Talk about a career change! Teresa White, who is now the Marketing Consultant here at Columbia Home Magazine, moved to Columbia around a year ago. She was in Springfield working in the banking industry and finishing up school. Read on to find out more about what makes Teresa tick.

Why do you love Columbia Home Mag?

I’ve only been in Columbia for about a year, but I love that the magazine has allowed me to get to know the community. Since I was new to the area, it’s been a great way to meet people and learn about the fun things going on in Columbia.

What are you most excited for this year?

I just look forward to summer every year. It’s my favorite part of the year.

What are some of your New Years Resolutions?

Hmm, I have a lot, but how about to take my supplements and focus on my fitness goals.

What’s your favorite activity to do in Columbia on a weekday/weekend?

I love using the Katy trail for bike riding and walking with my boyfriend. I also love all of the nature parks and state parks.

I love Room 38, Quintons, and Buffalo Wild Wings (to watch games and eat wings of course!).

Favorite place to shop?

I really like Maude Vintage downtown.

What movie(s) do you want to see soon?

Definitely the third Twilight-Breaking Dawn. I was so upset I haven’t seen it yet. Oh and also Water for Elephants!

Favorite new technology?

Well, I just got an iPhone for the first time, so now I’m just trying to learn about all the apps.

Favorite piece in you house?

I have a really red ceramic vase from Pier 1 that’s really tall. It also has African grass sticking out of it, making it around 7 ft tall.

Favorite winter/spring/summer clothing items?

Right now, my new high black boots. In the spring/summer, when I’m not at work I like to wear jean shorts and my bathing suit.

What is your favorite way to relax or let off steam?

Going for a long bike ride. taking a bubble bath or having a margarita. Maybe all three!

If you could have one talent/skill that you don’t already have, what would it be and why? 

Whistle or wink, because people make fun of me for it. I finally taught myself to snap though!

What music are you in love with right now?

Definitely classic rock, like Lynard Skynard and Peter Frampton.

Teresa, our Marketing Consultant, walks in to the office around lunchtime with tupperware in her hand.  She opens up the tupperware to reveal a scrumptious looking pasta salad.  I immediately stop gawking and ask her what it is.  It turns out that Teresa has brought in a Hawaiian Tuna Salad she made from a family recipe.  Hawaiian Tuna Salad? I’m not sure about you, but I have never heard it.  I’m willing to try something new though! Sounds like a perfect meal for lunch or dinner.  Check out Teresa’s easy recipe below:

Hawaiian Tuna Salad

Pasta noodles- 1 pound

Mayonnaise Sauce (To your taste)

1 Large can of Albacore tuna

1 can of pineapple chunks

Green olives (To your taste)

Diced pickles (To your taste)

Top with shredded cheddar cheese

*Cook noodles first. Next, combine tuna, pineapple, green olives, and diced pickles. Stir in mayonnaise to taste. Be sure to refrigerate overnight, then enjoy chilled the next day!

-Meg Sterchi

I will admit it, Pinterest has caught my interest. Ok, it has more than just caught my interest, it has become somewhat of an addiction. What the creators of Pinterest have done is created a revolution.  A revolution that has opened up millions, if not billions, of doors on the internet. Previously unknown websites of companies for such entities as news businesses, designers, catering companies, artists, nutritionists, and more, have been introduced to the world by the simple task of re-pinning a picture.

I hopped on board of the Pinterest revolution train last year around November 2011.  While I only have six boards attached to my name, I also have over 400 pins and 150 likes.  My boards include  ”Foodspiration,” “Refresh.Evolve.Breathe,” “Building My Future,” “Eye Catching,” “Love Loves to Love, Love,” “Sassy and Classy Style” and “Words to Live By.”  I of course tried to make my titles original and somewhat witty, but I’m not so sure I met my goal.

