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15 Just the Tips

Selecting the Right Real Estate Agent

19 Wine Spot

features

Seasonal Selections

21 Single to Stepmom

She Reads - New Season, New Reads p. 40

23 Sore Spot

Changes for a Healthier you

26 Springtime Recipes

Music Spot p. 46

28 Travel Spot

Michael Upton Sits Down with the Female Trio “Maybe April”

A Day at Chelsea Market

30 Momma Nature Spot

Musings of Motherhood p. 7

Garden Inspiration

33 Sexy Spot

Melinda Emerson p. 10

Finding the Perfect Bra

America’s “Small Biz Lady”

35 Legal Spot

Does That Mean There’s No Tooth Fairy?

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36 Spotlight

Regina Strobel of Ridge Physical Therapy

45 Beauty Spot

Seasonal Makeup Trends

48 On the Spot Taylor Swift

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BLUE WATER MEDIA

Welcome to Local Living Woman. We have begun the new season on the cool side, but things are heating up quickly and we will continue to bring you exciting and relevent content.

As the new Publisher I look forward to the year ahead and will continue to help Local Living Woman grow and blossom as the earth does daily in this season unveiling its beauty.

Volume II, Issue One Executive Group Publisher Karen A. Kovacs Publisher Susanna Koppany Editor-in-Chief Lisa Walters Art Director Sherilyn Kulesh

During this special time, we focus on the unfolding road ahead and importance of the special women in each of our lives, our moms, daughters, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, partners, friends and celebrate them on Mother’s Day, don’t forget to celebrate them daily.

Director of Media Development Blair Johnson

I believe in order to receive we must first give, let this be the season of giving a fresh newness to whatever has held us back and continue on the road and rise to our daily challenges, accomplish our “to do” list and live to our fullest every day with gratitude. As women, we work, nuture, mentor, love, volunteer and give so much every day, don’t forget to celebrate YOU in this spring season. Sometimes wearing all those “shoes” is exhausting, don’t forget to breathe and have a glass of wine, if needed. Mostly be comfortable in shoes you wear everyday.

Contributing Writers Lauren Cronmiller, Mary Cushing Doherty, Michelle Kawamoto, Sarah Lipp, Jamie Moyer, Kristin Moyer, Stephanie Nolasco, Krisy Parades, Erika Ringwald, Shannon Snyder, Michael Upton

Live, Love, Laugh Happy Mother’s Day!

Senior Account Manager Lori Straff

Susanna Koppany Publisher

Account Executives Cynthia Price, Phyllis Gambone Accounting Manager Melinda Kovacs BLUE WATER MEDIA, LLC 303 Alder Lane Ocean City, NJ 08226 215.257.8400 info.bluewatermedia@gmail.com

6 • LOCAL LIVING WOMAN •

Volume 2, Issue 1

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musings of motherhood

My First Mother’s Day

By Lisa Walters

W

ith Mothers Day just around the corner, I feel I have to reflect on my very first time celebrating this hallmark holiday. At the time, my son was just about 5 months old. I had been back to work for a little over a month and everyday was the same exhausting hamster wheel. Being a breast-feeding working momma meant that I was constantly worrying over when I could set aside 10 minutes to jet off to my “pumping station” to suck out my son’s meals for the next day.

My evenings were just as stressful. After picking my son up, I’d rush home to make dinner, wash out my pump, get Jack bathed and put in bed. At 9pm, I’d clean up the mess that was created throughout the house and start packing lunches, bottles, and the diaper bag for the next day. My husband would get home from work sometime after 11pm to a clean, quiet house just as I was settling into some mindless reality TV. As women, we have this innate ability to worry and think about all that has to be done for our families. I wanted a break. I wanted to pause myself of this responsibility. And that is what I thought Mother’s Day was for…

So on that very first Mother’s Day I was told to, “stay in bed” while my husband got Jack ready for the day and served me my favorite breakfast – French Toast and coffee. After reading a wonderful card, filled with some of the most beautiful words $4.99 can buy, I was thinking this special day was off to a really good start. Annnnnnd that was it. The engine started, but we never really pulled out of park.

In the afternoon, my husband and son took a nap while I did some work and straightened up the house. This wasn’t a special day! I was switching laundry and making baby food for the week like any other Sunday afternoon!

We decided on take-out for dinner, and my order was incorrect. I didn’t have the patience to call the restaurant and send my husband back out to retrieve what I was really craving, so I bitterly ate my dinner while nursing my son. Then, we went out for ice cream.

Which was easing the pain of my botched dinner, until my husband came back to the car with the opposite of what I actually wanted. I started to cry. No, tantrum… like a toddler because my ice cream order was incorrect. IT’S MOTHERS DAY! MY DAY! Mother’s Day was not what I had envisioned.

But what had I envisioned? After some reflection, I realized that the word “day” is what got me all sorts of crazy. I will be a mother for the rest of my life, how can I ever expect to have a day where my role is entirely put on hold? I love so many parts of being a mother, but then there are those annoying parts that I had assumed were going to automatically be taken care of… the cooking, cleaning, feeding and changing the baby. That’s what I needed a break from.

With the hormones and exhaustion I was experiencing that first year, Mother’s Day was not what I needed it to be. Motherhood truly is a journey. Over time I have learned that all the difficult moments have lead me to the most beautiful moments.

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• LOCAL LIVING WOMAN •

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Spring is a time of rebirth that often motivates us to clean out our space and reorganize our goals and routines. As we emerge from hibernation and slowly begin to shed our Ugg boots and knitted scarves, the possibility of embracing life outdoors commences once again.

As a work-from-home mom, I spend a lot of time, well… in my home. So it can be difficult to turn my back to the imperfections, clutter, and dirt that accumulate from my busy family. I love the transition to spring. Mostly because I can open up the back door and kick the whole family out into the yard. Everybody, get out! Husband, kids, dogs… go run around outside and let me clean this winter crud. It’s true that as the temperature rises, the fresh air pours into the house and this momma gets her house back.

Having an organized space is liberating for me, as it allows me to be more creative and motivated try new things. I am excited that this issue of Local Living Woman had plenty to get me re-inspired. Our new column, She Reads, is filled with terrific books to enjoy on the porch with a cup of tea. You will totally dig Momma Nature Spot – as she suggests all the reasons to get outside and plant your own veggies.

Plus we have amazing women, Melinda Emerson and Regina Strobel, encouraging our readers as they share their own journeys of success within their respected careers. Music Spot does a phenomenal job introducing us to a new musical power trio, known as “Maybe April”.

