Macy’s, Inc.sPEcIaL FaLL 2012 IssUE VoLUME XVIIIssUE 3

S P E C I A L E D I T I O N

WE HAVE TOOLS TO HELP YOU

Managing Editor: Mary Ann Shawmekerassociate Editor: Jane HendrixEditors: Jim Sluzewski, Sharon Batemancontributors: Dena Benesh, Beth Charlton, Jean Reisinger Coggan, Erin Fisher, Lauren Hogarty, Kari Ritzi and Amy WilliamsDesign: Sanger & Eby

Coast to Coast is published by the Corporate Communications department of Macy’s, Inc. 7 W. Seventh St. • Cincinnati, OH 45202 • 513-579-7292

Printed on FsC®-certified paper manufactured with electricity in the form of renewable energy (wind, hydro and biogas), and includes a minimum of 30 percent post-consumer recovered fiber. (The FsC label identifies products which contain fiber from well-managed forests certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest stewardship Council™ or from sources which support responsible forestry.)

This publication was printed on presses that dry (or “cure”) special inks and coatings with ultraviolet (uv) lamps – a more environmentally friendly process than using traditional water- or solvent-based inks and coatings. uv-cured inks and coatings have virtually no volatile organic compounds (voCs) to be controlled, destroyed or recycled.

What’s more, uv technology is highly energy efficient, requiring much less energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional drying methods. studies also have shown that uv printed and coated paper is easily repulpable to support recycling. no wonder the environmental Protection Agency has recognized uv technology as “super green.” it’s just one more way Macy’s, inc. is practicing green Living.

go! ST. LOUISMACy’s CrediT And CusToMer serviCes AssoCiATes WALk A MArATHon – one MiLe AT A TiMeMany people take steps toward a healthier lifestyle. For 115 Macy’s Credit and Customer Services Midwest associates, those steps added up to a marathon.

The associates enrolled in the “Mile-by-Mile Marathon” program, in partnership with GO! St. Louis, a local nonprofit organization that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle throughout the year.

The “Mile-by-Mile Marathon” is a corporate wellness initiative that encourages employees to walk 26.2 miles – the equivalent of a marathon – over the course of six weeks.

“Response from our associates was incredible,” said Jill Personett, Senior Manager/Benefits. “More than 170 associates participated in the program, with 115 successfully completing the marathon. Some walked well over the 26.2 miles!”

For associate Kathleen Nelson, the benefits were truly life-changing.“When I started the program, I was skeptical that walking would make a difference in my

life,” she said. “I was wrong. I have a heart condition and visit my doctor every three months. For the past four years, he has increased my medication after each visit.

“I had been walking for almost four weeks by the time I was due to visit my doctor,” she added. “For the first time, none of my medications were increased. I plan to continue walking and hope in the near future to have my medication dosage decreased!”

sKin Deep: Private Brands Holds Skin Cancer ScreeningsMore than 125 New York-based associates from Private Brands took steps to protect the skin they’re in by attending skin cancer screening events during the summer.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types are basal cell and squamous cell cancer, which usually form on the head, face, neck, hands and arms.

“We initially planned to have two nurses, each conducting screenings for a three-hour shift,” said Janice Rzasa, Director/Compensation/Benefits/Compliance. “Due to the overwhelming response from our associates, we scheduled two additional nurses, added an hour to each shift, and scheduled a second session to accommodate our waiting list. In all, about 16 associates were referred to dermatologists for a follow-up visit, and we received such positive feedback that we plan to continue offering these screenings.”

Shorter, faster walks (20-25 minutes at 75-85 percent maximum heart rate) are best for conditioning your heart and lungs. Longer, moderately-paced daily walks (40 minutes at 60-65 percent maximum heart rate) are best for losing weight.

how youLive Healthy and win an iPad! Share your suggestions for living healthy, tell us about a health activity at your work location or suggest your favorite sites, books or apps for inspiration and win a prize package from Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s!

