Sass Winter 2017-18

WINTER 2017/18

HYGGE INSPIRED GIRL’S GUIDE TO GIVING BACK

MENTORING

MOVEMENT

Clutch The Future 2018 Frederickʼs Premier Purse Auction

Saturday, March 17, Hood College – Coblentz Hall VIP Reception 6 - 7 p.m., General Admission 7 - 10 p.m. www.clutchthefuture.com

Presenting Sponsor:

Clutch the Future An exciting annual fundraising event hosted by Woman to Woman Mentoring, Inc. (W2WM), provides essential funding to support Woman to Woman Mentoring Inc. with the mission to: Cultivate mentoring relationships that provide women with guidance, support and community connections.

Enjoy a St. Patrickʼs Day Soiree! Silent and live auctions featuring hundreds of beautiful, brand named, new and delights and more.

GIVE BACK

TO THE NEXT GENERATION. MENTORS improve your child’s academic performance, self-esteem, decision-making skills, and relationships with Peers and Family. www.frederickymca.org 301-663-5131

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CONTENTS

ONLINE IVES!!

C EX LUS great For more to reads, go .com azine sassmag

FEATURES 14 Woman to Watch Tonya Hatosy-Stier 26

Women Artisans

32

The Mentorship Movement

38

Fashion Embracing Winter, Hygge-Inspired Fashions

20

60

32 DEPARTMENTS 8 Business Spotlight Transformed Med Spa of Frederick

48 Travel Christmas Town in Williamsburg, VA

11 Girl’s Guide to Giving Back

53 Career Make That Money Work For You

20 Inspire/Empower Laura McCullough 45 Beauty DIY Snow Day Beauty 46 Hair Seasonal Stylz to Celebrate

4

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56 Health 5 Ways to Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder 60 Recipe Eat to Be Merry

14 C O V E R : Our fashion feature embraces the art of hygge with comforting and cozy winter wardrobes. See full story on page 38. Cover photo by Victoria Heer.

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April 26 - May 5, 2018 Join local author and speaker Julie Gaver for an unforgettable women's retreat to the enchanting Emerald Isle. Our travels will take us to Galway, Killarney, Cork, and Dublin as we hear tales of passion, history, and romance.

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Join the Must Love Shoes community by signing up for our newsletter at mustloveshoes.com You can also visit our Facebook page for news, events and other fun stuff

CATEGORY HEADER MAGAZINE

125 E. Patrick St., Ste. 3 Frederick, MD 21701 www.sassmagazine.com

Winter 2017/18 | Vol. 3, Issue 2

BABY, IT'S

Kim Dow, Owner + Publisher kim@sassmagazine.com Chrissy Moore, Copy Editor copy editor@sassmagazine.com Brittany Carpenter, Fashion Editor fashion@sassmagazine.com Alicia Schwartzbeck, Accounting accounting@sassmagazine.com

Laura Rennie, Digital Coordinator info@sassmagazine.com Ashley Bailey, Admin Coordinator ashley@sassmagazine.com CREATIVE TEAM Leigh Caulfield, Cecelia Lee, Andrea Neff , Jen Tyler www.kalicodesign.com CONTRIBUTORS Tammy Brandenburg, Brittany Carpenter, Rebecca Carrera, Nancy Levesque, Maddie Liotta, Sarah Kurtanich, Chrissy Moore, Erik Moore, Shelby Newsome, Lindsay Smith Rogers, Heather Tydings, Ashley Waters PHOTOGRAPHERS Ashley Bailey, Brad Barnwell, Leigh Anne Brader, Victoria Heer, Sarah Kurtanich, Angela Laurienzo, Jessica Patterson ADVERTISING Kim Dow advertising@sassmagazine.com Alie Pallat alie@sassmagazine.com Kelly Miletich kelly@sassmagazine.com ADDITIONAL SASS CREW Brigid Ayer, Shelby Newsome PRINTING Graphcom | www.graphcom.com Sass Magazine is a free quarterly publication in the western Maryland region that is also available for a paid subscription.

Customer inquiries should be directed to Sass Magazine, LLC. All contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part for any reason without prior consent of the publisher.

Advertising Information: advertising@sassmagazine.com We thank our advertisers for their support!

I am definitely a summer girl at heart. So, writing my editor’s letter for a winter issue is always hard (no, seriously...my husband even attempted to write my editor’s letter last winter. You can find his version on SassMagazine.com—it’s definitely worth the read, and the laugh!). But, this winter issue is different. This issue is filled with topics that embrace the winter season and inspirational stories that will warm your heart.

For this issue, we’ve taken a cue from our Danish friends and explored the feeling of hygge.

Hygge (pronounce hue-gah) is the art of creating sanctuary and community; creating a sense of well-being, connection and warmth. While there is no one English word to describe it, several can be used interchangeable that embody the feeling—cozy, charming, warmth, happiness, kinship, comfort, and contentment. It is with the spirit of hygge that we bring you this winter issue of Sass Magazine!

For our feature stories, we focus on the art of mentorship and the business of art, with stories about mentor relationships and a spotlight on the director of Woman to Woman Mentoring, as well as a look at women artisans and crafts(wo)men. We also have fun ways you can celebrate a snow day—either with snack recipes perfect for binge-watching Netflix, or with DIY beauty tips. We have stories to enhance your overall well-being, with a Girl’s Guide to Giving Back, and an article exploring ways to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. Plus, we’ve got some special hygge-inspired fashions to keep you warm and cozy!

While I am very excited about this issue, I’m even MORE excited about some of the amazing things we have planned for the new year! We’ll still be hosting our quarterly Girls Night Out (GNO) events, so be sure to sign up for our eNewsletter for VIP access. Additionally, we’ll be holding roundtable events throughout the 2018 year—intimate, small discussion sessions about a variety of topics such as entrepreneurship, fashion, or personal branding. We’ve also launched Sass subscription boxes—fun-filled boxes with custom, limited edition goodies that will make great gifts for all the women in your life…or even just to keep for yourself (we promise, we won’t tell!). We’ll also be increasing resources and stories on SassMagazine.com, so be sure to visit our site often for web exclusives, behind-the-scenes, follow-up stories, plus an array of new articles and resources on topics ranging from fashion, wellness, home, business and much more!

Before I close, I want to thank all the advertisers that make Sass Magazine possible. Without the support of our advertisers, we would not be able to produce this publication, let alone continue to make it a free resource! So, be sure to visit the businesses, services and events you see within these pages—and make sure to tell them you saw them in Sass Magazine!

Thank you so much for picking up the 10th issue of Sass Magazine! I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. Stay warm and cozy this winter season!

/sassfrederick /sassfrederick /sassmagazine 6

Publisher & Owner

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P H O T O G R A P H Y: J I M M Y D O W

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The specialists of Transformed Med Spa dedicate their time to ensure overall satisfaction and to make sure all clients achieve new levels of cosmetic confidence.

1. What makes your business stand out?

4. What is the best part about what you do?

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Working for Transformed is different from any other medical spa practices in the area. Our staff has been very involved with the building and designing of Transformed. We also value and encourage continuing education, supporting our employees in every way possible as they better their careers and knowledge-base. We value each of our employees—it truly is a pleasure to have each individual on the Transformed team.

“Working for Transformed is like a large family get together,” says Mariana Bryant.

As Transformed continues to grow, our hope is to grow public awareness of our services and offerings, experience higher levels of clients, and to continue encouraging staff professional development. Our staff is excited to grow along with Transformed and the community.

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A GIRL'S GUIDE TO:

GIRL'S GUIDE

GIVING BACK

By Ashley Waters

WEB EXCLUSIV

E

More giving back sassmaga stories at zine.com

Winston Churchill once stated, "we make a living by what we get, but make a life by what we give." Each day, we have the ability and opportunity to give back to our community.

This may take many forms, changing with the seasons of our lives or even the seasons of the calendar. In fact, as we head into the season of giving, now may be the perfect time to discover a new way to contribute or find your true passion helping others.

WINTER 17/18 11

GIRL'S GUIDE

SHARE YOUR TALENTS There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer your time, but to truly give back to a local organization find one that needs your talents. Do you love to plan and pull together intricate logistics? See what local event or festival could use support in that area. Are you skilled in working with children? Seek out a group whose programming connects volunteers with local youths. Join a committee; become a board member; jumpstart something new. Time is valuable. Use it to make the greatest difference for both you and the organization.

