Leslie Blake Magazine

Leslie Blake The Blue Zone Living to be 100-years old!

Last Will & Testament Having one may not be the right choice for everyone

A Woman’s Role Times are a changin’ but who takes on the role that women used to have?

Tea Party’s Gone Overboard Strong showing at mid-term election, but party capsized when it came time to elect a nominee for president

Weddings!

We’ve got it all!

Tilapia – A Fishy Tale Probably not the Healthiest Catch for you to Eat

Our Wedding Issue!

See what’s we have inside this issue for brides!

What could be more beautiful than this stunning silk gown with beaded ribbon appliqué?

See our full layout of wedding gowns from Anjolique’s

collection starting on p.108.

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Marc Jacobs Lola Marc Jacobs 3.4 oz Eau de Parfum Spray This warm floral bouquet conveys the free spirit of today's sexy, modern girl - she is playful, cool, and flirtatious. The long-lasting, day-and-night scent opens with pink peppercorn, pear, and ruby red grapefruit. Blooming midnotes of rose, fuschia peony, and geranium make a feminine statement. Layers of vanilla, warm tonka bean, and creamy musk create a sensuous drydown.

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Leslie Blake

an interactive e-magazine February 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS FASHION & BEAUTY

page 132

Don’t Forget Your Hat & Gloves

A Blue Vacation

page 154

Five Easy Steps to a Healthier You

page 138

5 tips to do everyday to keep your body and mind healthy.

What to Wear to a Wedding Got an invite, don’t know what to wear?

We’ll we’ve got a few suggestion you just might like

page 119

Bike Touring

page 101

Ever think of going on a bike tour? We’ve got info and cool bikes, too.

Lace Isn’t Just for Weddings

page 54

page 112

page 62

Wedding Eyes

Hairstyles for that special day!

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Warm & Hearty and Slimming, Too

We love lace and it can be worn from head to foot and eaten, too!

How Should I Wear My Hair?

Page 119

Vacation in the land of the centenarians.

Love wearing hats and gloves? Weddings are a perfect place to show your style.

page 94

Number 2

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Page142

See our great looks courtesy of the Makeup Geek and her Idea Gallery.

Volume I

Page

Soup, a perfect meal for the cold weather, and will not only help you lose weight, but can be good for you, too.

page 46

page 94

Makeup Artistry

By Denise She works her magic with airbrush makeup and will make your face and your wedding day flawless!

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page 58

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Plan the Perfect Wedding with Custom Wedding Invitations

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Leslie Blake TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER STORIES page 26

The Blue Zone Five areas around the world where people are living to be healthy and active at 100-years old! page 96

Tilapia – A Fishy Tale On every restaurant menu, but probably not the healthiest catch. page 69

The Perfect Fit Find out what bridal gown fits you and your figure best. page 64

Tea Party’s Gone Overboard Mid-term elections put tea party members on board, but it appears one won’t be President.

page 128

page 114

page 22

A Woman’s Role

Last Will & Testament

Weddings!

Women’s aspirations are changing, so who’s supposed to take over the role they used to play?

Check to see if it’s best for you and your loved ones..

It’s that time of year and we’ve got gowns and tips to make your wedding a dream come true.

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Leslie Blake page 116

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE Dear Chloe Facebook Funnies Politics 101 Your Finances Going Green Mail Bag Let’s Cook Legal Corner What’s on Leslieblakemag.com

109 57 45 105 115 17 106 114

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FEATURES page 58

High Speed Rail

page 24

A Floral Scent Match the scent of your perfume to your wedding bouquet.

LIFESTYLE page 99

Family First So busy and stressed that you don’t have time for you family?

Turns out spending time with family can reduce the stress.

Your grandparents’ mode of transportation is making a big comeback.

page 49

LOVE AND SEX

page 32

page 116

Wedding Hair of Ohio Wedding hair stylists that come to you. Leave all your wedding day stress behind and let them pamper- your hair page 46

page 96

page 39

Why Isn’t My Marriage Like in the Movies?

A Winter Wedding

Realizations of a newlywed.

Beautiful weddings aren’t just for June. You can make yours beautiful even in the winter.

page 146

page 66

Q & A Desserts A pastry chef and entrepreneur shares her story of how she became a baker.

Orgasmic-ology Scientist tells us that orgasms are healthy! Of course they are, how could something that feels so good be bad?

Kiss Me When did kissing start? We’ve got the history and a few fun facts. page 40

How to Make it Last 7 tips on making your marriage last. And couples who did.

page 115

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www.bluenile.com 15

Sweet and sultry silhouettes, exclusively for 16

Editor Brie Anderson Assistant Editor Francy Walker Public Relations Director Karen Wells Fashion Editor Darla Lane Design Director Marc Page

page 132

Photo Editor Kayla Rizotta Web Editor Mike Warrington Webmasters Aiko Nishka Lauren Bell Sanford Browning Public Relations Debbie Cairns

page 112

Design Frank Joplin Sara Fielding Fashion Assistants Callie Palmerston Frankie Landers

page 124

Writers Brie Anderson Francy Walker Luke Mahoney Publicity Lynn Withers Photography Tyler Pledger page 106 Pictures in magazine are not owned by Leslie Blake or any of its affiliates. Leslie Blake does not promote or render any opinion concerning 18 advertisements. Cover: Photography Courtesy of Anjolique; Facebook Funnies: Woman Making Bed – Copyright Ron Leishman, Barber and Custmer – Clipart.com; Dear Chloe: A prudent question is one-half of wisdom is a quote from Francis Bacon

Our Editorial We’re glad you decided to stop back again. This, our second issue, is all about Weddings! But not only the usual wedding articles - - gowns and the like, we’ve combined other areas that we sure will capture your attention and help you to live happily ever after!

The magazine and website are coming along nicely. We’ve opened the online store, Leslie’s Closet, and the Book Club and Green Store are coming soon.

We’re very excited about this issue as we’ve added a few neat things. All the links to the ads are active, just click on the picture or the link and it will take you right to the product’s webpage. And, we’ve added a few videos to make the magazine even more interactive.

So, come shop at our e-magazine stores, follow us on Twitter, Like us on Facebook, email us and leave comments. Contribute articles, stories, fiction or non-fiction.

We’re sure you know by now that we want you to be a part of the magazine. Tell us what you like, and what you’d like to see and read in the magazine. We are here for your enjoyment and enlightenment.

Our first issue was a success, and we want to say “Thank you,” to all those that took time to read and comment. As you know, the magazine and website were “therapy” for its creator who needed a rest from all the hustle, bustle and stress of the everyday grind. Out of work and with the Job market making a slow comeback, something had to be done to keep from going stir crazy so we came up with this magazine!

Our theme this issue is Weddings. Come, and enjoy our journey with us. And, don’t forget, to check us out on www.leslieblakemag.com Just Click on the Icon Below to Connect with

Leslie Blake

From a Writer’s Desk

Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter

THE GREEN STORE

Contribute your articles, blogs and stories to Leslie Blake

Plant a Tree Buy Green Products Learn to Be Green

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SHOPPING MADE EASY

Click anywhere on the ad and you’re there! Thencome back to see what else we have for you!

Like What You See In Our Magazine?

WHAT YOU NEED IS ONLY A CLICK AWAY! No need to open another browser, or get a reminder, you can get there from here, right now!

CLICK ON AN AD, ANY AD All of our ads have links that will take you right to the website of our advertisers! Just click on the picture, words or URL.

Shop Now 23

Contributors A Splash of Vanilla Blogger Emma Cooke shared her soup recipes with us. We thought they were delicious, we’re sure you’ll love them too! p. 54

They gave us beautiful wedding gowns! We wouldn’t have had this issue without them. Specializing in brides everyday, everywhere - - Anjolique! p. 74

and here’s to you Mrs. Robinson . . .

Blogger Megan Robinson shared her writing expertise and insight with us. Awesome writer! We hope she comes back and contributes again and again and again . . . p. 39

Winner of the 2012 WeddingWire Bride’s Choice, Denise Gevaras wrote the article on airbrushing your makeup for your wedding day. We hope to learn more of her award winning techniques in issues to come. p. 94

Makeup Artistry

by Denise

You’ve seen her on YouTube and now we’ve got her in our magazine! Marlena, the Makeup Geek, shares eye makeup ideas from her Idea Gallery where other makeup artists come to share. p. 62

To go to our one of Contributor’s websites, click on the image.

Wedd

In this issue we are all about Weddings! Your wedding day is very special time and we want to help. So, from makeup, to hair, to what to wear if you’re attending a wedding, you’ll find it here. And, of course we’ve got beautiful bridal gowns courtesy

of Anjolique in Michigan. From Ohio, we’ve got the innovative Wedding Hair of Ohio, where a group of stylist travel the state to get the brides, bridesmaids, mother of the bride and even flower girls’ hair ready for the day. We’ve got tips on

dings! airbrushing your makeup from Denise Geveras, an award winning makeup artist, and her tips will make your day and your skin flawless! There’s an article on how to make your marriage last, ideas for honeymoon spots, picking the

right gown for your figure and even tips on what perfume to wear based on your choice of flowers! Yes, we are talking weddings. And even if you’re not planning a wedding, we’re sure that you’ll enjoy this issue on Weddings!

A Floral Scent What flowers have you picked for your wedding bouquet? We’ve shown six of the most popular flowers for weddings and found fragrances made from them. Why not compliment the sweet aromas of your wedding day with a fragrance to match? See a fragrance here you like? Click on the bottle and find out where to buy.

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Want him to enjoy that new scent you're wearing? Be careful where you spray it. Did you know that a man's sense of smell is about 20% less than a woman’s? So, be sure to spritz in areas you know (or hope) he'll be close to like your ear lobe, temple and collar bone.

░ There are six categories of olfactive families of perfumes. Those listed here are of course of the floral or sweet variety. Usually, when a woman finds a fragrance she likes she’ll stick with it, but there are some that will change fragrances according to occasion, mood, or season.

When picking a perfume try it on and were for a while, the scent can change on you and be a completely different scent than the one you smelled while still in the bottle.

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The Blue Zone Daughter: Ma, I'm middle-aged.

Mother: Dear, I'm middle-aged.

Daughter: Really. And how many one hundred and twenty year old women do you know?

Quote from movie Postcards from the Edge

You may not know too many, if any, people one hundred years old, but there are more centenarians out there than you think. And experts speculate that if you adopt their lifestyle chances are you can add to your life expectancy as well, even as much as a decade more.

According to the Bible people used to live hundreds of years, the longest - Methuselah at 969 years. But even if you believe that it

happened then, you know for certain it isn’t happening now.

Life span over man’s existence has varied. In the not too distant past sixty was old, I’m talking about bent over, wrinkled up, knocking on death’s door knob old.

Now sixty is the new thirty (or something like that).

Today, however, there are places in the world that boast a significant number of centenarians. In fact, five places have been designated as blue zones - - areas where

the people live longer and healthier lives and being 100years old is not too uncommon. But here’s the kicker, they are not in nursing homes, wheelchairs or living sedentary lifestyles, they are living without medication or disability and are active working the land and around their house.

Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria Greece and Loma Linda, California are the blue zones, a term coined by Dan 27

Buettner, when he wrote the cover story for National Geographic in 2005. Initially, the story covered the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, but Buettner’s curiosity took him on a search around the world to find other such places and to learn why the inhabitants there were living such long, productive lives. And he got answers, very simple answers.

Blue zones have common lifestyles and their lifestyles, luckily for us, can be imitated.

Genetics The only attribute of “blue zoners” that we can’t control is genetics. According to researchers about twenty-five percent of our life expectancy is controlled by our genes. If your parents lived a long life, you probably will too. On the technical side, these centenarians have a larger number of B cells and a strain of the gene FOXO3 has shown to be more prevalent in people living to age 100 and beyond. The FOXO3 gene, however, has shown to be present in centenarians everywhere, so you might just have it.

But even if you don’t have the gene template for living longer, that part of the blue zone equation accounts for only twenty-five percent.

You still have seventy-five percent of the equation that you can control. Buettner has made up a name for that too, Power 9. Nine things you can do to emulate the blue zoners’

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lifestyle. And, each can add years onto your life.

The Day-to-Day Grind The landscapes are beautiful - - mountainous, hilly; their environment rural; and their mode of transportation – walking.

Common to all the blue zones is that they walk up and down the sides of mountains, through hills, and work the land, using their bodies in a constant grind as part of their daily activities. Their houses have stairs, and gardens and housework isn’t done by plugging in an appliance.

Believe it or not, there are no gyms, no work-out videos or groups or pilates classes. And no jogging! Not even fast paced movement. Just constant, moderate physical activity throughout the day is an inseparable part of their lives. And this type of exercise has made their bodies well-conditioned, fit and medication free. They are not confined to wheelchairs, hunched over or fragile and weak. Being healthy in addition to living long is what we can learn from them.

Here’s What You Can Do: Go back to living more simply. Walk to the store that’s just around the corner or ride your bike; plant a garden; take the stairs instead of the elevator, and if you have stairs at home use them frequently throughout the day instead of loading things at the bottom to take up later.

Leave that blower in the garage and rake the leaves and sweep the sidewalk and driveway yourself. Instead of filling up the dish-washer, stand at the sink and wash them yourself. Don’t let modern day conveniences shorten your life.

Eat Well.

Life Expectancy From Age Be Well.

0 for Last 120 Years Didn’t Year Men Women think we 1900 47.9 50.7 could 1910 49.9 53.2 have the 1920 55.5 57.4 formula to 1930 57.7 60.9 living long 1940 61.6 65.9 without 1950 65.5 71.0 this one 1960 66.8 73.2 did you?

