Record-Review Today's Woman

Today’s Woman A SpeCIAL SeCtIoN oF tHe ReCoRD-ReVIew

MARCH 28, 2014

TRENDING

Accessories take center stage

SHEER DRAMA

By TRACI DUTTON LUDWIG

Accessories embrace the playful mood of spring by inviting fun into fashion! Jewelry, hats, scarves, bags, sunglasses and shoes not only enhance a look, sometimes they make the look. Combined with spring’s alluring styles, these accessories are the perfect link to perfection.

Collarless coats A stylish coat is a strong layering piece for fickle weather. The best examples this spring are lightweight, structured and collarless. Long and streamlined, these coats capture the flow of a mantle, with the practicality of covered arms. The lack of a collar creates a seamless juxtaposition with whatever is underneath, enabling the coat to work as a true layer, as opposed to strict outerwear.

Extended lengths cover spring’s tea-length skirts, while knee-length versions work well with pencil skirts and trousers. Neutral tones and solid colors coordinate well with most outfits, while prints and embellished fabrics — including denim — make a dramatic statement.

Spring fashion excites with a carnival of styles

A

By TRACI DUTTON LUDWIG

fter a long winter, we are more than ready for spring. As we tuck away winter favorites — for a while, anyway — a new character of fashion is ready to emerge. And with it, there comes a bright new mood! Here is everything you need to know to take the season’s role and dress your part.

Cute as a belly button It’s time to hit the gym and tone up those abs. Spring fashions are showing more than just a wink of bare midriff. Crop tops are being featured in many collections from this year’s runways. The abbreviated style is surprisingly versatile, spanning the spectrum from casual sportswear to chic separates to luxurious crop tops paired with formal skirts. Boxy silhouettes and textural fabrics, such as linen, add formal structure and keep sloppiness at bay. This style is both confidently carefree and subtly sexy. Belly button rings are optional.

Sheer drama Fabric is dematerializing. In the past, textiles were evaluated for their substance; they were praised for what they were… now, they are being celebrated for what they are not. Gauzy, diaphanous, barely there sheers are not heavy, not opaque and not overly modest. This season’s fashions are distinguished by panels of sheer fabric that suggest a tension of opposites.

On one hand, a broad sheer panel sewn to the hemline extends the skirt to below the knee; however, this coverage is simultaneously challenged by the fabric’s transparency. Look for sheer sleeves, backs, midriffs and hems, with panels applied in geometric configurations. Other designers are pairing totally bare tunics, coats and dresses with unusual contrasts beneath — such as board shorts and tunics. And guess what? It works.

Graphic punch Horizontals, verticals, circles and chevrons — on endless repeat. This is the new rhythm of the season. Strong geometric prints and grids are lending graphic punch to dresses, tops, jackets and pants. Realized as dramatic allover patterns, the optic energy of these prints is bright and dynamic.

Pairings of black and white emphasize crisp contrast, while colorful combinations reverberate with musical energy. For greatest impact, look for silhouettes that match these assertive patterns. Go for bold expressive forms such as structured sheaths, A-line skirts, boxy tops, linear jumpsuits and contoured jackets. This look is about crisp definition, as a welcome contrast to the soft fluidity, pastel palette and floral abundance of spring’s more typical fashions.

Italian ice Pale popsicle shades are a sweet alternative to spring’s obsession with the contrast of black and white. Mint green, soft lavender, blush pink, icy lemon and baby blue are flirting with dresses, pantsuits, sweaters and coats.

Since these powdery tones are very specific, they might be hard to match.

INSIDE

This season’s jewelry demands attention. Mixed metals add contrast to define a new chic. At Catherine H. in Katonah.

Shosh NYC for dresses and bags are an inspired choice for the season. At Churchills of Mount Kisco.

For maximum wearability, go for head to toe looks. For variety, add a silk scarf or soft sweater — white, another pastel tone or a deeper shade of the same color should be a beautiful complement. Sensual knits and light-as-air textiles play up the gentle femininity evoked by these sugary pastels.

Corporate office If you want to be stylish and sophisticated, put on a pantsuit. A staple of formal menswear, the pantsuit is also a powerful element of women’s

fashion. It plays with notions of feminine identity in ways that are complex and powerful. A pantsuit instantly suggests confidence — and this is always sexy. Push the envelope with contoured silhouettes and ladylike accouterments such as high heels, über-feminine blouses, printed silk scarves and sparkly jewelry. A black or gray suit is a classic. For the most feminine cut, choose a single-breasted variety with long lapels and one to three closure buttons. Alternatively, you can shake up convention with a suit of modern Continued on page 2A

Family jewels This season’s jewelry demands attention.

Get noticed in chunky crystals, coiled bands of flexible metal and modern bib necklaces — ranging in attitude from updated classic to rock-star irreverent. Regardless of the individual mood, the assertive scale and presence of this jewelry define a new chic. Mixed materials and face-framing sparkle remain fresh and current.

Some of the most creative interpretations on spring runways included voluminous coiled necklaces by Altuzarra, Anna Sui’s body chains and a metallic bib necklace by Dries Van Noten that looked like falling stars scattered across the model’s décolleté. Oversized pins and brooches, many with animal or botanical themes, are also making a comeback.

Continued on page 7A

DR. SUSAN RUBIN

BeAUtY: For women, from women: 5 questions with skin care pros ........... 3A

pRoFILe: Sally Baker: Girls’ Inc. founder inspires tomorrow’s women ...................... 4A

pRoFILe: The Acceleration Project: Duo empowers women to reach their potential ...................... 5A HeALtH: A, B, C, D… V is for vitamins ....................... 6A

From healthy teeth to healthy cafeterias to ... worms?

D

By EVE MARX

r. Susan Rubin started out her professional life as a dentist, and while she was a dentist, it was all good. For 15 years she had a nice, comfortable job at Fields & Kulwin dentistry in Armonk, which fit in well with her life as a suburban wife and mom.

Then one day she realized that her three daughters were eating a lot of junk food at school and that launched a whole new career.

“And that’s the story of how I became involved in Better School Food,” Rubin said over hot lemon and ginger tea at Table Local Market in Bedford Hills. She quit her dentist job to engage full time in the emerging Slow Food movement, still a fledgling notion in 1989. “The Slow Food movement was a response to fast food and fast life and the disappearance of local food traditions,” Rubin said.

Her personal goal was to affect policy about what was being served in school cafeterias, as well as to enlighten the public about what they were putting into their bodies and how food choices affect the planet. Along with a co-conspirator, Amy Kalafa, Rubin made a film called “Two Angry Moms,” a documentary about the Better School Food movement. In the film Rubin was portrayed as an angry mom.

By then her credentials had considerably grown. She became the director of A Better Way Holistic Health, a private coun-

seling service. She also began teaching cooking classes and conducting workshops and developing programs on food, public health advocacy and holistic healing. For several years she was in charge of the kitchen garden at Sun Raven in Bedford, a holistic center founded by Dr. Michael Finkelstein. In addition to her private practice, Rubin was instrumental in introducing the basics of composting to first-graders at West Patent Elementary School in Bedford Hills, and has maintained worm bins in classrooms at the Mount Kisco Child Care Center for several years.

“When I realized I couldn’t break into the cafeteria, I went for the school gardens,” Rubin said, laughing. “It was through composting I had the epiphany that healthy soil is healthy food.” Worms, she said, are an integral factor of maintaining healthy soil. So she went for the worms. She said she had to.

After completing a certificate program, the Westchester County Master Composter & Recycling Program — “It took about six weeks,” she said — Rubin studied wormeries in Cuba, where they’re big into composting. Cuba, which leads the world in organic farming methods, has over 175 worm composting centers.

“When the Soviet Union fell, it became impossible for them to import commercial fertilizer,” Rubin said. “Vermicompost has been the largest single replacement for commercial fertilizer by Cuba. In 2004, an estimated 1 million tons of this special compost were produced on the island

Dr. Susan Rubin and her latest impact project: red wrigglers.

— that’s a lot of worm poop!”

While traveling in Italy, Rubin met a man who has restaurants in Hawaii. “It costs a fortune to get rid of garbage in Hawaii, so they’re big into compost,” she said. That man told her about his own worm operation, which inspired Ru-

JIM MACLEAN PHOTO

bin to begin farming worms for herself.

The worms she farms are red wrigglers. “They’re different from other worms,” Rubin said. “They’re not like the earthContinued on page 4A

Today’s Woman

Page 2a/The record-review

Friday, March 28, 2014

SpRING FASHIoN Continued from page 1A manifestation — try bold colors, pale blush tones, allover graphics... or swap long trousers for tailored shorts. white on white After all the snow this winter, it’s no wonder designers want to reclaim white for spring. The response to this desire has arrived in a profusion of wide-legged white pants and reinterpreted white button-down shirts. Monochrome pairings emphasize elegant simplicity in their reductive purity. Interest comes from a mix of sensual textures and the addition of significant details. For example, pair a white wisp of a sweater with white linen pants for simple elegance. Float a diaphanous long silk scarf around your neck for a whisper of sophistication. White blouses get an update with attached neck bows, oversized cuffs, embellished collars and asymmetrical button or snap closures.

