CLARK STACIE CLARK STACIE - HER LIFE Magazine

herlife | welcomeHealthy Hear tsWe can’t have a February issue without mentioning Valentine’sDay. Love it or hate it—it is upon us! No matterwhich side you fall on, it’s a nice time to recognizethose in your life that you love, even if it’s just a moment’s thoughtand not with any grand gestures. Whether you’re having a romanticdinner with your significant other, or getting together with all of yoursingle friends, enjoy the day!Indulging in an amazing meal with the person or people youlove most seems to be on many Valentine’s Day lists (it’s certainly onmine)! Whether you make a romantic meal yourself or check out oneof the Twin Cities’ finest restaurants, I’m sure the special Valentine’sDay inspired menu will include plenty of decadence. We can take onenight off from that New Year’s resolution, right?Speaking of resolutions, we’re only a month in—are you still ontrack? The majority of New Year’s resolutions involve fitness, weightloss or making choices that are better for our overall health, and arevery important goals to keep throughout the year. Any step each of ustakes to inspire healthier living for our families, our friends and ourselvesis an important one. And if you’re ready to take that step or needassistance keeping up with your fitness-related resolutions, be sure tocheck out our feature story on the fabulous Stacie Clark of Tiger Athletics.It will surely give you the push you need to stay motivated andmake 2012 a healthy year (even with a few heart-shaped chocolatesalong the way).photo by michelle lockwoodreadsharerecycleLindsey LeeJoin HERLIFE Magazine on Facebook and stay current on the hottest events and biggest deals around the metro!6 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

®Staff and ContactsEditor-In-ChiefLindsey Leellee@herlifemagazine.com952-210-1549Account ExecutiveNatalie Powersnatalie@herlifemagazine.com612-799-1804Account ExecutiveJenn Riesjenn@herlifemagazine.com651-216-9007EditorCandi Smithcandi@herlifemagazine.comCreative DirectorCasey Jonescasey@herlifemagazine.comDesign and ProductionTodd Granthamtodd@herlifemagazine.comArt DirectorElana Bellelana@herlifemagazine.comContributing AuthorsChandra Blackwell, Ann E. Butenas, Kristen Doyle, Linda Maranno,Kelly Jo McDonnell, Linda R. Price, Candi Smith, Catie WatsonContributing PhotographersClassics By David, Spencer Combs, Cy Dodson,Meghan Doll, Kristen Doyle, Natalie Finazzo, Eliesa Johnson,Michelle Lockwood, Chris McDuffieTo contact HERLIFE® Magazine:7455 France Avenue South #405Edina, MN 55435Phone: / Fax: 1-866-827-6851For Advertising call 952-210-1549© 2012 by HERLIFE ® Magazine of Twin Cities is operated locally byLBL Publishing, an independently owned and operated franchisee of HERLIFE ® Magazine,LLC. To reach national headquarters, call 913-402-6994.© 2012 by HERLIFE ® Magazine. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication maybe reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.HERLIFE ® Magazine is owned by LBL Publishing and is a free publication distributedlocally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected specialty stores, doctorand dental offices, medical spas, hair and nail salons, tanning salons, public libraries andnumerous other high traffic locations. Please call for a location near you or if you would likecopies placed at your business.We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements,nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas,articles and feedback.SUBSCRIPTIONSSubscriptions are available for $20 (for 12 issues). Please go to www.herlifemagazine.com or maila check made out to HERLIFE ® Magazine, to the above address.8 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

favorites | herlifeLove is in the air! It’s February and in honor ofValentine’s Day, the HERLIFE staffers are offering uptheir favorite romantic movies for you to watch withyour sweetie (or with your best girlfriends!)Return to Me“So funny and a totally originallove story!”- Lindsey Lee,Editor-In-ChiefWhen Harry Met Sally“It never get’s old!”- Jenn Ries,Account ExecutiveLove Actually“A fun, romantic andgenuinely heartfelt story!”- Michelle Lockwood,ContributingPhotographerSleepless In Seattle“Tom Hanks and Meg Ryanare so great together!”- Elana BellArt DirectorThe Notebook“Enough said.”- Casey JonesCreative DirectorPretty Woman“A classic!”- Natalie Powers,Account ExecutiveChocolat“Hello, Johnny Depp!”- Lynese ScudderOffice ManagerThe Hairdresser’sHusband“So, sowonderfully French.”- Todd GranthamDesign and ProductionHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 9

herlife | healthHow To Identify and Combat HouseholdMold and Mildewby candi smithHave you ever walked into someone’s home and immediately recognized a dank smellsimilar to one you find in antique shop, reminiscent of things that have been hiddenaway in attics and basements for a very long time? Well, believe it or not, fungus growingin one’s home has nothing to do the length of time it’s been there. It’s all about moistureand the circumstances that allow mold and mildew to grow, often in a relatively short amount oftime.First off, it’s helpful to know the differences between mold and mildew. Mold is a fungusthat grows in a form that looks like filaments. It is usually fuzzy in appearance, and varies incolor from orange, green, black, brown, pink or purple. Mildew is actually a form of moldwhich grows flatly and is usually downy or powdery. Downy mildew starts out yellow in color,and then eventually fades to brown. Powdery mildew starts whitish in color, then becomes yellowishbrown, and eventually turns black.Mold has been proven to cause health problems such as allergic reactions and respiratoryproblems due to the toxins it releases. Mold derives its energy from food and other organicproducts, and its spores are released into the air. It’s hardy and virulent, and able to survive inextreme conditions. By the time a person smells a musty odor and is able to see the mold, it’salready cultivated into colonies with its spores.Mildew usually causes more harmto plants and crops than humans, but it’sbeen proven that the inhalation of mildewcauses headaches, lung problems, coughingand a scratchy throat. It can grow just aboutanywhere that moisture content is high suchBy the time a personsmells a musty odorand is able to seethe mold, it’s alreadycultivated into colonieswith its spores.as clothing, leather, shower curtains, paperand window sills.Both mold and mildew are the result ofmoisture, so it’s important to keep your homedry and moisture-free. This can be accomplishedby using a dehumidifier, removingperishable foods within three to four days, orby purchasing mildew removers at a hardwarestore. Areas in the home that are proneto collect moisture are those where plantsare grown, basements and cold areas whichharbor condensation.According to the Centers for DiseaseControl, individuals who are prone to al-10 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

lergies, who have asthma or other respiratory illnesses, or those withcompromised autoimmune systems should avoid outdoor areas such ascompost piles, grass cuttings and wooded areas. Indoors, they shouldkeep their home’s humidity levels between 40 and 60 percent, andensure that showers and cooking areas are well-ventilated. If you findmold growth in your home, the source of the water problem shouldbe fixed and the mold removed with a bleach solution of one cup ofbleach per one gallon of water. Ensure that you open doors and windowsto provide fresh air while cleaning, wear non-porous gloves andprotective eyewear, and don’t mix the bleach solution with any othertype of cleaner.Further recommendations for preventing and reducing the chanceof mold in your home include using your air conditioner duringhumid months; cleaning bathrooms with mold-killing products; addingBoth mold and mildeware the result of moisture,so it’s important tokeep your home dryand moisture-free.mold inhibitors to paint before applying; ensuring you have properexhaust fans and ventilation; not installing carpet in bathrooms andbasements; and removing or replacing previously water-soaked carpetsand upholstery.Finally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emphasizesthat since there are literally thousands of types of mold spores, thereis no way to prevent getting them in your home. However, what youcan do is control moisture so that the spores don’t grow into colonies.It’s important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 48 hoursto prevent mold growth. If you find that absorbent materials such asceiling tiles or flooring have been soaked by moisture, replace thoseitems immediately. Prevent condensation in your home (often foundon pipes, exterior walls, floors and roofs) by adding extra insulation.And be aware of the many things you can do to control moistureinside your home. These include taking shorter showers to reducesteam; always using your exhaust fan when cooking; landscaping toensure that water runs away from your home; cleaning your guttersto prevent seepage in your basement; ventilate crawlspaces while atthe same time covering any dirt to prevent water coming in from theground; vent your clothes dryer to the outside; use area rugs (whichcan be washed often) versus carpeting when possible to avoid moldgrowth where it can’t be detected; caulk windows and install stormwindows to raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisturecondenses; and, increase air circulation by the use of ceiling fans andmoving your furniture away from wall corners. ■Sources used in this article include:diffen.com/difference, cdc.gov and epa.gov.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 11

