Tallahassee Woman Magazine December 2015/January 2016

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2  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

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Tallahassee Woman Magazine | December 2015 / January 2016

CONTENTS
8 Our Thoughts
74 21
Seasons Greetings From Tallahassee Woman
42 Real Life 72 Home and Garden
10 Girl Talk
Saying Yes to Challenges by Living Spruce Up Your Holiday Home
Top Five Style Apps for the New Year | in the Moment
Common Expressions We Wonder About | 74 The Dish
Renew Your Closet In Four Easy Steps! | 44 WWMB COMMUNITY
The App That Calls 9-1-1 When You Can’t | Have a Gluten Free Holiday Without
Healthy Holiday Foods | Crafts to DIY For | A Women to watch in business, STEAM and Sacrificing Flavor
Tour of Face Contouring | Faves & Raves highlighting women with milestones
Gift Guide to celebrate. 76 Best Bites

22 Style and Grace 48 Business and Career Martini Madness

Must-Haves of Tallahassee’s Trendsetters Know Your Worth 78 Funny Girl

28 Healthy Living 50 Money Talks Reason Why New Year’s
Resolutions Are Made
Having a Healthy Relationship Do You Wonder Where Your Money Goes?
With Our Phones 52
52 Community Snapshot
30 Sports & Fitness
Black Cats & Old Dogs Animal Rescue |
Fiercely Fit Can Happen at Any Age Taking the World by Storm—Opening
Nights | What Women Should Know:
32 My Time Children’s Week and Florida Senior Day
Shine in January; and Five Frequently
It’s A Wonderful Life! Embracing Our Asked Questions and Answers About
Five Senses Hospice Care by Big Bend Hospice |
Women We Admire–Gina Mae Jones |
Haute Happenings | Around Town

50

On the Cover

Page 34 A Reflection on the Beauty and the Wonder of the Moment:
Elaine Tully, Mart Hill and Miaisha Mitchell By Heather Thomas

About the Cover Women: Photography by AJ Abellera | Styling by Terra Palmer and Calynne Hill

4  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

“I wanted to fly, so that’s what I did.”

– Katherine Sui Fun Cheung, early aviatrix

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TALLAHASSEE WOMAN • December 2015/January 2016 5

VieYwOWUToaRmllWaahnAaYssee OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Print... WRITERS

Pick up a copy around town. Nikki Clifton is a journalist and writer whose
work in entertainment news and politics made
Digital... its mark in Florida, Georgia, Texas and Virginia.
Nikki is a book-writing coach and advocates
The digital version of for women and children’s rights. Her book is
the magazine is posted entitled Through-Ruby-Red Glasses.
online every issue on our
website, TalWoman.com. Barbara S. Pople, CPA, CFP®, CDFA™ is the
president of Pople Financial Consulting, Inc.
Page Interaction... She grew up in Germany but decided to stay in
the beautiful Tallahassee area after graduating
Watch the pages come to life from Florida State University. Her company
USING YOUR focuses on investment management, financial
SMARTPHONE OR TABLET! planning, tax preparation and consulting.
Scan the page wherever you Amanda Wallace is a freelance writer who
see this TWM icon using the has lived in Tallahassee for most of her life. She
LAYAR APP. Watch videos, received her degree in creative writing from
view slideshows, connect to the University of Central Florida. In addition to
websites, blogs, social media sites and magazine articles, Amanda writes fiction and
much more. (Data charges may apply.) is currently working on a screenplay as well as
a book.
Get Social With Us...
PHOTOGRAPHERS
ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST,
AND INSTAGRAM FOR EXCLUSIVE ONLINE AJ Abellera is the owner of AJ Studios
CONTENT AND UPDATES, INCLUDING EVENTS, Photography. He is a member Tallahassee
PHOTOS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND MORE. Professional Photographers Guild; the Florida
Professional Photographers, Inc. (FPP); and
facebook.com/tallahasseewoman the Professional Photographers of America.
twitter.com/talwomanmag In 2015, AJ received the Florida Degree of
pinterest.com/talwomanmag Photographic Excellence (FDPE Florida Master
instagram.com/tallahasseewomanmagazine Photographer) offered by FPP. View more of his
work at ajstudiosphotography.zenfolio.com.
6  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016 Erin Pierson of E. Mika Photography was
born and raised in Kansas, and graduated
with a bachelor of fine arts degree in 2007.
Since moving to Tallahassee in 2012 with her
husband, she has fallen in love with the people
here and delights in the gift of being able to
document their special memories.

Romina Rivadeneira earned a bachelor degree
in fine arts photography from Savannah
College (Art & Design) and moved to Paris,
France, to pursue fashion photography. She
also studied commercial photography in
Atlanta, Georgia, and then started her business,
I Shot the Bride, in Miami Florida. In 2015,
Romina and her family moved to Tallahassee,
where she continues her photography work
with families, brides, children and client work
throughout the Southeast and beyond.

Present Perfect by LAFCO found exclusively at TALLAHASSEE WOMAN • December 2015/January 2016 7

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OURTHOUGHTS

Season’s Greetings

Wishing you

a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a blessed New Year
filled with the wonder and joy of the moment. All of us
at Tallahassee Woman are thankful for our advertising partners,
contributors, readers, friends and our families who, for the past
decade, have given us the gift of their support, which has enabled
us to share the stories of the remarkable women in our community.
Celebrate 2016 with us as #TWMTurns10.

Left to right: Calynne Hill, Jennifer Stinson, Heather Thomas, Christy Jennings, Kim Rosier, Keasi Smith,
Jane Royster Munroe, Lynn Solomon and Terra Palmer | Photo by Richard’s Photography

8  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

DLeceimvbinerg20W15/Jaenlularay n20d16LVoolvuimneg10L| Isisfuee!6 GRAPHIC DESIGN The information in this publication is
Christy Jennings Miqueli presented in good faith. The publisher
PUBLISHER does not guarantee accuracy or assume
Kim Rosier BUSINESS OPERATIONS responsibility for errors or omissions.
Jane Royster Munroe, CFO
EDITOR ADVERTISING
Heather Thomas INTERNS For more information on advertising,
Clare Davis • Sara Dreier • Jolee Keplinger
STYLE EDITORS call (850) 893-9624 or e-mail
Calynne Hill • Terra Palmer Shannon Postrion • Alexi Saliba [email protected].

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Tallahassee Woman Magazine LLC Copyright ©2015 Tallahassee Woman Magazine
Keasi Smith Post Office Box 13401 LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or
in whole, without expressed written consent of the
ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Tallahassee, FL 32317-3401 Publisher is prohibited.
Lynn Solomon Phone (850) 893-9624 Fax (850) 254­-7038
TalWoman.com
ADVERTISING SALES [email protected]
Jennifer Stinson
Tallahassee Woman is published six times
per year and is distributed on
a complimentary basis
throughout Tallahassee and the
surrounding communities.

