2011 Blush Survey!

It’s a new year and a newer Blush! Tell us what you think and take the Blush Survey—we are listening!  
BLUSH SURVEY CLICK HERE!

America Recycles Day Computer Recycling Event

Just a reminder for our America Recycles Day event coming up this
Saturday November 13th, 2010!

Join us for our America Recycles Day Community Recycling Event!

This is a free event for the Chattanooga community and a great way to participate
in America Recycles Day by recycling unwanted computer eqpt. and media!

--------------

America Recycles Day Computer Recycling Event
 Saturday November 13th 2010 from 10am to 4pm.

The event will be held at the Technology Lifecycle warehouse at 4818 Hixson Pike (across from Burger King on Hixson Pike)
TLC will be collecting computers and their peripherals along with household electronics. Computer and electronic items are
accepted for FREE and CRT monitors/TVs will be accepted FOR A FEE of $10.00 each. No alkaline batteries or household wastes
(chemicals) will be accepted.

Call 423-870-0007 for details or visit www.tlcrecycle.com

Nominations Now Being Sought for Chattanooga’s 2011 Women of Distinction Awards

The 26th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, from 11:15 AM to 1:30 PM, at the Chattanooga Convention Center Ballroom.  The event, which benefits the American Lung Association of Tennessee, is a Chattanooga tradition that honors one Tennessee Woman of Distinction, plus ten of the Chattanooga area’s most accomplished women who have distinguished themselves within their family, career, and community.

Nomination forms are also available from the Chattanooga office at 629-1098, or may be downloaded from on-line at www.alatn.org. Nominations  are due on November 8, 2010. They need to be faxed (423-629-0054), mailed to the ALA Chattanooga office or e-mailed (scudabacalatn@comcast.net).

This annual event benefits the American Lung Association of Tennessee and its mission to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.  Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the United States today.  In Tennessee alone, more than 814,000 children and adults are affected by lung disease such asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer.

Individual and table reservations for the event will be available soon, plus various sponsorship levels are available.

Monies raised from the Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon help fund medical research, advocacy and education here and nationwide and ensure clean air and healthy lungs for all Tennesseans.

Think Pink!

The Chattanoogan Spa is hosting its Second Annual Pink
Ribbon Party!!!!

Proceeds from event to benefit local affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the
Cure, which we love!

Here are the details:

Location: The Chattanoogan Spa, located on the

second floor of The Chattanoogan hotel, is hosting its Second Annual Pink

Ribbon Party.

The event, which is open to the public, will be

held in The Chattanoogan Spa and on The Spa Terrace on Thursday, October 28,

from 6 - 10 p.m.  Tickets are $15, and the admission will be donated to the

local organization.  

The Chattanoogan Spa and Terrace will be beautifully decorated for The Pink

Ribbon Party.  Signature Pink Cocktails will be served, and The

Chattanoogan's outstanding culinary team will be preparing an amazing

assortment of delectable dishes.  Spa employees will be providing

complimentary chair massages, hand reflexology and aroma facial massages.

There will also be raffle drawings, door prizes and pre-booking discounts on

treatments from The Chattanoogan Spa.  A cash bar will be offered.

Several Chattanooga businesses, The Chattanoogan hotel, Humphrey's Flowers,

The White Table, Grafe Studio and The Rush Fitness Complex, all donated

services for the event.  In addition, The Chattanoogan Spa will be giving a

portion of its sales through the end of November to Susan G. Komen for the

Cure.   

For more information or reservations, please contact The Chattanoogan Spa at

(423) 424-3779 or via email at chattspa@benchmarkmanagement.com.

Amazing Chattanooga Caterers!

Check out these four incredible caterers who were featured in this month's Blush magazine!

Catering By Alan
146 Hunt Drive
Rossville, GA 30741
423-894-0098
cateringbyalan.com

Who they are: Alan Cohen, owner of Catering By Alan, has been in the food service industry for over 30 years, bringing his food knowledge to catering events in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas. With a grasp of constantly evolving food trends, as well as a mastery of all things barbecue, Catering By Alan can wine and dine with a variety of casual to formal cuisine delights.

Menu highlights: Hickory smoked barbecue with pork, beef or chicken, prime rib or roast beef with aú jus, chicken or beef kebobs, chicken cordon bleu, chicken parmigana, au gratin potatoes, antipasta salads, mixed green salads and chocolate fondue.

