DELCO gets involved in National Take Back Day

The common adage used to be that marijuana was the “gateway drug” but times sure have changed. Statistics, provided by the DEA, explain that every day, on average 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time. Studies conducted by the DEA in a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, shows that in 2009 alone, 400,000 more people recreationally used pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants and sedatives for the first time rather than marijuana.

One of the biggest problems with prescription drugs is that people do not view them as harmful as “street drugs.” Yet, according to the Center for Disease Control prescription drugs—opioids and antidepressants, are responsible for more overdose deaths than “street drugs” such as, cocaine and heroine, are.

So how do we begin to remedy this problem? How do community members ensure that their medicine cabinets are not unintentionally dealing drugs? Participate in National Take Back Day. http://www.dea.gov/

This Saturday, September 25, from 10am to 2pm the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will host the first-ever nationwide prescription drug take-back day. Glenolden Borough Hall, along with Aldan, Springfield, Brookhaven, Upper Darby, Upper Chichester, Media, Upland, Eddystone, Ridley Park, Tinicum, Devon, Wayne and Sharon Hill are among the 14 locations countywide that will serve as a drop box locations participating in this event. At the end of the day, the DEA will transport all prescription drugs to Media, the county seat for proper disposal.

The DEA encourages citizens to properly dispose of these medications at the drop boxes. Flushing the prescription down the toilet is not a method of proper disposal. Recent Studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have detected pharmaceutical drugs varying in concentration in the water supply. To ensure that water stays pure and people are not abusing these prescriptions the take-back program is the best way to dispose of old drugs.

Recent studies show the majority of abused prescriptions drugs are obtained from family and friends medicine cabinets and the hope of this campaign is to eliminate that factor. This program hopes to make communities safer and lives healthier by preventing increased pill abuse and theft. Residents and community members are encouraged to bring all unused prescriptions, including those that are old and expired, to these sites for destruction. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

To find a drop location nearest you, go to http://www.dea.gov/ and type in your zip code.

Inside Out

Here is some food for thought about a topic we all try to avoid, but as the Daily Times Newspaper pointed out, is a topic that we cannot escape. "The Heroin Epidemic." 

Drug abuse, pill popping and now heroin-- is and has been running rampant through Delco. When I read the cover story in the paper yesterday it had me reflect on my own experience watching a friend, become destroyed by drugs. If anything, this article, this epidemic, is speaking to our 20something generation. We have to stop thinking that "partying" "doing pills" or "getting high" is cool, normal, or socially acceptable.

I am taking a class this summer for my Master’s Degree called “Writing the Unspeakable” and so the Daily Times Article inspired me to write this piece...

Inside Out

I haven’t decided what’s worse? Knowing he was lying dead in a coffin somewhere or knowing he was "dead", killing himeself each day, but still dragging himself through life?

The latter had to be worse. At least when you’re dead… really stiff as a board, eyes stuck open, mind off, dead, then there isn’t any hope left. You’re gone. You have to accept it and everyone left behind has to accept it as well. There is no more space in time for “what if’s” no more “maybe’s” no more prayers or wishes or hopes. They too have all settled into what we affectionately call closure.

We can allow ourselves to grieve and eventually to forget. We allow our minds to manipulate the memories—we forget the tragic, the dark, the heart wrenching parts and we let the happier, “before” memories take over. Eventually we allow ourselves to let go of the hurt, disappointment and loss. We “let go” because we want to, and because they are dead, so we have to.

So don’t get me wrong, I am not wishing death on him. God No! It’s nothing like that. It’s just that for me—the bystander, the friend, the outsider; I had no control. I have just had the displeasure of watching the beautiful person I once knew fade away into the dark depths of drugs. I could only watch as he got worse, and kept using. For me, it was like standing by a pool, watching someone you love drowning and not being able to reach in and pull them out. That’s how I felt at least. That’s why I think that maybe death would have been easier.

With death there is a definitive end.

So, maybe if he were laying in a casket instead of walking down the street I would have had to let go much sooner. Maybe then I would have been able to disregard the “what if’s” the “maybe’s” the prayers, wishes and hopes that lurked in my mind.

But he’s not dead, not then and not now. Somehow he “survived” all that drug use. His body survived at least, so he’s not physically dead. There is no coffin, no funeral, no eulogy—and no closure. See the catch 22?