I hope you all embrace the springtime sunshine, and experience a sense of growth in both your gardens and personal lives from this issue of Local Living Woman.

Lisa Walters, Editor-in-Chief

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Volume 2, Issue 1

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MELINDA EMERSON

You Are One Idea Away

From Doing What You Want To Do…

By Lisa Walters

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aving read the 2nd edition of her book Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, I was eager to speak with the woman known as “America’s #1 Small Business Expert.” I am always excited to chat with a successful woman because I love to hear about the journey that got them to the present.

Nearly a decade ago, Melinda was ordered to bed rest while pregnant with her son. Women are doers, and I know I would probably enjoy about two days of bed rest (so I could binge watch some mindless reality TV and see what a nap feels like), but after that I’d be difficult to keep down. In this aspect, Melinda and I are quite similar. “It was a struggle. I went from being a workaholic to not being able to raise my voice. But it gave me an opportunity to write and reflect.”

I am sure Melinda wasn’t feeling it at the time, but that old saying “things happen for a reason” rings true in this situation. Bed rest had unleashed the writer within and led Melinda down a new path. In 2008, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months was finished and ready for print, but the publisher put the brakes on its release. “We had worked so hard to get this book finished. Are you serious? I couldn’t believe it; but with the state of our economy and the number of small businesses failing at that time, a book of this topic just didn’t make sense.” Another bump in the road? More like a turn in the path…

To help ease the heartache of the delayed book release, her publisher suggested she develop a strong presence on the social media networks to build a fan base. Despite Twitter being a relatively new thing back in ‘08, the Twitter name “Melinda Emerson” was already taken. “Can you believe I couldn’t even use my own name? But then my publisher suggested I come up with a tag name.” So on that day, “Small Biz Lady” was born.

Fast-forward to 2015, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months is a bestseller with the second edition just released in January and Melinda is more commonly recognized as “Small Biz Lady” than her

actual name. “I’ve been at events, and I will introduce myself by my real name. I have twenty-minute conversations with people and they have no idea who I am. Then I get up on stage, and they say, ‘I was talking to Small Biz Lady?’ I was the event speaker and they had no clue.”

You can expect routine posts from @SmallBiz Lady on Twitter, as well as Facebook and other forms of social media. Melinda emphasizes the importance of creating an online presence; “Social media plays a huge role in the success of today’s small business.” Not sure if you can ‘tweet’ with the best of them? Then, I highly recommend you download her e-book: How to Become a Social Media Ninja, as a guide.

So what’s up next? Melinda has another book in the works, is focused on expanding her consulting company, and would love to do a reality TV show. As a spokesperson for Sams Club, Wells Fargo, Hartford Insurance and others and others on the near horizon, she is excited about the opportunity to help other companies.

“My mission is to end small business failures,” Melinda says confidently.

When I hung up the phone, I immediately began to reflect on my own journey. As a new mom, I find myself connecting with other women through our conversations at the park, toddler music class, and the community baby pool… often times we end up talking about the careers we put on hold to raise our children, or the job we took for its convenient hours and not because it fulfills our passions and talents. “You are one idea away from doing what you want to do,” are simple words from Melinda, but they have stuck with me in a powerful way. We have talents and ideas and goals. If you need some motivation and guidance to launch your own business, Melinda Emerson is your new best friend.

To see all that Melinda Emerson has to offer visit: www.succeedasyourownboss.com

Volume 2, Issue 1

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FINANCE SPOT

“Fool Me Once, Shame on Me, Fool Me Twice...I Don’t Think So.”

By Jessica A. Pritchard, Esquire

T

he decision to remarry is not made lightly.

Marrying a second time is oftentimes very different from a first marriage. The second time around, people are likely to have assets and children from a prior relationship. Recalling the time, money and emotional energy spent during your divorce, friends and advisors might mention a prenuptial agreement. A well-drafted prenuptial agreement can protect these hard-earned valuables.

Is it right for you? It is if you want to avoid the aggravation and expense of litigating your future. Protect yourself.

A prenuptial agreement is a contract between persons who plan to marry. The agreement addresses how property is to be divided or the terms of support/alimony in the event of a divorce or the death of one of the parties. Executing an agreement before being married in order to address what will occur in the event of divorce is not romantic, but it is smart.

What can be expected? What needs to be done?

Once it is decided that a prenuptial agreement is appropriate, the first step is to contact an attorney well in advance of a wedding date. Presenting a prenuptial agreement to one’s fiancée on the eve of a wedding adds unnecessary pressure to an already stressful time. Anticipate providing your attorney documentation of current assets, liabilities and sources of income. To ensure that an agreement’s validity cannot be challenged at later date, the parties disclose their current financial status. Prepare an

outline of assets and liabilities and bring recent tax returns to your meeting to help make the process easier. Your prenuptial agreement can outline how certain assets will be divided between spouses in the event of divorce and if someone will receive support if the parties separate. Will assets be divided equally?

Will certain assets, like a family business, be excluded from consideration in the event of a divorce? Will certain assets be set aside for a party’s children from the prior relationship? Will someone receive alimony? For how long and in what amount will the alimony be payable?

Negotiating the terms of a prenuptial agreement can become intensely emotional. Suddenly, the exuberant feelings surrounding an impending wedding are dampened by serious discussions of a possible future personal tragedy. Someone may feel slighted and someone else may feel exploited. Being offended by the negotiations will serve no purpose.

Both parties should have the agreement reviewed by an attorney so that they may feel comfortable with the bargain reached. Do not be afraid to advocate for what you may need in the future. When people get married, rights are acquired. Marriage is a contract.

Specifying the contract, according to terms the parties “can live with,” makes sense.

Jessica A. Pritchard, Esquire is Partner at Williams & Hand, P.C., 43 North Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901. They can be reached by phone at (215) 340-2207 or email Jessica at jpritchard@williamshandlaw.com.

Volume 2, Issue 1

• LOCAL LIVING WOMAN •

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JUST THE TIPS

Selecting the right Real estate agent by lauren cronmiller

T

his article is not about boasting about my credentials, although I will throw in a few, but rather about selecting the realtor that is right for you. I once read a local news article claiming that buyers should interview agents and ask for 4% listing commission, because agents will take it. Really, 4%? While few may agree to that, and I mean very few, let me ask you this, would you take a price cut at your job? Would you put the same amount of time and effort into something yielding you less money? So while you may shop around for the cheapest realtor, will you sell your house quickly and for the highest price possible?

