Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
February 2012
Share Some Love with Cupcakes Is Financial Stress Making You Sick?
Patti Mercer
A Women With Beauty, Grace, and Integrity
Mimi Zelman
PUBLISHER
Contents
Publisher/President
Mimi L. Zelman
4 8 12 16 20 22 26 30 32 42
COVER
PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Corie Rae
Wendy Whitehurst
Put Youre Recycling Routine on Steroids Share Some Love with Cupcakes Step #1 Clean Out Your Cupboards 4 Reasons why Young Professionals Need an Estate Plan Sacred Goal Setting Is Financial Stress Making You Sick? Is There a Win-Win Scenario for Businesses in This Economy? To Supplement or Not to Supplement Game-Winning Dips and Healthy Tips
Kim Huff
Dustin Shores Christina de Castro Terri Bennett Sabrina Winters Vickie Bunzey Robyn Crigger
Contributing Writers
Cover Photography by Dustin Shores Photography For more advertising information call Mimi at 704-491-1207 or email her at: Copyright 2012
mimi@womenwithknowhow.com
37 Patti Mercer
PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Corie Rae
By Mimi Zelman
ences that created who I am today and formed such a solid background for who I continue to become.
What is your background, what were you doing before this business?
Shortly after high school I joined the military and looking back realize it was a grand gesture that came with very grand attempts at finding myself; I enlisted in the U.S Army as a field medic with the 82nd Airborne Division where I also obtained my EMT certification. I followed the voice of my internal caregiver, but needed self discipline I suppose. I continued the path of my caregiver and received certification as a massage therapist and an esthetician. Its the layering of all my experi-
their life at that very moment. We work very hard to stop the business energy the minute a session begins, we turn the office phone off, and we lock the doors and mentally move into a place where we may even silently ask; Please let this treatment be what this person needs right now. We strive for connection and personal relationships that are bounded by professionalism and empathy. We know what an honor it is to have someone trust us with special events, precious time and such personal space, not to mention the trust of touch. We take that honor very seriously and want to make it the safest, most nurturing experience possible.
work to release themselves from overly high demands of either work, family or self deprecation and fight for their spirit, fight for their health and well being. Its not easy to put yourself first at times or to walk onto the battle field of societal expectations. Have you ever talked to someone who is striving to create a gluten free diet or someone whose profession requires they either sit at a desk all day or travel non-stop? Theirs stories are not uncommon but they do require a great deal of perseverance to integrate a healthy diet or body care routine into. When a person reaches the point of I matter its very notable!
create a disconnect from the softer side of yourself. The growing edge is to try and blend and welcome all parts.
What would you most like the reader to know about your journey in the business?
If there was one thing I would like the reader to know about my journey in the business is that I have not walked it alone, I have walked with fear, anxiety, grief, excitement, awe and gratitude. A great friend gifted me with a plaque one day that read Your story matterstell it! Every time I schedule a client or think of a new treatment to offer, in some small way I tell my story and when I place my hands on someone, either for a facial, body wrap, massage or any other treatment another story unfolds. We all have a story, it flows through us everyday and I can only hope that when a person enters Natures Spa they at least get the sense that their story matters too. W
natures-spa.com
Visit
Corie Rae Natures Spa and Wellness 6311 Carmel Rd. Suite B Charlotte, NC 28226 Phone: 704-542-7306 www.natures-spa.com corie@natures-spa.com
NaturesSpaandWellness naturesspa
Facebook:
Twitter:
GOING GREEN
Only a third of the trash that could be recycled or composted actually is. No wonder the average household trashcan is always overflowing! That means we can all do a bit better. I want to share some simple techniques to Do Your Part and put your recycling routine on steroids. How did my own family go from being mild-mannered, casual recyclers into caped crusaders for recycling? First, I made a list of all the items we use regularly in our home that could be recycled and posted the list prominently. Then, my family and I discussed our plan of attack. We decided that we could make it just as easy to recycle, as it was to toss things in the trash. To make it as convenient as possible, we placed a collection container everywhere in the house where recyclables are typically generated but maybe not always near the main recycling bin. Common places are kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices. We placed boxes under every
Tip:
Close the loop by shopping for products that can be recycled, are made from recycled materials or are packaged in material that can be recycled.
Terri Bennett is a veteran TV meteorologist, eco-expert and author of Do Your Part: A practical guide for everyday green living available at DoYourPart.com. Send questions to terri@doyourpart.com.
