Meet the Neighbor: Sonia McTaggart-Anderson
By: Callie Thomas
From an early age, resident Sonia McTaggart-Anderson has upheld the belief passed on from her mother that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Those words of wisdom do not come from a woman who has led a privileged life but rather, one that has overcome much–some would say more than one could possibly endure—to give her children a good life. Sonia is the sixth child of eight who were all raised in British Guiana, now Guyana South America. She grew up in a village with no running water or electricity. Everyone in the family worked in the farms and rice fields to put food on the table. Her father was relentlessly abusive to her mother as well as the children. One by one, her brothers and sisters were sent off to live with other members of the family so that they could go to school and escape the horrors of their daily life.
Sonia recalls her mother scrimping and saving enough to buy school supplies, books, uniforms and bus fare so that they could get an education. Even with extreme challenges, Sonia excelled at school and got her first job at 16 with the Royal Bank of Canada. With the help of relatives she came to the United States at the age of 17, finding work in the garment district, and in the years following married, had a son and obtained scholarships to enroll in a college in New York. She graduated with honors and embarked on a career in finance which she enjoyed for nearly twenty years. For over two decades, inspired by her own struggles and triumphs, Sonia has been donating her time and resources to help improve the lives of children in addition to working and raising her family. She founded the Andson Foundation, which currently assists thousands of children and youths at organizations throughout the valley to give them a better life. Sonia talks of her extraordinary story and why ensuring others are afforded a good life means everything.
You led an incredibly challenging life as a youth—what do you think helped you through it all?
“My drive and self-confidence that was bestowed upon me by my mother, (without whom I would not have survived) and caring strangers who saw the potential in me [helped me through it all]. I believe that I am here today for a purpose. There were so many reasons and situations that I should not have survived, but here I am. I utilize each day to achieve something new and touch another life.”
What does giving back mean to you?
“My mother (who did not have a first grade education) was instrumental in making sure I had an education. Looking back, I realize I was given an opportunity for a tremendously blessed life that I now so proudly enjoy, and to which much has been given. I joyfully give back as much as I can to my siblings, my extended family, staff and to thousands of non-related kids on a daily basis.”
You’ve assisted many charitable organizations but tell us about the Andson Foundation.
“My happiness comes from changing the lives of anyone in need. What I enjoy most is making a difference in the lives of children and helping them excel. Along with my son and my husband, we do just that on a daily basis through the Andson Foundation. Our belief is that by delivering both financial and educational support to students, we will aid not only in their academic careers, but also in their personal development. Our programs develop and empower students to achieve sound and promising futures.
Our goal is to install a lifelong love of learning in every child through academic assistance and to provide social mobility by way of financial education. We’ve provided tens of thousands of hours of lessons and tutoring through partnerships with the Boys and Girls Clubs, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, Communities in Schools, Bracken Elementary School and Bridger Middle School, Chaparral High School and Desert Oasis High School. Several other centers and elementary schools are scheduled to launch in the coming weeks. It is so important to change attitudes and behaviors and instill a lifelong love of learning. Education will end the cycle of poverty and lack of confidence for the disadvantaged. It did for me.”
Do you have any inspiration to give others?
“Success doesn’t come without hard work. Opportunities only knock once so seize them eagerly. Always remember the people that helped you along the way, and a sibling will always be the best friend you will ever have.”
Meet the Neighbor: Elizabeth Trosper
By: Callie Thomas
There’s a saying, “If you want to make God laugh, make plans.” Even when you think you’ve got your destiny mapped out, life throws curve balls. Sometimes, it works out to be a blessing in disguise, leading you to a different course with new adventures, new people, new skills and even a new lifelong passion. 89074 resident Elizabeth Trosper moved to town from Burbank, California in 1995. Although she had dreams of becoming a film actress after graduating from high school, attending Valley College where she was a theatre major and eventually studying at the Films Actors Workshop, it was a temp job that would open the door to an entirely new obsession.
Like many “starving artists” Trosper took a position to make ends meet as a receptionist at a public relations firm and she was hooked. She went back to school and began her new career as an account coordinator at Manning Selvedge & Lee in Los Angeles. There she worked with some of the best talent in the industry as well as national accounts including Sega, Mattel Toys and Blockbuster Entertainment. She continued to hone her skills here, becoming the partner of a Las Vegas public relations agency and has since opened her own company, Trosper Communications, LLC. in 2010.
Trosper has immersed herself within the community and is a current trustee, and past president, of the Board of Trustees of the Henderson Development Association and an alumnus of Leadership Henderson. She is a member of the national and Southern Nevada chapter of the Public Relations Society. She is also involved in a number of charitable organizations, providing her services on a pro-bono basis. Trosper talks about her work, her family and her inspiration for a life well led.