Maybe you are considering the “for sale by owner” (FSBO) route. This allows you to only pay for only one realtor because you, the owner, will be acting on your own behalf. Let me throw a few statistics from a 2014 article written by the National Association of Realtors. Over 40% of FSBO’s knew the buyer.

For those that did not have a buyer lined up, only half advertised their home. Those that decided to list their home with an agent yielded a 13% higher sale price than that of a FSBO. Did you know Colby Sambratto, creator of forsalebuyowner.com, used a realtor and paid 6% commission to sell his own home? He didn’t even use his own product!

If you are in the market for a new realtor, here are tips when selecting an agent to buy and/or sell your home.

Ask friends and family for a referral.

Ask what they liked and didn’t like about the realtors they used. Their experiences could give you some insight and direction.

Don’t go with the realtor with the highest list price.

Look at the comps. See if the price they are offering

makes sense. They could be buying the listing meaning once you sign with them, they will offer the home at a very high price and ask for price reductions once the home does not sell.

Is the agent a part time or full time realtor?

Do not feel obligated to pick a family member, friend, or colleague who is a realtor. Selling your home is a business transaction. Try not to let emotional relationships get in the way of your bottom line and what is best for you.

When you talk to an agent. List your expectations.

When do you expect feedback? When do you expect to sell/move into your new home? How often do you want to look at houses? If anything changes, be sure to tell them. I lost a buyer because they told me they were browsing the market. I would reach out to them once every week or two. They went with a realtor who was more aggressive because they decided it was time to actively look at houses. I do wear a ton of hats but mind reading is not one of them.

Communication is key throughout this entire process. Save yourself the time, money, and energy and hire a realtor. Once you find a fantastic agent, you will never have to go through the interview process again!

Lauren Cronmiller is a real estate agent for the Cronmiller Team at Keller Williams Real Estate in Doylestown. She has been a realtor since 2006 receiving Philadelphia’s 5 Star Real Estate Agent award for the past 4 years. Lauren can be reached at her office 215-340-5700, always on her cell phone 215-870-2398, or through email lmcronmiller@gmail.com.

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Cool Whites for a Hot Summer!

By Michele Kawamoto Perry

T

he summer season brings plenty of sunshine and hot days. It’s a time for beach BBQs, pool parties and vacations! And, there’s no better compliment to summer activities than refreshing and tasty white wines.

The wines selected below are not only delicious and thirst quenching, but they also encourage a sense of adventure. Instead of the typical white wine varietals, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, these wines are made with unique and/or indigenous varietals to their countries of origin. Enjoy these selections while sitting on the porch enjoying the warm evening breezes. Or, allow them to transport you to another country for a mini-vacation!

2012 Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet, Coteaux de Languedoc, France Varietal: Picpoul de Pinet. Light yellow color. Aromas of lemon, green apple, kumquat and d’Anjou pear. White grapefruit, lemon zest and a touch of minerality on the palate. Light bodied, crisp and tangy with a long, dry, green apple finish.

Price: $9 2011 Tenuta La Marchesa Gavi, Gavi DOCG, Italy Varietal: 100% Cortese. Braeburn apple, tangerine, lemon with delicate floral scent on the nose. Ripe apple, lemon and slight almond notes on the palate. Light to medium bodied with a rounded texture and persistent finish.

Price: $15

Light to medium bodied with a touch of orange marmalade on the finish.

Price: $10 2012 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier, California, USA Varietals: 80% Chenin Blanc, 20% Viognier. Pale straw color. Golden delicious apple, Bosc pear, pineapple, and honeysuckle. Flavors of baked apple, white peach and tangerine with a hint of ginger. Medium bodied, juicy and lush with a long finish.

Price: $15 Michele Kawamoto Perry is a wine industry veteran, sommelier, and international wine educator. Michele is a Certified Sommelier and instructor through the International Sommelier Guild, and co-owner of Rouge-Bleu winery in southern Rhone, France. She received her MBA from Bordeaux Business School with a focus on the wine industry, and her BA from Harvard University.

2012 Tons of Douorum, Douro DOC, Portugal Varietals: 30% Viosinho, 25% Rabigato, 20% Verdelho, 20% Arinto, 5% Moscatel Galego Bianco. Pale yellow color. Bright aromas of pink grapefruit, mandarin, lemon with a hint of smoke. Pink grapefruit and mandarin is echoed on the palate along with pineapple notes.

Volume 2, Issue 1

• LOCAL LIVING WOMAN •

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Volume 2, Issue 1

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Single to Stepmom

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By Sarah Lipp

oing from single white female to stepmom of four in less than a year was a huge lifestyle adjustment, and some even thought I was crazy! Marrying the love of my life meant loving the four little people that are his world and the keepers of his heart. Luckily, my husband was very willing to help me make the adjustment into my new role easy and painless.

While one may think being involved with someone who has children may be difficult, there are ways to lessen the worry.

Be honest. There are often highs and lows in relationships, and communication is key to working through it all. When children are involved, there are a lot of additional emotions. Remember not to take anything personally, and be open about what you are feeling. Explain why you feel the way you do, and ask your partner for support.

Be patient. The little ones are going to test you.

They want to see what you will let them get away with, and how you will react to something they know they can’t get away with. Before this happens, be sure you and your partner are on the same page with expectations and boundaries. Make sure you know how to handle it in a manner you both agree on. Remember, mom is in the name “step-mom,” so you do have authority!

Be yourself. There is no better way to be around the kiddos than staying true to your character.

Remember, that’s the reason your significant other fell in love with you in the first place, and it is very likely that you have been introduced to the children for that very reason. Get the kids involved in doing things you may enjoy such as cooking or working out. When you find yourself alone with them, ask what they would like to do and follow their lead.

Showing that you care about their interests will help strengthen the bond.

Parents don’t take you meeting the children lightly. This is a milestone and a huge display of trust and commitment by your partner. Accept that you will NEVER be the center of your darling’s affection when the kiddos are around. However, joining in and being a part of it all will get you more admiration than you could ever imagine. I still remember the first time my husband looked at me and whispered, “You are amazing with them.” This statement reassured me that my husband understood that I was going to treat and love his children as if they were my own. This was also the day I fell more in love with him, his children, and my new life. We are a family, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

Sarah Lipp is a Shop Operations Coordinator at Under Armour. She lives in Springfield, Mo and enjoys running, cooking, spending time with her family and traveling.

