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Nature’s Remedies: Dianna Richardson of Health, Wellness and Nutrition Center, LLC

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dianna09WEBAt the first sign of the sniffles or a cough, many of us call the doctor in search of a prescription for an antibiotic. Our over-reliance on antibiotics has led to the development of super bacteria that are more resistant to the prescription drugs we have available.

Dianna Richardson, a wellness practitioner and owner of Health, Wellness & Nutrition Center, LLC, on Dix Road might suggest a plant or herb-based tea to clear up a congested head at its onset.

Richardson, who has a Doctorate in Naturopathy, treats a range of clients from children to her oldest patient who’s 89. She runs many diagnostic medical tests, too, and then suggests a remedy. In no way is she trying to replace medicine, she just offers another, more holistic option.

“If I have a heart attack, get me a cardiologist, but there are many other ways to deal with stress, which can lead to many health problems,” she said.

The day I visited her she took my temperature, which was normal, and offered me a cup of creeping crud tea for my congested head. The mixture included fenugreek, peppermint, Echinacea, ginger root, wild cherry bark for my cough and rose hips, which she said is the purest form of Vitamin C. Milk thistle and marshmallow root, an herb indigenous to the Midwest that she has growing in her front yard, was thrown in too and helps thin mucous in the lungs.

“Seep this mixture in a tea ball for four minutes and drink it,” she said.

As I sipped my tea, I found out more about her background. She graduated from Naturopathic School in Bastyr, Washington, outside of Seattle, in 1996 and has spent time studying and finding plants in Colorado and the Appalachian Mountains. She also has a Bachelor of Health Science in Health and Wellness and a Master of Science in Public Health Education. She opened an office in Brazito and practiced from there until she set up her current office in July of last year.

dianna richardson

Richardson checks Suzanne Luther’s ears. Richardson will perform a variety of procedures for her clients, including blood pressure, listening to their lungs, and others.

The shop includes her office, treatment rooms and a retail section where clients can purchase various herbs, spices, supplements and organic and gluten-free food products. Victoria Hanraham teaches yoga classes there and another specialist offers massages, becoming a one-stop shop where health and wellness, alternative medicine and nutrition counseling is intertwined.

health wellness and nutrition center

Richardson and Luther during a session.

Suzanne Luther, who retired from teaching last December, took yoga at the center  and would check out the shop before her classes started. One day, she had an infection and decided to seek out Richardson’s input.

“I got the crud tea too and I did feel better and eventually I made another appointment to deal with my allergies, joint pain and some minor skin conditions,” she said.

She started keeping a food journal and Richardson advised that she was eating too many empty calories and needed to change that, and add more vitamin B12 intake for energy.

“If you ran into her on the street she’s so unassuming and homespun that you might not understand what a vast background she has and that she’s a wealth of information without being polarizing,” she said.  “She is definitely part of my health advising team.”

by Shelley Gabert | photography by Leah Beane

The post Nature’s Remedies: Dianna Richardson of Health, Wellness and Nutrition Center, LLC appeared first on HER Magazine.


A Healthy Sense of Humor: Jan Harcourt of Tools for Stress, LLC

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laughter yoga

Jan Harcourt

If laughter is truly the best medicine, Jan Harcourt, owner of Tools for Stress, LLC, has taken it to heart.  A playful interactive form of yoga, laughter yoga involves stretching and basic yoga moves but it’s also a chance for the participants to embrace their inner child.

Harcourt also leads more traditional yoga classes throughout the area, including the Jefferson City YMCA, Show Me Yoga Center, Wilson’s Yoga Studio, Missouri River Regional Library and Alley Cat Yoga. From March 2004 to September 2009, she was the director of Show Me Yoga Center.

She’s also certified as a somatic experiencing practitioner, SEP, a technique that’s used to work with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, sleep and digestive problems, and any other conditions related to chronic stress and/or trauma. She incorporates visualization techniques and other mind and body exercises with her clients and also offers light massage.

“It’s a body-focused trauma healing method that brings the autonomic nervous system back into greater ability to self-regulate,” she said. “I teach people dealing with anxiety, pain or stress coping skills.”

With a BS in art education from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska, she worked at an elementary school and a college and then received her MA in anthropology with a concentration in museum studies from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She then worked as a museum director in Rogers, Arkansas before becoming a stay-at-home mom when her daughter was born. She later moved to Jefferson City where she worked for the Missouri Department of Secondary and Elementary Education.

laughter yoga

Harcourt leads a session of laughter yoga.

It was after she had foot surgery that she became interested in body work for all types of people. She began what started a journey of attending workshops and receiving many certifications. From 1998 through this year, she has given many presentations and attended workshops and retreats on stress, trauma, laughter and office yoga.

Laughter Yoga is offered free monthly, usually on the third Sunday of the month, 4-5 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Jefferson City, 1021 Northeast Drive. For a yoga class schedule and more tips for handling daily stress visit Jan’s website.

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Jan Harcourt, Lynne White, and Yvonne Angerer “shy laugh” with each other as they pretend to whisper secrets in a laughter yoga exercise.

Tips to De-Stress

Science is beginning to understand more all the time about how the mind/body connection works.

A big part of recent research has focused on the vagus nerve, a vast network of nerve fibers that run from the brain stem to the face, heart, lungs, digestive and other organs, influencing functions like heart and breath rate, digestion, the immune response and the inflammation response.

You can learn to have an effect on this important system, which operates below our awareness. The breath is a real key as we can consciously control our breath. The use of sound vibration, touch, posture, and even our thoughts can also have powerful effects.

Laughter yoga makes use of all the tips shared here. It combines good posture, easy stretches and deep breathing, smiling and making eye contact, focusing on the positive, and releasing stress through playful “pretend” laughter exercises, which generally soon transform into real, genuine deep belly laughs.

Laughter yoga has been shown to be a good cardiovascular workout that boosts the immune system, improves mood, and increases the production of endorphins which are the body’s natural pain killers. Businesses that have used laughter yoga also report that it leads to increased cooperation, productivity, and creativity among coworkers.

be lighthearted

BE LIGHTHEARTED.

Practice the art of “Posturtude,” changing your attitude by changing your posture. Feeling down? Literally lift your spirits by physically lifting your rib cage, being light-hearted in your posture. You can also add stretching your arms up and out for a few breaths. Sitting up tall in this way makes more room for your breath.

breathe deep

BREATHE DEEP.

Take relaxing, slow deep breaths, with slightly longer exhales encourage the “rest and digest” calming half of the autonomic nervous system, balancing out the other “fight and flight” half that responds when we are stressed. Sighing on the exhale can help lengthen it in a gentle way.

calming touch

A CALMING TOUCH.

Use touch to encourage relaxation. When your muscles relax during massage it sends a message to the brain stem that encourages more relaxation throughout your system. A few moments of gentle self-massage focused on the key areas of the face, neck, and jaw can have a big effect on the vagus nerve, which is very involved with this area of the body.

sound, not fury

SOUND, NOT FURY.

Use sound to relax your body from the inside. Singing and humming can also help relax the throat, face, and jaw. For example, the long deep sound of Ohm—with the mouth relaxed and partly open, hold for a long deep tone, somewhat like a foghorn. It vibrates deep into the torso, bringing relaxation into the areas where the vagus nerve gathers feedback.

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TIME TO MEDITATE.

Research has shown that meditation, especially if it focuses on sending kind and loving thoughts to others actually increases vagal tone, the amount of tension in the body’s nervous system, an important indicator of health.

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EYE CONTACT.

We are social creatures. Making eye contact and smiling and talking with others with whom we feel safe creates a feeling of safety in the autonomic nervous system. Even simply allowing a small smile on your face by yourself tends to encourage relaxation in the system.

Story by Shelley Gabert
Tips to De-Stress by Jan Harcourt
Photography by Leah Beane

The post A Healthy Sense of Humor: Jan Harcourt of Tools for Stress, LLC appeared first on HER Magazine.

Namaste: Melody Walz, yogi

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melody walz

Melody Walz brings yoga to her clients, many who have had joint replacements, illnesses such as cancer or MS. She also works with people in recovery and suffering from chronic pain, anyone who would find it challenging being part of a group yoga class at a gym.

“Some of my older clients aren’t comfortable in a typical yoga class so they come to me for one-on-one sessions or I go to their home, either way they are more comfortable and we have privacy,” Walz said.

Dawn Folufs, who works at First Choice Employment Agency, has arthritis in her knees. She turned to Walz, who customizes yoga stretches and poses for her body.

