she spot holiday 2014

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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5

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Holiday Recipes p. 28

Back Talk p. 43How to Keep Your Dignity

at the Company Party

Roxanne p. 47The Finale to ourCliffhanger Series

18

details 7 “Good Grief”Holiday Wrapping Woes

13 Musings of MotherhoodMaking the Holidays Easier

15 Decorating SpotHoliday Décor… Splurge or Save?

17 Sexy SpotHow to Feel Sexy in the Winter Months

23 Sore SpotAvoiding Holiday Bulge

24 Health Spot Maintaining Your Health Over the Holidays

27 Just the TipsGetting the Keys to Your New Home

31 Conversation Starts for theCompany Party

33 Tips for Moms to Survive the Holidays

35 Beauty SpotGlowing Winter Skin

36 Couples TherapyHow to Argue and Feel Closer

41 Pet PhotographyWhy It’s Important

45 Holiday Travel Tips

48 On the Spot with She Spot10 Things You Didn’t Know About Blythe Danner

8 • She Spot • Volume 1, Issue 5

Volume I, Issue FIVe

PublisherKaren A. Kovacs

Editor-in-ChiefLisa Walters

Art DirectorSherilyn Kulesh

Director of Media DevelopmentBlair Johnson

Marketing and Sales ManagerSusanna Koppany

Contributing WritersLea Bourne, Sara Cohen,

Lauren Cronmiller, Georgina Ellis-Young, Jenn Hallman,

Nayana Hegde, Lauren Kaplan, Sarah Lipp, Ruth Pennebaker,

Erika Ringwald, Eileen Wacker, Michelle Welliver, Laura Williams

Senior Account ManagerLori Straff

Account ExecutivesCynthia Price, Cynthia Zoccali

Accounting Manager Melinda Kovacs

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“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.”

— Andy Rooney

When it comes to holidays, there are two types of people. The Martha Steward types who immerse themselves in holiday crafting, camp out on Black Friday, cook, bake and love all things holiday.

And then there are the people who want to kill the person I just mentioned. They are the last minute shoppers (often buying gift cards on Christmas Eve), the ones who loathe cooking for big groups and try to keep as low of a profile as possible during the holidays. Bah Humbug? Maybe, but before you start judging, remember that although this time of year is about good cheer, love, and celebrations, the holidays can also bring unwanted stress.

I am one of those people who fall in between. I enjoy the yearly rituals of over shopping for everyone on my list and baking holiday cookies until I can’t stand the thought of ever eating them again. I love seeing my family rip open their presents but dread the effort it takes wrapping all of them to the wee hours of the morning. But whatever type of person you may be, take the time to enjoy the specialness of the holiday season. Relax while sipping a glass of holiday cheer as you nestle by the yuletide log.

Until next time, happy shopping, happy holidays, and don’t sweat the upcoming up-close-and-personal time with the family. It only happens once a year.

Happy Holidays!

Karen A. KovacsPublisher

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Holiday Wrapping Timeby Ruth Pennebaker

Volume 1, Issue 5 • She Spot • 11

Go to enough holiday parties and you’ll meet all kinds of people. A few nights ago, I met my polar opposite.

“There’s nothing I like to do more,” she told me, “than wrap presents.”

Good grief. Someone who likes to wrap presents? Someone who’s actually good at it? I could feel myself getting hot & bothered. Either that, or I’d had too much to drink and had begun to feel dizzy.

It was a lot better for my husband and me, a/k/a the wrapping incompetents, when our kids were young. We could drag them to birthday and holiday parties with shoddily wrapped presents — the bow lopsided and clearly ripped off some other package, the paper gaping at one end and folded over several times on the other — and kind of pretend the kids had wrapped it with their own grubby little hands. Which would explain other problems: such as the occasional grease stain when something had sat in our kitchen more than five minutes, or a “creative” combining of two different kinds of wrapping paper when supplies were low, or use of the Sunday funny papers.

You get the point. We don’t care a lot about this kind of stuff. Which is why I always get a heavy case of heartburn when I read about somebody like that dreadful, obnoxious Martha Stewart, who makes her own gift-wrapping paper and pulls together packages that look like a work of art. Pack-ages so gorgeous you don’t want to disturb them by unwrapping them.

Believe me, nobody ever has that problem with any of our packages. They’re usually halfway unwrapped to begin with; if the tape is hanging on well, the overall effect is usually so pathetic it screams, “Unwrap me! Can’t you see I’m ashamed of myself?”

For people like us, the invention of the gift bag was a present from heaven.

More recently, I’m pleased to note that the advent of the green environmental movement has made wrapping packages unfashionable and ecologically taboo. O, happy day! What a holiday present for people like us! You’ll see us coming to a gathering with a present that isn’t even wrapped and, instead of being disgusted, you’ll be enchanted and bursting with admiration.

You won’t think we’re slobs the way people have for decades. You’ll think we care too much about the environment to try to impress you in a superficial way. To me, there’s a lesson here. Just keep on doing what you’re doing and, eventually, if you wait long enough and have absolutely no pride, you may suddenly turn fashionable. Maybe you like to wrap, but I’m saving the earth.


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Now that I am a mother, I find myself recreating every cherished holiday memory from childhood. When you are experiencing traditions through the eyes of your children, the magic of the season

reappears. But with that magic comes an exhaustion that was foreign to me in my

younger years.Women add an overwhelming amount of tasks to their

already full plates during this time. The stress of the season can easily take a toll on even the best multitasking woman, but this issue of She Spot has plenty of tips to help you handle the holiday hustle.

There are plenty of healthy recipes and advice to maintain your weight and mental health. If you are dreading that holiday work party, “Back Talk” gives tips to keep you from being Monday morning gossip, while page 31 lists great conversation starters, so you won’t be a wallflower.