TALLAHASSEE WOMAN • December 2015/January 2016 9

G I R LTA L K

STYLE | KNOWLEDGE | TRENDS | SHOPPING

Top Five Style Apps for the New Year

By Sara Drier

We bring you five of our favorite fashion apps for an on-the-go
and in-the-know lifestyle. Install these apps on your iPhone
or smartphone and discover the latest trends, introduce yourself
to style bloggers around the world and get instant updates on
sales you wouldn’t snag anywhere else.
For the Budget-Conscious—Poshmark
Are you looking to refresh your out-of-season wardrobe without
spending a fortune? Set up an account and shop other people’s
chic closets while selling your unwanted items simultaneously.
You can even attend virtual shopping parties and find what you
love in mint condition for less.
For the Gift Giver—Gilt on the Go

You’ll never miss a sale again. With holiday gift shopping in full
swing, you’ll be glad you didn’t. The user-friendly layout will
filter your shopping experience by category. You’ll receive sale
alert notifications for high-end brands like Kate Spade, and a
countdown of the days remaining to redeem your sale.
For the Woman on the Go—ShopStyle
Want to shop online but don’t have time to sift through count-
less retail sites? This app is practical and useful: type in your
desired item (e.g. printed scarf) and it will compile options from
retailers all over the Internet into a curated list. Make a list of your
favorite items, and you’ll never stress about losing an item
to cyberspace!
For the Inspiration—Chicfeed
Stay on trend and get inspired with access to renowned and up-
and-coming style blogs. From street style to high fashion, you’ll be
connected to blogs such as The Sartorialist, Jak and Jill and
Face Hunter.
For the Style-Conscious—Vogue Stylist
Get trustworthy style tips straight from the editors themselves. Be
informed of trends, the stories behind them and how best to style
a look. Select a specific product and see it come to life as it is
styled to perfection. The most renowned fashion magazine in the
world, Vogue is sure to bring you fashion inspiration.

Scan this page using the Layar app to see the best
new fashion style apps and websites.

10  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

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12  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

Common Expressions GIRLTALK | KNOWLEDGE
We Wonder About act of receiving satisfactory advice from a reliable individual. It
suggests that someone is one step ahead. For example, if someone
By Jolee Keplinger needed a tip as to which horse to bet on, rather than seeking advice
from the most prestigious inner circle, they would expect the best
Figurative expressions are used as information to come directly from the horse itself.
simple explanations for occurrences A rolling stone gathers no moss. This old Latin proverb refers
in our everyday lives. On many to a person who avoids responsibility by refusing to commit to a
occasions, we catch ourselves stating career, conveying unreliability. This saying stems from a scientific
these phrases without knowing their perspective since moss is a slow-growing organism. Since this
organism is unable to handle disturbance, any type of movement,
true origin. These four examples such as rolling, prevents moss from colonizing. Symbolically, moss
provide insight to the historical represents responsibility, dedication and stability. Therefore, one
significance and overall meaning of each expression. who constantly wanders rarely prospers. In contrast, a second
The straw that broke the camel’s back. This Arabian interpretation refers to moss as a symbol for stagnation. Instead
anecdote, which alludes to the saying “the last straw,” illustrates of nomadic characteristics being looked down upon, those who
how a seemingly small action can send one over the edge. The are constantly on the move express innovative ideas and cultural
background story describes a merchant who was loading his knowledge.
camel, in order to take it to market. Even though the load was Dressed to the nines. Although various attempts have been made
staggering, the merchant continued to push it to the limit. He to determine the origin of this eighteenth century phrase, it
decided to add one more “straw,” which caused the camel to essentially conveys that one is dressed in the most fashionable
collapse and break its back. Due to the merchant’s failure to attire. A plausible theory suggests that a tailor used nine yards of
determine an appropriate limit, he wasn’t able to deliver his goods fabric to create a high quality suit, even though only 3 to 5 yards
to the market. were necessary. Therefore, the more material an individual wore,
I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth. Originating from the more flattery they accrued.
American horse racing, this semi-humorous phrase refers to the

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TA L L A H A S S E E W O MA N • December 2015/January 2016 13

GIRLTALK | KNOWLEDGE The App
That Calls 9-1-1
RENEW YOUR CLOSET When You Can’t
IN FOUR EASY STEPS!
By Shannon Postrion
By Sara Dreier
When Zach Winkler, a student at the
As the colder season is upon us, we can finally break out our outerwear and University of Missouri, noticed the
boots and say a temporary good-bye to lighter, warm-weather clothes. It amount of young women who felt unsafe
may be time, dare I say, for a closet clean-out. Here are four helpful tips for de- at school, he and three friends decided to
cluttering and refreshing your wardrobe. Disclaimer—letting go of items may design a smartphone app. This app was
be a nostalgic and slightly emotional experience, so keep an open mind! made to help all people feel safe right at
the palm of their hands.
1. The hanger trick—This one is easy and effective. Turn every hanger in your
closet backward, so that the hook faces outwards. If you wear an item, When using SafeTrek, the user can open
turn the hanger back to the correct the app when walking alone or when they
position. If you didn’t wear certain don’t feel safe. A finger must be held on
items within at least 60 days, the screen’s sensor, which the company
chances are, you don’t need them. calls the “hold until safe” sensor. Once the
finger is removed from the sensor, a mes-
2. Bring in reinforcements— sage will appear asking the user to enter a
Having a second pair of eyes helps four-digit code. If the code is entered cor-
rectly, this tells the app that the user has
in the clean-out process. I would reached a safe location. If the code is not
recommend that it be a best friend entered, then the app calls the police and
or a family member, someone to dish out notifies them of the phone’s location.
the cold-hard truth and override your
emotional attachments to clothing with logic. Since the uploading of SafeTrek on Apple’s
app store two years ago, the app has
3. Channel your inner HGTV—Give your gained over 250,000 users—the majority
closet some love and make it look pretty. being women. Currently, the app costs $3
Go out and buy matching hangers— per month to use. Over time, the com-
I prefer the felt kind so the clothes pany has gathered 7 million points of data
don’t slip off. Organize your closet and located the spots where people feel
either by color or from light to most unsafe. SafeTrek hopes that police
dark, so your morning routine is departments and campus security can use
spent selecting, not searching. this information to help others in order to
prevent future unsafe situations.
4. Give the rejected items a home—
Never, I repeat, never throw away clothes in
good condition! There are several locations

around Tallahassee where you can donate
unwanted items, including Dress for Success

or the Chelsea House, a housing program
for displaced women and single-mom families.

Visit the links gsncares.org/thrift-stores and
tallahasseedressforsuccess.org
for more information.

14  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

Make Your Holidays Special

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GIRLTALK | INSPIR ATION Crafts to DIEY For

THE ONLY FLEXSTEEL SIGNATURE GALLERY By Clare Davis
IN THE AREA FOR 13 YEARS It is always an adventure to wander the aisles of Michael’s or Hobby
Lobby to pick up “do-it-yourself (DIY)” crafts. Another great option
is to have DIY crafts delivered right to your doorstep. DIY craft kits
are all the rage for the diehard crafters out there who want only the
fun of creating something unique and homemade and none of the fuss
of finding the best-quality materials. These pages include a handful
of reliable DIY craft kit companies that will surely take care of your
creative needs. So, what are you waiting for? Get your craft on!

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Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00a.m.- 6:00p.m.

Sunday: 12:00p.m.- 6:00p.m.

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Darby Smart From light bulb terrariums to wood-burned cutting

boards, Darby Smart has everything a DIY aficionado could ask for.
To make your own DIY project, you can purchase the individual craft
items, or if you would prefer a preplanned, all-inclusive project, you
can opt for the monthly “mystery box” subscription. When you’ve
completed your glass-etched mason jars or gemstone pendant, you can
share pictures to the showroom on DarbySmart.com, where others can
“ooh” and “ahh” at your craftsmanship.

