Real Weddings

By

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December 28, 2011

Each couple’s love story is a unique one all their own that’s shared and enjoyed by those that love them. Their wedding day is a reflection of that story and in that way is unlike any other before or after it.

For these Oklahoma brides, their wedding was a day for family and friends to celebrate. By blending tradition and meaningful touches to their day each created an event to remember.

Downtown Diamond

When the Snyder family began the loving restoration of the historic Mayo Hotel in downtown Tulsa, it once again became one of the city’s premier wedding venues. The hotel became that much more a part of their family when daughter Macy Snyder, who was instrumental in the reopening of the hotel, decided to celebrate her wedding there.

Snyder had been working with brides as the event coordinator at the Mayo, so when she became engaged to photographer John Amatucci on New Years Eve 2009, she knew exactly what she wanted her own day to be like.

Both she and Amatucci are passionate about the revitalization of downtown Tulsa, so it was only natural that they marry downtown.
On Oct. 9, the couple exchanged vows on a perfect fall afternoon on ONEOK Field at home plate in front of 250 guests seated in a circle around them.

The couple achieved a unique blend by hosting the black-tie affair complete with a string quartet on the baseball field.

“No one has a black tie affair on a baseball field,” Snyder says of her choice to brave the dirt in her Monique Lhuillier gown.

“The outdoors didn’t bother me; getting my dress dirty wasn’t really a concern for me since I only plan to wear this once in my lifetime.”

After the ceremony, guests were trollied to the Mayo for an elegant reception, where they enjoyed a cocktail hour in the lobby followed by a seated dinner and dancing to I.J. Ganem and his band in the Crystal Ballroom.

A black and white theme was carried throughout the evening’s events and was accented with merlot calla lilies.
The celebration was filled with family.

“One of my favorite parts was having 70 family members there to celebrate,” says Snyder. “It was so much more enjoyable to have our huge family all together.”

Set Up For Love

Nearly five years ago, as students at the University of Missouri, Ashley Casillas and Jon Althage were set up by a sorority sister and fraternity brother.

“I would say our friends did a pretty good job,” laughs Casillas, recalling her first date with Althage, to a Mizzou basketball game.
The couple became engaged in December 2009 when Althage, with the help of Casillas’ sister, surprised her while on a trip to Aspen when he proposed on a mountaintop.

The couple was married in front of 300 guests on Oct. 30 in a full Catholic ceremony at Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa. The church itself holds a special meaning for Casillas because both her parents and grandparents were married there.

When it came to her dress, the bride knew just what she wanted, and that’s exactly what she found.

“It was the first dress I tried on,” beams Casillas of her first shopping expedition to Dallas with her mother, sisters and bridesmaids. The gown was lace with a sweetheart neckline from Neiman Marcus and was coupled with a cathedral veil.

“I did try others since we were already there,” she admits, “but I knew which one was for me.”

The reception was held at Southern Hills Country Club, where guests were treated to a cocktail hour, which featured a seven-foot ice bar that served a signature Althage martini. The drink was a blend of vodka, champagne, a touch of berry and sprinkled with gold flakes.

The four-course dinner included an elegant pumpkin soup served in individual miniature pumpkins, a special request of the bride.

The fall theme of the wedding was enhanced with dramatic lighting, creating the look of leaves peppering the ceiling. Tall vases filled with orchids and roses from Toni’s Flowers and Gifts completed the decor. Tulsa favorite, saxophonist Grady Nichols and a live band from Dallas provided entertainment.

In addition to a groom’s cake by KoKao and bridal cake by Ludger’s, guests enjoyed a late night snack from a hot dog vendor that served six varieties of french fries.

“The entire evening just had an elegant warm feeling to it,” says Casillas.

This Magic Moment

While attending Southern Methodist University in 2004, Lauren Auffenberg of Tulsa and Austin Hill of Dallas were introduced by mutual friends. Little did they know that day would be the first of a lifelong journey together.

The couple became engaged on July 3, 2009, while at Grand Lake and were married a year later on July 10, 2010, in a traditional Catholic ceremony at Holy Family Cathedral in Tulsa.

“We wanted the ceremony to be traditional and very meaningful,” says Auffenberg. “We wanted the ceremony to reflect our families and our faith.”