INVEST YOUR MONEY When you make a donation, you are doing more than adding to an organization’s bottom line. You are investing in the mission of the organization and saying, “I know you will take this money and multiply it to do good.” When your time may be tight, consider how a monetary or even an in-kind donation to a local charity may fit into your budget. Donations of any amount are appreciated by nonprofits. If you can, consider making a recurring donation to provide continuous and dependable support to your favorite organizations.

ACT WITH COMPASSION Not all giving opportunities need to be structured through a non-profit or public organization. Disaster strikes. Loss occurs. The unthinkable happens. When a community member is in need, be thoughtful and compassionate; act and respond.

Be the friendly neighbor who brings over a hot meal after the passing of a loved one or the birth of a child. Help fill a truck heading to an area of the country that was just hit by a natural disaster. These acts are critical ways to give back in someone’s greatest time of need.

GET CREATIVE There are so many different ways to give. Celebrate your birthday by doing random acts of kindness or using that ever-so-in-your-face fundraiser option Facebook recently 12 SASS MAGAZINE | SASSMAGAZINE.COM

implemented. Multiply your impact by encouraging friends to join the movement of giving back. Help them find the best way to give, that fits their lifestyles. Find a way to combine one of your passions with giving back. Help to build a community of givers.

Through these efforts, and many others, a community can grow together, work to solve the greatest areas of need, and foster feelings of thoughtfulness, empathy, and kindness. Throughout this season of giving, be sure to count your blessings and take time to evaluate how best you can serve and give back to your community. Aim to “do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all of the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can,”...a belief accredited to John Wesley in the 1700's, which remains applicable today.

Author’s Note: I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the importance of following through. While giving back is a natural way of life for some, for others it takes proactive intention. If you commit to giving back in a structured way, I urge you to follow through with that commitment. The organization and your community is counting on you!

Dr. Ashley Waters is a wife, mom, higher education administrator, event planner, community volunteer and an avid organizer.

She loves being busy with a purpose and making an impact with her work and within the Frederick community. Ashley aims to help others fit their passions into their lives and continues to work on achieving just the right work-life balance for her many roles. www.ashley-waters.com.

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CATEGORY WOMAN TO HEADER WATCH

WOMAN

By Maddie Liotta

WATCH

What’s your story? I've lived in Frederick County for most of my life. I attended Linganore High School and was the first in my family to pursue, persist, and graduate from college. I didn’t qualify for grants or student loans, so I worked multiple jobs to put myself through school. I attended Frederick Community College (AA), Towson University for a BS in business management, and completed three-fourths of a Master’s degree at Mount St. Mary’s college.

At twenty-nine I was promoted to the assistant vice-president level at a large investment firm.

I had a big office and a big paycheck to match.

I managed a large thriving team in multiple states and I traveled constantly. I was getting further and further away from what I wanted to be. I had struggled for years as a woman trying to prove herself in a male dominated industry. My heart had hardened.

My whole world had become work and I lacked empathy, consideration, and care for others. But then, three things happened that made me stop, re-evaluate, and change the trajectory of my life.

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I call this the “quarter-life-crisis,” and I believe that we all go through it.

Those three things were 9/11, a friend of mine receiving a cancer diagnosis, and my battle with infertility. 9/11 opened my eyes.

Tragedy provides clarity. I realized I didn’t want to work 70-hour weeks for forty years and then be “pushed out” because of my age. I wanted to love people more, to love life more. I prioritized family, and decided I wanted to pursue being a mother.

In 2004, I left my job and started my own business with Arbonne International, which I continue to run today. When I left the corporate world, one of my mentors told me to construct a vision board. You have to understand, I worked in a man’s world for fifteen years. I didn’t make vision boards! I made strategic and project plans.

But, mentors have you do things that take you out of your comfort zone, so I did it.

P H O T O G R A P H Y: A NN E EGDE LPAH LOATU OR GIREANPZHOE R

From a young age, Tonya Hatosy-Stier realized success was up to her to earn. She began her professional career in the banking industry at age 17, and was the first member of her family to pursue a college degree.

Though she nearly failed out, she emerged from her school years with a bachelor’s degree, seven years of banking experience under her belt, and zero debt to her name. Each rung she climbed on the corporate ladder led to more money and more worldly success; she was “on top of the world.” Then, a series of painful events opened Tonya’s eyes to what she really wanted: “to live my life with purpose and passion every day; to enjoy the little things.” Now, Tonya can be found cheering at her sons’ soccer games, coaching her Arbonne team members or meeting with local agencies as the Executive Director of Woman to Woman Mentoring, a local nonprofit organization.

CATEGORY WOMAN TOHEADER WATCH

Tonya

Hatosy-Stier

Woman to Woman Mentoring Executive Director

WEB E EXCLUSIV to ing Woman Now Accept ations on in Watch Nom e.com in sassmagaz

WINTER 17/18 15

CATEGORY HEADER gender needs. I meet women from all walks of life and I get to introduce them to aspiring, eager young women in our community. We have some kick-ass women in Frederick!

Along with my counter-part Amy Savitt (the yin to my yang, the pulse to my heart beat), I get to watch these women strive, struggle, and fail… then watch them bounce back, grow, and thrive. What better job in the world is there?

What has helped you the most with your success? I feel connected to a higher power. You can

Maddie Liotta Maddie is a senior at Bucknell University, who will be graduating December 2017. She hopes to earn her MPH and work on a community scale to raise awareness about sexual/dating violence and mental health. In her free time, she enjoys coloring while watching Friends and cuddling with her cat, Mr. Moo.

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What is your typical day like? I read for ten minutes every morning. My husband is so helpful; we make a great team. He does so much in the morning to help get the kids to school, which enables me to prepare for the day, and meet with people and agencies about W2WM. Some days we interview mentors and mentees, and run workshops for our mentoring pairs…then I pick the kids up from school, go home, they do homework, then they're off to soccer. I have conference calls with Arbonne clients, and coaching calls with my business builders. Then, I usually end the day with a show of some sort, usually Grey’s Anatomy. Recently, though, we've been watching a show called Animal Kingdom; my brother, who is active in it. (I watch everything that he's in!)

P H O T O G R A P H Y: A N G E L A L A U R I E N Z O

My board consisted of three little babies, a box of Cheerios, a camera (which represented photography and paying attention to nature and my journey), the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and the words “women learning together.” All of the things on my vision board have become a reality (except for the Amalfi Coast, but it will!).

Two years later, my husband and I were blessed with our first son, Jayden. We’d been praying for a child and Jayden came to us as a sweet, smiling, tough-and-tumble, little twenty-month-old boy who needed a forever home. When we met for the first time, I felt something change in my body. I felt love like I’ve never felt before. I felt faith like I’ve never felt before. I felt hope. Just two months later, we found out we were pregnant with our second son, James!

Once my boys were both in school, I began looking for ways to get involved with the Frederick community. A dear friend, Tish Honse, encouraged me to join the Advisory Board for Woman to Woman Mentoring. Two years later, I was hired as the Program Coordinator. Two years after that, I helped W2WM transition from a program to a non-profit and became The Executive Director. I wish I could truly express how much the mission of this non-profit fills my heart with joy, hope, and optimism. It is what every community needs. It is what every

call it whatever you want: God, Buddha, the Universe, a tree, Mother Nature...but being connected to something bigger than me helps. I surround myself with people who are different than I am, who have strengths where I have weakness. I believe God puts a feeling inside all of us—I call it my “tug.”

We go through life playing tug-of-war with it. We feel pulled towards something—it might be a new venture, a certain career path, a job, taking on a particular role…and all too often we pull back. We say, "Who am I to think I could do that?" Or sometimes we say, "I’ve failed at that too many times.” During my early adult years, I was playing tug-of war. On one side, I went to school for business, I had my dream job, and great pay, so who was I to leave it all? On the other side, I wanted to enjoy more of my life. I wanted to travel with my husband and have children, and I wanted a job with more freedom, I wanted less stress, no commute, and I wanted to work with people who cared and had a passion and purpose to make a difference. I firmly believe that the best successes come when I stop playing tug-of-war, let go of the outcome, and let the momentum of the decision propel me forward. From corporate to Arbonne, from no baby to two babies, from Board of Directors with W2WM to Executive Director, I followed my tug, I had faith, and I surrounded myself with positive people who encouraged me to move confidently in the direction of my dreams.