Lullubee With more of a traditional focus on DIY, Lullubee’s crafts

range from felt knitting to coloring murals and cookie-cutter crafts.
Shop for the individual craft items, or subscribe for the monthly
craft kit, which can be sent right to your doorstep. With the monthly
subscription, you’re in for a treat; each craft kit coincides with the time
of the year, which means fun holiday-themed projects.

Uncommon Goods Want to make your own ukulele? How about

your own city? Uncommon Goods has a plethora of craft kits that will
get any DIYer going. Targeted mainly towards kids, these projects will
inspire endless amounts of creativity and curiosity. Then again, a
fashion designer kit or hydraulic robot construction set could make
anyone, old or young, revel in the joy of doing it yourself.

16  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

HOLIDAY FOODS GIRLTALK | WELLNESS

That Have Healthy Benefits SI'mDumbmereeararkiisWnghinotuteperr,!with you.

By Jolee Keplinger

Cinnamon

This holiday staple supports digestive function,
relieves congestion and also acts as a powerful
antimicrobial agent. Recent studies have shown
that cinnamon has the power to lower cholesterol
and help people with diabetes metabolize sugar
more effectively.

Turkey

One serving of this lean, protein-rich meat
provides nearly half of our folic acid requirements
and serves as an excellent source for obtaining
vitamin B, zinc and potassium. By eating high-
quality protein, you’ll be less likely to overindulge,
due to its satiety-triggering benefit. For optimal
health, stick with skinless white meat and skip
the gravy.

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This nutritional powerhouse is bursting with fiber, COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
potassium, vitamin A and phytochemicals (which
some say stave off aging, cancer and even arthritis).
This potato is not only preventative but it’s also
quite filling, making it a satisfying addition for
your holiday dinner. To maximize the multitude
of health benefits, avoid dousing this side dish
with butter, sugar and marshmallows. Instead,
try roasting with olive oil or drizzling with maple
syrup and adding a sprinkle of cinnamon. To
increase beta-carotene and fiber intake, remember
to eat the skin!

Homemade Stuffing VPK-12•Excellent Academic Test Scores

Unfortunately, the mainstream box mix stuffing Celebrating 38 Years in Tallahassee!
is laden with sodium, carbs and unhealthy fat. By
cooking your own, you will impress your guests Spiritual Formation • Leadership Program
and improve your health. First, simply sauté Athletics • Sand Volleyball Courts
vegetables such as celery, onions and carrots in After School Program • Fine Arts
olive oil. Combine the mixture with cubes of 100
percent whole-wheat bread, add low-sodium broth
and sprinkle with fresh herbs before baking. By
making this healthier version, you’ll increase your
fiber intake while channeling your inner
Rachel Ray.

Scan this page using the Layar Fully Accredited Now enrolling for the
app to see more healthy holiday 2015-2016 school year!
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TA L L A H A S S E E W O MA N • December 2015/January 2016 17

GIRLTALK | TRENDS FASHION • ENTERTAINMENT • CULTURE • TECHNOLOGY

TRENDING NOW:

A Tour of Face Contouring

By Keasi Smith

To us average Janes who have yet to even conquer
the arduous cat-eye, face contouring seems like
an unthinkable task reserved to masters such as
the Kardashian clan. Let’s face it, there’s a lot to
be intimidated by—the tools, the products, the
technique! But contouring doesn’t always have to
go to the extremes. A girl can get a lot done with
matte shading cream (or powder) and a highlighter.
The goal isn’t to change your face attributes entirely
but to enhance your already flawless features.

BRONZER: TOOLS YOU WILL NEED:

Natural contouring that can be worn every day requires use of • Angled brush or flat brush for
powder products rather than liquids or creams, which come applying powder bronzer
more in handy when you need to be photo-ready. To ease • Fan brush for highlighting
yourself into it, start by investing in a bronzing powder that • Your fingers, which are best when
is two or three shades darker than your complexion. Using using creams of liquid highlighters
light sweeping strokes, give yourself a sun-kissed glow by • Sponge for blending
applying across your forehead, your cheekbones and jaw line, • Fluffy brush with natural
as well as under your chin. Be sure to blend, blend, blend! fibers to buff both bronzer and highlighter for a soft finish

HIGHLIGHTER: When it comes to face contouring, technique varies with face
shape. But whether your face is square, oval, heart-shaped,
To look youthful and refreshed, grab a highlight color that is diamond-shaped or otherwise, know that any amount of
almost the color of your skin, with a hint of shine. Help slim makeup you’re comfortable with wearing may help define your
features such as the nose or the cheekbones by applying cheekbones but will never define you or your beauty.
Highlighter or concealer under the eyes and cheekbones and
in the center of the forehead. In conjunction with bronzer, your Scan this page using the Layar app to see
beautiful features will appear more slimmed and defined. more on our TWM Pinterest board and a
“How-To” video on face contouring.
18  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

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TA L L A H A S S E E W O MA N • December 2015/January 2016 19

GIRLTALK | SHOPPING Bond No. 9
Hamptons Pocket Spray $95
Faves and Raves Bond No. 9 signature scent (gold) $275
Chez Bond (clear) $215
What’s on your holiday wish list? Scent of Peace for him (blue) $200

Wish, Joy and Hearth and Soul
Be Merry $13 each 1410 Market Street
Walter Green (850) 894-SOUL
Boutique
1817 Thomasville Road
(850) 999-6105

Fair Trade Wine Bottle Holder Handcrafted Egyptian
Artisan-made in Argentina $76 Mouth-blown Glass Ornaments
$9 to $17
Shine Boutique
2915 Kerry Forest Parkway Tallahassee Nurseries
(850) 765-1854 2911 Thomasville Road
(850) 385-2162
Green Agate and Diamond
Pendant in 18 ct. yellow gold $1,700

Robert’s Jewelry
1950-M Thomasville Road
(850) 422-1373

Volcano Candle $26
Canvas Hand Soap $14
Canvas Lotion $16

Cole Couture
1240 Thomasville Road
(850) 553-3327

St. Jude Capsule Collection ($2 from Velvet Crinkled Cuffs $37
the sale of each item goes directly to Velvet Crinkled Collar $40
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital)
Starting at $15 each Sweet Patina
Coton Colors 2030 Thomasville Road
1355 Market Street (850) 727-4834
850-668-0149

20  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

Tory Burch Raised Wooden Box With Trays
Fur Boots $395 by Local Artist Brent Utley $275

Narcissus Signature Art Gallery
1408 Timberlane Road 2782 Capital Circle NE
(850) 668-4807 (850) 297-2422

Vintage JJ Simone Santa Fe Purse $38 Giving Keys:
Herbivore Botanicals: Fearless Bracelet $35
Calm Dead Sea Salts $18 Dream Necklace $45
Pink Clay Soap Bar $10
Phoenix Cell Regenerating Facial Oil $20 Dazzle Me Divas
Wonsaponatime Vintage 6265 Old Water Oak Road
636 McDonnell Drive in Railroad Square (850) 894-DIVA
(850) 778-2188

Black Booties by Soda $30
Sparkle by Madison
1108 Thomasville Road
(850) 591-0074

Branche’ Belle De
Nuit Eye Masque $42
Silk Pillow $95

Kanvas
823 Thomasville Road
(850) 224-7467

Marsha Anne’s Kountry
Kids Baby Outfit $45
Abby and Taylor

6668 Thomasville Road
(850) 765-6402

TA L L A H A S S E E W O MA N • December 2015/January 2016 21

ST YLE&GR ACE

MUST-HAVES

of Tallahassee Trendsetters ByTerra Palmer and Calynne Hill
Photography by Romina Rivadeneira

Whether it’s a magic “can’t live without product” or a wardrobe hack or two up our sleeve, we
women have our secrets. Have you ever wanted to peek inside the closets and makeup bags
of the most chic women in Tallahassee or ask them, “How do you do it?” We’ve saved you the
trouble of snooping and sat down with some of Tallahassee’s trendsetters and asked them to spill
their best-kept tips and tricks for living a stylish life, because while we all have our secrets, it’s no
secret that we rely on each other to look and feel our best.

