Chicz - Mar/April 2021 by Echo Press

a Magazine for FUN women! TM

March/April 2021

Coloring Easter eggs?

Try tie-dyed

Ditch the PLASTIC The power of

FOCUS

Becca Zwonitzer, LPN, receiving the first COVID-19 vaccination by Amanda Potzmann, RN at Alomere Health on December 21, 2020.

Stronger together. 2020 brought both joy and loss. A year that’s required us all to pull together in significant ways. A year that’s shown what a truly exceptional community this is. All year long, you supported our healthcare team in incredible ways. Our community came together and made thousands of masks for our workers.

Many of you have bought meals for our essential staff. And you did your part by staying home, sacrificing social gatherings, and wearing masks—to keep our team and our community safe. As we look forward to the vaccination rollout, we see a light at the end of this long tunnel—but the availability of the vaccine does not mean we can lose focus on what we’ve been doing right now. We will remain vigilant in providing the safest environment during this pandemic because we know how important it is that we are here to meet your health care needs. During this past year, while our staff has been exhausted

Here for Life

and discouraged at times, we are constantly reminded of the privilege it is to serve you and be a part of this wonderful community each and every day. I want to thank you in advance for placing your trust in us and for allowing us to serve you and your loved ones. We’re looking forward to a brighter 2021 and we look forward to serving you for years to come. Together, we will pull through—and come out even stronger.

Carl Vaagenes Alomere H Al Health lth CEO

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

2 Chicz March/April 2021

March/April 2021

Heading toward spring!

We’re on our way toward spring and our Chicz writers are bringing you some great ideas on how to get ready. With Easter on the horizon, read about some fun family Easter activities, including some unique ideas for an Easter egg hunt or dying eggs. There’s also a recipe for colorful Easter meringue cookies. April is Stress Awareness Month and two of our writers have some good information on the subject. There are also some great articles on getting a good night’s sleep, staying physically and mentally fit in the age of the pandemic, as well as some insights on mindful eating. Speaking of eating, Jeff Beach brings you a fun recipe for shrimp fajitas in The Jeff Beach Diet, and I have a great recipe for peanut butter chocolate brownies. Don’t forget to read Celeste Edenloff’s Real Chicz of Douglas County article on Beth Zimmerman and her love of reaching children through books, and Al Edenloff’s tips for pairing peanut butter with wine or beer. These articles, and so much more, are just waiting for you in this issue of Chicz!

Enjoy! Lori Mork, Chicz editor

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Diann Drew, Publisher Lori Mork, Editor/Designer

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Send your feedback to:

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Love cottage decor?

BRING IN SPRING

Inside this issue

The Learning Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The Jeff Beach Diet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Finite Planet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Andy’s Choice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 TIE-DYED EASTER EGGS

Food and drink

Tips for making great margaritas. . . . . . . . 6 Try these beer, wine ideas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Peanut butter chocolate brownies. . . . . . . 14 Easter meringue cookies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Family

5 fun family Easter activities. . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Easter egg hunt ideas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Teach kids about the environment. . . . . . 17 Mommy and me. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Wellness

What does stress look like?. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Stay physically and mentally fit. . . . . . . . . 12 Mindful eating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Great reasons to get a good night’s sleep. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Why invest in a good mattress?. . . . . . . . . 21 Tips for better sleep. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 How’s your stress level? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Stress management tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Entertainment

Why not walk?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The art of words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Puzzles and games. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

LIVING ROOM STORAGE TIPS

Home

Tips for a healthy garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Create your own butterfly garden . . . . . . 20 Common cleaning mistakes. . . . . . . . . . . . 24 All natural disinfectant spray. . . . . . . . . . . 24 7 tips for eco-friendly cleaning. . . . . . . . . 24 5 things to bring spring into your bedroom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Work life

7 jobs that are in high demand. . . . . . . . . . . 7 4 jobs for animal lovers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Your writers

Chicz contributing writers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Real Chicz of Douglas County

March/April 2021 Chicz 3

The power of By Lowell Anderson Learning anything new is difficult. That’s not to say it can’t be enjoyable, but to actually acquire new knowledge and skills and make them stick can be a challenge. To be successful, it helps to have some good tools and techniques. But we’re not going to talk about memory or learning strategies yet. Instead, we’ll concentrate first on one simple thing you can do to really accelerate your learning. Notice I said simple, as in uncomplicated, not easy. In fact, this may be one of the hardest parts of learning. That one simple tool is the practice of focus. By focusing our attention on learning one thing and nothing else, we

can make the most progress in the shortest amount of time. But, as I said, it’s not easy. With the internet, cell phones and modern technology, we are surrounded by a never-ending supply of ideas, opportunities, and enticements. In some ways this can make learning easier, since it is now so easy to access information. But at the same time, the real challenge is to say no to everything else in order to concentrate on just one thing. In the past it was probably easier to focus but harder to actually get the needed information. Now it is easy to get information, but almost impossible to focus. Focus can also mean learning something in the correct order. Most learning follows

The Learning Life a sequential path from basic to advanced. If we don’t start with the basics and slowly build, we will be just as distracted and unfocused as if we were trying to learn other unrelated things. Some people enjoy learning lots of different things and like hopping around from one to another. That’s perfectly fine if you just enjoy learning and don’t need to make real progress in one area. But it won’t work if there is one thing you really want to learn above all others.