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Sore spot

THE START TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

By Erika Ringwald

A

s a Registered Dietitian at a private practice, I get to work with people who are trying to manage a whole host of issues. But there is a common theme that I often come across, which is the majority of people want to take on a healthier lifestyle. There is a lot of information available with which to work. Some will try removing food groups; others will try adding in “miracle” foods. It’s overwhelming trying to understand all the information and put it into action. My job is to educate people and bridge the gaps. I start with each client in a similar fashion. I personalize the education and plan specific to their needs and goals, but a few behaviors are consistent and key to everyone.

First of all, you need to be honest with yourself.

Journaling as you eat, as opposed to recalling the food you ate that day, will provide better insight into your eating habits and hold you accountable for everything that passes into your mouth. Moving forward and making a change requires seeing where you are coming from. Seeing what you are really doing, not choosing to remember what you are doing, can help identify those problematic issues.

Stay active everyday. Including intentional exercise is important, but don’t underestimate the overall benefit of moving more throughout the day. Many people use exercise as an excuse to eat what they want to.

This is not a good behavior. If you exercise 1 hour a day, there are 23 hours remaining, some of which are sleeping. If you are sedentary the majority of the day,

you cannot afford to indulge when you eat. Get in as much movement in the waking hours. Use a bathroom far away at work, take a walk during lunch or a break, every time you need to use the stairs, go up, come back down and go up again. You take in energy throughout the day, so you need to use it!

Portion control is critical. Learning what reasonable portion sizes are and what they look like will prevent overeating at meals and snacks. Starting to measure out foods and seeing what an actual portion is can be eye opening. Highlight the word control.

You control what and how much you eat. Period.

Start each day with breakfast. There is caveat to this tip, however. Avoid highly refined foods and definitely avoid added sugars! Starting off with a whole, intact grain, like oatmeal and having some protein, like an egg, will set you up with even energy and better control throughout the day.

Once you are able to figure out what it is that is interfering with a healthy lifestyle, you can start to put the focus on where the change will reap the most benefits.

Erika Ringwald is a Registered Dietitian with Erika Ringwald Nutrition. She focuses on bridging the gaps between nutrition information and making it work within your lifestyle. Erika can be reached at erika@ erikaringwaldnutrition.com.

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what’s cooking

The Lodge at Woodloch Resort

by Diane Burns

Everyone from time to time needs to find a place to get away from everyday stresses and concentrate on revitalizing their lives.

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ocated on a lake in the beautiful Pocono Mountains you’ll find The Lodge at Woodloch. This luxury spa resort has all the amenities needed to help you relax, rejuvenate and enhance your mind, body and spirit.

Featured at The Lodge is the organic Farm-To-Table Garden that will provide the herbs and vegetables that Chef Peter Schott will use in the preparation of your nutritious, gourmet meals in the Tree Restaurant. The Garden also provides a learning experience for guests with exciting gardening classes and product tips to help you create your own organic garden.

Throughout the week, if you are so inclined, you may enjoy attending the cooking and baking demonstrations in The Lodge’s ultra-modern kitchen, a kitchen anyone would love to have. Menu planning, cooking techniques and how to prepare the “new super foods” that help us gain and maintain a healthy active life are only a part of the presentations.

If you prefer wine tasting, The Lodge offers the opportunity for you to enjoy a variety of wines from Chile and Argentina and other wine producing regions. Learn how to pair different cheeses and fruits that enhance the flavor of different wines. A selection of three red wines and three white wines will be served at the tasting.

One of the most enjoyable experiences you’ll have at The Lodge at Woodloch will be the three gourmet meals you will be served daily in the Tree Restaurant.

Snacks and treats are also available during the day in the tea bars and lounges. If you have any special dietary needs let the staff know in advance so Chef Schott can customize a menu for you.

Tree has a diverse menu of nutritious, gourmet meals prepared with organically grown vegetables from The Garden and naturally-raised meat and fish.

The morning begins with your choice of the a La Carte menu or the gourmet buffet featuring a large variety of egg dishes, meats, pancakes and oatmeal or cereal. On the menu for lunch you will find a variety of burgers made from beef, turkey, lamb or even a vegetarian black bean burger; perhaps you would prefer a whole wheat pizza or a Tofu Hot Pot. For dinner, experience the Seafood Bouillabaisse, Chilean Sea Bass, Roasted Chicken or Loin of Lamb all prepared and skillfully presented to take you on a

culinary journey you won’t soon forget. This is just a sample of the gourmet offerings available to you.

And of course… The Lodge’s health and fitness facilities are considered one of the best in the country.

Enjoy the hydro-massage pools, steam rooms, saunas and exercise equipment. These are only a few of the amenities you’ll find at the Lodge. Become more aware of your body and mind by learning some new relaxation exercises or discover skills to help you navigate through life with less stress and find a new sense of your own personal awareness.

The Lodge offers a selection of packages from a Mother-Daughter or Couples Retreat package to the Zen/Golf package to The Girlfriends Getaway. So, are you ready to relax and start to rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit? If you are, take a photo tour of The Lodge at Woodloch Spa Resort by visiting their web site at www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com. It will be the most thoughtful, life-enhancing experience you will ever do for yourself.

For more information or to make your reservations, visit www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com or call (1866) 953-8500.

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Smart Ways to Eat Better

By Peggy Aston

How many times do you start out the day, full of resolve to eat well?

Then by the time you get to dinner, you think, “maybe tomorrow.”

Here are some delicious recipes to help you get started without all of the fuss and muss.

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Baked Salmon With Avocado-Dill Yogurt Salmon is a great staple to add to your weeknight dinner rotation, and for good reason—it’s low in calories and fat, high in protein, and off the charts with omega-3s. If a grill’s not available, baking is a great alternative. Baking the salmon at a high temperature helps to seal in the fish’s natural juices while keeping it tender.

What You’ll Need 1 medium avocado, diced (skin and pit removed) 1/2 cup Greek yogurt 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 1 clove garlic 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1-3 tablespoons water Salt Fresh ground pepper 4 6-oz salmon fillets 1 tablespoon olive oil What To Do Preheat oven to 400 degrees. While the oven heats up, prepare the yogurt sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, dill, garlic, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon water, salt, and pepper. Puree the mixture until smooth and creamy.

If necessary, add more water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Set aside.