Extensions. This affordable hair extension option can add length, fullness–evenbangs–to give you the hair you’ve always dreamed of having.The mid-February Easihair hair extensions launch will be accompaniedby an introductory savings offer. To be in the know, you can connectwith Simonson’s online and receive exclusive email offers.Among the exciting products Simonson’s offers include Unite Eurotherapy,Keratin, Kevin Murphy, ghd, Nioxin, glo Minerals, Hydro-Peptide, Novalash, Skinceuticals, Rhonda Allison, OPI, Zoya, Hempzand 21 Drops, a new and exciting aromatherapy product delivered ina roll-on tube for easy application that addresses 21 universal concernswith 21 custom-blended solutions.Additionally, Simonson’s carries SweetSpot, a unique collectionof feminine elixirs designed to work in close harmony with a woman’snatural, delicate bodily functions and stay within a complementary pHrange. They also feature Happy Tails and Kissable, two eco-friendlyproducts for canines that are free from dangerous petro-chemicals.“All the products we offer meet the discriminating expectations oftoday’s sophisticated consumer,” she emphasized. “When we decide tointroduce a product, we are first focused on its performance and how itworks; however, it can never be at the expense of sacrificing safety. If itdoesn’t stand up to my own personal litmus tests, we simply won’t retail it.”There are two more cool reasons to shop the retail lines atSimonson’s: they match any competitor’s advertised or everyday priceon identical items during the identical dates the price is in effect.Online smart phone finds are honored too! Plus, you’ll earn STYLE(Simonson’s Thank You Loyalty Extra) Perks points—good for freeservices and products on your purchases. Simonson’s Salon & Spa isdecidedly a place that marries long-term results with a solid reputation.Despite her 30 years in the business, Kyle enthusiasticallydescribes herself as an interminable student, always eager to learnnew things about people and about the beauty industry. She finds thegreatest reward in helping her team achieve their fullest potential. “Mygoal is to look for ways to utilize the strengths of the team to reach ourcommon objectives,” she commented.One of Kyle’s biggest cheerleaders is her only daughter, Deidre Simonson,who is the Director of Quality Control for the salon and alsoits heir apparent. The apple does not fall far from the tree, as Deidretruly exemplifies the strong work ethic and compassionate nature seenin her mom.“Deidre brings such grace, talent, compassion and determinationto the team,” noted Kyle. “She does not expect to be handedeverything, either. She harbors no sense of entitlement, only a sense ofcommitment to our goals, philosophies and above all, our clients.”The results clearly speak for themselves. To learn more about theavailable services, products, locations and hours, visit them online atsimonsons.com or call them at 763-746-8180. ■“When you feel good about how youlook, you’re more confident, and nothingis more appealing than the gleamof self-confidence. “HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 13

Bouquet and Garter TossIn ancient times—even before brides started wearing rhymingitems as good luck wedding day talismans—a bride was consideredespecially lucky on her wedding day. So lucky, in fact, that weddingguests would tear off parts of her dress as good luck talismans for themselves.Generally, a bride did not plan to wear her wedding dress again,anyway (although unlike today’s brides, she did not have the option tohave it hermetically sealed and preserved for eternity). However, as youcan imagine, it was still moderately unpleasant to have it ripped bit bybit from her body by wedding guests. As an alternative, then, the bridebegan throwing personal articles—such as her bouquet and garter—tothe crowd in order to appease luck-grubbing guests and keep her attireintact. (And to think that these days, we consider it rude when a weddingguest fails to RSVP on time!)So it seems that a good number of well-known wedding traditionssprung from the fact that what we now know as a blessed occasionused to be pretty dangerous business! Luckily, we don’t seem to havethose issues now—the most dangerous element of most weddings is thepotential for an injury involving high heels and a conga line—but still,it never hurts to honor tradition and possibly earn Fortune’s favor inthe process. ■Sources:aomdj.com, yourwedding101.com, wedding.theknot.com,articles.cnn.com, pibweddings.com and brideandgroom.comHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 15

herlife | inspirationsS tacieC larkby ann e. butenasphotography by eliesa johnsonhair by kim gamm of simonson’s salon & spamake-up by breanna sturgeleski of simonson’s salon & spaJust speaking with Stacie Clark, owner of Tiger Athletics, is enough to get eventhe most unmotivated of individuals off the couch and into the gym. Herupbeat, enthusiastic and genuine personality is so infectious that you almostfind yourself saying, “Why, yes, running a half marathon does sound like a greatidea today!”Okay, perhaps that is a bit overly-ambitious for most people, but if you’ve everwondered if there is an athlete within you or even just someone who could raise thebar a bit on her fitness level, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” The best part aboutit all is that you will have so much fun doing so, especially when you work withStacie and her amazing husband and business co-owner, Chris.Before we get you working up a sweat, however, let’s take a quick peek intoStacie’s background and life and then we can lace up our shoes and get moving.Originally from Danville, Indiana, Stacie, 38, graduated from IndianaUniversity in Bloomington in 1995 with a degree in business with an emphasis onfashion merchandising. A year later, she was recruited by retailer Marshall Fieldsand moved to Minnesota to commence work in its buying program and in productdevelopment. Stacie moved up the ranks and enjoyed a 15-year career with the16 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

company, even staying the course through the numerous buyouts overthose years. Her last position with the company, then Macy’s, was thatof fashion director.Even though her demanding career in the retail and fashionindustry kept her constantly on the go, Stacie began work as a fitnesstrainer on the side about 12 years ago, an endeavor Chris has enjoyedhis entire professional career.“Chris owned a training facility in Bloomington when I methim,” Stacie noted. “I met him when I was training there. We becamefriends and then began dating. When I moved to Minnesota, hefollowed me there a year later.”Chris was recruited by Life Time Fitness and was asked tobring energy, intellect, fun and dynamics to the training programs.Chris’s natural athletic prowess, passion and knowledge allowedhim to become an integral part of developing the heart rate trainingprogram and the 02 training program now associated with LifeTime’s training classes.When you continue withthe same routine day in andday out, you develop whatis known as muscle memory,and that daily routine canactually lose its purposeif it is not alternated withsomething different.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 17

It wasn’t long before Chris entertainedthe desire to have his own fitness company,and in 2005, Tiger Athletics was created. Stacienaturally and enthusiastically left the fashionworld and joined her husband full-time in thisunique and niche-oriented training business.Stacie is both NASM and NETA certified.“We are a mobile business, targetingyoung and older athletes alike, as well asfitness enthusiasts of all levels,” smiled Stacie.Tiger Athletics was designed to address theneeds of an athlete or fitness buff who desiresfurther challenges in his or her fitness routine.“Our clients come to us for anassessment, and we re-evaluate theircurrent training program and provide newexperiences, goals and programs for them,”explained Stacie.While Stacie indicated she has alwaysbeen an athlete, she readily admits shebecomes quite humbled when she triesathletes such as the Timberwolves andOakland Raiders, Tiger Athletics hassomething for everyone.“We believe that everyone is an athlete onthe inside,” Stacie commented. “We help eachperson to find that and then build upon that.”So, exactly how can that inner athleteemerge within you? It’s all quite simple, really,if you commit to taking baby steps and settingmini goals. Start out with something relativelyeasy and then target towards bigger and moreintense goals.Instead of relying on a typical gymenvironment, Tiger Athletics takes the clientout of the gym and makes her environmentthe gym, with her body the machine. (Justimagine trying to run while dragging sometires behind you!)“We do use hurdles, kettles and weights,too,” noted Stacie. “But I also stress that ifyou can’t do a push-up, how strong are you?We believe that everyone is an athleteon the inside. We help each person tofind that and then build upon that.something different in her workout routine.“You have to change it up to improve,otherwise your body naturally plateaus,” sheexplained. “When you continue with the sameroutine day in and day out, you develop whatis known as muscle memory, and that dailyroutine can actually lose its purpose if it is notalternated with something different.”As a trainer, Stacie coaches anddemonstrates certain moves for her clients.While some clients only require a weeklysession with Stacie, others may work with hera few times a week. “I always provide themwith exercises to do on their own at home,”she said.While Stacie and Chris do have a studioin their home, Tiger Athletics is definitelya mobile company and goes directly to itsclients. From everyday athletes to professionalWe do a lot of ground-based movement andconditioning.”Tiger Athletics also rents out variousgymnastics studios and turf fields for athleticdrills. In addition to one-on-one training,they provide small group training classesthat emphasize core training and athleticdevelopment.For those who are really dedicated toindulging their inner athlete, Tiger Athleticshosts two adventures in Mexico each yearcalled the Mexico FIT Adventure Trip. Onaverage, 20 people attend, along with 2 to 3trainers for 4 nights and 5 days of the mostintense, yet equally exciting, fitness adventureyou may ever experience. This is a perfectopportunity for the intermediate to advancedathlete to raise the bar just a bit more on herfitness routine.18 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

