(ARA) – According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 4.5 applicants for every available job opening as of January 2011. Limited job options, stiff competition and new technological advances require job seekers to step up their game in order to stand apart from the crowd. In today’s tech savvy world, this includes not only updating your resume, but also using new online technologies to augment your research and organization.

While this may seem a bit daunting, insider advice from a few career experts can help you with recommendations for job search success using the Web.

Give your resume a makeover
“The first thing a job seeker needs to do is to update their resume with the terminology and formats used in the desired industry,” says Kirsten Wright, director of career services for The Art Institute of Washington – Northern Virginia. Research professionals working for the industries you want to work in to see how they phrase their skills and abilities. Then tailor your resume to a similar format.

“A general resume that highlights achievements with a position-specific cover letter is the best approach,” says Wright. “Hiring managers can spot a generic cover letter a mile away. When each resume and cover letter get less than 20 seconds to make a first impression, that first impression is critical.” She also recommends that you consider doing a video resume to complement your standard materials as a great way to set yourself apart.

Research your wish list of companies
Once you have selected the top 50 companies where you would like to work, create a folder for each (physical or electronic) that includes the company name, location, website, contacts you have there, human resources manager, manager of the department you’re interested in, top management, products or services, and positions available.

Ed Hunter, vice president and director of career services for The Art Institute of Philadelphia, suggests using social media to help research your preferred companies. “Set up ‘Google alerts’ on each company so you know what the media are saying about them,” says Hunter. He also recommends following both the company and the managers on Twitter, liking their Facebook pages and connecting on LinkedIn. “This will help you stay abreast of new products, services, changes in staff and even new position announcements.”

Network, network, network
You’ve used social networking on a personal level; now is the time to make it work for you. Use the networks you’ve developed online to gather information about job openings. Let your online friends know what you’re looking for.

“It’s fine to engage the managers you’re following on social networks,” says Debra Pierce, director of career services at Miami International University of Art & Design. “Be sure your communication relates to the company or the profession, as people blatantly looking for a job are quickly avoided.” You can even refer to these interactions during an interview.

Pierce also reminds job seekers, “It is important to manage your online presence since hiring managers will do an extensive search on a candidate prior to hiring them. Be sure to eliminate unused social media pages and to delete any material that you would not want an employer to see.”

Remember that social media has not replaced personal contacts. Many employment opportunities still come from people you know or have met in person so continue using your offline network of friends, colleagues and family as they too will be valuable in your search.

Implement your action plan
Armed with information and job search tools, it’s time to put your job search strategy in place. Spend at least two hours every day searching online, tweaking your resume and cover letter, and following up on job openings. Make sure that each resume and cover letter is customized to the job you are applying for – mirroring the wording to match the job description when appropriate is important.

Bruce McCain, career services director for The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design, reminds job seekers, “Organization is key. Maintain a list or spreadsheet to track goals you’ve set for each week, jobs you’ve applied for, follow-up you’ve done, passwords for various websites and the status of each company on your wish list.”

The competition is fierce, so it’s important to use the all the latest tools at your disposal to be successful in your job search. And when you get that interview, just pull the information from the company folder you’ve created, review your online interactions with the managers you’ve engaged and get ready to land that job. To learn more visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

(ARA) – Making healthy decisions isn’t always easy in today’s fast-paced world. But what you may not realize is that even the smallest choices can have a big impact on your health, mindset and life. There are many simple ways to defend your health every day including easy nutritional and physical routines that you can feel good about.

“A busy lifestyle doesn’t have to mean sacrificing healthy choices,” says leading nutrition expert Dr. Susan Mitchell. “One healthy commitment that many Americans aren’t currently making is to get enough fiber in their diets, which is important in helping to maintain immunity and digestive health. In fact, the majority of Americans only get half the recommended daily amount, mainly because today’s easily accessible food is processed or refined and contains few nutrients.”