All those who submit an idea to livehealthy@macys.com by Nov. 30, 2012 will be entered in a random drawing for the Live Healthy prize package below. Ten second-place winners each will receive a Macy’s Culinary Council Thanksgiving & Holiday Cookbook. See rules and details on employeeconnection.net.• The new iPad, valued at $489• $100 Ideology shopping spree• Bloomingdale’s

exclusive new pink iPad case and pink-lined tote, valued at $60

• Live Healthy merchandise package

• Macy’s Culinary Council Thanksgiving & Holiday Cookbook

• $70 Cooking Collection: Salad Spinner, Salad Dressing Shaker, Salad Chopper & Bowl

Stay inSpired! Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s lotus notes users can follow live Healthy on link.

Tell us

Coast to Coast Fall 2012 3

Terry Lundgren shares His Tips on Living HealthyWhy have Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s launched Live Healthy?“Good health is top of mind with me personally,” says Terry Lundgren, Macy’s, Inc. chairman, president and CEO. “Lifestyle changes are powerfully effective, but not everyone realizes that focusing on just one or two habits can have a strong impact – a ripple effect!”

“We owe it to ourselves to learn all we can, to take our health seriously and to practice prevention. For me, time is the biggest hurdle and that’s what we hear from most associates. As a result, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s developed the Live Healthy wellness initiative to make it easier to incorporate healthful habits. Live Healthy provides ongoing education, encouragement and incentives to integrate beneficial practices into our lifestyles.”

“All of us working together give Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s strength, so we owe it to each other to Live Healthy. I recognize the importance of this initiative as a CEO, but also individually. I try to incorporate healthy eating and exercise in my day – such as taking the stairs to my office and meetings throughout the day.”

What keeps you motivated to work out after a long day at work?“I schedule a one-hour, planned workout 3-4 times per week. I make exercise a priority and steer clear of routine by keeping my workouts new and ever-changing. When I have time, I like to unwind with an outdoor run or long bike ride on weekends.”

How do you manage your own nutrition on a day-to-day basis?“Different diet plans work for different people – ultimately, it’s about how YOU feel. I make choices that feel right to me and I am committed to moderation. While I eat all kinds of foods, I try to limit red meat. I eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, and gluten-free grains like brown rice. I also eat a good deal of healthy fish – my favorite is wild salmon.”

Do you have any tips for incorporating exercise whether we work in an office or a store?“It takes 21 days to instill a habit, so it’s important to start today. Implement a little at a time. Take the stairs, stand and stretch. Work out with someone who’ll commit to a schedule with you so you can motivate each other to show up. Once you get started and get into a routine, it’s easier to maintain.”

What is your go-to healthy snack?“My favorite snacks are fresh fruits, nuts and dry cereal. I also have a single-serving blender and I love to make protein shakes – add ice cubes, muscle milk, sliced bananas and blend. It takes a total of two minutes to prepare and it tastes like a milk shake – but it’s healthy!”

Healthy living includes stress and time management. How do you incorporate these?“I set short-term and long-term goals and use them to help prioritize my life. I stick to my schedule and respect other people’s time – I’m not a fan of tardiness. I also am a big believer in the power of a positive attitude.”

Pictured at the New York City Triathlon and raising funds for Ronald McDonald House of New York this summer were (l. to r.) Mary Cannon, Katie Fidler, Terry Lundgren, Denise Ramirez, Katie Farrell and Tina Lundgren. Not pictured: John Ramirez.

Consider 10 minutes of stretching exercises twice a week to improve your flexibility.

A MessAge FroMdave clarkEVP, Human Resources and Diversity

As you can see, this issue of Coast to Coast is devoted entirely to ideas and stories about how we as Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s associates can and do lead healthier lifestyles. Why is that so important?

It’s no secret that our nation is in the midst of a health care crisis. The level of chronic disease is rising, putting additional stress on families and communities. Doctors, hospitals and clinics are scrambling to keep up with ever-more-sophisticated medical technology. We are seeing provider shortages in some medical specialties, and the cost of care keeps rising.

