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By Sabrina Matheny • Rumble Contributor | We are all familiar with the expression “so and so is the black sheep of the family.” According to Merriam-webster’s definition; it is a disfavored or disreputable member of a group. We all have someone we can point to that upsets the applecart of our family. These people can’t seem to do life the way we do it, think like we do, or even relate to one another the way that we do. It’s almost as if they are from another world sent here to challenge the very core our belief systems, and honey, I got a news flash for ya…they are! 

Taking vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements sounds pretty harmless, right? We often see supplements on supermarket, superstore and pharmacy shelves that have labels implying that they can help with various medical conditions and are natural.

I carry a little anxiety. When I say a little, what I really mean is that I carry a lot of anxiety. I can truthfully say, I’ve never felt the full force of it in my body before well… now. 

Are you a person who thinks you may be allergic or sensitive to MSG? First, let’s take a closer look at MSG (Monosodium Glutamate).

Frequently I get asked what I think about diet books and fad diets. Since there are so many fad diets, here are tools and questions so you can decide for yourself whether this is a sustainable way of eating.

By Sabrina Matheny • Rumble Contributor | I was recently in a store to get help with a cabinet door hinge. I couldn’t remove a stripped screw.

If you’re a savvy supermarket shopper, you probably already know what the unit price is. This is the cost or price per unit of a specific item.

With kids home from school many are looking for summer snack ideas that won’t break the bank and are better choices. 

We typically acclimate to warmer temperatures and humidity by adjusting our exercise habits to cooler times of the day and drinking more fluid. 

By Sabrina Matheny • Rumble Contributor| 

“Partner with adversity. The light of our highest potential is hunting us down to liberate us from our hiding spot.”-Matt Kahn

Did you know that there’s no real definition of the word “local” when it comes to food? The USDA (US Department of Agriculture) notes that, “There is no pre-determined distance to define what consumers consider “local,” but a set number of miles from a center point or state/local boundaries is often used.”

By Sabrina Matheny • Rumble Contributor | As human beings we exist in this third dimensional reality, running our experiences through our five senses and our perceptions. Our way of thinking is conditioned by our past experiences. When we use only the evidence of what we are currently living as our guide, we start to believe that this life that we’ve created is all that’s available for us and that life can be hard. What if I told you that more exists, and we can align with more if we are willing to be open to a new possibility? Would you want that? Ladies and gents, step into the world of co creating with the universe. Without further ado….

Q: I am working on having balanced meals and improving my health, but I have a real “sweet tooth” that I need to tame. Any suggestions?

By Sabrina Matheny • Rumble Contributor | 

Q: My doctor has advised me to cut down on my sodium and added salt to see if that helps my blood pressure. Do you have some suggestions for cooking and where I could find recipe ideas?

At 10:30 p.m. last night Jackson County Emergency Management issued a “Code Red Message.”

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By Sabrina Matheny • Rumble Contributor | I believe that when we have an interaction with another person there is a little bit for you and a little bit for me in terms of an opportunity for growth. However, the exchange is often not equitable with regards to where we each are on our individual soul journey.

Women of Waynesville will celebrate its 10th anniversary from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at the Smoky Mountain Retreat Event Barn, on Gaddis Branch Road in Maggie Vallley. The groupd will recognize current and former members, invited guests and honored partners. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/4yaax6kc.  

Q: I’ve just found out that I’ve gotten celiac disease and am a bit overwhelmed. Where do I start as far as what to eat?

On June 11, intrepid artists step up to create in the public eye as guests stroll, sip and goggle at the creative process. Under the vaulted ceilings of Laurel Ridge Country Club, regional fine artists and craft artisans will create in a live quickdraw. The one-hour quickdraw features two types of live art: painters racing the clock to finish their art in 60 minutes, and artists demonstrating technique in paint, clay, metal, jewelry, and collage. Each artist presents an original artwork at auction to support art education. 

Asheville’s Montford Park Players is North Carolina’s longest running Shakespeare theater company dedicated to providing exceptional dramatic entertainment for the enrichment, education, and enjoyment of its audiences, free of charge. 

Maggie Wallem Rowe will be reading from her newest book, "Life is Sweet, Y'all: Wit and Wisdom with a Side of Sass," from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 28The book is a humorous collection of inspirational life lessons with tips, quips and vintage recipes representing the best in Southern cooking. Drop by to meet Maggie, enjoy the discussion and have some homemade treats. 

Q: My husband has recently had bypass surgery and I want to learn more about preparing heart healthy meals. Do you have some resources you’d recommend?