A prebiotic fiber supplement like FiberChoice is a simple, convenient way for people to help close the gap between the fiber that they get from food and the additional fiber that they need. The prebiotic fiber in every serving helps the good bacteria in the digestive system grow and thrive, supporting overall health and helping to avoid digestive problems. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Dr. Susan Mitchell suggests these additional small, smart choices that can have big health benefits:

* Take the steps instead of the elevator. If you sit at a desk most of the day, get up about every hour and climb a flight of stairs in your building. At the end of the day, it makes quite a difference.

* Take a little “me” time. A mental health day every once in a while can help alleviate stress which can lead to long-term health issues.

* Still hungry after lunch or dinner? Add a second helping of salad or vegetables. Your body will love the additional nutrients and fiber found in many vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, artichokes or cauliflower.

* Be adventurous and try new foods. Most people only eat pumpkin at Thanksgiving, but canned pumpkin is actually available year-round. It’s high in fiber and beta-carotene and low in fat. Try mixing it in a smoothie with low-fat frozen yogurt and cinnamon.

It can be hard to know if you’re getting the recommended daily fiber intake (25 to 30 grams). A prebiotic fiber supplement, such as FiberChoice helps remove the guesswork as just two tablets contain 4 grams of prebiotic fiber.

For more information, visit www.fiberchoice.com or www.twitter.com/fiberchoice.

Tips to avoid allergy and asthma misery while enjoying outdoor events

(ARA) – Summertime means outdoor fun at weddings, graduations, festivals and picnics. But uninvited guests ranging from stinging insects to grass pollen can ruin the fun for the millions of Americans with allergies and asthma.

Allergies and asthma can lead to sneezing, wheezing and itchy misery – and sometimes more serious reactions – turning a joyous occasion into agony.

“By planning ahead, people with allergies can still enjoy outdoor events,” says Dr. Myron Zitt, past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

ACAAI and its allergist members suggest following a few simple tips to make summer soirees more enjoyable:

* Treat before you go. Take allergy medication before walking out the door. If you wait until symptoms kick in, the medication won’t be nearly as effective.

* Go undercover. Big, wrap-around sunglasses help keep pollen from getting into your eyes.

* Avoid bees. If you’re allergic to bees or other stinging insects, avoidance is your best bet. Keep your distance from uncovered food, be cautious of open soft drink cans and resist wearing bright clothing or perfume, all of which attract bees. If someone near you gets stung, move away – some bees give off a chemical after they sting that can attract other stinging insects.

* Be cautious at the food table. Avoid foods in which nuts, dairy and other common allergens can be lurking, such as mixed salads, barbecue sauces and salad dressings. If grilling is involved, have your portion cooked on aluminum foil to avoid cross-contamination with other foods.

* Stick to the middle. Poison ivy can lurk in bushes and other foliage, so stay in open areas where you’re less likely to brush up against it.

* Pay attention to ozone alerts. High temperatures mixed with pollution can pose a problem for people with asthma. Carry a quick relief inhaler.

Visit www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org for more information about allergies and to find an allergist near you. Allergists have expertise to select the most effective treatment options and also can determine if you should consider allergy shots (immunotherapy) which are effective for seasonal and stinging insect allergies. The treatment involves periodic injections with tiny amounts of an allergen so that your reactions become milder or disappear completely, curing your allergy. Allergy shots also can help prevent the development of asthma.

(ARA) – If you’re an expectant first-time parent, or trying to conceive your first child, you’ll likely rely on the support and experience of many people, including your partner, friends, your own parents and medical professionals. But don’t be surprised if you still have questions – having a baby is a unique experience and few things can prepare you for all of the changes that pregnancy brings to your body, life and family.

“There are few events in anyone’s life that rival the significance – and the joy – of childbirth,” says Dr. Myra Wick, co-medical editor-in-chief of the “Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy.” Produced by Mayo Clinic’s pregnancy and fertility experts, the comprehensive guide provides information on all aspects of conception and pregnancy. “You want to do all you can to help ensure a health pregnancy and a wonderful beginning to your child’s life.”

