Chicz - A magazine for FUN women - May/June 2020 by Echo Press

a Magazine for FUN women!

May/June 2020

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Here for Life

2 Chicz May/June 2020

Alomere Health • Alexandria Clinic • Osakis Clinic • Lakes E.N.T. • Heartland Orthopedic Specialists

d: th Al irl

Welcome the warm weather

Inside this issue

May/June 2020 As the weather gets warmer and we feel the kiss of spring in the air, it’s time to look ahead to better times – birds singing, flowers blooming Real Chicz of and a chance to get outdoors, especially since social Douglas County 4 distancing has become the Photo Tips 10 norm. One aspect of getting outThe Jeff Beach Diet 12 doors is dusting off your bike, For the Love of Coffee 16 so check out our article on some great reasons to start Food and drink pedaling. Jen Jabas talks to A new reason to swirl and sip • 6 us about kicking the cold Try a Paloma for a refreshing summer drink • 6 with a dose Bacon grease: Don’t let it go to waste • 12 of spring Meals in a mug • 24 fever, and Cheese, wonderful cheese! • 27 Al Edenloff gives us a LADY GREGORY new reason Home to swirl and Protect your bike from thieves • 11 sip. Tina McPherson gives you the lowdown Keep birds out of your garden • 14 on specialty coffees and Jeff Beach brings you simple foods 4 landscaping tips • 14 for a stressful time in The Jeff Beach Diet. Celeste Edenloff Fountains and water features • 14 features a local woman who not only has five jobs and What type of fruit should you grow? • 20 seven children, but acts as a foster parent on top of it in Real Chicz of Douglas County. Wellness APRYL’S We have articles about staying committed, cultivating ADVICE 5 benefits to drinking coffee • 16 gratitude, the benefit of yoga and the value of technolCultivating gratitude • 17 ogy in distance learning in Cheryl Graham’s Raising 5 great reasons to go for a bike ride • 11 Chicz. Apryl Putnam informs us on the importance of Why you should try yoga • 18 stretching in Apryl’s Advice. DIY hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes • 25 There are ideas for long distance Father’s Day and Mother’s Day gifts to let your parent know how much Community they mean to you. Are you still committed? • 19 And, in light of COVID-19, we’ve included some How to kick that cold with a healthy dose of spring fever • 20 recipes on making your own hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Family These articles, and so many more, are just waitHappy Mother’s Day long distance •8 ing for you in this issue of Chicz. 4 inspiring movie moms• 9 Enjoy! QuaranTV: Keeping the kids entertained • 13 Lori Mork, Chicz editor Easy entertaining for your toddlers • 22 FATHER’S DAY FROM Make your own chalk paint • 23 FARAWAY

“The month of May is the pleasant time; its face is beautiful; the blackbird sings his full song, the living wood is his holding, the cuckoos are singing and ever singing; there is a welcome before the brightness of the summer.

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Jody Hanson, Publisher Lori Mork, Editor/Designer

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RAISING CHICZ

Entertaining

Looking for a good book? • 15 Puzzles and horoscopes • 28

Your writers

Chicz contributing writers • 30 THE JEFF BEACH DIET

May/June 2020 Chicz 3

real chicz of douglas county

Five jobs, seven kids

and foster children, too

Miltona woman has a very full life

By Celeste Edenloff Growing up, Jenny Jorgenson always thought she would have at least 10 children. Having only just one younger brother and one older brother, she longed to have a large family of her own one day. She loves children and always has. Now, at the age of 42, the Miltona woman has more than fulfilled her childhood dream. Not only do she and her husband, Nicholas, have six of their own children – ages 20, 18, 17, 13, 11 and 4 – they also have one adopted child, who is now 18. And, the couple have been foster parents since 2004 to many, many children – of course, not all at one time. However, at any given time, the now semi stay-at-home mom could have one, two, three or maybe even four foster children living in her home at one time.

“I just love kids,” said Jorgenson. “Most of my friends growing up had big families and I loved it. And I loved babysitting.” Being a stay-at-home mom, Jorgenson has a flexible schedule, which allows her to have a few part-time jobs. She is the director of the children’s programs at Reach Church in Alexandria; she is also part of the chaplain/employee care team at Donnelly Manufacturing in Alexandria; and she is the director of the children’s programming at Love, INC for the Tuesday night community classes, to name three of them. “I currently really have five jobs, which amounts to one full-time job,” she said. “But I get to pick my own schedule so it works for me and my family. I don’t really call it working since it is just a part of what we do. Three out of the five jobs, my family is a part of.”

GETTING INTO FOSTER CARE A BLESSING After the Jorgensons had their third child, they started looking into adoption. They felt a need to help children out there who didn’t have a home to go to, she said. At the time, there were families in their church who had foster children and they

decided to take that route instead and started looking into becoming foster parents. “I generally just love to help and I love kids, so it seemed the right path to take,” she said. “Plus, again, I really wanted a big family.” Ironically, Jorgenson said her husband thought they might only have two children. Guess that wasn’t in the plan, she said.

In 2004, Jorgenson said, they became licensed foster parents in Douglas County. Their very first placement was three children, which at the time, in essence, doubled the size of their family as they had three of their own children.

JORGENSON continued on page 5

These kids just need love. They are coming from all different sitations. We are here to just help them as long as we can.

JENNY JORGENSON Mother and foster parent

4 Chicz May/June 2020

JORGENSON from page 4 Over the years, Jorgenson said, they have taken in kids of all different ages. “We have had a lot and we do this together as a family,” she said. Jorgenson explained that when she gets a call from social services, it is a family decision as to whether they will take the placement. She said it changes everything for the kids, which is why she wants them involved. “There has never been a time they’ve said no,” she said. But she added that it isn’t always easy and there are times her own kids struggle, but like their parents, she said, they just want to help.

If you can love on kids, you can do this.

JORGENSON

Jorgenson also said that if people think about going into foster care to make money, they won’t. It is about the children, she said. “These kids just need love,” said Jorgenson. “They are coming from all different situations. We are here to just help them as long as we can. We want to show them the lifestyle that they can have.” GOAL IS TO REUNITE KIDS WITH FAMILY Jorgensen said helping children who have been placed in the foster care system is very rewarding. It may not alway be easy, but she said it is worth it. And even though it brings joy to the Jorgenson family, she said there are times when it brings heartache. “Even though you are not supposed to get attached to the kids, you do,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking when they have to leave.” The goal of the foster care system, she said, is to always reunite the children with their family, whether that is the parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles. The length of stay for children widely varies. It can be a few days, a weekend,

months or maybe a year. When the Jorgensons first started in foster care, they were only doing respite care, she said. “That is when you just help a family by taking kids for a short period of time so that it gives the caregivers a break,” she said. Although they still do some respite care, they also do short-term and longterm placements. Jorgensen reiterated that the goal is to always reunite the kids and their family. However, she also said that if the family had the opportunity to adopt one of their foster kids again, they would take that opportunity. Why? Because once again, she just loves children and loves to help. When asked if she had advice for someone who is thinking about getting into foster care, she shared one thought. “If you can love on kids, you can do this.”

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May/June 2020 Chicz 5

A new reason to

swirl and sip

Here’s how to celebrate National Wine Day

By Al Edenloff

As if you didn’t need another reason to relax with your favorite glass of wine, here’s another one: May 25 is National Wine Day. Even though the day falls on a Monday this year, you can still have fun with it. Some ideas: Get together with friends for a wine tasting party (or make the session a “virtual” one through a videoconferencing program). Try to describe, as best as you can, what you like about the wine or what you don’t. Explore the history of wine – its origins date back 8,000 years. Archeologists discovered an ancient winery in Armenia that’s believed to have produced wine in 4300 BC. Do some Googling around and you can find other fascinating info about wine – including the fact that Americans consume around 4 billion bottles of wine a year.

