Healthcare is a "Beach"... Take a Vacation to Wellness

Suburbanista Naperville Presents...

Healthcare is a "Beach"... Take a Vacation to Wellness

Guest Blogger: Gina Jones

Just imagine… you’re sitting by the pool sipping a cold drink listening to Bob Marley song, “Don’t worry about a thing…”; or falling asleep as you lay under a palm tree listening to the ocean throw waves onto the beach every ten seconds; or when you are at 11,000 feet, you’re standing in your skis at the top of Copper Mountain in Colorado looking across the breathtaking ravines saturated with pine treetops; or its all aboard the Oasis of the Seas listening to a mariachi band while the ship pulls into the port of Cozumel. 

Aaahhh…no meetings, no conference calls, no issues, no “crack” berries, no laptops, no stress.  It’s so simple yet no one sees it…vacations help improve your health.  We are so used to being in the flight or fight mode, that if we ever try to relax, it seems difficult for our brain to tell our body what to do.  We need to shift our bodies back to neutral - it’s time we take vacations more seriously.  The famous Framingham heart study showed over a time span of 20+ years, while tracking thousands of people who took a vacation of one week or more on an annual basis, had reduced risk of heart disease.  Men reduced their risk by 32% and women by 50%!  Other studies showed that non-vacationers had eight times more likelihood of dying at a younger age and two or three more times likely to develop depression.  Now being a business owner, mother, wife, volunteer and catechist who multi-tasks (of course!), I believe in these statistics because of what I feel every day – STRESS!  Funny thing is I already have a history of heart disease in my family, increasing the probability of incident - so it’s time for me to de-stress and fast!    


Why don’t we make time to re-group?  After a vacation, don’t we feel spectacular, happy, and ready to go on with a sense of new energy and creativity?  Doesn’t that benefit relationships, enhance bonding with family and friends, and positively boost our mood?  Doesn’t that benefit the boss when we return to work and have that mindset of contribution and readiness?  Yet we Americans will still forfeit an average of two earned vacation days a year, according to an Expedia survey.  That means we throw away 226 million unused vacation days nationwide.  If an employee truly believes that the boss wants them to go on vacation, get the rest and relaxation, and come back to the office ready to give 100%, would they give 100%?  Logic tells me yes and not because of any statistic, but because it is just human nature.  Sometimes we get so wrapped up in collecting hard evidence before implementing a change, that we lose sight of the mental benefits behind a positive change.  Having the right mindset translates to energy that takes action to get things done whether it be at work, home or elsewhere.

So do yourself and your family a favor:  start planning that vacation now!  Keep the big picture in mind when justifying the vacation - do it for your mental, physical, and emotional health and well-being.  You will be a new person afterwards and most likely be around a lot longer! 

You deserve a memorable, relaxing and affordable experience while on vacation. If you would like to learn how to avoid the marketing hype and to travel at exclusively lower prices, you may contact me at (630) 915-1968 or gina.jones@tributumcorp.com.

Gina Jones is a Vacation Benefit Specialist who partners with employers to offer a unique employee vacation benefit. She helps to attract and retain top talent, improve performance, and provide incentives to encourage goal achievement.  To learn more about her wholesale vacation programs for consumers and businesses, Gina can be reached at (630) 915-1968 or gina.jones@tributumcorp.com.                      

The Rejuvenation Cleanse

After months of feasting on heavy hearty meats and potatoes, celebrating with toasts of shots, champagne and wine, the time has finally come to rejuvenate ourselves and start anew.

Too many times, especially this time of year, we get caught up in the rush of the holidays, busy business hours or running our children around to all of their school activities. Our energy decreases, leaving us lethargic and lazy. Rather than taking some time to ourselves to organize our healthy habits and reflect on the day's activities, we give in to the quick and easy, "I'll just make some mac and cheese for the kids and wrap myself in a warm blanket in front of the T.V."

Today I present to you a new form of embracing the winter season, inspired by Ayurveda. A distraction from all the... distractions. A time for us to Rejuvenate and to do some good for our own bodies! The guidelines to this practice are as follows:

1. Participate daily... if you mess up - keep on going! Whatever you do, don't give up. Only complete this when you are truly ready to to do so and you have accomplished that which you have wanted to accomplish.

