. Sue Grafton’s “___ for Lawless” 9. Famous TV collie 10. Fancy person from the big city 11. “God’s Little ___” 12. “D” 13. Aims 18. Turn 23. High up 25. ‘American’ side 26. Video maker, for short 27. Clear, as a disk 30. Advil target 31. Accordingly 32. Congers 33. Dangerous biters 34. Hint 35. Fictional resource of magic 37. Appeared 40. Wild Asian dog 42. Sloth, e.g.

45. Favorite 48. To fight back 50. Fondle 53. A crossbeam 54. Accept 55. Cavern, in poetry 56. Alone 57. Fit 58. Impulse transmitter 59. ___ bag 63. “___ any drop to drink”: Coleridge 64. “For shame!”

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voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2016 | 21

Christmas of a Simpler Time!

R

ocky Mount Museum’s “A Candlelight Christmas” tours are a chance to look back at a simpler time and a simpler celebration. Guests will travel back to Christmas Eve of 1791 where the Cobb home is adorned with handmade decorations of greenery and lit by candles. Meet the Cobb family, Governor Blount and his family, and many of the Cobb family’s friends and neighbors. Listen to the stories of firing the anvil, the kissing ball, poor man’s punch, and more. Watch the dances of the time and even be invited to join in. Tap your toes and clap your hands to the traditional music being played. Smell the apple fritters frying in the kitchen, the pies waiting to be eaten in the dining room, and the smoke of the bonfire.

At the end of the tour, warm up in our reception area with coffee or hot chocolate and other goodies. “A Candlelight Christmas” is a new way to come and see an old favorite. This tour is completely different from our daily tour and captures a different side of life in 1791. Come feel the warmth of the fire on your skin and the warmth of the season in your heart. Start a new tradition this year by attending our “A Candlelight Christmas” tour.

22 | December 2016 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Tours begin at 4:30 each evening (Dec. 2nd, 3rd, 9th, and 10th) and leave the Visitor’s Center every fifteen minutes.

Guests will have to travel outside to get to the historic home, and other buildings so make sure to dress for the weather.

The tour lasts approximately an hour and a half and costs $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 5 and up. Reservations are strongly encouraged, although walk-in visitors are welcome.

Group rates are available for groups of twelve or more people.

In order to receive group rates, reservations are required. Reservations are now being taken. To make a reservation or for more information, call 423.538.7396 or 1.888.538.1791.

Rocky Mount is a State of Tennessee Historic Site administered cooperatively with the Tennessee Historical Commission and the Rocky Mount Historical Association. Rocky Mount Museum is a living history museum, which uses first-person interpretation to portray people living in 1791. Rocky Mount is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am until 5 pm with the last tour leaving the Visitor’s Center by 4 pm.

Living history tours and the facility are available by reservation at any time, including Sundays and Mondays for schools and other groups, with advance reservations. For more information, call 423.538.7396 or visit our website at www.rockymountmuseum.com.

Keep the battery in good shape Your vehicle’s battery is especially hard hit when the mercury plummets. Cold temperatures reduce its cranking power. To check a conventional battery, remove the plastic caps on the top and check the fluid level. (See your owner’s manual.) If the fluid is low, add distilled water.

On maintenance-free batteries, check that the window at the top of the battery indicates a fully charged state. If it’s more than five years old and shows signs of weakness, replace the battery with a top-rated model.

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Replace wiper blades While it’s possible to stretch their life by cleaning the rubber edge of the blade periodically with a paper towel and glass cleaner, it isn’t safe to do that all winter long. We recommend replacing wiper blades as often as twice per year.

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Motor oil thickens when cold, making it harder for the engine to turn over. Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation. Typical formulas that are recommended for modern engines include 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30, which provide good oil flow at low temperatures and can often be used year-round.