Place fish, skin side down, on a foil-lined baking sheet. Season with fillets with salt and pepper and brush with olive oil (about 1 tablespoon total).

Bake fish (without flipping) until just cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes, (depending on thickness).

(Note: Thicker, center-cut fillets will take longer, while thinner fillets cut from the tail section will cook faster.)

Once cooked, remove from oven and plate each fillet.

Top with 1-2 tablespoons of the avocado-dill yogurt, and enjoy!

Plum Sorbet You don’t need to give up ice cream if you’re trying to lead a healthy lifestyle. Try this surprising plum-flavored sorbet, which has only 0.2 grams of saturated fat per serving.

What You’ll Need 6 large ripe plums, peeled and finely chopped (about 5 cups) 1/3 cup “measures-like-sugar” calorie-free sweetener 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin 1/4 cup cold water 1 (8-ounce) carton vanilla fat-free yogurt sweetened with aspartame Plum wedge (optional) What To Do Combine plums, sweetener, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor; process until smooth.

Transfer mixture to a medium bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small saucepan; let stand 1 minute. Cook over low heat, stirring until gelatin dissolves, about 4 minutes. Add to plum mixture, stirring well. Add yogurt, stirring until smooth.

Pour mixture into an 8-inch square pan; freeze until almost firm. Transfer mixture to a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until fluffy. Spoon mixture back into pan; freeze until firm. Scoop into 5 individual serving dishes to serve. Garnish each serving with a plum wedge, if desired.

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s - NYC Market

Park

A Day

Markets at the

By Shannon Snyder

As the gentle spring breeze begins to saunter in as a replacement for its blustery counterpart and the warmth of the April sun melts away our memories of winter’s harsh nature, we slowly reemerge from hibernation to join the rebirth of nature.

Sadly, it is too soon to soak up some rays on Jersey’s sunny shores, but in the meantime do not forfeit your right to some fresh air and vitamin D. If you’re eager for adventure, but limited to the confines of a weekend, venture out to New York City’s own Chelsea Markets, a mecca of creativity and a foodie’s paradise. Industrial-styled walls lined with art and photography and well-worn hardwood floors will lead you through an eclectic array of culinary genius, in both shop and stall form.

Potent espresso, nutella-lined crepes, donuts, and freshly-baked bread are not only the four greatest reasons ever to throw off the duvet and carpe diem, but are also features of the market’s hallowed halls. If you prefer to take advantage of the cultural fare that goes hand and hand with New York being the world’s melting pot, treat yourself to a Num Pang sandwich, Mexican-Japanese fusion, or authentic Italian… because when in Rome (or in this case Manhattan). Then there’s the city’s proximity to the ocean and the entire space devoted to fresh seafood and lobster. Although, in my completely unbiased opinion, the hall’s crowning glory is Cull & Pistol, a restaurant devoted to oysters and champagne.

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Chelsea

ne High Li

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Once you’ve contented your inner foodie, scour the designer sample sales that frequent the market and head to the back for the Artists & Fleas section. Here you’ll find vintage clothing, artisan jewelry, and handcrafted prints amongst other crafts allowing for some non-touristy mementos of your visit.

Lastly, no trip to the Chelsea Markets is complete without a stroll through the High Line, a retired elevated freight rail transformed into a public park. Almost 20 blocks of uninterrupted walkway spanning from the heart of the Meatpacking District to 31st street, the path is lined with plants, art, and food vendors and offers sweeping views of the surrounding neighborhoods. As you find yourself, t-shirt clad, finishing off an ice-cream sandwich with ungloved fingers while gazing at the NYC bustle below, winter will be but a faint recollection.

Shannon Snyder is a writer by trade and an adventurer by nature. She currently resides in the suburbs of Philadelphia.

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momma nature SPOT

The Experience of Creating

an Edible Garden

By Kristin Moyer 32 • LOCAL LIVING WOMAN •

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A

decade ago, I had no idea about eating healthy, gardening, edible education… none of it. I did, however, always use food as a creative outlet. I was about a year into a Crohn’s Disease diagnosis that also left me following the crumbs down the holistic path. I had decided to manage my condition without the use of drugs and immersed myself into food as medicine, practically reading and researching myself into wellness. I may not be classically trained, but I have passion.

Working as a chef gave me the freedom to explore local procurement and an endless canvas for creating. In 2007, I discovered Blooming Glen Farm CSA. When I say to people, “vegetables saved my life” I mean it. I am a visionary person, so I connect deeply with imagery and aesthetic beauty. I fell madly in love

with all of the vegetables and wanted my children to share in my experience. I felt strongly that each child deserved the luxury of hands on experiential sensory education.

It can be overwhelming for a working Mommy to go from point A “we need to grow some stuff ” to point Z, which seems completely unreachable because all the information out there will only overwhelm and squash a good intended dream. The reality for me is that some years, the CSA is too expensive. Plus, I have come to cherish the process much more than the outcome; and this means getting the kids involved in the work!

Gardens and cooking are work and in this society our kids have become lazy. I mean that in the gentlest of ways, and parents are part of the blame. Gardening is the perfect activity to get your children involved in.

I have a small compost bin on the side of my house where I throw my kitchen scraps, egg shells, coffee grinds, etc. Dumping and turning scraps is a child friendly chore! Growing in pots close to the house is much simpler and hands on for the children. Plus, it eliminates much of the cost and stress involved in creating a full garden.

I got the itch a few years back to dig up my side yard and have a very large area to grow. I bought a fancy expensive tiller, all the books I needed, wood, soil, seeds, gloves, a fun hat and some waterproof rain boot things that all the cool moms wore. Long story short, I quickly realized that hopping on the tractor to drive buckets of water hundreds of feet to water the damn thing was absurd. Then, there was Mr. Groundhog, who kindly took up residence at the garden and was eating all my goods!

Take my advice: Start small and slowly grow bigger.

I am actually a fan of growing less quantity myself. It is easier to manage the experience for my kids, and I can still support my local farmers who are doing it better than I ever will. Grow a salsa garden pot, or a raised bed close to the house so deer won’t want to come a chomping. I suggest planting strawberry pots or trellising cherry tomatoes along deck or stair railings. If you’re crafty maybe think about growing some cotton or edible flowers. The sky’s the limit.

Don’t get discouraged by all the “make your own toothpaste” type mom blogs out there. Don’t compare. Start where you’re at, make it fun, get dirty with your kids, eat clean, and get connected. Fall in love with the beauty that only Mother Nature breathes life into.