Picture this....

In order to succeed at learning we really do have to learn how to say no. We may be saying no to something totally unrelated, or we may need to say no to something we eventually need to know but don’t need to know yet. In order to learn quickly, we may need to slow down - for now - and really learn the basics. To really learn, you have to really focus. It may sound obvious, but one of the biggest impediments to learning one thing is trying to learn other things.

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Why not

walk?

By Jasmine Johnson

When I landed an apartment in downtown Alexandria a few blocks away from the Echo Press office, I knew I had no excuse. Come rain or snow, humidity or wind, I’d be taking the five minute walk to work. And trust me, there have been some memorable strolls. One August afternoon, I ran down Seventh Avenue through gusts of pouring rain while tornado sirens wailed in my ears. I had to change into an extra polo shirt when I arrived because of how drenched I was. I shook my matted hair like a dog emerging from a lake. During one of the intense

blizzards that hit Douglas County this winter, I wrapped my thick, patterned shawl around my neck and covered my head with my giant, furry hood so that only my eyes emerged between the wall of fabric. I was coated with a thin layer of sleet by the time I punched in the three-digit code at the side door. Technically speaking, National Walk to Work Day is the first Friday of April, but who knows. Maybe I’ll choose to work from home that day. Regardless of the fluctuating weather, there’s one thing I know for sure. Taking those 1,500 steps and allowing my body to experience the natural Minnesota elements for at least a few minutes each day

can shift my mood and help me feel more alert. Perhaps you live in the boondocks, and it’s a completely unreasonable suggestion to hike 20 miles to and from work. In that case, take a longer lunch break and wander around your neighborhood.

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If you do live in close proximity to the building where you spend most of your weekdays, try shuffling, skipping or scootering instead of driving next time. It just might make your day a little brighter.

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Medium By Jeff Beach So COVID times being what they are, there wasn’t much of a crowd for Super Bowl watching at the Beach home this year. Cooked shrimp was on the menu, but not a lot got eaten. So what to do with the leftovers? Well as Tuesday rolled around, thoughts of course turned to tacos. But most shrimp recipes call for cabbage and a few other things that weren’t readily available, so I opened the fridge to see what I could come up with. There was a green pepper, there’s always onion and garlic and the fruit bin was pretty full. There also were a couple avocados on the counter with no real purpose in life. That had the makings of a meal. So instead of a taco recipe with cabbage, I threw together more of a spicy skillet fajita recipe with avocado. Let me tell you, it was a lot better than that boring Super Bowl and can be enjoyed any time of year. So good that I decided to take another run at it, with a few tweaks, and make it part of the Jeff Beach Diet. The shrimp that I bought the second time around was the medium size, rather than the large or jumbo shrimp. The medium shrimp are more bite size, and they are cheaper, but it does take a little more time

Tips for making great

margaritas

6 Chicz March/April 2021

can be more than mild The

JEFF BEACH

diet

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

to work your tails off. Having the shrimp thawed and dried will help keep the fajitas from becoming too soupy. BETTER THAN THE SUPER BOWL SPICY SHRIMP FAJITAS INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced ½ a large onion, chopped or sliced into strips 1 bell pepper, chopped 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes 12 ounce package of cooked frozen shrimp, thawed and tails must be removed 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning 1 tablespoon lime juice 2 clementines or similar Mandarin orange, peeled and divided into sections 1 avocado, chopped 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (optional) Tortillas DIRECTIONS: Thaw the package of shrimp and pull the tails off. If you decide to give Jeff Beach’s fajitas a try, why not pair them with a tasty margarita? Here are some tips for getting the best out of this three-ingredient sipper. USE FRESH LIME JUICE. It’s always best to use freshsqueezed lime juice and skip the margarita mix. USE QUALITY LIQUORS. Low-quality tequila will make

Mince garlic and cut up the green pepper and onion. Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large skillet and add the pepper, onion and garlic, saute for a minute or two. Add the salt and red pepper flakes and cook a few more minutes. Meanwhile, add the Old Bay seasoning to the thawed shrimp then toss into the skillet along with the lime juice. Finally, peel and section the clementines and toss into the

skillet and cook until done, another minute or so. Don’t cook the clementines too long or they will break down and also can make your mixture too soupy. If it does seem a little soupy, add in the cornstarch to thicken it up. Serve with chopped avocado – which makes a nice cool contrast to the spicy shrimp fajita – on tortillas. Recipe makes enough to fill four tortillas.