And remember, the recycling loop doesnt end when you put something in your recycling bin. Close the loop by shopping for products that can be recycled, are made from recycled materials or are packaged in material that can be recycled. For example, if you cant easily recycle juice cartons where you live, choose to buy juice in plastic, aluminum or glass containers, which are easily recycled. When we all beef up our recycling routines, we are turning trash into treasure and conserving our natural resources. As we begin the New Year, Do Your Part and pledge to put your recycling routine on steroids.W
Terri Bennett
President Terri Bennett Enterprises, LLC ph:704.246.5910 ext. 101 m:704.953.6570 1355 Greenwood Cliff Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28204 DoYourPart.com Facebook.com/DoYourPart Twitter.com/DoYourPart
10
11
Family Features
Share Some
12
13
Cupids arrow hits the mark with moist and delicious Red Velvet with Love Cupcakes. The vibrant red goodies are fun for kids and adults alike to make, decorate and eat.
Creative cupcakes like these have endless possibilities with Valentines tips and techniques from Wilton. Themed baking cups coordinate with colorful sprinkles, icing decorations and party picks to make it easy to decorate a gift from the heart. Dress up cupcakes using a pink, red and white palette. Create cute and quick love monsters by piping icing to make the nose, mouth and fur, and then attach candy eyeballs, and heart-shaped picks for ears. Other decorating options include wrapping cupcakes in foil cups for an elegant effect, or finishing with colored sugars and sprinkles. You can even write special messages on them. After decorating, package cupcakes in a festive box adorned with ribbon and bows for a treat thats sure to tie a heart in knots.
Advertise in
and rose icing to pipe pull-out stars on cupcake tops. Add candy eyeballs with dots of icing. Add tip 10 red icing dot nose. Use tip 4 and black icing to pipe dot pupils and outline mouth. Position heart picks.
smooth or top with tip 22 mini cupcake icing swirl or tip 1M standard cupcake icing swirl. If desired, place in cupcake wraps. Top with desired sprinkles or icing decorations or add tip 4 message. Makes about 20 standard cupcakes; 4 dozen minis.
14
15
WELLNESS
By Vickie Bunzey
If someone were to ask you what is one thing that you would change for better health, the majority of us would say eat healthier, and eat better.
How many of us actually take the time to understand what eating healthier means and actually begin the process. Most of our cupboards hold a mix of healthful and unhealthy food items. Lets begin with step #1 to eating healthier and clean those cupboards out. Start with reading labels. Avoid refined sugars, white refined flour, refined salt, bad fats and transfats, nitrates and nitrites, sulfites, MSG, artificial sweeteners, artificial colorings, flavorings and preservatives.
Refined sugars are in just about everything. Sugars such as sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, dextrose, glucose, fructose and maltose are simple carbohydrates that lack fiber and nutrients. They not only leave your body wanting for nutrients but they can cause dramatic rise and rapid fall in blood sugar levels. These foods lack the fiber and nutrients to provide the fuel our body needs to function with balance. Eating these foods over time is shown to contribute too many health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. These are the big ones we hear about. The ones that sneak up on us are the daily aches and pains of fatigue, allergies, PMS or menopausal problems, digestive problems, arthritis, asthma, insomnia, depression, hyperactivity, learning disorders and more. Replace refined sugars with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, date sugar, barley malt, stevia or xylitol.
