Akron Today Magazine

Akron Lifestyle and Entertainment

Interviews

Hilarious “Will There Be Free Appetizers?” Interview with Don Ake

What is different about being a humor writer in Northeast Ohio?

I am a middle-age guy in the Midwest writing about common subjects from my odd perspective.  My essays reflect Midwest values to which people living here can easily relate to.  There is one titled “The Chicago Cubs Suck” about how I felt right after the Indians lost the World Series. All Cleveland sports fans can relate to that one. There is another about having to walk my dog in sub-zero temperatures. While the book is not about Northeast Ohio, most of the stories happen here and there are numerous local references.

Some of your topics appear fairly mundane, how do they become funny?

I have the ability to find the humor in simple, everyday things. Many people compared my first book to the television show Seinfeld.  The first essay in the book is about rice cakes.  It’s like almost 900 words on just rice cakes. But people love that one, because it’s funny and if you have ever failed at a diet, you know how it feels.

How is this book different from your first one, “Just Make Me A Sammich”?

It is smoother and more consistent. My writing style has evolved over time so what you get is a more cohesive read from beginning to end.  I worked closely with my editor to smooth out the rough edges and make this one more digestible to a wider audience.

Why the change?

As my writing has changed, so has my audience.  My blog probably has more female readers than male readers now.  Also, my readers are very diverse.  I can’t believe how many enjoy my writing.  And I have a world wide audience.

How do you write humor that is not always politically correct to a diverse audience in 2018?

I’m not really sure how I do it. It goes back to those Midwest values. I don’t make fun of people for who they are, only what they do. I am writing from the perspective of a middle-age guy, so not everyone is going to get my humor. And that’s okay, lots of people do, and it’s great that a wide range of people find my stuff hilarious.

Where did the title come from?

From a story about a meeting that advertised free appetizers but didn’t have any and how upset I got because of this. Everyone loves free food, so they can relate.  The quest for my desire of free appetizers is a running theme throughout the book.

You have written two, funny, off-beat books. Not an easy process. What motivates you?

I write to make people laugh and brighten their day. Often people will tell me that they had a tough day at work and they come home and read my stuff and feel so much better.  The best compliment I get is from people who tell me they very rarely laugh out loud, but they did when they read my book.

Being funny comes naturally to me. That’s why I can find humor in almost any appropriate subject.  Writing well enough to do a book and the editing process, that’s what is difficult.

How do get readers to literally laugh out loud at your writing?

I don’t tell jokes. I am like an artist who makes you paint funny pictures in your head. While you are painting you can’t see the final product. When you do, you can’t help but laugh.  Because you have painted the picture, you find it funnier. So instead of my humor going from the outside in, lots of times it comes from the inside out.

How do you want someone to feel when they finish your book?

I want them to have a smile on their face and remember all the times they cracked up reading it.

Which essay is your favorite in Will There Be Free Appetizers?

It was easy for me to answer this question for book one, but I can’t choose a favorite in book two. There were numerous times I had to stop while editing because I was laughing out loud at my own writing. There is an essay that tells what my life would be like if every email in my spam folder was legitimate. Like if you really were going to inherit a million dollars from a lost uncle, and a young, beautiful Russian heiress really wanted to marry you.  That one probably cracks me up the most.

There is also the story of meeting my old flame after 40 years at the high school reunion.  This was the most personal and deep writing I have ever done. But it is still funny and very familiar to a lot of people.

Who will enjoy this book the most?

Middle-aged guys will laugh the most.  A lot of guys haven’t read a book in years, but my book is very easy to read because it’s all short essays that you can read one at a time.  It is a great “bathroom” or beach book. As I mentioned before, women enjoy my writing because I’m open and honest about guy stuff.  There is a chapter in the book titled “Guys Do Stupid Stuff” which is very popular with women.  But the book will be entertaining to most people older than 30.

Why should someone read this book?

This world is so stressful and we just don’t laugh enough. You need to find laughter, or some amusement in something every day.  It’s important for your mental physical health. That’s why I do what I do, and the book provides this to a bigger audience. You will relate, you will be amused and you will laugh.

