Put a Little Love in your Heart!
Put a Little Love in Your Heart
Put a little LOVE in your heart this month...for many reasons. The days are short along with our tempers. The air is cold and no one wants to stand around chatting - catching up with people that we haven't really seen since the fall. Hi there, Bye there. It's our New England form of Hibernation.
We want to give you a reason to WAKE UP-WARM UP and get moving! In this issue, Stacey Shipman helps motivate us to Feel Great in February! In our Everything Emily column, Emily Loverin walks us through crafts you can do with your kids. They can be proud of their work and you can feel good about displaying these around the house - they are very cool! Lorraine Fields, talks about financial gift giving that makes a lasting impression in her Love and Money column.
And in Wink this Month...
Our woman of the month is Barbara Case who spends any extra time she has volunteering and teaching others how to live in the moment. Erin Heffernan's Shutter to Think article talks about her experience with the intangibles, trying to commit the most important events and images to memory. In Diane Snyder's Like Walking in his Shoes, she gets unexpectedly nostalgic during a creative writing class. Life of Riley is back, Greg Coyne reflects on life when you reach a certain age...
So read on our friends! Thanks for checking in with us, we really do LOVE you!
xo
Steph & Trace
Columns,
Have You Been Heard???
Have you been Heard?
By Emily Loverin
When was the last time you spoke out about something you cared about? When was the last time you actually did something about it? -Wrote a letter, voiced your opinion at a big meeting, proactively got a group together? How often do you complain to your spouse or get fired up with friends when something seems… well, ridiculous? I think most people are like me. I’m busy, I’m tired, I don’t have the time to take on some big organization…… I care but would I really make a difference anyway? I sometimes make a few comments or ask a leading question in a smaller group, but honestly, I’m usually one to sit in the back and listen. I don’t feel I’ve got all the info I should have and am a bit timid to say “Hey wait a minute!” I don’t want to look stupid, don’t want to ruffle feathers and don’t want to put myself out there with maybe no one behind me.
Well, for me the day I secretly dreaded has come. I’m doing it! I’m frustrated and quite frankly fed up. I recently went to my elementary school PTO meeting which was the main catalyst to put a little fire under my you know what. My ‘hot topic’ is the recent Scituate School Committee decision to not offer full-day kindergarten to everyone who wants it. Well, it hits home because I happen to want it. And, I finally, at the very least and I’m aware it’s the 11th hour, started to do something about it. I wrote the School Committee, copied the superintendent and our elementary school principal.
A good portion of my recent letter to the Committee follows at the end of this piece...
My agenda is quite transparent. I want to make a difference. A difference for my child, my family, my town. I don’t want to be embarrassed that we are one of the few communities in our tax bracket to not offer a full-day option (selective lottery is not what I would define as an option). I don’t want to move away from the school system I myself succeeded in. I want to know where the heck the override money went??
So I wrote my letter and sent it. I got myself out there with this article. I will go to the next School Committee meeting (3/22), and I will hopefully be brave enough to speak up. I wrote this to get some friends in my corner, beg you to write your own letters and send them, and to get anyone to show up with me and speak out.
I also hope to inspire you to do something about your hot topic. I’ve got to tell you I feel better. I didn’t just whine and moan and let someone else deal with it. Did it do anything to help? It’s not over ‘til it’s over as they say…. And really I think I did. I gave myself and my son a voice.
If you can write a letter to push for Option A, please do. It should be sent to:
sc@scit.org; smartin@scit.org; jkelleher@scit.org
http://www.scituate.k12.ma.us/schoolcommittee-members.htm
A very heartfelt thank you to my friend, Tracy, who graciously printed this article for me. And, as only a true friend would, simply asked “what do you need me to do?”
Here is my letter...
We currently have a child that will be attending kindergarten next year. Our son, Charlie, is a very bright, energetic child that we feel MUST attend a full-day program. He missed the September cut-off by a week. His birthday is September 7th. So he will turn six the first week of school next year. He is currently in his third year of pre-school, and though we are thrilled with the school he attends he is growing increasingly bored with the lack of challenging curriculum offered at that level. He is already reading and solving math problems at a first grade level. –All on his own accord, he’s simply that kind of kid.