The couple loved the idea of having apple green as their central color. White and touches of pink were used as accents. It carried out the elegant, fresh, magical feeling the bride had wanted.

“My mom came up with the idea of the magnolia and lemon leaf garland with lights,” Auffenberg shares. “This really added warmth to the whole room.”

The guests were welcomed into the cathedral by hydrangea wreaths hanging from chic ribbons. Each pew featured a gathering of white hydrangeas. Adding to the elegance was the bride’s Vera Wang Luxe gown and veil. The reception was held at Southern Hills Country Club.

“I grew up (at Southern Hills) as a member and was fond of the many memories,” says Auffenberg. “Austin is an avid golfer and loved the location.”

A bevy of striking floral displays were on full view, including a garden room filled with vases filled with pink flowers, a particular favorite of the bride.

Before the wedding, the bride had been advised to take it all in, and that’s just what she did.

“We danced to nearly every song and spent the entire evening together,” says Auffenberg. “My parents gave me this wonderful moment, and it was the best gift I could have ever received.”

Hungry For Healthy Groceries

By

Lindsey Johnson

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December 27, 2011

Demand for natural and organic food has hit mainstream and is booming big in Oklahoma. Despite a down economy and often higher price tags, numerous natural and organic food grocers have opened doors in the state with much success.

The opening of Whole Foods Market in Oklahoma City at the Triangle on Classen Curve in October ranked among the top 25 openings for the chain of more than 300 stores, says Stacey Innerarity, marketing team leader for Whole Foods Market Oklahoma City.

“We had guests camping out at 4:15 on Wednesday morning to be the first to see the new store,” says Innerarity.

Brad Carder, store director for Sunflower Farmers Market, reports that Oklahoma City offered the chain of 40 stores its most successful opening, as well.

Oklahoma City and Tulsa have seen several natural, health and local food stores open this fall. More are slated to open for business this year.

Sarah Hoffmann of GreenAcres Market is set to open the third in her family’s chain of natural food stores next summer in the Village on Main in Jenks.

“We’ve gotten some nice affirmation about it, watching things explode in Oklahoma City,” she says of opening the market in tough economic times.

Natural Goes Mainstream

Much of the success of these businesses in the shadow of an economic crisis is owed to the mainstreaming of organic, natural and local foods. A slow and steady awareness of health benefits, industrialized farming practices, environmental impacts and food scares have piqued consumer interest. The once largely alternative market serving people with specific dietary needs has given birth to a slew of full-service grocery stores that offer near one-stop shopping in a coffeehouse-like atmosphere.

Hoffmann’s family opened the first GreenAcres Market in 1994 in Wichita.

“We were really alternative then. And the food wasn’t real tasty,” says Hoffmann.

Since 1994 natural and organic has become big business with selections even popping up in grocery stores that don’t specialize in such things.

“Dollars speak,” says Daniel Cameron, proprietor of Cam’s Grocery, which is set to open in Tulsa’s trendy Brady District this spring. “That is what these big companies look at. ‘Well, this organic stuff is making a lot of money.’ So they start putting money into it.”

Until recently and despite a number of natural and organic grocers in the state for some time, shopping for natural or organic food has been largely a very intentional activity often requiring an extra stop. Akins Natural Foods Market, for example, has been headquartered in Tulsa since 1935. The company has five stores in Oklahoma and three in surrounding states, as well as a Florida affiliate chain. Dodson’s has been serving Norman since 1968. Oklahoma Food Cooperative has given Oklahomans the ability to buy directly from Oklahoma food producers since 2003. Many others have long served the state including, Norman’s Native Roots, the Health Food Center in Oklahoma City and Whole Foods in Tulsa.

However, the demand for natural food stores in Oklahoma seems to have only recently reached fever pitch. Mainstream interest has caused huge demand for mainstream options like Whole Foods Market.

“Products have changed,” says Mary Ann O’Dell, registered dietician for Akins Natural Foods.

Health food did not always mean tasty food. O’Dell says that is not the case anymore.

At GreenAcres Markets, Hoffman says shoppers are increasingly proactive in decisions affecting their health and the environment. She points to television personality Dr. Oz and others like him for mainstreaming natural and organic lifestyles.

O’Dell says that consumers have a very preventive mindset and view health as necessity.

“It’s probably going to be cheaper for me to stay healthy than get sick and go to the hospital,” she says, citing a common sentiment.

