April 2016 by Venturemeridian

004 - APRIL 2016

Frannie & Nichole

Bright, Bold and Beautiful Impressions

REFRESH Bring New Energy to All Aspects of Your Life

BUDGET SAVVY SPRING FASHION TIPS

DRESS FOR SUCCESS The Power of a Woman In A Suit

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

COME SEE US TODAY

FAMILY FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE ABLE TO ACCOMODATE LARGE PARTIES AWARD WINNING FINGER STEAKS

DRAFT BEER HAPPY HOUR MON - FRI 2PM - 6PM & 9PM - CLOSE SAT 9PM - Close

SPORTS BAR & GRILL

PHONE (208) 884-4400 2902 N. EAGLE RD., MERIDIAN, ID WWW.PINNACLESPORTSGRILL.COM

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

Editor’s Note

April 2016: Refresh

April is the month I recover from Spring Break. Not because of all the partying, but because I start with this high energy to clean the house, get the garden going, landscape my backyard, finish my patio set and clean out all the clutter in my house. But when that week is gone, I am back to work and school and I lose momentum. Spring Break should last more than just a week. Almost like a Christmas holiday, it should be two weeks. This note, however, isn’t about campaigning for a two-week Spring Break, but how to refresh ourselves after it’s over to get back in the groove. I decided that instead of taking an extra week off after Spring Break, what I needed was a little bit of organization. Not organization with my home and physical things, but with my daily routine and myself. I read a book by Twyla Tharp called The Creative Habit last summer. In it, she starts off with making a routine for your everyday life starting with waking up the same time every day, even on the weekends. The process of doing that helps your brain get accustomed to start working. Take (my schedule) for instance; I wake up at 5:15am every morning. I go to the gym, come home, shower, make breakfast and start working on my daily checklist of things to do. I have gotten so used to this routine that even my 19-month-old daughter, Sydney, is used to having breakfast when I get home from the gym. Twyla then continues on to talk about how this gets your “creative habit” going. It is one less thing for your brain to think about and to get your creative juices flowing. It helps you refresh for the day.

I tackle the items I don’t want to do first, such as homework and cleaning. Then they are out of the way and I can get onto doing the things I do love to do photography, writing and Venture Meridian. After I implemented this, I saw a huge difference in my energy and in my creativity. I was able to tackle certain items in a different light. My writing got better, as well as my focus on photography and the creation of Venture Meridian. I didn’t do this all alone, but refreshing the way I deal with my day-to-day life made a huge impact on my business and my personal life. I am not saying this particular method will work for everyone, but finding ways to refresh your mind should be on your spring-cleaning list of things to do.

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Mayor Tammy DeWeerd

Meridian Farmer’s Market

I am truly excited about our Youth Farmers Market! My husband and I plan to make it a new Saturday morning tradition and I hope it will become part of your weekly family traditions as well.

he City of Meridian is a place for families, where our children are a priority. We are constantly striving to provide meaningful programs for our youth. In continuation of this tradition it is only fitting that our newest venture is the first of its kind in the valley with a focus on youth. It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Meridian Youth Farmers Market will be held on a consistent basis this summer!

Our community members have said they wanted a farmers market, but we wanted ours to be unique as seventy-five percent of all vendors will be school-aged. The Youth Farmers Market gives kids an opportunity to profit from their hobbies, projects and passions. It also answers a long-desired request for a farmers market in our community and reflects the community’s priori-

ty on our youth, giving our younger generation an opportunity to turn a ‘hobby’ of growing healthy produce, into a business. Last year my granddaughter sold zucchini bread that she made for the preview event and I couldn’t believe the amount of pride she had in the preparation, setup and sales of her creation. She learned lifelong lessons as a result. The market will kick-off during Dairy Days weekend and run every Saturday into September (June 25 – September 24) in the Meridian City Hall Plaza. In addition, we’ll have food trucks on hand, so be sure to grab the entire family and head downtown to pick up fresh produce for the week and check out the unique arts and crafts! If you know someone who is under the age of 18 and interested in participating as a vendor, spots are

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

still available. For more information or to view a registration form, visit www.meridiancity.org – under Youth Programs in the Mayor’s Office Department section. I am truly excited about our Youth Farmers Market! My husband and I plan to make it a new Saturday morning tradition and I hope it will become part of your weekly family traditions as well. I look forward to seeing you there!

CONTENTS

FRANNIE & NICHOLE PAPERIE & PEN

COVER PHOTO: by Ampersand Studios of Paperie & Pen owners Frannie & Nichole.

VENTURE PACE: BY RONALD KERN 12 20 DRESS FOR SUCCESS 5 BUDGET SAVVY SPRING FASHION TIPS 24 26 CENTENNIAL’S BASKETBALL LEGACY TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: 30 RYAN HARTMAN 34 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: HANNAH STUDENT CREATIVE: 36 LANGLEI

DITCHING NORMAL: RIPPING THAT BAND-AID OFF 40

FITNESS: AT HOME EXERCISES Vol. 004, Venture is published monthly by Venture Publishing, LLC. 386 E. Producer Dr., Meridian, ID 83646. For customer service or mailing inquires please email social@venturemeridian.com. Venture considers its sources reliable and verifies as much data as possible, although reporting inaccuracies can occur; consequently, readers using this information do so at their own risk. Although persons and companies mentioned herein are believed to be reputable, neither Venture Publishing, LLC. nor any of its employees accept any responsibility whatsoever for their activities. Advertising Sales (208) 724-3740. Venture is printed in the USA and all rights are reserved. ©2016 by Venture Publishing, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher. All letters sent to Venture will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication, copyright purposes and use in any publication or brochure, and are subject to Venture’s unrestricted right to edit and comment.

44 MOM-TAGE: GARDENING WITH YOUR KIDS 50 ARTISTIC COSMETIC SOLUTIONS Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

CONTRIBUTOR’S CORNER W CONTRIBUTORS

s ’ e r u t n Ve s r o t u b i r t n Co ith our third issue we didn’t have to search very hard for another round of contributors for the magazine. We again were honored with the outstanding response. This city is full of amazing and talented people and we could not have done this without them. From the Venture Family, we thank you from the bottom of our heart.

Jared Lewis

Jared is a student at Boise State studying Communication with a Media Production Emphasis. He’s an avid photographer and filmmaker. Jared has a knack for creating eye-catching pieces. His creative direction has lead him to the Venture family. You will see his works throughout our issues. He is also the digital content manager at The Arbiter with Boise State.

