Susanna Shetley

Website URL: http://www.susannashetley.com Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This week’s column comes to you from a campground picnic table in Hershey, Pennsylvania. My boyfriend and I are on a weeklong RV adventure with our cumulative seven children. In January, we decided against a yearly beach trip and instead created a plan to visit three different amusement parks via giant recreational vehicle. 

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What you don’t know won’t scare you. 

That was the lesson I learned during my first triathlon. 

Everyone needs a tribe, and sometimes we need more than one. 

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Summertime and candles dance well together. Whether you're hosting a romantic al fresco dinner or simply trying to battle mosquitoes, there are many reasons to make candles during the summer months. Get creative and have fun with the process. Think citrus, flowery and herbal. You can't go wrong when using fresh, fragrant ingredients from Mother Earth. 

The simplest of changes to your daily lifestyle can make you feel more alert, productive and energetic. Following these seven steps will make your body healthier and life happier. 

Years ago during a teeth cleaning, an older dental hygienist offered some advice. She told me to let other people be my crystal ball — to observe their lives and learn from their mistakes, and to also note their successes and triumphs. Doing this would save valuable time.

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Everything about summer is romantic. What doesn’t speak love when you combine sunshine with fresh food, bare skin and more daylight hours to frolic and adventure, not to mention those starry nights perfect for sky gazing and first kisses. Coming off the uncertainty of last year, this summer feels extra special. Below are 17 fun summer date ideas for you and your person. 

Some people are so unique no adjective seems worthy. They are such distinct individuals that a written description eludes me. My dad is a person such as this.

I recently went on a girls’ beach trip to Hilton Head Island. It’d been a while since I enjoyed surf and sun with my female tribe. The last all-female excursion was in August of 2016, the same week my mom passed away unexpectedly. She’d been battling cancer but was projected to live much longer, so her death came as a shock. Every time I thought about a girls’ beach trip, my stomach knotted. I associated the timing of my previous experience with my mother’s passing. 

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Traveling with a gaggle of kids and teens can be exciting but only if you’re emotionally prepared and well equipped with a few tips and tricks. Together, my boyfriend and I have five kids ranging in ages from 9 to 17. We’re an active and adventurous brood. When we united tribes, we never planned to sit still, but we knew traveling would look different than ever before. Below are some suggestions to help you plan your vacay, especially if you have a group of children and adolescents in tow.  

Dawsonville, Georgia sits just an hour north of Atlanta nestled in the foothill of the Appalachian Mountains. Etched into the landscape of these hills you will find the perfect setting to release your inner racer at Atlanta Motorsports Park.

Sober-curious is the new buzzword. It means being more intentional about how, when and why you drink. Unlike previous movements or rehabilitation programs, diving into “sober-curious” is for everyone, not just those who have significant addictions or health issues stemming from alcohol use. 

Sponsored: Rumble sat down Smokey Park Nursery owner, Derek Engelhardt, to learn a few tips and suggestions for spring and summer gardening and landscaping. More than ever, people are having fun working in their yards and strengthening curb appeal. 

There was once a young girl in Southern India who lived in a house with no electricity. A coiled water hose sat in a corner of the room where she slept. Each night when the sun went down, she convinced herself it was a snake.

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With decades of experience in the world of architecture, TAB Associates are leaders in the industry. Firm CEO, Tab Bonidy, sat down with Rumble to offer his knowledge and advice in regard to working with an architect. 

My last column was about reorienting oneself after a time of loss or change. The entire world is working to do that now that the height of the pandemic has seemingly, hopefully passed. I didn’t realize how disoriented I felt during COVID-19 until now. It’s as if a veil has lifted and life is full of possibility again. 

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Something has shifted in the world of motherhood. It’s different than ever before, and it's not that previous generations of mothers cared for or loved their children less, it’s that our generation puts too much pressure on modern moms to be perfect. 

Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center is offering a social media summit on Tues., May 11.

I’m not the traditional church-going type. “Christianity” is an antiquated, laden term of which I’m not a fan. My faith is unique, evolving. My God is changing and alive with the times. My Bible is a book of stories, metaphors and poetry. It is not a hard and fast guidepost.