CATEGORY WOMAN TOHEADER WATCH What has been the biggest challenge you've overcome to achieve your goals? Getting over myself and my insecurities. Learning to stop caring so much about what other people think. I have a lot of sayings and affirmations to help me overcome these anxieties. I live by, “what other people think is none of my business” and “rejection is God’s protection.”

What is one sassy saying or quote that inspires you? Why? We all have voices in our head.

On one hand, we have a cheerleader who tells us we can do anything we want. On the other, we have the “itty bitty shitty committee” (IBSC, for short) that tries to convince us we aren’t enough, that we can’t do it. It questions our ability to think, do and be more. We’ve got to own them both. Both are there to serve us. But it all comes down to a choice of acting.

My hope is that women challenge the “IBSC” and surround themselves with people who can help them to overcome obstacles, to break through barriers, and to rise up.

If you want more food in your community to feed the homeless, or maybe you want a mentoring program for men, or you want more programs available for youth: start visualizing what that looks like. Surround yourself with others that have that same tug. Link arms and act.

What are three pieces of advice you could give to readers?

1 Find what you’re passionate about, then give it your all. Make sure you stop to enjoy what it is that you're doing.

2 Try new things, meet new people, don't be afraid to fail. Fail often, and bounce back.

3 Start your day and end your day with gratitude.

Pay attention to the small things. Tell the people in your life that you love them, and hug them often.

Who in your life helped get you to where you are today? I get to pay-forward all of the amazing things I’ve learned from my own mentors along the way. They’ve helped me discover who I am, helped me realize I am enough, and challenged me to give life my all and to inspire others to do the same. My own mentors include: Mrs. Thomas, my tenth-grade computer teacher, Mr. Jim Suit and Mrs. Phyllis Carr, Suzanne Ricklin, Laura Harry, Valerie Edwards, Keith Kochner, Rita Davenport, and my Mom.

What is your favorite question to ask others?

"Tell me about yourself.” I want to know the true you— not the person you hide behind a mask or the self you portray in the highlight reels on social media. Your real self. You’ve got great stuff in there, and I want to know more about you and your dreams, desires, and your discontent. I love learning about people. LOVE it.

How do you encourage others to give back to their community? Find the thing that makes your heart swell, and do more of that. What legacy do you want to leave behind? We truly find that answer in our heart. The heart compels action. Make a vision board, cut stuff out of magazines, post it all on a white board and focus on it. What you focus on grows.

WINTER 17/18 17

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CATEGORY INSPIRE EMPOWER HEADER

LAURA McCULLOUGH

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P H O T O G R A P H Y: LNEEIEGDH PAHNONTEO G BRAD PH ER ER

By Nancy Levesque

CATEGORY INSPIRE EMPOWER HEADER

Laura McCullough is a banking professional turned nonprofit philanthropist.

As the Director of Philanthropic Services at the Community Foundation of Frederick County, she loves working within her own community and tackling important issues close to home, ranging from ending childhood hunger to awarding scholarships to local residents. But her story isn’t just about changing careers to make a difference in others’ lives.

Not only is she a cancer survivor, but she has also changed the trajectory of children’s lives through fostering.

When you ask Laura McCullough what she appreciates the most in life, she says it’s the “simple moments.” Whether it’s feeling the warm air while driving with the windows down or sitting at the family table laughing so hard her sides hurt, those are the moments that matter to her. Unexpected struggles in her life imparted her with that wisdom.

Diagnosed with advanced lymphoma at eighteen—a time when she should have been going off to college—McCullough received cancer treatments that ended up saving her life, but took away her ability to create it…or so she thought. Once her cancer was in remission, she left for college and met her soon-to-be-husband. During an annual doctor’s visit in her senior year, Laura found out she was unexpectedly pregnant. She was still able to graduate from college with honors, have a successful career as a loan officer and eventually become a leader in local philanthropy.

Family life, meanwhile, blossomed—and then some. Having once considered adoption, Laura and her husband decided to help make a difference by being foster parents. After giving a home to fifteen foster children, the McCullough’s eventually adopted their very first foster child—Haley. Haley was brought to them during her first few weeks of life, after having been exposed to drugs and alcohol during pregnancy.

If there was anything McCullough wanted to experience in life, it was to be a mother. Today, she is the mother of four amazing children, ages seven to nineteen. She told us in a recent interview what inspired her to keep going and what continues to motivate her as a mother, wife, cancer survivor, and non-profit professional.

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CATEGORY INSPIRE EMPOWER HEADER

“Keep going! Just get to tomorrow. Life is not always pretty—it can be messy, but it’s so worth it.”

All that I’ve overcome. When I’m faced with adversity now, I always ask: What can stop me after all I’ve been through?

My role model is my nineteen-year-old self. At nineteen, I overcame cancer, got married, had a baby, and graduated from college with honors. When I was going through chemotherapy, I would say to myself, “I just have to get to tomorrow.”

Q: What do you think was the most important decision you made along the way during your journey?

I always take advantage of any opportunities that are presented to me, even if they are uncomfortable or seem unattainable.

It’s easy to sit back and stay in your comfort zone, so it’s important for me to push myself.

Q: What has been the hardest part of your journey?

Q: Looking back now, is there anything you'd do differently?

While we fostered our adopted daughter, Haley, there was a point in time that we thought we might lose her to her biological father who was facing prison time. He was unwilling to sign over adoptive rights to us, afraid that she would think he abandoned her. Fostering forces you to face some difficult, life-changing decisions. We’ve had many young children in our home that we’ve invested so much in. There always came a point in which we needed to decide whether to adopt or not.

Those are tough choices.

We fostered three young girls who we were eventually given the opportunity to adopt. At the time, we had six children under five in our home. We decided not to adopt, and I always think about whether that was the right decision.

Q: What surprised you about your fostering experiences?

The foster children that were the hardest to fit into our family dynamic, we eventually bonded strongly with and loved dearly.

Getting to that point, was always an unexpected surprise.

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Q: How do you feel empowered?

I’m empowered by those around me. There are so many talented women in Frederick. They are strong, tenacious, and wicked smart. So many of these women are wives, mothers, and professionals making a difference in our community.

These are the type of people that empower me. I am inspired by them, and use their example as my launch pad to accelerate my life forward.

P H O T O G R A P H Y: L E I G H A N N E B R A D E R

Q: What keeps you inspired?

INSPIRE EMPOWER Q: What advice would you give someone who is going through something similar?

Keep going! Just get to tomorrow. Life is not always pretty— it can be messy, but it’s so worth it.

We plan to make Frederick a permanent home. Things have really come together for me, and I feel like I can breathe and enjoy the moment, but I’m not fulfilled unless I’m growing personally and professionally.

Q: You inspire us­—who inspires you?

Q: What do you think gives you your Sass?

Women who are working moms. Each person has such a unique story. I take inspiration by getting to know people and what motivates them. Hearing their stories, and how they overcame challenges pushes me forward. For example, our President and CEO at The Community Foundation, Betsy Day, has not only raised five amazing children, she’s successful personally and professionally in many ways. She has managed to find a balance and is always present for important moments.

I’m known for my quick-witted remarks. But really, I feel I have the confidence of knowing where I am and where I’ve been.

Nobody can take that away.

Q: What's next for you?

Focusing on our family, watching our children grow. I’m also pursuing an MBA from the University of Maryland, University College. I want to continue learning about the strengths and needs of our community, and where I can be the most helpful.

Nancy Levesque Nancy Levesque works with nonprofits and small businesses to develop successful marketing and communications strategies. nancylevesque.com

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P H O T O G R A P H Y: LNEEFET: D P J EHSOSTIOCGA RPAT A P HTEERR S O N P H O T O G R A P H Y; R I G H T: J E F F R O T H B L U M

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WOMEN

Artisans

By Lindsay Smith Rogers

In the past, artisans crafted many personal items and household goods, spending years learning specialized techniques and advancing from apprentice to master. With the introduction of mass production in the last century, wares were cranked out quickly and more affordably, yet at the cost of certain artistic trades. While we’re still living in a climate of mass manufacturing and big box stores, there’s a resurgence of desire for unique or bespoke handmade items.