Take time to pause and breathe the cold air in between the chaos. I wish you all a memorable holiday season and a healthy new year. Cheers,

Lisa Walters, Editor-in-Chief

14 • She Spot • Volume 1, Issue 5 Volume 1, Issue 5 • She Spot • 15

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I went to Michaels Craft store today for glue, but I left with $90.17 worth of items. I probably would have spent more had my infant not woken up,

and her adorable little wail caused my voluptuous baby feeders to instantly begin leaking.

At the time of writing, it is only November 2nd and the holiday anxiety has already started to set in for me. I have a fantastic husband that pitches in with anything and everything, but I know he isn’t fretting over what to buy, wrap, bake, decorate, or wear for all the events we are hosting and attending over the next six weeks.

Women tend to command the ship more than ever during the holidays. (And thanks to Pinterest and Facebook posts decked with Fa-La-La-La-L a perfectness, it’s impossible to keep up with all those overachieving moms in the social media world.) Every year I realize there isn’t enough time and money to keep up with all the holiday hustle and bustle, so I vow to change the way I do things. Here are two things I do to make the holidays easier on my stress and wallet.

1. I delegate- My husband is responsible to pick out and purchase all gifts for his side of the family. This is a win-win for both of us. My husband gets to experience the chaos of holiday shopping (We wouldn’t want the men to miss out on this, right?) and I get about 10 people scratched off my buying to-do list.

I have also stopped buying individual gifts for every single friend and family member. My sister-in-laws and I pull together and plan one larger gift

to give to my parents from all of us. One year it was a weekend away to their favorite shore point. The gift of “time away” was perfect for them, and it was less wrapping and shopping on our part. When it comes to the nieces and nephews, my kids give their cousins a yearly membership to the zoo or local museum and they do the same in return. Again, the gift of “something to go and do” provides more memories and doesn’t result in the excess of “stuff” that enters my home after December 25th.

2. I make/buy gifts in bulk- During the summer, I have more time to be domestic and crafty. One year I got into researching and making my own cleaning products. I made a bunch of countertop sprays, put a pretty holiday bow on each bottle, and attached the recipe of the cleaning spray on the back of a recycled Christmas card. In the end this was a gift that took time and effort, but was easy on my wallet and could be prepared in advance. I love having a universal homemade gift that is ready to grab when you rush out the door to a holiday party.

This year I found affordable scarves with a “Buy 5 get 2 free” deal. Guess what? I’m going to be Oprah on Christmas morning…You get a scarf! You get a scarf! Everyone gets a scarf!

On my quick errand for glue today, I had gotten lost in the aisles of crafts, ribbons, and sale signs. So the homemade gift that my son and I could make memories creating for his grandmothers, turned out not to be as affordable as I had antici-pated. Lesson learned… another thing to improve upon for next year.

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Attempts at Making the Holidays EasierBy Lisa Walters


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There’s nothing quite like a home full of holiday decorations to put you in a fes-tive mood. However, not all decorations

come cheap.

Don’t throw away your entire holiday budget on decor that may not suit your style down the line. Instead, invest your money wisely by iden-tifying and even splurging on the decorations that will define your holiday spirit for years to come.

Then, add special “saves” that round out your decor without breaking the bank. Saving money this holiday season will help you with holiday stress management.

Before you purchase new decorations, think carefully about what you already have on hand, what you’re likely to want to change from year to year, and what truly defines the holiday for you. For instance, if you look back on your childhood with fond memories of personalized Christmas stockings and homemade Christmas decorations, you may want to continue the tradition with the next generation by investing in beautiful stockings and creating handmade tree ornaments.

After you assess your personal needs, you’ll be able to make sound financial choices without getting caught up in the hoopla of the season. As a general rule, reuse or re-purpose items you already have on hand, invest in heirloom pieces or decorations that will last for years to come,

and save on “trendier” decorations that you may not want to display every year.

Even if you take advantage of holiday decora-tion “saves,” make sure you set a budget before hitting the stores. While small items like green-ery, pine cones, and spray paint don’t cost much by themselves, they can add up quickly if you’re not keeping track.

To ensure that you don’t overspend, put cash in a holiday decoration envelope to use specifically for decorations and supplies. Once the money is gone, you’re done spending for the season – simple as that. Not only will this envelope budgeting system force you to be more con-scientious financially, it may also force you to be more creative with the supplies you already have on hand.

Getting the best holiday decorations has very little to do with how much you spend. It all comes down to what’s most important to you. Do you want to continue family traditions, start new ones, or simply express yourself?

In addition to your priorities, put some thought into your surroundings. Look at your indoor and outdoor spaces to see how and where to place your creations, finds, “saves,” and invest-ments. And don’t forget, holiday decorating is fun! Grab your family and friends, put on some music, and make memories. After all, that’s what the season is all about!

Holiday DecoratingSplurge or Save?

L et’s face it, the winter months and the layers of hats, scarves, gloves, coats and bulky sweaters can make you feel nothing like a sexy

woman. I don’t know about you, but fight-ing the cold literally takes the sexy right out of me. I’m no longer walking casually in fun little dresses, or shorts. I don’t have tan lines to show off or the sun kissed streaks in my hair. I’m not sitting at some cute little outdoor cafe sipping a glass of chardonnay and wearing my fabulous sunglasses. I’m rushing as fast as I can from car to house to store… to any place indoors! I wear boots and heavy sweaters, and some days my long johns. Not exactly sexy.

Last year a friend confided in me her se-cret to keeping the sexy on through all the cold: lace underwear. (The comfortable ones not the itchy lace of yesteryear.)

She said it’s her little secret that keeps her spirits up and the fire burning inside to get her through the long winter days. So I tried it last winter and it worked. My little secret gave me an inner confidence, and that is after all what sexy is, confidence. A confident woman that is comfortable in her own skin, even if her skin is hidden under mountains of clothing, is a sexy woman. If you happen to attract a man with all the beaming confidence shining through that bulky mountain, you’ll be prepared.