TRY A

Share these 10 fun facts about wine, provided by the Holidays Calendar: – The smell of an older wine is called a bouquet; the smell of a younger wine is the aroma. – Wine only has 1/10th the antioxidants of soy sauce. – The states of California, Florida, and New York lead the U.S in wine consumption. – Wine has been produced in southwestern France since Roman times. – The Romans mixed lead with wine to help preserve it and give it a sweeter taste. – Ice wine (known as Eiswein), made by frozen grapes, was invented by the Germans. – Not all wines improve with age. – More wine grapes are planted than any other crop in the world. – Grapes for dark red wines grow in warmer climates, while white wine grapes grow in cooler ones.

– Global warming may change where wine can be grown in the future. If you’re a regular wine enthusiast, rediscover the wine that made wine your top choice of adult beverages. Buy a bottle and toast to it on May 25. If you’re wondering what all the fuss is over wine, please try it with food. Here’s a tried-buttrue perfect pairing: A Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, California paired with a juicy, thick, mediumrare steak.

Paloma for a refreshing summer drink

MEZCAL PALOMA Makes 1 drink INGREDIENTS: Kosher salt 1 lime wedge 1/4 oz. lime juice 2 oz. grapefruit juice 2 oz. mezcal (or tequila) 1 tsp. sugar 2 oz. soda water 1 grapefruit wedge, for garnish

DIRECTIONS: Rim a glass with salt. Pour lime juice, grapefruit juice, mezcal and sugar into the glass. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Fill glass with ice cubes and top with soda water. Garnish with grapefruit wedge, if desired.

Refreshing and light with grapefruit and lime juice, palomas are the perfect summer drink whether or not you include alcohol. Here are two different options so you can try it either way! PALOMA MOCKTAIL Makes 2 drinks INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup grapefruit juice 1/4 cup lime juice Simple syrup or other sweetener, to taste 3/4 cup club soda 2 small glasses of ice Lime or grapefruit wedges, for garnish

WHAT IS MEZCAL? Mezcal, like tequila, is made from the core of the agave plant. But mezcal, with its smoky flavor, is cooked inside earthen pits lined with lava rocks and filled with wood and charcoal, then distilled into clay pots.

6 Chicz May/June 2020

DIRECTIONS: Mix the grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sweetener in a large glass or shaker. Split club soda between two glasses of ice. Pour half the grapefruit mixture into each glass. Garnish with lime or grapefruit wedges, if desired.

May/June 2020 Chicz 7

long-distance By Lori Mork

he COVID-19 pandemic has left so many planned events up in the air – weddings, reunions and birthday parties and Mother’s Day to name a few. So, if we’re unable to visit our mothers in person on Mother’s Day, how can we make sure to honor that special person in our life without endangering their health? After searching the web for ideas, I’ve compiled some of the best and most unique to give you some food for thought.

DIGITAL FRAME For a gift that gives your mom a variety of photos, gift her with a digital frame that will display some of her favorite photos on a slideshow. PHOTO BOUQUET For something unique and lasting, why not give your mom a photo bouquet? Cut flower shapes from construction paper and glue cut-out photos in the center. You can make copies of original photos, especially if they are childhood memories. HANDMADE CARD Remember the days of making handmade cards from construction paper, glue and crayons? Why not try your hand at it again?

8 Chicz May/June 2020

Make a copy of your favorite photo of the two of you and use that as the centerpiece of your card. Then hand-decorate the card with special art and words. GAME BOOKS Collections of pencil games are often a welcome gift and may help the elderly retain cognitive functions. Many come in large-print versions. These can include: •Crosswords •Word search •Sudoku •Mixed puzzle books COZY GIFTS Here are some warm and cozy gifts that are comforting and can help keep your mom toasty throughout the year. •Sherpa booties •Heated throw or blanket •Fuzzy socks •Cozy sweater •Soft robe

FREEZER MEALS Does your mother have limited space for trinkets or other display items? How about gifting freezer friendly meals? You can put together a care package of her favorite meals and casseroles, all in the perfect size for one person. Not only will it save her money, but it will give her nutritious meals on days she doesn’t feel like cooking. E-READER FULL OF BOOKS Bring your mom into the digital age by gifting her an e-reader full of books. You can choose a selection of her favorite genres. To set up her e-reader, you will need your mom’s email address, or you can set up the e-reader under your name and purchase the books under your account if your mother doesn’t have an email address.

THEMED CARE PACKAGE IDEAS If you want to put together a care package for Mother’s Day, it’s as easy as selecting a theme. Here are a few ideas to get you started: GARDENING •Flower or herb seeds •Gardening gloves •Small gardening tools, such as an herb clipper, trowel and pruning shears •Hand lotion •Small flower pots •Gardening guidebook •Small watering can

SPA •Bath bombs or bath salts •Scented body lotion •Sheet face mask •Lip or body scrub •Natural bristle body brush •Loofah •Scented candle •Eye mask SNACKS •Popcorn •Fancy mustard •Water crackers •Candy or cookies •Pretzel bites

BAKING •Chocolate, cinnamon, butterscotch or other flavored chips •Apron •Mixing bowls •Measuring cups •High-end flour •Baking cookbook •Selection of extracts

inspiring movie moms

In recognition of Mother’s Day, here are four fictional characters who exemplify the bravery and devotion of motherhood on the big screen.

Molly Weasley, Harry Potter

In addition to loving and raising her seven children, Molly treats Harry Potter as one of her own. She courageously uses her wand to protect her family and stands up for what she believes in as a member of the Order of the Phoenix. She’s a devoted mother and superhero who stops at nothing to protect her family and save the world — even when it means putting her stretchy Elastigirl limbs on the line.

She selflessly does everything she can to protect her son, John. This includes teaching him the weapon skills he’ll need to lead a resistance against the machines intent on taking over the world.

Mrs. Gump, Forrest Gump

The embodiment of maternal love, Mrs. Gump is willing to do anything to ensure her son gets a normal education despite his differences. She remains her son’s greatest admirer and supporter as he grows up, travels the world and accomplishes great things. This Mother’s Day, consider spending some quality time with your mom watching a movie that features an inspiring mother. To score bonus points, be sure to also bring her popcorn, candy and her preferred fizzy beverages.

Movie moms: Molly Weasley, Harry Potter (top to bottom), Sarah Connor, The Terminator; Helen Parr, The Incredibles; and Mrs. Gump, Forrest Gump.

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composition: Depth and perspective By Lowell Anderson One of the challenges of photography is capturing three-dimensional scenes in a two dimensional medium. Because we have two eyes and see in stereo, we can always perceive what is closer and farther away. With the camera we essentially only have one eye that captures a scene that is printed on flat paper or displayed on a flat screen. However, even though a photograph will never have

actual three-dimensional depth, there are some compositional techniques we can use to give the appearance of depth. One of the most basic is focus. Our minds are very good at figuring out distances based on blur and focus because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how our eyes work and the way we see the world. What that means for your photos is that you can selectively focus and use the blurred and sharp areas to show depth. In order to con-

This image uses several compositional techniques to help give a feeling of depth, including focus, perspective and overlapping.