What was it like discovering a new career path?
“At Manning Selvedge & Lee in LA I discovered I liked being behind the camera more, and became skilled at providing direction for those who liked being in front of it. My mom told me when I was growing up that I could do anything in the world that I wanted to do. I still believe that today.”
As part of your PR work, you also give back to many organizations in the community?
“As a PR professional, I do pro-bono work for many organizations to raise awareness of their charitable efforts and further their cause. I also provide financial donations when I have the means to do so.”
What organizations do you support?
“I’ve been involved in the Henderson Boys & Girls Club, Easter Seals, Hopelink, Marion Residence and Regina Hall. I’ve also served on the board of S.A.F.E. House. Right now I am assisting the Henderson Salvation Army and Honor Flight of Southern Nevada.”
That’s quite a list! Any experiences you’d like to share?
“Any time you work with a non-profit you get a glimpse into the challenges of others and I continuously thank God for his blessings on my family.”
Of all your accomplishments, what makes you most proud?
“Being a mom to my son Jeremy and daughter Brooke.”
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not on the job?
“I enjoy spending time with those that matter the most in my life –my kids, my good friends–whether it’s at an event or at home. I like to entertain for my family as well as plan events both personally and professionally.”
What life inspiration would you offer to others?
“Be kind to one another. Be honest in all aspects of your life, especially the difficult ones. Enjoy the journey.”
Meet the Neighbor: Paula Naegle
By: Callie Thomas
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats
The very essence of what a good teacher does is to motivate, inspire and engage children in the excitement and joy of learning. That passion for education is at the very heart of what motivates Paula Naegle, Principal of Del Webb Middle School. She not only uses her enormous talent and enthusiasm for teaching to make a difference through education, but also to improve the health and welfare of children in the community. Naegle has played an instrumental role in establishing and implementing an awareness campaign and new procedures and guidelines within her school and beyond to protect children from food allergens.
When Naegle’s own children were young, she began teaching English in high school. She also served as a faculty advisor for a number of extracurricular activities, which introduced her to community service projects that integrated her students. Considered an innovator within the industry, Naegle launched an internship program with KLVX Channel 10. Her students at Chaparral High School were exposed to television production and later were some of the first to use that technology to televise morning announcements across campus. Naegle would be an innovator again after meeting Scott Gordin, a sixth grade student with severe food allergies. As food allergens are a life threatening disease, Gordin’s parents met with Naegle to talk about their son and how best to protect him. It was through her meetings with the Gordins that she first became introduced to and involved with the Food Allergy Research Education (FARE) organization. Paula talks about her support of FARE, her love of teaching and why it will always be a part of life as a native Las Vegan.
As a principal, how do you stay connected with students today?
“Beyond the administrative duties and paperwork I lead monthly book chats, participate in classroom discussions and mentor struggling students. For example, I try to show students that service to the community and school is fun and rewarding, whether it’s fundraising with our faculty to raise money for Nevada Childhood Cancer Camp Cartwheel or serving on the committee for the Las Vegas FARE Walk for Food Allergy, I try to give back wherever I can.”
You were introduced to FARE through one of your students?
“I met with the Gordins to discuss their son Scott’s life-threatening food allergies in an effort to be pro-active in keeping him safe and ensuring that he was included in the full realm of school activities. Mr. and Mrs. Gordin were so positive and helpful in teaching me and Scott’s teachers what we could do as a school to protect the lives of children with food allergies. They introduced me to FARE, a non-profit organization that ensures the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies while seeking a cure.”
You’ve spread the word about food allergies throughout your school.
“At Del Webb Middle School, we began implementing new procedures and guidelines to keep students with food allergies safe. Students and staff have participated in the Las Vegas FARE Walk for the past four years. This year’s event is on November 2 at the District Green Valley Ranch. Mr. and Mrs. Gordin, Scott and I also met with former School District Superintendent Dwight Jones to discuss the need for district-wide Food Allergy Guidelines so that all schools will adopt safe practices. That meeting led to a great opportunity: working together with school district leaders to provide training for every CCSD employee on recognizing the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and emergency procedures to help a student who is having a serious allergic reaction. These events were made possible, in part, due to the grant, ‘Educate Las Vegas,’ that CCSD received from funds raised at the Las Vegas Food Allergy Walk.”
What do you think makes you successful?
“Knowing that I can make a positive difference in the lives of students is a driving force, but mostly that I was able to raise both of my daughters, Megan and Catherine, send them off to college and watch them create beautiful families of their own, all while working hard at a job that I loved.”
