a Magazine for FUN women!
July/August 2020
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15 WAYS to empower yourself
Lovin’
LEMONADE
Get back to wellness. Seeing your doctor you know, and who knows you, on a regular basis is the best way to keep you and your whole family healthy during these stressful times. If you’ve been putting off your yearly physical or Well Child visits, now is a great time to get reconnected.
When you return, you are going to notice some new changes: Video Visits Now you can have a face-toface visit with your provider from the convenience of your own home. Many clinic visits can be held using telecommunications technology. Ask your doctor if Video Visits are right for your needs. Make an Appointment For the foreseeable future, all of our clinics will require a scheduled appointment. We are not accepting walk-ins.
Here for Life
2 Chicz July/August 2020
100% Masking Having everyone wear a mask is one of the best ways to keep you and our team safe. Please bring and wear your mask for any in-person visit. If you don’t have a mask, we will gladly provide you with one. Don’t put your health on pause any longer. Ongoing preventative care and healthy habits are critical for total wellness. We miss you and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Alomere Health • Alexandria Clinic • Osakis Clinic • Lakes E.N.T. • Heartland Orthopedic Specialists
Summer is here!
Inside this issue
July/August 2020 Where else should a person spend their summer but at the lake? With the beautiful summer sun shining down and the warm breezes blowing, Real Chicz of summer in the lakes are is one of the most wonderful times of the year. This edition of Chicz is Douglas County 4 filled with fun summer food Photo Tips 8 and drink ideas, and Al Edenloff gives you tips on The Jeff Beach Diet 12 how to host a virtual wine For the Love of Coffee 16 party to help stay healthy through social distancing. I Food and drink found a wonderful rhubarb Farmers markets • 6 ice cream recipe that doesn’t Lovin’ lemonade• 10 require Rainbow coleslaw • 12 churning. Rainbow pasta for kids • 13 It’s easy and Throw a wine tasting party – virtually • 14 takes advan20 wines for $20 and under • 14 tage of the HAL BORLAND No churn rhubarb ice cream • 26 abundance 7 types of burgers for your next barbecue • 27 of rhurbarb at this time of year. Family We’ve got a very heartwarming story as Celeste Edenloff Camping tips and tricks • 9 brings us the story of Lorene Pitcher, whose life has been Not what they expected • 15 touched by cancer in many ways in her Real Chicz of 15 ways to empower yourself • 17 Douglas County article and Lowell Anderson continues Embracing the new normal• 18 his Photo Tips column to help us improve our photogCelebrating amid a pandemic • 20 POPULAR raphy skills. Distance learning wasn’t easy • 24 PERENNIALS Eric Morken gives you his account of the difficulties Summer sun and learning fun • 25 of distance learning for children and Shannon Swenson brings a list of ways to help empower yourself. Wellness Check out our tips on gardening in raised planting Five reasons to try stand up paddleboarding • 18 beds and cleaning cooking spray off your baking pans, and read up on the types of perennials that Home are best for those of us in Minnesota. Clean cooking spray from baking pans • 11 These articles, and so many more, are just waiting Popular perennials for Minnesota gardens • 19 for you in this issue of Chicz. Gardening in raised beds • 21 Enjoy! Lori Mork, Chicz editor
“July is hot afternoons and sultry nights and mornings when it’s joy just to be alive. July is a picnic and a red canoe and a sunburned neck and a softball game and ice tinkling in a tall glass. July is a blind date with summer.”
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Mommy and me crafts • 22 Bubble bath playdough • 24 Puzzles and horoscopes • 28
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RHUBARB ICE CREAM
Chicz contributing writers • 30
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July/August 2020 Chicz 3
real chicz of douglas county
A life touched and inspired by Pitcher is a leader in local Relay for Life
By Celeste Edenloff Lorene Pitcher participated in her first Relay for Life of Douglas County event the year her mom was diagnosed with uterine cancer – 2005. She brought her mom to the annual Relay for Life fish fry that always took place before the event. However, by the time the event rolled around, her mom had already passed away. Her diagnosis came in January and she died on April 28. “That was the most difficult Lorene Pitcher year,” said Pitcher, who lives in Alexandria and has worked at Bremer Bank for the past 34 years. “My mom and dad were both very involved in the community where they lived and taught me to give back to your community, which is why I got involved with the Relay.” Fifteen years later, she would have never guessed how involved she would become and that she – along with the Relay for Life committee – would be planning the 30th event in Douglas County. Pitcher and her husband, Mark, have been married for 36 years and he has been there every step of the way – through the good and the tough times, she said. Her son and her daughter have also been right by
her side and are reasons she keeps going. “I also have three beautiful granddaughters who are now involved with Relay who I hope will never have to hear the words you have cancer,” said Pitcher, who shared some sage advice. “Remaining positive during your cancer journey helps you get through those difficult times. As my mom always said, ‘If you can learn something from what I went through, then what I went through was worthwhile.’ ” HOW IT BEGAN Back in 2005, Pitcher’s friend and co-worker, Cindy Johnson, told her about the event and suggested she should go and check it out. Throughout the past 15 years, cancer has touched Pitcher’s life more than it should. In December 2011, she had her yearly physical scheduled. However, her appointment was canceled and couldn’t be rescheduled until March of the next year. This is where she said the “Good Lord” got involved. Her March appointment revealed some abnormalities and after further testing, the diagnosis was one she feared – cancer. Pitcher was diag-
My mom and dad were both very involved in the community where they lived and taught me to give back to your community, which is why I got involved with the Relay.
LORENE PITCHER 4 Chicz July/August 2020
Lorene Pitcher and Jo Cory, Relay for Life committee members, stand on stage at the 2017 Relay for Life of Douglas County event. nosed with ductal carcinoma, a form of breast cancer. She was told that if she had gone to her original appointment in December, it would not have been detected and that, she said, is where the divine intervention came in and the “Good Lord” was involved. Interestingly enough, in the early 1980s, her grandmother had the same type of cancer and in 2004, an aunt also had the same diagnosis. Pitcher said, however, that this type of cancer is not genetic, but it is hereditary. After two surgeries and 33 radiation treatments, Pitcher was declared cancer-free. She is a survivor, which is something she celebrates each year at the Relay for Life. But cancer didn’t just impact her mom, grandma and aunt. Cancer has touched so many of her friends and family members. In 2006, Pitcher’s father-in-law was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a type of nose cancer. Her mother-in-law was diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer in October 2017 and passed away in February 2018. Her own father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer in August 2015 and lived with it until May 2018. Her cousin, Sherry, has been battling with melanoma for the past four years and another aunt was diagnosed with uterine cancer in August 2016 and after treatments is cancer-free. WHY ME? When she was going through her own cancer journey, Pitcher’s friend, Lynndene Way, who is a retired Alexandria pastor, told her that she would come to a point where she would ask the question,
Lorene Pitcher of Alexandria, pictured with her dad in 2015, is a breast cancer survivor. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer that same year and lived with it until May 2018.
“Why me?” and that when she does, she needs to ask instead, “Why not me?” It was ironic, said Pitcher, because about two years later, that same friend was diagnosed with cancer and Pitcher was able to walk through it with her, along with several others since. Over the years, Pitcher has had some pretty emotional and memorable moments with the Relay for Life. The first year when she lit a luminaria in memory of her mom instead of in honor of her mom was pretty emotional. Another memorable moment was the year she walked as a survivor. She said it was very emotional to be a part of the event on the planning and running of it side but then to step onto the track to walk with the survivors because she was – and is – one.
