brown county home builders associationto put together mismatched dresses for their bridesmaids,...

WomenJANUARY 3 1 , 2017

MariMcAllister-Charles

BROWN COUNTY HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

mywomenmagazine.com

Green Bay|Appleton|Neenah/Menasha|Oshkosh|Fond du Lacbridal issue

Wedding ringsthat wowHealthyheartsSecrets fora longer,happier life

WWW.MYWOMENMAGAZINE.COM

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You can go into a day with a preconceived idea of what you are going to accomplish — your to-do list — and one phone call or one member walks in and it completely blows your day. Membership in our organization is 100 percent optional, so when amember walks through the door, they are ourNo. 1 priority.

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— Mari McAllister-Charles,Brown County Home Builders Association

SPECIAL SECTION | 5 tips formismatched bridesmaid dresses

by Kat Boogaard

Wedding rings that wowby Kelly Dvorak

BODY | Fashion trends 2017by Katie Ellingson

HEALTH | Prevention for ahealthy heart

by Lauren Waters

Cervical cancer facts and figures

MIND | Something old,something new

by Lu Ann Vander Zanden

COVER | Mari McAllister-Charlesby Jennifer Hogeland

MIND | How to plan the perfectromantic getaway

by Alison Ver Halen

ASPIRE | Secrets for a longer,happier life by Emily Bowles

SPIRIT | Combating pessimismby Dr. Jeffrey Chapman

Brinkley's Boutique finds nichewhile encouraing kindness

by Jennifer Hogeland

Checking In 4 Question of the Month 5 Recipe 38

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Women I JANUARY 31, 20174

the holidays are behind us, your resolutions are hopefully still in place and it’s time to look at the year ahead. For many, 2017 will be the year they say, “I do!”

Engagement season is here. Research suggests nearly 40 per-cent of couples get engaged between November and February. If

you’re soon-to-be-engaged or newly engaged, this issue is for you. Check out our stories on selecting bridesmaid dresses or picking out

a ring that “wows.” If you already have a lovely ring on your finger, dis-cover how to properly care for it.

Also, February is heart month. Writer Lauren Waters reveals how to keep your heart healthy.

Cover woman Mari McAllister-Charles, executive officer for the Brown County Home Builders Association, recently committed to strengthen-ing her heart and improving her health as one of the 2016 American Heart Association Go Red Challenge participants. Read about her suc-cesses and her commitment to building a great community.

Happy reading!

Jennifer Hogeland, [email protected]

checking in

is published every four weeks by Asare Enterprises, LLC. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the consent of the publisher.

For a subscription to Women, send name, address & phone number to: Women, 1835 E. Edgewood Drive, Suite 105 #26, Appleton, WI 54913 or call 920-205-6407. Send $16 for 1 year/13 issues or $30 for a 2 year/26 issue subscription. Or e-mail us at [email protected].

Publisher Leslie [email protected]

Editor Jennifer [email protected]

Nancy MeilahnMarketing [email protected]

Contributing writers Kat Boogaard,Emily Bowles, Kelly Dvorak, KatieEllingson, Jennifer Hogeland, AlisonVer Halen, Lauren Waters

Volume 15 Number 6 | January 31, 2017

Caryn JuidiciMarketing [email protected]

Jill UllmerMarketing [email protected]

Terry WingMarketing [email protected]

Patti HankeMarketing [email protected]

Women

Women

Cover photography by Kim Martin, Accent Photography by Kim,Green Bay.Hair and Makeup by Jessica Ullmer, owner of Salon Elan, Green Bay.

Mari McAllister-Charles

CORRECTIONPart of the story “Tips to Getting and Keeping your Closet Organized” in our Jan. 1 issue was omitted, includ-ing a source’s full name. We sincerely apologize for the error and to Jennifer Strachan, professional organizer and owner of In Its Place Organizing in Northeast Wisconsin.

WEDDING

WWW.MYWOMENMAGAZINE.COM 5

Questionof the Month

memory?what is your favorite

Walking down the aisle and getting my first look at my soon-to-be husband! There were so many emotions running through me and it was so special to see the big grin on his face. I wish we could go back in time and have the wedding all

over again! It truly was the most beautiful day.

Kristen McKenzie, Oshkosh

Besides the ceremony and the personal vows my husband and I wrote for each other, my favorite part of my wedding was surprising my guests with a unique father-daughter dance.

We began with the traditional "Butterfly Kissing" and halfway through broke out in a routine to a mash-up of hits. Everyone loved it and it's something I will never forget him doing for me.Samantha Sanchez, Oshkosh

A foot of snow had fallen while we were inside the church, my heart sank looking at my long dress and the snow barrier to our car waiting to take us to the reception. The snow

seemed to confirm the multiple objections that had been raised by both families when we proposed a winter wedding. Mick just laughed, scooped me up and stepped over the snow to the car. The snow and reception continued late into the night — winter wedding magic!Marcella O'Malley,Green Bay

One of my favorite wedding memories was when my husband and his groomsmen came home from picking up their tuxes the day be-fore the wedding. They had used my husband’s

inseam to hem his slacks — they ended up to be clamdiggers! We all laughed and were thankful he had his own tux slacks to use in a pinch.Barbara Pandolfo, Ashwaubenon

I am not married yet, but will be on June 24th. My favorite memory so far is the proposal. My fiancé is a board member of a charitable organiza-tion called Softball for a Cause and I sponsored

their team during the September tourna-ment. The organization brought me out on the field to thank me as a sponsor and Jamie, my fiancé, turned me around to find my entire family walking in behind with a banner asking me to marry him. When I turned back to him he was down on one knee and of course I said yes. Until the day I walk down the aisle this is the best memory so far.Jessica Walters, Appleton

Standing at the entrance to the church about to walk down the aisle with my father is my favorite wedding memory. I was very nervous! I remember seeing the faces of fam-ily and friends looking

at me excitedly and seeing Mark, my husband, standing at the altar. I remember taking my father's arm, taking a deep breath and then taking the first step into the church.Jessica Schmoll, Seymour

SPECIAL SECTION weddings


5TIPS5or Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

by KAT BOOGAARD


TIPSI

f you hear the phrase “bridesmaid dress” and immediately picture unflattering and matching gowns that inspire a collective groan from a disgruntled crew of brides-maids, it’s time to think again. Those days

of identical dresses are quickly fading away, in favor of mismatched ensembles that are still complimentary.