Consider new tires Spinning out in the snow and ending up in a ditch isn’t the best way to discover your tires are worn out. If your area gets occasional snow, a new set of all-season tires should do the job. Remember that it’s safest to replace all four tires at one time. Article by Jon Linkov, www.consumerreports.org

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at RalphSmithAutoSalesDamascusVA voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2016 | 23

Brenna Lafferty Named 2017 Distinguished Young Woman of Southwest Virginia

B

renna Lafferty is the 2017 Distinguished Young Woman of Southwest Virginia. She earned a total of $2,000 in scholarships after the inaugural showcase for the Southwest Virginia chapter of a nearly 60-year-old program was held on Sunday, November 20, 2016. Lafferty is the first young Brenna Lafferty woman to earn the title.

Lafferty took part in several workshops to prepare her for the upcoming competition which included public speaking skills, interviewing skills and a program titled Be Your Best Self which encourages a healthy and successful lifestyle. In addition to the $1,000 scholarship for scoring the highest in the showcase, Lafferty received an additional $1,000 in scholarships for the following categories: Scholastic, Interview, Talent, Self-Expression, and Fitness. She will move on to compete in the Distinguished Young Women of Virginia state finals program in January.

24 | November 2016 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

There, Lafferty will compete against other local winners in the state for thousands more in scholarship money. The winner of the state finals will advance to the national program in Mobile, Alabama next summer.

Lafferty is a senior at Tazewell High School. She is the daughter of Linda Lafferty. Lafferty participates in district choir, Rotary Leadership, she is the president of her FBLA chapter and she also serves as President of Interact and CADRE. Brenna is on the Student Council Association, in the Senior Beta Club, plays volleyball and softball and also participates in performing chorus.

Distinguished Young Women of Southwest Virginia was started this year by three Southwest Virginia professional women: Courteney Barnes-Anderson, Tyrel Shelley, and Tarah Taylor Kesterson. The program chairwoman, Courteney Barnes-Anderson, is a past local program winner.

The program encompasses all 13 southwestern Virginia counties and three cities. High school juniors who are interested in participating in the 2017 program are encouraged to apply on the website www.Southwest.VA.DistinguishedYW.org.

Do you know your Colors of Christmas?

T

here are several colors, which are traditionally associated with Christmas. This site uses Red, Green and Gold. But why do we have them and what do the colors represent?

Most the colors and their meanings come from the western/ northern European traditions and customs, when Christmas is in the middle of winter and it’s dark and cold.

GREEN— Evergreen plants, like Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long dark winter. They also reminded people that spring would come and that winter would not last forever!

The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians used to bring palm branches into their houses during the mid-winter festivals. In many parts of Europe during the middle ages, Paradise plays performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told Bible stories to people who could not read. The ‘Paradise Tree’ in the Garden of Eden in the play was normally a pine tree with red apples tied to it.

Now the most common use of green is Christmas trees.

RED— As mentioned above, an early use of red at Christmas were the apples on the paradise tree. They represented the fall of Adam in the plays. Red is also the color of Holly berries, which is said to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross.

Red is also the color of Bishops’ robes. These would have been worn by St. Nicholas and then also became Santa’s uniform!

GOLD— Gold is the color of the sun and light—both very important in the dark winter. And both red and gold are the colors of fire that you need to keep you warm. Gold was also one of the presents brought to the baby Jesus by one of the wise men and traditionally it’s the color used to show the star that the wise men followed.

Silver is sometimes used instead of (or with) gold. But gold is a ‘warmer’ color.

WHITE— White is often associated with purity and peace in western cultures. The snow of winter is also very white!

White paper wafers were also sometimes used to decorate paradise trees. The wafers represented the bread eaten during Christian Communion or Mass, when Christians remember that Jesus died for them.

White is used by most churches as the color of Christmas, when the altar is covered with a white cloth (in the Russian Orthodox Church Gold is used for Christmas).

BLUE— The color blue is often associated with Mary, the mother of Jesus. In medieval times blue dye and paint was more expensive than gold! So it would only be worn by royal families and very rich people. Mary was often painted wearing blue to show she was very important.

Blue can also represent the color of the sky and heaven.