An empathetic and spiritual soul, Walz found yoga when she was struggling with what she describes as a time of bad doctors, lost faith and addiction. In 1999, an orthopedic surgeon performed a fusion in her lower back but it was not a success.

“I spent years in traction, going through extensive physical therapy and taking pain medications. My pain was beyond words and I was completely lost,” she said.

Unable to withstand the winters in the Midwest, she moved to Venice, Florida to rebuild her life, but she still wasn’t able to walk or even sit well. She also began creating seashell art through Artisea Custom Shell Art.

“I was dealing with debilitating pain and I realized I needed help and I found myself in a yoga class on the beach with an instructor that changed my life forever,” she said. “She customized every pose to fit my body and along that journey I reconnected with God. I also learned the art of Kundalini yoga, which maneuvered my inner strength and today I’m pain free.”

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Walz adopted various aspects of Eastern spirituality and now identifies herself as a Buddhist. She even has the Adi Mantra tattooed on her back, ong namo guru devnano, which means “I bow to the creative wisdom and the divine teacher.”

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“Some of my clients and I do a lot of chanting during a session,”  said Walz, who teaches Hatha yoga, meditation and breathing techniques.

“I am proud to say that I’m a yoga instructor who helps others get their life back, be free from addiction and to love themselves,” she said. “It’s a pretty great job if you ask me.”

Walz can be contacted at walzmelody@yahoo.com.
melody walz

by Shelley Gabert | photography by Julie Smith and provided by Melody Walz

The post Namaste: Melody Walz, yogi appeared first on HER Magazine.

For Body and Sole: Brenda Hofstetter of Happy Feet Unlimited

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Brenda Hofstetter of Happy Feet Unlimited

In March of 2011 Brenda Hofstetter, a certified reflexologist through The International Institute of Reflexology, opened Happy Feet Unlimited and quickly found clients flocking to her hand and foot massages.

“To market my business I went to a Women’s Night Out event to support the Community For Breast Care Project. I worked on one foot and I found I had a huge line of people waiting.  I sold nine gift certificates and I was on cloud nine,” she said.

Reflexology, also known as zone therapy, is based on the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands that correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body.  While some in the medical community are skeptical, many doctors acknowledge that there are health problems linked to nervous stress and tension.

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“I don’t diagnose, prescribe or treat,” said Hofstetter whose work is based on the Ingham Method® of Reflexology. “What I do stimulates blood flow, relaxes tension and boosts the immune system,” she said.

When I entered her office at 707 Washington St., it was homey and inviting, the smell of peppermint oil filled the air in the dimly lit room, where Loretta Schulte, one of her weekly clients, was in the chair.  A breast cancer survivor, Schulte originally came to Happy Feet Unlimited because she wanted to get rid of any toxins in her body to help her stay healthy. She continued to see Hofstetter because she helped with plantar fasciitis, a fairly common disorder that causes pain in the heels and the ball of the foot.

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Loretta Schulte, a regular client of Hofstetter’s, laughs as the two chat during a short session.

Two of her regular clients, Dr. William Schlegel, a cardiologist at Mid Missouri Cardiology, and Ricky Kutscher, a sales person at Riley Chevrolet, Buick GMC Cadillac, also suffer from plantar fasciitis.

“Four years ago I was diagnosed with this condition and my podiatrist put me in a walking boot. It wasn’t until I started seeing Brenda that I felt relief,” Kutcher said. “I’m in a lot less pain and my feet don’t throb and ache, and she can also work on spots that get to your back and shoulders.”

Hofstetter feels out problem areas.

Hofstetter feels out problem areas.

Hofstetter, who makes house calls, also works on his wife, Lindsey, and even their 4-year-old enjoys a foot massage. The benefits vary for each of her clients.

“I have found that Brenda’s foot massages have helped my problem go away and I believe it has definitely kept me from having foot surgery,” said Dr. Schlegel. “Brenda does surprise me when she is massaging my feet and asks me if my back has been bothering me and she’s right. My session is always a good stress reliever.”

He’s right. Hofstetter massaged my hands and feet with soothing scrubs and essential oils and I found it relaxing and therapeutic. Occasionally she would tell me a certain part of my foot was “crunchy,” and ask if I was having a problem somewhere on my body. Hofstetter offers a nurturing presence and it’s easy to talk with her about what’s going on in your life. I definitely left less stressed and lighter in spirit than when I entered her shop.

“One of the leaders at one of my workshops when I was training told us that it was a great gift to be able to make someone feel better with your hands,” she said. “That really stayed with me and is what my business is all about.”

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Hofstetter “grounds” her patients at the end of a session by firmly holding their heels and planting her own feet on the floor, connecting them to the earth.

by Shelley Gabert | Photographs by Leah Beane

The post For Body and Sole: Brenda Hofstetter of Happy Feet Unlimited appeared first on HER Magazine.

HER Community — Jan/Feb

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Strut Your Style

photos by Julie Smith
Sherrie Brant, the organizer of the event, directs Roni Flood, wearing a royal blue mother of the bride dress from Saffees, to the floor.
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Boys & Girls Club Groundbreaking

photos by Julie Smith
Greg Gaffke, left and Joy Sweeney, laugh as Kevin Rome, president of Lincoln University, writes out a check to give to the co-chairs of the Light the Way Home campaign.
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Capitol Masquerade Ball

photos by Kile Brewer
Couples hit the dance floor in the Capitol Rotunda.
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“A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Immaculate Conception

photos by Kile Brewer
Tate Heislen, dressed as Snoopy, backstage before the Immaculate Conception 8th grade production.
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Capitol Caroling

photos by Kile Brewer
Members of Jefferson City High School Symphonic Band, Orchestra, Chorale, Simonsen Choirs and JCHS Concert Choir combined for the annual Capitol Caroling concert.
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Chanukah at the Governor’s Mansion

photos by Kile Brewer
First Lady Georganne Nixon helps Governor Jay Nixon with his yarmulke.
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Downtown Living Windows

photos by Kris Wilson
The young and the young at heart press in close to get a better glimpse of the nostalgic toys and trinkets filling the window of Samuel’s Tuxedos and Gifts as they pass by the High Street shop.
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The post HER Community — Jan/Feb appeared first on HER Magazine.

Heart & Soul: HALO’s Rebecca Welsh

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rebecca welsh

Rebecca Welsh had a hole in her heart.

Probably since birth, or that’s what the doctors told her after they found it earlier this year. In February, she suffered a stroke, followed by open heart surgery. Her journey of recovery, according to her family, is nothing short of a miracle.

Married and the mother of three young children—two sons, Klaebel, 4, and Chedon, 3, and her 1-year-old daughter, Evietta—Welsh, 36, is the founder and executive director of HALO (Helping Art Liberate Orphans), a global organization that provides housing, healing and education to youth in the most desperate situations throughout the world.

The picture of health, she’s fit, focused and driven. She studied martial arts for 12 years and at age 20 become the 2000 world champion in Taekwondo in women aged 17-29.

“My mom found a report that I wrote in second grade and I said I wanted to do karate,” Welsh said. “I didn’t start until I was around 14 years old after I had seen the movie ‘The Karate Kid.’ I was often dismissed but I continued to pursue it.”

“Looking back I see how much I needed the structure and discipline that martial arts gave me and how it helped me with everything else I did in my life. It gave me a lot of leadership skills that have helped me in my work with HALO.”

The middle child of five siblings, her family moved around a lot because of her dad’s, Joe Neuenswander, jobs. When Welsh was in 10th grade, they settled in Jefferson City, where today he works as a strategic buyer for ABB. Her mother, Joyce, is an accounting assistant at Abbott & Angerer and a volunteer branch director at HALO’s Jefferson City center, which serves more than 300 youths.

neuenswander family

The Neuenswander family, from left: Curtis, Natalie Abbott, John, Joe, Joyce, Vera Schmitz and Rebecca Welsh.
Photo submitted by Vera Schmitz

“I could tell Rebecca that she couldn’t do something and she was just going to do it, she was so determined and had an independent mind,” Joe said. “She’s also one of those people who takes advantage of timing very well. She’s at the right place at the right time, which isn’t something that falls in your lap. You need to be prepared.”

Joe, a 1973 All-American gymnast at Michigan State, definitely believed in  the benefits of sports and athletics.

“We were never hovering parents and we never pushed our kids to do things but let them find out what they were interested in,” said Joyce, a stay-at-home mom for 17 years who was always there for her children.