Kevin Scrima

Mat & Lacey

Kevin is an NASM certified personal trainer with over seven years experience helping many people across the Treasure Valley accomplish their goals. Wanting to broaden his reach on the community, as well as spend more time with his lovely wife he started Nexus Fitness, LLC. after she gave birth to their son in April 2015. When Kevin isn’t helping change the lives of many of your friends and neighbors he enjoys spending time with his wife, son, dogs, and going on as many adventures as possible.

Mat and Lacey Thompson are newlyweds living in the Treasure Valley. They believe that minimizing your financial burdens will open up your life to what is important: spending time with family and friends, traveling, and being more available to the adventures that life throws at you.They love to stay active, attend concerts, eat on patios, and quote from the best television show ever, “Friends”. Join them as they share their life adventures, and show how ditching many of the social norms can be fun, challenging and rewarding, all at the same time!

Facebook: Nexus Fitness, LLC. Instagram: nexusfitness_idaho www.nexus-fitness.com kevin@nexus-fitness.com

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

www.ditchingnormal.com

Mayor Tammy

Mayor Tammy de Weerd, a fourth-generation Idahoan, has served as the Mayor of Meridian since January of 2004, successfully guiding the City through tremendous growth. Mayor Tammy has lived in Meridian and been an active volunteer in the community for more than two decades, serving the citizens of Meridian in an array of voluntary and elected capacities. Tammy and her husband, Jan, have four children and several grandchildren. The Mayor’s Message column will keep you connected with city hall and the Mayor.

www.meridiancity.org

Venture Inspiration

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where do you draw the line between possible and impossible?â&#x20AC;&#x153; - Kobi Yamada

PHOTO Toni Osmundson of her daughter, Sydney *Submit your photos and quotes for the Inspiration section to social@venturemeridian.com

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

staff Toni Osmundson Editor-In-Chief Toni is an avid photographer. She is married with three children, two boys and a girl. With her busy schedule, you will find her attending kids sports events throughout the city. She has lived in Meridian for over 20 years. Experiencing the growth first hand has made her aware that the Community is the key to success of the growth of our city. As a full time mother, while working and attending school, she has come to re-evaluate her priorities to focus more on projects that will improve the community where she is raising her children. Toni can be reached at toni@venturemeridian.com.

Angela Pierce Student/Sports Writer

t n e V

Angela joins our team as our sports and student writer. Her passion is football and sports in general. You will usually find her at a Boise State Football game or volunteering at the optimist fields. She also pops her head into high school sports games when she is scouting future athletes and students for our spotlight section. If you know of any athletes, students or teachers in the community who deserve the spotlight. email Angela at angela@venturemeridian.com

Mikaela Rencher Writer/Assistant Editor

Mikaela is mom to Myla and Hartely, and wife to Jeff. Although she resides in Twin Falls, her heart and most of her family are here in Meridian. She visits often and has so many ties within our Community. That is why we chose her for our Mom-tage column. As a young mom she experiences everything a new mom goes through. Her column will not only entertain you, but give you hope that you’re not alone.

The Mom-tage will be featured monthly and if you have any questions you would like for her to address, please feel free to email her at mikaela@venturemeridian.com.

Debbie Shaner Photographer Debbie is a volunteer for the Rocky Mountain Football Association as the team photographer for both the Freshman and Varsity teams. Debbie’s passion for learning photography has lead her to volunteer her time for her local high school. Photography is her hobby and she loves it. Debbie is an outstanding community member volunteering her time when she can. She is a strong supporter of the Boys/Girls Scouts. You can see more of Debbie’s work at www.rockyfootball.com. If you like Debbie’s work and would love to work with her, you can contact her at Debbie at debbie@venturemeridian.com

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

Ali Smith Photography Director An Idaho native, Ali Smith is a photographer specializing in newborn, family and women’s custom portraiture serving the Treasure Valley for the last six years. She is also a mother of three who enjoys cooking, gardening, and reading. Each year she joins other photographers and volunteers to bring the Help-Portrait event to the area, providing free family portraits to those in need in the community. As the event coordinator, this is a project she is very passionate about and is thankful to be able to use her talents to give back. Find Ali on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alismithphotography or on Instagram at @alismithphotog. You can also email her at ali@venturemeridian.com.

e r u t Ronald Kern Writer

Ron is a successful businessman, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. He started, and sold, over 7 companies and “retired” when he was 44 years old. He joins the Venture team because of his love of Meridian and his passion to help, inspire, and see others succeed. Ron has been married almost 25 years to the love of his life, Lisa, and together they were blessed with two amazing children, Heather and Tony. Hockey, boating, hiking, and writing are some of his favorite activities. Ron is our Venture PACE columnist. He will reply personally to all questions, so email him anytime at ron@venturemeridian.com. www.RonaldAKern.com

Taylor Walker Social Media Manager

Taylor is our Social Media Manager. She is married to Kyle and is the dog mom to two fluffy schnauzers, Alvin and Henry. To put it lightly, Taylor is a Treasure Valley fanatic. She enjoys nothing more than scoping out a new scene, shop, or watering hole in our community. Raised in Boise, Taylor graduated from Boise State and has spent all of her adult life in the corporate world (although that hasn’t stifled her fun side in the slightest).

If you want to learn more about what she’s up to, check her out on Instagram @tayloramazing. You can reach Taylor at taylor@venturemeridian.com.

Jessica Hanson Writer Jessica is married to Noah and a mom of two spunky kids. She’s an Idaho blogger, photographer and addicted to coffee. She gains support from her husband, who is often the subject of her photos, and her seven year old daughter, who is mostly behind the camera. Jessica was born and raised in Eastern Washington but now calls the Treasure Valley home. She loves fashion, crafting, thrift store shopping and making good food for people. Jessica is our Food and Fashion columnist. You can reach Jessica at domesticblisssquared2@ gmail.com. Check out her blog at: www.domesticblissed2.com

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

Feedback WINNER

TWITTER We love hearing from our readers. Tweet us your thoughts and comments.

@pradeepjavedar

read through your editorial! Made me think about hustling!

INSTAGRAM We're still in bed celebrating #nationalpuppyday Photo: of our social media manager, Taylor's, cute schnauzer. Puppies need all the love they can get.

Last month we featured Megan Egbert who is the spearhead of Meridian Reads and Writes program. Her passion to bring books and authors to Meridian is amazing. We are excited to announce the winner of that Meridian Writes Competition is Peter Leavell with his book, Gideon's Call. Peter brings us back to the Civil War following a young slave's journey after he was set free. Be sure to check this out next time you are at the Meridian Library.

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TELL US ABOUT IT Our Facebook fans, Instagram followers and Twitter followers are buzzing about what matters in Meridian. Come join the VENTURE. Follow us on Twitter or Instagram @venturemeridian Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/VentureMeridian email: social@venturemeridian.com

submissions FROM THE STAFF

PHOTO BY: Sydney Studioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & Co.