Back when I was acting, I had a national commercial audition for a major product.

I was a nervous wreck. To try to gain composure and confidence I decided to give myself a secret. I wrote on my stomach: I AM A WARRIOR PRINCESS. I went into the audition with my little secret and the secret gave me confidence, and the confidence – well, I got the job.

Another way of feeling sexy is by feeling physically in charge. The winter months can take that in charge feeling right out of you. I am a runner and the summer is great because I can hit the roads and trails around my house. As winter sets in, I stay inside on the treadmill. Running in place while staring at a wall is mind numbing and easy to avoid. When I don’t run, I start to feel slug-gish and thick like my heavy winter clothing, so I force myself to go to the gym. The more I run, the better I feel. The feeling of mind and body connecting is sexy.

So this winter, try wearing some sexy underwear, exercising more, and feel free to write, “I AM A WARRIOR PRINCESS” somewhere where no one can see. There are ways to make you feel sexy and confident under all those layers!

Holli is a writer and playwright and lives in New York and Pennsylvania with her husband and daughter. A big shout out to Misha, the winter lace gal.

In The Winter MonthsBy Holli Harms

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My favorite holiday season is upon us and celebrations are plenty. No matter what it is you celebrate, this is the time of year our road to healthy takes a sharp turn.

The average 1-2 pounds of weight gain during the upcoming holidays could easily turn to twice that. I would be remiss if I didn’t discuss how to master the tricks to elude the holiday gain.

The best piece of advice I can offer to anyone who is trying to stay healthy is to have a plan! Know what you are up against and be prepared to handle every situation. Here are a few suggestions to manage some of the most common roadblocks we face during the holidays.

Social Gatherings Portion control those feel good carbs. Keep your portion of mashed potatoes, stuffing and things of the like, to the size of your fist. Also, limit the alcohol. If we drink too much our inhibitions dull and we don’t even care how much or what we are eating. Alco-holic beverages can be loaded with calories. There are about 150 calories in 1 ½ oz glass of an Irish Crème drink. Don’t socialize around the food. Walk around and work that room. Chances are you are looking great, so get out there and flaunt it!

When you are at a gathering, have a plan to know what you will indulge in. If you have no idea of the menu, wait until you get there to make your choic-es. Pick your 2 must-haves, keep the serving to one of each, and fill up on healthier options like veggie dishes and lean proteins.

ShoppingPack healthy snacks before you head out and about for a lengthy shopping trip.

When hunger strikes, you are better off eating some-thing you packed up instead of hitting a greasy food court. Limit the fancy coffee drinks, as well. They pack a lot of calories.

BakingCookies, cakes, and pies- oh my! These are probably the types of foods you may be choosing as one or both of your indulgences. I urge you to keep these portions within reason. If you are baking them, nibbling on the raw dough is not a freebie, either! 2 spoonsful of cookie dough can add up to 500 calories!

It is inevitable that some indulging will take place throughout the holidays. I hope these tips prepare you for the calorie packed temptations that will surely surround us all these next few weeks. Cheers to your health and happiness this holiday season!

Erika Ringwald is a Registered Dietitian with Erika Ringwald Nutrition. She focuses on bridging the gaps between nutrition information and making it work within your lifestyle. Erika can be reached at [email protected].


The holiday rush is on! Shopping madness, dinners, and holiday parties wreck havoc on our bodies, minds, and emotions. While the holidays bring lots of joy, they also tend

to give us many other things we don’t want: extra pounds, sicknesses, low energy levels, and stress! This is probably why the incidence of flu and colds dou-bles in December and January. Too many treats and wine will drive us to set healthy goals and resolutions for the New Year. Why wait until January 1st? With a few easy tips you can stay healthy and sail through the holiday looking and feeling your best!

1. Stay ActiveWhen our schedules get busy, one of the first things

most of us squeeze out of our lives is a consistent ex-ercise routine. It’s important to stay active during the holiday season. (Sorry, running around and shopping does not count!) Exercise addresses exactly what we need to stay in balance during this time: releasing stress, increasing energy, and increasing metabolism.

Try fitting in a 30 minute walk each day. It will do wonders for your health and well being.

2. Eat Healthy Outside of Parties & Holiday Functions

We all know it will be next to impossible to say no to pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes with gravy, and all the great treats the holidays naturally invite. It’s not so bad to indulge every once and awhile, as it creates a healthy balance in your life. What is important is not to allow indulging to turn into an all day, every day thing. Fatty and sugary foods are naturally addicting because the heighten neurotransmitters in our brain, the feel good mood chemicals. If you watch yourself, you’ll notice the times you fall off the “healthy eat-ing wagon” begin with a wonderfully indulging meal or dessert. That one meal turns into days of eating in unhealthy ways. Be mindful to eat healthy the day of and the day after a holiday function. Allow yourself to indulge, but know the next day you will be back to your fresh, healthy diet.

Staying Healthy Over the HolidaysBy Dr. Nayana Hegde

3. Start Your Day FreshI talk a lot about the importance of fresh, raw foods

in our diets because it keeps your health and energy at their highest levels, your outward beauty radiant, and your emotions balanced. This can be a challenge in the colder months because cold, raw foods can throw our bodies off balance. So what can you do? Starting the day with a fresh green smoothie is the best ap-proach to getting a healthy dose of fresh foods, so the rest of the day can support the external weather with warm soups, grains, and veggies. Green smoothies naturally cleanse your body, increase the amount of oxygen supply in your body, hydrate and alkalize your body, and infuse your cells with living nutrients and enzymes. Starting the day with a smoothie will keep your digestive energy exertion to a minimum, freeing up energy first thing in the morning. Add-ing a green smoothie during the holidays gives your body the nutrients it needs, while flushing toxins (think: wine, sugary desserts, and fatty meals) each and every day. This one tip will immediately increase your energy, vitality, and overall health almost im-mediately.

