December Pet Mascot: December 2016
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Women Helping Women to
Bloom Again! 5
Issue 2
DAISY
Today’s Woman
What are YOUR Holiday Traditions?
Holiday
Tablescapes & Interiors
Unique
Gift Ideas for
EVERYONE
Healthy Snacks
on Your List
with a
Sheet Masks:
For Everybody + Everywhere
The latest time-saving Meal Kits
Are they worth it? 1
Letter from Caroline For my family, December is the Superbowl of the calendar year. For much of the 364 days leading up to Game Day, we think and talk about our plans for holiday activities, decorating, baking, and shopping. When December finally comes, I can easily feel swept away in the momentum of the season, and like I’m not enjoying the beauty of the moments I’ve worked hard to create.
Caroline’s December To-Do List: 1) Meditate! 2) Plan girl-time with friends - including phone calls! 3) Plan self-care time - manicure? bath? (not-so) guilty pleasure TV/movie? 4) Check holiday greeting and gift list twice 5) Get family to choose a charity for contribution of time and goods 6) Goal: Have shopping done by 15th 7) Plan and bake cookies with Preston & Mary - remember to keep them helping from planning to clean-up 8) Plan activities for school vacation (taking suggestions!) 9) Plan New Year’s Eve - family activity AND date-night with Patrick
One way I help myself to “right the ship” is to meditate each morning. Starting the day with just 7 minutes of quieting my mind, listening to my breath, and feeling thankful has done wonders to help me feel in touch with my body and thoughts, and to self-regulate. There is no one right way to do it, but if you’d like some help getting started, you can try online guided meditations like 10% Happier, which also has an app - great for commutes as well as mornings and bedtimes. Though I’ve been meditating for years, thoughts still creep in and I still worry and get impatient more than I’d like, but I definitely believe meditation has helped me reign in my mind’s busy-ness and feel more at peace than I would otherwise. I hope it may help you too! Wishing you and your family peace, love, and wonderful memories for December,
Photo info: Photo: Caroline’s dress by Calvin Klein, shoes by Nine West, earrings by Kenneth Cole. Makeup by Iliana Chavez.
About the Makeup by Iliana Chavez
To create this look I chose a matte base and crease area (theBalm Meet Matt(e)) to keep the look clean and blended and I add a nice shimmer on the lid area to still keep it fun(Urban Decay Naked Pallet).
This month we asked: “Where would be the ultimate destination for a girls’ vacation with your besties?” “My dream girls’ weekend would be at a spa on the French Riviera –thick white robes, masks with cucumbers by day, cocktail dress, casinos and champagne by night.”.
Ingrid P., King of Prussia, PA
“I’d love to take my girlfriends to a dude ranch and laugh while we try to wrangle livestock and be rustic – like in City Slickers! We are city girls through and through and that would be a fun adventure! Want to send us?”
Jennifer W., Calabasas, CA
Share YOUR answers to our January viewer question:
“When no one is looking, what is your guilty, or NOT-so-guilty, pleasure?” Share your answer here.
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DECEMBER’S CONTIBUTORS Rayne Parvis
Kevin Barry
Our favorite style expert helps us out this month by moderating our November episode’s viewer panel. Read more about Rayne, her styling services, and her book The Ultimate Guide to Style: From Drab to Fab here.
During each episode of The Show & Tell Show celebrity makeup artist and stylist Kevin Barry shares his beauty tips and celebrity beauty secrets in his Kevin Barry Minute. Kevin’s clients include Christina Aguilera, Drew Barrymore, Faith Hill and more. Contact Kevin Barry here.
Devika Chhibber Mehta
Maurine A. Nuezca Loria
Our Editor-at-Large also contributes our monthly Global Perspective article. Devika is a journalist and mother who believes that only strong women can bring the needed change in society. Contact Devika here.
Maurine is our community reporter and publicity intern who we asked this month to find out how Today’s Woman is celebrating the December holiday season. Contact Maurine here.
PANELISTS
Laura Gail Diamond
Patricia Smith
Monica Nuñez
Laura is a mother of four, an Ace Certified Personal Trainer, and instructor of Pilates and Hoop Fit. She has her own fitness DVD called Hoop@ home. and is a three-time recipient of IDEA WORLD Inspiration Medals.
Patricia is an award-winning author, internationally collected artist and lyricist who has lived in France, Denmark, Greece and Hungary. Formerly a cruise line executive, she uses her travel and experiences to inform her creative work. She is a proud aunt to her nieces and nephews and a second mom to many.
Monica is a working mom of two girls who believes that access and opportunity to higher education for girls and under-served populations is key to success and personal satisfaction. Monica serves on a nonprofit board supporting women in reaching their educational and business goals. She enjoys cooking and travel to new places.
PET MASCOT This month’s pet mascot is Daisy from the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA (PHS). Daisy is a 7-year-old basset hound looking for a new forever home after being abandoned outside the animal shelter. As opposed to puppies and kittens, “a benefit of adopting an adult pet means what you see is what you get. You can pretty much tell from the time you meet what the pet’s temperament is like and make an educated guess how he or she will adapt to your home,” says PHS spokesperson Jamie Holeman. See our basset hound facts throughout this issue! For more information on the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA visit here.