Both of Welsh’s brothers were quarterbacks on the football team at Jefferson City High School and her younger sister, Vera, excelled in pole vaulting and became an All-American at Indiana University.

rebecca welsh

Rebecca and Vera Neuenswander, aged 19 and 11, at sister Natalie’s graduation from the University of Missouri Columbia. Photo submitted by Vera Schmitz.

“I grew up watching Rebecca train relentlessly,” said Vera Schmitz. “I would come home from gymnastics practice and tell Rebecca that I wanted to be better—that I wanted to be the best. She was so flexible from doing karate and she would write me a list of exercises and stretching routines that I needed to do every morning.”

Schmitz now lives in Bloomington, Indiana, training for the Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon in July. Still, the sisters speak every week and Welsh continues to offer advice and support.

“She’s arguably my biggest mentor in my training,” Schmitz said. “We talk once a week on the telephone and she kicks my butt. She’s like a freight train. If she wasn’t my sister, I would still be eager to surround myself with someone like her.”

As driven as she was, there were some signs that something might be amiss, but no one in her family would have ever suspected how serious it would become. Someone like her, with so much going for her, couldn’t be sick.

“I’ve always been healthy and worked out but growing up I sometimes had trouble breathing and doctors would give me inhalers and diagnose me with exercise-induced asthma,” she said.

“A couple of times I passed out while working out and I was always 100 percent drained by the end of the day. As I grew older I also remember falling asleep in the middle of the day in the middle of the room, for no apparent reason.”

She knows now that one side of her heart was getting bigger, but back then she just kept going. She had goals to accomplish, a life to lead and potential just oozing out of her.

After graduating from the University of Missouri in Columbia with a degree in communications, she moved to Chicago. She had been spending summers there doing modeling work and planned to continue it full time and to pursue acting, but then she met someone who was working with orphans in Haiti.

“I realized fairly quickly that modeling was not what I wanted to do with my life and I started sending out letters to as many orphanages as possible,” she said.

Welsh ended up spending six months on the Mercy Ship, a boat that travels to developing countries and provides medical care. When she was 21, she also visited Honduras and witnessed first-hand the extreme poverty. She returned to Kansas City and opened a karate school with another partner but still thought about the children and people she encountered in South America. Her students, who had heard her stories about the children there, held a fundraiser and raised $5,000 for an orphanage in Mexico. Their second fundraiser raised $40,000 and HALO was born.

While volunteering for HALO, she landed the lead role in the film “Fight Night,” also known as “Rigged,” shot in both Los Angeles and Lawrence, Kansas and released in the United States in 2009. She played Katherine Parker, a boxer who fought and beat many male competitors, something she had done in real life doing karate.

Welsh won the part of the lead character in “Fight Night” because the director said she could really pack a punch. Photo by Morgan Miller.

Welsh won the part of the lead character in “Fight Night” because the director said she could really pack a punch. Photo by Morgan Miller.

“I really had a decision to make,” she said. “While I loved acting and it was challenging I realized that my sense of purpose and my heart was with HALO.”

She began working full time for HALO and taking a salary. During this time, she met her husband, Eddie Welsh, and they married in 2008. She met him when he worked for Children International and oversaw construction in 11 countries after three years in the Peace Corps.

They started their family while living in Kansas City but two years ago they moved back to Jefferson City to be closer to her parents and siblings. Her husband is currently the COO of Jefferson Asphalt, and is always front and center at the annual HALO fundraisers in Jefferson City and Kansas City, where art made by children from all countries is auctioned off.

Welsh family

The Welsh family—Eddie, Rebecca, Klaebel, Chedon and Evietta. Photo by Claire Mengwasser.

Welsh clearly has a cause and a fulfilled life. Both she and the nonprofit have received national media attention. She was featured in People Magazine, on The Today Show, CBS Evening News and was the 2013 Woman of Achievement for ZONTA.

None of that made a difference, though, when she experienced a life-threatening health scare that set off a life-changing series of events. It was a typical evening—she had just fed her then 4-month-old daughter and put her in her swing in the living room.

“All of a sudden I felt like I was going to faint,” she said. “Typically I would sit down and then maybe lay down for a while. I’ve had migraines with aura, where you see spots and I figured that was what it was.”

The symptoms worsened and she called her brother to come over just in case she needed to head to the ER. While he was there, it happened.

“It felt like someone took a pin and drew a line down my tongue and then whoosh, my right side went numb,” she said. “My brother thought I’d had a stroke, so Eddie and I got in the car and drove to St. Mary’s.’

In the ER, she asked for Dr. Reginald “Reg” Schleider, who had seen her daughter when she had a serious respiratory infection.

“He came over and I smiled. He noticed one side of my face was droopy.  He shut the door and gave me several options, one was a clot buster that could reverse some of the stroke damage, but it had some risky side affects, too,” she said.

With a stroke, even seconds matter. Faced with a major decision, she and her husband turned to their faith and each other.

“My husband and I just looked at each other and asked everyone to leave the room. We prayed. The reality though was I couldn’t lift my arm or my leg and I didn’t want to live like that, I wanted to hold my children.  So we called the doctor back in,” she said.

rebecca welsh

She had the shot and then went by ambulance to the ICU at University Hospital in Columbia. Slowly, Welsh regained some control of her face and hand. Around 2 a.m. it was ultimately confirmed that she did suffer a stroke.

“I had lost control of the right side of my body and I couldn’t walk because my balance was so messed up. I was only able to stay awake for a couple hours of time because my brain was trying to heal,” she said. “I was like a newborn with a newborn. Etta and I would nap together, and now when she tried to pick something up and couldn’t, I totally understood her frustration. Her brain, like mine, couldn’t make those connections.”

During this time, Schmitz, who had hip surgery and was on a break from her very demanding training schedule, came to Jefferson City to help out as Eddie slept at the hospital.

Even though the source of her stroke was still unknown, Welsh eventually went to Capital Region Medical Center for inpatient therapy four to five hours a day. Her brother-in-law, who worked with the cardiology department at the University of Kansas Medical Center, urged her to send her files there.

“He’s a big believer in second opinions and the doctors there wanted to see me so I went and they performed a TEE test. They put a camera down your throat that takes pictures of your heart.”

That evening, Welsh attended the HALO fundraiser in Kansas City in a wheelchair. Soon after, she learned she had a congenital heart defect, specifically an atrial septal defect, a two-inch hole in her heart. She would need open heart surgery.

“I was excited and relieved because they found the source of my stroke and knew how to fix it, but my husband was concerned because once you’ve had one the risk goes up for another one, especially during open heart surgery,” she said.

“The night before my surgery I remember standing in my children’s bedroom and praying that I would be back in that room,” she said.

The entire family dropped what they were doing to rally around her during the entire process, which began with the surgery in April.

“Everything went exactly right for her to be as healthy as she is,” Schmitz said. If she hadn’t had the stroke then she wouldn’t have known about the hole in her heart and she could have dropped dead at 45,” she said.

rebecca welsh

When you see her now, you wouldn’t believe her medical history. She’s still beautiful and fit and driven, bringing her usual determination to her ongoing rehab and healing. She plays the piano every day and still works out and continues her job commitments.

In October, she stood with celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow to receive an award at Variety Magazine’s 9th annual “Power of Women” event in Los Angeles.

“Everyone keeps telling me to scale back and slow down… but that’s almost impossible because I’m even more motivated and want to make the most of time with my family and HALO,” she said.

Her exterior has changed a bit with the scar on her chest, but it’s her inner self that’s even more dramatically reordered.

“I realize more than ever that we’re here to serve God and others. That what you take with you is what you give, we’re not taking a trailer full of stuff with us.”

Catch phrases like “don’t sweat the small stuff,” are now packed with much more meaning, and her priorities are razor sharp.

“I have streamlined my life more. With only so much energy to use each day I focus on only the most important things and don’t worry about the things that overall don’t matter,” she said.

Her appreciation for her family is overwhelming, and the experience has also brought her and Eddie closer together.

“He’s my super hero and my rock,” she said. “During Thanksgiving we looked at each other and our kids, just so thankful to be together and we cried through most of the meal. Every moment with the babies, smelling their skin my heart just swells with love for them, even if they throw a massive tantrum I’m so grateful.”

“When you go through a trial like this it stretches you and you feel everything more deeply; my sad is so much sadder and my happy much happier. I have never felt so alive.”

rebecca welsh

by Shelley Gabert | Photography by Leah Beane

The post Heart & Soul: HALO’s Rebecca Welsh appeared first on HER Magazine.

