December 2014 by Barbara McSpadden

december 2014

2014 cover women

special insert

CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH FAVORITE RECIPES

shop local this holiday season

healthy woman STAY ACTIVE THIS WINTER

fashion FOR YOUR HOLIDAY OFFICE PARTY

swm’s

Last Minute Gift Guide w w w. s y r ac u s e wo m a n m ag . c o m

syracuseWomanMag.com :: december 2014

I lost 80 lbs. and found my sense of adventure. Corrine couldn’t find the courage to step out of her comfort zone. Since having weight-loss surgery, she’s stepping into her harness and finding comfort high above the trees. And at Crouse, she’s discovered a support group, along with trusted surgeons and nutritional experts who encourage her quest for a happier, healthier life. Come to our next weight-loss surgery seminar and discover what you can find. crouse.org/weightloss

A partnership with CNY Surgical Physicians

December 7

37 Letter from the Editor

Out & About 7 Fashion Forward 8 Fab Finds: Hot Chocolate

Special Holiday Feature 14

14 8

SHOP LOCAL Special Insert

Special Feature: Stay Balanced this Holiday

Healthy Woman 32 Positive Mind, Positive Life

SWM Main Events 37 SWM Calendar 37

Treat Yourself to

Silky, Smooth Skin Free yourself of the pain and hassle of everyday shaving, waxing and plucking with laser hair removal from Premier Laser Spa of Syracuse, formerly Syracuse Laser Spa. As the experts at what we do, and hair removal is all we do, we guarantee our results. And with better reviews, better technology and better treatment plans you can be conďŹ dent in body and mind.

Call 1-800-NEW-FEEL or visit premierlaserspa.com/syracuse to book your complimentary consultation and experience the Premier difference.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR weeks, as the ceramic is very delicate and can easily break in the shipping process. However, they kindly lent her an electric induction cooktop, and we found a second in the basement with all the camping gear. Thanksgiving was saved and all was fine and dandy — until my brothers showed up. They joked and laughed, and couldn’t understand how on earth I put my knee through our stove. And my mom joined right in with them. I eventually got over it, and now the event gets brought up each year at Thanksgiving and we all crack up.

I would like to preface the story I’m about to tell you by saying I love my mother very much and she is no crazier than anyone else’s mother (well, maybe a little).

What’s the point of this incredibly long story? The holidays can be a stressful time, particularly for women. We want to find the perfect gifts, host the perfect dinner and overall have a perfect holiday. But, in all honesty, it’s okay if it’s not perfect. It’s usually the imperfections that are remembered for years. It’s the things that make us smile, make us laugh that make the holidays such a wonderful time.

The week of Thanksgiving in 2012, my mom was doing her usual routine of nagging, cleaning and prepping food like a madwoman to get ready for Thanksgiving dinner. In typical fashion, I was loafing around in my sweats. My mom got on my case and asked me to take out the kitchen window screens, way past due from the summer, and clean the windows. To do so, I had to get up on the counter and shimmy down the line of windows all the way to the stove. When I reached the ceramic cooktop, I — without thought or worry — scrambled on top of it.

I have filled this issue with things to make you smile, keep you warm and help you relax during the holidays. Six of our former cover women from 2014 share their favorite recipes and heart-warming stories behind them in our Main Feature. This month’s Fabulous Finds uncovers a plethora of delectable, mouth-watering hot chocolate in Syracuse. In a Special Feature, business and personal coach Thomas Nacy Warner writes about how to stay balanced during this time of year — slow down, take care of yourself and, most importantly, have fun!

This, my friends, is when what my family calls “the day Alyssa ruined Thanksgiving” began.

No matter how much you stress about the holidays, whether it’s from expenses or family or work, just remember: Life is what you make it; the little things are what it’s all about; and laughter doesn’t cost a dime.

Laughter Truly is the Best Medicine “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.” – Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol”

My knee went through the ceramic top, and my mother began to scream and yell. And scream and yell. After about five minutes, she realized she should ask if I was okay and took a look at my knee. I was fine. But the stove was not. And she still had a lot to do to get ready for 15 soon-to-be dinner guests: myself, my three older brothers and their families. After much counsel with my dad, she called the local appliance store to discuss getting a replacement stovetop. The whole process takes about two to three

To lots of laughter this holiday,

Alyssa LaFaro P.S. Three ceramic stovetops broke in the shipping process while en route to my parents’ house. It wasn’t until February when one actually showed up all in one piece.

OUR TEAM Publishers

Kelly Breuer Barbara McSpadden

Editor-in-Chief

Barbara McSpadden

Editor

Alyssa LaFaro

Creative DIRECTOR Kelly Breuer

Photography Cindy Bell Rick Needle

Contributing Writers Alyssa LaFaro Amari Pollard Srradha Prativadi, MD Wendy Scinta, MD, MS Thomas Nacy Warner

advertising Sales

Renee Moonan Linda Jabbour Please contact Renee Moonan (315) 657-7690

Advertise with us...

Unlike any other publication in the Syracuse area, our feature articles address major topics that interest local women. Each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, home matters, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local Syracuse women. Ads are due on the 15th of the month prior to publication. The print magazines will be distributed locally in over 350 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the middle of every month. The publication is available free of charge.

Contact our home office 315.434.8889 2501 James Street, Suite 100 Syracuse, NY 13206 info@syracusewomanmag.com

Download our media kit at www.syracusewomanmag.com

The magazine is published 12 times a year by Syracuse Woman Magazine, llc. and Eagle Publications, 2501 James Street, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206. Copyright © 2014 Syracuse Woman Magazine, llc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without the consent of the publishers. Syracuse Woman Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photos or artwork. All such submissions become the property of Syracuse Woman Magazine, llc. and will not be returned.

o&A

::OUT & Syracuse Sounds of Music Intermezzo Holiday Luncheon — Dec. 10

Celebrate the sounds of the season at the Syracuse Sounds of Music Association’s (SSMA) annual Intermezzo Holiday Luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Genesee Grande Hotel. There will be a social hour beginning at 11 a.m., followed by a lunch at noon.

MOVIES Inherent Vice – 12/12 Takes place at the tail end of the psychedelic ‘60s featuring a cast of characters that includes surfers, hustlers, dopers and rockers, a murderous loan shark, LAPD Detectives, a tenor sax player working undercover, and a mysterious entity known as the Golden Fang, which may only be a tax dodge set up by some dentists... Part surf noir, part psychedelic romp—all Thomas Pynchon

Holiday music will be performed by members of the Syracuse Chapter of Gospel Music Workshop of America, directed by Dr. Joan Hillsman. There will also be a selection of upscale merchandise from the Encore Thrift Shop available for purchase. The Syracuse Sounds of Music Association raises money to support nonprofit music organizations throughout Central New York, distributing about $30,000 each year. The Encore Thrift Shop on Brooklea Drive in Fayetteville is the SSMA’s year-round, full-time fundraiser. Encore is managed and staffed by volunteers, Tuesday through Saturday, and all proceeds go toward the grants that are awarded each year. Cost to attend is $35 per person. Reservations are requested by Dec. 1, payable to Syracuse Sounds of Music Association, Inc., PO Box 85, Fayetteville, NY 13066. For more information or to find the reservation form, visit syracusesoundsofmusic.org.

The Hobbit: – 12/17

60th Annual Art Mart — Now through Dec. 24

The movie brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends and the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.

