St. Albans Fashionista

Please meet Paulette, owner and director of Little Shepard's Preschool and Childcare Center.

I found out that Paulette loves Montreal fashion as much as I do.  When I saw her wearing this coat, I immediately knew she had gotten it in Montreal.  And of course, she said yes, she did.  I was so excited to find Montreal fashion here in St. Albans, that I just had to share it with all of you.

Paulette is modeling a Nicole Benisti winter coat, which she found at Ogilvys, on St. Catherine St. 

The lining of her hood is rabbit fur, and the trim is fox fur.

The pom-pom on her hat is fox fur as well.

She said she spent a small fortune on it.  But I say it was worth every penny.

Thank you, Paulette, for making St. Albans fashionable!

Orton Family Foundation

I came across an employment want-ad for this foundation in the Free Press, and I decided to check it out.  It's the Orton Family Foundation.  They are a non-profit organization, and here is their mission statement:

Helping residents

STEER THE CHANGE

toward resilience.

We believe that empowering people to shape the future of their communities will improve local decision-making, create a shared sense of belonging, and ultimately strengthen the social, cultural and economic vibrancy of each place.

Check out their website to find out what you can do to help make your community more resilient!

Penguins From Mrs. Thompson's & Mrs. Wright's Class

These second grade classes from St. Albans Town Eduational Center did such a great job on their penguins that I just had to feature them on this blog.

Great job everybody!  

Gingered Butternut Squash Soup

So, tonight I decided to cook up a butternut squash from our garden this past summer.

It came out so good, I thought I would share it with all of you.

Ingredients:

1 butternut squash peeled and seeded

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

1/2 cup chopped leeks (white and green parts)

1 tablespoon ginger, peeled

5 cups chicken stock

2 teaspoons nutmeg

Directions:

1. Cut butternut squash into about 1 inch even sized cubes.
2. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.  When hot add olive oil and once oil is hot add in onions and leeks.
3. Add in squash, ginger and chicken stock and bring to a simmer, cooking until the squash is tender (about 15 minutes or so).
4. Pour off most of the stock and reserve.
5. Carefully add squash, onions, ginger, and leek mixture to blender or food processor and puree (using caution as the heat of the ingredients will very often cause the blender top to want to pop off and make a mess all over your kitchen).
6. Once pureed, add contents back to pot, and add in the chicken stock until the desired consistency is attained.
7. Stir well and add in nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.

Hint- This soup freezes exceptionally well.  Just make sure to refrigerate it for a day first to allow it to fully cool before freezing.

Variations:  Add in coconut milk, or add in some granny smith apples to the mixture and cook those with the squash, pureeing into the mix.  Or mix in some curry for some zip.

(Recipe from "Paleo Comfort Foods" by Julie & Charles Mayfield)

My Personal Opinion On Dairy Foods

I have noticed that there seems to be a lot of discussion lately regarding dairy foods.  A lot of people are following the Paleo movement quite religiously, and refusing all dairy food sources.  Now, I really respect the paleo folks, because they are hard-core when it comes to their commitment to health and wellness, and they are often on the cutting edge of information when it comes to food and lifestyle as "medicine".  However, I think each person's individual makeup should determine what foods are best for them, and not an across the board blueprint for the whole human population.  As we all know, the human body can produce the enzyme to digest the carbohydrate in milk, or lactose.  The lactase enzyme is what allows your body to drink cow's milk and be able to digest it completely, and therefore absorb the nutrients in it.  Now, if you are lactose intolerant, or no longer produce enough or any lactase enzyme like me, then it definitely makes sense to not drink milk.  There are definite health disadvantages to consuming a food you cannot properly digest.  However, there are many people who can digest milk and dairy products just fine.  So, for someone like me, the Paleo crowd's advice makes sense.  It would not be good for me to drink milk.  But for alot of people who can drink it, and choose not to, they are really putting themselves at risk for dental caries and bone loss as they age.  Because before people were drinking cow's milk (prior to about 7,000 years ago), people still KNEW they had to eat calcium rich foods, often in the form of softened fish bones, fish heads, or bone broths.  So, our bodies need calcium, period.

Here is an excerpt from "Nourishing Traditions", by Sally Falon, page 42, regarding calcium:

"Not only vital for strong bones and teeth, calcium is also needed for the heart and nervous system and for muscles growth and contraction.  Good calcium status prevents acid-alkaline imbalances in the blood.  The best sources of usable calcium are dairy products...Sufficient vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption as is a proper  potassium/calcium ratio in the blood."

If you click on the highlighted nutrients word above, it will bring you to a site that shows you the 16 nutrients in milk, and what those nutrients do for your body.  For those of us who are lactose intolerant, there are still other options, such as cheddar cheese and other cheeses that do not contain any carbohydrates, which would indicate a small amount of lactose.  I do eat cheese, and I also supplement my calcium needs through other sources.  But, make no mistake about it, dairy is the number one best source of calcium for you.  So, DRINK MILK!

How to Re-Build the Middle Class (and ultimately preserve democracy)

Click here to read the report from the Center for American Progress of the Commission on Inclusive Prosperity, January 2015.