a low-quality margarita. Try using a medium- to high-end reposado or blanco tequila. USE A BETTER QUALITY TRIPLE SEC. Using a better quality triple sec, or even using Cointreau, will make for a tastier drink. SHAKE, DON’T BLEND. Using plenty of ice brings out the flavors of your margarita, while blending makes the ice

crystals smaller and quicker to melt, diluting the flavors of your drink. SALT YOUR RIM. Salt intensifies the sweet and sour flavors of the ingredients in your margarita and helps temper any bitterness. LIKE YOUR DRINK SWEETER? Add a little simple syrup or agave nectar to help cut the tartness.

jobs that are in HIGH DEMAND 4 jobs for

Are you trying to decide what to do for a living or looking to switch career paths? Here are seven occupations with growing opportunities.

FINANCIAL ADVISER. Provide clients with advice and support that helps them manage their assets, set financial goals and reduce debt.

REGISTERED NURSE. Administer medication, monitor vital signs and provide other types of care for patients at a hospital or in their home.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER. Design, code and manage software programs, websites and mobile applications that look great and are easy to use.

TRUCK DRIVER. Ensure the safe transportation and timely delivery of goods to and from warehouses, vendors, businesses and homes.

WELDER. Use specialized tools to create and maintain metal structures in industries such as construction, aerospace, manufacturing and mining. INFORMATION SECURITY ANALYST. Install, test and maintain software and other digital security systems to protect an organization’s computer networks. ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. Answer calls, input data and perform a variety of other clerical tasks in departments such as human resources or accounting.

animal lovers

VETERINARIAN. Veterinary medicine is a fascinating field that requires strong problem-solving, analytical and interpersonal skills. VETERINARY TECHNICIAN. A veterinary technician or technologist can assist veterinarians at a private clinic, take care of animals at a shelter or wildlife park, do research in a laboratory or work for a food inspection agency to help regulate livestock feed. GROOMER. As a groomer, you would use a variety of tools and techniques to trim fur, give baths, cut nails and style coats for dogs of all sizes and breeds. PET SITTER. By providing daily care for pets while their owners are out of town, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with a variety of different species and breeds.

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March/April 2021 Chicz

real chicz of douglas county

Reaching children through

books By Celeste Edenloff After working in retail for many years, Beth Zimmerman decided to shift gears and travel down a new career path. And now, 32 years later, she thoroughly loves her job as a media paraprofessional working for the Alexandria School District. Since 2009, she has been working in the Woodland Elementary School media center, but her first job was working in both the Carlos Elementary School and the Miltona Elementary School. She also worked in the media center at Washington Elementary School before it was remodeled into a senior living complex. “I definitely stepped out of my box taking this position, but it was the position that was available at the time,” said Zimmerman. “It was very scary at first, but it has worked out really well.” When she was first hired, Zimmerman said she basically took care of checking books in and out for students who came into the library. Over the years, however, her job has evolved into so much more. With some budget cuts that occurred at various times, she ended up taking on more responsibilities and now, over the past year, with the arrival of COVID-19, her job has seen even more changes and more responsibility.

Some of the changes – such as reading to students and supervising students in a self-based computer keyboarding program – were intimidating, she said. But now, she enjoys the time spent with the kids. Currently, because of COVID-19, the library – or media center as it’s now called – is closed to students. However, Zimmerman now takes books to the students via a couple of cartloads. She also goes into all 19 elementary classrooms at the school and reads to the students. “My biggest passion is to get kids into reading,” she said. “I like to find books I know they will like and read to them. Connecting with kids through reading and books is one of my favorite parts of my job.” Although Zimmerman said she has always had a love of books, she said reading was not her favorite because she was not very good at it. That has definitely changed over the years with all the time spent in the library and reading to the kids. Historical fiction is her favorite genre of books, but Zimmerman said the majority of books she reads are the books that can be found in the elementary library. “We have some really good books with great stories in our media center,” she said, adding that two of her favorites are

My biggest passion is to get kids into reading. I like to find books I know they will like and read to them. Beth Zimmerman Media Paraprofessional “Because of Winn Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo, a Minnesota author, and “Out of My Mind” by Sharon Draper. The media center is always getting new books for the students to read and it also has e-books available. However, Zimmerman said the electronic books, which students can read on their phones, computers or tablets, are surprisingly not that popular. “That love of holding a book in their hands has remained,” she said. “E-books have definitely not taken over.”

