A detailed event schedule follows below.  All events are free, unless otherwise noted.

Philly @ the Movies – Special Movie Preview: “The Amazing Spider-Man™”
Ritz Movie Theatre, Date and Location to be announced, 7 p.m.
Be one of the first people to watch as one of the world’s most popular characters returns to the big screen and a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy is revealed. A limited number of ticketed Wawa Welcome America! guests will have the opportunity to see this film several days before its release date of July 3.

Monday, June 25, 2012
Go 4th & Learn about History
Franklin Square, 6th and Race Streets,
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Storytelling
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Wawa Interactive Dairy and History Area
Go 4th & Learn is an exclusive series of five free educational programs for young children and their parents.  The first Go 4th & Learn installment, Go 4th & Learn About History, will begin at Franklin Square. Children will hear stories and alsolearn about the history of dairy, courtesy of Wawa. Lessons in cow milking,photo opportunities with a milkmaid, make-and-take arts and crafts, face painting and more will be available throughout the day.

Philly @ the Movies – “The Great Gatsby”
Rittenhouse Square, 9 p.m.
The Philly @ the Movies series offers visitors and residents the “blockbuster” opportunity to enjoy free, family-friendly cinematic classics on the big screen at great venues across the city. For the exciting kickoff to the 2012 Philly @ the Movies program, bring the whole family to Rittenhouse Square to see the classic film “The Great Gatsby” starring RobertRedford and Mia Farrow.  Before the movie, enjoy a free fashion show at one of Philadelphia’s most “see and be seen” locations.

 Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Go 4th & Learn to Expand Your Imagination  
Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Go 4th & Learn continues with a morning of interactive exhibit zones designed to encourage learning through play at The Please Touch Museum at Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park.

Philly @ the Movies – “To Be Announced”
Piazza at Schmidts, 1050 North Hancock Street, 9 p.m.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of one of Philadelphia’s bustling neighborhood hubs, The Piazza at Schmidts.  Please check www.welcomeamerica.com for updates.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Go 4th & Learn about Fitness
SmithMemorial Playground & Playhouse, East Fairmount Park, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Break a sweat in the third installment of the Go 4th & Learn educational series! Kids can enjoy the 6.5 acre playground which includes the legendary, one-of-a-kind Ann Newman Giant Wooden Slide and more than 50 pieces of unique, age-appropriate and accessible pieces of play equipment.

Wawa Hoagie Day – Stars, Stripes & Hoagies Forever!
Independence Visitor Center Lawn at Independence National Historical Park, 520-525 Chestnut Street,

12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Hoagie Day returns to the Independence Visitor’s lawn across from the Liberty Bell, Mayor Nutter will join Wawa associates and hoagie-lovers across Philadelphia to celebrate ourfamous Hoagie Day!

This year’s Hoagie Day will increase our focus on honoring our troops and expanding on Wawa’s partnership with the USO. Wawa will present a check to the USO that represents the proceeds from our in-store collection campaign for the USO. During the event, guests will again have the chance to visit the “letters from home” station and extend their gratitude, thoughts and thanks to our troops.  Philadelphia police officers, firefighters, and branches of the military will compete in a hoagie-building contest to benefit local charitable organizations.

Philly @ the Movies – “Rocky”
Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 9 p.m.
Yo! The free Philly @ the Movies series continues with “Rocky,” the beloved boxing film shot in and around Philadelphia. Bring your friends and family and watch the film right at the famous steps where the Rocky legacy lives forever.

Thursday, June 28, 2012
Go 4th & Learn about Mummers
The Mummers Museum, 1100 South 2nd Street, South Philadelphia, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Bring the whole family to this morning event to learn about the unique history and culture of Philadelphia’s New Year’s Day tradition, the Mummers.

Friday, June 29, 2012
Go 4th & Learn about Animals
The Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Avenue, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Come visit with more than 1,300 rare and endangered animals from around the world at “America’s First Zoo.” Kids will discover educational experiences, entertaining activities and interactive fun while learning about the many different animals that call the Philadelphia Zoo home.

