By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times

Being a natural redhead, I know a thing or two about self-tanner.  I know, for example, that I need it before even thinking about putting on shorts or a bathing suit.

As such, I have become something of a connoisseur due to the never ending quest to find the perfect one. It can’t make me orange, smell funky, rub off on my clothes or leave unsightly streaks. It must be easy to apply and gradually wear off without looking blotchy. It can’t cost an arm and a leg.

I don’t ask for much, people.

Recently, Jergens Natural Glow released a new formulation that has no odor. (We’ll see about that)

Obviously, I picked the “firming” lotion so I can be savagely tan AND cellulite free in as little as 7 days! (How do they get away with claims like that???)

I always apply at night before going to bed. The cream is white so it doesn’t stain….but, it also means that you need to be uniform in your application to get an even coverage. The fact that the tanner is mixed with a moisturizer helps minimize mistakes.

I did notice that the smell wasn’t as overwhelming as other brands. It definitely had an odor and I wouldn’t claim it to be fantastic smelling….but, it was tolerable. The true test, though, comes AFTER it is on your skin for a bit. My husband says that I usually smell like a stink bug. Sexy. This time, he said nothing! Could it be? Have I stumbled across the Holy Grail of Tanning Cream?

Well……..sorta.

I have a rather impressive olfactory system. It’s not always a good thing and certainly not when you live in the heart of mushroom country in the high heat of summer. That being said, while I still could detect the slightest tell-tale smell, the overall aroma was pleasant.

I have always been happy with the color from the Jergens products. You don’t look like George Hamilton (not that you would want to). The glow is warm and natural. When you go too many shades above your skin tone, it’s just too Jersey Shore. Stick to something realistic and you will be successful.

Check it out! And, as always, feel free to leave comments about YOUR favorite products! Knowledge is power (my “After School Special” message of the day).

Happy Weekend!

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times

Mothering is part instinct, part learned behavior.  This much we know is true.  I have, on countless occasions, become so much like MY mother, we are almost indistinguishable.  It doesn’t help that we walk, talk and look the same.  Now, I find myself repeating verbatim her words of wisdom to my boys…

Kelly and her mom.

• It is unacceptable to call me “she” (as in, “she” told me that I didn’t have to put my laundry away).  I am ONLY to be referred to as “Mom”, “Mother” or “Mommy”.  Never in the third person.
• Sleepovers are stupid.  You will end up with strep throat two days later, so don’t ask me. The answer is usually “no”.
• Make your bed as soon as you exit it.  I understand that no one else will see it.  I will see it, and that is all that matters.
• We don’t “dunk” cookies in milk, pizza crust in soda, etc.
• Self-expression is fun on Halloween; otherwise, conformity is just fine.
• Never drink out of a friend’s water bottle (see aforementioned strep throat concern)
• You can tell me until you are blue in the face what so-and-so’s mother is letting him do.  I don’t care.  Really.
• Always tell the truth.  Because, I do have eyes in the back of my head and super-human hearing and I will find out.
• Be nice to your brother.  Friends may come and go, but a sibling is a friend for life.

I think that the most important part of being a mother is to act like a parent NOW, so that you can be friends LATER.  If you make decisions so that you will be perceived as “cool” it will end badly.  Kids crave stability and consistency…even if they think they don’t.

I talk to my mom and two sisters multiple times per day.  We are an inseparable group.  I can only pray that my boys will remain as attached to me when they are parents.

Happy Mother’s Day!  xoxo

By Bronwyn Martin, Columnist, The Times

The long-struggling housing market is finally showing signs of recovery, giving many homeowners more equity in their properties. This encouraging trend is likely prompting more pre-retirees to consider if, and how home equity can be turned into a source of cash to help fund their retirement.

There was a time when owning a home with little or no outstanding mortgage balance was considered a potential financial bonanza for those in retirement. For years, home values moved higher, sometimes dramatically so. But starting in 2006, the bottom fell out of the housing market. Home equity was decimated and homeowners changed their expectations about the role equity can play in retirement.

Even with a lower value, home equity continues to represent one of the biggest assets for many Americans. It may play an even more important role when retirement savings come up short of expectations. Some already retired or approaching retirement feel like they have little choice but to tap the equity they’ve built in their home to support their cash flow needs throughout the rest of their lives.

The question then becomes how to do it. There are a variety of options available, but the right answer for you may depend on what plans you have for living arrangements in the future and many other factors.