Foodspiration is of course what it appears to be: A compilation of recipes from websites that I am inspired to one day make.  Refresh.Evolve.Breathe is a board consisting of not only refreshing ideas or images, but also new workouts to keep me entertained.  Building my Future consists of images that I could see myself basing my future home off of one day.  Eye Catching is simply what it says: images that catch my eye and make me smile, whether it be people, animals, places, or clothing. Love Loves to Love, Love is not only one of my favorite quotes by James Joyce, it is a board of future wedding ideas and images that inspire me that love is actually all around. Sassy and Classy Style includes clothing items that I could either see myself wearing right now, or hope to have the guts to wear one day.  Finally, Words to Live By is one of my favorite categories, as I am inspired daily by uplifting and thought provoking quotes.

This year, Columbia Home Magazine began our own Pinterest Boards. We wanted our readers to gain inspiration each and everyday from all of the amazing artists, designers, architects and more whose work is on Pinterest.  Some of our boards include “Awesome Accessories,” “Spring Into Fashion,”  “Great Spaces,” “Beautiful Bedroom Ideas,” “Kitchen Envy,” and “Tips and Tricks for the Home.” We have also made special boards to holidays and events such as the Super Bowl, Mardi Grads, St. Patrick’s Day, and Spring Break. Check out our page today and get your inspiration on!  http://pinterest.com/columbiahomemag/

-Meg Sterchi

With Spring Break and Summer just around the corner, how are you going to get in shape? I am asking myself this very question as I prepare for a week on the beach soon.  Well, Columbia actually has a lot to offer both inside and outside around the city.

For the outdoor adventurer, Columbia and the surrounding area has numerous parks and trails.  Some of these include the MKT trail, Cosmo-Bethel Park, Stephens Lake Park, The Pinnacles, the outdoor track on the University of Missouri’s campus, or just throw on your running shoes and take a trot through downtown! For more Columbia park and trail information, be sure to check out Columbia Home’s Park Guide in our Great Outdoors June/July issue!

The MKT Trail (courtesy of 8goesgreen.wordpress.com)

Stephens Lake Park (courtesy of hopecitycouncil.org)

Indoor exercisers have options such as classes at the Mizzou Rec Center, Yoga Sol, Element Yoga and Health Studio, and Wilson’s Fitness Center.

Mizzou Rec (courtesy of the Stephens College website)

Columbia is also home to many different running and biking races. Upcoming ones races that you and/or your friend and family could participate in are:

March 17- Columbia’s Catch Me If You Can 5K- fundraiser for the Columbia College Science Club

April 7^th- Max Trax Dualthalon (Biking and Running) – Short or Long course!-http://ultramaxtri.com/maxtrax/

April 21^st- The Health Connection 5K Run/Walk- http://thc.missouri.edu/

April 21^st- The Tim Heinsz 5K and Jim Devine Dog Walk- http://law.missouri.edu/sba/th5k/

April 28^th- CIGS 4 mile run, 1.3 mile walk

                Coyote Hill 5K

April 29^th- Mizzou Water Ski & Wakeboard Club Team Fundraiser 5K

With all of these options Columbia has to offer, I know I have no excuse not to get in shape! I know I may need to recruit a friend to keep me accountable, but that will make exercising that much more enjoyable! In the words of my mom’s fitness coach: “The body was made for motion, so get up and move!”

Check out this Better Homes and Gardens “Closet to Gift Wrapping Station.” What a great idea to help organize that crazy closet we all hate to enter in fear of being attacked by a role of wrapping paper, spool of ribbon, or a cluster of bows.

http://www.bhg.com/decorating/closets/reach-in/clever-storage-closets/#page=3

Betsy Bell is the Publisher here at Columbia Home Magazine for just over a year. Betsy has been with the company, Columbia Business Times, for the past 6 years though.  She has done just about every job within the company. Starting as a freelance photographer, she then changed to a graphic designer, then was placed in sales, and now serves as publisher. Betsy is married with two beautiful children. Below is more fun insight into the thoughts of Betsy Bell.

What are you most excited for this year?

The baby! It will be my second girl.  I think her name will be Nola Irene. Irene is my husbands’ grandmother’s middle name who passed away this year.

What are some of your New Years Resolutions?

None. I am too busy.

Why do you love Columbia Home Magazine?