Top 20 best read aloud books Frindle Diary of Wimpy Kid Where the Sidewalk Ends Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone The Name of This Book is Secret Tuck Everlasting Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices Fly Away Home If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Fancy Nancy

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Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Brown Girl Dreaming Joseph Had a Little Overcoat Bark, George Took & Puddle Press Here There’s a Wocket in My Pocket The Snowy Day Goodnight Moon Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

(Source: scholastic.com)

FUN FACTS

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries across the United States each April, typically the second full week. However, one form of electronic reading that’s very popular is researching. Reference books, such as encyclopedias, went away and students now just research through Google. “If they want to know something about elephants, they go to Google and type elephant,” she said. “It’s that easy and right at their fingertips.” As a media paraprofessional working through a pandemic, Zimmerman has faced some

TIMELESS CHAPTER BOOKS FOR KIDS AGES 8-14 Harriet the Spy James and the Giant Peach The Secret Garden Elijah of Buxton Matilda Becoming Naomi Leon Harry Potter Holes Mr. Popper’s Penguins Hunger Games Goosebumps A Wrinkle in Time Alice in Wonderland Where the Red Fern Grows The Baby-Sitters Club Number the Stars A Box of Unfortunate Events Looking for Alaska To Kill a Mockingbird The Book Thief Esperanza Rising The Parker Inheritance Wonder Front Desk (Source: scholastic.com)

challenges. There are more than 400 students at Woodland and there is just not enough time in the day to reach all the students, said Zimmerman, who now has to haul books to the students instead of the students coming to where the books are. “It’s a circus of carts in the hallway sometimes with my media carts along with the art, science and music carts. Even the students’ lunches are delivered to their room on carts,” she said. “Our teachers have done so much this year, though. They are all just amazing.”

Zimmerman said she is looking forward to when the media center can be open to students once again and when things get back to normal or at least a new normal. Until then, she keeps a sticky note on her desk with one word on it: Grateful. “I have to remember we are here for these children,” she said. “And if I can reach them, if I can be a bright spot in their day, I am grateful for that. If I reach at least one child, my day is made.”

Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association, Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read. Held annually on March 2, Dr. Seuss Day is a holiday that celebrates the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel – otherwise known as the children’s book author, Dr. Seuss. During the 1990s, the National Education Association advocated for a day to celebrate reading all over the United States. April 2 is International Children’s Book Day, a worldwide celebration to promote literacy and inspire reading to and with young children. Every year, teachers celebrate this day to remind parents and children of the importance of reading. April 4 is known as National School Librarian Day, which recognizes the professionals who keep the school library in working order. April 16 is National Librarian Day, which celebrates and honors all librarians.

When Woodland Elementary opened in 2009, this quilt was made as a way to bring everyone together after leaving Washington Elementary, which was sold and remodeled into an apartment complex. Each classroom at Woodland created a square that was sewn into the quilt. The quilt was put together by Kathy Hanson and then Leslie Hoelscher quilted it. The quilt ended up winning a blue ribbon at the county fair that same year.

Book Lovers Day is celebrated on Aug. 9 each year. This is an unofficial holiday observed to celebrate reading and literature. National Read A Book Day is observed annually on September 6. March/April 2021 Chicz

Living room STORAGE tips If your life is filled with “stuff,” it’s sometimes hard to keep your living room looking nice. Here are a few ideas on how to store your items and still keep your room looking stylish.

BLANKET LADDER Not taking up much floor space and adding a key design element, blanket ladders are a perfect way to store throws and blankets.

FURNITURE WITH STORAGE A coffee table can be a showpiece with great style and design, and still be functional. Pick a style that includes doors on the front, giving you plenty of storage.

HIDE TOYS IN BASKETS Large basket are the perfect place to store toys and children’s books, especially if they include a lid. The items are easy to grab when they are needed and hidden when they aren’t. OTTOMAN STORAGE WITH TRAYS Ottomans are also another storage option. They come in a variety of styles and many include hidden storage. You can also add a large tray on top to hold needed and decorative items. FREESTANDING STORAGE Shelving systems are a great way to add storage. They can include different

configurations, giving you great options for storing items of different sizes. SIDE TABLE STORAGE Side tables can also store items behind doors, but if you want to think outside the box, try using large heavy duty baskets with lids in place of the side tables. The baskets can hold extra blankets or throw pillow that are always needed. BUILT-INS If you want your storage to be permanent, consider adding built-ins to your room. They will increase the value of your home as well as give your room plenty of storage and style.

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What does By Shannon Swenson Although stress is a universal feeling, yours might appear quite different from someone else’s. How you react to your emotions is unique to you. You may be unaware of tension or worry building up inside of you. To give you an idea of what you’re looking for, here are some common symptoms of untreated stress: Recurring physical ailments. You might notice headaches or stomachaches that tend to occur whenever you’re feeling tense and anxious about something. Sense of being in a rush. Feeling like you’re always in a hurry. There just isn’t enough time in the day to accomplish everything.