10 Chicz May/June 2020

Perspective, or the idea that things appear to be smaller when they are farther away, is an important element in the depth of this photo. The road, poles and trees all appear to get smaller as they recede into the background. trol the focus or depth of field (the amount of the scene that is in focus) you need to have a basic understanding of f-stops and aperture. With that knowledge you can control how much of the scene will be in focus and where the focus point will be. But what if you want everything to be in relatively sharp focus? Then how do you show depth? Well, our brains also have another trick for determining depth: relative size. Because we know without even thinking the size known items are supposed to be, we can quickly determine that if something is large, it is closer, and if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small, it is farther away. So, if you are photographing some mountains and want to add depth, you could compose your image to also include some flowers or trees in the foreground. And since your brain knows what size these things are supposed to be, it adds the appearance of depth. The idea that things appear to get smaller the farther away

PHOTO

TIPS

they are is also known as perspective. The classic example of this would be a road going off into the distance or a line of houses along a street. The road appears to get narrower and the houses smaller as they go off into the distance. A final way you can add depth is through overlapping objects. By placing a closer object so that it partially covers a distant object, you also add the appearance of depth, because if an object is in front of another object, then obviously the overlapping object has to be closer. So, to simplify all this, the basic key to adding depth to your photos is simply to include items at different distances from the camera in your images.

The idea that things appear to get smaller the farther away they are is also known as perspective.

great reasons to go for a

BIKE RIDE

Cycling is an all-ages activity that’s fun, affordable and easy to learn. Here are five great reasons to go for a bike ride. To stay in shape. Cycling provi des a cardiovascular workout that strengthens the muscles in your lower body without putting pressure on your joints. To reduce stress. Exercise, especially when done out doors, can help you relax, clear your head and boost your mood. To explore. Biking is an ideal way to discover a new city or admire the local scenery at your own pace. You might even stumble upon hid-

den gems that aren’t ac cessible by foot or car. To protect the environment. Cycling allows you to travel long distances without polluting the environment. To have fun. Biking is a great way to take advantage of fair weather while spending time with your loved ones. You can even pack a picnic and make a day of it. This summer, consider incorporating cycling into your weekly routine. Hop on your bike to run errands, commute to work or simply get from point A to point B.

Protect your bike from THIEVES If you regularly use your bike to commute or run errands, take steps protect it from thieves.

properly lodged into the ground. A thief might be able to lift or unscrew the pole.

Lock it. Invest in a sturdy U-lock. The best way to secure your bike is to weave the lock through the frame and front spokes.

Move it around. Don’t park your bike in the same place every time. If you have to leave your bike outside all day, move it at least once.

Secure the wheels. Although they make it easier to transport your bike, wheels with a quick-release mechanism are easy to steal. Opt for nuts and bolts instead. Use a bike rack. Avoid fastening your bike to street signs and fence posts as they may not be

Get it engraved. If someone steals your bike, an engraving makes it easier to identify and harder to resell. Some police departments offer this service. Finally, keep a record of your bike’s make, model and serial number at home.

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Simple food for stressful times

Well it took a worldwide pandemic, but the whole country seems to have gone on the Jeff Beach Diet. As the coronavirus spread, people stocked up on bread, eggs, cheese, rice, meat and potatoes, staples of the Jeff Beach Diet that I have spent a lifetime perfecting. No keto, paleo or South Beach Diet for me. One pantry item that has suddenly enjoyed a surge in popularity is beans. The Jeff Beach Diet has always been a fan of beans, which are cheap, have a long shelf life and are high in protein. In stressful times, people also gravitate toward comfort foods, simple dishes that might remind us of home or family gatherings. So here are a couple of recipes, the second being a variation on the first, more traditional comfort food recipe that should help get us through this coronavirus crisis. CORN-RONA AND BEAN CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS: Cooking spray 1 clove garlic, minced

The

JEFF BEACH

diet

Jeff Beach has spent a lifetime on the The Jeff Beach Diet and is still kickin’.

1/2 cup onion, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 1 can creamed corn 1 can whole kernel corn, drained 1 cup crushed saltines, about half a sleeve 1 can chili beans, undrained 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste 1/2 cup shredded cheddar to taco cheese DIRECTIONS: Preheat over to 350 degrees. Coat a shallow 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray, then combine all ingredients except the cheese in the baking dish. Bake covered for half an hour, then remove cover and sprinkle

cheese on top of the casserole and bake until done, about another 15 minutes. CORN CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS: Cooking spray 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1 can creamed corn 1 can whole kernel corn, drained 1 cup crushed saltines, about half a sleeve 1 cup milk 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste DIRECTIONS: Preheat over to 350 degrees. Coat a shallow 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray, then combine all

ingredients in the baking dish. Bake covered for half an hour, then remove cover and bake until done, about another 15 minutes. GARLIC FOR THE WIN One ingredient in these recipes is garlic, long thought to have medicinal value. In the flu outbreak of 19171918, Americans wore garlic necklaces to keep the illness away. Now I don’t know if a pungent garlic necklace really has an effect on a virus, but it would probably keep other people away. Either way, we might need to give it a try.

BACON GREASE: Don’t let it go to waste

SWEDISH GINGER COOKIES

Adapted from the New York Times

INGREDIENTS: 3/4 cup bacon fat, cooled to room temperature (from 2 pounds bacon) 1 cup sugar, plus 1/4 cup for dusting the cookies 4 Tbsp. dark molasses 1 large egg 2 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/2 tsp. kosher salt 2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. ground ginger 1 tsp. ground cloves 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

12 Chicz May/June 2020

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine all ingredients. Spin until dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for a few hours. Drop the dough in 1-tablespoon lumps on a cookie sheet, form into balls, roll in sugar, space 2 inches apart and press flat with fingers. Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes until dark brown. Let cool on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a baking rack to finish cooling.

By Lori Mork

I’m going to let you in on a little secret that may make you shudder and have your arteries cringing – bacon grease is great for cooking. It was one of those items that pioneers kept as a staple, using it to make cornmeal gravy, frying up meat and potatoes, seasoning beans and vegetables and even spreading it on biscuits instead of butter, especially if times were hard. To use bacon grease after frying the bacon, you’ll need to strain the grease through a cheesecloth, strainer or even a paper towel to remove any bits of bacon. Once it cools a little, pour it into a sealable

container and store it in the fridge where it will keep for quite a while. I found a myriad of uses for bacon grease online, including a recipe on Epicurious for Bacon Fat Caramels and another for homemade maple ice cream using bacon fat to add a smoky, salty flavor. There were hints on using it to flavor popcorn, grilled cheese sandwiches and a spinach salad with hot bacon grease dressing. My sister makes her homemade ginger snaps using bacon grease, and it adds a subtle, smoky, salty flair to the sweet and spicy cookie. I found several recipes online, but this one seems to be the closest to what I remember.