By mixing up everything from style to color to fabric, today’s bride is after a more eclectic look. Even better? The varied dress approach also gives bridesmaids the opportunity to select a dress that best flatters their skin tone or body type, which in turn makes them feel that much more confident and comfortable when standing next to the bride on her big day.

Of course, the end result can be absolutely beautiful, as long as it’s pulled off correctly.

But, what do brides need to know in order to put together mismatched dresses for their bridesmaids, without it looking like a completely cluttered disaster? Well, they should start by

keeping these five tips from local wedding ex-perts in mind.

1. HAVE A VISIONAs counterintuitive as it might seem, this mis-

matched approach requires quite a bit of plan-ning, strategy and thought.

“You first have to start with a vision of how you want your ladies to look,” says Katie McCarty, owner of Erika’s Bridal Couture in Neenah. “This is not an approach for a bride who is looking to be hands-off for dress shopping.” She explains a bride’s vision can range from broad to specific.

For example, some brides land on a color fam-ily, like pastels, while others decide on a general color, like shades of green. Other brides may want a very specific color — like mint — and then switch up the style while keeping the shade consistent.

The important thing is to have an idea of what you’re aiming for. With so many choices avail-

5or Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses



able, that will make the whole process less over-whelming.

2. STICK WITH A COHE-SIVE COLOR PALETTE

Speaking of colors, this is something you’re go-ing to want to put some thought into in order to ensure your bridesmaids end up looking like they should actually be stand-ing next to each other.

“Stay in the same color palette,” explains Tiffani Ebben, owner of Tiffani’s Bridal and Consignment in Appleton. “If you want pinks, then do different shades of pinks or blush-es. Don’t mix blue, green and orange.”

By staying consistent with your color selec-

tions, you’ll be certain that the look of your bridal party flows, without any jarring or clashing shades.

3. ENSURE FABRICS ARE COMPLIMENTARYSimilarly, you’ll want to pay attention to the fabrics

you’re selecting to ensure that certain ones don’t stick out too much from the rest of the bridesmaids.

“Try and stick with similar looking fabrics,” Ebben adds. “Don’t throw a satin bridesmaid dress in when you have primarily lace in the others. This can cause confusion and the bridal party won’t flow properly.”

4. KEEP ONE ELEMENT THE SAMEThere’s a big difference between mismatched and a

total mess. It’s for that reason that brides should plan co

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to keep at least one thing consistent between dresses.“Mismatched groups should have at least one ele-

ment of the dress the same,” says McCarty, “whether it is length, fabric, pattern or color.”

5. DON’T USE YOUR IMAGINATIONOf course, a little bit of imagination and creativ-

ity is great when deciding on your vision for your bridesmaid dresses, but when it comes to the actual selection, you’ll want to make sure to get a real look at them beforehand, rather than just imagining what they’ll look like.

“Do a practice lineup to make sure that it’s the look you are going for,” says Ebben. “Don’t let your imagi-nation do the work.”

Mismatched bridesmaid dresses can be a gorgeous look that gives each member of the bridal party the chance to find something she feels great in. But, pull-ing it off in a way that looks intentional involves a little bit of thought and prior planning.

Implement these five tips, and you’re sure to achieve a result you love. And, above anything, remember Ebben’s wise words: “Make this a fun day with your girls and don’t overthink the process.” w

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TIPS

wow!

Is there an engagement in your future? Choosing the per-fect engagement ring is a very personal process. It’s all about your style, your personality and your life.

These tips from local professional jewelers can help you pick out the perfect symbol of your love and your future life together.


WEDDINGRINGS THAT

by KELLY DVORAK


wow!THE METAL

Most engagement rings come in yellow gold, white gold or platinum,

according to Paul Wagner, owner of Reimer Jewelers in Oshkosh. White

gold has been the trend for a long time, says Wagner, but recently, yellow gold has

started making a comeback. Depending on your job and your lifestyle, you may want to consider durability when choos-ing the right metal for your ring. According to Craig Slavens, owner of Studio 247 in Neenah, platinum is a great metal, but it’s not as durable as white gold. Talk to your professional jeweler to find out what’s right for you.

THE CENTER STONEBoth professional jewelers agree that when looking at center stones

for your engagement ring, quality is more important than quantity. “Peo-ple tend to get too caught up in carat weight,” says Slavens. “In fact, the proportions of a stone are more important.” Slavens advises choosing the cut of the diamond first, and then making sure you find a stone that’s properly proportioned.

Other considerations include the stone’s color and clarity. A diamond’s color is graded on a letter scale of D, E, F, G, H, I or J, explains Wagner. He

recommends choosing a colorless diamond if you can, with a color classification of D, E or F. Clarity refers to imperfections in a dia-

mond called inclusions. Perfect clarity is not necessary. Slight imperfections show that the diamond was actually made

by the earth, advises Wagner. He adds, “It makes your stone unique.”

While diamonds are the most common choice for engagement rings, Wagner reveals about

10 percent of people choose a colored gem-stone as their center stone. Sapphires are

very traditional; rubies and emeralds are good choices for those looking for a diamond alternative.

