Womeninc

Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com Every Women Has A Story Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 A Story behind Everything http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2263 [/caption] Christmas decorations enhance Steve and Sandi Andersen’s home from November until February every year. “I love this time of year. Once Halloween is over, I start decorating for Christmas,” Sandi says. Each room receives special attention and every item of décor is carefully placed to reflect the season. In the basement family room of the Andersen’s home stands a Christmas tree beautifully adorned with over 400 ornaments of all shapes and sizes, many of which are handmade. “Every ornament has a story,” Sandi says. “As I go along the tree, it’s like opening a photo album because each thing reminds me of some special memory.” As she hangs the ornaments every year, Sandi remembers back to the early days of their marriage. “After our wedding, we moved to California. We lived there one month when Steve received his draft notice. Military assignments took us first to Biloxi, Mississippi and then to an Air Force base in Japan where we lived for two and a half years.” While there, Sandi enjoyed shopping in the local markets for craft and sewing supplies. She took those supplies and decorated Styrofoam shapes and real eggs into lovely ornaments covered with bits of velvet, beads and tiny scenes inside the eggs. [caption id="attachment_2265" align="alignnone" width="198" caption="Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck"] Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck

Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck

With a record setting summer heat wave, a cool fall day can’t come soon enough. Along with that crisp air comes a complete and 180 degree wardrobe change. The trends for this fall are versatile, cozy and, best of all, there are no rules. Fashion trends these days are made to be personalized whether you’re the fashion boho, the classic or the trendsetter. During our buying trip for this fall’s selection, we saw more color than we have in the past years. Instead of the typical and safe fall colors such as grey, brown and black, we saw plum, mustard, green, maroon and rust. These colors were seen in solids and prints and in styles such as blouses, dresses and skinny jeans. Sweaters are always an essential for fall and into winter. Cowl neck sweaters and ponchos in chunky knits will be seen. Layering is the key to staying fashionable and warm in fall. This season layers will be mixed and matched with different prints and textures. Accessories are always a fun addition to any outfit. This fall you’ll see scarves, wide brimmed hats and messenger bags. When rearing up for the upcoming season the most important thing is to be yourself and stay warm and cozy. pm-plaidskirt WEBSITE

Diane Sinclair and Jenny Turek are co-owners of Sisters Ugly Clothing Boutique in Northfield, Minnesota. Contact www.sistersugly.com.]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/fall-clothing-trends/feed/ 0 Farmhouse Full of Potential http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/farmhouse-full-of-potential/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/farmhouse-full-of-potential/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:36:33 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2236 [/caption] Cory and Nichole Johnson have always lived in new houses. However, in a recent move to Spirit Lake, Iowa, they were looking for an old home. The Johnsons were drawn to the original Arthur homestead in Arthur heights. The farmhouse was built in 1912 and has all the character of an old home – with some updates the family is grateful for. With an eye for junking and repurposing, Nichole has created a warm, inviting home with a lot of potential. The five-bedroom home has ample room for the Johnson’s three kids Sydney, 12; Evan, 9; and Max, 5. Nichole has a talent for decorating with beautiful vignettes. Every room has a touch of her shabby chic style, incorporating new and old. “My tip is to keep things simple,” she says. “If you like it, buy it, because you’ll find a spot for it.” Nichole also says you don’t have to buy a piece for one specific purpose. “I move things throughout the house all the time – you don’t always have to buy something new to make a room look great!” Although they were drawn to the charm of an older home, with its built-ins and pocket doors, Cory and Nichole have discovered some challenges as well. “The house needs some work,” Cory says. “It still has all the original windows and needs the electrical updated.” They would also like to make some structural changes by potentially moving the front door and remodeling the main floor bathroom to make it more space-efficient. “Someday we hope to finish off the attic too,” Nichole says. All the changes will happen, the couple says. For now, they’re happy with the home and taking it one project at a time. While they have big plans for their farmhouse, Nichole says, “Of all the houses we’ve lived in, this is the one that fits our style the best.”]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/farmhouse-full-of-potential/feed/ 0 Women in Business: Dana Wishart http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/women-in-business-dana-wishart/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/women-in-business-dana-wishart/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:33:10 +0000 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2232 [/caption] Dana Wishart Principal Servicing Specialist AgStar Financial Services Mankato, MN Hometown: Mapleton, MN Dana Wishart has been in the finance industry for 11 years. She started working at a credit union part-time while attending college. After graduation, Dana worked at a small town bank as a loan assistant where she learned about the different areas of lending from consumer, to commercial, to agricultural. In 2008 Dana joined AgStar Financial Services as a home mortgage coordinator where she has been given the opportunity to work with various departments, learning about the company’s mission to better the lives for everyone living in rural America. “My position has evolved since I started here, but the goal has stayed the same,” Dana says. “I love what I do and why I do it!” When did you first become interested in pursuing this occupation? I have been around finance and banking my whole life. My mother is vice president of a credit union, and I used to go into work to visit her and think she had the coolest job in the world! I selected finance as my major in college and got a part-time job at a local credit union. I was hooked on finance from college on, knowing it was something I was passionate about. Where did you go to pursue this occupation? I attended Minnesota State University, Mankato where I received my bachelor’s degree in finance and a double minor in accounting and business administration. After college I worked at a bank where I was able to learn different aspects of lending. In 2008 I began working at AgStar, for the home mortgage department, and now I work with multiple departments within AgStar. Was this your childhood dream? I wouldn’t say it was my childhood dream, but I guess it was always in my blood. I loved visiting my mom at work and pretending that I was able to give out loans to people. My favorite game as a kid was – and still is – Monopoly. I loved playing with money and buying hotels for all my properties. Who has been your greatest mentor? Both of my parents are very important to me and influential in my life. My father was and still is my voice of reason. He believes in letting me learn from my mistakes. My mother has been my mentor professionally. She has always worked in finance, so she has experienced most of the things I come across in my business transactions. I go to her when I need advice or just an empathetic shoulder to lean on. What is the best business advice anyone has ever given you? The best business advice given to me is also the best life advice given to me: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” My mother told me this. I would never advise a client to do something I truly did not believe was in their best interest. People trust me with their hard-earned money – that is nothing to be taken lightly. What advice do you have for anyone pursuing this occupation? Anyone pursuing finance as an occupation needs to make sure they are passionate about it. Finding a job in finance is one thing, but if you really want to make a career out of it you need to be passionate. You also need to be outgoing – networking and building relationships are an integral part of being successful. What makes your job enjoyable for you? The people I get to work with make my job enjoyable. I love helping people achieve their financial goals, whether it be lowering the interest rate on their loan or helping them buy their first family home. What is the best part about your job? Seeing and hearing about how I have helped people is the best part. I grew up in a small town, so I love working for a company that focuses on serving rural America. What have been your biggest obstacles? Being young can sometimes be an obstacle, but everyone has to start out and learn from their experiences. Is there anything that would help others prepare for your line of work? Getting a solid education is a must-have for any career. I also recommend getting involved in your community and start building a trusted network of business partners.]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/women-in-business-dana-wishart/feed/ 0 Looking for Healthier Skin? Tips to Keep Your Skin Looking and Feeling Good http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/looking-for-healthier-skin-tips-to-keep-your-skin-looking-and-feeling-good/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/looking-for-healthier-skin-tips-to-keep-your-skin-looking-and-feeling-good/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:28:37 +0000 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2230 By Stacy Jones, Sanford Health Who wants to look old? None of us – men or women – want to look in the mirror and see skin that looks tired or unhealthy. It’s clear from the amount of creams, face washes and cosmetics on the market that we all want to have attractive, healthy skin. Everyone wants to sell you a miracle product to keep your skin young and glowing. However, healthy skin is about more than just looking good. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and serves to protect you against temperature extremes, chemicals and damaging sunlight. It helps you prevent infection and is a huge sensor full of the nerves that allow you to feel your outside world. There are a few things we can all do every day, including what we eat and drink, that can help keep our skin healthy and strong. Drink water Drinking plenty of water will keep both your body and skin hydrated, which is necessary for healthy skin. While the amount of water you need to drink can vary from person to person, a good rule of thumb is eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day. Opt for green tea Drinking green tea can bring protection to the membranes of your skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties which can help your skin’s health and may even reduce your risk of skin cancer. Eat right Your diet has a major impact on your skin’s health. The following foods will help improve your skin:

Fatty acids improve your cells’ membranes, letting waste products in and out. They also help hold in water, meaning your cells can retain moisture. You’ll find them in salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seed.
Vitamin A is great for your skin cells, helping them to regenerate faster, bringing new fresh skin cells to the surface. The best place to get Vitamin D? Low-fat dairy products.
Selenium is a mineral responsible for tissue elasticity and seems to protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light. It can be found in whole wheat bread, cereals, as well as turkey and tuna.
Antioxidants help protect the skin cells from damage and disintegration. Find them in blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums.

Moisturize Limit your time in the bath. Hot baths and showers may be relaxing, but they can also strip the moisture from skin. The pours open up, releasing moisture from the skin. When you are done bathing, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. After you get out of the shower or bath, pat yourself dry and put on lotion. Protect your skin By preventing damage, you can give your skins cells less to have to repair.

Avoid the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid the sun at these times.
Cover up. Wear protective clothing-long sleeves and pants.

Use sunscreen. We all know that we’re supposed to use sunscreen, but did you know you should be reapplying throughout the day? Reapply the sunscreen every two hours for the best protection.

[/caption] Jennifer Emmert calls herself a “prior fat girl”. Her journey to earn that title began in earnest in 2007. “I was always heavy growing up,” she says. “I spent my teenage years and early twenties yo-yo dieting. You name it; I tried it. I would stay on them for a couple of days, sometimes weeks, even months. But they were never something I could make into a life habit. In August of 2007, my father (who is also overweight) asked if I wanted to attend a weight loss seminar with him. We went, and as I sat there, I looked around the room and got the biggest wake-up call I ever had and the one I needed. There I was: twenty-six, fat, and unhappy. I was in a room surrounded; they were me and I was them. I left the seminar and decided that if I were going to be healthy, I wanted it to be a result of my hard work.” Jennifer went to a local gym and signed up. She also got a calorie journal and began to really watch her eating habits. Still unsure that it would work, Jennifer was adamant that if she were going to lose weight, it had to be “because I busted my butt in the gym.” It was hard at first, very hard. “On the treadmill, I couldn’t walk very fast. Running was out of the question,” she says. She began walking on the treadmill for twenty minutes. Within a week, she could do thirty minutes. At the same time, she was really evaluating her food choices. “I didn’t really follow a specific plan. I just ate healthy,” she recalls. “I ate what I was taught in elementary school: a lot of fruits and vegetables with lean meats (food pyramid anyone?). When I craved ‘junk food’ I relied on 100 calorie snack packs. I wrote everything down in a calorie journal. I never deprived myself of anything but eventually found myself choosing not to eat certain foods because of how long it would take me to work them off in the gym.” And she did another thing: began to blog about her weight loss experience. “I attribute a lot of my success to blogging,” she says. “Blogging for me was therapeutic. I could go online and whine and cry about how hard it was to lose weight and eat healthy which helped to release all the frustrations. By doing so, I felt a sense of relief and could move on with my next healthy decision. I also found an amazing online community who supported and encouraged me when I was down but was right there to cheer me on with every “milestone” I hit. I needed to connect with people who knew what I was going through and could empathize with my journey. Also, my blog is important in my journey because it lets others know they aren’t alone.” A year and a half later, Jen had lost ninety pounds and was well within reach of her one-hundred pound goal. She had managed to stay on-track while balancing a job and graduate school, and she began to plan a celebration for August 1, 2009. Then, she says, “On July 31st, just twelve hours prior to my two year anniversary/100 pounds lost party, I got a call from my dad who told me my mom - my best friend, my cheerleader - had been hit by a car while she was on a walk with my nephew. A car had backed out of a driveway and didn’t see her. She died on the way to the hospital. My world came crashing to a halt. No one would have blamed me had I just stopped blogging and spent my time with family instead of going to the gym. No one would have blamed me if I had gained weight.” And Jennifer did gain weight, ten pounds in August of 2009. “Early September came, and I realized I could not let my mom be the reason that I gained my weight back,” Jennifer explains. “She would be devastated knowing it was her death that caused me to gain weight again.” “I still struggle with food and with finding the motivation to get to the gym,” she admits. “The hardest thing to accept is that even though now I’m at a healthy weight, I have to fight just as hard to stay this way. But now I am so much stronger mentally to actually fight for it.” The best part of being healthier? “Not having to turn sideways to go into a public bathroom stall. Being able to paint my own toenails. Being able to fit into a bathroom on an airplane, to shop at any store in a mall and being able to walk my dog without getting winded. And there is no better feeling in the world than knowing that I did it myself!” Jennifer also says that people treat her differently now because she treats herself differently. “I liked to use my genetics as an excuse for being overweight,” she says. I always used to say I took after my dad. But, here's the thing: my genetics haven't changed. What has changed is my reaction to the environment. No longer am I allowing my genetics to be an excuse. They have nothing to do with my healthy decisions. Now that I lost weight, I hold my head high and am proud of who I am. I am more confident. I speak my mind and love myself, which helps me to love others. Because I fought to lose the weight, I learned so much more about myself. This gave me a stepping stone to grow in many other ways. Because I act differently, people treat me differently,” she says. Jennifer’s advice for people who are at the beginning of their journey to be healthy is “to look in the mirror and accept responsibility for how they got there, look that person in the eyes and smile at the only person who can change their life. Appreciate your journey for what it has been and realize that what has happened in the past is a starting point for changing the future. People need to stop using every excuse in the book. I don’t care if you’re big boned or have a slow metabolism or if you have twelve kids or if you have a new job; you better figure out how to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into it all because life is never going to be any less complicated then how it is now. Suck it up and just do it. And if you continue to allow the excuses to win? Well, stop wasting time by complaining and just accept the effects it has on your body. As I say on my blog, ‘no sugar coating included.’ When we as humans put our mind to something, we can accomplish our dreams. One day at a time. One decision at a time. One bite at a time.” To read more about Jennifer’s weight loss journey, visit www.priorfatgirl.com.]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/prior-fat-girl/feed/ 0 volume 7, issue 9 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:13:34 +0000 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2224 Fall Fashion Trends Two Rising Young Musicians Tips for Healthier Skin Jennifer Emmert Shares Her Weight Loss Journey]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/feed/ 0 Misunderstood Feelings http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:24:21 +0000 Kim Reutzel http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2220 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/feed/ 0 Prenatal Partners for Life http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:19:46 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2210 In 2005, Don and Mary Kellett were expecting their eleventh child. During a routine ultrasound, they discovered their son might have Trisomy 18, a genetic disorder in which the baby has a third copy of genetic material from chromosome 18, instead of the usual two copies. At 34 weeks, Mary had an emergency Caesarean section and gave birth to Peter who weighed three pounds two ounces. “From the very beginning, Peter was a fighter,” she says. Month after month, year after year, Peter defeated all the odds and surprised doctors by his strength. “Our doctor told us from day one that he would probably die soon. Finally, I asked him, ‘When are you going to die? We are all going to die; stop telling me my son is going to!’” “Peter was a little piece of Heaven,” Mary says. “He was the sweetest, kindest little boy.” The youngest of 11 siblings, he was spoiled, adored and a source of great joy. Although Mary knew firsthand the challenges of raising a child with disabilities, it was heartbreaking to know that over 90 percent of pregnancies diagnosed with Trisomy 18, Ancencephaly and Down’s Syndrome are terminated. “In the year after Peter’s birth, I thought often of the mothers and dads who receive adverse prenatal diagnoses. Overwhelmed with sorrow over their baby’s health problems, fearing that he may suffer and given only negative information about his life prospects, it is no wonder so many parents feel pressured to abort their child,” Mary explains. “I asked God how I could encourage these parents to make a life-affirming choice. I had inspiration – some instant knowledge. I felt that it was something from God.” At that point, Mary established an organization to connect parents facing an adverse diagnosis with other parents who have had the same diagnosis. She started Prenatal Partners for Life, a group of concerned parents (most of whom have or had a special needs child), medical professionals, legal professionals and clergy whose aim is to support, inform and encourage expectant or new parents. Many parents who receive a difficult diagnosis are advised by their doctors to end the pregnancy. “A lot of times they are not even given the choice to continue the pregnancy,” Mary says. “Doctors can use deceptive language such as calling it a ‘humane abortion’ or ‘finishing a miscarriage.’ I’ve heard parents say their doctor told them the child would be a burden to the family. Others tell parents, ‘We have to think about resources.’” Prenatal Partners for Life provides families with the information they need to make informed decisions involving their preborn or newborn’s care. “We believe each child is a special gift from God,” Mary explains. When a new family contacts the organization, Mary sends out a care package including a blanket, lamb, an inspirational CD and a hand-written note. “There are angel charms and a book for siblings if a baby goes home to Heaven,” Mary adds. Since Prenatal Partners for Life started in 2006, and thanks to a large group of volunteers, they have helped families in every state and 27 countries. “We are families helping families,” she says. “Our goal is to connect two or three families with a similar diagnosis to provide support and encouragement to one another. I am happy when we can help families not feel alone in their situation.” Since its inception, Mary has been at births and deaths, helped countless parents find resources and support, and found peace in walking with others in their journey. In August 2011, Mary’s son, Peter, passed away. He was six and a half years old. “I believe every life is a miracle. Peter definitely was one,” Mary says. Now when she reaches out to families through Prenatal Partners for Life, Mary looks at her involvement as God’s work and Peter’s legacy. “I want to be His light and love to others at a very dark time,” she says. “Peter changed how our family views life. He taught us all so much about love, compassion and trust in God. Peter truly made us all better; if we would have had our way, we would have taken care of him forever.” Prenatal Partners for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and as such all donations are tax deductable. For more information or to donate, contact: PO Box 2225 Maple Grove, MN 55311 www.prenatalpartnersforlife.com]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/feed/ 0 Women in Business: Amy Petersen http://womenincmagazine.com Every Women Has A Story Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com Every Women Has A Story Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 A Story behind Everything http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2263 [/caption] Christmas decorations enhance Steve and Sandi Andersen’s home from November until February every year. “I love this time of year. Once Halloween is over, I start decorating for Christmas,” Sandi says. Each room receives special attention and every item of décor is carefully placed to reflect the season. In the basement family room of the Andersen’s home stands a Christmas tree beautifully adorned with over 400 ornaments of all shapes and sizes, many of which are handmade. “Every ornament has a story,” Sandi says. “As I go along the tree, it’s like opening a photo album because each thing reminds me of some special memory.” As she hangs the ornaments every year, Sandi remembers back to the early days of their marriage. “After our wedding, we moved to California. We lived there one month when Steve received his draft notice. Military assignments took us first to Biloxi, Mississippi and then to an Air Force base in Japan where we lived for two and a half years.” While there, Sandi enjoyed shopping in the local markets for craft and sewing supplies. She took those supplies and decorated Styrofoam shapes and real eggs into lovely ornaments covered with bits of velvet, beads and tiny scenes inside the eggs. [caption id="attachment_2265" align="alignnone" width="198" caption="Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck"] Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck

Fatty acids improve your cells’ membranes, letting waste products in and out. They also help hold in water, meaning your cells can retain moisture. You’ll find them in salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seed.
Vitamin A is great for your skin cells, helping them to regenerate faster, bringing new fresh skin cells to the surface. The best place to get Vitamin D? Low-fat dairy products.
Selenium is a mineral responsible for tissue elasticity and seems to protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light. It can be found in whole wheat bread, cereals, as well as turkey and tuna.
Antioxidants help protect the skin cells from damage and disintegration. Find them in blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums.

Avoid the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid the sun at these times.
Cover up. Wear protective clothing-long sleeves and pants.

Use sunscreen. We all know that we’re supposed to use sunscreen, but did you know you should be reapplying throughout the day? Reapply the sunscreen every two hours for the best protection.

[/caption] Jennifer Emmert calls herself a “prior fat girl”. Her journey to earn that title began in earnest in 2007. “I was always heavy growing up,” she says. “I spent my teenage years and early twenties yo-yo dieting. You name it; I tried it. I would stay on them for a couple of days, sometimes weeks, even months. But they were never something I could make into a life habit. In August of 2007, my father (who is also overweight) asked if I wanted to attend a weight loss seminar with him. We went, and as I sat there, I looked around the room and got the biggest wake-up call I ever had and the one I needed. There I was: twenty-six, fat, and unhappy. I was in a room surrounded; they were me and I was them. I left the seminar and decided that if I were going to be healthy, I wanted it to be a result of my hard work.” Jennifer went to a local gym and signed up. She also got a calorie journal and began to really watch her eating habits. Still unsure that it would work, Jennifer was adamant that if she were going to lose weight, it had to be “because I busted my butt in the gym.” It was hard at first, very hard. “On the treadmill, I couldn’t walk very fast. Running was out of the question,” she says. She began walking on the treadmill for twenty minutes. Within a week, she could do thirty minutes. At the same time, she was really evaluating her food choices. “I didn’t really follow a specific plan. I just ate healthy,” she recalls. “I ate what I was taught in elementary school: a lot of fruits and vegetables with lean meats (food pyramid anyone?). When I craved ‘junk food’ I relied on 100 calorie snack packs. I wrote everything down in a calorie journal. I never deprived myself of anything but eventually found myself choosing not to eat certain foods because of how long it would take me to work them off in the gym.” And she did another thing: began to blog about her weight loss experience. “I attribute a lot of my success to blogging,” she says. “Blogging for me was therapeutic. I could go online and whine and cry about how hard it was to lose weight and eat healthy which helped to release all the frustrations. By doing so, I felt a sense of relief and could move on with my next healthy decision. I also found an amazing online community who supported and encouraged me when I was down but was right there to cheer me on with every “milestone” I hit. I needed to connect with people who knew what I was going through and could empathize with my journey. Also, my blog is important in my journey because it lets others know they aren’t alone.” A year and a half later, Jen had lost ninety pounds and was well within reach of her one-hundred pound goal. She had managed to stay on-track while balancing a job and graduate school, and she began to plan a celebration for August 1, 2009. Then, she says, “On July 31st, just twelve hours prior to my two year anniversary/100 pounds lost party, I got a call from my dad who told me my mom - my best friend, my cheerleader - had been hit by a car while she was on a walk with my nephew. A car had backed out of a driveway and didn’t see her. She died on the way to the hospital. My world came crashing to a halt. No one would have blamed me had I just stopped blogging and spent my time with family instead of going to the gym. No one would have blamed me if I had gained weight.” And Jennifer did gain weight, ten pounds in August of 2009. “Early September came, and I realized I could not let my mom be the reason that I gained my weight back,” Jennifer explains. “She would be devastated knowing it was her death that caused me to gain weight again.” “I still struggle with food and with finding the motivation to get to the gym,” she admits. “The hardest thing to accept is that even though now I’m at a healthy weight, I have to fight just as hard to stay this way. But now I am so much stronger mentally to actually fight for it.” The best part of being healthier? “Not having to turn sideways to go into a public bathroom stall. Being able to paint my own toenails. Being able to fit into a bathroom on an airplane, to shop at any store in a mall and being able to walk my dog without getting winded. And there is no better feeling in the world than knowing that I did it myself!” Jennifer also says that people treat her differently now because she treats herself differently. “I liked to use my genetics as an excuse for being overweight,” she says. I always used to say I took after my dad. But, here's the thing: my genetics haven't changed. What has changed is my reaction to the environment. No longer am I allowing my genetics to be an excuse. They have nothing to do with my healthy decisions. Now that I lost weight, I hold my head high and am proud of who I am. I am more confident. I speak my mind and love myself, which helps me to love others. Because I fought to lose the weight, I learned so much more about myself. This gave me a stepping stone to grow in many other ways. Because I act differently, people treat me differently,” she says. Jennifer’s advice for people who are at the beginning of their journey to be healthy is “to look in the mirror and accept responsibility for how they got there, look that person in the eyes and smile at the only person who can change their life. Appreciate your journey for what it has been and realize that what has happened in the past is a starting point for changing the future. People need to stop using every excuse in the book. I don’t care if you’re big boned or have a slow metabolism or if you have twelve kids or if you have a new job; you better figure out how to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into it all because life is never going to be any less complicated then how it is now. Suck it up and just do it. And if you continue to allow the excuses to win? Well, stop wasting time by complaining and just accept the effects it has on your body. As I say on my blog, ‘no sugar coating included.’ When we as humans put our mind to something, we can accomplish our dreams. One day at a time. One decision at a time. One bite at a time.” To read more about Jennifer’s weight loss journey, visit www.priorfatgirl.com.]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/prior-fat-girl/feed/ 0 volume 7, issue 9 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:13:34 +0000 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2224 Fall Fashion Trends Two Rising Young Musicians Tips for Healthier Skin Jennifer Emmert Shares Her Weight Loss Journey]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/feed/ 0 Misunderstood Feelings http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:24:21 +0000 Kim Reutzel http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2220 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/feed/ 0 Prenatal Partners for Life http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:19:46 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2210 In 2005, Don and Mary Kellett were expecting their eleventh child. During a routine ultrasound, they discovered their son might have Trisomy 18, a genetic disorder in which the baby has a third copy of genetic material from chromosome 18, instead of the usual two copies. At 34 weeks, Mary had an emergency Caesarean section and gave birth to Peter who weighed three pounds two ounces. “From the very beginning, Peter was a fighter,” she says. Month after month, year after year, Peter defeated all the odds and surprised doctors by his strength. “Our doctor told us from day one that he would probably die soon. Finally, I asked him, ‘When are you going to die? We are all going to die; stop telling me my son is going to!’” “Peter was a little piece of Heaven,” Mary says. “He was the sweetest, kindest little boy.” The youngest of 11 siblings, he was spoiled, adored and a source of great joy. Although Mary knew firsthand the challenges of raising a child with disabilities, it was heartbreaking to know that over 90 percent of pregnancies diagnosed with Trisomy 18, Ancencephaly and Down’s Syndrome are terminated. “In the year after Peter’s birth, I thought often of the mothers and dads who receive adverse prenatal diagnoses. Overwhelmed with sorrow over their baby’s health problems, fearing that he may suffer and given only negative information about his life prospects, it is no wonder so many parents feel pressured to abort their child,” Mary explains. “I asked God how I could encourage these parents to make a life-affirming choice. I had inspiration – some instant knowledge. I felt that it was something from God.” At that point, Mary established an organization to connect parents facing an adverse diagnosis with other parents who have had the same diagnosis. She started Prenatal Partners for Life, a group of concerned parents (most of whom have or had a special needs child), medical professionals, legal professionals and clergy whose aim is to support, inform and encourage expectant or new parents. Many parents who receive a difficult diagnosis are advised by their doctors to end the pregnancy. “A lot of times they are not even given the choice to continue the pregnancy,” Mary says. “Doctors can use deceptive language such as calling it a ‘humane abortion’ or ‘finishing a miscarriage.’ I’ve heard parents say their doctor told them the child would be a burden to the family. Others tell parents, ‘We have to think about resources.’” Prenatal Partners for Life provides families with the information they need to make informed decisions involving their preborn or newborn’s care. “We believe each child is a special gift from God,” Mary explains. When a new family contacts the organization, Mary sends out a care package including a blanket, lamb, an inspirational CD and a hand-written note. “There are angel charms and a book for siblings if a baby goes home to Heaven,” Mary adds. Since Prenatal Partners for Life started in 2006, and thanks to a large group of volunteers, they have helped families in every state and 27 countries. “We are families helping families,” she says. “Our goal is to connect two or three families with a similar diagnosis to provide support and encouragement to one another. I am happy when we can help families not feel alone in their situation.” Since its inception, Mary has been at births and deaths, helped countless parents find resources and support, and found peace in walking with others in their journey. In August 2011, Mary’s son, Peter, passed away. He was six and a half years old. “I believe every life is a miracle. Peter definitely was one,” Mary says. Now when she reaches out to families through Prenatal Partners for Life, Mary looks at her involvement as God’s work and Peter’s legacy. “I want to be His light and love to others at a very dark time,” she says. “Peter changed how our family views life. He taught us all so much about love, compassion and trust in God. Peter truly made us all better; if we would have had our way, we would have taken care of him forever.” Prenatal Partners for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and as such all donations are tax deductable. For more information or to donate, contact: PO Box 2225 Maple Grove, MN 55311 www.prenatalpartnersforlife.com]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/feed/ 0 Women in Business: Amy Petersen http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2263 [/caption] Christmas decorations enhance Steve and Sandi Andersen’s home from November until February every year. “I love this time of year. Once Halloween is over, I start decorating for Christmas,” Sandi says. Each room receives special attention and every item of décor is carefully placed to reflect the season. In the basement family room of the Andersen’s home stands a Christmas tree beautifully adorned with over 400 ornaments of all shapes and sizes, many of which are handmade. “Every ornament has a story,” Sandi says. “As I go along the tree, it’s like opening a photo album because each thing reminds me of some special memory.” As she hangs the ornaments every year, Sandi remembers back to the early days of their marriage. “After our wedding, we moved to California. We lived there one month when Steve received his draft notice. Military assignments took us first to Biloxi, Mississippi and then to an Air Force base in Japan where we lived for two and a half years.” While there, Sandi enjoyed shopping in the local markets for craft and sewing supplies. She took those supplies and decorated Styrofoam shapes and real eggs into lovely ornaments covered with bits of velvet, beads and tiny scenes inside the eggs. [caption id="attachment_2265" align="alignnone" width="198" caption="Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck"] Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck

[/caption] She continued crafting miniature scenes and ornaments when the family returned to the U.S. and settled in New Jersey for two years. In 1974, the couple returned to the Midwest to be near family and settled in Prior Lake, MN. Sandi’s children, Collette and Devlin, along with neighbor kids, always enjoyed the glitter, glue and crafting items that make up so many of her memories. “I truly enjoy sharing my skills with others and have taught many a class in miniatures, clay crafting, quilting, stitchery, etc,” Sandi says. They moved to Henderson, MN in 2006 where Sandi continues to share her creativity with others. This time of year, Sandi and Steve invite family and friends to their home to celebrate. “I love to entertain and decorate – I entertain on a really casual, not very formal basis,” Sandi says. In the welcoming environment of their home, it’s easy to see Sandi’s love for the season. Her creativity, resourcefulness and attention to detail are apparent in every ornament she makes and every room she decorates.]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/feed/ 0 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com Every Women Has A Story Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 A Story behind Everything http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2263 [/caption] Christmas decorations enhance Steve and Sandi Andersen’s home from November until February every year. “I love this time of year. Once Halloween is over, I start decorating for Christmas,” Sandi says. Each room receives special attention and every item of décor is carefully placed to reflect the season. In the basement family room of the Andersen’s home stands a Christmas tree beautifully adorned with over 400 ornaments of all shapes and sizes, many of which are handmade. “Every ornament has a story,” Sandi says. “As I go along the tree, it’s like opening a photo album because each thing reminds me of some special memory.” As she hangs the ornaments every year, Sandi remembers back to the early days of their marriage. “After our wedding, we moved to California. We lived there one month when Steve received his draft notice. Military assignments took us first to Biloxi, Mississippi and then to an Air Force base in Japan where we lived for two and a half years.” While there, Sandi enjoyed shopping in the local markets for craft and sewing supplies. She took those supplies and decorated Styrofoam shapes and real eggs into lovely ornaments covered with bits of velvet, beads and tiny scenes inside the eggs. [caption id="attachment_2265" align="alignnone" width="198" caption="Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck"] Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck

Fatty acids improve your cells’ membranes, letting waste products in and out. They also help hold in water, meaning your cells can retain moisture. You’ll find them in salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seed.
Vitamin A is great for your skin cells, helping them to regenerate faster, bringing new fresh skin cells to the surface. The best place to get Vitamin D? Low-fat dairy products.
Selenium is a mineral responsible for tissue elasticity and seems to protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light. It can be found in whole wheat bread, cereals, as well as turkey and tuna.
Antioxidants help protect the skin cells from damage and disintegration. Find them in blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums.