How to Style — Jony & Kraig Lootens

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makeover afterLast year Jony & Kraig Lootens decided to be healthier together and adopted the Atkins diet, successfully losing 60 pounds between the two of them.
“The diet was ideal for Kraig so he could eat any meat and cheese he wanted,” laughed Jony, 32, a social worker for SSM Hospice in Jefferson City.
The couple are parents to Skyler, 7, Tanner, 5, and Gage, 1.
“Every time Jony got pregnant, I would gain weight too, but she lost it and I didn’t,” said Kraig.
After looking at photos of himself and not liking what he saw, he resolved to diet and exercise and he lost 45 pounds. Kraig, 37, who works for the city, now runs between one to three miles each day, and also exercises on his lunch break. Jony, who lost about 20 pounds, and Kraig continue to eat healthy, often keeping with the low-carb tenets of Atkins, but are more flexible now that they’ve achieved their goal weights.
To celebrate the couple’s accomplishment of a healthier lifestyle, they were willing to experiment with a new look.
Jony, who almost never wears makeup, gave stylist Catherine Crum free rein to change her look. Catherine’s detail-oriented approach enhanced Jony’s natural hair color and created a style that the busy mom is able to maintain at home—with a few extra pops of emphasis to really ramp up her image. Paired with clothing from Calena’s Fashions, Jony was pleased with her new look. Kraig also picked out a new outfit for the photo shoot.

THE STYLE

Hair – Catherine, assisted by stylist Terra McClanahan, enhanced Jony’s existing blonde with Aveda highlights, and created a wearable style with tons of texture. She took off some length and used a razor for the layers, creating a clean silhouette that’s quick to style in the mornings. Using Aveda’s Smooth Infusion Nourishing Style Cream and Thickening Tonic to tame Jony’s thick hair and add volume at the roots, Catherine then blew out the hair with a round brush. Aveda’s non-aerosol Shampure Dry Shampoo and some light teasing added texture at the roots to give the style some lift. Catherine finished the style with Aveda’s Anti-Humectant Pomade and pieced out Jony’s side-swept bangs with Pure-formance grooming clay.

Kraig’s hair was touched up on the edges with a razor, cleaning up the shape. The stylists added some subtle highlight to his short hair, giving the illusion of recent time spent in the sun. An Aveda styling product was added for some texture.

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Makeup – For Jony’s makeup, Catherine created a look that’s natural with pops of emphasis on the eyes and lips. Using bareMinerals and Aveda products, Catherine worked on Jony’s base, matching her light complexion with bareMinerals Bare Skin foundation. She contoured with Faux Tan, blending with a large brush, and using brown shadow on Jony’s brows for a softer fill-in than a pencil. False lashes really amp up Jony’s eyes, paired with ash brown tones for shadow. A bright pop of color at the lips adds to the drama of the look, created with bareMinerals lip liner, lipstick, and gloss in shades of bright red.

Clothing – Owner of Calena’s Fashions, Calene Cooper, chose a great outfit for Jony. She wore a bright red mock turtleneck under a riveted black jacket and matching mid-calf length skirt. The black and red tones paired perfectly with the silver accents of a bracelet, belt, and necklace to create a dramatic look suitable for a night out.

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Thanks to Calena’s Fashions and Catherine Crum the Salon & Spa.

The post How to Style — Jony & Kraig Lootens appeared first on HER Magazine.

HER Picks: Sinfully Sweet

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Here are our picks for some of the tastiest chocolate treats from Central Missouri. Share your favorite indulgences with us in the comments!

Chocolate Truffles. $1.50 ea., Arris Bistro
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The post HER Picks: Sinfully Sweet appeared first on HER Magazine.


News & Notes — Jan/Feb

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Sarah Rose Galbraith won the fourth season of the online modeling reality show “Local Ambition,” created and produced by Always Late TV. The only plus-size model to ever win the grand prize of the show, she’s also one of the oldest participants to ever win. HER caught up with Galbraith, who has worked in the underground utility damage prevention industry for more than 12 years, to find out more about the competition. 

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Plus-Size ModelingHER:  Can you tell us what the show is about? 

Galbraith: “Local Ambition” is an original reality series from Always Late TV. Local women surrounding St. Louis, Missouri participate in a modeling competition. The models are set against each other in a series of photo shoot challenges designed to test and push their modeling skills. Only one earns the chance to be the best model overall. You watch each model as they share insights into their passion, their lives, and what they’re fighting for.

HER:  How did you find out about the contest?

SRG: I’ve been pursuing modeling (for the second time) since 2013, and follow the social media of many photographers, agencies, models, and anything else having to do with the fashion/modeling industry. I found out about the show via Facebook. There was simply an advertisement to apply to be a model/cast member on season four that was shared by Candace Woodward, the modeling coach on season three.

HER:  What does the contest require of the contestants?

SRG:  Dedication, creativity, and passion mostly. We had to be available to film every other Sunday from February through July. We are given a theme for a photo shoot and must create an outfit or costume. The models (AKA contestants or cast) get a set amount of time with the photographer to take their pictures. This is when we had to give it our all so we remain on the show instead of getting eliminated. We also  competed in shorter photo shoots (the “challenges”) in which we could win immunity from the next elimination. I won immunity on our very first challenge, which was taking head shots. We were also interviewed every film day about how we felt about our performance, other peoples performances, the themes, the challenges, etc.

HER:  How were you judged?

SRG: The three judges evaluated us based on our photos, posing, expressions/emotion, and creativity.

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HER:  What was the experience of participating in the contest like?

SRG:  One-of-a-kind. I’ve never done such a thing before, and I’ll always remember this. It’s crazy fun, kind of cheesy, stressful, and a lot of hard work, time and money. Totally worth it though. When I originally auditioned for the show, it wasn’t because I wanted to be on a reality show. That’s not what I do. I’ve never done it before and it was outside of my comfort zone. I saw it as an opportunity for modeling, maybe a possible career move and to gain more experience doing the different types of shoots and working with clients. It was also an opportunity to hopefully inspire or encourage someone to feel more beautiful or confident in themselves, to not let what small-minded people think or say change how we feel. We are all beautiful in our own way and we should embrace that feeling and let it shine. I definitely don’t fit the typical model mold, but here I am. I think people need to accept more diversity in the fashion industry. It influences us more than we realize. It’s good when we can relate to something or someone and it makes us feel more accepted and reassures us how great we all are and how different everyone is. We need to see that all sizes, genders, ages, imperfections and disabilities can be sexy and are beautiful and can stand for or represent something. So basically I’m here to do what I love, and to do my part to be part of the changes I want to see.

The entire fourth season of “Local Ambition” can be viewed online at alwayslatetv.com.

Galbraith’s modeling Facebook page is www.facebook.com/SarahRose222.

She will be involved in season 5 of “Local Ambition” and a new show from Always Late TV called “Paranormal Misfits.” Both will start filming in Spring 2016 and will air in the Fall 2016.

Photos by Christopher Hoffman

The post News & Notes — Jan/Feb appeared first on HER Magazine.

Valentines for the Whole Family

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HOW TO MAKE VALENTINE’S DAY A FAMILY AFFAIR

Mommy Chung Shares Ideas for Families Celebrating Valentine’s Day

Jennifer-Chung
Valentine’s Day is a special day to focus on those you love.  It is a perfect opportunity to teach kids about doing acts of kindness for others.  Mommy Chung, parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights.com, has compiled a list of the top 5 ways Kinsights families teach their kids about love through activities.

Eat with love.

Make a Valentine’s dinner together using only foods that are red in color (before and/or after cooking). For example, for starters make a beet salad, red carrot salad, or tomato salad; for main dishes make lobster, steak, or red snapper fish; for dessert make strawberries, raspberry fruit salad, cherry pie, or raspberry sorbet. Drinks can include champagne with a dash of cranberry juice or wine for mom and dad, substitute sprite with grenadine or cranberry juice for the kids. Let the kids help chop, cook and decorate the table.  Don’t forget to include kid friendly foods like red velvet cupcakes.

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Family movie date night.   

After enjoying your special Valentine’s Day family dinner, why not end your night with a romantic family movie!  Fortunately, there are many romantic movies that kids love such as Beauty and The Beast, Anastasia, Be My Valentine Charlie Brown, Cinderella, High School Musicalm, and many more.  So grab some popcorn and cuddle up!