During Advent, purple and sometimes blue are used in most churches for the color of the altar cloth (in the Russian Orthodox Church red is used for advent). Source: Whychristmas.com

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voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2016 | 25

Safety Group Releases Annual Dangerous Toys List Risks include choking and suffocation, as well as injuries from shooting toys

By Robert Preidt HealthDay Reporter

W

ith the holiday season approaching, the consumer watchdog group World Against Toys Causing Harm (WATCH) has released its annual list of the most dangerous toys.

The organization urges parents to be cautious when buying toys this holiday season, noting that since January 2015 there have been recalls involving more than 800,000 individual products, including 500,000 this year alone.

According to WATCH, every three minutes a child is treated in a U.S. emergency room for a toy-related injury.

Since January 2015, there have been at least 19 toys with safety defects recalled in the United States. These recalls involved more than 800,000 units of toys—including 500,000 this year, the group said in a news release.

Here is WATCH’s list of the 10 worst toys of 2016, where they’re sold and the risks they pose:

Safety group urges parents to be cautious when buying toys this holiday season.

• Peppa Pig’s Muddy Puddles Family. Target, Amazon.com. Choking hazard from small parts.

• Kids Time Baby Children’s Elephant Pillow.

Amazon.com. Suffocation hazard, but no warning.

• Slimeball Slinger. Toys ‘R’ Us, Amazon.com.

Slimeball ammunition can be fired with enough force to cause eye injuries.

• Banzai Bump N’ Bounce Body Bumpers.

Walmart, Amazon.com, Ebay.com, Sears.com.

Potential for impact injuries.

• Nerf Rival Apollo XV-700 Blaster. Walmart.com, Target.com, Amazon.com, Kmart.com. Potential for eye injuries but carries no warning.

• The Good Dinosaur Galloping Butch. Amazon. com, Walmart.com, Toys ‘R’ Us.com. Potential for puncture wounds due to pointed tail. Warns about small parts but not about puncture wound threat.

• Peppy Pups. Toys ‘R’ Us. Risk of strangulation due to long cord. Carries no warning.

• Flying Heroes Superman Launcher. Toys ‘R’ Us, Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Sears.com, Ebay. com, BigW.com. Risk of eye and facial injuries.

• Baby Magic Feed and Play Baby. Toys ‘R’ Us, Amazon.com, Sears.com. Spoon that comes with doll has the potential to be mouthed and block a child’s airway. Has no warning.

• Warcraft Doomhammer. Toys ‘R’ Us, Amazon. com. Risk of blunt impact injuries.

• The safety group said the 10 Worst Toys list highlights dangers in certain toys, but parents and other consumers should know that these are not the only potentially hazardous toys on the market. Source: WebMD News from HealthDay

26 | December 2016 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Low Carbs for the Season W

hat Are Carbs, Exactly? Carbohydrates or Carbs are nutrients that break down into glucose, your body’s primary source of energy, and tons of foods contain them. In fact, your brain can only use carbohydrates for energy.

Simple or Complex Carbs?

Sugars are simple carbohydrates which can alter your mood, lead to cravings and compulsive eating, cause wide swings in your blood-sugar levels, and cause weight gain in most people. In addition, a high consumption of sugar can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when you finally decide to improve your diet and forgo the sweets.

Over-consumption of sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and other highly refined carbohydrates has been associated with a higher incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even breast cancer. And eating refined carbs can, over time, result in almost uncontrollable sugar cravings.

Complex carbohydrates are high-fiber foods, which improve your digestion. They help stabilize the blood sugar, keep your energy at an even level, and help you feel satisfied longer after your meal.

Looking for energy and staying away from sugar carbs?

Try these ‘energy boasting’ low carb snacks.

• Kale Chips—Even kale haters come around when they taste kale chips. Some store-bought varieties have less than 10 grams of carbs.

You can cut that number even further by making them at home. Tear the leaves from

a bunch of kale. Rinse and dry them. Toss with 1 tablespoon of oil and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Roast them in your oven at 300 degrees for 20–25 minutes, until the kale is crisp.