Art Mart visitors will find a wide range of items including pottery, jewelry, paintings and even stained glass, among others. It’s one of the few chances to pick out a unique piece of art at an affordable price. Whether you’ve got an art lover on your list or are just picking something out for yourself, it’s a fairly decent bet. Each year, Art Mart brings in more than 50 artists and craftspeople, so there will be plenty to see.

Night at the Museum – 12/19 Get ready for the wildest and most adventure-filled Night At the Museum ever as Larry (Ben Stiller) spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever. Featuring one of Robin Williams’ last movie appearances.

The Interview – 12/25 In this action-comedy, Dave Skylark (James Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen) run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show “Skylark Tonight.” When they discover North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him. As they prepare to travel to Pyongyang, their plans change when the CIA recruits them, perhaps the two least-qualified men imaginable, to assassinate Kim Jong-un.

Looking for a few last-minute, art-related gifts? Come to the Atrium at City Hall Commons on East Washington Street for Syracuse’s Art Mart, which is celebrating 60 years of bringing together Central New York artists, craftspeople and others, all in one location, just in time for holiday shopping.

The event is ongoing until Dec. 24, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit artmart-syracuse.com.

Third Annual SDBC Ride Inside for a Cure — Jan. 11

Throw on your bike shorts and shoes, and join Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer (SDBC) at its third annual Ride Inside for a Cure on Sunday, Jan. 11, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. All bikers pre-registered, but you can still come to the Towne Center Fitness Studio at 311B Towne Drive in Fayetteville to cheer them on! Last year 184 riders helped raise $7,600 for cancer. This year, SDBC is shooting for a goal of $8,000. The proceeds from this high-intensity, indoor cycle marathon will be donated to CancerConnects, Inc. — a non-profit that provides programs and services to help facilitate the cancer journey for patients throughout Central New York — as well as SDBC and its mission to spread Bravery Bags. A portion will also benefit Camp Kesem SU, the local version of a “nationwide community driven by passionate college student leaders, supporting children through and beyond their parent’s cancer.” Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer is Ann Marie Giannino-Otis’ fierce and unconventional initiative to promote awareness, early detection and advocacy, with a special focus on how the disease impacts younger people. Since its inception in 2012, SDBC has raised and contributed more than $50,000 to a variety of breast cancer organizations. For more information, visit stupiddumbbreastcancer.com.

about

F OA

::fashion

forward

by Amari D. Pollard

A guide to holiday office party fashion

‘Tis the season. And since the holidays are here, that means it’s time for the return of snow, mistletoe, eggnog … and the annual holiday office party. While Christmas is an enjoyable time of the year, it can also be very stressful, but that doesn’t mean dressing up has to be. Although figuring out the perfect mixture between professional and festive for this year’s special event can be difficult, now is the perfect opportunity to play around with new and exciting pieces. According to celebrity fashion stylist and designer Rachel Zoe, holiday dressing means being the best, dressier version of yourself. “You want to be appropriate, but don’t try to overdo it,” said Zoe in an interview with Hollywood Life. “You should look chic and appropriate, but still fun and still party ready.” So here are the dos and don’ts of holiday office party dressing. Don't show too much skin. It’s important to remember that you’re still at your office; therefore, you’re still representing your company. Office parties tend to follow office hours anyway, so don’t wear anything you wouldn’t wear to work. Although your black dress with the plunging neckline is extremely cute, save it for another party in a more fitting setting — like New Year’s Eve. Do bring extra clothes and accessories to the office so you can add to your outfit, considering there won’t be that much time to change after work. Style expert Stacy London says the best way to spruce up an office outfit is by throwing on “a bright-colored shoe and add a shiny, loose-fitting jacket, like matte sequins, which aren’t quite as shiny as traditional ones, or a metallic tweed.” Don't be tempted by the holiday spirit and reach for that bulky Santa or reindeer Christmas sweater, because the silhouette does absolutely nothing for your figure. Do still wear a sweater if you want to. Glamour magazine fashion writer Fawnia Soo Hoo suggests wearing a colorfully patterned high-neck sweater instead of a shapeless clichéd one. (Those should be saved for the ugly Christmas sweater parties.) To be a little more fashion forward and give your outfit more edge, try pairing the sweater with a conservative leather pencil skirt that falls slightly below the knee. Don't let sheer be your first outfit choice. Sheer can be tricky because, depending on the light, one minute it may look perfectly fine and the next you may be able to see your undergarments. So it’s in your best interest to beware of the sheer.

dress for

Success and to impress

Do experiment with different types of fabric, except sheer, of course. The holidays are always focused on texture, so try a classy lace dress or a modern tweed dress with leather details for contrast. And to add a bit of flare, swap your black flats for a pair of embellished heels and a chic, textured clutch. Don't wear the staple colors of Christmas. That means no mixing red and green together — unless those colors actually look flattering on you. If you choose to go for the red and green look, Stacy London advises mixing them with metallics and neutrals. Do invest in clothes that you can wear during any season, for any party. Try wearing a solid color dress like fuchsia or cerulean, or even red or white, where the bold color can speak for itself. Just add a little more glam with gold or silver statement earrings and a cocktail ring. Check out @SyrWomanMag and @AmariPollard on Twitter to find more on fashion and what’s happening this month.

winter chills and to with a cup of

::fab

finds

Delectable Holiday Shopping atCURE THE

hot

chocolate

The first snow has finally come and that cold winter chill has crept into the air. There’s nothing better this time of year than a creamy cup of hot chocolate — after all, it’s the only time of year it’s acceptable to consume chocolate before 10 a.m. SWM editor Alyssa LaFaro visited a handful of local cafes and coffee shops to find out who has the best and most unique hot chocolate around. Here’s what she discovered.

december 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

::fab

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Recess Coffee in Syracuse • recesscoffee.com A Westcott neighborhood staple, Recess Coffee is featuring a peppermint hot chocolate for the long, cold winter months. “Our peppermint hot chocolate is made with dark chocolate, peppermint liqueur and topped with Dutch cocoa powder,” described barista Allison Beonde. “It’s a perfect seasonal drink, with the cooling mint and warming comfort of a traditional hot chocolate. We also offer the same drink as a mocha for those who want a warm and seasonal coffee drink.”

Organic Hot Chocolate

Strong Hearts Café in Syracuse • strongheartscafe.com One of the most well-known vegan cafes in Syracuse, it’s no surprise Strong Hearts Café’s hot chocolate is 100 percent organic. “We use an organic brand of hot cocoa mix by a company called Ah!laska and mix it with Organic Valley chocolate soymilk,” co-owner Joel Capolongo told me. “We steam it for a few seconds to get it up to temperature and that’s about it.”

Hot Chocolate with Homemade Ganache and Whipped Cream

Pewter Spoon Café in Cazenovia • pewterspooncafe.com “Our hot chocolate is prepared with a homemade ganache (melted chocolate with slowly incorporated heavy cream),” explained Keren Carmeli. “We prepare hot chocolates the way we make lattes — that is, by steaming milk and pouring it into the ganache. Because of this method, hot chocolates are served with latte art on top (a fern, heart etc.). For those who want whipped cream, we make our own with an ISI dispenser using two ingredients: heavy cream and simple syrup.”