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CONTENTS
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8 N O I N T O A I T M A INFOR INSPIR
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In this Issue Eating Well on the Go, from the Heart EFFI Foods founder & CEO Carina Ayden shares her person-
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5 Holiday Tablescapes & Interiors with Jordi & CO Events Event planner Jordi Stringfellow shares
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Sheet Masks: For Everybody and Everywhere Celebrity makeup artist & stylist Kevin Barry shares how
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Unique Holiday Gifts for EVERYONE on Your List Cindi Knight, founder of Girl Friday Personal
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al story that inspired her eco-friendly, nutritious snack brand
her inspiring decorating ideas for all of this month’s holidays
celebrities use sheet masks for their every skin need, and we can too!
Assistant Services, shows us unique gift ideas for even the toughest to buy for
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N
Y T I N U COMM
DYI
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Making Meals at Home with Meal Kit Delivery Services We’re busier
than ever in December, so we’re giving you the latest 411 on meal delivery kits on the market
Women Helping Women to Bloom Again We learn how Bloom Again
Foundation helps women in need when a medical emergencies arise, with Sheri Betts
You too? Holiday Traditions with Today’s Woman Community reporter
Maurine Nuezca asks Today’s Woman about this month’s family traditions
In every Issue 14
Letter from Caroline
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Viewer Question
2
Contributors 3
16 19
Pet Mascot
3
Global Perspective
18
Closing Thought 20 From our Inbox
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Contest & Giveaway
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Hi, I’m December’s pet mascot Daisy. Look for me throughout this issue for fun facts about Basset Hounds.
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Information
Eating Well on the Go, from the Heart
Carina Ayden is the tiny powerhouse behind growing organic food company EFFI Foods. But at the beginning of her story she was not the picture of strength and vitality we see today. “I had dreamed of being a figure skater since I was three years old and walked with my mother to lessons at 4:30am to train, but I fractured my spine and instead spend much of my childhood and young adulthood in hospitals dealing with spinal problems and chronic pain,” explains Carina. Her time in the hospital led to conversations with neurosurgeons about the role of nutrition in medical recovery, which is where EFFI - which stands for Eco Friendly Food Initiative - took formation. Carina’s doctors
prescribed anti-inflammatory diets, fortification, and nutraceuticals (foods containing medicinal benefit). “My doctors highlighted the correlation between digestion and immunity, “ says Carina. “As a result I stopped eating dairy products, decreased meat consumption and increased all foods with probiotics. With better digestion and greater immune health, I experienced a quicker recovery.” With EFFI Foods, Carina’s mission was to produce unprecedented options for organic, holistic snacks with exceptional taste for people on-thego. “There are only a few foods with probiotics and most are dairy which can be hard on your system.
“I am a plant-based eater was looking for special probiotic strain that could survive in a bar or in a cookie, but would taste great without GMOs and added sugar. The EFFI Foods mission includes equal and ethical treatment of all animal species and using cutting-edge sustainability efforts driven by a belief that all the operations of the company can be guided by the principles of a regenerative, restorative, circular economy.
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EFFI Foods snacks can found in more than 100 stores in US, including Whole Foods, and also on the website www. effifoods.com”. Watch the entire segment with EFFI Foods founder Carina Ayden here.
Patricia:
Laura : This is exactly what we need in the fitness industry - non-dairy probiotic foods. I commend you for finding something so natural.
Probiotics 101:
Your story is amazing, and I love the fact that you actually researched with the Cleveland Clinic and omitted GMOs.
Monica: I appreciate that you yourself took the reins and did the research, to follow your passion and create a product to help yourself and others.
EFFI Foods focus on “Snackification”: Snacks are an integral part of our lives, and they are not going anywhere which makes it an important staple which must be watched closely. When deciding what product to lunch first, I collected the data and identified that nutrition bars and granola/ cereal sectors of the market are the most saturated with unhealthy snack products. They are also the biggest contributors to diabetes 2 in children and obesity. That’s why EFFi Foods set to disrupt the most unhealthiest category by providing better snack alternatives with multiple benefits and exceptional taste.
Probiotics are live microorganisms, commonly known as friendly, good, or healthy bacteria., that may help prevent and treat some illnesses by helping digestive and immune systems When you lose “good” bacteria in your body (like after you take antibiotics, for example), probiotics can help replace them. They are of two types: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Lactobacillus are the ones which are the most common probiotic and found in yogurt and other fermented foods. Bifidobacterium can be found in some dairy products and may help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other conditions. Known to help with: skin conditions like eczema; urinary and vaginal health; allergies and colds; oral health.
Though bred for hunting, Basset Hounds can be wonderful family pets due to their easy-going nature and extreme tolerance of other pets and children.
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Inspiration
5
Holiday Tablescapes & Interiors with Jordi & CO Events
Oh, the idea of decorating our homes for the holidays while listening to Burl Ives and sipping a cozy spiced drink... But our filled-to-the-brim holiday to-do lists can turn the fun and creativity of the task into a stressful event for which we neither have the time nor the brainpower! So we asked Jordan Stringfellow, owner of Jordi & CO Events, to inspire us with 5 ideas for our tables and entertaining spaces for the December holidays.