On Saturday, May 14, "We Are WNC" along with concerned citizens of Haywood County will host a rally in Waynesville to stand in solidarity that the right to choose an abortion be protected in the wake of a draft Supreme Court opinion that would overturn Roe. V Wade. The landmark decision from 1973 has given women and others who can become pregnant access to safe, legal abortions.  

Starting in 2020 we saw some shortages of infant formula. In late February of 2022, Abbott Nutrition products were part of a voluntary recall and then one of their manufacturing facilities was closed due to a suspected bacterial contamination – suddenly the situation escalated.

This time of year we’re often bombarded with weight loss diets and supplements that promise that we can be “beach ready” in just a matter of a few weeks. Perhaps you just want to lose weight to feel better, reduce blood sugar or blood pressure or improve your mobilith – here are a few things to remember:

Farmers Markets provide a perfect opportunity to find local, fresh produce, get outside on the weekends and mingle with your community. Below is a guide to some of the great markets throughout Western North Carolina.

This year’s primary election in North Carolina will take place Tuesday, May 17, but early voting begins April 28. Below is a round up of most of the elections taking place in The Smoky Mountain News’ four county coverage area, gathered all in one place so you don’t have to go searching for it. Exercise your right to vote!

By Sabrina Matheny • Rumble Contributor | The movie "Saturday Night Fever" opens with John Travolta strutting confidently down the street. His arms move in rhythm to the beat as he puffs his chest out and looks around hiscity. He owns it, and he doesn’t care who knows it. Watching that scene begs the question “confidence — is it demonstrated and then felt, or felt and then demonstrated?”

Q: I need some ideas for easy and healthy lunches I can easily pack up for myself to make at work or take to work.

“So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains/ And we never even know we have the key.” ̶  The Eagles. 

We of the United States have been seen by historians as unique because of our “can-do spirit,” our optimism, our imagination. Those traits manifest themselves in our cures and treatments for diseases, our plentiful food, our arts, our architecture. Our institutions of learning still turn out scientists, business innovators, educators, artists, doctors and nurses.

Please register online at www.LongsChapel.com/events, or by contacting Laura Greer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or 828-456-3993, extension 204. Registration deadline is this Sunday, April 24th, don’t miss out! 

Just as those first flowers appear in the Spring, so does the annual “Dirty Dozen” list — and this year is no exception.

Pasture-raised can mean a variety of different things depending on the animal or poultry and who is putting the label on the final product.

Easter Celebrations in WNC

How many times have you eaten a meal at home or out at a restaurant and had a bit of “tummy trouble” afterwards? Or perhaps you or a family member got quite sick after a meal and ended up in the doctor’s office or made a visit to urgent care or the emergency room because of more severe problems.

Did you know that I host a weekly radio program called the “Ingles Information Aisle”? It airs on Saturday mornings on WWNC 570am, iHeart radio (News Radio 570am)  at 8 a.m. 

Q: I love my “carbs” but tend to overdo it, especially with pasta, and this affects my blood sugar since I have diabetes. Should I just cut out pasta completely?

Volunteers with Haywood Habitat for Humanity returned to the construction site March 5 for the first time since the pandemic started to help build more affordable homes in Waynesville. 

Condiments act to enhance flavors of food and for sandwiches, mayonnaise and mustard are often the “go-to” condiments, but they can get a bit boring. Let’s explore other easy options to make your sandwiches and wraps a bit more interesting:

For many of us the idea of buying local foods to support our community makes sense in the summer months when fruits and vegetables are in season. But what about the rest of the year?

Let's see where you're at...

1. Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know Adam Grant — “It takes confident humility to admit that we’re a work in progress. It shows that we care more about improving ourselves that proving ourselves.”

The percentage of women who hold leadership roles in business, higher education and government grows with each passing year — sometimes dramatically, sometimes incrementally.

By Sabrina Matheny • Rumble Contributor | As February comes to an end, our search for our soul mate and loving relationships can and should forge ahead.

By Daley Hooten • Rumlbe Contributor | It’s Feb. 17, around 5 p.m., and the line starting from the entrance of the Orange Peel music venue in Asheville has already stretched to the end of the block. It’s cold, windy, and raining, but that doesnt stop the dedicated (and very fashionable) fans of singer songwriter Mitski

One of my “Pandemic Positives” has been reading more non-fiction books. Pre-Pandemic I’d describe my reading habits as “escapism”; I’d look for fiction, biographies and mysteries to distract me from a busy schedule of travel, speaking and writing.

It’s no secret that the cost of food items has increased at supermarkets across the country since the start of the Pandemic in March of 2020. 

By Dr. Dara DeLeon • Rumble Contributor |

Dear solitude and sanity,

By Sabrina Matheny • Rumble Contributor | Out of Exile

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