Frightening food recalls like the recent Listeria-contaminated Rocky Ford cantaloupe have caused a rise in people’s interest in information about where their food comes from. Hoffmann says these incidences often increase traffic in her stores.

“Good or bad press allows us to educate our consumers,” says Hoffmann.

Cameron, who also holds a degree in biology, says the public is increasingly aware and uneasy about the chemicals used in the food supply. He points to a number of ailments common in modern society that have caused people to question what’s in and on their food.

Naturally Different

Traditional grocery stores tend to sell consumers on prices, while the two tenets of natural and organic grocery stores seem to be education and community.

Grassroots efforts and mainstream media might provide the information to spur a curiosity, but most organic and natural food grocers feed that curiosity with very active informational programs. Shoppers are offered seminars, cooking demos and tastings to educate them about the products and benefits.

“It is more about a lifestyle than it is about coming in to pick up a product,” says Hoffman.

For this reason she says natural and organic stores are places people tend to hang out. The stores work to foster this atmosphere, hence the beautifully displayed foods, in-store dining options and slew of amenities that hook shoppers.

“Community is what it is about,” says Hoffmann.

She says they really try to create a place where people want to be and work to create relationships with their customers.

“We don’t want them to pick up a product and leave,” says Hoffmann. “We want to help them with their whole health journey.”

Cam’s Grocery is so community-oriented it is already hosting community events and reaching out to neighbors despite not even having a brick-and-mortar location open yet.

“A grocery store is really a community place. We are really trying to be a part of the community already,” Cameron says.

Giving back to the community is also a huge part of this culture. Four times a year Whole Foods Market donates five percent of a day’s sales to a local non-profit.

What the stores ultimately offer is peace of mind with community, environmental and education resources.

The Price of Natural

The value of shopping for organic, natural or local food was historically in the food quality and the services stores offer; not the price tag.

“Pricing is getting better,” says Hoffmann.

Whole Foods Market offers value tours to its customers in an effort to teach them how to shop at Whole Foods on a budget.

The weekly circular has also become a mainstay at natural and organic grocers.

Sunflower Farmers Market’s whole model is serious food, silly prices. Carder, says that Sunflower Market has a mix of both bargain shoppers and natural food consumers.

Prices are no longer so high that only the trendy early adopter shoppers will pay. The general population can afford to venture into natural and organic grocers. Oklahomans are lining up to get in.

A Personal Touch

By

Corrie McGee

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December 27, 2011

The old adage, “Home is where the heart is,” finds a great example in one Jenks residence.

When the owners set out to build a house, they pulled from precious resources – their memories and family history.

“The design of each room is based on a memory,” the owner says, allowing meaningful details to be incorporated throughout the house.

To achieve their dream home, the homeowners enlisted the expertise of architect John Duvall and builder Tony Jordan of Jordan & Sons. The result was a multi-level stone home that blends an Old World feel with a rich, cozy comfort befitting a family.

“We’re comfortable people, we didn’t want a museum,” the owner shares.

It’s that natural sense of ease and belonging that dictates the beauty of the structure itself. The owners and their team selected an Oklahoma fieldstone and beam work for the exterior, which enhances the authenticity.

“We wanted the house to fit the surroundings, like the stone could’ve been pulled right up from the ground,” she says.

“They had their personal touches throughout the home,” Jordan says. Everything, including the meaningful details, Old World charm and custom cabinetry throughout the home, was meticulously planned.

That personal touch is what truly sets this home apart. By having each room designed based on a memory, the theme of the home isn’t just a style, but the family itself.

In other areas of the house, there are meaningful numbers etched in stone or glass. For instance, the homeowners had the number “1676” carved into the glass on their pantry door because that was the partial address of the home they lived in when their children were born.

“It’s just little things that other people might not notice, but they’re meaningful to our family,” she shares.

The owner commissioned a stained glass window design of her and her husband’s Scottish family crests combined and placed in the main stairwell.

“It bathes the staircase in colorful light and represents these two families coming together,” she shares.

It was important to bring the outdoors indoors for this nature-loving family. Designer Julie Kirkendall of Kirkendall Design helped create a space that celebrated the splendor of natural elements, as well as catered to the needs and interests of the entire family.

The Old World touch was brought in to again reflect bits of a Scottish manor or castle, which meshed beautifully with the outdoor elements.