Can’t take a break. If you can’t allow yourself this basic need, chances are good that you’re operating under stress. Recurrent symptoms of chronic illnesses. When we’re habitually stressed, chronic medical conditions progressively get worse. Overwhelming fatigue. Tiredness may overshadow your days, but you find you can’t sleep. Negative emotional states. Maybe you’re crankier than all get-out. Or perhaps you’re sullen, even angry at times. Episodes of crying. Do you feel like crying all the time or more than usual? If so, you may want to take a look at your stress level.

look like? Stormy work relationships. While some of us naturally have challenges interacting with others, many only do when we’re feeling stress most strongly. Grouchy toward your kids. At home, you’ve been pointing out every little mistake your kids make or maybe you’ve been more reactive. Your spouse confronts you. Maybe your spouse has already asked you what’s wrong. Or may be walking on eggshells around you, instead. Increased arguing and disagreements. It seems like you just can’t get along lately with your spouse, family or people at work. Attitude changes. Maybe you don’t care anymore about

that relationship, job, or family situation. Obsessing. When thinking about things, your mind gets stuck. Whether or not you’re normally detail-oriented, you discover you’re obsessing over the smallest things. Feelings of futility. When you’re under pressure, you feel that no matter what you do, you can’t get anything done. As you’ve probably gathered, stress can be portrayed very differently, depending on the person experiencing it. Take note of how stress manifests in your life. The more awareness you have about your unique expression of stress, the better your ability to manage it effectively.

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March/April 2021 Chicz

Stay

physically and mentally fit

in uncertain times

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of women ·Limit your consumption of coffee, alacross the country. Some are on cohol and tobacco products. the frontlines of the crisis, others ·Reach out to a professional if you nohave lost their jobs and others tice a decline in your mental health. ·Keep in touch with friends and family still are working from home while (opt for phone and video calls rather than taking care of their children. Regardless of how the pandemic has affected your life, it’s important to be aware that ongoing stress can take a toll on your health. This can result in a loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, weight gain, quent headaches, problems with difre gestion and more. In these uncertain and unsettling times, here’s a look at what you can do to take control of your physical and mental well-being. ADOPT HEALTHY HABITS Whether you’re 17 or 70, there are steps you can take to improve your physical and mental health. Here are some habits you can adopt that’ll serve you well during the pandemic and long after it’s over. ·Get some fresh air every day (preferably somewhere you can connect with nature). ·Exercise for at least 150 minutes per week (dancing, running, weight training, etc.).

text messages and emails). ·Eat a healthy, balanced diet (although the occasional treat is good for morale). ·Make time for relaxing activities every day (meditate, listen to music, read, etc.). ·Avoid spending too much time watching the news or scrolling through social media. ·Create an evening routine to help you sleep (start by putting away your devices at least 30 minutes before bed). TAKE CHECKUPS SERIOUSLY Regardless of your age, it’s important to attend follow-up appointments after any treatment or surgery. In addition, be sure to keep up with the screening tests recommended for a woman your age. This might include a mammogram, pap test, bone density test or fecal immunochemical test (to look for signs of colon cancer). Your family doctor might also advise that you get vaccinated against certain illnesses such as shingles, influenza and human papillomavirus.

CONTACT SPECIALISTS AS NEEDED If you experience pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to seek treatment. Reach out to the right health-care professional, and schedule a consultation before the situation deteriorates. Remember that mental health ailments are as important to treat as physical ones. By adopting healthy habits, taking checkups seriously and contacting specialists as needed, you’ll help mitigate the potential health consequences of living in turbulent times.

MINDFUL EATING: a practice with many benefits Mindfulness is about learning how to focus your awareness on the present moment. Here are some advantages of mindful eating and how you can implement this practice in your daily life.

BENEFITS OF MINDFUL EATING If you pay close attention to what you eat as well as when, where and why, you’re m o r e

12 Chicz March/April 2021

likely to make healthy food choices and adopt better eating habits. For example, you’ll be more aware of how certain foods affect your energy and mood. Mindful eating can also help you recognize your body’s hunger and fullness signals. This helps reduce the likelihood of overeating or emotional eating. In addition, taking the time to savor the experience of each bite can increase your enjoyment of eating and help you develop a better relationship with food. Plus, a slow, deliberate style of eating is good for digestion. HOW TO EAT MINDFULLY The key to mindfulness is to be completely focused on the activity at hand.

Here are a few ways to help you be more aware of what you eat. ·Avoid distractions. Set aside time to eat rather than doing so on your commute or while you work. Put down your phone and turn off the TV so you can focus on your meal. ·Use your senses. Take the time to appreciate the colors and aromas of your food before you start eating. Focus your attention on the textures and flavors of each bite. ·Eat slowly. Take small bites and chew thoroughly. Put down your utensils between each bite to help you avoid eating on autopilot. This will give your body time to signal that you’re full.