I tell you all this because here’s our dilemma: What do we do with Charlie if he doesn’t get into full-day kindergarten? Half-day is less time, per day, than he currently spends at his nursery school. How are we to feel like we are meeting our child’s needs? Do we consider a private school? And isn’t the mission statement of the Scituate Public Schools to ‘provide the opportunity for a comprehensive education for ALL students’? We take that to mean whether a student has special needs or is exceedingly bright; rich or poor; etc. But not because they’re lucky and their name was picked out of hat.
So here’s our question and our plead…….
I grew up in Scituate and have greatly benefited from the school system. I have a second grader and love her school community. I care about the schools so much I volunteer for many programs including Docent Art, and was a committee member and House Coordinator for two houses on the recent Coastal Holiday House Tour (which raised over $19,000 for the elementary schools). My husband has volunteered at many smaller events like ‘Turn off TV night’, etc. What would keep us motivated if we are not taken into consideration?
You have the room for Option A. Everyone will be happier and feel acknowledged. Smaller class sizes, still saving money, fewer buses. With Option A everyone wins. Happy parents equal happy kids.
I know the turnout to vocalize opinions hasn’t been big enough. Any doubt you have in the concern or lack thereof in parents has more to do with unsavvy first time kindergarten parents and childcare issues of people who would have liked to be there. This issue affects everyone who lives in Scituate. Half-day kindergarten will get smaller class sizes. Homeowners will have a better investment in their homes with the draw of full-day kindergarten to prospective buyers. Tax payers will feel like their money is actually going towards something important and current to benefit our kids and our town.
Please change your decision. Please consider everyone in your community. Why not give us the choice? There are so few individual choices we can make as parents, and as town residents.
We know you have a lot on your plate. It can’t be easy to accommodate everyone and manage a budget, especially in the current economy. We just beg you to remember that core education begins in kindergarten. They learn to read, tell time, become dramatically more independent and most importantly become a member of our community. Doesn’t that make it important enough?
March Madness!!!
About Us,
Let SSW Promote Your Business!
SouthShoreWoman.com writes about the local people who follow their passion and build new economic opportunities in our communities. But, whether you have started a popular jewelry line, have an established retail store or restaurant, or offer a unique service, you will always need to reach new customers.
SSW, an online magazine, serves as the perfect venue for businesses that want to go a bit beyond their town borders. Let us help you get your message to the masses by being your vehicle into the larger world of social media.
Our affordable promotional packages give you an advertisement on SSW, plus a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. In addition to getting directly in front of our audience (there are over a thousand South Shore readers-- that we know of), your business will also be exposed to many of the 750 million Facebook users, 100 million Twitter users, and over 100 million LinkedIn members.
Let's put it this way: Print advertising is dead. Social media is the surest way to gain new customers in this Internet age. Yes, we know, you are running a business! You don't have time to tweet and post all day....
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Wink webzine,
Wink's Woman of the Month: Barbara Case
For Barbara Case, Thanksgiving is the best holiday. She welcomes family and friends into her home to eat, drink, and enjoy each other's company. She delights in the making of the meal, and basks in the breaking of the bread. But what really makes Thanksgiving special for Barbara is 'the book'.
In 1997 she started the tradition of having everyone at the holiday feast write down what they were thankful for that year. This tiny exercise has turned into a time capsule filled with reflections of the past. She's seen her daughter, Ali, 18, and son, Tyler, 15, grow up on those unassuming notebook pages. And she has captured not only the memories but the mindsets of the people who have come through her door to share in the gift of gratitude.
Thanksgiving, it turns out, symbolizes how Barbara lives each day: giving thanks and giving back.
Whether it's donating her time to the Dianne DeVanna Center for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect or helping to drive the direction of the South Shore Women's Business Network (SSWBN), Barbara makes sure she gets involved. It is not that she has a lot of extra time allotted for volunteer work. As a wife, mother, and the vice president of investments at Moors & Cabot in Boston, one wonders how there are enough hours in the day for her to juggle it all.