16
fats that are primarily found in meat and dairy products. Excess of any of these bad fats are known to contribute to cardiovascular disease, obesity, impaired immunity, increased free radicals , high cholesterol levels, infertility, diabetes and cancer. More than enough reason to avoid bad fats. Processed meats such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, cold cuts, meat spreads and cured ham more than likely have nitrates or nitrites. These two chemicals are used as color fixatives in the processed meats. Research has shown that these are dangerous carcinogens. Consumption of these products can cause headaches, irritability or fatigue. Your decision to use Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a good decision. You can also use flax seed oil (dont heat), virgin coconut oil or unrefined sesame oil. Real, organic butter is a better choice than a margarine or vegetable oil. Another color fixative and preservative added to foods is sulfites. The FDA has estimated that one out of 100 people are sulfite sensitive. Reactions to sulfites include asthma, diarrhea, nausea, brain fog, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue and extreme cases of sensitivity loss of consciousness and anaphylactic shock. The FDA does require that they be listed on food labels. Other sulfite names are sulfur dioxide, sodium bisulfate or sodium and potassium metabisulfite. Check the labels of dried fruits, red wine, soup mixes, molasses, condiments, baked goods, jams, gravy, dehydrated potatoes or pre-cut fresh potatoes and some fruit and vegetable juices. It is commonly known that MSG (monosodium glutamate), a flavor enhancer, is harmful and causes many problems with our health from foggy thinking and drowsiness to anxiety and panic attacks to stomach and intestinal problems. MSG is often hidden in foods that contain autolyzed yeast, calcium caseinate, carrageen, enzyme modified flavoring, artificial and natural flavoring, gelatin, hydrolyzed flour, vegetable or protein, malt extract, malto-dextrin, plant protein extract, potassium glutamate, sodium caseinate, textured protein, soy sauce, yeast extract and seasonings. The last list to clean out of your cupboards is the artificial sweeteners, artificial colorings, flavoring and preservatives. Food additives of any kind are being associated with a number of adverse health conditions which include cancer, allergic reactions, ADHD and hyperactivity. At this point you might be saying I have nothing left to eat. On the other hand you might be saying, Gee,
some of this might be why I get so many headaches and feel tired all the time. It takes smart shopping and once you have made the habit its like any other habit. You dont even think about it. Remember that most food in the interior isles of your grocery store is highly processed. Shop around the perimeter of a grocery store for the freshest foods and produce. Those foods that are whole foods, meaning that they have not been changed from their original state, are going to be your healthiest choices. Choose lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds. If you chose to eat animal proteins, chose meat that is grass fed or range fed no antibiotics or hormones, colorings or preservatives added. For dairy products, organic is the best choice. The closer to nature you can get the better. W For more nutritional and weight loss information, Vickie may be contacted through at 704-995-1951. www.YourBalancedHealthstyle; www.RenewWeightLoss.com
This is a simple strategy to get started on improving for healthy eating. As your awareness grows, fine tune your own personal plan for eating good, wholesome food. Eat two large bowls of fresh vegetables per day. Eat 1 to 2 servings of whole grains per day. Eliminate on or more foods to which you suspect might be giving you problems. Eat nothing sweeter than fruit. Eliminate processed foods.
Vickie Bunzey
Certified Holistic Health Coach Director, Renew Weight Loss www.RenewWeightLoss.com www.YourBalancedHealthstyle.com www.SimpleWholeFoodNutrition.com 704-708-4437 704-995-1951 Cell
18
LEGAL
As a North Carolina estate planning attorney, I know young professionals have a lot to think aboutstarting their careers, buying their first home, starting a family. All of these accomplishments are just the
beginning of many bigger life events to come. So it is a rare day when someone in this generation wants to think about The End. But there are 4 reasons that they might need to Youth is often used as an excuse for putting off doing a will or trust. The thing is that estate planning is not just about planning for your death; it also includes planning for yourself personally in the event you experience an incapacitating injury and are unable to make your own financial or medical decisions. While the odds are certainly in your favor that you will not need an estate plan (we are all invincible when we are young!), you should still consider these four scenarios
make decisions regarding your own financial, legal, and medical affairs you will need to make sure that there are basic documents in place (such as a medical directive, power of attorney and HIPAA authorization) so someone can make life decisions for you. For example, if you dont decide who you want to be making medical decisions for you, the unfortunate part is that someone you may never have chosen may ultimately be the one making a potential life and death decisions for you. You might be asking, What assets? Even if you do not yet own your own home, you may have IRAs, retirement accounts and life insurance policies, which are offered through your employer that you should consider. You need to make sure that beneficiaries are named in the right way so that the people you want to leave them to get the maximum benefit.
1. You need a plan in the event that you become disabled or incapacitated.
Unfortunately tragedies happen every day, many of which are out of our control. And you are not immune to them because you are young. Just turning on the local news will be evidence of that. If something happens to you and you are no longer able to
If you have children, you simply must name guardians. You should be the one who decides who will raise them if you are no longer around. You do not want this decision left to squabbling relatives or to a court system that
20
doesnt know you, your child or your family dynamic. You might be thinking that everyone in your family loves your children, that there will not be any problems. If they all love your children, they will all probably want to raise them, right? If they all want the same thing, this will have the potential of becoming a battledo you want your children to be put through that after having lost their parents? One of the most common reasons I hear from my clients as to why they have resisted an estate plan is because they could not decide who to allow to raise their children. If this is you, read next weeks article on what I personally think are issues to consider before making this hugely important decision. Sometimes it is only a matter of talking it out with a professional to help you decide. I can tell you this that each and every client of mine with minor children has a complete estate plan that names a guardian of their choice even the ones that were conflicted before visiting with me!