Finding the most realistic solution

There are risks in assuming that the equity you’ve built up in your home will be a guaranteed source of income in retirement. For starters, you will always need a place to live, so you can’t assume the full value of a home is at your disposal. Here are three primary options those in retirement generally consider:

Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC)

Americans became accustomed to tapping their equity through HELOCS in the last 30 years, and though it is a reasonable option for an employed individual, it may be less practical for someone in retirement. HELOCs need to be repaid, and using the proceeds from a home equity loan to help fund retirement income needs often means taking on interest costs in order to generate that income. It’s important to note that an individual puts a lien on their home by taking a HELOC (second mortgage), and risks losing it should he or she fail to repay under the terms of the loan.

Reverse Mortgage

An alternative that has become popular with many retirees is to use a reverse mortgage. This allows a homeowner to tap into the equity of the home while still occupying it. A reverse mortgage provides payment to homeowners for the bulk of the value of their homes via a lump sum, a line of credit or periodic payments. In essence this is a loan to the homeowner paid back when the house is sold at some future date. However, interest accrues throughout the duration of the loan and upfront fees apply, so it can be expensive.

A standard reverse mortgage, also called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, charges a two percent mortgage insurance premium on the full value of the home. The government now offers a lower cost “Saver” loan with a mortgage insurance premium of just 0.01 percent of the home’s value, but applying a higher interest rate. Over time, the combination of fees and interest charges can significantly deplete the value of the home’s equity as it applies to income needs. Individuals who qualify for a reverse mortgage must also be at least 62 years old. The older a retiree is, the more he or she can receive from the home’s equity. Understanding the complicated terms of a reverse mortgage before signing on the dotted line is crucial.

Selling Your Home and Downsizing

The other way to tap a home’s equity is to sell it. Many retirees find they are ready to “downsize” their living quarters to a smaller home, townhome or condo. If the market is right, they can sell their existing home, buy a new place and have equity leftover to add to their retirement nest egg. Alternatively, they can pocket the full proceeds from the home sale and rent their living quarters or explore other living options. This will greatly bolster their retirement savings, but it also adds a new monthly expense they will need to fund throughout the rest of their retirement.

Home equity offers great potential value in retirement but, like any investment, is subject to the fluctuations of the market and may have tax consequences. If you plan to tap your home’s value to support your retirement, proceed with caution. Remember that the primary function of your home is to provide a roof over your head, and using equity to fund retirement requires careful planning.

The sale of a home and home equity loan products may have a tax impact, please consult your tax advisor.

Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.

Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

© 2013 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times

Last week as I was traveling home from the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, I started thinking about why I have been a member since my first days as a dentist. I joined the American Student Dental Association as a dental student nearly 30 years ago and have been a member ever since. I asked myself is membership so important that I would give up a beautiful early spring weekend?

What is the ADA? The American Dental Association (ADA) is the oldest and largest national dental society in the world. Founded in 1859 the ADA has grown to become the major source of unbiased oral health related information for dentists and their patients.  ADA member dentists are bound by a strict code of ethics.  The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the leading publication in the field.  Member dentists support numerous charitable programs including Give Kids a Smile.

My dues to the American Dental Association help support patient information resources such as http://www.mouthhealthy.org/     A few months ago I wrote about the ADA seal program.  Each consumer of oral health products can check and see if that product has earned the seal of acceptance. The ADA foundation, the philanthropic arm of the American Dental Association provides grants for access to care and has recently provided disaster relief to hundreds of practices that have been devastated by hurricane Sandy.

With few exceptions, dentists across America are small business owners.  We each practice in our own location in our own style. Membership in the American Dental Association (parent organization to the Pennsylvania Dental Association and our local chapter) connects these individual, in some case isolated, practitioners and gives them a network of other dentists and staff to provide support and guidance to encourage the individual member dentist to grow with the profession.

Why should a dentist belong?  In a perfect world individual dentist would want to be part of their professional organization.  They would gladly agree to the code of the ethics and wouldn’t hesitate to contribute money to advance the access of dental care throughout the country.  They would participate in community outreach.  Yet, many dentists do not belong.  The question of why so many choose not join is one that was discussed at the meeting at great length. The simple answer as members, we don’t know.

Membership matters today more than ever.  Because of numerous federal regulations, dentists as individual practitioners are often barred from discussing details of their practices with one another.  In an era of massive legislative changes to healthcare, abundance of contracts with third party payers, new rules for reimbursements, and numerous regulatory agency requirements on each practice, it’s easy to see how an organizational partner can work with these issues to accurately guide dentist members.  Each time a new law or regulation is adopted, I look to the ADA to decipher it and advise me on how it will affect my practice and my patients.