Avoid the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid the sun at these times.
Cover up. Wear protective clothing-long sleeves and pants.

Use sunscreen. We all know that we’re supposed to use sunscreen, but did you know you should be reapplying throughout the day? Reapply the sunscreen every two hours for the best protection.

Diane Sinclair and Jenny Turek are co-owners of Sisters Ugly Clothing Boutique in Northfield, Minnesota. Contact www.sistersugly.com.]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/fall-clothing-trends/feed/ 0 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com Every Women Has A Story Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 A Story behind Everything http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2263 [/caption] Christmas decorations enhance Steve and Sandi Andersen’s home from November until February every year. “I love this time of year. Once Halloween is over, I start decorating for Christmas,” Sandi says. Each room receives special attention and every item of décor is carefully placed to reflect the season. In the basement family room of the Andersen’s home stands a Christmas tree beautifully adorned with over 400 ornaments of all shapes and sizes, many of which are handmade. “Every ornament has a story,” Sandi says. “As I go along the tree, it’s like opening a photo album because each thing reminds me of some special memory.” As she hangs the ornaments every year, Sandi remembers back to the early days of their marriage. “After our wedding, we moved to California. We lived there one month when Steve received his draft notice. Military assignments took us first to Biloxi, Mississippi and then to an Air Force base in Japan where we lived for two and a half years.” While there, Sandi enjoyed shopping in the local markets for craft and sewing supplies. She took those supplies and decorated Styrofoam shapes and real eggs into lovely ornaments covered with bits of velvet, beads and tiny scenes inside the eggs. [caption id="attachment_2265" align="alignnone" width="198" caption="Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck"] Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck

Fatty acids improve your cells’ membranes, letting waste products in and out. They also help hold in water, meaning your cells can retain moisture. You’ll find them in salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seed.
Vitamin A is great for your skin cells, helping them to regenerate faster, bringing new fresh skin cells to the surface. The best place to get Vitamin D? Low-fat dairy products.
Selenium is a mineral responsible for tissue elasticity and seems to protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light. It can be found in whole wheat bread, cereals, as well as turkey and tuna.
Antioxidants help protect the skin cells from damage and disintegration. Find them in blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums.

Avoid the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid the sun at these times.
Cover up. Wear protective clothing-long sleeves and pants.

Use sunscreen. We all know that we’re supposed to use sunscreen, but did you know you should be reapplying throughout the day? Reapply the sunscreen every two hours for the best protection.

[/caption] Jennifer Emmert calls herself a “prior fat girl”. Her journey to earn that title began in earnest in 2007. “I was always heavy growing up,” she says. “I spent my teenage years and early twenties yo-yo dieting. You name it; I tried it. I would stay on them for a couple of days, sometimes weeks, even months. But they were never something I could make into a life habit. In August of 2007, my father (who is also overweight) asked if I wanted to attend a weight loss seminar with him. We went, and as I sat there, I looked around the room and got the biggest wake-up call I ever had and the one I needed. There I was: twenty-six, fat, and unhappy. I was in a room surrounded; they were me and I was them. I left the seminar and decided that if I were going to be healthy, I wanted it to be a result of my hard work.” Jennifer went to a local gym and signed up. She also got a calorie journal and began to really watch her eating habits. Still unsure that it would work, Jennifer was adamant that if she were going to lose weight, it had to be “because I busted my butt in the gym.” It was hard at first, very hard. “On the treadmill, I couldn’t walk very fast. Running was out of the question,” she says. She began walking on the treadmill for twenty minutes. Within a week, she could do thirty minutes. At the same time, she was really evaluating her food choices. “I didn’t really follow a specific plan. I just ate healthy,” she recalls. “I ate what I was taught in elementary school: a lot of fruits and vegetables with lean meats (food pyramid anyone?). When I craved ‘junk food’ I relied on 100 calorie snack packs. I wrote everything down in a calorie journal. I never deprived myself of anything but eventually found myself choosing not to eat certain foods because of how long it would take me to work them off in the gym.” And she did another thing: began to blog about her weight loss experience. “I attribute a lot of my success to blogging,” she says. “Blogging for me was therapeutic. I could go online and whine and cry about how hard it was to lose weight and eat healthy which helped to release all the frustrations. By doing so, I felt a sense of relief and could move on with my next healthy decision. I also found an amazing online community who supported and encouraged me when I was down but was right there to cheer me on with every “milestone” I hit. I needed to connect with people who knew what I was going through and could empathize with my journey. Also, my blog is important in my journey because it lets others know they aren’t alone.” A year and a half later, Jen had lost ninety pounds and was well within reach of her one-hundred pound goal. She had managed to stay on-track while balancing a job and graduate school, and she began to plan a celebration for August 1, 2009. Then, she says, “On July 31st, just twelve hours prior to my two year anniversary/100 pounds lost party, I got a call from my dad who told me my mom - my best friend, my cheerleader - had been hit by a car while she was on a walk with my nephew. A car had backed out of a driveway and didn’t see her. She died on the way to the hospital. My world came crashing to a halt. No one would have blamed me had I just stopped blogging and spent my time with family instead of going to the gym. No one would have blamed me if I had gained weight.” And Jennifer did gain weight, ten pounds in August of 2009. “Early September came, and I realized I could not let my mom be the reason that I gained my weight back,” Jennifer explains. “She would be devastated knowing it was her death that caused me to gain weight again.” “I still struggle with food and with finding the motivation to get to the gym,” she admits. “The hardest thing to accept is that even though now I’m at a healthy weight, I have to fight just as hard to stay this way. But now I am so much stronger mentally to actually fight for it.” The best part of being healthier? “Not having to turn sideways to go into a public bathroom stall. Being able to paint my own toenails. Being able to fit into a bathroom on an airplane, to shop at any store in a mall and being able to walk my dog without getting winded. And there is no better feeling in the world than knowing that I did it myself!” Jennifer also says that people treat her differently now because she treats herself differently. “I liked to use my genetics as an excuse for being overweight,” she says. I always used to say I took after my dad. But, here's the thing: my genetics haven't changed. What has changed is my reaction to the environment. No longer am I allowing my genetics to be an excuse. They have nothing to do with my healthy decisions. Now that I lost weight, I hold my head high and am proud of who I am. I am more confident. I speak my mind and love myself, which helps me to love others. Because I fought to lose the weight, I learned so much more about myself. This gave me a stepping stone to grow in many other ways. Because I act differently, people treat me differently,” she says. Jennifer’s advice for people who are at the beginning of their journey to be healthy is “to look in the mirror and accept responsibility for how they got there, look that person in the eyes and smile at the only person who can change their life. Appreciate your journey for what it has been and realize that what has happened in the past is a starting point for changing the future. People need to stop using every excuse in the book. I don’t care if you’re big boned or have a slow metabolism or if you have twelve kids or if you have a new job; you better figure out how to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into it all because life is never going to be any less complicated then how it is now. Suck it up and just do it. And if you continue to allow the excuses to win? Well, stop wasting time by complaining and just accept the effects it has on your body. As I say on my blog, ‘no sugar coating included.’ When we as humans put our mind to something, we can accomplish our dreams. One day at a time. One decision at a time. One bite at a time.” To read more about Jennifer’s weight loss journey, visit www.priorfatgirl.com.]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/prior-fat-girl/feed/ 0 volume 7, issue 9 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:13:34 +0000 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2224 Fall Fashion Trends Two Rising Young Musicians Tips for Healthier Skin Jennifer Emmert Shares Her Weight Loss Journey]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/feed/ 0 Misunderstood Feelings http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:24:21 +0000 Kim Reutzel http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2220 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/feed/ 0 Prenatal Partners for Life http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:19:46 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2210 In 2005, Don and Mary Kellett were expecting their eleventh child. During a routine ultrasound, they discovered their son might have Trisomy 18, a genetic disorder in which the baby has a third copy of genetic material from chromosome 18, instead of the usual two copies. At 34 weeks, Mary had an emergency Caesarean section and gave birth to Peter who weighed three pounds two ounces. “From the very beginning, Peter was a fighter,” she says. Month after month, year after year, Peter defeated all the odds and surprised doctors by his strength. “Our doctor told us from day one that he would probably die soon. Finally, I asked him, ‘When are you going to die? We are all going to die; stop telling me my son is going to!’” “Peter was a little piece of Heaven,” Mary says. “He was the sweetest, kindest little boy.” The youngest of 11 siblings, he was spoiled, adored and a source of great joy. Although Mary knew firsthand the challenges of raising a child with disabilities, it was heartbreaking to know that over 90 percent of pregnancies diagnosed with Trisomy 18, Ancencephaly and Down’s Syndrome are terminated. “In the year after Peter’s birth, I thought often of the mothers and dads who receive adverse prenatal diagnoses. Overwhelmed with sorrow over their baby’s health problems, fearing that he may suffer and given only negative information about his life prospects, it is no wonder so many parents feel pressured to abort their child,” Mary explains. “I asked God how I could encourage these parents to make a life-affirming choice. I had inspiration – some instant knowledge. I felt that it was something from God.” At that point, Mary established an organization to connect parents facing an adverse diagnosis with other parents who have had the same diagnosis. She started Prenatal Partners for Life, a group of concerned parents (most of whom have or had a special needs child), medical professionals, legal professionals and clergy whose aim is to support, inform and encourage expectant or new parents. Many parents who receive a difficult diagnosis are advised by their doctors to end the pregnancy. “A lot of times they are not even given the choice to continue the pregnancy,” Mary says. “Doctors can use deceptive language such as calling it a ‘humane abortion’ or ‘finishing a miscarriage.’ I’ve heard parents say their doctor told them the child would be a burden to the family. Others tell parents, ‘We have to think about resources.’” Prenatal Partners for Life provides families with the information they need to make informed decisions involving their preborn or newborn’s care. “We believe each child is a special gift from God,” Mary explains. When a new family contacts the organization, Mary sends out a care package including a blanket, lamb, an inspirational CD and a hand-written note. “There are angel charms and a book for siblings if a baby goes home to Heaven,” Mary adds. Since Prenatal Partners for Life started in 2006, and thanks to a large group of volunteers, they have helped families in every state and 27 countries. “We are families helping families,” she says. “Our goal is to connect two or three families with a similar diagnosis to provide support and encouragement to one another. I am happy when we can help families not feel alone in their situation.” Since its inception, Mary has been at births and deaths, helped countless parents find resources and support, and found peace in walking with others in their journey. In August 2011, Mary’s son, Peter, passed away. He was six and a half years old. “I believe every life is a miracle. Peter definitely was one,” Mary says. Now when she reaches out to families through Prenatal Partners for Life, Mary looks at her involvement as God’s work and Peter’s legacy. “I want to be His light and love to others at a very dark time,” she says. “Peter changed how our family views life. He taught us all so much about love, compassion and trust in God. Peter truly made us all better; if we would have had our way, we would have taken care of him forever.” Prenatal Partners for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and as such all donations are tax deductable. For more information or to donate, contact: PO Box 2225 Maple Grove, MN 55311 www.prenatalpartnersforlife.com]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/feed/ 0 Women in Business: Amy Petersen http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/farmhouse-full-of-potential/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/farmhouse-full-of-potential/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:36:33 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2236 [/caption] Cory and Nichole Johnson have always lived in new houses. However, in a recent move to Spirit Lake, Iowa, they were looking for an old home. The Johnsons were drawn to the original Arthur homestead in Arthur heights. The farmhouse was built in 1912 and has all the character of an old home – with some updates the family is grateful for. With an eye for junking and repurposing, Nichole has created a warm, inviting home with a lot of potential. The five-bedroom home has ample room for the Johnson’s three kids Sydney, 12; Evan, 9; and Max, 5. Nichole has a talent for decorating with beautiful vignettes. Every room has a touch of her shabby chic style, incorporating new and old. “My tip is to keep things simple,” she says. “If you like it, buy it, because you’ll find a spot for it.” Nichole also says you don’t have to buy a piece for one specific purpose. “I move things throughout the house all the time – you don’t always have to buy something new to make a room look great!” Although they were drawn to the charm of an older home, with its built-ins and pocket doors, Cory and Nichole have discovered some challenges as well. “The house needs some work,” Cory says. “It still has all the original windows and needs the electrical updated.” They would also like to make some structural changes by potentially moving the front door and remodeling the main floor bathroom to make it more space-efficient. “Someday we hope to finish off the attic too,” Nichole says. All the changes will happen, the couple says. For now, they’re happy with the home and taking it one project at a time. While they have big plans for their farmhouse, Nichole says, “Of all the houses we’ve lived in, this is the one that fits our style the best.”]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/farmhouse-full-of-potential/feed/ 0 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com Every Women Has A Story Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 A Story behind Everything http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2263 [/caption] Christmas decorations enhance Steve and Sandi Andersen’s home from November until February every year. “I love this time of year. Once Halloween is over, I start decorating for Christmas,” Sandi says. Each room receives special attention and every item of décor is carefully placed to reflect the season. In the basement family room of the Andersen’s home stands a Christmas tree beautifully adorned with over 400 ornaments of all shapes and sizes, many of which are handmade. “Every ornament has a story,” Sandi says. “As I go along the tree, it’s like opening a photo album because each thing reminds me of some special memory.” As she hangs the ornaments every year, Sandi remembers back to the early days of their marriage. “After our wedding, we moved to California. We lived there one month when Steve received his draft notice. Military assignments took us first to Biloxi, Mississippi and then to an Air Force base in Japan where we lived for two and a half years.” While there, Sandi enjoyed shopping in the local markets for craft and sewing supplies. She took those supplies and decorated Styrofoam shapes and real eggs into lovely ornaments covered with bits of velvet, beads and tiny scenes inside the eggs. [caption id="attachment_2265" align="alignnone" width="198" caption="Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck"] Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck

Fatty acids improve your cells’ membranes, letting waste products in and out. They also help hold in water, meaning your cells can retain moisture. You’ll find them in salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seed.
Vitamin A is great for your skin cells, helping them to regenerate faster, bringing new fresh skin cells to the surface. The best place to get Vitamin D? Low-fat dairy products.
Selenium is a mineral responsible for tissue elasticity and seems to protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light. It can be found in whole wheat bread, cereals, as well as turkey and tuna.
Antioxidants help protect the skin cells from damage and disintegration. Find them in blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums.