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Sharing your love.

Show your kids what love is truly all about by sharing it and volunteering together at a local food shelf, dog shelter or nursing home.  The nursing home residents will love seeing the bright, happy young faces.  Ahead of time, make special valentines to hand out.

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Secret valentine exchange. 

Instead of a “Secret Santa” try a secret valentine exchange with small handmade gifts and candy.  Ask each family member to pick a name.  The gifts must all be Valentine’s Day themed.  This will give you and your kids an opportunity to be crafty and creative.  Think outside of the box to come up with the perfect gift for your valentine (think baking heart shaped cookies, red and pink hand made bracelets, V-day photo frames, etc.).  Every member of the family will love having their very own special valentine!

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Sweet treats scavenger hunt. 

A fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the kids is through a scavenger hunt.  Provide them with a map or leave clues around the house that lead to yummy valentine’s treats and cards.  If you have more than one child, try giving your kids different maps for different surprises to keep it interesting, competitive and fun.

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Tree of love.

Trees aren’t just for Christmas anymore.  Pick up an artificial Christmastree (you should be able to find one on clearance), spray it pink (or buy a white one) and decorate it as a family with handmade valentines, pink and red paper hearts, pink lights, and family photos.  Creating the “ornaments” or love will ensure an afternoon of fun!

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Valentine’s Day is a special time to teach kids important lessons about loving and serving others.  Modeling love through shared activities has a profound impact on kids and it is so easy to do.  Join the families in the Kinsights community and create meaningful family traditions to teach your kids about love.

Material from kinsights

The post Valentines for the Whole Family appeared first on HER Magazine.

Get Outside

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from Macaroni Kid Jefferson City editor, Michelle Leaf

Spring is almost here and it’s time to say goodbye to winter’s cold grip! Let’s get outside and play!

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With our screen-centered culture, we sometimes find it hard to get our families outdoors to reap all of the benefits of sunshine and fresh air. Spending time outdoors in nature is an essential part of a child’s physical, mental, and social development. It lowers stress levels, elevates Vitamin D (which helps protect children from bone problems, diabetes, and other health problems, and helps elevate mood) and stimulates a child’s imagination. It is recommended that we should spend at least 30 minutes to 1 hour outdoors every day.  Unfortunately, many of us only get a few minutes a day in the open air, mostly walking to and from our cars.

I love being outdoors and spend as much time outside as I can. My husband, Tim, loves to ride bikes with the family. Lucky for us, Jefferson City has many great places to go to get our daily quota of nature.

Michelle and her children Dylan, 3, and Sophia, 8, at the Runge Nature Center Hiking Trails.
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Favorite Places to spend time outside

• Runge Nature Center to walk the trails and look for wildlife

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• Katy Trail and the Greenway to ride bikes or walk

• Our many wonderful public parks and playgrounds, including Memorial Park, Ellis-Porter Riverside Park, McKay Park, McClung Park and Binder Park to name a few.

• North Jefferson City offers the Carl R. Noren River Access to play in the sand, watch barges and boats and throw rocks into the river. The Central Missouri Master Gardeners’ Demonstration Garden is located there as well as a recreation area.

• Washington Park, home to the ice arena, offers tennis courts, skateboard area and walking trails.

Spend time in your own Backyard

Sophia tills the soil in the backyard garden.
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• Have a nature scavenger hunt. Make a list of common outdoor objects and let the kids loose to find them.

• Eat your meals al fresco. Food simply tastes better when you eat outside.

• Set up an outside homework station so the older kids can do their homework while listening to nature.

• On rainy days, try making art outside. Have children draw a picture with washable marker and put it outside so they can watch the rain spread the ink across the paper.

• Start a vegetable or flower garden. You don’t need much room to grow vegetables and many, such as tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, can be planted in containers on your porch. There are so many benefits of digging in the dirt, like the satisfaction of watching a small plant grow into something that produces food to eat. Having a garden can help build a good work ethic in children because it needs to be tended daily through watering and weeding. Growing vegetables can also convince even the pickiest eaters to eat their veggies. My son, who would not eat carrots at meal times, now loves them pulled straight out of the dirt in our garden (I do make him rinse it off first, however).

• Even if you are just sitting outside together reading books or listening to the birds, get out there and make being in nature a part of your everyday routine!

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The Jefferson City Parks Department has information about all the outdoor activities around Jefferson City. Check out a schedule of local family-friendly events on the Macaroni Kid blog.

by Michelle Leaf, Macaroni Kid Jefferson City | photographs by Leah Beane

The post Get Outside appeared first on HER Magazine.

Bunk Beds and Pocket Doors

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Take a tour of the family-centric Gerber home just outside Jefferson City.

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Ed and Jennifer Gerber’s California Ranch Style home in the Parkview Meadows Subdivision features more than 5,000 square feet and includes a fully-finished basement and playroom.

When designing their dream home with contractor Kent Bentledge, the couple, married for 19 years, wanted the house to grow with their four children. Ed, a medical professional, and Jennifer, a stay-at-home mom, chose a split bedroom floor plan where the master bedroom is off the kitchen on one end of the house and their children’s bedrooms are on the other side. The home features pocket doors and built-in bookshelves to save on space.

THE KITCHEN

Kitchen cabinets in the island store the children's art and school supplies.
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THE BEDROOMS

Hannah, 8, likes playing with her dolls and her trundle bed is perfect for sleepovers with her friends. Her window seat cabinet offers more storage for her treasures.
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LIVING SPACES

Wall décor feature family and spiritual sayings.
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THE PLAYROOM

The playroom is where the kids like to hang out, with large closets and cabinets for storage of games and toys.
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BITS & PIECES

The mud room serves as a central organizational spot for the children’s backpacks, shoes and coats. Other smaller items can fit in the cubbies.
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Kent Bentlage Construction, General Contractor • Mid City Lumber, Materials • Cole County Concrete, Materials • Lage’s Cabinet Shop, Kitchen Cabinets • Carved in Stone, Granite Countertops in Kitchen & Downstairs bar • LaBelle Cabinetry and Lighting, Lighting • Midwest Block & Brick, Exterior and Interior Brick & Rock • Howell’s Carpet, Carpet and Hardwood • Sommers Interiors, Bathroom Tile • JC Mattress, Children’s Bedroom Furniture • Jeff Lute, Electric • Dave Veith, Plumbing • Don Esken, Drywall

photographs by Leah Beane

The post Bunk Beds and Pocket Doors appeared first on HER Magazine.

HER Profile: Cara Carel of Rocky Hill Cakes

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Cara Carel of Rocky Hill Cakes has been involved in celebrating the special occasions and milestones in the life of many local families. Her amazing cakes have served as the centerpiece of hundreds of showers, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries and they taste as good as they look.

Now celebrating five years as a family-owned, home-based business, Carel, who had no ambitions to become a baker, can’t quite believe she’s marked this major milestone. After working in accounting at Apache Lumber, Carel worked for the state, for Scholastic and First Christian Church, where she operated a Sunday school day care. In 1996, she started her own day care, first in Jefferson City, and in July of 2002 moved it to her home in Russellville.

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Carel baked and decorated a beautiful cake for HER Magazine’s birthday.

She married Mike Carel, now a technician for RICOH USA, in 2001 and they have four children, so she didn’t have time to bake much for her own family.

“My mom always made the cakes in our family – for my wedding and for her grandkids’ birthdays. I really had no interest in cakes whatsoever,” said Carel.

After her mother passed away in January of 2009, family gatherings and celebrations changed dramatically.

“I took my oldest son to Walmart to pick out a birthday cake and he seemed sad, so I asked him what was wrong. He told me he wanted me to make him a birthday cake like his grandma had always done,” she said.

That was the beginning of her cake baking, and over time, she perfected the process. Soon her cakes and cupcakes were in demand by friends and family who urged her to go public. She did in June of 2011 and her business has continued to grow, mostly through word-of-mouth marketing on Facebook.

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SHE DIDN’T WANT TO CALL HER BUSINESS CARA’S CAKES.

“I didn’t want to call it that so my husband asked me what brought me peace and tranquility. I found it in my kitchen in our house on this old rocky hill in Russellville. So Rocky Hill Cakes was born.”

HER MOTHER’S SPIRIT IS STILL WITH HER WHILE SHE’S BAKING.