Find us on:
Facebook: Twitter:
Momattorney North Carolina Estate Planning
Rated on Avvo.com
http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/ 28277-nc-sabrina-winters3563733.html?ref=header
If you have a pet, chances are they are a big part of your life. They are totally devoted to you and also totally dependent on you. Have you stopped to think what might happen to them if something were to happen to you? If you want to make sure your companion is cared for if the unexpected happens, you could choose to put together a plan for their continued care. The plan may include directions about feeding, medical care and other needs along with funds necessary to provide for your pets support and to compensate the caretaker.
The scenarios above are just a few to consider when educating yourself on the importance of having a will or trust. Until you have a properly written plan in place you can never really have the peace of mind of knowing that you and your family are fully protected. W
21
WELLNESS
Financial/Material
Intellectual/Spiritual
Are my goals achievable AND a stretch? Will my goals allow me to master something important to me? Have I been specific enough and open enough to receive more than I have asked for if that is my Divine path?
Have I included in my goal statements this or something better? As you begin or continue your goal setting for 2012, remember this year will be filled with pivotal changes in our world, our communities, our bodies and minds. As you reflect on the huge changes we have seen in our world in the past three years, know that this year will hold more changes than those three years combined. I say this, not to scare you, but to give you hope and knowledge that you really are creating your world as you wish it to be. In order to do that you must be diligent in monitoring your thoughts, feelings, verbal and written statements. As you think, feel and communicate your desires you are creating them.
22
23
Allow yourself the time to truly reflect on your goals, go within your mind to study them, assess how they feel to you and then ask your soul if they are right for you. We are spiritual beings in human bodies that have the capacity to FEEL. That capacity to feel is how our intuition or our spiritual guidance speaks to us. Allow yourself to begin to utilize the Divine gift of intuition and ask your mind, body and soul how they feel about your goals. Points to Consider: Do this process as if you have never done it before Throw out the past Remove limits in your mind and the opinion of others Make your goals realistic and slightly beyond your current expectations What steps do you need to do to get you there What can you do to keep your goals in the forefront of your mind How motivated are you to achieve your goal How passionate are you about achieving your goal What are you doing to put it into your subconscious mind
What are you doing to stay motivated while you wait for the goal to manifest Are your goals in alignment with your life and expectations of yourself and others Are your goals congruent with your mental, emotional and spiritual beliefs Are your goals in conflict within your own mind Do you really believe that you can achieve your goals Do you really believe that you can do more than youve ever done in your life Do you really believe that you deserve to achieve more Do you really believe that you have everything you need to achieve your goals Are your emotions in alignment with your goals Are your emotions moving you forward toward your goals Are your emotions in control when it comes to your goals Are you committed to achieving your goals
Are all parts of your mind working together toward your goals I find it amazing that the goal setting process has mostly been learned and used in the business world for many years. The process of setting goals is a very sacred process. It is one the purest forms of prayer that I know of. We are telling our creator what we would like to personally accomplish, give and receive in the coming year. Find the best way for you to make this process a sacred one. I wish you much success in your goal setting process. I know that the experience will be a beautiful and sacred one when you incorporate the path of your soul into your goals. Happy 2012! W
Rev. Marcie Williams-Browning The Spiritual Coach Chrysalis Hypnosis Center 16147 Lancaster Highway, Suite 110 704-631-9540 Voice Mail 803-493-0332 Cell http://the-spiritual-coach.info www.MindBodySpiritBiz.com
24
21
FINANCE
Andrea J. Buschur
Like many people, you probably made a New Years Resolution that this is the year you will get healthier perhaps by losing weight, eating better, stopping smoking or adding some regular exercise into your life. But did you include financial wellness in your fitness plan? Did you know that in addition to keeping you awake at night, financial stress and worry can also actually make you sick? Studies have shown that people dealing with financial stress are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, severe depression, back pain, headaches, digestive problems, and heart attacks; situations that can keep you off work, at the doctors and add to financial pressures.1 In addition, having financial worries on your mind can affect your job performance distracting your focus and preventing you from doing your best. Given the recession and the sluggish economic recovery it is not surprising that more of us than ever are concerned about our financial security, whether because of declining home values, mounting credit card debt, saving for college and retirement or simply meeting everyday household expenses. A MetLife study found that 43% percent of employees say they have trouble paying bills and 71% worry about having enough money to make ends meet.2
So achieving good general health means not only working on your physical health but also on your financial health. Here are some steps you can take to improve your financial wellness:
Reviewing financial matters can seem overwhelming, and given the pressure and pace of modern life, it is all too easy to put off tackling the job especially if you suspect that you are not going to like what you find. How do you get started? In the same way doctors often recommend having a physical checkup before you begin an exercise program, so doing an assessment of your financial vital signs is the first step on the road to financial wellness. And if need be, seek out a financial professional to help you. Only you can decide whats important to you whether it is saving for college, paying down debt, or buying a home, and of course preparing for retirement. Having clear goals will help you gauge your progress and clarify the necessary choices and priorities to achieving them. Putting these goals on paper may also encourage you to stay on track.