Sounds overwhelming, doesn’t it? The good news is that we can do something about it. We have the power to prevent disease and overcome sickness if we simply take better care of ourselves. Study after study has concluded that eating better, exercising regularly, not smoking and managing stress can have a major impact on how we feel – today and in the future.

So this Coast to Coast is filled with information that can help you maintain your health and well-being. Please take a few minutes to read these pages, then resolve to make some positive changes in your daily routine. You owe it to yourself, your family, your friends and your co-workers.

Be well.

Dave Clark

4 Fall 2012 Macy’s, Inc.

they’re in Your cornerLiFesTyLe CoACHes Provide MoTivATion, suPPorT Have you ever envied celebrities who work with a lifestyle coach to help them successfully make an important lifestyle transition?

Good news: If you are enrolled in a Cigna or Aetna plan, your personal lifestyle coach is just a phone call away!

The Lifestyle Coaching team offers programs focused on weight loss, stress management and tobacco cessation. Jill Personett, Senior Manager/Benefits, explains how you can access your personal coach and feel like a VIP!

When should I reach out to a Lifestyle Coach? What are some of the benefits?Consider calling whenever you are ready to make a lifestyle change, or even if you‘re just interested in learning more about these programs. Your coach will serve as a champion who will motivate and support you through your journey. Since this program is part of your health plan, it is free – and the tobacco cessation program also offers free nicotine replacement therapy.

Describe a typical coaching session. Sessions will vary depending on which program you choose (weight, stress, or tobacco cessation). You will work with the same coach throughout the program. They will help you set goals, provide the educational tools you need to maintain this lifestyle change and give ongoing support whenever you need them. At a minimum, lifestyle coaches have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, nursing, counseling, health education, or a related social service or health field.

If I am interested in working with a Lifestyle Coach, how can I get started?Simply call the coach and tell them you’re ready to make a lifestyle change. Tell them if you want to focus on weight, stress or tobacco cessation, and they’ll guide you through your next steps. If you’re enrolled in an Aetna plan, call 1-877-290-4539, say “member” and select option 1. If you’re enrolled in Cigna, call 1-800-558-8361 and select the nurse advisor option. The advisor will transfer you to a lifestyle coach. It’s that simple!

MacY’s associatEs accEpt cHallEnGE to

Shape Up, Live Healthy“ I was able to avoid the brownies and cake this morning. By this weekend, I will have walked more than 400,000 steps. The scale hasn’t said much, but my clothes and physical level are starting to show results.”“ I took the long way all day long with various little things … walking to the farthest fax machine, going up and down the farthest stairs from my desk, etc. Let’s continue to get healthy and fit!”In August and September, Macy’s associates in certain pilot locations participated in the Live Healthy Shape Up Challenge, a team-based, social network-driven fitness challenge that brings co-workers together to achieve fitness goals in number of steps, exercise minutes or weight loss.

The comments from associates printed above demonstrate the program’s impact on an individual level, but the cumulative results are no less impressive. The 3,370 participants have:•Walkedatotalof708millionsteps–or1.5times

the distance from the Earth to the moon!• Loggedmorethan36,000hours–ormorethan

four years – of exercise.• Lostnearly6,000pounds–morethantheweight

of a Ford F-150!Associates who are sticking with the program are averaging

more than 7,000 steps each day, more than double the number walked on average by most people.

The Shape Up Challenge is just one program offered through Macy’s Live Healthy initiative. Other services include on-site flu vaccine clinics and wellness screenings. Associates enrolled in Aetna or Cigna plans also can take advantage of financial incentives for completing certain programs, free preventive care coverage, and free lifestyle coaching programs for stress management, weight loss and smoking cessation.

Macy’s Longest-serving eMpLoyee Shares Her Secrets to VitalityThis September, Macy’s honored the company’s longest-serving employee, Rose Syracuse, with a retirement send-off at the Herald Square location where she spent the last 73 years.