The centerpiece of the family room is an impressive fireplace structure made of the same exterior stone. Above the fireplace is intricate beam work that complements the stone.

Throughout the home, every drawer and cabinet was custom built by Sullivan’s Custom Cabinetry in Tulsa, with built-in organizational features. From the master closet to the workroom, every thing has a place.

The workroom features a zinc countertop, a series of apothecary drawers and cabinetry as well as a wrapping station complete with rods for each roll of paper.

Every space is designed to facilitate the close-knit family and their friends spending time together.

“We can have a party of 30 and no one leaves the kitchen,” the owner, an avid cook, says.

Complete with a cooking, baking and cleaning station in addition to a farmhouse sink with all the mainstays close at hand, this kitchen lacks for nothing, including style. From the stone flooring to the brick ceiling the space exudes charm.

Even when they play, it’s still as a family.

“We play year-round competitive basketball and my husband helps coach, so they could either be at the gym all the time or we could create the space here,” she says of the indoor court.

Be it in the personal details or the functional organization, from top to bottom this home reflects the rich history of a family and most importantly the family itself.

Bank On It

By

Jami Mattox

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December 16, 2011

Ken Fergeson is chairman of National Bank of Commerce. He bought the bank from then-owner John Gover in 1985, and has since overseen the expansion of the bank to nine locations statewide. He is a past chairman of the American Bankers Association and is active with the Oklahoma Bankers Association. Fergeson is also a well-known advocate of the arts and creativity in Oklahoma.

When I was in college, I determined agriculture wasn’t getting enough money, and I was thinking about ways to steer more money toward agriculture. I decided to go to work at a bank after graduate school. Liberty Bank in Oklahoma City hired me straight out of college. Being a native of Texas, I always say I was their token Texan.

I worked at Liberty Bank for eight years, then moved to Enid to run a loan portfolio. An old customer of mine, John Gover, was looking to sell his bank, which was started by his father. He asked if anyone wanted to buy it, and I said, “I do.” I didn’t have any money, but I used to loan money to people to buy banks, so I used every trick I ever learned. I issued preferred stock, ventures, sold my house, got a loan from another bank, even borrowed all the money in my children’s college funds.

National Bank of Commerce’s original location was in Altus. We first expanded into Enid, then to Kingfisher, Oklahoma City and into Tulsa. As chairman of NBC, I review all loans that are made in the bank along with lending activity, statements, how much money we have, how much we have to loan and invest. I spend time talking to the bank presidents, to CFOs who do the investments and to accounting.

My passion for arts came after I moved to Altus and began serving on lots of local boards, like the Shortgrass Arts and Humanities Council. My involvement in statewide and national organizations was more about economic development. I used to go on recruiting trips to California with Congressmen. I would ask these companies to build facilities in southwest Oklahoma, but they would ask me, “Do you have symphony? Theater? Higher education?” They never asked about taxes or other financial factors. It was always about how their people would feel living there.

The arts and humanities really matter. Americans For the Arts now has economic data to support these theories. We can prove that the arts pay. I have gotten involved in the arts from an economic standpoint, but I learn more from them than they get from me.

Laws of the Land

By

Patrick Nelson

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December 16, 2011

If you’re one of those people who gets bored at work and spends your entire day surfing the internet, I have two things to tell you. The first is thank you. Because of your laziness and lack of productivity, I’m able to live an enjoyable life as a stay-at-home blogger. The second is to perform a search for weird Oklahoma laws. You’ll be surprised what you’ll find.

However, if you’re one of those loyal, hardworking employees who doesn’t waste away your day online, you may never get a chance to read about some of our state’s bizarre laws. That’s why I decided to do you a favor and share seven of the weirdest I found online. In all honesty, I’m not sure if they are real or just urban legends, but they were found on a random internet webpage. Those things are never wrong.

It is against the law to read a comic book while operating a motor vehicle. Sure, you can legally text, tweet and stalk your ex-boyfriend on Facebook while driving, but you can’t read a comic book. That’s silly. That said, if you’re ever caught breaking this law, just inform the officer that you’re reading a graphic novel. He may make fun of you, but at least you won’t get a ticket.

Whaling is illegal. I think this is a good law. Even though we don’t have any known whales within our border, if one ever does show up, we don’t want some yahoo on Grand Lake shooting it with a harpoon. That would be gross.