herlife | culinarySeasonings and Spicesfor Winterby kristen doyleWith winter comes the yearning for food, which bringsoverall comfort and warmth to those who eat it. Weretreat into our kitchens, hoping to provide our familywith a meal that will “stick to their ribs,” bringing them warmth fromthe inside out. Hearty rich dishes, full of flavor and made with spicesand seasonings reminiscent of the season, adorn our tables as we gathertogether.There are certain spices and seasonings associated with the winterseason. We draw on their use to provide essence to our favorite comfortfoods, add them to our most beloved winter beverages and use candlesreminiscent of their aroma to bring us refuge from the harsh temperaturesoutside.Among the most common winter spices and seasonings, cinnamon,ginger, cloves and special seasoning blends, seem to be firmlyassociated with the season, making appearances in many of the recipeswe associate with winter.GingerGinger can be found in many recipes during the winter season. Ginger,in both the dried and fresh root form, is a spice routinely foundin both sweet and savory recipes this time of year. Gingersnap cookiesand gingerbread treats are included in many cookie jars. Pumpkin andapple pie recipes count on ginger to bring an added dimension of flavorto them. On the savory side, ginger is often added to hearty curries,stir-fry recipes and marinades.CinnamonFrom your morning toast and tea to homemade cookies baking inyour oven, there is probably no other spice as widely recognized to giveflavor to seasonal cooking as cinnamon. Cinnamon is commonly usedin baking but can also be found giving an unexpected hint of flavor tochili, winter roasted vegetables and savory meat dishes.ClovesGrandma will tell you that the baked ham just isn’t completewithout the addition of cloves. Cloves are a spice you might be sur-20 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

prised to find in many of your winter dishes. A small amount of cloveswill go a long way to enhance recipes like mulled apple cider, marinarasauce and savory glazes. Cloves are also used in table decorations,such as orange pomander.Herbes de ProvenceHerbes de Provence is a savory seasoning blend which gives flavorto winter favorites like chicken noodle soup, roast chicken and whitechicken chili. Made up of a blend of common seasonings, Herbes deProvence consists of familiar herbs like oregano, thyme, nutmeg, basiland more.Although it may be tempting to buy a premade version of Herbesde Provence at your local supermarket, it is a seasoning blend that caneasily be made at home. Plenty of recipes offer up their own versionof Herbes de Provence. Use the recipes you find as a guide and adjustthe seasoning blend to meet your personal taste preference. Make upa batch and keep it on hand for easy addition to your favorite savorycomfort foods.Prepared cooks always keep these spices and seasonings on handduring the cold winter months, in order to be prepared to createfavorite winter dishes at a moment’s notice. Adding just a touch here orthere to your favorite dishes can turn an ordinary recipe into somethingpeople rave about. ■HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 21

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herlife | spotlightolivethethegroveolive oil companyby ann e. butenasphotography bymichelle lockwoodIf you would have told Natalie Jaeger’s mom years ago that herdaughter would one day own a very successful business in the foodindustry, she probably would have laughed. Not that she doubtedher daughter’s ability to accomplish great things, but to see her do thatin an arena that involved cooking, well, she probably never would haveimagined it.Natalie can hardly believe it herself, and from the looks of things,there are probably some days she just has to pinch herself. This engagingand spirited entrepreneur has definitely taken the local marketplaceby storm, and she shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, eventhough her earlier years would never have forecasted such growth in thisparticular arena. “As a teenager, the last place you would find me wouldbe in the kitchen cooking,” she laughed.However, after she graduated from college and found herself in themyriad of self-discovery that many 20-somethings enjoy, she relocatedfrom Chicago to the Twin Cities area in 2008 and one month latergot married. It was during that time she quit her job in real estate andfound herself unemployed for about a year. She had to find somethingto fill her days, so she began to cook. It wasn’t long before this curiousinterest turned into full-blown passion, and she loved to scour cookbooksfor recipes, create in the kitchen and expand upon her growing set ofculinary skills making everything from scratch.“During that time, I learned a lot about different flavors, what tastedgood, what didn’t. It was all very experimental,” she recalled. “I cookedevery single night and had the most fun doing it.”About a year later, Natalie took her knowledge from herbackground in real estate and did what every purposeful businesswoman should do. She devised a detailed business plan and followedthe philosophy that location is everything. In October 2009, she openedthe doors to her amazing store, The Olive Grove Olive Oil Company,conveniently located off I-494 and I-35E on the corner of 110 and DoddRoad at 720 Main Street in Mendota Heights.“When I decided to do this, I put together a 25-page business planand never looked back,” she noted. “This has been the best thing Ihave ever done. I have a phenomenal store with an amazing staff, all ofwhom are actually former customers who are just as passionate about ourproducts and services as I am.”As soon as you walk through the front door, you are welcomed by avery elegant and beautiful ambiance that is equally warm and inviting.It’s a place that begs you to come in, explore, and experience bountifulflavors and fresh new ideas to spark your culinary imagination. It isdefinitely not a one-time visit. You have been warned that it can behighly addictive.Among the many products offered at The Olive Grove include itsdelectable assortment of extra virgin olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars,Italian pasta, gourmet mustards, stuffed olives, as well as a sampling ofgourmet crackers and spreads. They also carry a variety of gift items, suchas dipping bowls, bread boards, cruets and more. From the novice cook24 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

to the experienced chef, there is something here for everyone.“We are lucky to work with suppliers who bring oils and balsamicvinegars from all over the world on a monthly basis, ensuring thefreshest products,” said Natalie. “The integrity of the freshness isso well-maintained that it is as if you are getting them right off theMediterranean press. That’s how fresh they are.”Natalie purchases the products in bulk and transfers them tostainless steel containers to preserve the flavors and to maintain theirfreshness. Storing them in this way also preserves all of the healthbenefits of the products. “As olive oil is exposed to heat, light or air, itbegins to break down,” explained Natalie.Customers are provided with freshly-poured bottles which can bereused, and when they come in to the store to refill them, they receive$1.00 off the price of a refill.The Olive Grove also hosts private parties after hours in whichNatalie gives a presentation on various products and their healthbenefits.“These items differ immensely in terms of quality and tastecompared to what you might find in a grocery store,” she commented.“In these classes, we teach our guests how to use them, what to use,and when to use them. We also have food to sample and enjoy with theproducts. It’s a great time for all.”Of course, anytime you come into the store, you are always invitedto sample all of the oils, balsamics and mustards. It’s a veritable treatfor the taste buds, and, as Natalie explained, even if you are not anaccomplished cook, it’s amazing what a bit of oil or balsamic can do toan ordinary dish.“These products just taste amazing!” she beamed. ■For more information, visit The Olive Grove online attheolivegroveoliveoil.com or call them at 651-686-4710.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 25