1970 67.1 74.7 And, of 1980 70.0 77.4 course 1990 71.8 78.8 you cry 2000 74.1 79.3 out, “oh, 2010 75.7 80.8 but it’s so 2020* 77.1 81.9 hard to eat * Projected well, I don’t have the time to cook, I don’t like all those healthy foods, - MickyD’s is just on my way home, waaa, waaa, waaa.”

Well, quit your yapping, it’s really not that hard to do. The blue zoners’ diets are rich in vitamin A & E, olive oil and filled with vegetables, fruits, fish, and nuts. It’s low on meat, sugar, fat and all the toxins from processed foods.

And, here’s something you’ll probably like, red wine is an important part of it. Because of this diet, blue zoners have one half the rate of heart disease and 20% less cancer

than Americans. Isn’t NOT having cancer (or at least a lower risk of not getting it) worth the try? (Speaking of cancer, blue zoners are nonsmokers.) Here’s What You Can Do: Cut down on the amount of meat you eat; make beans your side dish instead of rice or potatoes, fava, black, soy and lentils are a staple in these centenarians’ diets. Eat a handful of nuts instead of a bag of chips - almonds, sunflower seeds, hazel nuts, take your pick.

Grab an apple or banana or a slice of cheese for a quick snack. Don’t eat until you’re full, and don’t make a production number out of your meal by eating in front of the television or serving yourself a 7-course meal. Eat by yourself in a quiet setting, or with family and friends, the conversation will make you eat less and chew slower.

Blue zoners eat their last meal of the day in the late afternoon or early evening, in other words don’t eat late.

And, I saved the best for last, have one, no more than two, glasses of red wine daily.

The Stress Factor This world, your neighborhood, and things in your home are filled with things that cause stress. Our lives are hectic, fast-paced, sometimes muddled and always loaded with worries.

And we all know that stress can lead to a boatload of illnesses and even death. But somehow, those blue zoners have found a way to live low stress, happy lives. They have strong family ties, a sense of purpose, plenty of sleep and are very spiritual people. Usually their communities are faith-based.

So, see, it isn’t just diet and exercise that will keep you healthy and if you thought that, you were wrong. The blue zoners involve themselves with other people and do things that relieve stress, for example, many still have sex, are extraverts, and socialize often, they pray and take naps. Here’s What You Can Do: Find out what motivates you and make that a part of your daily routine - pray or meditate, become part of a community garden, enjoy

a weekly happy hour with friends; talk to your neighbors and have family gatherings often. Don’t let other people control your emotions, avoid anyone, family or friend, who likes to keep up tension or a ruckus. Find spots that are serene rather than hectic and visit them often, such as the art museum, or your local lake or beach at sunset. Rest during the day, whether it’s taking a nap or sitting quietly in your favorite chair, eyes closed, listening to nothing in particular. Find your purpose in life and relish in it. And, have sex often, it’s a natural stress reliever.

Becoming a Blue Zoner Many of the things that make up a blue zoner’s life may already be a part of yours.

And, although you make think it hard to make a lifestyle change, becoming a blue zoner may be simpler than you think, because “simplicity” is the key. Don’t let modern technology, notions and complications shorten your life.

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INNOVATIVE. TALENTED. Wedding Hair of Ohio is all about service and making you look beautiful on your wedding day. Don’t worry about fussing with traffic or time constraints when you’re getting that up-do for your wedding day. These professional hair stylists come to you so that you can relax and be pampered, just as a bride should be.

Nancy & Jody Shockley are setting the trend in Ohio. Their company brings high style and convenience to your wedding day and to the entire wedding party, from the mother of the bride down to the flower girls, special friends of the bride, and of the course, the bridesmaids.

Wedding Hair of Ohio’s aim is simple - - pamper the bride, relieve some of the stress of her day and make her beautiful. And to accomplish this, they bring the salon and their expertise to you.

Owner and stylist Nancy, and husband Jody, who takes care of the business end, have come up with an innovative and perfect way to help you tackle wedding day hair, one of the big three of looking your best on your wedding day (dress, hair and makeup) without any worry on your part.

Nancy, a hair stylist for the last five years, knew that brides wanted to look elegant, which takes time, but also discovered that brides liked being in their comfort zone - comfortable in their clothes, their surroundings and not have to deal with all the stress of being in a salon, when preparing for their wedding day. Jody, who has a background in sales, recognized that the market trend in the wedding industry was moving toward convenience and pampering the bride and the two took what they knew and started Wedding Hair of Ohio.

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And, the company is doing great. So, if you you’re planning a wedding in Ohio, and you want their services (which you do) you’d better hurry because they’re booked up through December of this year and already have inquires for 2013!. The reason that Wedding Hair of Ohio has booked up so fast? “The reality is, our stylists do the best job in the world and the word has spread!” And, that certainly seems to be the truth. Wherever they go they leave happy brides and bridal parties.

Nancy has had plenty of training in “wedding hair,” which consists mostly of “updos” and of course she stays updated with her continuing education classes, so she’s well prepared for the look you want to have. The

“ . . . the reality is, our stylists do the best job in the world and the word has spread!”

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company even offers an onsight trial to discuss your hair for your big day and will give you a preview to see if you like it. Nancy says making the bride happy with her hair is taking the time to get to know her personality of style, listening to what she wants and, just as important, what she doesn’t want.

Customer attention is very important.

Although their bookings are mostly in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton, Jody says that the stylists will pretty much travel anywhere in the state.

And, because of this, Nancy finds that their services are especially helpful for brides that don’t live in the state, but are getting married in Ohio. These brides, Nancy explains, don’t know any stylists in the area or where

to find hair salons. Her team is especially equipped to handle these special situations - they can go to the hotel and sit down with the bride-to-be and find out just what she wants making her out-of-town wedding experience that much easier.

Weddings of Ohio has been featured on WeddingChannel.com and The Knot and the reviews by their clients are 5-star, just check out the website it’s filled with accolades - “Friendly, creative, professional,” “they want you to feel beautiful,” “and so talented,” which pretty much shows why this company, which is only a little over a year old, is doing so well.

Article by Collette Vandiver Photos courtesy of Wedding Hair of Ohio

Wedding Hair of Ohio is expanding. They’ll be adding other services this year, including makeup stylists as part of their team. And with the wedding industry in Ohio being like a close knit family, Wedding Hair of Ohio is forming and tightening partnerships with other vendors - - photographers, caters and the like, making them the one place to find all your wedding needs.

Wedding Hair of Ohio has been getting a lot of inquiries about Friday wedding dates, which is becoming pretty popular.

The good news they say there’s a place for you – Wedding Hair of Ohio as they can accommodate up to three weddings on any given day!

Check them out at www.weddinghairofohio.com

The Modern Honolulu Save 50% Until 3/31/2012

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Updos are very popular for a wedding. Be sure to find a stylist who has experience doing “wedding hair,� you don’t want any surprises on your big day!

Find a few pictures of how you want your hair styled and share them with your stylist ahead of time. A trial run is an excellent way to find the right “do� for you!

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Soft, bouncy curls make for a beautiful, easy style for your wedding day.

You can have them even if your hair isn’t naturally curly.

Pick a style compatible with your hair texture and length unless you want to get a perm or extensions.

But don’t wait until the last minute, be sure to make those kinds of decisions ahead of time.

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Why Isn’t My Marriage Like in The Movies?

By Megan Robinson

Before I got married, I had a number of friends tell me marriage was so fun, wonderful, amazing, awesome…every adjective possible.

I was so excited to join the ranks of all the married people and partake of this magical, exciting new lifestyle.

Fast-forward a few months into my marriage, and I realized marriage was not the perfect chick-flick I had expected it to be. In fact, it was a lot harder than people led on.

I didn’t understand why it was so hard, though. All my friends told me how wonderful and fun it was all the time. And if that wasn’t enough, Nicholas Sparks’ stories painted a totally different picture as well. So what was wrong with us?

What was wrong was that we both went into our marriage with unrealistic expectations. I wanted my husband to surprise me with gifts and dinner and flowers on a regular basis just to show me how much he cared. I mean, didn’t he love me that much?

My husband, on the other hand, thought that once we got married I would take over the domestic responsibilities and be intimate more often. To him, that was the way you are supposed to express love instead of with flowers and chocolates.

Needless to say, we were both on totally separate pages when it came

to our relationship. Because of our what they are thinking (though you “unmet” expectations, our relation- may like to think so). Keeping the ship started to become strained. We line of communication open is the were both unhappy that the other key to strengthening your relationwasn’t living up to their end of the ship. marital bargain. But after talking If you are getting ready to be to each other about what we both married, have just gotten married, wanted out of the relationship, we or even if you have been married for were able to come to an understand- a while, discuss your expectations ing of what would make our marwith your partner. How will you riage work. share responsibilities? How will you The problem of having unrealistic manage finances? What are your atexpectations going If we learn to adjust titudes about sex? When will into marriage is very our expectations and you have kids, will one of you common among new- accept our partner stay home? And so on. lyweds. There’s a rea- for who they are, we Don’t expect everything to son why divorce rates can have a deeper be perfect right away. Realize are higher in the first and more satisfying there are a lot of “behind-thefew years of marriage. love that endures scenes” discussions going on In fact, researchers through the realities in the couples who seem to have found that new- of life. have it all. In the end, you are lywed couples who the same two people you were were more realistic in their expecta- when you were dating. Just because tions were less likely to experience you now have a marriage certificate steep declines in marital satisfaction. doesn’t guarantee automatic marital It is important to understand that bliss. A truly happy marriage takes everything isn’t going to be wonunderstanding, work, and dedicaderful all the time (hard times will tion. If we learn to adjust our expeccome) and by doing so you can have tations and accept our partner for a more successful relationship. who they are, we can have a deeper The biggest defense against unand more satisfying love that enmet expectations is communication. dures through the realities of life.

Tell your partner about how you feel and what you expect out of the Megan Robinson is a wife, mother and relationship. You can’t count on your blogger, among other things. Check out her partner to know what you are think- blog, and here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson at http://megancamille.blogspot.com/ ing all the time nor do you know 39

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How to Make It Last From This Day

Learn to Listen Communication in a marriage is very important, you can’t just hear what your spouse says, you need to listen. If something is important to him then stop what you are doing and pay attention to him - look at him and respond, even if he’s just telling you something small that happened during his day.

Marriage is hard work, but here are 7 things that will ma

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Compromise Learn to say “okay.” Things don’t always have to go your way, it really is “give a little give and take little.” Remember, conflict and arguments can build a wall that can’t be torn down. And, truly, whether you believe it or not, you are not always right! He’s not perfect and neither are you. Everyone has faults and while you may not have noticed all of them when you were dating, it doesnt mean that all of a sudden he’s the wrong man for you. You can’t change anyone but yourself.

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Express Yourself Another part of communication is learning to express yourself without seeming needy, condescending, resentful or bossy. Relaying how you feel is a must, but learning to effectively relay it is an art. Not speaking as a punishement to your husband, or withholding sex is childish and a quick way to end your marriage.

Don’t say things that you can’t take back, he’ll always remember those things, even if he doesn’t remember what he said to you.

Say I love you - - a lot. When you hang up the phone, when you go to bed, it’s never said at the wrong time or said too much.

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y Forward

Be His Best Friend While you should let your husband do his male bonding thing don’t let him build a life entirely without you. If you fell in love, there are sure to be alot of things you two have in common. Enjoy time together often.

Plan dates, vacations,cooking or watching a movie toegher. Make your life together feel like you were just married, acting like newlyweds will keep your marriage exciting .

ake it work and keep you together!

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Give Play Dates Let your husband have more nights out with the guys. When they spend time with their male friends – to watch a game, play sports or to have a drink, it makes them feel closer to their wives.

Giving him the freedom to spend time with his guy friends makes your husband feel more independent and masculine, which makes him happier with his life and with you. Have your own life, too. Enjoy time out with your girlfriends for lunch or a book club, or shopping. Don’t count on him to make your life complete or be your happiness. You have to find that within yourself.

Smile for Him It took a certain something to get him, it’ll take a certain something to keep him. Let him see you smile often, don’t complain all the time, dress nice just for him sometimes, do a little extra to show him that you love him, and have nice things to say to him, not only will he appreciate it, he’ll return the gesture.

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Remember Your Vows Whether you made them up yourselves or went the traditional route, you should hold fast and true to what you promised to do. Like work through things - - for better or worse; not blame him because times are hard - richer or poorer; and always stand by your man - - till death do we part. Don’t let other come between what you promised your husband. Times can’t always be good, but your heart should always be true.

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A Love Story Per this issue’s Blue Zone article, having and nurturing good personal relationships are a key to longevity.

And, here is proof. These couples didn’t just live long, they stayed married for more than 75 years, too.

According to the Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Wilbur and Teresa Faiss, are American’s longest married couple. That isn’t exactly true, but who cares, it is a remarkable accomplishment.

(Each year the group picks a different couple to bestow the honor on, so one year’s recipients may not have been married as long as previous recipients). The couple resides in Las Vegas and was married in April 1933, so come their next anniversary they will have 79-years of wedded bliss. Wilbur, who is a spry 100-years-old, didn’t have any idea that the pair would win such an accolade and was really elated when he found that the President was set to give them a “shoutout” at a nearby rally. Unfortunately, because of their age they were a little slow getting there and the remarks had to be taken out of the speech.

But Obama promises to come back and let them know what a feat they have accomplished. Their secret? Wilbur says, “It’s very simple. It’s give and take and compromise.”

Wilbur and Teresa Faiss

And the Real Winners Are! Clarence and Mayme Vail, married in 1925, he was eighteen and she was sixteen. Today they are the new Guinness World Record holders for the longest living married couple being married for 83 years (yes, we said eight three!)

The Hugo, Minnesota couple is often asked “How do you do it?” Their answer? Taking their vows to heart. Mayme says “You take your vows, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer. I guess you just stick to it, come what may.”