Imported Cocoa with Salt & Organic Cane Sugar

Café Kubal in Syracuse • cafekubal.com Whether you’re a salt lover or sugar fanatic, Café Kubal’s hot chocolate is right for you. “Our hot chocolate is created with imported cocoa and from our special blend of salt and organic cane sugar — one might say it’s dangerous,” laughed Marketing Director Christina Trout. “We also maintain our standard of ‘latte art,’ using steaming milk and a sprinkle of cocoa powder on our hot chocolate, even though it doesn’t contain espresso.”

Cup of Joy

Cidermoon Coffee & Café in Oswego • cidermooncoffee.com Cidermoon Coffee & Café’s “Cup of Joy” will bring you Pharrell Williams happiness. “We take our rich milk hot chocolate, add a shot of espresso and top it with peppermint candy and a splash of whipped cream,” said owner Diane Dempsey. “Chocolate and coffee make a fantastic couple! This drink has an explosion of flavors that cause havoc on your taste buds.”

Shamballa Cocamocha

Shamballa Café & Coffee Roasters in Baldwinsville • shamballacafe.com “Shamballa Cocamocha is a double shot of in-house roasted espresso, powdered cocoa and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with cocoa power and grated coconut,” explained owner Emmet Simpson. Is your mouth watering yet?

Half Moon Hot Chocolate

Half Moon Bakery & Bistro in Jamesville • thehalfmoonbakery.com Half Moon Bakery & Bistro’s hot chocolate is proof that Nutella goes with everything. “We just started promoting our Half Moon Hot Chocolate drink in our shop,” said owner Debbe Titus. “It is made with hot chocolate, hazelnut flavoring, whipped cream and drizzled with a Nutella ganache. Bon appétit!”

S’mores Hot Cocoa

Mello Velo Bicycle Shop & Café • mellovelobicycles.com/cafe There’s nothing better than marshmallow and chocolate encased within two graham crackers to bring back memories of summer. That’s exactly what the folks at Mello Velo must have been thinking when they created their s’mores hot cocoa. “The s’mores hot cocoa features Ghirardelli dark chocolate and marshmallow syrup, and is topped with homemade whip, a jumbo marshmallow, graham cracker crumbs and a dark chocolate drizzle,” detailed co-owner Sara Morris.

finds

Café at 407in Liverpool • cafeat407.org “I wanted something warm and happy to counteract the cold days ahead while still being able to reach those who didn’t want or need the caffeine of a coffee drink,” said barista Maggie Knickerbocker. “My favorite chocolate combination is chocolate and caramel, so I figured why not caramel hot chocolate!? And why not add cinnamon to the mix to spice things up a bit? I started with our regular hot chocolate, which is made with mocha and a small splash of vanilla syrup; then added a shot of caramel syrup and a small amount of cinnamon. I steamed some milk, poured and mixed. It’s finished off with a caramel drizzle and sprinkle of cinnamon — and voila!”

FFF ::fabulous

Caramel Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

finds

BEST in Care! BEST in Technology!

Welcome To Our State-of-the-Art Facility CEREC Technology

Cerec Is Used In Producing Our Fillings, Crowns And Veneers. It requires only ONE appointment and produces a quality, long lasting, metal-free and best of all the most cost effective restoration available today.

DIGITAL X-RAYS MINI DENTAL IMPLANTS

Mini Dental Implants Are Used For Supporting Dentures And Replacing A Single Tooth.

6 MONTH ORTHODONTICS

Six Month Smiles Uses Clear Unique Ceramic Braces For Adults Giving You A Beautiful Smile In 6 Months.

Your Choice for Beautiful Healthy Teeth! Dr. Shafey Sayed, DDS

315-699-3305

8382 Elta Drive Cicero, NY • www.cicerofamilydentist.com

“I recommend that you get tested for the hepatitis C virus.”

Were you born between 1945 and 1965? It is now a New York state law that hospitals and health service providers offer testing for the hepatitis C virus to all baby boomers. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver disease and liver cancer. Early diagnosis, determined by a laboratory blood test, can lower the risk of damage through monitoring and treatment. Many baby boomers may have the virus and not know it. Ask your doctor for the simple blood test today.

laboratoryalliance.com

Get a Head-start on Your New Years Resolution

50% OFF ENROLLMENT Expires December 31st. 2014

Call Today 452-5522 Champions Plaza (Next to Ollieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s)

7687 Frontage Rd., Cicero, NY 13039 www.championsfitness.com

feature ::special holiday

Recipes For

swm

Holiday Spirit SWM editor Alyssa LaFaro asked some of the 2014 cover women to share one recipe they love to make during the holiday season and why. Some are sweet and some are salty — but all are delicious and from the heart. From their tables to yours, Happy Holidays!

e XcLusIV your e o reD on g men o for W

t.indd

2014prin

SWM_feb

Nina Davu Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

I’ve never met a potato I didn’t like. Ever. Baked, fried, mashed — you name it, I’m all over dish during the holidays is indeed mashed potatoes. Now, growing up in an Indian family holidays. Don’t get me wrong, I love Indian food, but I’ll leave the Indian cooking to my m my sister and I took it upon ourselves to make the “traditional” holiday fixings. After nea you one of my all-time favorite recipes my sister and I have perfected together: creamy gar we do — perhaps with a side of curry! Ingredients: 3-1/2 pounds russet potatoes 2 tablespoons salt 2 cups half-and-half 6 cloves garlic, crushed 6 ounces grated Parmesan

Directions: 1. Peel and dice potatoes, making sure all are relatively the same size. Place in a large to a boil over medium-high heat and then reduce heat to maintain a rolling boil. Coo 2. Heat the half-and-half and the garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat unt 3. Remove the potatoes from the heat and drain off the water. Mash and add the garli stand for 5 minutes so that mixture thickens and then serve. 14

december 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

Baklawa

Baklawa is a favorite dessert I share at all family — and Stickley — gatherings. It is a traditional Lebanese dessert, and I value and cherish traditions.

tter platctuerLeschcaanDy Her

any comP

miz match

omen WHaT WnT! Wa

n e m o w r o f going red

u miny a

rolyn di & ca

udi

fischi a

.com mag man sewo acu .syr www

syr ac

ma use Wo

nm ag

.com

:: feb rua

4 ry 201

1/26

:55 /2014 8:18

Syrup: 1½ cups sugar 1tablespoon lemon juice 1/3 cup water 1 teaspoon rose water

feature

Ingredients: 1 package phyllo dough 3/4 pound unsalted butter 1-1/2 pounds walnuts, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup sugar

::special holiday

Aminy Audi, February 2014

y 2014 februar

Directions: 1. Add sugar to walnuts and mix. 2. Brush one sheet of phyllo dough with melted butter. Place three more sheets of dough over the first one. Spread 3 tablespoons of chopped walnuts across bottom of top sheet. Start lengthwise one inch away from the edge; roll up four sheets together around walnut mixture, creating a firm tight roll. Place on buttered cookie sheet. Repeat procedure until all dough is used up. 3. Brush rolls with butter and cut diagonally into one-inch pieces. 4. Bake in preheated, 350-degree oven for approximately 25 minutes or until golden brown. 5. Remove from oven and pour syrup, covering every piece. Syrup: Dissolve sugar in water. Stir over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Add lemon juice and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Add rose water and pour over baklawa. Note: While working with phyllo dough, keep it covered with a lightly dampened cloth to prevent it from drying. Baklawa may be partially baked and frozen.