2. No "time frame". This means that you choose how long you would like to do it for. Keep in mind, that it takes two weeks to truly learn a new habit... but please don't let it stop you from continuing to make it a lifestyle!

3. Have fun! Enjoy this time to focus on YOU, yourself, and your body. Grab some friends to participate and help to motivate one another. And do not be afraid to try new things!!

4. Email any success stories, recipes, or great ideas as you please. Suburbanista will be posting success stories, advice, and recipes every Monday. Email mysuburbanista@gmail.com

The Rejuvenation Cleanse

Goals:

1. Increase Energy

2. Improve Digestion

3. Detoxify the body

4. Relieve Bloating

5. Relieve Stress

6. Clear Mind

Bonus: loose weight :)

Five Components:

1. Dietary Habits: Using the list below, modify your groceries and recipes to begin your rejuvenation process. Remember to consume at least 8 glasses of water a day, to chew as many times as you can before swallowing, and to take time after each couple of bites to truly savor the flavors. Most importantly, sit for ten minutes or so after your meal... observe how it makes you feel. Are you more energized? Or are you bloated and lethargic?

    Consume More:                                            

    Plain/Greek Yogurt                                        

    Fruit (include one new fruit per week)            

    Most Vegetables                                              

    Lentils & Legumes

    Farm Raised Fish                                                                                   

    Occasional Poultry

    Honey
    Whole Grains (like brown rice and quinoa)

    Consume Less or Avoid:

    Yeasted/Starchy Breads (and white rice)

    Wheat

    Flem Causing Dairy (Cow's Milk & Cheese)

    Peppercorn

    Flesh Meats (animals who consume their mother's milk or die in pain or fear)

    Gas Producing Vegetables (mushrooms, potatoes, hot peppers, garlic, and onion)

    Caffeine (addictive and unnecessary)

    Processed Sugars & Sweeteners (addictive and unnecessary)

2. Meditate or Sit with Your Thoughts: Set aside some time every day for YOU. Even if it is only 10 minutes or so, find a comfortable seated position in your favorite room, close your eyes, and just be. Allow your thoughts to move across your inner gaze and rather than oppressing them, observe them. Observe if they pertain to real things or if your mind has just created them. Observe how it feels to breakdown your thoughts to understand further, or to erase those that your mind has only created as a form of distraction.

3. Breath: More often than not, we all forget to truly breath. Through out your day, take time to release your tensions with your breath. When you are in your car, in between tasks, or you made it home before anyone else - inhale deeply, and exhale fully. Inhale in to your belly, allowing it to expand completely, and when you can not inhale any more, exhale fully. Exhale until your body naturally reaches for a new inhale. Continuing this breath work (the diaphragmatic breath) helps to calm and quiet the mind while relaxing tensions in the body.

4. Be Active: Everyday, get your but up and moving by becoming involved in some sort of activity. Whether you choose to hit the treadmill, or vigorously scrub your floors, do something! Tie in fun activities to your week's schedule by even planning a snow shoeing day at Morton Arboretum or attending a Yoga and/or Zumba class with some friends. If all else fails and your schedule runs tight, make an effort stretch before going to bed. Even stretching allows the blood to flow, increasing your heart rate and relaxing your body and mind.

**Bonus Challenge: No Television!

That's right. If you would like to take it one step further, cut out the hours spent on the couch in front of your television. Limit yourself to your one hour favorite show if you have to, but avoid sitting on the couch waisting time when you could be focusing on getting things done around the house or being more active!

5. Reflection: Journal daily. Write about what you did, how you ate, what you experienced, and how it made you feel physically and emotionally. Document your progress so that your future self may refer back to this time in your life and either engage in the rejuvenation process once more, or create your own form of rejuvenation.

Feel free to post comments and/or questions on the blog or Facebook page. This is meant to be a fun and exciting way to learn more about you and your body. Each person is completely different and is permitted to personalize the Rejuvenation plan to meet their needs. I look forward to hearing of all your success!

Busy rejuvenating,

Suburbanista
mysuburbanista@gmail.com

Teaching Teens through the Art of Cooking

Every parent has that one phrase that their children identify as their "tagline." It's those words that are consistently uttered, sending their children's eyes rolling and extracting the, "Yeah yeah, I know, you've told me before.." thoughts from their minds. Of course, these catch phrases would not be so repetitive if they were not worth some sort of benefit. Am I right?