Clothes may not be washed in birdbaths in Wynona. With the threat of the bird flu, this makes sense. Know what doesn’t make sense? Living in Wynona. When the name of your town makes people think of the masculine Judd, it’s probably time to move.

Fish may not be contained in fishbowls while on a public bus. Maybe if this ordinance were lifted, more people would use public transit. Wait, we live in Oklahoma. Nobody uses public transit.

It’s against the law to walk backwards in downtown while eating a hamburger in Oklahoma City. Pfft, like Oklahomans walk anywhere. Besides, it’s really hard to walk backward and dip your burger in ranch dressing, anyway.

In Bromide, it is illegal for children to use towels as capes and jump from houses pretending to be Superman. This law is weird. Were the kids genuinely pretending to be Superman or where they upset that they lived in Bromide? Considering the town is named for a 19th-century sedative, I’ll go for the latter.

Women may not gamble in the nude, in lingerie, or while wearing a towel in Schulter. This law is just dumb. Women should have the freedom to wear whatever they want (or don’t want) when gambling at a casino…or my home poker game.

Read Patrick’s other Oklahoma outrages at www.thelostogle.com.

Alterna-Bubblies

By

Brian Schwartz

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December 16, 2011

With the exception of eggnog, no other adult holiday beverage is as associated with the holidays as Champagne. But many feel that Champagne – the appellation given to sparkling wines produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France – is costly, confusing and stuffy.

Today, though, savvy oenophiles can enjoy the crisp, bubbly joy without the cost and complexity thanks to domestic and foreign alternatives.

Sparkling wines from the US (“New World Sparklers”) are fair alternatives with broad pricing. Expect to spend $20-$30 for a solid sparkler for your holiday festivities.

Prosecco is a well-known Italian sparkling wine, generally sweet but less complicated than Champagne. It’s a ubiquitous component of the Bellini and is used in other cocktails. It’s made from the Charmat method and not intended for long-term storage. You’ll want to determine which wine you prefer and if you lean toward dry, extra dry or brut. But that’s not hard since decent Proseccos can be found for $15 and up. Opt for those marked with a “DOC” or “DOCG” as good indicators of quality.

Cava is a Spanish wine similar to Prosecco. It also comes in various levels of sweetness and is meant to be consumed, not aged. Although often less common than Prosecco, it also comes in a broad range of price points with the less expensive usually being sweeter.

Simply Healthy

By

Staff

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December 16, 2011

The holiday season brings to us what I call “feasting,” with all the gatherings laden with sweets and consumption of our traditional family-favorite dishes. Many people will gain up to six pounds during this season from overindulging, stress and lack of exercise. Stress causes cortisol levels to soar, which can lead to insulin resistance and weight gain. The good news is that exercise will improve insulin resistance and stress. By monitoring consumption of extra calories, along with some willpower, one can prevent unwanted weight gain. Moderate indulgence in these holiday treats may help curb the dreaded six.

Egg Nog

1 c. 60-calorie Almond Breeze milk
1/4 c. egg beaters
1/4 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. rum-flavored extract

Mix ingredients in a blender until frothy. Sprinkle with nutmeg before serving.

One glass: 91 calories, 7 g. protein.

Fiber Treats

4 squares of 72 percent cacao dark chocolate
2 c. (or 58 pieces) Kashi Cinnamon Harvest squares
Sprinkles

Melt chocolate in microwave. Dip one side of each cereal piece in the chocolate and flip onto a plate, chocolate side up. Sprinkle colorful sprinkles and chill for 10 minutes in refrigerator.

14 squares: 122 calories, 3 g. fiber, 3 g. protein, no sodium.

Bearing The Burden

By

Angelique Pearson

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December 16, 2011

In today’s society, appearance holds the utmost value. Skin, the body’s largest organ, is a reflection of both health and attractiveness. Skin conditions are among the most commonly occurring health problems on a worldwide scale, and they can have tremendous psychological, social and even financial effects on individuals. The good news is that most common skin conditions are treatable, leaving little if any impact.

Acne

No matter what you call it, acne can be an aggravating and unrelenting condition. While people of all ages develop acne, the part that hormones are thought to play in the condition causes teenagers and women who are either pregnant or experiencing their menstrual cycle to be the most commonly affected.