HARTLEY RENCHER VENTURE STAFF SUBMISSIONS April is a month to refresh. We are constantly trying to spring clean and freshen up, if you will, our lives. This spring our Venture family recieved a gift. Mikaela, Our Momtage columnist, and her husband, Jeff, introduced their baby girl, Hartley, into the world. What a blessing of a new life to revitalize your own life.

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

CLIENT CLUTTER

VENTURE PACE Sacrificing revenue and client growth seems opposite of Business 101, but in truth, clients like these might actually be costing you more than you think, and more than you are bringing in from them. WRITTEN BY Ronald Kern

but in truth, clients like these might actually be costing you more than you think, and more than you are bringing in from them.

Do you have a client that will call or email incessantly, and nothing you do or say satisfies them? Are they often times rude and, in some instances, disrespectful? Does it seem like no matter what you do, nothing will appease them?

Demanding clients can eventually burn out you and your employees, and as a business owner, that doesn’t stop at 5:00pm; it goes home with you. Your goal is not to cause stress to yourself or employees, nor is it to zap all of your energy away from your other “normal” clients, so evaluate your current clients in depth.

Your jaw may drop with what I’m about to say; not every client is a good client, nor is the client always right. Often times, the best thing for these types of clients is to show them the door and end the misery.

It is not easy to fire a client. But if you do your homework and have made that decision, it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself, your employees, and your company health as a whole.

You might be telling yourself, “they are a huge client and I make a lot of money with them,” but that may or may not be accurate once you consider the time, energy, grief, and expense they cause you.

Years ago, we had a huge client, one that provided employment for two departments and roughly 15 people. After running the math, it was determined that even with the large amount of work this client was providing us, our net income was actually lower due to adding more staff, insurance, and so on.

leaning out the closets and getting all the clutter discarded comes during this time we call spring. It’s a nice time to get refreshed and organized, but do you consider doing this with your clients?

Sacrificing revenue and client growth seems opposite of Business 101,

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

Additionally, this client was sucking up most of the time for these departments, which caused neglect and lack of time for our other clients that we truly enjoyed working with. Our ROI was lower keeping this high-maintenance, high-, stress client, but it sure “sounded good” saying we had x amount of clients or very big clients. We fired this client (in a nice and professional manner), and merged the two departments into one. This allowed them to focus on our other clients, and even allowed them the time to find new ones. Within a couple of months, we not only had more clients than before, but our overall ROI increased, and a survey of our clients (at the time over 140), was off the charts with 5

stars and great comments. I’m not suggesting that if you have a difficult client you should immediately send them packing; but do run the numbers, evaluate how much time, energy, and effort they are taking up compared to your other clients, and compare the ROI. You can then make a solid and smart decision on whether or not to keep them. You truly might be surprised what good can come from it. Client clutter, as I call it, is something growing businesses will experience, and it’s normal. However, the wrong kind of clients, no matter what size, mean nothing if your employees hate coming to work, you pray that you don’t have to deal with them, and you lose sleep and money by keeping them.

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

Bright, Bold and Beautiful Impressions. How Frannie and Nichole built an empire of decadent paper products amidst family and a successful wedding photography business.

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

PHOTOS BY WRITTEN BY Ali Smith & Ampersand Studios Angela PIerce

here are so many options when it comes to designing the perfect invitation. Getting started on a custom invitation is like staring at a blank canvas and if you are not the creative type, you will be staring at that canvas for a while. Luckily, for noncreative types, there are people who love custom design work. In fact, we at Venture know two people who not only love it, but have found success in creating custom wedding invitations and beyond. And the best part, you do not have to go far to find them. Frannie Wilson and Nichole Schoener are the proud business owners of Ampersand Studios, specializing in wedding photography, and Paperie + Pen, a retail space specializing in swoon-worthy paper goods and custom wedding invitations. Frannie and Nichole are young, ambitious entrepreneurs who not only manage two businesses in the Treasure Valley, but balance their busy family lives as well. When it comes to keeping both work and family in check, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You just do it. Do what you need to do when you need to do it,â&#x20AC;? shared Nichole. Frannie is married and the mother of two boys. Nichole is also married and new mom to one boy. They are great examples of women who have harnessed their passion and turned it into a career. It turns out that a sweetheart is not the only thing you can find in college; it can also be a great place to meet your future business partner. Frannie and Nichole, both from Idaho, met at Boise State University. They were both studying graphic design with the hopes of working for a design firm doing packaging after they graduated. Shortly after graduating, Frannie and Nichole noticed there was a lack of opportunity for new college grads with a graphic design degree. This led them back to their other common interest: photography. It was something they were both doing to make money as college students. Both of their portfolios at that

time consisted of friend's weddings, so they decided to help each other out and start a business. With their love of photography, they began to grow. Something the two quickly realized was that weddings are recession proof and in 2009, when Ampersand Studios was established, they had little competition. Ampersand Studios started in the basement of Frannie and her husband's home. Several months later Frannie and Nichole found a new location, the basement of a commercial building. While they dreamed of owning a retail space someday, they were making light out of running their business from dark places. It was functional for all intents and purposes. They would meet with their clients by appointment and had space to work on their individual projects. Frannie and Nichole recall a time a few years ago when they considered opening a retail store in downtown Boise, but things were not lining up. Week after week Frannie and Nichole made frequent trips to a local paper store where

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

they would get all their cutting done for their client's orders. In 2013, they were told that the paper store was going out of business. Frannie asked the owner how much he wanted for the commercial paper cutter, the owner named his price, and then Frannie asked the owner, “How much for all of it?” It was a “gut impulse” and within a month, Frannie and Nichole started business number two. I guess you could say the paper store made the cut. According to Frannie and Nichole things happened fast. The two needed to come up with a name for their retail store. They knew that “paperie” would be in the name. Paperie is a made-up French word for "paper store" or "fancy factory", like a 'Creperie'. it means a place where you get the paper, and if you are familiar with writing, you know that paper goes with pen. And well, there you have it. Paperie + Pen was born. As if impulse buying a paper store was not enough for these “boss ladies”, they needed furniture for their new store. Dusty basement furniture would not suffice, after all they were moving up. They rented a trailer and drove to the nearest IKEA. The trip will forever be seared into their creative brains. Neither of them had ever driven a vehicle with a trailer attached, let alone

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

one filled from floor to ceiling with delicate boxes. The trip home was already terrifying and then it went flat. Correct. The trailer got a flat tire. Frannie and Nichole had to stay in some random town off the interstate waiting for help. Luckily, they made it safely back to Boise with just enough time to unhook the trailer. Frannie and Nichole can