Barbara, who will greet you with a warm, wide grin, a firm handshake, and a humorous off-the-cuff comment, has boundless energy. The old adage 'if you want something done ask a busy person' applies to her.
Yet, for Barbara, volunteering is not about keeping busy, it is about keeping herself grounded and humble. "I see so much greed and fear in my business, and those will break a person," she said in an interview with South Shore Woman. "You have to continue to give back."
And give back, she does.
Her nurturing nature and love of children led Barbara to get involved and, at one point, act as treasurer and Board of Director for the Dianne DeVanna Center, and she still supports the cause. In the late 1990s, she was the president of SSWBN and remains on the Board to this day. In addition, last year she was the president of the South Shore Business Roundtable, and she sits on the Board of the Pembroke Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to all of that, she's a Board member for the SSWBN Educational Foundation, a group that helps women 35 and older in the south shore counties who are embarking on a career change. The foundation gives a SSWBN member the ability to apply for a scholarship toward professional development. Often, it is women who are in need of education to help restart a career after a stint as a stay-at-home parent, a divorce, or even illness, for example. It is a stepping stone to help women change their lives, and is something that Barbara is proud to be a part of.
Even in her role as a financial advisor, Barbara is impacting people's futures. "I gain a full understanding of each client's life, goals and dreams, and I design an objective plan to provide clarity and confidence in both calm and volatile markets," she said. Most of all, it's about providing peace of mind.
Yet, she says, she wishes she could do more.
What she may not realize, however, is that even the small gestures--- like having Thanksgiving guests write down what they are most grateful for--make an enormous impact on others, because it tunes them back into what is important and forces them to focus on the precious moment.
"I try not to miss moments," Barbara said.
Local Spotlight,
Spotlight: Crystals N Pearls
Growing up, Carolyn Cattaneo was bedazzled by beads. It started simply by stringing tiny Indian beads together when she was a kid and has evolved into crafting stylish Swarovski crystals. Now, Carolyn has turned her gift and passion for designing jewelry into the business CrystalsNPearls. "Timeless to Trendy - there are pieces that suit a socialite, as well as a hipster-urbanite".
Indeed, Carolyn's contemporary necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are quickly becoming the talk of the South Shore. We are, after all, sophisticated, sexy, and salt of the earth, all rolled up into one--- which is what Carolyn's designs reflect.
Why not pair crystals and pearls when going for lunch with the girls? It's gorgeous and fun, and easily transitions to dinner with that special someone.
'WE LOVE' CrystalsNPearls. And we know you'll love it, too. (P.S.: The new leather and pearls look that Carolyn is experimenting with is so very cool.)
You can find Carolyn's products at The Coop in Hingham Square, or at the website, www.crystalsnpearls.com. Contact Carolyn for more information, or to book a house party! (c'mon, you could use one about now?!)
Contact Carolyn at:
About Us,
SSW in the Air-CLICK HERE TO HEAR
Tracy Coyne and Stephanie Neil, co-founders of SouthShoreWoman.com, were recently guests on Teri Sica's talk show "Discovering Authenticity". The two talk about friendship, starting a business, and what SSW can do for you. Take a listen!
Here's the link: http://www.959watd.com/discoveringauthenticity/DiscoveringAuthenticityShow29.mp3
More WATD/SSW interviews:
11/20/2010: Jay Cole, owner of Riva restaurant recently sat down with Teri to talk about starting a business and being SSW's Male Muse. Tune in here: http://www.959watd.com/discoveringauthenticity/DiscoveringAuthenticityShow34.mp3
And, to read Jay's Male Muse columns, click here! http://southshorewoman.com/author/jay-cole
12/4/2010: Stephanie Neil talks with Teri about turning challenges into opportunities and the life lessons along the way. http://www.959watd.com/discoveringauthenticity/DiscoveringAuthenticityShow36.mp3
Members,
B2B
SSW Business Members
(Click on the company name to read their stories here on SSW, then visit their websites to learn more about these local companies.)