herlife | winewinter winesmercury is dropping...unpack the boots...and the wineby kelly jo mcdonnell | photography by cy dodsonWhen the mercury drops, it’s a sign to make somechanges. And not only in the closet, which is usuallythe first place our attention is drawn. How about yourwine stock?We ladies know all the unspoken rules of seasonal fashion. Don’twear white after Labor Day. Trade in your open toed heels for a durableyet chic pair of boots. Pack away the light, flowing skirts and get outthe knitted scarves and leggings. But how about an Oaked Chardonnayserved at 60 degrees instead of your normal chilled Ros you served atyour backyard BBQ this past summer? Or how about adding a Crozes-Hermitage, rich with baking spices, instead of a fresh and bright Rene’Barbier White...which is better at an outdoor picnic.The seasonal wine transition can be as easy as fashion. Butsometimes it’s easy to get tripped up...due to funky trends. I boughta pair of skinny jeans for winter, forgetting that they only look goodon 15-year-old girls and waiflike runway models. I also bought a nice,chilled bottle of Monkey Bay Chardonnay, only to take it home in30-degree weather, craving something a bit more “toasty.” Little slipupsare natural. Just stick with the basic, classic rules, and the choicesare a no-brainer.“Even though wineries will say people don’t drink seasonally,that’s not true,” said Certified Sommelier, Elizabeth Schneider. “Ilived in Boston...it’s cold. Who wants a refrigerated Pino Grigio whenoutside it’s freezing! Give me something warm, and high in alcohol, towarm my body.”She also said the winter season brings out a different mentality. “Itgets you in a different mood,” she explained. “People in cooler climateshunker down for winter. Gone are the sunny days of summer, whereyou can have a drink whenever you want. With winter wine, you wantsomething higher in alcohol, so it has a warming effect. It warms yourbones. You don’t eat cold food during the wintertime, and there’s areason for that. It’s just nice...it’s like pumpkins in the fall, turkey atThanksgiving, and a Christmas tree at Christmas...it’s the time to nestfor a little while. I think it’s fabulous!”Elizabeth currently resides in Atlanta, and is a Certified Sommelierand Specialist of Wine. She also writes her popular blog, “WineFor Normal People.” She said while some of the country doesn’t havemuch of a change in weather during the winter season, most placeshave some sort of change in the mercury.“Regarding winter wines, you want to have a combination of red,white, sparkling and dessert wines,” explained Schneider, “I thinkpeople don’t always explore the gamut.”Just ask winemaker and proprietor of Warehouse Winery, BillySmith. He knows all about winter, as well as exploring the wine grapegamut. He’s smack in the middle of one of the coldest cities in theU.S.—Minneapolis, Minnesota, whose average temperature in Januaryaverages 13.1 degrees F (-10 degrees c). “We know the cold weather,”said Billy. “You’ve come to the right place. My winemaking techniquesallow me to work with Minnesota cold hardy grapes. It entails acrossbreed to survive our winters. I don’t have to cover up my vines; Ican leave them on the trellis in 40-degree-below weather. Some peoplethink I have a greenhouse. Nope. My season is the same as corn and26 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

soybeans; it starts in the spring and ends in the fall.”Billy said some rules are made to be broken. “Like white wine...don’t chill them,” he comments. “Serve them at room temperature.Chilling a wine masks its character, almost like filtering.” That comesin handy when the winter nights are below zero anyway. He alsostresses that learning little tricks of the trade in regards to wine tastinggoes a long way. His enthusiasm for his subject is infectious as he demonstrateshow to see if the wine has “legs,” and how to correctly smelland taste the first gulp.Billy’s wines have already caught the attention of a warm-weathersport in Minnesota—TCF Stadium and the Minnesota Twins. “Theystarted carrying my wines just this past summer,” said Billy. “My nextgoal is the Vikings.”But while most NFL teams, including the Vikings, play in a toastyindoor dome, how about those of us who are still left out in the cold?In order to warm those bones, Elizabeth divulged her top handful ofpicks for a chilly winter season.Crozes-HermitageElizabeth explains that it’s a European Syrah that’s a great price,in the $20 dollar range usually. “It’s a little higher in alcohol and hassome fruit, but it’s very spicy...baking spices...so it’s very warming andgoes so well with what I call ‘brown food,’ such as meat, mushrooms...anything that’s on the warmer side.”Carneros ChardonnayElizabeth stresses that this particular area is great for Chardonnay(Carneros, or Los Carneros, a region in Napa Valley). “Their wines,even if they’re oaky, have a great amount of acidity, so they balance outthe oak. They’re great sippers, and it’s a fabulous wine that a lot of folksdon’t know about.”Malbec from Argentina“It’s so fruity and this is such a great sipping wine, and is higherin alcohol,” explained Elizabeth, “It’s warming, has a lot of blueberry,blackberry, and warm spices like cinnamon and clove. And it’s anamazing value. You can get a great Malbac for $18, and a pretty goodone for $10. They’re delicious.”Brunello Bi Montalcino (Red, Italian wine)“It’s very earthy, and is an unbelievable wine,” Elizabeth said. Shesaid heavy, hearty Italian fare and anything with a tomato sauce willpair well with this wine.“Bottom line, when you’re looking for wine for a cooler climate,go with a higher alcohol level, and look for things that are going towarm you and provide comfort for you in the cold weather. Thatbeing said, you don’t want anything to destroy your food...keep afood-friendly eye.” ■HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 27

herlife | trendsetterRoe Wolfe750 main street, suite 107,mendota heights, mn 55118651-330-4434roewolfe.comphotography by spencer combsmodel judith kostroski of wehmann models & talent, inc.hair and makeup by julie swenson, st. paul beauty lounge28 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

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herlife | mother’s perspectiveCutting the Apron StringsHow to Raise Happy, Healthy, Independent Kidsby chandra blackwellIf you’re a parent, you know what it’s liketo wish for more sleep, more time andsometimes more patience. But one thinga parent hardly ever has to wish for is moreadvice...or criticism. Turn one direction andoverprotective (a.k.a. “helicopter”) parents arebeing criticized for shielding their childrenfrom even the most minor difficulty or discomfortand creating, in some minds, a nationof wimps. Turn the other way, and mouthsstand agape at the concept of free-range kids,a term coined and popularized by (in)famousmom Lenore Skenazy, who allowed her nineyear-oldson to navigate the New York subwaysystem alone. No matter where you fall onWhere isthe happymedium?the spectrum, you may be wondering: whereis the happy medium? How can you cut theapron strings in a timely and appropriate way,so that your kids grow up happy, healthy,and confident—but also safe? The truth isthat most kids grow up way too quickly for aparent’s comfort, but with a little effort andsome deep breathing, you can support yourkids without “hovering,” and encourage theirindependence and self-reliance without leavingthem to the wolves.Toddlers (1-4)Resist the Urge to RescueAs parents, we have a built-in protectiveinstinct that can make it difficult not toswoop in and save the day when we seeour children struggling. And sometimes,of course, that’s appropriate; ifyour toddler’s shoelace gets caughtin a sewer grate and there’s agarbage truck coming, it’s probablybest to do what it takesto get him out of the street(and out of harm’s way) asquickly as possible. However,if he’s merely struggling toput his pajamas on byhimself, it’s okay tooffer encouragementfrom the sidelineswhile he figures itout on his own,even if he gets alittle frustrated. Itmay quite literallyrequire sitting onyour own hands to do it, but encouraginga toddler to work out his own dilemma canhelp him begin to develop a healthy sense ofself-reliance.Big Kids (5-8)Decisions, DecisionsEven as adults, we depend on others;very few of us, for example, produce all of ourown food, manufacture our own vehicles orcut our own hair (more than once, anyway).So of course, your child will continue to dependon you to meet certain basic needs, suchas keeping her fed and getting her to the doctorand to soccer games. However, at this stageof her development, she should not be tooreliant on others for making basic decisions;while she may rely on you to provide adviceor perspective, she should be making her ownchoices in many situations. As a parent, youcan encourage more independence in your“big kid” by allowing her to make simple,everyday decisions on her own: which clothesto wear (you can intervene to make sure she’sdressed appropriately for the weather, but mayhave to turn a blind eye to some aestheticchoices), what to order in a restaurant orwhich of Kafka’s works best speaks to theexistential dilemma. What’s important hereis that she’s becoming more confident usingher own judgment as she moves toward moreindependence.Pre-teens (8-12)Talk About ItAt this stage, your child’s worldview–andsphere of influence–has expanded well be-34 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