Kwanzaa Jordi shares an entryway display she created for a client who wanted to honor an out-of-town visitor celebrating Kwanzaa. Using mostly items the client already had in her home, Jordi incorporated the colors of black, red, and green into the display with candles placed in a fashioned kinara (candle holder) and draped fabric in the same colors to create a beautiful base for a traditional nature-filled display. A symbolic unity cup made of wood and woven baskets were featured prominently, as were branches from the client’s backyard and simple vegetables to symbolize the harvest. Jordi says, “With this display, our aim was not to fully celebrate the holiday but to bring in enough of the elements to make my client’s friend feel truly welcome.”
Winter Solstice To design this home event - a formal dinner for four - Jordi finds inspiration in the Robert Frost poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” She creates a magical evening wonderland by using intimate lighting from candlelight and twinkle lights on small trees, then bringing in reflective surfaces like silver, glass even kosher salt and sugar cubes for a “snow effect”- plus natural elements like branches, animal figurines and nature-inspired dinner and glassware. “Variations on what you see can be found easily and inexpensively in decorating stores,” says Jordi. “This type of design can’t be thrown together, it requires planning, but with some inspiration and planning anyone can create something like this on even a small budget.”
Christmas Morning Hanukkah For this family Hanukkah celebration, Jordi employs a piano top and coffee table as anchors for this beautiful yet intimate evening in the family room. To keep the event feeling personal, she suggests using unique pieces collected throughout the years - like her ivory-handle fish knives - and borrowing from friends what you don’t have, like these glass and crystal dreidels and variety of menorahs. Jordi suggests creating platforms on surfaces to make the display interesting. “Use books, hat boxes, whatever you have around” then drape with fabric to make it look and feel special.
Christmas Day breakfast can often be overlooked in the scheme of Christmas celebrations or minimized in the upsweep of present-opening in homes with young children. Jordi suggests taking the time to make this meal just as special as your evening celebrations by using your special occasion dinner and glassware, and creating beautiful yet unfussy and functional centerpieces. “Fruit, like these crab apples, can look just as beautiful as flowers on a table,” says Jordi. “Making Christmas Day breakfast special - even for young children - is something your guests will appreciate and remember.” She also suggests bringing in family traditions wherever possible, such as her own tradition of making Wassail (see sidebar) to create lasting memories. Watch the entire video series with Jordi Stringfellow this month on Facebook and archived on YouTube. Learn more about Jordi & CO Events at www.jordiandco.com
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New Year’s Eve
Jordi Stringfellow’s family tradition: Wassail
Here Jordi imagines an intimate yet formal New Year’s Eve dinner for a couple, like Peter Pan’s Mr. & Mrs. Darling, set in the library as an alternative to the dining room. Napkins are tied with a watch for him and a bracelet for her, and using an assortment of clocks arranged again on multiple platforms, Jordi creates a magical environment offering caviar and champagne - and making what could be a glossed-over evening truly unforgettable.
Need some new holiday music to help you decorate? Check out some of this year’s latest releases: Jane Lynch - Swingin’ Little Christmas 13.99 “...unapologetically sentimental, recalling the classic Christmas albums of the 1950s and 60s.” Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood - Christmas Together $8.95 The duo sing singles and duets, including “Ugly Christmas Sweater”. Gene Autry - A Melody Ranch Christmas $11.99 Christmas music and spoken word from Gene Autry’s radio show broadcasts. Kenny & Dolly - Once Upon a Christmas $13.34 Re-released on vinyl this year, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers went pop Top 40 with this holiday hit in ‘84. Neil Diamond - Acoustic Christmas $ 9.99 “..distinguished by an intimacy reminiscent of...parlor music, small family groups singing together at home, and, of course, Diamond’s inimitable voice.”
“Clarence, the beloved angel from “It’s a Wonderful Life” ordered his mulled wine “heavy on the cinnamon...light on the cloves”. In our family, for our non alcoholic hot spiced wassai (adults were allowed to spike it with a little rum on the side), we liked it exactly the opposite: light on the cinnamon, heavy on the cloves--because studding the oranges with cloves was the special activity Aunt Sharley always brought for the children (young and old alike!).” ~ Jordi
Aunt Sharley’s Christmas Wassail
Makes about 10 cups, about 8 generous servings Ingredients 6 cinnamon sticks-about 6 inches each Whole cloves 6 whole navel oranges (we use more) 1 teaspoon whole allspice 8 cups apple juice or cider 2 cups cranberry juice cocktail 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or more to taste) 1 teaspoon aromatic bitters (optional for adults : good rum for “spiking” to taste)
Directions
Break stick cinnamon in half, combine with 16 cloves and whole allspice in a cheesecloth bag tied with kitchen twine. (hint: if you don’t have cheesecloth, you can use a coffee filter) In large saucepan, combine juices, sugar and bitters. Heat mixture over low heat. Meanwhile, stud the oranges with cloves (designs and initials should be encouraged!) and drop each carefully into the pot when studded. Bring mixture to a low boil, then reduce to simmer, covered for 10 minutes. Pour into a punch or other non-heat conducting serving bowl and ladle into punch cups or mugs. Optional: garnish with an orange slice. Wassail can be served warm or at room temperature and reheats well. The aroma wafts through the house— smells like Christmas!