Meet the Neighbor: Scott Gordin
By: Callie Thomas
Speaking up and speaking your mind has its rewards. Resident Scott Gordin found the courage to stand up and be vocal about his food allergies in front of the school district as well as his friends. In the process, he’s helped save the lives of other youth. Self-advocating has not only helped him deal with his own life-threatening affliction, but has created awareness of potentially life threatening food allergies and established the first-ever Clark County School District Food Allergy Management Guidelines which includes new regulations, policies and procedures through his efforts with non-profit organization Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). The new guidelines are scheduled to be released this fall.
The high school senior has severe allergies to peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish. He’s experienced anaphylaxis (a potentially deadly allergic reaction), which sent him to the emergency room at an early age. Due to his illness, he and his family did a great deal of research on food allergies and the dangers they pose, subsequently leading them to become involved in FARE. His parents are volunteers for the annual fundraising Walk for Food Allergy charity as walk directors. Scott was the youth ambassador for the walk the first year. Now, he’s a member of the walk committee as the teen recruit chair. He’s also part of the Teen Advisory Group for FARE, which is a merger between Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and Food Allergy Initiative where Scott is paired with other teens in a mentorship program. The group works on community projects to advocate and educate. He’s proud of the work his volunteer efforts have produced and is always eager to share his experiences. Scott talks about giving back at an early age, his aspirations and life as a teen in Vegas.
What should others know about food allergies?
“There is currently no cure. Fifteen million Americans struggle every day from this medical condition. One in thirteen kids has a food allergy (about three in every classroom). Kids pass away every year from eating something they thought was safe.”
Why was it important for you to volunteer?
“Other kids feel self-conscious about their food allergies, but I feel different. It has helped save my life by being vocal. My school, Coronado High School, is supportive and they are sponsors of our walk. Many students volunteer and participate in the event.”
Tell us about this year’s walk.
“I want to invite everyone in the community. You will support those directly or indirectly afflicted by this medical condition. The walk takes place Saturday morning on November 2 at the District at Green Valley Ranch. Your support will help raise funds for research to find a cure.”
You’ve been recognized for your efforts?
“Yes, by Governor Sandoval and I received the Hero Award for my charity work, and a Humanitarian Award as Food Allergy Walk Teen Recruitment Chair in Nevada. As the chair, I’ve spoken to local schools and the Art Institute of Las Vegas Culinary School about the walk and participating. I secured local sponsors, volunteers, attend monthly committee meetings, and take part in TV interviews to promote the walk.”
You’ve also done an interview on PBS and your story was featured in Today.com and made MSN.com’s top 5 stories of the day…
“(Smiles) Yes, I’m really proud of that, but also the amazing support of our community and what the Walk enabled in Nevada! Thanks to our community, the 2012 walk raised $110,000 and our walk grants continue to be approved by FARE! Together, we’ve increased awareness and raised funds to make our community a better place. It’s also exciting that the Clark County School District and the FARE partnership created a safer place for CCSD students and staff. I hope to see you at the charity event November 2 – you could be saving a life!”
For more information about the charity event visit www.foodallergywalk.org/lasvegas.”
Following Atticus — Forty-Eight High Peaks, One Little Dog and an Extraordinary Friendship — By: Tom Ryan
As Reviewed by: Macy Walsh
I can’t say I’m a big fan of dog memoirs. You know, those cloying Marley and Me’s in which the author thinks his or her dog is the most important in the world; where the quirky canine teaches life lessons even though you know it really just wants some kibble, a stick and a tummy rub. That being said, when I came across Following Atticus by Tom Ryan the cover made me look twice: a miniature schnauzer standing in the snow with what looks like socks and crampons on its paws. As I would discover later, these doggie winter booties are called muttlucks.
The subtitle promised “forty-eight high peaks, one little dog and an extraordinary friendship. The “friendship” part guaranteed some stale bromides but the “high peaks” with this wee pooch made me crack it open. And right inside the cover is a hand-drawn map of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, highlighting its 4,000 foot crags. I went to college in that beautiful area (Hanover, New Hampshire) so I was immediately hooked. Turns out that the author, founder and former editor of the Newburyport alternative paper The Undertoad, set out with this tiny dog to climb up and down all 48 of these mountains, twice, in 90 days of winter. They did so to raise money for the Jimmy Fund after a friend died of cancer, and thus, a grand quest was born complete with challenges, love of nature and scattered tears along the way.