I belong for my patients.  Patients deserve a dentist that is bound by the ADA code of ethics. A dentist that is willing to learn and advance their clinical training. Patients benefit when a dental practice is current with laws and regulations and incorporates them appropriately.  Most patients prefer that their dentist is part of a larger organization that provides professional support and public outreach.   In the era of so much change in healthcare, it’s important to ask the dentist if he or she belongs.

Dr. Stephanie McGann is a resident of the Unionville area and along with her partner, Dr. Marie Scott, operates The Brandywine Smile Center, a family-friendly dental practice in Concordville. She is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times

So, I’m pretty sure that my “monthly” installment of the Sunday Super Six (which debuted in March) inadvertently skipped April in its entirety.  Whoops.  Never one to let go of my desire to create a list, let’s begin anew with May…

1. Pencils.  I LOVE pencils.  I love the smell of graphite on paper.  I love to write lists. (duh)  I think that I could be super, duper creative with these ADORABLE pencils from Amanda Catherine Designs on www.etsy.com.

2. My plan is to learn how to create this EXACT hairstyle BEFORE the temperature hits the ninety-degree mark.  Because, when the heat and humidity of July roll around, I look just like Monica from that “Friends” episode when they all go to Barbados.  Remember?  NOT GOOD.

3. Trader Joe’s Blondie Bar Mix.  This has now replaced birthday cake in our house.  It is delicious.  It is in NO way good for you.  I (before this article) would pawn it off as homemade.  The jig is up.

4. Because I am all about balance (ha!)…I usually redeem myself with a smoothie from “The Produce Place” (606 E. Cypress Street in Kennett Square) after a Blondie binge.  My current favorite is the Chocolate Cherry with protein.  How can something this yummy be good for you?  It can and it is.  Go get one.  And, don’t be afraid of kale.  Really.

5. By now you all know my obsession with nails.  I am VERY excited to try this kit.  The promise is gel-like staying power in a base and top coat without using a light to cure it.  I’ll try it out and keep you posted!

6. The Great Gatsby soundtrack hits stores on May 7^th.  I’m just as excited about this as I am to see the movie!  Awesomeness.

Well, there you have it.  My May obsessions.  Tell me YOURS in the Comment Section below!

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

La Comunidad Hispana (LCH) has been awarded $123,320 by the United Way of Southern Chester County for 2013 and 2014, the agency announced Wednesday.

“I want to commend your agency on the fine work it does throughout the year in addressing the human service and health needs of our southern Chester County community,” the United Way awards letter stated.

The allocation designated $85,000 for LCH community services and $38,320 for the organization’s health center.

La Comunidad Hispana was established in 1973 as a community-based nonprofit organization to empower immigrants and low-income residents in Chester County to stay healthy, build strong families and lead productive, fulfilling lives. For more information, go to www.lacomunidadhispana.org or call 610-444-7550, ext. 242.

The 5^th Annual Hear We Go 5K Fun Run/Walk will be held Saturday on the grounds of Nemours Mansion & Gardens in Wilmington.

Refreshments, entertainment, and an education fair will follow outside the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. Proceeds benefit programs related to hearing loss and hearing conservation in children.

This event has raised close to $70,000 since its inception in 2009, funding initiatives such as iPads for auditory verbal therapy, a hearing aid loaner bank, and equipment upgrades, organizers said.

Registration the day of the event will begin at noon on the hospital. The race starts at 1 p.m. For more information, call 302-651-6839 or visit www.nemours.org/hearwego. Nemours Mansion & Gardens, which boasts one of the largest formal French gardens in North America, is located at 850 Alapocas Drive, Wilmington, De., 19803.

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times

Being fashionable isn’t only about clothes, handbags and shoes.  Your home and outdoor space should reflect your personal aesthetic.  However, due to the cold spring we have had so far, my flower beds are not to be judged.  The weeds are still well rooted and I’m a firm believer in NO PLANTING until after Mother’s Day.  I have killed way too many a perennial to risk a sooner date.

That being said, I am SO excited to spruce up the back yard to get ready for warm evenings!

You already know my love/obsession for the website “Pinterest.”  And, if you haven’t joined yet, now is the time!  I found all of these images while surfing around for patio inspiration.  How cute is the chandelier in a tree?  O-M-G, instant chic.

Bringing indoor accessories outside really elevates a simple patio set.  Obviously, you need to be mindful of the weather, but a fur throw makes that rustic pallet bench look like a million bucks!  (You can find similar throws at Ikea.)