If you’ve been questioning the US voting system, Victoria the Basset Hound was elected co-mayor of Concord, Ontario, Canada in 2011. She held the office with a Great Dane named Nelson.
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Kevin Barry Minute Y I
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Sheet Masks:
For Everybody and Everywhere Celebrities used to keep their beauty secrets hidden behind closed doors, but now even A-listers like Kristen Bell and Sean “Puffy” Combs aren’t afraid to show the world what keeps their skin looking radiant and dewy before their biggest events.
“Sheet masks are personal trainers in a package. They can clean, they can purge. The gel masks drive the ingredients into the skin for immediate glowing results,” says Kevin. “And no MESS!” Caroline adds.
KRISTEN BELL/INSTAGRAM
ADELE/INSTAGRAM
Sheet masks come in a wide range of price points and are available at high-end department stores and online as well as drugstores and dollar stores. Masks are pre-cut gel shapes - like window decals or fruit roll-ups! - and vary in function from creating radiant, stabilized skin to revitalizing and plumping lips. Treatments for hands and feet come in the form of gloves and booties containing liquid formulas.
Dr. Jart, $12 SEAN COMBS/INSTAGRAM
Lancome, $105
Sephora, $6
Skyn Iceland, $27
AMY SCHUMER/INSTAGRAM
You can watch the entire Kevin Barry Minute segment here.
Our panelists were silenced by the sheet masks! If you have a roommate, or want to take selfies while you wait for your mask to work its magic, try a printed sheet mask:
Givenchy Beauty Le Soin Noir Face Masks, $330 for 4
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The Face Shop Character Mask, $2 each
Rudolph Character Mask, available as a gift with purchase at thefaceshop-america.com.
Mediheal Dress Code Red Mask, $26
The Basset Hound’s wrinkles and their long ears actually have a purpose. Both of these help them hold in scent when they are hunting.
Niveola 3D Cat Mask Pack, $20 for 10
Kevin’s Diary
12 Tips for Keeping Skin A-Glow All Winter 1) Whether you consider this the end of 2016 or almost the beginning of 2017, you’re busy and probably don’t have time for a classic facial. Right? Well I have a gift for you...go get a Beauty Rx 2 Minute Treatment (see photo). It’s a peel but yet it isn’t. A whole new fast and easy way to get your glow and go with absolutely NO DOWNTIME! I REPEAT NO DOWNTIME! Instantly look forward to better looking skin and makeup. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue nation wide. 2) AFTER YOUR 2 MINUTE TREATMENT KEEP YOUR GLOW GOING by using one of my favorite weapons against dryness, large pores, flakiness, lines and rough skin texture... Beauty Rx 8% Essential Exfoliating Serum (see photo). You can even start by using it just a couple of nights a week! So easy. Available at beautyrx.com 3) Okay if you’re THAT busy and you can’t even squeeze in 2 minutes, then old school classic exfoliation in your very own shower with one the most effective scrubs available ...ARCONA CRANBERRY GOMMAGE (see photo) is an effective glamour panacea. In about 30 seconds or less your skin will be rid of winter blahs and dullness. 4) THE CASE FOR CORAL. Doing Sharon Stone’s makeup for an amfAR Inspiration Gala I was inspired by the simple elegance of her Michael Kors ebony jumpsuit and took a chance and convinced her to go with a clear cut vivid coral lipstick. Sharon ever the good sport wore the color despite feeling I was channeling Phyllis Diller on Hollywood Squares. Honestly that was her comment. Can I tell you I lost weight that night because I couldn’t stop sweating out of fear the press pictures wouldn’t look great. As you can see we both won that evening. 5) So if you’re a fan of wearing seasonless, classic, black clothing, you’ve got to give your complexion a lift of color, just like I did for Sharon for the amfAR gala. One of this years best new contenders to all time great beauty brighteners is the Victoria Beckham for Estee Lauder lipstick in CHILEAN SUNSET (see photo). Regardless of your age or coloring this luminosity works for all. Available at net-a-porter.com
6) THE COMING BLONDE TREND OF 2017. Yes I’m the guy who lightened Faith Hill’s hair to a paparazzi fever pitch inducing beige blonde (see photo), so you can safely say I know a thing or two about a good triple process Ms. Turnblad. Well it was everywhere on the runways for the SPRING 2017 FASHION COLLECTIONS, so get ready and get yourself an appointment for lighter locks.
7 & 8) LIGHT YEARS AHEAD. Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask (see photo) is bringing dermatologist in office acne technology to your own home. Working on both bacteria and inflammation THROUGH LIGHT this is truly something NEW in the fight against acne. Not to mention at a 34.99 msrp easy on most budgets.