To this day, my Father still reminds his four children the importance of, what he has titled, 'Brown's Law'.
"According to Brown's Law," he begins, ignoring the usual here-it-goes-again expressions on our faces, "The key to success is that it is not about what people think of you. It is about how they feel about themselves in your presence."

Despite the initial annoyance of the daily reminder in my teenage years, I have grown to greatly appreciate those words. I now understand the value of his "tagline" and the true meaning behind it. I've experienced it, and more importantly, it has helped to shape who I am today. And as much as every child hates to admit it, I have to say: my Father was right.

The point of this specific post is not to learn of ways to distract you're children from their teenage lives. It's not to force them to turn off the television (or Mad Box, as it was referred to in my house), and retreat to a reading corner. And it's not to outline what is right and what is wrong. This post, instead, offers a creative alternative to getting your children involved. A technique in which they are indirectly and unconsciously learning life long skills while simultaneously building a relationship with you, each other, and opening the lines of communication. This practice is called, the Art of Cooking.

My Husband always says that the most important room in the house is the Kitchen. "The Kitchen is the center of a home. It is where families gather, where important decisions are made, and where home entertainment begins. More importantly, it is the ideal space for creative outlet."

Although it may take more time, and much more patience on your part, the payoff to cooking with your teens provides both short term and long term benefits. You create an opportunity for them to develop a variety of skills and to think creatively while being mindful and responsible.

As any chef knows, all recipes begin with a list of ingredients. Grab your recipe and appoint your team tasks. Begin by listing off the ingredients, and designating who shall get what. This small "to-do" provides a fun and quick way for your teens to learn and understand how you organize. Of course, ask them to keep note of where their ingredient was retrieved as it must go back in it's proper place.

Skill development continues while prepping the ingredients. During this time, your teens develop a variety methods. They learn a of different prepping techniques, from chopping to mixing and the importance of properly thawing and washing.


If you ever want your child to appreciate washing his/her hands, have them work with raw meat! Uck!


In addition, the prep work is the perfect time to practice mathmatical skills. Allow them to measure the ingredients, using fractions to prepare the correct portion sizes.

Be patient and observe, especially if this is their first time cooking a meal. Understand that you are teaching them skills that may be utilized as they enter their college years, or more importantly, when they finally move in to their first home. Offer them guidance, yet respect their involvement. Let them enjoy it and allow it to become a family experience. When help is needed, offer your assistance. Show them a technique, then ask that they continue on their own - praising them at their accomplishment.


Allow your teens to follow the instructions themselves, asking you questions as needed. Promote this as an opportunity for them to be creative - as they can alter the recipe as much or as little as they like... adding their own twist to things. One of my favorite recipes for this kind of experimentation is soup (the other being pizza). In this instance, we created a Thai Chili Soup. Although we did not have the exact word-for-word ingredients, we creatively substituted alternatives... and the result was delicious. In putting our heads together, we exercised our strategic thinking capabilities and creative problem solving skills. It is very realistic that the end result may not be what you expect, you aren't Chef Boyardee afterall. However, use this as a bonding experience to laugh it off and instantly created an inside joke. After all, "If at first you don't succeed, try try again," and, "practice makes perfect."

My two favorite life lessons learned from cooking are Responsibility and Healthy Choices. Let your teens take ownership of the dishes they are preparing. This will open them to the idea of trying new foods, increasing their awareness in local goods and expanding their knowledge into endless techniques.

In the kitchen, most cooking methods involve the use of heat. One of the first lessons any child learns in the kitchen is to keep your fingers away from the stove top. Allow your teens the opportunity to learn responsible cooking. As we seared the outside of our main entree, Yum Yum Pork, we cautioned everyone to be mindful and stay focused and aware of how the heat can dramatically affect the aroma and texture of the meat. We spoke of preventative actions and always paying attention to what you are doing.

The completion of their hard work was featured in their cuisine. My Husband and I were able to witness their self esteem shine, priding themselves in their accomplishment. Rather than watching Snookie on Jersey Shore or restlessly wrestling with a game controller, they obtained satisfaction through skill development, family bonding, creativity, and responsibility. Of course, you can't tell them that ;) but you can observe it and know that you were a part of it.