Isn’t the “buried pot” herb garden a fantastic idea?  Not only does it LOOK pretty and attention grabbing, but it is organized and accessible for clipping!  Because they are underground, you can purchase cheaper, plastic versions and achieve the same look!  BRILLIANT.

My yard has a huge oak tree.  How fabulous would it be to build a little deck around it?  What a perfectly shaded lounging spot to read a book and sip some lemonade on a hot, summer day.  Throw down a bunch of water resistant pillows and brightly colored planters and you have yourself a little slice of heaven!

Looking to save money but itching to change up last year’s deck furniture?  Shopping at stores like HomeGoods and TJ Maxx are great sources for outdoor décor.  Metal lanterns, ceramic side tables in tropical shades and a patterned umbrella can instantly update any dining set.

Well? What are you waiting for?  It’s seventy degrees and sunny!  Get outside!

Happy Weekend!

The Moorhead Environmental Complex at the Stroud Water Research Center in Avondale has received the nation’s highest ranking for green building. Photo courtesy of Halkin Mason Photography

In keeping with the spirit of Earth Day, the Stroud Water Research Center in Avondale announced a major global-friendly achievement on Monday.

Its Moorhead Environmental Complex, which opened in the fall, has received the nation’s highest certification for green construction:  LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum, said a news release from the center.

“We’re delighted to have achieved LEED Platinum, the highest honor in LEED certification,” Bernard W. Sweeney, Stroud’s director and senior research scientist, said in the release. “The Moorhead Environmental Complex was a huge undertaking. It combined creative, cutting-edge architectural and mechanical design with other innovative environmental approaches like ‘getting the water right,’ which became our guiding principle in pursuit of a new green building for environmental education and public outreach that would model sustainable practices for managing water.”

Since 1967, the center has been pioneering research in the field of freshwater science; that work has yielded valuable insights into how streams and rivers function and how their health can be impaired as well as restored and preserved. As companions to its research, the center has also developed education and watershed restoration programs to advance knowledge and stewardship of freshwater, the release said.

While the Moorhead Environmental Complex houses the center’s departments of education, watershed restoration, development, communications, facilities, and administration, it also serves as a teaching tool, providing opportunities for educators to discuss the various features such as wetland treatment of wastewater, rainwater capture, and photovoltaic panels.

“The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, chief executive officer and founding chair of the U.S. Green Building Council. “The work of innovative building projects such as the Moorhead Environmental Complex is a fundamental driving force in the green building movement.”

LEED certification of the Moorhead Environmental Complex was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community, the release said. Some of the green features on site include: storm water management using natural landscaping with porous surfaces, a green roof, composting toilets, a geothermal radiant heating and cooling system, and soy-based, spray-foam insulation.

“With two new classrooms, educational signage, and the green features that our educators can utilize as teaching tools, school and community groups who come to the center will learn not just about environmental science but also environmental stewardship and how they too can be a part of the solution,” said Susan Gill, education director.

To learn more about the Stroud Water Research Center, a nonprofit that seeks to advance knowledge and stewardship of freshwater, visit http://www.stroudcenter.org/mec/.

Dove video demonstrates difference between how we see ourselves and how others do

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times

This video stopped me in my tracks.

I am ashamed to admit that I am guilty of having a very self-critical attitude about my looks.

I would like to blame the society that we live in, but that’s a cop out.  I have no problem teaching my boys to never judge a book by its cover or to look for a person’s inner beauty as opposed to just the surface.  I encourage them to love that their bodies are healthy and fit…even though they want to be bigger, faster, or stronger.  I praise them for being caring and respectful instead of simply being handsome (but, they are darn cute).

Why can’t I convince myself to focus on those same things?

Watching this clip, I could not help but notice how sad and uncomfortable the women seemed as they were describing themselves.

I read a very interesting rebuttal about how the Dove campaign picked slender, relatively young (mostly white) females as their subjects.  I didn’t perceive that to be the case at all.  This may sound harsh, and I apologize for not finding a more politically correct approach, but I felt that the women they selected to feature were “real.”  No one was a stunning beauty as generally defined by our culture.  Do you know what I mean?  I would have been irritated to watch a 6-foot glamazon talk about how “ugly” she was.

The most powerful part, in my opinion, was how kind the women were to EACH OTHER.  If we can find the beauty in a stranger, we should give ourselves the same respect.

Pass this video on to your daughters, sisters, mothers and girlfriends.  Let’s make a conscious effort to find the positive when we look in the mirror.

What were YOUR thoughts when you watched?  I’d love to hear your comments!

Happy Weekend, beauties!