FOOD (Restaurant, Catering, and Personal Chef Services)
Beach Fire Restaurant, Hull
http://www.beachfirehull.com/
Riva Restaurant, Scituate
www.rivarestaurant.net
Jay Cole, Owner
The Fieldston Restaurant, Marshfield
http://www.thefieldston.com/
Jan Perrin, Owner
JennaCAKES
Jenna.perette@yahoo.com
Jenna Perette, Owner
Scarlet Oak Tavern, Hingham
www.scarletoaktavern.com
Jed and Josh Webber, Owners
Aoyama, Marshfield
781-837-6990
The Chef’s Table
http://www.thechefstableonline.com/index.html
Mark and Julie Ellis, Owners
Fruit Center Marketplace
http://www.fruitcentermarketplace.com/
Oro Restaurant, Scituate
www.ororestaurant.com
Jill and Robin King, Owners
Orta Restaurant, Pembroke
www.ortarestaurant.com
Jimmy Burke and Joanie Wilson, Owners
Beach Plum Baking Company
http://www.beachplumbaking.com
Jennifer Love, Owner
Barker Tavern, Scituate
www.barkertavern.com
Savor: A Personal Chef Service
www.savorathome.com
Meghan Haney, Personal Chef & Owner
Darlene Calcagno, Personal Chef & Owner
781-878-9700
Joanie Wilson, Owner
SPECIALTY SHOPS
Harborlight Toy Company
146 Front Street (Welch Company Bldg), Scituate
781-544-5487, website coming soon!
Jerry & Kelly Burke, Owners
Almar Building and Remodeling
Allison Quinn Guido, General Manager
781-826-2577
APPAREL/ACCESSORIES
Sealore Designs
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sealoredesigns?page=1
Michelle Murphy, Owner
Roaring Stones
http://www.roaringstones.com/
Casey Kerr, Owner
SpitDudes
http://spitpermit.com/
Andy White, Owner
Crystals n Pearls
http://www.crystalsnpearls.com/
Carolyn Cattaneo, Owner
Boot Chic
www.bootchic.com
Kim O’Connor, Owner
Babushka Style
http://www.babushkastyle.com/
Rebecca Pimentel, Owner
Ring by Ring Designs
Bev Carlson, Jewelry Designer
FASHION/STYLE
Ready Set Style
Eva Gaiardelli, Owner/Fashion Stylist
eva@readysetstyle.com; 617-433-8295
Tracey Leahy, Owner
Charlotte & Company, Hairstylists & Makup Artists
Charlotte Phinney, Owner
Mary Kay
Shakira Perry, Independent Beauty Consultant
617-653-6796
FUN
East Coast Hui
http://www.eastcoasthui.com/Home.html
Bobby Fenton
HEALTH/FITNESS/SPA
Stacey Shipman, Feel Good Living
http://staceyshipman.com/
Stacey Shipman, Owner
A Healthy Balance
http://www.ahealthybalancenutrition.com/home.html
Nikki Tierney, Owner
Mariposa Body Massage and Therapy
http://www.mariposabody.com/
Cindy Doody, Owner
Healthy Options
http://www.healthyoptionscoaching.com/
Sheela Calhoun, Owner
Perpetual Motion
Jennifer McGilvray, owner
Dolce Med Spa & Boutique
www.DolceMed.com
Tracey Lively, President/Owner
781-792-0919
Spa-tique Day Spa
781-837-1850
South Shore Healing Center
Martha Tassinari, PT/CST
781-934-0100



ART/DESIGN
Cut River Gallery
www.cutrivergallery.com
Chris Lewis, Owner
Hawkmoon Studio
www.hawkmoonstudio.com
Michael Coyne, Owner
Everything Emily
www.everythingemily.com
Emily Loverin, Owner
Interiors by Daryce
http://www.interiorsbydaryce.com/home.html
Daryce Morris, Owner
SERVICES/Personal & Business
JKC Design
www.jkcdesign.com
Jada Coyne, Owner
Errands Etcetera
http://www.errandsetcetera.biz/
Stacy Mafera, Owner
South Shore Skin Center
www.southshoreskincenter.com
Fastteks
We travel to home or business for all computer services.
www.fastteks.com
Concierge Service
Gennie Litchfield Murphy & Chrissy Sladen McCormack, Owners
www.adminsanderrands.com
About Us,
About Us
South Shore Woman
Focusing on the people who energize our community.
