what’s inside Medical Spa
A Lifestyle Magazine
Colleen Sinclair Prosser, Attorney
Baltimore County
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COMPLIMENTARY Volume 53 Issue 4
Dr. Alan Weiss
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omen’s ournal
WojoTalk.com
Best Baltimore Spa
NEHA
THREADING
salon ● spa ● wellness
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Volume 53 issue 4
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omen’s ournal
HEALTH & WELLNESS 03 - 13 BUSINESS
14 - 17 HOME DECOR 18 - 19 HEALTHY MEALS
With over 32 years of experience, The Women’s Journal is a brand you can trust. It is a primary resource for women. Each edition is published bi-monthly and distributed free of charge. You can find a copy of the journal where savvy women shop. The journal also has subscribers that pay to have the journal delivered to their home or business. PUBLISHER Butterfly Media Inc. DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS Wendy Ward GRAPHIC DESIGNER Fina Florez 8181 Professional Place, Landover, MD 20785 To Advertise, please call 1-866-517-5049
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FEATURE STORY Your Beauty Routine’s Dirty Little Secrets & What Small Steps you Can do to Improve your Regimen
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hether you are heading to a backyard barbeque or a summer soiree, a healthy, glowing complexion is the best accessory this summer. Everyone knows the drill about proper skin cleansing and moisturizing regimens, however, many women are interfering with their skin health by not taking the same care when it comes to their beauty products. “Keeping skin looking radiant is no small feat,” says Stacey Ramstedt, senior director of marketing at Paris Presents Incorporated, a global leader in beauty products and personal care accessories. “Women are careful about the makeup and products they use on their skin, but overlook the importance of maintaining those products for optimal use and skin health.” Are you guilty of these dirty secrets? Mistake 1: Never washing makeup brushes A whopping 43 percent of makeup brush users report they never wash their makeup brushes, according to a 2014 quantitative online survey among 212 makeup brush users. Brushes not only collect makeup residue, but they also hold dirt, oil and other impurities. A regular maintenance routine ensures brushes are clean when they touch your skin, plus it boosts brush performance and integrity so they last longer. Cleaning makeup brushes does not have to be a time-consuming chore. For daily cleaning and quick color changes, try EcoTools Makeup Brush Cleansing Cloths. They help keep your brushes fresh and conditioned. For a weekly deeper clean, use EcoTools Makeup Brush Shampoo to get your brushes back to new. Both are made from plantbased ingredients and are dermatologist tested so they are safe for sensitive skin. Mistake 2: Using expired makeup Similar to the kale salad you had for lunch, your make-
up comes with an expiration date. While it may not give a specific “use by” date, the general rule is to replace mascara and eyeliners every three months, liquid foundation every six months and powder eyeshadow every two years. We all struggle with letting go, with 89 percent of women hanging on to makeup just in case they need it later, according to a Stowaway Cosmetics survey. Which means at best makeup will be poor-performing, and at worst, it can bring bacteria to the skin and eyes, causing irritation. Keep in mind, the more often you use the product, especially with your fingers, the more often you should replace it. Mistake 3: Relying on products to include your sun protection It is no secret that sunscreen helps maintain skin health. By blocking dangerous ultraviolet rays, sunscreen is a key tool to protect the skin against cancer and premature aging. Recognizing the benefits, most face lotions and products on the market today include a sunscreen ingredient. But be cautious, similar to the products in your makeup bag, sunscreens do not last forever and should be replenished. While sunscreens are designed to remain at original strength for up to three years, according to the Mayo Clinic, the sunscreen ingredients in your favorite face products may not last as long. In fact, facial moisturizers and serums should be tossed after six months to a year. Be on the lookout for PAO (Period After Opening) notations on new products or look for a number followed by an M to tell you how many months after opening the product should be tossed. To be safe, be sure to use an oil-free high SPF face sunscreen after your moisturizer to provide any extra level of protection all summer long.■ About Neha Gupta
Neha Gupta, a talented and well sought out threading technician who took an interest in facial threading in India over 20 years ago. After working in several salons, Neha opened her own location back in 2008. Now she is the successful owner of Neha Threading Salon and Spa in Pikesville MD and a new location in Canton an upscale community located in Baltimore City. For more information, please visit NEHA Salon and Spa at www.nehathreading.com. 410-653-2769 (Pikesville) 410-675-2769 (Canton) August - September 2016
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Leading Biopharmaceutical Company’s Smartphone app Gives Patients the Power to Help Ensure Medication Serial Numbers are Authentic.