QuaranTV: Keeping the kids entertained By Jared Rubado My parents love reminding me of the things I used to do when I was little. One thing they bring up every so often is how I used to get fixated on one children’s movie or show and request that I watch it over and over again. While my parents were red in the eyes, I would go back to the well each time for my daily dose of VeggieTales. Now I’m only 24 years old, and what I’m about to say might sound like a luxury for households when I was a kid, but the options for parents either came through cable or VHS tapes. Now, there are endless libraries of programs for children that families can enjoy together. And none of them are better than the selections on Disney+. In the streaming era, we are getting to the point where it’s strange if studios or channels don’t have a paywall streaming service. While it may have been late to the game, Disney added an affordable option to compete with services like Netflix. Disney is an entertainment empire that has its hands on more than kids shows and Pixar movies. It owns two

of the most profitable film franchises in entertainment history in Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Disney owns everything you see on ESPN and ABC. In March 2019, Disney purchased 21st Century Fox, which owns shows like The Simpsons and Marvel franchises like Deadpool. What Disney did is it found a way to make more money by charging less. It isn’t trying to take subscriptions from Netflix, but instead share the space. Disney understood that Netflix isn’t going away any time soon, but instead of selling its properties to Netflix, it decided to cut out the middleman. What that leaves us with is an expansive library of beloved movies and TV shows from several decades, all on one platform, that wasn’t previously on Netflix. In a time like this, where people want to keep the kids entertained, Disney+ might be the best option. Animated movies are consistently near the top of the yearly box office numbers because the kids want mom and dad to take them to the theater. However, the theater usually shows no more than one animated movie at a time. Parents are

p o h S p o ne St

We are your

Ofor all your needs!

stuck watching a dull kids movie with average-at-best visuals and lazy writing. Let me make this clear: it is possible to find kids movies that are enjoyable to watch as an adult. You just have to look in the right direction. It doesn’t matter how old your kids are, Pixar movies are some of the best products released every year. Everybody knows the classics like Toy Story and Finding Nemo, but there are so many gems that didn’t get the limelight they deserved. Coco, Inside Out, and Ratatouille are all fun watches for the whole family. Finding time to spend with family is essential right now. While keeping your distance, grab some popcorn at your grocery store, turn all the lights off and have a movie night. Movies should be a good distraction, so get distracted together.

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May/June 2020 Chicz 13

KEEP BIRDS out of your garden

While birdwatching can be an enjoyable hobby, you probably don’t want to see the plants in your yard get eaten by local wildlife. Here are three ways to keep birds out of your garden.

1. Use aluminum foil. Most birds dislike the texture and sound of aluminum foil under their feet. Tie strips of it to the branches of your fruit trees and any other plants you want to protect.

2. Make a scarecrow. These figures are as effective in a residential garden as they are in a cornfield. You can make your own or buy one premade. A metal scarecrow in the shape of a cat or owl can double as decoration. Some even have glo wing eyes to further deter birds. 3. Install ultrasonic repellents. These devices emit a constant, high-frequency sound that’s imperceptible to humans but can be disorient-

ing to birds. The noise will encourage them to stay clear of your garden. Since the sound doesn’t travel far, you may need more than one to protect a large area.

You can also cover your plants with mesh-wire cages that birds can’t get through. This approach will depend on the size and number of plants you want to safeguard.

4 landscaping tips for a beautiful yard Planting flowers and shrubs can enhance your property’s curb appeal and provide you with a backyard oasis. Here are four tips to help you beautify your garden and lawn. Consider flowering times. Choose plants that bloom at different times between late spring and ear-

ly fall. This way you’ll have flowers to enjoy all summer long. Pay attention to soil type. When selecting plants, opt for species that grow well in the type of soil on your property. This will help your garden flourish and make it easier to maintain.

Think about the sun. While some plants thrive in direct sunlight, others prefer shade. Select vegetation based on the amount of light your yard gets. Factor in yard work. All lawns and gardens require some upkeep, but certain trees, bushes and flowers need more care than oth-

ers. Make sure to choose plants based on the amount of time you have to weed, prune, water and rake. Finally, if you want to add planters or build a deck, find out what maintenance is required. Ask about weather-resistant options at your local hardware store.

FOUNTAINS AND WATER FEATURES: what to consider before installing one If you want to install a fountain or similar type of water feature in your yard, there are three factors to consider: style, location and upkeep. Here’s what you should know.

STYLE Some fountains are freestanding, which means they can be placed in the middle of your yard. Others are wall-mounted and typically incorporated into another water feature. You should also think about the fountain’s size and shape as well as the durability of its material. Don’t forget to consider the amount of noise the fountain will make. LOCATION The right spot to install your fountain is one that’s near a

14 Chicz May/June 2020

watertight electrical outlet. The location should also be protected from the wind and moderately shaded.

UPKEEP Fountains and other water features need to be maintained. You should check the water level periodically and replenish it as required. You’ll also need to remove debris from the pump and clean the filter on a regular basis. Additionally, you may need to use special products to help control moss, algae and plant growth. At the end of the summer you’ll also need to empty the fountain, clean and store the equipment and cover the outdoor structure with canvas.

Looking for a good book? Check out these popular reads for May from Goodreads, The Oprah Magazine and She Reads GOODREADS

A list of books coming out in May •Someday in Paris by Olivia Lara, 4.46average rating •The Tourist Attraction (Moose Springs, Alaska #1) by Sarah Morgenthaler, 3.95

COMMITTED TO

Family & Community FOR THE PAST 90 YEARS

•Aurora Burning (The Aurora Cycle, #2) by Amie Kaufman, 4.61 •The Thing About Alice by Jean-Luke Swanepoel, 4.41 •The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games, #0) by Suzanne Collins, 3.99

•The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly by Jamie Pacton, 4.05

•The Betrothed (The Betrothed, #1) by Kiera Cass, 3.56

•Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner, 3.86

•The Boy in the Red Dress by Kristin Lambert, 4.47

•Lobizona (Wolves of No World, #1) by Romina Garber, 4.15 A M E R I C A’ S

THE OPRAH MAGAZINE

Some anticipated book releases for May and June

•The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

•Hollywood Park: A Memoir by Mikel Jollett

•I Hold a Wolf by the Ears: Stories by Laura Van Den Berg

•Stray: A Memoir Stephanie Danler •A Burning Majumdar

Megha

SHE READS

Top May selections •All Adults Here by Emma Straub •Stray by Stephanie Danler

F LO O R

S T O R E

•How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue •Antkind by Charlie Kaufman

•A Taste of Sage by Yaffa S. Santos •Summer Longing by Jamie Brenner

•Rodham by Curtis Sittenfeld

•Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev

•Almond by Sohn Won-pyung

•The Silence by Susan Allott

May/June 2020 Chicz 15

for the

of coffee By Tina McPherson

Americano, espresso, cappuccino – Have you ever wandered into a specialty coffee shop, ready to order your black coffee, and heard someone else order a venti caramel frappuccino with nonfat almond milk, one shot vanilla, light caramel drizzle and three espresso shots, hold the whip? Say what? I remember my very first time hearing an order like that – I think it was on an episode of “Sex and the City” or something similar. I stayed out of coffee shops just because I thought I’d never be able to figure out what I needed to order – there were so many choices. Besides, to be honest, I can make a really good pot of good ol’ Folgers right at home, right? Then, our town got a Caribou Coffee. First off, I didn’t even know what a caribou was – remember, I am from Texas. But then I saw the “mascot,” which to me looked like a moose, but it turned out to be a reindeer. Well, that’s all it took. Still with little trepidation, I finally decided to venture in. I remember opening the door, stepping in and my gosh, it was LOUD! The grinding, the blenders and the frothing machines, it was wild. I stared at the menu board and thought, “Wow, they don’t have that crazy of names.” Each drink had a name, but below it listed what was in each coffee beverage. I remember the very first drink I ordered; it was called Mint

16 Chicz May/June 2020

What’s it all mean?