THE SETTINGChoosing or de-

signing the setting of the ring is the last step. “Halo” rings

are very popular right now, suggests

Slavens. A halo setting features a center stone

surrounded completely by smaller accent diamonds or

colored gemstones. Other setting choices include a bezel or a chan-nel, which can be more durable, says Slavens, depending on the ring’s wearer. Pave and bead set-tings tend to be more delicate.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR RING.“Diamonds are the hardest

substance on earth, but not the toughest,” says Slavens. Yes, even diamonds are susceptible to chip-ping and other damage when not cared for properly. The metal part of the ring can also be scratched and dented. Slavens recommends taking off your ring when doing things like gardening, washing dishes, lifting weights or other ac-tivities that could damage either the stones or the metal. He ex-plains diamonds also have an af-finity for oils, so try to avoid hand lotions.

When cleaning your ring, Slavens recommends using a soft toothbrush with mild soap and water. You can also use liq-uid jewelry cleaner, as long as it doesn’t contain ammonia. Pro-fessional maintenance is also key. Wagner asks his customers to bring their rings in every six months for professional cleaning and inspection. “Just like your car, your ring requires maintenance,” he concludes. w

WEDDINGRINGS THAT

12

BODY fashion

With the start of a new year, there will be some fun new fashion

trends to watch for. Local experts share their tips on how to make a

stylish transition from the frigid days of winter to the warmth of spring.

Kim Verheyden, owner of Apricot Lane in Green Bay, says that the

styles for spring will still have the Boho vibe but will be adding in a lot

of pastel light colors. One of the hottest styles are tops with the shoul-

der exposed. “The ‘cold shoulder’ style is trending for spring, which will

include tops and dresses,” says Verheyden.

Tina Palmer, owner/buyer at Vintique in Neenah says that this spring

will be a fun season for fashion. “Spring of 2017 will bring a mix of

materials, Cuban embroidery, soft whites, pretty yellows and pinks,” she

says.

ColorsColors that will be trending

as we transition from winter to spring are blush pink, mint green, serenity blue (light blue), white denim and olive green, says Verheyden. “We will see a lot of solid colors, yet still mixing in floral prints for tops and dresses,” she adds.

HOTSTYLESFOR THENEWYEAR

fashion trends

2017

by KATIE ELLINGSON


PantsAnother hot look this spring will be tops and

pants with stripes. “Banker and seaside stripes will be designed into pants and structured tops,” adds

Palmer. “Look for khakis in taupes as well as olives. The pant styles are very 1940’s Katherine Hepburn style,” she says.


Dresses and topsAs far as dresses, anything with a mock neck is in style,

says Verheyden, as well as dresses that fall just above the knee paired with spring-colored leggings or Moto jeggings. “Dresses will be soft and flowing in silks as well as cottons,” says Palmer.

Suede fabrics in spring colors will be trending, as well as ruffled tops and dresses.

Shoes and accessoriesDon’t forget to complete your outfit with the latest in

fashionable footwear. Verheyden recommends ankle booties in light colors with a lot of detailing, such as cut-out designs, braiding and exposed zippers. Sandals are another popular option.

“We’re definitely still seeing sandals with a little wedge,” adds Verheyden. “Not Gladiator-style, but a smaller version that zips up above the ankle with a lot of detailing.”

Add a little bling to your ensemble with jewelry. Ver-heyden says chokers are the top trending jewelry item. “Chokers are definitely on trend for spring — all colors and fabrics,” says Verheyden. Dainty layered necklaces are also popular. Another trend will be bejeweled statement pen-dants and long lanyards loaded with charms.

Anklets are in: the new styles include gilded ankle stacks, crystal-studded cuffs and charm-heavy strands, according to InStyle.com. Other hot accessories include leather crossbody bags and keychains with a leather tassel. w

fashion trends

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14

by LAUREN WATERS

According to the American Heart Association, nearly one of every three deaths is from cardiovascular disease, which is our na-

tion’s No. 1 killer. An even more staggering statistic is that almost 80 percent of heart disease is pre-ventable. For women, there are

HEALTH heart health

PREVENTION FOR A HEALTHY HEART

a lot of misconceptions when it comes to heart disease, which is why knowing the risk factors and how to improve your heart health is so important.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMSHeart disease symptoms are often overlooked because initially they

may not seem like a big cause for concern, explains Dr. Carrie Chapman, cardiologist with ThedaCare Cardiovascular Care in Appleton.

“A lot of women don’t realize what they’re experiencing are heart is-sues,” she says. “And the longer you delay seeking medical attention,

the more problems you can have.”The main sign that something is wrong is chest pressure,

not necessarily pain as you may think, Dr. Chapman ex-plains. It can also be in your neck, shoulders, back or

arms. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness and lightheadedness. She shares

that one patient thought she had the flu based on the symptoms she were experi-encing, when in actuality, it was heart problems.

PREVENTATIVE CAREDr. Chapman says that when

it comes to avoiding heart problems, prevention is key. The

first step is having routine check-ups with your primary care physi-cian, she stresses.

“Know your numbers — weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, etc.,” Dr. Chapman explains. “If any of these are abnormal, then additional screening may be needed.”



She says this is especially important if you have anyone in your family with a history of heart disease.

Dr. Paul Pienkos, interventional cardiologist for Pre-vea Heart & Vascular Care in Green Bay, explains that if a patient has any heart disease risk factors — fam-ily history, smoker, high blood pressure — a doctor might recommend a CT scan of the heart called a Cal-cium Score.

“A Calcium Score measures the plaque build-up in a person’s arteries around the heart,” says Dr. Pienkos. “This can be used to identify if a person is at a higher risk of heart disease and if any additional screening needs to be done.”

He also says if you want to keep your heart healthy, it’s important to think about your lifestyle choices.

“Now that it’s a new year, develop a plan to get healthy,” he says. “Quit smoking, start exercising, eat better. Do something every day to move yourself to-ward a healthier lifestyle.”

Swap your fast food lunch for a salad or walk on the treadmill during your favorite show, Dr. Pienkos says. He recommends following a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and exercising 30-minutes 4 to 5 times a week to improve heart health.