Teens, Cooking, and Preventing Substance Abuse:
Extracted from WebMD


The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University offers a report, Family Matters: Substance Abuse and the American Family, that outlines 10 steps parents can take to prevent substance abuse. Among them are three that directly relate to cooking with your family:

1. Be caring and supportive of your child.
Parents get many opportunities to compliment and support their children while they're in the kitchen together. How important is this? Parental praise, affection, acceptance, and family bonding-- as perceived by children-- are all associated with a reduced risk of substance abuse. An excellent relationship with either parent is associated with a reduced risk for substance use than the average teen.


2. Open the lines of communication.
Kids having fun in the kitchen, elbow to elbow, are likely to interact with each other and with their parents. Cooking together gives parents and children time together to talk and share thoughts and stories. "Communication doesn't start when your child is 17," says Ross Brower, MD, deputy medical director for the Weill Cornell Medical Center. "It should start when your child is 3."


3. Eat dinner together regularly.
Involving your kids in the kitchen is a big stepping-stone to getting them to appreciate family meals. Because of challenging work, school, and sports schedules, many families struggle to sit down to even one daily meal together. But you can start by maximizing weekend opportunities to eat together.

Until next time,

Suburbanista

Much thanks to my Husband, Steven, and my brothers and featured Chefs, Dan and Sean.


Citations


"Cooking With Your Children." WebMD - Better Information. Better Health. Web. 14 Nov. 2011. <http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/cooking-with-your-children>.


Davis, Amanda. "What Are The Benefits Of Cooking With Kids? | LIVESTRONG.COM." LIVESTRONG.COM. 9 Aug. 2010. Web. 14 Nov. 2011. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/199531-what-are-the-benefits-of-cooking-with-kids/>.

"Benefits of Family Cooking." The Global Gourmet ®. Web. 14 Nov. 2011. <http://www.globalgourmet.com/food/egg/egg0997/famcook.html>.

Featured Artists Come Together To Support Loaves & Fishes

An eclectic collection of breathtaking artwork created an initial awe as observers entered the Potting Shed last week at the Holiday Artist Open House. Welcomed by the humble Artists, guests were immediately drawn to the beautiful displays of their work - each providing insight to their inspiration and unique worldly techniques. In addition to the captivating installation, 20% of all proceeds was donated to Loaves & Fishes to help feed our hungry.

Sophia Forero
"Inspired by Byzantium, our jewels will make you feel beautiful."
www.sophiaforero.com

Sophia's jewelry has a true anthropology essence to it. It is more than clear that her love and appreciation for world history provides inspiration as she works to create these beautiful jeweled collections. When asked in further detail, Sophia shared her adventurous history in which her initial jewelry designs were conceived.

After graduating with a Master's Degree at the University of Chicago, Sophia spent two years working for the US Peace Corps providing her the opportunity to experience Eastern Europe. It was then that she began to collect beautiful gems and beads, gathering inspiration for her jewels from around the world. Since her initial dip into the anthropological inspired jewelry, her most popular collections are her hand-made mosaic pieces that are featured along with her collection in specialty stores such as Macy's, Bloomingdales and Oilily. In addition, you can see her jewelry worn by some of America's celebrity women such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Vivica Fox, Nia Vardalos, and even Chicago's very own CNN and WLS TV gals.

Working closely with her family and Greek heritage in mind, her jewelry is the perfect expression of her.  These jewels add warmth, beauty, and worldly appreciation to all.

Featured Piece:

Carnelian and Aquamarine stones embraced by Greek Silver and tied to Greek Goat Leather.

Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi

www.LPEclay.com

Working in clay for over 25 years, Laurie's continued inspiration stems from memories found on her Grandmother's dresser, old quilts and button boxes. Visions of tiny flowers nestled in crevices of an old stone wall or patterns of plowed fields and old barn siding seen along the Midwest's country roads are planted deep in her soul and come to surface while she is working in her studio.

Distinguished by a vibrant pallet, lush with intricate detail and whimsy, Laurie's pottery has a feminine, playful touch that speaks to contemporary sensibilities with bits of nostalgia woven into each piece.