Kristin is a for purpose chef who currently works at The Perk Restaurant in Perkasie, as the garden coordinator and creator of the Edible Schoolyard Pa located at Greenshire Arts in Quakertown. Find the details of her program at www.greenshirearts.org or contact her directly at holyleo1@verizon.net. She has openings for her Kids Eat Clean Kitchen and Garden Cooking Classes.

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Bring Sexy Back..

Finding the Perfect Bra

By Stephanie Nolasco

I

f you’re wearing a bra this very second, chances are it’s riding up your back, the underwire is poking your rib cage, or the straps are digging into your shoulders, making it feel as if you’re wearing a Victorian contraption instead of a sexy undergarment. It turns out that you, along with thousands of women, are wearing the wrong bra size. Here are some tips on how any woman can find the perfect bra and boost their self-confidence.

in the States. Besides who wouldn’t mind wearing silky-smooth lingerie from France or London? But if you think a standard bra from a cheaper retailer means saving money, think again. An average American bra made with weak cotton will last up to six months. A European bra can survive for an entire year. The fabric is what supports your breasts, so a cheaper bra looses its elasticity quickly and it’ll need to be thrown away sooner.

1. Finding the Right Size

Lingerie isn’t only about providing support, it’s also about looking and feeling like the vixen you are.

Retro-inspired looks have been popular for a long time and make you look like a glamorous pinup girl, with little effort. Some lingerie designers are even replicating the sensuous patterns of golden-era Hollywood and applying them to modern styles.

Bullet bras are becoming a hit again. It’s sexy without it being only for the bedroom. Thanks to Spanx, girdles are coming back and are better than ever.

Go to a reputable lingerie store. They’ll be able to size you correctly and provide a variety of options that look good on you. Major department stores and local lingerie shops will spend more time showing you how a proper cup can benefit your breasts, not just sell you a product.

2. Major No-Nos Many women assume that tightening up your straps is supposed to make your bra fit better.

However, the support of your bra should be coming from the band. The bra should be able to hold your breasts properly without the straps on your shoulders. In addition, a strap shouldn’t be able to be pulled back or fit too snug. The right cup should also cover the entire breast, without causing un expected spilling.

3. Invest in Europe The difference between a Parisian bra and one from Walmart isn’t only price and location. European bra companies are known for using the finest fabrics and offering a larger array of sizes than those found

4. Scope Current Trends

5. Go Shopping!

The Internet has thousands of retailers from around the world that provide a large collection of sizes.

Once you do find a manufacturer that sells lingerie that compliments your body type, wait until they have sales and stock up. After you purchase your new undergarments, make sure you properly take care of them by hand washing or putting your lingerie in a mesh bag before they go into the washing machine. When bras last longer, you can spend your cash on other must-haves like jewelry or shoes.

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LEGAL SPOT

Does That Mean There’s No Tooth Fairy?

by Mary Cushing Doherty, Esquire

A

re we bad parents to spin the tales of a Tooth Fairy trading a small tooth for a surprise? Stories of the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and other magical joys create blissful anticipation for children and parents. Eventually our young impressionable children are tainted by cynical older siblings or their more worldly-wise classmates. Most parents can recount when their daughter or son discovered the truth. Our oldest made the lightening-fast connection: if Daddy hid the Easter baskets, are the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy all lies? The bubble had burst; childhood dreams and trust were forever tarnished.

What about telling children I’ll love you forever?

Do they wonder about adult sincerity when Mom or Dad say I don’t love Dad or Mom anymore? We adults should recognize we are raising children in communities where divorces occur on a regular basis. This is affecting the core hope of children to be loved “forever”. Do we recognize that children want to believe their home will always include mom and dad? Children assume both parents will be with them when they fall asleep and awake each day. If a marriage is doomed, what can be done to preserve for the children the sense of stability they crave?

Adults know children who are touched by divorce.

Regardless of the adult’s relationship with the child, one needs to be considerate of the upheaval. In the past ten or more years, many divorcing couples expect each parent will assume significant custodial responsibility. In the early months of separation, the parents may agree to a “nesting” custodial arrangement whereby the 36 • LOCAL LIVING WOMAN •

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parents alternate staying in the home so the children need not travel between two households. Some parents agree each will see the children daily or nearly on a daily basis, as they continue a school drop-off or after-school routine allowing dad and mom personal time with the children. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate to the children that although Mom and Dad can’t live together, each will express: I care for your father (or mother) because he (or she) loves you.

For children, the fantasy of the Tooth Fairy is often replaced by the realization it’s not the pretend Tooth Fairy that loves you, it’s your parents who love you. And after separation, hopefully each parent focuses first on the child’s wellbeing and can teach each child that love from both parents will continue forever.

Mary Cushing Doherty is a family lawyer and partner at High Swartz LLP, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. In recent years, she has received recognition from her peers and the community, including the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Lynette Norton Award in 2012 and one of the 2012 Women of the Year by the Legal Intelligencer. She was one of the Women of Distinction chosen by the Philadelphia Business Journal and received the Margaret Richardson Award from the Montgomery Bar Association. Mary can be reached at mcdoherty@highswartz.com.

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R e g i n a S tro b e l of Ridge Physical Therapy

A Practice

That Cares

By Lisa Walters

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L

et’s be honest, patient care isn’t all it’s cracked up to be in today’s world. When I visit the doctor or specialist, more often than not I sit in the waiting room for an eternity before being called back to the exam room. Questions from the doc are usually standard and rushed, and I am half way home before I realize that my concerns weren’t heard, let alone addressed. When I began my phone interview with Regina Strobel, I immediately began to feel refreshed. She is a woman of strength, determination, and success… and she has managed to demonstrate all those traits while maintaining a caring heart.

Initially, Regina discovered her passion was teaching. After obtaining a Bachelors degree in education, she enjoyed her time working with children and running a classroom. Although, being hearing impaired caused this type of setting to be a struggle for Regina, she decided to branch out and spread her wings in different field.

As a volunteer at Bryn Mawr Hospital, Regina realized that she could still practice her teaching skills. Working with individuals on a one-to-one basis was the perfect fit.

Soon she began working with a practice in King of Prussia, while she attended Newman College on the weekends. After earning her Masters in Physical Therapy in 2000, she continued working with the same practice. As time went on, Regina knew that she had more to offer patients than her current role permitted. Women are strong creatures, but the strongest ones aren’t afraid to take risks in order to practice what she believes. Regina was ready to do things her way, so she opened her own practice.