Your day job is working as an economist-analyst in the trucking industry. How does that have anything to do with humor writing?

It is an odd combination, but I can work with numbers as well as words. Seeing the humor in everything just comes naturally to me. There is even a chapter in the first books with funny essays on economics.

Where can I buy your book?

You can get a personalized signed copy for a total price $13.50 (shipping included) at donake.net. It is also available on Amazon and other Internet retailers. There is also a Kindle version.

Find out more about Don Ake at https://www.facebook.com/donakeauthor/ or Twitter @theakeman
 

 

 

Heritage Ohio With Joyce Barrett

We interviewed Joyce Barrett, executive director at Heritage Ohio to find out more about how the organization she leads is helping preserve Ohio heritage and maintain a sense of place in downtown areas around Ohio

Why did you get involved in Heritage Ohio and what is your main goal?

I started working for Heritage Ohio in 2004 because I have a passion for how historic buildings make a stronger community, both visually appealing but also the connection to people of the past. If you do not value the environment –the town- you inherited, will the people in the future care for the mark you leave?

Why are you passionate about saving historical building instead of developing new, modern buildings to revitalize a town?

I actually really like good modern architecture too, I think all historic preservationists agree, architecture and buildings are meant to have an impact on people. This is why in the middle ages people built cathedrals, they are inspirational architecture,  churches transport you to be nearer to God.  Historic Theaters the same, the fanciful or grand interiors transport your imagination to new possibilities.  Schools have left that behind, unfortunately, they should be a physical presence, which inspires. I heard Garrison Keillor speak about the old train terminal in St. Paul, because of the grandeur, “You knew you were going someplace.”

Most contemporary buildings have become so utilitarian, they no longer add to a person’s experience. However, modern buildings can and do serve that purpose.  In revitalization connecting the past to the present is important that each generation has a presence. Communities do not have the financial resources to tear everything down and start over. Would you want that if you could? Ick.  The environmental concerns come into play also. It is disingenuous when schools teach kids to recycle paper and pop cans, but do not repurpose school buildings. What a waste,

How do you know when an older property is worth revitalizing?

You do not always know, but the trained eye has a good idea.  Many people equate old with bad or obsolete. Many find treasure in antiques and design.  In our profession, there is a difference between historic and old.  A historic building has been documented and we know its story.

Many old buildings are waiting to tell their story; we just do not know much about them….yet.  Some older buildings were built cheaply, but most were not, they have the advantage of having been built with old growth wood, and materials and artisanship that today we might consider cost prohibitive.  Older school buildings had terrazzo and wood floors, which would last for centuries. Now they use carpet (ugh) and tile that has higher maintenance and replacement costs.

We have seen tons of older buildings where the roof has been missing for decades…yet still has good bones & integrity. Communities need people who know HOW TO DO preservation to evaluate the possible rehabilitation. Many uninformed officials have passed judgement on buildings that “must be demolished” and are frequently been proven wrong.

How do older buildings contribute to a better community?

As I mentioned before people interact with the architecture in their environment. Architecture should enhance the human experience, not dull our senses, nor be invisible. “Sense of Place” is a very popular catch phrase….but it is ultimately about living in a place that provides a better life for everyone…green spaces, trees, public art, walkable/bikeable streets, sidewalk cafes, local businesses, events and activities where you congregate to meet your neighbors. The decades of architectural styles – big windows, interesting details help make our lives worth living.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next 5-10 years?

At Heritage Ohio, I hope more communities get involved in the Ohio Main Street Program. This gives everyone in their town the opportunity to become engaged in big ways, opening a business, or small ways, like participating in clean-up days.

We want to see more financial tools available to help people help themselves, through policies like historic tax credits.

Heritage Ohio is also developing a revolving loan fund, to make money accessible to building owners. Commercial banking continues to have more constraints; we think a Saving Ohio Revolving Loan Fund could enhance traditional commercial lending to see more projects happen.