4. Healthy Stress Management PracticesStress! We all seem to have way too much of it,

and it’s only heightened during the holidays! During stressful times your biological age, the age of the in-side of your body, can be as much as 32 years older than your calendar age. Can you believe how negative stress is on the inside of your body? For this reason alone, it’s important to your health and well being to have healthy stress management techniques in place

and to practice them consistently during the holi-days. Healthy stress management practices such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, exercise, and tak-ing ample down time will help you stay in balance and keep your health vibrant. As little as 5 minutes a day of deep breathing can go a long way to help reduce the stress impact on your body and overall health. What stress management practices are most beneficial for you? Have a plan in place for the days and times you will dedicate to releasing stress.

5. Don’t Get Lost in the Hustle and BustleFor years, I was caught up in the hustle and bustle

of the holidays; most especially making sure my kids had bigger, better presents. One year, I woke up. As present after present was literally thrown to the side to open the next, I realized there was no appreciation or gratefulness. I knew this was my fault.

The solution? I began to take the approach of offer-ing gifts as a representation of love and appreciation for my children. This has translated into less presents, but now they come with more meaning. It’s so easy to get lost in the holiday marketing and advertising, but by shifting your focus you can free yourself of all that other stuff we feel pressured to accomplish this time of year. Once you have that understanding, your actions can align and your focus will remain clear. Coincidentally enough, this results in less stress and a better sense of peace during the season. Don’t get lost in everything the holidays aren’t, instead stay ground-ed in what the holidays are. The holidays should be a time of family, love, and thankfulness.


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It’s the big day! The reality is you are about to be in debt for at least 30 years of your life and this will be one of the biggest purchases you will ever make, but it is soooo worth it! The day

of settlement can be nerve-racking and filled with excited jitters.

The first step is to set up a walk-through of the house the night before or a couple hours prior to set-tlement. You want to make sure everything that you have requested in the reply to home inspection has been completed. Did the agreement of sale include the washer, dryer, and refrigerator? Did the sellers leave them? Check the home for items that were not there when you originally looked at the house. Did they accidentally put a hole in the wall moving out the king size bedroom set? Did little Johnny spill Kool-Aid on the living room carpet last week? The house should be broom swept. If it is a bank owned property or short sale, the home may not be as clean but should not be in worse condition than when you placed your offer. If there is a stain or a hole in the wall that wasn’t there when you saw the property, all things can still be negotiated at the table.

tHe BIg Day!by lauren cronmiller

Just tHe tIps

Did the home come with a home warranty? You can purchase a home warranty at the settlement table if you would like one. Your realtor should supply you with information regarding a home warranty before settlement, so you can make a decision. If your realtor did not provide the information, ask. This is a big purchase and you may want to protect it with a home warranty. Make sure to read the pamphlet and fine print because not everything is included.

Did you make sure all the utilities are in your name? The last thing you want to happen is for your electric to go off, as you are moving in. (Utilities to consider changing over: electric, gas, water, and sewer.)

Lastly, be polite to the sellers. Some people are emo-tionally attached to their home. Usually my settle-ments will end with the sellers telling my buyers of great restaurants in the area, who is the best neighbor, and where the closest dog park is located. Feel free to ask questions about the new house. If the township or association collects the trash, ask for the trash and recycle days. You may also want to ask of service providers for cable, heating systems repair, pest con-trol, or any other services the sellers may have set up during their ownership.

After you have signed all papers, asked questions, shaken hands, and been given well wishes, you are a homeowner! Congratulations!

Lauren Cronmiller is a real estate agent for the Cronmiller Team at Keller Williams Real Estate in Doylestown. She has been a realtor since 2006 receiving Philadelphia’s 5 Star Real Estate Agent award for the past 4 years. Lauren can be reached at her office 215-340-5700, always on her cell phone 215-870-2398, or through email [email protected].


Secretly Skinny Recipes, Minus the holiday GuiltBy Michelle Welliver

I have lived with a sweet tooth all of my life and grew up thinking dessert was a food group. As an adult, I have learned that I might not be able to squeeze into that cute little party dress, if I indulge in every sugary

treat I can get my hands on this time of year. So, to satisfy all of these sweet cravings and still feel slim and sexy at the next holiday function, I devised some recipes that are “secretly skinny” but delicious enough to share at your next gathering. Feel free to enjoy some of your favorite holiday flavors, without all the guilt, and don’t be surprised when your girl-friends are begging to know what your secret is!

Simply Skinny Eggnog Fudge 1 c. light eggnog2 tbsp. butter½ c. white chocolate chips2 c. granulated sugar

Line an 8” square baking pan with foil spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

In a large pot, combine the eggnog, white chocolate chips, butter, and sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the white chocolate and butter has melted. Bring to a boil, cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until a small amount becomes moldable when dropped in a glass of cold water.

Remove from the heat and the burner, allowing the hot mixture to sit undisturbed for 6 minutes. After 6 minutes, stir vigorously until the mixture

becomes thick and creamy and lightens in color. Spread into prepared pan, and allow the fudge to cool to room temperature before slicing into 1” squares.

Guilt-Free Glazed Pumpkin CakePumpkin Cake1 -15 ounce can 100% pumpkin- puree1 box of spice cake mix

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, mix cake mix and pumpkin, beating on medium speed for 2 min-utes. Pour batter into a greased 7 x 11 inch baking dish. Bake for about 28 minutes or until toothpick

comes out clean. Cool completely before topping with glaze. Serves 8.

Glaze1 cup powdered sugar2 T. apple cider1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice

In a small bowl blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour over the cake, letting drizzle down the sides. Let set before covering.