Clarence and Mayme Vail

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Till Death Do We Part They took their wedding vows seriously and literally. Like any story, a love story has to come to an end. Ah, but these were sweet tales of love, not only while they lived but in how they died. Two couples that were married for almost three quarters of a century and died only hours apart.

They died holding hands.

And, exactly one hour apart.

Gordon and Norma Yeager

Last October, the Iowa couple was hospitalized after a car accident. They were placed in the same room in ICU where they held hands although they were in different beds. At 3:38 pm Gordon died, yet, his heart monitor continued to register a beat. According to hospital staff, the monitor continued to beep “because they’re holding hands.” It appears that the monitor couldn’t tell the difference in his heartbeat and hers. It was through their touch that the machine sensed life.

At 4:48 pm, exactly one hour later, Norma died.

Gordon was 94 and Norma was 90. Married on May 26, 1939, they had been married for 72 years.

The couple’s son remarked that they loved being together and not surprising that passed away together, “He always said, ‘I can’t go until she does because I gotta stay here for her.’ And she would say the same thing.”

The Kentucky couple died recently only four hours apart. Married October 21, 1938 they were together for 73 years. Ethel, 99 had to live in a nursing home due to a decline in health, Presley visited her everyday until he moved in to be with her two years later. The staff stated the Presley would “hold her hand, kiss all over her, tell her how much he loved her and missed her.” “They were a true epitome of the word love,” said a nurse at the facility. Presely died first, with Ethel following him four hours later.

Presley and Ethel Bradshaw

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Politics 101 To be well-rounded, being able to discuss a little politics is crucial. Politics 101 will be a permanent part of Leslie Blake, discussing American governments in general and keeping you informed on current issues.

How the President is Elected Ever wondered why after November elections our next president is called the “President-elect?” No, it’s not because he is waiting to be sworn in, although he does have to be to be president, it’s because the Electoral College hasn’t voted yet and they’re the ones that pick the president. In fact, it’s a whole month later “on the Monday following the second Wednesday in December” that the electors of each state meet to officially cast their vote for president and vice president.

Is the Winner of the Presidential Election the person with the Most Votes?

No. Presidents in the United States are not elected by popular vote. In other words, a candidate for president can have more votes than his opponent, yet he won’t be president. That’s because in ours system of government, presidents are chosen by the electors of the Electoral College. Whoever gets the most electoral votes wins the election. This is called an “indirect election” as opposed to a “direct election.”

Who Decided to Elect a President in the Manner?

The mechanism for choosing a president was created by the framers of the U.S. Constitution and can be found in Article II, Section 1. It took a couple of tries for them to decide exactly how it should be done. The framers believed a purely popular election was too reckless and thought better than giving Congress the power to choose the president, so the compromise was to allow the public to vote for an elector in their state and in return the elector would cast the vote of the people of the state for president.

Who are the Electors?

The elector can be anyone according to the Constitution except that “no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.”

How are Electors Chosen?

Each state decides in what manner an elector is selected.

Usually electors are nominated by the political party in each state, put on the

ballot and then the voters choose the elector on Election Day. The winning electors are determined by the candidate who won the election. Accordingly, if the Republican Party wins the election, republican electors are elected and vice versa. It is best to check with each state to find out how an elector is chosen in that state. The Constitution also determines how many electors each state is entitled to have. Since 1964 there have been 538 electors.

To win the presidency a candidate must have 270 electoral votes (one more than half of all votes).

Do Electors have to Vote for the Candidate that Won the Popular Vote?

There is no federal law that mandates that electors must vote for the candidate that won the popular vote, however, some (not all) states have mandated that they do. It is rare for an elector to vote against the popular vote, but it has happened.

By Luke Mahoney

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A Winter Wedding

Magazine wedding issues, bridal shows, and the bridal rush happen during January and February so as to get ready for those summer weddings. But who says that weddings are just for summer? Yes, there are some fall and spring weddings, but few think of a winter wedding. Why not? Winter is a beautiful time of the year and filled with joy and love, a wedding, then, seems very appropriate. Maybe you met in the winter, or that's your birthday is, whatever the reason, don’t think you can’t be just as beautiful as a June bride. On the next few pages we give you just a hit of what a winter wedding can be with pictures of gowns, cakes and flowers.

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Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable and nerve wrecking days of your life.

But a winter wedding will help you cool down those jitters and give you a serene and breathtaking backdrop for your special day.

And, don't worry, it won't be hard finding the appropriate attire, venue, cake or flowers, the wedding planners are one step ahead of you, they're just waiting for you to ask for a Winter Wedding!

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48

49

50

51

Rich and deep, or pale but wintery, pick a color, any color, it'll go beautifully alongside the winter wonderland you've chosen for your winter wedding. We've just picked a few, all white, blue or grey, and of course, red, a most beautiful choice for any winter wedding. But don't stop with the ones we've shown, get some color watches and let your imagination and dreams guide you to your own beautiful winter wedding.

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Lovely, delicious, wintery-looking cakes, snowflake inspired table settings and a sleigh ride to the reception are all perfect additions to make your winter day more memorable. When it’s cold outside, your hearts will keep you warm as you celebrate your new life together!

Photos: pg. 47-48, 50 www.wedding-splendor.com; p. 51 Wedding gown www.firstqueen.net, Snowflake Cake www.wedding-flowerand-reception-ieas.com; p.52 Bridesmaid www.weddingbeauty.com; p. 53 Pine Cone Cake www.petonline.net, Blue Cake www.aweddingcakeblog.com.

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Soup!

BY BREE ANDERSON Recipes and Photography by Emma Louise Cooke

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Warm & Hearty, and Nutritious, Too We all know what we should be eating, even though most times it’s not what we eat.

We’ve heard it enough, lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and protein. But it’s so hard to get that all onto a plate.

Here’s a trick that might help just put it all in a bowl! When the weather outside is frightful, isn’t warming up with a bowl of soup delightful? Mmmm, yummy, what can be better than soup or a cold winter’s day?

And, soup is a comfort food that will satisfy you, and relax you while warming you all the way through. Stirring while it simmers - the aroma from the steam coming from the pot fills the kitchen - - homemade love.

And besides being delicious, it’s easy and affordable.

But soup isn’t just for those cold winter days, it’s good all year round because it’s good for you.

It’s so easy to add the veggies, protein and grain you need to a pot of soup. You can add all kinds of great things beans, fruit, fish, anything you want and it’s adds up to good taste and great health. Every

spoonful is packed with flavor and nutrition. And, because you’re not stewing or frying, your ingredients will keep much more of their natural nutrients.

Slowly sipping hot soups will fill you up before you know it and without a lot of calories.

It’s a great way to lose weight.

And, because soup is made with water, every bowlful helps to restore the necessary water balance to your body, but what’s more, with each different soup you make so many other nutritional needs can be met. For instance, broth and noodles provide carbohydrates for maintaining your energy levels, helping you to feel more energetic. And when you add vegetables, that bowl of soup will boost your immune system as you spoon up those necessary vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

You can take all your nutritional needs and put them in a pot! So, borrow a recipe or make up your own. Your body will be all the better for it. And to help get you started, we’ve got two great recipes (p. 56)

from blogger Emma Cooke’s A Splash of Vanilla.

Emma’s cannellini, leek and spinach soup was adapted from a recipe she got from allrecipes.com. Besides the beans, leeks and spinach, it’s got quinoa in it, too. Quinoa and the cannellini beans are excellent sources of protein.

The leeks are high in Vitamin K and the spinach is packed with antioxidants and lots of Vitamin A, some Vitamin C and of course iron. And in this pot of nutrition, the spinach is added right before serving so that it keeps it high nutritional value.

And, we love the Spicy Carrot soup – it’s a bowl bursting with nutrition – carrots, lentils and chili peppers. Carrots are a wholesome vegetable filled with beta-carotene, Vitamin A and antioxidants.

Chili peppers are extremely good for you. They help with migraines, high blood pressure, inflammation and weight loss.

Go ahead, stir you up a pot, it will fill your belly, satisfy your soul and keep you healthy.

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Cannellini Bean & Spinach 2 tbls extra virgin olive oil 3 leeks, bulb only, sliced thinly 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tsp cumin seeds (crush or leave whole) 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock 2 14 oz cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 2 bay leaves ½ cup quinoa 1 5 oz fresh baby spinach salt and pepper to taste Sautee leeks, garlic and cumin seeds in olive oil over low heat until softened and fragrant but not browned, about 5-10 minutes. Add stock, cannellini beans, seasoning and bay leaves and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and stir in the quinoa. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Take Remove pot from stove, and take out bay leaves then stir in spinach. Serve immediately.

Spicy Carrot 1½ 1½ 1 2 1 ½ 1 1 1 1 4

tbls extra virgin olive oil tbls butter brown onion, diced cloves garlic, crushed pinch turmeric tsp grated fresh ginger diced red chili pepper, remove seeds and membrane or pinch chili flakes tsp ground cumin 2oz red lentils 20oz carrots, peeled and diced in small pieces cups vegetable stock ground black pepper and sea salt to taste Roughly chopped parsley for garnish

Melt butter and oil in a saucepan over medium heat; add carrots, onion, ginger, garlic and spices. Cook until the onion is soft and transparent then add the lentils, thoroughly tossing carrot mixture. Pour the stock into the mixture, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a slow simmer, keeping lid on for 30-40 minutes or until the carrot is tender.

Remove the pan from the heat and let cool. Gradually pour mixture into a blender or food processor and blend to a smooth puree. Return to the saucepan and reheat when ready to serve. Season soup to taste with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt, and serve with fresh parsley. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired. Note: freezes well.

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People put their personal lives on Facebook – arguments, life and health problems, what they’re eating, where they’re going - - you know how it is. But sometimes, they give us a little non-personal humor to enjoy.

funnies Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, first make sure you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes." ~William Gibson

A mother is invited by her son, Anthony, for dinner. He lives with a female roommate, Tina. During the course of the meal, his mother couldn't help but notice how pretty Anthony's roommate was. Over the course of the evening, while watching the two interact, she started to wonder if there was more between Anthony and his roommate than met the eye. Reading his mom's thoughts, Anthony volunteered, "I know what you must be thinking, but I assure you, Tina and I are just roommates.'' About a week later, Tina asked Anthony, “Ever since your mother came to dinner, I’ve been unable to find the silver sugar bowl.

You don’t suppose she took it, do you?” “Well, I doubt it, but I’ll email her, just to be sure.” So he sat down and wrote an email: Dear Mama, I'm not saying that you "DID" take the sugar bowl from my house; I'm not saying that you "DID NOT" take it. But the fact remains that it has been missing ever since you were here for dinner. Love, Anthony. Several days later, Anthony received a response email from his Mama which read: Dear SON, I'm not saying that you "DO" sleep with Tina, and I'm not saying that you "DO NOT" sleep with her. But the fact remains that if SHE was sleeping in her OWN BED, SHE would have found the sugar bowl by now.!! ;) Love, Mama..... xx .. Moral:: NEVER LIE TO YOUR MOTHER..!!!

A guy stuck his head into a barbershop and asked, “How long before I can get a haircut?” The barber looked around the shop full of customers and said, “About 2 hours.” The guy left. A few days later, the same guy stuck his head in the door and asked, “How long before I can get a haircut?” The barber looked around at the shop and said, “About 3 hours.” The guy left. A week later, the same guy stuck his head in the shop and asked, “How long before I can get a haircut?” The barber looked around the shop and said, “About an hour and a half.” The guy left. The barber turned to his friend and said, “Hey, Bob, do me a favor, follow him and see where he goes. He keeps asking how long he has to wait for a haircut, but he never comes back.” A little while later, Bob returned to the shop, laughing hysterically. The barber asked, 'So, where does he go when he leaves?” Bob looked up, wiped the tears from his eyes and said, “Your house!”

Send your facebook funnies to Blake@leslieblakemag.com. Submissions may be edited for grammar.

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High Speed Rail

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Not your grandparents’ locomotive . . .

Infrastructure, a word bandied around across this great land as one solution to unemployment, as well as one for keeping America up with the times. And, certainly building up America at the same time as putting Americans to work is no new idea.

Remember Roosevelt’s New Deal?

This new deal to help our economy, however, is an old one - - the railway. But it isn’t our grandparents train, this is a new and improved railway with traveling speeds up to 220 mph. And the hop is that high speed rail will create jobs and will make American businesses more competitive.

Man has always endeavored to go places faster. And while we have yet to master warp speed (Star Trek’s speed of light) we have made

great strides in achieving our goals to get there quicker. And, with each advent of something faster and more economical, the last, slower mode of transportation has been practically forgotten. Sure, there are still horse drawn carriages, but they are mostly for fun and show (I say mostly because it is still the mode used by the Amish) Even the train, which opened up travel across our great country and made westward migration possible, fell considerably in the choice of travel once man was able to fly. But it seems that instead of working on that hover car we’ve all imagined as the way of futuristic travel, we’ve turned back a chapter or two and decided to improve on an old idea.

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In other places in the world high speed rail is already moving people quickly and efficiently. Travel by train was not completely extinct, Amtrak still did good business, but at times rail travel could be very cumbersome and time consuming.

For example, to travel from Cleveland to Imagine whisking Cincinnati, about a 250-mile trip, through towns at you had to go to speeds over 100 Chicago, and then miles an hour, from Chicago to walking only a few Cincinnati adding steps to public approximately transportation, and 641 miles to your ending up just trip and another blocks from your eleven hours. The destination.Imagine Obama what a great project Administration has given an that would be to rebuild America.” – impetus to the states via the President Obama 2009 stimulus announcing a new package to start vision for highbuilding highspeed and intercity speed and passenger rail intercity service in America passenger rail.

(April 16, 2009) This system won’t be just for long distance travel, it is meant to connect economic centers across the country, communities as well as running in conjunction with, and as an alternative to, state highways, air and public transit systems.

