Submitted by Active Member Powers Strickland
It's hard to believe Halloween is this Thursday! As many people prepare for trick or treaters with bags of candy, we thought we would bring you some healthy Halloween treats for your ghosts and goblins. Did you know that 20 pieces of candy corn equals 33 grams of sugar? That's a whole lot of sugar! What better way to steer clear of all the sugar than with some fun, tasty treats you can make with your kids?
Here are a few quick and easy treats I tackled in my kitchen!
(Disclaimer: Yours will be a lot cuter than mine!)
Mummy Dogs
Package of hotdogs or cocktail sausages
Refrigerated crescent roll dough
Yellow mustard
Wrap the hotdogs or sausages in thin strips of the crescent roll dough, creating a "mummy" effect. Bake in oven as directed on the crescent roll dough container. Once golden brown, remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Squeeze two dots of yellow mustard for the mummy dog eyes. Serve with mustard or ketchup and enjoy!
Banana Ghosts
One banana
Peanut butter
Chocolate Chips
Cut the banana in half. Attach two chocolate chip eyes and a mouth to the top of the banana using peanut butter. Enjoy!
For those with peanut allergies, I think a frozen whipped cream or some sort of icing would work just as well.
Spider Crackers
Round crackers (I chose whole wheat for an added healthy kick!)
Peanut butter (or icing or frozen whipped cream, for those with peanut allergies)
Thin stick pretzels
Chocolate chips
Put a table spoon of peanut butter on one side of a cracker. Place eight pretzels in the peanut butter sticking out of the sides for the spider's legs. Place a second cracker on top. Attach the chocolate chips using peanut butter as the spider's eyes. Enjoy!
This, That and the Other of the Junior League of Columbia
Here's a look at what the Junior League does throughout the Columbia area!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
JLC Launches a Book Club
Submitted by Elizabeth Crouch, Transfer Member and JLC Book Club Chair
“In the future,
there will no be female leaders. There
will just be leaders.”
– Sheryl Sandberg, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.
– Sheryl Sandberg, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.
The
JLC has also already given me a chance to “lean in” and “sit at the table.” As
a transfer to the Columbia league, I wanted to immediately get involved with
the league and my community. My
enthusiasm has only been encouraged, never dampened. After proposing the idea
of a JLC book club to league members, I was immediately supported and
encouraged. The fact that the idea of a
JLC book club came from a transfer member that took root with other members
encouraging and supporting is truly phenomenal to me. The JLC embodies “women
supporting women”!
Thus, it is
fitting that the focus of the first-ever JLC book club was leadership. More than 25 JLC members gathered to discuss
the club’s first selection, Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In: Women, Work, and the
Will to Lead. While her book does contain advice about how to handle work/life
balance, the JLC Book Club focused on how to be a leader in the community
regardless of whether you work inside or outside of the home. The book club divided into groups of five or
more individuals in order to allow for small group discussion guided by a list
of suggested discussion questions.
As a “leader” of
the book club, along with Monnie Murray and Mary Frances Jowers, I traversed
from group to group to hear what was being discussed. The conversations were
riveting and would have continued if we had not stopped the discussion due to
time. Everyone had their own story of
what a leader meant to them and what challenges they had overcome in becoming a
leader themselves.
The book club ended by asking: “What would
you do if you weren’t afraid?” This was
a question Sheryl Sandberg asked all readers to consider at the end of the
book. If there were no societal or personal constraints put on women, what we
would we want to do? Some of the women at book club shared their personal
dreams such as that they would run for office, open a business, go skydiving,
not wear make-up to work….The list is endless!!
The exercise was so invigorating that we left a stack of forms at JLC
headquarters for any member to stop by and fill out.
Since the first ever JLC Book Club was such a
hit, I encourage you to join us for the next book club on February 4th.