PHL Photo Exhibit
Philadelphia International Airport (Terminal To Be Announced) 10 a.m.
Check our website for further details.

Taste of Philadelphia Kickoff Featuring Jazz and Blues on the Waterfront
Penn’s Landing, 301 S. Columbus Blvd, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Wawa Welcome America! invites visitors and Philadelphians alike to ignite their taste buds at Taste of Philadelphia, a signature three-day food sampling event that begins this evening. Each year, Taste of Philadelphia continues to expand its food offerings, family friendly activities and free music entertainment – with 2012 set to be the “biggest bite” for food lovers yet.

In addition to some of Philadelphia’s most notable restaurants, Philadelphia’s famous food trucks will line the Chestnut Street bridge offering a unique twist on the traditional sidewalk cart. As guests dine on local favorites, their eyes and ears will take “note” – not only of the sounds of some of the nation’s most storied jazz and blues musicians but also of the beautiful views of historic Philadelphia. Entertainment and admission to Penn’s Landing for Taste of Philadelphia are free — with bite-sized dishes from restaurants and food trucks offered at a few dollars each.

Throughout the duration of Taste of Philadelphia, world-class blues and jazz artists will entertain guests on two stages — the RiverStage at Penn’s Landing and the Old City Stage at Front and Chestnut Streets. Musical line-up for Taste of Philadelphia will be announced soon, so check back frequently for updates.

Saturday, June 30, 2012
Taste of Philadelphia Concert and Fireworks Spectacular, Sponsored by Adventure Aquarium
Penn’s Landing, 301 S. Columbus Blvd, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Local Philadelphia culinary favorites are served up for another day as our headliner lights up the stage with a soulful performance.

During the afternoon, Taste attendees will be the first to hear performances from thefinalists of the 2nd Annual Wawa Welcome America! Singer/Songwriter Competition. The acts will perform before Philadelphia music industry judges on the RiverStage in the hopes of being crowned the 2012 winner.

Later that evening, Taste will end with a bang – literally – as a brilliant fireworks display, sponsored by Adventure Aquarium, illuminates the sky over the Delaware River.

Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival
Walnut West Parking Lot, at Columbus Blvd. and Walnut Street, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Guests are invited to enjoy an all-you-can-eat ice cream buffet benefiting the Joshua Kahan Fund, fighting to cure pediatric cancer. $7 admission is required to enter.

Sunday, July 1, 2012
Tasteof Philadelphia Gospel Sunday
Penn’s Landing, 301 S. Columbus Blvd, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Come back for a third round of local culinary favorites as the Taste of Philadelphia celebration dishes out food nirvana, courtesy of local eateries. Enjoy the sights of the Delaware River waterfront and the sounds of some special gospel choirs which will perform inspiring and uplifting sets along the waterfront at the RiverStage.

Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival
Walnut West Parking Lot, at Columbus Blvd. and Walnut Street, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Guests are invited to enjoy an all-you-can-eat ice cream buffet benefiting the Joshua Kahan Fund, fighting to cure pediatric cancer. $7 admission is required to enter.

Monday, July 2, 2012
Philly @ the Movies –“Why Did I Get Married?”
The Dell Music Center, North 33rd Street, 9 p.m.
Once the sun goes down, the big screen goes up for a night of movie entertainment under the stars. Enjoy Tyler Perry’s 2007 hit, “Why Did I Get Married?,” at the Dell Music Center.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012
MuralArts Paint Day
Check out our website for further details.

“POPS! on Independence”
Independence Hall, 8 p.m.
Peter Nero and the Philly Pops!® return to celebrate America’s birthday in America’s birthplace with “POPS! on Independence,” a free concert at Independence Hall. As one of Philadelphia’s most popular Fourth of July traditions, seating is first come, first served. Note: Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Celebration of Freedom Ceremony
Steps of Independence Hall, 6th and Market Streets, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Come pay tribute to our great nation with a celebration of music, inspiring remarks and a reading of excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, among other special elements.