The event stirred up emotions among colleagues and strangers alike, but the one thing that everyone seemed to be wondering is: How does she do it? What is Rose’s secret to energy and vitality after seven decades in the work force?

“It’s the way you think and the way you feel,” Rose counseled. “Truthfully, I’ve always been the sort of person to think positive. If you believe it, it’ll happen. If you work hard enough on it, things are going to work out. This is how I’ve stayed at Macy’s that long and, really, that’s how I’ve stayed so happy with what I’m doing.” Rose also suggested some other factors that have helped along the way – the people you work with, the environment in which you work, and staying busy with something you know and enjoy.

Those who know Rose are quick to agree this sort of positivity defines her. “I’ve never met anybody with Rose’s energy and will,” said Robin Hall, SVP/Parade and Entertainment Group. “She loves to keep her hands and mind busy. She has a work ethic that is absolutely mind-boggling.” Further, he commended Rose’s incredible sense of humor and wonderful spirit as characteristics that make her a role model for us all.

Rose Syracuse, now 92, started at Macy’s in the Deposit of Accounts department in 1939, just after graduating high school. She has since held various positions, but most recently worked organizing the archives for the Parade and Entertainment Group.

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THe Cooking HeaLTHy TooLkiT 10 essential Kitchen itemsin a world where unhealthy and highly-processed foods are always within reach, it’s no wonder we’ve come to believe that cooking healthy is difficult and time-consuming.

But what’s best for us is not scarce – beautiful fruits and vegetables are as close as your local supermarket – and in many months of the year, farmers’ markets and roadside stands provide the best in locally-grown produce. all you need are the right tools.

Fortunately, the right tools aren’t far away. Just check the housewares selections offered by Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s – you’ll find a number of appliances and gadgets at every price point that will help you make every course of your meal healthy and delicious.

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Need an easy-to-make, portable snack? The OXO Good Grips apple divider (Macy’s, $9.99) will remove the core and cut an apple into eight perfect slices in one stroke – just bag them and enjoy a healthy treat!

No one wants to give up their snacks. After all, what would family movie night be without a bowl of popcorn? The Bella hot air popper (Macy’s, $29.99) has a retro look but uses new hot air technology to pop kernels without the added calories of oil.

Herbs are a great way to add flavor to a meal without adding calories. The Prepara herb saver (available exclusively on macys.com, $29.99) will keep herbs fresh for three weeks when stored in your refrigerator.

Rice is an important part of any healthy diet. Black & Decker’s rice cooker (Macy’s, $39.99) has a glass lid that allows you to monitor the rice as it cooks, and a condensation catcher to keep your countertop dry.

Weighing your food can help manage your portions – and your weight. The OXO food scale (Macy’s, $49.99) features a pull-out panel so you can weigh large containers and easily see the digital display.

Canola and olive oils are among the healthiest you can use for cooking. The Prepara oil mister (available exclusively on macys.com, $19.99) adds just the right amount to mist over cooking pans while controlling the amount of fat.

Want to make the perfect salad? Here are two tools to help.

Just load the OXO green salad spinner (Bloomingdale’s,

$29.99) with clean, wet greens and press the knob to spin.

Or, try the OXO salad chopper and bowl (Bloomingdale’s, $24.99), featuring a rolling

chopper hand tool with double stainless steel blade to slice greens,

veggies and more.

“The biggest trend in healthy cooking is juicers,” said Kevin Cernich, Macy’s GVP/DMM/Housewares & Confections. “Juicers can provide you with a wealth of nutrients in each healthy drink.” To get the most from your produce, consider the Omega Masticating Juicer (Macy’s, $379), which thoroughly extracts vitamins, enzymes and minerals from fruits and vegetables, including the plant fiber. The Juice Fountain Compact Extractor by Breville (Bloomingdale’s, $125) doesn’t take up much room on your kitchen counter, but can extract juice from whole fruits and vegetables with ease.

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Don’t make the mistake of topping a healthy

salad with a calorie-laden dressing. The OXO salad dressing shaker (Macy’s, $14.99) lets you make, mix and measure the amount of salad dressing you use, while keeping the rest fresh and ready to serve.