He, as I remembered him, was forever changed by the drugs. The liquid poison raced through his veins and erased him. The person I loved, I knew, I grew up with…he was gone. His body was still there, reminding me of who he once was, but he was gone from the inside out. That’s the hardest part. Helplessly watching a loved one turn into a drug addict is one instance when it feels okay to think that death may have been easier than life.

Watching someone die inside out made it all feel so backwards.

PA Nails- Average Prices & ABOVE Average Experience

The snow is a distant memory and Summer is just around the corner. So for us 20something’s this means flip-flops, open toed shoes and inevitably pedicures. The downfall of this is having to frequent a grimy, sub-par nail salon. You know the ones I’m talking about…. 

You sit on folding chair while in the waiting area. In the back of the joint, people are getting their eyebrows waxed in open forum in a corner without any privacy. The paint is peeling on the walls and the TV displays a fuzzy picture. You decide to pick your color while you wait, but notice names like Revlon and Maybelline. Hmmm… you wanted to use a grade-A salon quality, like OPI or China Glaze (I mean you’re paying right?) So, you reach for a polish, in what looks like a professional looking bottle, only to find it’s old, clumping and multi-colored. Even the strongest shake of that bottle won’t blend that polish around. At this point they have called your name, so you grab a color that doesn’t look too old (you hope). You sit in a dusty chair, looking down at dirty tools and mismatched equipment. Hey its only $15 for a manicure, you think. What’s worse is when you sit down and they bring a bucket with water (which is supposed to be a pedicure) or they have a chair you think will be a spa chair and you discover it doesn’t work.

This kind of experience makes you want to save your money and do your nails at home!

But DONT!

Do not deprive yourself of the relaxing experience. Treat yourself and go to a salon where you can get your monies worth. With the wide-variety of nail salon’s that saturate the Delco Area, (many of which evoke the terrible experience I’ve described above) I decided to let everyone in on my favorite place. One that is NOTHING like those other grimy places. It’s called PA Nails in Aston.

It is clean, professional, trendy and provides a rejuvenating experience. The owners play relaxing music throughout the salon and have the best spa pedicure chairs in the area. PA Nails is located in The Dutton Mill Shopping Center (right off of Pennell Road/ Route 452). It is a far cry from the run-of-the-mill nail salons that come and go with the passing months. Rather PA Nails has been in business for years. I was getting my nails done for Prom’s here.

Even better, in the past year they have revamped the entire salon. You sit in the tiled waiting area on plush leather couches. You chose your color from top products like Esse, OPI and China Glaze nail polish. If you want to have your eyebrows done, you go into one of the two private rooms in the back. You lie on a professional lounge-type chair, close your eyes and enjoy the classical music. The staff is nice and professional. The environment is chic and pristine.

The best part…. the prices!!! Hot Oil Manicures $12. Pedicures $25, Full Sets $25 and Refills $15. Standard prices for ABOVE standard service. Trust me, no matter what service you chose, you won’t be disappointed.

In addition to nails, waxing and pedicures, PA Nails is now offering a new addition to their pedicure services. If you want to really treat your tootsies spend $38 and get a Deluxe Spa Pedicure. This includes; Royal Petal Bath, Lavender Sea Salt Soak, Exfoliation Honey Sea Salt Soak, Peppermint Foot & Leg Mask, Hot Towel Wrap, Extended Massage with Lavender Oil and a Hydrating Cucumber Heel Therapy.

So, don’t let those other places break your spirit…keep treating yourself and get the services you deserve. To make an appointment at PA Nails call (610) 485-2670. I’ll see you there!

 xoxo

Lana

Show R-E-S-P-E-C-T

NO, I’m not yelling at you…. this is NOT some rant! I’m literally talking about the live play-musical journey- show that is going on right now at the Society Hill Playhouse in Philadelphia called “Respect”.

I’ve lived in Delco all of my life, where we are only minutes from the city of Philadelphia, but we avoid going “in-town” because of

• The parking
• The traffic
• The hustle/bustle
• The prices

Well my fellow Delaware Conuntians (yes I am aware that is not a word) I advise, that you, especially you women, make the “oh-so-long” 20 minute trek in town. Trust me, this show is worth it.