I want Ohio’s cities to have the “cool” factor associated with them, such that people, young and old want to move to Ohio, because they know Ohio communities are focused on a high quality of life for all residents

How can people get involved more in their community?

If you have an Ohio Main Street Program, or a Downtown Affiliate program in your community, send an email, give a call. I think people can band together informally, just ask one or two people to do a project with you. People do not often think of volunteering for their “city” but Chambers and Visitors Bureaus.

How can people find out more about Heritage Ohio and you?

Become a member of Heritage Ohio, follow us on Facebook. Attend one of our trainings or events, which take place around the state. We also do monthly webinars to bring more information to Ohioans.  We have a YouTube channel where people can watch past webinars. Call us, we’re happy to talk to people out there interested in historic preservation and community revitalization.

Heritage Ohio’s mission is: helping people to save the places that matter | build community | live better.

 

Is Kent, Ohio The Best Strong Town In The World?

Akron Today Magazine covers all the communities surrounding Akron as well.  This means when a smaller town makes national news, we want to talk about it just as much.  Kent, Ohio is now in the final 16 of a competition for best strong towns.  We did a quick email Q&A with Rachel Quednau, Communications Director of Strong Towns to find out more about the contest.  If you live in the Akron area (especially you guys in Kent) go vote for Kent to help it win the strongest town in the country.

1. How did Kent Ohio get selected for top 16 strong towns?

We received applications from representatives from towns in 22 states and two countries for this year’s contest. Strong Towns staff reviewed each application and selected the 16 that best aligned with our definition of a strong town.

2. How did your Strong Towns competition get started?

Strong Towns is a national nonprofit that supports a model of development which allows America’s cities, towns and neighborhoods to become financially strong and resilient. We started this contest in 2016 as a way to capture the stories of towns that are working toward this goal and highlight them on our website.

3. What are some of the top things you look for in your Strong Towns criteria?

As advocates for a strong America, we know the following to be true:

  • Strong cities, towns and neighborhoods cannot happen without strong citizens (people who care).
  • Local government is a platform for strong citizens to collaboratively build a prosperous place.
  • Financial solvency is a prerequisite for long term prosperity.
  • Land is the base resource from which community prosperity is built and sustained. It must not be squandered.
  • A transportation system is a means of creating prosperity in a community, not an end unto itself.
  • Job creation and economic growth are the results of a healthy local economy, not substitutes for one.

We are looking for towns that uphold these principles.

4.  What is the goal of running this contest?

See Question #2. I’d also add that the contest is a way for us to share with our readers the many ways in which towns across the continent are working to grow more financially strong. We can learn from these examples and from the creative ways that communities are tackling their challenges.

5. Do you see any noteworthy trends with smaller towns and how they are improving?

One thing I’m noticing many smaller towns focus on is their downtowns. Communities are waking up to the reality that you cannot have a financially successful and attractive community without a healthy main street where businesses succeed and people want to spend time. Fortunately, most towns already have a historic core — albeit one that’s been neglected for decades in favor of edge developments like housing subdivisions and big box stores. But by making small investments in and focusing community energy on downtown, we’re seeing many communities experience the beginnings of a renaissance.

6. How can readers find out more about your competition and when will the final results be released?

You can find all the information about the contest here: https://www.strongtowns.org/strongesttown. The remaining rounds of the contest will take place throughout the month of March and we’ll announce the winner at the end of the month.

How to Stand Out Online with Phil Gerbyshak

I have known Phil Gerbyshak for a long time.  We met via social media and an introduction years ago when we were both ramping up our careers as authors and speakers.  You no longer need to live in NYC to be a big celebrity – and Phil gives us some advice in this interview on how Akron area residents can make a splash and be well know nationally and internationally.  Here is our Q&A

1) Phil, you are a very busy national speaker and author and you have seen a lot of changes over the years with how people present themselves online. What are the biggest changes you have seen?

One of the biggest changes I’ve seen is people are starting to use the social networks they prefer first to search – instead of just a search engine like Google. They go to Facebook, or LinkedIn, or Twitter or Instagram, and they look for you there. And then, if you don’t show up, you aren’t real – to them.