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martphones can do just about anything these days - from tracking your sleep, to controlling your electricity and streaming television. Now, thanks to an app developed by EMD Serono, Inc., the North America biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, smartphones can also give patients the ability to verify the authenticity of the serial number on all EMD Serono medications by scanning the two dimensional barcode on the package. “Although our company’s exposure to counterfeiting in the U.S. has been limited, we are constantly evaluating all of the ways we can best serve patients, and our app is one tool that puts the power to help verify the serial numbers on the packages of EMD Serono medications in their hands,” says Kimberly Fleming, associate director, Product Security & Outbound Logistics. “We believe that EMD Serono is one of the first health care companies in the U.S. to serialize all products in advance of requirements set forth by the Drug Supply Chain Security Act.” People taking any of EMD Serono medications can download the free smartphone app, Check My Meds(TM), on Apple(R) or Android(TM) devices and scan the barcode
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on the product packaging to authenticate the medicine’s serial number. The app will alert patients instantly to confirm the authenticity of the product serial number or refer the patient to an EMD Serono representative if they have any questions. To address the issue of counterfeit medicines, which has been an increasing problem in industrialized countries such as the U.S., the FDA mandated that by November 2017, all drug companies will need to include a unique serial number on each package of drugs dispensed. EMD Serono develops and offers therapies for specialty-care conditions, like multiple sclerosis and infertility, and has been a long-standing leader in patient safety and product integrity. The company has a long history of integrating cutting-edge science and innovative technology to develop products and drug delivery devices that meet the needs of patients living with difficult to treat diseases, as well as providing industry-leading educational and support programs. For more information about product serialization or the Check My Meds(TM) app, visit www.emdserono.com/ en/therapies/check_my_meds/check_my_meds.html.■
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Adults with Heart Disease: Vaccinations are an Important Part of Protecting Your Health
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Adults are recommended to get vaccines throughout their lives to protect against serious diseases.”
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aving a chronic health condition doesn’t mean you have to lose control over your health. Every day you take steps, like taking your medicine, monitoring your blood pressure, and watching your cholesterol, to manage your heart disease and ensure the healthiest possible future. What if there was also something you could do just once a year that could also help protect your health? There is - you can make sure you are upto-date on vaccines to protect against a number of common diseases, some of which may be even more serious to you because of your heart disease. Adults are recommended to get vaccines throughout their lives to protect against serious diseases like pertussis, hepatitis, shingles, and pneumococcal disease. Some vaccines you received as a child may require a booster, and as you get older, there may be other diseases you are at increased risk for based on your job, where you travel, and other factors. But, many adults don’t know which vaccines they need.
Each year, thousands of adults needlessly suffer, are hospitalized, and even die from diseases that could be prevented by vaccines. If you’re living with a chronic condition like heart disease, getting vaccinated is even more important because heart disease can make it harder for you to fight off certain diseases like the flu or increase your risk of serious complications from certain illnesses such as pneumonia. Some vaccine-preventable diseases, like flu, can even increase the risk of another heart attack. Talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional to make sure you have all the vaccines you need. The good news is that getting vaccinated is easier than you think. Adults can get vaccines at doctors’ offices, pharmacies, workplaces, health clinics, and health departments. Visit vaccine.healthmap.org to find a vaccine provider near you. Most health insurance plans cover the cost of recommended vaccines - a call to your insurance provider can give you the details. What vaccines do you need? If you have heart disease, it is recommended that you get: • Influenza vaccine each year to protect against seasonal flu • Pneumococcal vaccines to protect against pneumonia and other pneumococcal diseases • In addition, all adults need: • Tdap vaccine to protect against whooping cough and tetanus • Zoster vaccine to protect against shingles if you are 60 years and older. You may also need other vaccines based on your age, health conditions, and occupation. CDC offers a short quiz at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adultquiz to help determine which vaccines are recommended for you. For more information about heart disease and stroke prevention visit millionhearts.hhs.gov.■ August - September 2016
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
August - September 2016
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
beauty & style WJ