Autumn
Mayfield

PUBLIC RELATIONS

What’s the key to a knockout look and great style? I love
simple looks with powerful accessories. I feel like you can’t
lose with that approach.
Do you have a signature accessory? Currently, I love
anything Chic Verte.
What is the accessory you have had for ages?
A pair of gold coin earrings that were my grandmother’s.
Beauty products you can’t live without? Skinceuticals Mineral Radiance UV Defense,
NeoCutis Lumiere eye cream, and my Sonicare DiamondClean toothbrush.
Have you picked up any hair tricks or must have products for your hair that you love? I am a big fan of
Living Proof 5-in-1 Styling Cream. I like to rotate hair products so no strand gets to set in their ways.
Best source of inspiration? I really like the Snap+Style app and enjoy gathering inspiration from bloggers and
magazines. Because of what I do for a living, I read through 30 to 40 magazines a month so I can pull ideas from
almost every magazine I peruse. Porter Magazine is one of my favorite for fashion. Mark D. Sykes is one of my
favorite Instagram accounts to follow.
Do you have a special item you splurged on that you love? Beauty product wise,
Clé de Peau Beauté concealer.

22  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

Zan
Batchelor

LOBBYIST

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look and great style? Knowing JUST A NECKLACE
what looks good on you and
keeping your look up-to-date. 206 E. 6TH AVENUE
Your trick for looking chic while traveling? Keep the base pieces one TALLAHASSEE, FL 32303
solid color, versatile and wrinkle-free, and then mix them with trendy
accessories. I select good looking wedged comfortable shoes and a MON -SAT 10AM - 6PM
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Drugstore product you swear by? Oil of Olay with sunscreen
How do you wash your face? Cetaphil with a slightly rough washcloth
and a dry baking soda scrub.
Have you picked up any hair tricks or must have products for your hair
that you love? I protect the health of my hair by deep conditioning and
limiting direct heat. My hair is very dry so I like to mix a little natural oil,
like coconut or olive oil, in my conditioner.

What three items
that are always
in your bag?
Dental floss,
cell phone and
Tylenol.

Best advice you
have received?
Learn to forgive,
move on and live in the moment.
Favorite beauty product? Buffy Body Exfoliating Bar by LUSH Cosmetics.

© 2015 Pandora Jewelry, LLC • All rights reserved • PANDORA.NET

TA L L A H A S S E E W O MA N • December 2015/January 2016 23

ST YLE&GR ACE

Prissy Elrod

AUTHOR

Richard J-P Bastien, DMD Most versatile pieces in your wardrobe? Fly
London shoes. I have them in more colors than
Giving Tallahassee I want to say. Most comfortable shoes on planet
a Reason to Smile
and everyone always asked, “Who
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry makes those shoes, Prissy?”
Same Day Crowns Drugstore product you swear
Latest Technology by? Olay Regenerist Serum,
fragrance-free, twice a day. Have
Professional and Caring Team used it for years and I swear it

gobbles up any wrinkles just
thinking about crawling on my
face.
How do you wash your face?
Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar soap.
Any quick tricks for a faking a well-rested look? Ice cubes under the eyes
evaporated the puffiness...this advice is compliments of my mother,
Sylvia Landrum, who has done this my whole life. You should see her!
Favorite beauty product? All the Derma-E products and Dr. Hauschka make-up.
I only wear organic on my skin.
What is your signature accessory? My earrings: Pippy Longstocking on one ear
and an unmatched typewriter hanging on the other. They don’t even match but,
they are oh so ME!

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What’s the key to a knockout look and
great style? Confidence no matter
what you are wearing and a
smile is the best accessory.
What is your signature
accessory? My fragrance—
Acqua di Gioia.
What is the accessory you
have had for ages?
A Tiffany sterling silver rope bracelet I’ve had for over 20
years. I’ve had my Louis Vuitton mini-barrel bag since I was
16 years old.
Do you have a special item you splurged on that you love? A Chanel purse.
What products do you wash your face with? Burt’s Bees Cucumber & Sage facial cleansing towelettes.
Favorite type of flower? Peonies and orchids—I always have orchids in my house. No fake plants!

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Tallahassee, FL 32312 TA L L A H A S S E E W O MA N • December 2015/January 2016 25
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ST YLE&GR ACE

SUZANA STEINMETZ

INTERIOR DECORATOR

Your trick for looking chic
while traveling? Love
to travel in my most
comfortable jeans,
trench coat, loafers
and fabulous bag.
Most versatile pieces in your
wardrobe? My leather jacket
from Stefanel.
Drugstore product you swear by? Vaseline!
What are three things you cannot live without? My Laura Mercier Lip Balm, my cashmere blanket
and my candles.
What is the accessory you’ve had for ages? My pearl earrings that I designed when I was 21!
Beauty product you can’t live without? SkinCeuticals Serum CE, Natura Bissé Diamond Cream
and my Kérastase shampoo.

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Favorite beauty product? La Prairie Amber Brogdon Photography
Cellular Radiance Cream.
What do you wear to look chic? Black
pants and a silk shirt with a chic scarf.
What is your fashion philosophy?
Don’t chase trends, make them!

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TA L L A H A S S E E W O MA N • December 2015/January 2016 27