26
because they dont have the knowledge and information to make better ones; nearly one in two employees report that they do not currently consult with anyone regarding personal financial matters3. Getting to your goals is going to need a strategy; and most of us benefit from some help with this. As a starting point, you may want to turn to your place of work as one of the access points to financial education and guidance. Many employers now make financial education available to employees on a variety of topics ranging from basic financial literacy to retirement planning. This can take the form of seminars that you can attend at work, or online webinars that you can conveniently access on your own time, as well as online tools and calculators that can help you make smarter personal financial decisions. If you are looking for more face-to-face professional guidance and advice, you may want to seek out a
financial professional to answer your questions and help you through the process of getting your financial house in order. Organizations like the Financial Planning Association, Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., and LIMRA, to name a few, can help. You may also want to seek recommendations from colleagues, friends and family.
Not tomorrow, not when you hit some magic milestone, but now. This is job one! Even if the amount that you will need to save for putting your kids through college or your retirement income seems insurmountable, dont let yourself think there is no point in even trying. Instead, in the same way that physical health involves building a healthy body with regular exercise, so financial wellness requires a commitment to a regular savings habit. Having a savings plan does not mean hoping there will be something left at the end of the month to put
27
away. If you are like most people that will be much less than you need. Instead make saving easy and automatic by having a regular amount deducted by your employer from each paycheck and put into a savings program before you can spend it. You wont miss what you dont see and will be surprised how even a small amount saved from each paycheck can turn into a healthy financial cushion. If you receive a raise, or find yourself with a little more free money such as when a car loan gets paid off, consider increasing your savings amount before you increase your spending levels. It goes without saying that you should be making the most of any tax free savings opportunities available through your workplace. Many employers offer to match a portion of your savings. Not taking advantage of these programs is like turning your back on FREE money.
cal insurance or Government disability programs will fill the gap. Reduce unnecessary anxiety. Make it part of your financial check-up to calculate how much life insurance and disability income protection coverage you would need to replace your income. Do you currently have enough coverage to maintain your or your familys lifestyle? Compare the relatively small outlay for income protection insurance, with the potential financial and emotional costs of NOT having coverage. Take advantage of your workplace benefits, and if additional protection is needed, consider supplementing this coverage with an individual policy obtained on your own. No one likes to think of these unpleasant subjects but knowing your loved ones will be taken care of if anything happens to you or your ability to earn a paycheck will put you on the path to peace of mind. Rewiring bad habits is not easy and takes repeated reinforcement as everyone who has ever tried to give up smoking or lose weight can attest! But working on your financial fitness by taking the above steps can have a big payoff in reduced stress and improved general health. Add financial wellness to your health goals today. W
Most working Americans rely on their income to cover essential living expenses for themselves and their dependents. But have you thought about what would happen if that income is interrupted by a long-term illness or injury or even premature death? Many workers say that they are very concerned about these possibilities, and yet many have not taken steps to protect themselves or their families against these risks4. Dont assume that your medi-
28
An extraordinary evening of fashion, style and cuisine from around the world. Doors open at 7pm - $25 general admission - $30 runway seat Location: Reelworks Movie Studio at NC Music Factory - 817 Hamilton Street Admission includes passport, cuisine, desserts, local artists, nine fashion shows, exclusive designers, giveaways, celebrities, and complimentary admission to after party. For show volunteering, sponsorships, more info, VIP tables and tickets go to
www.PassportForFashion.com
Open model calls Saturday, December 10, 2011 10am Saturday, February 4, 2012 10am at Paul Mitchell The School1516 Elizabeth Avenue Charlotte, NC
BUSINESS
didates talk about helping the unemployed, but what about supporting the small business owners, who are the backbone of our country, who could then add employees? We dont have the deep pockets that many of these big companies have. Though, even the larger companies arent spending much money, which could benefit them and our economy. There is no magic wand or silver bullets that can instantly improve our countrys economy. However, here are some ways to help the small businesses AND strengthen larger firms: Large companies should be spending money to hire small firms, who can teach and train their workforces to be more efficient and productive, i.e. management training, customer service training, etc. Our country now has a huge number of small consulting firms, who could also positively impact the larger companies workforces by
We all know that there are some things you can control and other things you cant. The past few years have been extra challenging due to the devastating economy. Some of our presidential can-