Philadelphia Independence Day Parade
Throughout Historic Philadelphia, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
An annual Philadelphia classic takes freedom to the streets with more than hundreds of participants from states across the nation, including marching bands, floats, military organizations and several special performing teams. This visual feast is the most diverse Fourth of July Parades in the country, andpeople of all ages will surely enjoy the patriotic pageantry as it winds through the nation’s most historic square mile.

Come witness Patriotic Pageantry as over 5,000 participants from across the nation celebrate America’s Birthday in America’s Birthplace. This year’s parade features a “Heroes Salute” honoring the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 – The United States Military, veterans, firefighters and police officers. You won’t want to miss the 2012 Independence Day Parade!

Party on the Parkway
Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th Street to Eakins Oval, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The highly anticipated day-long Party on the Parkway kicks off at noon on the BenjaminFranklin Parkway from 20th Street to Eakins Oval, featuring blocks and blocks of exciting and educational activities, games, entertainment andfood for the whole family until 7 p.m.

The festival offers three music stages, a wealth of music programming throughout the day, sporting events, an art pavilion incorporating an array of eclectic talent that performs and interacts with the crowd and many more activities. A Go 4th & Learn area for children presented by Radio Disney also will be offered, bringing education to life through interactive games, make-and-take arts and crafts, a Radio Disney Music Stage and face-painting. Food vendors will fill the Parkway cooking up delicious food to delight the whole family.

Philly 4th of July Jam and Grand Finale Fireworks
Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 20th and Eakins Oval, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
The Roots will serve as the house band for the Wawa Welcome America! Philly 4th of July Jam – “The Largest Free Concert in America.” The festival’s Musical Director Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson will perform alongside an incredibly talented array of the brightest and boldest talent on the national music scene including Queen Latifah, Daryl Hall, Common, Joe Jonas and more special guests, on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Following this spectacular performance will be an amazing fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Wawa Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates America’s birthday in America’s birthplace, Philadelphia, and is produced by Welcome America, Inc. For more information, please visit www.welcomeamerica.com, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wawawelcomeamerica or follow us on Twitter at @July4thPhilly.

Concerts – BINGO – Rides – Crafts -  Food/Refreshments – Face Painting – Coin Toss – Children’s Games & Entertainment….FIREWORKS!!

HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday 6pm – 11pm
WEDNESDAY,  JULY 4th
8:30am Baby Parade
9:30am Sam Constantini Annual 4th of July Parade
Fair Opens:  12 pm – 4pm & Re-Opens 6pm – 11pm
FIREWORK SHOW begins at 9:30pm

Visit www.southamptondays.com for our FULL EVENT SCHEDULE

Wednesday JULY 4th ONLY….$3.00 General Admission Fee beginning at 6pm Children 3 years of age and under are FREE. Admission includes Entry to the Fair, Concerts and FIREWORKS!!!
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – Saturday the fair will be open from 6:00 p.m. – 11:00p.m. No admission fee

Contact:
Stephanie Miller
Phone: 215.801.7141
Email: stephanie@southamptondays.com

“Mommy, what’s a Freeholder?” We will get to that later. And don’t feel bad. You are not alone in wondering. Its kind of like jazz. Ask three different people and you’ll get three different answers.

So, rather than cut the OS tax down to two cents instead of 3 cents per 100 of assessed property valuation (and move that one cent over to another fund for something else), the Freeholders will keep the tax and dedicate it to OS preservation. But here’s the catch, they will use some of the money in the OS fund, 3.3 million, to pay off debt for “other” OS purchases. Read: a golf course.

PRIVATE GOLF = PUBLIC LAND
Who knew we owned a golf course? Yep, Heron Glen http://www.heronglen.com/ and it was bought with OS funds. But its not totally yours, Hunterdon County. You gotta pay to play and bring your own clubs. I checked into this thing recently so I don’t really know how exactly the Freeholders convinced themselves that it was on-mission to use OS tax payer money to buy a farm and turn it into a golf course for private-paid use. Not to mention the fact that golf is an outdoor sport with an extreme environmental impact (think: lots of lawn mowing, chemical run off from fertilizer and pesticides, electric fountains… you get the picture). Truly bizarre. And now they want to throw more public money at this private project.