In 2004, Ridge Physical Therapy opened its doors in Jeffersonville/Norristown, PA.

Maintaining professional relationships comes naturally for Regina, as she engages with both physicians and patients.

More importantly, patient care goes beyond treating physical ailments at Ridge Physical Therapy. Regina has expressed her philosophy of truly being there for her patients. “I enjoy listening to them and really working with all of my patients to help them manage and treat their pain.”

It’s not about cranking another patient out the door for Regina; it’s about connecting with each individual while treating their ailments.

No doubt there have been challenges over the years. Initially it was building a client base among other well established physical therapy practices. Presently, it’s battling the changes in healthcare and engaging with patients that are now mandated or highly encouraged to visit another practice. Regardless, Ridge Physical Therapy has continued to grow and is celebrating 10 years of caring. It is easy to see that its success can be attributed to owner and chief physical therapist, Regina Strobel, and her ability to connect with each of her patients. If you’re looking for a caring professional physical therapist, call Ridge Physical Therapy: 610-630-8878

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She Reads!

Books read by Women, recommended by Women.

By Krisy Paredes

As a book lover and seller of books, I am going to be giving you, the reader three of my favorite picks in each issue with the hope that you will like at least one of them, but it’s ok if you don’t. As a writer, reader, and book enthusiast, I feel a freedom in recommending books to you purely on their merit (and how much I like them).

Reading is important for all of us. As Women we often are busy taking care of everything else but ourselves so reading becomes the last on a long list of things to do. You can take a book with you anywhere, read anytime. We can educate, inform, and lift ourselves up by reading.

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The three books I have read recently and absolutely loved are: YES PLEASE by Amy Poehler – You might know her from SNL or her most recent and most successful endeavor yet, her Golden Globe-winning role on Parks and Recreation. You might not know her at all. If you are a fan of Amy Poehler, then this is for you. In reading it, I felt like I was laughing with my best friend as she shared stories of triumph and hardship through a collection of stories, thoughts, ideas, lists, and haikus separated by colorful pages that have simple yet direct thoughts on them such as “Figure out what you want. Say it out loud. Then Shut Up”. If you’re thinking this is “chick lit” think again. If I’ve gleaned anything from Amy’s book, it’s that she is all business, well mostly business and

very hilarious. The book also offers an intimate look into Amy’s self-described “too safe” upbringing in Boston, her early days in New York City, and her ideas about this whole Hollywood thing. From someone who was once told she had “a face for wigs”, she’s not doing to bad for herself. If you’re looking for a good read to make you laugh, in an equally intelligent and silly way, this is the one for you.

SO WE READ ON: HOW THE GREAT GATSBY CAME TO BE AND WHY IT ENDURES by Maureen Corrigan – I have to preface this by saying that Fitzgerald lives amongst my favorite writers and The Great Gatsby is of my favorite pieces of American Literature.

Maureen Corrigan is the book critic for NPR s Fresh Air, a lecturer at Georgetown University, and the author of the literary memoir, Leave Me Alone, I’m Reading! I would highly recommend you read The Great Gatsby (just watching the movie version does not count) before you read this, as it will take you into the depths of meaning and metaphor that is brilliantly woven throughout Gatsby. I met Maureen Corrigan and heard her speak about the book before it was published, where she admitted to not being a fan of Gatsby when she first read it in High School. Then later in life she re-read it and encourages all of to do the same, to re-experience the greatness of the novel and its hidden paths.

Maureen’s own wit is entwined throughout the pages of this book and through it tells an interesting story of her own.

THRIVE: THE THIRD METRIC TO REDEFINING SUCCESS AND CREATING A LIFE OF WELL-BEING, WISDOM, AND WONDER by Arianna Huffington – In Thrive, Arianna Huffington makes an impassioned and compelling case for the need to redefine what it means to be successful in today’s world.

over her eye – the result of a fall brought on by exhaustion and lack of sleep. As the cofounder and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group – one of the fastest growing media companies in the world – celebrated as one of the world’s most influential women, and gracing the covers of magazines, she was, by any traditional measure, extraordinarily successful. Yet as she found herself going from brain MRI to CAT scan to echocardiogram, to find out if there was any underlying medical problem beyond exhaustion, she wondered is this really what success feels like?

As more and more people are coming to realize, there is far more to living a truly successful life than just earning a bigger salary and capturing a corner office. Our relentless pursuit of the two traditional metrics of success – money and power – has led to an epidemic of burnout and stress-related illnesses, and erosion in the quality of our relationships, family life, and, ironically, our careers. In being connected to the world 24/7, we’re losing our connection to what truly matters. Our current definition of success is, as Thrive shows, literally killing us. We need a new way forward.

Drawing on the latest groundbreaking research and scientific findings in the fields of psychology, sports, sleep, and physiology that show the profound and transformative effects of meditation, mindfulness, unplugging, and giving, Arianna shows us the way to a revolution in our culture, our thinking, our workplace, and our lives.

Krisy Paredes is the creator of 10 Cents Media, a writer, and The Director of Marketing & Events at The Doylestown Bookshop who enjoys a good book, a stiff drink and resides in Bucks County with her Daughter. All of the titles listed above are available at The Doylestown Bookshop in-store or online at www. doylestownbookshop.com.

Arianna Huffington’s personal wake-up call came in the form of a broken cheekbone and a nasty gash

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My school. My school. PA Cyber, no doubt. With all that I do, and all that I like to do, I’m glad I go to a public school that challenges me educationally, while giving me the flexibility to chase my personal dreams. It’s a really cool school!

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Beauty Spot

Seasonal Make-Up

By Jamie Moyer

S

Trends

pring is here, and while our skin is not yet beach bronzed, that doesn’t mean we can’t update our make-up routines. The overall goal this season is to keep it simple and fresh, but pop with a bold color to give some pizazz.

Here are fresh new looks for spring that can be easy to do everyday…

Eyes

Go soft with natural eyes with gold, brown, and cream. (Great for all skin tones!) Purple is another trend for eye color. It can be a versatile because of the many shades it has, but it compliments brown and green eyes at best. Tip: If you are going to make the eyes accented, keep the lips nude or pale.

Have a signature look with the retro cat eye thatnever goes out of style! Keep it clean and not too thick and that black line will go a long way to define your eye.

Lips

Make a big smile with bright, bold lips! Pop lips with a bold hue of oranges, fuchsia, or reds. Any that suite your personality will welcome spring! Tip: Have your eyes nude to barely anything, to make the lips be the focus point.