A perfect example of the new rail system in use is seen all across Europe and Asia. Now, America is trying to make it’s entrance with Amtrak's induction of the maximum 150 mph Acela train service 60

between Washington, New York, and Boston. And, hopefully new expansions to existing rail services will follow soon.

These expansion programs should serve, just as the New Deal did, as a catalyst to promote new manufacturing jobs, reduce national dependence on oil and foster integration of urban and rural communities. But again, just like the New Deal, there will be starts and stops, and maybe even misses, as states adjust and decide whether or not to forge ahead with the programs (there are no national jobs created solely for building the railway). And like with the building of interstate highways, which took fifty years to complete, updating and building high speed rail and integrating it into our lives may take a long time.

The Federal Department of Transportation is working with States to plan and develop highspeed and intercity passenger rail, including upgrading existing services and placing entirely new rail lines.

An investment in high-speed rail, which should be taken advantage of by the states, will fuel our economy’s recovery, create new jobs, help restore and maintain our nation’s moral values and will keep our infrastructure comparable with other up and coming countries. Plus, having it will be really cool.

By Luke Mahoney

A Beautiful Wedding Destination

The Modern Honolulu Save 50% Until 3/31/2012 61

From the Idea Gallery of the

On her website, Marlena, aka the Makeup Geek, shares eye makeup ideas from other makeup artists. Here’s a few that she shared with us that would be perfect for a wedding!

Check out more looks and watch her awesome makeup tutorials at www.makeupgeek.com 1. Artist: Silje Beate A royal look using purple and gold eyeshadows

by Makeup Geek.

Find out more.

1

4

2. Artist: Joanna Use Carbon by MAC to create this hot and dramatic look.

Find out more.

3. Artist: Jangsara Urban Decay’s brown palatte help to create this look.

Find out more.

2

5

4. Artist: MadamNoire Look like a princess with this look using an old favorite - blue eyeshadow.

Find out more.

5. Artist: Jangsara Dark and sexy but perfect for any bride.

Find out more.

3

6

6. Artist: Jangsara Simply elegant!

Find out more.

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By Bree Anderson 64

Tea Party’s Gone Overboard Called “radical” by some, but certainly known as ultra-conservative to all, The Tea Party’s grassroots tactics that shot them to the forefront in 2009 is starting to fizzle. Losing it’s momentum, the party wasn’t able to get one of its memebers as the Republican presidential nominee. Now, the party is refocusing its attention on being a force hold in Congress where it won big in 2010.

Throughout American history, political parties have come and gone. They start when the people have new ideals and disregard for the current government. The Tea Party, a grassroots addition to the political arena, is no different. Born from a reeling and plunging economy the Tea Party, mostly of the Republican persuasion and tending to endorse Republican candidates, came on strong during mid-term elections promising to make a difference, get America out of its financial abyss, get into the White House and straighten out the country. Surprisingly, with the economy still in poor shape, it seems that this brand of Tea has quickly become weak.

The Tea Party is a political movement that claims to represent the common people. Generally, the party is recognized as conservative and libertarian (adhering to the doctrine of free will). The name “Tea Party” is derived partially from the big splash, figuratively and literally, made by protesting colonists in 1773 that objected to a British tax on tea and threw it into the Boston Harbor, remember the Boston Tea Party?

Additionally, some note that the “TEA” in the party name is a bacronym for “Taxed Enough Already.”

In the 2010 election Tea Party

candidates made an impressive congressional election showing winning seats in the U.S. Senate, and delivering the House to the Republicans along with a major score in gubernatorial races. From South Carolina to Wisconsin, candidates endorsed by Tea Party groups defeated Democrats in unlikely states while loudly proclaiming that the people have spoken. Yet, after the elections many of those that voted the Tea Party in became disillusioned not getting exactly what they bargained for, with even some finding that the Tea Party’s brand of politics was too radical. This dislike came through in the Republican presidential primary elections.

While readying for the 2012 presidential election the Tea Party was confident with hopefuls that included Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain and Rick Perry. Palin let Bachmann take the lead, but her and Herman Cain didn’t get past Iowa and Rick Perry soon fell by the wayside as well. Now the Tea Party,

with no real candidate, is jumping from one Republican candidate to another. That doesn’t help its cause because even without a Tea Party, there would have been a “regular” Republican candidate signifying that its brand of politics, at least for now, is not a favorite with the majority of Republicans. And whomever they end up endorsing may have played to the Party’s ideals to get their votes, but surely does not have the mindset of a “true” Tea Party member. With this realization, the Tea Party is backing up and refocusing on making changes in Congress where its numbers are still strong.

Nonetheless, with actions of Ohio, Wisconsin and even New Jersey governors after the 2010 congressional elections and the inability for the Tea Party to get a candidate that lit a fire in the majority of Republicans, this new party may just go the way of the tea from Great Britain’s East India Tea Company way back in 1773 - - overboard.

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She combined her two son’s initials, and with a skill she learned more than forty years ago, Judi Williams started a restaurant and catering business and is now sharing her sweet skills with us.

Knowing a trade is what created middle-class America. And middle-class parents encouraged their children to go to college, but also that they should learn a trade, as I remember hearing, “you may need something to fall back on.” Learning a trade, however, was certainly not on the mind of 13-year old Judi Williams during the early 70s, but her mother and aunt insisted she take a cake decorating class at the Wilton School of Cake Decorating.

So while attending a family reunion in Chicago one summer, she did just that. That was forty years ago and The Wilton School now boasts that it has an 80-year tradition of teaching decorating excellence and it certainly shows on Judi’s cakes. But Judi’s philosophy isn’t that the cake should just look good, she says” it should taste good, too.” So she’s mastered baking skills as well.

Leslie Blake: Your cakes are beautiful! And they taste delicious. Did you go into the cake decorating business soon after getting your certificate?

Judi: Actually no, I got married, had two children, divorced and I’m still working at the same job I’ve had for last thirty-one years. In addition, I am just a few credits shy from my associate’s degree in Purchasing & Supplies.

Leslie Blake: Wow, you are a very busy person. So cake decorating is just a hobby?

Judi: I love to bake and cook. If I could, I would do it for free. Very soon though, I will be opening up my own restaurant. The plans are already in the works.

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Leslie Blake: Will this just be a cake shop?

Leslie Blake: Do you share your recipes?

Judi: No, actually, it’s a full-fledged restaurant and catering service. We will do catering service for gatherings of 200 or less, breakfast and lunch service, and we also have an Intimate Dining Package for Two.

Judi: I really haven’t in the past. If I do share one it usually isn’t my own recipe, it’s one that I’ve borrowed and tweaked and made my own. A lot of my recipes come from my Auntie’s cookbook – A Touch of the South that a few family members and I put together by collecting her recipes and putting them all together. I am working on my own cookbook now, so it won’t be long before others can enjoy the recipes that I’ve gathered over the years, and can share in what I love to do - cooking.

Leslie Blake: Do you have any formal training in the culinary arts, aside from your cake decorating certificate?

Judi: No, I don’t. My ‘Auntie” as we fondly called her, was the matriarch in our family and she loved to cook and so do I. I just got into the kitchen and after a while I had many delicious deserts on the menu. I have just always enjoyed cooking.

In fact, every year I invite family and friends over and I cook and bake for everyone. Each year more and more people seem to come as the word gets out. One year I had, I know, a hundred people at my house!

Leslie Blake: We can’t wait to visit your restaurant.

Judi: It won’t be long. We hope to be open by the first week in March 2012. We are located in the Cleveland area, for those of you who don’t live near us, we apologize. We’re only a local company for now, but keep watching. We do ship our cheesecakes, so just contact us for UPS Shipping information.

Leslie Blake: Your recipes must be very good?

Judi: Many of my customers have commented that my cheesecakes are better than those at that Cheesecake “place” we all know and love. But, I’ll let you be the judge of that. Stop in our restaurant and try us out.

Visit Judi’s website at www.qandadesserts.com 67

The

Perfect Fit

Fit

You’re engaged and your wedding date is set!

There are so many things to consider. But the number one thing to do is picking out your bridal gown. Go ahead, picture yourself walking down that aisle - - what are you wearing? Is it fitted, or are you in a ball gown? Well, to look your best you need to know a little about styles of wedding gowns, and a lot about you. Take a good look at yourself in the mirror, what shape are you - pear, hourglass, aren’t sure? To be your most beautiful be sure to pick out a style that not only fits who you are, but how you measure up!

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BODY TYPE

The beginning of finding your perfect dress starts here.

Determine what body type you are so that you will know which style of dress fits you best.

Rectangle Shape

Apple Shape

Pear Shape

Hourglass Shape

You’re a rectangle if your bust and hips are roughly the same size with little waist definition. Add curves to your silhouette by choosing a gown with a fitted waist. Sheath, mermaid and empire are good choices. Good necklines are portrait or strapless.

You have little waist definition and both hips and bust are full as well as your torso. Create an illusion of a waist line by choosing a style that clinches at the smallest part of the waist and flows out from there such as an A-line. Flattering necklines are sweetheart and strapless.

The bottom half of your body is larger than the top. Choose a dress to accentuate your slimmer upper body. Look for a skirt that gradually flares, starting at your natural waist and avoid a dress that clings. An A-line or ball gown are good choices.

Your bust and hips are no more than 2”apart and your waist is 9” smaller than your bust, You can wear any dress.

One with a fitted waist such as corset style will accentuate your shape, or sheath to show off your curves.

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DRESS STYLE

Sheath Fitted bodice and hips that goes straight down with litle flare.

Mermaid Fitted bodice and hips with a flare below the knee.

A-line Fitted bodice with skirt that flares with a slight fullness.

Ball Fitted bodice with skirt that flares for a princess-like fullness.

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Boat

Jewel

Surplus

Sweetheart

Square

V-Neck

Portrait

Scoop

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Plus Size Brides

J

ust because you’re a plus-size doesn’t mean you don’t fit into any of the body types described on p. 72. If you are just follow that guide. The important thing is to find the right dress for you and to do that you’ll want to find a dress that is best for your figure. An A-line style is flattering to most curvier figures. An empire may work well if your tummy doesn’t stick out more than your breast. These styles won’t cling and will float over hips. Avoid full ballgown skirts as they can add to an overall roundness. Go for cap sleeves, gowns with sleeves - lacy short or long-sleeved instead of sleeveless, strapless or halter, especially if you busty. But feel free to show off your arms if they’re in shape. Try a portrait, V-neck or sweetheart neckline for your best look.

Today, most bridal gown shops and designers carry a plus-size line, so you shouldn’t encounter any difficulty in finding a good selection of dresses to choose from. Don’t be intimidated into buying a dress just because it’s all the shop has in your size. Shop around you’ll find that perfect dress. Your wedding day is a day of celebration. Feel good about you and look good in your dress.

He loves you for who you are, not how you’re shaped, so you’ll look beautiful to him no matter what. But, even the most beautiful bride won’t look so beautiful if she’s stressed or tugging on her dress all day. Make sure your dress is comfortable and that you are able to move, eat, and dance in your dress with ease. Consider getting the next size if you want to play it safe.

Say ‘no’ to satin dresses because they cling to every curve and bulge and don’t do well if you get overheated. Choose a long gown over tea length as shorter gowns may make you look short and stocky.

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Wedding Gowns

Simple and

sophisticated, fit and flare ivory tulle gown has skirt with

layer upon layer of soft tulle Sweetheart neckline and dropped waist.

Ever since you were a little girl you’ve fantasized about getting married - what your husband-to-be would be like, what colors you would have, and most importantly, what your dress would look like. And now, it’s here, your magical day and you want to feel like a princess, and why shouldn’t you? It’s your wedding day!

No matter what kind of wedding you’re having, it always starts with the gown. Whether you’ve decided on tulle, lace or satin, whether your must have is a ball gown, tea length, or sheath, it has to be perfect. So you’ve spent hours going through tons of those bridal magazines

searching for the perfect dress. And, here’s a few more for you to see, but this time you’re a little more informed.

So, as you browse these next few pages, remember your body type, decide what’s important to you – cost, exclusivity, comfort.

Keep in mind style, cut, texture, and drape of the dress and don’t forget to pick according to the season.

Our section of beautiful bridal gowns is courtesy of Anjolique. Located at 3605 32nd Street, Port Huron, MI 48050, But, not to worry Anjolique’s gowns can be found everywhere. Find an Anjolique dealer near you. or visit their website.

Stunning appliquĂŠ with beautiful detail adorns

the bodice and the train.

Beautiful layered tulle will float down the aisle

Fitted bodice and hips help to accentuate the flare at the knee and lovely train.

Elegant and sophisticated is this

Ravello taffeta gown.

Beautiful sweetheart neckline, side draping and flowered-detail drooped

waist. Chapel train flows from the softly gathered skirt.

Reminiscent of

Southern beauty and charm, this tulle gown has an asymmetrical dropped waist layered skirt, a

modified sweetheart neckline and a satin ribbon

adorns the gown below the bust.

Perfect for a fall wedding!

Tulle tucked and layered in a lovely ball gown.

This tribute to female beauty signals contemporary elegance embodied by a woman with an instinctively classic sense of style. Her essence is a soft, rosy floral designed around a bouquet that evokes precious, delicate sensuality. Petal by petal, the scent reveals a timeless rose blend that channels the heritage of the consummate Italian fashion brand.

Notes: Pink Grapefruit, Mandarin, Peach, Muguet, Bulgarian Rose, Peony, Geranium, Madonna Lily, Plum, Ambrette Seed, Vanilla, Amber, Musk.

You’re as lovely as a goddess in this satin gown with a pleated flare.

Airbrush Makeup Looking Flawless on Your Wedding Day An award winning makeup stylist shares her wedding day makeup tips with us.

When it comes to makeup,

it’s not that often I get to put my makeup knowledge into words. Usually it’s the “final result” that speaks the loudest!