uluri, January 2014

janua

ry 20

it! That being said, I’m sure you can imagine my favorite y, we typically had a plethora of Indian food during the mom — it’s quite a process! From the time we were young, arly 11 years of trial and error, I’m excited to share with rlic mashed potatoes. I hope you enjoy them as much as

fab finds

Try IT In

special fe

ature

BeIng sue

e saucepan, add the salt, and cover with water. Bring ok until potatoes fall apart when poked with a fork. til simmering. Remove from heat and set aside. ic-cream mixture and parmesan. Stir to combine. Let SWM_

jan201

4.indd

miss a meric a nina

eDso n

2014 fash

ion

Creating C ircles of U nity

2014!

cLe your anse cLos eT

Davulu ri

ww w. s yra cus ewo man mag .co m

syr ac

use Wo

manm

ag.co

m :: Ja

nuar y 2014

12/30/

2013

10:07:32

syracuseWomanMag.com :: december 2014

Becky Laughlin, June 2014

feature

JUNE 20

::special holiday

Italian Chocolate-Filled Cookie

Growing up the youngest child and only girl, I cherished time with my mother. In an Italian family, we love to eat. I loved sweets — of any kind. Right after Halloween every year, my mother and I would start the whirlwind of holiday baking. Every weekend, we would figure out what cookie(s) we would be tackling for the day. We would bake and frost all day, and maybe eat a few along the way. Then we stocked the freezer with Tupperware containers lined with wax paper of our amazing goodies. Those moments are the most precious to me — spending amazing quality time with my mother, enjoying a sweet treat and watching the faces of our guests enjoy what we created. The recipe attached is just one of my favorite Italian cookies we would make. I was even allowed around the holidays to have it for breakfast. Yes — I had the best parents ever!

pires swINinAsBU SH

G A JONES PATRONTTA MORITZ IE ANTON

special feRatBuRrIDeAL

YOU BEAUTY

rward ion fo fashFO R YOUR

Local Love : in CNY

AIDS BRIDESM

ig a r C & y Beck .COM MAG MAN SEWO ACU .SYR WWW

SYR ACU

SEWOM

ANM AG.

COM ::

JUN E 2014

Dough: 4 cups flour 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 cup Crisco 1 cup sugar 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 cup milk

Filling: 1 12-ounce bag of chocolate chips 1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup walnuts, lightly chopped

Frosting: 1 pound 10x confectioners sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla Milk to thin Colored sprinkles Directions: 1. Combine flour, baking powder, Crisco, sugar, eggs, vanilla and milk together to make the dough. 2. To make the filling, combine chocolate chips and condensed sweet milk and melt over the stove. Add walnuts, and let cool until spreadable. 3. Form three large balls of dough. Roll each out between waxed paper. Put filling lengthwise on dough. Fold over sides and ends. 3. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes. 4. Frost and cover with sprinkles.

Stefanie Heath Higgins, August 2014 AUGU ST

Homemade Party Guacamole

2014

The awesome thing about guacamole is that it is a healthy alternative to a party dip. Avocados are heart healthy and super tasty! You can also use this recipe to top your veggie burgers or any sandwich. The motto in my house is, “An avocado a day keeps the doctor away!” This is a great recipe to use going into the New Year as we all try to be more health conscious. And remember one very important thing about avocados — they are dangerous for dogs to consume, so be sure to keep the guacamole toward the back of the table at your party, where no table-surfing pup can get his paws into it! Ingredients: 4 ripe avocados 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic 1/2 tablespoon cumin Juice from half a lemon Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup cherry tomatoes

44 hearts be JILL O at U

IKAHIL O

for good caaus

TEAL R IBBON RUN

Directions: EDUC A 1. Cut avocados in half and scoop out from the peel. Mash up in a large bowl. THE CU TION WITH SE PIT 2. Add in minced garlic, cumin, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and fold all ingredients CREW ... together. 3. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and fold them into the mixture. 4. Serve with tortilla chips, pretzels or any kind of cracker.

Stefanie Heath

sw inspir

Higgins

WW W. S YRA CUS EWO MAN MAG .CO M

december 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

KARI H A PATR MMOND CHRIS ICIA BLISS TINE SIG NY

SYR AC

USE WO

MANM

AG.CO

M :: AU

GU ST

2014

::special holiday

Ann Marie Stonecypher, October 2014 Carmel Apple Dip

This is a favorite because you can make it quickly for any party, and it is easy and people can gather around it.

OCTO

BER 20

feature

Ingredients: 1 slightly softened brick of cream cheese 1 jar of caramel topping Chopped walnuts Granny Smith apples Directions: 1. Press the brick of cream cheese into a shallow bowl (use a festive one for the holidays). 2. Pour caramel topping over the cream cheese (enough to cover well), and sprinkle walnuts on top of the caramel. 3. Cut apples into slices and arrange around the bowl for dipping. You sw in es are done! You can prepare a few hours before your party and refrigerate K TRACI AsIKpir EN ATE FL AN S JOAN until party time. Easy and delicious! KESSE NERY

for a good

MARY LRING & GOSE K

cause

MAUR EEN’S HOPE

swm pink Frieda & Ann M man arie GORD ON

SULLIV AN A FRIE NDSHIP NEVER TO BE BROKE N WW W. S YRA CUS EWO MAN MAG .CO M

R 2014

BE NOVEM

SYR AC

USE WO

MANM

AG.CO

M :: OC

TOB ER

2014

Kate D. Mahoney, November 2014 Mom’s Chocolate Cake – recipe by Rose Knight Speno, grandmother of Kate D. Mahoney ure spEecGiaINlGfeERaBtREAD

Y GALLER

fiITt’SnesA s

ERFUL WOND RUN

sw inspires

CRITZ JUANITA STRESS EN KATHLE WALLACE HEATHER

oLnEey h a M . C E MIRA KaMteORD E TO TH .COM MAG MAN SEWO ACU .SYR WWW

SYR ACU

SEWOM

ANM AG.

COM ::

NOVEMB

ER 2014

My grandmother made this chocolate cake for every birthday, holiday, graduation, since my mom, the oldest of my 14 aunts and uncles, was a tiny tot. Over the years, this cake would be the centerpiece on the tables of the families within the family. My mom made it for my confirmation in Ireland, when my “country” cousins actually met my “city” cousins for the first time, even though they lived within five miles of one another for a couple hundred years. In Colorado, my cousin made it, but had to alter the oven temperature, given the elevation. Her sister in Connecticut made it in two pans and added raspberries. My aunt in California tried it with a different cocoa. My uncle added gold leaf. Over the years, many of us took a crack at this cake. For me, the process always involved a call to my grandmother for guidance, whether it was about the recipe or life. Like life, the recipes always had stains or smudges, things that weren’t clear but a result we’d come to trust. Gramma died peacefully, in the early hours of Christmas morning in 2010. She was 94. When guests arrived at the reception after mass, the standard dessert table was instead homage. Ovens all over Syracuse had been used to make her cake. There were tall cakes and short cakes, frosted cakes and glazed cakes, round cakes and loaf cakes. Amidst the tasting and testing, memories shared through laughter and tears, the family celebrated the life of our incredible matriarch. Ingredients: 2 cups flour 2 eggs 2 cups sugar 4 squares baking chocolate 1 cup milk 2/3 cup vegetable shortening 2 scant teaspoons baking soda 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions: 1. Mix the flour and the sugar together. 2. Mix the milk, baking soda, vanilla and eggs together. 3. Then, combine the dry and liquid ingredients together. 4. Melt together the chocolate and the shortening; add to the other ingredients. Mix. 5. Add 2/3 cup boiling water. Bake at 350 degrees in greased and floured pan for about one hour. 5. Remove from oven and pour syrup, covering every piece. syracuseWomanMag.com :: december 2014

Every Syracuse University degree begins with the first class.