I went last weekend with my Mom, Aunt and Sister. Tickets are between $40-$45 but if you snag one of the shows coupons that comes in the Clipper Magazine (you know that book of coupons that gets delivered to your house?) Well if you use that, then tickets are buy one get one half off. We used the coupons and only paid a fraction of the cost!

We arrived to the city early to get dinner before the show and pick up our tickets at will-call. The employee’s at Society Hill Playhouse recommended a restaurant right around the corner called “La Forno.” They told us that if we informed the restaurant that we were going to see a play at SHP we would receive a discount on our bill.

We walked around the corner, onto South Street, and upon arrival at La Forno we were greeted by the owner of the restaurant. Our waitress was wonderful, the food was INCREDIBLE (the brick-oven-pizza made me feel like I was back in Italy!) They knew we were on a schedule so everything came out in a timely fashion. The food was exceptional but reasonably prices ($$) and we did receive a discount on our bill because of the SHP. With full bellies, and after polishing off a bottle of wine, the four of us headed over to see the show.

WHAT A SHOW IT WAS!!! It’s like a musical, entertaining, hysterical, history lesson of how women and people have changed since the 1900’s. What’s amazing is that all of this change, is marked by our music. Things we subconsciously listen to, sing along with and hum to ourselves. Yet, unless you know the context of the music and the generation whom it was released for, you chance missing its impact.

For instance…

In the early 1900’s when women were typically obedient house wives they hummed along to “If I Knew You Were Comin’ I’d’ve Baked A Cake” or “Que Sera Sera.” By WWII it was “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “My Man” into the 1960’s and 1970’s it evolved into “I Am Woman” and “I Will Survive”

We women have come a long way baby! We have evolved from “I Will Follow Him” “As Long As He Needs Me” and “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” to “You Don’t Own Me”, “These Boots Are Made For Walking” and “New Attitude.”

It amazing to see how we women, people and our music has evolved with time! The play showcases a four piece band with all live music and four women who magically belt-out all 40 songs with absolute perfection. I couldn’t decide which one had the better voice because I was awed by all of them.

Convinced you should go yet? Well hurry up, because they extended the show only until May 30th! So get your tails down there. The Show plays at Society Hill Playhouse Wednesday at 2 pm and 7:30 pm, Thursday at 7:30 pm, Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm, Sunday at 3 pm .

I Give It.....

xoxo

Lana

Irish Band "Blackthorn" tomorrow night!

The Western Delaware Valley Lions Club, based in Thornbury, is hosting a concert by the Irish band Blackthorn on Friday, April 23rd at Pace One Restaurant and Country Inn.

This year, Blackthorn is celebrating 17 years at the forefront of the Philadelphia music scene. They started in small bars around the Philadelphia area in the 1990’s and with each passing year the group draws larger crowds. Blackthorn has recorded over five albums and performs at various venues in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Delaware.

Blackthorn is set to perform on the terrace of Pace One at 7:30 pm. Tickets for the concert are $35 each and must be purchased in advance. For ticket information contact Marge at 610-399-8223.


Ted Pace, Proprieter of Pace One is offering a special $20 priced 3-course Prix Fixe menu from 4:30 to 6:30pm for those attending Blackthorn. The prix fixe menu includes choice of soup or salad, (Homemade Snapper, Cream Of Mushroom, Soup of the Day or House Salad) choice of one main entrée (Wild Mushroom Spinach Lasagna, Roasted Salmon Petite, Oven Roasted Quail, Portabella Mushroom, Eggplant,and Mozzarella Napoleon, Stuffed Pork Loin, Grilled Shrimp Alfredo, Char Grilled Pork Spareribs or Half BBQ Chicken) and one dessert (Killer Cake, Chocolate Cheesecake, New England Pudding or Fruit and Fondue).

This menu is available for a special one-night price of $20 per person. Reservations before the concert are suggested, please call 610-459-3702. Pace One also offers discounted drinks during the concert.

All proceeds from this event benefit the Western Delaware Valley Lions Club which supports the blind, visually impaired and disabled veterans, as well as other local community members facing hardship. The event offers wonderful food, music, dancing and a great price! So Check it out! I'll be there!

xoxo
Lana

To read more check out my article on Gimme This & That 

Manhattan in Delco? Swarthmore Hair Studio

Do you hate those hair salons where you feel like you’re just a number? Where dozens of stylists come and go, your're stuck with a different person each time and you're almost certain they spent more time staring at themselves in the mirror than they did looking at your hair? You feel like you're whole experience was a flop and you're not sure why you paid so much to be rushed through? Well STOP going to that cookie-cutter, wanna-be salon and pay attention here… Go to Swarthmore Hair Studio.