With this high demand, artisans are launching booming small businesses. Thanks to social media and the web, running a business no longer requires a storefront. Plus, artisans have the rare opportunity to achieve success on their own terms while doing something they love.

“I took my first clay classes 47 years ago,” says clay artist Laura Silberman, a former marketing and advertising professional. Clay was always a hobby, but one she took seriously— she regularly attended classes to learn new techniques and began to develop her own style over the years.

“My passion turned to a professional ‘second act’ over the last decade,” she recalls, describing her career shift. She now runs ClayByLaura, crafting beautiful dishes, garden accents, and other household items out of her Urbana home’s basement studio. Her work ranges from whimsical yarn bowls to geometric planters, each with a recognizable style thanks to techniques like hand building and layering brightly colored glazes.

She also loves to mix her media—a bird feeder might be detailed with candy-colored beads or a planter might feature twigs found on a walk. Her pieces sell both online and at local retailers in Maryland and South Carolina.

A skillset learned in one career trajectory can also translate to other talents: For example, Erin Pelicano Cauble of Frederick is a former engineer turned jewelry designer. “I traded structural steel to work with precious metals,” she says.

“The beauty and functional designs of my jewelry speak to the influence that my engineering background plays in the creative process.” Her delicate, minimalist Erin Pelicano Jewelry collection sells online and at retailers country-wide.

Inspiration for her designs stem from her own experiences of love, grief, and joy. She’s also influenced by the experiences of loved ones and many of her pieces acknowledge their struggles and milestones. “The process of designing and creating for me is very much driven on emotion,” Cauble says.

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sketch some ideas, and begin to build each bag, carefully considering details like pocket sizes and strap length. “I want the finished piece to be beautiful and functional” she says. Her label, kCity Bags, is sewed proudly inside each one.

For blacksmith Caitlin Morris, the transition to becoming an artist was born of burnout. In 2009, after years of working a desk job, she decided to find a hobby and made a spreadsheet of crafts she thought would be interesting.

Unsure of where to start, she sorted the list alphabetically and “blacksmithing” appeared at the top. She signed up for a class and quickly enrolled in a second course halfway through the first.

Morris now owns and operates Ms. Caitlin’s School of Blacksmithing in Frederick full time. She is devoted to studying “how metal moves” and to help revitalize what was almost a dying craft.

She teaches classes at her Frederick garage studio, and is currently taking a

I GET TO DETERMINE IF I'M SUCCESSFUL OR NOT. AND THAT'S WHEN I REALIZED THAT I COULD HAVE FUN AND NOT TAKE MYSELF SO SERIOUSLY.”

P H O T O G R A P H Y: JNEESESDI CPAH OPAT T O TGERRASPOHNE RP H O T O G R A P H Y

The leap from crafter to business owner can be daunting. In September 2001, feeling adrift in the aftermath of 9/11, Kelly Roberts of Knoxville sold handmade totebags at a craft fair and donated the proceeds to families of the victims.

She began collecting fabric and created bags which she gave as gifts or occasionally sold, and often considered starting a business. But she hesitated to make the leap until just last year.

“A woman walked into the boutique I was working in at the time carrying one of my bags I had made years ago,” Roberts recalls. “She said it was a gift and told me how much she loved it.” Roberts realized that this stranger’s endorsement was the encouragement she needed.

She is now a full-time handbag designer and maker, selling her bold, one-of-a-kind bags on Etsy and through a local retailer in Frederick. Ideas for her handbags begin with unique fabric she sources from New York, Los Angeles, and online. She’ll find a striking pattern,

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four month sabbatical at a guild in North Carolina for intense study and reflection.

Morris’s designs sometimes morph out of clay, which apparently is an excellent prototype for how steel behaves when heated to over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether she’s creating key chains or gates, blacksmithing requires an understanding of physics and good old math. Morris incorporates pi into her calculations of curves and draws on laws of force to spread metal exactly where she wants it to go.

But, she says, blacksmithing is often trial and error. “Sometimes I just play around with metal,” she admits, tinkering through technical challenges until she finds solutions.

As business owners, artisans also have to be marketing masters, financial gurus and time management mavens.

Laura Silberman maintains a ceramics blog, updated every Monday, and posts photos of her work on social media.

These “out of studio tasks” are vital to building her business, but also the most time-consuming—she often devotes late nights or early mornings to this maintenance work.

“In the past, artists established themselves through traveling craft shows and craft shops,” Silberman says. “While these avenues are still important, social media and the Internet have become additional and necessary strong sales tools for artists.”

Flexibility is key to staying afloat, and Roberts admits that part of what initially held her back was the belief that she needed to be more prepared. “I had a plan,” she says, “but I didn’t think it was enough. I was over-thinking it!

Things change course and challenges come up all the time. There’s no way to be fully prepared.” “[You have to] be open to wandering away from your original plan,” agrees Caitlin Morris. “Don’t wait until everything is perfect before you launch.”

Running a business affords owners flexibility and autonomy but it can also mean that lines between work and personal life are blurred. Establishing boundaries helps: Silberman delineates space physically with her basement studio. Kelly Roberts reserves weekends specifically for time with family and friends.

Erin Cauble’s jewelry business is a family affair which, she says, actually helps in this aspect. “The amazing thing about running a business with my husband, along with the occasional help of our children, is that we have the same goals in mind: Continuing to grow a successful and meaningful business that provides a life and time for our family [is what] drives us forward.”

But for all the challenges, successes are immeasurable.

There is unparalleled pride for Roberts to see someone carryWINTER 17/18 29

CATEGORY HEADER FEATURE "WE HAVE THE SAME GOALS IN MIND: CONTINUING TO GROW A SUCCESSFUL AND MEANINGFUL BUSINESS THAT PROVIDES A LIFE AND TIME FOR OUR FAMILY."

E

More Artisan 's St sassmagaz ories on ine.com

ing a kCity Bag around town. Silberman and Morris find joy in sharing their craft with others through teaching.

Cauble loves nothing more than connecting with the people who wind up with her pieces. “My high points are found in the incredibly personal stories we have heard from our clients,” she says. “These stories humble me and fill my heart.

I feel like creating this collection is what I am meant to do.”

Morris has also found that success, for her, means being the boss. “I realized that I get to make the rules!” she says.

“Which means that I get to determine if I'm successful or not.

And that's when I realized that I could have fun and not take myself so seriously.”

For those considering the leap from craft to career, the advice from this cohort of thriving women is simply: Do it!

“First, create something you love,” says Silberman.

“Don’t underestimate your own creative worth [...] in other words, don’t make your prices cheap just because you think it will help you make a sale. Start with an open studio or home

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show. Explore farmers market or other craft sales opportunities. Approach a local shop about wholesaling. Not everyone will be your customer. Figure out who is and go after them!

Attitude is everything.”

“Listen to your gut and believe in yourself,” echoes Cauble. “I happen to think this is good life advice in general, though particularly for women in pursuing their creative business dreams.”

Lindsay Smith Rogers Lindsay Smith Rogers is a full-time writer and communications professional, and part-time spin instructor in Baltimore City. She also loves running, reading, cooking, and travel. Follow on Twitter— @voxlindsaysmith, or read about her adventures at www.thenewglitterati.com.

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THE

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P H O T O G R A P H Y: B NR E EADD PBHA O R TNOWGERLALP H E R

By Shelby Newsome

FEATURE

As mentorships are increasing in number and visibility, it’s time to move beyond their stymied misconceptions. Ask someone what they think of mentorship and you’ll illicit ideas of an outdated, stodgy practice; a cross-generational pair coerced to connect. The idea of two women at different life stages building a relationship while enriching each other’s lives seems like a chimera—a fantasy of the wild and unattainable, a unicorn in a world full of horses.

Yet, consciously or not, at some point in our lives we all search for such a connection. We seek that unicorn of a person who’s like a big sister or a cool, older friend with experience to guide us through life, to put us at ease. Mentorships are gaining momentum and with that, forging into new territories and various forms.