“My first cake making efforts were not pretty, so for Mother’s Day one year my family enrolled me in a cake decorating course. After it was over I had tons of questions. Mike and I were both interested in how to do things better so I continued my education. My mother’s spirit guided me and I feel her when I’m in the kitchen baking. For the longest time I would not bake a cake without wearing a T-shirt that she had given me as a souvenir from some of her trips.”

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IT’S NOT JUST A CAKE WITH ICING ON IT.

“My clients aren’t coming to me for a German chocolate cake; they want a work of art.” As a member of International Cake Exploration Societe and Icing Smiles, Carel is a sugar artist and her cakes are her canvas. “I use sugar to tell a story. It’s very rewarding to use your own two hands to tell a bit about who the cake is for and to bring happiness and joy.”

BAKING HAS BROUGHT HER AND HER HUSBAND CLOSER.

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“I love spending time with Mike in the kitchen. We enjoy this time more than hanging out on the couch watching movies. He started helping me because he loves me, but baking really brings us together. We have to be in sync to make things happen, and to overcome a hurdle on how to put a project together. He doesn’t do the baking or piping but he does a lot of fondant work and edible image printing. But if I deliver an order and he’s not with me he wants to know how they liked it, he enjoys seeing their reaction, too.”

SHE LOVES BEING AROUND KIDS AND HAS HELPED RAISE MANY.

“Caring for children, you learn patience and acceptance, but most of all it opens your heart up in a different way. Having a day care is like having your own kids, only you don’t pay their college tuition. I’ve watched these children grow and come to know them and each one has a different personality. The day care was challenging though. People pay more for their vehicles in a month than what they want to pay for childcare. The assumption is we’re not doing anything, we’re just wiping noses and bottoms, so when people ask what you do they ‘pooh-pooh’ you. But we’re often the child’s first teacher.”

MANY FAMILIES CONTINUE TO STAY IN TOUCH

even after she closed her day care late last year. “The other day I came home and there was a wind chime hanging on my porch, and I found out it was from one of my day care families who thought more of me than being just a provider for them. I miss the day care. It still chokes me up.”

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CARA CONTINUES BE WORK WITH KIDS AT ST. MARTIN’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL.

“I have had kids in that school for 15 years. My son started there in kindergarten and then graduated from Helias. My youngest one is in first grade there. I love that school and have wanted to be a part of it for many years, but my first obligation was to my family. Now, I am finally working there in after care and next year I will take over as head cook in the cafeteria. I will also now be able to utilize the commercial kitchen for Rocky Hill Cakes.”

ONE OF HER CLIENTS BECAME A CLOSE FRIEND.

“Sometimes when you’re friends with clients they take advantage of you, but not Kim [Bishop]. She enrolled her oldest son, Richard, with me in November of 1999. The next year she enrolled her youngest son, Dakota, when he turned two. After I moved the day care from Jefferson City to Russellville, I became close with Kim. She was with me through the labor and birth of my daughters, Mikayla and Amanda, and would have been for Becca, too, only she was born a month early and Kim had just left for vacation. Bishop was also by my side when we lost our son Zachary, my mother and father-in-law. She is everything a friend should be. Selfless, supportive and fun loving.” Bishop, who is an OR scheduler at Capital Region Medical Center, also helps Cara in the St. Martin’s Catholic School after care.

“I’ll only eat a Cara cake. She puts a lot of love and passion into her cakes, and they taste good. She’s my sister and she’s always been there for me.” – Kim Bishop

Kim and Mike, a manager at Lowe’s, each had two children so Carel made two satellite cakes along with the main one to symbolize coming together as a couple and a family. Since it was a winter wedding, there were snowflakes made out of edible fondant on the vanilla buttercream icing, while the pine cones were made out of modeling chocolate. There was fluffy hand piping around the bottom.
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by Shelley Gabert | photos by Julie Smith and provided by Cara Carel

The post HER Profile: Cara Carel of Rocky Hill Cakes appeared first on HER Magazine.

Flavorful 5: Food Showcase

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We asked local chefs to create a special dish in honor of our fifth birthday. We’ve organized them into a meal of sorts, an eclectic blend of courses that showcase the innovative dishes we love to celebrate in HER.

Deviled Quail Eggs

Johnny Graham, Revel Catering

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With a Japanese spice blend known as “Ichimi Togarashi” and chipotle aioli, this amuse-bouche is the tantalizing first taste of the meal.

Spring Rolls

Johnny Graham, Revel Catering

A bite-size appetizer filled with shrimp, black bean noodles, bell peppers, mint and tamarind (orange) soy sauce for dipping.

spring rolls

Verbena Sling

Johnny Graham, Revel Catering

A speciality cocktail using neutral grain spirits infused with Lemon Verbena. The infusion takes around six weeks and purified water & simple syrup are added to a make a lemon verbena cordial.  The “Sling” is made with 1 part Pinckney Bend gin, 1 part lemon verbena cordial, 2 parts lemonade, some club soda and a dash of grapefruit bitters.

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Poached Egg and Asparagus with Tasting Sauces

Johnny Graham, Revel Catering

Asparagus with poached egg, crispy prosciutto, cashews, smoked eggplant chutney, mint salsa verde, and homemade kumquat marmalade.

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Mozzarella “Scotch Egg” with Kale Coleslaw

Gerardo Hernandez, Hy-Vee

A nod to the traditional scotch egg, this appetizer is a ball of fresh mozzarella surrounding a yellow tomato, fried to look like an egg when sliced. A drizzle of reduced balsalmic over the “egg” and the brilliantly colored kale rounds out the blend of tastes and textures.

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Candied Pecan & Cranberry Salad

Rob Agee, Madison’s Cafe

This salad, a seasonal favorite, blends the sweet and savory by adding gorgonzola and parmigiano cheeses to pecans and sundried cranberries.

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Spiedini

Rob Agee, Madison’s Cafe

Spiedini, an Italian specialty, takes time to prepare it properly—marinara and bread crumbs create a unique filling for the wrapped filet mignon, seared then baked.

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Duck Confit Risotto

Ryan Davis, Argyle Catering

Duck confit in a creamy risotto with grated parmesan and sliced scallions.

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Bourbon Roasted Root Vegetables

Ryan Davis, Argyle Catering

Parsnips, carrots, pearl onions, radishes, red beets, red potatoes and turnips roasted with the bare essentials (salt & pepper, sugar, and thyme) make a gorgeous side dish.

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Seared Sea Scallops

Justin Heintz, Canterbury Hill Winery & Restaurant

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Apple Turnover

Justin Heintz, Canterbury Hill Winery & Restaurant

Warm pastry pairs with a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshingly simple dessert that melts in your mouth.

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photographs by Leah Beane

The post Flavorful 5: Food Showcase appeared first on HER Magazine.

Happy Birthday to Us: 5 Years of HER Magazine

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2011 covers

HER Updates:

Join us as we catch up with previous subjects of HER Magazine.

Hope Driscoll

photo by Bryan Whitely

Hope Driscoll • March/April 2011

Hope Driskill graced the cover of the launch issue of HER Magazine. Since that time, she’s graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia and enjoyed some once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

What do you remember about the HER cover shoot?

HD: HER was one of my very first interviews after winning Miss Missouri USA. The interview and photo shoot took place in the Capitol, which was special for me as Jefferson City is my hometown. I was interning in Governor Jay Nixon’s office at the time. I was looking forward to competing in Miss USA the upcoming summer, really having no idea what to expect as a pageant newbie. I also happened to be graduating from Mizzou that following year. That was 5 years ago, and a lot has happened in 5 years!

What was most memorable about being Miss Missouri?

HD: I had the privilege of being able to travel around the state and nation for speaking engagements, hospital visits, school and charity appearances. It was especially rewarding to work with organizations in my hometown such as Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association and the Jefferson City Day Care Center. I realized early on that it was more than a crown and sash; it was a giggle from a preschooler, a smile from a veteran, or a volunteer team effort after the devastating Joplin tornado. It was an opportunity to make a difference. The Miss USA Pageant in Las Vegas was something I’ll never forget. I made some lifelong friends and it was an honor representing Missouri.

What was Survivor like?