In the past, textiles were evaluated for their substance; now, they’re being celebrated for what they’re not. Gauzy, diaphanous, barely there sheers, in spring’s hot black-and-white pairing. At Churchills of Mount Kisco.

Fringe benefits Take your fashion shaken, stirred and shimmied this season! With an abundance of dangling fringe, the mood of season is flirtatious. It’s all about movement and fun. Short skirts become playful with rows and patchworks of fringe. Likewise for jackets that play with fringe cuffs, borders and details. Evening gowns are also showing a preference for the trend, sometimes combined with feathers or snipped leather for textural interest. Since fringe is a delicate affair, flirt with caution and prepare to make friends with your dry cleaner to keep your pieces looking their best.

Shimmer and shine Fabrics with metallic finishes and iridescent sheen add sparkle to fresh spring styles.

Look for holographic dresses and skirts, handbags, belts and shoes. Cool silver tones and rainbow hued reflections evoke dynamic contemporaneity, with a futuristic flash.

Iridescent accessories and separates pair well with optic white and pastel colored leather.

This is a bold look that works best when coordinated head to toe — with sleek shoes, cool tone sunglasses and lots of silver jewelry.

Flower child Fashionistas know it as well as the horticulturalists. Florals bloom with abundance in spring gardens — and on spring runways.

Stylized floral prints, as opposed to flowery chintzes, are this year’s interpretation of the perennial favorite. Bold and assertive, today’s florals show an affinity to the season’s interest in graphic patterns. Inspired by the 1960s

and 1970s, these looks range from preppy and ladylike to bohemian earth goddess.

A-line dresses, with long sleeves and bare knees, capture a Kennedy-era vibe. Bouquetsplashed maxi skirts, modernized by sheer layers and iridescent patterns — flow with hippie energy.

Above: Think of fashion as an expression of art: Art is more than something to hang on a wall. At Pamela Robbins in Scarsdale.

Right: Colorful combinations reverberate with musical energy. By Habitat at Enchantments in Katonah.

Center: Bold color and easy style are found in the Samba Dress by Horny Toad. At Kelloggs and Lawrence in Katonah.

Right: Spring fashions are showing more than just a wink of bare midriff.

Find selections

by Michael Lauren, Nightcap and Sugarlips at Lester’s in Rye.

Continued on page 7A

Memberships Starting at $139 per month We offer over 30 weekly classes for adults, seniors and kids such as: Strong Flow • Alignment and Flow • Iyengar Yoga • Meditation Family Yoga • Kids’ Yoga • Yoga for Chronic Conditions Wellness Services Include: Restorative and Therapeutic Yoga The Bodyology System* Healing Touch and Reiki Energy Therapy Sound Healing Therapy *The Bodyology System is a revolutionary 12-week group program that is not just about what you eat and how you exercise, it’s about understanding the why and gaining the self-mastery tools to create the change you desire.

173 Katonah Ave

(behind Blue Dolphin Diner)

Katonah, N.Y. 10536

914-401-9449 Sign up Online at www.intentionalwellnessandyogacenter.com

Today’s Woman

Friday, March 28, 2014

The Record-Review/Page 3A

As hip as today’s woman

Dr. Athena G. Kaporis Westchester Health Dermatology and Mohs Surgery Northern Westchester Hospital, Mount Kisco

Dr. Lydia Evans Dermatologist, Chappaqua

Allison Adamiak

Dr. Carol Tetenbaum

Balance Day Spa White Plains

The Aesthetic Medic Scarsdale

FINE JEWELRY

Devra Bader Devra Bader Skin Care and Beauty Spa Scarsdale

For women, from women: 5 questions with skin care pros

I

t’s never too late to take care of your skin, say local dermatologists and skin care experts.

And these women know best not only from a medical or practical standpoint, but from their own personal experience, making them best qualified to give tips to other women.

We asked our pros five questions designed to help you look and feel your best.

1) How important is it for women to start caring for skin at a young age?

2) How does that benefit women when they are older?

3) What can a woman who has not been doing these things start to do now?

4) What are some skin care tips for all ages (or certain ages in particular)?

5) What are your favorite skin care products?

Dr. Athena G. Kaporis Westchester Health Dermatology and Mohs Surgery/Northern Westchester Hospital, Mount Kisco 1) It is very important to care for your skin at a young age for several reasons. One is to prevent acne breakouts that can lead to scarring.

The other is to prevent sun damage that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.

2) Caring for your skin early helps to have healthier skin when you get older. This includes avoiding premature wrinkling and age spots and acne scarring.

3/4) Women should start by using sunscreen in the morning, a repairlike product containing Retinol at night (if they can tolerate Retinol) and a good moisturizer. Using a wash or moisturizer with Glycolic or Salicylic Acid gives gentle exfoliation and maintains healthy skin cell turnover.

4/5) Regardless of age, gentle washes for sensitive skin (Cetaphil/Cerave) followed by moisturizer as necessary. I recommend SPF in the morning — any facial moisturizer with SPF. For acne prone skin, Salicylic Acid wash or Benzoyl Peroxide. See your dermatologist for appropriate additional medication. For women past the age of 30, prevent in the morning and repair in the evening! Sunscreen in the morning.

Many sunscreens today also contain antioxidants which help prevent inflammation and free radical oxidative damage to the skin. Anthelios brand contains a Cell Ox shield. Gentle wash, moisturize (Cetaphil or Cerave) and Retinol (Neutrogena) in the evening.

Dr. Lydia Evans Dermatologist, Chappaqua 1) The most important step that young women can take in caring for their skin is sun protection. This means consistent use of sunscreens, avoiding excessive sun exposure and avoiding tanning salons. Using an antioxidant serum starting in your 20s also makes sense, since it can help protect against damaging free radicals that are caused by sun, pollution and radiation.

2) Prevention of sun damage when you are young will lead to a far more youthful appearance as the years pass. In addition to an increased risk of skin cancer, sun exposure will lead to the earlier development of lines and wrinkles, irreg-

ular pigmentation and brown spots, and redness from excess capillaries on the surface of the skin.

3) You can always improve the appearance of your skin at any age, but if you have extensive damage it may require more aggressive measures. For fine lines and wrinkles, creams and lotions which contain retinoids, glycolic acids and peptides can be helpful. A more serious approach would include the use of microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser resurfacing.

4) Keeping your skin hydrated will help to improve dullness and give an overall fresher appearance. However, choosing the best moisturizer should take into account both your skin type (dry/sensitive, normal, oily) and the climate. Creams generally provide more hydration than lotions, and are usually best for those with dry/sensitive skin. If you have oily skin, however, lotions are usually preferable because creams may block your pores and cause blemishes. Those with normal skin may need to shift with the seasons and use a cream in the colder months and a lotion when it gets warmer.

Generally anti-aging products will contain retinoids, glycolic acids, Vitamin C, and/or peptides, all of which have been demonstrated to stimulate collagen production. Used over months, these products can help to soften fine lines (to create any real change in the structure of the skin, they do have to be used for months).

The first three also have some lightening properties, and long-term use may improve discolorations and brown spots.

5) A great deal has been learned about the physiology of the skin in the past 20 years, and this has led to the development of more effective skin care products. There are still no miracles that will change everything in two weeks.

Persistence and patience are key. Retinoids remain the most effective ingredient in anti-aging treatments, and are available in a number of over-the-counter products. In my office I carry a number of product lines. My favorites are Neostrata and Glytone. Both offer a wide range of high quality treatment products at a reasonable price, which allows me to tailor the optimal regimen for each individual. Another interesting product is Nectifirm, specifically designed to stimulate elastin fibers in the neck, helping to improve both sagging and lining. Lastly, many women struggle with breakouts from sunscreen use. I have found elta MD UV clear (SPF 46) to be an excellent sunscreen in acne prone skin.

Allison Adamiak Balance Day Spa, White Plains 1) Much of skin care is preventative. With that said, the earlier that you begin caring properly for your skin, the better.

2) Your skin is like a bank. What you put into it today, you have to retire on tomorrow. If you take proper care of your skin at an early age, then your skin will be in better condition as you age. Less than 10 percent of the aging process is thought to be intrinsic. This means that we have control over roughly 90 percent of the aging process. Our lifestyle choices are important to the overall appearance of our skin as we age.

3) It is never too late to begin caring for your skin; however, as the saying goes, “Prevention is the best medicine.” Making healthy lifestyle choices will benefit you at any age.

4) Again, lifestyle is of key import when addressing the skin. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and therefore it will reflect the overall health of your body. The following lifestyle practices are key to a vibrant and healthy complexion: eat well, get appropriate amounts of sleep, exercise regularly, limit alcohol use, avoid smoking, have regular facials, wear sunscreen, use great skin care products, etc.

5) Personally, I love skin care products by YonKa Paris. YonKa is a true aromatherapy line and has been around since the 1950s; it is commonly considered to be among the most effective skin care lines in the world. I have been personally using it for more than 11 years! It is also available at Balance Day Spa.