“I know your life is hectic, but it’s important that you find time to take care of yourself,” he says. “Small changes can really have long-term effects on your health.”

Make 2017 the year you focus on improving the health of your heart. Plus, all of the things you can do to benefit your heart will do wonders for other areas of your health as well. It’s a win-win! w

NEWHEART STENTIN GREEN BAYIn September of 2016, the interventional cardiol-ogy team at Prevea Heart & Vascular Care in Green Bay became the first in Wisconsin to implant a new, state-of-the-art heart stent. The Absorb™ bioresorb-able vascular scaffold, or “Absorb stent,” is made of a naturally-dissolving material and literally disappears in approximately three years.

Its job is to keep a clogged artery open and promote healing of the treated artery segment. Once healed, the artery can function more naturally than when a traditional metal stent is used.

The Absorb stent is now offered at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay.

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.

• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

• Other signs such as break-ing out in a cold sweat, nau-

sea or lightheadedness.

• As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symp-toms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

If you have any of these signs, call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.

Heart Attack Signs in Women

Courtesy of American Heart Association, www.heart.org.

HEALTH cervival cancer

STATS, FACTS & MORE


Cervical cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the cervix. Humanpapillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major risk factor forcervicalcancer.

WHEN DETECTED AT AN EARLY STAGE, THE 5-YEAR SURVIVAL RATEFOR WOMENWITH INVASIVE CERVICALCANCER IS

The 5-year survival rate for women with cervical cancer is

68%. The 10-year survival rate is 64%. Survival rates are de-pendent on many fac-tors, including the stage of cervical cancer that is diagnosed.

This year, an estimated

12,990 women in theU.S. will be diagnosed withcervical cancer. An estimated 4,120 deaths from thedisease will occur this year.

Statistics adapted from the American Cancer Society’s publication, Cancer Facts & Figures 2016.

92%.

CERVICAL CANCER:

• THE STAGE OF THE CANCER.

• THE TYPE OF CERVICAL CANCER.

• THE PATIENT'S DESIRE TO HAVE CHILDREN.

• THE PATIENT’S AGE.

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Most women do not have signs or symp-toms of early-stage cervical cancer. The following could be signs or symptomsof cervical cancer:• Blood spots or light bleeding be-tween or follow-ing periods• Menstrual bleeding that is longer or heavier than usual• Bleeding after intercourse• Bleeding after menopause• Increased vaginaldischarge

IN ADDITION TO APHYSICAL EXAM,THE FOLLOWING TESTS MAY BE USEDTO DIAGNOSE CERVICAL CANCER:• PAP TEST – The doctor gently scrapes the outside of the cervix and vagina, taking samples of the cells for testing.• PELVIC EXAMINATION – The doctor feels a woman’s uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, bladder and rectum to check for

unusual changes.• HPV TYPING – Similar to the Pap test, a sample of cells is collected from the patient’s cervix.

• COLPOSCOPY – This special instrument checks the cervix for abnormal areas. • BIOPSY – A biopsy is the removal of a small amountof tissue for examination under a microscope.

According to cancer.net

According to cancer.net

According to cancer.gov

Cervical cancertreatment options depend on:

18

MIND wedding traditions

by LU ANN VANDER ZANDEN

Brides often buy a blue garter to wear with their wedding gown, and then ask the meaning of the old rhyme, “something

old, something new.”

The something old – Usually the bride chooses a piece of jewelry or a family wedding gown or ac-cessory to represent the continu-ity of happiness from generation to generation. This item symbol-izes the ties between the families.

The something new – The mar-riage represents a new beginning, so wearing something new helps bring good fortune and success to this new union.

The something borrowed – The something borrowed is usually something from a married friend

to bring happiness to the new couple. A handkerchief, jewelry or pieces of wedding attire are all possibilities for something borrowed.

The something blue – The tradition dates back to biblical times when blue stood for purity and fidelity. Today, the tradition continues whether the bride chooses a garter or has her gown trimmed in blue.

And an addition to the rhyme “and a sixpence in your shoe” is one that many brides like as well.

Placing a coin in the left shoe is to ensure wealth, so the bride will al-ways have money. w

Lu Ann Vander Zanden is the owner of Bridal Elegance and Formalwear in Kaukauna.


SOMETHING

OLD,SOMETHING

NEW

by LU ANN VANDER ZANDEN

Ascension Women’s Magazine Kyle

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COVER Mari McAllister-Charles


by JENNIFER HOGELAND

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIM MARTIN, ACCENT PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIM, GREEN BAY.HAIR AND MAKEUP BY JESSICA ULLMER, OWNER OF SALON ELAN, GREEN BAY.


MariMcAllister-Charlesdiscusseshomes andhealth

Most know Mari McAllister-Charles as executive officer of the Brown County Home Builders Association, an organization she has poured her heart into for nearly 25 years. And while McAllister-Charles does a great deal to make her mark on the community, she’s also committed to improving her own health.

HEALTH CHALLENGE ACCEPTEDLast winter, McAllister-Charles was one of five women from Greater Green

Bay selected to participate in the American Heart Association’s Go Red Chal-lenge, a 12-week program where challengers worked with fitness and nutrition sponsors as well as with financial fitness and mental well-being sponsors.


McAllister-Charles explains her father’s failing health inspired her to apply for the Challenge.

“About 5 years ago my father had a terrible episode. They thought he’d have to have stents put in and ended up having a quadruple bypass. In that period of time, his health greatly de-clined and I realized that I didn’t want that to happen to me,” says McAllister-Charles. “At that point, I probably weighed 200 pounds, wasn’t eating well and wasn’t tak-ing care of myself — my knees

hurt and I would be out of breath going up a hill.”McAllister-Charles took the Go Red Challenge seriously. She cut back

on carbs and gave up sugar. During the three-month program, McAllis-ter-Charles lost 20 pounds. Add that to the weight she lost when she began her personal wellness journey earlier that year and she lost a total of 40 pounds.