Sounds painfully treacly, yes? Suprisingly it’s not, and that’s largely thanks to Ryan himself. If Atticus seems an unlikely mountaineer, so does Ryan as a self-described “middle-aged, overweight newspaper editor” who likes poking the powers-that-be in his North Shore town. In fact, the first 50 pages or so are a great portrait of Newburyport, what it’s like to know everyone and to often be the one who publishes the things people don’t want to talk about. And when he writes about hiking these mountains, he does so with a sense of discovery any armchair reader will appreciate – you don’t have to be an Outside subscriber or John Krakauer fan to get this book.
Then there’s the way he writes about Atticus: This schnauzer sounds and looks very cute, and Ryan obviously becomes a sudden softie when he first gets this five-pound puppy, but he never tries to make Atticus more than just a dog – a very good, adventurous dog to be sure. But though he’s that proverbial best friend, his behavior is not over-analyzed. This tempered sentimentality is crucial when Atticus starts to go blind but is insistent on hiking the mountains anyway. Ryan writes plainly about it, not overstating what is clearly an emotional time for him, and the effect is more powerful for such restraint. When they finally reach the final peak of Mt. Washington, it’s truly a quiet triumph.
At the heart of this remarkable journey is an extraordinary relationship that blurs the line between man and dog, an indelible bond that began when Tom, following the advice of Atticus’s breeder, carried the pup wherever he went for the first month of their life together. Following Atticus is ultimately a story of transformation: how a five-pound puppy pierced the heart of a tough-as-nails newspaperman, opening his eyes to the world’s beauty and its possibilities. It was a change that led to a new life among the mountains; an unforgettable saga of adventure, friendship and the unlikeliest of family; and an inspiring tale of finding love and discovering your true self. A great read for the whole family!
Halloween Trends: Five Easy Steps for Skeletons Scary and Sweet
The skeleton is a very popular Halloween costume, especially the trendy and colorful dead skull candy look. 9037 Salon wants to share with you some easy Halloween make-up tricks that will have you looking scary or sweet in a flash. A few supplies are a must. You’ll need white and black cream base foundation, available at your local Halloween store, a black and gray pencil liner, black and grey eye shadow, cosmetic sponges and makeup brushes. For a more colorful design, replace the black foundation and liner with the color of your choice. Add extra features to make your look a little more unique, or if you’re going for the skull candy vibe, draw on flowers and funky designs that are sure to turn heads at any Halloween gathering.
- Step One: Apply the white foundation with a cosmetic sponge and cover your face, lips, and neck until you have an even amount of coverage.
- Step Two: Using a concealer brush, apply black (or color you chose) to your eyes making a circle from under your lid to right below the eyebrow. Fill in completely using your sponge if necessary.
- Step Three: Apply black (or color you chose) to your nose. Use the black liner to draw on a skeletal nose, and fill in with the black makeup using the concealer brush.
- Step Four: Apply black (or color you chose) to your cheeks. Suck in your cheeks to accentuate your cheek bones, and follow under your cheek bone with the sponge to give cheeks a sunken in affect.
- Step Five: Create lips using the black liner to line the place where your lips separate, extend the line to where the black cheeks begin on each side. Make little vertical lines about a half an inch apart across the lip line you just created.
- Step Six: Keep it basic or customize with colorful face paint, glitter or glue on rhinestones. The possibilities are endless!
9037 Salon is located at 9037 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas, NV. 89117. For information on makeup design help, call them at 570-7108.
Sneezes, Wheezes and Watery Eyes: Pets and Allergies
By: Hana Haatainen Caye
“Please!” they beg, day after day. “Please can we get a pet?” What’s a parent to do?
If you are reluctant to get a pet because of the possibility of allergies, you might have good reason. According to the American College of Allergies, Asthma and Immunology, approximately 10% of the country’s population is allergic to animals (or 25% for asthmatics). Every year, millions of pets are left in shelters and euthanized. Allergies are the number one reason provided for their surrender. To avoid this heartbreak and unfortunate circumstance, potential allergies are something to seriously think about when considering the commitment of owning a family pet.
Allergy Illusions
“Just get a hypoallergenic dog or cat,” a well-meaning friend suggests. The problem is, “hypo” simply means “less than,” not “non” as people tend to think. While there are those less likely to trigger an allergic reaction, the truth is all pets can cause problems for someone with allergies to animals. And, contrary to popular belief, it’s not hair that causes the allergic reaction!
Cats have sebaceous glands, such as the glycoprotein Fel d 1 (Felis domesticus), where allergens reside. These glands secrete the allergens through the skin and via the saliva. Whenever a cat bathes itself with its tongue, it spreads this protein, triggering all sorts of allergic symptoms in nearby sufferers. Dog allergens, on the other hand, stem from their dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine. In addition, pollen, dust and other allergens picked up by roaming pets is cause for concern.