Cure That Craving Apple Pie Dip2 c. finely diced Apples (About 3 medium apples)2 tbsp. lemon juice3 tbsp. light Brown Sugar1/2 tsp apple pie spice1 tsp. cornstarch1 tsp. water1-2 tbsp. caramel sauce (found in the ice cream section)

Combine diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, and apple pie spice in a medium pot.

Cook over low-medium heat until the juice from the apples begins to boil.

Dissolve cornstarch in water in a separate bowl, and stir into apple mixture.

Bring to a boil again and allow the mixture to thicken.

Finish by adding caramel and pour into a serving dish. Serve with cinnamon flavored pita chips or low fat graham crackers.

Michelle Welliver finds passion as a mom, writer, photographer, cake artist, runner, and Media and Communications student at Delaware Valley College. She currently resides in Quakertown, Pennsylvania with her husband and three children.


W ith holiday party season underway, it’s a perfect opportunity to get to know your co-workers in a less formal setting. To help break the ice, we thought we would offer

some ideas for all important conversation starters.

1. “I don’t think we’ve met before, I’m <name>.”While this first one seems elementary, you’d be surprised at how many people are afraid to break out of their comfort zone and meet someone new at com-pany get-togethers. Why miss out on the chance to make a new lunch buddy just because you don’t want to initiate contact with someone who doesn’t work on your floor? Having the poise to walk over and confi-dently introduce yourself starts off the conversation with a positive, inviting tone.

2. “How did you get your start with our company?”This question is a great transition line to move past the inevitable what do you do/which floor do you work on/how long have you been working here banter. Your conversational partner may have come from another company where you have a mutual acquaintance, or may have been hired through the use of a staffing agency; perhaps they’ll explain how they got their start in the industry, or maybe they’ll tell you about what they studied in college that made them want to be in this line of work. This kind of question is very open to interpretation, and its answers there-fore usually contain a wealth of jumping-off points for your conversation.

3. “Have you been to one of these before? This is my first one.”

If it’s your first year with the company and your first holiday party with them, there’s no shame in admitting it! Everyone was a new kid on the block at one point, and will likely have some funny stories about their early days with the company. And if it turns out your con-versational partner is a newbie like you, then you two already have something in common to talk about!

4. “What did you do over Thanksgiving?” or “Do you have any plans for the upcoming holidays?This kind of question appropriately bridges the gap between personal and professional life, and can afford some nice insights about someone’s home life that people often don’t get the chance to discuss during the average workday.

5. “What do you love to do outside of work?”This is perhaps our favorite get-to-know-you question to use at the annual company party, because it allows you to really learn something about your new ac-quaintance’s personality. Conversation flows smoothly when people are talking about their passion, and the most genuine connections are made when common interests are discovered and shared.

Successful networking, by definition the creation of meaningful relationships, begins with meaning-ful interactions. So instead of wasting your time in boring conversations at the upcoming company Christmas party, use some of these unique openers to create conversational situations that will allow you to learn more about your colleagues and what they’re passionate about.

5 Creative Conversation Starters for the Company Holiday Party


We all know it’s the most wonderful time of the year. But there is so much pressure to create perfect moments

and memories, give the perfect gift, remember and connect with friends and loved ones. Quite frankly, the holidays are exhausting. And with four kids, who have end of year parties, secret Santas, holiday concerts and a last push on schoolwork before the break, any mom is tempted to hold up the white flag. And then, they have the dreaded wish lists (demand lists disguised as wishes). So I have compiled a list of things I will try to do to make the holiday less cluttered so I can savor the moments with my family.

To start I will tell the kids—Santa is on a cleansing diet so he can fit in his big red suit so he’s not available for any requests yet. And he doesn’t want us making him any cookies or treats of any kind.

The elf on the shelf is planning to be extra naughty this year so you’d better bring your A game and best behavior if there are going to be any presents in this house.

Then show your kids a picture of mass chaos (like the day apple starts selling the iphone 6) and say, “All these people are in line for unlimited texting so I don’t think it’s in the cards for you anytime soon.”

Don’t feel guilty for giving your kids exactly what they ask for. You shouldn’t be creative in finding the perfect gift. Your only reward will be giant teardrops.

Buy your own gifts this year, then wrap them up and put them in your husband’s closet. When he sees them, just say, “You’re welcome,” and walk out. And when your husband says the same thing he says every year, “don’t get me anything. I don’t need anything and don’t want to spend the money.” Take him up on it for once. Give him a hammer and a list of chores.

Don’t under any circumstances buy into the notion that Black Friday is a ‘must’ shopping day. You will never complete your shopping as you will be run over by crazy moms on a mission using shopping carts as weapons. And the sales will continue into the season anyway.

Don’t feel guilty about having a nicer outfit and shoes than your child. They don’t really want to wear them anyway. And have good hair and nails and get in the photos. Photo-bombing makes you feel young! So be ready and create those opportunities.

Secretly create the hashtag #secretsantasucks. Grab a glass of wine each night, vent anonymously and read all the other comments. This will help you appear sane through the holiday mayhem.

When your children are exhausted and arguing, it is understandable. They’ve just executed a fall schedule that could kill a rhinoceros. Create holi-day cheer coupons and give them each one worth a dollar if they can change the fight into merriment on the spot. It’s like a dollar value menu for moms.

Buy baked items at the gourmet grocery store. Recut them and place them in a beautiful box with a sprinkle of powered sugar. If its for a class party, add raspberries on the side.

I actually love the holidays, a time of thanks and re-connection. But having a few tricks up my sleeve will leave me freed up and filed with holiday cheer.