Additional services: Catering by Alan has an extensive selection of rental items, including candelabras, linens and wedding supplies.

Events With Taste
2601 Broad St.
Chattanooga, TN 37408
423-508-8023
ewtcaters.com

Who they are: A full-service catering company for social, corporate and special events, Events With Taste has been heavy hitter in Chattanooga for over 10 years. With an ability to handle large-scale events—up to thousands of diners at a time—and a passion for food-artistry and flavor, this company is known for its attention to detail and inspired, customizable menus. Award-winning Chef Michelle Huffman-Wells is inventive with her cooking and seeks out local, organic and sustainable ingredients whenever possible.

Menu highlights: Lemon chive cheesecake topped with salmon tartare, pistachio crusted lab chops with tzatki, artichoke fondue, portabella mushroom “steak fries,” Mexican sushi, Texas brisket, sesame seared tuna, baby buffalo burgers, fried green tomato BLT’s, and grilled figs with goat cheese and honey.

Additional services: Through their staff and partners, Events With Taste can help clients with event planning and production, décor, floral design, staffing, lighting and sound, and even entertainment such as a DJ, band, comedians or interactive activities.


AlShabibi Catering
46 Inman St. East
Cleveland, TN 37311
423-421-4218
alshabibi.com
Who they are: AlShabibi Catering’s motto is "Whether your special event is a wedding or a corporate dinner, in a ballroom or under at tent...it's a story you only have three or four hours to tell!"—and they are right, especially for your wedding. From casual to black-tie and intimate to over-the-top AlShabibi’s custom-designed menus focus on creative presentations and making the most out of your event.

Menu highlights: Double-créme brie with raspberry preserve on toasted brioche, asparagus pears wrapped in puff pastry served with dill crème fraiche, tandoori chicken endive spoons, sweet potato biscuit with honey pit ham and peach chutney, shaved flank steak with blue cheese crumbles and watercress on crostini, coconut crusted shrimp with mango salsa, pan sautéed Asian vegetables and rice noodles with ginger chicken.

Additional services: AlShabibi not only offers catering, but also offers floral and design for fashioning elegant tablescapes.

Double Portion Catering
175 Woodie Drive,
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-891-1617
doubleportioncatering.com
Who they are: Owner, Terri Young Myers, who opened the catering business after an impressionable experience of serving a large Women’s Ministry event at Woodland Park Baptist Church, refers to Double Portion Catering as a “God Thing.” Through the company’s responsible, reasonable and personable approach to catering, and with God as their focus and calling, they bring joy and delectable eats to their clients.
Menu highlights: Champagne chicken, Canadian steak style roast beef, slow roasted beef brisket, Caribbean pork loin, blackberry and fig turkey breast, gorgonzola pear penne, sour cream and chive red skins, honey rosemary carrots, cranberry bacon dark green salad with raspberry vinaigrette, Cafe du Monde chocolate mocha cake, Louisiana blueberry crumble, Malibu coconut layer cake and white almond cake.

Additional services: Double Portion Catering also offers food delivery service, floral décor and centerpieces, photography, custom place-card design, paper accessories and party favor design through Myers & Hardesty, photos papers and prints.

Events In August

Hey guys!
Check out the events going on the remainder of August!


The Colonade
Aug. 20, 21, 27 & 28, 7:30 p.m. Treasure Island. The Community Players present this classic adventure about pirates seeking live on stage at The Colonnade in Ringgold, GA. Ticket prices are $11 for general admission, $9 for seniors (age 55 and older) and students, and $8 for groups of 15 or more. For more information, call 706-935-9000, ext. 108 or visit colonnadecenter.org.

Shuptrine Fine Art
Aug. 26-Sept. 30. Kathleen Mack. An exhibit of new oil paintings by Maine artist Kathleen Mack. Her work is primarily focused on the human figure and in relationship to other figures and surroundings. For more information, call 423-266-4453 or visit shuptrines.com.

100 Chestnut St.
Aug. 28, 2 p.m.-midnight. The 16th Annual Southern Brewers Festival. You’ll find over 30 of the southeast’s finest microbreweries featuring over 75 premium ales and lagers at this festival hosted by Big River Grille & Brewing Works. Featured entertainment includes Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and Ponderosa. All proceeds benefit Chattanooga's Kids on the Block. For more information

Women Who Kick Booty!