Study part time and earn an SU degree. Start now! Classes begin January 12. Call 315-443-9378 or visit parttime.syr.edu/swm.

GO SU part time!

SURGICAL SERVICES

WELCOMES

DR. KARA KORT

Specializing in Breast and Endocrine Surgery

• More than 15 years serving the CNY community

NOT PICTURED: ANTHONY OLIVA, MD | THOMAS CERTO, MD | C. MELINDA STEVENS, DO

SURGICAL SERVICES www.sjphysicians.org

ST. JOSEPH’S PHYSICIANS SURGICAL SERVICES North Medical Center 5100 West Taft Rd., Ste. 2E Liverpool, NY 13088 315-634-3399

ST. JOSEPH’S PHYSICIANS SURGICAL SERVICES Northeast Medical Center 4301 Medical Center Drive, Ste. 117, 301 Fayetteville, NY 13066 315-634-3399

St. Joseph’s Physicians is an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Hospital Health System.

• Treatment for diseases of the breast, thyroid and parathyroid • Breast cancer evaluation and treatment planning • For more information visit www.sjphysicians.org

shop local

Support Your Neighbors This

Holiday Season

EcoChic Boutique the look you want

for less

Join us o n at EcoCh Facebook icSyracu se

4314 East Genesee St. DeWitt, NY 13224 315.445.CHIC (2442) www.EcoChicBoutique.biz

Seasonal discounts now in effect. Huge selection of jewelry, boots and scarves! Open Tue - Sat 11-6pm, Sun 12-5pm

Blushing Rose Boutique

Happy Holidays

Come see our new more spacious location

April Cornell Clothing & Linens

From all of us at

Like us on Facebook Isabella Cazenovia

Candles, Jewelry & Many other gifts Nano Puff

Store Hours: Monday-Closed • Tues & Wed, 10-5 Thurs & Fri, 10-6 • Sat, 10-5 • Sun, 11-3 315.655.2144 11 Lincklaen Street, Cazenovia, NY 13035 blushingroseboutique.net

model/height: 157cm wear/seize S

315.655.4459 • 61 albany street, cazenovia, ny Mon-Friday 10:30-5 • Sat 10:00-5 • Sunday 11-4

The Nantucket Cat Builders of Fine Cat Furniture Purveyors of Wonderful Things for Cats & Cat Lovers

NATURAL HEALTH CONSULTING A woman is interrupted in as little as 12 seconds of speaking to her health care provider. Imagine a 90 minute conversation with a women’s health specialist, ALL ABOUT YOU!

www.botanic-her.com April Ward MSN,CNM

Women’s Health and Hormone Balance

315-200-2349 • 112 Dewitt St. Syracuse, NY

tis’ the season to be merry! There is a most delightful offering of Christmas pleasures....Trees dressed for the season, trimmings, handmades and as always, our one-of-a kind Santas

Holiday Hours • Wed - Sat 11-5 • Sundays 12-5 4538 Apulia Road Jamesville, NY (315) 492-1977

Now open these Sundays from 12-4 pm for your holiday shopping pleasure with refreshments served... November 30th, Dec. 7, Dec.14th and Dec.21st 49 Oswego Street, Baldwinsville 315-638-1981 • thenantucketcat.com Open Tuesday-Saturday 10-5pm

holiday escape gift packages available

www.latourelle.com • www.augustmoonspa.com

WWW. FIRELIGHTCAMPS. COM

experience it in

MILTON J. RUBENSTEIN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 500 SOUTH FRANKLIN ST • ARMORY SQUARE, DOWNTOWN SYRACUSE, NY 13202 • 315.425.9068 www.most.org

SyracuseMOST

@MOSTSyracuse

POTTERY.JEWELRY.WOOD.METAL.GLASS.FIBER

210 Walton Street in the heart of Armory Square 3 1 5 .4 7 1 . 4 6 0 1

extended holiday hours beginning December 1 MONDAY - SATURDAY 10 -9 SUNDAY 12 - 6

December 24th 10-4

The Rose Cottage is a wonderful place to shop for the Holidays!

Featuring Patience Brewster and many other special treasures, all beautifully gift wrapped.

Call (315) 637-1330 find us on facebook

214 South Manlius Street, Fayetteville, NY

4 doors down from Ace Hardware Store • Parking in rear

ESCAPE TO PARADISE

expires Dec. 31, 2014

Gi certiﬁ ft ca

tes avai lable

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS STOP BY OR VISIT US ONLINE

315 699 1150 | 8364 Factory Street, Cicero www.wickerworldcny.com Monday - Friday 10:30 - 6:00 | Saturday 10:30 - 5:00

now on

display

Exhibit is madE possiblE, in part, by funding from thE county of onondaga, administErEd by cny arts

gagement limited en

MILTON J. RUBENSTEIN mUSeUm OF SCienCe & teCHnOlOgY 500 SOUTH FRANKLIN ST • ARMORY SQUARE, DOWNTOWN SYRACUSE, NY 13202 • 315.425.9068 www.most.org

SyracusemOSt

@mOStSyracuse

corporate sponsor

feature ::special

Stay Balanced During The

holiday season 26

december 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

feature

::special

by Thomas Nacy Warner

The holidays can be a challenging time of year — so much to do in so little time. How will we accomplish everything and still maintain our sanity? Rather than be pulled around from task to task and location to location, stop, take a breath, and discover some ways to recreate your holiday experience, from the inside out. Let’s remember the most important factor in all of the chaos — you and your well-being. Let’s pretend for a moment that you are the center of the universe, that everything revolves around you. What would you change about this season? What is great and not so great? How can you be at your best, so that you have lots to offer to others? Try the six tips below to help you create balance in all aspects of your life during the holidays.

Personal development One of the biggest areas we neglect (not only during the holiday season but all year) is our personal development. Ask yourself these questions. What am I doing to grow as an individual? What am I learning? How am I expanding? You might say, “I don’t have time for that right now,” but personal development is an important part of nurturing yourself. Take a class, learn a language, go to a museum, hike, whatever is speaking to you at this moment. There are plenty of easy outlets that take no time at all. Try learning a language from home at duolingo.com. It’s free online, there are apps for iPad and iPhone, and it takes only 10 minutes a day.

Career Depending on your chosen vocation, your workload either slows down dramatically or accelerates beyond control this time of year. Let’s also not forget that your role as mom, partner, sister, daughter, aunt and best friend are permanent positions that need very special attention. The best advice for this area? Slow down. Remember: You are pretending that the world revolves around you, so if you slow down, so will everything else. If you were the president of a company (and some of you are), you would be focused on top-line decisions; you don’t have the time to make every single decision. Pull your team together at home or the office and work together, delegate and make it fun. People are always ready to lend a hand. You just have to ask. Make a list of tasks and call in the troops.