Your doctor will be a valuable source of information, but don’t be afraid to seek out answers on your own, especially for important decisions such as when to begin trying and how to get pregnant, what type of delivery is right for you, and whether to breast-feed. To get you started thinking about these decisions, here’s what Wick and the book have to say on some important first pregnancy questions:

Getting pregnant

When is the right time to have a baby? Only you and your partner can answer that question. Some phases of your life, however, may be more conducive to pregnancy and new parenthood than others. The “Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy” helps you explore the various factors to consider, and also offers plenty of information on how to get pregnant, diet and exercise recommendations to help improve your chances of becoming pregnant, and all of the latest knowledge to help you have a healthy pregnancy.

The C-section question

Cesarean delivery (C-section), a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother’s abdomen, saves the lives of many babies and mothers every year. Doctors may recommend a C-section for many health-related reasons. Sometimes the reasons will be an emergency, such as labor not progressing or the baby experiencing an abnormal heart rate. Other times, a doctor might recommend a planned C-section if you know you will face a serious health obstacle that may make a vaginal delivery dangerous.

Many medical professionals and pregnancy experts are concerned by the growing trend of healthy women choosing to have C-sections with their first babies. These planned C-sections are done to avoid labor or the possible complications of a vaginal birth, or so that the baby can be born at a more convenient time for the parents, doctor, or both. “These C-sections aren’t performed for health reasons,” Wick says. “Instead, they’re done out of fear or wanting to avoid an inconvenience. And those are not good reasons to have a C-section.”

When you’re considering the decision of an elective C-section, it may also help to keep in mind that once you have one C-section, you may not be able to have a vaginal delivery with subsequent pregnancies. VBACs (vaginal birth after C-section) are possible in many cases, but are not without risks. “Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy” includes in-depth information to consider about elective C-sections and VBACs.

Breastfeeding basics

To breastfeed or not to breastfeed? It’s a question many expectant and new mothers have. Experts agree that in terms of nutrition, breast milk is clearly best for baby, and offers health benefits to mom as well. But breastfeeding may not be possible for all mothers. Formula-feeding shouldn’t make a mother feel guilty. If you’re undecided about breastfeeding, ask yourself these questions:

* What does your health care provider suggest?
* Do you really understand both methods of feeding?
* Will you be returning to work and how might that affect your feeding decision?
* How does your partner feel about the decision?
* How have other mothers you trust and respect made their decision?

A first pregnancy is an emotional and exciting time. Gathering ample information on important pregnancy decisions can help ensure your pregnancy is happy and healthy, with as little stress as possible. For more pregnancy information and insights, visit www.facebook.com/MayoClinicHealthyPregnancy

Who knew that going into summer, spring football would be one of the least talked about sports on the UF campus? With the seemingly vanilla offense and a badly banged up defense, the Orange and Blue Debut was mostly for the new coaching staff. The highlight of the game was not during the game itself, but at halftime, with the unveiling of the Heisman Trophy winners’ statues on the west side of the stadium. If you haven’t been to see them, it’s worth a trip over. My skepticism was squelched when I actually laid eyes on them. Well done.
While football itself was not a big splash on the sports scene, football recruiting is in full swing, with an impressive 10 verbal commitments for the 2012 season.
However, the real stars of spring were the so-called “minor” sports. Men’s and Women’s tennis teams each won their SEC tournaments—quite an impressive feat. The women are ranked #1 nationally, the men #8. The Gymnastics team finished the season 17-2 (5-1 SEC) and made the national tournament, but failed to reach the Super Six.
The Women’s lacrosse team (currently 15-2, 5-0 SEC), still in its infancy (second year of the program) began their post season play as the top seed in the American Lacrosse Conference. What a wonderful reward for those players who signed to play for Florida with only a coach named. No stadium, no facilities. No history of the sport in a conference that has only a few teams competing. Just the belief that the name “Florida” alone carries clout; the knowledge that everything the University of Florida does is first class. Their vision has come to fruition. Lacrosse is growing in popularity in middle and high schools across the country. It’s not just for the Ivy League anymore!
The softball team (45-8) continues to improve and power their way through the SEC. They have changed the style of softball, from the slap-hitting, small ball way of playing to power hitting, netting record home run numbers. The amount of home runs being hit these days has led some to question whether the fences should be moved back!
The Gator baseball team remains in the top 5 nationally, relying on a strong pitching staff and power hitters at the plate. The new composite bats have required a bit of a learning curve, but the team seems to be peaking at the right time. The regular season is winding down, and they are continuing to improve heading into the SEC tournament and, hopefully, to a Regional host position, perhaps even a Super Regional.
The quality of sports programming year round makes the Gainesville area a magnet for those who love sports. One can see many of these events for just a few dollars or even free. The opportunity to show Orange and Blue pride continues in the coming weeks. Get out and show your Gator spirit by supporting these athletic teams. You’ll be glad you did. Go Gators!