Laurie's clay designs can be found in a number of collections such as One of A Kind Pieces, Serving Pieces, Vases with Attitude, Hearts, and Crosses. Her Serving Pieces are created from food safe stoneware clay and glazes. These beautifully functioning pieces are also oven and dishwasher safe. Another personal favorite are Laurie's Vases with Attitude. Each "gal" is distinguished by it's unique colorful markings and personally inscribed names on the bottom of each vase. My favorites include Esperanza with comforting shades of red and Claire with cleansing hues of blues. 

Featured Piece:

Laurie's 2012 Limited Edition piece, "Imagine". With only 50 in existence, each ornament his signed and numbered to ensure it's uniqueness. Along with all of Laurie's clay pieces, it is safe to use for all occasions.

Daina Maria Pakalnis

"Inspired by the heart empowered by the hand."

www.basgallery.com

A graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago and University of Illinois, Daina Maria Pakalnis has been an artist for many years. Owner of BAS Gallery in Naperville, she has devoted many years representing hundreds of artists and currently creates her own mixed media works. Works that can be found in galleries and museums across the United States.

Daina's mediums range from a wide variety. At this particular showing, displays of candles, glass flowers, and Japanese paper blanketed a wall inside within the Potting Shed. Each piece adding a subtle addition to the rooms warm embrace.

Featured Piece:

A wall decorated with enchanting flowered clocks invites guests as they stroll toward the window. These handmade clocks are created from fine Japanese paper and possess beautiful pressed flowers from Lithuania.

The entire experience was more than inspirational. The incredible displays created by these talented Artists were complimented by their warm welcomes and kind regards for Loaves & Fishes. You may visit any of their above websites for purchasing details, a list of upcoming shows, and to learn more about them individually. It was an absolute pleasure to spend time with these humble women as they embarked on their annual tradition to give back to their community.

Sincerely, 

Suburbanista 

Citations

Forero, Sophia. "Holiday Artist Open House." Personal Interview. 19 Nov. 2011.

Eskenazi, Laurie P. "Holiday Artist Open House." Personal Interview. 19 Nov. 2011.

Pakalnis, Daina M. "Holiday Artist Open House." Personal Interview. 19 Nov. 2011.

"About the Designer." Welcome to Sophia Forero - About Sophia. Web. 23 Nov. 2011. <http://www.sophiaforero.com>

"About the Artist..." Laurie Pollpeter Eskenazi - Ceramic Artist - LPE Clay. Web. 23 Nov. 2011. <http://www.LPEclay.com>

"Holiday Artist Open House for Loaves & Fishes." Naperville, IL Patch - News, Sports, Events, Businesses & Deals.Web. 23 Nov. 2011. <http://naperville.patch.com/events/holiday-artist-open-house-for-loaves-fishes>.

WAR Chest Boutique - Giving a Voice to Vulnerable Women

Readers,

I challenge you to step outside of your current focus. Put down the pencil, close the unnecessary internet tabs, and silence your phone. Allow yourself to fully embrace this knowledge and dedicate these next few moments to those who currently are unable to achieve what you have - unable to freely read, speak, listen, and learn... struggling to fight for their lives.

Allow me to introduce to you the following facts. These facts have been collected from national governmental agencies and are sadly astonishing.... however, we can help.

"114 to 200 million women are 'demographically missing' due to infanticide, dowry deaths, domestic violence, and all manner of risk." - UN Secretary General

"800,000 people a year are trafficked against their will. 50% are children. 70% of women are sold into sexual slavery, chained to beds of horror." - US State Department

"The New Slavery...human trafficking, is the fastest growing segment of organized crime. 100,000 are trafficked INSIDE AMERICA." - FBI

Women At Risk International (WAR) gives voice to the silenced cries of these women. By providing the opportunity for creative outlet, our local boutique sells beautiful handmade workings by vulnerable women. From jewelry, accessories, and clothing to shelves lined with autobiographies - WAR Chest Boutique shares the story of each individual behind their art. Who are these women, you ask?

"They are orphans, widows, and the destitute who are targeted by traffickers," explains Ashley Pitariu, Manager of WAR Chest Boutique in Downtown Naperville. "These women are not asking for a hand out. They are asking for a hand up," she adds.

When you purchase from WAR Chest, you are supporting the nonprofit organization that establishes to place circles of protection around women at risk. Creating safe places for women and children whom are rescued from human trafficking/sexual slavery and abuse helps to provide a voice to their silenced cries.