There is something about women who kick serious butt in movies that makes me really proud. I can hardly kick my leg higher than my shins, my punches look more like upper-cuts and if I was actually given a weapon to use, I would probably just run and cry. No, I am not even an adrenaline junkie enough to try skydiving, or ride on the back of a motorcycle. I won't even go rock climbing! But somehow, I still feel a major connection spark when I see women in movies beating up the villains and doing crazy action stunts. I think to myself "I could totally do that." And let's be honest—I can't.
But I leave the theater filled with so much excitement for all the things I actually can do. I feel like these amazing (made-up) action, adventurous women lend me a bit of their gusto. If she can do backflips off a building while it's exploding, then there's no way I can't finally finish organizing my basement this weekend. Or how about this one: If that girl can speak seven different languages and work as an under-cover spy, then why couldn't I figure out how to use that ice cream machine and rock it?!
So when a movie like SALT with Angelina Jolie comes out, I am ready for action. The more imaginative, the better. The higher the kicks, the more deadly the scenarios and the more far-fetched the action scenes, the better I am for it. I hope you girls are as excited as I am. If Angelina can look amazing as a blonde and brunette in the same film, then maybe I could look sexy in that bob haircut I want after all.

Over the Hump

Can I first say how fast April flew by? Wow! I can’t believe it’s already May—almost summer—and we’re halfway done with our 60-day challenge! Even though I still have a long way to go, I am feeling great with the progress I’ve made and the changes I see(no matter how small they might be).

My clothes are fitting better each week and I’m more motivated to go for a run or hit the gym everyday. I’ve also noticed my new, healthier diet is having me feeling lighter and more energetic. Instead of feeling sluggish and ridiculously full after a huge pasta dinner, I feel refreshed and content after a nice piece of fish and salad.
This isn’t to say that the whole process is getting easier—because I can assure you it is not. But the power of results and a positive attitude are infectious and overwhelming. I know I need to work for every little bit of change I want, and that is perfectly OK with me. I’m ready for the challenge and can’t wait to see what the next half of our challenge will bring!
To the gym!
Dana

As Time Goes By

As more days pass and the starting point of 60 days gets further and further away, the ending day seems to be approaching even faster. At first I was pleasantly surprised with the results showing on my scale. After a few initial lost numbers, though, it seems I’ve hit a plateau. That can’t be right, can it? I thought that only happened when you’re tying to lose the last five pounds, not after the first five.
I think it’s fair enough to say right now that I’m a little frustrated. I’ve been doing a decent job with exercising on a regular, if not daily, basis and I’ve been trying to eat much healthier. But there is still not as much of a change as I’ve been hoping for. Even so, it is still weight lost and not gained – which is always an accomplishment in my book.
I am not discouraged. Not yet, at least. I will continue with my exercise and healthy diet, but I might have to up my intensity a little sooner than I was predicting. With six weeks to go, I really have to buckle down and I know pretty soon I will be glad I did.

Dana

Blush and the City Party!

Get excited—I mean REALLY excited! Blush is throwing a Blush and the City Party to celebrate loving life, your girlfriends, good food, shopping, makeup and of course, Blush!

Bring your friends out to this swank party you won't want to miss!

Sorry I've Been Out!

I am sorry to all of you for not writing over the past few days, but I came down with pneumonia. Pneumonia!!! I know, I can hardly believe it myself. It's awful. I am back at work now, though I am not really feeling quite up to par yet, but I promise I will be back with attitude and sass in no time :)

With Love,

Tova

Not so hump day

Since I have started on this health plan, I have noticed some changes:

1. In just one week, it's already gotten easier. During the first few days, I felt as if I went into withdrawal from sugar, which left me feeling tired, cranky and annoyed that I couldn't eat my nightly bar of chocolate or steal some chips from the pantry. But I pushed through, and it seems the overwhelming desire for bad foods has subsided a bit—finally. It's awesome. 

2. I am more in-tune with my body. This brings up both good feelings and a bad feelings. On one hand, I notice every ache and pain, and every muscle that tightens. Laughing is a challenge after a day of crunches. Stairs are like an obstacle course after a night of lunges. But on the other hand, while I was in my hot yoga class this morning, I could feel my lungs expand to their fullest capacity, and I had a moment of total body consciousness that magnified the  strength I posses. It was a fantastic feeling.

3. Energy is flowing. I feel more awake, more creative and more, well, just more. I have energy to take on activities I would roll my eyes about a mere seven days ago, and I can now wake up at 5 a.m. without excessive whining. In just a week of eating healthy, it's a very noticeable change.