H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

Having a Healthy Relationship With Our Phones
By Amanda Wallace

We live in a world that has embraced constant phone-checking. Recently, by the front door; that way it’s not sitting
the technological revolution with I watched a fellow parent at my son’s next to you at dinner, tempting you to
open arms, and in many ways, our lives football game miss his son’s game-winning look at it when you should be catching up
have benefited from it. That being said, touchdown, and I felt crushed at the look with family.
as technology improves, it is becoming on his son’s face when he realized his dad Set aside phone-free time. You might try
all too clear that those pint-sized super- had missed the whole thing while looking making everyone turn in their phones
computers we call phones are embracing at his phone. before dinner, or you might pick a whole
us back in a stranglehold. We can change The sad thing is, social media sites were day to set down your phones and just live
the channel on our TV by voice command originally designed to help people stay in the moment. Find what works for you.
and receive e-mails on our watches, but we connected through sharing of pictures Set solid limits for kids. There are a
have stopped speaking to that beautiful, and life updates, but these days, some handful of good apps for all types of
three-dimensional world beyond people are so busy checking how many smartphones, such as Kidslox or PrentKit,
the screen. “likes” their last selfie got that they that will let parents remotely control
When my husband and I go out together, have disconnected from all the amazing data on their children’s phones. Make
we have a “no phone” rule—unless it’s one moments happening around them every limits a part of the privilege of having a
of our kids, it can wait. I’ve talked to too single day. But there is a cure! smartphone. The hardest part might be
many friends who feel like their spouses Set a special ringtone. We all know leading by example.
are more concerned with checking their that there are some calls that we have Every day, not just in the holiday season,
phones than checking on the relationship. to answer, so set a special ringtone for there are times to be treasured, and every
Apparently, they’re not alone as there those people—your boss or office, your day is a gift. Those moments aren’t in our
is some interesting research being done children’s school, your doctor. Ignore all handhelds—they are right there in front
right now on the long-term effects of the other calls—they can wait while you of us. Breaking the hold our phones have
feeling like you take second place to your take time in the NOW. on us will help to focus our attention on
significant other’s phone. Leave it in the other room. Despite what the moments that really matter.
We are cutting ourselves off from the some of us think, we don’t need to have
people right in front of us and all the our phones next to us at all times. Set your
spectacular moments we could be sharing charger up in the kitchen or on a table
with them as we dedicate ourselves to

28  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

TA L L A H A S S E E W O MA N • December 2015/January 2016 29

SPORTS&FITNESS FIERCELY FIT

CAN HAPPEN AT ANY AGE

By Amanda Wallace | Photography by Erin Pierson of E. Mika Photography

“IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO GET BACK IN THE GAME.”

My mid-thirties have started making me accept subtle changes to my body. Things
like having to be more mindful of what I eat and having to acknowledge that
“all-nighters” simply aren’t a reality for me any longer. Like other women my age, I’d
started to think that my “glory days” were far behind me and that as women crept past
the season of life I’m in, they have to make allowances for what they can’t do physically
anymore. Man, when I’m wrong, I’m really, really wrong. I recently had the pleasure of
speaking to three women who have changed my views on staying fit as I get older.

Through a dear friend of my mother’s, I was introduced to Dale McCloskey. Dale had been
an active tennis player in her youth but had to stop playing when she had her children, a
situation most mothers can relate to. “I was so busy with life and kids that I didn’t really miss

30  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

it that much,” Dale said of her break from tennis, but she never “TAKE THAT FIRST STEP”
stopped being active and took up running because it fit into her life
more easily, saying it was more “compact” than a game of tennis. fitness. She went on to tell me how socially engaging activities
But still, Dale never lost her love of tennis and in her fifties she like running and biking can be and that different groups, like the
took the sport back up. Now, at sixty-six, Dale is playing tennis various training groups offered by the Gulf Winds Track Club,
four to six times a week and is loving the way she feels and advised can help a person get started and stay involved.
me that, “it’s never too late to get back in the game.” Lastly is Marguerite Deckert. Marguerite had not been active in
If speaking to her wasn’t enough to make me feel ready to lace up fitness or competitive activities in her youth, and she didn’t begin
my dusty old running shoes, I was soon after introduced to running until she was 44 years old. Her husband had started
Bonnie Write. Bonnie recently participated in an Iron Man running a few years before and encouraged her to join him.
competition for her sixtieth birthday. It turns out that when Marguerite took him up on the offer, and now, at 82 years old,
Bonnie was in her early twenties, she was 30 pounds overweight she is still participating in 10 to 15 races a year. “It became part
and not an active person. A friend of hers suggested she take up of my life, and it gave me such a good, positive feeling all over.”
swimming as a way to get in shape and shed a few pounds. She Admittedly, the races she runs aren’t as intense as they once were.
swam competitively as a master, and she even competed in water “It’s unbelievable how the pace and the distance have gone,”
polo matches. After she mastered swimming, Bonnie’s competitive Marguerite says of the way she has had to “slow down” in her
nature drove her to biking and then to running. The way I heard eighties. That being said, Marguerite is still jogging between 3
the story, Bonnie’s husband challenged her to run a marathon. and 5 miles, 3 times a week and going to the gym 6 days a week.
“The gauntlet was laid down,” Bonnie says of her husband’s Needless to say, she has me beat.
challenge. Her determination has taken her through countless races Maybe I can’t run marathons or bike a hundred miles—yet. But
and now two Iron Mans. if meeting these women taught me anything, it’s that I just have
“Take that first step,” Bonnie said as encouragement to other to take the first step.
women who are struggling to get started on their path to lifelong

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TA L L A H A S S E E W O MA N • December 2015/January 2016 31

MY TIME

JHoOyaArtCoukhl,tdrhtiheLsteamWnHagoesrrSlTadylrndeeeAngel Sings... Live in the moment

IT’SEAmbWracOinNg ODuErRFFivUe SLenLseIFs E!

By Shannon Postrion

The holidays bring the ones we love together, with the warmth and familiarity of the
traditions we carry, but as we get older, we tend to forget the delight to be found
in the little things. Too often, the joy of the season and the renewal opportunities found
in the new year get lost in a whirlwind of stress and unrealistic expectations. To keep
you from losing sight of what’s important, we invite you to slow down and take notice
of the sensory experiences that make you realize that it truly is a wonderful life. We’ve
provided notebook-lined spaces underneath each category for you to record and reflect
on the sensory moments of the season and the introspective thankfulness they bring.

SCENTS GFruadngneya’sndReCcaipkeess...

Besides buying a Christmas tree, you can also purchase tree branches
or, in some cases, get branch cuttings for free that you can tie with a
ribbon or use for décor to put in areas around your home.
Candles and oils with holiday scents placed in commonly
used areas evoke contentment and relaxation.

32551Cdd0dhrdrrorrodpopiorpsspsotsspmFCsSrCiawanDysnenpoeuTrkategimrnsOlseacoerensanBFnsliegrene d

32  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

SOUNDS H84o4ldiddrdraoropyopspsJsSCowCiynleoenvtaeOmBrouandnge MHCoahtrrCsihshtmmoceoalllsaowtPesjs and blankets

TOUCH
Let Christmas carols be contagious and hymns Family members greet each other with warm hugs
resonate. Create a playlist with empowering and kisses.
song as your anthem for the New Year.
The mistletoe hovers over the doorway inviting sweet
A volunteer for the Salvation Army rings a bell moments for loved ones.
outside of the local grocer. Rushing into the store,
you might not notice him at first glance. But Children gather around their presents wide-eyed
on your way out, you remember it’s the holiday and ready to dig in. They tear the first sheet of
season, and you reciprocate a soft smile and paper and toss it on the ground amongst bows and
choose to give to a worthy cause and memory. ribbons. The ripping of the brightly colored paper
doesn’t stop until their present is finally revealed.

TASTES SIGHTS

You might find your mouth watering prior Festively decorated trees and homes brighten
to your first bite of the honey-baked ham. up the night sky, and we welcome the New
The aged note card you’ve kept for years Year with magnificently colored fireworks and
between the pages of a cookbook has sparklers that send flames in every direction.
your grandmother’s famous pumpkin Loved ones gather around the table. Together, they cherish
pie recipe. Holiday dinner would not only the homemade food that sits amongst them but
never be the same without it. also the time that they share with one another.