Eileen Wacker, a Harvard Business School graduate, has lived and worked in seven different countries, in-cluding the United States. Wacker is also the multiple award winning author of theFujimini Adventure Se-ries for children and the upcoming book for women, The Mom’s Code. For more information, please visit:

10 Tips for Moms to Survive the Holidaysby eileen Wacker


The winter can be brutal on your skin. Dry heat from radiators zaps moisture, and strong winter winds can lead to increased irritation and redness. Tight dry skin and

chapped lips don’t have to be a way of life during the colder months though less is more. Don’t over-complicate your skin care routine. And just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear sunscreen.

Say Goodbye To The Winter Skin BluesWomen should use a mild face cleanser to wash their face and avoid taking very hot showers. Harsh cleansers and hot water will dry out the skin.” She adds, “Women should also look for oil-based moisturizers with vitamins C and E. Oil based moisturizers rich in vitamins are better at sealing in moisture and keeping skin hydrated than water based products. However, if you tend to have oily or problem skin, use a lighter lotion.”

The Sun Still Shines In WinterAlways use a moisturizer with SPF, and the winter is no exception. It’s important to protect your skin from the sun. Believe it or not, the sun can be even stronger and harsher on the skin in the winter than it is during the summer.

Three Things Everyone Should Have In The Medicine Cabinet Aloe vera pure gel for any burns, cuts or rashes.Vitamin E capsules. Break open a capsule and

apply the vitamin E to any scar or cut to help it heal quickly.

And coconut oil. It’s very underrated and it’s perfect for winter because it’s so moisturizing. You can massage it onto your hands and scalp.

Keep Hydrated It’s most important to keep your skin hydrated…Drink a lot of water and avoid soda and alcohol. Also, always keep great hand creams and my lip balm close by. It’s important to keep in mind that overall, people drink less water in the winter, and therefore are less hydrated, so drink up, even if you aren’t thirsty.

Different Season, Different RoutineYour skin changes each season with the weather, so you need to switch your skin care products accord-ingly. Most people use the same type of lotion all year, but women should choose a light lotion in the summer and combat dry skin in the winter with a heavier lotion.

What To Watch ForPeople are starting to develop products with stem cells from plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables. These ingredients will be extremely effective in skin care products. Who knows, maybe dry winter skin will be a thing of the past in the near future.

Tips To Glowing Winter SkinBy lea Bourne

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U nderstanding how to fight fair in a rela-tionship is crucial for the success of any relationship, be it a long one or a new one.

When two individuals pick an argument, even if they’re in love with each other, both of them instinctively want to win the argument and prove that they’re right.

But in love, depending on how you argue, it can either make both of you the winners or make both of you suffer too.

The next time you find yourself in a relationship fight, use these ten steps to fight fair, and come out of an argument as winners who have made their relationship stronger, instead of weaker.

#1 Stay focused on the conflictIt’s easy to stray from the real conflict when you

fight in a relationship, especially when you’re on the losing side. You may start arguing about how your partner leaves you alone at a party and drag the fight all the way to how your mate doesn’t help with the chores. Always stick to what upset you. It’s easy to focus on one aspect and solve the issue instead of going all over the place.

#2 Don’t bring up past issuesIf you want to know how to fight fair in a re-

lationship, never bring up unnecessary details of the past just to make your partner feel miserable. If your partner almost cheated on you three years

ago, there’s really no need to bring that up just to win an argument or make your partner shut up.

#3 Don’t use a low blow on your partner

Sometimes, when all you see is red because you’re on the losing side, the easiest way to hurt your part-ner is to hit them where it hurts. By picking apart parts of your lovers character, perhaps telling them how lazy you think they’ve become, you’re definitely tweaking a sensitive nerve. If you want to fight fair, always avoid a low blow that can traumatize your partner for a long time.

#4 Don’t be sarcasticSarcasm can hurt, a lot. And it can hurt a lot

more when you use it in a lovers’ tiff. And it could also piss your mate off and force them to start low blowing you or bringing up past issues just to get even. And what started off as a misunderstanding can lead to an all out war, and guess what, with no solution.

#5 Listen to each otherContrary to what most people think, an argu-

ment will always help a relationship get better and help both of you understand each other. But that’s only as long as both of you respect each other’s opinions and are willing to listen to each other without cutting across.

10 Minute Therapy How to Argue & Feel Closer

By Sara Cohen

#6 Don’t raise your voicesRaised voices may have worked in the roman

senate, but it’ll never help in a relationship tussle. When one partner raises their voice, it’ll infuriate the other partner who may start yelling too, or perhaps even throw a few things around in frustra-tion. Never make a mountain out of a molehill, and don’t raise your voice unless you have no choice. When you try your best to stay in control and speak with a calm voice, it’ll also help your partner calm down and help both of you have a discussion instead of a fight.

#7 Don’t gloat over your winsWhen you want to fight fair in a relationship, you

should learn to accept an apology with humility. By behaving in a bossy manner or gloating over the fact that your partner apologized to you, you’ll only force your partner into becoming a person who nev-er apologizes because of the way you behave after “winning” a fight.

#8 Don’t blame your failures on your partner

Were you late for work because your partner didn’t wake you up on time? It’s really your own fault. If you wanted to wake up earlier, try and make an effort yourself. Are you constantly frustrated because you’re a stay-at-home mom or dad and not a restaurateur? Do something about it or make the best of the circumstances you have.

Don’t blame someone else for your misfortunes or your shortcomings. If you feel strongly about something, speak about it without losing your cool. It may or may not be either of your faults. Some-times, it could all just be a big misunderstanding.

#9 Remember why you’re fightingMost couples always forget the real reason for

the conflict. Always remember that both of you are fighting, not to score points or prove dominance, but only because one of you is hurt and wants to be heard. Never forget that.

#10 Kiss and make upAs furious as both of you may be, always

hug, kiss and make up after a fight even if you couldn’t come to a conclusion. Don’t lock yourself in a room or storm out of the house. It makes things worse for both of you, and you’re only prolonging something that can end in minutes.