4. I am smiling more. I am quite a happy person anyways, but I had noticed a drop in my joy and excitement for my day-to-day activities over the past month (I blame the wedding stress).  Health and fitness has given me the extra oomph and boost I needed. I feel more positive, which in turn is making others act more positively to me. What a spectacular power that gives me to take on all of life's challenges!

5. My body is beginning to change. No, I have not stepped on the scale yet. I'll do that this Sunday and see if there has been any movement on my number—but even if there isn't, I hope I'll be happy. Why? Because my body is already tighter and leaner looking. Not by a ton—there are no overnight miracles to report about, but my clothes are fitting a little better. Hey, every little bit counts and I am excited to see any change at all!

I hope that all of you who are beginning a health journey or taking your health commitment to the next level are feeling these changes as well. When you notice them, take a "yay me" break and relish each mini-achievement! What have you noticed today? 

The beginning of my journey

The beginning of my journey:

As Tova stated in yesterday’s blog, I have decided it’s time to get serious about my weight-loss goals. So, last night, I reluctantly got out one of my favorite bathing suits (a blue bikini I had bought six years ago) and tried it on. Needless to say, the results were less than great.

I’m not a fan of taking pictures of myself in any kind of revealing way and it was extremely difficult to press the 10- sec. self timer on my camera and stand vulnerably in front of the lens to snap a few shots. I didn’t even suck in my gut like I normally would, or stand in any kind of flattering position. It was just me—all of me. I knew my weight had gotten out of hand, but viewing the pictures enforced that like a hard slap in the face.

I could come up with all the excuses I wanted: It’s the end of the day so my body is heavier; I just ate a lot of soup, so my stomach is bloated; the lighting in this room is really awful; etc. But the truth is simple—I’m not where I want to be. I’m not as active as I once was and I’ve loosened my strict eating habits to include all of those yummy carbs and fats I often crave. And even though I really did not want to take these pictures of myself, I knew it was a vital step in accepting where I am now and what actions need to be taken for me to slim down and get comfortable in my own skin as well as that little blue bikini.

So here we are: Day 1 and I couldn’t be more excited. With perfect weather and warmer temperatures coming, I am motivated and ready to take actions into my own hands. Let the 60 days begin!

Dana

60 days to a better body

As many of you know, my wedding is right around the corner. In fact, tomorrow marks the 60-day countdown. That's a mere two months until "I do." For the past few months, I have been tweaking my diet and adding exercise into my weekly routine to get me where I want (or need) to be, and I am just beginning to notice a change. 

Like any of you out there who have a major deadline approaching such as a family or high-school reunion or just the fact that bikini season lurking around the corner, you know that teeny tiny changes won't cut it. This is precisely why tomorrow, with 60 days left until my wedding, I will embark on a fitness and health journey to banish this extra flab on my body, and reveal the bikini-struttin', shorts-wearing, sleeveless-top-donning slender Tova that I want to be. 

I work better as a team, so I have enlisted Blush Editorial Assistant, Dana to do the program with me. Since she, too, dreams of parading on the beach this summer in an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, yellow polka-dot number, she is willing to go through a torturous two months free o ice cream with me. 

The best part about this Blush challenge, is that we are going to share it with you—Blush readers—every step of the way. I keep hearing from fitness enthusiasts that accountability is key. So, I am now accountable to Dana, and every single one of you. If you need the accountability too, then buddy up and log on to the blog—and you can choose to do the program with us, or laugh at our fun-loving attempts to try anything.

So...to task No. 1

I told Dana today that we MUST take "before" pictures. She wasn't too happy about this, but I feel it's necessary for everyone to look at themselves and love their bodies the way it is today, before any of us can expect more out of it. So, that's right, tomorrow we are both grabbing a camera and snapping a few shots. 

Now, I must say, I am a wee bit terrified to put on a swimsuit of any kind right now, but that's the point. I need to know and come to terms with where I am right now. So that means weighing in and snapping the evidence. It's quick and relatively painless—and anyone can do this step. But this doesn't mean I am showing you guys...yet. 

I received food guidelines via Dolvett Quince, celebrity fitness trainer at Body Sculptor Inc.—a highly respected gym facility in Atlanta, Ga (www.bodysculptorinc.com). I am sharing these tid bits with you, if you choose to get on the plan as well.

Now on to the program guidelines:

Include a protein source at each meal. 