Condition and it had Andes mints crushed up on the top of it. Oh my, it was amazing, but it was also about 800 calories. I knew I couldn’t have that everyday, but taking that first step inside broke my fear of ordering. To help you, I have made a list of some of the specialty drinks offered at most coffee shops with a brief description of what each of them are:

•AMERICANO – strong black coffee (espresso mixed with hot water) •ESPRESSO – a full-flavored, strong-tasting concentrated form of coffee often served in “shots” •FLAT WHITE – espresso with steamed milk that has small, fine bubbles and a glossy or velvety consistency

•CAPPUCCINO – frothy coffee (espresso-based coffee drink traditionally prepared with steamed milk and foamed milk) •LATTE – milky coffee (similar to cappuccino, but made with more milk) •MACCHIATO – milk topped with coffee (a layer of steamed milked is typically topped with two shots of espresso and then finished with a thin layer of milk foam) •MOCHA – chocolatey coffee (exactly what it sounds like, chocolate mixed with coffee) •TEA – not coffee •HOT CHOCOLATE – also, not coffee

Hopefully that helps. The menu board will often list what is in the specialty drinks, like the Mint Condition I had. It can be easy to figure out what you want when you have a

benefits of drinking

little bit of knowledge. Coffeehouses also will have regular black coffee brewing in a couple of different roasts. And they will always have creamer, sweeteners, cinnamon and stir sticks available. In the summer, I love to stop and grab an iced Americano with a shot of sugar-free vanilla and some almond milk, something I can now order without skipping beat. It’s strong espresso tamed with almond milk and a little flavor that is so smooth tasting. It’s really refreshing and good. So next time you see one of those coffee shops, go in, embrace the atmosphere with all it’s grinding, blending and frothing and enjoy whatever blend you choose.

coffee

According to an article in Medical News Today, potential health benefits associated with drinking coffee include:

LIVER CANCER: Caffeine may lower the risk of liver cancer by about 40 percent, according to Italian researchers.

TYPE 2 DIABETES: A 2017 meta-analysis (a statistical analysis that combines the results of multiple scientific studies) found that people who drank 4-6 cups of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee each day appeared to have a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, including type 2 diabetes.

LIVER DISEASES: The risk of liver cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis have all been been found to be reduced by consuming any type of coffee, according to a 2017 meta-analysis.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE: Caffeine, which is found in coffee, may help protect against Parkinson’s disease, according to various studies.

HEART HEALTH: A meta-analysis in 2017 found that caffeine consumption may have some small cardiovascular health benefit, including blood pressure. A few studies have shown, however, higher blood lipids and cholesterol in those who drink more coffee.

CULTIVATING Shannon Swenson Gratitude has the power to change the way we experience life and enables us to see how many good things we have. It can neutralize negative emotions and enable us to learn incredibly valuable lessons even in the midst of challenging circumstances. Below are some ideas on how to cultivate gratitude: •Keep a gratitude journal. Keeping a gratitude journal is a simple practice that will help you develop the habit of noticing things you can be grateful for – even if those things seem relatively small or insignificant. Try to write down at least three things you’re grateful for every single day and keep it simple. •Recite gratitude affirmations. Gratitude affirmations work in two ways. First, you affirm that you are grateful for things that you have already received, essentially counting your blessings. Second, you affirm that you’re grateful for things you’re going to receive. By being grateful in advance, you allow

yourself to receive things with open hands and you maintain a high state of gratitude. •Constantly say, “thank you.” We tend to think about gratitude only when we receive big blessings, but if we really want to cultivate gratefulness in our lives, we must get in the habit of constantly saying, “Thank you.” •Always find reasons to be grateful. In even the most challenging situations, you can almost always find something to be grateful for. This doesn’t mean to gloss over the situation and act like it isn’t hard. It simply means that you always look for the good in every situation. Once you’ve identified something good, be thankful for it. Give thanks that it’s making you a better, stronger, more compassionate, more thoughtful, more resilient person. •Develop an abundance mindset. An abundance mindset believes that we live in an abundant universe and

that there is more than enough for everyone. A scarcity mindset believes that there’s not enough to go around. •Live in the moment. Living in the moment means being aware of each moment every day and expressing gratitude for everything that comes your way. Don’t think about what you would rather be doing or where you would rather be. Rather, fill each moment with gratitude. Live in the moment and savor it. •Regularly write thank you notes. In addition to when you receive gifts, write notes to people who have inspired you, taught you, helped you through tough times and those that you love.

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Apryl’s advice

Stretching maintains

good physical conditioning

Here are some of the common stretches you can do. If not familiar, feel free to look them up on Pinterest, Google or YouTube: •Standing Calf Stretch •Pigeon Stretch •Thread the Needle Stretch •Seated Figure 4 Stretch

APRYL PUTNAM Fitness enthusiast

By Apryl Putnam Spring is upon us and with that comes warmer weather, flowers blooming, birds chirping and so much more. We become more active outside – moving our body, kneeling, squatting and reaching – you get my drift. Because of this, we need to make sure we are stretching. Stretching is the first thing I do every morning before I get up. Many people think they only need to stretch before they work out, but the truth is, you should be doing it regardless. I used to be guilty as the next person, but now that I stretch on regular basis, I notice a huge difference if I don’t do it. Daily stretching is a powerful tool that can change the way you look, feel and act. When performing any cardio or strength training, a deep stretch after is important so you won’t be left feeling sore and tight muscles. Thus also benefits and the importance of stretching often go unnoticed.

Stretching is a set of specific exercises in which you extend your muscles and adjacent tissues – tendons, connective tissue, peripheral nerves. Usually, we only think of it when we aim to be more flexible than we currently are or after we get a muscle cramp. But stretching your tensed muscles brings many more benefits than you might expect. However, stretching is totally ignored precisely by those who have the greatest need of it, including the biggest fitness enthusiasts. Periodic and proper stretching maintains good physical condition and brings with it a number of health benefits. I will mention some of them below: •Helps blood circulation and speeds up muscle recovery. •Stretching is known for improving blood circulation in the body. •Reduces stress. When stretching, you relax your muscles, thus relieving stress.

Why You Should Try Yoga Why is yoga so popular? A group of stretches and poses performed along with breathing techniques, yoga offers a lot of benefit in the way of exercise. It’s also gentle, so nearly everyone can do it. Yoga can help with flexibility and strength, and allows you to stay limber throughout your life. It can help with poor blood circulation, high

18 Chicz May/June 2020

blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis, limited mobility, lower back pain, trouble breathing, headaches, tension or stress and depression. Yoga can help reduce the risk of injury by increasing flexibility and reduce stress by soothing the mind. Additionally, yoga can help increase your concentration since the main object of yoga is the rhythmic, focused

•Makes you more flexible. Stretching gives a greater range of muscle movement and provides extra flexibility. If you include regular stretching exercises, your flexibility will be constantly improving. •Reduces the chance of injuries. •The best time to stretch is after a workout. As you probably know, at the end of each intensive workout, it is important to slowly reduce the pace and normalize your heartbeat. Lastly, here are some of the common stretches you can do. If not familiar, feel free to look them up on Pinterest, Google or YouTube: •Standing Calf Stretch •Pigeon Stretch •Thread The Needle Stretch •Seated Figure 4 Stretch

breathing that helps you focus. Improving balance and overall stability comes from balance poses that require you to use your core muscles. Helping to improve your posture is another benefit since yoga poses strengthen and open tight areas like your shoulders and upper back.