Birds and smaller cage dwelling animals can cause problems as well. Reactions to feathers and droppings are somewhat common. Research shows that a continuous exposure to birds and their droppings can sometimes cause chronic, slowly progressive symptoms including a shortness of breath, loss of energy, and feeling of fatigue. Some birds, like cockatoos and African grays tend to produce the most dander. Guinea pigs, rabbits, and other rodents can also produce allergic symptoms, with Guinea pigs and rabbits being particularly problematic.
Testing…Testing
Now you know why, but how can you best determine if your household can tolerate the much desired addition of a new pet? One of the best ways to determine if someone in your family is allergic to a particular type of pet is to borrow one or offer to pet sit for a few days. Check with your friends, family members or co-workers and see if anyone would be willing to lend you their pet. If that isn’t possible, at least take the time to make multiple visits to animal shelters and pet stores, spending as much time as you can around the type of pet you are interested in. If you or your child has even the slightest allergic reaction, heed the warning and move on to a different option.
Safest Bets
The search for a pet to satisfy a sniffly family is far from hopeless. Some breeds and species are more agreeable to allergy sufferers than others.
Puppy Power
Due to pesky pollen, non-shedding dogs tend to be good choices when trying to reduce the possibility of allergies. The American Labradoodle or Bichon Frise are both great choices for hypoallergenic family dogs. Enthusiastic and playful, the American Labradoodle needs room to romp, so it is not an ideal apartment dweller. In contrast, Bichon Frise are good dogs for families in apartments or homes with small yards. Both breeds require frequent grooming, however, so keep the cost of monthly visits to the groomer in mind.
If your family includes young children, a Portuguese Water Dog may be the perfect pup. Known to be loyal, affectionate, pleasant-tempered and fun, even the First Family chose this animated breed for the White House due to Malia Obama’s allergies to dogs.
Other popular hypoallergenic dogs include:
- Poodle
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Schnauzer
- Italian Greyhound
- Bedlington Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Havanese
- Maltese
- Basenji
Check online for rescue sites and/or register your breed of choice at local shelters to avoid puppy mills.
The Cat’s Meow
The Devon Rex and the moderately longhaired Siberian head up the list for least-allergenic felines, which also include the Cornish Rex, Balinese, and Oriental Shorthair. Despite being super-fluffy, up to 75% of people with cat allergies don’t show allergic reactions to Siberians. These affectionate, dog-like kitties shed less than most cats, have less dander, and have a lower amount of Fel d 1 in their saliva. P.S. Lessen your risk further by adopting a male, light-colored kitty as some research concludes dark-furred cats are four times worse than lighter-furred when it comes to allergens. Female cats may also produce more Fel d 1.
Birds and Other Critters
Parakeets and cockatiels produce much less dander, making them a better choice for allergy sufferers. Rats are a surprising yet especially good choice due to their short fur and affectionate nature. According to author Marty Becker, DVM, “Rats are a good choice if you want hands-on interaction. They have less hair than other rodents and love being handled.” Don’t discount reptiles including snakes, frogs and lizards, as well as fish either. Although they may not be as interactive as a dog or cat, with proper care and maintenance they can make great pets for those allergic to more traditional pets.
Preventative Measures
In order to reduce the chances of allergic reactions to whichever pet you choose, there are a few tips you should note:
- Location- Pets should not share bedrooms with people with allergies. Period. Keep the dog or cat off the beds and the cages/tanks out of the kids’ rooms.
- Cleanliness – Neglecting cleaning up after a pet can cause all sorts of health risks, including asthma attacks and itchy eyes. Droppings in rodent cages should be cleaned daily with a thorough cleaning of the enclosure weekly to cut down on allergens. Vacuuming, dusting and mopping should be performed frequently.
- Bathing – Cats and dogs need weekly baths using special shampoo to remove dander and excess hair. Apple cider vinegar rinses not only soften fur, but will repel fleas as well.
- HEPA air cleaners – Installation of air cleaners can dramatically reduce allergen risks.
- Expose children to pets during their first year of life. Studies have shown this might halt the development of animal allergies altogether.
Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are when choosing a pet, allergies can still crop up down the road. Before adding a pet to your family, have a contingent plan. Check with friends to see if they would be willing to adopt your pet if the time came that you simply had to give him up because of an allergy situation or emergency, or ask the shelter, store or breeder if they take back pets under those conditions. Be sure to obtain a written copy of their policies.
Choosing the right pet and following allergy prevention guidelines can lead to a fulfilling and fun relationship with your furry, or not-so-furry, family addition.