“In the majority of males, acne burns out in their early 20s, with the exception of back and chest acne. Unfortunately women aren’t always that lucky,” says Dr. Lawrence Gregg of the Tulsa Dermatology Clinic.

Commonly-held misconceptions are that chocolate, greasy foods and even dirt are factors in the development of acne. Experts say that hormones, bacteria, heredity and the use of certain medications are large factors in causing mild to severe acne.

The good news is that the majority of acne can be treated with over-the-counter medication. Experts recommend that if the condition is affecting social interaction and self-esteem due to skin damage and scarring seeking the attention of a qualified dermatologist could be called for. If consulting a dermatologist is needed, “most acne can be treated within a 16-week period with topical or systemic treatments,” says Gregg.

Topical medications containing benzoyl peroxide or antibiotics are most commonly prescribed. In cases of severe acne, oral antibiotics or isotretinoin is prescribed in order to reduce bacteria and inflammation.

Psoriasis

Affecting more than 7.5 million people, psoriasis is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the United States. The Tulsa Dermatology Clinic sees an average of 20 patients per week for psoriasis alone. The condition is considered to be a chronic disease characterized by small, silvery scales, dry or cracked skin and, in severe cases, swollen or stiff joints.

The cause of psoriasis is related to the immune system and environmental factors that interact with those affected. In normal bodily function, the T-cell, a white blood cell, fights off infection and disease. In the case of a body affected by psoriasis, the T-cells attack healthy skin cells, causing an increase in both healthy skin cells and T-cells. This in turn causes a build-up of dead skin and white blood cells because the body does not have time to slough them off in a natural process.

Psoriasis manifests in several forms, including plaque psoriasis, the most common form of the condition, which causes painful, red, raised scaling lesions that occur all over the body, including the mouth and genitals.

Psoriasis is a severe, recurring condition in which several complications like social isolation, low self-esteem, depression and fluid and electrolyte imbalances can occur. For these reasons, Gregg recommends that individuals seek regular treatment from a qualified physician.

“Effective treatments for psoriasis are a combination of light therapy and systemic medications,” he says. “Thankfully, most cases are fairly mild and can be controlled with regular treatment.”

Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness and pimples across the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. Commonly referred to as “adult acne,” this condition affects a reported 16 million Americans.

“Rosacea is commonly seen in individuals of Celtic ancestry and between the ages of 35 and 78,” Gregg says.

Common symptoms of rosacea include a flushed face, red bumps appearing across the nose, cheeks, forehead and nose; tiny, red veins that have the appearance of spider webs; dry, irritated eyes and stinging facial skin.

Consistent medical treatment is recommended for this condition to prevent worsening of the disease.

“Treatments containing a sulfate agent, metro-gels, metro-lotions, and systemic medications are generally successful,” Gregg says.

Beat The Fatigue

By

Becky Sowers

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December 16, 2011

Wouldn’t it be nice to work in a culture that believed “nap time” should be adhered to even after kindergarten? Latin countries get it right with daily siestas; unfortunately, that’s not an option for the US workforce.

“Before turning to food, there are a number of things you can do for a lift,” says Suzanne Forsberg, RD/LD, with St. John Healthy Lifestyles.

“Stand up, place arms over your head, and stretch while taking deep breaths: This will help oxygenate your body and brain. And try laughing,” she continues. “A good laugh is like your heart is jogging. Laughing reduces stress hormones, changes our perspectives, and connects us with others.”

Here are some other easy ways to ward off energy lulls in your day.

Drink more water. According to Dr. Shawna McCalip, a physician with Utica Park Clinic, the first thing to do for fatigue is make sure you are hydrated.

“Most people do not drink enough water,” says McCalip. “Getting into the habit of having a refillable water bottle with you at all times greatly increases the likelihood that you will drink more fluids.”

Eat throughout the day. Instead of eating three large meals, eat small meals throughout the day. This will help keep your blood sugar stabilized and provide energy in a more consistent way. McCalip and Forsberg agree that intake of caffeine and chocolate should be limited. Both energize and sharpen the mind – temporarily; however, they recommend portion control because of caffeine/sugar highs and lows and the energy roller coaster that follows.

Eat smart. McCalip recommends that meals be made up of low-fat items, complex carbs and a protein source.