teaching them to better communicate and resolve differences due to the wide diversity among our workforces. These differences or conflicts take the focus away from productivity, which negatively impacts the bottom line. There are other resources available within communities, which can help companies identify their weaknesses and develop strategic plans to strengthen the organizations. Of course, then the company would need to implement those plans and follow through for the best outcomes. Effective Leadership is critical to any business. Just because you or an employee may be a good employee doesnt make him/ her an effective leader. There is also a major difference between a manager and a leader. Managing people or projects takes good organization, as well as communication. However, an effective leader must understand the responsibility with that role. As a leader, one must stay well informed, think proactively, take risks seriously and include good researching skills, have good insight into other peoples capabilities, as well as be wise. In addition, an effective leader can only
30
be successful with good coaching. Companies need to invest in their leadership! Though good leaders are very important, good employees overall are a necessity! Many companies have some very poor hiring processes. Selecting good employees can be helped when using an assessment tool. However, one of the challenges in selecting appropriate employees is to have a clear understanding of the types of skills, experiences, etc. needed. This is another area where consulting firms can positively impact a business.
It is also important to share this point with our community and government leaders as well. There are a number of government entities, who are being paid with our tax dollars to be our competitor. Small businesses cannot compete with arms of the government, who can offer services at low to no fees, since they are subsidized by our own governmentour own money is being used against us. If larger companies would use local small businesses/consultants to assist their companies grow, this would be a win-win. Encourage companies in your area to tap into the excellent expertise of the many hard-working small businesses that truly make up the backbone of America!. W
OI Partners Inc.-Compass Career Management Solutions www.compasscareer.com 704) 849-2500; FAX (704) 845-2420
transitionalbusinessconcerns.blogspot.com
31
WELLNESS
32
yourself just because you are woman, or prone to getting sick, or have a neighbor who takes something, make sure it is something your body really needs. If you do need it, then ask yourself the second question...
equipped to absorb and utilize the Vitamin C from an apple than from a vitamin pill. Because our bodies were created to receive our nutrition from food, they best identify, absorb and process the nutrients, vitamins and minerals from the sources closest to the earth. In addition, most nutrients work best when combined with their nutrient family. For example, when you eat an apple, the Vitamin C will be used best by your body because its eaten in conjunction with the rest of the 10,000 other known nutrients in that apple. It will not be adequately used when its isolated from its synergistic family, combined with other chemicals and made into a vitamin pill. After you ask yourself if you can get what you need from whole food and you find that you cant, then ask yourself the next question...
2. How can I get this from my whole food diet? Your body is incredibly more
best way to supplement what were not getting from our whole food, is from a whole food supplement. For example, a person who is allergic to fish, may find they need to supplement with a whole food fish oil capsule. People who are not getting their 7-13 servings each day of fruits and vegetables may find they need to take Juice Plus, a whole food fruit and vegetable concentrate(www.fitlovesjuiceplus.com). Taking whole food supplements will give your body thousands more nutrients than the isolated vitamin pill, and in a way your body can recognize, absorb, and utilize. Remember, that the closer to whole food the product is, the better your body will receive it. The better your body receives it, the less supplementing you have to do to begin with. So the next time someone tells you to take a vitamin pill, you can ask yourself, Will it do more harm to me than good?, Do I, personally, need this?, and if so, How can I get it in a whole food form, or a whole food supplement?. I promise you, your body will thank you! For more information on eating a more whole food diet, or on getting whole food supplements, schedule a complimentary consultation. In the words of the infamous home improvement store, You can do it, we can help!W
3. How can I get it in a whole food supplement? If its best to get our nutrition
Sunny Ayala
Owner of Fitness Instruction Today 8041 Corporate Center Drive Suite 100 Charlotte, North Carolina 28277 www.fitnessinstuctiontoday.com ayalasigns@aol.com Phone: (704) 763-5662
34
35
COVER
Patti Mercer
A Women With Beauty, Grace, and Integrity
By Mimi Zelman
As Mrs. South Carolina International, Patti Mercer travels the state as an ambassador for the South Carolina Autism Society raising awareness for Autism and the importance of early intervention. Pattis mission is to reach as many families as possible through additional partnerships with the national organizations of Autism Speaks and Easter Seals where she has shared her personal story of parenting a child with Autism. She and her husband, Jay have four children and together they have worked hard through early intervention to recover their youngest son from a devastating diagnosis of Autism. Patti works as an account representative for WRHI where she utilizes her marketing experience to advance commerce throughout York County. Additionally, Patti is an on air personality for live broadcast remotes. She believes that everyone has an incredible story and there is so much to be learned from each other if we just pause and listen. While earning her BA in psychology at Winthrop University, Patti minored in