Join the Design Revolution! Creating Custom Fabric, Wall Paper, Decals and Gift Wrap
By: DeeDee Birdsall
Did you catch the Project Runway episode where contestants were given the challenge to design and create their own fabric in less than an hour? “I’d love to create my own fabric,” you might have thought. “But wait — I’m not a designer!” Maybe you’ve been looking for that perfect wallpaper or gift wrap for a special room or occasion and just can’t find the ideal pattern to complete your vision. Well, fret no more. Whether you’re a fashionista, a seamstress in search of the perfect fabric or an occasional crafter with a hankering to create something truly unique, all you need is a little creativity and the help of technology to create personalized materials with professional results.
The Power of Spoonflower
In the old days we crafters could print our own designs onto fabrics, calendar pages, clear decals, etc. using ink jet printers with specialized sheets of materials. The size constraints were obvious, as was the substandard quality in color and saturation if you had more than one sheet to print. With the power of the Internet, creating your own designer items has become dramatically revolutionized. There are several websites that help you design your own projects, and although they have similar design concepts, services and pricing, Spoonflower.com stands above the rest in terms of ingenuity. Spoonflower includes a community connection to other designers (currently over one million users), and encourages creativity by hosting giveaways, contests such as “Design of the Week,” a BlogSpot, virtual studio and storefronts, plus ways to earn royalties if you choose to sell your designs. It is the largest network of independent fabric and wall covering designers in the world and the great thing about those designers is that many of them are just like you and me! Best of all, they offer an array of projects to brighten up your home and gift giving options while letting your inner designer show through.
One-of-a-Kind Textiles
Whether making pillows, curtains, quilts, or other home decorating or wearable items, the fabric sets the tone for the finished project. With Spoonflower you can design your own unique pattern then print swatches, fat quarters, or entire yards of fabric. The site provides several design layout options, step-by-step instructions and examples, plus it hosts an online gallery of thousands of fabrics for purchase. Pricing ranges from $17.50 a yard for basic combed cotton to $38.00 for silk crepe de chine. They also offer a 20% discount on purchases of 20 yards or more.
Wallcoverings and Decals
How many times have you had a vision of the perfect wallpaper and not been able to find it? What about the labor-intensive removal process once that oh-so -1980’s pattern has lost its luster? Today’s wallpaper is a different story and Spoonflower’s print-on-demand totally removable wallpaper is an excellent choice. Perfect for temporary homes that need a facelift (i.e. college dorms, apartments, etc.), each roll comes in the standard 24ft x 12ft size at a cost of $60.00 each. Considering that awesome design from Anthropologie at a cost of $168.00 per roll? Now you can create your own similar look for a lot less cash!
Looking to snazzy up your room but don’t want to cover an entire wall? Spoonflower also offers custom-designed peel and stick wall decals or murals. Offered in three different sizes, they can add a whimsical feel to a child’s bedroom or playroom, or create a sophisticated scene that adds drama to the more formal spaces in your home. Pricing ranges from $5.00 to $30.00 each.
Gift Wrapping Options
Want your gift to stand out from the crowd at your next wedding, baby shower or birthday party? Spoonflower provides a custom gift-wrap option that takes your design and transforms it into a work of art. It’s a fun way to create something truly unique that you can personalize – no gift tag required! Gift-wrap rolls cover approximately four average sized gifts for a cost of $15.00 per roll.
From Digital Photos to a Designer Masterpiece
Getting started on Spoonflower may take a bit of practice and knowledge of sending digital files, but it’s a simple, six step process once you get going. Before getting into full board design mode, it’s recommended that you order a color map, color guide, and a swatch booklet off the site. This is an inexpensive way to verify you’ve chosen the right colors and fabric for your project the first time around!
- Upload your image. Any photo or design image you have saved in a standard file format such as a JPG, PNG or GIF can be uploaded to Spoonflower. Don’t have an image? Hundreds of images are free, or for sale on sites such as www.Shutterstock.com. Make sure to read the fine print, as many images are not for resale. If selling your finished design is your goal, heed the warnings and don’t violate copyright laws.
- Edit your design. Using Picmonkey.com, a free online editor linked to Spoonflower, you can edit your image to include color changes, size, special effects, frames, and more. For high-tech editing use Photoshop outside of Spoonflower and upload your finished design. Keep in mind, color is your responsibility. Be sure to order swatches prior to full yardage production as to not be disappointed in your finished product.
- Create a design repeat. Spoonflower prompts you to determine your design placement. A basic repeat creates tiles of your design horizontally and vertically, while other options include half-drop or half-brick staggers.
- Proof your design. Once you’ve ordered your design there’s no turning back! Take extra time to verify the design is as you intended prior to production or offering it for sale in the virtual shop! Use your resources to assure the color is as you envisioned. All sites assume once you have placed an order, the product is finalized.