Book club attendees were presented with a short list of possible selections for
our next pick, and then ranked their preference. The final book selection will
be announced through E-blast in the coming weeks so stay tuned. We encourage
even those who don’t have time to read the book to come and join the
conversation. I am looking forward to
another engaging discussion!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Mark Your Calendars for the 17th Annual Clean Sweep Sale
Submitted by Active Sara Beth Rush
Saturday, February
1, 2014
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
(Clean Sweep will be closed from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. to prepare for the Bag Sale.)
(Clean Sweep will be closed from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. to prepare for the Bag Sale.)
The women of the Junior League of Columbia are hard at work
making sure this year’s Clean Sweep Sale is the best yet! If you love hunting
for a bargain, mark your calendars for the Clean Sweep Sale on February 1,
2014.
If you’ve never been to Clean Sweep, you’re in for a treat.
The JLC is hosting a massive one-day rummage sale; this is better than your
average garage sale. You can find all sorts of incredibly affordable items - from
appliances to
maternity clothing, housewares to sporting goods. There’s always a great
selection of unique furniture, children’s toys, holiday décor, linens and books
just waiting for you to peruse.
The
Clean Sweep Sale is a wonderful community event open to all. Bring your family
and friends for a memorable morning. Please join us at the SC State Fairgrounds
the first Saturday of February. Check out some of the great items that will be available!
Are you looking for a shabby chic headboard? We've got it! |
Keep your New Year's Resolution going with this NordicTrack! |
This ping pong table is the perfect addition to the man cave or playroom in your house! |
Parking
is $2 per car and the gates open at 7am (enter through Gate 6). Admission to the sale is $3 per person,
although children 12 and under are free. Doors to the Capital City’s best rummage
sale open at 8 a.m. sharp. Remember it’s
a rummage sale—cash sales only. The sale will close at noon for a half hour for
the grand finale: the Bag Sale. Savvy shoppers can fill a bag for just $5 from
12:30 p.m. to 1p.m.
Proceeds
from the sale cycle right back into our local economy through the Junior
League’s partnership with charitable organizations throughout the Midlands.
Clean Sweep 2013 raised over $30,000, and the goal for 2014 is $35,000 It’s a
great day of treasure hunting with the goal of ultimately improving our
community!
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Playing With Your Food
Submitted by Active
Member Lisa Hockenberry
Do you remember the scene in Mermaids where Cher’s character would make the craziest concoctions
for her family to eat? She adorned foods with marshmallows and sprinkles in
hopes of being a “good mom”.
Recently my girlfriend informed me that she made Puppy Chow
for her upcoming Tennis Holiday Party. “What is that?” I inquired. She said her
mom made it growing up! I may be the only person out there that has not heard
of puppy chow, but I have a sneaking suspicion it is not for puppies…
However, it got me thinking about all the fun food ideas my
mom would whip up for me so that I would eat my food. I don’t think I was a picky
eater, but it is a lot less hassle for kids to eat healthy when they think it
actually a fun snack! I am not talking laborious make your own baby food, just
easy, creative kid-friendly snacks.
Banana Hot Dog
Sandwich
1 hot dog bun
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1/2 banana
1. Toast the bun.
2. Take the peanut butter and spread onto bread.
3. Top with banana.
Bugs on a Log
1 stalk celery
2 tablespoons peanut butter
Raisins or chocolate chips
1. Cut the celery into thirds.
2. Fill with peanut butter.
3. Top with raisins or chips to resemble bugs
Dirt Cups
1 package Instant Pudding Mix
2 cups milk
16 oz Oreos
3 1/3 cup Cool Whip
8 gummy worms
1. Pour milk and pudding mix into a mixing bowl. Whisk for
about 2 minutes. Let set about 5 minutes.
2. Crush the Oreos. Mix the cool whip and about 1/2 the
Oreos into the pudding.
3. To make the cup: Place a spoonful of Oreos into a small
clear plastic cup. Top with pudding mixture until about 2/3 full. Top with
remaining Oreos to create the top “dirt” layer. Push a Worm into each cup.