9) TRUTH IN BEAUTY. DermTV. With over 500 fast and incredibly informative episodes Derm TV with Dr. Neal Schultz is a veritable treasure trove of answers 24 hours a day. From answers on DIY Vitamin C serums to Retin-A vs. Glycolic, here is the expert help you want. Not to mention you can even email Dr. Schultz your questions and in addition to answering them, your query could be featured on an upcoming episode. How pretty is that?
10) YOU THERE, WHY ARE YOU SO LATE? If you missed the smash theatrical sensation SUNSET BLVD a few years ago, well here is your chance to see the one and only Glenn Close reprise her Tony Award Winning role as The Legendary Norma Desmond. Fresh from a stunning turn in London’s West End, Ms. Close arrives on Broadway this spring. 11) SOMETHING SPECIAL IN THE WORLD OF SCENT. If looking for a fragrance has left you feeling flat try Le Labo. Names that simply and elegantly allude to what you’ll be smelling inside the bottle, along with freshly prepared and labeled in front of your very eyes olfactory creations will have you swooning in no time for all the right reasons. 12) MORE IS BETTER. Many of us have used Creme De La Mer, but if you’ve never tried The La Mer Concentrate you’re missing out on something special. Designed for fragile, post-trauma skin on the face and body. This revolutionary treatment utilizes a potent intensification of Creme De La Mer’s original miracle broth to complement skin’s natural healing process. Miraculously, the appearance of scarring caused by surgery and burns is noticeably improved.
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INFORMATION
Unique Holiday Gifts for
EVERYONE on Your List
With so many people who impact our lives throughout the year and visit our homes during the holidays, our holiday shopping lists can leave us stumped when looking for unique gifts ideas that loved ones, clients, helpers and drop-ins will actually LIKE and USE. So we enlisted Cindi Knight, founder of Girl Friday Personal Assistant Services, to show us creative and affordable gifts for everyone on our lists!
Women
Heart Pouch, buff or black, by Ora Delphine $159
Modern Antique-Look Dinner Bell at Food 52 $60
iPhone Case with Cheetah Strap, various styles, by Bandolier $148
Mini Emergency Kit for Her, various styles, by Pinch Provisions $16.00
Heart & Tassel Key Chain by Ora Delphine $55
Men Carry-On Cocktail Kit by W&P Design $24 Touch-Up Paint Holder/Organizer by My Paint Saint $14.99
Leather Earbud Holder/Cord Organizer, various styles at Etsy $6 and up
Glass Beer Boot by Pottery Barn $19.50 Whimsical Tie Clip, various styles, by J. Crew $29.50
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Retro Cooler at World Market $49.99
Young kids
Older kids
GoldieBlox and the Parade Float by GoldieBlox $17.99 Grilled Cheese Toaster at Urban Outfitters $34 Colorblock Bow Hat & Glove Set by Kate Spade $38
City Life Vet Clinic by PLAYMOBIL $79.99
Learning Tower by Little Partners $169
Smartphone Grip for selfies, various styles, by Pop Socket $8.99
Bath Bombs, various colors, by Lush $7.75 The Lush company is 100% vegetarian and doesn’t test on animals
Pajamas by Bedhead $52 and up
T is for Taylor personalized storybook at Pottery Barn Kids $39
Clients, Birthday on Christmas, and Everyone Else! Eco-Friendly Soap, Lotion, Candles and more by Further $12.50 and up
Bath Gift Set, customizable, by Lush $27.95 The Lush company is 100% vegetarian and doesn’t test on animals
Cork-Shaped Bottle Light, re-chargeable, at SuckUK $14.95
Gummi Bear Light, various colors, at Uncommon Goods $27.99 Throw Pillow, various styles (this one benefits ASPCA), at PB Teen $39.50
Gift Bento Box, various sizes, from Sugarfina $25 and up
Homemade Gift Craft - Customized Mason Jar Set up an assembly line and let your kids at it - totally customizable and an inexpensive way. Great for drop-in guests and teachers too! Case of Wine with Personalized label by Talmage Cellars $320 and up show
Birthday on Christmas Day: Happy Birthday Kit by Further $39.95 Use this kit to really celebrate the unfortunate soul who’s sharing their day with everyone else!
Watch the entire video series on Facebook or archived on our YouTube channel. For more information about Girl Friday Personal Assistant Services visit www.girlfridaysopas.com
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Y I
Making Meals at Home with
D Meal Kit Delivery Services Caroline and social media intern Dana Dowse tested and compared three new meal kits to see if they’re worth the price
The ever-increasing busy-ness our daily schedules can make it hard to prepare the fresh, creative, well-balanced meals we want for ourselves and our families. So we decided to try a few of the newest kits for ourselves to determine the pros and cons. To see the entire segment on Meal Kit Delivery services, click here.
#1 - ONE POTATO www.onepotato.com About the Company “One Potato is a family-friendly meal kit service that delivers fresh, organic pre-prepped meal kits straight to your door, and features recipe options the whole family will love.” . Distinguishing itself from other meal kit delivery services, One Potato’s meal options are family-friendly by design and can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, ensuring that parents no longer need dread the questions “what’s for dinner?” and “when is dinner?”