We bring the story behind the story!
For more information contact:
Editorial
Stephanie Neil, Editor
781-278-1652
Advertising
Tracy Coyne, Publisher
781-413-6508
Wink webzine,
Untold Moments
My camera cannot capture everything. Today I held Brendan, my eight-year-old son, as his eyes teared and a nurse gave him a shot of the H1N1 vaccine. The moment was not one in which I would savor with my camera, but it was nearly as beautiful (to me) as all of his portraits hanging on our walls, candids of him at the beach and on the soccer field, . . . I realized today that I long to hold on to the untold moments, those that go by without notice. I want to remember the closeness I felt while I comforted Brendan. The problem is that moments such as these don't slide easily into a photo album or fit into a frame.
Last year, during an oral exam in his second-grade class, Brendan's teacher prodded him to say more since the anwers he gave were insufficient. With confidence, he spoke as his teacher wished. He said, "This is Brendan Haskell, and I approve this message." There is no picture on my wall of his tenacity.
Last spring, Colin, my eleven-year-old son, stood on the pitching mound of the baseball field. He has Asperger Syndrome and is therefore less than athletic. Afte two years of raising his hand to pitch but never getting chosen, his coach said sternly, "Colin, come warm up. You're next on the mound." And to the coach's surprise as well as mine and other spectators, he pitched a one-two-three inning.
Yes, I took pictures while he pitched. But the pictures do not show his humble sense of accomplishment and/or disbelief, or the lump in my throat as he walked to the dug out with his teammates belting out praise. (That was a first for him.) A camera will never capture my reverence for the coach who believed in my son, either. And the car ride home, going over every step he took and ball he threw with the utmost excitement . . . There was no camera there.
I can only conclude that these moments are meant to be sacred, private, to rest in your memory rather than hang on a wall.
Sara Beth, my fourteen-year-old daughter, and I share the same humor. We have laughed together until we cannot even speak, yet it is impossible to relay to one another what it is that made us laugh.
I have also held her while she cries, beginning with skinned knees, lost Barbie heads, and the the time the eye holes in her Halloween ghost costume did not exactly align with her real eyes. She bumped into people, trees, dogs, etc. And then I comforted her when she jumped with gusto into the bath tub holding the shower curtain. She brought the curtain down with her so that when she stood up she wore it as a toga. (To be honest, I wish I had a camera then, even though the incident made her cry just from shock.) And we have already passed the time I comforted her when her first boyfriend said goodbye.
Comfort, empathy, praise . . . these are just a few sentiments that pass from mother to child. I have taken pride in what I call my photographic documentation of my children's lives with my camera, but the photographs just touch the surface of what touches me as a mother, what moves me, what makes me love them more and more everyday.
Wink webzine,
Like Walking in His Shoes
I scanned the list of classroom assignments posted on the wall outside the adult education office. Fast, Loose, Free: A Creative Nonfiction Writing Workshop-Saturday-Room 236. A sigh of relief escaped as I checked my watch. 9:30 A.M. I found the school, building, and entrance with half an hour to spare. Even the "no parking" signs referred to weekdays, allowing me to pull into a convenient space beside the high school pool. Maybe it was the sight of that pool that began stirring up the memories.
Spotting the staircase leading to the second floor, I walk up one flight. The silence of a wide empty corridor greets me. Double rows of lockers remain securely closed behind combination locks. I could only imagine the voices, the laughter, and the students rushing to classes. But that wasn't what I am imagining as I begin heading past closed classroom doors. I'm back in the 1960's, more than 40 years ago, and my eyes search for him, find him, the curly haired teenager with hazel eyes reflecting a warm smile. Wearing tan slacks, a white cotton button down collar shirt, and brown penny loafers, he is dressed to fit in, not to stand out. I feel as if he is trying to tell me something.