Unlike being on a sports team or solving a super complicated math problem, there are no set parameters to a successful mentorship. They live on a spectrum, so there’s no right or wrong way. That’s up to the mentor (the person giving advice) and the mentee (the person receiving advice), and possibly, in a more official setting, the mentorship program.

College student Andrea Constant connected with her mentor, Anne Paxton, through Woman to Woman Mentoring, a mentorship program for women who live or work in Frederick. The program provides a unique component to the mentoring relationship: a monthly “class” meeting where groups of mentors and mentees come together to discuss and explore guided topics. “Everybody was from a different background of life, from a different culture, and different careers,” Constant said. “Everybody had their own significance in them.” Being a part of these diverse workshops allows mentors and mentees to experience different points of view. It’s an opportunity to network and become a more well rounded person. The workshops also act as a compass; guiding the mentor/mentee pairs towards accomplishing the goals and growth the mentee set out to achieve at the start of the program.

Both Constant and Paxton agree that they clicked instantly and have been able to build a lasting relationship. With a background in human resources, Paxton often became the voice of experience for young professionals as they started their careers. Once her daughter went off to college, WINTER 17/18 33

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Paxton felt like she could dedicate time to take on a mentee in a more official setting. Paxton encouraged Constant to push herself. “She was, I think, apprehensive to sometimes try new things…but she wanted so much to try those new things,” Paxton said. “But [for any 20-something year old], it’s a little scary sometimes. It’s so wonderful helping, encouraging her to try different things.”

As Constant was in the process of transferring from Frederick Community College to a state school, her mentorship with Paxton focused on education. “I was so excited to be paired with somebody who is the first person in her family to go to college,” Paxton said. For others, the focus is different.

Local photographer Annette Senio is a coach for the Photography Intensive group organized by the web community Delight & Be. Delight & Be is an online community of young women centered around the creative arts. “My role is to provide teaching, to organize the group, to be there to help them,” Senio said. “And now…they’ll even Skype me and I’ll go over things with them.”

Her group contains about 400 young women; a forum-type setting. Delight & Be offers other cooperative groups for creatives, like cooking, graphic design, and blogging. Senio was drawn to the organization because she wanted to give back.

“I have a part-time business and I didn’t want my whole life to 34 SASS MAGAZINE | SASSMAGAZINE.COM

ANNETTE

“The key to developing a sacred mentorship is finding someone you easily connect with.” be about business and making money,” she says. “I felt like there needed to be something else. So I wanted to minister to girls.” Senio guides her mentees through photography’s creative process, as well as the business components. She’ll review contracts and pass along jobs she’s not available to do, all to help these girls grow their businesses. “I’m trying to protect them and help them and teach them,” Senio said.

Facebook is used to organize the photography group; Senio’s mentees use Facebook Live to teach each other aspects of photography in which they excel.

The key to developing a sacred mentorship is finding someone you easily connect with. When young professional Ana Filipović Windsor was a student at Hood College, her career counselor urged her to join the school’s mentorship program. Like any determined college student, Filipović Windsor simply did not think she had the time. Her mentor-tobe Julie Gaver felt the same way. After some encouragement Filipović Windsor applied to the program. And after reading

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ANNE

her resume, Gaver knew she had to make time to learn more about Ana. “We have a very similar personality. We can talk a lot,” Filipović Windsor said. “Every time we would go out for lunch or for coffee or something, we would always be like [Julie] eats, eats, eats, and I talk and then she’s done and then we switch places. It’s been really, really great to have her.”

Julie helped Ana decide between two internships, she threw her a special graduation party, and she attended her wedding. “She’s my role model. One day [if] I can be half as awesome of a woman as she is, that’s going to be a huge success to me,” Ana said. “That’s how I see it. She’s this stranger who connected so well with me and I connected with her and I feel that both of us enriched each other's lives in various ways.”

A mentorship doesn’t have to exist through a typical program or meet specific requirements to count. Consider the 29:11 Group, which hosts an annual conference for middle school, high school and college-aged women aimed to promote positivity and build self-esteem. Founder Debby Neely has worked at State Farm for over twenty-eight years. In that time, she was fortunate to find mentors who helped her establish and build her career and returned the favor by mentoring a young woman who she believed had great potential.

DEBBY

However, in her personal life, she watched her young nieces struggle with bullying and self-esteem issues. Luckily, her nieces were surrounded by a strong support system, “but,” thought Neely, “what do other girls do that don’t have that?” This question sparked the start of the 29:11 Group, a faith-based community that supports and encourages young women.

The 29:11 annual conference includes keynote speakers and group breakout sessions. The goal is to provide young women with a safe space to talk and open up. “It’s fun to connect with them and feel like you are making a difference for them,” Neely said. “Sometimes you walk through life and think ‘what is my purpose?’ For me, 29:11 and mentoring these girls is my purpose.”

Whether you’re looking to continue your education, advance in your career, or work through personal crises, a mentorship could give you the support and guidance necessary to successfully overcome life’s challenges.

“I feel a mentor is somebody who you can trust, who you can tell the good and the bad and the ugly. The one you can celebrate [with], the one you can cry to, the one you can hug, the one you can scream out of happiness with. It’s like your bestie who has a little more experience in life,” Filipović Windsor said.

WINTER 17/18 35

FEATURE With the right approach (i.e. any approach you choose with an open mind), you’ll be able to find that “bestie with a little more experience in life.” The practice of women lifting other women up is powerful—it’s sacramental.

“We all have a lot to give, no matter where we are in our lives,” Paxton said. “We could be a twenty-five year old in our second job, third job, first job, whatever it is, and still be able to help that younger college student. Or, we could be a 55 year old who could help someone wanting to start a company.”

Tapping into this powerful bond starts with you. “Don’t be nervous, shy, or afraid to open up to your mentor on certain subjects,” Constant said. In order for it to work, you have to be receptive and open, or else it will be challenging to connect with your mentor in a meaningful way.

You should always feel good about the connection you’re making. If you don’t, search for another mentor. “They do say sometimes you outgrow your mentor, you may have a different need that someone else can fill,” Neely said. “I just feel like again, it’s providential that the right people come into my life at the right time.” And when the right people come into your life, it can feel like magic.

Shelby Newsome Shelby is a freelance writer and voracious reader.

She enjoys an intellectual challenge, exploring on a sunny day, and lazy mornings with her cat, Butter.

She is a Frederick native with a wanderlust heart. www.shelbynewsome.com.

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More Mento rship Storie s on sassmagaz ine.com 36 SASS MAGAZINE | SASSMAGAZINE.COM

P H O T O G R A P H Y: B NR E EADD PBHA O R TNOWGERLALP H E R

“In order for it to work, you have to be receptive and open, or else it will be challenging to connect with your mentor in a meaningful way.”

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FASHION FEATURE

Embracing

P H O T O G R A P H Y: V I C T O R I A H E E R

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HYGGE-INSPIRED FASHIONS

By Brittany Carpenter

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I do not enjoy cold weather—that’s right, I said it! But I admit that there's something great about winter fashion! The cold-weather season brings chunky sweaters, heavy layering and cute boots back into our lives. This season, I plan to embrace all the GOOD parts of winter, with a little hygge inspiration. HYGGE (pronounced hue-gah) is a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment—whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary—as cozy, charming or special. Who doesn’t want to embody feeling cozy, charming and special when it's cold out?!

Special Thanks! All styles and accessories available care of Chic to Chic Boutique, while supplies last. chictochic.com

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As much as we hate to admit, cozy can often come off as lazy. Lazy is not it! To stay looking your best, no matter the temperature, follow some easy steps to get your hygge on!

Proportion is key. It’s easy to go oversized on everything when considering this trend, but that can be very overwhelming on most body types. Focus on one body part to show off when playing with oversizing. Want to wear a big chunky sweater? Pair it with skinny jeans or a cute skirt and boots to show off your legs. Ready to rock some oversized boyfriend jeans? Tuck in a fitted turtleneck to give yourself some shape!

Pick soft materials. Luxe materials will always make you feel cozier! Faux fur coats are popular now and can be the softest way to keep you warm. Invest in some cashmere sweaters. They will keep you much warmer, they feel lush against your skin and are long lasting if properly cared for.

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on iration e insp .com g g y h More magazine sass

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Denim trends are all over the place this season and we love all the choices! Skinny jeans of all shades should be a staple in your wardrobe. Mix in new fun styles like distressed boyfriend jeans or denim with embellishments that make them totally you.