Health January is a big month for starting a health kick. What about starting today? Time is of the essence. No time? Build your health routine into your lifestyle — it’s just as easy as brushing your teeth. But not everyone feels this way, especially during this time of year. It’s a little counter intuitive to start an exercise program when you may be feeling tired already. How about just getting out for some fresh air? A short, 10-minute walk after dinner, or playing in the snow with friends and family can be the kickstart to your health routine. On the flip side, rest is crucial for revitalizing your body. If you are tired, take a nap. Check in with yourself throughout the day and see how you are feeling. Make things easy and fun. If you don’t feel like going to a holiday party or event, don’t. These won’t

be the last holidays or parties you are ever invited to attend. To check in with yourself, sit in a chair in a quiet place, feet flat on the floor, hands gently in your lap. Close your eyes. Slowly draw your attention to your breathing. Take 10 slow breaths, each a little deeper and longer than the previous. Focus only on your breath. See how your mood shifts.

Money Charge it! If you haven’t put together a holiday budget yet, you may be experiencing some trepidation about those credit card bills in January. The best holiday experience you can give yourself is one that is relaxed and comfortable in dealing with money and finances. Holidays and money can be troublesome for most of us. We have holiday traditions from childhood, expectations we are trying to fulfill for ourselves and others, and our pockets may not be deep enough to make everyone’s dreams come true, including our own. The biggest tip: Experiences always outweigh stuff. Used toys get tossed in a bin and forgotten; the to-die-for sweater is in the bottom of the closet. One thing that isn’t left behind is the memory of an amazing experience. Most experiences don’t cost a dime, but you will remember them forever.

Relationships Who are all these people? Family, friends, obligations. We often revert to a past version of ourselves this time of year when people become involved. Tradition, tradition, tradition. We struggle to hold onto pieces of our past so tightly that we lose our vision of what is important. The holidays are not a choreographed production that needs to be repeated every year because we have to do what we have always done. This is a chance to break the mold and explore newness, create new traditions. The best holiday experiences ever are when everyone contributes a new tradition they would like to experience. Explore traditions borrowed from other cultures or are perhaps a part of your culture you have never practiced. Bottom line: Make it about fun, love everyone, and make peace with everyone who crosses your path.

Playtime This is your winter wonderland! It was Mary Poppins who said, “In ev’ry job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and snap! The job’s a game. How about making everything a game?” Try seeing how many people you can smile at and who returns your smile. How many days in a row the kids can clear the table. Let’s get crazy and build a snowman, do a turkey trot, go ice skating. Play, play, play. You are the creator of your experience. What would be the best, most fun experience? Now do it. Thomas Nacy Warner is a business and personal coach. He works primarily with small businesses to help them find their vision, brand and place in the business world. He works side by side with management and team members to create results and balance in the workplace. For more information, contact him at info@ thomaswarnercoaching.com.

SFF

BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL

3 year olds through 6th grade Elementary School Accredited by the Middle States Commission Offering Faith, Knowledge, Discipline, Morals, and Dividends for Life since 1931.

Providing your child with academic excellence in a positive and personal environment!

Open House on 1/28/15 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm Tours available. Call for an appointment.

3219 James Street • Syracuse, NY 13206 315-463-1261 • www.blessedsacramentschool.org

California Closets creates the perfect storage solution for you and the way you live. We’re experts at designing custom closets, entryways, garages, home offices, and more. Visit our showroom or call today to schedule a complimentary, in-home design consultation.

BEDROOM

GARAGE

NY144_SyrWom_Tesoro_8.5x5.5_1014.indd 1

E N T R Y WAY

WA L L B E D

MEDIA CENTER

KIDS

OFFICE

CaliforniaClosets.com/Syracuse STORAGE

CRAFT

622 Sherrill Rd, Sherrill, NY (In the former Yankee LTD building)

DEWITT 3210 Erie Blvd. East 315.701.4382

Hours: 10:00 - 4:30 Tuesday - Saturday 315-363-3003

PA N T R Y

39846_5

NOW OPEN

Owner: Anne Marie Costello

10/8/14 11:02 AM

MARY T. SORRENDINO LMHC CASAC , BCPC

Mary is a licensed mental health counselor, a motivational speaker and a certified alcohol and substance abuse counselor. Her specialty is treating those who suffer from mental health and dependency issues. Mary provides therapy for individuals with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, anger management issues, relationship issues and for those who have been sexually abused. Mary utilizes different modalities of treatment specifically targeting the needs of each individual. Mary also offers group counseling for individuals who have PTSD and substance abuse issues. Mary has worked in ministry at her church as a counselor; she is well versed in scripture, and is able to provide therapy for clients who seek a Christian based approach. Recently, Mary published her memoir, Misery to Ministry, sharing her journey from a life of abuse and self-loathing to a victorious life in Jesus Christ.

If you wish to make an appointment, contact Mary at: (315) 436-6877 or marysorrendino.com

When your doctor orders blood work, choose Quest Diagnostics in Syracuse, Utica and Binghamton. • Save on lab costs, we are the preferred provider for Aetna and EmblemHeath insurance • We now offer BRCAvantage™, genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2

To find a location or schedule an appointment at one of our 11 convenient locations in Central New York, visit Quest Diagnostics.com or call 1-866-MYQUEST (1-866-697-8378).

::advertorial

A â&#x20AC;&#x153;Probably Benignâ&#x20AC;? Mammogram

What Does It Mean?

by Kara Kort, MD

No doubt, breast cancer is far too common these days with one in eight women in their lifetime being diagnosed in this country. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women (excluding certain skin cancers). However, it is believed that better imaging technology for breast cancer screening and treatment have continued to improve outcomes for those women diagnosed with breast cancer. As a breast surgeon for more than 15 years, I have seen hundreds of women referred for their “abnormal mammogram.” Quite often, these are indeed new or suspicious findings found on a mammogram for which the radiologist has recommended a biopsy, as he or she is concerned there may be a cancer. Many times the mammogram is classified as “probably benign, “or more formally in radiology jargon as a BIRADS - 3 category mammogram. So what does all this mean? Can a woman really be expected to relax for the next six months when her mammogram was read as “probably“ benign or more simply, probably fine? Well, in a word — yes.

So what does it mean? The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, or BI-RADS classification, was created in the early 1990s by the American College of Radiology. This was done as a way to standardize mammogram reporting, improve communication and reduce confusion regarding findings seen on mammograms. It was also done to help with research and facilitate outcomes monitoring. In other words, it was created so all radiologists spoke the same language and everyone didn’t just write something different to describe what they see. In addition, each BI-RADS category has a follow-up plan associated with it to help radiologists and other physicians appropriately manage patient care. Table 1 shows the current BI- RADS reporting system.

A woman given a BI-RADS 3 reading will be told it is probably benign and should be repeated in six months as a precautionary follow up. It is this reading that strikes fear and anxiety in women, and results in an almost instant referral to a breast surgeon. But is the fear warranted, and what does “probably” really mean? Again, in a word — no. The fear that cancer is being missed is not warranted. As I explain what studies show the word “probably” means in these cases, I hope I can educate and calm women who are faced with these results. The BI-RADS 3 or Probably Benign Category was specifically created to reduce the number and, consequently, cost, not to mention anxiety and pain of performing breast biopsies in women who have a very, very low probability of having a cancer.