Dance. Patti works with her son, teaching him to use dance and movement in conjunction with what has been learned through physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Patti is honored to be partnering with Docuramafilms to promote Autism the Musical, an inspirational documentary of five children on the Autism Spectrum who demonstrate how the human spirit can rise to any challenge. How did you get started in this business? I got started in the business of self development by taking a leap of faith into the world of Pageantry! What began as a personal challenge to achieve a goal, has emerged into a business model called: Crowning Confidence What is your background-what were you doing before this business? Before competing in 2005, my life was consumed with a driving faith to unlock the mystery of Autism and rescue our youngest son from its devastating grip. As a psychology major, the human mind has always fascinated me and my understanding of Classic Autism looked nothing like our son! It was a confusing time navigating an unchartered course of untested promises and cures Realizing that my research would be vital to our sons recovery was exhausting and quite scary. What is a good early story about your business? When I reflect on my first Mrs pageant experience, I hardly recognize the person I had become....without the title of wife or mother??? I was vacant! That decision to compete was the first step on a path to redefining my life. Get in shape- get some new clothes....Easy and fun. The application was my challenge because I honestly didnt know what to talk about out-
37
side of my everyday roles.... Who wants to hear about that?? Judge number 2 thats who! When I shared my platform with her she looked me in the eyes and said no matter who wins this pageant - promise me that you will NOT stop raising awareness for autism. I didnt win (1st runnerup) the crown; however, I took away something far greater- confidence!!! Isnt it unusual for someone to compete in a beauty pageant and win it twice? Its not unusual for a contestant to compete several times in the same pageant before winning the crown, in fact its common. Once you win the crown, however, you cannot compete again in that system. Actually, there are several pageant systems. I was crowned Mrs. SC United States in
2006 and Mrs.SC International in 2008- placing 2nd runner up in Chicago at the Mrs. International Pageant where over 50 contestants vie for the title. What advice and encouragement would you give other married women about compete ting in a pageant? My advice to other married women about competing is to know why youre competing and what you hope to achieve through the experience. Then research the different pageant systems to see which one matches your goal. Make sure your husband is supportive and knows that if you win, his life will change too. This decision is between you and your family so dont give your dream away because of someone elses
disappointment. If you believe in your cause - you will develop the confidence to wear the crown!! Do you do any charity or non profit work? Charity work is very important and I currently serve on the board for The Chrysalis Autism Center in Rock Hill, SC. The SCAS and Autism Speaks are organizations very close to my heart and they have supported my efforts as Mrs. SC to raise Autism Awareness. As director of the SC Strawberry Festival pageant, our pageant has raised money for Alive at 25, Cystic Fibrosis and Autism. This April I will be raising money for Fort Mill Middle School Athletics dancing as a celebrity in a gala....yikes! What are some of your greatest challenges in your business? I would say the biggest challenge of coaching confidence through pageants is the disappointment of not taking home the crown when you know your client deserved to win. Theoretically, everyone knows that there is only one crown and lots of contestants competing for the title and yet.... When someone elses name is called - the disappointment stings. To overcome post pageant depression, I teach Rx3 =power. RestReview-Renew!! What would you most like the reader to know about your journey in business? What I would like readers to know about my journey in business is that every moment matters. Listen to your inner voice and trust the people who love and believe in you. Dont let fear hold you back- action cures fear. Confidence grows through preparation so learn all you can about the product or service you provide and present your ideas with passion. If opportunity doesnt knock - build a door. If you could stand up and defend anything, what would it be? Im really a pretty chill kind of person, however, I become very protec-
tive and outspoken if I witness someone being mistreated. From a senior citizen struggling to understand a flight change at the airport to a child being teased at school, no one should flex their power to put another person down. I remember when a gangly little 4th grader in my sons class told me with her lisp, Mrs. mercer, Megan said youre weird I replied: thats awesome! she looked at me very confused ( it was obvious that she too had been called weird) and said: No-.... thats mean!. My response: weird is good it means unique and wonderfully made. Who wants to be like everybody else? By redefining the word weird, this little girl stood a little taller and gave me a hug that I will remember forever.... goodbye gangly.... Hello confidence!!! What are your goals for the future/where do you see yourself in 10 years? My goals are to continue to live life with an attitude of gratitude and to build relationships both personal and corporate because I believe that together we can accomplish more. I have a passion for journalism and see myself writing more as the kids get older and time allows. I love interviewing people and will continue to do more of that on my radio program, Close up: Fort Mill - Tega Cay on 94.3 FM WRHI. Of course my heart is in Crowning Confidence - helping women find their confidence on and off the pageant stage.