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ride 2 recovery comes to Herald squareMacy’s Herald Square in New York City hosted a breakfast for 200 cyclists participating in the Ride 2 Recovery Minuteman Challenge on Sept. 14.

Together with the Fitness Challenge Foundation, Ride 2 Recovery raises funds to support spinning recovery labs and outdoor cycling programs at military locations throughout the U.S. that help injured veterans overcome their physical and mental obstacles. For this challenge, cyclists rode from Boston, MA, to West Point, NY, over six days, with a stop in New York City along the way.

Among the cyclists was Anthony Grow, Macy’s Project Manager/Facilities and a commander in the Navy Reserves. As a token of appreciation for his service to Macy’s and to our country, Macy’s presented Anthony with a new Schwinn bike so he could participate in the ride. The event was a great way to show Macy’s support for veterans, while also encouraging the overall wellness benefits of an active lifestyle.

rick BaYlEss chef and owner Frontera Grill and Topolobampo How did you become interested in Mexican cooking? When I was 14, my family traveled to Mexico City and I fell in love with the food and the people. The markets are piled high with fresh chiles and amazing

produce – and what energy in those markets! Mexican cooking is all about flavor – and I love working with the variety of chiles and what they bring to the sauces we create at our restaurants.

Why have you become involved with supporting environmentally-sound farming and chicago-area farmers? No great food can be had without great agriculture. We have to support our farmers if we want to have good food. It is that simple. And organic farming is important because having food without chemicals is better for our bodies and our earth.

tell us about the vegetables in your garden and the advice you would give someone who has limited space to grow a garden. We use garden microgreens at Topolobampo, and chard and lettuces are harvested for all of our restaurants. For limited spaces, container gardening is the way to go. Plant herbs, tomatoes and chiles. You can literally make your own salsa from these containers!

MicHEllE BErnstEin chef and owner Michy’sHow does living in Miami influence your cooking? It influences my palate and temperature, as you would imagine. We sometimes eat spicy to combat the heat. I love to combine hot and cold in a lot of dishes.

A lot of chefs here love to add sweetness – I like touches of it once in a while, but my palate is quite on the savory side.

the after-school program you helped to launch in Miami, common threads, helps underprivileged kids learn to cook, socialize and eat healthy. What tips do you have for developing a love of cooking? I truly believe if you make it more interactive for children – draw them into the creating side, the preparation side, have them help choose the produce and protein for the dish – they will be more intrigued and apt to dive into it. None of us has much time but, realizing the importance of childhood nutrition, you have to make the time. Take one hour out of TV time or play time to make cooking together that “play time.” They will love you for it in the long run.

How can you successfully introduce children to foods or flavors from different cultures? Delicately season your foods with flavors and spices from other cultures. Talk to your children about children from other cultures. Explain through reading and pictures how we are so similar, but where we differ is in our flavors and recipes. Introduce them to your child one at a time.

cat cora chef and co-host “Around the World in 80 Plates” Your cooking is influenced by your Greek and southern heritage. What family dish blends these two? One family dish is Cinnamon Stewed Chicken. This is a really nice blend of a good Southern stew and Greek flavors.

What are some ingredients that should always be on hand to aid healthy meal preparation? Lemons, limes, good sea salt, olive oils, spices to make food stand out, garlic, tomatoes, onion, and vinegars to add acid and bump up the flavor.

tell us about the chefs for Humanity organization you founded. The food industry needed an organization like Chefs for Humanity to aid in natural disasters and with hunger relief and nutrition education. I founded it for those reasons, and we have been successful in all of those areas, both domestically and internationally.

For this Live Healthy special edition, we asked some of the chefs serving on Macy’s Culinary Council to share their thoughts – and recipes – on how to cook and eat healthy. They also shared the influences that inspire their cooking, ways to help children make healthy food choices, and their involvement in programs designed to help feed communities around the world.