I’d like to share my insight as a Professional Makeup Artist and Licensed Esthetician on airbrush makeup and how it can benefit “Brides to be” on their “Big Day”.

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Photos by:

Article & Makeup by:

Impressions Photo & Video, Matawan, NJ Endless Wave Studios, West Long Branch, NJ Denise Gevaras, Toms River, NJ

Makeup Artistry

by Denise Choosing makeup products, especially foundation can be overwhelming for many. And trying to cover acne, scars, an uneven skin tone, or just choosing the correct shade, for some, is quite a challenge. Ironically, this is one of the biggest requests I get from my bridal clientele - beautiful skin, great coverage and long wearing foundation that won’t melt, streak or fade away.

And of course those that may not usually need much coverage but anitcipate waking up on the morning of their wedding, glancing in the mirror and seeing an unwelcomed blemish. Yes, a bride’s worst nightmare and the tell-tale sign of their pre-wedding related stress.

Not only is Airbrush makeup phenomenal in covering blemishes and scars but also gives the skin a smooth natural finish. When applied correctly, the airbrush makeup sits on top of the skin rather than “sinking in” like many traditional foundations, therefore providing coverage in the areas where you may need it most with no tell-tale sign of build up or cakiness. It’s incredibly long wearing will last through heat, humidity and of course tears of joy, making it the #1 choice for my bridal clientele.

Contouring, highlighting, bronzer and blush can also be applied with the airbrush to add just the right effects creating a beautiful, flawless “camera-ready” face on your wedding day. And the beauty doesn’t stop there!

What exactly is Airbrush Makeup?

It’s wonderful in correcting uneven skin tones, covering By using only a few drops of custom blended founda- tan lines and even masking tattoos.

If you are a “bride to be” and considering airbrush tion colors for a perfect match, a soft mist of this commakeup, do not hesitate to give it a try before the “Big bination is sprayed through an airbrush gun resulting Day”. Doing a makeup trial beforehand will give you in a smooth and even complexion. Providing sheer to soft opaque coverage as needed, it’s perfect for anyone the opportunity to see if airbrush makeup is the right choice for you in achieving the Bridal Day Beauty look that doesn’t normally wear foundation as well as for those that prefer heavier coverage or would like to cover you have in mind . Hiring a Professional Makeup Artist to provide airbrush makeup services on your Wedding unwanted scars or blemishes. I am often told “it feels like there is nothing on my face. “ Yet, the best part of it Day can make a world of difference in your photos & all is that with so little product, coverage, for those that video that will last a lifetime and be cherished in the years to come. may need it, is achieved. In the world of Makeup, as Denise is the winner of the 2012 WeddingWire Bride’s often heard, “Less is More!”

Choice Award. Website: www.makeupbydenise.com 95

Tilapia Once upon a time, in a fresh water stream far, far away, a fish called Tilapia was taken to a farm. And there it was feed corn, produced en masse, and became a fish of much report. But, alas, do not be fooled by this fishy tale for Tilapia was one of the Omega-6 varieties and much controversy surrounded its good.

A Fishy Tale

Tilapia may be all the rage at every restaurant you visit, but if you think because it’s popular and it’s a fish, you’re making a healthy choice when you eat it, you may not be getting out of what you think. If you think about it, you never hear it touted as a fish to be eaten like salmon and tuna. Did you ever wonder why?

Tilapia is the common name for nearly a hundred different species of cichlid fish. The name Tilapia is used collectively for these fish and comes from the Tswana word thiape, which simply means fish. Tilapia is a fresh water fish found in shallow streams, ponds, rivers and lakes and is found

in Asian countries including the Philippines, and Africa.

And, due it high use in commercial food industry, most tilapia found in the wild is a hybrid of several species, as most true species are extinct. It’s abundance at the farm has led it to be the fifth most utilized fish in fish farming.

Popular because they are prolific breeders, grow large, grow quickly and taste good.

Commercially grown tilapia is for the most part, exclusively male as the newly spawned females gender is usually reversed by giving them testosterone.

Surprisingly, that is not where the controversy lies.

The argument is its utilization by our body as a polyunsaturated fatty acid.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function, normal growth and development, the stimulation of skin and hair growth, maintaining health regulate metabolism, and maintaining the reproductive system.

Tilapia’s good point it is low in saturated fat, calories, carbohydrates, sodium and is a good source of proteins.

It also contains phosphorus, niacin, selenium, vitamin B12, potassium and, of course, Omega-6, an essential fatty acid. Omega6 like omega-3 (the more talked about fatty acid that dieticians recommend when

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omega-3 does have some But that piece of urging people to eat more credence and seems to be information hasn’t been as fish), is essential, but cannot the one point of agreement. widely disseminated as the be produced by the human fish. And, because of the body and must be taken in It is believed by some widespread that the reliance on heavily through food consumption.

Health benefits in concern to eat processed foods is one healthier, tilapia reason for the imbalance in However, in consuming this is being the farm-raised the two (experts think that fish have consumed in high variety, tilapia’s before heavy consumption prompted some rates as part of nutritional value of processed foods, human to determine that what most think may be consumption of omega-6 eating tilapia is is a wellcompromised by and omega-3 were pretty balanced diet. the amount of much ingested in equal just as bad as With corn included in amounts). And because of filling up on American’s the feed that they doughnuts, our reliance on processed relying heavily on are given. The foods, the typical American hamburgers and processed foods, corn itself diet contains numerous bacon. adding foods like contains shortsources of omega-6, fish to your diet is chain omega-6 unfortunately making an a good choice. But, with fatty acids increasing the imbalance a common smaller amounts of omega-3 total omega-6 fatty acids in occurrence. fatty acids and higher the fish competing with the Omega-6 fatty acids are amounts of omega-6 fatty already low levels of omegafound in seeds and nuts, acids in US-farmed tilapia, 3 found naturally. As such, and their oils. Vegetable oils, questions of the health less of the omega-3 is such as soy oil, are used in benefits in consuming this ingested making more most snack foods, cookies, fish have prompted some to omega 6 digested than crackers, and is a staple in determine that eating tilapia omega-3. fast foods. And while the is just as bad as filling up on A healthy diet contains a “good vs. evil” of the omegadoughnuts, hamburgers and certain balance of omega-3 6 argument continues, bacon. and omega-6 fatty acids. studies do agree that people But as Recent medical research who follow with many has suggested that an a diet with a studies, excess of omega-6 fatty healthy results are acids upsets this balance balance of mixed, and and interferes with the the two fatty while eating health benefits of omega-3 acids are tilapia is fatty acids. This improper less likely to probably not balance, it is believed, will develop as bad as increase inflammation, the heart eating a diet probability of heart attacks, disease.

Tilapia, just as unhealthy as greasy of doughnuts thrombotic stroke, As a fries and mayonnaise laden coleslaw? and arrhythmia, arthritis, result, hamburgers, osteoporosis, mood some having a proper balance in disorders, obesity and studies have concluded that the ratio of omega-6 to cancer. the imbalance in the omega-

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6 and omega-3 ratio may explain the prevalence of diseases that stem from inflammation (one of the major concerns of an increase of omega-6 in the body) such as asthma, coronary heart disease, cancer, autoimmunity and neurodegenerative diseases. This increase may also contribute to obesity, depression, dyslexia, hyper-activity and

even a tendency toward violence.

There has been some discussion and suggestion of changing the diet of farmraised tilapia, cutting back on the corn and adding flaxseed derivatives to increase the amount of omega-3 in the fish. But, until the time when the fish’s diet is changed or you’re only eating wild tilapia there remains more omega-6 in

the fish than needed for a healthy balance.

So, if you’re counting on improving your eating habits and health by adding an omega-3 rich fish to your diet and you’re not excluding fast foods and processed foods, tilapia is not a good fish source.

By Collette Vandiver

Check out what’s on leslieblakemag.com

Olive Oil Just might be the fountain of youth

Open Marriages So, if it’s open, why take the plunge?

It’s Tea Time Enjoy a hot cup of tea and drink to your health

Click on picture or words to take you to the story

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Family First According to information gathered about the Blue Zone, family is a big part of the reason the people in the blue zones live so long. But with today’s families is it possible to build those same kinds of bonds, to find a sense of purpose, and belonging and to put family first?

It appears that family is important. Something I’m sure most people already knew, however, we are discovering that it is not

only important in the sense that most people realize, but important for your health, happiness and for longevity of life.

Weddings are usually noted as a time for new beginnings. It’s a time when families begin, but also blend - - a time of family growth. Good place then, in the Wedding Issue, to discuss how the

two - - family and longevity - - relate.

But it’s is hard for me to understand, not that family and longevity relate, but how to get to that point with the lives we lead. Dan Buettner researched the Blue Zone and gave them the name. Why he picked that name, I don’t know, but the zones are all near water – blue water and blue has always been considered a soothing color, it’s serene and calming. But not family life. At least not the one I’ve known. It’s hectic and stressful. Buettner also believed there were specific reasons they lived such long, healthy lives.

Here are three of the nine.

Buettner determined that 1) having a sense of purpose; 2) having a sense of belonging; and 4) putting your family first will

add extra years to your life. Although, Mr. Buettner listed these separately, I feel that they all really fall into one category – family.

When you are part of a family those three are inexplicably linked.

Certainly, there are “dysfunctional” families, but no matter how kooky you think your family is, you still yearn for them, miss them when they’re not around and love them unexplainably.

I was a single parent during much of my children’s childhood and I remember how once they reached their teen years they wanted to do things with their friends leaving me out. Suddenly, I started feeling like I no longer had a sense of purpose. In fact, I had to redefine my purpose and who I was because until that time my purpose was to raise my children, to run them around, make sure I spent quality time with them, make sure they had hot meals, good food,

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else to avoid when aiming dressed appropriately for for a long life). the weather, got enough We live in a far more sleep and finished their modern culture I think homework (those things than of those that live in really don’t even make a the Blue Zone. We lead dent in all the things I was hurried lives, with working responsible for) but once and trying to make they were able to do those enough money to pay all on their own, I was lost. the bills. These are the A few years later my things that are in the elderly mother couldn’t forefront of our minds. take care of herself and I Exercise is at a fast pace, stepped in, my purpose jogging, running on then became to take care treadmills, we don’t take of her. I had a purpose, leisurely walks to shop at but just temporarily the market or because when visit friends as she died there How do we they do. We went my sense of adapt such a don’t have time purpose - again. to pursue our In essence, lifestyle and passions and when I put my how do we sometimes even family first I felt make it our families. that I did have a And our parents purpose and that infectious? are ending up in I belonged. But nursing homes or living once they were gone, I alone. lost that feeling.

Another of Buettner’s I understand that if we Power 9 is being with the are generally happy with “right tribe” or like minded our lives, then we will people. Of course you set naturally behave in ways examples for your family that promote longevity and and hope that they have health. We will take good the same values and care of ourselves and our ideals that you have, but health allowing our bodies it’s not guaranteed. And to exude the hormones trying to make all those and chemicals associated things work, taking care of with happiness and family, and instilling (and health. However, those making stick) your same that live in the Blue Zone values about putting have practice their way of family first is a pretty hard living for years. How do thing to do and probably a we adapt such a lifestyle stressful situation in of and how do we make it itself (stress is something infectious?

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Traditionally, lace was just for wedding dresses, doilies, tablecloths and handkerchiefs, but not anymore, lace is everywhere, from head to foot and even for you to eat! Check out all the places where you’ll find lace. And if you like what you see, just click on the picture and follow the link!

Lace Isn’t Just for Weddings!

Who would have thought of lace eyewear? Dolce & Gabbana, that’s who!

Prescription or fashion

Erdem Morgan Lace and Satin Twill Coat $2,995

Valentino is all about the lace! But this is a really cute, simple and comfortable one - - the tennis shoe! Valentino doing Converse $620

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Givenchy Lace Peep toe Sandals Pink $202

Luxury Divas Camel Black Lace Covered Wool Felt Cloche Bucket Hat $39.99 Vintage Lace Hat $420

Sassy Lace Leggings $24

Sergio Rossi Florentina Lace Boots from 3 years ago, but too cute not to include!

Miu Miu RTW Spring 2012

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Lace Satchel $2,375

Alexander McQueen Lace Knuckle Clasp Cluth $3,145 102

Valentino sculptured lace pump $4,700

Ou la la LACE!

Dolce & Gabbana sleeveless lace dress $958

This dress was so nice, we had to show it twice! See how it stands out with a petticoat underneath? Erdem Margot Lace Dress $3,360

Dior Gypsy Ruffles Bag $1,985

Beautiful! Prada Lace Purse $3, 160

Jessica Simpson Collection has the cutest dresses!

Asymmetrical Lace Dress $148 Rockin’ That Lace – Blake Lively, Hayden Panettiere and Emma Watson

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Buttercream Lane Blog

And we’ve even got lace you can eat!

Almond Lace Cookies We tried a few and couldn’t decide between these two, so we included them both. Try one or both and enjoy!

CoCo Cooks 104

Finance Corner

by Aggie Key

Let’s talk money! In each issue of Leslie Blake we’ll offer some finance information, answer questions that you submit, including those about financial instruments and definitions, and posts comments you’ve shared with us.

Bankruptcy, it’s in the constitution Nope, it wasn’t an after thought, the right (yes, I said right) to bankruptcy is in the Constitution, not the Bill of Rights (you know, those Amendments that came later because no one at the time thought that we shouldn’t have slaves or that women should be able to vote). Bankruptcy is set forth under Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution. And although it’s mingled in with a lot of other stuff, the words authorize Congress to enact "uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States” are there.

Indeed, throughout our history, Congress has exercised the authority to enact laws concerning bankruptcy, most recently with the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA). So, don’t feel bad if you need to file for bankruptcy, actually it’s probably better if you’ve got debts that you do. Ever heard of debtor’s prison?