“As a survivor, you stand together and walk together in many ways,” she said. The number of luminarias that get lit every year keeps growing and each year, it gets more emotional because each and every one of those bags – whether in honor or remembrance – represents someone who was touched by cancer. Relay for Life is much more than an event to Pitcher. It has tremendous meaning because of all the lives it has touched of those around her – her mom, her dad, her in-laws and so many others. Because of all of them, she continues to work so hard to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and the research they do so that no one else in her family will have to hear the words, “You have cancer.” “I now know ‘Why me?’ ” she said.
Lorene Pitcher, a breast cancer survivor, is pictured with her husband, Mark, and their family. July/August 2020 Chicz 5
Farmers markets:
the best place for locally sourced goods For many people, the mention of a farmers market brings to mind stalls packed with fresh fruits and vegetables. However, these bustling spaces offer an abundance of other regional goods. Here’s a sampling of what you might find. ORNAMENTAL PLANTS Bring your backyard to life or add a pop of color to your garden with a wide selection of flowers, plants and shrubs. Ask growers on site about the
best choices for your shaded, sunny or damp yard. ORGANIC GOODS While it can sometimes be a challenge to find fresh organic produce in grocery stores, there’s no shortage of it at farmers markets. Many small-scale cultivators and breeders specialize in organic farming practices. Take your pick from organic fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, eggs and more. CRAFT BEER, WINE AND SPIRITS Little pairs better with a locally sourced meal than a glass of wine, cider or craft beer that was made just down the road.
6 Chicz July/August 2020
Discover the flavors of your region at the stalls of local producers. If you fancy an aperitif or digestif, sample the offerings of a nearby microdistillery. ARTISANAL GOODS Farmers markets aren’t just about eating and drinking. Among the tables laden with food you’ll find an array of unique creations. These often handcrafted products range from soaps, creams and essential oils to candles, clothes and linens. For these local products and more, take a stroll through a farmers market near you.
July/August 2020 Chicz 7
composition By Lowell Anderson Composition in photography has several purposes. Although it generally helps make your photos look more pleasing and artistic, it can also help to communicate a message or convey a feeling. One of the most useful things to understand to accomplish these goals is how to use lines. Although it might not seem obvious at first, most photographs include many different lines. Sometimes the lines are fairly clear, such as the horizon, trees, buildings and roads. Other times, they
and lines
might be more implied, such as a row of objects or a person looking or pointing in a certain direction. In fact, they can even be curved, such as the line formed by the edge of a rounded hill. Many times, lines are formed by the edges of objects, so you may not really notice them unless you look closely. One of the useful things about lines is that they can help point the viewer’s eye toward important elements in the scene or even move the eye around the scene in a specific pattern.
The lines formed by the dock in the foreground help draw the eye in to the people, while the horizontal lines connect them to each other.
The diagonal lines formed by the trees in this photo tend to focus the eye on the sky in the center, which gives a feeling of height and tension. At the same time, the smaller branches help direct the eye to explore other parts of the photo. But lines can also convey certain moods. In general, horizontal lines convey a sense of rest, calm or stability, while vertical lines imply a sense of height with stability. In contrast, diagonal lines usually convey a sense of tension or movement. Lines can also help to form shapes that may in turn form compositional elements. For example, the lines of buildings may form a series of squares, while the lines of mountains may form a pattern of triangles. A series of parallel lines can also form a repeating pattern that may make a photograph more interesting. While it is certainly possible to design a photograph without thinking of these things
PHOTO
TIPS
and just to know intuitively that it looks good, being aware of these elements can help you when you are trying to achieve a certain purpose or feeling with your photo. Finally, lines can also be useful in achieving the other elements of composition, such as dividing the frame into sections (rule of thirds) or showing depth and perspective by having a line run off into the distance.
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Camping tips and tricks
If you love camping, you’re always looking for tips and tricks to make your stay easier. Here are few fun and creative ideas.
CHASE AWAY BUGS Add some dried sage leaves to your campfire or fire pit to keep mosquitoes and bugs away from your campsite.
SHOWER CADDY LANYARD If you have access to a shower while camping, you can use a lanyard to carry your shower items such as shampoo, conditioner and body wash. You can buy lanyards with multiple hooks and connect travel size tubes of your items, then wear it around your neck, or use a single lanyard and add hooks to it.
PAPER TOWEL HOLDER Need a way to hold paper towels for drying hands? Use a garden flag holder. Just fit the roll over the arm and you can roll the towels off from there. STAY-PUT TABLECLOTH If you have a table where you’re camping, you can use a fitted sheet as a tablecloth. Use a twin or full, depending on the size of the table. DRINKABLE ICE PACKS Fill gallon jugs with water and freeze to use for ice in your cooler. As the ice melts you can use it for drinking water. TOILET PAPER STORAGE You can keep your toilet paper dry and free of bugs or mice by storing it in an empty plastic coffee can. Just cut a long slit in one side and pull a small bit of paper through the hole to start it.
STORE MATCHES Use a canning jar to store matches and keep them dry. Put sandpaper or the top of a match box on top of the jar lid to use for lighting them. COLLAPSIBLE TRASH CANS AND WASHING TUBS Using pop-up trash cans and tubs can save you plenty of room when packing for camping. The trash cans can be used for holding more than trash and the tubs are good for washing dishes. CORN CHIP FIRESTARTER If you aren’t able to find any good kindling while camping, you can substitute corn chips or Doritos. The starches, chemicals, oils and flavors in the chips make it combustible and can help you get that campfire going.
July/August 2020 Chicz 9
CHERRY LEMONADE SLUSH INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups lemonade 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted with stems removed 1 tsp. sugar 2 cups ice, crushed 1 cup lemon-lime soda, optional
Lovin’ lemonade
DIRECTIONS: Combine the lemonade, cherries, sugar and ice into a blender. Blend to desired consistency. Add lemon lime soda (optional) just before serving. Stir well.
By Lori Mork
Hot summer days call for fresh lemonade, but if you’re looking for something a little different, here are some twists on the classic summer drink.
PEACH LEMONADE INGREDIENTS: 4 cups water, divided 2 medium peaches, chopped 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup lemon juice 1 medium lemon, sliced Mint sprigs, optional
in a small saucepan. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until peaches are tender. Remove from heat and cool. Strain, discarding skins. In a large pitcher, combine the peach mixture, lemon juice and remaining water. Add lemon slices and mint if desired. Serve over ice.
DIRECTIONS: Bring 2 cups of water, peaches and sugar to a boil
WATERMELON LEMONADE INGREDIENTS: 4 cups watermelon, cubed 3 lemons, juiced 3 cups cold water Simple Syrup 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup water or to taste DIRECTIONS: Make simple syrup by combining sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove
from heat and cool completely. Blend watermelon until smooth; strain through mesh strainer and discard pulp. Fill a 2-quart container 1/2 way with ice. Add watermelon juice, lemon juice and simple syrup to taste. Stir. Top with cold water and serve immediately.
FRESH STRAWBERRY LEMONADE INGREDIENTS: 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced 1-1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 6 medium lemons) 6 cups cold water
Ice 1 cup chopped strawberries, for garnish Lemon slice, for garnish DIRECTIONS: Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan.