Avoid the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid the sun at these times.
Cover up. Wear protective clothing-long sleeves and pants.

Use sunscreen. We all know that we’re supposed to use sunscreen, but did you know you should be reapplying throughout the day? Reapply the sunscreen every two hours for the best protection.

[/caption] Jennifer Emmert calls herself a “prior fat girl”. Her journey to earn that title began in earnest in 2007. “I was always heavy growing up,” she says. “I spent my teenage years and early twenties yo-yo dieting. You name it; I tried it. I would stay on them for a couple of days, sometimes weeks, even months. But they were never something I could make into a life habit. In August of 2007, my father (who is also overweight) asked if I wanted to attend a weight loss seminar with him. We went, and as I sat there, I looked around the room and got the biggest wake-up call I ever had and the one I needed. There I was: twenty-six, fat, and unhappy. I was in a room surrounded; they were me and I was them. I left the seminar and decided that if I were going to be healthy, I wanted it to be a result of my hard work.” Jennifer went to a local gym and signed up. She also got a calorie journal and began to really watch her eating habits. Still unsure that it would work, Jennifer was adamant that if she were going to lose weight, it had to be “because I busted my butt in the gym.” It was hard at first, very hard. “On the treadmill, I couldn’t walk very fast. Running was out of the question,” she says. She began walking on the treadmill for twenty minutes. Within a week, she could do thirty minutes. At the same time, she was really evaluating her food choices. “I didn’t really follow a specific plan. I just ate healthy,” she recalls. “I ate what I was taught in elementary school: a lot of fruits and vegetables with lean meats (food pyramid anyone?). When I craved ‘junk food’ I relied on 100 calorie snack packs. I wrote everything down in a calorie journal. I never deprived myself of anything but eventually found myself choosing not to eat certain foods because of how long it would take me to work them off in the gym.” And she did another thing: began to blog about her weight loss experience. “I attribute a lot of my success to blogging,” she says. “Blogging for me was therapeutic. I could go online and whine and cry about how hard it was to lose weight and eat healthy which helped to release all the frustrations. By doing so, I felt a sense of relief and could move on with my next healthy decision. I also found an amazing online community who supported and encouraged me when I was down but was right there to cheer me on with every “milestone” I hit. I needed to connect with people who knew what I was going through and could empathize with my journey. Also, my blog is important in my journey because it lets others know they aren’t alone.” A year and a half later, Jen had lost ninety pounds and was well within reach of her one-hundred pound goal. She had managed to stay on-track while balancing a job and graduate school, and she began to plan a celebration for August 1, 2009. Then, she says, “On July 31st, just twelve hours prior to my two year anniversary/100 pounds lost party, I got a call from my dad who told me my mom - my best friend, my cheerleader - had been hit by a car while she was on a walk with my nephew. A car had backed out of a driveway and didn’t see her. She died on the way to the hospital. My world came crashing to a halt. No one would have blamed me had I just stopped blogging and spent my time with family instead of going to the gym. No one would have blamed me if I had gained weight.” And Jennifer did gain weight, ten pounds in August of 2009. “Early September came, and I realized I could not let my mom be the reason that I gained my weight back,” Jennifer explains. “She would be devastated knowing it was her death that caused me to gain weight again.” “I still struggle with food and with finding the motivation to get to the gym,” she admits. “The hardest thing to accept is that even though now I’m at a healthy weight, I have to fight just as hard to stay this way. But now I am so much stronger mentally to actually fight for it.” The best part of being healthier? “Not having to turn sideways to go into a public bathroom stall. Being able to paint my own toenails. Being able to fit into a bathroom on an airplane, to shop at any store in a mall and being able to walk my dog without getting winded. And there is no better feeling in the world than knowing that I did it myself!” Jennifer also says that people treat her differently now because she treats herself differently. “I liked to use my genetics as an excuse for being overweight,” she says. I always used to say I took after my dad. But, here's the thing: my genetics haven't changed. What has changed is my reaction to the environment. No longer am I allowing my genetics to be an excuse. They have nothing to do with my healthy decisions. Now that I lost weight, I hold my head high and am proud of who I am. I am more confident. I speak my mind and love myself, which helps me to love others. Because I fought to lose the weight, I learned so much more about myself. This gave me a stepping stone to grow in many other ways. Because I act differently, people treat me differently,” she says. Jennifer’s advice for people who are at the beginning of their journey to be healthy is “to look in the mirror and accept responsibility for how they got there, look that person in the eyes and smile at the only person who can change their life. Appreciate your journey for what it has been and realize that what has happened in the past is a starting point for changing the future. People need to stop using every excuse in the book. I don’t care if you’re big boned or have a slow metabolism or if you have twelve kids or if you have a new job; you better figure out how to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into it all because life is never going to be any less complicated then how it is now. Suck it up and just do it. And if you continue to allow the excuses to win? Well, stop wasting time by complaining and just accept the effects it has on your body. As I say on my blog, ‘no sugar coating included.’ When we as humans put our mind to something, we can accomplish our dreams. One day at a time. One decision at a time. One bite at a time.” To read more about Jennifer’s weight loss journey, visit www.priorfatgirl.com.]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/prior-fat-girl/feed/ 0 volume 7, issue 9 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:13:34 +0000 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2224 Fall Fashion Trends Two Rising Young Musicians Tips for Healthier Skin Jennifer Emmert Shares Her Weight Loss Journey]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/feed/ 0 Misunderstood Feelings http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:24:21 +0000 Kim Reutzel http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2220 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/feed/ 0 Prenatal Partners for Life http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:19:46 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2210 In 2005, Don and Mary Kellett were expecting their eleventh child. During a routine ultrasound, they discovered their son might have Trisomy 18, a genetic disorder in which the baby has a third copy of genetic material from chromosome 18, instead of the usual two copies. At 34 weeks, Mary had an emergency Caesarean section and gave birth to Peter who weighed three pounds two ounces. “From the very beginning, Peter was a fighter,” she says. Month after month, year after year, Peter defeated all the odds and surprised doctors by his strength. “Our doctor told us from day one that he would probably die soon. Finally, I asked him, ‘When are you going to die? We are all going to die; stop telling me my son is going to!’” “Peter was a little piece of Heaven,” Mary says. “He was the sweetest, kindest little boy.” The youngest of 11 siblings, he was spoiled, adored and a source of great joy. Although Mary knew firsthand the challenges of raising a child with disabilities, it was heartbreaking to know that over 90 percent of pregnancies diagnosed with Trisomy 18, Ancencephaly and Down’s Syndrome are terminated. “In the year after Peter’s birth, I thought often of the mothers and dads who receive adverse prenatal diagnoses. Overwhelmed with sorrow over their baby’s health problems, fearing that he may suffer and given only negative information about his life prospects, it is no wonder so many parents feel pressured to abort their child,” Mary explains. “I asked God how I could encourage these parents to make a life-affirming choice. I had inspiration – some instant knowledge. I felt that it was something from God.” At that point, Mary established an organization to connect parents facing an adverse diagnosis with other parents who have had the same diagnosis. She started Prenatal Partners for Life, a group of concerned parents (most of whom have or had a special needs child), medical professionals, legal professionals and clergy whose aim is to support, inform and encourage expectant or new parents. Many parents who receive a difficult diagnosis are advised by their doctors to end the pregnancy. “A lot of times they are not even given the choice to continue the pregnancy,” Mary says. “Doctors can use deceptive language such as calling it a ‘humane abortion’ or ‘finishing a miscarriage.’ I’ve heard parents say their doctor told them the child would be a burden to the family. Others tell parents, ‘We have to think about resources.’” Prenatal Partners for Life provides families with the information they need to make informed decisions involving their preborn or newborn’s care. “We believe each child is a special gift from God,” Mary explains. When a new family contacts the organization, Mary sends out a care package including a blanket, lamb, an inspirational CD and a hand-written note. “There are angel charms and a book for siblings if a baby goes home to Heaven,” Mary adds. Since Prenatal Partners for Life started in 2006, and thanks to a large group of volunteers, they have helped families in every state and 27 countries. “We are families helping families,” she says. “Our goal is to connect two or three families with a similar diagnosis to provide support and encouragement to one another. I am happy when we can help families not feel alone in their situation.” Since its inception, Mary has been at births and deaths, helped countless parents find resources and support, and found peace in walking with others in their journey. In August 2011, Mary’s son, Peter, passed away. He was six and a half years old. “I believe every life is a miracle. Peter definitely was one,” Mary says. Now when she reaches out to families through Prenatal Partners for Life, Mary looks at her involvement as God’s work and Peter’s legacy. “I want to be His light and love to others at a very dark time,” she says. “Peter changed how our family views life. He taught us all so much about love, compassion and trust in God. Peter truly made us all better; if we would have had our way, we would have taken care of him forever.” Prenatal Partners for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and as such all donations are tax deductable. For more information or to donate, contact: PO Box 2225 Maple Grove, MN 55311 www.prenatalpartnersforlife.com]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/feed/ 0 Women in Business: Amy Petersen http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/women-in-business-dana-wishart/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/women-in-business-dana-wishart/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:33:10 +0000 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2232 [/caption] Dana Wishart Principal Servicing Specialist AgStar Financial Services Mankato, MN Hometown: Mapleton, MN Dana Wishart has been in the finance industry for 11 years. She started working at a credit union part-time while attending college. After graduation, Dana worked at a small town bank as a loan assistant where she learned about the different areas of lending from consumer, to commercial, to agricultural. In 2008 Dana joined AgStar Financial Services as a home mortgage coordinator where she has been given the opportunity to work with various departments, learning about the company’s mission to better the lives for everyone living in rural America. “My position has evolved since I started here, but the goal has stayed the same,” Dana says. “I love what I do and why I do it!” When did you first become interested in pursuing this occupation? I have been around finance and banking my whole life. My mother is vice president of a credit union, and I used to go into work to visit her and think she had the coolest job in the world! I selected finance as my major in college and got a part-time job at a local credit union. I was hooked on finance from college on, knowing it was something I was passionate about. Where did you go to pursue this occupation? I attended Minnesota State University, Mankato where I received my bachelor’s degree in finance and a double minor in accounting and business administration. After college I worked at a bank where I was able to learn different aspects of lending. In 2008 I began working at AgStar, for the home mortgage department, and now I work with multiple departments within AgStar. Was this your childhood dream? I wouldn’t say it was my childhood dream, but I guess it was always in my blood. I loved visiting my mom at work and pretending that I was able to give out loans to people. My favorite game as a kid was – and still is – Monopoly. I loved playing with money and buying hotels for all my properties. Who has been your greatest mentor? Both of my parents are very important to me and influential in my life. My father was and still is my voice of reason. He believes in letting me learn from my mistakes. My mother has been my mentor professionally. She has always worked in finance, so she has experienced most of the things I come across in my business transactions. I go to her when I need advice or just an empathetic shoulder to lean on. What is the best business advice anyone has ever given you? The best business advice given to me is also the best life advice given to me: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” My mother told me this. I would never advise a client to do something I truly did not believe was in their best interest. People trust me with their hard-earned money – that is nothing to be taken lightly. What advice do you have for anyone pursuing this occupation? Anyone pursuing finance as an occupation needs to make sure they are passionate about it. Finding a job in finance is one thing, but if you really want to make a career out of it you need to be passionate. You also need to be outgoing – networking and building relationships are an integral part of being successful. What makes your job enjoyable for you? The people I get to work with make my job enjoyable. I love helping people achieve their financial goals, whether it be lowering the interest rate on their loan or helping them buy their first family home. What is the best part about your job? Seeing and hearing about how I have helped people is the best part. I grew up in a small town, so I love working for a company that focuses on serving rural America. What have been your biggest obstacles? Being young can sometimes be an obstacle, but everyone has to start out and learn from their experiences. Is there anything that would help others prepare for your line of work? Getting a solid education is a must-have for any career. I also recommend getting involved in your community and start building a trusted network of business partners.]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/women-in-business-dana-wishart/feed/ 0 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com Every Women Has A Story Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 A Story behind Everything http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2263 [/caption] Christmas decorations enhance Steve and Sandi Andersen’s home from November until February every year. “I love this time of year. Once Halloween is over, I start decorating for Christmas,” Sandi says. Each room receives special attention and every item of décor is carefully placed to reflect the season. In the basement family room of the Andersen’s home stands a Christmas tree beautifully adorned with over 400 ornaments of all shapes and sizes, many of which are handmade. “Every ornament has a story,” Sandi says. “As I go along the tree, it’s like opening a photo album because each thing reminds me of some special memory.” As she hangs the ornaments every year, Sandi remembers back to the early days of their marriage. “After our wedding, we moved to California. We lived there one month when Steve received his draft notice. Military assignments took us first to Biloxi, Mississippi and then to an Air Force base in Japan where we lived for two and a half years.” While there, Sandi enjoyed shopping in the local markets for craft and sewing supplies. She took those supplies and decorated Styrofoam shapes and real eggs into lovely ornaments covered with bits of velvet, beads and tiny scenes inside the eggs. [caption id="attachment_2265" align="alignnone" width="198" caption="Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck"] Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck

Fatty acids improve your cells’ membranes, letting waste products in and out. They also help hold in water, meaning your cells can retain moisture. You’ll find them in salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seed.
Vitamin A is great for your skin cells, helping them to regenerate faster, bringing new fresh skin cells to the surface. The best place to get Vitamin D? Low-fat dairy products.
Selenium is a mineral responsible for tissue elasticity and seems to protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light. It can be found in whole wheat bread, cereals, as well as turkey and tuna.
Antioxidants help protect the skin cells from damage and disintegration. Find them in blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums.

Avoid the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid the sun at these times.
Cover up. Wear protective clothing-long sleeves and pants.

Use sunscreen. We all know that we’re supposed to use sunscreen, but did you know you should be reapplying throughout the day? Reapply the sunscreen every two hours for the best protection.