Frannie & Nichole attest to always being surrounded by people who love and support them, especially ones who will put all their furniture together for them when they need to photograph some weddings. As much as they wanted to maintain the original layout of the paper store, it was not functional for the type of business they were running. Frannie and Nichole wanted the community to embrace and appreciate the business for what it really was: a stationery store that would soon complement their photography business with custom invitations. The businesses were doing well and these self-described paper pushers were ready to conquer new territory. In 2014, they met with a leasing agent to discuss the possibility of moving Paperie + Pen to The Village at Meridian. After reviewing diagrams and floor plans the two found out the location they were originally interested in was not ready. So, the leasing agent took the opportunity to tell them about another location, one that was more “move in ready”. This location was only double the size of the first. Nichole remembers thinking, “Do you know how many journals we are going to have to buy to put in that place?” A short time later, Paperie + Pen relocated to The Village in Meridian. They were one of the first businesses in the Village to open their doors. When asked what they are most proud of Frannie stated, “We get the validation from other people that we can hang with big names... It is awesome to be the cool thing. The Village is big city for Idaho,” added Nichole. So, the next time you need rad paper, stop by Paperie + Pen or if you know someone getting married, tell them not to stare at a blank canvas, because you know two people who can leave a bright, bold, beautiful impression on a canvas. Frannie and Nichole can actually say, we started at the bottom and now we are here.

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

GET IN THE BEST SHAPE OF YOUR LIFE. All IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME. Contact Kevin Today: (208) 949-9114 www.nexus-fitness.com

@nexusfitness_idaho /nexusfitnessllc

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

EMPOWERING WOMEN

DRESS FOR SUCCESS Dress for Success Boise Valley was granted its charter in November 1998 to the founder, Debi Foster. Debi saw a need for such an organization in the Boise Valley area. Dress for Success became the 24th sister location in the now 142 Cities and 22 Countries worldwide. As of January 2016 Dress for Success Boise Valley has suited over 5000 women in the Boise area.

boutique filled with expensive dress jackets, skirts hanging on fixtures, mannequins showcasing how a blouse can look on you, and jewelry that completes every outfit. This isn’t Macy’s and it’s definitely not a boutique on Rodeo Drive. In fact this isn’t even downtown Boise. This is Dress for Success Boutique, tucked away at the Capital Christian Center Church off Fairview Boulevard. This is the place where the power of an outfit can transform the courage of a woman. PHOTOS BY Ali Smith WRITTEN BY Toni Osmundson

Dress For Success, or DFS, has been operating in Meridian for over a decade. Rachel Flichel has been with Dress for Success for the

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

past seven years. She volunteers her time to run this not-for-profit because she believes in the power and confidence that one simple outfit can do for a woman. Her mission is to uplift a woman’s selfesteem and turn it into something powerful.

“Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.”

As a volunteer, Rachel (center right), saw her time at Dress For Success as an outlet. She was a stay home mom working part time as a fragrance model for Macy’s. When she took over as director at DFS she filled the shoes that needed to be filled. She experienced first-hand what it meant to have a purpose and a career. When asked about her passion for DFS, Rachel stated, “It’s been very empowering for me just to kind of see, even with what we are offering here, the importance of a job. The importance of that feeling you get when you are needed and learning and growing in a career atmosphere.”

For Rachel it wasn’t hard to see that she loved her job. She didn’t see herself as a director of a nonprofit organization, but after she took over Dress for Success, she quickly found that it was easy to serve others. She felt right at home. She describes herself as a “doer and a server and a background cheerleader.” She is passionate about the mission she is doing. Her vision is to expand DFS in order to reach more woman and make what they have more successful. She knew that other women were striving to achieve that feeling she had. This made her mission for DFS even stronger. She wanted every woman to have that same

opportunity. So Rachel ran with this vision for the organization and today has grown it to encompass all of the Treasure Valley. With help from local sponsors, such as Micron, they were able to purchase a trailer, which they are currently remodeling to make their permanent home. Rachel and her team have successfully made DFS a place where women can come and start their careers over or for the first time. When you walk into the boutique, you get the service that you see at a high-end clothing store, such as Nordstrom’s. Every stylist at Dress for Success has a background in fashion.

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

"It’s not just a suit. Dress for Success is here to create the opportunity to put a woman’s best foot forward.” Whether it is years working at a clothing store, or behind the make-up counter, they are all trained to help women be their best. Mary Jo, Heather and Melissa have all worked for department stores. Their customer service experience and knowledge of fashion has helped them assist thousands of women that have walked into DFS. Not only do they offer suits and accessories, they also offer a program called The Professional Women’s Group. They keep in contact with the women who go through the DFS program. They network with other women to discuss different topics for these women, such as financial, day care options, budgeting classes, insurance and so much more. Their goal is to keep them employed, moving forward and staying strong. Rachel states that, “Dress For Success is here to create the opportunity to put a woman’s best foot forward.” It’s easy to offer free clothes, but it is a skill to make that woman feel empowered. With over 43 agencies sending and recommending women to Dress for Success, it keeps the gals at the boutique busy. But they still yearn to do more. One of the biggest goals of DFS is to purchase a bus so they can travel to the women that are in need of their services at the Women’s and Children’s Alliance in Downtown Boise. Without a bus line to transport women to the boutique itself, it is harder for DFS to reach these women. The Dress For Success Annual Gala is April 23rd, 2016 at the Riverside Hotel in Boise. The gala is their main fundraising event to help support these programs that Rachel, Melissa and their volunteers do all year long. Be sure to grab your tickets on their website: www.boisevalley.dressforsuccess.org

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

Programs, such as The Professional Women’s Group, help to maintain your job, balance personal life with your career and is a great way to network.

2016

DRESS FOR SUCCESS BOISE VALLEY FUNDRAISING GALA! Get your tickets online today at www.boisevalley. dressforsuccess.org

Every stylist at Dress for Success has a background in Fashion. Whether it is years of working at a clothing store, or behind a make-up counter, they are all trained to help women be their best. email social@ venturemeridian.com for more information

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

The weather here in Idaho is getting warmer by the minute, and I, like everyone else, am dying to break out my sundresses and enjoy the warmer weather. With spring in mind, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m giving my top 5 tips for refreshing your wardrobe while weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still in the transitional season!

5 Tips For Spring Fashion

SUNDRESS

BRIGHT COLORS

Bring out your sundresses, the second you can. Wearing a dress always makes me feel feminine and pretty, and is such a nice change from heavy boots, fleece leggings and coats.

Add some color! My favorite way to celebrate spring is to incorporate bright color again. And what says spring better than pink?

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

PHOTOS BY Simple Radiant Immagery WRITTEN BY Jessica Hanson

“And of course, get outside! Enjoy the sunshine and the pretty flowers budding. Take a walk, and take your look outdoors!”