yond the nucleus of your home and family. It now includes friends,coaches, teachers, other parents and perhaps an annoying celebrityor two. This extension of social relationships, while sometimes frighteningto a parent, is a normal and healthy stage of a child’s development.While you will have to relinquish some of the influence youonce had over your child, you still remain an integral part of his life,and can help him navigate this stage of development by keeping theWith a little effort and some deepbreathing, you can support your kidswithout “hovering,” and encouragetheir independence and self-reliancewithout leaving them to the wolves.lines of communication open. Show him that you’re interested inwhat’s going on in his life by talking about school, about his teachers,about his worries, hopes and dreams. And as always, keep fosteringage-appropriate ways for him to become more independent; for example,now you might occasionally charge your child with planninga menu and making dinner for the family, allow him to choose paintcolors and décor for his room (see previous comment about turninga blind eye to aesthetic choices) or, if he receives an allowance, givehim sole discretion as to how to spend a specific percentage of hismoney. Above all, continue to work together as a family, to give hima solid base of support as his world expands.Teens (13-17)Get Ready to CompromiseBy fostering a sense of independence in your child early on, youcan help alleviate some of the rebellion that can occur during theteen years. And once your child becomes a teen, allowing her to expressher individuality in appropriate ways can make her less likely torevolt. Of course you’ll still need to keep boundaries in place, but beready to compromise on certain issues, such as personal style (whichmay require a new mantra for you: “It’s only hair… it’s only hair…”),rules and responsibilities. Though you should resist the urge to thinkof your child as the adorable toddler you once cuddled, a good manyof the toddler principles come into play here: resisting the urge to“rescue” your teen when she’s trying to make a tough decision ordealing with the consequences of a choice she’s made can continuethe effort you began long ago to encourage her independence—andmake her better equipped for the “real” world that looms in her immediatefuture. ■Sources for this article can be found:askdrsears.com, simplemom.net, teachersandfamilies.com,greatschools.org, parentline.org.au, cyh.com, noomii.com and nytimes.com.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 35

herlife | financeTop Things YouShould NotBuy Usedby candi smithThere are items that you can purchase which are gentlyused that work well. But you need to be careful whenpurchasing. While it’s tempting to buy used items fromtime to time, HERLIFE offers some recommendations for itemsyou should never buy used.Some of the most important items you can purchase for yourchild are their crib and furniture. While you might be tempted tobuy a used crib, don’t do it because you don’t know if the crib hadprevious recalls or is missing important components. And the samegoes for car seats. Every year, safety engineers are improving on carseat designs so spend the extra money to get a safe product.“When it comes to your car’s tires,always purchase them new. You don’tknow the history of used tires and it’snot worth the risk worrying if they’vebeen involved in a previous accident.”36 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

When it comes to your car’s tires, always purchase them new. Youdon’t know the history of used tires and it’s not worth the risk worrying ifthey’ve been involved in a previous accident. Plus, most new tires comewith a warranty package which is nice if you find yourself with a flat andneeding a replacement. Used tires won’t offer that degree of security.In today’s electronic age, people are buying and selling laptops,hardware and software on a fairly routine basis. However, the problemwith used computer items is you have to consider if the items arestolen, refurbished, not covered under warranty or unusable due topreregistered serial numbers. And, laptop damage is not always visibleso you don’t know if it’s had liquid spilled in its components, if it’s beenabused, etc. It’s best to buy new because most manufacturers offer freetech support, extended warranties and the peace of mind of knowingyour laptop’s history.In today’s electronic age, peopleare buying and selling laptops,hardware and software on a fairlyroutine basis. However, the problemwith used computer items is youhave to consider if the items arestolen, refurbished, not coveredunder warranty or unusable due topreregistered serial numbers.Plasma and high definition televisions have expensive replacementparts that often cost as much as buying a new TV outright would run.When you consider that older TVs had a seven percent malfunction rate(as is common with new technology), it’s best to get something updated.Plus, you can purchase an extended warranty on a new set that wouldn’tbe offered if you buy used.Some electronics take a beating that’s not always visible to thenaked eye. For instance, many DVD players, speakers, microphones,and digital and video cameras have laser parts that don’t work well afterthey’ve been dropped, mishandled or banged about. Do your shopping,look for sales and you’ll be able to find a new, updated version of thegadgetry you seek.If you’re a photographer, you might be tempted to purchase usedcameras and photo bulbs. However, considering a camera’s lens is itsmost important asset, you want to be sure that there’s nothing damagedthat would affect the outcome of your photos. Additionally, while photobulbs tend to be pricey, they generally have a long lifespan. So pay theprice to ensure that your memorable moments aren’t ruined becauseyou saved a few bucks.Buying a used vacuum cleaner is discouraged because they tend toget a lot of use, you don’t know what’s been sucked up through its hosesand they are prone to faulty wiring. Plus, fixing older vacuums can becostly if you have to find outdated parts and bags.Bicycle helmets make the list of no-no’s when buying used.Usually, during an accident, a helmet will only have its interior foamcrushed, and doesn’t always show damage on the helmet’s exterior. Butsince they are built to sustain a single crash, it’s best to err on the side ofsafety and purchase a new one.Boats can be a big ticket item many people might want to buyused. However, unlike cars that are driven and maintained regularly,boats don’t get serviced often and tend to have more maintenanceissues. Since it would be tough to test drive a boat, and getting amechanical diagnostic test can be expensive, you’d be better off buyingsomething new with a warranty.Finally, while you can save a pretty penny by buying engagementsets and fine jewelry from another individual or through estate salesand consignment shops, you have no way to verify the jewelry’s quality.Unless you are dealing with a professional jewelry reseller who canprovide a certification of the stone’s quality, you are taking a hugefinancial risk. Purchase from a trusted source so that if you haveproblems down the road (such as a loose prong or you simply want agood cleaning), you have a business you can rely upon. ■Sources for this article were found at www.wisebread.com,www.shopping.yahoo.com, www.foxbusiness.com andwww.money.msn.com.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 37

would continually inquire of her parents about sex.“I’ve always been fascinated by it,” she noted. “From the momentI learned to talk, I was asking about sex, and my mom would respondopenly and honestly in an age-appropriate manner for me at the time.She and my dad have always enjoyed a healthy relationship, and I naturallyassumed everyone else did, too.”However, throughout the ensuing years and into her academiccareer, Morgan learned otherwise, yet still remained drawn to whatbrings men and women together. She is interested in knowing whatattracts one person to another and how they keep that passion alive orwhy it has diminished. When she meets with clients, that less-than-subtlecuriosity emerges and she asks questions of her clients that perhapsthey would never even consider asking of themselves. However, it isthat direct approach that works and is necessary if couples truly want tomove forward to a more sensual, intimate and fully satisfying relationshipon all levels.“Growing up, people are bombarded with ideas about sex and relationships,”explained Morgan.“Some of those ideas people accept. Others they reject. In eithercase, they influenced a person and how he or she responds in an adultrelationship today.”Unique to Morgan’s relationship coaching is her background in exherlife| spotlightSAMSARAthe ar t of livingfrom the inside outby ann e. butenasphotography by chris mcduffieSex. That got your attention! And with Valentine’s Day in ourmidst, thoughts are turning towards love, romance, passion andsensuality. For some, fully embracing and authentically expressingsuch deep and intense emotions comes naturally. For others, releasingand surrendering to them is more of a challenge. Morgan Barkus,self-proclaimed LOVE Coach and owner of SAMSARA, the art of livingfrom the inside out, LLC, can help in that regard.With a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from ArgosyUniversity-Twin Cities in Eagan, Morgan is beyond passionate aboutworking with women and helping them to discover, explore and embracetheir sexuality. In short, she provides Relationship Enhancement Coaching,helping couples reignite the intimate act of physically loving eachother, allowing them the opportunity to experience sex as they trulydesire. It’s about finding love within one’s self and within each other.Intimate relationships are highly complex, probably the mostcomplex of relationships two people will experience. Sex is an integralpart of that, and Morgan views this physical component of a relationshipas one of its most important elements. “Sex is essentially communicationwithout words,” she noted. “It can be a very powerful way to express thedeepest love for each other.”Morgan’s interest in loving human relationships began when shewas just a child. She confessed that she was the inquisitive child who38 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