SWOREN TEED OFF
There was one Freeholder who got the incongruity of throwing more public funds at this private project, Ron Sworen. He was the lone voice and said it plainly, “let the people who use the golf course pay the debt.” So, before they use the money, they promised to check the legality of doing so, thanks to a Sworen-amendment to the resolution.

Apparently there is some other debt to pay off too. They did not really go into it. But they did talk about also using the money for Planning Department salaries, which all the Freeholders seemed in favor of, specifically for when the Planners work on OS projects. Why are they worried about these salaries?

EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED: ARTS & OS
Remember the imminent planning department staff layoffs I wrote about in my last column, those overworked folks who, in addition to their planning work, are also now running the Hunterdon County Cultural and Heritage Commission (HCC & HC) (where arts funds were cut)? One of them, Rick Steffey did in fact get laid off. So, the Freeholders are trying to find ways to cover these salaries and avoid more layoffs. Using OS funds is one way.

I wanted to make a statement during the public testimony period about the importance of OS to the arts, specifically in inspiring the creative community. I wanted to tell the Freeholders that since they already cut direct funding for the arts, to not cut the indirect benefit to artists that open space affords in inspiration. But I simply did not have it in me to get cut off by Freeholder Walton who ran the meeting in a very narrow minded way and bullied a few people who testified.

WALTON’S GONG SHOW
If there was one word Walton considered off-topic during public testimony, he’d cut the person off and say “Please keep comments to the matter at hand.” One woman began testimony by talking about watersheds. I could see where she was going, and this guy interrupted her to say, “stay on topic.” Even I saw where she was going but he could not help himself from interrupting, and not allowing good oratory to bring itself around to conclusion.

Walton showed zero understanding of the interconnectedness of issues by cutting people off. Or perhaps he just wanted to go somewhere else, fast. This was most likely the case, considering his final comment after testimony/before they voted, complaining, “We don’t want to spend all night governing Hunterdon County, some of us have baseball to watch.” Wow, this statement at the one meeting where over 100 people turned out in support and Walton wants to watch television!

THAT MONEY BURNING A HOLE IN YER POCKET?
One attitude all the Freeholders seemed to share was that there is too much money in the OS fund and they gotta spend it. But at the same time, many attendees publicly complained that is nearly impossible to get open space money from the fund due to a laborious application process. The application is half an inch thick compared with Federal applications for the same type of funds, which are around 7-10 pages. You know you’ve got a well oiled bureaucracy when you out-do the Federal Government. And these are Republicans—so much for small government!

DOUBLE YOUR DOLLARS
76 percent of voters supported the OS tax and over 100 people came out in support of keeping the tax last night. Brad Campbell from Lambertville, NJ, inspired by saying “The (OS) money when diverted (to other things) is worth a dollar for every dollar but each of those dollars when spent on open space is worth far more, leveraging Federal and State Funds,” and increasing the quality of life for all of us.

And I would add, the other benefit, that’s harder to put a price on, however, is the time and passion of the people that showed up in support of OS. Their testimony and work shows that having OS funds not helps to preserve land and quality of life, it mobilizes people and empowers them to keep on protecting the places they love. And that impulse is completely priceless….and it serves a greater good than watching television.