By Dawn Robinette

Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and I just wanted to take the opportunity to wish each and every one of our Gator Moms a delightful Mother’s Day weekend. This is a weekend to congratulate yourself on a variety of pretty important contributions you’ve made such as:

• The miracle of giving birth to another human being
• Teaching another person your unique values in life that will continue to resonate through the ages
• Being the “rock” for your family so they feel secure in the knowledge that you will always be there, through good and bad times
• Providing a safe haven for another individual to grow, learn, make mistakes and formulate an identity where they know you will unconditionally love them no matter what
• Providing support to another individual so they know someone always has “their back”
• Helping build and sustain the character of the leaders of tomorrow

So the next time you feel like all you ever do or ever did as a mom was make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chauffer, clean up, nag, etc. realize that you are doing or have done so much more than that. Mothers tend to get caught up in the everyday, mundane task of parenting and fail to realize the awesome role they play in shaping our world through their rearing of our beautiful children.

(ARA) – The dog days of summer can be brutal on utility bills and a major drain for pocketbooks, but they don’t have to be.

During the hottest months of the year, water is wasted due to over irrigation, and air conditioning systems are forced to run longer to keep indoor temperatures cool. While scorching temperatures can push water and energy consumption to its limits, there are ways to consume less and save more.

“Reducing water and energy consumption isn’t as difficult as many think,” says Rhonda Hills of Kudzu.com, an online resource for homeowners looking for expert home advice. “Even minor changes in behavior and small investments in energy-conscious materials can make a big difference.”

The home experts at Kudzu.com recommend the following actions to provide short-term and long-term relief as the mercury rises.

Install a soil or rain sensor – Soil and rain sensors are effective water conservation tools. Soil sensors monitor the soil’s moisture content and allow sprinklers to operate only when water is needed. Rain sensors detect precipitation and shut off sprinklers if it is raining. Both devices are upgrades from traditional timers and can greatly reduce water usage.

Seal openings around windows and doors – Cracks around windows and doors are a source of significant energy loss. The U.S. Department of Energy reports more than 20 percent of the air entering and exiting the home does so around windows and doors. Using caulk and weather stripping to seal around these vulnerable areas can make a significant difference in the home’s energy efficiency and monthly utility bills.

Replace old windows – Windows are a major source of energy loss in most homes. Old, single-paned windows are inefficient and will allow radiant heat from the sun to increase indoor temperatures. Replacing old windows with Energy Star-rated windows can save 7 to 15 percent on energy bills and increase comfort within the home.

Use ceiling fans to circulate air – Ceiling fans do not reduce indoor temperatures, but they can make the home feel more comfortable. Fans work by circulating air across the skin and creating a wind chill effect which makes inhabitants feel cooler. It’s been proven that using a fan can allow homeowners to turn up their thermostat by 4 degrees with no drop in comfort level. Ensure the fan’s blades are turning counterclockwise during the summer to maximize the wind chill effect.

Increase attic insulation – Adding insulation to a home is one of the fastest ways to reduce energy consumption. More than 10 percent of the average utility bill goes to cooling a home, and insulation can help significantly reduce the frequency and duration the air conditioning system is running. Only 20 percent of homes constructed prior to 1980 are properly insulated.

Replace incandescent bulbs – Light bulbs produce light, and they also produce heat as a byproduct. Only about 10 percent of the energy consumed by a traditional light bulb is used to create light. The remainder of the energy becomes heat. By switching to Energy Star-rated lighting, homeowners can consume less electricity and produce less heat within their homes.

Visit Kudzu.com for more home improvement advice or to find a highly rated home professional in your area that can help you get your summer projects done.