[/caption] Jennifer Emmert calls herself a “prior fat girl”. Her journey to earn that title began in earnest in 2007. “I was always heavy growing up,” she says. “I spent my teenage years and early twenties yo-yo dieting. You name it; I tried it. I would stay on them for a couple of days, sometimes weeks, even months. But they were never something I could make into a life habit. In August of 2007, my father (who is also overweight) asked if I wanted to attend a weight loss seminar with him. We went, and as I sat there, I looked around the room and got the biggest wake-up call I ever had and the one I needed. There I was: twenty-six, fat, and unhappy. I was in a room surrounded; they were me and I was them. I left the seminar and decided that if I were going to be healthy, I wanted it to be a result of my hard work.” Jennifer went to a local gym and signed up. She also got a calorie journal and began to really watch her eating habits. Still unsure that it would work, Jennifer was adamant that if she were going to lose weight, it had to be “because I busted my butt in the gym.” It was hard at first, very hard. “On the treadmill, I couldn’t walk very fast. Running was out of the question,” she says. She began walking on the treadmill for twenty minutes. Within a week, she could do thirty minutes. At the same time, she was really evaluating her food choices. “I didn’t really follow a specific plan. I just ate healthy,” she recalls. “I ate what I was taught in elementary school: a lot of fruits and vegetables with lean meats (food pyramid anyone?). When I craved ‘junk food’ I relied on 100 calorie snack packs. I wrote everything down in a calorie journal. I never deprived myself of anything but eventually found myself choosing not to eat certain foods because of how long it would take me to work them off in the gym.” And she did another thing: began to blog about her weight loss experience. “I attribute a lot of my success to blogging,” she says. “Blogging for me was therapeutic. I could go online and whine and cry about how hard it was to lose weight and eat healthy which helped to release all the frustrations. By doing so, I felt a sense of relief and could move on with my next healthy decision. I also found an amazing online community who supported and encouraged me when I was down but was right there to cheer me on with every “milestone” I hit. I needed to connect with people who knew what I was going through and could empathize with my journey. Also, my blog is important in my journey because it lets others know they aren’t alone.” A year and a half later, Jen had lost ninety pounds and was well within reach of her one-hundred pound goal. She had managed to stay on-track while balancing a job and graduate school, and she began to plan a celebration for August 1, 2009. Then, she says, “On July 31st, just twelve hours prior to my two year anniversary/100 pounds lost party, I got a call from my dad who told me my mom - my best friend, my cheerleader - had been hit by a car while she was on a walk with my nephew. A car had backed out of a driveway and didn’t see her. She died on the way to the hospital. My world came crashing to a halt. No one would have blamed me had I just stopped blogging and spent my time with family instead of going to the gym. No one would have blamed me if I had gained weight.” And Jennifer did gain weight, ten pounds in August of 2009. “Early September came, and I realized I could not let my mom be the reason that I gained my weight back,” Jennifer explains. “She would be devastated knowing it was her death that caused me to gain weight again.” “I still struggle with food and with finding the motivation to get to the gym,” she admits. “The hardest thing to accept is that even though now I’m at a healthy weight, I have to fight just as hard to stay this way. But now I am so much stronger mentally to actually fight for it.” The best part of being healthier? “Not having to turn sideways to go into a public bathroom stall. Being able to paint my own toenails. Being able to fit into a bathroom on an airplane, to shop at any store in a mall and being able to walk my dog without getting winded. And there is no better feeling in the world than knowing that I did it myself!” Jennifer also says that people treat her differently now because she treats herself differently. “I liked to use my genetics as an excuse for being overweight,” she says. I always used to say I took after my dad. But, here's the thing: my genetics haven't changed. What has changed is my reaction to the environment. No longer am I allowing my genetics to be an excuse. They have nothing to do with my healthy decisions. Now that I lost weight, I hold my head high and am proud of who I am. I am more confident. I speak my mind and love myself, which helps me to love others. Because I fought to lose the weight, I learned so much more about myself. This gave me a stepping stone to grow in many other ways. Because I act differently, people treat me differently,” she says. Jennifer’s advice for people who are at the beginning of their journey to be healthy is “to look in the mirror and accept responsibility for how they got there, look that person in the eyes and smile at the only person who can change their life. Appreciate your journey for what it has been and realize that what has happened in the past is a starting point for changing the future. People need to stop using every excuse in the book. I don’t care if you’re big boned or have a slow metabolism or if you have twelve kids or if you have a new job; you better figure out how to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into it all because life is never going to be any less complicated then how it is now. Suck it up and just do it. And if you continue to allow the excuses to win? Well, stop wasting time by complaining and just accept the effects it has on your body. As I say on my blog, ‘no sugar coating included.’ When we as humans put our mind to something, we can accomplish our dreams. One day at a time. One decision at a time. One bite at a time.” To read more about Jennifer’s weight loss journey, visit www.priorfatgirl.com.]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/prior-fat-girl/feed/ 0 volume 7, issue 9 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:13:34 +0000 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2224 Fall Fashion Trends Two Rising Young Musicians Tips for Healthier Skin Jennifer Emmert Shares Her Weight Loss Journey]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/feed/ 0 Misunderstood Feelings http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:24:21 +0000 Kim Reutzel http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2220 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/feed/ 0 Prenatal Partners for Life http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:19:46 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2210 In 2005, Don and Mary Kellett were expecting their eleventh child. During a routine ultrasound, they discovered their son might have Trisomy 18, a genetic disorder in which the baby has a third copy of genetic material from chromosome 18, instead of the usual two copies. At 34 weeks, Mary had an emergency Caesarean section and gave birth to Peter who weighed three pounds two ounces. “From the very beginning, Peter was a fighter,” she says. Month after month, year after year, Peter defeated all the odds and surprised doctors by his strength. “Our doctor told us from day one that he would probably die soon. Finally, I asked him, ‘When are you going to die? We are all going to die; stop telling me my son is going to!’” “Peter was a little piece of Heaven,” Mary says. “He was the sweetest, kindest little boy.” The youngest of 11 siblings, he was spoiled, adored and a source of great joy. Although Mary knew firsthand the challenges of raising a child with disabilities, it was heartbreaking to know that over 90 percent of pregnancies diagnosed with Trisomy 18, Ancencephaly and Down’s Syndrome are terminated. “In the year after Peter’s birth, I thought often of the mothers and dads who receive adverse prenatal diagnoses. Overwhelmed with sorrow over their baby’s health problems, fearing that he may suffer and given only negative information about his life prospects, it is no wonder so many parents feel pressured to abort their child,” Mary explains. “I asked God how I could encourage these parents to make a life-affirming choice. I had inspiration – some instant knowledge. I felt that it was something from God.” At that point, Mary established an organization to connect parents facing an adverse diagnosis with other parents who have had the same diagnosis. She started Prenatal Partners for Life, a group of concerned parents (most of whom have or had a special needs child), medical professionals, legal professionals and clergy whose aim is to support, inform and encourage expectant or new parents. Many parents who receive a difficult diagnosis are advised by their doctors to end the pregnancy. “A lot of times they are not even given the choice to continue the pregnancy,” Mary says. “Doctors can use deceptive language such as calling it a ‘humane abortion’ or ‘finishing a miscarriage.’ I’ve heard parents say their doctor told them the child would be a burden to the family. Others tell parents, ‘We have to think about resources.’” Prenatal Partners for Life provides families with the information they need to make informed decisions involving their preborn or newborn’s care. “We believe each child is a special gift from God,” Mary explains. When a new family contacts the organization, Mary sends out a care package including a blanket, lamb, an inspirational CD and a hand-written note. “There are angel charms and a book for siblings if a baby goes home to Heaven,” Mary adds. Since Prenatal Partners for Life started in 2006, and thanks to a large group of volunteers, they have helped families in every state and 27 countries. “We are families helping families,” she says. “Our goal is to connect two or three families with a similar diagnosis to provide support and encouragement to one another. I am happy when we can help families not feel alone in their situation.” Since its inception, Mary has been at births and deaths, helped countless parents find resources and support, and found peace in walking with others in their journey. In August 2011, Mary’s son, Peter, passed away. He was six and a half years old. “I believe every life is a miracle. Peter definitely was one,” Mary says. Now when she reaches out to families through Prenatal Partners for Life, Mary looks at her involvement as God’s work and Peter’s legacy. “I want to be His light and love to others at a very dark time,” she says. “Peter changed how our family views life. He taught us all so much about love, compassion and trust in God. Peter truly made us all better; if we would have had our way, we would have taken care of him forever.” Prenatal Partners for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and as such all donations are tax deductable. For more information or to donate, contact: PO Box 2225 Maple Grove, MN 55311 www.prenatalpartnersforlife.com]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/feed/ 0 Women in Business: Amy Petersen http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/looking-for-healthier-skin-tips-to-keep-your-skin-looking-and-feeling-good/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/looking-for-healthier-skin-tips-to-keep-your-skin-looking-and-feeling-good/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:28:37 +0000 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2230 By Stacy Jones, Sanford Health Who wants to look old? None of us – men or women – want to look in the mirror and see skin that looks tired or unhealthy. It’s clear from the amount of creams, face washes and cosmetics on the market that we all want to have attractive, healthy skin. Everyone wants to sell you a miracle product to keep your skin young and glowing. However, healthy skin is about more than just looking good. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and serves to protect you against temperature extremes, chemicals and damaging sunlight. It helps you prevent infection and is a huge sensor full of the nerves that allow you to feel your outside world. There are a few things we can all do every day, including what we eat and drink, that can help keep our skin healthy and strong. Drink water Drinking plenty of water will keep both your body and skin hydrated, which is necessary for healthy skin. While the amount of water you need to drink can vary from person to person, a good rule of thumb is eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day. Opt for green tea Drinking green tea can bring protection to the membranes of your skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties which can help your skin’s health and may even reduce your risk of skin cancer. Eat right Your diet has a major impact on your skin’s health. The following foods will help improve your skin:

Fatty acids improve your cells’ membranes, letting waste products in and out. They also help hold in water, meaning your cells can retain moisture. You’ll find them in salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seed.
Vitamin A is great for your skin cells, helping them to regenerate faster, bringing new fresh skin cells to the surface. The best place to get Vitamin D? Low-fat dairy products.
Selenium is a mineral responsible for tissue elasticity and seems to protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light. It can be found in whole wheat bread, cereals, as well as turkey and tuna.
Antioxidants help protect the skin cells from damage and disintegration. Find them in blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums.

Avoid the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid the sun at these times.
Cover up. Wear protective clothing-long sleeves and pants.

Use sunscreen. We all know that we’re supposed to use sunscreen, but did you know you should be reapplying throughout the day? Reapply the sunscreen every two hours for the best protection.

Our skin works hard to keep us healthy. By watching what we eat and drink and taking care with our sun exposure, we can return that favor. And if we’re lucky, we’ll keep our skin looking younger and healthier for years to come.]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/looking-for-healthier-skin-tips-to-keep-your-skin-looking-and-feeling-good/feed/ 0 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com Every Women Has A Story Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 A Story behind Everything http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2263 [/caption] Christmas decorations enhance Steve and Sandi Andersen’s home from November until February every year. “I love this time of year. Once Halloween is over, I start decorating for Christmas,” Sandi says. Each room receives special attention and every item of décor is carefully placed to reflect the season. In the basement family room of the Andersen’s home stands a Christmas tree beautifully adorned with over 400 ornaments of all shapes and sizes, many of which are handmade. “Every ornament has a story,” Sandi says. “As I go along the tree, it’s like opening a photo album because each thing reminds me of some special memory.” As she hangs the ornaments every year, Sandi remembers back to the early days of their marriage. “After our wedding, we moved to California. We lived there one month when Steve received his draft notice. Military assignments took us first to Biloxi, Mississippi and then to an Air Force base in Japan where we lived for two and a half years.” While there, Sandi enjoyed shopping in the local markets for craft and sewing supplies. She took those supplies and decorated Styrofoam shapes and real eggs into lovely ornaments covered with bits of velvet, beads and tiny scenes inside the eggs. [caption id="attachment_2265" align="alignnone" width="198" caption="Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck"] Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck

Fatty acids improve your cells’ membranes, letting waste products in and out. They also help hold in water, meaning your cells can retain moisture. You’ll find them in salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seed.
Vitamin A is great for your skin cells, helping them to regenerate faster, bringing new fresh skin cells to the surface. The best place to get Vitamin D? Low-fat dairy products.
Selenium is a mineral responsible for tissue elasticity and seems to protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light. It can be found in whole wheat bread, cereals, as well as turkey and tuna.
Antioxidants help protect the skin cells from damage and disintegration. Find them in blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums.

Avoid the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid the sun at these times.
Cover up. Wear protective clothing-long sleeves and pants.

Use sunscreen. We all know that we’re supposed to use sunscreen, but did you know you should be reapplying throughout the day? Reapply the sunscreen every two hours for the best protection.

Fatty acids improve your cells’ membranes, letting waste products in and out. They also help hold in water, meaning your cells can retain moisture. You’ll find them in salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seed.
Vitamin A is great for your skin cells, helping them to regenerate faster, bringing new fresh skin cells to the surface. The best place to get Vitamin D? Low-fat dairy products.
Selenium is a mineral responsible for tissue elasticity and seems to protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light. It can be found in whole wheat bread, cereals, as well as turkey and tuna.
Antioxidants help protect the skin cells from damage and disintegration. Find them in blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums.

Avoid the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid the sun at these times.
Cover up. Wear protective clothing-long sleeves and pants.

Use sunscreen. We all know that we’re supposed to use sunscreen, but did you know you should be reapplying throughout the day? Reapply the sunscreen every two hours for the best protection.