March/April 2021 Chicz

Feeling nutty? Try these beer, wine ideas By Al Edenloff It’s time to get a little nutty. March 1 is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day and March is National Peanut Month. If you are a craft beer drinker, you know that there’s been an explosion of peanutbutter beers in the last few years. It’s popping up at breweries locally, around the state and around the globe. The beers not only include subtle to strong peanut

butter notes but often chocolate is invited to the party. Some peanut butter beers also feature coffee, coconut, vanilla beans, cacao nibs, bourbon, raspberry, cinnamon, caramel – you name it. It’s fun giving them a sip. Reactions typically range from yucky to yummy, depending on your taste buds and how balanced the beer is. But the good thing with craft beers is most breweries offer free samples so you can decide whether it’s worth it to order a full glass. If you’re wondering what food would pair well with a peanut-butter beer, try a chocolate peanut-butter stout with dark fruit, brie, or, a no-brainer, chocolate. Or a peanut-butter stout with chocolate peanut butter cookies.

With craft beer, it’s fun to go beyond the mere name, reading the description and finding food that matches at least some of those characteristics. Wine is in a whole other world when it comes to peanut butter. Believe it or not, there are a few wines with peanut butter notes but they don’t seem to enjoy the same popularity that peanutbutter beers have. If you want to stump a sommelier, ask him or her what wine would pair best

with peanut butter. It’s a tricky combination. A search on the internet reveals very few options but here are three worth trying: A Ruby Port with Nutella delivers a spin on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Or you could munch on a PB&J sandwich while sipping on a sparkling red wine. Or try a sherry with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Peanut butter in beer or with beer or with wine might sound nutty but who knows? You may discover your new jam.

Love peanut butter? Bake up these brownies By Lori Mork PEANUT BUTTER SWIRL BROWNIES If you love peanut butter and chocolate, these brownies hit all the marks! Chocolatey and crunchy, they’re a perfect treat for all peanut butter lovers! INGREDIENTS: 1-1/4 sticks unsalted butter 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup cocoa powder 1/4 tsp. salt 2 large eggs, cold 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup chocolate chips 3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter, microwaved until runny - about 30 seconds DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or foil. Combine butter, sugar, cocoa powder and salt in bowl and heat in microwave

14 Chicz March/April 2021

for 30 seconds. Stir thoroughly, then continue heating 30 seconds and stirring until mixture is well combined and hot to the touch. Add in eggs and vanilla; mix well. Fold in flour until fully combined, then gently fold in chocolate chips right before pouring into prepared pan so that the chips don’t melt in batter. After pouring batter into pan, drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top. Using a knife or toothpick, swirl the peanut butter into the brownie mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes until center is set and a toothpick inserted comes nearly clean; a few moist crumbs on the toothpick is fine. Cool completely on wire rack before cutting into squares. Brownies will keep in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Ditch the plastic By Karen Tolkkinen Second of six columns looking at ways to live more sustainably on our beautiful planet. Ever look at a store aisle lined with hair care products and think, “Look at all that plastic!” Then there are cleaning products,

drinks, vitamins and more. In fact, pretty much every store aisle contains plastic that will have to be disposed of. Disposal is a huge problem. Scientists are finding microplastics everywhere, in tap water, in seafood, even in the air we breathe. How harmful are they to humans? We don’t know, although researchers are concerned. Plastic has been widely used for only about 60 years, and our planet is drowning in it. None of us can solve this problem alone. But if we all take it seriously, we can help. One way is to use boxes of powder instead of bottles of liquid.

BAKING SODA Baking soda can be used for many things, and it comes in a biodegradable box. For several years, I have washed my hair with it. You get your hair wet, rub in the baking soda, then rinse it out. My hair is shoulder-length and curly, and it gets my scalp and hair feeling clean. You can chase it with apple cider vinegar (from a glass bottle). I do still keep a bottle of shampoo, but it lasts forever since I rarely use it. I haven’t found a great non-plastic alternative for bottled conditioner. Baking soda will also shine your bathroom fixtures, clean your oven and remove odors. BOXED DETERGENTS In many shopping aisles, plastic bottles of laundry

detergent vastly outnumber the boxed kind. Yet the powders perform well. I started using boxed detergent last year, and even my mechanic husband thinks they get his work bibs just as clean. A bonus is if your store stocks a biodegradable kind. It’s the same story for dishwasher detergent. We switched from liquid to powder. Our dishes get just as clean. Look for phosphate-free detergents. Replacing liquid with powder is just one way to reduce the plastics in the environment. There are many others, such as drinking from permanent mugs instead of bottles, buying in bulk and buying clothing made of natural fibers instead of synthetic materials.

March/April 2021 Chicz

Coloring Easter eggs?