• Edamame— Also called steamed soybeans, edamame taste great, are full of fiber and protein, and have just 8 grams of carbs in a half cup of shelled edamame. They’re easy to make in your microwave, so keep a bag in your freezer.

• Tuna-Stuffed Tomato—Get the health benefits from tuna without all the carbs that come with your typical tuna sandwich. Pack 3 ounces of canned tuna into a ripe tomato half for a hearty snack with only 3.5 grams of carbs.

• Turkey Roll-Ups—Deli turkey has uses beyond a sandwich filling. Lose the bread and roll up 1 ounce of sliced turkey in lettuce leaves with mustard.

This light, crisp snack has about 3 grams of carbs and will get you through the afternoon.

Move! Here are 8 fitness facts that may help inspire you to get off the couch.

1. Exercise Boosts Brainpower

6. Fitness Pumps Up Your Heart

2. Movement Melts Away Stress

7. Exercise Lets You Eat More

3. Exercise Gives You Energy

8. Weight Loss Is Not the Most Important Goal

4. It’s Not That Hard to Find Time for Fitness

Source: webMD.com

5. Exercise Helps Ward Off Disease

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2016 | 27

Feel Good in Your Skin

D

id you know? Body organs aren’t all internal like the brain or the heart. There’s one we wear on the outside. Skin is our largest organ—adults carry some 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) and 22 square feet (2 square meters) of it. Your skin is your body’s largest and fastest-growing organ. Skin is your body’s coat. It protects you. It helps you stay warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot. Your skin takes care of you, and you should take of care of your skin.

Tips to taking good care of your skin in the winter months: • Keep it clean—Soap-free, non-lathering cleansers have a neutral pH, so they don’t disturb the acidic pH of your skin and are much less drying. Plus, it’s completely psychological that they aren’t cleaning as well—you don’t need foam to get the dirt off. (It’s just like sulfate-free shampoos, which take some getting used to.) It’s actually a good idea to use a soapfree cleanser year-round, not just in winter.

• Protect your skin from the sun—Even when we don’t feel the heat outdoors the sun’s strong Ultraviolet rays can harm the skin year round, making our skin just as prone to the chances of developing skin damage or skin cancer in the winter months as in the summer months. The Skin Cancer Foundation reported that one in five Americans will develop

skin cancer in their lifetime. Even during cold weather we are subject to ultraviolet radiation in the form of UVA rays. The sun reflects off snow and can pass through glass. These rays are not affected by changes in temperature and will penetrate deep into skin layers, potentially causing long-term damage to the skin. So, sunscreen isn’t just for summertime. Winter sun—combined with snow glare—can still damage your skin.

Try applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and your hands (if they’re exposed) about 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply frequently if you stay outside a long time.

• Pace the Peels—If your facial skin is uncomfortably dry, avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser, a toner with no alcohol, and masks that are “deeply hydrating,” rather than clay-based, which tends to draw moisture out of the face.

And use them a little less often. Choose your oils with care because not all oils are appropriate for the face. Instead, look for “nonclogging” oils, like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, or almond oil. Shea oil—or butter—is controversial, because it can clog facial pores. You can also look for lotions containing “humectants,” a class of substances (including glycerine, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxy acids) that attract moisture to your skin. Source: Webmd.com

Stuart Leicht, MD, FACP, FAAD Board Certified in Dermatology and Internal Medicine Quillen ETSU Physicians An external skin issue can be a signal of an internal problem. Dr. Leicht has additional training and experience for the best treatment of your skin issues. For every appointment with Dr. Leicht, he will personally discuss your diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Leicht will evaluate and treat a variety of skin issues including:

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For all of our services please visit etsuphysicians.com | Twitter @ETSUPhysicians 28 | December 2016 | voicemagazineforwomen.com

Make the Holiday Special for the Elderly 9 tips to enhance your elders’ holiday 1. Listen and understand when they want to talk, even if the talk is negative. While aging and maturity can bring the wisdom of years for many people, there are inevitable losses that come to even the most healthy individuals. Don’t imply they are whining or that they should snap out of it. They can’t. Your empathy is vital here.