The other big change is real social proof mattering more than ever – which LinkedIn has been a pioneer in, and Podium Buzz is starting to get there, for speakers at least. LinkedIn offers this through their skills rating, with people who you worked with and who are skilled in that skill being highlighted for endorsing that skill, and recommendations, which must come from another LinkedIn user. Podium Buzz offers this for speakers in that they are completely unfiltered, and you don’t even need an account there to get rated, and if you don’t, you likely won’t even see the reviews you’ve received unless you look there.

2) If someone is just starting and they want to be a leader on a topic, what would they do in the 1st month?

In the first month, I would recommend creating a LinkedIn profile that highlights your experiences and positions you as a helpful person, write 1 LinkedIn Publisher post a week, make 5 new meaningful connections a day, comment on 10 thought leaders posts with actual insights, and if you have LinkedIn video, doing 1 video a week as well. Your goal is to start to create a magazine of you, just on LinkedIn, and then move on to a website filled with content and other things that can build from your foundation on LinkedIn. It will take time until you find your rhythm, but if you’re looking to accelerate your success, this is the best way.

3) There are a lot of apps and things that can help you keep your social accounts active. Which are your favorites and why?

First, the native apps from the networks are the best. They offer the most full functionality, and they require you to be there to post, to engage, and to connect. It’s more “live” networking and sharing, which I prefer, whenever possible.

Next, I like to read and share a lot of quality content, so Anders Pink and Feedly are tops on my list to curate content. If you use the free versions, they’ll connect to the native apps, but if you pay for them, you’ll get to connect to some of the scheduling apps.

Lastly, because I block time each day to read, I need to schedule out my content sharing or you’d get 5 posts from me in an hour and then nothing for a day or sometimes two. To schedule my posts, I recommend Buffer. I use the free version, but the paid version is even more powerful with analytics and connecting more social channels.

Oh – and one other thing – I also recommend using either Buffer’s Pablo or Canva.com to create images to accompany your content sharing or to create pull quotes of interesting things, as you must be graphically interesting on most platforms or people won’t pay attention to you.

4) What are some common mistakes people make when trying to be known for something online?

The first mistake I see is oversharing, especially in oversharing their own opinions. If you keep shouting “I’m great!” and don’t do anything to prove it, people won’t pay attention to you. Instead, highlight someone else who is great, and share your additional opinion on that, making sure to mention the person you’re highlighting, in hopes of them engaging back with your content.

Another mistake I see is not sharing enough information, for fear someone is going to steal it. I’m not saying you should give away all your secrets – but I am saying you should give away 80% of your recipe, and charge for the rest.

One more mistake I see is typos and grammatical errors, which drive some people crazy, even if they don’t say it. It’s like parsley in your teeth – easy to spot, distracting from your message, and ugly as heck to most people. The good news is it can be fairly easily remedied with a tool like Grammarly. And ask your friends before you publish if you can to proof read things.

5) How important is a book and speaking? Can someone just be an expert in social?

Let’s break those apart. A book, especially a well done, hard copy book, can establish you as an expert that is a cut above your peers. It’s why I’m working on another book for early 2018 about sales, tech and social. It shows you can write in greater depth than just shorter form blog posts, tweets, or LinkedIn updates.

Speaking – or really, communicating your ideas to an audience in a face to face way – is important. Whether it’s in just video, in an online training forum using Facebook Live, Zoom, WebinarNinja, GoToMeeting, or something else, or in person in front of a live audience, it is very important. It gives you credibility, and it allows a knowledge transfer that often does not happen when people are multi-tasking and taking training online.

Combine the two, and mix in some social media, and you have the recipe for something amazing.

6) Video has become very popular. If you do not have the money to do professional level videos, should people wait before diving in?

Don’t wait – but do invest in a quality microphone. I use an Audio Technica ATR2100 USB microphone that was only $45. I have other microphones too, but this is my favorite. For the iPhone and Android, I am excited about the coming soon HeyMic, that is a wireless, bluetooth lapel microphone for under $100.