OLD FASHIONED LEMONADE INGREDIENTS: 1-1/2 cups sugar 1-1/2 cups water Zest from one lemon 1-1/2 cups fresh lemon juice Ice cubes Cold water/sparkling water Lemon slices Fresh mint leaves DIRECTIONS: Bring sugar and water to a boil in saucepan, stirring constantly. Boil five
10 Chicz July/August 2020
Remove from heat; cool to room temperature. Place strawberries in a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Pour pureed strawberries into the sugar water. Add lemon juice. Stir well.
minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Add lemon juice and zest to sugar syrup. Cool completely. Store syrup in jar covered tightly with lid. To serve, add ice cubes to a glass; add 1/4 cup lemon syrup. Add 3/4 cup cold water or sparkling water and stir. Top with slice of lemon and/or fresh mint leaves. Recipe makes enough syrup for 14 glasses of lemonade and can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
Pour strawberry lemon mixture and cold water into a large pitcher. Stir well and add ice. Pour into glasses and top with chopped strawberries and a lemon slice.
Clean cooking spray residue from
baking pans By Lori Mork
If you’re like me, you have several pans that have sticky dark residue on them that resists coming off. When I did an internet search for solutions, I found out something I’d never realize before – it’s recommended that you never spray non-stick pans with cooking spray. According to Analon, a popular maker of non-stick cookware, using cooking spray is not recommended since it burns at lower temperatures and will damage non-stick coatings, resulting in an invisible buildup that will impair the non-stick release system and cause foods to stick. So what can you do if you’ve already created this mess? Here are some tips
I’ve culled from around the internet. NON-STICK For non-stick pans, wash in a sink with warm water and mild dish detergent to make sure that all the food particles are removed. Mix equal parts baking soda and water to make a paste and apply it to the residue. Scrub with a nonabrasive sponge or brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry. This worked for me in most cases except for the most heavy buildups. I also found another site that touted baking soda and vinegar. I haven’t tried this one, but here it is: sprinkle baking soda over the grease, then pour vinegar over the top. Let sit for 30 minutes and
then scrub it away. If your pan doesn’t have a lip, you can soak your pan in vinegar then sprinkle on some baking soda.
Spray a generous amount onto residue and scrub with a wet sponge. Rinse with warm water.
ALUMINUM Make a paste of baking soda and water, then rub it on the grease spots. Let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub. Another site mentioned mixing together 2 tablespoons of Borax, 12 ounces of warm water and 12 ounces of white vinegar in a spray bottle.
GLASS/STONEWARE Wash in warm water and soap, the mix equal parts water and vinegar. Pour mixture into glass or stoneware pan and let soak for 10 minutes. Leaving the mixture in the pan, scrub with a soft sponge or brush.
July/August 2020 Chicz 11
BEHOLD the wonder of finding the missing link
There it was, sitting like an egg-shaped beacon at the top of the fruit bowl — the key ingredient that I was seeking. That is, if beacons can be kind of dark brownish-green. This beacon was a ripe avocado. But let me back up a bit. One day, I picked up from the grocery store a loaf of focaccia bread from the day old section. I don’t think I had ever bought focaccia bread before but at the discount price, I decided, what the heck. It was only after I got home that I started thinking about what might go well with it. Well folks, there’s this really cool thing called Google, so I decided to search there. One suggestion was stuffed peppers. As it turns out, I had a large red pepper with no specific purpose in mind. Most stuffed pepper recipes called for cutting off just the top of the pepper for roasting so it would take two peppers to make the meal for two. But some recipes did have the pepper sliced lengthwise so one pepper could make two servings. That seemed more
The
JEFF BEACH
diet
Jeff Beach has spent a lifetime on the The Jeff Beach Diet and is still kickin’.
like it to me, especially since I only had the one pepper. There were recipes with sausage or leftover chicken, but I didn’t have those handy. But there is always tuna in the cupboard and I thought I could just modify my tuna loaf recipe to use as a stuffing. That’s when I spotted the ripe avocado. Tuna and avocado could be a thing, I thought. Back to Google. Yes, it was a thing! But the recipes I saw were for the tuna-avocado peppers to be served unroasted, cold. Now that might be OK, but I really wanted a roasted pepper now so I forged ahead with my own concoction. I was very happy with the results. Roasting the pepper
brings out the sweetness, The stuffing had a nice zing and consistency. I wish I had thought to add a little cilantro but, maybe next time. TUNA AND AVOCADO STUFFED PEPPERS INGREDIENTS: 1 large red pepper cut in half lengthwise 1 can tuna, drained 1 avocado 1/2 cup onion, diced 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon lime juice About a 1/4 cup water
DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice pepper in half lengthwise; hollow out and discard seeds. Slice open avocado and scoop fruit into a bowl; combine with tuna, onion, seasoning and juice and mix well. Spoon mixture into each half of the pepper. Put water in a shallow baking dish and add pepper halves. Cook until done; about 45 minutes. Oh, and it went very well with a wedge of the focaccia bread and a spinach salad.
RAINBOW COLESLAW is perfect for a picnic By Lori Mork
I found this recipe several years ago when I was looking for something a little different to serve at a picnic.
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All the crisp, fresh veggies with a tangy light dressing are the perfect compliment to just about any meal. This coleslaw also makes a wonderful addition to a potluck picnic.
RAINBOW COLESLAW
INGREDIENTS: Dressing: 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup lime juice 2 Tbsp. vinegar 1 Tbsp. ground cumin 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1/3 cup olive oil Salad: 3 cups shredded red cabbage 1 cup grated carrot 4 thinly sliced green onions 1 cup sugar snap peas, sliced 1 sliced red pepper 1 sliced yellow pepper 1 cup chopped cilantro
DIRECTIONS: To make the dressing, whisk together honey, lime juice, vinegar, cumin, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Slice vegetables or cut them into bite size pieces. Mix all vegetables together, then add cilantro. Pour dressing over slaw and toss until coated. Add additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
Rainbow pasta By Lori Mork Making mealtime fun for kids is always a challenge. Here’s a great way to prepare pasta that will have them loving their meal. Serve it with butter and parmesan cheese or your favorite pasta sauce. I found two different approaches to this dish and I am sharing both with you. RAINBOW PASTA INGREDIENTS: Colored Pasta: 1 lb. dry spaghetti, linguini or any of your favorite pastas Food coloring DIRECTIONS: Cook pasta according to instructions. While pasta is cooking, combine about 2 tablespoons of water and 20 drops of one color of food coloring in a large zip-top pastic bag. Repeat with as many other colors you would like. When pasta is finished cooking, transfer pasta to a large collander to drain. Rinse in cold water.
Divide the pasta among the prepared zip top bags and seal. Using your hands, carefully combine the pasta and food coloring, then let each bag sit for at least 1 minute to soak up the color. Return pasta to collander one color at a time to rinse with cold water to remove excess food coloring. Transfer each drained color back to the original pot and toss to combine. This second option is a little more preparation intense and requires the use of a separate pot for each color that you
p o h S p o ne St
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desire and uses gel food coloring, which usually results in more intense colors. Fill each saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add gel food color to each pan. Add 2 ounces of dry pasta to each pot and cook according to directions and desired color is achieved. Drain and rinse colors separately. Toss together and serve with your favorite toppings.