6 Fall 2012 Macy’s, Inc.

Healthy Ideas for Feeding Body and Soul

MinG tsai chef and owner, Blue Ginger, host of “Simply Ming”tell us about your role with the Food allergy & anaphylaxis network (Faan). My oldest son was diagnosed with food allergies at a young age. After encountering restaurateurs who were not willing to accommodate his allergies,

I decided to speak up. I kicked allergy awareness into high gear at my own restaurant, Blue Ginger. Then I partnered with FAAN to increase awareness and educate chefs. I was fortunate to work with Massachusetts legislators and help enact the first state law requiring allergy awareness training and simple measures to make dining safer.

the Food allergy reference Book at your restaurant lists recipes for everything you serve. What has been the response? We’ve had a binder with all the dishes we serve, ingredients listed out, at Blue Ginger since we opened in 1998. Allergies aside, front-of-house staff need to know what is in the food they are serving to properly describe menu items to guests. Now that food allergies and sensitivities are so prevalent, this binder gets a lot of use. The response from guests has been overwhelmingly positive. People travel hours to dine at Blue Ginger because they know they can enjoy a safe and delicious meal. I have posted a training video and sample allergy sheets on my website, ming.com.

How can someone ask about ingredients at a fine restaurant without feeling intimidated? No one should feel intimidated to ask for information when their health depends on it. If the server is unable to find out the ingredients, then you should get up and eat elsewhere. I recommend informing your server of any allergies and asking him or her to suggest menu items that are safe for you to eat with little to no modification. It helps to give restaurants advance notice of your allergy, so the kitchen can prepare accordingly. For casual restaurants, they are now required to declare all major allergens on their menus, and most have the information available on their websites.

do you have a nutritious recipe to share? We make our fried rice with half brown and half white rice. It is more nutritious and most people, including my kids, don’t even notice the difference. Start with ginger, garlic and scallions, and then add whatever ground meat or sausage you like. You also can make it vegetarian by substituting crumbled tofu or tempeh and throwing in diced veggies. I usually season with a wheat-free tamari to keep it gluten-free and add sambal for a little extra kick.

Coast to Coast Fall 2012 7

Discover more recipes from all Macy’s Culinary Council chefs, including Ming Tsai, on macys.com/culinarycouncil. The back perforated page of this Coast to Coast edition

highlights recipes from Rick, Michelle, and Cat – plus a bonus recipe from Bloomingdale’s fabulous Forty Carrots restaurant. Just tear the page out, take it with you to the grocery store, and start cooking!

Bon appétit!CuLinAry CounCiL Cookbook PresenTs FAvoriTe HoLidAy FAreDuring the holidays, our thoughts most often turn to family, friends – and food.

But where can you get a new take on some traditional favorite dishes?

You can have the knowledge and experience of Macy’s Culinary Council expert chefs at your fingertips with “The Macy’s Culinary Council Thanksgiving & Holiday Cookbook,” a collection of 85 modern holiday recipes.

Each chef provides a sophisticated twist to standard Thanksgiving and Christmas favorites such as turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie.

The cookbook is available for $19.95 at select Macy’s stores and on macys.com.

Healthy Food Options Are Solid Gold for Hungry ShoppersForty Carrots was the exclusive domain of shoppers at Bloomingdale’s Flagship 59th Street store. But the eatery now has expanded into the metro New York City area, with new locations at Bloomingdale’s Roosevelt Field and the Mall at Short Hills.

A boutique version in Roosevelt Field opened in late August, with a menu including six flavors of its iconic frozen yogurt, healthy light bites (salads, sandwiches, and local favorites) and select entrées, with beverages ranging from fresh squeezed juices to smoothies.

In September, a full-line Forty Carrots opened in the Mall at Short Hills, featuring delicious flavors of frozen yogurt plus a full menu of healthy salads, chef-inspired sandwiches on organic bread, homemade soups, classic

entrées, and special kid’s offerings. Fresh squeezed juices and other beverages also are available at the seated counter.