“I did it to set an example for my family and as a personal goal for my-self,” she adds. “The holidays were wicked. It really made me realize you have to pay attention to your body and to your consumption … no one is going to do it for you.”

The 56-year-old intends to continue focusing on her health. McAllister-Charles was invited to be part of Western Racquet’s Executive Edge pro-gram. She says, “That is my next step to a healthy lifestyle and getting back into an exercise routine.”


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I TRY TO RUN THE ORGANIZA-TION LIKE IT’S MY OWN BUSINESS. I’VE BEEN BLESSED WITH AMAZING LEADER-SHIP WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION AND A GREAT STAFF. I ENJOY IT. IT NEVER MADE SENSE TO LEAVE.

LEADING THE ASSOCIATIONWhen asked why she stayed with the Brown County

Home Builders Association for so many years, McAl-lister-Charles explains she feels like an entrepreneur.

“I try to run the organization like it’s my own busi-ness,” she says. “I’ve been blessed with amazing lead-ership within the organization and a great staff. I en-joy it. It never made sense to leave.”

A team of six women work at the Association. McAl-lister-Charles reveals when interviewing a potential new hire, she explains they can’t have an ego.

“You must be able to shake hands with the governor in the morning and fry fish in the afternoon. We do it all,” says McAllister-Charles.

Frying fish is one part of the approximately 20 events hosted by the Brown County Home Builders Association. They have an all-you-can-eat steak and fish fry where they serve approximately 400 people.

The Association also organizes two new home showcases, a home expo, golf outing, annual auction and women in building event. There are several gen-eral member meetings throughout the year.

The Brown County Home Builders Association cel-ebrated its 60th anniversary in 2016. It has 700 mem-



bers and a board of 20; 17 of these are men.

“While it’s a male-dominated industry, I’ve always been made to feel like I’m one of the guys. They treat me with that level of respect,” adds McAllister-Charles.

As executive officer, McAllister-Charles has oversight on every-thing from events and budgets to community outreach. There is no typical day.

“You can go into a day with a preconceived idea of what you are going to accomplish — your to-do list — and one phone call or one member walks in and it completely blows your day. Mem-bership in our organization is 100 percent optional, so when a mem-ber walks through the door, they are our No. 1 priority,” she says.

A CHANGING INDUSTRYThe home building industry has

changed dramatically in the last 25 years. Before, builders would push homeowners to build for re-sale. Every home needed a formal living room and formal dining room to appeal to a future buyer. McAllister-Charles explains to-day’s homes are built for lifestyle.

The internet and DIY television is now dictating home styles.

“Technology has impacted the industry tremendously by al-lowing homeowners to see what is out there,” says McAllister-Charles. “Before, a home show is where people got ideas and saw what was up-and-coming. Now, people go to the home show be-cause they want to meet that in-dividual. We are still very much in the relationship business. People want to meet those people and have a level of confidence work-ing that individual; they want to see, feel and touch the product.”

Currently, the average age of an Association member is 50. McAl-lister-Charles and her team are

trying to demonstrate the value of membership to the next generation of home builders, plumbers, electricians and more.

“We’ve done some strategic planning and we are due within the next year or so to do another strategic plan. I think one of the highlights of that needs to be how do we engage the younger generation,” adds McAl-lister-Charles.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICEMuch of McAllister-Charles’ involvement outside the office relates to

the home building industry. She serves on the board for Crime Stoppers and Options for Independent Living.

“Our industry experiences a lot of jobsite theft. We have a program that we work with Crime Stoppers to help curtail that and give people an op-portunity to report theft,” she says.

˛˛

˛˛

WHILE IT’S A MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY, I’VE ALWAYS BEEN MADE TO FEEL LIKE I’M ONE OF THE GUYS. THEY TREAT ME WITH THAT LEVEL OF RESPECT.

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PERSONAL UP CLOSE

ANDWhere are you from?I was born in Algoma, but have lived in the Green Bay area nearly all my life. This has been a won-derful place to raise a family and a great community to establish career roots.

What do you like to do in your free time?I like to cook, watch movies and spend time with family. I like to golf, although I’m not very good. I’m also a little addicted to my iPad – I like to explore, play Toy Blast and check in on my friends on Facebook.

Where do you like to travel? We took a trip out east and we would definitely visit there again. Washington D.C. is probably my favorite city in the U.S. — the city has so much to offer. In February,

we are taking the family to Hawaii for 10 days.

What is something few people know about you?Most people don’t know I wanted to be a marine biologist. There really wasn’t a calling for it in Green Bay and I wasn’t adventur-ous enough after high school to go somewhere and pursue it. Instead, I just surround myself with the things I love. [Mari’s of-fice is full of photos and figurines of dolphins and whales.]

How do you plan to make 2017 the best year yet?I am blessed to be very happy in my life and I think this year for me is about giving thanks for everything I have. My plan for 2017 will be to continue making memories.

Options for Independent Living is a nonprofit orga-nization that works to keep people facing a disability in their homes as long as possible. McAllister-Charles can reach out to members to assist with a homeown-er’s independent living needs.

She also serves on several task forces and subcom-mittees at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College that relate to construction.

As a member of Management Women, McAllister-Charles has an outlet to connect with others that don’t have a correlation to the industry.

When away from work, McAllister-Charles is fo-cused on family. She has been married to her hus-band Tom for nearly 27 years. They have two children together, Drew, 25, and Katie, 23. “When we married, I was also blessed with my stepdaughter, Courtney. Our family rounds out with my son-in-law, Nick, and our granddaughter, Lyla, who will turn three in May.” Extended family is also close by.

When asked to imagine life in the next five to 10 years, McAllister-Charles anticipates retiring eventu-ally, but she’s in no rush.