Dr. Carol Tetenbaum The Aesthetic Medic, Scarsdale 1) It is very important to start caring for your skin at a young age. Exposure to Ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) radiation from the sun or tanning beds leads to loss of elasticity of the skin, uneven pigmentation (brown spots) and premature wrinkling, as well as an increased risk of skin cancer. Smoking also accelerates aging of the skin. It is never too early to start caring for your skin as these effects are very gradual.

2) By starting to take care of your skin at an early age, you’ll reap the benefits as you get older, by having smoother and more supple skin, with less mottled pigmentation.

3) First and foremost, it’s essential to wear sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher whenever you are outside, even on cloudy days. It needs to be applied in sufficient quantities and reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Also, drink plenty of fluids to hydrate your skin, don’t smoke and avoid repetitive facial movements, such as frowning, squinting or pursing your lips, which can aggravate facial lines and wrinkles.

4) Tretinoin is an FDA-approved prescription medication which helps improve fine wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation and roughness of facial skin when used on a regular basis. Hydro-

quinone-containing products help with uneven pigmentation as well.

5) I like the Obagi and Skinceutical lines of skin care products.

Devra Bader

®

Devra Bader Skin Care and Beauty Spa, Scarsdale 1) Skin care at a young age is very important when it comes to sun protection. Damage to the skin from sun exposure is a huge factor in sun spots, skin cancers and lines and wrinkles as we get older. A sunscreen with SPF 30 is recommended, but should not give a false sense of protection if not applied thoroughly and often, every two hours, especially when swimming.

2) The benefits of protecting your skin at a young age will help your skin stay healthy, the appearance will be more flawless, help prevent skin cancers and premature aging.

3) Many women who are now experiencing the effects of sun and environmental damage when they were younger are looking for a way to undo the damage and many feel it is too late.

Not so — it is never too late to help correct, and certainly never too late to prevent further damage from occurring. We educate our clients about overall skin health to give them the tools to achieve this.

4) All ages should be concentrating on sun and environmental protection daily. Using an antioxidant along with a sunscreen will give the best protection. As we get older and our skin no longer exfoliates itself as often, adding in an exfoliant to help rid skin of dead dull cells will give a more even appearance and your skin care products will be more effective. The older we get, the more areas are affected, other than the face. Neck, hands and chest are all very important areas to concentrate on. To have beautiful skin on your face is wonderful, but the other areas, if neglected, are telltale signs of age and damage as well.

5) With all the products that are available to our clients, we want an effective routine that is simple. Favorite products, all available here: • Skinceuticals has wonderful and effective products including outlet favorite antioxidants CE Ferulic and Phloretin CF. • Best nighttime anti-aging product is Skinceuticals new Resveratrol BE to help repair and prevent accumulated damage.

• Best overall hydrating serums are Skinceuticals’ Hydrating B5 Gel and GM Collin’s Stem Cell Serum.

• Best anti-aging moisturizers are Skinceuticals’ A.G.E. Interrupter and G.M. Collin Stem Cell Cream.

• Lip hydration is important for youngerlooking lips and to help prevent lines around the lip area our best defense is Devra Bader C Lip Product with SPF 15.

• Best organic line of products is Plantogen from Australia.

— Compiled by Todd Sliss

SIGNATURE EXPANDABLE WIRE BANGLES

give something special

E X PA N D Y O U R C O L L E C T I O N AT

Jewel Corner, Inc. Established 1914

AAFamily Generations FamilyBusiness Business for for 33 Generations Arcade Building, Route 22, Bedford 234-0668 !RCADE "UILDING 2OUTE "EDFORD s •

CLINICALLY PROVEN WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM Control your weight & live a healthier life Experience improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol Dr. Briones offers a multidisciplinary approach: Medical monitoring • Exercises • Referrals for bariatric surgery • Behavior modification education • High quality nutritional formula • Body contouring treatment •

Reduction of cellulite and skin tightening with Viora

344 Main Street, Suite 303 Mount Kisco • 914-241-6249 mbriones@brionesweightloss.com www.brionesweightloss.com

Interior Design and Decoration

Be resolved to be involved.

New York City Westchester Tri-State Area Call for a consultation 845.661.3861

Subscribe to The Record-Review. www.record-review.com 244-0533

ellenmillsinteriors.com emillsinteriors@gmail.com

Consigned Couture New arrivals of Hermes and Chanel bags and Louis Vuitton luggage

Fabulous selection of Hermes and Loro Piana scarves

Superb collection of Chanel

Consigned Couture 134 East Putnam Avenue Greenwich, CT

203.869.7795

Store Hours: Consignments by Appointment Monday - Saturday 10-5 Mon-Fri 11-3 Dolly M. Ledingham

J I M M Y C H O O B L A H N I K G U C C I D O LC E & G A B B A N A C H LO E

ELLEN MILLS INTERIORS

C E L I N E M O S C H I N O M A R C J A C O B S LO U I S V U I T TO N T S E

H E R M E S LO R O P I A N A C H A N E L P R A DA

MALO BOTTEGA FENDI BLUMARINE ETRO Ellen_Mills_2x7_Enterprise_women_Ad.indd 1

3/9/14 6:33 PM

Today’s Woman

Page 4A/The Record-Review

Friday, March 28, 2014

Sally Baker

Today’s woman inspires tomorrow’s women

M

By JACKIE LUPO

any challenges face teenage girls today, but for Sally Baker, founder and executive director of Girls Inc. Westchester, it all boils down to empowering girls to be “strong, smart and bold.”

Girls Inc. Westchester, the local affiliate of the national Girls Inc. organization, has been running programs for girls ages 9-18 in the county since 2006, mostly in economically depressed communities. Their goal: to give girls the confidence and self-awareness to reach their potential, even amid conflicting messages from the media and society.

The organization aims its efforts toward girls in middle and high school. “In my experience, it’s pretty hard to find an 8-year-old girl who is not strong, smart and bold,” Baker said. “Eight-year-old girls are usually strong and self-assured. Then you see that same girl at 13 or 14 and somehow she’s lost that fearlessness, that sense of self, that confidence. She starts questioning that she’s not pretty enough, sexy enough, that she doesn’t look like the models and the music videos. She starts looking at herself from a deficit perspective. We’re an asset-focused organization. We focus on girls’ strengths.”

Baker, who lives in Hastings-on-Hudson, said research and her own organization’s experience show that girls lose their way in middle school, where it’s all about peer pressure and conforming, having to look a certain way. “To girls who were strong, smart and bold before, that really knocks them for a loop,” she said.

She added that focusing on what they’re not, and what they can’t do often leads to all kinds of problems such as eating disorders, cutting, wanting plastic surgery. “It’s just feeling like there’s something wrong with them and what they are, as opposed to having critical thinking skills, asking, ‘Who’s making the messages, and why?’” she said.

Girls Inc. runs media literacy programs targeted to specific age groups so girls can start thinking about the messages they are receiving from the media. “All of our programs start with the girl herself and validating what she is feeling, and giving her the skills and tools and information she otherwise wouldn’t have,” Baker said.

Other programs focus on pregnancy prevention, violence prevention, leadership and financial literacy. Their financial literacy conference’s theme, “A man is not a financial plan,” was designed to get girls to realize they have the ability to determine their financial future and have economic stability in their lives.

Sally Baker of Hastings-on-Hudson of Girls Inc. Westchester helps give girls confidence and self-awareness.

JIM MACLEAN PHOTO

Baker studied sociology at Franklin & MarBaker, 52, grew up in Armonk, but when She started working for Girls Inc. in 1997 she was a teenager her family relocated to shall College in Pennsylvania and initially at the New York affiliate that served girls in the Wellesley, Mass., where she attended an all- worked in international student exchange (she five boroughs, ultimately becoming associate had enjoyed being an exchange student in Par- executive director there. Girls Inc. is the sucgirls private school, Dana Hall.

“I don’t think I appreciated it for how is). She returned to school to earn a master’s cessor organization to Girls Clubs of America, unique it was while I was going a national organization dating through it,” Baker said. “But afback to 1865. terward I realized the strength In 2002, Baker and her family “We’re an asset-focused organization. of the friendships I was able to moved to Hastings. Her husband, develop in an all-girls setting, Peter Scotch, is an English teacher We focus on girls’ strengths.” the authenticity that girls experiat Hastings High School, and they ence without the pressure of boys have a 13-year-old daughter, Hanthere. It wasn’t about how the girls nah, who is in eighth grade at Far— Sally Baker looked or how they dressed. It was ragut Middle School. about, ‘Who are you?’”

“Working at Girls Inc. of New Baker said some of her stronYork City, I loved it,” she said. “I gest friendships have also been saw the difference it made for girls all over with women who are graduates of all-girls degree in public affairs from the Columbia New York City. When we moved up to Westexperiences. “It’s just at a critical forma- School of International and Public Affairs. chester, I wanted to invest in my new commuBaker’s early jobs were in consulting and nity, to do something I loved.” tive time,” she said. “It allows girls to focus on themselves and what’s important and get when one of her firm’s clients turned out to be Baker asked around and determined that that positive sisterhood that girls aren’t always an all-girls association in the city, “It reminded there really was a need for Girls Inc. in the taught is important — feeling good about me how great it was to get exposure to a girls’ county. “There were some organizations doing yourself and being appreciated for the whole organization. I realized that I wanted to be work with girls locally on single focused issues, person and not just what society appreciates somewhere where I really cared about the mis- but nothing comparable to Girls Inc.,”she as important.” said. sion of an organization.”