3. JACKET Need a little warmth? Top your dress off with a light jacket. Keep your leather jackets and blazers in rotation for a few more weeks to stave off the chill in the mornings.

4. JEWELRY Break out your delicate jewelry. Gone are the chunky scarves of winter! Now that your neckline is bare, you can show off your pretty necklaces again (by the way, this one is from Mixed Greens in Boise).

5. WEDGES Wear your open-toed shoes! Bring your wedges and sandals out of storage and pair them with your dress. If you’re worried about making them look cohesive, match the color or pattern to your light jacket.

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

PHOTOS BY Jared Lewis

Centennial’s Bas

WRITTEN BY Angela Pierce

The end. When you are reading a bad story it seems like the end can not come fast enough, but when you are reading a good story it comes all too quick. The end of a real life story came quickly for Centennial High School’s Varsity basketball team, but every chapter was filled with details of a memorable season. On March 4, 2016 the Centennial Boys Basketball season came to an end on a night that the players and coaches will never forget. The team played with tenacity, drive and focus in hopes of making it to the big game. The type of game that places you center stage in an arena packed with baske all ages from all over Idaho: a state championship. This team worked hard all season. “It starts early,” stated ju guard, Jaydon. The team practiced in the summer, they worked practiced after school, one player lost weight in the off season, games, but above all they played as a team. “There is no time fo to shine, help your team get the win,” stated junior shooting gu The players admitted to being selfish last year and not playing team should play. This year, they left selfishness in the past. Th the season proving to their coaches and each other that they w and focused. “You have to play as a team to get to where you w stated senior shooting guard, Taylor. Their first year head coac perspach, made it clear from the beginning of the season that b not an individual sport: “From day one, we were all a group.”

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

sketball Legacy

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unior point d out and they won big or one guy uard, Brooks. the way a he team spent were dedicated want to go,” ch, Mr. Aipbasketball is

Coach Aipperspach

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Centennial’s season started strong with a four game win streak, a loss and another win streak that led the team to 10 more wins. After some major conference wins the team and Coach Aipperspach were set on making it to state. On February 9, 2016, the team beat Capital High School in Boise and that is when their postseason journey began. On March 3, 2016, Centennial started postseason play with a strong win against Lewiston. The team went on to play Highland in the semi-finals. A win against Highland would put Centennial in the 5A State Championship Game. It was a close game, it was a good game, but it did not end the way Centennial wanted it to end. The game came down to a game-winning shot: the shot was made by Highland. The final score was 54-53. The team was disappointed, but knew they left it all on the court that night. Looking back on the loss, one player felt that the team struggled with staying disciplined.

From day one, we were all a group.

”

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

While disappointed about the loss, each player walked away with fond memories of the journey. The players not only worked as a team, but also made self-improvements throughout the season to become better teammates.

“

”

“I got in better shape, I lost thirty pounds in the off season,” stated senior center, Connor. “In past years, I was the lazy kid, but this year I showed up on time,” stated senior forward, Kendall. Senior point guard, Ian, recognized that he became a better player because he developed a “better attitude.” The change in the players did not go unnoticed. Coach Aipperspach stated, “There was a lot of growth in this group, as people and as basketball players.”

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

RYAN HARTMAN

Ryan has been teaching music at one level or another since college. It was no surprise when he decided to return home to Meridian and continue teaching in his hometown.

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT 30

The band will play on and with Ryan Hartman at the helm, they will do so with style and clarity. What sets Ryan apart from other music teachers? He sat down with our Venture team to let us know why he enjoys teaching his love of music to others.

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PHOTOS BY Ali Smith

he sounds of each instrument are indiscernible as every student tunes their instrument before class starts. But then, Mr. Hartman walks in and there is a drum roll. Enter, percussions. Metronome. Tick, tick, tick. And the band plays on. With his instructions, the band begins to practice for an upcoming concert. The head of this band, Ryan Hartman, checks the beat and motivates with metaphors. Sometimes they work, sometimes they fail. Ryan Hartman has lived in Meridian all his life. He

graduated from Centennial High School in 2006. He went on to receive his Master’s degree in Texas and returned to Idaho afterwards. His parents are music teachers, so music was always a part of Ryan’s life. Ryan was into sports as much as music and thought he would one day be a baseball player, but his passion for music ultimately won. Ryan has been teaching music at one level or another since college. He enjoys every aspect of teaching, and when you’re teaching something you love, Ryan says, “it’s natural and it doesn’t feel like work.” He loves

WRITTEN BY Toni Osmundson

Ryan enjoyes every aspect of teaching and when you are teaching something you love, “It’s natural and it doesn’t feel like work.”teaching in his

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

Ryan gets the kids excited to be in a band together. By connecting with the kids he takes Heritage’s band to the next level.

kids, and his opportunity to share his passion with them. Middle school kids are wonderful, because

catch up with him after a concert and tennis practice, he is attentive to students. Answering their questions and interested in what they are saying to him. It’s very rare to find a teacher that can connect to a student and keep them engaged the way Ryan does. At the sixth grade level, Ryan’s main focus is to get the kids connected to their instrument and find joy in playing it. Once they reach seventh grade he begins to integrate them into a band. He introduces them to the teamwork aspect of a band family and focuses on “getting them excited to be in a band together.” The band is about everyone and not the individual. Ryan pushes them to attempt challenging music, which ultimately takes them to the next level of their expertise. He doesn’t want the kids to be bored or lack a challenge in his class.

they are interested and genuinely excited with what they do. He enjoys the connection he makes with the students. After trying to

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

Ryan considers himself to be athletically inclined, no matter the sport. When the school asked him to coach the tennis team, he was on board, especially because the tennis team is heavily comprised of his music students. Keeping that connection in a different aspect of the student’s life was important to Ryan. Although coaching tennis is new to Ryan, he is growing as a coach along with the students.