English Muffin Pizza
6 oz tomato sauce, I like to buy the small can just for
this…no waste
6 English Muffins split, I like the whole wheat kind
Garlic powder, oregano, basil
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Turkey Pepperoni
Black olives, diced green peppers, etc., if your kids like
them
1. Toast the English Muffins to get a firm base.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the sauce and a few spices
to your liking.
3. Spread a thin layer of sauce on each 1/2 of muffin. Top
with a layer of cheese. Add whatever toppings to your liking.
4. Put back into toaster oven and toast one final time to
melt the cheese.
Bunny Salad
1 chilled pear, half
1 lettuce leaf
2 raisins
1 red cinnamon candy
2 blanched almonds
cottage cheese ball
1. Place the lettuce leaf on a plate. Place the pear upside
down on top of it.
2. Use the top of the pear for the bunny’s face. Take the
raisins for eyes, the candy for the nose and the almonds for the ears.
3. A small scoop of cottage cheese makes the tail.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
A Provisional's View
Submitted by Christy Snow, a Provisional Member, as a part of her series documenting her Provisional Year in the Junior League of Columbia
We are one month into the Provisional year with little
time wasted. This month, I attended my first JLC meetings. The General
Membership Meeting came first. Taking some wise advice from a member of our
provisional committee, I decided not to enter my first meeting alone and opted
to meet some girls for happy hour at Gervais and Vine beforehand. I met two
other girls who I wouldn’t have known if JLC had not been in my life. As a side
note, I knew the League would provide plenty of opportunities for community
service and planned socials, but this little impromptu happy hour was an
unexpected perk and I hope there will be many more to come!
Image courtesy of www.leanin.org |
After a quick caravan over to Seawell’s, it was meeting
time. As a professional meeting and event planner, I get overly excited about a
well run meeting, and I could tell from the get-go that this was not JLC’s
first rodeo. The food, drink tickets and strategically-placed volunteers made
what could have been a very overwhelming meeting enjoyable. I was also overly
excited about the opportunity for impulse purchases at the meeting, and now I
am the proud owner of one discounted Holiday Market Preview Party ticket and
one hardback copy of Sheryl Sandberg’s bestseller, Lean In, which is the first selection of JLC’s new Book Club that
will meet later this month. I I enjoyed seeing an overview of everything that
the League is focused on at this point and I am relieved that the meeting
agenda is strictly followed at the meetings!
Fast forward two weeks and it was time for our first Provisional
meeting. After a long workday, the Provisional Committee planned my all-time
favorite meal – pizza and wine!, At the meeting, we learned a little more in
detail of what was in store for this next year. The first is Holiday Market’s
Preview Party. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited about my boyfriend
dressed up in a tux walking around Christmas shopping with me all while sipping
cocktails and listening to a fabulous band.
The second is our Provisional Project. This year, there
are eight different projects that our group could be placed in:
·
Tree Decorating for Palmetto Children’s Hospital
Festival of Trees and Junior League of Columbia’s Holiday Market
·
Sustainers Wrapping Project at Holiday Market
·
Sistercare: Valentine’s Day Party for Mothers
and their Children
·
JLC’s Healthy Kids Fun Fair
·
Touch-A-Truck Project
·
Epworth Children’s Home Project
·
Salvation Army’s Christmas at the Fairgrounds
For all Sustainers reading this, I’m a skilled gift
wrapper and bow tier so if I’m placed in the Sustainer gift wrapping project,
you are in good hands!
The third is upcoming social events. The Provisional
committee has really made it a focus to have our class of 117 women meet each
other as much as possible all while serving the community in true JLC style. In
fact, there is a social committee made up of Provisionals that is being
organized to offer more casual opportunities to meet outside of League events.
Shout out to Susan Wheeler who is heading up this effort!
Meetings are a big time commitment your first year as I
was told this time and time again before joining. While meetings are a time
commitment, the information shared, friendships made and fun conversation had
are so worthwhile.month, This fall is shaping up to be busy one personally and
professionally, and I’m thankful for my
decision to join the League!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Healthy Start Kicks Off a New Year
Submitted by Active member Emma Davidson
The
Healthy Start Committee kicked off the new school year at Caughman Road and
South Kilbourne Elementary schools.