She concludes, “I love my job and the people I work with and for, so I’m not in a hurry to hang it up.” w


To Keep Your Teeth, Take Care of Your GumsDo your gums bleed when brushing or flossing? It could be nothing. But then again, it could be the start of something quite serious, like gum disease.

Gum disease (periodontitis) develops slowly and without pain. You may not realize you have it until you experience bleeding or tenderness. You can also recognize gum disease by:

• Changes in the color of your gums. • Gums that are red around your teeth. • Shiny, puffy or sore gums. • Constant bad breath. • Sensitivity without reason.

Gum disease starts with plaque buildup, which hardens into tartar (or calculus) over a period of time and cannot be removed by simple brushing or flossing. In its early stages, it’s called gingivitis. Untreated, however, gingivitis can lead to periodontal gum disease.

Gums become inflamed and start to pull away from the teeth. The spaces and pockets left behind then become infected with bacteria, threatening the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.

Once gum disease sets in, brushing and flossing alone will not cure it. Treatment requires intensive professional dental attention.

The good news is that gum disease is entirely preventable! The key is to stick to the oral hygiene basics: daily brushing, flossing, and twice-yearly visits to your dentist’s office for cleanings.

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MIND

Wisconsin is a lovely place to enjoy in the summer, but in the winter, many of us start thinking about how we can get away —

taking off with that special some-one is the perfect excuse to avoid the snow and ice here.

Geoff Hendren, owner of Bon Voyage Boutique Travel, LLC in

Neenah, and Jean Barnes, a certified travel consultant with Heart of the Valley Travel in Appleton, participated in a Q&A interview to reveal how to pick a destination and make the most of a romantic getaway.

Q: What destinations are you seeing as honeymoon favorites right now?GH: Mexico and the Caribbean are always hot topics, but I’ve seen

quite a few honeymoons in the Maldives in the last year or so. They’re off the coast of India and hard to get to so they’re great for a true once-in-a-

by ALISON VER HALEN

travel

HOW TO PLAN THEPERFECT ROMANTIC GETAWAY

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lifetime trip to a place you’d never go back to. Mexico and the Caribbean are handy for honeymoons and destination weddings because they’re close enough for people to get to them.JB: We do a lot of trips to Mexico and the Caribbe-

an because they represent beaches in the winter. If you’re looking for winter getaways, there’s a Secrets resort in Maroma that is awesome and probably one of the nicest stretches of beach in the Mexican Riv-iera Maya area. That’s been very popular. In the Carib-bean, we’ve had a lot of interest in Punta Cana. Some couples dream about Hawaii and it’s such a beauti-ful destination, but it’s not all inclusive, so travelers have to take care of their own meals and drinks when they’re there.

HOW TO PLAN THEPERFECT ROMANTIC GETAWAY

Q: Are some destinations more popular at cer-tain times of the year than others?JB: Here in Wisconsin, winter is obviously a popular

time for a getaway, but there are great savings and value to be found for summer brides and couples that want to honeymoon or get away in summer months because, as we get towards hurricane season in late summer and into the fall, it’s not the prime time to take a trip. There are some great values if you can travel during those times, but then make sure you take out insurance to protect you should something unexpected come up.

Q: How can couples honeymoon on a budget?GH: Book early and have realistic expectations. If

you want a budget trip, you can’t expect five-star ac-commodations.JB: I would always say the earlier you can book a

package, the better. Price points seem to edge their way upwards, so the more notice you can give to the travel planner making the arrangements, the better you’re going to do with price where air tickets are concerned.

We also have a tour operator for last-minute plan-ners. It’s not for everyone, but sometimes you have a last-minute bride who just didn’t plan for a honey-moon, but they still want to get away, and there’s a tour operator that offers packages that will guarantee them a departure date and a destination and they can even choose the caliber of the hotel they want. There’s a price point given, but they will not know which ho-tel they’re going to be at and they won’t know where they’re going to until they get to the airport. If they’re looking for something a little more adventurous and they’re not picky about the hotel they want to stay at, there’s sometimes a great value to be found in that kind of vacation planning and it can work out really well for some couples. w

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ASPIRE to your health

Shhh ... these experts are ready to let you in on their secrets for how to live a longer, happier life.

The first secret? There are no secrets! Laura Grovogel, wellness manager at Aurora BayCare Medical Center, explains, “It’s really about well-rounded health and wellbeing.”

While that may mean longevity looks a little different for each of us, we can all enhance our lives by developing meaningful connections with others — and ourselves.

GET CONNECTEDGrovogel advises people to look for balance and to avoid any products

or people that promise quick fixes. “Eat healthy, move often and sleep between seven and nine hours each night,” she says.

In addition to these physical fixes, Grovogel also advocates resiliency, which can be found through social connection.

“Some experts call loneliness the new tobacco,” Grovogel says. “Social connection takes work, but its effects are worth it. Re-search has found that the number of friends a person has correlates with a meaningful life.”

VOLUNTEERWhy not find social connection

by giving back to the community as a volunteer?

“Volunteering can provide op-portunities to explore interests, learn new skills, meet people from different backgrounds and become part of a larger commu-nity,” says Colleen Holz, volunteer coordinator at the Appleton Pub-lic Library.

“As you give to others, you’ll find the joy and satisfaction that come from completing tasks and actively supporting a cause,” ex-plains Holz.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE

Community leader Sarah Schneider knows firsthand about the im-pact volunteering has on health and happi-ness. As the founder of Thrive lunch and an advocate for

SECRETS FOR ALONGER, HAPPIER LIFE



by EMILY BOWLES

the Fox Cities Exhibition Center, she gives back to the community. At the same time, she looks to her friends and mentors for strength.

“Surround yourself with people better than you,” recommends Schneider. “They’ll teach you, they’ll mentor you, they’ll keep you grounded, they’ll believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself.”