Use these ten steps to understand how to fight fair in a relationship the next time you find yourself locked in a conflict. Odds are, you may understand each other better and have a happier relationship once the dust settles.


Phyllis E. GambonE has been in the wellness field for more than 20 years. She has studied and achieved certification in Shiatsu, Reflexology, Hot Stone Massage, and Yoga.

Phyllis is currently an active member of the American Holistic Health Association (AHHA), Women In Motion, Women’s Power Networking, the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), Femfessionals, and the Women’s Small Biz Network. She has recently opened her own practice, Time to Get Healthy, advancing her dream to educate people on how to live a healthy, vibrant lifestyle.

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I t’s no question how important pets have become in our lives. The incredible bond we share with our pets is something that tran-scends time and space. A bond that is difficult

to put into words, especially after a beloved pet has passed on.

What do we have left when our pets leave us: their toys and beds and leftover food? We have the memories in our minds and in our hearts, but nothing tangible to hold onto. Our pets come in and out of our lives so quickly. Sometimes we can’t even comprehend a life without our pet by our side. There is a true sense of emptiness when our pets leave us. We get so used to their presence; the difficulties in moving on can be downright painful. The void is sometimes never filled

Pet photography, however, allows us to stay in those moments forever. The normal, the daily, the present—these are the fleeting moments that we take

for granted. Whether your dog is sitting in his favor-ite chair or your kitty is curled up next to their sunlit window, capturing these everyday instances with your pet turns them into extraordinary memories. Photos are tangible and powerful remembrances of how special and meaningful one’s beloved pet was (and still is). The images also emphasize the unique-ness of our pets’ individual personality. By freezing these fleeting moments, we are cementing the im-portance of our pet throughout the rest of our lives.

The question we should be asking ourselves (as pet owners) is not why should I hire a Pet Photographer, it should be when? It seems that most owners do not think about getting their beloved photographed until it is too late. Why is that? Why do we only realize the importance of something or someone when they have left us? We need to start appreciating and com-memorating our pets before we say goodbye.

What can you expect from a pet photography ses-sion provided by Pet Imagery? Expect the shoot to be a memorable experience that completely puts the spotlight on your beloved pet. They are the star of the show and deserve all the attention and affection. Expect the unexpected when working with animals and understand that is all a part of the fun! In the end, you get a wonderful collection of images and an experience to remember for years to come.

The bottom line is that pet photography should not be considered a novelty purchase or a special treat. It should be considered as important a purchase as your newborn photos or wedding photography. When it’s time to say goodbye, you won’t regret having extraor-dinary images of your beloved companion.

Schedule your pet photography session today and stay in the moments forever.

Lauren Kaplan has been a working professional pet photographer in the Philadelphia area since 2007. Her business, Pet Imagery, has been awarded #1 Best Pet Photography (Philly Hot List 2012, 2010) and Best Pet Services (2013 Philly Happening List). Lauren provides memorable pet sessions in the comfort of your home or location of choice, allowing your pet’s true personality to shine. She resides in Philadelphia, Pa with her boyfriend and her two all-black cats, Omega and Olympus.

The Importance of Pet PhotographyBy Lauren Kaplan


By Jenn Hallman

Company parties- We’re the mice flocking to every cheese-filled, Pinterest-inspired appetizer. We are the moths drawn to each

flamboyant drink lit with Christmas cheer and tomorrows shame as our employers keep tally of how many cocktails we’ve consumed. They’ve got us on surveillance like the Wicked Witch and her crystal ball. They’re watching, waiting for us to pass out, say something inappropriate, or dance on a table. Poppies, poppies! Or in this case, poinsettias, poinsettias!

If I weren’t consumed with panic and guilt, it just wouldn’t be Christmas. Recov-ering Catholic, party of one. Because of my unnerving fear of “the man” I am uncharac-teristically well behaved at company parties. I realize the dull conversation about the color copier is enough to inspire alcoholism for a Mormon, but there are a few simple rules this party girl follows to make sure she isn’t the one being whispered about on Monday.

1.) I feed my holiday hunger. I always eat a protein-rich snack and drink a giant glass of water before I go. It helps me look for the drink I really want or the food I’ve never tried instead of shoveling eighteen cookies in my face and guzzling three vodka tonics.

2.) I drive my own sleigh. If I am my own designated driver, I will have a cocktail when I get there, nurse it for an hour and stick around for two more sipping water. Driving after I’ve been drinking is never an option. Period.

3.) I give myself a present. I make a trip to the liquor store the day before the party, so I have some libations waiting for me. In the privacy of my own home I can drink that magnum bottle of wine without wor-rying about getting judgmental stares from anyone but my dogs.

These rules may seem simple, but when

your friend tells you a story about the incriminating photos that have surfaced on Facebook of her and Santa’s helper, AKA the hot, twenty-something intern from Penn, you feel the need to spread the word. After all, it is the season of giving…

Remember that Santa’s watching, and so is your boss. Jenn Hallman graduated from West Chester University with a BFA in English, a focus in theatre & creative writing, and a strong liver. She is also a teacher, actress, singer, comedian, and Co-Founder/Di-rector of Marketing & Outreach for H.O.P.E. Players in Elkins Park.

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H oliday travel can be stressful, and like so many, not something I look forward to. But traveling 45 weeks a year for work, has made me a self-proclaimed pro.

Below are some of the things I have learned over the years to ease the travel stress, keep your holiday cheer, and maybe even enjoy the travel during the holidays.

Plan Ahead Don’t wait until the last minute. Pick your dates, and are they flexible? If they are, you may have the opportunity to get a better deal, so explore your options and book early! When flying, book your flight five weeks before your trip on Tuesday. That is when fares are the cheapest. Don’t pack in a rush; things will be forgotten. Take the time to determine what you are going to wear and when, to avoid over-pack-ing. Baggage fees are no joke, so the less you pack means more money staying in your pocket. Lastly, don’t forget to manage other areas of your life before leaving. Do you have a pet? If so, pet hotels and kennels fill up quickly over the holidays. Make arrangements for Fido early, and take care of bills that are due while you are away.