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July/August 2020 Chicz 13
Throw a wine tasting party – virtually By Al Edenloff
Here are tips to make it happen As of this writing, the governor’s stayat-home-order was lifted but people were still encouraged to stay home if they are able to do so. With that thought in mind, here’s a safe way to enjoy your favorite wines – or explore new ones – with your family or friends in the comfort of your own home: Throw a wine tasting party, virtually. There are a variety of video conferencing programs out there to set it up. For those of you who are beginners to this whole video chatting scene or are technology challenged, don’t let that stop you from socializing with friends online. Adding wine to the event can help break the ice and add a new element of fun to the experience. Here are some tips to make it happen. Pick a specific date and time for you and your cohorts to “gather.” Whoever is leading the party should make sure everything is up and working well before the meeting starts. Tell everyone in advance to pick a wine to bring to the gathering. Make it something new, fun, different or intriguing. Maybe an interesting red blend, or a sparkling wine with bubbles and zip, or a pretentious sounding wine listing characteristics like “leather and
14 Chicz July/August 2020
tobacco” or “pencil shavings” or a “racy sauciness.” Start the party by having everyone “introduce” their wine and why they chose it. Be sure to read the wine’s label or at least the wine’s country of origin and variety of grape. After the introductions, have each guest, in turn, take a sip of their wine and have them try to use the most descriptive words they can to describe exactly how it tastes. This should get a little fun as you can be as wine snobby as you want, or just plain honest. After a thorough taste, have everyone secretly rank their wine on a scale of 1 to 10, with one being “forgettable or regrettable” and 10 being a “knock your socks off” hit. Once everyone has sipped and rated their wine, have them reveal their ranking and give a virtual toast to the highest scoring wine. In case of a tie, whoever spent the least amount of money on their bottle is the winner. An optional element to add would be food. Guests can describe if the wine improved – or was worse – with a bite of a cheese, a piece of chocolate, your favorite nut or chip. Everyone can again rank the pairing between 1 and 10, and add it to their first sipping score. You can, of course, add your own spin on any of these rules or make up new ones. That’s what’s great about wine – it’s fun, flexible and best enjoyed with good company.
Here is a list of 20 great wines for 2020 costing $20 or less, according to The Foley Food and Wine Society. For complete descriptions of the wines, visit www.foleyfoodandwinesociety.com 2017 Acrobat Pinot Gris, Oregon ($15) 2015 Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County AVA ($20) 2017 Three Rivers Riesling, Columbia Valley ($18) 2014 Guenoc Petite Sirah, Lake County AVA ($20) 2016 Sebastiani Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast ($19) 2017 Three Rivers SAvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley ($20) 2016 Guenoc Late Harvest Viognier, Gueno Valley AVA ($20) 2016 Acrobat Pinot Noir, Oregon ($19) 2017 Roth Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley ($20) 2016 Guenoc Victorian Claret, North Coast ($18) 2017 Acrobat Chardonnay, Oregon ($16) 2018 Firestone Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez Valley ($14) 2015 Guenoc Chardonnay, Guenoc Valley, Lake County AVA ($16) 2015 Guenoc Merlot, California ($12) 2018 Acrobat Rose of Pinot Noir, Oregon ($15) 2016 Guenoc Sauvignon Blanc, Lake County AVA ($16) 2014 Wayne Gretzky Chardonnay, Central Coast ($14) 2014 Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County AVA ($20) 2017 Sebastiani Chardonnay, Sonoma County ($20) 2018 Three Rivers Riesling, Columbia Valley ($20)
Not what they expected: graduates lose opportunities with friends By Jared Rubado When my sister, Abby, graduated high school in 2016, I did everything I could to get her to come to Augustana University. I majored in journalism and sports management in the hopes of becoming a sports writer (spoiler alert: I did). Abby fit in perfectly with the culture that Augie preached. She had a few other schools on her list, but I knew that she would fall in love with Augie once she stepped on campus and saw how much I loved it. Fast forward four years and her exit wasn’t filled with the love she has for her professors, friends and the city of Sioux Falls, SD. Instead, her mind raced to the idea that she might not get to see the people that made her time at Augie special for a long time. Abby was part of the inaugural swimming team at Augie. After a successful high school career, she walked on and became one of the first female swimmers in school history. She’d be the first to tell you that she’s not the kind of athlete that’s there to break records, but for her, it was about continuing in the sports she loves while building connections.
When you’re in a college sport, you don’t pick your friends when you get on campus. Abby latched herself to her teammates and became close with girls from around the world. From Minnesota to Australia, Abby’s roommates came from many different places. After COVID-19 hit the United States, schools across the country closed their doors and conducted online classes. Abby was on spring break when the announcement came, and she realized that her senior year wasn’t going to end as she hoped. I realized that I took a lot of things for granted about my senior year. While I dreaded having to go to graduation so my mom could take a picture of me and put it on Facebook, I look back and realize that the weeks leading up to that day were very special to me. I got to spend time with a lot of people I haven’t seen since. Whether it was going out to the bar or catching an Augie baseball game, I loved those times I spent with my friends. In the social media age, it’s easier to stay in contact with your college and high school friends, but there’s no preparation for the realization that the day you leave college is
the last time you’ll see a lot of people you think highly of for a long time. For Abby and other seniors around the world, they didn’t even get that. I went back to Brainerd recently and asked her about how she was processing COVID-19. When she told me she was scared that she wasn’t going to see her roommate from Australia again, I rolled my eyes. But after recognizing how few people I see that live in-state that I was once so close with in school, that’s a real possibility now. These are first-world problems that don’t bear weight on real-life issues. However, it’s okay for these kids to be frustrated with what was taken from them.
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BREWING 101:
for the
Options for making that morning cup of java of coffee By Tina McPherson
AUTOMATIC DRIP This is the “Mr. Coffee” type of machine that is made by many different manufacturers. Typically, it has a basket with either a paper filter or a mesh filter, which is where the coffee grounds go into and the water flows through and into the coffee pot below. It is easy and popular, and you can brew multiple cups at once – great for when family and friends pop by. These types of machines can be simple with just a one-button turn on, or they can be complex with multiple programmable settings.
Coffee is the world’s 2nd largest traded commodity. Crude oil is first. Coffee is the second most loved beverage after water. It’s worth is over $100 billion worldwide. Coffee stays warm 20% longer when you add cream. The word espresso comes from Italian and means “expressed” or “forced out”. Espresso is made by forcing very hot water under high pressure through finely ground, compacted coffee.
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We are so lucky these days to have so many options to brew a great cup of coffee. Some are easy, some are not-so-easy. Here’s a look at a few of the simpler ways to make that morning cup of java at home – without even getting out of your pajamas. KEURIG
FRENCH PRESS This is one of my favorites. Brewing this way is very easy and relatively cheap – a decent French press runs about $12 and requires no electricity. It is a great way to make coffee when you are camping. With the French press, there is a glass container that has what looks like a plunger on top. Your coffee grounds are added to the glass container. You then pour boiling water into the container, over the grounds. Next, you place the “plunger” on top and let it sit or steep for five to 10 minutes depending on how strong – or weak – you like your coffee. When it has reached the proper strength, you slowly depress the plunger, which has a mesh screen on the bottom of it, until all the grounds are on the bottom of the glass container. You then pour your smooth brew into your mug. In my former job as a 911 dispatcher, this is how we made our coffee all the time. We had an electric kettle and a French press and it kept us happy and awake. And a bonus was that it was super easy to clean because all you had to do was rinse it out. So these were the easy and common ways to make coffee. In the next issue, I’ll explain and look into a few ways that are a little more unconventional. But nonetheless, they still make a great cup of joe!