HOW LOW IS LOW? Studies in the medical literature have shown repeatedly that in centers with good women’s imaging and well-trained radiologists, the incidence of finding a breast cancer on follow up of a BI-RADS 3 probably benign mammogram is less than 2 percent! This has been shown many times in many centers. Of all the mammograms done each year at qualified centers, roughly 7 to 10 percent will be categorized in this “probably benign” group. St. Joseph’s Imaging performs approximately 55,000 mammograms a year and on last review of its own statistics, 6 percent were reported as a BI-RAD 3. To state it another way, when you are told your mammogram is probably fine, you can assure yourself that there is a greater than 98 percent chance that it is! Those are pretty good odds. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER (AND MONEY ... AND PEACE OF MIND) In today’s age of rising health care costs, it is ever more important that patients and primary care providers are educated about what is necessary for their wellbeing or that of their patients. Almost more important than cost savings to our healthcare system is the peace of mind that comes with understanding. In addition, while a breast biopsy is a relatively minor procedure it is still invasive, at least temporarily painful and creates an interruption in one’s busy life with significant associated anxiety. So, should you or a friend or loved one be told at some point their mammogram is “probably” benign — you can assure yourself and them knowing it most certainly is! Kara Kort, MD, is an accomplished surgeon and professor with deep expertise in surgical treatment of breast and endocrine disease. She practices with St. Joseph’s Physicians Surgical Services in Fayetteville, focusing on providing surgical treatment for diseases of the breast, thyroid and parathyroid, including cancer evaluation and treatment planning. She also provides general surgery services.

woman ::healthy

Don’t Hibernate this Winter —

motivate yourself

------------------------------by Wendy Scinta, MD, MS Here it comes — you can feel it! The days are shorter, temperatures are colder, the snow is falling; it’s hibernation time. I see it every winter in Syracuse: folks locking themselves inside and not emerging until spring, pasty white and several pounds heavier. But it’s not everyone. If you look carefully, you will find smiles breaking through the sea of sullen expressions during the nastiest of storms. They are the faces of Syracusans who embrace winter. They get outside and romp around in the snow. If the weather is too harsh to frolic, they switch to indoor activities. Some bike, dance, swim or run on their treadmills. The important thing is that they move. So how can the rest fight the overwhelming urge to hibernate? Here are some tips to help you become a source of warmth and sunshine during the cold, dark winter months.

Restore your serotonin Shorter days and less sunshine mean less serotonin — that feel-good chemical from your brain that is responsible for sleep, mood, energy and overall sense of well-being. When your serotonin is low, you become tired, unmotivated, depressed. Exercise raises your serotonin level, making it closer to pre-winter levels.

Learn to frolic Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you can’t still get outside and play! Build a snowman, have a snowball fight or make snow angels. Play like no one is watching. Ski, sled, go skating. One of my best investments was a pair of snowshoes that fit right over my boots. With the extra resistance of the snow, I can burn twice as many calories. If that doesn’t entice you, just bundle up and go for a winter walk — even when the moon is out and shining bright. We take the beauty and quiet serenity of winter for granted in Upstate New York.

Commiserate Is there someone you know that would be willing to go on a walk, run or take a trip to the gym with you? Research shows that if you are accountable to someone else, you are more likely to exercise. 32

december 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

Challenge yourself

There are some fun winter walks and runs near Syracuse, like the Baldwinsville Turkey Trot, the Ugly Christmas Sweater 5K in Cortland and the Chilly Chili in Cazenovia (check out cnyrunning.com for more info). Winter is also a time to prepare yourself for a spring event. Consider a “Couch to 5K,” which you can do in your own home. Having a goal means you are more likely to follow through and also ties you with a community that shares your interests.

Make it mornings Consider getting up 30 minutes earlier in the morning. Even if you are not a morning person, the earlier in the day that you plan your exercise, the more likely it will happen. To encourage yourself to get up, put your workout clothes by your bed at night, or better yet, try this humiliating trick: Sleep in them! You will feel so ridiculous if you wake up and skip exercise when your clothes are already on that it won’t happen again. Have a cup of coffee ready, and put a water bottle in the fridge the night before. Then, go directly to the gym, to your basement or hit the pavement. You will be so happy when you finish! And I promise — you will have a surprisingly productive day. In summary, you can choose to hibernate, or choose to be among the living, getting out there and embracing winter! When you exercise, you are happier and more productive, you think more clearly, you tend to crave foods that are healthier and better for you, and you sleep better at night. At the end of the day, exercise gives you a sense of peace and clarity that you would be missing without it. It makes you a better mother, employee, boss, partner and friend. Wendy Scinta, MD, MS, practices at Medical Weight Loss of NY in Fayetteville. More information can be found by calling 315-445-0003, or by visiting weightlosscny.com.

PROVIDING THE BEST REHAB SERVICES AND THERAPISTS. SO YOU CAN GET WELL AND GET HOME. After surgery, you need the right place for shortterm rehab. At Elderwood, you’ll have a treatment plan customized to your personal needs. You’ll benefit from advanced technologies for improving strength, decreasing pain and improving motion. You’ll have therapists with highly specialized training, along with access to diagnostic services that no longer require a hospital visit. So you can get well and get back home, faster. It’s all part of your Elderwood community of care.

at LIVERPOOL 4800 Bear Road, Liverpool, NY 13088

elderwood.com

Get in touch with us to schedule a tour and learn more.

SKILLED NURSING

REHABILITATION

life ::positive mindpositive

Impossibilities Believe

december 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

&Shine

life

::positive mind positive

BY Sraddha Prativadi, MD

I love this season. The lights, the bright snow, the calm freeze causes us to pause and reflect on life. I love the season also because even though darkness is descending upon us with the lengthening nights, we celebrate the light! Darkness and light need each other. We can learn from each of these things within us. But what I love is that the light always wins. Fill a room with darkness and light can flood it and dispel the dark. Fill a room with light, and even the darkness becomes consumed by the lights self-effulgence. The light prevails. Houses and buildings are beautifully adorned with lights. But why do so many still keep themselves in darkness, never allowing the spark of their unique genius in them to grow? We all do this to some extent. We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when we are afraid of our own light. I would like to paraphrase this and say, the real tragedy is when women, who regularly give birth and form to others and their light, do not allow their own inner gifts and talents to be birthed. The very sacred divine nature of their own inner light and qualities is dimmed. This holiday season, with all the beautiful Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Years, Solstice and even lingering Diwali lights around, I would like you to honor and remember and acknowledge with gratitude your own inner light. Believe in this inner light. Our inner light prevails in the world and in our lives because of belief. To believe is to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof. Believe in the truth of the power of your positive potential and you will see the life you imagined manifest as reliably as a lotus blossoms in muck and mire and the rose unfolds itself in spring.

Positive Philosophy

What does all this really mean when it comes to our own self awareness and self-development? It means cultivating an unshakable selfconfidence. This does not mean the competitive, conquering, overdriving fake confidence of egomaniacs. This means confidence and faith in your true infinite self. There is a beautiful word in Sanskrit, “Atmavishwas”. Like so many words entrenched in the deep philosophical basis of the Sanskrit language, there is no true English equivalent. The best that we can translate it is “a trust in the true-self”, self-confidence. “Atma” truly means that part of you which is the real you, untouched by space and time and it is eternal. “Vishwas” means trust, confidence and faith placed into someone or something. So, “Atmavishwas” comes to mean a trust, confidence and faith placed into the real you that is untouched by space and time and the five senses of this human body.

