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PUBLISHER'S MESSAGE

Spring… a time to follow those dreams!

In this issue, we're sharing the stories of women who did just that. One inspiring story follows a local female farmer who left it all behind to start fresh in the Okanagan… it was truly a dream come true!

Lift the mental fog and change your mind’s performance by shifting your focus to brain health; our cover features Cindy, an intelligent, hard working mom who has inspired many people by speaking on this very subject.

Almost half of moms admit to being ‘obsessed’ with worries about their children. Although parental anxiety is instinctual, understandable, and even useful, excessive amounts can harm both moms and their families. To all you lovely Mom’s out there, we have something to help you lose that anxiety or at least understand it better. The article, Always Anxious? on page 22, defines how much worry is too much, and offers tips for breaking the worry cycle.

During those quiet moments, we encourage you to read some local literature from our very own award-winning authors. We have a lot of writing talent in the Valley!

We know this is a trying time for our community and for the world as a whole. The Okanagan Woman team wishes everyone a very safe and healthy season

With love,

Suzy

Get your copy today!

Okanagan Woman Magazine

can be found at these local retailers:

Chapters Indigo, Orchard Park, Kelowna

Coles, Cherry Lane Mall, Penticton

Coles, Village Green Mall, Vernon

Mosaic Books, Kelowna

Winter Wonderland Valentine’s Escapades

Winter Wonderland Valentine’s Escapades

Looking for an excuse to cuddle up with your sweetie against the chills of a February night? Wanting to avoid crowded, over-priced restaurants and congested parking lots? There are countless ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the one you love. For those yearning for a quiet, intimate occasion, the best escape may be into the snowy woods. What better way to enjoy a romantic dinner with your significant other than lost in the magical snow globe world at Putnam Creek on the

Coquito

Coquito

Coquito is a coconut-based alcoholic beverage traditionally served in Puerto Rico. Try out this tropical recipe with some friends as it makes 10 cups! INGREDIENTS 1 coconut 3/4 to 1 bottle (750-ml) dark or light rum 1 (13 1/2-ounce) can coconut milk 1 (15-ounce) can cream of coconut 2.5 (12-ounce) cans evaporated milk 2 large cinnamon sticks Ice cubes, for serving 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Use an ice pick and a hammer to

The War on Drugs…One Woman’s Words of Wisdom

The War on Drugs…One Woman’s Words of Wisdom

When Helen Jennens lost her son Rian to a prescription drug overdose five years ago, she believed it was the worst thing that could happen to a mother. She was wrong. On January 14 2016, Helen lost her second son to drugs. This time, the long-reaching tentacles of the killer drug Fentanyl ended the life of her son Tyler, at age 40. Tyler, a struggling heroin addict, had been seeking help for his addiction. The “point” of heroin he’d taken was later found to be pure fentan

Tex-Mex Chicken Soup

Tex-Mex Chicken Soup

Homemade crispy tortilla strips give this hearty chicken soup a healthy crunch. Ingredients 2 1/2 lb. bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, skin removed 4 c. lower-sodium chicken broth 3 large stalks celery, sliced 3 medium carrots, sliced 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped 1 medium onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tbsp. ground cumin 1 tbsp. ground coriander 2 15 oz. cans white (cannellini) beans, drained 8 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 2 tbsp. lime juice Chopped

Pillow Talk

Pillow Talk

Geoff McLeary, owner of Sleepy’s Bedroom Furniture and Sleep Shop in Kelowna spoke with Okanagan Woman about what to look for when you’re making a pillow purchase. We know that there is nothing better than crawling into your cozy bed after a long day, but if your pillow isn’t up to par with your mattress, it might not be so comfortable. YOUR BED SURFACE The most important thing when it comes to buying a pillow is making sure it will match your bed. When you’re in the shop, be

Money Matters

Money Matters

So, what’s New or Changing for 2016 Personal Tax Issues? HOMEOWNERS Home Accessibility Tax Credit is now available for people who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit! In prior years, it was available only to individuals who were 65 or older. You can spend up to $10,000 on a Qualifying Renovation. A Qualifying Renovation includes any altering of an enduring nature that will allow the individual to be: more mobile, gain access, function safer, and reduce risk of harm to them

Turkey Acorn Squash

Turkey Acorn Squash

Rich in vitamin A, acorn squash is loaded with flavour and provides its own elegant serving vessel. Ingredients 2 acorn squash (about 2 1/2 pounds) 1 tbsp. olive oil ½ lb. sweet or hot Italian turkey or chicken sausage 1 small onion 1 medium red pepper Salt and ground black pepper 1 package precooked whole-grain brown rice (scant 2 cups) 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley leaves Directions Lightly grease microwave-safe large plate; place squash halves, cut sides down, on plate. Co

Glazed Turkey Meatloaf

Glazed Turkey Meatloaf

Adding ground turkey meat and oats to the traditional ground beef base makes this meatloaf lighter and healthier but it's just as hearty and comforting as any old-fashioned recipe. Ingredients 1 c. quick-cooking oats ½ c. skim milk 1 medium onion salt pepper 1 large red pepper 3 clove garlic 2 tsp. lower-sodium soy sauce ¼ c. ketchup 2 tbsp. ketchup 1 lb. 93-percent lean ground beef sirloin 1 lb. ground turkey breast 3 medium carrots 2 tbsp. spicy brown mustard Directions Pre