You can start out with the built in web cam on your desktop or laptop, or even your iPhone or Android device that you already have and migrate to a nice camera like the Logitech cameras for about $100.

Practice now – and get good – then upgrade!

7) You have helped a lot of speakers and experts over the years. Please tell us a bit more about what you do and how people can find out more.

Most often, information experts who want to take their business to the next level work with me to create a new product, to get a marketing strategy and tactics they can use, and to get technology to better power their business. I’ve done everything from social media strategies to creating websites to membership sites to DVD programs. I provide the accountability and creative insights for you to get good work done and to stay focused on what you do best. I’m a bit of a secret weapon, because I don’t advertise these services for hire because they are often so custom to the client I work with. If you want to invest in your business and take it to the next level, reach out to me on LinkedIn at http://linkedin.com/in/philgerb or call or text me at 414-640-7445.

Alternative Schooling In Akron – Towpath Trails High School

As the administrator of Towpath Trail High School, in Akron Ohio, Christina Fraser has seen a lot of success. Last year they had their largest graduating group to date and they are a top performing charter school for drop out prevention programs. I interviewed Christina because there is a lot of negative news about charter schools in the media, and it often misses the success stories of how students get a more customized and personal experience in these kinds of schools. DOP stands for Drop Out Prevention – students in these schools have not necessarily dropped out of another school. Instead, they are not happy with traditional schools, and DOP schools customize the experience and learning to help them reach the graduation finish line. I asked Christina about the school for this article and her replies are below.

1. You run a Drop Out Prevention school in Akron – what makes a DOP school different?
A DOP school is different from a traditional school because it allows students more flexibility.  Students are able to work at their own pace, in a smaller and quieter environment, while receiving one on one instruction from their teachers when they need it.
 
2. Towpath HS model includes online and classes.  Explain how this works.
Students are assigned to classes through Apex Virtual School based upon what they need to complete for graduation.  Each content lab has 20 computers, and students work at their own pace on a variety of assignments including quizzes, essays, labs, and tests.  Each lab has a highly qualified teacher and a rotating intervention specialist to assist students with the lessons on an as needed basis.
 
3. Your students have a variety of reasons to come to Towpath.  What are some of the surprising reasons a student chooses your school?
The most surprising reason students come to our school is to avoid bullying.  Bullying and fighting has affected some of their lives so profoundly that they are willing to leave behind the traditional school for a smaller, safer high school experience.
 
4. What kinds of additional services do you try to provide students?
We provide access to a full time social worker who can assist students with a variety of issues, including, but not limited to child care, housing, and benefits.  We have a partnership with Minority Behavioral Health Group and Pastoral Counseling Services to provide students with group and individual counseling for mental health issues.  We also have a Placement Specialist to assist students with finding a job, applying to college, or entering a trade school.
 
5. What times of year can people apply to Towpath?  What are the limits of eligibility?
Students can apply at any time.  The only requirement is that they be between the ages of 16 and 21.  Our Enrollment Specialist meets with students and families to assist with the enrollment packet and securing the appropriate documentation to complete the application.
 
6. What makes the culture of a school like Towpath different from a traditional school?
Because we are so small in comparison to a traditional high school, our culture is much more like a family.  Everyone knows each other.  The students know every teacher, and the teachers know every student.  The students lift one another up and support each other in times of crisis.
 
7. What kinds of costs do the students have to attend Towpath?
There is no cost to attend Towpath.  All field trips, classroom supplies, transportation through Metro, and graduation attire are provided by the school as well.
 
8. How can someone find out more information or get a tour of the school?
To get more information about the school or schedule a tour, contact Crystal Scott, the Director of Student Admissions at the main campus downtown, at 234-542-0102 ext. 6003 or Heather Strickland, the Enrollment Specialist at the east campus, at 234-200-6682.  Information can also be found on our website: www.towpathtrailhigh.org

Blake Babcock on How To Land an IT Healthcare Job

We had the opportunity to ask Blake Babcock some questions on IT jobs in Healthcare.  This is a topic our readers should care about because the jobs pay very well and there is a shortage of talented IT people who have specialized skills related to healthcare.  With Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Akron Children’s Hospital and Summa there are plenty of big healthcare job opportunities.  But what do you need to do to increase your chance of getting one of these jobs?