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

The love of volleyball, the beach and animals has Hannah staying busy all year long. She shares with us her passions and she is only a Sophomore at Rocky Mountain. PHOTOS BY Jen Alvi

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

HANNAH

WRITTEN BY Angela Pierce

he calls herself a beach fanatic. It makes sense for someone who maintains such a full schedule to love the beach as much as she does. The beach is where relaxation takes place. Hannah, a sophomore at Rocky Mountain High School, expressed her love for the beach and spoke about her ongoing collection of keepsakes from trips to the Oregon Coast. In the fall, she plays on the volleyball team at Rocky and in the spring, she plays for a club volleyball team, Idaho Crush. She enjoys outdoor activities, participating in her church’s youth group and excels in and out of the classroom. Volleyball is not the only sport that Hannah has played. She played softball and basketball, but decided in seventh grade that she would focus solely on volleyball. Hannah credits her mother as the one who inspired her to play. Her mother played volleyball throughout high school, in college and later became a mentor and coach to Hannah. While Hannah has experienced several memorable volleyball moments, some of the best ones have been winning a volleyball district championship in middle school and making the varsity volleyball team as a freshman. When asked about her strength when it comes to volleyball Hannah said, “I am happy and I do not get down.” Not every game is a

guaranteed win, so Hannah reminds her team when they fall behind to try and close the point gap. When Hannah is not playing volleyball for Rocky or Idaho Crush, she enjoys the outdoors. Her favorite outdoor activities include: hunting, fishing and boating. Hannah started hunting and fishing with her father at a young age and describes these activities as relaxing and pressure free. Boating is a family past time. It is one way her immediate and extended family get together and have fun. A typical week for Hannah consists of: going to school, attending volleyball practice, and completing homework assignments. On Sundays, Hannah attends church at Holy Apostles in Meridian. She is active in the church’s youth group. The youth group is for high school aged students and has provided Hannah with opportunities to volunteer in her community. School is a priority. Hannah is dedicated to her schoolwork and strives to maintain a 3.8 GPA. Next year, Hannah will be a junior and it will be the first year she is eligible to join the National Honor Society (NHS). Students who become a member of the NHS are required to keep their grades up and participate in service projects recognized by the organization, both of which Hannah has done well.

school for the summer, but she is already looking forward to the start of volleyball season this August. She is hoping her high school team wins the championship. Hannah has also started thinking about college. This year, Hannah has enjoyed her Zoology class and would like to become a veterinarian. A few colleges that already have her attention are Washington State University, Oregon State University and Montana State University. In the meantime, Hannah will continue to make the most out of her high school years, living in the friendly city of Meridian and continuing to go on family trips to the Oregon Coast.

In May, Hannah will get out of

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

LANGLEI

Langlei is only 9 years old, but she already has the passion and talent to create anything with what ever she can get her hands on.

PHOTOS BY Sydney Studio’s & Shea Meyer WRITTEN BY Toni Osmundson

eet Langlei. She has the most adorable smile and her love for crafty projects leaves you fascinated about what she will create next. Langlei, is only nine years old and she already knows what she loves to do: create whatever she can with her hands. Or, as Langlei puts it, “draw, paint and create.” While other kids are stuck on video games, Langlei is trying to figure out how to make a hospital out of wine corks and bottle caps She also creates items for her dolls, including this photo booth. At school, Langlei’s teachers gave students a box of items and instructed them to simply create. In recognition of her ability to create something out of anything, Langlei received the Adventurous Artist Award. She started to gain recognition when a friend of the family asked if Langlei’s art could be showcased in his salon in downtown Boise. Soon after, patrons started to ask if her work was for sale. Langlei’s mom, Shea, says, “She has always been creating things or drawing, and was an artist for as long

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

S T U D E N T C R E AT I V E as I can remember.” In fact she had to ban Langlei from going through the recycling bin because she would collect so many items for her crafts, that it was making a mess in her room. Her mother says she can barely keep her room clean. She always has mounds of stuff everywhere. Langlei says she gets some of her inspiration from YouTube channels, including My Stuffed Froggie. She is not shy at attempting new things. If they don’t work out, she moves on to the next project. She has such a creative mind. Her favorite projects including making items for her dolls (pictured above), such as a photo booth for them. You can view and purchase Langlei’s work at the Mat Slater Salon in Downtown Boise.

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M AT & L A C E Y PHOTOS BY Ali Smith

What would you do if you had more time and fewer bills? Mat and Lacey made a decision one morning at breakfast to break free from the unnecessary stress. See how they ripped that BandAid off to restore their love for traveling.

WRITTEN BY Ditching Normal

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

e are Mat and Lacey and we are always looking for ways to downsize. We work to downsize bills, stress, closets, etc. The reason? To free up room, time and budget to enjoy life! Currently living in a 900 square foot condo, we share a small bedroom

closet, one bathroom, and more recently, one car. There is no yard to take care of and we rarely drive on the weekends because we can walk to coffee shops, restaurants, and movies. Thankfully, life is pretty mellow for us right now. Although it wasn’t always this way, two and a half years ago we were living in a 2040 square foot house with a three-car garage and large yard. While we owned all of this space, we would only use a portion of it on a regular basis. The rest of the house was just filled with decorations, furniture and other unnecessary items. Our heating, air conditioning and water bills in the peak months would reach close to $300. Our monthly bills were overwhelming and because of this, we rarely traveled. We felt like we didn’t have enough time to spend with each other, let alone friends and family. We found it difficult to find time to enjoy our lives together because our time was spent working on the house or working to pay for the house. There was a lingering stress stemming from this lifestyle we had created. We made a decision one morning at breakfast to break free from this unnecessary stress. We needed to rip the Band-Aid off and start downsizing. Immediately. First things first, downsize our space. The less space you have, the less “stuff” you fill it with. So we sold our house and put our items into a storage unit to sort through later. Our storage unit wasn’t a typical sized unit-it was made to store an

R.V. and we had it completely filled with our junk! When we purchased our condo, we carefully selected a few “must have” items from our overwhelmingly full storage and decided to get rid of everything else. We made sure the pieces we kept were items we loved and that we would use. After months of purging (thanks to Craigslist and Good Will), we finally got rid of the “stuff” that had been weighing over us. The result of our downsizing process is an extra $1,100 in our pocket each month. More importantly, we now have more time to spend enjoying our lives. Staying on top of this new lifestyle is a constant process, so we make sure to consistently downsize. When we’re at the store we now look in our basket as we’re approaching the check out counter to ensure that the item is necessary. For birthdays we opt for non-material gifts (weekend trips/ date nights/etc.). Every couple of months we look in our closets and drawers and pull out anything that we haven’t used in a while and either donate or sell it. We aren’t suggesting everybody sell their house and move into a one bedroom (but if you want to, we fully support that!), but we do hope to inspire others to take a look at their life and eliminate all unnecessary stresses. What would you do if you had more time and fewer bills? Stay tuned to see what we’ve been getting mixed up in and how we’re doing it on a budget.