First off, wow, has this little machine ever made a lot of people very happy. There are several other brands of this type of machine, but Keurig is by far the most popular. The coffee for this type of coffee maker comes in pre-measured cups called “K-cups,” which are placed in the top of the machine. Once placed, the top is closed down, you select your cup size, press the go button and boom, in less than a minute, you have a cup of coffee. It is so easy. Most of these types of makers have water reservoirs on the side or the back of the machine where the water is stored. The cup size you choose will deterHawaii is mine the strength of your coffee. the only state able to Refillable cups that you put your grow coffee. It has been own grounds in are available producing coffee even for Keurigs and other similar before it was a state. machines. But the pre-measured Recently, California cups are much simpler. began growing coffee bushes. Beethoven was such an ardent coffee lover that he’d Brazil count 60 beans per couldn’t afford to cup before making According to send its athletes to his brew. the International Los Angeles for the Coffee Association, 1932 Olympics, so the Europe imports more government loaded them in coffee than the USA. Also, a ship full of coffee which Brazil is the lead was sold on the way to exporting country finance their in coffee. trip.
ways to Shannon Swenson Empowerment simply means “becoming powerful”. Personal empowerment is taking control of your own life and not allowing others to control it for you. When you are empowered, your passion will overflow onto those around you. You feel confident and in control of your life because you can create all the things you want.
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Become self-aware. Make a list of your values, beliefs, strengths and weaknesses. What motivates you and what stops you? Set goals. Know what you want and why you want it. A goal without a plan is just a dream.
See yourself as worthy. When you consider your goals and dreams, feel worthy of them! No negative self-talk! Identify the gaps needing to be filled in order to accomplish your goal and fill them.
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Commit to your success and believe you can achieve it! Share your goals with those who will hold you accountable and support you.
Develop a positive mindset. When you have a willingness to expand and grow as a human being, you cultivate a new mindset. Set daily intentions and take action. Starting small is better than not starting at all.
Acknowledge your feelings. Sit with the emotion, don’t shove it down. There may be something to learn from it, like an old belief or trigger that no longer serves you.
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Keep moving forward. You will encounter all kinds of individuals, situations and stumbling blocks on your journey toward empowerment. Just keep moving forward!
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Don’t give away your power. Make your own decisions. It makes sense to listen to the opinions of those you trust and respect when you’re at a crossroads. However, it’s best for you to choose whatever you want because YOU have to live with the choices you make.
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Practice self-care. It’s great to be driven and to also set boundaries and adhere to them. Take time to relax, refresh & rejuvenate!
Respect your time. Treat your time like a precious resource; spend time on things that are important to you and what you want to accomplish
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Acknowledge your accomplishments. Review where you were and what you’ve been able to accomplish.
Review your goals. Keep your goals fresh – our dreams may change as life changes and sometimes we just need to review our why and stay inspired!
July/August 2020 Chicz 17
apryl’s advice
Embracing the
NEW NORMAL By Apryl Putnam Life for everyone has looked different for the past 2 months. For some even longer, due to the COVID pandemic. Things quickly changed for all of us. The things that we took for granted, like going out to eat, bowling, going to a movie, and even working out at our local gyms, all closed. It was hard to get used to at first, but as a family we decided we needed to embrace it and make a “new normal.” I, being the home body that I am, looked forward to life slowing down and it becoming simple. I have twin boys
who are in hockey, baseball, and football. Now that there were no organized sports, the personal trainer came out in me, and I knew I needed to figure out ways for them to still stay active, practice their sports and still have fun. Here are some of my ideas: Look on Pinterest, there are so many great ideas out there for keeping it fun for kids. We did a heads and tails workout with a coin. Whatever they flipped would tell them what exercise they were going to do. We also rolled dice, where whatever number they got would
tell them what exercise they would do. I also found a great hockey training FB Group where we would find different techniques and skills that they could practice. I’m pretty sure that is their favorite. Another was that we made Sunday nights our family night, where we would make homemade pizza, watch a movie and have popcorn. We played a lot of games. I’m pretty sure SkipBo is our favorite. And let’s not forget all the puzzles we did too. Lastly, I got this idea from a friend. I would let the boys
pick out a meal for the week and they would help me make it. It was so much fun, and they loved it too! Every week they would get so excited to pick out a new recipe. They were proud. It put a smile on this mama’s face. The at-home order wasn’t always fun behind our doors, but I am grateful for all the time and the memories made with my family. We got to slow down and enjoy each other. To live more in the moment.
Five reasons to try stand-up paddleboarding Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) involves standing on a surfboard and using a paddle to propel yourself in the water. Here are five compelling reasons to try it. 1. It’s a full-body workout. Standup paddleboarding is a cardiovascular workout that activates your core muscles and gently tones the rest of your body. It also improves your balance. 2. Anyone can do it. This sport can be mastered by people of all ages because the technique involved is simple. Plus, you can move at your own pace, and it’s easy to get back on the board if you fall. You can even remain on your knees if you’re afraid to stand. 3. It’s easy to learn. It only takes a few minutes to learn how to stand, propel and turn on a stand-up paddle-
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board. Some people need more practice balancing than others, but most learn quickly. 4. It’s relaxing. For most people, stand-up paddleboarding is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Whether you head out with friends or on your own, you’re sure to feel peaceful after a day floating on the water. 5. It can be done anywhere. You can stand-up paddleboard on lakes, rivers and the ocean. This means you can set off from any shore and paddle on almost any body of water. Once you’ve mastered the basics of stand-up paddleboarding, there’s so much more you can do. Activities like yoga, Pilates and fishing can all be done on a board.
Popular perennials
for Minnesota gardens
Summer is the height of the season for blooming flowers in Minnesota’s short growing season. Here are some of the most popular perennials in our area. ASTERS: Asters are long-blooming flowers that prefer shade. This hardy flower is excellent for displaying in vases and bloom from mid-summer through fall. CHRYSANTHEMUMS: Chrysanthemums flowers stand up well in extreme temperatures and bloom all summer long. They also come in a variety of colors. CONEFLOWERS: Found in purple, lavender and white, coneflowers are popular flowers that attract butterflies. They bloom late into the fall.
DAY LILY: Known for requiring minimal maintenance, day lilies can take the heat of the day and still blossom. They come in a variety of colors sure to brighten up a garden. HOSTA: Able to grow in the shady areas of a yard, hostas are extremely hardy and need little maintenance. Some can also grow in direct sunlight.
PEONIES: Peonies top the list as one of the most reliable flowers for your garden. A beautiful, multi-petaled blossom in a wide array of colors, peonies bloom in the spring and have a wonderful fragrance.