I spend much of the spring and summer basking in the succulent food that grows here in Bucks. Having grown up in New Hope and moved away for far too long, I can tell you there’s no place like home. And there’s certainly nowhere more perfect for a foodie to cultivate her senses.
After spending my entire career in the houseware industry, I developed an obsession with kitchenware, cooking heaping amounts of food for my family and blogging to the world about what turned up at our dinner table.
New Hope is a natural place to indulge such a lifestyle, thanks to the abundance of farms. At the height of the growing season, it can take me three stops to pick up the ingredients I need for dinner. I’m salivating as I write this, just knowing the asparagus at None Such Farms will be peeking up from its soil very soon.
At my blog, www.4plates2table.com, I share my efforts to feed my family simple, healthy meals that are full of flavor. I love hearing that I’m not alone, that more families are taking the time to sit down at the dinner table to enjoy a meal together. It’s the most precious time of my day, when we talk food and the day’s highlights—and, usually, what we want for dinner the next night.
I believe anyone can cook. Once you get a few recipes under your belt, you’re well on your way to becoming a proficient home chef. Some of the fanciest-looking fare is the simplest to make. The trick is in learning a few basic skills and using the freshest ingredients.
I used lemons in both of the following recipes to infuse them with springtime flavor. The combination of the Mediterranean chicken and grilled vegetables is a brilliant example of how a handful of ingredients can make it look like a chef snuck into your kitchen and made a feast for your family.

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Creamy Tzatziki
About 2 lbs. boneless chicken breasts,  cut into large cubes
3 tbsps. fresh rosemary leaves
4 cloves garlic
Zest of one lemon
Juice of one lemon (about 1/4 cup)
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Place the cubed chicken in a bowl. Then, combine the remaining ingredients in a food processor.
Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss the cubes to coat them evenly.
Refrigerate the chicken for at least four hours. Then, thread the cubes onto skewers and grill them for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

Tzatziki
12 ozs. non-fat Greek yogurt
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 hothouse cucumber, grated and
squeezed of excess water
Zest of 1/2 lemon
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp. white wine vinegar
2 tbsps. olive oil
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsps. chopped fresh parsley
Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl.
Refrigerate until serving.

Grilled Spring Vegetables with Fresh Lemon Vinaigrette, Feta and Mint
1 large eggplant or 2 small, sliced lengthwise
2 red bell peppers, cored and cut into large slices
1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 small fennel bulb, sliced
Juice of one lemon (about 1/4 cup)
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. dried oregano
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Sprinkle of crumbled feta
Sprinkle of chopped fresh mint
Rub the vegetables with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Then, grill them until they’re tender (and those beautiful char lines appear).
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, Dijon, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Next, slowly pour in the olive oil, whisking constantly to emulsify the dressing.
Lay the grilled vegetables on a platter, drizzle them with the dressing, crumble the feta over top and sprinkle with the chopped fresh mint.
Enjoy the grilled vegetables alongside your chicken kebabs and tzatziki. Serve with warm pita bread. Serves four (generous portions).

Nancy Jacobson is the founder and writer of the New Hope-based blog, www.4plates2table.com, which features essays, recipes, restaurant reviews, wine recommendations and kitchen shopping guides. For questions about these recipes and ideas for others, contact her at 4plates2table@gmail.com.

When I arrived at Kimberton Whole Foods, I ran into a friend in the parking lot. We were both a little surprised, because neither of us lives nearby, and it was, after all, Ottsville. Hardly an epicenter.
At least Kaitlynn Stupak, the store’s manager, wasn’t surprised. “It’s a real community atmosphere,” she says. “Once people come in and experience it, they come back. It’s a totally different vibe than a supermarket, even than other natural food stores.”
Two easy observations: customers, apparently, are willing to go out of their way to shop at Kimberton. And once there, they take their time. Kimberton encourages an easy rhythm by hosting yoga classes and countless product-related demonstrations.
Kimberton Whole Foods came into existence in 1986 as the Seven Stars Farm Store, selling organic milk and yogurt made right on the Chester County dairy farm. When it outgrew its space, the store was moved to nearby Phoenixville (on Kimberton Road) and, in 1994, renamed Kimberton Whole Foods, expanding its inventory along the way to encompass organic and all-natural dairy, meats and produce, as well as non-mainstream health and beauty lines.
There are stores in Downingtown and Douglassville in addition to the flagship and the Ottsville location, which opened in September 2008 and is attached via an open doorway to the coffeehouse, Brig O’Doon, which only encourages more hanging out. (The flagship features its own solar-powered café, complete with a local, organic and mostly-biodynamic menu.)
A uncompromising ethical code and mission statement shaped by a dedication to sustainability, local farming and organic product form the backbone of the privately-owned chain. “The staff is very committed,” Stupak says. “It’s part of their lifestyle and beliefs. They want to help customers understand and learn.”
We’ve come to equate boutique grocers with cost-prohibitive pricing, but Kimberton is competitive with other natural food markets in the region. The chain is satisfied accepting a narrow margin in the name of furthering the plight of the local farmers that stock its shelves.
When a company shows an interest in something above the bottom line, it tends to call out to customers. Which could explain the chance encounter in the parking lot.