“Think an apple and string cheese or Greek yogurt with a few tablespoons of nuts,” says McCalip.

Get up and move. While it may feel counterintuitive to exercise when fatigued, it can actually release endorphins and flood your body with much-needed oxygen. Just five minutes of revved up activity will leave you energized and focused.

“Hit the stairs, do wall push-ups, walk around the parking lot or simply stand up and sit down several times in your chair,” advises Forsberg.

Steer clear of energy drinks. “Energy drinks have been linked to a number of serious complications including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke – even among young and healthy individuals,” warns McCalip. “Other side effects are jittery sensations, diarrhea, nausea, palpitations and irregular heartbeat and lightheadedness.”

Take your vitamins. While there is no direct evidence of increased energy with vitamins such as B12, anecdotal stories abound.

“Vitamin supplements in moderation are potentially beneficial and are not dangerous,” says McCalip. “However, the practice of ‘loading up’ with large doses of vitamins doesn’t increase health or improve energy. What it does do is create expensive urine as your body filters out the excess.”

If all else fails, try re-fueling.

“Snacks are usually high in sugar, fat and salt, so I avoid typical snack foods. I like to think of a boost as ‘fuel’ for my body,” says Forsberg. “So I choose between eating a honey straw (15 calories), eating a 500-milligram chewable vitamin C tablet (15 calories each; limit two daily); or eating a glucose tablet (15 calories), followed by a 16-ounce cup of water.”

Bottom line: The keys to increasing energy include staying hydrated, steering clear of high-fat/high-sugar foods, and exercising – just 20 minutes a day can make a significant difference in your health and energy.

Safe And Secure

By

Tamara Logsdon Hawkinson

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December 16, 2011

With a smartphone, iPad or laptop, you can remotely monitor and control virtually every electric and electronic device throughout your home interconnected with a fully automated security system. A “smart house” system provides more benefits than just outsmarting the crooks.

“When I arm my system, it automatically adjusts the thermostat, turns off the lights and locks the doors,” says Josh Jones, general manager of TnT Security Systems. And parents can even receive an automatic text or email when their children get home from school, he adds.

According to Clint Morrison, vice president of Advance Alarms, the options of today’s systems are so extensive that homeowners can even monitor their home’s back-up generator.

“If the generator powers up, we are notified that the home has had a power outage,” says Morrison.

Cellular transmission and wireless components are the two driving innovations in current automated systems providing a new level of control, accessibility and connection with the home. This eliminates the need for a traditional telephone landline and opens endless possibilities for remote 24/7 access to your home and family.

Jones recalls a recent trip to Oklahoma City.

“A workman needed to get inside our home. I was able to disarm the alarm system and unlock the door, all from 100 miles away,” says Jones.

Safety concerns beyond the typical home invasion or break-ins are also addressed with automated home systems by integrating heat monitors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide monitoring and even flood detection.

Morrison says they often install a flood monitor in kitchens.

“A small leak over time can damage wood floors, so this provides peace of mind,” he says.

It’s all about lifestyle management. Video surveillance cameras can be placed throughout the property and live streamed while at work. Forgot to turn off the lights? No problem. Plus you’ll never have to arrive home to a dark house. And because the system is synced to the homeowner’s zip code, text messages are sent whenever there is a severe weather alert.

A home automation system can also provide peace of mind and convenience for families when at home. In addition to controlling lights, locks, thermostats, appliances and even window coverings, activities around the house can also be monitored, such as when certain doors open, notifying parents when children go in or out.

Technological innovations have made safeguarding your property and family not only convenient but also affordable. Both locally owned security firms work with individual clients to customize their security needs within budgetary guidelines.

“Systems can be set up for as little as $200,” explains Jones.

“A few years ago, typically only houses in the million dollar range would install whole house systems. Now the technology is available for homes of all prices,” says Morrison.

In fact, the new systems can even help offset the small monthly monitoring fee by saving the homeowner money with lower utility costs by controlling the thermostat and lights when no one is at home.

Keeping your home safe and secure is now affordable and convenient.

Downtown Diamond

Set Up For Love

This Magic Moment

Natural Goes Mainstream

Naturally Different

The Price of Natural

Egg Nog

Fiber Treats

Acne

Psoriasis

Rosacea

Most popular

Editor's choice

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