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Celebrating amid a pandemic raising chicz
By Cheryl Graham
The COVID -19 pandemic has caused countless heartbreaks and devastation over the past months, but sometimes it’s the smaller things, the microcosms, that we feel most acutely. I dreaded telling my fifth grader that the pizza party and sleepover she’d spent months planning for her 11th birthday wasn’t going to happen. The transition to distance learning and separation from her friends was difficult, but she handled it with the unflappable innocence and hope of youth – clinging to her May birthday party as grand reunion. I will never forget how she looked when I
told her; the hope and energy drained from her little body as she stood dumbfounded with tears slowly spilling over her lids and coursing down her cheeks. In that moment, I would have done anything to take her pain away. I had spent many sleepless hours wracking my brain, trying to find an acceptable alternative to her party, a way to bring some hope and joy back to her special day. When inspiration struck, it was both a godsend and a nightmare. My girls had been binge-watching a Netflix show called Nailed it! In which amateur bakers attempt to recreate an intricate cake baked and decorated by a pastry
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chef. When I overheard their “expert” commentary on what the contestants were doing wrong as they sat watching, I knew what I had to do. I would stage a home version of the show for my daughter’s birthday. This would mean a late night secretly baking and decorating the example cake followed by another cleaning whatever remained of my kitchen at the end of the day, but it would be worth it. The idea was a hit with all three of my girls – I saw their eyes light up and my oldest was once again able to talk with happy anticipation about her upcoming birthday. She even took it upon herself to create a theme for the cake – art. On the day of the contest, exhausted as I was, I couldn’t help but catch the excitement of the girls. I watched in proud amusement with a perpetual smile as they set out on their baking adventure. Left entirely to their own devices,
one forgot to add water to the cake but recognized that the batter was too dry and remedied that by adding more oil. Another forgot to add food coloring to the batter and removed her cakes from the oven mid-bake to stir it in. The last decided to improve upon the recipe and add an entire box of M&Ms to one 8-inch cake. She also went directly from taking her cakes from the oven to layering and icing them, performing the acrobatic miracle of flipping her second layer directly from pan to cake with a pancake turner. Those memories, and many others from that day, will stay with me long after social distancing has ended. I did not have $10,000 to award the winner, but the girl with the best cake would have the privilege of throwing it at Dad – unfortunately for him, it was a three-way tie.
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Gardening in raised beds Do you want a garden but have poor soil? Then gardening with raised beds is likely the best solution. Raised beds are garden plots raised several inches or more off the ground and enclosed on all sides by a frame made of wood or rock. You simply fill your box with rich soil then start planting the desired fruits, veggies, herbs, flowers and plants. Raised beds are different from planters because they have open rather than closed bottoms. Since raised beds are designed this way, they provide better drainage. Plus, the roots can extend into the ground and seek available nutrients. Having a raised garden bed has a number of other advantages, notably: •It provides a strong barrier against weeds and pests. •Its soil doesn’t compact or erode away in the case of heavy rain.
•It allows you to plant earlier in the season, since soil that’s above ground is warmer and drains better. Lastly, gardening with raised beds is a great option for people with limited
mobility or back problems. If the bed is high enough, you can tend to the garden without bending over.
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July/August 2020 Chicz 21
4TH OF JULY HAIR BOWS
(Pinterest) SUPPLIES: Ribbon or yarn Hair clips Glue
INSTRUCTIONS: Cut ribbons and tie into bows. Glue to hair clips. You are ready to celebrate the 4th of July!
By Melanie Danner What does it mean to you to be kind? According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, kindness is “the quality or state of being kind”... “a kind deed: FAVOR.” Wikipedia defines a random act of kindness as a non-premeditated, inconsistent action designed to offer kindness towards the outside world. Showing others kindness is a great way to inspire joy and happiness in others. After being cooped up, and separated from others, we may all feel a bit lonely, etc. The question is, what should we do? How can we share joy to others? Here are ten ideas to inspire you and your kids.
1. Help someone with a chore. 2. Say hello to someone. 3. Give them a toy. 4. Say thank you. 5. Let someone else go first. 6. Write a joyful note. 7. Hold a door open for someone. 8. Pay for someone’s meal. 9. Leave sticky notes with positive phrases. 10. Tell someone they are loved.
NATURE’S TIC TAC TOE (Pinterest)
SUPPLIES: Slice of wood Sandpaper Black sharpie 10 rocks INSTRUCTIONS:
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First sand one side of the wood smooth. Then draw two horizontal and two vertical lines to make the game board. Draw five rocks with O’s. Draw five rocks with X’s. Get ready to play tic tac toe.
LOL DOLLHOUSE (Danner girls) (Pinterest)
SUPPLIES: Juice or milk carton Pen or Pencil Tape Scissors Embellishments
INSTRUCTIONS: Draw openings on carton. Cut openings with scissors and tape if necessary. Embellish if you like. Now you have a dollhouse for your dolls and can make furniture if you like.
ROCK/SHELL PETS (Pinterest)
SUPPLIES: Ribbon or yarn Rocks Googly Eyes Markers Glue
INSTRUCTIONS: Glue yarn on the top of a rock to create hair. Glue on eyes. Draw a mouth with a fun expression.
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a guyz perspective
Distance learning
wasn’t easy By Eric Morken
My 7-year-old daughter stared out the window of our kitchen on a sunny afternoon on May 27. Her younger sister had just left with her grandparents to go golfing, and it was evident that she too would much rather be outside than finishing up assignments. “Aubree, it’s time to finish your school work,” I told her. “I know. Just leave me alone!” she snapped back. That scene played out multiple times during the last weeks of the school year. Getting a 1st-grader to focus outside of a classroom setting is not easy. Distance learning was hard. In our case, the toughest part was watching how it affected Aubree’s attitude at times. She would say things to my wife and me, or to her younger sister and grandparents, that we had never heard her say before. When we talked to her about her actions, it was met with a similar reply. “I’m not
trying to. I don’t know how to act differently.” Academically, our family was fortunate through this whole process. My motherin-law, now retired, was an elementary school teacher for more than 30 years. She was an amazing help in keeping Aubree on track with assignments. The staff at Lincoln Elementary in Alexandria was also great through difficult circumstances. I watched Aubree’s kindergarten teacher break down in tears on the last day of school in 2019 as he talked about the students’ progress. I saw Aubree race to give her 1st-grade teacher a hug every day I picked her up from school before things shut down due to the pandemic. I’m sure losing that face-toface interaction with students was incredibly difficult for teachers. That socialization is
what Aubree seemed to miss most. Her teacher organized video group chats each week so the kids could see and talk to each other. There were two time slots – one in the morning and one in the evening. That gave families some flexibility to choose which one worked best for them. Aubree was adamant almost every time that she wanted to take part in both. Seldom would she say much on the chats, but she smiled and listened along to the conversation. That pretty much fits her personality – somewhat shy in many cases, but eager to be around friends and social settings. I watched how some on social media shamed others when they complained about not being able to do the things they are passionate about as the world started shutting
down in March. The idea being that there are people dying from COVID-19, so quit lamenting losing out on being with friends, playing sports, etc. We can feel compassion for those who face the very real consequences of losing a loved one or financial stability, while also understanding that a person’s mental well being is also important. It doesn’t have to be either/or. The world we live in right now is not easy for many people, for multiple reasons. It wasn’t easy for a 1st-grader trying to understand why she couldn’t play with her friends or see her cousins. This whole situation was hard on her, but we’re getting through it. Just like we’ll continue to get through whatever is on the horizon in what are still uncertain times.
Bubble Bath Playdough INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup children’s bubble bath 1/2–3/4 cup cornstarch 1 tsp coconut oil 2 drops food coloring any color 3 drops essential oil, if desired INSTRUCTIONS: In a small bowl combine bubble bath, coconut oil and food coloring. Stir together until mixed well.
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Add 1/2 cup cornstarch and mix together. Pour on flat surface and knead with hands, slowly adding in more cornstarch until it reaches the desired consistency. If too much cornstarch is added and it becomes dry, simply add a little more bubble bath to reach the right consistency. Children can play with the dough in the bath. It can be used as bath soap and will disintegrate in the water.