otic dance. For the past five years, she has been teaching this art form andworking exclusively with women in this regard. She teaches lap danceworkshops and exotic dance workshops at a studio in Eagan designed forthe everyday kind of woman.“There is a beautiful and healthy ambiance to sensuality,” she said.“It’s nothing about which to be ashamed or embarrassed. I use the artform of dance to help women express the physical side. It’s very effective.”“Many women struggle with selfesteem,which directly effects theirrelationships, including the mostimportant relationship in their lives…the one they have with themselves.”In fact, many of her clients have noticed that when they engagein such dancing, they discover they are carrying themselves with moreconfidence, renewed energy and a positive vibe.When Morgan realized she could affect someone throughdance, she realized she could take her degree in therapy and perhapscombine that approach while coaching clients on what’s going onemotionally, as well.“Many women struggle with self-esteem, which directly effectstheir relationships, including the most important relationship in theirlives…the one they have with themselves,” noted Morgan. “Much of myindividual coaching work focuses on improving women’s self-talk andself-image.”After drawing up a sound business plan and putting the pieces of herbusiness together, Morgan has begun to attract clients who are recognizingthe inherent value of her services.While it does take courage for someone to let her guard down andremain vulnerable, Morgan facilitates as a coach by providing a safe,comfortable and honest environment. She can be bold and direct, butthat is only because she is fully comfortable with the subject matter andknows how to allow people to trust her, thereby opening the doors and allowingclients to dig deeper and rediscover their true sensual nature, fullyexpressing that with their partners. Initial consultations are free of chargeand are vitally important to taking that first step.“Not only do I want to be comfortable with my clients, but I wantto make sure they are comfortable with me. There has to be a good fitbetween us,” Morgan said. “Intimate and personal information is shared,and it is important to me that my clients trust me. If my clients are willingto go the distance, then as their coach, so am I.” ■For more information, visit Morgan at her website atsamsarainsideout.com or call her at 612-242-0820. In-home consultationsare also available. Discover yourself from the inside out. (Be sureto follow Morgan’s blog on her website, too, and feel free to respond withyour perspective and/or opinion.)HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 39

herlife | working womenSeparating Work and Personal Personasby candi smithOver 150 years ago, SojournerTruth proclaimed that she couldbirth babies and plow fields—andemphasized, “Ain’t I a woman?” The morethings change, the more they stay the same.We still work at home, outside the homeand everywhere in between. Ain’t womenwondrous?But it’s important that as you forgeprofessional and private personas, you setclear boundaries to help create rhythm inyour life. Fortunately, today’s woman hasmany resources available at her fingertips tohelp guide her with this duality.Separate your work and home lifestylesby using technology consistently. Forinstance, carry two different mobile phones,ensuring that only one is used for work callsand emails. It allows you to continue tocommunicate with necessary professionalcontacts throughout the day and frees up yourpersonal cell phone for calls from family andfriends. Many employers provide a phone toyou for business purposes. Additionally, bydedicating a line to work calls, you can take abusiness expense write-off (if self-employed)for taxes.If you work out of your home, make sureyou dedicate a space for your home office.It psychologically helps you put on your“professional hat” when you need to haveyour head in the game. And it helps keep yourwork life from seeping into your personal andprivate time.Create structure in your day by using sometype of planner (online calendars work greatbecause they have reminders and notificationsthat might otherwise get missed on hard copycalendars). This allows you to have a set endof your workday, especially important if youtend to be a workaholic who has a hard timerecognizing when the workday is through. Italso keeps you focused on tasks that you needto complete.Try to keep a notepad handy at all timesfor when you have those flashes of brilliance(which usually come in the middle of thenight!). This allows you to jot down a fewprofessional notes, but quickly return to yourpersonal time. Don’t fully flesh out businessideas at this time—just refer to your noteslater to start the creative processes flowing.Create separate email addresses for yourwork and private lives, along with appropriate40 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

email auto-responses. For instance, if you know that during yourworkday you won’t check your private email, set up an auto-responderto your family and friends that lets them know you’re unavailableduring working hours. Likewise, on the professional side, set up aresponse that lets your clients or coworkers know the hours they canreach you. Then be sure you are diligent about being available so youdon’t discredit yourself.If you work out of your home, makesure you dedicate a space for yourhome office. It psychologically helpsyou put on your “professional hat”when you need to have your headin the game.Using technology to establish boundaries makes things easier but someareas can get a bit stickier. What happens when you have personalissues that carry over into the workplace such as a divorce, death inthe family or financial problems? It’s important to do your best to onlybring your professional persona into the office. Otherwise, you mightcause your boss or peers to lose confidence in your ability to do yourjob. Create a plan of action that allows you to tackle whatever you’redealing with so that you’re not adding job loss to your already stressfulsituation.Avoid hanging out with gossipy colleagues. If they will dish their owndirt, they will surely dish yours as well. Many accomplished womenhave regretted being open in the workplace about their private lives andputting their “business in the street.” While it’s human nature to wantto reach out and connect with others, you need to carefully assess whoyou can trust with your personal issues. But if you find that there’s noone in the workplace you can turn to, seek outside professional help.If available, your company’s Employee Assistance Program is a greatconfidential resource to use.You’ve probably heard the phrase “dress for success”—this adage stillrings true. Sweat pants and flip flops are perfect for a night of movies andpopcorn on your couch. But don’t even think about showing up to workin them if you want to be taken seriously. And keep your conversationsand language professional at all times in the workplace, even if you cusslike a sailor at home.Finally, remember that sometimes things you do in your privatelife have a way of finding themselves being discussed around the officewater cooler. Be smart about how you conduct yourself on blogs, socialnetworking sites and in posted photos. And don’t ever bash your boss,place of employment, or your peers and coworkers. ■Sources for this article were found at:profitably.com, bradleygauthier.com and wikihow.com.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 41

herlife | homeThe 10 Best PlantsFor The Busy Home Gardenerby linda r. priceHouse plants are fairly reasonableand will grow under indoor growingconditions. Indoor conditionsmay not be ideal, but most plants willadapt and survive. The basic elements forplants are light, soil, water, temperature andhumidity.LightPlants must have light to survive. Lowlight is usually found when windows facethe north and receive no sun. Mediumlight comes in windows facing east or west.These windows receive the early morningor late afternoon sun. High light comesfrom southern exposures, is intense andshould be avoided. The length of the dayand the number of hours the sun shinesin the window affect the amount of lightreceived. Light is also reduced or increasedby buildings, trees, shrubs, air pollution,and curtains or shutters which restrictlight coming into the windows. Learn tojudge your plants’ health by observing theirgrowth. Plants which receive sufficientlight grow compact forms while those withinsufficient light will be leggy with widelyspaced leaves.run-off after 30 minutes. Judge the amount of moisture available to the plant by touching thesoil. If it feels dry, the plant probably needs watering.TemperatureHouse plants will grow well in the average home temperatures of 68 to 74 degrees and willbenefit from a temperature drop of up to 10 degrees at night. In the summer, as the afternoonsun is considerably stronger and hotter, you will probably need to move plants farther awayfrom the window. Winter temperatures are generally not a problem unless plants are kept incold, unheated rooms.HumidityLow humidity can be a problem. Both plants and humans benefit from raising the humiditylevel. A humidifier is a good idea if your apartment or house is constantly dry and overheatedfrom central heating. If this is out of the question, try placing plants on pebbles in low traysfilled with water; keep plants above water line.SoilThe plants on our list like either asandy soil or an all-purpose one. Both areavailable in garden centers.WaterPlants need water to survive, but mostdo not like their feet kept wet so pour out42 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