I love having a creative outlet. I love having a job where you can use your imagination and create something new everyday and help people with the editorial. That’s a fun part. Also, to me it’s like giving little gifts when you do stories about people. They seem to really appreciate it. It is always fun to watch people’s excitement with those stories.

Most excited about for the next two issues?

Let’s see, the artist profile on Laura Robinson, who has Asperger’s syndrome and is an actress in LA, but grew up in Columbia. Another one is the feature on a woman named Alyssa Eigelhart, who quit her job and is going to travel. The article is called 360 Degrees in 360 Days. Also the DIY Super Hero Party with super hero party with Emily Sutherland.

What makes you happy?

 My family and having a job that I love. Also, seeing people’s positive reactions to the stories in our magazine.

Favorite activity to do in Columbia on a weekday/weekend?

While pregnant, I like to rest when not working. When I’m not pregnant, I like to cook.

What type of movies do you like? 

Old classics like  ”The Sound of Music,” “Little Women,” “The Goonies,” you know those old wholesome films that you can just watch over and over.

What is your favorite piece in your house?

We have a very old painting of the Immaculate Conception that my husband bought me for Valentine’s Day one year.

Favorite winter and spring clothing items?

I always love shoes. So boots in the winter and heels in the spring/summertime. 

What is your favorite way to relax or let off steam?

Oh, to take a bath or get a massage.

Where do you like to eat with your family?

We really like Sycamore.

Favorite Columbia event and/or article with the magazine from the past year?

The Best Dad’s party because we got to honor some really great fathers in the  community and all their families came. That was really nice to do.

For articles, I really enjoy the artist profiles. One of my favorites would be the “Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude” article with Colin Wright the minimalist. I also really enjoy stories on doctors who go on medical missions, like Dr. Chang of Columbia Facial Plastic Surgery who went to Kenya or Dr. Willet who went to Jamaica. Those were two really touching stories.

I also enjoy our guides to local things that city offers, whether it be an adventure sport guide, summer camp guide, or philanthropy guide.  Those are fun.

Favorite Season/Holiday?

 Summer and Christmas.

If you could have a talent/skill that you don’t already have, what would it be and why? 

I would like to be more organized, a better cleaner and have better fashion sense.

What music are you in love with right now?

I love all different types of music. Everything from Country to Top 40.

Betsy and the rest of the Columbia home Magazine team are in the middle of preparing for the next two issues, April/May and June/July, so that Betsy can take a much deserved maternity leave.

-Meg Sterchi

DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden-

How about going green in your own kitchen? Reuse your old glass jars and plant your favorite herbs to liven up your kitchen area!

http://camillestyles.com/2011/transformed-mason-jar-herb-garden//

DIY Spice Rack-

Check out this cute DIY project to “spice” up your kitchen!  We know you’ve been dying to find a way to fun way organize all those containers.

http://www.addicted2decorating.com/framed-magnetic-chalkboard-spice-rack.html

DIY Decals for your Kitchen Jars-

Get creative with your kitchen labels! Try out this fun DIY decal project and put your own original touch to your kitchen.

http://thepaintedhive.blogspot.com/2012/02/magic-decal-transfer-tutorial-with-free.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%25253A+ThePaintedHive+%252528The+Painted+Hive%252529&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher/

Editorial intern, Allison Dorr, seems to always have a positive outlook on life. So of course she was more than happy to take some time for a quick interview! Read on to get to know Allison a little better.

What are you most excited for this year? Well, I’m studying abroad in Ireland this summer, which I’m really excited about.  It’s a marketing based program through Mizzou’s School of Business.

What are some of your New Years Resolutions?  Hmm….To save more money and eat healthier. Yup, that’s pretty much it.

What has been your favorite part of interning here at Columbia Home Magazine?- I had a lot of fun at the Heart Ball event. It was really cool to be able to represent the magazine and meet new people.

What are you most excited about for the April/May issue? Well, I just did an organizing tips article, so I’m excited to see that in the issue. Also, all the different spring items and for it to finally be spring.

What makes you happy? I love being with my friends, warm weather, and being with my family.

Favorite activity to do in Columbia on a weekday/weekend?