Pair them with booties for a more put together look. And don’t be scared to roll the hems to show off some ankle!

Layering is the staple of any winter wardrobe. Big blanket scarves are a must as the temps continue to drop. Knee high socks will keep you warm under your boots, or when lounging around the house. Statement coats are also having a big moment, so ditch your boring black coat for something with more life. Don’t forget that your coat is a big part of your full outfit!

Grab your coffee (or hot chocolate) and GO! Hygge is all about getting out there (or staying in) and making special moments. So layer up and take the time out to feel the magic of the winter!

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BEAUTY

By Rebecca Carrera If you’re like me and rarely (meaning never) find time for a personal care day, then it’s time to give yourself a snow day!

Being trapped inside by Old Man Winter is perfect for a little DIY beauty! You can make the most of your unexpected down time by creating pampering treatments for yourself. Here I’m sharing my favorite DIY beauty treatments for healthy hydrated winter skin. So, slip into your coziest PJ's and fuzzy socks, and let’s get to relaxing!

EXFOLIATING The first step to smooth, baby soft skin is removing the dead surface cells. The coffee grounds in this peppy scrub will not only exfoliate, but also help boost circulation with a good dose of caffeine.

2 tbsp coffee grounds (finely ground) 4 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp witch hazel Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl and massage onto face, avoiding the eye area. (Insider Tip: be sure to do this over the sink or in the shower, coffee scrubs can be a bit messy, but well worth it!)

Rebecca Carrera Wife, mother, brow guru, green beauty obsessed, clean eater, design lover, and the owner of Maven Beauty Bar in downtown Frederick, Maryland. www.mavenbeautybar.com

Matcha Green Tea

FACIAL MASK Next up, this hydrating hero mask has power properties!

Green tea acts as an anti-inflammatory, soothing irritation and redness and its antioxidants help protect skin from the damaging effects of the environment and sun.

1 tbsp matcha green tea powder 1 tsp honey (hydrates) a pinch of cinnamon (not for sensitive skin) 1/2 tbsp water Mix the matcha powder, honey and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Add the water slowly until the consistency is thick enough to smooth onto your face. Spread over face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Relax for twenty minutes, rinse off with warm water and then moisturize.

BANANA HONEY

HEEL SOFTENER Just because your feet are all wrapped up for winter doesn’t mean you should avoid them all together. Soften your soles naturally with this banana treatment. Your heels will be in tip top shape for playing footsie with your bae on a cold winter night.

1 banana 1 tsp honey plastic wrap Cut the banana into small pieces and mash it in a small bowl until it’s consistency is smooth. Next add honey and stir to combine. Put your feet over the tub or sink and slather the mask all over, then wrap each foot with plastic wrap and place large warm socks over them. Relax for ten minutes, then remove the wrap and rinse off the mask. You may follow with a foot exfoliator and foot cream if you like.

WINTER 17/18 45

HAIR

Seasonal Stylz to Celebrate

By Tammy Brandenburg

Don't be a Grinch about your hair this holiday season; we’ll get you all dolled up in a cinch! No matter your hair type, or what kind of holiday gathering you're attending, we've got you covered!

When prepping your hair, be sure it’s freshly cleansed and hydrated (within 24 hours). Keeping your hair hydrated will reduce static and increase shine. Who doesn't love some shine?! During the dry winter months, get an extra conditioning boost by simply towel drying your hair before applying conditioner.

ROYAL CROWN Headband Braid (For shorter hair) 1 Section hair from a deep side part (about two inches

back) to behind the ear on the opposite side (this section is the heavy side of the part).

2 Curl or wave remaining hair. Remember to spray and

protect hair with a working hairspray to help set style.

3 Starting on the heavy side of the part, French braid or twist starting at part and then working to behind the ear. Anchor with hair band and bobby pin.

TOP KNOT Sassy Top Bun (For longer hair) 1 Brush hair into a single ponytail on top of

the head, and wrap pony with a hair band.

2 Divide pony into at least three sections.

3 Braid each section creating individual braids. (optional: expand braid for a more textured/edgy look)

4 Start by taking one of the braids and

wrap around the ponytail and anchor with a bobby pin.

5 Layer the remaining two or more

sections until all pieces are anchored.

4 Optional: Give your style a little “bling bling” action with your favorite hair accessory.

6 Adjust as needed and use your favorite hairspray to finish.

5 Finish style by breaking up curls

with a little shine spray for some frizz control.

Tammy Brandenburg

46 SASS MAGAZINE | SASSMAGAZINE.COM

Stylist, educator, mom and an everyday woman.

Senior stylist at New York, New York Salon & Spa and always learning. Mom of two and constantly moving! @hairbytammybrand

P H O T O G R A P H Y: N E E D P H O T O G R A P H E R P H O T O G R A P H Y: A S H L E Y B A I L E Y

Now you’re lookin’ ready and lookin' good for that office holiday party, dinner with the fam or romantic night on the town. Relax and enjoy—your hair is the last thing you should stress over.

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CATEGORY HEADER TRAVEL

By Chrissy Moore (with a little help from Vanessa Johnson)

...a Winter Wonderland Weekend

We drove down on Friday night and started our winter weekend getaway checking into Kingsmill Resort. Kingsmill is nestled on the James river offering beautiful views year round—look for bald eagles! The resort itself has great restaurants and bars on-site, resort amenities (including a spa—hello massage), accommodations ranging from single guest rooms, to multi-room condos and cottages, and free shuttles to Busch Gardens! Their winter rates are a steal, and if you take your parents along those rates drop even lower with an AARP discount (thanks Mom!). Upon check-in, the front desk gifted each of us with a s’mores bundle and we were directed out to their fire pit. We sat by the crackling fire, made s’mores and mapped out our plan for Christmas Town!

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After hitting the delicious Kingsmill breakfast buffet on Saturday morning, we jumped on the shuttle and within ten minutes we were walking into the park!

During Christmas Town, Busch Garden’s European flair remains intact, the countries just…sparkle. Upon entering the park we left the United States behind and stepped into England. This is my favorite section of Christmas Town. It’s pure magic! Regardless of the weather, snow gently falls, street lamps are wrapped in garland and cheery holiday music welcomes visitors. The music, snow, decor and cobblestone streets make me feel like I’ve stepped into Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series. PURE MAGIC! We arrived in the early afternoon, because Christmas Town is more than just

a bunch of lights—with a park ticket, visitors can also experience six different holiday shows. Our plan was to check out as many shows as possible and ride some of the more than twenty rides offered before the lights started twinkling.

Shows run about twenty minutes, multiple times a day giving visitors a chance to warm up with some delicious peppermint hot chocolate and enjoy Scrooge, the first Christmas, musical tributes, a cappella singing and even a reimagining of a certain “night before” on ice starring world champion ice skater and Olympic silver medalist Elvis Stojko. Shows are appropriate for all members of the family, they fill up fast so be sure to get there with enough time to get a seat!

Before the sun went down and the lights came up we wandered into

P H O T O G R A P H Y: B NU E ESDC HP HGOA TRODGE R N AS P® HWEIRL L I A M S B U R G

Every year my wife and I travel to Busch Gardens Williamsburg to experience the wonders of Christmas Town. From late November to early January Busch Gardens is transformed into a festive winter wonderland. The park is decorated with over eight million tiny twinkling lights, making it the largest Christmas light display in North American. It’s a sight to be seen! At a little over a three hour drive south Christmas Town is easily done in a day, although we usually make a weekend of it! This time we invited my parents along and had a jolly good time!

town CATEGORY HEADER TRAVEL

WINTER 17/18 49

50 SASS MAGAZINE | SASSMAGAZINE.COM

Christmas Town is more than just a bunch of lights—with a park ticket, visitors can also experience six different holiday shows.

P H O T O G R A P H Y: BNUE S ED C HP H GO AR TO DG EN RS A ®P HWEIRL L I A M S B U R G

CATEGORY HEADER TRAVEL

TRAVEL

Oktoberfest and jumped on Verbolten, an indoor/outdoor roller coaster. Although I couldn’t feel much of my face afterwards, I left the ride invigorated by the cold air, fast speeds, drops and twists. By now the sun was down and the lights were coming on! We walked to the Das Festhaus to experience the O’Tannenbaum light show, centered around a fifty foot evergreen.