HD: I absolutely loved my time as a Missouri Tiger and still enjoy going back. MIZ!!! Although it was my plan to apply to law school following graduation, I caught the travel bug and when I was contacted by a CBS recruiter asking about my interest in applying for Survivor, I couldn’t say no. I found that reality television was probably not my thing, but it was another once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I left the day after graduation with a plane ticket to LA, and didn’t know where I was headed after that. After 30 plus hours of traveling, by plane, train, automobile and boat, I ended up on the Caramoan Islands, off the coast of the Philippines. We were dropped off on the island with strangers. The most challenging part wasn’t the heat, lack of necessities like food and shelter (and toothbrushes), or even the physical challenges… it was the mental game. Knowing it was a television show with the cameras in our faces 24/7, I’m still fascinated by how it became one’s ‘real world’ and how easy it is to get paranoid about someone plotting against you. Obviously, I was bummed when I got ‘voted off the island.’ I was happy with how I played the game, and that first meal back at base camp… wow, I was ready! After a summer traveling throughout the Philippines and Malaysia, it would be another six months or so until the show aired. The secrecy of not being able to talk about it was a challenge!

Didn’t you do some modeling work after that?

HD: I signed with a modeling agency in Milan, Italy. From the moment I arrived in Milan, knowing very little Italian, I was sent to castings, with my bags, jet-lag, and Italian map. I was proud of myself to actually find a casting location that day! I arrived in time for fashion week, so I went to castings, walked in some cool shows, traveled around Italy and ate great pasta. I met a fashion company executive that was looking for a model to work in their New York City office. I jumped at the opportunity, because who doesn’t want to live in NYC? I planned on staying in NYC for a couple of months, but ended up staying for about three years. There is something about that crazy city that I will love forever.

Currently, you’re going to law school in Los Angeles. What do you like about being there?

HD: I still wanted to attend law school, specializing in the entertainment industry. After I was accepted to UCLA School of Law, I realized the idea of moving cross-country was not nearly as daunting as the actual task of doing so. I enjoy LA especially when I think of the freezing temps back home and on the East Coast! I don’t have as much time as I would like for modeling, but I work as often as my schedule allows.

Regardless of where my life takes me, the best moments are those spent with my family. My parents are still in Jefferson City, and nothing compares to the feeling of getting to go back home to be with family and friends.

2012 covers

Destiny Rehagen • March/April 2013

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Corporal Destiny Rehagen and her then boyfriend and fellow marine, Clinten Schulte, tied the knot in June. Her wedding dress was provided by Brides Across America, a nationwide organization that provides free gowns to military brides. She recently won the Navy Marine Achievement Metal for her professionalism and accomplishments as a flight line mechanic and desk sergeant, Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron.

The Bluegrass Martins • July/Aug. 2013

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Writing about Janice, Jeana, Anne and Larita and their passion for family and bluegrass music remains a highlight for editor Shelley Gabert and is one of her favorite covers in HER’s history.

Since this story appeared the band has continued to travel throughout the U.S. playing gigs and also have gained more exposure in their hometown. In 2015, they played a free concert on the Capitol lawn for an estimated 2,000 people and appeared at the Mission and at SEGMA.

Internally, their father, Elvin, has stepped back and Anne is now on bass. Jeana, married to Eddy Faris who plays and sings for Ricky Skaggs, has moved from Nashville to Jefferson City. Now the band is all in one place.

“When we’re together we’re happy because we all want to play music, we love it, it’s part of who we are,” said Martin, who refers to herself as the glue that holds the band together.

In July of 2015, Martin formed Sho-Me Music Entertainment to promote The Bluegrass Martins as well as other bands.

“We’ve never been that pushy when it comes to promoting ourselves, always putting our love of music first, but I am excited to represent other bands who I believe in and are like us all about their music,” she said.

A lover of all kinds of music, Martin is also the DJ from 9 pm to Midnight on KOPN Radio’s “High Lonesome Sound” programming block every other Sunday or when she’s not traveling.

She had fond memories of being on the cover of HER, and she and her sisters enjoyed being pampered and having their hair and makeup done.

“We got so much feedback from people and we passed out the magazine at the festivals we played,” she said. “Since bluegrass has traditionally been a man’s world, it was so great that the magazine focused on my sisters and I.”

2013 covers

Anastasia Roark • Nov./Dec. 2013

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CoverCrop_CatherineRhodesPhotographyWEBWhat’s new since your wedding was featured in HER Magazine?

AR: Our major development since our wedding is the addition of our amazing baby boy, Rockford Roark Foster. His name story is fun. Chris’ illustrious grandfather was lost to us before the wedding. His name was Buford, a talented musician. He and his five children appeared on the nationally syndicated “Ozark Jubilee with Red Foley.” He jokingly said, “Don’t ever name a child after me.” So we chose Rockford as a little homage. We call him Ford.

I chose a meandering path to motherhood and marriage—or rather that path chose me. Instead of marrying and having children young, I ran around the planet first. I’ve been modeling and acting professionally since I was 22. Having my first child at 43 seems as natural to me as those who did it at 23. I’ve lived a lifetime already, and I’m just getting started on another one as a wife and mother. I’m also getting into local politics.

What are you running for?

AR: I’m currently vying for a vacant seat on the Santa Monica Rent Control Board. I’ve done volunteer service driving Meals on Wheels for almost five years, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet our elderly, our veterans and our disabled who mostly live in apartments. I worked on a helpline for seniors in danger of losing their homes to the real estate craze that has recently taken hold in our town. It’s very important in a community where 70 percent of the population are renters, some for a lifetime. Local politics can be very heartfelt and contentious, and I like putting my efforts where I can make a real difference.

My husband is getting involved as well. He was recently appointed to the Santa Monica Pier Board, overseeing all activity on the iconic pier that’s affectionately called “The Front Porch of America” for the west coast, and the terminus of the famous Route 66.

What’s new in your showbiz career?

AR: I’m still on TV. My episodes of Two and a Half Men and True Blood are still airing in re-runs. I’m still at my post at E! Channel, voicing the daily E! News broadcast around the world for seven years running. My little show on Cartoon Network/Adult Swim is in re-runs, awaiting word on a Season 3, and I continue to audition regularly. Be on the lookout for whatever comes next!

Do you get back to Jefferson City & the Lake of the Ozarks often?

We continue to spend almost equal time in Missouri and California. We get to go from Yosemite and the beach to our beloved Lake of the Ozarks, Jefferson City and St. Louis. We are busy people! It is a charmed life we are leading, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

2014 covers

Sierra Wilson • March/April 2014

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Sierra Wilson is our youngest cover model ever. At only 4 years old, Sierra Wilson’s beautiful green eyes peered out on the cover shot of our first family issue. Today, she recently turned 6 and loves kindergarten at St. Joseph’s, where her younger sisters, triplets Alanna, Selena and Mikayla go to pre-school. Her mother, Dr. Joyce Wilson, an orthopedic surgeon at Jefferson City Medical Group, said she’s active and enjoys swimming and gymnastics, while the triplets have learned how to climb, including the cabinets in the kitchen.

2015 covers

Jenny Samson Morgan • Sept./Oct. 2014

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Since being treated for breast cancer, Jenny Samson Morgan is moving forward and remains as busy as ever. The founder of the annual Doe’s Night Out events, she has championed the importance for self-breast exams and garnered major support from the community. The first two events have raised $24,000 that has gone to two nonprofits – the Community Breast Care Project in Jefferson City and She Will Fight, which provides financial and community resources for women being treated for all types of cancer.

Morgan’s latest project is handling product photography for Booby Track Bras, sports bras that include a sheath for a canister of pepper spray or a small knife with holes that’s only sharp on one side and can be used in a punching motion or a slashing motion. The company was founded by her friend in Texas, an avid runner who was once scared after a man jumped out at her on while she was on one of her favorite trails, so she set out to create a product that would allow women to feel safer when exercising in public spots.

On a personal note, Morgan’s family moved to Westphalia and her son, Carson, is now in kindergarten and continues to race and win trophies on the Motorcross, BMX, circuit.

2016 covers

Let us know which cover is your favorite HERE, from the March/April 2011 launch to the current issue!

updates by Shelley Gabert

The post Happy Birthday to Us: 5 Years of HER Magazine appeared first on HER Magazine.


Spring into Style: Mom & Kid Fashion

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For Easter Sunday or playtime, these looks are blooming with the color palette of the season. Check out our mothers and their little chicks—there aren’t any ugly ducklings here!