Featured St. Albans Business: Kinney Drugs

This winter I decided it was time to treat my winter hibernation symptoms with a full spectrum light.  So, I ordered the book, Winter Blues, by Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal, so I could have some idea of the best way to go about using one.  I'm really glad I purchased the book, because it is very informative and helps you to tailor the use of the Energy Lamp to your specific needs, which change during the course of each season.

Dr. Rosenthal recommends 3 different manufacturers to purchase the Energy Lamps from.  Fortunately, the first one on his list, Verilux, Inc., is carried by Kinney Drugs, here in St. Albans.  The lamp's intensity is 2,500 Lux, and it was only about $40.  I was so glad they had them.  I tried mine for the first time this morning, and I can already feel a difference.

Interestingly, Verilux lamps are manufactured here in Vermont by:

Verilux, Inc.
Healthy Lighting Company
340 Mad River Park
Waitsfield, Vermont  05673
Phone:  (802) 496-3101
Toll-free (800) 454-4408
Fax:  (802) 496-3105

If you are looking to not feel like you're a semi-hibernating bear all winter (like me), or maybe you're just looking to achieve your highest level of personal performance both at work and at home during the winter months, then stop by Kinney Drugs today and pick up your own Verilux Energy Lamp.

Kinney Drugs is located at:

164 Swanton Rd.
St. Albans, Vermont  05478
Phone:  (802) 524-6543

Featured St. Albans Business: Food City, (And the Best Donuts to be found Anywhere)

Food City's Bakery is one of St. Albans' best kept secrets.  They have the best donuts to be found anywhere.  And I can say this with some authority, since I've lived on the west coast, and tried more than a few morsels of food in Montreal.  Feast your eyes on their delicious selection:

Food City also offers a hot meals deli during the late morning and early afternoon.  They are home-cooked style meals for a great price, with nice portions.  I highly recommend it as well.

Food City is located at:

101 Lake St. 

St. Albans, Vermont  05478

Phone:  (802) 524-5453

Facebook page:  Food City, St. Albans

Featured St. Albans Business: Colonial Styling Center

Please meet Jessica, my stylist at the Colonial Styling Center here in St. Albans:

I desperately needed a day at the salon.  As many of you know, being a Mom, and working full-time outside of the home can sometimes cause you to forget about looking after yourself.  So, I took the afternoon off, and decided to treat myself.  

Here are a couple of "before" pictures of my hair:

As you can see, my hair was desperately overdue for some TLC.

Jessica used Redken Color Gels permanent hair color for grey coverage, shade 5.5 dark brown.  We decided to get rid of my damaged ends and start a healthier re-growth for longer hair.  

And this is what my hair looked like after:

As you can see, I look like a whole new woman.  They color gels added a lot of shine to my hair, and she found the shade to match my eyebrows perfectly.  She also recommended that I use "DermOrganic" Argan Oil Leave-In Treatment everyday, since my hair is very dry and somewhat frizzy.

I really like how the oil makes my hair feel, and it's not overly scented.

I would highly recommend Jessica as a hair stylist, or anyone at the Colonial Styling Center.  They have a great space, and have been in business for over 50 years.  The co-owners have been there for 30-40 years, and have a great wealth of knowledge and expertise for the newer stylists to draw from.  Jessica is also a certified massage therapist.

The Colonial Styling Center offers the following services:

Women's Cut $17 Shampoo, Style up to $25

Shampoo Set $16

Color $35 with Cut $55

Cap Hi-Lite $55

Perm $55  Spiral $55

Hair Treatments $15

Up-Do $45

Manicure $18, Pedicure $25, Combo $35

Shellac $23

Eyebrow, Lip, Chin $8 each

Full Leg $40 Half $25

Brazilian $60 Bikini $20

Massage $60 per hour

Facials $40

Men's Cut $14

Men's Cut and Color $29

Kids 8 and under $10

Prices May Vary at Stylist Discretion

Walk-ins Always Welcome

Some of the products they offer:

Redken

Paul Mitchell

Matrix

Total Results

Biolage

Located at:

146 North Main Street

St. Albans, Vermont  05478

&

Brook Side Apartment

1 Victoria Lane

St. Albans, Vermont  05478

Phone- 524-4440

e-mail- Colonial146@yahoo.com

My Favorite Skin Care Products

In the photo above, you can see my favorite facial skin care products I like to use.  In the morning, I use:

Mary Kay Botanical Effects Cleanser#1-  I have fairly dry skin, so I always use a moisturizing cleanser.  Also, my skin is fairly sensitive, so this is a good choice since it is designed for sensitive skin.  

Mary Kay TimeWise Age Fighting Eye Cream- This eye cream is by far the best I have ever found on the market.  It works wonders, and looks very natural.

Mary Kay Botanical Effects Moisturizer#1- This is a great moisturizer because it really softens your skin, and is a great base for your foundation cover-up.

Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment Lip Protectant SPF 20- I use this both in the morning and at night, 365 days a year.  I love it, and it makes my lip gloss look great.