Luckily in 1833 federal law abolished imprisonment for unpaid debts but today, more than a third of the states still allow borrowers to be jailed for non-payment of debts (perfect example is for non-payment of child support). Whether an individual is

actually prosecuted, however, is up to the jurisdiction where the offense took place.

Some states have made it illegal to prosecute, and others still have old laws on the books, but rarely take such actions.

Hurrah for the U.S. Constitution! You can get out of debt and not worry about going to jail. And don’t listen to all those commercials and naysayers that say that after the 2005 BAPCPA it’s hard to file a bankruptcy because it’s not. Get yourself a lawyer (be careful not to be overcharged) or go to your district’s Bankruptcy Court website, download the paperwork and file a voluntary petition yourself.

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let’s cook

Inspired by Blue Zone Diets

Recipes for a healthy you Roasted Mediterranean Veggie Stack Ingredients 1 med Eggplant 1 small Zucchini 1 Red Bell Pepper 4 slices of feta cheese (sliced medium) ½ cup Pesto 2 tbls Olive oil 2 cloves Garlic Pinch of Sea Salt and Black Pepper Pinch of Oregano and Thyme

Directions Cut the eggplant into 8 1/2 inch slices. Slice the zucchini thinly, and cut the bell pepper into strips.

Sprinkle olive oil, garlic and salt and pepper on all of the eggplant. Additionally sprinkle half of the eggplant slices with oregano and thyme (these will be the tops of the stack). Roast the veggies on grill or in oven until brown. Cut feta into thick strips. Layer eggplant with red peppers, sliced zucchini, pesto, and a slice of feta, drizzling the olive oil between layers of zucchini and pesto. Top with the eggplant slice that has the oregano and thyme.

Be Creative: Add Asparagus or substitute Red Peppers with thickly sliced Heirloom Tomatoes Like Meat? Add crispy Bacon or Prosciutto

Pan-Seared Chicken with Tomato-Olive Relish Ingredients 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided 4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1 tbls finely chopped basil 1 tbls sherry vinegar or balsamic vinegar 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered 1/3 cup chopped pitted olives Recipe: www.myrecipes.com 106

Directions Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil to pan and swirl to coat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Sear chicken cooking 6 minutes on each side or until done. While chicken cooks, combine remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil, basil, and vinegar in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add cherry tomatoes and olives and toss to coat. Serve relish with chicken.

Garlic Salmon Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillet salt and pepper to taste 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 sprig fresh dill, chopped 5 slices lemon 5 sprigs fresh dill weed 2 green onions, chopped

Directions Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

Spray two large pieces of aluminum foil with cooking spray.

Place salmon fillet on top of one piece of foil. Sprinkle salmon with salt, pepper, garlic and chopped dill. Arrange lemon slices on top of fillet and place a sprig of dill on top of each lemon slice. Sprinkle fillet with chopped scallions.

Cover salmon with second piece of foil and pinch together foil to tightly seal. Place on a baking sheet or in a large baking dish.

Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until salmon flakes easily.

Recipe: www.allrecipes.com Picture by Darlene

Got a Recipe You Want to Share with Us? We would love to have it. Be sure to include a picture of your dish and we’ll share it with out readers. Happy Cooking!

Send recipes and images to: blake@leslieblakemag.com 107

Experience is the Best Teacher

Dear Chloe It takes a little wisdom to make a relationship work, and a prudent question is one-half of that wisdom.

Dear Chloe, My boyfriend is just not romantic at all, he doesn’t want to cuddle, he doesn’t like to hold hands, send me flowers or kiss when we’re in public (he really isn’t big on kissing at all). I have to remind him that Valentine’s Day is coming up and worry that he’ll miss buying me a present for my birthday. I’ve tried telling him and showing him how I want to be treated but he just doesn’t seem to get it. My last boyfriend was very romantic and I guess I just got spoiled but I found out he cheated on me and that’s the reason we broke up. I know this is a different relationship and I can’t expect my new guy to be like my old guy, but this is something I really want in a relationship. How can I get him to be more romantic? This could really be the guy I marry, he has all the other qualities that I am looking for, but I don’t want to go the rest of my

life without “the little things” that make the relationship special.

Signed Needing a Little Romance Dear Little Romance, Here’s a little advice my mother gave me “You can’t change anyone but yourself.” I’m sure that before he technically became your boyfriend you knew that he wasn’t romantic that would have been a good time to determine whether you wanted him to stick around or not. You can’t get into a relationship expecting the other person to change or, even worse, that you can change him. (cont’d on p. ?)

Here’s a little advice without any inquiry. Since this is the wedding issue, and didn’t have any wedding-ish relationship questions submitted, we thought we would share a little something for the bride and groom-to-be.

Don’t randomly ignore advice from older couples just because you feel that they’re old, outdated and because you can’t fathom how they could know anything about what you’re going through. Sure, times have changed, but believe me, relationships haven’t.

There is a wealth of information that a couple that’s been married 10, 15, 20, or even 50 years can give to you and it would behoove you to listen to what they have to say.

Being able to stay married takes work - compromise, selflessness, humility and patience being only a few of the traits needed to survive. Don’t attend the School of Hard Knocks if you don’t have to. In fact, it’s a good idea to seek out advice to help understand the things you are going through today and to help yourself grow and ready yourself for things to come.

Talk to your parents, neighbors, church members and friends.

You’ll be glad you did.

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www.laylagrace.com

Dear Chloe It seems like the guy with the penchant for romance had a problem with fidelity. Perhaps this guy, while lacking in the romance department, is at least faithful.

You can’t have it all (no matter what others may say).

Decide what is most important to you in a relationship and when you find that guy stick with him.

Perhaps you can live without the romance if this guy has everything else that you’re looking for in a life-time partner.

And a little something I learned in 9th grade biology - - “Migrate, mutate or die.”

Dear Chloe, My husband always complains that I don’t look sexy at night. I have a job where I have to dress up everyday, and by the time I get home I just want to be comfortable. Pull off the high heels, let down my hair and scrub the make-up off my face, but he doesn’t understand that. Plus, I’m really into skin care and lots of nights I go to bed with cream on my face, Vaseline on my feet along with some white sox and my comfy PJs. This ritual keeps me sexy when it counts - - when we’re out and he wants to show me off. How can I make him understand that I just can’t look sexy all the time.

Signed, Sexy When it Counts

Dear When it Counts, Usually what it took for you to get your man, is what it takes for you to keep him. He’s not going to understand that you can look so pretty to go to work for people you don’t know and not seem to care how you look for the man you love, especially if you were looking good all the time when you were dating. It just won’t compute. But it’s also understandable that you not only need to relax and let it all hang out, but indulge in maintenance and selfpreservation rituals so you looking good won’t fade as soon.

Sexy isn’t just about how you look, but also how you act.

I think the new term is “swagger.” It’s how you carry yourself. Relaxed jeans, and unkempt hair can be as sexy, too. Smelling good, speaking softly, smiling at him when he looks at you, making flirty gestures, lighting candles for the dinner table and taking the time to look at him and listen when he talks are all things that will make you feel sexy to him.

And compromise - - wear sexy nighties for him two or three times a week (or more), or silk pajamas instead of flannel (put an extra blanket on the bed if you’re cold). You can wait to do your beauty rituals until right before you get in the bed. You don’t you’re your face covered in creams and hair tied up in rollers from the time you get home until you go to bed.

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Left: Henriette, Vera Wang 2012 Collection; Sketch: Henriette Behind the Dress; Above & next page: White

by Vera Wang. Note: Henriette gown not available at David Bridal - Find Store; Shoe: Vera Wang Lavender

Vera Wang

You cannot talk about wedding fashion without talking Vera Wang. A native New Yorker, Vera Wang has everything covered for your designer fashion needs from ready-to-wear, to eyewear, perfumes, and home dÊcor, but what we love her for is how she covers brides. A former figure skater, Wang has transformed the beauty, fluidity and gracefulness of the sport into a wedding gown. And with the White by Vera Wang collection at David’s Bridal, she has made such beauty available to be worn by all.

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Legal Corner Last Will & Testament Contrary to popular belief having a Last Will and Testament might not be a good thing for your loved ones that are left behind.

Wills are good for people with a lot of money, or with family members that have a lot of money. Or, when the decedent wants to devise and bequeath many different gifts to many different people. But for the majority, the low and middle class, where there isn’t much real estate or personal property to distribute, a Will may not be feasible.

Probate courts can be very costly and are certainly time consuming. Once a person dies that has a Will on file with the court, their gifts cannot be passed out until it’s been probated. To “probate a Will” is a legal procedure that entails having the administrator or executor of a the Will to go to court, pay a filing fee, which can be $200 or more, notify all persons that may have an interest in the decedent’s property, real or personal, and conduct an accounting of all the decedent’s property. At some 114

your funeral expenses or even point a hearing (or more) will the fee required to probate the be scheduled. Probating a Will. A good alternative is to Will can take six months or have your account changed to more. a payable on death (POD) A more economical, account. Instead of the bank efficient and quick alternative putting a hold on your to a Will are distributions account, It will release it to based on contract. Gifts made the person you designated to by way of a contract do not go pay out to upon though probate your death. Funds and makes Gifts made by way from your account distribution of of a contract do not can then be your property go through probate accessed quicker and and makes immediately. easier for your distribution of your loved ones in a Life insurance time of grief. policies are an property quicker For example, excellent way to and easier for your instead of loved ones in a time ensure that you leaving your have money on of grief. house to a loved hand to pay for one in a Will draw up a funeral expenses.

Survivorship Deed. A Additionally, all states survivorship deed is very easy have laws that determine to do and will automatically distribution when the transfer real property to the decedent does not have a will. person designated on the deed Check your state’s intestate as the survivor. laws to see how your assets Bank accounts can be will be divided, if what you frozen until after the Will has want to leave will go to a been probated, possibly spouse or child, the law just putting loved ones in a may cover it. financial bind, not being able Don’t leave loved ones to access your money to pay heart-broken and stressed. any bills you leave behind,

By Collette Vandiver

Going Green Many picture windmills as nothing more than an attraction to put on your list of sightseeing tours when you’re visiting Holland thinking that don’t have much use otherwise. After the industrial revolution, this assumption would have been mostly correct. The use of windmills as a source of energy declined and many were preserved for their historic value only.

But, wind is a powerful source of energy that shouldn’t be underestimated.

Originally, windmills were developed for milling grain but over time they were adapted for many other industrial purposes from pumping water to generating electricity. In fact, windmills were used for centuries. Today, the wind turbine (windmills used to make electricity) is making a comeback. In countries around the world wind power is used on a commercial basis and now is quickly expanding in the United States.

The total amount of economically extractable power available from the wind is considerably more than present human power use from all sources. Currently, the U.S. wind industry generates thousands

of jobs and billions of dollars of economic activity. In the recent report, 20% Wind Energy by 2030, the U.S. Department of Energy found that wind power could soon supply 20% of all U.S. electricity, to include offshore wind power. Wind power, usually referred to as an “alternative energy” is actually becoming mainstream.

While it is more expensive than power from established power Charles Brush (1849 plants, it currently is the 1929) manufactured the cheapest form of new first wind turbine in the electricity generation United States in the late available today 1800s, and ran his (compared to a power home, in Cleveland, plant built today). In Ohio for about 20 years addition, costs have been solely on wind power without interruption. significantly reduced over the past twenty years.

Still, significant advances in cost, performance, and reliability are needed.

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Orgasmic-ology n. the study of orgasms As I often say, those lab rats (no not the rodent, the scientists) will research anything. And doesn’t it take all the fun and wonder out of it when you know they’ve ran tests, wrote articles for scientific magazines and make determinations on what you should do, what you should eat, and who’s compatible for you?

Everything just doesn’t need to be put under the microscope. But every now and then you do get some good information. And, I know that this magazine is all about letting its readers know about things that are good for them. So, I’ve got just the thing. Orgasms.

No, I didn’t say what’s good “to” you, I said what’s good “for” you. Unbelievable, I know.

Orgasms are now officially a science (okay, not really) and it has been determined that, in the science of it all, they are totally healthy for you (yes, really). In fact, a report by the British National Health Service has determined that, “An orgasm a day keeps the doctor away.”

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Now hold on, it ain’t the 1960s with its “free love” anthem, and maybe you don’t know how you can fit one a day into your busy schedule (heck, you already don’t have time to drink all the water and eat all the fruit and veggies needed to keep you healthy, how in the world will you fit this in?), but I’m going to give you the facts about this anyway, just in case you can find some time.

Stress Reliever Orgasms relieve stress, okay, that one is sort of a no brainer but let me tell you why.

During endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin are released. All three of these hormones have "moodenhancing effects." In fact, dopamine is the same hormone that's released when a person takes a drug like cocaine, or eats something yummy. Not only do those hormones give you a “high feeling,” they also

give your mind a break from thinking. Well yeah, duh, when you’re having an orgasm your mind is probably only focusing on one thing.

Longevity Yep, experts agree that according to the “evidence” two or more orgasms a week will help you live longer. And it’s has to be true, look at the centenarians that live in the blue zone - - 100 years old and still having sex. (See The Blue Zone p.

26).

A recent study shows that those that enjoy an orgasm (really? Who doesn’t?), and have them often, live longer than those that don’t have orgasms or those that don’t enjoy them (again, who doesn’t?)

Here’s one for the medical journals: “Studies are showing that as sexual activity goes up, the risk of breast cancer goes down,” so says Beverly Whipple,

PhD, coauthor of The Orgasm Answer Guide.

And there’s evidence that frequent orgasms might even lower the risk of heart attacks, and because it increases circulation, i.e., blood flow, other parts of the body are being oxygenated during orgasms keeping them healthy and disease free. Okay, I’ll say it again - - Unbelievable.