(ARA) – The summer sun is returning and calling us all outside. The outdoor lifestyle of spring and summer keeps skincare on many people’s minds and few go to the beach or water park without a bottle or two of sunscreen. But high SPF shouldn’t be your only skincare concern – think back to the colder season to see where your skin might need a helping hand.

Cold weather does more than send a chill through to your bones – it can contribute to the aging process. Winds outside, coupled with the dry, warm air inside our homes, tend to draw moisture from your skin over the months. This causes damage that’s hard to fight, as anyone who has struggled to find a strong enough moisturizer can tell you. And the loss of moisture can accelerate the aging process.

For most women, it can take a long time to get skin back into shape. But there are some smart solutions for getting your skin sunshine-ready in a shorter amount of time, such as aesthetic treatments like the new ePrime (TM) Energy-Based Dermal Remodeling treatment, now available at many dermatologist and plastic surgeon offices. Consider these ways to revive your skin for the coming season.

* Get your vitamins. Taking vitamin supplements can have plenty of benefits for your health, and vitamins A, C, E and K have attributes that can help improve skin’s appearance. But don’t just reach for the bottle (and talk to your doctor before you do). Remember that eating vitamin-rich foods can have just as great an effect – so think of the produce section of your grocery store as a new skincare emporium.

* New ways to rejuvenate. Giving your skin back what it has lost might seem impossible, but there are solutions that can help improve skin tone and volume – two of the most notable features of youthful skin – in a single treatment. One new minimally invasive technology, ePrime, is an alternative therapy to surgical options like facelifts. “For people who have ruled out a surgical facelift, but for whom more basic skin surface treatments aren’t enough, ePrime is a good solution to rejuvenate the skin,” says renowned New York Derm-Scientist(R) Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas. This minimally invasive aesthetic device, administered by a doctor, delivers measured radio frequency (RF) energy directly into the deep dermis to boost volume and tone, turning back the damage that’s been done to your skin.

* Don’t be afraid of oil. It might not be so spooky to those with naturally dry skin, but oil-based treatments and cleansers shouldn’t send those with oily skin running. In fact, for those with oily skin, problems can arise from using over-drying treatments. There are plenty of product options, from oil cleansers to oils that can be used as a moisturizer, or in combination with creams, for those who need even more of a moisture punch.

* Turn down the temperature. A long, hot shower certainly feels great – there’s no denying that. But it can lead to not-so-great feelings later, when your skin is dry, itchy and flaky because the heat dried it out. Luckily, as the seasons heat up, it’s more tolerable to take cooler showers, but keep in mind that you should turn down the heat when washing your face, too.

It’s inevitable that your skin will take its knocks through the seasons. Luckily, if you didn’t do enough to prepare your skin, you can focus on repairing it with these tips. For more information about ePrime, visit www.syneron.com

(ARA) – What’s sweet, filling, can be used in many types of cooking and contains no fat, saturated fat, trans fat or cholesterol? The answer is sweet potatoes, a traditional, yet often overlooked component in traditional American cuisine.

For many of us, sweet potatoes have been a staple side dish at family gatherings for years. Sweet potatoes stand well on their own – baked or mashed – because of their distinctive sweet-and-savory-at-once flavor. What many people may not realize is those same attributes make sweet potatoes a refreshing addition to many traditional dishes that could use a little boost.

Have you ever thought of adding sweet potatoes to your ham casserole, cornbread or even a staple such as chili? You may have noticed that many forms of ethnic cooking, such as Thai and Indian food, use sweet potatoes liberally, but the truth is sweet potatoes fit right in with many recipes in standard American cuisine.

Sweet potatoes contain natural sugars — they’re something good that’s good for you. They may be the most nutritious vegetable available, and they’re available all year round. Sweet potatoes contain more fiber than a bowl of oatmeal, and they are packed with vitamins A and C. Additionally, they contain such key nutrients as vitamins B6 and E, calcium, copper, iron, folate and almost as much potassium as a banana.