Try Tie-Dyed! Give your dyed eggs a retro, tie-dyed look using just food coloring, paper towels and water. Bright and cheerful, these colored eggs will give a splash of color to any Easter basket. TIE-DYED EASTER EGGS SUPPLIES: Hard boiled eggs Food coloring Paper towel Water spray bottle Tiny elastic bands or twist ties Rubber gloves Glass baking dish DIRECTIONS: Divide paper towels into sections large enough to wrap around an egg.

Wrap a section of paper towel around a cooled, dry egg and twist the top, making sure the paper towel is tight against the egg. Secure the paper towel with an elastic band or twist tie. While wearing rubber gloves, squeeze 3-4 drops of food coloring at a time onto wrapped eggs until there are large colored spots around the entire egg, leaving white space between each color. While holding the wrapped egg over the sink, gently spray a small amount of water in the center of each colored dot, and continue spraying until the colors run together and the white space is filled. NOTE: The less water you spray, the brighter the colors will be on the egg. Gently squeeze the wet paper towelwrapped egg to drain any excess water

5 fun family Easter activities Easter egg hunt Easter presents an ideal opportunity to spend quality time with your family. Here are a few fun ways to enjoy the holiday weekend together. Cook bunny pancakes. Start the day with a plate of pancakes shaped like bunnies or Easter eggs, and decorate them with your choice of fresh fruit, chocolate chips and sprinkles. Other holiday brunch menu options include scrambled eggs and hot cross buns. Decorate an Easter tree. Whether you choose to adorn a budding tree in your yard or arrange foraged branches in a vase, this is a great excuse to get crafting. Salt dough ornaments, tissue paper flowers and painted plastic eggs can be made by your kids and then hung from your tree. Play Easter games. After you wrap up the egg

16 Chicz March/April 2021

hunt, keep the fun going by playing pin the tail on the bunny or having an eggand-spoon relay race. If it’s a nice day, head outside for an “Easter egg” fight (with colorful water balloons) and a bunny hop sack race. Plant a flower garden. To celebrate the start of spring, add some color to your yard with flowers from a local farmers market or garden center. Alternatively, plant a few arrangements in flower boxes that you can transfer outside when the weather gets warmer. Make a holiday gift basket. Decorate a wicker basket and fill it with an assortment of homemade baked goods or springthemed gifts from local shops (soaps, jams, candles, etc.). Leave the basket on an elderly neighbor or relative’s front porch with a note wishing them a happy Easter.

and to make sure the color on the paper towel transfers onto the egg. Place the wrapped eggs in the baking dish. Allow to dry overnight or, use a fan to dry the eggs for 3-4 hours. When completely dry, unwrap each egg. NOTE: If you refrigerate the eggs, make sure to store them in an egg carton and remove them from the refrigerator and open the egg carton lid at least 3 hours before using them to allow any condensation to evaporate.

ideas

Do you want to surprise your kids for Easter this year? Here are a few ways to put a creative spin on the traditional chocolate egg hunt. •Draw a treasure map of your home with Xs to mark the spot of hidden Easter treats. •Hide plastic eggs filled with stickers, mini animal figurines, bouncy balls and other small toys. •Fill plastic eggs with silly instructions (hop like a bunny, chirp like a chick, etc.) that your kids must do to earn a candy. •Put tiny glow sticks inside plastic eggs and have your Easter egg hunt in the evening. •Send your kids on a scavenger hunt to find one of each type of hidden egg (a green one, a striped one, a blue one, etc.). •Leave written clues around the house that eventually lead to a stash of chocolates. •Divide up pieces of a puzzle or Lego creation among the

plastic eggs so it can be assembled once the hunt is over. •Fill plastic eggs with slips of paper that list a reward the finder gets (skip chores, stay up late, have a pizza night, etc.). If it’s a nice day, consider having your Easter egg hunt in the backyard.

crafts

APRIL 22 IS EARTH DAY

Teach kids about the environment with these

Do you want to teach your children about the importance of protecting the planet? Here are four fun activities you can do as a family.

plastic bottles, toilet paper rolls and other recyclable materials. A quick online search will provide plenty of inspiration.

GARDENING. Whether you grow herbs on a windowsill or plant a vegetable garden in your backyard, this is a handson way for children to learn about responsibility and how food grows.

EXPLORING. Children can learn a lot simply by getting close to nature on a hike or bike ride. Alternatively, you can visit a local farm, botanical garden or wildlife refuge. Many places also offer virtual tours.

PLANTING A TREE. Once it’s in the ground, encourage your kids to observe how their tree changes with the seasons and provides a home for animals. They can even give it a name. CRAFTING. Challenge your kids to make art out of cardboard boxes, bottle caps,

Regardless of which activity you do, make sure to use the opportunity to start a conversation with your kids. Depending on their age, you can talk about how the environment affects their lives, why it’s important to respect nature and the ways they can help protect the planet.