The ten best plants1. The cast iron plant (Aspidistra Elatior) is virtually indestructible.The plant has tall, dark-green broad leaves. The cast iron plant growsin any light, needs an all-purpose soil and moderate watering.2. Spider plants (Chlorophytum Comosum) are solid green or greenand-whitewith grassy leaves; plantlets develop on tips of long runners.The plantlets can be left alone or broken off to give to friends. Theplant looks great on a tall table or in a hanging pot. It likes low-mediumlight, sandy soil and light watering.3. The rosary vine or string-of-hearts (Ceropegia Woodii) is a smallleavedvine, purplish in color with tiny flowers (bright light) or mottledgreen (lower light). The small bulbs along stems create new plants. Itlooks best in a hanging pot, adapts to any light conditions, likes sandysoil and moderate watering.4. Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia) has variegated tall leaves, is poisonousif eaten and is fast-growing. It likes low-medium light, all-purpose gardeningsoil and moderate water. Place on a window sill for best results.5. Dracaenas have elongated striped leaves and are variously known asthe corn plant, the ribbon plant, the gold dust plant, etc. They grow inany light, need all-purpose soil, like light watering and look fabulous asfloor plants.6. Peperomias are low-growing round leaves in various colors andtextures. Two of the most popular are “Emerald Ripple” and the watermelonpeperomia. Peperomias like low-medium light, all-purpose orsandy soil, light watering and look beautiful when placed in a window.7. Philodendrons are large-leaved shrubs or heavy vines requiring supports.The most well-known are the heart-leaf philodendron, the splitleafphilodendron, the fiddle-leaved philodendron and the velvet-leafphilodendron. Philodendrons grow in any light, all-purpose soil andlike moderate watering. The small-leaved plants do well in a windowsill and the bigger varieties on the floor.8. Snake plants (Sansevierias) are another hardy, virtually indestructibleplant with spiky, mottled leaves edged in yellow or green withyellow edges. They like any light, all-purpose or sandy soil and lightwatering. They can grow in a windowsill.9. The umbrella tree (Scheflera Actinophylla) has shiny, long, ovalleaves. It likes medium light, all-purpose soil and moderate watering.Schefleras look best as floor plants.10. The arrow-head plant (Syngonium Podophyllum) has mediumsized,veined, dark or light green arrow-shaped leaves. It is fast-growingin bright light, but will grow in any light. It likes all-purpose soil andmoderate watering. The plant grows well as a window sill plant or in ahanging pot. ■Source for this article: The Lazy Indoor Gardener by Roberta Pliner 1976HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 43

herlife | real estateThe Ramificationsof Shor t Salesby catie watsonAfew years ago a young couplemoved in to the house next door toours. Adam and Julie had recentlysold a condo and were planning to start afamily, so they were thrilled to have a homewith a yard. They bought when the housingboom was in full force, paying more than$500,000 for about 1200 square feet. Overthe next three years they had two sons. Adamwas earning good money in constructionand Julie was able to stay home with theboys. Then the housing bubble burst.Our neighbors were almost immediatelyimpacted when Adam’s work began to taperoff. Within a few months they could nolonger afford their hefty mortgage paymentand decided to negotiate a short sale withtheir lender. They knocked on our doorthe day before the For Sale sign appearedon their lawn to let us know about theirsituation.When a home’s value has droppedto less than the remaining balance on themortgage, a short sale allows the homeownerto sell the house at its current market valueand settle the mortgage debt. A short saleoffers several advantages over foreclosure.A short sale is theanswer to manyhomeowners’ prayers,but it doesn’t comewithout a price.The homeowner doesn’t have to faceeviction and may be allowed to stay in thehome until escrow closes. It also allows thehomeowner to avoid the embarrassment ofhaving the home sold in a public sale orauction.Short sales aren’t for everyone who areupside down in a mortgage. A short sale is a“last resort” for homeowners have exploredother options for debt relief without success.According to Bank of America, to be eligiblefor a short sale a homeowner must owe morethan the house is worth, had no success inmodifying the current home loan and beunable to make monthly mortgage payments.Lenders also look for homeowners whohave undergone hardships such as a loss ofemployment or reduction in income (likemy neighbors), bankruptcy, health problems,death or divorce.Homeowners who think that a shortsale is the solution to their problems mustfind a buyer for their home and thenassemble a package to present to theirAccording to CNN Money 2010lender. The package should include a letter44 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

that describes the hardships that have required a short sale, as wellas income verification, recent bank statements and tax returns.Then the homeowner must wait until the lender either approves orrefuses the short sale. Most homeowners find this part of the shortsale process to be frustrating and stressful but have little choice otherthan to wait for the lender to make a decision.A short sale is the answer to many homeowners’ prayers, butit doesn’t come without a price. The homeowner will lose allinvestment in the home; because the home is being sold for lessthan the amount owed, the homeowner does not receive any moneywhen the sale closes. The homeowner’s credit rating will be affectedby a short sale. CNN Money reports that Fair Isaac Corporation,the developer of the FICO score, treats a short sale the same as aforeclosure or “walking away” from a mortgage. The homeowner’sFICO score usually takes a hit of 85 to 160 points.An additional ramification of a short sale is possible increasedtax liability. When a lender forgives some of a homeowner’s debtShort sales aren’t for everyone whoare upside down in a mortgage. Ashort sale is a “last resort” for homeownershave explored other optionsfor debt relief without success.through a short sale, the IRS considers the cancelled amount of thedebt to be taxable income. According to the IRS website, the lenderis normally required to report the amount of the cancelled debt tothe IRS and the taxpayer is required to include the amount on his orher tax return. However, there are exceptions to this rule, includingan exception for a qualified principal residence. This exception wascreated by the Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 and applies to mosthomeowners. Sellers who have questions about tax liability shouldcontact their accountant or the IRS.Perhaps the best thing about short sales is that they help manyhomeowners avoid bankruptcy, which is the worst-case scenario interms of a borrower’s credit rating. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy, whichinvolves liquidation of a borrower’s assets, stays on the credit reportfor 10 years. Following a short sale, the home seller may be ableto obtain funding for another home within 24 months or less. Wehope this is the case for our neighbors. Their house sold after afew weeks on the market. They are now renting an apartment andlooking forward to the day when they’ll once again be in a home oftheir own. ■For more information on the S&P index, you can visit them onthe web at standardandpoors.com.HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 45

herlife | travelMulti-State Yard SalesAttracting Bargain-HuntingTr aveler s Across the Countr yby linda marannoIf you’re looking for a unique way to spend a long weekend getaway and you love to shop,multi-state yard sales could be the ideal road trip for you. These events are staged along anumber of historic highways in various parts of the country offering miles and miles of bargainsas individual homeowners, vendors and businesses set up “yard sales” along the route allon the same days. Each highway sale event is organized differently, but generally anyone whoowns property or rents space along these routes can set up a table to sell their goods.The type of sales along each route range anywhere from random homeowner yard sales ontheir front lawn to more organized flea market events featuring numerous vendors in a singlelocation, such as a vacant lot. You’ll find anything from valuable antiques to vintage furniture,art, jewelry, crafts, fresh baked goods and produce, as well as typical items you’d find at any yardsale. Each town along these routes plans festivals, antique sales, flea markets and other activitiesin conjunction with the yard sales to attract more travelers.Multi-state yard sales were initially organized primarily to promote and increase tourismtrade for the small towns and communitieslocated along these historic routes. Incomegenerated from gas, food and lodging is awelcome boost to these local economies.The yard sales are usually three- or fourdayevents scheduled during the spring orsummer on an annual basis. The following is aquick overview of the six most popular events.Highway 127 Corridor SaleThe 127 Corridor Sale is the originalmulti-state yard sale created in 1987 toencourage travelers to venture off the beatenpath to discover the history and charm ofTennessee and Kentucky towns along the 127route. This event now stretches 675 milesfrom Gadsen, Alabama, to Hudson, Michigan,running through six states—Alabama,Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio andMichigan. The four days of bargain hunting isan annual event and always starts on the firstThursday in August and runs through the followingSunday. This year’s sale is scheduledfor August 2-5.U.S. 11 Antique Alley & Yard SaleThis 502-mile roadside sale takes placealong the route of U.S. Highway 11 fromMeridian, Mississippi, through Birmingham,Alabama, winding through towns in Dade46 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