What You Get for How Much
Meals Received
Meals per week: 3 Meal Options: Omnivore or Vegetarian. Gluten-free available on request Ingredients: Organic Price per Adult Meal: $11.99 Price per Child Meal: $4.50 Recycling: All packaging (bag, box, bottles, liner & ice packs) is recyclable or made of biodegradable materials Delivery Regions: Currently available in California and select markets in Nevada and Arizona. One Potato is extending its distribution to new markets soon
Vegetarian – Black Bean Soup and Vegetarian Quesadillas; Spinach with Roasted Red Pepper Croquettes with Kale Salad, and Farmers Market Pot Stickers
Pros/Cons
Pros – healthy, fresh ingredients pre-cut, easy instructions; gorgeous, colorful well-balanced meal; no grocery shopping; plenty for leftovers; dough included for fresh-baked cookies! Cons – LOTS of leftover packaging though recyclable and/or biodegradable; requires lots of space in the fridge; not kid-friendly for my kids Mary and Preston (age 4-6) so I still had to make plain pasta for them.
Worthwhile?
Caroline: “I don’t usually make such complicated gourmet meals during the week, so it’s extra effort to make these meals – even though everything is ready to go. But this would be great occasionally, especially when having guests over. $11.99 per adult meal and $4.50 per kid meal is more than I spend on a daily basis for my family. But it’s definitely a great product, and worthwhile depending on your financial priorities and how much you enjoy the preparation.”
Second only to the Bloodhound, Basset Hounds have a serious sense of smell. With over 220 million smell receptors, the portion of their brains responsible for the sense of smell is 40 times that of a human’s.
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#2 - HELLO FRESH www.hellofresh.com
We recommend:
About the Company
Try the World
www.trytheworld.com
“HelloFresh aims to provide each and every household... with the opportunity to enjoy wholesome home-cooked meals with no planning, no shopping and no hassle required. Everything required for weeknight meals, carefully planned, locally sourced and delivered to your door at the most convenient time for each subscriber.”
What You Get for How Much
Meals per week: 2 or 3 Meal Options: Classic, Vegetarian, or Family Serves 2 or 4 adults, or 2 adults and 2 children Price per Meal: $8.75 - $9.90/meal Delivery Regions: All states except Alaska and Hawaii
Meals Received
Pork and Apple Burgers; Chicken and Pineapple Quesadillas; Baked Fagioli Pasta
Pros/Cons
Pros - Ingredients for each meal come in separate boxes which helps to keep meals organized in the fridge Cons - Boxes take up a lot of room in the fridge; had to do a lot of chopping; box didn’t arrive on the scheduled day
Worthwhile?
Dana: “Everything tasted really good. I love meal planning, going shopping, and going to grocery stores, so it depends on your priorities. The box not arriving when scheduled would have been a problem if the kit were being used to serve guests or for a special occasion.”
#3 - HOME CHEF www.homechef.com “With ten dinner options, new breakfasts, a fruit basket, and a fresh smoothie every week, Home Chef has something to delight everyone around your table. From hearty meat & seafood options to gluten-free and low-carb dishes, there’s a dinner option that’s bound to work for you.”
Meals per week: 3 Meal Options: Meat only to vegetarian, and everything in between; health and allergy preferences (low-calorie? Low-carb? Nut-free? shellfish-free?) accommodated; dinners, breakfast, smoothies, fruit baskets Price per Adult Meal: $9.95 Recycling: All packaging (bag, box, bottles, liner & ice packs) is recyclable or made of biodegradable materials Delivery Regions: Mostly nationwide with few small pockets of undeliverable zones
Patricia: Patricia: For about $10 per meal, I could make the money stretch a lot farther. It looks like a lot of the money goes toward the packaging.
Items are sourced directly from their country of origin, and we make every effort to work with small, family-owned companies who follow traditional and artisanal methods of production. Each box comes with a Culture Guide that includes the story behind each product, recipes to make with the items, and tips to best experience the country’s culinary culture.
About the Company
What You Get for How Much
Discover the world through boxes that are filled with authentic gourmet food and snacks from around the world curated by expert chefs and produced by local artisans.
Subscription Cost: $19-$39 per box
Kit Options:
Meals Received Acapulco Steak Tacos
Pros/Cons
Pros - Easy-to-follow instructions; nice binder to keep recipes for future reference; meat packed separately from rest of the ingredients; lots of ice and insulation to keep ingredients fresh Cons - A little more expensive
Worthwhile?
Dana: “We had a few food samplers who all thought the food tasted great, so we think it’s worthwhile for people who aren’t into meal planning and just want the ingredients delivered to their door.”
Laura : I have tried meal kits before, and as a working mom of four these work for me, but you have to be aware of what you’re getting for the price.
Signature Box A curated selection of gourmet foods from a different country each months Snack Box A delicious selection of mouth-watering snacks from around the world Pantry Box A selection of your favorite products delivered every month, so you never run out
Monica: It would be fun to try, but I don’t know how sustainable it is, especially with so much packaging. And I do enjoy food shopping.