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CBD was relatively unknown to the world a few years ago. Today, you can purchase a variety of CBD products at every pharmacy, convenient store and roadside stand, but not all products are equal.

Rumble’s Susanna Shetley sat down with Libby Rodenbough of the band Mipso. This popular North Carolina collective offers a variety of unique Americana tunes. In 2020, the talented quartet released their sixth album, Mipso, and Libby released her debut solo album, Spectacle of Love. Lucky for those of us in Western North Carolina, Mipso will be playing in Asheville next Thursday, April 29, at the unique Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre in the historic neighborhood of Montford. 

My boyfriend and I recently bought a vintage house. It was built in 1971. When the realtor gave us a tour, I furrowed my brow trying to imagine our blended family of seven settling into such an abode. Prior to finding this house, we’d been looking at modern homes with open floor plans, bright and airy kitchens, two-car garages and large closets. 

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It’s National Library week, and for someone who loves books and was the child of a librarian, this week is special to me.  Aside from two years as a business teacher, my mom spent her entire career in public education as the librarian of Weaverville Primary School. When she retired, she went back and served part-time in the media center of Fairview Elementary.

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Growing up, my family had a little blue and white camper at Ocean Lakes Campground in Surfside Beach, South Carolina. It was our go-to place for every vacation. My sister and I slept on bunk beds built into the side of a wall. We had no phone or TV, but we ate a lot of watermelon and played board games for hours. 

I’ve missed chaotic mornings fighting for the bathroom, looking for shoes under beds, packing lunches, slinging bagels in the toaster and yelling for kids to get in the car. After a year of strangeness, all students are back in school, and it’s offering a thirst-quenching sense of normalcy. 

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With spring in the air, we’re dusting off those running shoes and hitting the pavement. If your goals as a runner include losing weight, burning fat and toning your body, you may become discouraged quickly. Research states that when individuals begin running, they can drop a significant amount of weight within the first six to eight weeks, but after that, the body needs help melting the fat away and firming up. Below are five ways to continue burning fat once running becomes part of your life for the long haul.

There’s nothing I enjoy more than a lazy Saturday or Sunday morning where I can relax, drink coffee and make a yummy breakfast or brunch for those I love.

Rumble sat down with Lauren Wood of the Historic Haywood Farmers Market to hear all about their 2021 season. There are exciting things happening! What better way to spend a Saturday morning than strolling through a farmers market, coffee in hand, live music playing and supporting local growers?

I moved from Maggie Valley to Waynesville last fall. My house in Maggie was on the side of Soco Road where there is little to no sun. While that was great for the summertime utility bill, it wasn’t conducive to gardening. I tried hard to make things grow in my shady yard, but photosynthesis is an important part of the growing process. Unfortunately, I had zero control over this life-sustaining force. 

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I’ve always dabbled in essential oils and homeopathic remedies, but it wasn’t until the birth of my second son that they became part of my everyday existence. Around the time he was born, I began getting incessant ear infections, which was really strange for a woman my age. I also got my first migraine, which was so painful I almost passed out. I also became horribly allergic to pet dander, grass and dust mites, so bad that I was giving myself weekly allergy shots. I was feeling lethargic, sick and depleted. 

I’d always heard having a puppy was a little like having a baby. I’ve learned over the past two months that information is correct. 

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Haywood Community College is excited to offer a new online resource for small business owners and those hoping to start a small business. Rumble sat down with Dr. Shelley White, president of Haywood Community College, to learn more about this new endeavor. 

It’s been a trying year for HART Theatre. As an establishment that thrives off human engagement and interaction, a pandemic results in many setbacks. Nonetheless, they have risen above the circumstances. The women behind the curtain have been particularly helpful in keeping HART afloat during the uncertainty that was 2020. Rumble recently sat down with several members of the HART family to get their perspectives on where HART currently stands.