The sound of heels clicking on the tile floor pulls me back to the present. "Do you know where room 238 is, screen play writing? comes a voice belonging to the clicking heels belonging to a tall attractive woman. I shake my head. "This is the first time I've been in this high school. I'm looking for room 236." We fall into step and conversation and, within a few minutes, we reach our destinations. Wishing each other a productive day, she enters 'screen writing' while I find a bench outside the locked room 236. Light pours in through the floor to ceiling window as I wait. 9:45 A. M. Still early, still no other writing students, still a chance to think back to when time held more future than more past.
I didn't know him in high school. We wouldn't meet until years later. Over time, though, I gathered a picture of the boy who would become my husband: quiet, smart, energetic, happy, inquisitive, competitive, athletic. He seemed to have skipped that awkward, adolescent stage. He never mentioned winning a state championship swim meet, only telling me how much he hated diving into cold water. Some of his peers mistook his confidence for snobbery, but his circle of friends knew better. Nobody was surprised when he received a nomination to the Naval Academy in his junior year and acceptance a year later. I could picture his delight at a future that held both challenge and promise.
A moment or maybe several moments later one women approaches. "Are you here for the writing course?" she inquires. We begin to chat, our bench filling up with additional students. The teacher arrives, unlocks the door, and we file into the classroom to begin the writing workshop.
Reluctant to let go of the memories that had accompanied me, I look around at the chairs, the desks, the blackboard, and the bulletin boards. This was his high school and I still have questions to ask that teenage boy. It's been more than a decade since my husband's death, but he gave me a gift that Saturday. He gave me one more day. I open my notebook and begin to write.
Wink webzine,
Windows
At the age of 20, I never fully understood the profound sadness that had befallen my grandmother when my papa passed away. My nana was famously perched in the right side window of #116 Wheeler Park, a senior complex in Scituate.
When my papa was alive, you would inevitably get a wave as you circled the park. If he happened to be watching the idiot box or sleeping, it would be my grandmother with the wave, one or the other, serving as sentry. This routine of them perched behind their designated "his" and "hers" window panes went on for years and years, and at times, still feels very recent.
A generation later and now my parents are at Wheeler Park. I bring my daughter often. Her interaction with them and her eagerness closely resembles my time there when I was young.
Last week, I drove past my parents place and sped down the hill to the lower level where my grandparents used to reside. As I crept along with my daughter in the car, I noticed a woman a few doors down from #116 sitting in the window. She was small, and silver, and quiet. My eyes never left the window and on queue, she waved.
I circled around and went back up the hill, still thinking of that frail old woman. I began to wonder, how many woman sit here, as my grandmother did, widowed and alone. And further, how many amazing stories are trapped behind those blue front doors. Stories of youth, and adolescence, memories of incredible joy and unimaginable pain: Of parenthood and wars, reunions and regrets. Collages in time still crystal clear behind that window.
In this day of instant gratification, 24-hour news cycles, and the intense pace of day-to-day life, who has the time to sit in the widow in #128? To hear her amazing story...
After all, we all have kids going to recitals, and hockey, and two parents working, wondering who's picking up who and when. It's all so hectic, who could bother? In truth, we all have the time. And we should.
Columns,
Feel Great in February
Does this scenario sound familiar? You see a friend and she says, "Hey, you look great! Did you lose weight?"
Chances are you woke up that morning feeling good - emotionally and physically. Maybe you dressed in bright colors, or wore different clothes than you usually do, maybe you styled your hair differently, or maybe you just have a smile on your face. Sounds so simple, doesn't it?
What does it take to make you feel good each day?
How you feel has to do with your physical environment, the foods you eat, the activities you participate in, the amount of exercise you get and the people you choose to interact with. Learn to be aware of how you feel physically and emotionally each day when you wake up, mid-day and when you're winding down for the night. Take a moment to pause or write it down for later reflection.
What can you do to ensure you wake up each (or most!) day feeling great? How will you take care of yourself?
I invite you get more active by participating in activities that YOU enjoy. Listen to what YOU need on a given day so you can start each day with people saying, "Wow, you look great!" Wouldn't that be nice?