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HEA AND FITNE

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

This revitalizing circuit routine will help you blast that unwanted body fat and get you ready to take on SUMMER!

ummer is just around the corner and you know what that means- floating the river, walking around Kleiner Park, and heading up to Lucky Peak for the day. If those winter pounds are still hanging on or if you just want to get out and enjoy more of this beautiful state, don’t worry- we’ve got you covered. Follow along with these nutrition and exercise tips and you will be sure to be rocking that summer bod you’ve been dreaming of all winter long. Nutrition will play a huge role in your success. Here are a few tips that I give to each of my clients: Drink water and drink it often. Adult males should aim for at least 100 ounces per day while adult females should aim for at least 70 ounces per day. Of course, the more you move the more you need so make sure to always have water with you. Choose protein rich foods to help your body recover and to fuel your workouts. Eat more color. Fruits and vegetables are packed with

vitamins, minerals, and fiber to help keep you fueled and ready to go. Snack on healthy, low sodium snacks like raw almonds. Cook at home. This allows you to know exactly what is going into each meal and will allow to you effectively count calories. This fun circuit routine will help you blast that unwanted body fat and get you ready to take on summer! The workout is designed around having minimal equipment and does not require the use of a gym, so anyone can do it. Here are a few key points to remember prior to each workout: 1. Always hydrate before, during, and after each workout. 2. Warm those muscles up with a light stretch. 3. Listen to your body. If you are just getting back into exercise make sure to slow the pace down and not overdo it. Always remember to scale the workout to your individual ability. You will do 4 sets of each

FITNESS

ALTH ESS

PHOTOS BY WRITTEN BY Sydney Studios & Co Kevin Scrima

movement in a circuit fashion, completing one set of each exercise in succession and then going back to the beginning. • • • • • • •

Push ups – 15 reps (standard or from the knees) Squats – 15 reps Dumbbell Bicep Curls to Shoulder Press – 12 reps High Plank – 30 to 60 seconds (engage that core!) Lunges – 8 on each leg for 16 total Crunches - 15 reps Jumping Jacks – 35

Rest 1-2 minutes between each round. Cool down after your workout with a light stretch and a short walk or light jog. Aim to incorporate cardio in at least three times a week. As always, start at your own pace and don’t feel intimidated if others are running or walking faster than you. The city of Meridian has many beautiful parks to help make the walks and runs more enjoyable. Good luck on everything (with your health and fitness goals). I know you will do great.

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

PHOTOS BY WRITTEN BY Sara K. Byrne & Taylor Walker Idaho Air National Guard

Community Member Spotlight

Jesse Van Patten

From swim trunks as a kid in the Meridian City Pool, to hardhats on a power pole, gym shorts and a whistle, to camouflage, Jesse’s many uniforms make us proud he’s chosen Meridian as his home. Jesse’s wife, Sara, and son, Tyler, understand his commitment and are supportive. They are Jesse’s home team, but they aren’t his only team. Jesse is also a coach for the Mountain View High School rugby team. What began as a hobby after high school turned into an opportunity for Jesse to help students challenge themselves beyond their perceived limits. Jesse explains that, “In Tech School, I learned a lot about pushing myself and I wish I’d known those things when I was younger…I tend to push those kids. They can definitely handle it. They’re surprised by how well they can do.”

esse Van Patten is a humble graduate of Centennial High School, and a man of many uniforms.

When we met on an early Saturday morning at Lucky Perk, he graciously offered to move to another table, better suited for our interview. We shook hands and he sat quietly, almost as if he was in disbelief that we’d selected him, yes him, to feature. There are many reasons we selected you, Jesse. The Northwest Lineman College in Meridian may have given him the skills needed to be proficient as a lineman at Idaho Power, but Jesse isn’t done learning. As a Senior Airman in the Idaho Air National Guard, Jesse has been through a demanding Tech School program and rigorous, continued education that ensures he is able to carry out his role as part of the Tactical Air Control Party in the 124th Fighter Wing at Gowen Field. “The job I have at the Guard isn’t your typical one weekend a month, two weeks a year job. It takes a lot of training to stay current, and that ultimately takes time,” he states.

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Don’t let his tough love mentality fool you. The rugby team has taught Jesse a thing or two as well. His time with the kids at Mountain View has helped him learn to handle a range of personalities - an experience he doesn’t often encounter in his career. “It’s helped me understand the balancing act of how to read different reactions,” Jesse stated. It’s a talent that can be tricky as kids are growing and trying to figure out their place in the world. From swim trunks as a kid in the Meridian City Pool, to hardhats on a power pole, gym shorts and a whistle, to camouflage, Jesse’s many uniforms make us proud he’s chosen Meridian as his home.

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MOM-TAGE GARDEN REFRESH

I never realized how much of a control freak I was until I started letting my daughter do chores by herself. It takes every bit of self-control I have not to jump in and fix streaky mirrors, wadded up clothes in her drawers, and half-dried water spills.

ut, she’s to an age now where she wants so badly to help, and I’m all for teaching her how to clean while she’s young. This spring, however, I have a new project I’ll be working on that I’m hesitant to let her get involved in: planting a garden. I foresee many muddy footprint tracked throughout the house if I start giving her the reins. To put my mud-laden anxiety to rest, I have come up with some simple, pre-planned ways the kids can get involved in gardening, that won’t involve them trudging through dirt and mud day after day.

Make Garden Markers Ok, so not really “gardening” per se, but it’s a very simple craft project and the kids can help put them out in the garden once the seeds are planted. They’ll love seeing the plants pop up next to their markers. Popsicle sticks are a great tool for markers. Paint the end of the stick to match the color of the plant that will grow in its place (red for tomatoes or strawberries, orange for carrots, etc.). Then, use a black permanent marker or white

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

paint pen to write the name of the plant. Spray the sticks with a water sealant spray before you put them in your garden. You can also use small, flat rocks and paint them to look like their corresponding plant. Using plastic forks or knives also works really well- they’re easy to write on, easy to stick in the ground and waterproof!

Help With Planting Plan your planting day on one specific day when your kids aren’t in school. Not only will kids have fun digging and planting seeds, they will also learn valuable life lessons, such as where food comes from, how to ensure a plant grows up strong, and the patience it takes to see it finally produce food.

Re-growing Food Scraps Did you know there are certain plants that will regrow in plain old water? Yeah, me neither until recently. I successfully regrew the root of a green onion plant in a glass cup full of water starting last fall, and I’m happy to report that

PHOTOS BY Ali Smith

WRITTEN BY Mikaela Rencher

Simple garden markers are a great way to get the kids involved and they are easy to make. Using what you already have and making it a craft project for the little ones will be a sure way to get them excited and they feel like they have a plant of their own.

they are still alive and keep re-growing more stalks every time I cut them. Some other foods that can be regrown from scraps in water are:

• • • • • • • • •

Lettuce Bok Choy Pineapple Lemongrass Leeks Garlic Chives Fennel Celery Cabbage

I found a helpful tutorial online at naturalhealthwarriors.com called “15 Foods You Can Regrow From Scraps,” however, you can also head to the Meridian Library to check out a book on the subject. I can’t think of a better plant for kids to help “plant” than a dirt-less one!