[/caption] Jennifer Emmert calls herself a “prior fat girl”. Her journey to earn that title began in earnest in 2007. “I was always heavy growing up,” she says. “I spent my teenage years and early twenties yo-yo dieting. You name it; I tried it. I would stay on them for a couple of days, sometimes weeks, even months. But they were never something I could make into a life habit. In August of 2007, my father (who is also overweight) asked if I wanted to attend a weight loss seminar with him. We went, and as I sat there, I looked around the room and got the biggest wake-up call I ever had and the one I needed. There I was: twenty-six, fat, and unhappy. I was in a room surrounded; they were me and I was them. I left the seminar and decided that if I were going to be healthy, I wanted it to be a result of my hard work.” Jennifer went to a local gym and signed up. She also got a calorie journal and began to really watch her eating habits. Still unsure that it would work, Jennifer was adamant that if she were going to lose weight, it had to be “because I busted my butt in the gym.” It was hard at first, very hard. “On the treadmill, I couldn’t walk very fast. Running was out of the question,” she says. She began walking on the treadmill for twenty minutes. Within a week, she could do thirty minutes. At the same time, she was really evaluating her food choices. “I didn’t really follow a specific plan. I just ate healthy,” she recalls. “I ate what I was taught in elementary school: a lot of fruits and vegetables with lean meats (food pyramid anyone?). When I craved ‘junk food’ I relied on 100 calorie snack packs. I wrote everything down in a calorie journal. I never deprived myself of anything but eventually found myself choosing not to eat certain foods because of how long it would take me to work them off in the gym.” And she did another thing: began to blog about her weight loss experience. “I attribute a lot of my success to blogging,” she says. “Blogging for me was therapeutic. I could go online and whine and cry about how hard it was to lose weight and eat healthy which helped to release all the frustrations. By doing so, I felt a sense of relief and could move on with my next healthy decision. I also found an amazing online community who supported and encouraged me when I was down but was right there to cheer me on with every “milestone” I hit. I needed to connect with people who knew what I was going through and could empathize with my journey. Also, my blog is important in my journey because it lets others know they aren’t alone.” A year and a half later, Jen had lost ninety pounds and was well within reach of her one-hundred pound goal. She had managed to stay on-track while balancing a job and graduate school, and she began to plan a celebration for August 1, 2009. Then, she says, “On July 31st, just twelve hours prior to my two year anniversary/100 pounds lost party, I got a call from my dad who told me my mom - my best friend, my cheerleader - had been hit by a car while she was on a walk with my nephew. A car had backed out of a driveway and didn’t see her. She died on the way to the hospital. My world came crashing to a halt. No one would have blamed me had I just stopped blogging and spent my time with family instead of going to the gym. No one would have blamed me if I had gained weight.” And Jennifer did gain weight, ten pounds in August of 2009. “Early September came, and I realized I could not let my mom be the reason that I gained my weight back,” Jennifer explains. “She would be devastated knowing it was her death that caused me to gain weight again.” “I still struggle with food and with finding the motivation to get to the gym,” she admits. “The hardest thing to accept is that even though now I’m at a healthy weight, I have to fight just as hard to stay this way. But now I am so much stronger mentally to actually fight for it.” The best part of being healthier? “Not having to turn sideways to go into a public bathroom stall. Being able to paint my own toenails. Being able to fit into a bathroom on an airplane, to shop at any store in a mall and being able to walk my dog without getting winded. And there is no better feeling in the world than knowing that I did it myself!” Jennifer also says that people treat her differently now because she treats herself differently. “I liked to use my genetics as an excuse for being overweight,” she says. I always used to say I took after my dad. But, here's the thing: my genetics haven't changed. What has changed is my reaction to the environment. No longer am I allowing my genetics to be an excuse. They have nothing to do with my healthy decisions. Now that I lost weight, I hold my head high and am proud of who I am. I am more confident. I speak my mind and love myself, which helps me to love others. Because I fought to lose the weight, I learned so much more about myself. This gave me a stepping stone to grow in many other ways. Because I act differently, people treat me differently,” she says. Jennifer’s advice for people who are at the beginning of their journey to be healthy is “to look in the mirror and accept responsibility for how they got there, look that person in the eyes and smile at the only person who can change their life. Appreciate your journey for what it has been and realize that what has happened in the past is a starting point for changing the future. People need to stop using every excuse in the book. I don’t care if you’re big boned or have a slow metabolism or if you have twelve kids or if you have a new job; you better figure out how to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into it all because life is never going to be any less complicated then how it is now. Suck it up and just do it. And if you continue to allow the excuses to win? Well, stop wasting time by complaining and just accept the effects it has on your body. As I say on my blog, ‘no sugar coating included.’ When we as humans put our mind to something, we can accomplish our dreams. One day at a time. One decision at a time. One bite at a time.” To read more about Jennifer’s weight loss journey, visit www.priorfatgirl.com.]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/prior-fat-girl/feed/ 0 volume 7, issue 9 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:13:34 +0000 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2224 Fall Fashion Trends Two Rising Young Musicians Tips for Healthier Skin Jennifer Emmert Shares Her Weight Loss Journey]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/feed/ 0 Misunderstood Feelings http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:24:21 +0000 Kim Reutzel http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2220 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/feed/ 0 Prenatal Partners for Life http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:19:46 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2210 In 2005, Don and Mary Kellett were expecting their eleventh child. During a routine ultrasound, they discovered their son might have Trisomy 18, a genetic disorder in which the baby has a third copy of genetic material from chromosome 18, instead of the usual two copies. At 34 weeks, Mary had an emergency Caesarean section and gave birth to Peter who weighed three pounds two ounces. “From the very beginning, Peter was a fighter,” she says. Month after month, year after year, Peter defeated all the odds and surprised doctors by his strength. “Our doctor told us from day one that he would probably die soon. Finally, I asked him, ‘When are you going to die? We are all going to die; stop telling me my son is going to!’” “Peter was a little piece of Heaven,” Mary says. “He was the sweetest, kindest little boy.” The youngest of 11 siblings, he was spoiled, adored and a source of great joy. Although Mary knew firsthand the challenges of raising a child with disabilities, it was heartbreaking to know that over 90 percent of pregnancies diagnosed with Trisomy 18, Ancencephaly and Down’s Syndrome are terminated. “In the year after Peter’s birth, I thought often of the mothers and dads who receive adverse prenatal diagnoses. Overwhelmed with sorrow over their baby’s health problems, fearing that he may suffer and given only negative information about his life prospects, it is no wonder so many parents feel pressured to abort their child,” Mary explains. “I asked God how I could encourage these parents to make a life-affirming choice. I had inspiration – some instant knowledge. I felt that it was something from God.” At that point, Mary established an organization to connect parents facing an adverse diagnosis with other parents who have had the same diagnosis. She started Prenatal Partners for Life, a group of concerned parents (most of whom have or had a special needs child), medical professionals, legal professionals and clergy whose aim is to support, inform and encourage expectant or new parents. Many parents who receive a difficult diagnosis are advised by their doctors to end the pregnancy. “A lot of times they are not even given the choice to continue the pregnancy,” Mary says. “Doctors can use deceptive language such as calling it a ‘humane abortion’ or ‘finishing a miscarriage.’ I’ve heard parents say their doctor told them the child would be a burden to the family. Others tell parents, ‘We have to think about resources.’” Prenatal Partners for Life provides families with the information they need to make informed decisions involving their preborn or newborn’s care. “We believe each child is a special gift from God,” Mary explains. When a new family contacts the organization, Mary sends out a care package including a blanket, lamb, an inspirational CD and a hand-written note. “There are angel charms and a book for siblings if a baby goes home to Heaven,” Mary adds. Since Prenatal Partners for Life started in 2006, and thanks to a large group of volunteers, they have helped families in every state and 27 countries. “We are families helping families,” she says. “Our goal is to connect two or three families with a similar diagnosis to provide support and encouragement to one another. I am happy when we can help families not feel alone in their situation.” Since its inception, Mary has been at births and deaths, helped countless parents find resources and support, and found peace in walking with others in their journey. In August 2011, Mary’s son, Peter, passed away. He was six and a half years old. “I believe every life is a miracle. Peter definitely was one,” Mary says. Now when she reaches out to families through Prenatal Partners for Life, Mary looks at her involvement as God’s work and Peter’s legacy. “I want to be His light and love to others at a very dark time,” she says. “Peter changed how our family views life. He taught us all so much about love, compassion and trust in God. Peter truly made us all better; if we would have had our way, we would have taken care of him forever.” Prenatal Partners for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and as such all donations are tax deductable. For more information or to donate, contact: PO Box 2225 Maple Grove, MN 55311 www.prenatalpartnersforlife.com]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/feed/ 0 Women in Business: Amy Petersen http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:13:34 +0000 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2224 Fall Fashion Trends Two Rising Young Musicians Tips for Healthier Skin Jennifer Emmert Shares Her Weight Loss Journey]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/feed/ 0 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com Every Women Has A Story Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 A Story behind Everything http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2263 [/caption] Christmas decorations enhance Steve and Sandi Andersen’s home from November until February every year. “I love this time of year. Once Halloween is over, I start decorating for Christmas,” Sandi says. Each room receives special attention and every item of décor is carefully placed to reflect the season. In the basement family room of the Andersen’s home stands a Christmas tree beautifully adorned with over 400 ornaments of all shapes and sizes, many of which are handmade. “Every ornament has a story,” Sandi says. “As I go along the tree, it’s like opening a photo album because each thing reminds me of some special memory.” As she hangs the ornaments every year, Sandi remembers back to the early days of their marriage. “After our wedding, we moved to California. We lived there one month when Steve received his draft notice. Military assignments took us first to Biloxi, Mississippi and then to an Air Force base in Japan where we lived for two and a half years.” While there, Sandi enjoyed shopping in the local markets for craft and sewing supplies. She took those supplies and decorated Styrofoam shapes and real eggs into lovely ornaments covered with bits of velvet, beads and tiny scenes inside the eggs. [caption id="attachment_2265" align="alignnone" width="198" caption="Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck"] Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck

Fatty acids improve your cells’ membranes, letting waste products in and out. They also help hold in water, meaning your cells can retain moisture. You’ll find them in salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seed.
Vitamin A is great for your skin cells, helping them to regenerate faster, bringing new fresh skin cells to the surface. The best place to get Vitamin D? Low-fat dairy products.
Selenium is a mineral responsible for tissue elasticity and seems to protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light. It can be found in whole wheat bread, cereals, as well as turkey and tuna.
Antioxidants help protect the skin cells from damage and disintegration. Find them in blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums.

Avoid the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid the sun at these times.
Cover up. Wear protective clothing-long sleeves and pants.

Use sunscreen. We all know that we’re supposed to use sunscreen, but did you know you should be reapplying throughout the day? Reapply the sunscreen every two hours for the best protection.

[/caption] Jennifer Emmert calls herself a “prior fat girl”. Her journey to earn that title began in earnest in 2007. “I was always heavy growing up,” she says. “I spent my teenage years and early twenties yo-yo dieting. You name it; I tried it. I would stay on them for a couple of days, sometimes weeks, even months. But they were never something I could make into a life habit. In August of 2007, my father (who is also overweight) asked if I wanted to attend a weight loss seminar with him. We went, and as I sat there, I looked around the room and got the biggest wake-up call I ever had and the one I needed. There I was: twenty-six, fat, and unhappy. I was in a room surrounded; they were me and I was them. I left the seminar and decided that if I were going to be healthy, I wanted it to be a result of my hard work.” Jennifer went to a local gym and signed up. She also got a calorie journal and began to really watch her eating habits. Still unsure that it would work, Jennifer was adamant that if she were going to lose weight, it had to be “because I busted my butt in the gym.” It was hard at first, very hard. “On the treadmill, I couldn’t walk very fast. Running was out of the question,” she says. She began walking on the treadmill for twenty minutes. Within a week, she could do thirty minutes. At the same time, she was really evaluating her food choices. “I didn’t really follow a specific plan. I just ate healthy,” she recalls. “I ate what I was taught in elementary school: a lot of fruits and vegetables with lean meats (food pyramid anyone?). When I craved ‘junk food’ I relied on 100 calorie snack packs. I wrote everything down in a calorie journal. I never deprived myself of anything but eventually found myself choosing not to eat certain foods because of how long it would take me to work them off in the gym.” And she did another thing: began to blog about her weight loss experience. “I attribute a lot of my success to blogging,” she says. “Blogging for me was therapeutic. I could go online and whine and cry about how hard it was to lose weight and eat healthy which helped to release all the frustrations. By doing so, I felt a sense of relief and could move on with my next healthy decision. I also found an amazing online community who supported and encouraged me when I was down but was right there to cheer me on with every “milestone” I hit. I needed to connect with people who knew what I was going through and could empathize with my journey. Also, my blog is important in my journey because it lets others know they aren’t alone.” A year and a half later, Jen had lost ninety pounds and was well within reach of her one-hundred pound goal. She had managed to stay on-track while balancing a job and graduate school, and she began to plan a celebration for August 1, 2009. Then, she says, “On July 31st, just twelve hours prior to my two year anniversary/100 pounds lost party, I got a call from my dad who told me my mom - my best friend, my cheerleader - had been hit by a car while she was on a walk with my nephew. A car had backed out of a driveway and didn’t see her. She died on the way to the hospital. My world came crashing to a halt. No one would have blamed me had I just stopped blogging and spent my time with family instead of going to the gym. No one would have blamed me if I had gained weight.” And Jennifer did gain weight, ten pounds in August of 2009. “Early September came, and I realized I could not let my mom be the reason that I gained my weight back,” Jennifer explains. “She would be devastated knowing it was her death that caused me to gain weight again.” “I still struggle with food and with finding the motivation to get to the gym,” she admits. “The hardest thing to accept is that even though now I’m at a healthy weight, I have to fight just as hard to stay this way. But now I am so much stronger mentally to actually fight for it.” The best part of being healthier? “Not having to turn sideways to go into a public bathroom stall. Being able to paint my own toenails. Being able to fit into a bathroom on an airplane, to shop at any store in a mall and being able to walk my dog without getting winded. And there is no better feeling in the world than knowing that I did it myself!” Jennifer also says that people treat her differently now because she treats herself differently. “I liked to use my genetics as an excuse for being overweight,” she says. I always used to say I took after my dad. But, here's the thing: my genetics haven't changed. What has changed is my reaction to the environment. No longer am I allowing my genetics to be an excuse. They have nothing to do with my healthy decisions. Now that I lost weight, I hold my head high and am proud of who I am. I am more confident. I speak my mind and love myself, which helps me to love others. Because I fought to lose the weight, I learned so much more about myself. This gave me a stepping stone to grow in many other ways. Because I act differently, people treat me differently,” she says. Jennifer’s advice for people who are at the beginning of their journey to be healthy is “to look in the mirror and accept responsibility for how they got there, look that person in the eyes and smile at the only person who can change their life. Appreciate your journey for what it has been and realize that what has happened in the past is a starting point for changing the future. People need to stop using every excuse in the book. I don’t care if you’re big boned or have a slow metabolism or if you have twelve kids or if you have a new job; you better figure out how to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into it all because life is never going to be any less complicated then how it is now. Suck it up and just do it. And if you continue to allow the excuses to win? Well, stop wasting time by complaining and just accept the effects it has on your body. As I say on my blog, ‘no sugar coating included.’ When we as humans put our mind to something, we can accomplish our dreams. One day at a time. One decision at a time. One bite at a time.” To read more about Jennifer’s weight loss journey, visit www.priorfatgirl.com.]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/prior-fat-girl/feed/ 0 volume 7, issue 9 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:13:34 +0000 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2224 Fall Fashion Trends Two Rising Young Musicians Tips for Healthier Skin Jennifer Emmert Shares Her Weight Loss Journey]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/feed/ 0 Misunderstood Feelings http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:24:21 +0000 Kim Reutzel http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2220 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/feed/ 0 Prenatal Partners for Life http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:19:46 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2210 In 2005, Don and Mary Kellett were expecting their eleventh child. During a routine ultrasound, they discovered their son might have Trisomy 18, a genetic disorder in which the baby has a third copy of genetic material from chromosome 18, instead of the usual two copies. At 34 weeks, Mary had an emergency Caesarean section and gave birth to Peter who weighed three pounds two ounces. “From the very beginning, Peter was a fighter,” she says. Month after month, year after year, Peter defeated all the odds and surprised doctors by his strength. “Our doctor told us from day one that he would probably die soon. Finally, I asked him, ‘When are you going to die? We are all going to die; stop telling me my son is going to!’” “Peter was a little piece of Heaven,” Mary says. “He was the sweetest, kindest little boy.” The youngest of 11 siblings, he was spoiled, adored and a source of great joy. Although Mary knew firsthand the challenges of raising a child with disabilities, it was heartbreaking to know that over 90 percent of pregnancies diagnosed with Trisomy 18, Ancencephaly and Down’s Syndrome are terminated. “In the year after Peter’s birth, I thought often of the mothers and dads who receive adverse prenatal diagnoses. Overwhelmed with sorrow over their baby’s health problems, fearing that he may suffer and given only negative information about his life prospects, it is no wonder so many parents feel pressured to abort their child,” Mary explains. “I asked God how I could encourage these parents to make a life-affirming choice. I had inspiration – some instant knowledge. I felt that it was something from God.” At that point, Mary established an organization to connect parents facing an adverse diagnosis with other parents who have had the same diagnosis. She started Prenatal Partners for Life, a group of concerned parents (most of whom have or had a special needs child), medical professionals, legal professionals and clergy whose aim is to support, inform and encourage expectant or new parents. Many parents who receive a difficult diagnosis are advised by their doctors to end the pregnancy. “A lot of times they are not even given the choice to continue the pregnancy,” Mary says. “Doctors can use deceptive language such as calling it a ‘humane abortion’ or ‘finishing a miscarriage.’ I’ve heard parents say their doctor told them the child would be a burden to the family. Others tell parents, ‘We have to think about resources.’” Prenatal Partners for Life provides families with the information they need to make informed decisions involving their preborn or newborn’s care. “We believe each child is a special gift from God,” Mary explains. When a new family contacts the organization, Mary sends out a care package including a blanket, lamb, an inspirational CD and a hand-written note. “There are angel charms and a book for siblings if a baby goes home to Heaven,” Mary adds. Since Prenatal Partners for Life started in 2006, and thanks to a large group of volunteers, they have helped families in every state and 27 countries. “We are families helping families,” she says. “Our goal is to connect two or three families with a similar diagnosis to provide support and encouragement to one another. I am happy when we can help families not feel alone in their situation.” Since its inception, Mary has been at births and deaths, helped countless parents find resources and support, and found peace in walking with others in their journey. In August 2011, Mary’s son, Peter, passed away. He was six and a half years old. “I believe every life is a miracle. Peter definitely was one,” Mary says. Now when she reaches out to families through Prenatal Partners for Life, Mary looks at her involvement as God’s work and Peter’s legacy. “I want to be His light and love to others at a very dark time,” she says. “Peter changed how our family views life. He taught us all so much about love, compassion and trust in God. Peter truly made us all better; if we would have had our way, we would have taken care of him forever.” Prenatal Partners for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and as such all donations are tax deductable. For more information or to donate, contact: PO Box 2225 Maple Grove, MN 55311 www.prenatalpartnersforlife.com]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/feed/ 0 Women in Business: Amy Petersen http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:24:21 +0000 Kim Reutzel http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2220 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/feed/ 0 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com Every Women Has A Story Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 A Story behind Everything http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2263 [/caption] Christmas decorations enhance Steve and Sandi Andersen’s home from November until February every year. “I love this time of year. Once Halloween is over, I start decorating for Christmas,” Sandi says. Each room receives special attention and every item of décor is carefully placed to reflect the season. In the basement family room of the Andersen’s home stands a Christmas tree beautifully adorned with over 400 ornaments of all shapes and sizes, many of which are handmade. “Every ornament has a story,” Sandi says. “As I go along the tree, it’s like opening a photo album because each thing reminds me of some special memory.” As she hangs the ornaments every year, Sandi remembers back to the early days of their marriage. “After our wedding, we moved to California. We lived there one month when Steve received his draft notice. Military assignments took us first to Biloxi, Mississippi and then to an Air Force base in Japan where we lived for two and a half years.” While there, Sandi enjoyed shopping in the local markets for craft and sewing supplies. She took those supplies and decorated Styrofoam shapes and real eggs into lovely ornaments covered with bits of velvet, beads and tiny scenes inside the eggs. [caption id="attachment_2265" align="alignnone" width="198" caption="Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck"] Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck

Fatty acids improve your cells’ membranes, letting waste products in and out. They also help hold in water, meaning your cells can retain moisture. You’ll find them in salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seed.
Vitamin A is great for your skin cells, helping them to regenerate faster, bringing new fresh skin cells to the surface. The best place to get Vitamin D? Low-fat dairy products.
Selenium is a mineral responsible for tissue elasticity and seems to protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light. It can be found in whole wheat bread, cereals, as well as turkey and tuna.
Antioxidants help protect the skin cells from damage and disintegration. Find them in blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums.

Avoid the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid the sun at these times.
Cover up. Wear protective clothing-long sleeves and pants.

Use sunscreen. We all know that we’re supposed to use sunscreen, but did you know you should be reapplying throughout the day? Reapply the sunscreen every two hours for the best protection.

[/caption] Jennifer Emmert calls herself a “prior fat girl”. Her journey to earn that title began in earnest in 2007. “I was always heavy growing up,” she says. “I spent my teenage years and early twenties yo-yo dieting. You name it; I tried it. I would stay on them for a couple of days, sometimes weeks, even months. But they were never something I could make into a life habit. In August of 2007, my father (who is also overweight) asked if I wanted to attend a weight loss seminar with him. We went, and as I sat there, I looked around the room and got the biggest wake-up call I ever had and the one I needed. There I was: twenty-six, fat, and unhappy. I was in a room surrounded; they were me and I was them. I left the seminar and decided that if I were going to be healthy, I wanted it to be a result of my hard work.” Jennifer went to a local gym and signed up. She also got a calorie journal and began to really watch her eating habits. Still unsure that it would work, Jennifer was adamant that if she were going to lose weight, it had to be “because I busted my butt in the gym.” It was hard at first, very hard. “On the treadmill, I couldn’t walk very fast. Running was out of the question,” she says. She began walking on the treadmill for twenty minutes. Within a week, she could do thirty minutes. At the same time, she was really evaluating her food choices. “I didn’t really follow a specific plan. I just ate healthy,” she recalls. “I ate what I was taught in elementary school: a lot of fruits and vegetables with lean meats (food pyramid anyone?). When I craved ‘junk food’ I relied on 100 calorie snack packs. I wrote everything down in a calorie journal. I never deprived myself of anything but eventually found myself choosing not to eat certain foods because of how long it would take me to work them off in the gym.” And she did another thing: began to blog about her weight loss experience. “I attribute a lot of my success to blogging,” she says. “Blogging for me was therapeutic. I could go online and whine and cry about how hard it was to lose weight and eat healthy which helped to release all the frustrations. By doing so, I felt a sense of relief and could move on with my next healthy decision. I also found an amazing online community who supported and encouraged me when I was down but was right there to cheer me on with every “milestone” I hit. I needed to connect with people who knew what I was going through and could empathize with my journey. Also, my blog is important in my journey because it lets others know they aren’t alone.” A year and a half later, Jen had lost ninety pounds and was well within reach of her one-hundred pound goal. She had managed to stay on-track while balancing a job and graduate school, and she began to plan a celebration for August 1, 2009. Then, she says, “On July 31st, just twelve hours prior to my two year anniversary/100 pounds lost party, I got a call from my dad who told me my mom - my best friend, my cheerleader - had been hit by a car while she was on a walk with my nephew. A car had backed out of a driveway and didn’t see her. She died on the way to the hospital. My world came crashing to a halt. No one would have blamed me had I just stopped blogging and spent my time with family instead of going to the gym. No one would have blamed me if I had gained weight.” And Jennifer did gain weight, ten pounds in August of 2009. “Early September came, and I realized I could not let my mom be the reason that I gained my weight back,” Jennifer explains. “She would be devastated knowing it was her death that caused me to gain weight again.” “I still struggle with food and with finding the motivation to get to the gym,” she admits. “The hardest thing to accept is that even though now I’m at a healthy weight, I have to fight just as hard to stay this way. But now I am so much stronger mentally to actually fight for it.” The best part of being healthier? “Not having to turn sideways to go into a public bathroom stall. Being able to paint my own toenails. Being able to fit into a bathroom on an airplane, to shop at any store in a mall and being able to walk my dog without getting winded. And there is no better feeling in the world than knowing that I did it myself!” Jennifer also says that people treat her differently now because she treats herself differently. “I liked to use my genetics as an excuse for being overweight,” she says. I always used to say I took after my dad. But, here's the thing: my genetics haven't changed. What has changed is my reaction to the environment. No longer am I allowing my genetics to be an excuse. They have nothing to do with my healthy decisions. Now that I lost weight, I hold my head high and am proud of who I am. I am more confident. I speak my mind and love myself, which helps me to love others. Because I fought to lose the weight, I learned so much more about myself. This gave me a stepping stone to grow in many other ways. Because I act differently, people treat me differently,” she says. Jennifer’s advice for people who are at the beginning of their journey to be healthy is “to look in the mirror and accept responsibility for how they got there, look that person in the eyes and smile at the only person who can change their life. Appreciate your journey for what it has been and realize that what has happened in the past is a starting point for changing the future. People need to stop using every excuse in the book. I don’t care if you’re big boned or have a slow metabolism or if you have twelve kids or if you have a new job; you better figure out how to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into it all because life is never going to be any less complicated then how it is now. Suck it up and just do it. And if you continue to allow the excuses to win? Well, stop wasting time by complaining and just accept the effects it has on your body. As I say on my blog, ‘no sugar coating included.’ When we as humans put our mind to something, we can accomplish our dreams. One day at a time. One decision at a time. One bite at a time.” To read more about Jennifer’s weight loss journey, visit www.priorfatgirl.com.]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/prior-fat-girl/feed/ 0 volume 7, issue 9 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:13:34 +0000 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2224 Fall Fashion Trends Two Rising Young Musicians Tips for Healthier Skin Jennifer Emmert Shares Her Weight Loss Journey]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/feed/ 0 Misunderstood Feelings http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:24:21 +0000 Kim Reutzel http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2220 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/feed/ 0 Prenatal Partners for Life http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:19:46 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2210 In 2005, Don and Mary Kellett were expecting their eleventh child. During a routine ultrasound, they discovered their son might have Trisomy 18, a genetic disorder in which the baby has a third copy of genetic material from chromosome 18, instead of the usual two copies. At 34 weeks, Mary had an emergency Caesarean section and gave birth to Peter who weighed three pounds two ounces. “From the very beginning, Peter was a fighter,” she says. Month after month, year after year, Peter defeated all the odds and surprised doctors by his strength. “Our doctor told us from day one that he would probably die soon. Finally, I asked him, ‘When are you going to die? We are all going to die; stop telling me my son is going to!’” “Peter was a little piece of Heaven,” Mary says. “He was the sweetest, kindest little boy.” The youngest of 11 siblings, he was spoiled, adored and a source of great joy. Although Mary knew firsthand the challenges of raising a child with disabilities, it was heartbreaking to know that over 90 percent of pregnancies diagnosed with Trisomy 18, Ancencephaly and Down’s Syndrome are terminated. “In the year after Peter’s birth, I thought often of the mothers and dads who receive adverse prenatal diagnoses. Overwhelmed with sorrow over their baby’s health problems, fearing that he may suffer and given only negative information about his life prospects, it is no wonder so many parents feel pressured to abort their child,” Mary explains. “I asked God how I could encourage these parents to make a life-affirming choice. I had inspiration – some instant knowledge. I felt that it was something from God.” At that point, Mary established an organization to connect parents facing an adverse diagnosis with other parents who have had the same diagnosis. She started Prenatal Partners for Life, a group of concerned parents (most of whom have or had a special needs child), medical professionals, legal professionals and clergy whose aim is to support, inform and encourage expectant or new parents. Many parents who receive a difficult diagnosis are advised by their doctors to end the pregnancy. “A lot of times they are not even given the choice to continue the pregnancy,” Mary says. “Doctors can use deceptive language such as calling it a ‘humane abortion’ or ‘finishing a miscarriage.’ I’ve heard parents say their doctor told them the child would be a burden to the family. Others tell parents, ‘We have to think about resources.’” Prenatal Partners for Life provides families with the information they need to make informed decisions involving their preborn or newborn’s care. “We believe each child is a special gift from God,” Mary explains. When a new family contacts the organization, Mary sends out a care package including a blanket, lamb, an inspirational CD and a hand-written note. “There are angel charms and a book for siblings if a baby goes home to Heaven,” Mary adds. Since Prenatal Partners for Life started in 2006, and thanks to a large group of volunteers, they have helped families in every state and 27 countries. “We are families helping families,” she says. “Our goal is to connect two or three families with a similar diagnosis to provide support and encouragement to one another. I am happy when we can help families not feel alone in their situation.” Since its inception, Mary has been at births and deaths, helped countless parents find resources and support, and found peace in walking with others in their journey. In August 2011, Mary’s son, Peter, passed away. He was six and a half years old. “I believe every life is a miracle. Peter definitely was one,” Mary says. Now when she reaches out to families through Prenatal Partners for Life, Mary looks at her involvement as God’s work and Peter’s legacy. “I want to be His light and love to others at a very dark time,” she says. “Peter changed how our family views life. He taught us all so much about love, compassion and trust in God. Peter truly made us all better; if we would have had our way, we would have taken care of him forever.” Prenatal Partners for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and as such all donations are tax deductable. For more information or to donate, contact: PO Box 2225 Maple Grove, MN 55311 www.prenatalpartnersforlife.com]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/feed/ 0 Women in Business: Amy Petersen http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:19:46 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2210 In 2005, Don and Mary Kellett were expecting their eleventh child. During a routine ultrasound, they discovered their son might have Trisomy 18, a genetic disorder in which the baby has a third copy of genetic material from chromosome 18, instead of the usual two copies. At 34 weeks, Mary had an emergency Caesarean section and gave birth to Peter who weighed three pounds two ounces. “From the very beginning, Peter was a fighter,” she says. Month after month, year after year, Peter defeated all the odds and surprised doctors by his strength. “Our doctor told us from day one that he would probably die soon. Finally, I asked him, ‘When are you going to die? We are all going to die; stop telling me my son is going to!’” “Peter was a little piece of Heaven,” Mary says. “He was the sweetest, kindest little boy.” The youngest of 11 siblings, he was spoiled, adored and a source of great joy. Although Mary knew firsthand the challenges of raising a child with disabilities, it was heartbreaking to know that over 90 percent of pregnancies diagnosed with Trisomy 18, Ancencephaly and Down’s Syndrome are terminated. “In the year after Peter’s birth, I thought often of the mothers and dads who receive adverse prenatal diagnoses. Overwhelmed with sorrow over their baby’s health problems, fearing that he may suffer and given only negative information about his life prospects, it is no wonder so many parents feel pressured to abort their child,” Mary explains. “I asked God how I could encourage these parents to make a life-affirming choice. I had inspiration – some instant knowledge. I felt that it was something from God.” At that point, Mary established an organization to connect parents facing an adverse diagnosis with other parents who have had the same diagnosis. She started Prenatal Partners for Life, a group of concerned parents (most of whom have or had a special needs child), medical professionals, legal professionals and clergy whose aim is to support, inform and encourage expectant or new parents. Many parents who receive a difficult diagnosis are advised by their doctors to end the pregnancy. “A lot of times they are not even given the choice to continue the pregnancy,” Mary says. “Doctors can use deceptive language such as calling it a ‘humane abortion’ or ‘finishing a miscarriage.’ I’ve heard parents say their doctor told them the child would be a burden to the family. Others tell parents, ‘We have to think about resources.’” Prenatal Partners for Life provides families with the information they need to make informed decisions involving their preborn or newborn’s care. “We believe each child is a special gift from God,” Mary explains. When a new family contacts the organization, Mary sends out a care package including a blanket, lamb, an inspirational CD and a hand-written note. “There are angel charms and a book for siblings if a baby goes home to Heaven,” Mary adds. Since Prenatal Partners for Life started in 2006, and thanks to a large group of volunteers, they have helped families in every state and 27 countries. “We are families helping families,” she says. “Our goal is to connect two or three families with a similar diagnosis to provide support and encouragement to one another. I am happy when we can help families not feel alone in their situation.” Since its inception, Mary has been at births and deaths, helped countless parents find resources and support, and found peace in walking with others in their journey. In August 2011, Mary’s son, Peter, passed away. He was six and a half years old. “I believe every life is a miracle. Peter definitely was one,” Mary says. Now when she reaches out to families through Prenatal Partners for Life, Mary looks at her involvement as God’s work and Peter’s legacy. “I want to be His light and love to others at a very dark time,” she says. “Peter changed how our family views life. He taught us all so much about love, compassion and trust in God. Peter truly made us all better; if we would have had our way, we would have taken care of him forever.” Prenatal Partners for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and as such all donations are tax deductable. For more information or to donate, contact: PO Box 2225 Maple Grove, MN 55311 www.prenatalpartnersforlife.com]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/feed/ 0 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com Every Women Has A Story Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 A Story behind Everything http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/11/a-story-behind-everything/#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:50:23 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2263 [/caption] Christmas decorations enhance Steve and Sandi Andersen’s home from November until February every year. “I love this time of year. Once Halloween is over, I start decorating for Christmas,” Sandi says. Each room receives special attention and every item of décor is carefully placed to reflect the season. In the basement family room of the Andersen’s home stands a Christmas tree beautifully adorned with over 400 ornaments of all shapes and sizes, many of which are handmade. “Every ornament has a story,” Sandi says. “As I go along the tree, it’s like opening a photo album because each thing reminds me of some special memory.” As she hangs the ornaments every year, Sandi remembers back to the early days of their marriage. “After our wedding, we moved to California. We lived there one month when Steve received his draft notice. Military assignments took us first to Biloxi, Mississippi and then to an Air Force base in Japan where we lived for two and a half years.” While there, Sandi enjoyed shopping in the local markets for craft and sewing supplies. She took those supplies and decorated Styrofoam shapes and real eggs into lovely ornaments covered with bits of velvet, beads and tiny scenes inside the eggs. [caption id="attachment_2265" align="alignnone" width="198" caption="Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck"] Sandi and her daughter, Collette, enjoy doing crafts together. “We cycle through things – little flannel stockings, there was a year we did cross-stitch, then quilted ornaments and lots of felt ornaments. Even grandson, Jacob, enjoys making ornaments.” - Photo by Jessica Sauck