We sang along and were awed as the lights danced, perfectly choreographed to the music! It was spectacular! As we made our way out of Oktoberfest, we waited in a short line to board the Nacht Tower. Usually this thrill ride lift riders up to heights of 240 feet before dropping them into multiple free falls; during Christmas Town the ride is slowed down—it gently lifts riders up into the air and slowly spins 360 degrees before returning to land. The views from the air are breath-taking—riders can see the glow of all eight million lights twinkling below them. Be careful not to drop your phone if you take pictures, and bundle up! It gets cold up there!

We walked around the park for a long time, enjoying the lights, sights and sounds of Christmas. There are many attractions for kids like Rudolph’s Winter Wonderland, the Sesame Street Forest of Fun and, of course, Santa’s Workshop. No visit is complete without a picture with Santa! There are many ticket options and add ons to fit your needs and your budget. We walked the Polar Pathway and eventually hopped on the Railway for a twenty minute train ride around the entire park. It was nice to sit for a few minutes, but even nicer to see all 200 acres of the park with over 1,400 decorated trees. We departed in Scotland and snapped a few pictures with a friendly Clydesdale at the Highland Stables. The stables are heated, so if you need to warm up, step inside and make some very large Clydesdale friends! Animal

lovers must be sure to visit Wolf Haven, Eagle’s Ridge and meet the collies at Highland Stables.

Each country offers shops and snacks galore! Purchase unique gifts for your loved ones in Ireland or Italy; stop for a wine tasting in New France or a Hot Toddy in England. Adult beverages are sprinkled throughout the park; try the Jolly Traveler Winter Shandy, it’s delicious! Save your hot chocolate mug for discounted refills at night, that peppermint hot chocolate tastes as glorious as it smells—trust me!

Christmas Town also offers exclusive tours and packages for all interests. Purchase the Wolf Training Up Close experience and a trainer will teach you some basic commands before allowing you to interact with a wolf. Learn how to create your own festive holiday floral decorations with the Holiday Decoration Creation tour. The Christmas Town Insider offers a five hour private tour of the park and reserved seating for each show. Go all-in with the Christmas Town Elite VIP tour, an eight hour tour including priority access to all attractions (no lines for you!), reserved show seating, all meals, a photo CD of your experience and parking for one vehicle. If an exclusive tour is not your style, visit the Christmas Town website to plan your day. The website includes suggested itineraries for a date night, a kid conscious day, a guide to the brightest spots and when and where to see Santa. If this is your first trip to Christmas Town, I suggest the Best of Christmas Town itinerary.

We hopped on the shuttle and warmed up on the way back to Kingsmill. Everyone on the shuttle was full of holiday cheer and excited to stop by the Williamsburg Premium Outlets to continue their Christmas shopping the next day or visit Colonial Williamsburg to take a historical trek through the holiday traditions of eighteenth century America. As for us, we headed to The Williamsburg Winery for a wine tasting and grabbed some lunch before returning home to Maryland.

Our winter wonderland weekend getaway was a success! The eight million lights of Christmas Town left us all aglow in the holiday spirit.

Chrissy Moore Chrissy is a middle school film teacher (yeah, it kicks ass) for Montgomery County Public Schools and copy editor of Sass. She lives at the end of the earth in quiet Southern Maryland with her wife and two cats. She has a knack for associating any and every moment in life with a random movie line, song lyric or possibly a dramatic dance sequence.

WINTER 17/18 51

Community Banking Begins Here We believe that community banking begins with the local people who call Frederick home. Partnering with local business owners who share our passion and entrepreneurial spirit, like Sherif Salem and Cherie Nearman, owners of Hootch & Banter, helps strengthen the rich fabric of our community. We love Frederick, and consider it a privilege to help make it a great place to live and do business.

MORE THAN A BANK • www.fcbmd.com

New Year, New Goals.

Save Money, Invest More.

Erik Moore, AIF ÂŽ

After working for several years in the financial services industry, Erik realized there was a significant need for personalized advice and planning for younger generations. Thus, he launched WAVE, a financial program that provides a generation of committed, successful and ambitious people with financial education, guidance and planning. Join us at Learning & Libations: www.moorewealthwave.com/events.5.htm

301-631-1207 | erik@moorewealthinc.com

www.moorewealthwave.com Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.

Fixed insurance products and services offered by Moore Wealth, Inc. are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth.

CAREER

MAKE THAT MONEY

W RK FOR YOU

By Erik Moore

Navigating the investment process can be intimidating and overwhelming. This fear, however, is not a good reason to put it off or avoid it entirely. Investing appropriately can help you achieve your personal and financial goals, and can save you a lot of headache along the way.

While investing requires some risk taking, not investing at all carries its own risks (and very little reward).

Inflation causes each dollar we have to be worth less over time. Inflation is sitting near 2% annually, so the 1% gain in your savings account won’t cut it. Investing is our way of combating inflation, and increasing the value of our assets over the long term. When you add in the power of compound interest, investing becomes a formidable force for getting your money to work for you.

Albert Einstein appropriately called compound interest the eighth wonder of the world. Compound interest transforms a simple investment of $400 per month, earning 7% annually, into $1,056,049 over a forty year period. If you don’t believe me Google “compound interest with additions calculator,” put in the appropriate numbers and prepare to be amazed. For reference, putting that money in a savings account earning 1% would leave you with only $237,000.

WINTER 17/18 53

CAREER

While you may not have forty years to invest, it is never too late to start. Investing a small amount every month from excess income, or investing a portion of a large cash sum in your savings account can have a large impact in the short term. With that in mind, there are a few guidelines, and some simple strategies, to help you invest successfully.

1. Determine your risk tolerance, and time horizon for the investment.

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P H O T O G R A P H Y: N E E D P H O T O G R A P H E R

a. Your risk tolerance is how comfortable you are with your investment’s value fluctuating. There are several risk tolerance questionnaires online to help determine your tolerance. b. Your time horizon is how far away you are from using the money you are planning to invest. A longer time horizon allows for a higher risk tolerance—in the event of a market drop, there is more time for the investment to recover.

CAREER 2. I s the investment for retirement, or for general investing? a. For retirement investing, you want to open a qualified retirement account like an IRA (Individual Retirement Account). There is an annual contribution limit of $5,500 and the money cannot be utilized until you are at least fifty-nine and a half years old, but IRAs have significant tax advantages. b. Money meant for general investing will require a normal brokerage account. There is no annual contribution limit and the money can be used at any time, but there are no tax benefits to these accounts. c. Each of these accounts can be opened for a low cost at a number of institutions.

strategy called Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA). DCA involves investing the same amount of money, in the same investments, on a monthly basis. For example, on the first of each month, you purchase $500 of two ETFs, and you make those purchases regardless of what is happening in the market. This takes the guesswork out of when to buy, and has consistently proven to be more effective than trying to time the market.

This all seems relatively straightforward, but there are many nuances to effective investing. Establishing the most beneficial investment plan for your individual situation can be very complicated. Speaking with a financial advisor can

3. Keep things low cost and simple. a. Use your time horizon and risk tolerance to determine a mix of stocks and bonds in which to invest. Generally, if your risk tolerance is higher and your time horizon longer, you should invest more in stocks; if your risk tolerance is lower and time horizon shorter, you should invest more in bonds. b. Use exchange traded funds (ETFs) like the S&P 500 Index Fund (IVV) and the Barclays Aggregate Bond Fund (AGG) to make up that mix. They keep internal costs low, and create an efficient portfolio rather than a complex one.

4. Be disciplined, not speculative when you invest. a. The best method of purchasing shares is using a

Erik Moore Erik Moore is a financial advisor and the director of WAVE: An Emerging Wealth Program at Moore Wealth Inc. in Frederick, MD. He is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF), and has his FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses.

Shabri Moore Shabri Moore is a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional, Accredited Investment Fiduciary® and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™. She is president of Moore Wealth, a concierge wealth management firm that focuses on helping business owners, executive and families create lasting financial legacies.