Skin

Skin tones are trending dewy and bronzed. Make sure to keep natural looking and not orange… just enough to give a kissed look from the sun!

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Treat your make-up like your wardrobe. A great pair of jeans with a fresh white shirt always looks awesome, when mixed with a bright bag or fun pair of shoes. Your spring make-up is the same way.

Keep most of your look simple and natural, but capture everyone’s attention by accenting your best feature with a bold color.

New season, new look, new you!

Jamie Moyer is a freelance make-up artist for weddings and other special events. She can be contacted on her Facebook page “Makeup artist Jamie Moyer” or through email at jjmoyer@verizon.net.

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The Fairville Inn is the perfect place to treat yourself to a special evening (or two) or to host out-of-town guests.

The Inn offers elegant country accommodations just minutes from Longwood Gardens, the Winterthur Estate, the Brandywine River (“Wyeth”) Museum, fine dining and local wineries. Each room and suite features a private bath, individual climate control, satellite TV, and hi-speed wireless Internet service. Most rooms have a private deck overlooking the gardens or meadow, and a fireplace (in season). Full breakfast and afternoon tea are, of course, included. Enjoy the elegance!

610.388.5900 www.fairvilleinn.com

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Making

Maybe Now

d

By Michael C. Upton

“We are strong independent women.”

- Maybe April

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trip to Nashville on a regular basis at just 15. The Jonesboro, Arkansas native started writing music at age 12, has been the lead in many live shows, and was recently a finalist in the Music City Songwriting Competition. “She been on a great path for a while,” says Alaina.

Katy Bishop, Kristen Castro, and Alaina Stacey are three completely different individuals. Yet, the Nashville transplants literally live, work, and play together— as Maybe April. These three determined young

women are roommates, coworkers, and band members brought together through the universal thread of creativity.

The dream is the same for Alaina, Katy, and Kristen— to be successful musicians. The trio of young women realized their shared passion when they met at a music industry camp in Nashville in 2012. The meeting shaped them into the singer-songwriter trio known as Maybe April and the group performs throughout Nashville. Now their home, none of them started life in the Music City. “Sometimes you just meet somebody and know they are going to be important in your life. That’s how it was with us,” says Alaina after I caught her and her friends on stage at The Listening Room where they play frequently.

Originally from Chicago, Alaina grew up surrounded by music. Her parents were in a band and she recalls creating her own vocals even at the age of three.

Her career as a musician started as a backup singer where she found herself sharing the stage with country music legends Trace Adkins, Sarah Evans, and LeAnn Rimes.

“I just kind of grew up around music. I’ve been singing since I could talk,” she recalls.

Many miles—and musical styles—away, Kristen grew up in Simi Valley, California pulling musical influence from musicians like Coldplay and Stevie Nicks. She was 10-years old when her sister got a guitar for Christmas. A tad bit jealous, but heavily inspired, something clicked inside Kristen and she knew she had to play the guitar.

Putting these three different—but equally inspired— women on the same stage might seem puzzling, but as Katy says the three found themselves as puzzle pieces, who when put together just seemed to fit.

So, after a year of Skype rehearsals and long distance phone calls from their respective corners of the country, the three decided to move to Nashville in 2013. Living together gives the young women the opportunity to write music when the spirit hits them. They know each other’s schedule and block out time to create, but if it is midnight and an idea hits them they get to writing. “Carpool is good, too,” laughs Alaina, especially because they all have dayjobs at The Listening Room. “Sometimes we need to go to our own rooms and have our alone time, but we are really good friends and get along well. We just somehow fit together.”

Inspiration for their music comes from both individual personal experiences and also their collective experiences as a group of growing women. Songwriting is sometimes therapeutic; the process allows the trio to talk about their problems with like-minded individuals and also create something beautiful. The band’s EP went home with me after the show and in December 2014 Maybe April announced they had signed with legendary producer Charlie Peacock for their first full-length album. Due out in early 2015, I expect the album to be filled with the same blend of personalities as their EP—or, as the describe themselves: Katy is country, Kristen indie pop, and Alaina is folk.

“We are a perfect combination because we help each other grow as we work together,” says Alaina.

“She listens to Iron Maiden at home, so she’s still a head banger at heart. She can shred on the guitar when she wants to,” says Alaina.

Katy grew up wanting to be an entertainer—think musical theater—and she started making a 280-mile

Michael C. Upton works as a freelance writer specializing in arts and leisure covering subjects ranging from funk punk to fine wine. He currently resides in Southeastern Pennsylvania

Volume 2, Issue 1

• LOCAL LIVING WOMAN •

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ON the SPOT with Local Living Woman magazine Taylor Alison Swift, was born on December 13, 1989, in Reading, Pennsylvania. Taylor spent her early years on her family’s Christmas tree farm in nearby Wyomissing. Her grandmother had been a professional opera singer, and Taylor soon followed I her footsteps. By the age of 10, Taylor was singing at a variety of local events, including fairs and contests. She sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a Philadelphia 76ers game at the age of 11, and began writing her own songs and learning guitar at 12 years of age.

To pursue her music career, Taylor often visited Nashville, Tennessee, the country music capital.

There she co-wrote songs, and tried to land a recording contract. Noting her dedication, Taylor and her family moved to nearby Hendersonville, Tennessee, in an attempt to further her career.

A stellar performance at The Bluebird Café in Nashville helped Taylor get a music contract with Big Machine Records. She released her first single, “Tim McGraw,” in 2006, and the song become a Top 10 hit on the country charts. It also appeared on her self-titled debut album in October of the same year, selling more than 2.5 million copies.

More popular singles soon followed, including “Our Song,” a No. 1 country music hit. “Teardrops on My Guitar,” “Picture to Burn” and “Should’ve Said No” were also successful tracks.

Fun Facts • Taylor become the youngest artist to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2010 for Fearless.

• Taylor was ranked No. 1 as Forbes magazine’s highest paid celebrity under 30 in 2012, beating out Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Lady Gaga with a salary of $57 million.

• Taylor shared some of her fortune to help others. She funded the $4 million Taylor Swift Education Center at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.

• Taylor’s second appearance on the comedy show Saturday Night Live, was as both the host and musical guest.

• Taylor is the first woman in history to release three albums that sold more than one million copies in their opening week.

50 • LOCAL LIVING WOMAN •

Volume 2, Issue 1

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