The“Liquid “Liquid Facelift” The ThroughCombination CombinationTherapy Therapy Facelift”Through Cosmetic options have undergone a paradigm shift in the treatment of facial aging with a new emphasis being placed on prevention and less invasive approaches. We introduce a new approach to looking younger: the “Liquid Facelift” and combination therapies. When noninvasive treatments are introduced early we can actually slow down the again changes thus preventing or delaying more invasive surgeries. For many of us preventing the taut skin and surgical look are desirable goals. e e ects of aging occur gradually and we nd ourselves wishing for aesthetic enhancements before we are ready for a surgical facelift. e “Liquid Face Lift” is accomplished through a combination of Botox, dermal llers (Restylane or Juvederm), and medical-grade skin care. Botox lifts the eyebrow area and eliminates unwanted frown lines by relaxing the underlying muscles. e art of Botox comes from having specialized training and experience that allows the Botox placement to be individualized. Dr. Pacheco's experience dates back to the early years of Botox when it was rst FDA-approved for use around the eyes in 1989. Dermal llers such as Restylane and Juvederm, add or restore volume to the lips and smooth nasolabial, marionette and jowl folds. Restoring volume is one of the most e ective and natural ways to look younger and refreshed. Dermal ller treatments are quick
and results are immediate. e e ects of dermal llers are even more dramatic when used in combination with Botox. What sets us apart? Botox and dermal ller treatments are personally administered only by Dr. Pacheco, a fellowship trained, Oculoplastic Surgeon. A topical anesthetic cream is applied prior to both dermal llers and Botox o ering our patients a pain-free experience. Treatments can be performed in less than 30 minutes and do not require any downtime. Dr. Pacheco is trained and is a trainer in the advanced uses of Botox and Restylane. ese advanced uses include: Botox in the perioral, neck and bunny line areas, and dermal llers for crow's feet, undereye dark circles and brow lifting. Worried about facial skin laxity and sun damage from sunbathing and years of recreational boating? Combine ermage, Fraxel laser treatment, or IPL Photorejuventa.tion into your treatment plan. ermage, known as the “mini-face lift” is the rst non-surgical, FDA-approved procedure that can tighten and lift brows, cheeks and neck through the use of radio frequency waves with no interruption to normal activities. Considered a leading physician in the ermage eld, Dr. Pacheco was recently invited to speak to other physicians on behalf of ermage at a conference in Vienna, Virginia. When skin
texture, wrinkles, sun and brown spots, acne scars, and melasma are the primary concern, Fraxel laser treatments repair and resurface the skin a fraction at a time (3 to 5 sessions). IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) can also treat sun damage in a gentler, non-invasive way using pulses of light that minimize brown spots and pore size, treat broken capillaries, veins, and rosacea changes with no down time. Optimal results may require a combination of therapies. As an Oculoplastic Surgeon on the faculty sta of e Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins since 1990, Dr. Pacheco is uniquely quali ed to develop a treatment plan customized just for you. For seventeen years, she has trained medical residents, fellows and colleagues in the art of her subspecialty. Since opening the Center for Eye & Laser Surgery eight years ago, she has been committed to providing patients with the highest quality, scienti cally-based, surgical and non-surgical technology for facial rejuvenation. Let us show you the latest options available to restore your natural beauty. With the focus on volumetric enhancement and combination therapies, a non-invasive rejuvenation of the skin is possible. ousands of patients have bene ted from her extensive expertise. When the time is right for you, let's meet to develop a plan that achieves exceptional results without the need for invasive procedures.
n eo t rg rtis Su A d on eli ti Ey na p ve To eju R &
at 25 Years on the Johns Hopkins Faculty
410-647-0123 692A Ritchie Highway, Suite 2B Severna Park, MD 21146 www.myeyelids.com
Elba Pacheco, M.D. Board Certified & Fellowship Trained Cosmetic & Reconstructive Eyelid Surgeon
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Eyelid Surgery • Thermage CPT® • Liposonix® • Fraxel® Dual Forever Young BBL Photorejuvenation • Botox® Dysport® • CO2 Laser Resurfacing • Juvederm® Kybella™, Restylane® Silk, Lyft • Perlane® • Voluma® Glycolic Peels • VI Peels® Medical Skin Care • Permanent Make-Up
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JUNE 2016 | JULY 2016
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healthy lifestyles WJ
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Mother Knows Best
Mother Knows Best
New Options Let Women Choose the Pregnancy New Options Let Women Choose the Pregnancy and Delivery That’s Right forRight Themfor Them andPlan Delivery Plan That’s “When a woman feels empowered giving birth, she then feels empowered to take care of the baby,” says Nancy Prothero, C.N.M. “A good birthing experience starts the family o on the best possible path.” Creating this type of birthing experience has long been a hallmark of Carroll Hospital and Carroll Health Group OB/GYN. But with the recent addition of Prothero and her team of fellow certi ed nurse midwives, the two organizations are taking the idea of patient empowerment to the next level.