“Even in my professional cir-cles, I choose to be around strong leaders, good mothers — people who possess talents and gifts that take me out of my comfort zone,” says Schneider. “Those strong women don’t participate or engage in negative behaviors.”

KNOW WHEN TO BE SILENT AND STILL

“Social connection is valuable,

of course, but so is taking time to be still,” explains Schneider. “There’s never a shortage of things being asked of us. I do my best thinking when I’m still.”

She adds, “Be intentional about letting your thoughts go around a prob-lem you’re trying to solve, something you might be missing, a system or process that might be improved or identify an unmet need.”

CREATE SPACE FOR YOURSELFYoga teacher, writer and Reiki master Justine Beck of Breathing Tree

Yoga in Neenah helps people find stillness through breathing, yoga and journaling.

“By mindfully breathing, we can pause and catch up on processing our life,” says Beck. “Journaling is another simple, accessible and creative way to cope with external and internal stressors and assists in stay-ing grounded. The hand to pen to paper documentation of experiences, feelings, thoughts, lists, ideas and so forth creates a connection between brain and body that develops awareness, intention, creativity, gratitude and processing of one’s own life.”

She reveals, “There is a commitment that develops over time with need to create a safe and loving space for the self.”

As 2017 unfolds, take the time to give yourself that space while also rooting yourself into communities that deliver the support and positive feedback you need to access your own resiliency. w

Join usfor the next installment of our Courage Confidence Character Series. Come be inspired by the message of achievement and leadership from Gigi Butler, nationally-known culinary creator and founder of Gigi’s Cupcakes.

March 2, 2017KI Convention CenterGreen Bay, WI6-8 pm

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1

SPIRIT personal improvement

It’s sad but true: Ameri-cans are becoming over-whelmingly pessimistic. And there’s no shortage of studies to prove it,

from reported data citing that a paltry 6 percent of Americans think the world is getting bet-ter to the staggering finding that more than two-thirds of Ameri-cans think the country is moving in the wrong direction. All of this negativity is understandably tak-ing its toll. In fact, this rampant pessimism is taking a major toll as stress and depression loom large across the U.S. The most re-cent American Psychological As-sociation’s Stress in America sur-vey reports over a third of adults

are experiencing increased stress over the previous year, while this year the National Center for Health Statistics show suicide rates in America at a 30-year high..

Even those seemingly dedicated to making positive changes in their lives systematically fail. For instance, while many lean on New Year’s resolutions in a heartfelt attempt to promote positive life changes, the chances of realizing success are slim. Reports indicate that upwards of 25 percent of people who make New Year’s resolutions will already have failed at keeping them a mere 7 days into January. As for those who man-aged to outlast the week and stick it out the entire year? That number is a dismal 8 percent.

While the statistics themselves might be depressing, there is certainly hope for those dedicated to making favorable changes. When put into practice, there are three timeless truths that can help people take their focus off their problems in order to lead more positive and productive lives.

The first is to “think it.” It is widely believed that one’s mind has a pow-erful influence on the physical body — a belief that can be traced all the way back to the fourth century with Hippocrates. Today there is scien-tific data backing up this connection, which even mainstream medicine leverages in a variety of treatments, from biofeedback and cognitive be-havioral therapy to simple relaxation techniques. But you can use this connection quite effectively yourself every day. In order to unlock inner greatness at work, at home, in social circles and with other aspects of your life, you have to maintain a transformational, positivity-oriented mindset that’s also open to change and adaptation. The mind has the

to Combating Proliferating Pessimism Among Americans

3Keys


Expert strategies for helping people to stop focusing on their problems andlead more positive, productive andrewarding lives

by DR. JEFFREY CHAPMAN

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

34

3

2

PESSIMISM | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32


greatest propensity to either enrich our personal growth or limit it. It has the highest potential to either advance our life or destroy it. Tame this tool or realize opportunity loss at best or suffer grave consequences at worst.

The second truth is to “speak it.” Identify the lies and undermining thoughts that play over and over inside your head and replace them with positive truths about yourself: a list of your favorable attri-butes, accomplishments, etc. Go a step further and verbally speak those truths aloud. This practice of audible affirmations has a powerful, positive effect that has been recently scientifically documented by several university studies. Research from Carnegie Mellon University substantiated that self-affirmation “can protect against the damaging effects of stress on problem-solving performance” and that it “boosts stressed individuals’ problem-solving abilities.” Dur-ing this “speak it” exercise, there is no need for ratio-nalization. It is a simple act of focusing on the posi-tive certainties in your life — about yourself and the world that impacts you — in order to manifest more.

The third truth is to “live it.” The most powerful weapon we have to transform our mind and life is to not just to think and speak these truths, but to live in ways that will make them a reality. This is very much the principle at work with the scientifically validated Law of Attraction. Want to be lose 100 pounds in six months? Go to the gym today. Want a raise at work? Invite your boss to lunch this week and get to know him or her on a personal level and share your aspira-tions. Take some form of “live it” action each and every day toward your goals, no matter how large or small.

If you find yourself in the grip of pessimism, stress, or depression, turning the tide around and living a positive, productive, and rewarding life can seem nearly impossible. However, all it takes is one posi-tive thought to get the ball rolling in the right direc-tion. With those thoughts leading to audible words, and those words leading to action creating a cycle of “think it, speak it, live it,” this simple yet powerful technique can truly transport you from wishful think-ing to tangible transition.

When you apply these expert tactics for living life in a way that promotes positive progression, you will surely be well on your way to enhanced personal and professional success — no futile resolutions re-quired. w

Empowerment pundit Dr. Jeffrey Chapman is a motiva-tional speaker and author of the upcoming book, “Time-less Truths: Three Keys to Unlock Your Inner Greatness.” He may be reached online at www.drjefferychapman.org.