In the evening, I use:

Mary Kay Botanical Effects Cleanser# 1

Mary Kay Intense Moisturizing Cream- I use this product around my eye area to replenish moisture, and thereby reduce wrinkles over time.

Eucerin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream- I use this product on the rest of my face.  It is very moisturizing and non-irritating.  My skin feels great when I put it on.

So, there you have it.  Blame it on my strict French upbringing, but beauty lotions are a French woman's (and yes, even a French-Indian woman's) best friend. :)

Featured St. Albans Business: Grunts Move Junk

Grunts Move Junk is a St. Albans business that is part of the Wounded Warrior Project.  They offer several services:

• Junk Removal- Two hardworking Grunts will come to serve and amaze you with how fast they work, and how quickly your junk disappears.  
• Moving Services- Their Grunts know how to get the job done quickly, while being careful with your valuable possessions.
• Landscaping-  They have all the tools and muscle necessary to take care of your landscaping and yard maintenance needs.
• Other Services- Tree and Brush Removal, Snow Removal, Salting, Sanding, Demolition, Construction, Cleaning, and more!

Let's give back to those who have given so much to us and our country.  Give "Grunts Move Junk" a call today!

Office:  (844) 478-6874 or 844-GRUNTS-HELP

Website:  www.GruntsMoveJunk.com

e-mail:  Info@GruntsMoveJunk.com

Location:  402 Lake Road, Suite 100

                St. Albans, Vermont  05478

A Great Pair of Shoes

I am a Piscis, and I can tell you, that I love nothing more than a great pair of shoes.  For this particular pair of shoes, I happened to be shopping at Danform Shoes, here in St. Albans.  I am very picky about my shoes, and will take FOREVER to decide on what I want.  

I have to say, I was very impressed with  sales staff at Danform.  She was very patient with me, and great to talk with. And, best of all, she helped me to find a pair of shoes that I absolutely love, for under $100!

They are made by New Balance, and the style is called Cobb Hill.

They remind me of shoes I would find in Montreal.  Great style, but also comfortable for walking, which is something people in Montreal do a lot.  

I can wear them all day, every day at work, and my feet are still singing.  Thank you, Danform!

St. Albans Fashionista

Please meet Catrina of St. Albans Town, Vermont.  She is the mother of a 9-year old daughter.  She works for CVS Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician and also in customer service.  She is engaged to be married this year.  Her plans are to grow her family and live an enjoyable and fulfilling life.

I asked Catrina to be featured as a St. Albans Fashionista because she is very fashion conscious, and works hard to always look her best. :)

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, Catrina!

Tiger's Eye Necklace

I designed this tiger's eye necklace with glass size 10 seed beads towards the back, with various sized tiger's eye beads in the front.  Tiger's eye is one of my favorite stones to use in jewelry.  I have always felt drawn to it, and I really like how it looks.  Tiger's eye is said to have protective and balancing energies.  

Most of my bead supplies as well as my jewelry making tools come from the store "Bead Crazy" in Williston. They have a great variety of beads of excellent quality, as well as jewelry making tools, instruction books, and they also offer classes.

I chose a lobster claw closure for this piece, given the weight of the beads.  It's solid gold, and adds a very nice touch. 

If anyone would like their own fashion designs featured on this blog, you can contact me at:

cultureisart@gmail.com.

Homemade Maple Cranberry Jam

This is one of my favorite recipes.  And it's really good for you, too.  

Ingredients:

1 cup of water

1 cup of pure Vermont maple syrup

1 12-oz package of fresh cranberries

Directions:

Open bag of cranberries and pour into a large strainer.  Look over berries and remove any remaining stems. Rinse cranberries and drain.  

In medium saucepan bring water to a boil.

Add cranberries and return to a boil, and stir often.

After 5 minutes, add 1/2 cup of the maple syrup.

Wait 2 more minutes, and mash the cranberries with a potato masher in the pan while the cranberries are simmering.

Add the other 1/2 cup of maple syrup, and stir with a whisk.

Turn off burner after a total of 10 minutes cooking time, and pour jam into a heat safe bowl to cool.  

Optional additions:

1 tablespoon of pure orange extract

1/2 cup of chopped walnuts 

Keeps in the refrigerator for about 10 days.

Best Knot To Use For Your Child's Sled

Recently I bought a sled for my daughter from Aubuchon Hardware, here in St. Albans.  I decided to get the Expedition model, since it is designed for carrying heavier loads, and I wanted to be able to take her sledding for a fair distance while snow-shoeing, so I could get some outdoor winter exercise while getting her outside for some fun at the same time.  I discovered that after the strain on the rope from pulling her in the sled part-way up Johnny Cake Hill was a little much for the knots.  So, I got out my handy-dandy "Back To Basics" reference manual for traditional American skills, and looked up their section on knots.  I decided to use the 'Bowline Knot', since it will not slip under tension.

Happy sledding!

Cool Friendship Bracelet

My 7-year old daughter was gifted this friendship bracelet recently.  I think it's very fashionable for a young lady to wear, and to give to others!