Include a healthy fat source at each meal. Healthy fats include extra virgin olive oil, ev coconut oil, raw butter, avocados, and nuts (but not peanuts and cashews). Fats from whole organic eggs and meats are OK. Trans fats, on the other hand, are not healthy fats. 

Include a fibrous carbohydrate at each meal. Good fibrous cabs include vegetables and fresh fruit. 

Only include a serving of Complex Carbohydrates after a workout. Complex (good) carbs include brown rice, natural grains, oatmeal, millet, quinoa, beans and sweet potatoes. 

Eat every 2-3 hours. This means you will be eating 5-7 small meals each day. Here's a sample schedule for eating: 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Drink 1/2 of your body weight in clean water each day. This means, if you are 200 lbs, you should be drinking 100 ounces of H20 daily. And, add an additional 8 ounces of water for every cup of coffee you have.

Avoid all processed non-foods. This even includes "health bars" 

No more processed sugar and artificial sweeteners. Now, I know you ladies might like your pink, blue and yellow packets, but these chemicals can lead to some serious weight gain by making your body crave sugar. If you would like something to add sweetness, try Stevia—a plant-based alternative. They have this at Greenlife Grocery, and other health food stores, and now can even be found at typical grocery stores as well. Check out www.sweetleaf.com for more information.

Eliminate all wheat from your meal plan. I know this sounds extreme, but this is what Dana and I will do. I actually can't have wheat due to an intolerance to it, but most people are highly intolerant to products containing wheat and are unaware. Even if you don't have any problems with wheat, it can still cause that lower-ab area to pooch with gastrointestinal distress.

Add a high-quality Omega 3 supplement in your meal plan.

Take one "reward" meal per week. This is so you can have that cake you've been eyeing all week in the fridge, or enjoy a birthday party or special occasion. One splurge meal won't get you off track, don't worry. 

OK, that's it! Tomorrow we begin, stay tuned! E-mail me with updates and questions: editor1@blushmag.net.

We can do this together!  

With hope,

Tova 

I Confess! I Need Concealer!

Some days I wish that I was one of those gals who didn't need to cover up blemishes, dark circles or even out skin tone. I have some friends who wake up looking like those fresh-faced models and actresses in the Neutrogena commercials. And I know you've seen the Proactiv ads—I, for one, have never looked that good with just face wash. 

Last night, I enjoyed an evening out on the town—going from one party to the next—and because I am a complete psycho right now when it comes to fitness (I simply must fit into my 

wedding dress in a mere 65 days), I decided to go to the gym after work. Thirty minutes of cardio later, I was sweaty and my makeup had run all over my face and down my Lululemon Athletica workout top (http://www.lululemon.com/). After a quick rinse, my skin was completely bare and exposed—with all it's yellowish tints, purple bags and red splotches. Party ready? I think not.  I instantly began scrambling for any cosmetic I could find stashed at the bottom of my purse. 

...Hmm, an old mint I've had since 2009, that won't work...an old lip gloss pot, I can use that...oh look, there's mascara, thank goodness...and then I struck gold. Benefit Cosmetics Confessions of a Concealaholic (http://www.benefitcosmetics.com)—I had forgotten I had thrown it in my Mary Poppins bag just a few days earlier. 

A miracle set, this kit consists of a little tube of "That Gal" face primer, Erase Paste (which is simply the best concealing product I have ever found, Boi-ing concealer in two shades, and Lemon Air and Eye Bright color correctors.

After a few dabs here and there, I looked put-together enough to jet to my first party of the evening, where I ran into Celebrity Makeup Artist Alyson Hoag (http://www.myimagejourney.com/cms/)—which reminded me just how naked and uncomfortable I would've felt if I didn't have a miracle in my purse. $36 well spent!

66 days and counting

I am now 66 days away from my wedding, and I am not calm. I am not reserved; I am not serene; I am not even logical. What is it about weddings that make the most sensible ladies get frustrated over the smallest things? I consider myself to be a rational and practical young woman, but when I am dealing with the price of place cards, multiplied by the number of people on my ever-expanding guest list, I seem to crumble. Deadlines for work—no problem. Deadlines for invitations—tears. 

I was never like this before my wedding. Selecting organza over silk seemed like something silly and frou frou at best. It would never bring a strong and independent woman such as myself into a downward spiral (crashing on spools of lace below). 