H62o1ldiddrdroarpooypspsSFLPtrraaeepvnspeskneRirdnmeecrleiinnefste KCJoaoorrpldeiar,,nKM,aAsiav,geKrgyire,i,sMsRi eayxn,olDdes,aRn,obAbziey,aC,aGrrraiec,e,

TA L L A H A S S E E W O MA N • December 2015/January 2016 33

ONTHECOVER

oAn thRe Befleecatuiotny
aonfdthteheMWomonednetr

By Heather Thomas
Photography by AJ Abellera

“The great thing about getting older
is that you don’t lose all of the other
ages you’ve been.” —Madeline L’Engle

34  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

Outwardly, Elaine Tully Woodward, Mart Hill and Miaisha Mitchell
may be aging but inwardly they grow in vitality, with an aliveness
that seems youthful in spite of their years. Sharing their stories and their
wisdom is a reflection of the timeless beauty of the soul, and that by looking
back we learn, and by pausing to marvel at the splendor of being alive,
we are truly living. All three women will tell you that the best gift we can give
to ourselves and to each other—right now and in the future—is wrapped
up in the wonder of the present moment.

TA L L A H A S S E E W O MA N • December 2015/January 2016 35

ONTHECOVER

Mart Hill

A Legacy of Service

At age 95, Mart Hill has been a part of Tallahassee’s Now, women don’t hesitate to run for local and state
story since Thomasville Road was still red clay, and offices, and make themselves aware of what is going on
when the street in front of Sealey Elementary was and feel a part of the discourse and are active change
closed on Friday nights so children could roller skate. makers—steering their own ship, rather than have
She climbed trees that spanned the acres of land that is others steer it for them.”
now Midtown, and her mother’s azalea bush was first
base for the baseball games on Fifth Avenue. A graduate How important are female friendships for you?
of Florida State College for Women, before it became “I had lots of wonderful friendships but the one with
Florida State University, Mart went on to work for Helen Ausley Willis—we were crib babies together—
American Airlines, and later settled in Tallahassee with was a “soul mate” friendship. If you have one friend like
her husband, Louis Hill, and raised two children, this in life you are, indeed, fortunate.”
Lou Hill and Almena Pettit. She was a leader in
numerous philanthropic community organizations, What is one of the most important lessons you feel
most notably the Tallahassee Junior League as its you have learned over the course of your life?
first president, and a past Chairman of the Board of “To always be yourself—once you get out of character
the Junior Museum, now known as the Tallahassee you get in trouble. I’ve always felt like one part of that
Museum of History and Natural Sciences. Mart has is treating everyone you meet exactly the same. Be as
an honorary doctorate in humanities from FSU and gracious to any employee as you are with your
is a grandmother to seven grandchildren and a great- bank president.”
grandmother to twelve.
How do you live in the moment?
How have you seen the lives of women change in “I love people and I’m fed by the camaraderie with the
Tallahassee and what gives you hope for the future? individuals with whom I have contact but the majority
“When I was at Leon High School in the 1930s, there of my contemporaries have passed away. I get great
were 1,800 women at the Florida Women’s College, so pleasure from the friendships I have with younger
as a high school girl you were competing with them for people and exhilaration being with people out of my
dating rights! For me, this has always been a woman- situation or comfort zone—it’s nourishment to the
focused town, due to the community wanting to keep mind and spirit.”
the women safe, which is one of the reasons why it
was slow to make alcohol legal in Leon County. I was What would tell your younger self in the picture?
in college when Pearl Harbor took place, and it was “I hope you will have as happy and fulfilling of a life as
a traumatic experience for all of us, many away from I have been fortunate to have. Nurture the family and
their homes, not knowing how to react, and wondering friendships in your life and along the way be active and
if we were we going to be attacked next. We had a lot of involved and give back to your community. Be a part
anxieties over our loved ones in peril. of a bigger picture—your purpose for living needs to be
about something other than yourself.”
Many women stayed in Tallahassee after graduating
college and took jobs previously held by men who were
drafted by the military. My generation became women
during the war years, and it was very difficult to see
your husband, family members and friends go off to
fight in a war that many did not return from. We took
charge of things that we normally wouldn’t have, and
we banded together and helped one another. Because of
the war years, women became capable and equipped to
handle professional lives.

36  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

Experience why we’re MORE THAN A STORE.

Simple, modern, classic women’s and men’s clothing, accessories,
lighting, furniture, kitchen provisions and other unique discoveries.

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Tallahassee, Florida
850-894-SOUL Open Mon - Fri: 8 am - 7 pm
hearthandsoul.com Sat: 10 am - 6 pm
Sun: 12 - 5 pm

TA L L A H A S S E E W O MA N • December 2015/January 2016 37

ONTHECOVER

MSA CihmaamrmpyioonMnfsorMaiaisithcahell

Healthy Community

Born in a Smokey Hollow homestead in the 1940s—just a meant families couldn’t live together anymore. This began
pecan’s throw from the capitol building—from a young age the breakdown of the African-American community in many
Mary Miaisha Simmons Mitchell, who goes by Miaisha, knew ways, and I believe is a large part of what has caused some
that she wanted to work on behalf of serving others, which she of the social distress that is seen today. Many residents had
largely credits to the close-knit, African-American community no transportation so it was hard to see people, which is why
that was formally located in what is now Cascades Park. Sunday dinner became very important. Residents couldn’t
At age 69 and a resident of Frenchtown, Miaisha has spent the grow food and share that food, nor share the nurturing
majority of her life as a nonprofit leader and an advocate for of children in our midst. This became deeply impactful,
health and wellness, with advanced training certifications in starting a cycle of poverty that many never got out of.
health care administration, public health and social work. She
is a leader in the Childhood Obesity Prevention Education Given my work with women throughout the years, I see
(COPE) Coalition, and as cofounder of the Tallahassee women entrepreneurs speaking out for themselves and their
Food Network, she has helped to install two workplace families and becoming informed. There are more resources
gardens, four church gardens, four school gardens and five and access to those resources and a lot has improved in
community gardens. She also developed in collaboration many areas in women’s health and self-sufficiency. Moving
with community partners a local Urban Youth Agricultural forward, the one space we can really grow is mental health
Program named iGrow Whatever You Like, which resulted awareness for women and children, and removing the stigma
in the Dunn Street Youth Farm. Miaisha is the Executive associated with mental health, and to also make people more
Director of the Greater Frenchtown Revitalization Council: aware about the connection with mental health and food.”
A Front Porch Florida Initiative and is the recent recipient of
the Champion of Service Award by the Florida Cabinet and What is something you wished women knew about
Volunteer Florida. She is the mother to two sons and one getting older?
daughter, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. “I say, tell your age and be proud of your age and work on
How have you seen the lives of women change in improving yourself no matter what stage of life you are in.
Tallahassee and what gives you hope for the future? As you get older, you recognize the wisdom that you have,
“I grew up intimately knowing the land and the people who and that it’s important to share your story with the next
were born and raised there—I learned a lot about vegetables, generation and not take it to the grave. What if young people
fruit and gardens and about giving to others during that time. took the opportunity to interview their family members
There was never a question about who we should give to and to get to know their story? Imagine the impact it would
how much because we never went hungry—we ate from the have! A lot of women and families are suffering and no one
trees, the gardens and we took care of each other. When urban communicates what is going on. Communicating with
renewal took place in the 1960s, residents were uprooted from one another is critical and then the younger community
Smokey Hollow, many ending up in public housing, which

Scan this page using the Layar app to see a
behind-the-scenes video of the photo shoot
and interviews of our cover women or check
out our YouTube channel.