2. Remind them how important they are as a part of your own celebration and that of the entire family. Be especially careful not to act like what you do for them is a duty. They may feel useless and burdensome. Remind them they are loved.

3. Holiday cards often bring bad news, and diminish in quantity. I used to sit with my mom when she opened her cards, because nine out of ten cards brought news of illness or death. She was very aware, too, of the people she didn’t hear from. That was one reason I helped her write her own cards. She needed this connection with life-long friends.

4. If your parent is in an assisted living facility or nursing home, check with the local kindergarten or day care centers to see if they can bring children to visit the elders. The freshness of the small children’s presence can help lighten a day for an elder in physical or emotional pain. If there are grandchildren, maybe they can participate.

5. Check with your parents’ spiritual home. Many Christian churches offer volunteers making visits. This can go a long way toward helping with depression over the holidays.

6. Bring traditional baked goods or treats regularly for your elders and their friends to share.

7. Call your elders’ friends and see if they can come to a party. Perhaps use a small conference room at the nursing home for a New Year’s Eve party for your parents and their friends.

8. Make their dinner table special.

Whether your parents are at home or in a facility, try to make the table festive with some appropriate colors and themes.

9. Spend time with them. This is the most important thing you can do.

Look at holiday photos or videos with them and leave them photos in a handy place so they can walk down memory lane when they are alone.

Play music. Listen to them reminisce. Your time is the most valuable gift you can give your elders during this holiday. Remember that you won’t reach perfection and you won’t please everyone all of the time. Your best efforts will be good enough.

voicemagazineforwomen.com | December 2016 | 29

Weathering your Skin T

aking care of your skin, the first thing most health professionals will tell you to do in order to keep your skin healthy is to limit your exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and wear protective sunscreen when you’re exposed to sunlight. But the sun isn’t all bad. Just 10–15 minutes of daily exposure helps manufacture vitamin D throughout the skin. Vitamin D is one of the best vitamins for your skin, along with vitamins C, E, and K.

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Vitamin D—Vitamin D is most often made when sunlight is absorbed by your skin. Cholesterol converts to vitamin D when this happens. Vitamin D is then taken up by your liver and kidneys and transported throughout the body to help create healthy cells.

This includes the skin, where vitamin D plays an important role in skin tone. You can increase your vitamin D intake by: • getting 10 minutes of sun exposure a day (check with your doctor first, especially if you have a history of skin cancer) • eating fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals, orange juice, and yogurt • eating foods that have vitamin D naturally, such as salmon, tuna, and cod Vitamin C—Vitamin C is found at high levels in the epidermis (outer layer of skin) as well as the dermis (inner layer of skin). Its cancer-fighting (antioxidant) properties, and its role in collagen production help keep your skin healthy. If you find that you don’t get enough vitamin C in your diet, you can: • eat for more citrus foods, such as oranges • eat other plant-based sources of vitamin C, such as strawberries, broccoli, and spinach • drink orange juice • take supplements, as recommended by a doctor • look for antiaging skin treatments with vitamin C for treating dryness, redness, wrinkles, and age spots Vitamin E—Like vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxidant. Its main function in skin care is to protect against sun damage. Vitamin E absorbs the harmful UV light from the sun when applied to the skin. Most adults need about 15 mg of vitamin E per day. You can increase your intake by: • eating more nuts and seeds, such as almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflowerseeds • taking a multivitamin or separate vitamin E supplement • using topical products that contain both vitamin E and vitamin C (this can be more effective in photoprotection than those that contain only one of the two) Vitamin K —Vitamin K is essential in aiding the body’s process of blood clotting, which helps the body heal wounds, bruises, and areas affected by surgery. Adults need between 90 and 120 ug per day. You can increase your intake by eating: • kale • spinach • lettuce • cabbage • green beans While vitamins are essential for skin health, you might already be getting enough of these vitamins through your daily diet. A blood test can help determine whether you have any vitamin deficiencies. You should only take vitamins with the guidance of a medical professional. Source: www.healthline.com

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