Initially, the Westchester affiliate of Girls Inc. was an all-volunteer organization run out of Baker’s Hastings home. Then, clothing designer and manufacturer Eileen Fisher, an Irvington resident whose own daughter was a middle-schooler at the time, offered start-up support. “She and her daughter went to a Girls Inc. event in the city, and both marveled with awe on how confident these young women seemed,” Baker said.

Fisher gave Baker’s group a three-year startup grant, which enabled Baker to be hired as executive director and for the Westchester affiliate to move into their current headquarters in a Victorian house in downtown White Plains. “Eileen was completely passionate about our mission,” Baker said.

Girls Inc. Westchester focuses on communities where there is an expressed need for their programs. An independent 501 (c) (3) organization, they have their own board and are responsible for raising their own money.

A recent initiative involves programming to make girls aware of opportunities in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. “There’s an incredible richness of corporations that are here in the STEM fields in Westchester,” Baker said.

They plan to run a pilot program at the College of New Rochelle and hope to expand to a monthlong program on STEM in the summer of 2015 if they can secure funding. “We see it as a partnership between us, area corporations and colleges and universities,” Baker said. She added, “We found the girls we serve often don’t think of college as part of their future because nobody in their family had gone to college. So college and career readiness and prep is a strong focus with our high school girls.”

Girls Inc.’s Girls Leadership College meets twice a month at the College of New Rochelle and at Berkeley College in White Plains, giving Girls Inc. members a chance to be “meeting strong girls in college they can relate to.”

Recently, Girls Inc. Westchester had their first Girls Inc. national scholar. Every year the national organization awards scholarships to young women who apply through the 90 chapters in the U.S. and Canada. “This was the first year we were eligible,” Baker said.

“One of our girls from New Rochelle High School is receiving a $20,000 scholarship.”

Baker said the scholarship winner “is somebody who grew up being told she was never going to amount to anything. She heard that message every day and she believed it.” Now, she is heading to Temple University next fall.

“That was a really nice public validation that what we’re doing is working,” Baker said.

Dr. Susan Rubin Continued from page 1A worms you find around here in the ground.”

Earthworms, she explained, are solitary creatures whose modus operandi is to aerate dirt. Not that there’s anything wrong with aerating, which is another component of healthy soil. But the red wrigglers have their own thing going, which is that they eat garbage. “Red wrigglers are social,” Rubin said.

“They eat rotting organic product.”

She reeled off a list of red wriggler attributes: “When you use them to compost, you don’t need fertilizer for your garden. For a teacher, they’re a wonderful example of the ecosystem at work. Also the worms don’t limit themselves. They are also hermaphroditic and give birth in egg pods.”

Whole Foods now sells worm poop. “And for a lot of money,” Rubin said. “The worms are incredible. They naturally get rid of waste.” She noted that throughout Westchester the majority of food waste is incinerated.

Incineration, at the end of the day, isn’t so great for the ecology. “Worm composting is one way to take unwanted waste and transform it into something highly useful,” she said. “As in nature, nothing is wasted in worm composting.”

At West Patent Elementary School, the worm project carries on year in and year out. “We built some worm bins using plastic containers, shredded paper, food scraps and worms. Some lucky students get to bring them home. By taking care of these red wriggler worms, the children learn a valuable lesson and will never look at a banana peel the same way again,” Rubin said.

Rubin noted that the average household creates 200-300 pounds of food waste a year.

“If we can take this out of the waste stream, we’ll have both cleaner air and water,” she said.

Rubin is very excited that the Rusticus Garden Club in Bedford just gave the Mount Kisco Child Care Center a grant to layer an herb project on top of the already existing worms.

“That’s inspiring,” she said. “Because we want to inspire people to grow more herbs.”

Worms, Rubin noted, are not her only environmental interest. She is a dedicated ecological activist who got herself arrested in front of the White House making a stand against the Tar Sands pipeline. She also participated in what she called an amazing book group called “Food & Capitalism” with Joan Gussow at Stone Barns.

But back to the worms.

“The more food we can grow here, the better off we’ll be,” Rubin said. “Growing food better is a way to heal the planet and make earth a better place to live. Not to mention, the worms are awesome.”

Our readers are so fashionable.

F

ashionably in-the-know about their community. Stylishly aware of their town’s politics, schools, sports and businesses. Snazzily up-to-date about their area’s arts and entertainment scene. The Record-Review gives you and your family all the news in Bedford and Pound Ridge that’s important to you. So be in vogue with your friends and neighbors and get your own convenient, home-delivered copy of The Record-Review every week.

Look smart. Subscribe to The Record-Review.

Today’s Woman

Friday, March 28, 2014

The Record-Review/Page 5A

The Acceleration Project

Tretler, Veron empower women to reach their potential

S

By TRACI DUTTON LUDWIG

uccess starts with belief. Belief in your vision, your capabilities, your efficacy — and yourself. But that’s not all; success also benefits from direction and support.

With concrete goals, an outlined path to achievement and participation within a network of like-minded individuals, success becomes a logical and achievable destination. Harnessing and developing women’s talents, in order to achieve success and boost economic development, is the passionate mission of The Acceleration Project (TAP), a nonprofit organization co-founded by Lisa Tretler and Jane Veron, of Scarsdale, in 2012.

According to Tretler and Veron, TAP’s purpose is to deploy professional women to assist local small businesses with strategic and tactical advice. TAP connects consultants with small business owners to provide a well-structured, accessible and results-oriented program of education, strategy, development and support.

Through dialogue and hands-on interaction, each customized program enables the corresponding small business to flourish and grow.

Similarly, TAP positively benefits its consultants by empowering them to make a meaningful impact in their community while advancing their professional skills.

TAP selects small business owners with the greatest need and potential for growth. Together, they address a broad array of business challenges, including strategic planning, goal-setting, marketing, financial planning, operations, organization and time management. TAP’s model is successful because of the close relationships that develop between the business owners and the consultants who act as advisers and resources.

TAP relies on the generous donations of individuals, foundations and corporations to fund its efforts.

According to Tretler and Veron, consultants have been identified through a selective vetting process and are trained to ensure the highest level of skill and dedication. Collectively, TAP consultants are highly educated; they have relevant college and graduate degrees from top schools; and they have worked in a variety of fields, including strategy consulting, marketing and investment banking. They also have extensive professional experience in management and service sectors.

According to Tretler, TAP creates real-life professional possibilities on a pro bono basis for women “not ready to commit fully to a career, but looking for an opportunity to hone their skills. We built TAP to give women an opportunity that has not yet existed — to work in a professional capacity with a low risk, part-time

commitment that is different from traditional volunteer experiences.”

Through its consulting structure, TAP harnesses the enormous potential of local women who are “in the earlier stages of career re-entry or who have toyed with the idea of returning to work,” Veron said. “TAP provides a hands-on, résumé-enhancing experience. It enables women to work alongside like-minded professionals and learn from each other as a team. It builds confidence in problem solving and in working with clients. It shows women how much value they can add to their community, and it gives them an opportunity to give back.”

Testimonials from both sides — clients and consultants — praise TAP’s productive relationships. One client said, “We get so stuck in the day-to-day. Talking to you takes us above to an objective view of our business.” Likewise, a consultant said, “I am so proud to be part of this organization and part of these women. I have so much respect for TAP’s intelligence and process.

It is a privilege.”

Tretler and Veron’s own story is one of inspiration, success and commitment to social good.

As extremely qualified business professionals, mothers and civic leaders, they found themselves living very full, multifaceted lives. Tretler has over 20 years of experience in marketing strategy consulting. She is the owner of a consulting firm and has worked in managerial roles, focusing on business strategy, at several large firms, including American Express, Andersen Consulting (now Accenture), Kurt Salmon Associates and Towers Perrin. She has been a member of the professional faculty at the Wharton School of Business, where she previously obtained her M.B.A. She has also taught courses in entrepreneurial marketing through affiliation with the Women’s Enterprise Development Center in White Plains and she has facilitated local networking groups for women business owners.

Veron’s biography is equally impressive. She earned a B.A. magna cum laude from Yale University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. She developed her professional skills as a strategy consultant and marketing executive at Bain & Co., where she advised Fortune 500 clients across a variety of industries. Veron additionally served as a marketing executive at American Express and is the principal of her own private consulting business. In Scarsdale for the past 15 years Veron has held numerous leadership roles in the public and nonprofit sectors. In recognition of her sustained and significant impact on the community, Veron received the Mayor’s Award for exceptional leadership in 2007. Both women also have children who are currently or formerly students in the Scarsdale school district.

JIM MACLEAN PHOTO

At Imagine Candy in Scarsdale, village residents Jane Veron, left, and Lisa Tretler, right, consult their client as part of The Acceleration Project.

After being introduced by a mutual friend who knew of their similar backgrounds and interests, Tretler and Veron quickly discovered a strong alignment of personal perspectives, vision, community involvement and goals. “We found we had so much in common… so much that was complementary. This provided a wonderful platform for our partnership,” Veron said.