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Inspiration
Women Helping Women to
Bloom Again
Medical emergencies can be emotionally and financially traumatic for families of all income levels, but for single mothers and female breadwinners at or near the poverty level the impact can be devastating. This month, our Giving Back segment showcases Bloom Again Foundation, which helps working women get back on their feet following an acute illness or health-related challenges.
“Bloom Again was started by New York Times best-selling author Dr. Lois Frankel, who wrote Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office.” says Sheri Betts, President of its Board of Directors. “She faced a medical challenge of her own when she faced breast cancer and was able to recover and ‘bloom again’ because she had resources. But she thought about other women who don’t have sufficient resources, and wanted to help other women who were not capable of handling emergencies.” Bloom Again Foundation provides funding for living assistance during periods of personal or family incapacitation that can cause stress for homelessness. Dr. Lois Frankel with two funding recipients
Now through December 31, 2016 all donations up to $25,000 will be matched by the Board of Directors. That means your $100 donation will actually be $200! And if your company has a matching gifts programs that $100 donation becomes $400!
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Some of these expenses include in-home health care, cab fare to and from doctor’s appointments, supplementing lost wages, transitional living, utilities or rent, child care, groceries - expenses not being covered by other organizations. Through research Bloom Again Foundation has determined an amount of $1,800 will help a woman in need to maintain her home and family. If you would like to sponsor a woman, donate any amount of money, or learn more about Bloom Again Foundation, please visit www.bloomagain.org. To see the entire segment with Bloom Again’s Sheri Betts, click here.
Bloom Again’s Board of Directors
Bloom Again Foundation: Helping Baby Nathalia Every request for funding received by Bloom Again is heartbreaking. It involves a tragic personal or family diagnosis in a family where one or more people work and still live at or near the poverty. None was more heartbreaking than the one we received from VNA Hospice for the family of Baby Nathalia. At birth doctors informed her parents that their daughter would not live more than a few hours. Those few hours turned into weeks and then into 2 months and 15 days before she passed away. Nathalia required round-the-clock care, care that her mother wanted to provide, so she could not return to work. The household depended on two incomes.
Baby Nathalia
• 1 in 3 American women - 42 million women, plus 28 million children - live at or near the poverty level • Nearly two-thirds of minimum wage workers are women, and often get zero paid sick days
When the social worker from VNA contacted Bloom Again for a grant of $1,000 to cover one month’s rent, the generosity of our donors made it possible to ease this family’s burden. • Two-thirds of American women are either the primary or co-breadwinners of their families • 27% of fathers and 40% of low-income fathers don’t live with their children.
Recent funding recipients
Monica:
Patricia:
I think women helping other women is so important, I applaud your philosophy and the work you are doing.
For people who can’t contribute financially, I’d love to see an opportunity to help by cooking meals or bring comfort in other ways.
Laura:
There are a lot of single moms out there, and it is nice to know there is a place where they can get help in times of stress like this.
The Basset Hound breed originated in the 16th century by French monks who wanted a dog with a body frame that was low enough to the ground to be capable of following the scent of small game such as rabbit as well as larger game like deer.
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COMMUNITY
Global Perspective
We Are The Phenomenal Women
Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou
by Devika Chhibber Mehta
I witness every day women as gladiators in suits. I am proud that they fight their own battles, win their own wars and slay their own demons. They are aggressive in their whims and desirable in their fancies. They don’t require a Prince Charming to bring diamonds to their feet but know how to accomplish the feat by riding a unicorn and glaring at a world that refuses to absolve her. Meek fairytale princesses are a thing of past, the passionate, warrior-like, crowning queens are the new glowering truth. Even when my 4-year-old switches on TV, she prefers to watch Elsa from Frozen and Merida from Brave over Cinderella and Snow White. Times have changed, centuries have passed with women fighting for their rights and freedom but how much have we attained so far? What more can be achieved? A lot! If America can still deny a woman whose life has completely revolved around politics over a loud-mouthed businessman with no political experience as its political leader, then yes, a lot remains. A change is required but how will that change come? It can only come through perseverance - a generation passing on the ideology, freedom, opportunity and courage to the next generation. In the words of Michelle Obama, “When girls are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous. I always tell young girls, ‘surround yourself with goodness.’ I learned early on how to get the haters out of my life. You’ve got to just sort of surround yourself with people who uplift you, who hold you up.” So yes, we need to continue to teach our daughters that the sky’s the limit, even if if feels we’ve just hit a lower barrier. We must remain tough and sharpen our skills to face the uncertain future which can seem both violent and daunting. We need to teach our daughters to be brave, strong and fight injustice in any form and manner, no matter how Sisyphean it may sometimes seem.
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of my arms, The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, It’s the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. They try so much But they can’t touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them, They say they still can’t see. I say, It’s in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me. Now you understand Just why my head’s not bowed. I don’t shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing, It ought to make you proud. I say, It’s in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need for my care. ’Cause I’m a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That’s me.