Remember, there are other ways to stay active, fit and healthy besides the gym. If you enjoy the gym, great! Keep going. If you're having trouble thinking of some activities, check out the list below for a few ideas. Some of these are winter activities, and most can be enjoyed year round. Maybe you'll like one, or maybe you'll think of your own.
- Ice Skating - Find your inner child and go skating. Not sure where to go? Visit http://www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/skating.htm for locations. These rinks also offer skate rentals and of course, rinks are kid friendly.
- Cross Country Skiing/ Snow Shoeing - No snow? No problem! The Weston Ski Track is open with plenty of snow making and plenty of skiing. They offer rentals, lessons, and open skiing. http://www.skiboston.com/skitrack/skitrack.php
- Rock Climbing - Talk about a strength workout! There are a number of rock gyms in Massachusetts and many offer kids programs. The best part: practice indoors for the winter and then take your skills outside in the spring, summer and fall. Visit http://www.indoorclimbing.com/massachusetts.html to find a rock gym near you.
- Dance - Whether you hit the clubs or take a lesson, dancing is great cardiovascular exercise. It's fun, and it's a wonderful way to re-connect with your partner or friends. There is a dance style and school out there for you. On the South Shore I recommend The Vakas (http://www.thevakas.com).
- Martial Arts - After you kick and punch the bag a few times tell me how you feel. It's not only a great outlet for relieving stress; it's also a great way to improve strength and cardiovascular fitness. There are a variety of styles for a variety of personalities. Check out a few schools to find the best one for you.
Many, if not all, of these activities are great for families. If you can't find a baby-sitter, bring the kids with you. You'll get some exercise, have fun, and enjoy quality family time. Everyone will feel great!
Columns,
Love and Money
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Valentine's Day is fast approaching, so you'd better get going with the flowers and chocolates for your sweetie. But this year, why not go beyond the traditional gifts and give a present that can make a difference in your loved one's life for years to come? Specifically, why not give a financial gift? Of course, you could always put some cash or a check in a card, but with a little creativity, you can make a financial gift that has a longer-lasting and more profound impact. Here are a few suggestions:
By taking any of these steps, you can help make Valentine's Day even more meaningful for your loved one -- and your gift will be remembered long after the holiday is over. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Loraine Fields, your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, its employees and Financial Advisors do not offer tax or legal advice.
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Loraine Fields
Financial Advisor
Edward Jones
1442 Broadway
Hanover, MA 02339
(781) 826-4043
Columns,
Wear Your Love!
Wear Your Love on Your Sleeve!
Your favorite people will be wearing your LOVE all over them this year! We’re stamping heartfelt designs on fabric this time. This one is a snap to make, takes no time at all and is completely on the cheap as far as projects go! I bought inexpensive new shirts for two of mine, and recycled an old hand-me-down for the third.
""""" (Easy Peasy)
Supplies:
X Fabric Paint (I recommend Tulip Slick Dimensional Paint for this project; great results and easy to use)
X Cotton T-shirt
X Wax or Parchment Paper
X Foam Stamps and/or paint brush
X Palette or plastic container lid (optional)
X Smock or apron (optional, but highly recommended – this is permanent fabric paint!)
Directions:
Begin by pre-washing and drying your shirt. This is especially important with new clothes. Washing the clothes removes any sizing that may be in the fabric. Sizing may hinder good adhesion of the fabric paint with your clothes. After all your creative genius, the last thing you want is a marred design coming out of its next wash.
Now we’re ready to get started! Line the inside of your shirt with a sheet of wax paper. You will only need it to be as big as the area you intend to paint. This step is important as it will prevent the paint from seeping thru the fabric material onto the backside of your project. To begin painting I like to pour a dollop of fabric paint onto a palette for easy access. My favorite palette is an old margarine lid that I repeatedly peel dried paint off of between projects. –Cheap, recycled and reusable!
The rest of this is up to you! You can paint with a brush, create letters and shapes with chunky foam stamps or personalize it completely with special little handprints. It’s absolutely that simple. I recommend letting these dry overnight before wearing and 48 hour before washing. We make them every year for Valentine’s Day and they have been such a big hit. And really, what’s better than seeing the loves of your life donning one of your own sentimental creations?!?!
Columns,
Love is in the Air!