38  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

members are able to take advantage of that - A BOUTIQUE LIKE NO OTHER -
knowledge if we share it as we get older.”
Casual
How do you live in the moment? Evening/Designer
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in the picture?
“I was really absorbed and fascinated by my
career, and I trained to go into corporate
America to make the money I thought
would bring me fulfillment. When I got
there, it wasn’t what I thought it would be.
So I would say this to her—do not lose
yourself looking for wealth but stay focused
on your own strength and confidence, and
find a way you can make your life’s work
be about helping others. I also regret not
spending enough time with my children
since I lost so much time with them by
pursuing a career. I grew up with the idea
that children should be seen and not heard,
however, much of what we learn comes from
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pay attention, we can learn so much. Take
that time, that precious time, to do that.”

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TA L L A H A S S E E W O MA N • December 2015/January 2016 39

ONTHECOVER

WELelssaoonionsdLeweaTarnrueddlly

Under the Big Top

The Flying High Circus at Florida State University was only
in its third year when Elaine Tully Woodward became a
freshman member at 17 years old in 1949. Originally from
Panama City, Florida, after graduation Elaine married her
first husband, Jim Tully, a native of Tallahassee and a Korean
War Veteran. They raised their three daughters at a home on
North Ride, when it was still a dirt road. While driving along
in the family’s station wagon, the girls would say, “Mom,
please roll up the window! The dust is pouring in here!”

An early-childhood education teacher, Elaine ran her own What are some of the most important lessons you feel
private kindergarten, Elaine’s Play School, for nine years. you have learned over the course of your life?
She continued her entrepreneurialism with The Wickery in “I’ve had two emergency heart surgeries, so I feel fortunate to still
her parent’s barn on Bannerman Road (later known as the be walking around on this earth! As I was recovering from my
Bradfordville Hunt Club) where for 18 years she specialized second surgery, my oldest daughter learned that she had breast
in the retail of wicker, antiques and the art of making and cancer. After she recovered from surgery and chemotherapy, she
arranging dried flowers, which hung from the rafters in the had a business card made that had the quote from C.S. Lewis—
barn. Elaine was married to Jim for 25 years. Twelve years “Be kind to everyone you meet because everyone is fighting a
after Jim passed away she married Bob Woodward of Quincy, great battle.” This conveys one of the biggest lessons and that
Florida, and they recently celebrated their 25th wedding is the importance of kindness. I also learned that it’s important
anniversary. Between the two of them, they have 6 children, to be generous with praise because everyone needs that.”
9 grandchildren and Elaine’s first great-grandchild was born
in October of 2015. Now at 83, Elaine’s FSU circus legacy How do you live in the moment?
lives on through a scholarship in her name, and she continues “To truly live each moment is to enjoy the people in your
to pursue many creative endeavors and support local artists. life and hold them close. I’ve experienced the deaths of many
loved ones. I’m the only sibling still alive on my mother’s
How have you seen the lives of women change in and father’s sides of the family. Along with the death of my
Tallahassee and what gives you hope for the future? first husband, I’ve experienced the loss of a granddaughter
“Between the time I was at FSU and raising a family, when she was 16 to a car accident. I treasure the memory of
Tallahassee had around 40,000 people, and even less than my granddaughter always ending each of her conversations
that in the summer. So, you didn’t really need a telephone on the phone with, “I love you.” Ultimately, living in the
directory since you knew who all the doctors and attorneys moment means to be grateful, to be kind, to be forgiving
were and when you went to the grocery store it was like a social and to tell people you love them as often as you can.”
event. A lot of the important life lessons I learned as a young
woman I learned through the circus, such as cooperation and What would you tell the young woman in the picture?
trust. You are depending on people to keep you up in the “Your mother is one of the sweetest and kindest people you will
air, or your partner who is holding the rope, and the person ever meet! It took me awhile to come to that conclusion. A lot of
setting up the equipment. Amazingly, I was never fearful, what we assume will happen, such as your loved ones living a long
and that had a lot to do with the confidence each of us had life, may not happen and our assumptions about people are not
in the other. I think women today have more of this but this true. We need to accept people for who they are and look past
could also be an area that we continue to improve upon as each other’s differences. Take the time now to invest in the
we share our knowledge and our stories with one another.” relationships that truly make life worth living.”

40  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

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REALLIFE

Saying “YES” to Challenges by Living in the Moment
By Nikki Clifton
Oddly, I found an indescribable peace that sometimes made me
By my own definition, everything was perfect. I was stop and question how I could be so cool with so much upheaval.
working every day in one portion of my dream job; Life had uprooted ulterior associations, carved a path for an
living in the home that I literally scripted on a yellow legal expanding success and gifted me the opportunity to skillfully
pad, complete with huge, ceiling-to-floor windows and craft a new masterpiece of myself. I was plunged into new
hardwood floors, no less; and I was in a relationship that depths of contentment, and it wasn’t at all attached to vertical
made my heart dance with the Allegro of the first movement blinds or social clubs. I am my happy. I am my sunshine.
of Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 17. Then, the score changed.

My company changed its overall policies, and my perfect Being aligned with abundance means being available to reroute,
work hours were cut. My home began having major plumbing unlearn and relearn. My decision to be a collaborator with life has
issues that put a strain on my already-thinned savings, resulted in a satisfaction I couldn’t have previously imagined—and
and the relationship ended in a heartbreaking dirge. more information about PVC L-joints than I care to admit.

I prayed every prayer I could think of, and just in case any
saint felt overlooked, I Googled them and prayed their
prayer too. I cried. I lit sage. I meditated. I listened to
YouTube videos on vibrational alignment and sermons on
being steady in faith. I was exasperated. But how was I to
let go of all that I’d labored for and was now proud of?

One early sunrise morning, while staring into the blended blades
of the ceiling fan, warm tears ran into my ears, and it clicked—
it was time to let go of it all. There was nothing left for me to
do. This must happen. Almost immediately, I understood that,
though certainly not the way I had envisioned, my requests
for forward expansion were, in fact, happening. The expansion
being growth, the next-level Me was waiting on the other side of
this menagerie, and life presented me with the gift of incredible
choice. I could either say yes willingly and hold onto myself,
trusting that an intelligence far greater than mine would guide me
now as before, or say no in resistance, losing myself, kicking and
screaming in 2-year-old tantrum-like form the entire time.

The kicking and screaming idea wasn’t attractive to
me. I was already emotionally spent as it were so I
chose to align myself with all that was for my greater
good. I chose to bear down, facing forward. I chose to
remember that all I must really hold on to is me.

While sitting with legs crossed, one over the other, on the living
room floor, leaning my head against a beige cardboard box, new
insights quietly joined me. There were people around me, some
whom I had considered friends, who were simply opportunists.
I would not have discovered this had I not needed to move.
My new work hours answered the 8-month question of “How
will I make time?” that I had been asking regarding a new
business venture. The ended relationship catapulted me into
a place of deep introspection, and armed with the conviction
that I am worth the work to move my life forward, I mined
the caverns of my very soul and discovered delightful jewels
of character, talent and attitude. My wishes had come true.