Definitely shopping downtown at stores like Swank, that’s my favorite. I also love going on Columbia’s different trails and going to The Pinnacles when it is nice out.

Favorite Columbia restaurant and/or hangout place?

I love Addisons and Harpos’ half-price burgers. Harpos is definitely my favorite bar.

What movie(s)/music concerts do you want to see soon? The Vow! I haven’t seen that yet. Oh and Like Crazy.  I also want to go to Glow Fest in April. Oh and I wanted to see Eli Young Band, but tickets were sold out.

Favorite Winter Clothing Item? Peacoats. I love colorful peacoats and colorful tights.

Favorite Spring Clothing Item? I love wearing shorts, specifically J Crew Chino shorts.

What is your favorite way to relax or let off steam? I love going to Starbucks. My favorite drink there is iced coffee. I also love shopping, painting nails (color-wise it depends, but I really like light blues and greens), and getting manicures.

Favorite Columbia event? I love going to football game days with all the tailgates.

Favorite Season/Holiday? Summer and Christmas.

If you could have one talent/skill that you don’t already have, what would it be and why? I wish I could sing! It would be so much fun.

What music are you in love with right now? Country, but I like pretty much everything.  I really love Taylor Swift. She was amazing in concert, because she is such a great performer and so entertaining.

What social media are you obsessed with and why? Instagram. It is so fun to edit pictures and look at other people’s that they post.

-Meg Sterchi

A bubbly and always positive intern, Andrea Lewis began her editorial internship with Columbia Home Magazine in January of this year.  As a senior, majoring in English and Communication, Andrea has been the perfect fit for this intern position.  Get to know Andrea below.

What are you most excited for this year?

Definitely new opportunities, especially with graduation coming up. I’m looking forward to more fun changes in my life.

What are some of your New Years Resolutions?

 To stay healthier. Not to lose like a ton of weight or work out even more, but just keep myself healthy. Also to be better about cleanliness  and organization with my room.

Why do you love Columbia Home Mag?

You get to learn a lot of different things about the area. It’s nice to explore what else is out in Columbia. The magazine has helped me to do that a lot.

Most excited about for the April/May issue?

There are going to be some fun layouts and different perspectives, because we are focusing on the details. The pictures will be neat and how they zoom in and focus on the details is exciting.

What makes you happy?

Music, biking (I’ve been doing this since my Junior year of high school) and kickboxing (which is a new recent, fun thing that I love). Oh and I love chocolate! Chocolate definitely makes me happy.

Favorite activity to do in Columbia on a weekday/weekend?

• Winter- Going around the neighborhoods here and looking at the lights
• Spring- Going to the different parks in Columbia
• Summer- Going to the Mizzou Rec pool
• Fall- Going on walks on the trail and bundling up- finding different places to hike- I still want to find a place to fish

What movie(s) do you want to see soon?

The Vow! Oh and also Drive (on DVD).

Favorite winter clothing item?

My riding boots. They are fun, comfy, cute, and can be casual or dressy.

Favorite spring clothing item?

 Sundresses. You can never have too many.

What is your favorite way to relax or let off steam?

 Kickboxing and biking. I also love getting massages and dancing around my house to all kinds of music. I also love to shop at Elly’s Couture and dance at Ten Below.

Favorite Columbia restaurant for pasta?

The Pasta House. I’m a big seafood fan, so I love their seafood fettucini.

Favorite Columbia event each year?

The Roots & Blues Festival, because it has good food, music, and nice weather.

Favorite Season/Holiday?

Fall and the Fourth of July. I love fireworks and being out on the lake and watching them.

If you could have one talent/skill that you don’t already have, what would it be and why?

 To sing! I really wish I could sing

What music are you in love with right now? 

I literally like everything, from Frank Sinatra to Eminem, but not Screamo. Right now I’ve been listening to a lot of Reggae.

What social media are you obsessed with and why?

Twitter. I never thought I would be though, because when I started it I hated it. It’s more simplistic though in the sense that you can only have 140 characters, yet you can say so much.  It’s more powerful. I also like to catch up with celebrity news on it.

-Meg Sterchi