39
Patti Mercer is a Fort Mill native. Currently, Patti is the director for the South Carolina Strawberry Festival pageant where she works all year coaching confidence and the message of cause before crown to women of all ages. You may recognize Patti from various TV, web and radio marketing as she has been the face and voice of numerous ad campaigns. Patti writes for Fort Mill Magazine, reports for Our Three
Sons broadcasting and hosts Carolina Sessions promoting the unsigned musical talent in the Carolinas. Patti also works with Nu Day productions as host of Tell me about it where she uncovers the unique story behind the people and projects making a positive difference in our community. She serves on the board for The Chrysalis Autism Center in Rock Hill, SC a 501C program offering ABA therapy to Children with Autism and this April will dance in a fundraiser for the Fort Middle School Athletic boosters as a Celebrity Dancer in Dancing with the Stars. Patti is also a speaker at the Women With Know How Making An Impact Conference on March 20, 2012 at the Duke Mansion. Patti will Elevate, Motivate, and Generate an Impact on your life!W
40
Family Features
42
43
Registered dietitian Jodie Shield knows it can be a struggle to celebrate and stay healthy. Shes put together some win-win tips and recipes healthy and delicious that are sure to keep fans cheering for more:
Think fresh.
Skip the super subs and set up a sandwich bar with lean deli meats such as turkey breast and ham, low-fat cheese slices and prepped veggies like sliced tomato and shredded lettuce and low-fat toppings.
If youre the home team (i.e. the party host), you get to call the plays. Serve entrees that are lean and festive, such as Touchdown Turkey Chili. Or prepare a thin whole wheat crust pizza using reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce and lots of sliced veggies.
No matter what foods are served, remember you dont have to eat the whole thing. Grab a small plate and load half of it up with fresh veggies and baked chips.
Whip some traditional game day favorites into shape. Instead of nachos, serve baked chips with salsa. Pass on the salt and butter and sprinkle a dash of Parmesan cheese over popcorn. Forget the fried chicken wings and serve baked chicken tenders seasoned with Hidden Valley Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix.
During halftime, grab your guests and head outdoors for a quick game of touch football. You can always record the commercials so you dont miss out.
1. Spread each of the ingredients in the order listed over a 9-inch serving platter or pie dish. 2. Chill for an hour and serve.
1. Pop popcorn according to package directions. Immediately open the bag and pour the popcorn into a large serving bowl. 2. Spray the popcorn with three sprays from the olive oil mister, toss with salad dressing and seasoning mix and then toss with the Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
45
45
46
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: High heat cooks for 4 hours; Low heat cooks for 8 hours Makes: 8 (1 cup) servings
style
tablespoon olive oil medium onion, chopped medium green bell pepper, chopped pounds lean ground turkey breast cans (14.5 ounces each) Mexicandiced tomatoes can (6 ounces) reduced sodium tomato paste can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained cup low sodium tomato juice package Hidden Valley Fiesta Ranch Dips Mix
1. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. 2. Add onions and bell pepper and saut until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. 3. Remove and place in slow cooker. 4. Add ground turkey breast to the same pan and cook until crumbled and browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. 5. Add the turkey to the slow cooker along with all of the remaining ingredients. 6. Cover the slow cooker and cook for 4 hours on high heat or 8 hours on low heat.
The best way to tackle those creamy, high-calorie dips is to make smart substitutions. Here are a few options to help you get started: Instead of: Use: Guacamole Salsa Pesto Chopped tomatoes and basil Sour cream Plain fat-free yogurt Cheese Reduced-fat cheese Cream Fat-free evaporated milk
47
48