Through observations and conversations with many women in the larger community, Tretler and Veron each began to encounter a familiar predicament. “For many reasons, including raising families, a significant number of high-achieving women have opted out of their careers,” Tretler said. She cited a Center for Work-Life Policy study from 2005 that reported 43 percent of “highly qualified” women ages 28-55 “left work voluntarily at some point in their careers.”

Of these women with children, 93 percent indicated a desire to return to their careers. These results were calculated from survey data received by thousands of women with graduate or professional degrees or high-honors undergraduate degrees.

Importantly, as the survey suggests, careers can get put on hold, but the women’s knowledge, skills and talents remain. Veron affirmed this reality: “There’s a large pool of highly qualified women out there with wonderful talents to put to use … We want to help women reconnect with their potential.”

The truly wonderful aspect about Tretler and Veron’s work is that, while it benefits women and business owners individually, the positive results also have a synergistic effect. Their work reaches out into the community by way of three initiatives. First, through TAP, their nonprofit organization, they are able to not only accelerate growth of individual businesses, but also relationally boost economic development throughout a community’s entire local business sector.

So far, TAP’s team of approximately 15 consultants and industry and functional experts have worked in depth with approximately 12 small business owners across Westchester — including Peekskill, Hastings, Mamaroneck, Bronxville and Edgemont. This fall, TAP partnered with the Scarsdale Chamber of Commerce for

a Buy Local project to analyze and accelerate village commerce. The study’s purpose is to invigorate the local economy by exploring how all stakeholders — shoppers, businesses, service providers and organizations — can play a role in local business development for the benefit of the entire community. The results of the survey will be used, first, to provide strategic advice to business owners; second, to develop recommendations for a consumer awareness campaign to promote supporting local businesses; and finally to create a community partnership model that can be used in other communities.

As demonstrated by the Buy Local project, while many of TAP’s small business clients are women, TAP does not exclusively serve womenowned businesses.

Second, Tretler and Veron engage the community through speaking engagements on the topic of professional re-engagement. Two upcoming workshops are “Strategic Volunteering: Leveraging Your Volunteer Experience for Professional and Personal Growth” sponsored by the Junior League of Central Westchester

on Thursday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m.; and “Tapping Your Potential: Leveraging Your Skills for the Next Chapter,” on Thursday, May 1, at 9:30 a.m., sponsored by the Harvard Business School Women’s Association of New York.

Finally, through a private coaching practice, Tretler and Veron also provide individual and small group coaching sessions to help women set goals and address résumé gaps related to career re-entry, as well as to provide guidance on launching new businesses. These coaching sessions facilitate dialogues among women and build networks of career resources.

“Through our work with our nonprofit, business owners, and individuals looking to identify the next steps for their career trajectories, we can establish goal-oriented partnerships and networks that keep growing,” Tretler said. “We provide customized assistance to clients at all stages of their professional life. In particular, though, our work has been especially effective for women re-entering the professional world after a hiatus due to children or other life situations, women looking to change careers in the direction of their passions, and women attempting to direct their talents into viable entrepreneurial businesses.”

If women don’t know how to actualize their talents or grow their businesses, Tretler and Veron can help by directing clients’ energy and potential. “We help to identify goals and establish a plan for realizing those goals,” Veron said. “We give clients homework and break everything down to a series of achievable goals.”

This might involve guidance in writing a mission statement, drafting a business plan and formulating a marketing strategy.

“We tend to look at the big picture and the small picture,” Veron said. “We work with clients to establish an overarching plan, yet we also focus on day-to-day challenges that come up.

These have to be addressed in order to move forward.”

Tretler and Veron have seen a surge in interest from women thinking about the next steps in their professional journey. They note significant demand for conversations and advice from those seeking to turn ideas into reality. Many find themselves at important inflection points and are energized by the opportunity to think more deeply about a new business idea or career path.

Tretler concluded: “We are motivated by the tremendous opportunity around us — to harness untapped potential, maximize human capital and empower women to deploy their talents to make a meaningful impact.”

For more information about The Acceleration Project or to contact Tretler and Veron, visit www. theaccelerationproject.org.

Congratulations Geri Pell Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisor for 2014! ®

Experience. Passion. Knowledge.

Meet Geri Pell, a nationally acclaimed advisor known for her financial planning knowledge and unwavering dedication to her clients and community.

Placed among Barron’s magazine’s Top 100 Women Financial Advisors in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, and now the Top 1,200 Financial Advisors, Geri takes pride in her commitment to create a life-changing, personalized experience for every client. Her knowledge, passion, and desire to see others achieve financial wellness has driven her ability to listen intently and become not only your advisor, but your advocate. Geri’s enthusiastic, highly talented team will help steer you forward confidently in your finances, encouraging you to take actions that reflect each of your most coveted family and investment values.

Geri Eisenman Pell CFP®, MBA Private Wealth Advisor President, Pell Wealth Partners A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 800 Westchester Avenue, Suite 300 Rye Brook, NY 10573 914.253.8800 The Churchill 300 East 40th Street, Suite 28R New York, NY 10016 Serving the local communities of Westchester and Manhattan.

Appearances on CNBC, NBC Nightly News, Fox Business News and CNN.

Talk with Geri one-on-one about how to put your dreams more within reach. Call 914.253.8800 or visit geripell.com.

GREAT STUFF

27 Spencer Place, Scarsdale, NY 914.723.0504

1 South Greeley Ave. Chappaqua, NY 914.238.0057

54 Purchase Street, Rye, NY 914.967.1377

68 Main St. Westport, CT 203.226.1271

321 Greenwich Ave. Greenwich, CT 203.861.6872

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Source: Barron’s®, June 8, 2009, Barron’s®, June 7, 2010, Barron’s®, June 6, 2011, Barron’s®, February 20, 2012 and Barron’s®, June 13, 2013 “The Top 100 Women Financial Advisors”, and Barron’s®, February 24, 2014, “America’s Top 1,200 Advisors.” Barron’s® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones, L.P.; all rights reserved. © 2014 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

694840ACMR0713

Page 6A/The Record-Review

Women’s Health

A, B, C, D… V is for vitamins

C

Friday, March 28, 2014

Today’s Woman

By LAURIE SULLIVAN

hildren are taught their ABCs but many adults never learned the ABCs of vitamins and supplements — what vitamins we need and why at every age and every stage of our lives — and what foods supply them.

According to some health professionals and nutritionists, it’s a fallacy to believe that if you eat a healthy, well-rounded diet it’s enough for your body to function at its optimal best — even if you eat five servings of fresh fruits and leafy, green veggies a day, it’s just the starting point to give your body all the nutrition it needs. But many of us don’t eat all the recommended quantity of the foods we should. Then what? Some doctors only recommend vitamins for women in certain age groups and situations, but only then.

It seems this isn’t a black and white issue.

The government speaks According to the Women’sHealth.gov website, “Some people think they can make up for a lifetime of unhealthy eating habits by popping a bunch of vitamin and mineral pills each day.” The site stated that vitamin and mineral supplements for people who haven’t been eating healthy foods for a long period most likely won’t make up for the lack of good nutrition. This government health site stresses diet as a solution, except in certain situations.

These include vitamins for people with health issues. They also recommend extra folate or folic acid (400 micrograms daily in pill form) for women who are pregnant or who could become pregnant to prevent the risk of certain birth defects, including spina bifida. For women over 50 they may need more vitamin B12 — and calcium to keep bones strong! — and for older adults who don’t get much sun exposure they may need more vitamin D. For people at risk of vitamin deficiencies, they either have to eat more of the foods that contain what they need or take over-the-counter vitamins in recommended doses. The website, a project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, warns that before taking any supplements talk with your doctor about whether you need them and how much to take. Supplements are not without risks. For example, taking too much vitamin A during pregnancy can cause birth defects.

A medicine you may be taking for a health condition might interact with supplements, which can result in harming your body.

Health and wellness under one roof Marisa Jacobson of Complete Wellness & Nutrition in Bedford Hills shared her expertise on the importance of vitamins and supplements. Jacobson and Doug Sedlmair do nutrition consults with their clients. Their business offers discounted vitamins and supplements, and sports nutrition products at wholesale. They also have an integrated nutritionist to work with clients.

Jacobson said the most common reason people come to see them is for weight loss, exercising and getting in shape. They also

want to learn which supplement they should incorporate into their diet for general good health and what they should take on a daily basis.

When asked why people need vitamins, she explained, “One reason is because our food sources are so compromised — even if they’re organic, the soil has become so depleted.” With family, kids and work, Jacobson said we look for fast food solutions to mealtime, which “leave them more deficient in vitamins and minerals.” She noted, “People don’t cook anymore and sit down as a family for dinner.”

Jacobson went on to say that even eating properly is not enough to get enough nutrients because, she reiterated, “Our food sources have been compromised.”

“We counsel people to see what’s best for them,” Jacobson said. “A multivitamin is the bare minimum of what we need for filling in the blanks of our diets.”

Getting enough vitamins?

Jacobson said you can go to your doctor and have your vitamin levels tested. She said at the very minimum we should be taking a multivitamin, fish oil, vitamin D, plus a separate probiotic. “Multis have a lot, but not enough,” said Jacobson. ”Fish oil is good for joints, emotions, neurological functions, cholesterol and cardiovascular health.

Everyone from babies, children to pregnant women… they say that women who take fish oil have children who have better cognitive function and are healthier. Everyone should take it. It’s formulated for every age.”

Jacobson noted that prenatal vitamins enhance a baby’s brain development, brain function and ensure a healthier birth weight.

When asked if it was dangerous to take too many vitamins, Jacobson said you can overdose on certain vitamins, those that can’t be excreted from the body, including iron “unless you’re menstruating.”

During childbearing years For this stage in life Jacobson noted that foliate (folic acid) in its “full weight form” — that’s 400 micrograms and for pregnant women or those trying to get pregnant it’s 800 micrograms of foliate in its natural form of folic acid, plus multis, fish oil (in a prenatal form) and a probiotic. “Pregnant women have to be careful of certain types of herbal

supplements [that] can thin their blood and affect hormones,” Jacobson said. “Soy will raise estrogen levels. Anything that raises hormones too much can lead to certain types of cancer. Pregnant women should basically stay away from herbal supplements. Lavender is OK.” 50 and beyond For women 50 and over, there are multivitamins, fish oil, vitamin D and digestive enzymes, Jacobson noted: “As we age enzymes naturally decrease. Supplements strengthen bones.” And as women experience hormonal changes, hormones need to be balanced. The bad estrogen has to be decreased in the body, otherwise a woman’s risk of cancer increases.

According to Jacobson, everyone should have vitamins, no matter how well they eat.

Vitamin D is essential in warding off illness.

She said that people who have cancer are deficient in vitamin D. Also, coconut oil is great for detoxing the body, as is garlic. Also on the list is magnesium, a muscle relaxant that is good for the nervous system and good for sore bones. It helps build bones, helps with menopause and PMS. Some types will also help as a laxative — each type has different benefits. And if you’re working out, Jacobson said you definitely want to do a protein powder and a “greens supplement because we don’t get enough greens.” But again, check with your doctor before starting any vitamin supplement regimen.

The doctor is in The FamilyDoctor.org site, a link from the National Institutes of Health, notes that adult Americans typically do not get enough calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium and vitamins A, C and E, according to the USDA. It is suggested to incorporate more of these nutrients in your daily diet, emphasizing it’s best to consume a variety of foods, instead of just taking a multivitamin. If diet alone doesn’t work for you, ask your doctor about what vitamin supplements might be right.

FaimlyDoctor.org offers a breakdown of what foods provide the nutrients we need.

Calcium: Necessary to build strong bones and teeth for kids and teens; adults need calcium to maintain bone mass. Sources include yogurt, cheese, low-fat milk, fish and seafood, beans such as soybean, spinach and

oatmeal.

Potassium: A diet rich in potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure. Food sources include sweet potatoes, beans, nonfat yogurt, skim milk, fruit (bananas, peaches, cantaloupe, honeydew), fish, such as halibut, yellowfin tuna and cod.

Magnesium: Helps your body produce energy and helps your muscles, arteries and heart work properly. Sources include vegetables, such as pumpkin, spinach, artichokes, bran cereal, beans, tofu, brown rice and nuts (brazil, almonds, peanuts).

Vitamin A: Associated with vision development and cellular growth and maintenance. Sources include veggies (sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, turnip greens), cantaloupe and organ meats.

Vitamin C: Helps the body form collagen (the main protein used as connective tissue in the body) in blood vessels, bones, cartilage and muscle. Sources of vitamin C include fruits, such as guava, kiwi, cantaloupe, papaya, pineapple, mango; veggies that include raw red sweet pepper, raw green pepper, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, sweet potatoes and cauliflower.

Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps fight damage to the cells in the body. Found in nuts and seeds (sunflower, pine nuts, peanuts, brazil nuts), turnip greens, peanut butter, spinach and avocado.

The FDA weighs in We all need vitamins, which are essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy life.

Most people get their vitamins from the food they eat, but millions the world over take supplements as part of their health regimen.

So why buy vitamins? The American Academy of Family Physicians noted that a doctor may recommend vitamins, including multis, for certain health problems, for vegetarians or vegans or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Vitamins are essential to the body for growth, digestion and nerve function. The body absolutely needs 13 vitamins, including A, C, D, E, K and all the B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamins B-6 and B-12, and folate).

The AAFP categorizes vitamins as watersoluble and fat-soluble. The first is easily absorbed by the body; the kidneys remove those vitamins that are not needed. Fat soluble vitamins are absorbed into the body with the use of bile acids, which are fluids used to absorb fat and are stored by the body for use as they are needed. More of a vitamin is not necessarily a good thing. In fact, the FDA warns against taking too much of a vitamin supplement if it is fat soluble because it is stored in the body, can cause many unpleasant side effects, including nausea and vomiting, and can also damage the body.

Guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the USDA suggest getting nutrients we need primarily through consuming food “with supplementation suggested for certain sensitive populations.” The FDA warns against buying dietary supplements that offer quick fixes and recommends learning to spot false claims like no-risk, money-back offers and cure-alls.

Most important, visit your doctor.

New Bodyology classes coming Bodyology System, a natural weight loss and wellness group, took off this past February with new group classes set to begin again in April.

Bodyology System is a holistic version to wellness which combines nutrition, yoga, meditation and journal questions. It is a 12-week comprehensive program, which not only talks about the scientific information such as how to manage your blood sugar and energy level, but also guides you into your self-inquiry about your relationship with food and your particular system.

The program takes place at and includes a three-month membership to Intentional Wellness and Yoga Center in Katonah, where participates can take advantage of unlimited yoga and meditation classes, as well as other wellness services, such as private yoga, spiritual life coaching, healing touch and sound healing therapy. Susan Kullman, founder and CEO of Intentional Wellness and Yoga Center and creator of the Bodyology System, has been running Bodyology System online and through private sessions since 2007.

“I work with people to end emotional eating and gain inner power to create and maintain vibrant health without guilt, without stress, and with total self-mastery,” Kullman said. “This is how you can actively create the life you desire.”

What you are eating is only one part of the story; your relationship to food and time is the other vital component. For decades, being overweight has been viewed as a physical condition resulting from lack of willpower. When the goal is to follow a specific diet, the focus is set on what to eat instead of what the food does for your body needs, or, even more importantly, what is your emotional attachment to that food. As a result, this weight-loss approach has resulted in an 80 percent failure rate.

By understanding, mastering and balancing the connection between four key elements — nutrition, fitness, stress management and self-

empowerment — clients are able to achieve and maintain their personal goals.

Each program begins with an in-depth evaluation and prescreening. From goal setting and problem solving to stress management and meditation, the tools are designed to create permanent behavioral change. “As clients put the tools into practice they are able to evolve their relationship with food and exercise and ultimately their life,” Kullman said.

The center, which is located in the heart of the town of Katonah behind the Blue Dolphin restaurant, offers a full schedule of adult classes, kids/teens/family classes, wellness services, wellness coaching, workshops and the Bodyology System. Classes include all levels of yoga (mixed styles), yoga for chronic conditions, beginner yoga, kids and family yoga, meditation, restorative and therapeutic bodywork, Bodyology System group courses, holistic nutrition and personal/health development coaching. In addition, there will be energy healers such as EFT practitioners, chakra balancing and wellness coaches on staff. The studio also offers a wide range of health and well-being workshops like yoga anatomy clinics, yoga for toddlers and selfparenting.

To learn more: Check out Kullman’s blog with new posts weekly and sign up to be on the mailing list at www.intentionalwellnessandyogacenter.com or www.bodyologysystem.com.

About Susan Kullman Kullman is the founder and CEO of Bodyology System and Intentional Wellness and Yoga Center.Bodyology System was launched

by Kullman as one of the best holistic weight loss programs to end emotional eating without guilt, without stress and to achieve total selfmastery. Kullman lives in Katonah-Lewisboro with her husband and son.

CoreLab: fusing pilates, strength, circuit training After experiencing the physical benefits from the Lagree Fitness workout while living in London, Katonah resident Kimberly Holzmann Krolick, a former accountant, indulged her passion for the strong, lean and toned physique that this workout makes possible by opening her dream fitness studio CoreLab New York.

Since early 2013, Holzmann Krolick and her staff have been helping residents from all over Westchester experience the benefits of this intense, but low impact full-body workout.

CoreLab exclusively utilizes a custom-built platform called the Megaformer, which is a significant evolution from the traditional Pilates reformer. The Megaformer provides constant resistance and counter-resistance and offers a number of exercises for the arms, legs and core.

“I’ve spent my entire life exercising and I haven’t found anything that delivers the kind of results that I see from the Lagree Fitness method,” Holzmann Krolick said. “It was created in California, but I discovered it while I was living in London and I was hooked immediately. After the birth of my second child, I needed something that would deliver the results I wanted within the time I had available — and this was ‘it’ and then some.”

The CoreLab studio is a crisp light-filled space, complemented by motivational music and the gentle coaching of Holzmann Krolick and her staff. Each class is 50 minutes in length and during that time, participants maintain an

elevated heart rate while working their muscles in a nonaggressive and low-impact way. There is no jumping or bouncing. Beginners are encouraged to take short breaks if needed.

With names such as “scrambled eggs” and “donkey kicks,” the exercises are fun to learn and can be achieved by people of varying fitness levels. For more advanced fitness aficionados, additional resistance can be applied to the Megaformer via a series of resistance-based springs and pulleys.

CoreLab classes are small, allowing for personalized attention from instructors, who can modify the exercises for people with chronic injuries or specific target areas. CoreLab welcomes women and men of all ages.

“The most amazing part of the past year has been getting to know so many people from the community,” Holzmann Krolick said.

“CoreLab has become a place where people get to know each other and share information about so many different things, not just healthy eating and fitness.”

Over the past year, CoreLab has made sure that it is being a good neighbor to organizations across the county. In addition to supporting events including Arc of Westchester’s annual food and wine fundraiser, CoreLab has also raised money for the Arts Alive! John Jay High School, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, Northern Westchester Community Center, Katonah 5K, The Running Goddess 5K and Bedford Historical Society.

News Notes Brains, beauty & business: Balance Day Spa launches blog Having spent the last few years building Balance Day Spa into one of the most respected esthetic businesses in Westchester County, owner/esthetician Allison Adamiak is expanding her influence. She is branching out with a new blog called Brains, Beauty and Balance (www.brainsbeautyandbalance.com).

“My mission is simple,” Adamiak said. “I believe that every woman should be equipped with the tools to be the very best version of herself and ultimately to lead her most fabulous life! Brains, Beauty and Balance is all about empowering women to be able to do just that.”

Through her trademark no-nonsense approach to skin care, beauty and life in general, Adamiak provides her readers with her sage wisdom. Having spent 11 years in the industry and having trained directly under some of the most respected names in the world, Adamiak is certainly qualified to offer high-quality advice.

She offers the following observation: “Particularly in recent years I have noticed a decline in the overall quality of estheticians, holistic esthetic services and the type of advice which is being offered, especially to women. I want to help change this.”

Throughout her career, Adamiak has been afforded the opportunity to do amazing things and to work with amazing people from all walks of life, ranging from professionals to homemakers to models and celebrities. Reflecting on the opportunities which she has been given, Adamiak said, “Recently I have found myself focusing on the quote, ‘All that is not given is lost.’ I have begun to wonder… what happens if you don’t have access to a great esthetician? Does that mean you should be denied access to great skin care advice? What if you want to fulfill your potential but just aren’t sure where to begin? What if you simply want to be armed with the know-how to be your most fabulous self?”

As Adamiak words it, “This is where Brains, Beauty and Balance comes in.” The blog focuses on women and covers a variety of topics ranging from beauty to wellness to business advice and more.

Balance Day Spa is centrally located in White Plains and specializes in all aspects of esthetics, including facials, waxing, bronzing, tinting, make-up application and ear candling.

Call 358-9898 or visit www.balance-dayspa. com.

State-of-the-art GMazza Salon opens in Scarsdale GMazza Salon, at 640 Central Park Ave. in Scarsdale, between Ardsley and Old Army roads, has opened its doors for business.

GMazza is a chic, boutique-style salon featuring premier hair styling and color services, as well as high-end hair care products. To mark its grand opening, GMazza will be offering a 50 percent discount on any one beauty service for first-time visitors.

“We are very excited to offer clients a highly specialized salon environment,” co-owner Cindy Mazza said. “This allows us to focus on what we do best — offer high-end hair design and coloring for a sophisticated client base.”

For over two decades, Cindy Mazza has built a strong reputation as an expert in hair design. Her husband, Gennaro, is the master colorist, renowned for his excellence in fullcolor and highlighting treatments. He is a former recipient of Best Colorist Award from Elle magazine.

The Mazzas are the previous owners of the full service Victor Balestri Salon. In 2013, they won Westchester Magazine’s Best of Westchester Award for Best Braid Bar. In addition to the combined talents of the Mazzas, GMazza Salon features five additional hair design experts. “Each of our stylists are highly trained professionals who are on the cutting edge of the latest trends in hair de-

sign,” Cindy Mazza said.

GMazza is proud to be an Ambassador Salon for Nick Arrojo, the renowned New York City stylist to the stars, and will be using and retailing his full line of luxury hair care products. The Mazzas have also partnered with Emmebi Italia, a hair care company that specializes in environmentally friendly products such as a no-ammonia permanent hair color, a mineral treatment line that offers organic treatments and shampoos and a bio-keratin treatment with no formaldehyde to tame even the most unruly locks. Lastly, they are offering the 035 Milk Line, also from Italy. It consists of four different sets of shampoos and conditioners with luscious smells such as mint chocolate, orange popsicle, Italian peach and coconut.

GMazza salon is proud to offer each client a luxury pampering experience. Clients receive a massaging shampoo, a hot towel around their neck to relieve stress and a complementary cup of warming cappuccino. For client convenience, the salon also offers manicure/pedicure and waxing services. A grand opening party, open to clients and the public at large, is in the works for sometime in March.

Online posts about GMazza have all been extremely positive. One happy client posted, “The atmosphere is awesome. I just had my hair done and my hair feels like silk. This place is a must come to!” Another read, “My wife walked in the door after getting a color and style from GMazza and I did a triple take.

Stunning! We then went out to dinner with a group of friends and everyone went berserk.

Her normally straight hair held curls in it all evening. She said from start to finish the staff was professional and patient with what she asked for, and she’s never going anywhere else.”

GMazza Salon features its own parking lot.

Salon hours are Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 725-5333 or visit www.facebook.com/GMazzaSalon/ info. Website is coming soon.

Time for functional fitness

‘Waterskiing’ at Physique 57.

A barre workout for every woman Physique 57’s Scarsdale location has expanded with the launch of four new classes: free intro to Physique 57, physique cardio, evening classes and private classes.

The expansion of the class roster is a result of the studio’s continued success and a heightened demand for classes by the studio’s predominantly female clientele. The growth of the class schedule reflects Physique 57’s aim to make every woman feel beautiful and strong from the inside out. Full descriptions of each new class that will be offered at the Scarsdale location are: • Free intro to Physique 57: A free class available to new clients on Mondays at 11 a.m., this class focuses on Physique 57 positions, proper form and correct alignment.

• Physique cardio: Available on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 a.m., physique cardio is high intensity interval training that burns up to 700 calories and boosts metabolism all day long.

It is 57 minutes of the most challenging, fatblasting exercises, including push-ups, planks, lunges and more, without heavy impact on joints.

• Evening classes: Available on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:15 and 7:30 p.m.

• Private classes: Available on Tuesdays and Thursday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For price information (prices vary) clients can contact the studio at infoscarsdale@physique57.com.

Founded in 2006 by Tanya Becker and Jennifer Maanavi, Physique 57 arose when the two decided to quit their jobs and pursue their passion for developing a highly effective barremethod fitness studio. The idea behind the workouts is that there is something tailored to every woman. Whether she loathes exercising or can’t go a day without it, Physique 57 has a class that is suitable to all fitness levels and body types. The method provides the expertise that will guide all women to get the body they wish to attain. Designed by women for women, Physique 57’s main purpose is to lead their members to their goals.

Co-founder of Physique 57 and Scarsdale native Maanavi said of the expansion, “It feels nostalgic bringing Physique 57 to Scarsdale. It has been fulfilling to watch our brand grow on a global scale and a studio in my hometown brings the expansion of Physique 57 full circle.”

Feeling fatigued and stressed? Tired of dieting or exercising at the gym with no results to show for it? Want to lose inches and gain flexibility, strength and endurance? Perhaps it’s time for a functional fitness program.

What is functional fitness? When combined with pilates, it is a highly effective exercise modality where the use of multiple muscle groups are integrated in a way to obtain synergy, proper alignment, balance, strength and flexibility. It also provides a metabolic training effect that promotes fat reduction and increases lean muscle mass.

Certified and experienced functional fitness trainers are hard to find, but fortunately for Westchester residents, a Functional Fitness Bootcamp led by a certified functional fitness trainer can be found in Ardsley at Advanced Body Personal Training.

Philip Coyle is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine in Functional Fitness Training and Group Training. He is an advanced practitioner with Power Pilates and has been practicing internal martial arts for more then 20 years. Coyle is the head trainer of the Functional Fitness Bootcamp at Advanced Body Personal Training, a private personal training studio.

Throughout Functional Fitness Bootcamp class sessions, Coyle keeps participants moving, working for five to 10 minute intervals with kettlebells, ropes, weight balls, bands, machines and mat exercises. A bit of yoga, pilates, and Qi Gong exercises are thrown in for good measure. With proper attendance of Functional Fitness Bootcamp, and adherence to the program’s dietary guidelines, class participants can expect to see significant weight loss, body fat reduction, toned muscles, increased strength and energy, improved balance and agility, and experience stress relief.

Call (845) 300-2776 to register for a free two-week Functional Fitness Bootcamp trial program. Visit www.westchesterfitnesstrainers. com.

Friday, March 28, 2014

The Record-Review/Page 7A

Today’s Woman

turally structured handbags are also popular.

These range from simple geometric forms to fanciful biomorphic interpretations. Graffiti inspired scripts and messages are also making their way from the street to the runway and back again. Look for inspirational words scribbled across handbags or discover bejeweled tags dangling as pendants or etched into bracelets.

Accessorize!

Continued from page 1A Arm candy Fashion is up in arms this spring! Stacks of bracelets are drawing attention to the wrist. The style of this look relies on abundance. Broad metal cuffs and thick tubular rings of resin or wood are meant to be piled high. Multiple gold and silver bands become the base from which a dazzle of charms dangles. Wrapped bands of leather or woven fibers, often embellished with gold or silver beads, studs or semi-precious tones, are an extremely flexible option. Choose a style that is easy to wear on the same arm as your watch to emphasize the decorative aspect of the timepiece.

Flat feet After seasons of high heels and towering platforms, feet can happily return to level ground.

Flat shoes are back in style, pairing nicely with daytime fashions and eveningwear. The favored forms this season are pointed toes, sleek slipper shapes and flat-footed gladiator sandals. These shoes shine with embellished surfaces, laser cut decorations, studs and fringe. For the ultimate laidback look, try a pair of Birkenstocks. This hippie era classic has been updated for the 21st century with metallic finishes, studs and tassels.

Heads up Some of the most expressive accessories are hats. Wide-brimmed floppy hats can be bohemian or refined, depending on material, structure and personality. Imagine a large white sun hat paired with loose white linen pants, or alternatively, a stiff black hat with a tailored gray pantsuit. Sports visors, related to the season’s love of athletic-inspired wear, are also popular.

Whether attached to caps or bands, these visors

Continued from page 2A

will shield your face from the sun’s rays and lead the way to summer. Pageboy hats are also trending. Look for them in funky prints or colored checkerboard patterns.

accessory, particularly because their handheld form does not interrupt clothing’s silhouette with a strap. Generously proportioned foldover clutches and laptop-sized portfolio cases are appropriate for work and everyday looks.

Modified clutches, with flattened cutout handles, are practical and popular. Designs range from metallic skins, to grid imprints, to vibrant colors to graphic designs.

Modern step Contemporary shoe design reveals a fascination with luxury and industrial materials.

It’s an odd — but happy — marriage for the feet. Bedazzled and bejeweled elements, gorgeous metal hardware and icy lucite heels add sophisticated sparkle and glint. Importantly, these elements are not static. They enable a play of light reflections that catch the light and dance with each step.

Hold my hand Spring runways caught glimpses of handholding. Clutches — ranging from luxe evening bags to large daytime portfolios — emerged as the “It” bag of the season. Manifested in a variety of sizes and finished in a variety of materials, clutches are a most elegant

Art museum Artwork-inspired handbags bring culture to the streets. Prada commissioned contemporary muralists to paint backdrops for the presentation of the spring collection and then Prada digitally printed scenes from these murals on its iconic bags. The splash made across the fashion world inspired other designers to follow. Look for flat portrait-style images of faces and figures reminiscent of artists as diverse as Matisse, Monet and Magritte. For less literal options, some designers are exploring abstract compositions of rhythmic color, line and shape. Sculp-

Eye candy Beauty is in the eye of the beholder — and this season, quite literally. With attention to the accouterments of seeing and being seen, a current obsession with inspired sunglasses has emerged. There is no one “look” that summarizes this trend; instead, creativity reigns.

Frames might be outlandishly shaped, layered with different materials (such as metal and white or colored plastic), oversized in dimension and articulated in their contours. Lenses, too, are an area of interest through coloration and gradient progressions. Just remember sunglasses provide more than just fashion. Make sure your gaze is adequately protected from the sun’s rays by proper lens selection. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “Look for sunglasses that block 99 percent or 100 percent of all UV light. Some manufacturers’ labels say ‘UV absorption up to 400nm.’

This is the same thing as 100 percent UV absorption.”

...THERE ARE ONLY 24-HOURS IN A DAY, MORE THAN ENOUGH TIME FOR GINA TO EARN HER DEGREE.

Tea time Femininity is back in fashion with a host of voluminous skirts hemmed to tea length.

Tea length is defined as a modest rise between midi and maxi — lemon and sugar are optional. Tailor the look of this retro classic with wide waistbands and crisp belts. Bright colors, dramatic florals, bold stripes and sheer fabrics feel fresh. For an even greater break from tradition, pair the skirt with a matching crop top. The unexpected band of exposed skin will offset the skirt’s longer length and interject a fun vibe.

Boxed in This season, it’s hip to be square. For blouses, tops and jackets, the silhouette of the moment involves straight edges, equal proportions and right angles. Shift blouses, with elbow-length sleeves, are comfortable and versatile. They wear like T-shirts, but exert more style and sophistication. For best effect, balance their volume with a pencil skirt, slim trousers or textured leggings. Cropped, boxy jackets are a great layering piece for spring. These jackets add angular definition to body-con dresses, sleek jumpsuits, linear skirts and skinny jeans. Since overall exterior shape is important, look for interesting details inside the silhouette — for example,

Shoes, bags and belts are following this season’s global interest in texture. At Churchills of Mount Kisco.

4 KIDS, 1 HUSBAND, A FULL-TIME JOB, SOCCER GAMES, RECITALS, SCHOOL EVENTS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES, THE HOLIDAYS, FAMILY COMMITMENTS...

Spring fashioN

Athletic aesthetic Slouchy silhouettes, luxe sweatshirts, athletic stripes and varsity jackets have migrated from the locker room to the dressing room.

Sportswear-inspired details lend an athletic edge to this season’s lineup. Designers have taken distinctive silhouettes and dressed them up with bright hues, vibrant patterns, fine textiles and couture details. Paired with more traditional garments, there is power in the mix.

If you’re going to invest in one piece, go for trousers with athletic striping down the leg.

Similar to tuxedo striping, this trend blurs the two categories and confounds traditional assumptions. Nevertheless, black stripes are generally dressy. Colorful stripes are casual and funky. Interior stripes along the inseam (i.e. down the inside of the leg) are edgy. And — our favorite — white pants with a white stripe down the leg exude cool, chic perfection.

Flat shoes are back in style, pairing nicely with daytime fashions and eveningwear. Shoes shine with embellished surfaces and studs. At Catherine H. in Katonah.

Touch me Shoes, bags and belts are following this season’s global interest in texture. Fur, fringe, feathers and tassels are enlivening form with energy and motion. Luxe versions explore sensuous materials like silk cording and dyed feathers; however, these can be too fragile for everyday use. Alternatively, leather fringe and tassels offer greater durability and structure.

Jewelry is also picking up on the trend, with a selection of earrings in which clusters of chains shimmy against shoulders.

Meet Mercy College Salutatorian Gina Walpole, Class of ’13 BS, Behavioral Science ’13 MS, Early Childhood Ed ’14 Gina didn’t let her busy schedule stand in the way of her dream.

And you don’t have to either. Mercy College has an Adult Education program that might be a perfect fit for you.

AFFORDABLE

Above: This year’s spring fashion is obsessed with the contrast of black and white. Find it at Lester’s in Rye.

OVER 90 PROGRAMS & CERTIFICATES

Top: Designed by Veronica Beard, this sexy, black, exposed zipper dress also converts into a vest to be worn with leather leggings or skinny jeans. At Churchills of Mount Kisco.

PERSONAL ATTENTION

structured necklines, asymmetrical closures, layered mesh and gorgeous hardware such as decorative buttons and zippers.

DISTINGUISHED FACULTY

Sweater weather The spring sweater is experiencing a revival. Paired with flirty skirts, tailored shorts and sleek trousers, sweaters add an interesting layer of texture and warmth. Bold prints, innovative constructions and meshlike weaves make dramatic statements. Soft styles in mohair and cashmere beautifully enhance the mood of cotton candy-colored separates — or they can alternatively provide dynamic contrast when paired with sleek leather trousers or severe pencil skirts. Belts are optional. If the spring sweater is an essential wardrobe staple this season, at least it softens the frustrations caused by lingering winter weather.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULINGNIGHTS, WEEKENDS, ONLINE

Scan the QR code to see the rest of Gina’s story.

Today’s Woman A special section of

The Record-Review

1-877-MERCY-GO

PUBLISHER.....................................Deborah G. White SECTION EDITOR........................................Todd Sliss ART DIRECTORS.......Eileen Farrell, Ann Marie Rezen AD DESIGN.............................................. Kathy Potter

WWW.MERCY.EDU/TODAYSWOMAN

AD SALES................Marilyn Petrosa,Thomas O’Halloran, Barbara Yeaker, and Francesca Lynch

www.record-review.com ©2014 THE RECORD, LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without the Publisher’s written permission.

DOBBS FERRY | MANHATTAN | BRONX | YORKTOWN HEIGHTS | ONLINE todays_woman_AD copy 2.indd 1

3/14/14 8:49 AM

Page 8A/The Record-Review

Today’s Woman

Friday, March 28, 2014

OF MOUNT KISCO

41 South Moger Avenue Mount Kisco, New York www.churchillsmountkisco.com (914) 666-4800 Entrance located in rear parking lot

44