I now look at all the other brides-to-be. There are some who seem so happy to take on the daily task of guest seating charts or calligraphy. I stare at their sublime grins when they try on different hair pieces at the bridal shop. Are they for real? Or are they secretly breaking down and comforting themselves with chocolate bars once they return to their cars and read the bill? Or maybe they are crying at the shoe store because their pumps already have a scuff on them. 

I suppose there are, in fact, some women out there who were made for this. And I'll admit, I was not. But I believe in my heart of hearts there are more brides out there who feel just like I do. They just won't come clean. I feel no shame in saying that this wedding stresses me out. I never dreamed I would spend an entire month on the hunt for the perfect veil (which I found last night!). I can't decide on linens for the tabletops because they all seem too expensive, and I become possessed when provoked to talk about it. I avoid looking at my bank account balance like I avoid going to the doctor. This is what happened when you are 66 days in counting.

But who said getting married was easy? 

Every day I remind myself that this wedding is for my family and friends, but this marriage will be for me and forever. And somehow, it gets me through. I remember—if only for a moment—that lace and organza and scuffed pumps are trivial to a marriage. That's not what commitment is all about. These things are only important to my wedding, which will be a blip on the timeline of my life—one special (and hopefully amazing) day that will open the doors to several unforgettable events to come.

So with 66 days left, what's on my mind? 

Veils, rehearsal dinners, flowers—but most of all May 31st: the day after the wedding, and my first day as Mrs. Tova Rosenberg.

The Renaissance of Haiti: It’s Time

The Children's Nutrition Program of Haiti, Inc. is putting on an event, The Renaissance of Haiti: It’s Time—that you won't want to miss!

Date:

Thursday, April 22, 2010

 

Time:

6:00 until 8:30 p.m.

 

Place:

Bessie Smith Cultural Center, Chattanooga African American Museum

 

Program:

Benefit for the Children's Nutrition Program of Haiti will include:

Keynote speaker Kathryn Bolles, Emergency Health and Nutrition Director with Save the Children and former Executive Director of the CNP, currently the technical lead for Save the Children’s earthquake response and recovery effors in Haiti, partnering with the CNP in Leogane;

Ashley Aakesson, CNP Executive Director, to share her experience during and after the earthquake in Port-au-Prince and Leogane, and in the critical first weeks of the response;

Honoring of Cathy Dorvil, litigation and health law attorney and former CNP Executive Director, who returned to Leogane immediately after the quake as part of the first team of volunteer medical responders working at what is now the Interim Hopital Sainte Croix field hospital;

View photography by Times Free Press photographer, Allison Kwesell;

Enjoy Haitian culture, food and music.

 

Short summary:
Annual benefit for the Chattanooga-based Children’s Nutrition Program of Haiti.  Share in the renaissance of Haiti: hear experiences of the earthquake response and recovery efforts, view pictures by Times photographer, Allison Kwesell, hear from keynote speaker, Kathryn Bolles of Save the Children, and enjoy Haitian culture, food and music. Limited seating. Reservation required.

 

Reservations:

Reservations are required by April 15, 2010.

 

Call for reservations:

423-495-1122

Pet Photo Contest

Enter your pet's best shot in the McKamey Center's Pet Photo Contest now through April 28th!  Just $5 to enter and $1 to vote.  Bring in your picture to the Center or mail to Amy Nelson at 4500 N. Access Road, Chattanooga, TN 37415.  Be sure to print your name, animal's name, address and phone number on the back of your pictures.  The more of your friends and family vote, the more likely you will win one of our great prizes!  All proceeds go to the care of the animals at the McKamey Center.

www.mckameyanimalcenter.org 

Volunteer Opportunities

Caris’ care is designed to

affirm quality of life

and to enhance comfort of people served.

You could change a life, maybe your own.

Volunteers needed in Chattanooga

for Caris HealthCare hospice patients. 

Caris means Grace…when and where you need it most. 

 Please call to reserve a spot: (423) 899-4044.

Training Day: May 25, 2010 at 10:00 am.

Free Bone Density Screenings

Date: Tuesday, March 23^rd

Time: 9am-12pm

Location: JA Henry YMCA

(At Eastgate Mall)

 

Benefits of the Screening

·       Free screening test to determine your risk for fracture and osteoporosis

·       No clothing removed, no gels or medications

·       Painless

·       Results in one minute

·       Precise and accurate

 

Early detection is key to preventing future problems!