I started snowboarding when I was 15. Even though neither of my parents were athletes, especially skiers or snowboarders, I joined my flock of teenage friends and braved the mountain to learn this popular winter sport. We lived a mere 15 miles from Wolf Ridge and I knew, even then, it would be silly not to take advantage of the proximity. Not everyone gets to grow up close to ski resort. 

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Katy Gould is the director of the Small Business Center at Haywood Community College. She enjoys working with small business owners throughout the life of their business. Katy is also a busy wife, mom, adventurer and community citizen. Whether you’re embarking on a new professional journey or pushing up against career fatigue, take a look as Katy offers excellent advice that’s relevant to any industry.

Growing up I wasn’t a fan of Larry King. As a little girl in the 1980s, I was more concerned with my Cabbage Patch Dolls and Whitney Houston cassette tapes, so when my parents turned on “Larry King Live” at night to catch his latest interview, I zoned out. I lumped his show in the same category as “MASH” and “Hill Street Blues,” all three of which my parents loved and I eventually came to enjoy.

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I recently saw a funny political sign that said, “Presidents are temporary, Grateful Dead is forever.” Did you know that less than one-percent of Americans can name every U.S. president? That being said, I bet anyone you stop on the street can name a musician or song that’s contributed something powerful to one’s life. 

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My divorce happened one year after my mom’s death. Overwhelmed by grief and depleted of all emotional energy, I wasn’t looking for love, but love found me anyway.

Q&A with Asheville-based entrepreneur, designer, venue owner and wedding planning guru, Candace Hightower. 

 

In February 2020, I was in New York City attending a children’s book writing conference. My boyfriend attended the conference with me. We both remember watching CNN while in New York as the journalists talked about a new mysterious virus attacking China but also making its way into other parts of the world. The feeling we had was ominous. It’s no secret that we’re all globally connected. We knew the germ would infiltrate America. We just didn’t know what that would mean. 

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Every year I have high hopes to be in the kitchen more over the holidays, baking and making savory treats. I especially want my kids to remember being in the kitchen with me when they are older and look back on their childhood Christmases. Though I didn’t bake sweet stuff as much as I wanted, I achieved my goal in the way of savory dishes.

Kathy Hardin, health food expert, former teacher and owner of Wild Market in Maggie Valley, sat down with Rumble to offer wellness advice as we enter the final weeks of a tumultuous year.  

Apple was once a small business that was started in a garage by two college dropouts. It was the pipe dream of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak to make computers small enough to fit in people’s homes or offices. We all know how the story ended, but it’s important to remember how it began. 

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Rumble: What motivated you to get healthier and work on a physical transformation? 

Kristie: I was motivated by turning 38! No, really, this was something that was always on my mind. I decided I would be at a healthy weight and BMI by the time I turned 40. I have always struggled with my weight and the ability to lose it due to many factors including grief, hypothyroidism and infertility. After seeing one of my friends get healthy and lose weight, I decided to ask her what she was doing. After her story and a lot of research, I chose to make the jump to a healthier life. The last few years I’ve been in a fog of grief after losing my dad suddenly and unexpectedly. The fog settled some and I saw myself just making it through instead of living every day at my best. Everything was strained by my grief and pain. When in quarantine I had more time to reflect on where I was and where I wanted to be in the future. Even though it was a difficult time in the world, it made me stop and evaluate myself and life. The conclusion was that it was time to make some changes. 

Rumble:  When did you start this journey? 

Kristie: I officially started July 6, 2020 

Rumble: What programs, exercise regimens, strategies, eating plans, etc. have you been using? 

Kristie: The only reason I have been successful is because I’m working from the inside out. The habits I’m focused on build on each other and I adjust when needed. I am reading and journaling through two informative resources that walk me through my thinking, habits, my “why,” and how to create a healthy life. I began eating six times a day and drinking up to 100 oz. of water. I am also moving more! I’ve learned it’s not about what you do but why you do it. The goal is to focus on one habit at a time and adjust when needed. I’m always reflecting and not just going through life unaware. All of my decisions matter. One bite of something that isn’t in my best interest can hinder my transformation. 