“Bloomingdale’s has found our customers are committed to eating healthy, and our famous yogurt and other selections at Forty

Carrots fit their lifestyle,” said Frank Berman, SVP/Marketing.

1 cup (6 ounces) cubed small seedless watermelon (1/4-inch cubes) – you’ll need about a 1-pound chunk of watermelon

2 Tbsp. blanco tequila

2 ripe, medium-large avocados

1 lime

A small piece of fresh ginger

1 fresh red jalapeño or Fresno chile, stemmed, seeded (if you wish) and finely chopped

1 to 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh herb like mint or cilantro

Salt

Yield: About 3 cups

1 chicken (2-1/2 to 3 pounds), cut into pieces (legs, breast and thighs)

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

I large yellow onion, peeled and coarsely chopped

2 cups water

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

1 Tbsp. dried Italian herb seasoning

1 cup orzo, cooked according to package directions

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Serves 4

Watermelon-Ginger GuacamoleRick Bayless

Cinnamon Stewed ChickenCat Cora

1 chicken (about 4 pounds), skinned, rinsed, patted dry, and cut into 6 pieces (2 legs, 2 thighs and 2 breasts)2 cups minced Spanish onion1 cup finely diced celery1 cup finely diced carrots1 bay leafAbout 4 quarts chicken stock2 cups ¼-inch diced chayote (can be replaced by pumpkin, calabaza, or jicama)2 cups peeled sweet potato, ¼-inch diced (from about 1 large potato)

2 medium ears of corn, cut into ¼-inch rounds½ cup dill leaves1 serrano chile, sliced very thin¼ cup chopped cilantro leaves and stems1 lime, quartered or cut into sixths (1 wedge per person)Salt and pepper2 to 3 cups cooked egg noodles or 12 to 24 (if small) of your favorite Matzoh balls

Serves 4 to 6

1/3 cup red onion, diced

1/3 cup carrot, diced

1/3 cup celery, diced

1/3 cup tomato, diced

1/3 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped

1/3 Tbsp. parsley, chopped

1/3 tsp. garlic, diced

1/8 tsp. celery seed

1 can (46 ounces) V-8 Juice

1 avocado, diced for topping

Serves 6-7

Story of My Life Chicken Soup Michelle Bernstein

Forty Carrots GazpachoBloomingdale’s

Put the chicken, onion, celery, carrots and bay leaf in a large stockpot and cover with cold chicken broth or cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, moist and tender, about 1 hour. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside until cool enough to handle.

Add the chayote, sweet potato, corn, dill and chile to the pot. Simmer until the vegetables are cooked, but with a little crunch (about 20 minutes).

Shred the cooled chicken meat by hand and return it to the pot. Stir in the cilantro and cook for about 5 minutes to re-warm the chicken and further develop the flavor. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked noodles or Matzoh balls and heat through.

Ladle the soup into 4 to 6 bowls, making sure to get a good mix of vegetables in each bowl. Serve with a wedge of lime.

Preboil water with sea salt.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Mix the cinnamon, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the chicken pieces on all sides with the seasoning.

Heat the olive oil in a large, nonreactive, deep skillet over high heat. If you don’t have a skillet large enough, brown them in two batches using ½ the oil for each batch.

Add the chicken to the oil and brown for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Turn the pieces using a metal spatula, as they have a tendency to stick to the pan. Remove the pieces when they are well browned on all sides.

Mince three of the garlic cloves. Lower the heat to medium-high, and add the onions and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the onions have softened and are a rich golden brown. Add about ½ cup of the water and scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula or spoon to deglaze the pan, loosening any particles stuck on the bottom.

When the water has evaporated, add the remaining 1-1/2 cups of water, tomato paste, Italian seasoning and remaining 2 garlic cloves, minced.

Return the chicken to the pan. The liquid should cover about ¾ of the chicken pieces. Cover the pot and simmer over medium-high heat for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked. If the sauce becomes too thick, it can be thinned with a little more water. Season the finished sauce with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Serve over orzo, cooked according to package directions, and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on the top.