University of Rochester Medical Center

Are you still committed? By Shannon Swenson

May is National Recommitment Month, a time to review your goals and New Year’s resolutions. This could include things like bettering your relationships, losing weight, starting a new business, learning a new hobby or skill, or completing a project. It’s likely by now that your resolve may have dwindled a bit so it’s time to recommit to what you truly want. Start by examining what you have accomplished and the progress you’ve made. Are you closer to achieving your goal or still at the starting gate? If you’re taking action towards your goals, take some time to acknowledge what you’ve accomplished. Even if they were small steps, they were still steps! Take some time to identify the next steps that are necessary and assign a deadline to make yourself accountable. Recommit

to your goal and what it takes to make it happen. If you haven’t taken action, take another look at the goal and determine if it’s really something you want. Be mindful of the reasons you chose those goals. If it doesn’t excite you, motivate you, then it may not be right, at least for now. If it does light you up and motivate you, recommit to it! Life happens and obstacles can get in our way, but you decide what your commitment level is to your goal and how you will respond to these challenges. Keep in mind, if you’ve set big goals, you should only be working on one or two at a time. Throughout the process of achieving our goals, it can be a rollercoaster ride of accomplishments and setbacks. Each one of these experiences is an opportunity to step back, reevaluate the next steps and recommit to your goals. Are you committed to making it happen?

May/June 2020 Chicz 19

What type of of should you grow?

Fruit-bearing trees, shrubs and plants are easy to grow and can add visual interest to your yard with their vibrant foliage and flowers. Here’s what to plant based on various preferences.

How to kick that cold with a healthy dose of

spring fever!

By Jen Jabas The snow is melting and spring is just around the corner! We are all saying goodbye to colder climates and saying hello to warmer weather! We are excited to welcome the beauty that comes with the changing seasons. The sun shines, melting the snow and preparing us for new beginnings! The grass starts out brown but in time will turn green, the garden is empty but will soon grow an abundance of vegetables! Now is the time that gardeners all over are thinking about planting seeds and plotting out the rows in that empty space of their lawn. New life comes as a result of each seed that is placed in the ground and will grow to become something wonderful!

20 Chicz May/June 2020

I start thinking about all of my favorites…tomatoes and fresh potatoes, snap peas eaten before they make it through the front door, cucumbers to share with the neighbors, corn on the cob and frozen corn to last throughout the winter. I remember spending afternoons with my grandparents harvesting food from the garden and snapping green beans in the kitchen for canning. These are not only memories made from special times but are also experiences that I want to share with others! For those who are unable to grow a garden but look forward to the smell of a green pepper and the taste of fresh salsa, let’s plant an extra row! This is the season that gives us hope for what is to come and excitement in the anticipation of what will be as a result of our efforts. For those who can’t wait to dig into the rich soil, please consider planting an extra row to help tackle hunger in our community. This spring, I invite you to consider participating in “Plant an Extra Row.” This United Way program collects fresh produce from generous gardeners like you, and makes it available to the community, allowing our neighbors access to garden fresh vegetables throughout the season. I look forward to partnering with you to alleviate hunger in our community one row at a time. Let’s kick that cold and plant an extra row to support your community this spring!

If you want a harvest this summer To enjoy your fruit within a few months, opt for fast-growing plants. A few examples include strawberries, raspberries, ground cherries, cantaloupes and watermelons. If you want long-lasting producers If you’re willing to be patient, plant a perennial tree or shrub that has a long life but only bears fruit after a few years. Apricot trees and blackberry bushes take about two years to produce fruit. For blueberries, pears and apples, you’ll need to wait three years. Plum trees take six years. If you want unique but delicious berries If you want to plant fruit that’s a little out of the ordinary, try black currants, Arctic kiwis or Saskatoon berries. These berries are great for making mouthwatering jams. Keep in mind that some trees and shrubs only bear fruit if there’s a second plant nearby to pollinate it. If you want to grow apples, for example, you’ll need to plant two trees.

raising chicz

Amid pandemic

distance learning, technology are key By Cheryl Graham I set out at the beginning of the year on a mission to delve into the struggles and successes I’ve experienced raising three girls in the age of lightning-fast internet and a cornucopia of mobile devices. My goal was to find some balance, and peace, in a world of phenomenal technology and shrinking family time. Enter COVID-19, social distancing and (oh yes) distance learning. The irony of my topic choice a few short months ago does not escape me. The very element I have been trying to compartmentalize into a short segment of my children’s day is now the saving grace of (potentially) their remaining education for the current year. Needless to say, the 2-hour rule regarding screen time has been put on pause as America adjusts to life in the midst of an unprecedented pan-

demic. We as a nation are now dependent on technology in a way many of us have not been before. My conference room meetings have turned into virtual meetings; my ability to provide for my family now hinges on my PC, my company’s internal network, my data connection – the very technology that I was limiting in the lives of my children. Perhaps even more important, the ongoing education of my children hinges on these things as well. We look to and praise healthcare and other essential workers at this time; I believe that teachers should be acknowledged in that group as well. In the period of a couple of weeks, as the reality of Covid-19 came crashing home, teachers across the country abandoned the curriculums they’d spent months preparing and put together a completely virtual plan to finish the school year. I stand in awe. The response from these professionals has

been so overwhelming to me; their dedication to their students and ability to deliver in a crisis deserves acknowledgement. I have to say that I am immensely impressed with my girls as well. They have navigated distance-learning as though they’ve been preparing for it for the entirety of their short little lives. In a way, I suppose they have. Every measured minute of screen time that I doled out over the years has given them a familiarity with mobile devices and remote communication that those of us that were not born into the age of high-speed internet and touchscreens will never understand. Of course, riding a bike and playing board games are still an essential part of childhood, but kudos to tablets and smartphones for saving the school year.

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Inspired!

EASY ENTERTAINMENT

for your

toddlers Are you looking for ways to keep your child entertained during social distancing? These great ideas were found on Pinterest: POTS/PANS/UTENSILS Indoors or outside, no kid can resist pots and pans. Pull them out and hand out some utensil, then let them bang away. Put a little water in one of the pans and give your child a mixing spoon or whisk so that they feel like they are also “cooking.” MAGNETS Let your child practice the alphabet with ABC magnets on your fridge or a cookie sheet. It’s an easy and entertaining way teach them to spell.

ABC MATCH GAME Continue the alphabet theme by writing the ABCs on paper, then let your toddler use ABC stickers, ABC cookies or ABC magnets to match the letters on the paper. PAINT WITH WATER Give your child colored construction paper, then let them paint on it with water. Easy entertainment with no mess. FIND THOSE EGGS If you haven’t put away your plastic eggs from Easter, or they are easy to get to, fill them with little items and let your toddler practice opening and closing them, all the while teaching them fine motor skills. STACK PLASTIC CUPS If you have disposable cups leftover from a celebration, let your children use them to stack and build.

JEWELRY If you have old jewelry that you don’t wear anymore, let your toddlers use it to play dress up. NO WATER BATH You don’t need water in your bathtub to let your children play. Just fill the tub with toys and let them play! EGG CARTON SORT Save an old egg carton and put little toys or items in each egg slot.

PHONE CALL If you have an old landline phone or cell phone, let your children practice making phone calls.

RICE BIN Fill a plastic bin with rice, then hide some toys in it. They can then dig around until they find them using their bare hands or a toy shovel or rake.

GLOW STICKS Turn the lights out and hand out glow sticks. They can have fun swirling them through the air. Or let them take a bath with the lights off and play with the sticks in the water.

SIDEWALK CHALK Hand your kids sidewalk chalk and let them draw or make circles on your driveway or sidewalk. They can hop from circle to circle or just enjoy the art time.

WALLET An old wallet and expired credit/debit cards make for great entertainment. Your children can pretend to shop, or can just practice taking the cards out or putting them back in.