How can you participate? Below I have listed local upcoming events to help give hope and protection to women at risk. You may also visit the Women At Risk International website for nationwide opportunities at www.warinternational.org.

Upcoming Naperville Events:

Friday, November 25, 2011
Volunteers needed for Downtown Naperville parade. WAR Chest Boutique is asking women to dress to represent heritages around the world, carrying signs that say "Rescued at (age)" and lighted flowers and candles.

Saturday, November 26, 2011
Christmas Carolers will shed light on WAR by choir singing in Downtown Naperville's WAR Chest Boutique. Come in to enjoy the beautiful sounds of the holiday season, savory appetizers, and appreciation of WAR artwork.

To participate or for more information, please contact Ashley Pitariu, Store Manager.
630.904.9200

2011 Winter Photo Shoot & Their Stories
Photography by Summer Jean Photography

Featuring "Rhoda's Roses", these flowers have been crocheted by an American trafficking survivor. Each one of these decorative roses is a testimony to Rhoda and her flourishing ministry, as she speaks out against human trafficking, reaches out to vulnerable teens, sings at benefit concerts, and coaches other suffering women.

Made in our Indian Safehouse, women who have been rescued from trafficking situations create these intricate silver necklaces in order to learn a job skill. The safehouse pays them a fair wage of what a college graduate in their country earns, they earn their GED, are provided with childcare, healthcare and counseling. Wear them with dignity knowing that you helped to lift a woman back to a life of worth.

Sincerely,

Suburbanista

Citations

Ashley Pitariu. Personal and Email Interview. 17 November 2011.

"Home." Women At Risk International. 21 November 2011 <www.warinternational.org>

"The Problem... Hidden Gendercide." Help unveil a hidden evil... 21 November 2011

Relationship & Personal Health: The Winter Time Blues

Whether Man or Woman, Youthful or Wise - we all can't escape the humanly bonds we hold. One in particular that is easily ignored, is that we all need some time to be happy.

The reason for this reminder, because we all forget,  is that a potent component of the upcoming season is quickly approaching. What is that component you ask? The Winter Time Blues.

Cold weather will lock us inside, hindering our exploration of the outdoors. Tis the season of cloudy skies, and muddy snow. It is the most important time of year that we almost always forget - the time to focus on ourselves, inside to out. Why do you think we take time to give Thanks? Celebrate our Faiths? And create New Year's Resolutions? It's because the 4,380 hours of Winter give us plenty of time for reflection.

It's human hibernation at it's best. Time to rest our daily distractions and rejuvenate ourselves. Especially after a summer full of fireworks, Ribfests, arts & crafts fairs, Last Flings, and bar crawls. Like a child being expected to calm down when told, the Universe forces us to sit on our tush, quiet our minds, and reflect on what we have done.

So I ask of you, My Suburbanistas, to do the same. To utilize this approaching Winter season by avoiding boredom, digital distraction, and the lull of the Winter Time Blues. Instead, take this time to reflect and focus on You!

Sincerely,

Suburbanista Naperville

"Fighting Hunger with Style"

If you haven't already seen the hype all over Facebook, "Fighting Hunger with Style" was THE event to kickoff November 2012 in Naperville.

Organized by The Real Housewives of Naperville, Lillians of Naperville and benefiting Loaves & Fishes, Blackfinn American Saloon was generous to donate their second floor for this incredible event. From the admission donations to the fashion show and raffle, a percentage of proceeds was given to help feed the hungry.

As a guest, it was an extraordinary event - which did not surprise me as most Real Housewives of Naperville events are. There was no hiding that something BIG was happening as I climbed the stairs to Blackfinn's second floor. Screams and cheers of ladies laughter filled the halls, all in great fun and loving charity.

Once upstairs, the doors opened to reveal warm welcomes from the Lillians and Real Housewives team, instantly providing a comfortable admittance. From local fashionista icons to Naperville's authentic women, everyone was there to support a common cause - to raise funds and benefit Loaves & Fishes.

Of course, the party would not be a Real Housewives of Naperville event without the strategic organization of Mary Fran Greenberg and Ursula Schroeder, paving the path for the evening's debut: A heartwarming Thank You by Jody Bender, Community Relations Director with Loaves & Fishes. Our hearts were awed by her sincerity and at once we were all One - a community of local women from every walk of life, coming together to make a difference in this world.