Kimberton Whole Foods, 239 Durham Road, Ottsville; 610-847-2419; www.kimbertonwholefoods.com.

Add color. Fill in some detail. Step back. It’s a simple dance I repeat often as I progress with a painting. Sometimes, I’ll walk away altogether to refresh my perspective. It goes on like this until the image becomes clear. That’s when I’m done.
Painting is a process I’ve honed a lot over the years. With familiarity, I’ve tried to recognize my strengths and play to them. But, last month I took a dramatic step and pulled myself completely out of my comfort zone. I made myself the canvas and asked David Witchell, the co-owner of the Newtown salon and spa, David J. Witchell at 25 South, to be the artist. An artist making over an artist, if you will. That was my proposal, and Witchell was game.
He is an educator foremost these days. The training program for stylists at his salon is the most intense I’d ever heard of. Witchell students, or “assistants,” as they’re known, are fully licensed. But they’ll spend up to two years training under Witchell before they’ll ever cut hair on their own at his salon. So, inevitably, my makeover became the featured tutorial during one of his Monday night-training sessions.
Two assistants would consult with me and then develop their own proposals to cut and color my hair. I pick the one I like the best, and Witchell would factor it into the design he ultimately executed.
They ask how I feel about maintenance, which I appreciate. Their involvement ends as soon as I walk out of the salon, but mine just begins. “Committed to looking my best. Concerned about the time it may take,” I say. But if they can take 10 years off me, I’ll reconsider, naturally.
The proposals are similar, so the tiebreaker, in my mind, becomes the assistants themselves. I gravitate toward energy, so I select the upbeat assistant and, in turn, her plan. And the transformation begins.
What I learned over the next few hours:
Faces are either square or triangular to Witchell. I fall in the latter’s camp, and he begins cutting accordingly, but only after keeping an eye on me for the last hour, during which he picked up on how I habitually run my hands through my hair.
Witchell cuts every hair. One at a time, I swear. He tells me he cut “little surprises.” For one, underneath my longer bangs are mini-bangs. It feels like Christmas. He also creates a discreet “fin” along the back of my head that’s a bit blonder, just in case I want to accent it.
Witchell is an ardent advocate of clean-feeling hair, so he uses surprisingly little product. One exception: Kérastase Fibre Architecte.
“Hair that is in good condition receives and holds color better,” Witchell says. My hair wasn’t in bad shape, but it needed a lift, so a little protein spray was applied.
There’s a right shade of blonde, brown and red for everyone, Witchell says. It’s just a matter of accurately pairing it with the skin tone. The trick is, our skin tones change as we age, so we need to reevaluate at least every decade.
“When the depth or tone of hair color is off, many women alter their natural skin tone with makeup in an effort to correct what they see. That is where the mistake starts,” Witchell says. “Makeup is designed to perfect and refine skin tone, not create a different color altogether. Once hair color is correctly balanced, it is easy to select a shade that simply perfects the skin with no line of demarcation.”
Some butter tones are contrasted with reds to complement my light complexion. The decision is made to break my base. Basically, it’s a move to return my blonde to a natural state. It’s glorious. “Dimensional” color is then incorporated in a pinwheel pattern to play off my new cut.
In the salon’s clothing boutique, co-owner Galina Witchell dresses me in a shimmering, one-shoulder, sapphire-blue dress. And then, a pair of perfectly-matched earrings.
The woman who posed for the “after” photos cut a distinctly different portrait from the one who sat before that camera hours earlier. And yet, she wasn’t a stranger. She was surprisingly familiar to me. She was a clearer depiction of who I was, finally brought to light.