Summer sun and learning fun from a safe social distance By Jen Jabas
School is out and summer is here! There are so many ways that we can get out, enjoy the weather and prevent summer learning loss while maintaining a safe social distance. Read everything – instill a love of books and learning. •Pull out old books and share your favorites with your kids or better yet … write a story of your own and read it together. •If you aren’t able to access the library, check out a free little library in your neighborhood or track down the Traveling Tree House. Things to make and do – get creative. •Host a board game tournament or create a craft station in your home. •Create a challenge to make the tallest object, strongest bridge or most unique sculpture. Find practical items
around your home (toilet paper rolls, Q-tips, paper, tape, plastic silverware or straws, etc.) Set a timer and let the fun begin. •Build a Scavenger Hunt by creating bingo cards with a list of items to locate in your home or yard. Find items that start with each letter of the alphabet or by color to continue the learning while having fun. •Play sports indoors or outdoors. Create an obstacle course, throw water balloons at a target or design a mini golf course out of items you have around the house. Balloon volleyball or solo cup bowling can be done indoors on a rainy day. •Go for a walk, run or bike ride! Grab a fishing pole and see what you can catch for dinner. When you get back have a campout in your yard or living room. •Plant a garden and cook with what you harvest.
•Sing a song or better yet write one and then play it on an instrument. No instrument? No problem! You can make one with things around your house. •Make a time capsule with memories from this year to open at graduation. Keep the learning going all summer long. •The United Way Traveling Tree House is offering liter-
acy based themed activities similar to those listed above throughout the summer. Register on the United Way website for a location to pick up your FREE kids kit of supplies then check out the Facebook page for virtual programming that offers stories and instructions to carry out the crafts and learning activities provided in the kit. Enjoy your learning fun this summer! 001517702r1
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No churn
rhubarb ice cream By Lori Mork
Earlier this year, I was looking for some fun ideas for my granddaughter’s mermaidthemed birthday party, and ran across a recipe for making mermaid ice cream without having to use an ice cream maker. The basic recipe had just three ingredients – whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla – and was so simple, as well as tasty. Since then, I’ve tried a few different flavors such as marshmallow and chocolate caramel almond. Then, when my rhubarb plants began producing an overabundance of stalks, I did a little more searching and found this
recipe for rhubarb ice cream. It was simple, delicious and the perfect flavor for summer. I did make more rhubarb sauce than directed, which wasn’t necessary. In fact, I would suggest following the directions, since, when I added in too many swirls of raspberry sauce and froze the ice cream, the sauce had a tendency to crystallize. Despite that, it was worth the effort. The tangy rhubarb with the sweet ice cream was a wonderful combination. Once you get the hang of making the basic vanilla recipe, it’s easy to dream up a multitude of other flavors, so give it a try!
TO MAKE MERMAID ICE CREAM Divide ice cream mixture into four bowls. Add 2-3 drops of turquoise (or blue and green mixed) food coloring to one bowl, purple for another and pink to a third, leaving one white. Drop dollops of each color into metal loaf pan and swirl lightly with a knife. Top with mermaid-colored sprinkles. You can also add edible gold or silver glitter to the top to give it a shine. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze.
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NO CHURN RHUBARB ICE-CREAM INGREDIENTS: 3 cups rhubarb 1/2 cup sugar 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk 2 cups (1 pint) heavy whipping cream DIRECTIONS: Chop rhubarb into 1/2inch pieces. Combine with sugar in saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until rhubarb is tender and breaking apart, approximately 10-15 minutes. Refrigerate rhubarb until cool. In a large bowl, pour sweetened condensed milk and all but 1/2 cup rhubarb, stirring together. Beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
NO-CHURN VANILLA ICE CREAM INGREDIENTS: 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 2 cups (1 pint) heavy whipping cream 1 teaspoons pure vanilla extract DIRECTIONS: In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Mix together sweetened condensed milk and vanilla. Fold into whipped cream. Pour into loaf pan and freeze until solid.
Fold in about 1/2 cup of whipped cream into rhubarb mixture. Fold in remaining rhubarb. Fill plastic container, metal pan or loaf pan halfway with ice cream mixture, then swirl on a little of the remaining rhubarb sauce. Top with remaining ice cream mixture and swirl on the remaining rhubarb sauce. Cover with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap and freeze overnight. NOTE: I found there was too much ice cream for one container, so I froze mine in one large and one small container – perfect to give away!
TO MAKE 4TH OF JULY ICE CREAM Divide ice cream mixture into three bowls. Dye one bowl red, one bowl royal blue and leave one bowl white. Layer colors or pour them into the container side by side.. You can also add colored sprinkles to your ice cream, if desired. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze. NOTE: Gel food coloring works best, giving ice cream the brightest color without diluting the mixture. Use a red labeled ‘no-taste’ for better flavor. Some red food colorings can have a bitter taste.
7
types of burger for your next
The humble hamburger is a summertime staple, and though there’s nothing wrong with an all-beef patty on a sesame seed bun, there’s more than one way to give your burgers a boost. Here’s how to take your patties from average to extraordinary using a variety of meats. BEEF. The flavor of beef is enhanced by onions and garlic. Add an unexpected twist to these burgers by topping them with grilled Italian sausage or mixing finely chopped chorizo right into the patties. LAMB. This earthy meat makes great hamburgers. To enhance their flavor, top lamb burgers with bacon, goat cheese, lime juice or fresh mint leaves. BISON. Leaner and more tender than beef, bison has a
barbecue
slightly sweet taste that isn’t gamey. It’s best enjoyed seasoned with just a few herbs and spices. PORK. This versatile meat complements a variety of ingredients. Add ginger and soy sauce to your patties for an Asian-inspired twist or use Cajun spices and grill them over charcoal for a smoky flavor. VEAL. This meat makes juicy patties that can be seasoned with almost anything. The mild taste of veal is enhanced by fresh herbs and melted cheese. FISH OR SEAFOOD. Salmon, tuna, cod and even shellfish like lobster and crab put a lighter twist on traditional meat burgers. You can simply grill filets instead of patties or
bread your seafood of choice and pan fry it until it’s crispy. POULTRY. Chicken, turkey and even duck make great burgers. You can season them any way you like or bread the patties for a bit of crunch.
No matter what type of meat you use, be sure to avoid overhandling it while forming the patties. Overmanipulating the meat can alter the texture of your finished burgers.