The distinctive taste of this super-nutritious root vegetable may also have led you to believe that it doesn’t marry well with other flavors. But the truth is whether they’re standing on their own or blended into your favorite dish, sweet potatoes offer taste and nutrition with every bite.

Spring and summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to try a new take on your traditional dishes. Try adding sweet potatoes to your Easter casserole, baking mom a sweet potato pie for Mother’s Day or cooking some sweet potato fries to accompany hot dogs and hamburgers on the Fourth of July. If you’re looking for some recipes to get you started, the United States Sweet Potato Council offers all kinds of different takes on cooking sweet potatoes at www.sweetpotatousa.org or try this Cheesy Ham and Sweet Potato Casserole for your next gathering:

Cheesy Ham and Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds fresh sweet potatoes
Salted water
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon basil, crushed
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups grated Swiss cheese
3/4 pounds cooked ham, cubed

Directions:

Wash sweet potatoes. Cook unpeeled sweet potatoes, covered, in small amount of boiling salted water until tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Cool. Peel and slice 1/4-inch thick; set aside. Melt butter in medium saucepan. Add onion, cook until tender. Remove from heat; stir in flour, salt, basil, mustard and pepper. Cook over low heat until bubbly, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in milk all at once. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir one minute. Remove from heat. Stir in 3/4 cup of the cheese and the ham. Pour half of mixture into greased 2-quart casserole dish. Arrange half of sweet potatoes on top. Repeat layers. Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake three to four minutes longer, or until cheese has melted. Makes six servings.

(ARA) – Before rushing out to buy the latest looks in emerald, teal or chartreuse, the question of “Is green the new black?” isn’t referring to the season’s “it” color, but rather the current trend of going green.

Not sure if green and recycled fashions are for you? Fashion experts at The Art Institutes schools discuss green fashion and how you can go green by adding some recycled fashion into your own wardrobe.

Green fashion is all about clothing that is environmentally friendly and made in a socially responsible way. Qualities that make clothing “green” or “eco-friendly” are the “use of organic materials, fair-trade manufacturing, eco-friendly dyeing processes and the use of recycled materials,” according to Maria J. Aguerri, academic director of Fashion Marketing and Management at The Art Institute of Michigan.

The green fashion movement “is less about consumption and more about self-expression and fashion we can feel good about as consumers,” says Amber Davis Huber, a Fashion and Retail Management instructor at The Art Institute of Indianapolis. People are “becoming more aware of where products come from and how they affect the environment. There is a story with the product.”

Recycled fashion is a great way for consumers to add green fashion to their wardrobes. Designers take recycled fabric or articles of clothing and refashion them to create completely new looks. Recycled fashion opens opportunities for smaller designers and “allows them to enter the market in a more manageable way,” says Huber.

Not only does recycled fashion offer more opportunity for up and coming designers, but also provides more selection and unique looks for anyone wanting to stand out in a crowd. “Recycling old clothing and textiles is a great opportunity for designers to be creative, says Jo Dean Tipton, a Fashion Design instructor for The Art Institute of Indianapolis. “Each garment made from recycled textiles is one-of-a-kind, and shows originality from the way they connect together. We are living in a time when people buy clothing to reflect their personalities, and owning a garment made of a mixture of fabric and trims is a great way to do that.”

Recycled accessories are another way to go green. Huber, who is the designer of the handbag line Cynthia K, offers customers the opportunity to choose from a variety of recycled leathers and styles to create a custom-made handbag. Aguerri says designers are also starting to recycle denim and metals for accessories.

Aguerri also recommends bringing old clothes and accessories to thrift stores, shopping for vintage clothes and participating in clothing swap parties as ways to add some recycled fashions to your closet. “A growing trend is to recycle bridesmaid dresses, which until now were usually worn once and discarded,” she says.

Green fashion can mean higher price points, but Huber says that this hurdle can be overcome by educating consumers on how products are made. She also stresses that “it’s important as a consumer to really understand what makes things eco-friendly” and recommends researching companies to make sure their eco-friendly claims are more than a marketing strategy.

As for the future of green fashion, Huber says that five years ago she wouldn’t have expected it to be going full-throttle, but now it’s more of a lifestyle.