Rumble: Tell us more details about your experience.

Kristie: I have lost 62 lbs. so far but every week I discover non-scale victories that outweigh the pounds I’ve lost. Being able to run some without getting out of breath, being stronger, going down in clothing sizes, feeling more confident, my rings being looser and so much more! Not only have my healthy habits been positive for my body but also my faith, relationships, sleep and grief. Every positive choice I make enhances my daily life. I have gained so much more than I have lost in this journey. I am working through it and every day learning and growing (well shrinking, actually). The community I have in my program has been super encouraging and helpful. My family and friends are very happy for me and are always commenting on the changes they see not only in my physical appearance but also in my daily outlook. Struggling with grief changed me and now I’m really giving myself some attention and doing what’s best for me. I see me again. What a relief! 

Rumble: Do you have an ultimate goal with this transformation?

Kristie: I have more to go and haven’t finalized my goal weight yet. I want to be in a healthy BMI and weight range. As I get closer I will know. Honestly, it’s not about a number but about my health and how I feel. I know I have to lose at least 100 lbs. When I started this journey that number sounded devastating but now I know I can get there and beyond with the healthy habits I’ve established. 

If you would like to know more about Kristie’s journey or have questions for her, you can send her an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The pandemic forced me to slow down. I’ve always been a busy body, planning trips or parties, purchasing tickets for concerts or making reservations at a favorite restaurant. But with events canceled and social distancing a must, 2020 has been a very different year. 

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If you’ve never made a DIY gift for a friend or loved one, perhaps this is the year! Essential oils not only smell amazing, but they also support a healthy mood. Handmade soaps make a wonderful holiday favor or gift for a person of any age. You can also mail bars of soap easily if you can't be with friends and family in person.

I’ve started listening to Christmas music and it’s not even Thanksgiving, but you know what? It’s 2020 and anything goes. Whatever makes the world feel less heavy is allowable. 

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I stumbled upon this book one day on Audible. It was suggested based on some other books I’d purchased. I thought, “Hey, why not? Who doesn’t want to learn more about how the menstrual cycle affects overall health?” What I didn’t realize was that this book would change my entire mentality when it comes to periods. 

Try out these products to make your monthly menstration more managable.

Rumble: How did you enter into the world of salt therapy? 

Jodie: We’ve been open eight years this past month. My father is a pharmacist by trade. The salt cave was his suggestion. When traveling from New Jersey to South Carolina to visit me, my parents stopped in Williamsburg, Virginia and came across a salt spa. When they came out, my dad loved it raved about it. My dad has several different lung issues and after his experience at the salt spa, he didn’t have to use his expressive inhaler for two and a half weeks. After watching what the salt did for my dad and meeting with the people at the Williamsburg Salt Spa, I decided to open a salt cave in Asheville. 

Rumble: What are the benefits of Himalayan salt? 

Jodie: There are many benefits of Himalayan salt to the human body. In general, we’re bombarded with positive ions from technology. The salt offers our bodies negative ions. The salt balances the minerals that are lacking or overacting in the body. Every person has a unique make-up and may use the salt for something different. Many people visit us for respiratory issues and skin conditions, such as eczema, rashes, psoriasis and acne. Skin is our largest organ so skin issues often indicate something is going on internally. Other people experience a surge in creativity when doing salt therapy. There is also a great mental health benefit to salt therapy. 

Rumble: In what ways to do people get the salt in their bodies? 

Jodie: The salt cave works by mimicking an actual cave. The moisture and salt combine to offer benefits to the lungs and skin. Sole is water that’s been saturated with Himalayan salt. People use sole in the bath, as a beverage or a compress. More simple ways to use salt would be when cooking, as a salt lamp and in bath products. 

Rumble: How do you see salt therapy affect your clients? 

Jodie: Some of our clients are in a whirlwind when they enter, then we put them in the salt cave and 99.9 percent of the time, those same folks emerge floating, happy and kind. Their mood has totally flipped. We also see many return clients who are experiencing benefits related to physical conditions. 

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