22 Chicz May/June 2020

ICE CUBE SMASH This activity can keep them busy until all the ice melts. Empty your automatic ice bin outdoors on the patio or sidewalk – preferably in the shade, then hand them toy hammers or meat mallets (depending on age) and let them whack away. This will help them with their grip strength and hand-eye coordination.

ABC

MAKE YOUR OWN

Chalk Paint

SIDEWALK CHALK PAINT INGREDIENTS: 2 cups cornstarch 2 cups water Food coloring, misc. colors 8 small plastic cups Paintbrushes

DIRECTIONS: Combine water and cornstarch in a mixing bowl; stir until dissolved and smooth. (It will be a little runny.) Divide mixture into several smaller bowls. Tint each bowl with a different

color food coloring. Stir until well blended. Use paintbrushes to paint pictures on the driveway or sidewalk. This is not as thick as regular paint. It will dry quickly and look like sidewalk chalk when dry. It also washes off asily with a hose or rain.

PUFFY SIDEWALK PAINT INGREDIENTS: 16 oz. squeezable bottles Large mixing bowl Rubber spatula (For each color): 1 cup flour 1 cup water 1 Tbsp. dish soap, any kind 5-10 drops food coloring or washable paint

DIRECTIONS: Mix together flour and water until smooth and there are no lumps. Stir in dish soap. You can double or triple the amounts if you want to make more than one color.

Separate into separate bowls for each color you want to make. Mix in food coloring until you reach the color you want. Pour mix into squeeze bottle and let your children paint on the sidewalk or driveway. NOTES: This paint will wash off with a hose, but you should test on an inconspicuous spot. It may stain. If you have leftover, dispose of it. It will continue to puff and will pop the top off a closed container. It also separates quickly and doesn’t keep well.

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May/June 2020 Chicz 23

Cooking for one or two?

Try these microwavable

meals in a mug MICROWAVE PIZZA INGREDIENTS: 1 refrigerated large biscuit 2 Tbsp. spaghetti or pizza sauce 3 Tbsp. toppings DIRECTIONS: First make sure to spray the inside of your mug with non stick spray.

ometimes a cooking a large meal isn’t practical. If you are a single person or are just home alone, here are some quick meals you can make in a mug and are perfect for just one!

MICROWAVE POACHED EGG INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup water 1 Tbsp. white vinegar 1 egg DIRECTIONS: Fill a straight-sided coffee mug halfway with water and add vinegar. Crack an egg and let it slide down the side of the mug to the bottom. Make sure there’s enough water in the mug to cover the egg by at least 1 inch. Place a microwave-safe saucer (not a paper plate or paper towel) over the top of the mug and microwave it on HIGH for 1 minute. Check the egg for doneness; continue to cook Place a large refrigerated biscuit at the bottom. Microwave for 30 seconds. Spoon sauce in the middle of your partially cooked biscuit. Sprinkle with cheese and add additional toppings. Microwave for 1 minute or until cheese is bubbly.

QUICK MUG CAKE

BROWNIE IN A MUG

INGREDIENTS: 1 Angel food cake mix 1 Cake mix (any flavor) 2 Tbsp. water OPTIONAL: Chocolate chips, nuts, or other extras

INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup flour 1/4 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa Pinch of salt Tiny pinch of cinnamon

DIRECTIONS: Mix your two cake mixes together in a large bowl. Take 1/3 C. of the mixture and add to a mug. Add 2 Tbsp. water and stir. Add in additional chocolate chips, if desired. Microwave for one minute. Top with any additional ingredients, such as fruit, whipped cream, frosting, powdered sugar, etc. Store remaining cake mixture in an airtight container for future use.

24 Chicz May/June 2020

10 seconds at a time until done. Gently tilt the mug and remove the egg carefully with a slotted spoon. Serve immediately. OPTIONAL: Some recipes suggest using the tip of a sharp knife or a toothpick, to gently poke a small hole in the yolk to allow steam to escape and keep the egg from exploding. I don’t do this and have only had the egg burst once or twice.

MICROWAVE MAC AND CHEESE INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup elbow macaroni 1/2 cup water 3 Tbsp. milk Salt and pepper, to taste 1/4 cup shredded cheddar and/or jack cheese

1/4 cup water 2 Tbsp. canola oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter 1/8 tsp. vanilla extract OPTIONAL: Chocolate chips, nuts DIRECTIONS: Add flour, sugar, cocoa, salt and cinnamon to a microwave-safe mug. Mix well, breaking up any lumps. Add the oil, water and vanilla to cup and stir until mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. Stir in any optional ingredients.

DIRECTIONS: Mix the macaroni, water, and salt in a microwaveable mug. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, then stir. Add the milk, cheese, salt, and pepper, then stir. Microwave for another 30 seconds, stir and serve.

Heat in microwave on high until the mixture is cooked through, about 1 minute and 40 seconds for a 1000 watt microwave, or 1 minute 10 seconds on a 1650 watt microwave. Adjust time as necessary. Brownie should still be moist when cooked through, not dry. Let cool for one minute. OPTIONAL: Dust with powdered sugar, or serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

DIY

hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes

DIY HAND SANITIZER INGREDIENTS: 2/3 cup rubbing alcohol of at least 70% alcohol concentration. 1/3 cup aloe vera DIRECTIONS: Mix well and fill dispenser.

DIY DISINFECTING WIPES INGREDIENTS: 2 cups distilled water 1 cup isopropyl alcohol at least 70-91% concentration 1 Tbsp. Dawn dish soap 1 Paper towel roll INSTRUCTIONS: Cut paper towel roll through the middle with a serrated knife to make two short half-rolls. Place one half-roll in a plastic container taller than the paper towel roll. Mix water, rubbing alcohol and dish soap and pour over the paper towel roll. Let it soak in for two minutes. Remove cardboard inner roll from paper towels. Pull towels from the middle to use. Store in closed container.

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from faraway

s we navigate our lives in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has become the norm as we work hard to keep our families and ourselves healthy. The possibility of having to celebrate Father’s Day without the opportunity to be present may leave you wondering what you can do to celebrate that special man in your life. You may not be able to hug him, but here are some possibilities for brightening his day: HOT SHAVE He may not be able to go out for a specialty shave at a shop, but you can give him some of the same luxury by gifting him with a heated shaving cream dispenser, heated razor and a quality shaving cream. SPECIALTY CRATE Whether pre-made or created by you, a specialty gift box might just be the thing. Select items that have meaning or purely for entertainment, whatever you think your dad might love. BARBECUE BOX Create a special box gift filled with grilling supplies such as rubs, grill tools, wood chips and barbecue sauces. Add in a personalized barbecue branding stamp to make it his very own. FISHING/HUNTING BOX Select an insulated vacuum bottle for hot or cold drinks, a supply of fishing lures or hand warmers, a duck call or deer cutting board, insulated socks, a tackle box or a great pair of binoculars. PUZZLE BOX Fill a box with a variety of wooden puzzles and brainbusters, books of crossword, sudoku and word search, as well as some fun snacks and a pen.

26 Chicz May/June 2020

HEADPHONES Give him a new set of noisecanceling headphones that will let him enjoy his favorite music without interruption. FUN FOOD There are plenty of options for a special gift for that dad who loves food, whether local or not. You could have a meal delivered from his favorite restaurant, or have something shipped to him, such as a Maine lobster dinner, specialty steaks or gourmet treats. DONATE TO A CHARITY Donate to your dad’s favorite charity in his name, or volunteer to help at that charity. PUTTING PRACTICE If your father is a golf enthusiast, how about getting him an indoor putting mat to let him improve his game.