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APSYCHIC’S STORY

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Monica has been a psychic in the Midwest for many years and feels Green Bay is the perfect place for her occupation. Many are curious … will I find love? Will you pros-per? Will you love to a ripe old age? What do your palms say about you? What do the card have in store for you? How do the stars

and planets affect you?

For nearly a decade, Monica’s uncanny abili-ties have won over believers and non-believers alike as a professional psychic. When she was just a teen, Monica first became aware of her God-given talent for sensing fluctuating ener-gies around people. Over time, she began to feel more events unfold before they occurred. She believes many people have the same ability to some extent. She says, “It isn’t just ‘women’s intuition.’ I believe we all have the ability, but some are just more tuned into it than others. It’s not always negative — it’s often positive too!”

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SPIRIT area business

For Barb Nelson, opening Brinkley’s Boutique in downtown Oshkosh is a dream come true. Nelson and her husband spent their careers in retail, so when she lost her job about a year ago it was the push they needed.

“We looked at it as one door closed and another opened,” says Nelson.

Brinkley’s Boutique

finds niche while

encouraging kindness


by JENNIFER HOGELAND

On Sept. 9, Nelson’s 55th birthday, the boutique wel-comed its first customers.

BEHIND BRINKLEY’SThe inspiration behind the store’s name came from

the couple’s granddaughter — an outgoing, sweet 6-year-old girl with Williams Syndrome (WS), a rare birth defect that effects one in every 10,000 births.

Many babies with WS have life-threatening cardio-vascular problems or have conditions that require ongoing medical care. As children grow, they often struggle with things like spatial relations, numbers and abstract learning. Fortunately, Brinkley is a healthy young girl, but developmentally she has daily struggles.

Like many with WS, Brinkley has a huge heart. She’s very compassionate.

Because many people are unsure or unpleasant to those with disabilities, Nelson has made it her mis-sion not only to educate her customers on WS, but also to bring a little more kindness into the world.

“Our motto here at the store is to always be kind,” she adds. “Every bag is wrapped and includes a stick-er with ‘B kind’ on the tissue paper — a copy of Brin-kley’s story is tucked inside. We want people to un-derstand how important it is to treat everyone with kindness in every situation.”

A MUCH-NEEDED BOUTIQUEBrinkley’s Boutique offers fun women’s fashions at

affordable prices. Shoppers can purchase leggings, jeans, sweaters, tops and accessories. Nelson ex-plains she only orders six of an item — two small, two medium and two large — so customers won’t see themselves walking around town.

The boutique has a curvy girl section, with extra-large and double extra-large sizes. Extra small is also available.

“We have been very positively received. Many have said we are an asset to downtown — a much-needed addition,” says Nelson.

While she just opened her boutique a few months ago, Nelson has high hopes for the future. She ex-plains Oshkosh will always be their home, but Nel-son and her husband would love to have multiple Brinkley’s Boutiques. Maybe their granddaughter will work in a Brinkley’s some day. Nelson adds, “One Brinkley at a time.” w

Our motto here at the store is to always be kind. Every bag is wrapped and includes a sticker with ‘B kind’ on the tissue paper.

˛˛

˛˛Congratulations to Kelly Socha and Lisa McGinnis—Each won a pair of tickets to see The Bodyguard at the Fox Cities PAC on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Women magazine, 1835 E. Edgewood Dr., Suite 105 #26, Appleton, WI 54913-9325.

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Enjoy great, healthy recipes from the American Heart Association. For your chance to win, send your name, address and phone number alongwith the answers to the questions listed to:

Win a cookbook from the American Heart Association!

recipe

risotto withpeas, prosciuttoand sun-driedtomatoes

Risotto, a classic rice dish of northern Italy, takes its place on the menu as a creamy appetizer, a satisfying entree, or a savory side for meat, poultry or seafood. Made with a short-grain rice that's simmered and stirred to gradually absorb its flavorful liquid, risotto can be economical, nourishing and easy to make. With green peas, prosciutto and sun-dried tomatoes, this version is typically Venetian. Tip: Once you've mastered the technique, make your version of risotto with spring-fresh vegetables, mushrooms, shrimp or shellfish, shredded chicken and other types of cheese.

Directions• Bring broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat; keep broth at a simmer as you make risotto.• Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and sauté for about 3 minutes, until they are translucent.• Add the rice and sauté, stirring to coat rice with oil and avoid sticking. Cook until rice is opaque, about 2 minutes.• Add prosciutto and cook about 2 minutes longer, stirring, until softened.• Add wine, cook until wine is absorbed. Reduce heat to simmer.• Add 1/2 cup of warm broth to rice mixture. Stir to combine ingredients. As the rice absorbs the broth, gradually add more broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring, allowing broth to absorb after each addition. Continue until nearly all the stock is absorbed. This will take about 20 minutes. Properly cooked, risotto will be slightly firm (al dente), yet creamy.• Add the peas and tomatoes and stir. Simmer for about 5 more minutes.• Add cheese and basil, stir again. Cover to allow cheese to melt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

By Roberta L. Duyff, MS, RD, FADA, CFCS

Ingredients4 cups low-sodium chicken broth2 tablespoons olive oil or butter1 leek, white part only, well rinsed, finely chopped1 cup Arborio rice2 ounces prosciutto cut in 1-inch strips3/4 cup dry white wine1 cup fresh or frozen baby green peas1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped1/2 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Serves 4.Nutrition Analysis (per serving)

Calories 430Calories from fat 120Total Fat 14 g Saturated fat 4 g Trans fat 0 gCholesterol 20 mgSodium 660 mgTotal carbohydrate 52 gDietary fiber 4 gSugars 3 gProtien 19 g

Provided by eatright.org.

How long has Mari McAllister-Charles worked at the Brown County Home Builders Association?

What should you do if you or someone you love is experiencing signs of a heart attack?

What rare disorder does Brinkley have?

What colors will be trending in fashion as we transition from winter to spring?

What are two secrets to having a longer, happier life?


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