42  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

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TA L L A H A S S E E W O MA N • December 2015/January 2016 43

WWMB COMMUNITY

W W M B Women Who Mean Business
WOMEN TO WATCH

BUSINESS | STEAM | MILESTONES

As part of a community of business-minded women, Tallahassee Woman wants to celebrate,
recognize and honor the achievements made by women in the workplace, in the community

and in arts and culture. In so doing, we are connecting women together, empowering one
another and celebrating our successes that are making a difference for everyone.

WOMEN TO WATCH BUSINESS

Beth Wheeler Carrie Edgerson Beth Wheeler and Carrie Edgerson the Self-Service Online Payment
of FLAG Credit Union were part Encouragement Box, allows members
of the five-person team known as to clean up delinquencies by setting
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STEAMWOMEN TO WATCH (SCIENCE • TECHNOLOGY • ENGINEERING • ARTS • MATH)

Alisha Wetherell, a program engineer with the city of Tallahassee, has been instrumental in designing
and managing large programs such as FAMU Way and Lonnbladh Road improvements. Alisha
graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a bachelor of science in civil engineering and is
a licensed Professional Engineer with over a decade of experience as a private consultant doing work
for private developers and commercial chains before joining the city. She serves in many roles locally
and statewide for the American Public Works Association (APWA), including presenting at conferences
about increasing organizational diversity by the inclusion of more women and minorities and chairing
the state Scholarship Committee that gives over $10,000 in scholarships every year.
A mom to two young boys, Alisha is passionately involved in encouraging women and girls to go into STEM and/or trade
jobs and assuring women with children that STEM fields can be family-friendly environments. She enjoys opportunities
to speak to classes and groups about engineering occupations, and she is building support for the development of a
local Public Works Trade Academy. An academy would provide one semester of post-high school or post-GED training in
infrastructure occupations, such as roadway maintenance and equipment operations, which she hopes will introduce more
women into these trade
career fields.

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W WMB COMMUNIT Y | WOMENTOWATCH | MILESTONES

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BUSINESS&CAREER

Know Your Worth ByKeasiSmith

Last year, Microsoft’s Chief Executive them. There are problems with this model, Studies show that women who ask for
Officer Satya Nadella ignited as it not only contributes to the wage gap an increase in pay suffer reputational
controversy when he was asked how and perpetuates female stereotypes but risks and are at higher jeopardy for
he thinks women should go about also fails to acknowledge that the “system” penalties than their male colleagues, who
asking for a pay raise. He replied, “It’s Nadella speaks of as the same “system” are almost expected to pursue better
not really about asking for a raise but that pays employee wages at a rate that still advancement opportunities and are
knowing and having faith that the system allows for profit, which means a raise may more often respected when they do so.
will give you the right raise.” Now, not come up until you petition for one. So what’s a hard-working girl to do?
if you hear that and feel like kicking This controversial notion also denies the Research yields that there are in fact
and screaming or shouting to the sky, existence of institutionalized sexism and positive and impactful ways to negotiate
please go ahead. Seriously, we’ll wait. the deep-seated sex biases we too often that can help deter alienation or negative
Okay, now that you have that out of possess, which contribute to women feedback. First and most important, is
your system, let’s talk about Mr. Nadella’s having systematically lower expectations to decide to negotiate beforehand and
statement (which he has since retracted) for pay and not demanding better for know how much you want and why.
and why so many share his original themselves. In Linda Babcock’s book To feel more prepared, practice possible
consensus—that women should wait Women Don’t Ask, she found that about conversation scenarios and conduct
patiently for a raise to be bestowed upon 7 percent of women attempted to research to see how much workers in
negotiate their salaries upon hire, while similar positions at similar companies are
57 percent of men did. Of those who getting paid. It’s important to negotiate
did decide to negotiate, their salary in a way that you are comfortable
with and not attempt to mimic how
increased by approximately 7 percent. you think a man would approach the
That $7,000 increase may not seem situation. Let your supervisors know
like much now, but consider that if that your hard work is going to benefit
both sexes received the same raises and them and why your knowledge and skill
promotions—35 years later, a woman sets deserve proper compensation.
When asking for a raise in a company
will have to work approximately an where you already have standing, timing is
extra 8 years to be as wealthy everything. Did you just have a great
as her male counterpart. success? Has your work performance been
What’s more interesting is praised? If so, give yourself the credit and
that women are excellent know it is okay to ask for what you know
negotiators—when they’re you deserve. By not asking for better,
negotiating on behalf women in this country are losing up to
of someone else. half a million dollars of earnings over the
Women, whether course of their careers doing equal work
negotiating in or out for less pay. It is important to note that
of the workplace, sexism is not only systematically ingrained
have a hard time in our institutions but also in ourselves. So
advocating for the next time you begin to hesitate,
themselves in fear whether it be a raise at the office or the
of seeming greedy price tag on your new automobile, take
or self-serving. the first step and ask for better because
What’s more you are worth it.
disheartening is
that women have
good reason to
be apprehensive.

48  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016

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TA L L A H A S S E E W O MA N • December 2015/January 2016 49

MONEY TALKS

Do You Wonder Where
Your Money Goes?

By Barbara Pople, CPA, CFP®, CDFA™

It’s that time again: the New Year is waiting for us right • If you have to take out a loan, make sure that it is for a
around the corner with all of its promises and challenges. need and you that you can afford the underlying asset
In an effort to put your best foot forward as you enter 2016, rather than just the monthly payment.
you decide to review your finances and promise yourself that
before the end of this year, you will have developed a budget. • Retire without any mortgage debt on your
For many, that’s easier said than done—you may be shocked primary residence.
when you are confronted with your spending habits.
Take heart and don’t let your past offenses impact your future Your budget will be impacted by your reality. A single
financial well-being. While there are some rules of thumb related mother with small children may have to pay for daycare,
to developing a sound budget, the process should start with while a retired individual may need to make provisions to
exploring your life goals. Where are you now in life, and where move into a nursing home. A recently divorced parent may
do you want to go? What are YOUR priorities? Keep in mind have trouble receiving support payments on a regular basis,
that you can spend your money only once, so you must choose while a married couple may experience difficulties with each
wisely what to do with it. Know that getting and keeping your spouse’s spending priorities. Do your due diligence and make
finances in order is one of the best gifts you can give yourself the most cost-effective quality choices that fit your budget.
and is ultimately much more rewarding than that little doo-dad Seek the assistance of qualified professionals as needed.
you just had to buy even though you didn’t have the money. Most important, compare your actual income and expenses to
We, as a society, generally have trouble with the budgeting your budget on a monthly basis to know where your money goes.
concept of foregoing instant gratification. However, aren’t Give yourself the gift of financial control. You are worth it!
you worth your well-thought-out and best decisions?
Once you have arrived at the philosophical parameters
for your budget, you have to figure out how to best
apply your financial resources to your life choices.
Consider these general recommendations:

• Live within your means. Do not spend more than
you earn.

• Pay yourself first. Include an amount you will save in
your budget and transfer that amount to your savings
account before you pay anything else. An individual
with a single source of income should maintain
six months’ worth of expenses in a liquid savings
account for emergencies. Build your emergency
savings first and then fund your investments.

• Distinguish between your needs and your
wants. Budget for your needs first and allocate
only the remaining funds to your wants.

• Pay off your debt and focus on the loans
that carry the highest interest rates.

50  TA L L A H A S S E E W O MAN • December 2015/January 2016