Colleen Attara (www.colleenattara.com) is an artist who uses repurposed materials to make joyful art. She considers lipstick and eye shadow as media full of potential.

It took Michelangelo three years to sculpt the 17-foot-tall, marble “David.”
Armed with the proper equipment, knowledge and motivation, you could achieve the same form in a lot less time. A lot less. Think eight weeks.
Keeping to the theme of our issue, shelve whatever perceptions you have about the human body for a moment and think of it as a large block of raw marble to do with as you please. Chip away a little here and there or don’t chip away at all and it’s going to remain a large block of raw marble. It’s unforgiving like that. But with lots of exhaustive efforts and perseverance, sharp contours form and, eventually, an ideal figure emerges.
To discover your inner-“David,” you need to follow Michelangelo’s lead. Envision a design. Figure out how you’re going to go about creating it. And then invest yourself completely in executing it. It’s that simple. Better still, you’ll start seeing results long before Michelangelo ever did.

I. The Design. Before you make a move, grab your iPad and sketch the figure you want to see in the mirror in eight weeks. Be as specific as you can be. List measurements and detailed qualities. Do you want to look like a certain celebrity? Pull up an image and make it your desktop. There’s your motivation.

II. The Strategy. Deciding how to begin can be a daunting task. But by having a design in place, you narrow the field dramatically. Now it’s simply a matter of matching the workout to the body you’re after. If your interest lies primarily in, say, shedding pounds like Jennifer Hudson, focus on high-intensity workouts that are light on the weights and heavy on the cardio. Rather develop and tone muscle along the lines of Gwyneth Paltrow’s? Focus on low repetitions of heavy weights, which will foster fast-twitch muscles. If you need help tailoring a workout, all you have to do is ask—a trainer, a friend, Google.

III. The Effort. The first two steps are wasted motions if you don’t work hard and do it consistently. If Michelangelo put in a casual session or two in the studio every week, we certainly wouldn’t be talking about him or “David.” Be honest with yourself. If you’re going to take the time to do this, commit completely and give it everything you have. It’s about that moment that day and that’s it. Compile eight weeks of those and you’ll have sculpted yourself a masterpiece.

Get David’s Core
Alternate between the following two workouts six days a week. —TS

Workout A
20 hanging leg raises, or leg raises on a bench
20 hip raises
60 second standard front plank
15 second break
20 wood chops (per side)
20 oblique crunches (per side), with a Swiss ball or on the floor
20 alternating bicycle crunches
60 second side plank (per side)
Workout B
10 abdominal wheels
20 v-crunches
15 second break
20 Russian twists
30 second cross-body mountain climbers
20 weighted crunches (with a medicine ball or a weight plate)
60 second break
15 40-yard sprints (You can perform the equivalent on an elliptical, a stationary bike, a treadmill or a rowing machine by doing 15 10-second, maximum-intensity repetitions.)

Todd Soura is the owner of the Doylestown-based Action Personal Training (215-230-8923; www.actionpersonaltraining.com). Read Todd’s weekly blog at www.buckslifemag.com.

Springtime in the city of lights is not to be missed. Unless, of course, you have a demanding job, a constantly-busy family or a strict budget. In which case, it can easily be missed. For the great many of us who fall into any one—or all—of those categories, the French-centric Tres Bien Boutique, located, fittingly, in a former cheese shop in Doylestown, will keep us from having to deprive ourselves entirely. Retail newcomer Stacey Hermance has shaped a well-edited collection of soaps, candles, lotions and linens that’s complemented by assorted European lines of casual jewelry, scarves and beaded handbags. Home décor is paired with design support. And presents come in a “giving-ready” package. 51 West State Street, Doylestown; 267-454-7083; www.tresbienboutique.com