Love is in the Air
Get into the spirit of all things love-ly with decorations to make your heart soar! We’re fashioning up festive paper lanterns and fluffy tissue flowers! These make great decorations for above any party table or a creative canopy to a bed in a child’s room. Mine are hued for my Valentine’s, but they can be made in so many festive colors and patterns you’ll be making them all year round! And as an added side note, my five year old son saw my creations and gasped.. “Ooh, mom, those are just gorgeous!” Yes, he is a character…. but he is SO right on this one!
Paper Lanterns """"" (Extra Easy Kid Version Included!)
Supplies:
X 12”x12” paper (Preferably, a heavy, double-sided patterned cardstock)
o The side you want for the outside of your lantern will be the ‘right’ side of the paper
X Paper Trimmer
X Stylus (optional)
X Bone Folder
X Double sided tape
X Hole Punch
X Fishing Line or ribbon (length depends on how high you want to hang them)
X 3M clear, removable hooks for hanging
Begin by cutting the center of your paper into eleven 1”x10” strips. See Image A or cutting and folding guides. You will have a 1 inch border around the entire piece of paper that is un-cut. I used my ruled paper cutter, which did the measuring as I went, and allowed me to press the cutting tip into the middle of the paper when starting to cut a strip. No pre-measuring or line drawing, can’t get easier than that! Now fold the paper in half, wrong sides together, across your cut lines. Next fold the top and bottom edges, right sides together, one inch from the edge. To achieve crisp fold lines and precise measurements, I removed the blade from my paper trimmer and used the cutting groove to run a stylus across the paper to score my fold line.
A bone folder helped me smooth my folds crisply.
Next run your double stick tape down the entire edge of one side. Overlap the taped edge with the opposite edge, and press the two together to create a paper cylinder.
Voila, your lantern is formed! All that’s left is to punch three evenly spaced holes around the top edge, string with ribbon, adhere your hooks to the ceiling and hang as many as you can!
Tip Time:
X You can use any kind of paper to get started, but a pretty double-sided scrapbook paper will give a beautiful finished look from any angle. Scrapbook paper comes in 12”x12” dimensions, but some manufacturers add a quarter of an inch, so double check yours before you get started, and trim accordingly.
X This project can be done with only paper, scissors, tape and ribbon to hang it. So if you’re in on a rainy day with your little guys and don’t have all the supplies in your arsenal, it’s a go either way! For a no fuss kid version, have them fold the paper in half to cut, eye ball everything, and have them tape the edges as needed.
Tissue Paper Flowers """"" (Super Easy – Just be patient!)
Supplies for One Large Flower:
X Ten sheets of 20”x30” crepe or tissue paper
X Scissors
X 8” piece of floral wire
X Fishing Line or ribbon
X 3M clear, removable hooks
Supplies for One Small Flower:
X Eight sheets of 16”x30” crepe or tissue paper
X Scissors
X 8” piece of floral wire
X Fishing Line or ribbon
X 3M clear, removable hooks
Directions:
Begin by layering your paper on top of each other in a neat stack. Next make 1 ½” accordion pleats across the entire length. I will be the first to admit I am not big on measuring anything I don’t really have to, I eyeballed mine, and it came out perfectly in my humble opinion. -This is supposed to be fun, not tedious!
Fold your floral wire in half and slip it around the center of your folded paper. Secure it in place by twisting the wire and form a loop with the ends for hanging later. Trim both ends of your folded tissue with a simple shape like a curved scallop or pointed triangle. This will create a fun finished edge in the end. Now we’re ready to fluff our flowers into shape! Begin by opening the pleats of your folds and gently pull each layer towards the center of the flower, towards the wire. To create a symmetrical flower half the layers on one side should go towards your wired loop and half towards the wire’s bent end. Repeat with the other side. Hang by tying the fishing line to the loop in the center of the flower. Like I said…… Love is in the Air!
Tip Time:
X Don’t worry if the tissue rips in a few places as you go, these are so fluffy in the end you’ll never see it.
X The dimensions for the tissue paper are approximate, use sizes that are easy to find or better yet, what you already have!