Have a Plan B. Inevitably, things are going to happen. If you are prepared with a “Plan B”, you will be one step ahead of all the other travelers out there. Weather, traffic, and other unforeseen factors can affect when and if we get to our destination. Before you leave, pick a hotel you would prefer to stay at along your route if something should go awry. One thing to remember

when flying, there are often satellite airports close to your destination airport. If you can’t get to your destination airport, ask the airline customer service agent if they can get you into a satellite air-port. It may not be Option #1, but it’s much closer than you would have been.

Keep it in Perspective Most of those that cross your path this holiday season are embarking on the same type of journey. They are trying to get somewhere that is as important to them as your destination is to you. Remember that no one is out to make your trip harder than it has to be… except Mother Nature, she might be an exception. There are hundreds of people working together to get you and other travelers alike to the final destination safely. Most of the time what is happening is out of their control. Instead of getting upset, keep the holiday spirit in perspective. Often being friendly and flashing a smile will ease the stress. I have found that the nicer I am to those working to get me where I need to go, the more willing they are to go out of their way to help me.

And don’t forget, delays and detours are the perfect opportunity to see and experience new places and new things, or to even make a few friends.

Sarah Lipp is a Shop Operations Coordinator at Under Armour. She lives in Springfield, Mo and enjoys running, cooking, spending time with her family and traveling.

Holiday Travel TipsBY SARAH LIPP

Roxanne (finale)by Georgina young-ellis

soon after thoroughly satisfying roxanne, he left. He’d told her to eat what she wanted from room service; to order up any spa treatment, watch anything on the entertainment system, and, in short, charge anything to the room…but she could not leave it. she ordered some lunch, exercised in the small gym in the suite, took a long, luxurious bath, and watched a movie on the oversized television. as night fell, she grew restless. she glanced through the substantial menu again. the door suddenly clicked and he walked in with a large take-out bag. the smell of Indian food wafted through the room.

“Hungry?”“yes.” “me too.”

He effortlessly lifted her from the sofa, took her to the bed, tossed her down, and tore off her robe. He turned her over and positioned her on her knees. she grasped the wooden headboard. He unzipped his trousers and entered her from behind. she was ready. Holding her breasts as he thrust, his depth of penetration was extraordinary. she climaxed over and over as he continued to drive his erection to that perfect place of ecstasy. and then he came as they both screamed with pleasure.

they devoured the food, speaking little, simply watching each other. His sensual enjoyment of it was complete, like he made love.

When they were finished, he took her to the shower and let the hot water run over their skin as he kneeled before her, his tongue exploring every nook, then focusing, flicking, the pressure

just right, bringing her to an explosion of release.

they made love languidly on the bed, taking their time. afterward, he fell asleep, but she watched his face for a while before she slept. His lips were so full and soft. His hair so black, his eyelashes so long. and they still didn’t know each other’s names.

the next morning when she woke, he was gone. a car arrived to take her back to the private jet. Once it had taken off, the flight attendant turned on the video monitor. “He wants you to see this.”

He appeared on the screen, before the london skyline, dressed in a dark grey suit, an older man with similar features standing next to him at a microphone. “I am pleased to announce my son will be taking over the company, effective immediately.”

everyone knew who the speaker was: one of the richest men in the world, known for his benevo-lence, and his attention to the environment. His son, standing behind and to the right, looked into the camera and smiled. His identity was now clear. and as the reporters questioned his father, her lover’s mouth formed one word: ”roxanne.”

Georgina Young-Ellis lives in Queens, New York with her artist husband and musician son. She is the author of the time mistress Series, a romantic time-travel series spiced with adventure. Titles include the time Baroness, set in Jane Austen’s England; the time Heiress, staged in pre-Civil War New York City; and The Time Contessa, a journey to Renaissance Italy.



Blythe Katherine Danner, was born February 3, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is known for her portrayal as Will Truman’s mother, Marilyn, in the sitcom Will & Grace and for her role in the 2000 comedy hit Meet the Parents, and its sequels, Meet the Fockers and Little Fockers. She is the mother of actress Gwyneth Paltrow and director Jake Paltrow. Danner is the widow of producer/ director Bruce Paltrow, who died from complications of pneumonia while battling oral cancer in 2002.

oN tHe spot WItH sHe spot magazINe

10 things You Didn’t Know About Blythe Danner

• The daughter of a Philadelphia bank executive, she enjoyed an expensive prep school education. Grad-uated high school from George School, Newtown, Pennsylvania and from Bard College in 1965.

• In 1970, she won a Best Supporting Actress Tony for her Broadway debut in Butterflies Are Free.

• She is of mostly German ancestry, with a small amount of British Isles (English and Irish), roots. Some of her ancestors lived in Barbados.

• Blythe speaks German, which she learned from her maternal grandmother.

• She has two brothers, Harry Danner is an opera singer & William is a violin expert, and a sister, Doro-thy Danner, who is an opera director/choreographer.

• She dated actor Chevy Chase while at college.

• She spent a year in Berlin as a foreign exchange student in 1961. She was there as the Berlin Wall was constructed.

• The first actress to be nominated for 3 Emmy awards in the same year (2005). Outstanding Guest Actress in a comedy series for Will & Grace; Outstanding Lead Actress in a mini-series for Back When We Were Grownups; and Outstanding Sup-porting Actress in a drama series for Huff. She won for Huff.

• She is known for her trademark husky voice.

• Danner has been involved in environmental issues such as recycling and conservation for over 30 years. Also after the death of her husband Bruce Paltrow, she became involved with the Oral Cancer Foundation.

she spot holiday 2014

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