NEW SHADES Pick up a pair of quality sunglasses with shatter resistant and polarized lenses. PICTURE WITH MEANING Select a pictureof the two of you – old or new – and have it recreated by a local artist in pencil or ink. HANDMADE CARD Guys have a tendency to avoid the sentimental thoughts, but a handmade card might be the perfect gift. You can add in a special memory of just the two of you, or even a photo that has special meaning. It brings home his importance to you much better than an email. PHONE CALL A simple phone call can mean the world, especially with social distancing these days. You can just chat, or thank him for everything he’s done for you in your life. It’s a powerful way to say “I Love You.”

Cheese, wonderful cheese! By Shannon Swenson

For all my fellow cheese loving friends, let’s honor this versatile, delectable, savory and sometimes pungent delight! June 4th is National Cheese Day, a day to honor the food that tops our pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, desserts, snacks, pairs well with wine and also can stand solely on its own! There are over 1,400 varieties that exist in the world today – that means you could eat 3 different kinds a day and still not try them all in a year! If I could live off of cheese, I would! Thank you to the cows, buffalo, goats and sheep for providing the milk for this glorious food! Thank you to the cheese makers who know how the temperature and aging affects the flavor and texture, as well as when to add spices and other seasonings to

create these edible works of art! So, you may be wondering, how do you get your hands on some of these amazing cheeses? Check your local meat lockers, delis and grocery stores. Check your local wineries to see if they offer classes on pairing with wine. Maybe the local bakery offers bread with cheese baked in! Join a cheese of the month club and get it delivered RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR! To honor our beloved cheese on this day, enjoy cheese in one of its many forms: cheese soup, cheese sandwich, cheese ravioli, cheese kabobs, cheese pizza, cheese and crackers, cheese fondue to name a few or simply try a kind you haven’t tried before. However you celebrate is up to you;

if you decide to post your celebration on social media be sure to use the hashtag #NationalCheeseDay. I’ll leave you with some cheesy facts found on the internet (so they have to be true, right?). •Roquefort, Brie de Meaux and Casu Marzu are cheeses that are illegal in the U.S. •The European Union is the top producer of cheese in the world. •The U.S is the second top producer of cheese in the world.

•Wisconsin produces the most cheese in the U.S. •On average, the French consumes about 60 pounds per person. •Germany comes in second with 53 pounds of cheese consumed per person. •Americans only consume about 34 pounds of cheese per person. •Parmigiano-Reggiano, Camembert and Bavarian Swiss are the most popular cheeses in the world.

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CROSSWORD

CLUES ACROSS 1. Sucker 4. Reporter’s question 8. Bossa ____ 12. Kimono closer 13. “____ Comes the Sun” 14. Unreturnable tennis serves 15. Spelling competition 16. James ____ Jones 17. Perky 18. Items for hire 21. 18 or 30 22. Bends 24. Cosmetic 26. Wobble 28. Fled 29. Feminine title 30. Fodder 34. “____ the season . . .” 36. Fondue essential 37. Craving 41. Yard tool 42. “Ain’t ____ Sweet” 43. Priests’ speeches 45. Cream or shoulder starter 47. Took legal action 48. ____-key 51. In the know about 52. Care for 53. Zip 54. “____ Pilot” 55. Abilities 56. Porky’s place

CLUES DOWN 1. Weep 2. Honest ____ 3. Punctured 4. “____ Will I Be Loved” 5. Stove 6. Arrangement 7. Cashier 8. Preschool downtime 9. Indian, for one 10. Brink 11. Daisylike flower 19. Manor lands 20. Long cut 22. After-hours bank: abbr. 23. Actor Stephen ____ 25. Student doctor 27. Radiates 31. Motives 32. Solicit 33. Microscopic 35. Midday snooze 36. Bond firmly 37. Broad neckerchief 38. Call 39. Animal skins 40. More authentic 44. Probability 46. Decimal point 49. Adapted 50. Move through the air

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28 Chicz May/June 2020

MOTHER’S DAY WORD SEARCH

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contributing writers Sportswriter Jared Rubado writes an entertainment column that appears each Friday in the Echo Press..

Lori Mork

Shannon Swenson

Jared Rubado

Shannon Swenson is a Life Coach at Encompass Coaching in Alexandria. She enjoys cooking and reading and is a nature, animal and classic car lover.

Apryl Putnam is a mother of twin boys. She loves anything fitness related, singing, baking and watching her boys play sports.

Al Edenloff of Alexandria and his wife, Celeste, were married in the heart of California wine country and enjoy sipping wine on their weekend date nights.

Jen Jabas

Lowell Anderson

Jeff Beach has spent a lifetime on the The Jeff Beach Diet and is still kickinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Jeff Beach

Apryl Putnam

Al Edenloff

Lowell Anderson is a photographer at the Echo Press newspaper.

Tina McPherson is a mother and grandmother originally from Texas and is learning everyday how to live her life to the fullest in Minnesota. Coffee helps.

Cheryl Graham

Tina McPherson

Jen Jabas of Alexandria, MN is the Executive Director at United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties. She loves her family and community and enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their two sons.

Celeste Edenloff

Celeste is a reporter for the Echo Press. She enjoys perusing her social media accounts, running and participating in races with her husband, Al.

a Magazine for

FUN women!

a Magazine for FUN women

a Magazine for FUN women!

er 2019 November/Decemb

a Magazine for FUN women!

DIY Snowman

With love, GRANDM

30 Chicz May/June 2020

Cheryl Graham is an avid reader, remodeler, and DIY fanatic; she resides in Glenwood with her husband & daughters.

love,WS GRANDMA ALLO MARSHMWith A feeling of

HYGGE CHIC | PAGE 1

September/October 2019

The Power of

The Jeff Beach

PURPOSE

DIET

January/Febriary 2020

Lori Mork of Lowry is a mother, grandmother and dabbler in all things food, photography and decor related.

Travel on a

BUDGET

HOROSCOPES for March

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Something is stirring in your life, but you can’t zero in on what needs to get done. But you will get your focus and be able to zero in on the tasks at hand.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 It is okay to be skeptical from time to time. Just do not let negative perceptions bog you down. Realize there are moments when things are right and you can forge ahead.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 A conflict between your personal values and those of a VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 larger group may not make you popular. That is alright, You may have an idea of what your relationship should look like, but it may be built on unreasonable percepas you need to stick to your beliefs and feelings. tions. Get to the heart of your partner this week. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Hold your tongue when others ask for your opinion this LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 week. You may not be able to take things back once It may take a leap of faith to get to the next level in your the words are said. Bow out graciously instead. career. Instead of taking the safe path, you might need to change things up a bit to ensure action. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Do not feel bad about caring for yourself this week, SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 even if you must put your needs above those of others. A project that once inspired you may no longer seem How can you help others without first helping your- worthy of your time. You’re not fickle; you just want to maximize productivity. Something new will turn up. self?

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Love isn’t always easy. Oftentimes you have to work at it to make it stronger. If you’re willing to put in the effort, you will reap the rewards. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Clear and concise conversations will compel others to see your side of the story. You will probably gain a few extra supporters in the process. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 This week you will get a chance to express your values in a new way. Convey your feelings with gusto so that you can get the message out to as many people as possible. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 How you are feeling inside may be at odds with the way you are portraying yourself on the outside. You don’t always have to hide feelings.

May/June 2020 Chicz 31

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