Positive Purpose

What allows you to shine your inner light? What is it that you love? What do YOU love? You know, that feeling that you just can’t stop smiling, there is a warm glow in your heart, your chest lightens and opens up and all your muscles relax and you are in the flow? What is that for you? What do you do that makes others smile with gladness? What is it you do that makes your heart sing? What is it that you do that when you do it, time passes in a flash and everything seems effortless? Is there something that you do during which people comment, “You were aglow, you were glowing, you were radiant!?” This is your purpose. This is when your inner light is shining forth. If you haven’t found it yet, get out into the world and explore. Experiences in the outer world allow you to explore your inner world. And it is when you are in touch with your inner world that you can deliberately create your outer world.

Positive Processes

Keep doing more of that which allows your light to shine most brightly and feels feelings of lightness and flow. For some it is singing, some dancing, some doing surgery, some counseling, some making a sale. For some it is managing money or raising a healthy household and seeing smiles on the faces of their family.

Start to pay attention to your heart space and the sensations in your body. You will know what your inner light is when you feel your heart lighten and your chest open up. Believe in big ideas and big possibilities. This not only affirms your self-confidence and belief in your light, it opens up the doors of possibility and manifestation.

“Alice laughed, ‘There’s no use trying’ she said. ‘One can’t believe impossible things.’ ‘I dare say you haven’t had much practice,’ said the Queen. ‘When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” From Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Mmm. I LOVE that. People told the Wright brothers what they were trying was impossible. Now we not only fly, we eat, do business, watch movies and even take showers way up in the atmosphere! Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart and Harriet Tubman were all told that what they believed in was impossible. People told Thomas Edison his idea was impossible. His light bulb sparked a revolution.

Here is my “Impossible before Breakfast” list:

With our Syracuse city child poverty rate being the 1st highest in the state, I believe that we can significantly reduce it and get ourselves off the list within the next 5 years by investing our belief and time in developing parents and their inner light so they may be beacons for their own children. With our city high school graduation rate at 48 percent (!!), I believe we can catalyze a tsunami of high belief, vision, expectation and effort to help young people formulate their own impossible dreams to turn into reality and manifest their potential. I believe that within the next five years, the Syracuse areas will come to an awakening of its true inner greatness and we will see unprecedented growth and prosperity in our hometowns. I believe that our communities will grow closer together in heart, higher in spirit and lower in stress and strain as we come together as sisters and brethren and family. I believe that I can personally help 500 people attain goals over the next year that they never dreamed were possible. I believe that I will hit a pinnacle of selfexpression this year that I had not even allowed myself to think of until I unabashededly began to believe in my own light. Do these sound crazy to you? Good. I’m on the right track! Be a Thomas Edison for your inner light bulb. Turn it on and don’t let it be a flicker . . . let it be a mind-blowing, retina-frying million watt stadium light . . . heck just be like the self-effulgent sun! Shine forth in the world with complete belief, generosity and confidence without consideration for what you receive but for all that you create, and allow to grow, the most important of which is the power of your positive potential.

“Imagine a world where fullness, rather than deprivation predominates. Tap into your inner light and allow it to dispel the darkness.” David Simon, MD I would like you to honor, remember and acknowledge with gratitude your own inner light. It is there and waiting to shine forth like the selfeffulgent sun!! Believe in it! Believe in YOU! I do! Sign up for FREE Positive Notes from Doctor P at www.YourDoctorP.com Sraddha Prativadi, MD is an integrative holistic physician and assistant professor at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. She is a Thinking into Results Program for Leaders facilitator with the ProctorGallagher Institute and founder of Doctor P: Power of your Positive Potential, providing individual, group, corporate and elite training to tap into your greatest asset - the marvelous mind.

Syracuse Woman Magazine

events

SWM’s Events Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

More than 275 teams and 4,000 people sported all shades of pink for the 2.7-mile Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Sunday, Oct. 19. Gordon Sullivan, the SWM Pink Man from the October edition, and his wife Niki were honorary “pacesetters” at the event — meaning they raised more than $5,000 — and cut the ribbon to kick off the walk. Jill Smith, who shared her story about being BRCA1 positive in the October 2014 edition, and Ann Marie Otis, the October 2013 cover woman and Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer founder, were also in attendance. The American Cancer Society raised more than $284,000 for breast cancer research.

Wedding World Expo at the New York State Fairgrounds

Syracuse Woman Magazine was proud to partner with CNY Show Promoters as the media sponsor of the second annual Wedding World Expo at the New York State Fairgrounds on Oct. 26. Five hundred brides, along with their families, fiancés and friends, visited the fairgrounds in search of dresses, photographers, wedding cake, floral arrangements, catering, DJs and more. Outside of vendors, the show also featured live entertainment by “The Blacklites,” wine tastings, horse and carriage rides, a professional hair and makeup show, and a fashion show.

Go Red for Women Luncheon

On Oct. 30, the Go Red for Women Luncheon & Expo took place at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Liverpool to spread awareness about the number-one killer of women — heart disease. More than 550 men and women broke out their red attire in support, and the campaign raised more than $235,000. Those funds will be used to fight disability and death caused by cardiovascular diseases and stroke through research, training, advocacy and community education. The event was emceed by Amy Robbins of 93Q and CNY Central’s Lisa Spitz. Theresa Lou Bowick, a BSN and RN from Rochester, was the keynote speaker. She provided insight into factors that lead to childhood obesity, discussing her own struggle with losing weight, which she also shared in her book, “Collard Green Curves: A Fat Girl’s Journey from Childhood Obesity to Healthy Living.” Photos courtesy of Edges Photography.

december 2014 EVENTS CALENDAR

Syracuse City Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” WHEN: Dec. 6 at 2 PM & 7 PM; Dec. 7 at 2 PM

6-7 Holidays with the Animals

13 “Dasher’s Magical Gift”

13 Lights on the Lake

THRU JANUARY 4

WHAT: CNY’s only professional ballet company will delight children and adults alike with the beauty and pageantry of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker.” Enjoy colorful costumes and sets, powerful dancing and a cast of outstanding dancers drawn from our own community. WHERE: The Oncenter Civic Center Theatres, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse INFO: For more information, visit syracusecityballet.com. WHEN: 10 AM to 3 PM WHAT: A variety of animals at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo will receive holiday gifts. Some will enjoy tearing apart boxes; others will appreciate treats hidden inside the packages. In both cases, zoo visitors will enjoy watching the animals as they open their gifts. WHERE: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse INFO: For more information, visit rosamondgiffordzoo.org. WHEN: 11 AM WHAT: A new holiday production, “Dasher’s Magical Gift” continues CNY Arts’ 35-year long tradition of providing an educational and affordable production filled with colorful characters, ample doses of humor, and holiday magic for children and families. WHERE: The Oncenter Civic Center Theatres, 421 Montgomery St., Syracuse INFO: For more information, visit cnyarts.org/programs/dasher. WHEN: 5 to 10 PM, Sunday through Saturday WHAT: Lights on the Lake is a two-mile long “drive-thru” show featuring a largerthan-life Land of Oz, a twinkling fantasy forest, colorful section arches, a delightful Victorian village, a fairytale magic grand finale and memorable animated scenes. WHERE: Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool INFO: Admission is $10 per car Monday through Thursday, and $15 per car Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit lightsonthelake.com.