“More experts means more options for women. If you want to see a physician, a midwife or a nurse practitioner, it is completely your choice,” says Eileen Garavente, M.D., medical director of women’s services for Carroll Health Group. “All our providers deliver the same superior level of care.” What is a Certi ed Nurse Midwife? Certi ed nurse midwives (C.N.M.s) are advanced-practice registered nurses who specialize in low-risk pregnancies and deliveries and can provide a full range of women’s health care services, including wellness care and menopause management. Many women turn to C.N.M.s for their unique approach to obstetrics. “We have nursing backgrounds, so we provide a level of emotional support and hand-holding that many patients like,” says Prothero. “We also believe it’s a woman’s choice how the birth should go, so we talk about all the options and support the patient in whatever she chooses.” “Some people think of midwifery as a home-birth or antiepidural approach, but that is not true,” adds Dr. Garavente. “C.N.M.s are evidence-based practitioners who have a very holistic yet scienti c basis for educating women on how to have the pregnancy and delivery experience they’ve always wanted.” A Collaborative Approach to Care At Carroll Hospital and Carroll Health Group OB/GYN, the obstetricians, midwives and nurses work side-by-side to provide specialized care tailored for mother and baby. is approach reduces complications and encourages earlier bonding, among other bene ts. “We believe pregnancy should be timed around a due month, not a due date,” says Prothero. “We know that the best way to get the best outcomes is to let nature take its course.” Achieving the best outcomes also means having the right specialists on board to assist when unexpected issues arise. “We have a very experienced maternal-fetal medicine team at the hospital to consult all of our high-risk patients,” says Michael Vietz, M.D., a Carroll Health Group OB/GYN specialist and chief of OB/GYN at Carroll Hospital. “We also have a level-two neonatal unit that’s manned 24/7 by a pediatrician. So we are ready to handle almost any scenario.” e private, all-in-one suites inside the hospital’s Family Birthplace also allow for a more seamless and collaborative birthing experience. “Everything from labor to recovery happens in one room, which creates a continuity of care between you and your nurses,” says Prothero. “We have all the pieces in place for you to have a safe and healthy baby in a way that’s good for your family.” Know your options: visit CarrollHealthGroup.com to nd a women’s health specialist who’s right for you. JUNE 2016 | JULY 2016
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Healthy Hacks for Sneaking Whole Grains, Veggies Into Kids’ Meals
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
oes every day feel like a war to get your child to eat vegetables and whole grains? As a parent, you understand the importance of nutritious eating. Your children, however, can be surprisingly stubborn. Getting your child to eat better doesn’t have to result in a battle of wills. Smart parents can use simple cooking hacks to increase nutrients in meals so kids don’t even realize they’re eating good-for-you ingredients. Try these 10 ideas for sneaking in veggies and whole grains into your child’s diet: Super sauces: Pasta sauce is ideal for hiding some vitamin-packed veggies. For example, spaghetti sauce is already lycopene-rich, but try adding some carrot puree for an undetectable nutrient boost. For macand-cheese sauce, mix in pumpkin or squash puree. For Alfredo sauce, blend cauliflower puree. Beefed-up meats: Add cooked quinoa or uncooked oats to meatloaf or meatballs to sneak in a hearty dose of whole grains. For sloppy joes, try chopping mushrooms and adding them in while you simmer the hamburger meat. The meaty texture of mushrooms blends right in. Perfect pizza: Kids adore pizza, so pizza night is a prime opportunity for parents to choose a better option the entire family will enjoy. Freschetta Artisan Crust pizza is a restaurant-quality pizza you bake conveniently at home. With a hearty, preservative-free whole grain crust, it’s a wholesome treat they’ll gobble up. Learn more at www.freschetta.com. Oatmeal sundaes: Give kids a healthy dose of whole grains to start their day with oatmeal sundaes. Whip up some instant oats and set out a variety of tasty toppings such as dried fruit, nuts and real maple syrup so they can create their own sundaes. Popcorn pizazz: Popped corn is a fantastic whole grain that’s a better option when you skip the salt and butter. Get creative and have kids brainstorm tasty combinations. Start with air-popped corn, then sprinkle on cinnamon and coconut sugar. For a savory snack, try grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Fruity PB&Js: Some kids could (and do) eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every day. Next time, try sliced fruit instead of sugar-packed jelly. Strawberries, blueberries, bananas and peaches are all fantastic substitutes. Just slice and layer between bread. Better-for-you dessert: Satisfy your kid’s sweet tooth with desserts that pack a produce punch. Carrot puree is an easy add to chocolate chip cookie dough. Zucchini bread and sweet-potato brownies will get devoured. Green wraps: Want a fun twist on sandwiches and tacos? Swap bread and tortillas with lettuce varieties. Try blanching thicker greens like collards, kale or chard and pat dry before adding favorite fillings, then wrap and enjoy! Pumpkin pancakes: In addition to sauces, that can of unsweetened pumpkin puree can add healthy nutrients to breakfast flapjacks. Add a few tablespoons to pancake batter and enjoy. Still have extra? Throw some into your breakfast smoothie for a creamy drink. Creative casseroles: Hiding veggies in casseroles is incredibly easy. Simply shred zucchini or use spaghetti squash and layer it in with other ingredients. The mild flavor blends virtually without a trace while adding important vitamins and minerals to the dish.■ August - September 2016
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Why Skin Rejuvenation?
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ur skin, especially the face and dĂŠcolletĂŠ, is adversely affected by environmental elements every day of the year. Winter dehydrates the skin leaving it dull, dry, and rough. With springtime, comes allergies and itchy skin. Summer fun in the sun results in premature aging, oiliness, dark spots, and textural changes. Fall brings continued sun exposure and dryness due to the drop in the temperature. Skin rejuvenation starts with daily skin regimens consisting of medical grade skin care products that have been scientifically developed to nourish, protect, and hydrate, and correct the skin. An individualized skin care regimen starts with a pH balanced cleanser that will effectively yet gently remove impurities from the skin. A retinol helps to increase cell turnover promoting a bright, even, and clear complexion. Antioxidant serums with vitamin C and E protect the skin by providing nutrients that enhance skin resilience when exposed to the elements. A moisturizing sunscreen hydrates the skin while protecting against the formation of free radical damage caused by ultraviolet light exposure. To maximize the benefits of sunscreen, it must be applied daily, regardless of the season, weather, or skin complexion. With a comprehensive daily skin care regimen, the skin is protected against cumulative environmental insults. Skin rejuvenation can be enhanced with professional laser and chemical peel procedures working in conjunction with your daily skin care regimen. Not all treatments are created equal and care must be taken when determining the proper proce-
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By Katina Byrd Miles, MD dure that is safe for your skin. Aerolase Neo aesthetic laser is safe for all skin types yet powerful enough to produce results. PCA Skin chemical peel treatments have been scientifically blended to renew and nurture the skin while minimizing irritation. These specialized formulations can be used to treat even those with sensitive skin. The combination of laser and chemical peels improve skin texture, minimize dark spots caused by the sun and inflammation, control acne, decrease fine line and wrinkles, brighten the complexion, and decrease skin laxity and pore size. It is not necessary for the skin to be exposed to relentless environmental toxins. Rejuvenation is attainable and essential. Daily medical grade skin care solutions, laser skin rejuvenation, and chemical peels provide an effective means to nourish, protect, hydrate, and correct. When the skin is healthy, beauty and confidence follows.
To learn more about an individualized skin care and treatment regimen, please contact Skin Oasis Dermatology at 410-451-0500 for a consultation. Dr. Miles will evaluate your skin and develop a treatment regimen to enhance your natural beauty.â– About Dr. Katine Miles Dr. Katina Miles is a graduate of Howard University College of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency at University of Maryland at Baltimore and dermatology residency at Georgetown University. Dr. Miles is a board certified dermatologist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She is an expert in skin cancer detection and treatment and is a Skin of Color specialist. Dr. Miles is the founder and Medical Director of Skin Oasis Dermatology where she is ready to serve you.