- Print your design. Using the step-by-step instructions, order the type of fabric and number of yards. If you’re unsure of fabric types, make a quick trip to your local fabric store and ask for a quick lesson in fabric types and weights, then match what’s available on Spoonflower, choosing what’s conducive to your project.
- Sell your designs (optional). With a click of your mouse, you can make your designs available for sale in Spoonflower’s virtual shop. As the designer, you retain the rights to the design and earn 10% of the sales. Earnings are paid in the form of “Spoondollars” which can be used to purchase other items from the site, or can be paid to your PayPal account monthly.
Design Project Ideas
You’re limited only by the imagination as to what can be designed on the Spoonflower site. Consider these ideas to get the creative juices flowing!
- One-of-a-kind lining for totes and purses
- Designer gift-wrap with children’s names, business names, photos, etc.
- Personalized growth charts or cartoon frescos from decals and murals.
- Customized tablecloths and napkins for weddings, family gatherings, gifts.
- Print family recipes to make tea towels or aprons.
- Upload children’s artwork to make teacher and grandparents’ gifts.
- Create matching fabric and contrasting wallpaper for any room in the house.
- Upload company logos to upholster office chairs or use for wallpaper and decals.
- Cover a lampshade; make pillows and other home décor items.
As Robert Frost once said, “The artist in me cries out for design.” Explore your inner artist and create fabric, home decorating and gift-wrapping options that are uniquely you!
Crowdsourcing Self-Control: Success Through Accountability
By: Michelle Vessel
Anyone who has ever sworn off a bad habit at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve or filled out an annual self-evaluation form at work is probably already familiar with the concept of SMART goals. For decades, the conventional wisdom has held that in order to have the best shot at success, goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound. Though there are reams of scientific research and word-of-mouth anecdotes to back up this concept, several recent studies have caused a stir by suggesting that there may be one key ingredient missing from the SMART goal recipe: accountability.
What Is Accountability?
Due to its association with the political sphere, the term “accountability” has picked up something of a negative connotation over the years. When a lawmaker or official is believed to have overstepped the bounds of his or her office, disgruntled constituents and teeth-gnashing editorial writers often call for greater accountability, almost as a form of punishment. But in its most basic sense, “accountability” just means being called on to account for one’s actions, usually in a public setting.
When it comes to goal-setting, accountability means sharing your stated intentions with someone else, be it your significant other or your 300 Twitter followers, and checking in with that audience on a regular basis to update your progress and hash out your successes and shortcomings.
Why is accountability important? Well, people who build an element of accountability into their self-improvement efforts often radically improve their chances of long-term success. In one study conducted by researchers at Dominican University in California, study participants who had an accountability network were 33% more likely to lose weight than were those who kept their goals to themselves. In a similar study carried out at the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health, dieters who documented their eating habits on social media platforms were more successful in their efforts than those who were instructed to go it alone.
Devise an Accountability Plan That Works for You
Why do so many well-intentioned people skip accountability when it comes to setting goals? Mainly, making a public proclamation that you need to make a change – whether that means losing weight, improving your on-the-job performance, spending more one-on-one time with the kids, or whatever variable it is that needs tweaking in your life – can be kind of embarrassing. According to Dr. Tricia Leahy, a researcher with the Miriam Hospital Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center in Rhode Island, the challenge is finding the right amount of accountability for you. The “sweet spot” is an arrangement that takes you slightly out of your comfort zone, but not so much so that you dread checking in with progress reports. Ideally, you should feel challenged in a positive way, but not paralyzed by the fear of humiliation.
Luckily for today’s goal-setters and go-getters, we’re living in a golden age of opportunities and options. Whether you prefer cutting-edge apps or a more personal, human-centered approach, it’s a snap to set up an accountability system that works for you.
High-Tech Accountability Tools
From complex online programs that appeal to spreadsheet fans and data nerds to simple apps that conveniently keep your change efforts on track via your smartphone, the last few years have seen a tidal wave of new technology-enabled methods of gauging and reporting your progress toward goals.
On the Web
There are a wide range of popular websites, many of which cost nothing to join, that can help you stay accountable by sharing your results either with a select group of friends or the public at large. Popular choices include 43Things.com, HabitForge.com, and JoesGoals.com. The website DietBetter.com turns weight loss into a social challenge, while Stickk.com ups the ante by allowing users to bet on their success. If you succeed at your stated goal, you get the money back. If you fall short, your money gets donated to the charity of your choice (or to an “anti-charity” whose cause you disagree with). Many of these sites also have mobile apps for on-the-go accountability updates.