Question: Tell me a bit about yourself and how long you have been in the business of helping people find jobs.

Appropriately Disruptive | Mindset over Everything | Speaker | Essentialist | Anti Dad Bod | Husband | Father to Triplets

I’ve been in the staffing industry since I graduated college in 2008.

Question:  How has getting a job changed over the years?

There was a time when your resume was essentially your first impression.  Now with social media and google, people can find out much more about you than before.  I research everyone I meet with and speak to.

Question: You work specifically in IT and Healthcare – what are the hot skills in that area that everyone wants?

If you’re Epic certified you’re going to be in high demand.  There’s also a number of business applications such as: qlik, tablo, and cognos that are highly sought after.

Question: What is the benefit of working with someone like yourself to find a job?

Hospital systems hire us specifically to staff a projects so often times we are your only way in if you’re interested in contract work.  In regards to the permanent placements that we do, we work with hospital systems across the country so we have our hand on the pulse of the market.  It’s incredibly difficult as an individual to apply online and make it through the black hole of applying that way.  We are in direct contact with the hiring manager.  We also help people craft their resume or provide guidance on changes that would benefit them as they search or suggest possible roles based on their background that they hadn’t considered previously.

Question: If your triplets were in high school right now, what skills would you be making them focus on to be more employable?

The ability to effectively communicate, work harder than everyone else, and be kind.  Simple but effective list.

Question: What kinds of people do you hope read this article and contact you?

Individuals that need our assistance hiring for their team and or people looking for the next move in there career.

Question: What are some mistakes people make when interviewing for these kinds of jobs?

Not asking questions.  If you’ve done your homework on the position and organization you should have at least a few questions.  It shows your interested and provide another opportunity to keep the conversation going.

Question: How do people find out more about you?

Reach out to me on LinkedIn and or check out my website www.blakebabcock.com – or www.babcocksupplyco.com if you’re a bad ass with class.

 

Resolutions – Do It Differently

It’s that time of year when people start to think about New Year’s resolutions. Every year they make resolutions they’re unable to meet. Some have given up and don’t bother with resolutions or goals at any time of the year, because over the years they have “proven” to themselves “they don’t work”.

It’s difficult to make lasting change if you don’t understand how human behavior and change works. In order to meet goals it’s important to understand how to manage change and to make the process of change work for you, not against you.

Most people’s goals are aimed at changing nothing more than bad habits, habits which were started without conscious thought and have been reinforced over time. It’s easy to underestimate how powerful a habit is and see it as a personal or moral failing if you’re unable to change it right away.

But, if it has taken someone 15 years to establish a habit it won’t be extinguished or replaced in 3 months. Yet people get discouraged when that doesn’t happen. They’re unable to meet their goals because they try to do too much too fast. The goal is too big or complex and their expectations are unrealistic.

Start small, have patience and realize you’re going to have uneven success. Uneven success means that some days will be more successful than others. But, the measure of successful change is how many times you try until you achieve it, not how many times you falter. Having a bad day is just that, it’s not a moral failing requiring you to abandon all hope.

It’s the nature of learning that we build on the knowledge and experiences we’ve gained from the past to do better now and go forward into the future. Success breeds success when you set small goals which build on the small goals already accomplished. Instead of seeing yourself as a failure, know that true success comes from the ability to give yourself enough time and chances to get it right.

 

– – Article contributed by Nicole Abbott – writer, educator and psycho-therapist.

Akron Kids Fitness

This is from the Akron Children’s Hospital site and shows how Kohl’s is giving back to the Akron Community.

More than30 percent of children in Ohio are considered overweight or obese, according to the National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality.