Wendy Oksness :: LPL Financial Advisor
Financial Independence I am committed to helping you pursue financial independence and a successful retirement. Call to schedule a consultation today. Alexandria | (320) 762-2686 | mmfcu.org (between Walmart & Fleet Farm)
Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union is not a registered broker/dealer nor affiliate of LPL Financial. Not NCUA Insured
Not Credit Union Guaranteed
May Lose Value
July/August 2020 Chicz 27
CROSSWORD
CLUES ACROSS 1. Beer ingredient 5. Popular FOX TV show 11. Recurring from time to time 14. Criticized severely 15. Musician 18. German urban center 19. Quenched 21. Human gene 23. Indian music 24. Accumulate 28. One who graduated 29. Atomic #109 30. Semitic fertility god 32. Sportscaster Patrick 33. Child’s dining accessory 35. Payment (abbr.) 36. Guitarist’s tool 39. Dabbling ducks 41. Commercial 42. Style someone’s hair 44. Biu-Mandara language 46. Actress Spelling 47. Large hole in the ground 49. One-masted sailboats 52. Tropical Asian plant 56. Concurs 58. Latin term for charity 60. The number below the line in a fraction 62. Reddish browns 63. This (Spanish) CLUES DOWN 1. Belong to he 2. One time only 3. Parent-teacher groups 4. Puts in place 5. Editing
CREATIVITY WORD SEARCH
SUDOKU
ARTISTIC BRAINSTORM BREAKTHROUGH BUSINESS CANVAS CHALLENGING COLLABORATE DESIGN
28 Chicz July/August 2020
EMERGING EXPERIMENT FRAMEWORK IDEAS INDUSTRY INFLUENTIAL INNOVATION INVENTION
MARKET MODEL PORTFOLIO PROTOTYPES SOFTWARE SUPPLIES TECHNOLOGY THEORY
6. In the course of 7. Helps injured people (abbr.) 8. OJ trial judge 9. Resist authority (slang) 10. Formerly alkenols 12. ‘Cheers’ actress Perlman 13. Jewelled headdress 16. Viking Age poet 17. Vanuatu island 20. Wish harm upon 22. Unit of length 25. Blood type 26. Drain 27. Do-gooders 29. Advanced degree 31. Business designation 34. Chinese-American actress Ling 36. Performs on stage 37. Slang for money 38. Large Russian pie 40. The Mount Rushmore State 43. Narrow inlet 45. News organization (abbr.) 48. Scarlett’s home 50. Micturates 51. Monetary unit 53. Any customary observance or practice 54. Sons of Poseidon 55. Facilitates grocery shopping 57. Standard operating procedure 58. Former OSS 59. Midway between south and southeast 61. The Wolverine State
HOROSCOPES for JULY
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 What seems like innocent fun can quickly escalate. Be sure to rein in the excitement. If you can’t do so on your own, ask a buddy to assist you.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Your significant other can be the catalyst for change. He or she may help you propel your career and potentially open up doors you never considered.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 With all the pressure you have been under lately, it can be easy to buckle. However, you have energy reserves in droves and can muscle your way through.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 This is your time to ramp up the romance. If you are single, employ some dating apps to find a new match. If you’re in a relationship, exchange romantic texts.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 You may need to get some things of your chest soon. But don’t fret. You’ll be able to get your emotions out and start over with a fresh and calm perspective.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Miscommunication at work may lead to confusion and broken agreements. You may have to be the level head in this situation and pull everyone together.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 No one can make healthy decisions for you. It is up to you to make some changes. Recommit to healthy eating and exercise this week.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Surround yourself with your favorite things and people. This will make daily life that much better and help you put a positive spin on anything.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Keep a level head through a demanding time. You’re being pulled in many directions, but you’ve always been cool under pressure and now is no different.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 If your relationship has been complicated by finances and power struggles, that will start to settle in the days to come. You will find a middle ground.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 You may be a little moody and things may not be going according to plan right now. But all it takes is a minor adjustment to change all of that immediately.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Dreams fill your mind. But you have to operate in the real world. See if you can merge your goals with your dreams this week.
HINZA TOTES FROM SWEDEN
Use them on the boat, at the lake, garden, shopping and so much more!
Personal service from compassionate lawyers. www.scandinaviangifts.com or 320-763-6363 604 Broadway Street Alexandria, MN 56308
• Bankruptcy • Car Accident Injury • Wills • Avoid Probate • Deeds • Living Trusts • Civil Litigation • Divorce • Business • Real Estate • Nursing Home Cost Planning 1118 Broadway Alexandria, MN 56308
320-763-6561 • 800-542-4420
www.veldemoore.com
July/August 2020 Chicz 29
contributing writers Sportswriter Jared Rubado writes an entertainment column that appears each Friday in the Echo Press. Jared Rubado
Apryl Putnam is a mother of twin boys. She loves anything fitness related, singing, baking and watching her boys play sports.
Al Edenloff
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. Tina McPherson
Melanie Danner of Alexandria is an at-home mother and craft lover. Melanie Danner
Jen Jabas
Jeff Beach
Apryl Putnam
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.
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.
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.
30 Chicz July/August 2020
a Magazine for FUN women!
Jeff Beach has spent a lifetime on The Jeff Beach Diet and is still kickin’.
Cheryl Graham is an avid reader, remodeler, and DIY fanatic; she resides in Glenwood with her husband and daughters.
Cheryl Graham
Eric Morken of Alexandria is a husband, father, sports editor and outdoor enthusiast.
Eric Morken
a Magazine for
a Magazine for FUN women!
FUN women! TM
a Magazine for FUN women! September/October 2019
With love, GRANDMA A feeling of
HYGGE
2019
Shannon Swenson
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.
Lowell Anderson
TM
TM
The Power of
The Jeff Beach
PURPOSE
DIET
January/Febriary 2020
Lori Mork
Lowell Anderson is a photographer at the Echo Press newspaper.
November/December
Lori Mork of Lowry is a mother, grandmother and dabbler in all things food, photography and decor related.
DIY Snowman
Travel on a
BUDGET
MARSHMALLOWS
A
With love, GRANDM
CHIC | PAGE 1
SUPPORT THESE LOCAL MERCHANTS
Shop Alexandria Creative Touch 516 Broadway, Alex 320-762- 8786 111 6th Avenue West, Downtown Alexandria 320-762-0309 • 800-58-5336
DOWNTOWN ALEXANDRIA • LITTLE FALLS
320.763.5157 • M-F 9-7; SAT. 9-5:30; SUN. 12-4
“Come in for our prices, Come back for our quality.”
High quality name brand items at thrift store prices clothing, purses ,shoes, jewelry, household, misc. items, furniture and so much more. Mon- Fri 9 AM - 5 PM • Sat 9 AM - 2 PM
Klothes Kloset Thrift Store 660 Nothside Dr. NE, Alexandria • 320-763-9888 Owned & operated by Runestone Area Education District (NON-PROFIT)
Women & Children’s Clothing, Shoes, Accessories and Household Decorative’s
LARGE SELECTION OF MINNESOTA TEES & SWEATSHIRTS • FUN APPAREL • JEWELRY • GIFTS & CARDS
6th & Broadway • Alexandria 320.846.1100 • facebook.com/shopMagpie
Let Kyle Serve You!
418 N. Broadway, Alexandria • 320.762.1538 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-5
Interior Design, Gifts and Décor all under one roof
• ANTIQUES • COLLECTIBLES DIV • REPURPOSED TREASURES DENA • FURNITURE • DÉCOR OPEN 320.759.2300
N MAVE CA
YEAR ROUND
619 Broadway St, Alexandria Mon. - Sat. 10-5 www.pastandpresenthomegallery.com Sun. 12-4
The
Blue Rooster
Shoppe
1001 Hwy 29 N. - Alexandria, MN Hours: Thurs. - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm 320.219.7069 Sue: 952-484-5701 Bill: 612-298-9444 www.blueroostershoppe.com
Vintage ❦ Repurposed Furniture ❦ Home Décor ❦ Gifts
Where you will find your one of a kind item
Velkommen!
609 Broadway, Alexandria 320-763-8300 • www.ravnikandco.com
Yesterdays Antique Store
Two levels of furniture, pottery, jewelry, glassware, primitives and unique home décor. 517 Broadway, Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 762-8990
M-F 9-6 *Sat 9-5:30 * Sun 12-4
Featuring Imports from all Scandinavian Countries 604 Broadway, Alexandria • 320.763.6363
www.scandinaviangifts.com
What: When: Where: Why: Who:
Your Business!
Call 320-763-3133 to reserve advertising space. July/August 2020 Chicz 31
y r e v i l e D n i Cab lable! Avai
SUMMER MADE EASY AT Cheeses Dairy Deli Meat
Elden’s Smokehouse Frozen Food Health & Beauty Natural and Organic
Olive Bar Produce Seafood Floral
Open 6am-10pm, 7 days a week! 320-763-3446 • www.ELDENS.com Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria
Only store in town that is LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED.