fieldstone March 2013 • Free
fieldstonemagazine.com
Get Clean This
Spring
WHAT?
{
IS FOOD
aTOUR
Music City Bites & Sites is a walking, food and cultural tour of the downtown Nashville Historic District. • THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS • FOR LOCALS & VISITORS •
2.5 hours of delicious fun
CHOCK-FULL OF HISTORY
ROCKIN’ JUICY GRILLED BURGERS
up-close look at downtown nashville FABULOUS FAMILY REUNION ACTIVITY unparalleled pralines a great way to entertain out-of-town guests
VISIT A 130-YEAR-OLD CULTURAL ICON
COOL MIX OF ARCHITECTURE
SIP A CLASSIC COCKTAIL
THE EPITOME OF SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
music city tex-mex
fun for visitors and locals alike
A UNIQUE DATE IDEA
nostaligic sweet treats
Fieldstone Farms residents SAVE $3 a ticket when using promo code FARMS at checkout. Book your tickets today!
musiccitybitesandsites.com • (800) 979-3370 one lip-smackin’ good time. SPACE IS LIMITED • BOOK NOW!
2
fieldstonemagazine.com
Finally, a lawn and landscape company that’s down to earth.
“I never even think about my lawn care - I know that Turf Managers has it taken care of and will ensure it is done to the highest standards. I am an ‘attention to details’ guy and I have been extremely pleased with the services they provide. From general lawn and landscape to weed, feed and seeding and even our flea, tick and mosquito treatments.Turf Managers and their teams take care of it all for me. Thanks guys! ” –Andy Bailey, Resident,“The Parks of Fieldstone Farms.”
www.turfmanagersllc.com 615-269-7706
Services starting at $26.50!
Professional Lawn & Landscaping March 2013
3
It’s a Dirty Job, but Somebody’s Gotta Do It If you can believe it, some people actually LIKE cleaning. They get giddy over the “new, fresh scents” of the latest cleaning products. They have old family recipes for concocting cleaning solutions out of stuff in their pantry. And they don’t relegate deep cleanings of their homes to the season of spring. I refer to these people as “Snow Whites.” I, on the other hand, am a “Cinderella.” I have three guys and a furry dog in my house, and I have never whistled while I worked. I stay on top of recycling, consigning and giving unused items away to Goodwill, but just the thought of wiping down baseboards and washing windows sends shivers down my spine. Yet, according to my evil stepmother, I know it must be done. That’s why “spring cleaning” is the theme of this issue of Fieldstone. Whether it’s cleaning up our homes, our acts or our states of mind, there are many aspects of our lives that can use a good dusting every now and then. I’d like to thank all of you who sent in such wonderful ideas for our “cleaning tips” article. With your contributions, as well as those given every month by the talented people who help put Fieldstone together, I’m sure this issue will help me and all the other “Cinderellas” out there face spring cleaning chores with a new attitude. I’d also like to thank the local businesses that advertise in Fieldstone. The owners of these businesses believe in our community, and believe that their products or services can benefit the people in it. Please, help us help them by choosing to contact them first when in need of the services or products they provide. Is there’s something you’d like to contribute to the magazine? If you have an idea for a topic you’d like covered in Fieldstone, please let us know. Send your comments or suggestions to suzanne@fieldstonemagazine.com. And don’t forget to check us out online at fieldstonemagazine.com. You can also “Like” us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on any information or events that arise between issues. About the Publisher Suzanne Gallent is a native of Chattanooga and a graduate of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. After an 18year career as an account executive and project manager for a number of Nashville’s foremost marketing, advertising and public relations firms, she left it all behind to pursue her most challenging and rewarding job yet, full-time motherhood. She has lived happily ever after in Fieldstone Farms for eight years with her husband, Chip, and her two sons.
On the Cover
The Williams brothers, Charlie (9) and Jack (7), help their parents get their home in The Parks squeaky clean. Photo by Christi Kline
4
fieldstonemagazine.com
Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook!
Contents
Credits
It’s a Dirty Job, but Somebody’s Gotta Do It.......................... 4
Publisher Suzanne Gallent Suzanne@fieldstonemagazine.com
Clever Cleaning Tips From the Community........................6-7 Doing What Comes Naturally..................................................8-9 Local Young Actors Show Pure Imagination.......................... 9 Clearing Out the Mental Clutter................................................10 Don’t Ignore It - Store It!..............................................................11 Calendar......................................................................................12-13
March Contributors Susan Shifay Cheung Sara Hamill Dianne Christian Jolene McKenzie Maria Dinoia Rhonda Scott Fishkind Alison Wolf March Cover Photo Christi Kline (949) 302-5608 Christi@AuthenticCapture.com
Kid’s Klassifieds................................................................................14 Around the Neighborhood.........................................................14 Picture-Perfect Masterpieces......................................................15
Fieldstone Franklin, Tennessee (615) 390-6405 FieldstoneMagazine.com Facebook.com/FieldstoneMagazine
Tangled Secrets................................................................................16 The Perfect Pour..............................................................................17 Real Estate Facts..............................................................................18 Are You Insurance Deductible Poor?.......................................19 Reality and “The Biggest Loser”................................................20 A Modern Approach to Tutoring..............................................21
Additional copies available at the Fieldstone Clubhouse, The Good Cup, Walgreens & Publix.
The Fieldstone View.......................................................................22 Nutrition Gets Simpler with Koko Fuel...................................22 Help Me Rhonda.............................................................................23
March 2013
5
Focus on Fieldstone Looks Like It’s That Time Again
Photo by Christi Kline
Clever Cleaning Tips From the Community Cleaning a Gas Stove
▪▪
- Christa, The Parks Do you have a gas stove? Do you spend hours cleaning the grates? Try taking a large Ziploc bag, putting the grate inside, adding about 1 tablespoon of ammonia in the baggie and sealing it to sit overnight. The next morning, open the bag (step back so the fumes don’t overtake you) and wipe the cooked on grime off with a little water and a paper towel. This trick has saved me HOURS of scrubbing. A huge shout out to Jenn V., my former Fieldstone Farm neighbor for the tip! Cut Down on Sick Germs - Nicole, Dalton Park Does it seem like every time you turn around someone in your family is getting sick? Here are a few tips to help you eliminate the cold virus and other bacteria that have most likely been building up in places you would least expect: ▪▪
Kitchen Sink – At least once a month, clean your sink with a bleach solution and allow it to run down the drain. While you’re at it, disinfect that sponge that has been collecting bacteria every time it sits out to dry (bacteria love wet places) by simply soaking the sponge, heating it in the microwave for one to two minutes and then rinsing it out.
▪▪
Toilet – Once a month, flush one packet of yeast down your toilet. This will prolong the life of your plumbing by removing any build-up down in the drain.
6
Washing Machine – This is the number-one home for germs and bacteria. To clean, simply soak two cups of white vinegar for one hour and then run a normal cycle with hot water. Next, soak two cups of bleach for one hour and then run a normal cycle using hot water again. For front loaders, just add the solution and run a hot cycle for the vinegar and then again for the bleach.
Cleaning Pans - Cindy, Clayborne Have something burned or stuck on a pan you can’t get off? Pour enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Generously sprinkle baking soda all over the water. Place the pan on the stove and turn on medium heat. Watch as it bubbles off all the stuck-on food. Once all is unstuck, pour out the soda water and wash the pan as usual. Ridding Carpets of Pet Odors - Sara, Belmont For getting out pet odors from the carpet, especially urine, there is nothing better than Pet Odor Eliminator from Unique Distributors – uniquedistributors.com. We had tried everything in the pet store before chancing upon this website. You can use a black light to find the urine/stained spots, then you mix the Pet Odor Eliminator concentrate with water, pour it over the area and place a wet towel on top. In a few days, it will pull all the odor/stain out of the carpet. It’s amazing!!
fieldstonemagazine.com
Laundry Tips - Nancy, Fair Oaks ▪▪
Cut dryer sheets in half. It does the job just as well and you have more to use for the money.
▪▪
Spritz your sheets with a fresh perfume scent. You’ll feel like you have fresh sheets every night until your next change.
▪▪
Daily cleaning – dishes, and wiping down counter tops and all sinks with Lysol wipes or 409.
▪▪
Weekly – gather and empty all trashcans, sort through the refrigerators for leftovers or produce to pitch, clean out and refresh the kitty litter box with new litter, and vacuum and dust mop hardwoods. Use the same day each week as your day to clean bathrooms and do laundry (a weekend day will help prepare for the upcoming week).
▪▪
Monthly – wipe out the refrigerator and sort through papers that have accumulated.
Managing Cleaning Tasks - Scott, Clarendon My best tip would be to find someone else to do the cleaning for you! If you can’t do that, break up the tasks into small manageable chunks rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Take small incremental steps and it gets done in a way that isn’t overwhelming. General Household Cleaning - Christine, Summer Haven ▪▪
Dusting lampshades – use a lint roller to remove dust from your lampshades. Works especially well for round lampshades.
▪▪
Footwear odor – after removing your shoes, stick a couple of dryer sheets inside them. You can also buy air freshening balls at the athletic stores, but dryer sheets are cheaper, so give them a try first.
Lawn Tips from your friends at Turf Managers March is a great time to start getting your lawn in order for spring & summer growth! In fact, this is the ideal time to apply crab grass preventer and broadleaf weed control. These weeds cause homeowners headaches because of their tenacity in lawns and the difficulty of controlling them, so stay on top of them. It’s also a great time to plan for spring flower installations, pruning, mulching of landscape beds, and mowing. See thier ad on page 3.
Keeping track of cleaning tasks – try a mental schedule of daily, weekly and monthly cleaning tasks.
It’s the VANDERBILT
I can’t get rid of this headache CLINIC.
A Vanderbilt Walk-In Clinic is much more than just a walk-in clinic. It’s where a board-certified Vanderbilt physician is on site for everything from colds, cough and flu to fevers, rashes and minor injuries. We also offer more services than any other urgent care clinic, saving you time and possibly a trip to the ER. But the best thing about our Walk-In Clinics is Vanderbilt’s high level of expertise and care. Visit one of our two convenient locations or find us on the web at VanderbiltWilliamson.com.
WA L K- I N C L I N I C S FRANKLIN
SPRING HILL
HOURS
919 Murfreesboro Rd 791-7373
3098 Campbell Station Pkwy 302-1111
M-F 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Sa-Su 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
March 2013
7
Doing What Comes Naturally
by Susan Shifay Cheung - Dalton Park
Two things really resonated with me lately. First, how much of a disposable society we are and, second, how we’re so dependant on manufactured and processed products. The first struck home when I finally opened the sewing machine a dear friend gave me as a parting gift when we left New York to move to Tennessee. It had been my friend’s mother’s machine and she gave it to me to honor our friendship. I accepted the gift with love, but, up until now, had not even taken it out of its case. I have a confession; I don’t know how to use a sewing machine. I’d been thrown out of home economics class after breaking several needles on the school’s sewing machines! It took a fellow Fieldstone Farms resident and fast good friend, Liz Tannehill Cook, to help me overcome my hang up. In all seriousness, the sewing machine turned out to be a classic 1970’s model in mint condition. Liz told me enthusiastically how sewing machines are not made like that any more with the solid metal parts. My machine, with care, would serve me for a very long time. It got me thinking about the appliances in my house; from my laptop to my toaster oven, they’re manufactured from lighter materials, digitalized, have many bells and whistles, but not made to last. When they will inevitably break, I’ll dispose of them and get the next latest and greatest model. My second reflection came after a routine trip to Target. I unpacked my bags and took out, one after another, a cleaner for the stovetop, one for the granite countertops, one for the wooden floorboards, yet another for cleaning glass and, finally, a general all-round cleaner. It struck me: “Wow, how many cleaning products do I need?”
8
Fieldstone Farms resident and fast good friend, Liz Tannehill Cook
And then, “What happened before we had all these manufactured cleaners?” Okay, I’m a realist; I accept and live with the breakthroughs in technology, the manmade and processed, and I’m grateful for the modern conveniences, but that doesn’t mean I can’t make informed choices about what I use. This spring, I’ve set myself the challenge of finding natural products to use around the house. I plan to learn to use my sewing machine, so I can, at the very least, do some simple repairs. And, I want to make a conscious effort to take care of my appliances, so they’ll last longer than their usual relatively short shelf lives. Least you think I’m going to turn into an “earth goddess” or “household warrior,” I can only say, I’m not the “live in a log cabin, kill and clean my own food and make my own clothes kind of gal,” (even though my granny in rural Hong Kong taught me how to kill and pluck a chicken and that experience was more than enough!), but I do want to do better with the resources I have. I’m already taking steps, like recycling my plastics, cardboard and aluminum in blue bags, and I do yard sales, consign and give my stuff away.
fieldstonemagazine.com
Perhaps, my granny, mom and mom-in-law did know best when they passed on to me their natural remedies and techniques. However, knowledge is useless unless applied, so I have work to do. To that end, I’d like to share some advice I’ve been given and have started to use: ▪▪
Lemon juice is a great way to clean countertops. I put the used, cut lemon halves in the corners of the fridge to act as natural deodorizers.
▪▪
Chinese believe that iced-cold water or orange juice is too much of a shock to the body first thing in the morning. Boiled water, left to cool, either plain or with a squeeze of lemon is the healthy way to wake the body’s systems and flush out toxins.
Local Young Actors Show Pure Imagination If you’ve been looking for a way to introduce your children to the performing arts, we’ve got the perfect outing for you. The Bravo Creative Arts Center, will be performing Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, March 7 – 9, with the help of 120 local children and teens. Founded by longtime Fieldstone Farms residents, Lissa McHugh and Lori Terlikosky, the Bravo Creative Arts Center turns seven years old this weekend. The center has been nominated for another Sizzle Award (Williamson County’s designation for favorite business voted on by the public) for “Best Live Theater” and “Best Youth Arts/Music Program”. Based on the classic Roald Dahl story and the original movie, this is something the whole family can enjoy, but it’s only running for a limited time. Here are all the details: ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪
Date – March 7, 8 and 9 Place – Ensworth Theater, 7401 Highway 100 Time – Evenings at 7:00 p.m. and one matinee March 9 at 2:00 p.m. Cost – Tickets are $10 and are on sale now
For more information, go to bravocreativeartscenter. com, call (615) 599-5314 or e-mail info@ bravocreativeartscenter.com. ▪▪
Lemon juice, honey and fresh ginger root, boiled together, make a great tonic for a cold or sore throat. Ginger root boiled in water is good for nausea.
▪▪
Cinnamon powder mixed with honey into a paste can be used instead of jam as a yummy way to lower cholesterol. Likewise, you can add honey and cinnamon to tea to help reduce cholesterol.
▪▪
Vegetable oil is a natural leather shoeshine. Remove any dirt with a damp cloth and use a drop of oil to polish the leather.
▪▪
Who knew that standard school chalk tied in cheesecloth and stored alongside your good silverware slows down tarnishing?
▪▪
I remember my father using distilled white vinegar and baking soda in scalding water to clean grease from restaurant appliances. Guess what, Dad? It works like a treat on my stove.
Pass on, share your tips and, this spring, do what comes naturally!
Susan Shifay Cheung has turned her hand to many forms of writing in her various roles, over the years, as corporate trainer, management consultant, journalist and freelance writer. You can contact her at y2s2cheung@yahoo.com.
Chuck & Sheri Gordon Owners
March 2013
9
Clearing Out the Mental Clutter
by Sara Hamill - Belmont
Finding some peace in our everyday lives begins within us. We can organize our homes, our cars, our yards and our workspace, but we can also de-clutter mentally and emotionally. This begins with some time and space to examine our lives and make better what is out of balance. Fortunately, we live in a town with many amazing personal resources. One effective way to sort through the laundry basket of our personal lives is counseling. Counseling gives us the dedicated time to process our struggles and have our voices heard by someone qualified to give us productive feedback. However, picking a counselor can seem daunting without a recommendation. Even with one, we may need to “try a few on for size” before we find the right fit. But we can narrow the search by first deciding what kind of counseling might fit our needs and knowing what questions to ask. Here is a simplified guide to the difference between various counselors: ▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
▪▪
Psychiatrists – the only medical doctors of the counseling world. They can diagnose multifaceted mental illnesses, such as mood or psychotic disorders, and prescribe medication. Vanderbilt has its own psychiatric hospital. More info can be found at vanderbilthealth.com/psychiatrichospital. Psy.D, Ph.D. or Ed.D. – denotes a counseling or clinical psychologist. They are not medical doctors, but, having completed six years of graduate training, are still equipped to diagnose complex mental health issues. LPC (also LPCC or LMHC) – denotes a licensed professional counselor. Their focus is on human development and treatment of emotional health with daily life issues. LMFT – a licensed counselor with a focus on marriage and family. Not only can they do individual counseling, but they are especially adept at handling multiple people in a counseling setting to work through relationship dynamics.
▪▪
LCSW – a licensed clinical social worker. Social work involves counseling, but also includes case management and effective use of community services to meet needs and solve problems.
▪▪
MMFT, MA, MSW – all denote completion of a Masters level education in counseling or social work. They are qualified to counsel, and may be in the
10
process of completing the mandatory supervisory hours and exams that allow them to apply for licensure. ▪▪
Pastoral counseling – an approach to counseling that purposefully incorporates spirituality. Often, pastoral counselors have a Masters of Divinity (MDiv) or Ministry while also having a Masters in Counseling or Social Work. The Pastoral Counseling Centers of Tennessee (pcctinc.org) is a great resource for this type of counseling.
There are many approaches to treatment in therapy. Below are some local counseling resources. This list does not include any counselors in private practice, though that is a wonderful option. Consider finding several persons who have had positive experiences in private practice counseling as a way to explore that option. Happy counseling! ▪▪
Restore Ministries of the YMCA – individual, family, marriage and adolescent counseling, including play therapy for ages 3 – 12, and a nurse practitioner on staff (ymcamidtn.org/locations/restore/restore_ counseling.aspx).
▪▪
The Refuge Center for Counseling – a wide range of counseling with specialties in overcoming trauma and abuse (therefugecenter.org).
▪▪
Daystar – focus on families and children, including a wide network of support groups for children and teens (daystarcounseling.com).
▪▪
Maryland Farms Center for Counseling – counseling for individuals, families, adolescents, children and group therapy (marylandfarmscounseling.com).
▪▪
The Center for Relational Healing – focus on intimacy struggles, including sex addiction or compulsion (relationalhealing.com).
▪▪
Oasis Center – focus on helping young people move into becoming productive adults (oasiscenter.org). Sara Hamill, a native Nashvillian, has been a Fieldstone Farm resident since 2003. She currently works as Restore Ministries Program Director, coordinating support groups for the Maryland Farms, Christ Church, and Brentwood YMCAs as well as church partners. She can be reached at shamill@ymcamidtn.org.
fieldstonemagazine.com
Don’t Ignore It – Store It! With all of this talk about spring cleaning, you might come across something that you don’t want to give away, but you also don’t want taking up space in your home. No need to worry; we’ve got just the solution for you – safe, convenient storage. Maybe you weren’t aware, but there’s a modern, upscale storage facility right up the road called Security Central Storage. Located at 1105 Cannon Drive (behind the Grassland Market shopping center on Hillsboro Rd.), Security Central Storage feature masonry and concrete construction with a ceiling heights mostly of 10 feet. This provides more storage than many competitors. The climate-controlled space is kept steady in the low 70’s all year long. But there are a few things that set Security Central Storage apart from other storage facilities. Not only do they accept UPS and FedEx deliveries on your behalf, but they also have monthly pest control service and a resident manager, who lives on the premises. And as if that wasn’t enough, the facility is fenced and gated, well lighted, monitored with continuous video surveillance 24 hours a day, and requires personal access codes required for entry, which helps perpetuate a safe environment in which you may store your property.
▪▪
Inside and outside units with high ceilings averaging 10 feet in height
▪▪
Security locks provided for each unit
With 10 different unit sizes, you’re sure to find the right one to accommodate whatever it is you want to store. On the smallest end, the 5’ x 5’ unit is 250 cubic feet, is about the size of a small closet and holds about 50 boxes. On the largest end, the 12’ x 30’ unit is 3,600 cubic feet and has enough space to store a boat, a fivebedroom house or maybe multiple office spaces with equipment and inventory. In addition to the Grassland/Franklin location, Secure Central Storage has another facility in Bellevue and two more in the Knoxville area. To find out more about the location closest to Fieldstone Farms, visit the facility at 1105 Cannon Drive, go to securitycentralstorage.com or call (615) 791-4177.
b r in g in a d to r ece ive our ‘m ove - in ’ speci al!
Now Open in Grassland! Security Central Storage – Perfect for Leftovers.
People use storage units for all kinds of reasons. After the flood in May of 2010, some people needed a place to store their furniture and other items that evaded damage while their home was being repaired. Some people have family heirlooms they’re not willing to part with yet, but don’t have space for in their home. Others just need a trusted and secure temporary space to keep their belongings while they’re between residences. Regardless of the reason, it’s nice to know that there’s a convenient, temperature-controlled place to keeps your property safe when you can’t keep it in your own home. Here’s the full list of benefits you can enjoy when placing your property in the careful hands of Security Central Storage: ▪▪
Electronic access gate control for maximum traffic control and security
▪▪
On-site resident managers
▪▪
High-security camera recording 24 hours every day
Security Central Storage is a state‑of‑the‑art storage facility with a variety of storage options, including climate‑controlled units for more valuable items such as antiques, photos, documents and electronics. Our well‑lit properties offers 7‑day a week electronic access, 24‑hour surveillance and on‑site resident managers. www.securitycentralstorage.com
Franklin ( new location ) 1105 cannon Drive
615.791.4177
Behind Foodland Shopping center in Grassland.
Bellevue 2960 old Hickory Blvd.
615.646.0411
March 2013
11
Mar. 2013
Sunday
Fieldstone’s April Issue 31 Deadline Information Contributor Space Reservation: March 15th – Fieldstone is YOUR community magazine so if you have something positive to offer, please let us know! Contribution space is always free to residents of Fieldstone Farms but space is limited so reserve your space by the 15th. Contributor Submission Deadline: March 18th – Please have your text and pictures in to us by the 18th. New Advertiser Space Reservation: March 15th – If you would like to advertise with Fieldstone next month, please let us know by the 15th. Once again, space is limited but if you need any help with your ad, Fieldstone’s graphics department can do it! Please contact us as early as possible to allow us enough time to get it perfect it for you. Advertiser Artwork Deadline: March 18th – If you wish to submit your own camera-ready artwork, please have it to us by the 18th.
3
Monday
Peter Pan at TPAC 1pm & 6:30pm
10
Daylight Savings Begins
Tuesday
4
U.S. Constitution in Effect 1789
5
Stop the Clocks Day
St. Patrick’s Day
6
Fieldston Coffee Fieldstone Clu
Fieldstone Fa Fieldstone C 12:30
11
12
Fieldstone Farms Book Club Fieldstone Clubhouse 1:30pm Canine & Feline First Aid Little House Animal Hospital 6-8pm
17
Wedne
Register at Fieldstone-Farms.com for HOA e- mails & updates.
EASTER
National Anthem Day
Fieldston
18
19
HOA Board Meeting Fieldstone Clubhouse 6pm
13
Fieldston Coffee Fieldstone C 9a
20
Fieldston Coffee Fieldstone Clu
Fieldstone Fa Fieldstone C 12:30
24
Palm Sunday
25
Passover Begins
26
27
Fieldston Coffee Fieldstone 9a
All Schools -
12
fieldstonemagazine.com
ne Farms
esday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
1st U.S. National Park Yellowstone - opened in 1872
2
Peter Pan at TPAC 2pm & 8pm
Peter Pan at TPAC 8pm
ne Farms Group ubhouse - 9am
7
8
Dr. Seuss’ Birthday - 1904
9
Barbie’s Birthday
arms Bridge Clubhouse 0pm
ne Farms Group Clubhouse am
ne Farms Group ubhouse - 9am
14
21
arms Bridge Clubhouse 0pm
ne Farms Group Clubhouse am
Albert Einstein’s Birthday - 1879
15
My Masterpiece Art Class Fieldstone Clubhouse 6:30 pm
22
16
23
Williamson County Schools Early Dismissal
29
Emergency............................................... 911 Poison Control..............................936-2034 Crisis Intervention........................269-4357 Franklin Police...............................794-2513 Williamson Co. Sheriff.................790-5550 Franklin Fire Dept.........................791-3275 Williamson Medical Center.........435-5000 Animal Control..............................790-5590 Schools Hunters Bend Elementary...........472-4580 Walnut Grove Elementary...........472-4870 Grassland Middle.........................472-4500 Franklin High.................................472-4450 BGA.................................................794-3501 Columbia State CC.......................790-4400 Williamson Co ALC.......................790-5810 Services Middle TN Electric Service . .......794-1102 Comcast.................................800-266-2278 Direct TV................................866-505-9387 Local Government Franklin City Government...........791-3217 County Clerk.................................790-5712 Franklin Library.............................595-1250 Veteran Affairs.............................790-5623
BGA - Spring Break
28
Local P hone Numbers
30
Good Friday
National Hot Dog Day
Miscellaneous The Fieldstone Club.....................790-9124 Senior Services..............................376-0102 Voter Registration........................790-5711 Chamber of Commerce...............794-1225
Spring Break
Calling All Long-Time Residents! Tell us your stories...
We would like to continue our series on the history of Fieldstone Farms. Have you been around for a while? What can you tell us about the development of the neighborhood? What are some of your early-nineties memories of our community? Do you have any photos to share? Please contact Rachel Norris at rachnorris@ bellsouth.net. She would love to hear from you.
March 2013
13
Kid’s Klassifieds
Morgan Polston - Babysitting, Pet Sitting, House Sitting
Do you babysit, mow lawns, wash cars, pet sit, etc. in our neighborhood? Then send us your information and we will post it in our classified section. 18 and younger only please – Thank you! Do you need a part-time babysitter or just a night out? My name is Samantha Sheridan. I am 18 and a senior at Franklin High School. I am a straight A student and have taken Early Child Care classes for two years. I have my license and can provide my own transportation. I live in Fieldstone Farms and I am available on weekends and after school every day except Thursdays. During the summer and upcoming year, I am available anytime. You can contact me, Sam, at 615.916.1712 or by email samanthamarie213@gmail.com. Need care for your pet, but don’t want to pay for boarding? Contact Vaughn Hamill at vaughn.hamill@ gmail.com or 595-7996.
MTSU student available on weekends, local neighbor Contact morganlpolston@gmail.com. Are you looking for a certified & reliable babysitter? Meredith Wilken - 521-6449 or mkwilken@hotmail.com 12 years old, honor student, Red Cross Certified, 7th grader at Grassland Middle School! Need a babysitter you can trust? Call Kayla Turner at 866-7921 or 791-9311. I am a 16 year old junior at Christ Presbyterian Academy. I live in Wexford and love kids. 4 years experience. Rent–A–Teen - For all your technological issues • •
Solve tech problems with computers, cell phones, Ipods, TVs, cameras, video players, etc. Answer any and all questions – No question is too simple. Help shop for the ideal product to fit your needs.
Availability:
•
I am a Franklin High School student and have been passionate about technology since I was very young.
September-May: Morning and Evening May-August: All day Williamson County School Holidays: All day
Hourly rates - available weekends only.
Rates: 1-2 visits per day: $10/day; 3-4 visits per day: $12/day. References available upon request.
Ben Bergman: 595-5573 or rentateen42@gmail.com. Call or email for a free quote.
Need help studying to improve grades, ACT/SAT scores, or standardized test performance? Call Caleb Gaddes - 438-6596 or email caleb.gaddes@gmail.com. 18-year-old senior at Franklin High School. AP student with honors.
Beginner Guitar Lessons - I am a 15-year-old Fieldstone Farms resident and have been teaching beginner guitar lessons in my home for three years. I have openings for a limited number of new students. $10 per half-hour lesson for ages 10-18.
References available upon request.
Contact Arin at: brewbeat@comcast.net
Around the Neighborhood..
March 15th, 6:30 p.m. – My Masterpiece Art Class Class takes place at the Fieldstone Clubhouse. Contact Betsy at betsy91@gmail.com for more information.
Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. - Fieldstone 50+ Coffee Club 50 Plus hosts coffee at the Clubhouse every Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. All age groups are welcome. Contact Patricia Hampton at hamdoo1994@att.net. Wednesdays, March 6th & 20th, 12:30 p.m. - Fieldstone Bridge Group The group meets at the Clubhouse from 12:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Contact Mike Hartland to participate 472-8114. March 12th, 1:30 p.m. – Fieldstone Book Club The club meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse. Contact Shirley Fette at Shirley3799@att.net for more information. Everyone is welcome!
14
March 19th, 6:00 p.m. - HOA Board Meeting Join us at the Clubhouse for the monthly meeting.
Little House University Little House Animal Hospital is hosting the first lecture in their 2013 quarterly lecture series, known as Little House University, on Tuesday, March 12th from 6-8pm. Becky Dan from Nashville Veterinary Specialists will be presenting on canine and feline first aid, and will be discussing the top 10 pet emergencies that owners need to be aware of. Please call us at 615-791-9148 to RSVP.
fieldstonemagazine.com
Picture-Perfect Masterpieces In honor of Valentine’s Day, loved ones were the focus of the latest My Masterpiece Art Class. If you haven’t let your inner artist out to go crazy at one of these superfun classes yet, it’s high time you did. And, by the way, if you’re thinking to yourself, “Self, I’m sorry, but we just don’t have an inner artist inside of us,” you’re wrong, and there are a whole bunch of Fieldstone Farms neighbors and their friends who can prove it to you. Led by the spunky and ever-encouraging “art coaches,” Margaret Crawford and Betsy Bergman, who also live in Fieldstone Farms, February’s art class attendees brought in a photo of a loved one and then used their own ingenuity to “frame” it. Allowing their inner artist and a bit of whimsy to take over, each artist layered their 10” x 10” canvas with a mixture of paint, book pages, tissue paper, bubble wrap, stenciled letters and/or other creative elements, and then added their photo to the top of it.
As always, you don’t have to be a professional “artist” to attend the My Masterpiece Art Class. You just have to be willing to have fun and give it a try. Instructors lead you through every step of the process, so there’s nothing to worry about, except where in the house you’re going to place your masterpiece after it’s done. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to get to know others in the Fieldstone Farms community. If you’re interested in attending the next My Masterpiece Art Class on March 15th, e-mail Betsy Bergman at betsy91@gmail.com. You can also catch up with what’s going on with the classes at Facebook.com/ MyMasterpieceArtClass. Classes are $35 per person, go from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at the Fieldstone Farms clubhouse and all the painting materials are included. You bring your own drinks and snacks.
Spring is right around the corner! Mac’s Harpeth Bikes MHB has everything you need 1110 Hillsboro Road, Franklin to get you and your family out 472-1002 on the bike paths quickly! www.MacsHarpethBikes.com Mac’s Harpeth Bikes
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD BIKE SHOP
Fieldstone Farms Residents! Mention this ad for
10% OFF
We offer a full line of quality bicycles for the entire family and service what you ride!
March 2013
Performance Apparel
15
Tangled Secrets Shake Off Winter, and Sparkle for Spring Spring is coming! Spring is coming! Everything will soon be budding and blossoming. I just saw a string of beautiful yellow crocuses popping their sunshiny little heads up out of the ground while I driving along the river. Soon all will be colorful, fresh and new… how about you? Are you ready to transform along with the season? Spring is the perfect time to try something new with your hair, lighten up or add some color, trim off those dry, winter-beaten ends and put a little “spring” into your lovely locks. Winter can truly wreak havoc on hair. Not only can the weather dry and damage hair, but illness and medications do a nasty job on hair’s health as well. It seems that just about everyone I know suffered with some sort of flu or other nasty bug in the past few months. Most people are unaware of the after effects of common treatments on our skin and hair, and they can be significant. Antibiotics are often a necessity during the cold season, but while doing their job to kill off the bad bugs, they also kill off much of the good flora in our colon and digestive tract, which is where most of our nutrients for healthy hair reside. Vitamin K and biotin, two major players in the production of healthy hair, reside in our colon. Be sure to eat lots of yogurt with live cultures to replenish your healthy flora. Did you know that antibiotics can actually fade the natural color of our hair, including our eyebrows? Many medications can interrupt the way hair color works, making tried and true formulas suddenly stop yielding desired results. Let your stylist know if you have recently been on antibiotics or are taking regular medications, as these factors can make your hair more resistant to hair coloring or permanent waving.
a fan, and believe that these treatments actually damage the hair further. There are keratin treatments available that do NOT use thermal tools in their application and these are the types that I would suggest you seek out if you are in the market. Deep conditioning treatments often require a warm dryer to open the hair’s cuticle and allow penetration of the treatment, this practice is NOT damaging. So shake off the effects of winter and get yourself refreshed and renewed for the new season. This is the perfect time of year to try something new and sassy. Just changing the location of your part can make you feel amazing. Little changes can make a big difference in the way you look and feel, and change always creates energy, which allows us to open ourselves up to new possibilities in all aspects of our life. Happy blossoming! Alison Wolf has 24 years of experience in the beauty industry as a master stylist/colorist, salon owner, hair extension artist, teacher and mentor. She is the owner of Alison Wolf & Co. at 1731 Mallory Ln. in Cool Springs. Alison and her husband, Clint, live in Fieldstone Farms with their two sons.
Antihistamines have an extreme drying effect on our skin and hair, causing dry itchy scalp and skin, and having the heat on in the house doesn’t help. Get those windows open soon and let some moist, spring air in (vaporizers are great too, but not as romantic as a fresh spring breeze floating through your house). With all that said, spring is the perfect time to freshen up and clean out the follicular closet. A good clarifying shampoo and/or treatment can remove lots of impurities, from medicinal residue, iron, chlorine, excessive products, waxes and other icky stuff that builds up and leaves our hair feeling lifeless, brittle, coated or otherwise unhealthy. There are lots of rejuvenating treatments available for your hair, both over the counter and at the salon, but unless your hair is clarified first, you will not receive the full benefit of any conditioning treatment. Avoid any salon treatments that claim to make your hair stronger and healthier by applying keratin using a molten thermal tool (aka: a 400 degree flat iron). I personally am not
16
fieldstonemagazine.com
The Perfect Pour
March to the beat of a different drummer by trying something new from the band Train. You’ve heard their music all over the radio dial, you’ve most likely seen them on TV, and you may have even seen them perform in person, but have you ever tried their wine? New to our market, this is the band Train’s very own line of wines from their label – Save Me, San Francisco Wine Co., in Napa Valley, CA. A portion of the proceeds from sales of their wines goes to support Family House – a San Francisco-based nonprofit providing temporary housing to families of seriously ill children. You can find the following varietals of Train’s wines at The Corner Wine & Spirits in the Harpeth Village Shopping Center on Hillsboro Road and at Del Rio Wine & Spirits at 111 Del Rio Pike. All bottles are $11.99.
Calling All Angels™ Chardonnay – 2011 Fruit-forward, medium-bodied Chardonnay. Fantastic citrus scent and a hint of pineapple that works great with the slight vanilla bean notes. The soft tannins and long finish make this great with dinner or a drink with friends. Serve it chilled to allow the flavors to evolve in the glass. The band says this is their “go-to choice of wine on a warm, summer night after playing a show on tour.”
Soul Sister™ Pinot Noir – 2011
cherry flavors with a cedar and tobacco nose. Packed with soft, round tannins, this Cabernet has a nice, long finish that lingers with spicy, vanilla notes. Serve it at cellar temperature to allow the flavors to evolve in the glass. And now for something not-so-completely different… or maybe not so completely different, because they’re still quotes about wine coming from musicians. See if you can name the song and artist that made the song famous from the quotations below. Answers found on page 20.
1. “Couldn’t understand a single word he said, but he sure had some mighty fine wine – and I helped him drink his wine.” 2. “A bottle of white, a bottle of red, perhaps a bottle of rosé instead?” 3. “Red, red wine. Go to my head. Make me forget that I still need her so.” 4. “The days of wine and roses laugh and run away like a child at play.” 5. “On the banks of the river on a well-beaten path. It’s funny how those memories last. Like strawberry wine and seventeen.”
Sourced in the cool climate of the Central Coast, which allows the grapes to stay on the vine an extended length of time and optimizes a balanced acid, this Pinot Noir is an expressive, medium ruby wine with flavors of ripe cherries and strawberries, a hint of vanilla and a smooth finish. The band stated that this wine is reminiscent of their days playing at small, rock clubs around the San Francisco area, because it is “dark, smoky and full of soul.”
Hella Fine™ Merlot – 2010 Full-bodied and smooth, this is a luscious Merlot with aromas of dark fruits that are followed by rich flavors of chocolate and cherries. As Train lead singer Pat Monahan mentions in their hit song, “Save Me, San Francisco,” this is a “Hella Fine” Merlot! Serve it at cellar temperature to allow the flavors to evolve in the glass.
Drops of Jupiter™ California Red Wine – 2011 This is a fruit-forward, insanely loveable Petite Syrahbased red blend. According to the wine aficionado in the band, Jimmy, “The minute you uncork the bottle, the boysenberry fruit leaps from your glass.” With soft, supple tannins, this wine is great with food or without. Serve it at cellar temperature to allow the flavors to evolve in the glass.
California 37™ Cabernet – 2010 Inspired by their drives along Highway 37 on the way to California’s wine country, this is a big, bold and enjoyable Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is driven by rich, ripe
March 2013
17
18
fieldstonemagazine.com
Are You Insurance Deductible Poor?
by Jolene McKenzie
Prior to becoming a health and life insurance agent, I worked in corporate America for more than 20 years. I never thought about my health insurance options except to make sure I had them. Of course, times are changing and fewer companies are offering the benefitrich packages enjoyed just a few years ago. With all the changes in health care underway and still pending, it is fair to assume the benefits picture will continue to change, leaving more responsibilities to employees for managing their overall health care protections.
often cost less overall and offer more benefits than a standalone low deductible health plan. I encourage you to evaluate how you are currently covered. If you are enrolled in a company plan, you might still consider looking at supplements to help you along the way should you end up with a lengthy illness or recovery. If you need help with what to do, feel free to call me at (615) 594-1564. Quotes are free and knowledge is priceless.
My personal experience in moving into self-employment left me thinking only about the amount of the deductible I would face in securing my own health plan. Fortunately, selling insurance has taught me a lot about how to make smarter decisions for my own health care protection. With that in mind, here are some strategies you might consider for yourself. First, keep in mind that the lower the annual deductible, the higher the monthly premium. Along with that, remember, health insurance premiums will likely increase annually or more frequently in some cases. There are more options than a $1,000 or $2500 deductible. With some carriers, you can raise your deductible as high as $10,000. But I can already hear you, “Whoa there, little lady, I don’t have that kind of cash laying around if I get into medical trouble. Are you crazy to suggest that high of a deductible?” To that, I have a question for you to ponder. What would it take for you to actually have to pay something toward your deductible? Preventative procedures, such as an annual physical, Pap smear or a PSA are covered at 100%. Unless you have an ongoing condition that requires regular testing and treatments, you might consider a higher deductible with some supplemental plans to fill in the gaps to cover a catastrophic situation. There are several things I like about supplements. Health insurance only covers your medical expenses. Once your deductible is met, the carrier will cover a percentage of your expenses – usually 70% or 80%. Supplements are indemnity plans that offer direct pay to you, the policy owner. The money becomes available based on a set of circumstances and is paid to you to use for whatever you need – health expenses or living expenses. Most common supplements offer lump sum payments for critical care, hospitalizations, income protection or accident coverage. Supplement premiums rarely go up and there is very little underwriting required to qualify for coverage. Furthermore, a supplement-rich health strategy coupled with a high-deductible health plan can
Attention All Hunters Bend Dads! Complete information on the innovative and unique All Pro Dad program can be found at allprodad.com, but here are the basics:
• Who – HBES Dads and their kids • What – All Pro Dad’s Day Breakfast • When – 7:15 a.m. – 8:05 a.m., March 22 (and every last Friday of each month going forward, as posted online at allprodad.com/3533) • Where – Hunters Bend Elementary cafeteria – 2121 Fieldstone Pkwy. • Why – A chance for fathers and kids to spend time together and discuss a wide range of family topics. By doing this, fathers show their children that they want to be intentional in their relationships with them. RSVP: Please RSVP on our very own HBES All Pro Dad webpage: allprodad.com/3533. Even if you can’t attend this breakfast, please enter your information so you can be included in our contact list. Breakfast: $3.50 per person (includes hot coffee!) Bill Beasley is the “Team Captain” for HBES. He can be reached through the HBES website if you have any questions, or you can e-mail him at bbeas@bellsouth.net.
March 2013
19
Reality and “ The Biggest Loser”
by Scott Fishkind - Clarendon
If you’ve been reading my column over the past few years, then you’ll know I’m not a fan of extremes when it comes to fitness or nutrition. This is because extremes are generally unsustainable and therefore cannot have a lasting positive impact. Extreme approaches can also do more harm than good. This harm can be both physical, wreaking havoc on one’s metabolism via yo-yo dieting, or injurious via extreme exercise programs, as well as emotional by leading to feelings of guilt and futility. Fad diets are a common topic that folks love to talk about, and I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve heard something like (please forgive my attempt at humor), “My friends, Fred and Wilma, lost X number of pounds on the Brontosaurus soup diet.” My response is usually along the lines of, “Let me know how it works out in about nine months from now and then I’ll be much more interested in discussing its efficacy!” This is because I’ve yet to see someone actually make a lasting change from these extreme approaches. Any results obtained are usually short lived at best and they inevitably rebound right back to where they started or worse. Nothing exemplifies extreme like NBC’s show, “The Biggest Loser” (TBL). Extremes abound in all directions, from the starting weights of the competitors to the nutritional and exercise approaches used. What isn’t as well known is that about 50% of the competitors end up having equally extreme rebound weight gain. Season 3 winner, Erik Chopin, is but one TBL competitor who has experienced this unfortunate scenario. He had begun the season weighing 407 pounds. He lost 124 pounds during his stay at TBL ranch, and another 90 pounds after returning home, giving him a total weight loss of 214 pounds and a finale weigh-in weight of 193 pounds – a 52.58% weight-loss percentage. An impressive accomplishment, but, sadly, it was short-lived, and before long, he was tipping the scale at 368 pounds. When he contacted Bob Harper, his trainer on TBL, Bob told him that “he shouldn’t go back to the “strict life,” but that he needed to find a balance he’d be able to do for the rest of his life. Harper said to Chopin, “You can’t do the extreme. You’ve done the extreme,” he said. “You have to find a day-to-day life.” Obviously Bob, who has to resort to extreme methods to help the TBL competitors make rapid changes in body composition, knows that approach is NOT the best way to create a sustainable change. In response to some criticism leveled at the show, JD Roth, TBL executive producer/co-creator, said that TBL maintenance rates stand slightly higher than 50 percent and, “We’re way above the percentages of the normal
20
branded diet that’s out there.” Considering the over-the-top, day in and day out arduous process these competitors go through on TBL, I for one don’t find that to be an impressive percentage of long-term success! I also find it absurd trying to compare what takes place on the show to anything else. Another major concern I have with TBL is that viewers often see contestants losing five, 10 or even more pounds per week. This can set up faulty expectations of what constitutes realistic, or even healthy, weight loss. Viewers may feel like they are somehow failing if they can’t match that rate. Ultimately, the rate at which someone loses large amounts of body fat is completely irrelevant if they put it back on. On the flip side, losing one to two pounds per week and KEEPING it off long term is REAL success! I have previously written about my own weight-loss transformation, which I have sustained for almost 30 years, so I know what it is like to make a pretty dramatic long-term change. The reason it was successful was because I kept it simple. This consisted of making a commitment to regular exercise and making small changes in my daily nutrition. Nothing fancy, extreme or crazy; just being accountable each and every day. I learned that the most important keys were being honest with myself, being consistent and, most of all, being patient. Fieldstone Farms Resident Scott Fishkind is a Certified Personal Trainer (ACE) and Certified IMPACT instructor (NESTA) specializing in Fitness Boot Camp Classes and In-Home personal Training. He may be reached at 615804-9396, email: info@time4youfitness.com, or www.time4youfitness.com.
Answers to Wine Quotes on p17: 1. Three Dog Night – “Joy to the World” 2. Billy Joel – “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” 3. Neil Diamond – “Red, Red Wine” 4. Andy Williams – “Days of Wine and Roses” 5. Deana Carter – “Strawberry Wine”
fieldstonemagazine.com
A Modern Approach to Tutoring As more focus is put on education, the use of private tutoring continues to spread throughout many communities. Tutoring can help high achievers reach new levels, as well as help slower learners keep up with others in their class. A venerable profession for centuries, one of the most famous tutors throughout the ages was Plato, who tutored Aristotle – a Greek philosopher, polymath and teacher of Alexander the Great. Today, a parent has a number of options when looking for tutoring services for their child. In the Franklin area, one such option can be found in the professional tutors at Achieve Learning in Cool Springs. “Our common goal is to aid students in becoming confident and well-equipped for success,” says Director of Learning Claire Watson. Specializing in reading, math, and ACT and SAT test preparation, Achieve Learning is a tutoring company that offers programs for students in all stages of educational development, from pre-K through high school.
homeschoolers can bring their children to Achieve Learning for testing in reading and math to determine their grade level equivalency. “We believe that all students should have the best chance possible at reaching their full potential,” says Watson. “We strive to assist in this process by providing quality customized tutoring plans and a positive learning environment.” Students who attend Achieve Learning have consistently benefitted from the extra assistance. With every 40 hours of instruction, students are offered free progress tests in reading and math. Achieve Learning students consistently show more than one year’s growth after the first 40 hours of tutoring. Students who attend Achieve Learning also gain an average of three points growth on the ACT and have even gained as much as eight points growth difference in some cases.
In business since 2003, and previously known as KnowledgePoints, Achieve Learning takes a modern approach to tutoring. The student-teacher ratio is usually one to one or two to one, but students may also learn in a small group, depending on the program and the needs of the student. Being able to select the appropriate learning environment for each student allows for personalized instruction, which accelerates the learning process. In addition, Achieve Learning provides parents with progress reports and motivates young students through a reward system to make learning fun. High school students can find tutoring in math levels up to and including calculus, and in the sciences, including chemistry and physics.
If you think your child could benefit from professional tutoring, call Achieve Learning at (615) 771-1226 for an appointment today. The closest Achieve Learning location to Fieldstone Farms is 3326 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 300 in Cool Springs. Find out more at achievelearningnow.com.
While offering tutoring in the core subject areas, Achieve Learning has other unique programs to fit each student’s individual needs. The Early Reader Programs are geared toward children in pre-K and first grade who are non-readers or emerging readers. And parents of
March 2013
21
The Fieldstone View with Maria Dinoia - Wheaton Hall
?
What is your favorite task/chore to get done when it comes time for spring cleaning??
My favorite spring cleaning task is cleaning out our pantry/freezer. I turn it into a challenge for my family. For the entire week, we eat only items that are stored in the freezer or pantry. It makes for some very interesting meals. – Rhonda Moyers
Getting it done and knowing I won’t have to do it again for a while!
I love to clean out and reorganize my closets. I really do like to organize (when I have the time). When I have things organized and in order, I am truly less stressed!
– Michele Boyette
– Missy Bean
Maria Dinoia is a freelance writer who currently writes for Country Weekly magazine and whose word eloquence has appeared in dozens of newspapers, magazines and websites. She happily resides in Fieldstone Farms with her hard-working husband and three adoring children.
I enjoy cleaning out the bonus room and getting rid of all the toys the kids don’t play with just in time for the spring yard sale on April 20th! – Lisa Konicki
Nutrition Gets Simpler With KoKo Fuel When Fieldstone Farms residents are looking for a proven, simple and effective way to get healthy, they don’t have to go any farther than the KoKo FitClub next to Publix at 2020 Fieldstone Pkwy. This state-of-the-art workout center, one of three in the greater Nashville area, uses the patented Smartraining automated personal training system, which includes strength and cardio regimens designed for each member’s unique goals and fitness level. Koko Fuel is the newest element of the Koko Smartraining system. It’s an integrated nutrition program that builds individually customized, nutritionistrecommended, online meal plans for members. The program is not a diet, but rather provides research-based
22
nutritional guidance and online meal plans to burn fat, build lean muscle and “fuel” each member’s personal Smartraining workouts. To get started with Koko Fuel, Koko FitClub members consult with their club’s FitCoach, who helps select a fitness goal and intensity level. The member’s profile is then loaded onto a key, which contains the member’s individual workout data that integrates with the Koko Fuel plan and is tracked on the member’s personal online portal at mykokofitclub.com. For locations and membership information, go to kokofitclub.com.
fieldstonemagazine.com
Help Me, Rhonda!!! An Advice Column for Fieldstone Farms
Dear Rhonda,
My best friend is getting married for the second time. She was married for about six years the first time, and I was her maid of honor. She asked me to be her matron of honor at her upcoming wedding and, of course, I accepted. My question is: am I obligated to throw her a shower and host her bachelorette party – again?
- Puzzled in the Farm Dear Puzzled in the Farm,
If you’ve agreed to be her matron of honor, and the bride is counting on the traditional shower and bachelorette party, then yes, you are obligated. To quote my 9-yearold child’s favorite movie, Spiderman, “With power comes great responsibility.” Enjoy the process. Love is a wonderful thing. Happy Planning!
Dear Rhonda,
and it may be difficult for her to take the back seat. Sit her down and see where her head is. Let her know how you feel. Take deep breaths and count to ten before your rebuttal. Keeping the peace may mean compromise. Good Luck!
Dear Rhonda,
My husband and I are both second-generation Irish, and we always have a big celebration on St. Patrick’s Day. I’m planning a menu of corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, shepherd’s pie and bread pudding. I need a recipe for a great cocktail that will complement the menu. Any ideas?
- Bit o’ the Blarney Dear Bit o’ the Blarney,
You don’t need a recipe. You need Guinness.
Jewelry parties, kitchen gadget parties, lingerie parties, skin care parties, party parties! I’m tapped out on all the things people are selling. How do you politely decline?
Bon Appétit!
- Not Cheap, Just Frugal Dear Not Cheap, Just Frugal,
Just say no thank you. No explanation necessary. Cheers to Saving!
Dear Rhonda,
My mother-in-law, bless her heart, lives with my family. For the most part, it is a reasonably harmonious arrangement. Lately, however, she has been giving my husband and me unsolicited advice regarding childrearing. We don’t want to offend her, but we need her to butt out. What is your advice for asking her to keep her suggestions to herself without starting WWIII?
- About to Spout Off Dear About to Spout Off,
This is a delicate and sticky situation. In order to maintain your reasonably harmonious arrangement, I would recommend having a discussion with her. You must understand, however, that the dynamic in the house has drastically changed. She may view herself as “the parent,”
Got a question? Contact Rhonda at askrhonda@live.com or to submit a question anonymously visit: askrhonda.us.
March 2013
23