Thanks to Kohl’s Cares®, Akron Children’s Hospital recently received a grant for $225,413 to continue fitness programming for children in the community.

”This is an important grant for the hospital because one of the targets is to try and prevent overweight children,” says Amy Chand, youth fitness specialist and exercise physiologist at Akron Children’s Hospital. “This is a good way to promote fitness initiatives in Akron and the Mahoning Valley.”C

The 2013 program will focus on providing fitness education in the Akron Public Schools and schools in the Mahoning Valley. Ten schools in the Akron Public School District and two schools in the Mahoning Valley will be provided one- to two-hour, school-based assemblies that will feature lessons about basic nutrition, healthy eating and physical activity. Students will also be given fitness challenges that they can try at home, and materials will be sent home so the parents can encourage healthy lifestyles.

”The most important aspect of the program is to get materials to the parents because that’s where it starts,” says Chand. “Children are not going to make the changes unless the parents are motivated and willing to make those changes as well.”

Since 2000, Kohl’s has donated more than $3.5 million to Akron Children’s Hospital for fitness programming and other programs through their Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise program. To learn more, click here.

It’s Thanksgiving – Eat Spaghetti

The first Thanksgiving was a party, a celebration.  It was people getting together to have some food, give thanks and socialize.  The food they ate was the food they had.  They didn’t deliberate and decide that yams and maze say thanks better than spaghetti, spaghetti just wasn’t as an option.

For many, the day has become about the food rather than the celebration.  In the last several years restaurants have seen a dramatic increase in Thanksgiving Day traffic.  People talk about going to restaurants because they “don’t want to bother with the mess”.  What they don’t want to bother with is cooking a big time consuming expensive traditional meal, which often doesn’t work out as planned.

There are three main holiday food gone wrong media clichés.  One is of the hapless inexperienced cook ruining the day because the food is inedible.  Then there’s the under-appreciated cook crying in a locked bathroom because no one appreciated or liked the elaborate feast.  Finally, there’s the exhausted cook, who has been up since 4:00 am, has a melt down because no one is helping drama

In these scenarios family and friends apologize, have epiphanies and discover the true meaning of the holiday complete with heartfelt speech.  Most families have their own versions of one or more of these scenes, minus the apologies, speech and epiphanies.  These times aren’t always looked back on fondly.

This year think about skipping the food drama.  An easy nontraditional meal might get the family to spend the day together rather than a few hours in a restaurant. If given the choice this Thanksgiving a lot of people would choose spaghetti over organic root vegetables lightly glazed with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.  Cook what you know, eat what you like, have a party and give some thanks.

 

– – Article contributed by Nicole Abbott – writer, educator and psycho-therapist.

Are Health Foods Worth the Cost?

Rarely does an article cross over the issue of money and health as much as this article does.

It caught my attention, because several of these super foods our family buys weekly.  But are they worth it or just trendy and overpriced?

If you want to go through the whole slide show, click here.

Otherwise, we have a cheat sheet below.

1. Gluten-free foods – While they are worth the money if you have a sensitivity to gluten, they do not affect weight loss and are not necessarily worth the extra money.

2. Coconut water – This has more vitamins than sports drinks and contains less sugar so it is worth paying a bit more.

3. Greek yogurt – The biggest reason I read the article in the first place was Greek yogurt.  We go through 10+ a week.  But is Greek yogurt better than traditional yogurt?  No surprise, yes it is.  Higher protein fills you up more and it also has less sugar.

4. Almond butter – A worthwhile alternative to Peanut butter but hard to find.  The nutritionist also recommends all natural Peanut butter if you cannot find Almond butter.

5. Kale – I am a huge Kale fan.  I did not even know it is more expensive than lettuce until I read this article.  If you mix it in with other things, including lettuce and spinach, $2 of Kale will go a long way.

6. Quinoa – A healthy alternative to rice and more versatile.

7. Chia – An alternative to Flax seed and has some advantages with vitamins and prep time.

The list ultimately never says anything is bad.  However, the real question is about whether it is worth the extra investment.  Health usually is.