BUSINESS
August - September 2016
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HOME DECOR COMMUNITY
Upcycle your summer treasures with these five DIY tips
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With just a few handy touch-ups, it’s easy to transform yesterday’s furniture trends into today’s style.’
he months of summer are a perfect time to hunt for hidden one-of-a-kind treasures buried in neighborhood yard sales. Whether it’s an old wooden dining chair, coffee table or bookshelf, there is beautiful potential in what others view as old and outdated. And with just a few handy touch-ups, it’s easy to transform yesterday’s furniture trends into today’s style. Follow these five steps to begin your DIY furniture makeover today. *Lose the dirt and return the natural shine. A dry microfiber cloth is all you need to remove dust and loose dirt. If the wood appears dull or faded, create a polishing solution of half olive oil and half white vinegar to restore its natural shine. Apply the mixture with a cheese cloth and use a clean soft cloth to blot any excess liquid. *Repair the imperfections. Even wooden furniture with gouges or scratches can be restored to its former glory. Apply DAP Plastic Wood All-Purpose Wood Filler and simply wait for the filler to dry before sanding, painting and staining. If you’re a beginning DIYer, take advantage of new Plastic Wood-X, which goes on pink and dries natural to signal when it’s time to move to the next step - taking the guesswork out of drying time. Both of these wood fillers dry with minimal shrinking and no cracking, are low in odor, and clean up easily with water. *Enhance the color. After the wood filler dries, sand and stain the area to create an invisible repair. If you wish to paint the furniture, sand the entire table or chair to prepare the wood for new primer and paint. White paint gives tra-
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HOME DECOR
ditional-style furniture a vintage touch, while adding designs with clean lines provide a more contemporary edge. Bold colors, such as turquoise, can also transform your new furniture to become a statement piece in the home. *Add your personal touch. Along with saving money and helping the environment, upcycling furniture is beneficial because it provides an opportunity to create truly one-of-a-kind designs. Furniture stencils make it easy to restore wooden pieces with eye-catching patterns, or you can add prints using fabric and wallpaper. If you prefer a simple style, a fresh coat of paint and new hardware are all you need to update a table or dresser. You can even repurpose furniture to achieve a unique look. A small TV stand can become your bedroom’s nightstand. An old wooden changing table might be the perfect place to display your succulents and herbs. Get creative and try out a few different ideas to discover the best use for your new find. *Keep a repair kit on hand for later. Most wooden furniture will likely need a touch-up from time to time. With DAP’s Wood Finish Repair Kit, you can repair and restore the furniture you already have when scratches, small nail holes or other minor blemishes appear. Don’t let the small imperfections turn you away from bringing a beautiful piece of old furniture into your home. By following a few easy steps, you can breathe new life into any wooden furniture you find this summer. To learn more about Plastic Wood, Plastic Wood-X and other DAP products, visit www.dap.com.■ August - September 2016
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HOME DECOR COMMUNITY
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ways to create visually striking doors in your home
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hances are you pictured it swinging on hinges, since that’s how most doors operate. But, more homeowners are choosing other door hanging hardware for a unique look with their interior and exterior doors. If you’re looking for a way to make visitors to your home say “wow,” consider alternatives to hinged doors for an unexpected twist. “Once you’ve chosen the door that’s perfect for you, it can be hung in a number of distinctive ways,” says Brad Loveless, marketing and product development manager for Simpson Door Company. “A pocket door, sliding barn door or a pivot door can add some personality and pizzazz to your home.” Pocket Doors Similar to closet doors hung on a track, pocket doors slide open and closed, but disappear into the wall when closed. Popular in home offices, bathrooms and utility rooms, pocket doors save space and can make a room feel more open. Using a pocket door in place of a hinged door saves about 10 square feet of floor space, notes home improvement expert Tim Carter. Depending on the width of the opening, you can use either a single pocket door, or double pocket doors that slide into opposite walls and meet in the middle when closed. Because they don’t seal as tightly as hinged doors, pocket doors are largely limited to use inside the home, instead of as entry doors. Sliding Barn Doors Barn doors are a bit like pocket doors in that they slide open and closed, but they’re hung on tracks that are visible. When opened, the doors are located