Fatty acids improve your cells’ membranes, letting waste products in and out. They also help hold in water, meaning your cells can retain moisture. You’ll find them in salmon, walnuts, canola oil and flax seed.
Vitamin A is great for your skin cells, helping them to regenerate faster, bringing new fresh skin cells to the surface. The best place to get Vitamin D? Low-fat dairy products.
Selenium is a mineral responsible for tissue elasticity and seems to protect the skin from damage from excessive ultraviolet light. It can be found in whole wheat bread, cereals, as well as turkey and tuna.
Antioxidants help protect the skin cells from damage and disintegration. Find them in blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums.

Avoid the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid the sun at these times.
Cover up. Wear protective clothing-long sleeves and pants.

Use sunscreen. We all know that we’re supposed to use sunscreen, but did you know you should be reapplying throughout the day? Reapply the sunscreen every two hours for the best protection.

[/caption] Jennifer Emmert calls herself a “prior fat girl”. Her journey to earn that title began in earnest in 2007. “I was always heavy growing up,” she says. “I spent my teenage years and early twenties yo-yo dieting. You name it; I tried it. I would stay on them for a couple of days, sometimes weeks, even months. But they were never something I could make into a life habit. In August of 2007, my father (who is also overweight) asked if I wanted to attend a weight loss seminar with him. We went, and as I sat there, I looked around the room and got the biggest wake-up call I ever had and the one I needed. There I was: twenty-six, fat, and unhappy. I was in a room surrounded; they were me and I was them. I left the seminar and decided that if I were going to be healthy, I wanted it to be a result of my hard work.” Jennifer went to a local gym and signed up. She also got a calorie journal and began to really watch her eating habits. Still unsure that it would work, Jennifer was adamant that if she were going to lose weight, it had to be “because I busted my butt in the gym.” It was hard at first, very hard. “On the treadmill, I couldn’t walk very fast. Running was out of the question,” she says. She began walking on the treadmill for twenty minutes. Within a week, she could do thirty minutes. At the same time, she was really evaluating her food choices. “I didn’t really follow a specific plan. I just ate healthy,” she recalls. “I ate what I was taught in elementary school: a lot of fruits and vegetables with lean meats (food pyramid anyone?). When I craved ‘junk food’ I relied on 100 calorie snack packs. I wrote everything down in a calorie journal. I never deprived myself of anything but eventually found myself choosing not to eat certain foods because of how long it would take me to work them off in the gym.” And she did another thing: began to blog about her weight loss experience. “I attribute a lot of my success to blogging,” she says. “Blogging for me was therapeutic. I could go online and whine and cry about how hard it was to lose weight and eat healthy which helped to release all the frustrations. By doing so, I felt a sense of relief and could move on with my next healthy decision. I also found an amazing online community who supported and encouraged me when I was down but was right there to cheer me on with every “milestone” I hit. I needed to connect with people who knew what I was going through and could empathize with my journey. Also, my blog is important in my journey because it lets others know they aren’t alone.” A year and a half later, Jen had lost ninety pounds and was well within reach of her one-hundred pound goal. She had managed to stay on-track while balancing a job and graduate school, and she began to plan a celebration for August 1, 2009. Then, she says, “On July 31st, just twelve hours prior to my two year anniversary/100 pounds lost party, I got a call from my dad who told me my mom - my best friend, my cheerleader - had been hit by a car while she was on a walk with my nephew. A car had backed out of a driveway and didn’t see her. She died on the way to the hospital. My world came crashing to a halt. No one would have blamed me had I just stopped blogging and spent my time with family instead of going to the gym. No one would have blamed me if I had gained weight.” And Jennifer did gain weight, ten pounds in August of 2009. “Early September came, and I realized I could not let my mom be the reason that I gained my weight back,” Jennifer explains. “She would be devastated knowing it was her death that caused me to gain weight again.” “I still struggle with food and with finding the motivation to get to the gym,” she admits. “The hardest thing to accept is that even though now I’m at a healthy weight, I have to fight just as hard to stay this way. But now I am so much stronger mentally to actually fight for it.” The best part of being healthier? “Not having to turn sideways to go into a public bathroom stall. Being able to paint my own toenails. Being able to fit into a bathroom on an airplane, to shop at any store in a mall and being able to walk my dog without getting winded. And there is no better feeling in the world than knowing that I did it myself!” Jennifer also says that people treat her differently now because she treats herself differently. “I liked to use my genetics as an excuse for being overweight,” she says. I always used to say I took after my dad. But, here's the thing: my genetics haven't changed. What has changed is my reaction to the environment. No longer am I allowing my genetics to be an excuse. They have nothing to do with my healthy decisions. Now that I lost weight, I hold my head high and am proud of who I am. I am more confident. I speak my mind and love myself, which helps me to love others. Because I fought to lose the weight, I learned so much more about myself. This gave me a stepping stone to grow in many other ways. Because I act differently, people treat me differently,” she says. Jennifer’s advice for people who are at the beginning of their journey to be healthy is “to look in the mirror and accept responsibility for how they got there, look that person in the eyes and smile at the only person who can change their life. Appreciate your journey for what it has been and realize that what has happened in the past is a starting point for changing the future. People need to stop using every excuse in the book. I don’t care if you’re big boned or have a slow metabolism or if you have twelve kids or if you have a new job; you better figure out how to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into it all because life is never going to be any less complicated then how it is now. Suck it up and just do it. And if you continue to allow the excuses to win? Well, stop wasting time by complaining and just accept the effects it has on your body. As I say on my blog, ‘no sugar coating included.’ When we as humans put our mind to something, we can accomplish our dreams. One day at a time. One decision at a time. One bite at a time.” To read more about Jennifer’s weight loss journey, visit www.priorfatgirl.com.]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/prior-fat-girl/feed/ 0 volume 7, issue 9 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/#comments Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:13:34 +0000 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2224 Fall Fashion Trends Two Rising Young Musicians Tips for Healthier Skin Jennifer Emmert Shares Her Weight Loss Journey]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/09/volume-7-issue-9/feed/ 0 Misunderstood Feelings http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:24:21 +0000 Kim Reutzel http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2220 http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/misunderstood-feelings/feed/ 0 Prenatal Partners for Life http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:19:46 +0000 Katie Honnette http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2210 In 2005, Don and Mary Kellett were expecting their eleventh child. During a routine ultrasound, they discovered their son might have Trisomy 18, a genetic disorder in which the baby has a third copy of genetic material from chromosome 18, instead of the usual two copies. At 34 weeks, Mary had an emergency Caesarean section and gave birth to Peter who weighed three pounds two ounces. “From the very beginning, Peter was a fighter,” she says. Month after month, year after year, Peter defeated all the odds and surprised doctors by his strength. “Our doctor told us from day one that he would probably die soon. Finally, I asked him, ‘When are you going to die? We are all going to die; stop telling me my son is going to!’” “Peter was a little piece of Heaven,” Mary says. “He was the sweetest, kindest little boy.” The youngest of 11 siblings, he was spoiled, adored and a source of great joy. Although Mary knew firsthand the challenges of raising a child with disabilities, it was heartbreaking to know that over 90 percent of pregnancies diagnosed with Trisomy 18, Ancencephaly and Down’s Syndrome are terminated. “In the year after Peter’s birth, I thought often of the mothers and dads who receive adverse prenatal diagnoses. Overwhelmed with sorrow over their baby’s health problems, fearing that he may suffer and given only negative information about his life prospects, it is no wonder so many parents feel pressured to abort their child,” Mary explains. “I asked God how I could encourage these parents to make a life-affirming choice. I had inspiration – some instant knowledge. I felt that it was something from God.” At that point, Mary established an organization to connect parents facing an adverse diagnosis with other parents who have had the same diagnosis. She started Prenatal Partners for Life, a group of concerned parents (most of whom have or had a special needs child), medical professionals, legal professionals and clergy whose aim is to support, inform and encourage expectant or new parents. Many parents who receive a difficult diagnosis are advised by their doctors to end the pregnancy. “A lot of times they are not even given the choice to continue the pregnancy,” Mary says. “Doctors can use deceptive language such as calling it a ‘humane abortion’ or ‘finishing a miscarriage.’ I’ve heard parents say their doctor told them the child would be a burden to the family. Others tell parents, ‘We have to think about resources.’” Prenatal Partners for Life provides families with the information they need to make informed decisions involving their preborn or newborn’s care. “We believe each child is a special gift from God,” Mary explains. When a new family contacts the organization, Mary sends out a care package including a blanket, lamb, an inspirational CD and a hand-written note. “There are angel charms and a book for siblings if a baby goes home to Heaven,” Mary adds. Since Prenatal Partners for Life started in 2006, and thanks to a large group of volunteers, they have helped families in every state and 27 countries. “We are families helping families,” she says. “Our goal is to connect two or three families with a similar diagnosis to provide support and encouragement to one another. I am happy when we can help families not feel alone in their situation.” Since its inception, Mary has been at births and deaths, helped countless parents find resources and support, and found peace in walking with others in their journey. In August 2011, Mary’s son, Peter, passed away. He was six and a half years old. “I believe every life is a miracle. Peter definitely was one,” Mary says. Now when she reaches out to families through Prenatal Partners for Life, Mary looks at her involvement as God’s work and Peter’s legacy. “I want to be His light and love to others at a very dark time,” she says. “Peter changed how our family views life. He taught us all so much about love, compassion and trust in God. Peter truly made us all better; if we would have had our way, we would have taken care of him forever.” Prenatal Partners for Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and as such all donations are tax deductable. For more information or to donate, contact: PO Box 2225 Maple Grove, MN 55311 www.prenatalpartnersforlife.com]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/prenatal-partners-for-life/feed/ 0 Women in Business: Amy Petersen http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/women-in-business-amy-petersen/ http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/women-in-business-amy-petersen/#comments Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:16:02 +0000 Womeninc http://womenincmagazine.com/?p=2207 [/caption] Amy Petersen Vice President of Sales DRAS Cases Inc. Lake Mills, IA At DRAS Cases, Amy Petersen is focused on increasing sales and growing the company. As Vice President of Sales, Amy is responsible for generating new sales as well as expanding and maintaining the company’s existing customer base. Opening new doors and building new customer relationships are her primary goals. DRAS Cases is a manufacturer of retail fixtures and custom millwork for restaurants, retail environments, hotels and healthcare facilities as well as any other commercial environment. Amy and her husband Mike have two children, daughter Quinn, 14, and son Calvin, 12, and dogs, Elsie and Birdie. Hometown: Albert Lea, MN When did you first become interested in pursuing this occupation? In 1994, I was just graduating from the University of Minnesota – Duluth with my bachelor’s degree in business. At the same time, my father, Dean Rasmusson, made the decision to open his own business, DRAS Cases. Since DRAS was a start-up company, I offered to move back home to help get the business off the ground. At the time, he had no customers, just a great product and a plan to build a business. It took quite a bit of persuading, but my father finally agreed to hire me, which I thought was not necessarily going to be a long-term position. That was 18 years ago. Who has been your greatest mentor and why? There have been many mentors who have been involved in my life at different periods, but my parents have been the most influential. My mother was a working mom when I was a growing up and provided me a great example of balancing a family and a career. My dad continues to mentor me navigating daily challenges. Doing a start-up company takes a lot of guts, and he follows his passion. What is the best business advice anyone has ever given you? “This too shall pass” – my grandma and mother have used this phrase throughout my life. It is only in the past few years that I have come to embrace it, in business and in life. I think you have to have some life experience under your belt to realize there will be ups and downs in everything. Ultimately, tomorrow is another day and another opportunity. What advice do you have for anyone pursuing this occupation? First and foremost, if you want to be in sales, you have to like people. You have to be persistent and not give up. It’s so true, that if one door closes, another one opens. What was your greatest business epiphany? I realized, regardless of what field you chose, it’s all about relationships. For me to be successful in sales, I have to have good relationships with not only my customers but also my vendors and co-workers. I work with great people who make my job easier. Everyone at DRAS goes above and beyond to make sure we exceed customer expectations. Without their support, my efforts would be fruitless. What makes your job enjoyable for you? The relationships I have with my customers is most enjoyable. Many are long-term customers that I talk with on a daily or weekly basis. Working in manufacturing is exciting because we offer a service as well as a product. With most of our projects, we are involved from the very early phase of design. As a result, we help provide solutions to our customers. It is great to be a part of something that is building. It is so satisfying to see a finished product that started out on paper and at the same time, to know we helped make the process easier for our customers. There is a real sense of accomplishment that comes with that! What have been your biggest obstacles? As in any small business, we all wear many hats. Being able to not get sidetracked with other duties and stay focused on what I enjoy most is a daily challenge for me. What has been the best part of your job? Working with my dad every day and bringing my two dogs with me to the office is the best part. Who could ask for anything better than that?]]> http://womenincmagazine.com/2012/08/women-in-business-amy-petersen/feed/ 2