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Clothes, bags, and shoes from Dillards, girl toddler clothing partially from Alyssa’s Garden

On Shelly:

GB flutter sleeve hot pink tunic, $49

Miss Me mid-rise white skinny jeans, $89.50

Steve Madden Elegant metallic flats, $79.95

Michael Kors Selma medium leather satchel in sky & navy, $223

GB printed long sleeve multi-color dress, $35.40

GB Fired Up dress sandals, $89.99

On Mela:

Rare Editions brocade bodice glitter mesh-skirted dress in mint, Dillards, $20

Rare Editions nautical dress, pants and hat set in pink, Dillards, $25

Popatu dress with tulle in pink, Alyssa’s Garden, $39.99

On Natasha:

GB Bell-sleeve lace dress in cobalt, $69

Vera Bradley small Ella tote in exotic floral with black trim, $138

Gianni Bini Traci floral dress sandals, $79.99

On Jack:

Class Club 5-piece denim jacket suit set, $75

On Will:

Starting Out 3-piece vest suit in peach, $40

On Elizabeth:

GB 3/4 sleeve printed shirt dress in multi, $54

GB cropped moto jacket in light blue, $79

GB white jeans, $59

Antonio Melani peep toe wedges in pale gold, $110

Coach studded outline Edie shoulder bag in chalk, $375

On Ian:

Class Club woven plaid shirt in aqua, $26

Flat front chino pants in light khaki, $34

On Leah:

Young land Baby ruffled dress in pink plaid, Alyssa’s Garden, $12.99

photographs by Leah Beane

The post Spring into Style: Mom & Kid Fashion appeared first on HER Magazine.

HER Community: March/April

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Night to Shine

photos by Kris Wilson
Sisters Janice, left, and Judy Dudenhoeffer smile as they walk the red carpet through a crowd of cheering volunteers and media members shortly after arriving at the Capital West Event Center for the Tim Tebow Foundation-sponsored Night to Shine special needs prom.
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Daddy Daughter Dance

photos by Kris Wilson

There are no images in this gallery.

Mentor Bowling Day

photo by Kile Brewer

There are no images in this gallery.

Chamber Gala

photos by Kris Wilson
Outgoing Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce Chairman Gregg Bexten spoke for the final time before turning the podium over to incoming chairman Dan Westhues.
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Flamin’ Fellas

photos by Kris Wilson
Tony White, aka “Ebony” pauses on the stage as an attendee snaps a quick photo of the bosomy beefcake during the 6th annual Flamin’ Fellas fundraiser at Capitol Plaza Hotel. The event was hosted by the Barely There Polar Plunge Team with proceeds benefitting Special Olympics Missouri.
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Mid-Missouri Heart Ball

photos by Matt McCormack and Angela Bax
Nick Baker, Corporate Membership Representative and Group/Personal Trainer at the YMCA, and Angela Bax, marketing consultant at Central Missouri Newspapers Inc. and HER Magazine, pose for a photo.
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Moments of Magic

photos by Brittany Ruess
Shae Marie Eickhoff, a longtime supporter of SLC, sings during the program with the students on stage.
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The post HER Community: March/April appeared first on HER Magazine.

HER Picks: Toys, Old & New

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Check out these toys, old school and brand new!

Itty Bitty Mickey & Minnie Mouse. $6.95. Carrie's Hallmark.
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The post HER Picks: Toys, Old & New appeared first on HER Magazine.

HER DIY: Brass to Beautiful

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Before/After

Before/After

Jill Bednar, owner of Southbank Gift Company, creates a beautiful modern patina for an outdated side table.

What you need: Krud Kutter, Coco Chalk Paint, Duck Egg Chalk Paint, natural bristle brush, flat brush, sponge, clear soft wax, dark soft wax, lint-free cloth, paper towels.

What you need: Krud Kutter®, Coco Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®, Duck Egg Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®, natural bristle brush, flat brush, sponge, clear soft wax, dark soft wax, lint-free cloth, paper towels.

No priming or sanding necessary! Prep your piece by cleaning it with Krud Kutter® and paper towels. After cleaning your piece, wipe down again with a clean wet rag to remove any residual cleaner or debris.

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Now you are ready to paint! Using a round natural bristle brush, apply the Coco Chalk Paint® onto the brass/metal surface. Repeat until entire surface is covered and no brass is showing through. Let dry between coats.

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The desired consistency of the Duck Egg Chalk Paint® coat is thinner and smoother. You can achieve this by dipping only the tip of the small flat blue Annie Sloan® brush into a glass of water first, and then into the Duck Egg paint before applying to the Coco painted surface. Repeat this process until all the Coco color is covered up with the Duck Egg color, letting dry between coats.

chalk paint

You are ready to wet distress your piece! With a dampened sponge (no water dripping out), begin wiping away the top coat of Duck Egg. As the paint softens it will begin to expose the coat of Coco underneath.  Rinse your sponge out during this process to keep the distressing going. Be sure to work in small areas so you keep the Coco paint exposed but do not wipe too much away, exposing the brass surface. Continue this gentle distressing process until you are happy with the Coco/Duck Egg proportions. Let dry.

chalk paint

Using a soft rag, begin applying the CLEAR Soft Wax over the entire piece.  A little goes a long way.  Rub the wax into the paint with circular or up and down motions until the entire painted surface is coated. Really work it in, similar to applying hand lotion. TIP: Cotton gloves really help cover the surface when waxing legs or spindles. Wipe off any excess bits of wax and prepare for next step.


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Using the soft rag or wax brush, begin applying the DARK Soft Wax sparingly, but evenly, over the CLEAR Soft Wax.  This is when the copper verdigris patina starts coming out! Continue rubbing the DARK Soft Wax over CLEAR  Soft Wax until all the areas are covered.  TIP: If an area is too dark, apply a bit of Clear Soft Wax back over that area to lighten it up.

wax

Your surface now will feel a little sticky.  With a lint-free clean, soft cloth or paper towel, begin buffing the wax to bring it to a nice, soft shine.  Buffing is a quick over-the-surface action that heats up the surface wax, smooths it out and delivers a nice luster—and eliminates that “tacky” feeling.

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Stand back and enjoy the new copper patina look on your piece!  Don’t buy new, just re-do and tell your own story with Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan.

project by Jill Bednar | photography by Bennett Smith Photography

The post HER DIY: Brass to Beautiful appeared first on HER Magazine.

How to Style — Jennifer Backes

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makeover

Jennifer Backes, the mother of two boys, Hayden, 6, and Jase, 2, is busy at her post as the marketing director for Missouri Vein Care. She loves the fast-paced nature of her job, but also likes to use her free time to spend time playing outside with her boys, or maybe catching a high school sporting event with her husband, Dustin, who works at the Speaker’s Office.

Jennifer loves her community in Loose Creek. The small area is tightly-knit, with neighbors who are always willing to lend a hand, which has been a great help after Hayden was diagnosed with cancer on Valentine’s Day of 2013. He recently started chemo treatments again, and every Friday he is ready to go to Columbia.

“He says he’s ‘gotta take care of business,’” laughed Jennifer. “He’s a tough kid. He’s very mature for his age.”

Jennifer was an obvious choice for HER as the makeover subject, because all her hard work deserves some pampering. Catherine Crum and Jenna Duren teamed up to give Jennifer a new look, complete with clothes selected by Some Like It Haute owner, Cheri Morrow. Jennifer finished off the ensemble with her royal blue advocacy bracelet in honor of Hayden. She hasn’t taken off the bracelet in three years.

makeover

Before

The Style:

makeover006WEBHair: Since Jennifer has fine hair, Catherine decided to thicken it up a little with long extensions in the front, shaping the rest of her hair into a “lob,” or long bob, that’s a great look for a variety of face shapes. With the removal of the dead ends, Jennifer’s hair was immediately looking healthier. The added color-melt of chocolate brown into a hint of deep red made her new look really pop. Aveda Thickening Tonic and Volumizing Tonic helped boost the look’s volume. Pure Abundance Hair Potion and Air Control Hair Spray made sure that the added lift would stay put all day.

Makeup: Jenna used bareMinerals Complexion Rescue to create an even base on Jennifer’s face. Well-Rested Face and Eye Brightener added highlights. Mineral Veil finishing powder made sure the makeup would stick all day long. The neutral browns of bareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow were natural yet still stand out, great for a day-to-night look. For day, Jenna could have chosen a nude lip, but she ramped it up with a luscious mauve Marvelous Moxie lipstick. Jennifer was done after a coat of Lash Domination Voluminizing Mascara.

Clothing: Jennifer is oh so pretty in pink…wearing separates by Entro.  She’s radiant in the blush tone on tone swing top and vintage lace cardigan. Triple stacked crystal necklaces in shades of lilac, mauve, amethyst and cornflower add polish and interest to the ensemble.

The post How to Style — Jennifer Backes appeared first on HER Magazine.

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