on one side of the wall, instead of disappearing into the wall. For large openings, such as between dining rooms and living rooms, you can even hang multiple barn doors on tracks in order to divide the spaces. A number of companies offer high-end barn door track hardware, in a range of styles and colors. “People like the unexpected look of a barn door,” says John Golesh, president of door hardware manufacturer Goldberg Brothers. “They’re a great way to add a rustic, yet elegant look to your home. And with the wide variety of door hangers and handles, a barn door can complement any interior décor.” In addition to the chic look barn doors offer, homes for sale with “barn door” in their listing sold for 13 percent more than expected and 57 days faster, according to research by Zillow Diggs. Pivot Doors Common in ancient buildings, pivot mounted doors are virtually unseen in North American homes. For home-
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HOME DECOR
Once you’ve chosen the door that’s perfect for you, it can be hung in a number of distinctive ways...” owners who want an element of surprise, a pivot door is a good choice. In place of hinges or overhead sliders and tracks, pivot doors rotate open and closed around pins installed in the top and bottom of the door frame. The pins are set several inches in from the door frame, depending on the door’s size. “For high-end homes with extra-wide doors, pivots are a great way to handle the additional weight, and will be unlike anything your visitors have seen before,” Loveless says. “We are making many different super-sized doors for this exact application.” Some of these doors are huge - measuring up to four feet wide or more. As “large, simple rectangles,” pivot doors can be designed to look like the surrounding wall, so fit well in modern style homes, notes architect Bud Dietrich. Unlike pocket doors and barn doors, pivot doors can seal tightly to their frame when closed, so can be used as entry doors.■ August - September 2016
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Healthy Meals COMMUNITY
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Healthy Meals
Simple No-Bake Brunch Hacks
n the heat of summer, a homemade brunch can seem like a daunting task, but don’t let that stop you from entertaining. Everything from scrambled eggs to pancakes to coffee cake require a hot oven or stove and can weigh heavy in your stomach on a hot day. When the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven or eat a heavy meal, follow these easy no-bake brunch hacks to keep cool and have a delicious brunch on the table all summer long. Made-to-order smoothies Summer calls for fresh, seasonal produce whizzed into a chilled smoothie. Choose a few recipes ahead of time and give guests the option to select from the ingredients available. For a more filling smoothie, add protein powder, oats or peanut butter. Hint: Skip the tedious task of cleaning the blender between each smoothie by borrowing blenders from friends and family so each recipe has its own. Plus, multiple blenders allow the option to blend more than one smoothie at a time. Bagel bar with toppings Guests will love this hands-on approach to brunch, and hosts will love this hands-off approach to entertaining. Simply plate a variety of bagels and fill the table with cream cheese and pre-sliced toppings like fruits, veggies and herbs. Hint: Trade regular baking cream cheese for something you can feel good about sharing with your family and guests: Arla cream cheese, which is made with only four core ingredients - milk, cream, cheese culture and salt. That way, the only added ingredients at brunch are the ones guests choose from the toppings table. Don’t forget to put out a toaster (or two) to give guests the option to toast or not toast, and let the rest happen naturally. For additional goodness, serve the bagels with seasonal fruit, both for enjoying on its own and for dipping into extra Arla cream cheese. Make-ahead yogurt parfaits Rest easy knowing everything is taken care of with make-ahead yogurt parfaits. Find decorative plastic cups at any party store for easy cleanup, then layer plain or vanilla yogurt, fresh fruit and crunchy toasted nuts and coconut. Change up the flavors in some of the parfaits so guests can choose their favorites. If picky eaters are in attendance, top a few parfaits with chocolate sprinkles for a more enticing (and good-for-them) treat. Hint: Granola is a tasty topper for parfaits, but can get soggy if left overnight. To avoid, toss on the granola minutes before the party begins. At any brunch, coffee is a must. For a cooler approach, provide an iced coffee option alongside chilled orange juice and iced tea. With fresh, summery spreads like these, guests will never realize their host didn’t bake a thing.■ August - September 2016
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Your Business ad could be here For more information, contact the Women’s Journal at 866-517-5049
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August - September 2016
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Take a Cooking Class ...It’s Fun!
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