WINTER 17/18 55

CATEGORY HEALTH / WELLNESS HEADER

5 WAYS TO COMBAT

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

By Heather Tydings

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is typically associated with the fall and winter season. What makes SAD different from other depressive disorders is that it generally goes into remission when the weather warms up. Although it’s rare, some people report symptoms lasting into the summer season too.

Research also indicates those most at risk are females living farther away from the equator (hello female SASS readers in Maryland!) who have a family history of mood disorders.

I have heard many clients say they think they have this disorder. The truth is many of us do go into hibernation or low energy mode when the weather cools and mama nature forces us to play inside. From an evolutionary perspective, it makes sense. We learned to conserve our energy in the winter months when food supplies were scarce. Our bodies naturally want to hunker down. Move slower. Sleep longer. Be introspective. Crave carbohydrates. So much of our winter behavior is normal and can be embraced.

If things are coming to the surface emotionally when we slow down, it may be an opportunity to evaluate where

56 SASS MAGAZINE | SASSMAGAZINE.COM

we may not be honoring ourselves. Is there any part of our life that is requesting an edit or an update? Perhaps something or someone that needs to be let go. This is a time when your spirit may be calling for you to let go of people, old thought patterns and behaviors or to heal wounds that have haunted you.

Essentially, how do we harness the wisdom of slo’ mo’ and apply it to our lives rather than resist it? Often there is an inner knowing that can be heard when we aren’t moving at the spring/summer speed of light. Instead of hearing it (because the reality may be painful) we may want to medicate or slap a diagnosis on it. This may be a time to take a deep dive into what needs to be addressed.

With that said, however, if symptoms are severe and debilitating, you should seek support and medical help. If you are having continuous hopeless and/or suicidal thoughts, get help immediately.

P H O T O G R A P H Y: N E E D P H O T O G R A P H E R

This is a not some SAD story about Seasonal Affective Disorder. The purpose of this article is to offer you a way to discern whether the “winter blues” is a time to address unresolved issues that may surface or whether you may have a true blue diagnosis of SAD. It also offers ways to kick SAD symptoms naturally and/or when to seek medical support and advice.

HEALTH CATEGORY / WELLNESS HEADER

WINTER 17/18 57

CATEGORY HEALTH / WELLNESS HEADER

To receive a diagnosis of SAD one must meet the criteria for major depression for at least two years; however, the symptoms must manifest with the season and remit when the season ends.

SAD PROOFING AND TREATMENT TECHNIQUES: 1. Let There Be Light: If you don’t have the luxury of soaking up 30 minutes of sunshine in the mornings or purchasing a light box, consider replacing some of your light fixtures with full spectrum light bulbs. According to Dr. Mercola, full-spectrum lights are “one of the most cost-effective ways to treat the winter blues.”

Full-spectrum lights (the sun is full spectrum) contain all wavelengths needed for life in both plants and animals. Thirty-sixty minutes under full spectrum lighting can increase serotonin to improve your mood, as well as help sleep and appetite.

3. Move yo’ body: Are you tired of hearing how moving your body essentially treats… everything? Well here it is again. Move it. Shake it. Spin it. Run or walk it. Dance it.

Sweat at least 20-60 minutes to produce endorphins and get your neurotransmitters firing. Apply bonus points for exercising outdoors in the sunshine without sunglasses because you only benefit from the light when it’s taken in through your retinas.

4. Eliminate Sugar and Refined Grains: Author of Natural Hormonal Enhancement, Rob Faigin, states eating sugar can “max out our serotonin machinery, leaving us unhappy, carb-craving, and depressed.” I could write 47 articles on how sugar and processed food affects dopamine, a neurotransmitter that fuels the brain. Or about how chronic inflammation due to a poor diet disrupts our spirits by causing an imbalance in our bodies. We know eating whole, real food makes our bodies hum. If it seems overwhelming, take turtle steps and start small. Find 3-4 whole food breakfast options. Then move onto lunch until you are eating mostly real, non-manufactured foods.

5. Medications: There are times when the compassionate thing to do is to get evaluated by a therapist, psychiatrist or your doctor to see what psychiatric medication may be appropriate for you. This is especially crucial, if suicidal urges or feelings of hopelessness are running the show.

Typically antidepressants used for non-seasonal depression are prescribed for SAD, including the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft or Prozac.

2. Supplements: Dr. Weil recommends a combined total Wellbutrin is one commonly used to treat SAD. of 1,000-2,000 mg of omega-3 essential fatty acids per Many of us play along hopefully when Punxsutawney day. For a vegetarian, that means adding a tablespoon Phil does NOT see his shadow on Groundhog Day. We or two of ground flax or chia seeds, eating lentils, making friends with tofu and adding spinach. A morning shake with imagine how an early spring will alleviate our winter angst.

I propose we use these shorter and darker days to SAD ginger, apple, pineapple, a variety of seeds and spinach/ proof our lives in ways that propel us into the warmer greens doubles your body’s ability to naturally fight the flu months, free of internal clutter and unnecessary noise. and low mood. Meat eaters should get very fishy. MackI challenge you to use this time to emerge strengthened erel, salmon, anchovies and oysters are all very high in and transformed. omega-3 fatty acids.

Get a vitamin D test, stat! Vitamin D3 supplements also affect the brain and central nervous system.

Taking 2000-5000 IU daily can have an impact on depression.

Heather Michelle Tydings is the owner of Own Your Evolution, where she offers pyschotherapy and life coaching. www.ownyourevolution.com

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P H O T O G R A P H Y: N E E D P H O T O G R A P H E R

SYMPTOMS OF SAD: • Low energy levels and fatigue; reduced sex drive.

• Weight gain and often a craving for starchy and/or sugary foods.

• Regular bouts of hopelessness and sadness that are not situational.

• Poor concentration.

• Isolating or withdrawing socially.

• Suicidal thoughts.

• Use of alcohol or drugs for comfort.

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RECIPE

2 TBSP fat of your choice

1 large white onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 potatoes, peeled & diced into 1" cubes

1-2 sweet potatoes, peeled & diced into 1" cubes

2-4 carrots, peeled and diced

2 C vegetable broth

2 TBSP maple syrup 3 TBSP tomato paste

1 TSP dried dill

½ broccoli, sliced into 2" pieces salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 60 SASS MAGAZINE | SASSMAGAZINE.COM

1 Heat the butter/oil/fat in a large pot and sauté the onions and garlic over medium-high heat until the onions begin to get translucent. 2 Lower the heat and add the potatoes, sweet potatoes and carrots and sauté until barely tender. 3 Add the vegetable broth, stir in the maple syrup, tomato paste and dill and season with salt and pepper to taste. 4 Cover the pot and simmer for 10 minutes then add the broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. 5 Simmer for 15-20 minutes more or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.

P H O T O G R PA H PO H TY:O G NR E EAD P HPY: H OSTAORGARHA P KH U ERRTA N I C H

By Sarah Kurtanich

RECIPE As much as I love to cook, I’m a huge fan of prepping a snack spread for dinner. It’s an easy way to make a weeknight feel a little more special, plus it’s so much easier than cooking (and that’s coming from someone who loves to cook!).

There are some foods believed to help combat the winter blues so I thought, why not build a mood boosting spread of happiness?

Suggestions for a winter-friendly, mood boosting snack plate:

● Feel free to warm up something store bought or use Mom's Vegetable Stew recipe.

It's one of my favorites!

with dark chocolate chips full of antioxidants. I highly recommend you select a comedy to watch as you enjoy your meal!

!\\ (because it’s good for your soul)

that includes oranges as they contain folic acid; evidence shows that the body uses folic acid to create serotonin.

WEB E C X E LUSIV there is some evidence that the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon can have a positive effect on your mood.

pes on More reci e.com n zi a g a m sass

Sarah Kurtanich Sarah is the Chief Eating Officer of Taste Frederick Food Tours, co-host of The Mustache Mesa podcast, and the content creator behind BySarahRae.com (by day she works as a Director of Marketing). She and her family love to travel, but are always happy to return to their home in Frederick, MD.

WINTER 17/18 61

YOGA For You and balance in your own home or my studio.

FOCUS ON 50+, GENTLE & CHAIR YOGA 240.601.4504 Catherine.a.Randazzo@gmail.com E-RYT 200

Member Yoga Alliance

Visit my facebook page at www.facebook.com/yogaforyou2

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