Analgesic & Sedative Of course you can’t bottle it and take one when you’ve got a headache or when you’re having trouble falling asleep, but an orgasm will cure you of that headache and apparently, it works much better than counting sheep.

That’s right, no more headache excuses to that ever insistent husband because now it has been scientifically proven that orgasms block pain. So, if you’ve got a headache, an orgasm is just what you need. (I think men already knew about this one, because as soon as you use the old headache excuse, their response is “C’mon, it’ll make you feel better). Yes, orgasms are a natural analgesic that will not only relieve that headache, but menstrual cramps, migraines and other aches and pains, too.

Additionally, per (yet another) recent study, the hormone rush experienced during an orgasm may also function as a natural sedative helping you to fall asleep faster and easier. In fact, in the survey of 1,800 women, 30 percent of them used sexual release to fall

fMRI image of a woman’s brain during an orgasm. Red shows increased oxygen flow.

asleep.

Cardiovascular Workout It’s not supposed to be an alternative to a daily exercise routine, but it can certainly be a good addition.

During an orgasm your heart rate increases, as well as your blood pressure and respiratory rate, plus your body releases endorphins.

It’s almost like running. You probably already know this, but, I’ll say it anyway – you’re actually getting a workout. (Okay, get your mind out of the gutter we’re talking science here.)

Brain Power

Here’s one you probably didn’t know, orgasms help keep your brain healthy.

Barry Komisaruk, PhD, coauthor of The Science of Orgasm, took MRIs of women during an orgasm.

He found that “women’s brains utilize much more oxygen during orgasm than usual . . . in other words, the brain is being nourished.” Get out of here!

Yes, and although the brain only makes up about 2% of total body mass, it uses about 20% of the body’s oxygen intake. And the more oxygen it gets, the better the brain can function, and the smarter you are (additional oxygen enhances your brain’s mental capacity). Orgasms keep your mind sharp.

A Healthy Glow Think there’s nothing to it when people “can tell in your face” that you’ve just had sex. Well think again.

Orgasms cause the hormone DHEA to be released, which can actually restore lost skin tone and moisture making your skin healthier.

Well there you have it.

Orgasms are good for you.

Couldn’t find the study on how good they make you feel, but rest assured when I do, I’ll be writing another article.

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Email us at: editor@leslieblakemag.com 118

Bike Touring Idyllic villages, beautiful sparkling seashores, rural farmlands, and mountain views . . .

The perfect backdrop for a romantic honeymoon? Yes, it is, but there is a lot more action here! No laying around on a beach. Here’s to trying something new. Bicycling tours are different than any other vacation (or honeymoon spot you’ve dreamed of). Travel to unique, and fun vacations in spectacular locations, at a tremendous value, and oh yeah, all while enjoying the health benefits that come with riding a bike.

Enjoy the vivid beauty and wonder of our world, and become a part of it. Travel over its terrain, every foot of it, close up and personal. It is the perfect vacation - sightseeing as you pedal your way through the classical ruins in Italy, the unadulterated roads in Tuscany, or through the majestic bike trails in the Dolomites. Enjoy the countryside and beaches of France, America’s east coast or its historical and quaint south, or ride through a vineyard and take a wine tasting

tour, whatever you chose you’ll find that exploring every foot of the exciting and intriguing terrain on bike will leave unforgettable memories. You can pick anywhere and there is probably a bike tour going on there. Check with bicycle tour companies (we’ve got two listed below) and there is sure to be a pace, and a place you want to be.

Bike tours are diverse and come in all shapes and sizes, whether you are a bicyclist enthusiast ready for the mountain terrain and all day, 6-day bike haul or you’re only needing (and able to do) a “roll & walk” 2day tour on flat terrain.

Whether you want to camp out, or stay at a quaint bed and breakfast, or just make it part of your vacation plans, 119

there is a tour for you. Bike routes are mapped out by knowledgeable tour guides that take the worry out of mistakenly getting into high traffic areas and know how to make sure you see the best sights, enjoy the best food, and the bike along the safest and most well-maintained routes. With some companies you can use your own bike or rent one. You may need to purchase some good cycling apparel and shoes, but it will be worth your while.

Tours are priced comparable to most vacation packages. And there’s plenty to pick from, these two are just to get you started, Carolina Tailwinds,and Backroad Tours, one domestic and one international.

Carolina Tailwinds provides vacation bike tours in the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New York. The company prides itself in placing importance on “providing

you with a well-balanced, relaxing and fun-filled active tour,” Backroad Tours offers a “oneof-a-kind” biking vacation in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America, Just click on the company name, or on one of the pictures in this article to get information to get you started bicycling your way through a great vacation. You’ll see the world in a whole new way and relive all the joys that you had in your childhood from riding a bike.

Then, on the next two pages we show bikes that we like. They’re not necessarily touring bikes, but after a great bike tour we were sure you’d want to buy a bike once you got back home, so we thought we’d give you a head start. Check out these great bikes from Copenhagen Cyclery in Chicago and Adeline, Adeline in New York. Just click on the bikes or the companies’ logos and get cycling!

Click here to read our Health & Wellness article Exercise: It’s as Easy as Riding a Bike

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Simply great!

Ladies Velorbis Scrap Deluxe

Abici Sveltina Donna

Girly but strudy

Batavus Old Dutch Step Through

Rosa Royale Ladies Vintage

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Bikes for one, two or three!

Our favorite!

Pashley Princess Sovereign

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Pashley Britannia

Workcycles fr8

The Traditional Wedding Dance Actually, these are “not so” traditional wedding dances that are funa and went viral on YouTube. We’ve got the one that touts to be the “original” YouTube non-traditional wedding dance from 2006. Then there’s the first one, so everyone thought, on YouTube with a new twist of dancing down the aise from 2009 and the 2011 father and daughter dance that was rated one of the top YouTube videos of the year. Watch them and smile (you won’t be able not to!)

The “Original” 2006

This couple says they came up with the idea way back in 2005. The dance was featured on Good Morning America. Songs the couple danced to were Johann Strauss’ Blue Danube and Afrika Bambaataa’s Looking for the Perfect Beat. This one got 11,964,755 hits.

Jill and Kevin’s Big Day 2009

Wedding Dance to Forever by Chris Brown got 72, 757,455 hits. Of course there were copies that got big time hits as well. Maybe not the first, but definitiely one of the most popular. Jill and Kevin appeared on the Today Show, twice, recreating the dance number the first time and a sit down interview the next. Because of Chris Brown’ s troubles, he couple directed viewers to go to their website to donate toward violence prevention.

Bride Ashley Richmond and Father-of-theBride David Sparks 2011

More hits than we can count, original got over 7 million, but copies brought in millions as well. Father and daughter made numerous appearances and ran the media gamet after this video went viral. Named one of the top YouTube videos of the year.

brought to you by

By Francy Walker 128

A Woman's Role Wanted and fought for by women, the voluntary migration to the workplace was also accompanied by concerned expressions of having enough flexibility to manage work and home. This new liberation soon spawned cries to the spouse to take a more active role in the job called “home.” But while everyone is at work, who is taking care of home?

Bringing home the bacon and cooking it up in the kitchen, too?

The role of women in our society has certainly changed. Women, as of late, have many more opportunities in the workplace than ever before.

But these new freedoms didn’t change the challenges in the home, they remain the same, leaving all to wonder, how do we balance the two?

Before women had such a prominent and well-deserved place in the workplace they often acknowledged that being a housewife was a full time job. And, even today with all our modern conveniences none of those responsibilities have changed or moved into the background.

More than ever they are in the up front and in our face.

In the not too recent past, it was more economical for a woman to be married. Today, with the necessity of two incomes to take care of one household, it is arguably again the economical alternative. One difference, however, in the former and latter situations is the legalization of birth control. Previously, most women stayed pregnant or nursed most of their adult lives, causing an increase in woman dying early, because it seemed, childbirth was more hazardous than war. No longer does marriage or motherhood dim ambition, it’s not one or the other, instead it has created new criteria for getting

married - - finding a spouse who is willing to share in the responsibilities of home, and in many instances deciding to put off having children, or to not have them at all. Woman are waiting longer to have their first child and having a say in how many they have. Yet, even with fewer children, taking care of the home front is still a daunting task.

With the right to vote and own property and the accessibility to higher education came the opportunity for higher skilled jobs previously held mostly by men. But with the granting of equal rights in the work place, leveling the playing field, giving women better jobs, equal pay, and job advancement opportunities not based on gender, there came no such referendum on how to balance the full-time job at home with that new, very demanding, full-time job outside the home. Just because women were now sharing in the stress, lack of time and financial pressure along with men didn’t mean home got any easier, they still had to balance their new careers with that “full-time” job at home that they complained of before they were “liberated.”

Men are stepping up per a Families and Work Institute’s report, and are expecting, as part of their marriage contract, not only to share in bringing in the income, but cooking the bacon as well (and all that it entails). Living the “traditional” gender role life has almost fallen by the wayside. Only forty-two percent of men and 30% of woman, almost an equal percentage (for the first time in history), still believe in traditional gender roles. Those numbers are less than half of those surveyed and way down from 1977 where 74% of men and 52% of women believe in the traditional roles.

(Notice that men made the biggest shift in attitude). Minds are a changing but is that a good thing?

A new national survey has found that most men and women agree that the move toward gender equity is good for both genders, but both also believe that the strains brought on by trying to balance between the job outside the home and the job at home have made building successful marriages, raising children and leading satisfying lives more difficult. And woman still don’t see that they are getting as much help as they need.

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Men, at a time when it is more acceptable to admit that they help with the household chores, think they do more than woman think they do. Showing that there is a lot more going on with household chores than men than men perceive. In 2008, 56 percent of men said they do at least half the cooking, up from 34 percent in 1992 while the women come in with low numbers - - only 25 percent say men do at least half, up from 15 percent in 1992. And house cleaning is no different when it comes to the perceived inequality. Men who think that they do at least half are at 40 percent up from 1992, where only 20 percent of women think their husbands do half, not much different than in 1992 when 18 percent of wives said that their hus-

bands did half of the house cleaning.

And now, with men helping out (or at least thinking they do) they too are beginning to feel the pangs in trying to balance the two.

But this isn’t a “told you so” moment because men are finally finding out how much work it takes to take care of home. It’s a “what to do about it” moment. We can’t at this point rethink woman being in the workplace because the economy, for the most part, mandates that women work.

And certainly we don’t want to turn back the hands of time and lose the liberties we fought long and hard to achieve. Everyone agrees with that.

But even with those that agree that gender equality is a good thing, the numbers show that they wished they could stay at home. And what is to be done about the full-time job at home? Can we ever find a balance?

And what is the future of the home front as this balancing act gets more difficult?

In a national survey, both sexes agree that having a successful marriage and family is of high importance, and both men and women agree that they feel bad about the home front situation. But what are we willing to do about it? Anything?

Doesn’t look like it. Financially, right now we probably can’t, and for some women giving up on a career is just not an option either whether the economy mandates it or not. So, for now, we’ll have to leave the care of our home to nannies and housekeepers.

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A Blue Vacation

In the article, The Blue Zone, the writer points out that the peopleof these areas live a low-stressed, and calm existencs. Certainly, the place they live has something to do with this peaceful existence. The beauty of these lands would make anyone want to live to be a 100. So, we decided to showcase them as vacation spots in our first Travel Section and Wedding issue - - a perfect honeymoon destination. Be careful, though, just looking at the pictures will make you feel relaxed!.

Ikaria, Greece Ikaria, a small mountainous island that lies on the northeastern Aegean Sea, was named for the ancient mythical “first” man of flight, Ikaros, who fell from the air when he flew too close to the sun melting his wings.

“Nikaria” as called by those that know it, has rich and abundant vegetation, including excellent olive oil, marvelous grapes, wine, raisins, nuts, almonds and delicious apricots. Once there you are greeted by its long living inhabitants, who will welcome you with warm Ikarian hospitality and the simple kindness. The island hosts beautiful beaches (Ikarian Sea ranks amongst the cleanest in the world), that range from remote and sandy to resort-front and exclusive.

The island shines in its natural beauty and ancient treasures, including the Roman Baths of ancient Therma, renowned for its therapeutic hot mineral springs, which are open and free to the public. Free too, are the museums covering the Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. This unique land with rich traditions and cultural heritage, is a place that you won’t want to leave and will return to for years to come.

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Sardinia, Italy Here, we understand what it means when we say “a picture is worth a thousand words.” And this must have been true for thousands of years. For over a millennia, invaders couldn’t resist the second largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily) making for a spectacular hodgepodge of influence in the food, wine, culture, architecture and ruins on this majestic island.

Invaders pushed Sardinia’s inhabitants to the beautiful and remote mountain regions, leaving the coastal regions devoid of coastal villages and town, and leaving for its visitors beautiful, unspoiled sandy beaches, gorgeous blue waters, and rich history. Enjoy Cagliari, the capital city with its marvelous confusion of little lanes, swimming, boating, windsurfing in the beauty of the Mediterranean, and hiking and climbing up the breathtaking mountain sides. There are Roman remains, including an amphitheater, a cathedral and museum. Sardinia was also home to the mysterious Nuragic civilization that left thousands of cylindrical towers dotting its landscapes.

But don’t get lost in just its beauty, indulge, too in its fascinating culture as not to miss all Sardinia has to offer.

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Nicoya, Costa Rica The first Spanish colonial city in Costa Rica, located on the peninsula, is not well known as a tourist spot. Yet, it is a cornucopia of beauty and history of the Americas from discovering the secrets of longevity of its inhabitants to the exploration of its many colonial religious relics and artifacts. Nicoya is set in the midst of a lush green valley and surrounded by low mountains and nearby to Costa Rica's popular beach locations. Warm, near perfect weather year round, Nicoya is the perfect getaway.