A Personal Plant Right now I have an indoor basil plant that we’ve had since last summer (and yes, that literally is the extent of my gardening, currently.) Lately, my

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

Divide & Conquer. Dividing the duties with the garden between the kids is another great way to get them involved.

MOM-TAGE Divide and Conquer

Along with giving your kids their own plant to take care of, dividing the duties of maintaining your garden between the kids is another great way to get them involved. Whether it’s your fruit/veggie/ herb garden, your landscaping plants, or your flowerpots and hanging baskets, divvying out the responsibilities will help kids feel involved, and take a small amount of the work off of you. Hopefully these tips were helpful or enlightening for you. What chores do your kids enjoy helping with? Do you have any other tips for our fellow Momtagers and me? Let us know! I love to hear from our readers! Send comments or suggestions to mikaela@venturemeridian.com. daughter has taken an interest in helping me water the plant and pick the leaves that are ready to use. This is a great start for kids to begin gardening. And while older children are capable of walking carefully around and gently handling plants, younger children may have a tough time with it. When we get our garden planted this spring, I plan on having one specific plant that will be “her plant” to water, prune, weed, and take care of. This plant will be planted at the edge of our raised garden box where it will be an easy reach for her to accomplish these tasks. Pick a plant that is hard to kill and doesn’t mind being disturbed by little itty bitty fingers, such as a kale plant.

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ROASTED VEGGIE PITA WRITTEN BY Jessica Hanson

Healthy eating has been my goal, but it’s not always simple or fast. This recipe is both, and as such I’ve been using it all the time lately. There are enough different flavors and textures to really make it a meal, without adding tons of unhealthy fats or even any meat (for the vegetarians). Crispy roasted vegetables, creamy avocado and goat cheese and sharp green onions and spicy red peppers... what’s not to love?

peppers, mushrooms, red onion and cauliflower. Really whatever you have will work. I’ve also used zucchini, carrots, broccoli...you get the idea.

3. Roast the vegetables for about 30 minutes, stopping at 15 minutes or so to stir the veggies and make sure they get evenly cooked. 4. While your vegetables are roasting, you can make your avocado spread. Peel and slice your avocado into a small bowl, and mash it up as much as you can. Add your sour cream and mix until smooth.

Ingredients Pitas or pita bread (I used a whole store bought package, or 6 big pieces) 1 Tbsp of extra virgin olive oil 1 clove of garlic, peeled 3 cups of assorted veggies** (for avocado spread) 1 ripe avocado 2 Tbsp sour cream (or mayo) (for garnish) chopped green onions goat cheese salt and pepper **I use whatever veggies I have on hand when I make these, but for this version I used sliced red

2. Spread your vegetables and your garlic evenly around your baking sheet, getting them lightly coated in the oil.

5. Slather a good dollop of your avocado spread on top of each of your pieces of pita bread and spread it around evenly.

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees, and coat a baking sheet with your extra virgin olive oil.

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6. When your vegetables are fully cooked (and a bit brown or crispy around the edges) you can take them out and top your pitas with them, almost like pizza toppings. I also added crumbled goat cheese and sliced green onions to mine. Salt and pepper to taste, then serve while warm!

Roasted Vegetable and Goat Cheese Pitas with Avocado Spread. This is my new favorite meal. It’s fast, it’s easy, it’s healthy and it’s impressive. Whip out these bad boys for a dinner with friends and suddenly everyone thinks you tried so hard. But you didn’t.

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G U E S T F E AT U R E

ARTISTIC COSMETIC SOLUTIONS

PHOTOS BY Artistic Cosmetic Solutions WRITTEN BY Dr. Laura Reed

Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

Did you know you that we have a Micropigmentation specialist right here in Meridian?

f you’re a woman who wears makeup, you’ve probably wished it were already on your face when running late for work, school, or an event. Fortunately, this makeup does exist as facial cosmetic tattooing called permanent makeup. You can have this service in Meridian at Artistic Cosmetic Solutions, a unique business specializing exclusively in permanent cosmetics and medical tattooing. Nationwide, few medical professionals specialize in micropigmentation, and only 1% are physicians. Among that small group is Idaho’s only “Permanent Makeup Doctor”, Dr. Laura Reed, who has been an Optometric Physician since 1985. After graduating as an Optometrist in Southern California, Laura planned to open her own eye care practice, but her professional life took several turns. A position with a contact lens company led to a career in the ophthalmic industry where she worked for companies in clinical research, sales training, and marketing. After completing an MBA, Laura joined a consulting firm helping doctors manage their practices. Laura then returned to optometry full time but yearned for her own business doing something different.

In 2006, Dr. Laura opened her permanent cosmetics practice in Orange County and it grew rapidly. She joined the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP) and American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM). Once eligible, she took the international certification exams offered by each group. In 2011, she earned the Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional (CPCP) credential with the highest score nationwide on her exam. After that she became a Board Certified Diplomat/ Fellow in the AAM by passing standardized written, oral, and practical examinations. The end of that year, Laura relocated to Idaho, one of the states she fell in love with while traveling as a consultant. Today Dr. Laura’s micropigmentation practice flourishes with new and returning clients. Idaho has no licensing requirements or health department regulations for permanent makeup artists or facilities. All procedures are invasive exposing both artist and client to blood borne pathogens, so well-informed consumers choose Dr. Laura to look good and be safe. With over 5,000 procedures under her belt, Laura is highly experienced, yet she still updates her education. Recently she hosted a training event at her office for a cutting-edge device called the Sapphire Blade, which creates micro-hair stroke eyebrows. She is the only artist in Idaho and one of five in the nation who uses this new tool.

Then Dr. Laura met Heather, the technician who applied her permanent makeup. While chatting during the process, Laura mentioned her career dilemma. When Heather learned that Laura is an artist, she said, “YOU need to DO this…few permanent makeup techs have medical backgrounds, and we need people like you to raise the bar….It would be the perfect fit, and one of the best schools is in your back yard!” And so Laura’s career took a new turn.

Dr. Laura Reed, owner of Artistic Cosmetic Solutions, moved to Idaho from Southern California the end of 2011. ACS was originally located in Caldwell near wine country. It was a beautiful location, but inconvenient for clients. She moved her office to Meridian in February, 2013. Dr. Reed enjoys Meridian as a business-friendly, active community. Her location is convenient and accessible for clients who drive from all over the Treasure Valley, and also those who fly into Boise airport. Laura enjoys the mountains, sunshine, people, and culture of Idaho. And she wants natives to know she’s not here to change things, she wants to keep them as they are.

Dr. Laura's office is located at 1406 N. Main Street, Suite 107 In Meridian. (208) 615-7080 www.artisticcosmeticsolutions.com Venture Meridian Magazine April 2016

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