County, Georgia, then up through Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tennessee,and ending in Bristol, Virginia. The event was created in 1997by tourism and chamber of commerce directors from various townsalong the route who thought it would be a unique way to draw touriststo their towns. They had hoped to attract 10,000 visitors, but actuallybrought in more than 30,000 their first year. This annual four-day(Thursday-Sunday) event is always scheduled in May the weekend followingMother’s Day. This year’s event will take place May 17-20.Great U.S. 50 Yard SaleThis is a coast-to-coast yard sale following Route 50 from Californiathrough Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois,Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Constitution Avenue inWashington, D.C., and into Maryland. Their first event took place in2000 and was limited only to the state of Indiana. The event has nowexpanded to include all states along the entire length of U.S. 50. Thisis a non-sponsored event and is not promoted or coordinated by anyparticular organization, so yard sale locations and other activities areleft up to the creativity and imagination of individuals, businesses andcommunities located along the route. The three-day (Friday-Sunday)event is held each year on the weekend before the Memorial Dayweekend. This year’s event will be May 18-20.Historic U.S. 40 Yard SaleThis event offers 824 miles of bargains along U.S. 40 from Baltimoreto St. Louis and includes lots of towns big and small along the wayin West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. U.S. 40 wasoriginally known as National Road, which was created in 1806 by an actof Congress to serve as the first federally funded highway constructionproject. The annual event usually takes place in late May/early June, andthis year’s event is scheduled for May 30 through June 3.Historic U.S. 80 Highway SaleThis three-state event covers 392 miles from Mesquite, Texas,through Louisiana to Jackson, Mississippi, along U.S. 80, which isamong the first group of highways commissioned in 1926. The biannualthree-day (Friday-Sunday) sale takes place the third weekend in Apriland October and has attracted visitors from far and near for the past 20years. This year’s events will be held April 20-22 and October 19-21.Lincoln Highway Buy-Way Yard SaleHeld annually since 2005, this event stretches hundreds of milesacross five states including West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinoisand Iowa. Once known as the Main Street of America, the LincolnHighway was formally dedicated October 31, 1913, as America’s firstnational memorial to President Abraham Lincoln. The three-day(Thursday-Saturday) event is held on the first weekend of August eachyear, and this year’s event will be August 2-4.■For more details, visit 127sale.com, us11antiquealley.com,route50.com, oldstorefrontantiques.com, easttexasguide.com and olhhc.orgHERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM 47

herlife | scene and be seenChristopher Straub 2012 Spring/Summer Fashion Showphotography by natalie finazzoOn November 13, 2011, The Christopher Straub 2012 Spring/Summer Collection fashionshow benefiting the Child Neurology Foundation took place at the luxurious WestinGalleria in Edina. Christopher, a Minnesota native and designer on Project Runway’sSeason Six, showed his entire spring/summer collection of twenty stunning outfits, including somebeautiful accessories as well. The event was also a fundraiser for the Child Neurology Foundation,and Christopher created a custom dress (coordinating with the collection of course!) for a younggirl named Mya, who was present at the event to represent the 18 million children affected byneurological disorders. The show was MC’d by Twins Cities Live hosts John Hanson and ElizabethRies and included a silent auction, the fashion show, live musical performances and a meet and greetsession with the designer.Ordway Circle of Stars presents the Glass Slipper Ballphotography by classics by davidIn December, Ordway Circle of Stars, thevolunteer arm of Ordway Center for thePerforming Arts, successfully hosted “TheGlass Slipper Ball,” the annual gala benefittingthe Ordway and its educational programs.Guests enjoyed exquisite food from TheSaint Paul Hotel, received a sneak peek of thefinal dress rehearsal of the Ordway’s holidayproduction of Rodgers & Hammerstein’sCinderella, and danced the night away.48 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM

on Lake of the Isles and Theodore WirthPark, with all courses finishing in Uptown.With the move, the City of Lakes Nordic SkiFoundation is expecting the event to growbeyond 2011’s record of 10,000 participantswith 40,000 – 50,000 in total attendance.Visit cityoflakesloppet.com for details.february 11J.W. Hulme Co. Seconds &Samples SaleLocation: J.W. Hulme Co. Showroom678 West Seventh St., St. PaulDate: 2/11Time: 10am-4pmDetails: Every bag that leaves J.W. HulmeCo. must pass their rigorous quality controlinspection. Those that don’t pass land ontheir seconds rack. Chris, the quality controlmanager, inspects every bag, finding smallimperfections that you’ll need your glassesto see for yourself. This process ensures thatwhen you order a bag from JWH you aregetting superior quality. It also allows J.W.Hulme Co. to sell slightly flawed items atgreat prices! jwhulmeco.com28th Annual Wayzata ChillyOpenLocation: 402 Lake St E, WayzataDate: 2/11Time: 10am-7pmDetails: Since 1984 hundreds of heartyMinnesotans head to Lake Minnetonka forthis unique frozen golf event to celebrate our“chilly” winter season! Our great team ofvolunteers carve out two 9+ hole golf coursesright out on the ice. Hundreds of golferscome from all around with their golf clubsand hockey sticks to putt with tennis ballsall around Wayzata Bay! This year’s event isthemed “Beach Party,” so grab your friendsand family and enjoy all the food, fun andfrozen festivities this great event has to offer!Tee times at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2:00p.m. wayzatachillyopen.comO.A.R. with Stephen Kellogg& the SixersLocation: State Theatre, downtownMinneapolisDate: 2/11Time: 8pmDetails: O.A.R.’s Wind-up Records debutalbum, King, marks a new beginning for theband, while also paying homage to their past.It is the seventh studio effort in a career thatbegan with their high school recording, TheWanderer. O.A.R. is ready to get back to whatthey do best—playing live for their faithfulfans. Tickets $30 hennepintheatretrust.org.february 17Jason AldeanLocation: Xcel Energy Center, downtownSt. PaulDate: 2/17Time: 7pmDetails: Multi-platinum country rockerJason Aldean will bring his “My KindaParty” tour, with special guests Luke Bryanand Lauren Alaina, to Xcel Energy Center.Aldean took home his first-ever CountryMusic Association (CMA) trophies on Nov. 9after a breakthrough year and a sell-out tour.He won Album of the Year for My Kinda Partyand Musical Event of the Year for his “Don’tYou Wanna Stay” duet with Kelly Clarkson.Tickets are $27.50 or $52.25 and are availableat ticketmaster.com.february 19Minneapolis-St. PaulFashion WeekLocation: VariesDates: 2/19 - 2/26Times: VariesDetails: 2012 Spring Minneapolis-St.Paul Fashion Week is set for Feb.19-26 andwill premiere the Autumn/Winter 2012collections of some of the top local talent.Events include: fashion shows, local trunkshows, and open houses. Join the MNfashioncommunity! Share, converse, connect.MNfashion is dedicated to providing resourcesand professional development allowingdesigners to establish a sustainable livelihoodin Minnesota. Visit mnfashion.org for detailson the week’s events!february 21Green Day’s American IdiotLocation: Orpheum Theatre, DowntownMinneapolisDates: 2/21 - 2/26Times: Show times varyDetails: Direct from Broadway, the smashhitmusical American Idiot tells the storyof three lifelong friends, forced to choosebetween their dreams and the safety ofsuburbia. Based on Green Day’s GrammyAward-winning multi-platinum album andfeaturing the hits “Boulevard of BrokenDreams,” “21 Guns,” “Holiday” and theblockbuster title track, American Idiot boldlytakes the American musical where it’s nevergone before. Charles Isherwood of The NewYork Times declares “thrilling, emotionallycharged, and as moving as any Broadwaymusical I’ve seen this year!” *Contains adultcontent and strong language. For tickets, visithennepintheatretrust.orgfebruary 24Annual U.S. Bank SkywayOpenLocation: City Center and downtownMinneapolis skyway systemDates: 2/24 & 2/25Times: Friday, 12pm-7pm, Saturday 10am-6pmDetails: The Downtown Network ispleased to bring the 6th Annual U.S. BankSkyway Golf Tournament back to DowntownMinneapolis. The event, featuring 1850 HERLIFEMAGAZINE.COM