Surprisingly, in the U.S. itself a majority of women are still bullied, sexually assaulted, and often face discrimination at both home and the workplace. The 2016 statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence show an increase in the incidences of domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault over a two-year period time. The facts are even more gruesome in third world countries like India (my native country). In 2015, a study conducted in New Delhi found that 92% of women face some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. Hillary Clinton, just ahead of her Presidential campaign remarked, “If a country doesn’t recognize minority rights and human rights, including women’s rights, you will not have the kind of stability and prosperity that is possible.” And I believe this is 100% true. So let us embrace ourselves and our daughters as examples of Maya Angelou’s ‘Phenomenal Woman’.
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All Basset Hounds have achondroplasia, a common form of dwarfism in humans and sometimes dogs, that’s characterized by genetically abnormal bone and cartilage growth
December Holiday Traditions What type of food do you HAVE to have or make during the holidays? I am Puerto Rican so every year we make Arroz con Gandules y Pernil - Rosemary G.
My family makes a traditional Chinese dinner on Christmas - Mickey H.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars my sister makes them every year - Leticia G.
When do you get your Christmas tree? Do you decorate right after?
30%
Week after Christmas
How do you celebrate New Year’s Eve? NYE is my birthday, so we usually watch the Rose Parade from my balcony and celebrate with cake. - Armené K.
Now that I’m a parent, I don’t celebrate, unless it’s the East coast’s midnight three hours earlier! - Diana Y.
Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Every NYE I get a timeshare, watch football on TV and soak in the tub! - Rose W.
Some on each day
15% Christmas Eve
I take a trip. Last year, Sydney, Australia, this year maybe a harbor cruise. - Mickey H.
If someone gives you something you don’t like, will you return it, keep it, or re-gift it? I’ll keep it. It’s the thought that counts - Zaphir A.
Usually I’m asleep - Diana C.
Re-gift but change the wrapping - Sherry L.
Depends on the gift. I may regift it 4 years later. - Rose W.
Hoard it in a box of failed Christmas presents. - Amanda H.
15%
Salsa dancing til the wee hours of the morning Rosemary G.
73%
11%
Day after Christmas
55%
Right after Thanksgiving
Week Before
74%
Mid-January or as long as the tree lasts
9%
18%
Christmas Morning
When do you take down your Christmas tree?
ALL cookies - Rose W.
Cookies! My mom passed down lots of family recipes so we make Gingerbread, Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles, Mexican tea cookies, and Chocolate Chip Cookies - Mary M.
No tree
This month we asked our Community Reporter Maurine A. Nuezca Loria to find out how Today’s Woman spends the holiday season.
COMMUNITY
I’ll tell myself I’m going to return it, and then it sits in my closet for years. - Diana C.
A healthy Basset Hound can expect to live 10 - 14 years with an average of 12 years.
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Closing thoughts... From the Inbox
How can I appear on The Show & Tell Show TV show, video series, magazine, or podcasts? We are always looking for experts and on-experts to appear on/in our media platforms. If you have an idea for a segment, article, or radio broadcast that provides solutions, information, inspiration, DIY projects, or community for Today’s Woman, tell us about it at info@theshowandtellshow.tv or click here. We’re also on the lookout for non-expert representatives of “Today’s Woman” to appear on our TV show and radio broadcasts to provide commentary on the topic presented. If you are in the LA area (we can’t fly you in, sorry to say!), please tell us about yourself here.
Enter December’s Giveaway Contest! Holiday Family Travel Pictures If you travel during the holiday season, we give you major props for braving the airports and managing gift-distribution from afar. Send us your favorite holiday-destination photos - the first 10 entries will receive a $100 gift card from Bed Bath & Beyond.
Tune-In Alert! December’s episode is chock-full of information, inspiration, DIY and community. Watch this month’s episode on TV or online, and answer the question, “Who are the two figure skaters mentioned in this episode?” The first 5 responses will receive a $50 gift card to their local Massage Envy.
The Basset Hound carries two-thirds of its weight in the front, so it can swim only for very short distances. Always keep an eye on your Basset Hound around pools or other bodies of water. If you own a pool, teach your Basset to swim to the steps so that it knows how to get out of the pool. If you are interested in adopting a Basset Hound, first contact your local animal shelter to see if they have any available for adoption.
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Magazine Editor-in-Chief Caroline Elliott Art Director Andrés Pérez Nole Editor at Large Devika Chhibber Mehta Production Intern/Video Series Producer Paloma Muñiz Madruga Social Media Intern Dana Dowse Administration Intern Jeanette Haro
TV New York MNN Verizon FiOS channel 34; RCN channel 83; Time Warner channels 56 & 1996 Los Angeles LA36 and The Arroyo Channel Charter channel 32; ATT Uverse - channel 99/Pasadena Chicago CAN-TV Comcast channel 19; RCN channel 19; and WOW channel 19 Philadelphia PhillyCAM Comcast channels 66 & 966HD; and Verizon 29 & 30 Washington, DC DCTV Verizon FiOS channels 10, 11 & 28; Comcast channels 95 & 96; and RCN channels 10 & 11
Publicity Intern Maurine A. Nuezca Loria
Northern Virginia FPA Cox and Comcast channel 10
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