Socially Speaking
Some of the simplest and most popular tech tools for accountability updates are social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Many recent studies have focused specifically on the use of goal-related tweets, status updates, check-ins at the gym and meal photos as accountability tools, and those who consistently report their progress using these methods tend to be more successful in achieving their goals than average people.
In the Palm of Your Hand
For those who find the prospect of manual social media posts too tedious, there are also a slew of platforms and apps (mostly diet- and fitness-related) that can help you stay accountable by posting your progress to social media sites automatically. Platforms, apps and sites like Nike+, MyFitnessPal, iFit, DailyMile and RunKeeper make it a cinch to post your workout stats without you having to lift a finger.
A Little Privacy… Please
If you like the idea of an online accountability system, but would rather keep your goals away from the prying eyes of the fellow churchgoers and business associates that follow your social media accounts, there are other options available. Many accountability sites allow you to choose an anonymous username rather than using your full name. Similarly, you could register for and start spending time on bulletin boards related to your goal, whether that’s running your first marathon or improving your parenting skills. If you opt for an anonymous form of online accountability, however, experts say it’s important to make sure you’re engaged and emotionally invested enough to care about the approval of the community of users – otherwise, it won’t matter to you if you have to tell them you’ve fallen off track.
High-Touch Accountability Tools
If all this talk of tweets and status updates leaves you cold (or bewildered), you may be a prime candidate for a more personal take on accountability. Though groups like Weight Watchers and 12-Step organizations have been around for decades, a growing number of people are hooking up with partners or a crew of like-minded folks to check in on goals, give progress reports – and even offer up a little tough love when necessary.
Accountability partners or group members don’t have to be focused on the same goal. In fact, it may be more beneficial if you’re tackling different types of targets so that meetings don’t devolve into nitpicking or one-upmanship. Experts suggest scheduling get-togethers or progress reports on a regular basis. These can range from text message or email exchanges to tête-à-têtes over coffee or cocktails, or anything else that works for the group – as long as each member or partner is offering up a report on a regular basis.
For the ultimate in one-on-one accountability, you may want to consider working with a coach. Skilled professionals are available to help clients work toward many types of achievements, ranging from making it as an entrepreneur to competing in a triathlon. Technology has enabled a wide range of options and pricing levels for coaching services. You can select less expensive email coaching or pricier face-to-face sessions, depending on your budget and the extent of support you’re looking for. Though it’s not for everybody, many of those who have made the investment in coaching describe it as an enormously helpful form of accountability.
No matter which approach you opt for, adding an element of accountability to your next attempt at self-improvement is a smart way to drastically increase your chances of success. If a willpower deficit has caused you to fall short in the past, try relying on the support (and scrutiny) of others as motivation to stick to your plan this time around. And who knows? By bravely proclaiming your goals to the world, you just might inspire others to take on tough challenges, as well.
The New Kind of Comfort Food: Classics That Won’t Tip the Scales
Food Stylist: Aly Wagonseller
Art Director: Kristi Stephenson
Photographer: Dave Smith
Most everyone craves good old-fashioned comfort food from time to time. Especially once the outdoor temperatures start to dip, creamy dishes that are hearty, simple and full of flavor have you wanting more …yet bring your fork to a screeching halt when you consider the exorbitant calorie and fat counts in every tiny bite. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to indulge in the flavors of classic comfort food without all the guilt? Surprisingly, it can be done (and without compromising flavor and satisfaction).
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The key to making a successful change in the dietary value of luscious dishes like chicken fried steak and gravy or mac-n-cheese is to avoid going overboard and trying to cut too many calories and fat grams all at once. Flavor is derived from fat. If you leave every drop of it out, you may just wind up with a lackluster creation that’s a major disappointment to the taste buds. Think about balancing ingredients with the goal of obtaining optimal health and cutting back, not total elimination. If you’re using full fat cheese in your macaroni recipe, nix the cream and choose skim or 2% milk instead. Forego the chintzy spritz of cooking spray and instead swirl a dose of canola or olive oil into your pan for sautéing. These are healthy fats and are necessary to achieve the crispy crust and depth of flavor in most gravies and sauces. Choose ingredients that don’t deviate much in flavor and texture from their gut busting counterparts. Low and no fat sour creams and cream cheese taste virtually identical to the original, with nearly identical consistency, an important consideration for a velvety outcome. Remember – comfort food isn’t something most of us eat at every meal, so making a 450-500 calorie version of a dish that normally weighs in at 1200 calories or more, still does your waistline a huge favor while satisfying your craving for a delicious dish.
We’ve got skinnier versions of the most popular comfort foods on the dinner table. They’re all surprisingly delish, yet lower in calories and fat – allowing you to eat to your stomach’s content…without tipping the scales.
Print and Save the Recipes Below!