Finely dice first six ingredients.

Add the chopped cilantro, chopped parsley, diced garlic and celery seed to the diced vegetables.

Add the V-8 Juice and thoroughly mix all ingredients together.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with diced avocado.

Scoop the watermelon cubes into a vacuum sealing bag, sprinkle in the tequila, then vacuum seal. Refrigerate while you’re making the guacamole.

Mash the avocado flesh: Cut the avocados in half, running a knife around the pit from top to bottom and back up again. Twist the halves in opposite directions to release the pit from one side. Scoop out the pit, then scoop the flesh from each half into a large bowl. With an old-fashioned potato masher, large fork or back of a large spoon, coarsely mash the avocado.

Grate the zest from ½ of the lime into the avocado. Squeeze in two tablespoons of lime juice.

Finely grate the ginger, measure about ½ teaspoon and add it to the avocado, along with the chile and the herb. Stir to combine, then taste and season with salt, usually about 1 teaspoon. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole and refrigerate until serving time.

Right before carrying the guacamole to your guests, release the vacuum on the watermelon. Gently stir half of it into the guacamole, scoop the mixture into a serving dish, and top with the remaining watermelon.

Tired of reaching for that worn tee and baggy sweatpants when you head for the gym? Now you can effortlessly build a fitness wardrobe that combines fashion and function, whatever your age or exercise regimen.

Macy’s exclusive Ideology brand appeals to modern women of all ages who look for clothes that transcend the gym and become part of their lifestyles, notes Barbara Lipton, GVP/Intimate Apparel and Activewear, Private Brands. “The beauty of today’s active wear is that it takes our customer from the gym to wherever life takes her – running errands or picking up the kids. Today’s yoga pant has become the Saturday pant of choice.”

Lipton recommends building a fitness wardrobe from the inside out. The sports bra is a core essential, and Ideology’s offers fashion and great support, as well as antimicrobial and moisture-wicking technology that make it a great exercise staple.

“You also will need a core black pant,” Lipton said. “Ideology has four different bottoms – a crop pant, crop legging, full-length pant, and fitted legging. Which one you choose depends on how you will use it.

“Our cotton spandex fabric is designed with four-way stretch black spandex especially for Macy’s, and it’s the perfect choice for stretching activities such as Pilates, yoga or dancing,” she added. “The polyester spandex option also has four-way stretch capability and moisture-wicking technology, so it’s great for sweat-intensive exercise such as aerobics, running, biking or cross training.”

Trends in tops include body-hugging tanks with back interest such as keyhole openings, and bright colors like neon pink, orange and lime green. A great layering piece – zip jacket, hoodie, or wrap sweater – can help make the transition from exercise to relaxation mode.

Macy’s helps Juniors look great with the Jenni Juniors line for 18- to 24-year-olds. But here the accent is more on fashion than function. “The core items – sports bras and yoga bottoms with fashion waistbands and treatments – are important styles. The Jenni Juniors customer loves bright colors and bling, such as studs, sequins and foil printing,” said Lipton.

Lipton estimates that Macy’s will sell about 150,000 fashion yoga pants this year from the Jenni collection. “The Jenni Juniors customer loves pink and anything with hearts,” she said. “She likes to take these trend-right pieces and create her own style.”

Fashion and function also meet in footwear. Runners can keep their feet healthy with the Nike Free Run +3 shoe from Bloomingdale’s. They’re made with a breathable mesh top and a lightweight multilayer construction that balances the injury

prevention of running barefoot with the comfort and protection of a shoe.

… And a word about water! Hydration is extremely important no

matter what type of exercise you choose. Bloomingdale’s offers the 32-ounce Bobble Water Bottle. Made from recycled plastic, it filters the water as you drink.

Fitness Meets Fashion: ExErcisE EssEntials HElp You look Good, FEEl Good

If you walk the perimeter of the average Macy’s or Bloomingdale’s store

10 times, you’ve walked a mile!