It’s within 20 paces of the Swarthmore Train Station, nestled on quaint Park Avenue in the heart of Swarthmore. It is conveniently located in Delco, but don’t be fooled, because the second you walk through those doors, you feel as if you’ve walked into a luxurious Manhattan Salon.

Swarthmore Hair Studio  has undergone a major face-life and the results are beautiful. This Aveda Concept Salon was recently remodeled from top to bottom and features state of the art equipment. For instance, usually when you get your hair colored, the processing generally takes 30-45 minutes. At Swarthmore Hair Studio they no longer use that hair-stressing electric heat that is both time consuming and requires constant monitoring to avoid over or under processed color. Instead, they have invested in a new special Roller-Ball Circular Infrared Processor. The processor is used to orbit your hair application making five rotations per minute at 60 Hz. For the client it provides a relaxing, warm, therapeutic heat that takes only about 10 minutes, saving you more than half the time! This is only one of many of new technological advancements used regularly at this salon.

One of my favorite aspects of this salon is that you can have your hair done by the owner Patricia Ukropec herself. Unlike other salons in the Delco Area who fall short, where you are shuffled around from stylist-to-stylist like a cattle call, at Swarthmore Hair you can have your hair done by the owner herself. Patricia (Pat as she likes to go by) has 30+ years of experience and has been a salon owner for 25 years. She stays on the cutting edge of hair fashion, style and design by attending classes and workshops at the Aveda Academy in Minneapolis and London, as well as attends International Hair Fashion Shows in London, Paris, Milan, Prague, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Take it from me, if you want a Manhattan feel with a personal touch - Check out Swarthmore Hair Studio, you won’t be disappointed.

Swarthmore Hair Studio,
4 Park Avenue
Swarthmore, PA 19081
610- 544-6620

xoxo
Lana

The skinny on "Skinny Water" and summer cocktails!

Lindsey Field of Aston is the Field Marketing Manager of Skinny Nutritional Co- the founders and owners of Skinny Water.

If you haven’t heard of it yet... Skinny Water is a flavored non-carbonated water (similar to Vitamin Water© or Propel©), however, unlike its competitors, Skinny Water has zero calories, sugar, carbs and sodium.  The water is sweetened with sucralose, (the same ingredient found in Splena©).  Skinny Water is naturally colored and flavored, and is vitamin and electrolyte enhanced.

I used to love drinking Smart Water ©  while working out because of the increased electrolytes in the water, that was until I found out about Skinny Water-- Skinny Water is a great alternative if you don’t want to sacrifice the electrolytes or the great taste/flavors.  

Skinny Water is distributed in 5,550 stores across 23 states and 3 other countries- Bermuda, Ireland, and England.  In Delco/Philadelphia Area you can find Skinny Water at Acme, Giant, Shop Rite, Target and Costco.  Prices range from $1.00- $1.65.

My favorite part about Skinny Water is the taste and that it is a great “mixer” for your favorite summer cocktails. Here are some fun, guilt-free drink ideas from Lindsey herself…

Summer  Sangria- 3 parts White wine, 2 parts Peach Mango Mandarin XXX Detox Skinny Water, and 1 part mango vodka. Add in as much fruit as you would like to the cocktail (she suggests mandarin oranges).

FYI:  Peach Mango Mandarin XXX Detox Skinny Water has loads of Antioxidants to provide proactive health  Ability to increase intracellular levels of vitamin C and  beneficial effects on capillary permeability and blood flow

A  Lemon Skinny-Tini-  2 parts ‘Total V’- Passionfruit Lemonade Skinny Water and  1 part Vodka.  Add fresh lemon/lime to this drink.  

FYI: Total V Passionfruit Lemonade Skinny Water contains Multi-Vitamin’s (Vitamin B, C, and E). These are key nutrients to nourish your active body, and help protect cells from damage to keep the body strongThey will help your body utilize energy, support and increase the rate of metabolism, maintain healthy skin and muscle tone and enhance immune and nervous system function.

If you are interested in having Skinny Water at an event or sponsor contact Lindsey Field: lindsey@skinnyco.com

To find out more about Skinny Water go to here