Committee
members held two events (one at each school) that celebrate the school, make
learning fun and encourage parents to find a way to get involved in the health
of their kids. The event is free to all students and their families at their
host school. This year, the Healthy Start Committee served nearly 500 kids and
their families!
Each
event involves some warm-up time while the kids arrive. This time is filled
with jump ropes, hopscotch, hula hoops and silly races. This year we welcomed
two very special guests to our warm-up: Cocky and Crossfit Kids! Cocky took
part in the organized work out, including stretching, lunges and running in
place. Crossfit Kids led the children through a series of easy moves that they
can do at home to keep their bodies active.
After
the warm-up, the kids were divided into their age groups and then moved between
a series of health stations. These included Healthy Teeth (where they learned
about the importance of brushing and flossing), Healthy Minds (where they
learned about the parts of speech and reading), Healthy Bodies (where they
learned about washing their hands and preventing germs) and Healthy Eating
(where they learned about eating fruits and veggies). At each station, each
child received a hygienic present and a school supply, including body wash,
deodorant, floss, books, notebook paper and erasers.
Meanwhile,
the kids’ parents were in the cafeteria, talking about the importance of
healthy shopping and being active with their kids. The children joined their
parents for a Moe’s dinner and received another surprise: new backpacks
courtesy of the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation and The Cooperative
Ministries.
These
were two great events, made possible by the Junior League Healthy Start
Committee members: Caison Boozer (Co-Chair), Kelly Hall (Co-Chair), Aston
Daniels, Emma Davidson, Rachel Flynn, Rebecca Goings, Meredith Gvozdas,
Virginia Henderson, Frances Clark, Alle Kaneft, Andrea Lance, Tara Martin,
Megan McConville, Catherine Rawl, Kolby Redd, Tori Tibshrany and Alana
Williams.
About
Healthy Start
Healthy
Start kicks off the school year with excitement! The event takes place at a
school, so that we celebrate the school, making learning fun and encourage
parents to find a way to get involved. Healthy Start is free to all students
and their families at their host school. The event addresses the new focus of
healthy children in efforts to improve the mind, body and spirit by promoting
literacy and reading, providing health and safety information and helping
parents get involved in the schools and in their children's lives.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Remarkable Woman Spotlight: Sustainer Pamela Pope
Each month, we are highlighting a "Remarkable Woman" in the Junior League of Columbia. We kick off this series with one of our Sustainers, Pamela Pope. Pamela is the current Sustainer Representative for the Board, and a past President of the Junior League of Columbia. Originally from Columbia, she is married to Joe Pope and has two children, Pamela Ann (9) and Joseph (11). Pamela teaches Latin in the middle school at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, where she has been for 20 years.
What was your most favorite placement
in the Junior League?
During my active
years, being Provisional Chair and Membership VP were probably my
favorites. Being President was hard
work, but incredibly rewarding.
How many years of service do you have
with the league?
I think 21 years.
What’s your favorite childhood
memory?
One favorite memory would be
adventurous car rides with my family to wherever my mom had planned.
I wanted to
be a teacher.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy walking
my dogs, reading, traveling with my
family to the beach and mountains.
What is something important life has
taught you?
It is important to always
have a goal to work towards. When you
work hard and persevere, the rewards and personal growth can be tremendous.
Whom do you most admire or has been a
role model for you?
My mother, Pam Reed,
has been a remarkable role model to me. She has taught me the importance of family, of community, and of giving
of your self and back to others on a daily basis.
How
do you think the JLC has changed most since you joined as a member?
The friendships that I have formed over the
years through my placements have been wonderful. The leadership opportunities and training
through the JLC have been incredible, and I have been able to apply my
knowledge from these experiences in other community volunteerism, my teaching,
and my personal life.
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