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Enjoy a slice of paradise as you explore the caves, national parks with its wellpreserved limestone caves, and the picturesque, authentic nature and wildlife seen as you walk through the areas various trails. Travel to Nicoya is not meant for those that need modern amenities, but the landscape will even take those faint of heart breath away.

Valley view of Nicoya, Costa Rica

Loma Linda, California Spanish for “Beautiful Hills,” Loma Linda, just south of San Bernardino and east of Los Angeles, may not be the most exotic or tropical of our vacations spots pick, but it California, which itself is a popular vacation destination.

Designated a blue zone based on the longevity of the members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the majority of the population, most of the city’s restaurants carry a vegetarian menu. The city has a beautiful mountain view, Cahuilla Indian village sites to tour, parks boasting sprawling trails. and is only a short drive to the beach.

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Okinawa, Japan

Located halfway between Tokyo and Taiwan, Okinawa consists of 160 islands, scattered across a vast area of ocean of which only about of which about 30 percent is inhabited. It’s history is rich and varied with a mix of Ryukyuan, Chinese and Japanese traditions and topped off with American pop culture from the U.S.'s military presence on the island dating back to the battle fought there at the end of WWII. So, English speakers won’t be hard to find. The weather is warmer than the main Japanese islands and although a subtropical region, it has a distinct tropical feeling with The Mangrove Tree of Okinawa 136

beautiful flowers blooming in every season from Taiwan Cherries, red Deigo flowers, colorful bougainvilleas, pure white Easter lilies, and beautiful yellow tabebuias. Enjoy the crystal blue sea and expansive white sandy beaches. Or explore the island’s famed snorkeling over soft coral reefs, or take a whale watching excursion or sit back and enjoy the expansive beachfronts. There is an abundance of marine wildlife many rare species of plants and animals. Ancient culture abounds with old world market places where merchants are known for courtesy and penchant for smiling. There is a strong crafts tradition in ceramics, textiles, and glass but modern Okinawa is vibrant and prevalent with a lively contemporary music scene, and Okinawa’s most famous and busiest shopping street that is lined with restaurants and shops and is almost always busy. Most of the stores stay open very late and the street has an exciting energy.

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Don’t do a dress change after the wedding. What you choose to wear to the wedding should also be appropriate for the reception.

What to Wear Got a wedding invitation and don’t know what to wear?

You don’t want to outshine the bride (probably not possible), but you certainly want to make your own statement!

It matters what you wear, some things are just made 138

Remember to accessorize!

Dress for style and comfort, don’t forget after the wedding there’s the reception!

r to a Wedding to celebrate a wedding in - sassy, yet classy and certainly something bright and colorful.

Here’s our suggestions on what to where to a warm weather wedding or when there might be a chill.. And, oh yeah, something that you shouldn’t wear!

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For fall and winter weddings a sleeveless dress won’t do. Suits are stylish and perfect for a wedding when it’s cold outside.

Colors for colder months are darker and even black is appropriate, but not all black remember this is a joyous occassion, so spice it up with a splash of color!

Sophisticated & Elegant Certainly a style that is fit for a wedding!

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It’s okay to look beautiful!

Oh, but don’t forget your hat and gloves!

But something that you never wear to a wedding is white or ivory. Those are colors for the bride and no one else attending should be adorned in those colors other than people in her wedding party There are so many other colors to pick from. No matter how cute the dress is, or how nice you think you look in it, don’t compete with the bride or get others confused as your to your role in the festivities. This is the bride’s day.

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Photo courtesy of GreatLookz.

Something Special Shelby Boater $72

Black and Floral Panama Straw Hat $36

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Don’t Forget Your Hat & Gloves

Plum Plaza Suite Stella Hat $98

A wedding is a great place to wear your hats and gloves. At one time women didn’t leave out without first putting them on, but now, unless it’s cold out, they’re left home in the closet. Whether it’s sunny or cold, a hat and gloves are a beautiful addition to your wedding attire.

Here’s a few to get you inspired!

Striped Bow Boater $225

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Something Special Truvy Cloche Hat $48

Plaza Suite Penelope Boater $138

Chocolate Plaza Suite Giselle $128

Black Leather Italian Gloves $80

White Stretch Satin with Beads $25

Kate Cocktail Pillbox $160

Metallic Wrist Gloves $18

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Red Little Miss Gloves $10

White Cotton Crochet Shortie Gloves $20

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Kiss Me! The Story of the Kiss A kiss is the act of puckering one’s lips and pressing them against the lips or other body parts of another person or object.

O

h, but we all know it is so much more!

As our start lips start to meet, our eyes close, our tongues reach out, the back

of our necks tingle and all those dizzying, intense sensations hit – it’s like fireworks.

Okay, so all kisses are not like that, of course it depends on who and why you’re kissing, but that did sound good, didn’t it? And that’s the kind of kiss we remember.

And there are so many kinds of those good kisses, there are storybook kisses and hot, sexy kisses, wet kisses, romantic kisses and aww 146

kinds of kisses. There are sweet kisses and saucy kisses, and that “I’ll never forget” kind of kiss. The kiss has such great significance and presence in our lives, and so important that the lack of getting one will make you dazed and confused and the quality of it can make you fall head over heels in love (or not). Yes for love and passion, but also a show of affection, a sign of respect or just a greeting – cheek to cheek. We know the kiss well. Yet it has a history that no one can quite pinpoint. We do it to make up after fights, as a prelude to love making and at our wedding it signifies the looking forward to the beginning

of many in our lives together. Regardless of exactly how people got the idea to kiss or what they mean when they do it, scientist are pretty sure that we started kissing thousands of years ago.

So, it seems that most humans engage in it but no one truly knows why we kiss, but the Researchers have determined ones that we that just about everyone on the remember are we planet kisses, however, it seems associate with passion. that some anthropologists and And, while we’re doing ethnologists have found a few it, we’re probably not cultures in Asia, Africa and wondering why, we’re South America don’t kiss at all. thinking we just don’t It’s actually viewed as disgusting want it to stop. or distasteful.

Most People look forward to their first kiss and remember it the rest of their lives

According to research conducted by a German psychologist, most people (66%) turn their head to the right when kissing so that the noses don't bump.

But don’t be in a hurry! As in all matters pertaining to love, don’t hurry the process of kissing. A kiss is too rapturous a thing to be enjoyed for the moment and the moment only.

Why do you like to kiss me, I don't think I will ever know, but I will not complain now I'd rather kiss and wonder how from nights last dusk to early dawn we'll kiss until you’re gone

The Egyptians were quite advanced in many areas, but it appears that the kiss was unknown to ancient Egyptians

The Art of Kissing Kissing Lessons!

With headquarters located in Westchester County in New York, Michael Christian (his nom de gare is William Cane), gives the 411 on the art of kissing! He’s got a book, a hilarious DVD, and in-person, one-on-one lessons. You and your partner can be taught to perfect thirty romantic kissing techniques, including, but not limited to, the Hollywood kiss, the French kiss, the counterkiss, and the music kiss. Who knew there was so much kissing to learn?

Check it out! http://www.kissing.com/Michael Christian 20 River Court, Suite 2005 Jersey City, NJ 07310-2210 (201) 656-7956 E-mail: mike@kissing.com Info on kissing lessons? Click here

A lover's kiss is better than angels raining down on me.

Dave Matthews 147

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Songs with Kiss in the Title 1. Kiss Me on the Bus by The Replacements 2. Kiss by Prince 3. Looking for a Kiss by the New York Dolls 4. Kiss Kiss by Chris Brown Ft T-Pain 5. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” by Specimen 6. The Kiss by the Cure 7. Sealed with a Kiss by Brian Hyland 8. Kiss Kiss Kiss by Yoko Ono 9. Give Him a Great Big Kiss” by the Shangri-Las 10. Kiss Me Thru The Phone

by Soulja Boy 11. Prelude to a Kiss by Duke Ellington 12. It’s in His Kiss by Betty Everett 13. Knock Me a Kiss by Louis Jordan 14. Kisses Sweeter Than Wine

by Marie Dietrich.

Why do we close our eyes when we dream? When we cry? When we imagine? When we kiss? Because the most beautiful things in this world are unseen. ~ Unknown

Movies with Kiss in the Title 1. Kiss Me, Stupid (1964) 2. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) 3. Kiss the Girls (1997) 4. Kiss Me Kate (1953) 5. French Kiss (1995) 6. Kissing Jessica Stein (2001) 7. The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996) 8. The Last Kiss (2006) 9. Never Been Kissed (1999) 10. The Naked Kiss (1964) 11. Vampire’s Kiss (1988) 12. Kiss Me Goodbye (1982) 13. Kiss the Bride (2008) 14. A Kiss Before Dying (1956)

And then there’s the group named Kiss!

Made in India - Historians know little about the origins of kissing, but Sanskrit texts, written in India around 1500 B.C., appear to be the first description of people kissing.

Kissing Trivia The Romans, “All Hail to Caesar,” started several kissing traditions that have lasted even to the present day. In ancient Rome, couples became betrothed by kissing passionately in front of a group of people. Probably the reason we kiss at the end of a wedding ceremony. And, love letters "sealed with a kiss," probably found its origins in the Roman habit of using kisses to seal legal & business documents.

Ancient Romans also used kissing as part of political campaigns, but scandal stemming from several "kisses for votes" started Roman candidates to kiss only the very young and very old.

Sealed with a Kiss That’s Gene Simmons kissing his bride, Shannon Tweed after 28 years together!

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There’s Magic in a Kiss Romantic kissing tends to affect most people profoundly.

Everyone knows that the sensations from being kissed are just confined to the mouth. The nerves in your face and tongue carry impulses to your brain while you’re kissing and tells it that something is going on. Your brain, in response lets out a shout, okay, it secrets hormones that lets your body know that kissing is GOOD! Oxytocin - known as the “love hormone” it’s released during hugging, touching and orgasms.

It promotes bonding and trust.

Dopamine - stimulates the pleasure/reward part of the brain and is at the core of our sexual drive.

Serotonin - first stage of love that influences mood and arousal Adrenaline – secretes in response to stress as when yopu first meet someone, makes you sweat and your heart race.

Daniel Heinsius

A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.

Ingrid Bergman

The Chemistry, Oops, “Magic,” of it All

A man snatches the first kiss, pleads for the second, demands the third, takes the fourth, accepts the fifth - and endures all the rest.

Helen Rowland

Rupert Brooke

"You may conquer with the sword, but you are conquered by a kiss."

When you kiss, these hormones, neurotransmitters along with endorphins creating a euphoric feeling Your heart rate increases and your blood vessels dilate, so your whole body receives more oxygen. All added to the fact that you can, which heightens your emotional bond with the person you’re kissing. In other word, the MAGIC begins to work!

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A kiss makes the heart young again and wipes out the years.

Do we have to hear the kissing part?

In the movie Princess Bride, “the kissing part” was looked upon with disdain, until true love prevailed.

The Unforgettable Kiss

The end 151

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Five Easy Steps to a Healthier You 1. Have You Had Your Kiss Today?

Recent studies have shown that dark chocolate retains much of the flavonoids found in the cacao bean, which are rich in antioxidants, after it’s been processed unlike milk chocolate. A 30-calorie piece a day packs a good dose of antioxidants, just what you need to boost your immune system and chase down those free radicals that are making you show signs of aging. Coincidentally, 30-calories is just the amount contained in a Hershey’s Kiss.

Protein before bed is good for you. Remember muscle isn’t built in the gym, it’s built while at rest making the 6-8 hours while you sleep the most productive muscle-building period of your day.

Casein protein found in milk breaks down slowly helping to build muscle during the night. Plus, the amino acid tryptophan in milk has sleep-inducing qualities helping you to get to sleep and stay sleep. Worried about the calories?

Try skim milk.

2. Got Milk?

. Don’t do mornings? Well, you should. Remember Ben Franklin’s old saying “Early to Bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise,” because it’s true. Not feeling rushed, having time for breakfast (the most important meal of the day), are all good reasons. And, sleeping too late will give you headaches because of serotonin increases.

But the best reason - maximize mental acuity – studies show that early risers perform better, are optimistic and stable.

3. The Early Bird Catches the Worm

Ever went back and read things that you’ve written months or years earlier? Makes you smile to see how things change, but it can also remind you of things you liked to do, people that you have enjoyed, and good times. Write daily in your diary of things that motivate you, of your passions and your aspirations. Learn to enjoy your good times again and again and then look forward to them again tomorrow.

4. Dear Diary.

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5. Make New Pathways.

Neurons follow certain pathways to the part of the brain it innervates. But as we age, those pathways can be blocked and even disappear, making us forgetful and more susceptible to developing Alzheimer disease and the like.

Fortunately, your brain can forge new pathways, finding a new way to get the information you need and giving you more brain power.

Exercise your brain, learn new things and challenge it with reading, puzzles and activities.

To Do 1.

Eat a piece of dark chocolate everyday.

2.

Drink a glass of milk before bed.

3.

Rise early.

4.

Keep a diary of things that motivate me - make it part of my daily routine.

5.

Exercise my brain.

Make these steps part of your daily routine!

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Did you read our first issue of

Leslie Blake?

Don’t miss the great articles & our awesome photo layouts Coffee!

Pour Me Another Cup, Please!

The New Antioxidant - Coffee has found to have antioxidants and may not be the disease filled drink it was once thought to be. p. 50

Isn’t it All Tap Water Anyway?

Bottled water is all the rage, but is it really different from tap water. Learn how many of the manufacturers of bottled water use the same water sources as is used in tap water. p. 70

Is His Smart Phone Made You Dumb?

Going through your boyfriend’s cell phone to find out just what he’s been doing and who he’s been doing it with?

Maybe not such a good idea. Check out why. p. 33

Tighten Up Don’t let loose or weak vaginal muscles keep you from having great sex. Simple and easy ways to tighten up! p. 83

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