 

Brought to you by Rehab South Physical Therapy; clinic locations on Brainerd Road and Hixson Pike. Partners with the National Osteoporosis Foundation, we specialize in Osteoporosis and Fibromyalgia Programs of excellence.

 

Questions - Contact Lauren Murphy, Marketing Director for Rehab South Physical Therapy Clinics at 423-877-4599.

YPAC Brunch

Looking to network?

Young Professionals Association of Chattanooga is having a brunch on March 6, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bluewater Grill (224 Broad Street).

Come hang out with other young professionals at this informal get together and enjoy some good food and good times.

Valentine’s Day at The Chattanoogan

The Chattanoogan wants you to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a relaxing, fun and  romantic evening. The upscale hotel is offering an overnight package and intimate gourmet dinner for this holiday of love. The Valentine’s Day package includes deluxe overnight accommodations including a romantic dinner for two at the hotel’s Broad Street Grille, breakfast for two, valet parking and unlimited use of the hotel’s health and recreation facilities.

For additional relaxation and indulgence, couples can enjoy the hotel’s spa. Try a facial, massage, or nail services.  Or how about the couple’s retreat?  Other services include a steam room, indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, fitness center and an outdoor patio overlooking the hotel’s courtyard.

This offer is available on Friday, Feb. 12 and Saturday, Feb. 13.  Rates start at $239 per couple. The Valentine’s Day dinner is also available to guests who are not staying at the hotel at $75 per couple.  Reservations are required.  To make reservations, call 423-424-3700.

For more information or reservations, call 423-756-3400 or visit chattanooganhotel.com

Public Art Chattanooga

Public Art Chattanooga (PAC) has announced a new program called “On the Fence.” This new program is funded by the Lyndhurst Foundation and is a public art competition aimed at enhancing the creative, urban side of Main Street.

The competition invites local artists, architects, designers, schools, teams and/or individuals to submit ideas for temporary art installations.  These installations will then be set up along the Main Street corridor.

For more information, visit onthefencedesign.com or call PAC at 423-643-6096

It's Cookie Time Again!!

Girls Scout Cookie sales start across the Region this Friday and continue through March 21st.

Kicking A Bad Habit

You know they say it takes 21 days to form a habit. At least that's what I've heard. And I have spent the last 21 days eating hearty comfort food, splurging on chocolates and throwing diet caution (and sensibility) to the wind. 

Last night, in fact, I ate an entire package of those delicious Dark Chocolate Emerald Nuts. They remind me of chocolate Teddy Grahams that I used to eat when I was a kid. But even better—they are crunchy. One handful turns into two, and before I know it, I am watching a new episode of "Chopped" on the Food Network (a newfound obsession) and literally holding the container over my head, pouring the remaining crunchy pieces and chocolate dust into my mouth. How did that even happen? Two hours and I managed to down 1,500 calories like a professional heavyweight eating champion without flinching.

This morning, I woke up and whatdoyaknow— those almonds seemed to miraculously appear around my midsection. Or at least it feels that way. I heard on the radio that the average American stops doing their New Year's resolutions right about next week. On one hand, that was truly saddening, but on the other hand, I'm a little excited to see all the newbies clear out of my crowded gym. Mostly, I thought about the fact that I haven't really though very long and hard about any of my resolutions. What are they really? Sure, I want to be a better person...but how? I didn't really set any cut and dry goals. How many pounds do I want to lose? How much of my book do I want to write this year? How much money should be saving? I've been avoiding setting these standards like I do looking at my credit card statements—I really just want to push it off until the last minute, because, well, it's just exhausting. 

But this, like any behavior, is habit-forming. Which makes me realize that all those times we avoid or put off creating new and healthy habits because it's just so much effort to start, we are inevitably generating horrible habits of unmotivated behavior and procrastination.

I've had a few fabulously lax months where I have indulged, enjoyed and celebrated anything that crossed my path, and it's time enjoy the process of working hard again. I forgive myself for getting off track—in fact, I've had a lighthearted laugh about it. And so should you!

And today, I've decided to be clear, be definitive and actually take some accountability for my desire to be resolute. Changes will happen one day at a time. It will get easier. 

So...20 days more of this? That doesn't seem so bad. Check back and I'll let you know what sticks.

—Tova Gelfond

Fill in below if you need a little guidance. 

2010 Resolutions/Goals

Emotional Goals

Spiritual Goals

Physical Goals

Mental Goals

Career Goals

Financial Goals