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By Melanie Danner

SHAVING CREAM EGGS

(Pinterest) SUPPLIES: Paper Shaving cream Washable paint Tin foil Scissors Q-tip

DECORATED EGG

INSTRUCTIONS: First cut egg shapes out of paper. Then lay out the foil. (about 12”) Add a pile of shaving cream and spread around the foil. Add the paint in dots or streaks on top of the shaving cream. Press your paper (egg) onto the shaving cream and paint. Lift up and let dry. You can also scrape off the shaving cream with a flat edge if you like.

(Pinterest)

SUPPLIES: Plastic eggs Twine or yarn Scissors Glue INSTRUCTIONS: Spread the glue on one end of the egg.

Now available!

Wrap the twine in a circular motion around the egg. Add more glue as needed. Cut the twine when you have reached the other end of the egg.

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GROWING FLOWERS (Pinterest)

SUPPLIES: Two paper plates Construction paper Markers Scissors Stapler Glue

INSTRUCTIONS: Cut 1/3 of one of the paper plates. Line up the cut piece on top of the 2nd paper plate and staple or glue the sides. Draw a picture of a garden being watered.

On a piece of paper, draw a flower. Add a long stem using paper or a popsicle stick. Insert the flower into the bottom of the two paper plates. By moving it up and down you can make a flower grow!

March/April 2021 Chicz

TIPS for a healthy garden

Are you planning to plant a garden this year? If so, remember that the soil is one of the most important aspects of your garden and affects the overall quality of your produce. Here are a few tips to help you improve your soil. ADD NUTRIENTS. Mulch and earthworms both contribute to the quality of the soil in your garden. Animal manure is a great fertilizer, but make sure not to use too much manure or manure that is too fresh to avoid burning your plants. Earthworms deposit nutrient-rich castings in your soil. Just add earthworms to your garden, burying them in the soil, then top with some compost or mulch.

CONTROL WEEDS. Keeping weeds under control helps keep the nutrients available for your plants and create the best environment for your produce. USE MULCH. Adding a few inches of mulch around your plants helps them retain moisture and stay cool. It will also help with weed control. TRY COMPOSTING. Compost is made from decomposing organic materials, turning them into nutrients and beneficial organisms that you can add to your garden. DON’T WORK WET SOIL. If there is too much water content in your garden soil, it can be compressed, pushing air out and making the soil too dense for roots to penetrate. Compacted soil also doesn’t drain well.

DON’T WALK ON GARDEN SOIL. Walking on your garden soil, even the soil that’s around not directly on top of your plants, also compresses the dirt and pushes out the air. Make sure to leave plenty of room between rows so that you can reach your plants without stepping too close. KITCHEN SCRAPS ARE HEALTHY ADDITIONS. Raw vegetable scraps, banana peels, eggshells and coffee grounds are all filled with nutrients that can add to your garden’s health as they decompose. Just spread them around your plants. MILK JUG PROTECTION. Use the top half of a milk jug to protect young seedlings. Placing the jug around your tender plants creates a green-

house effect, especially if you live in an area that might see the spring temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Those temperatures can stunt the growth of your seedlings.

Create your own butterfly garden Many plants rely on butterflies to pollinate them. Here’s what you’ll need to create a habitat for these beautiful insects in your backyard.

SUNSHINE. Choose a site that gets plenty of sunlight and is sheltered from the wind. Add a few flat rocks so butterflies can warm up. HOST PLANTS. Adult butterflies need to lay their eggs on plants that caterpillars can eat such as dill, fennel, milkweed and parsley. NECTAR PLANTS. Asters, coneflowers, milkweed, phlox and zinnias are just some of the flowering plants

20 Chicz March/April 2021

that attract butterflies. Choose species native to your region. MUD PUDDLES. Some butterflies get their nutrients from the water in damp soil and sand, so leave a few areas free of mulch and keep them moist. VARIED BLOOMS. To provide butterflies with a viable home, you’ll need a variety of plants so there are flowers in your garden from spring until fall. In the fall, let leaves accumulate in your garden so that caterpillars, chrysalises and dormant adults have a warm place to overwinter.

TIPS FOR BETTER SLEEP Be consistent with your bedtime. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends. Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and relaxing. Keep the temperature at a comfortable level. Keep electronic devices, such as TVs, computers and smart phones out of the bedroom. Make sure to avoid caffeine, alcohol and large meals before bedtime. Be physically active. Getting some exercise during the day can help you fall asleep and stay asleep at night.

Great reasons to get a

good night’s sleep

World Sleep Day, which takes place on March 19, is an annual opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of sleep. It’s also an ideal time to change your habits (and perhaps your mattress) so that you can enjoy more restful nights. If you still need convincing, here are four reasons you should prioritize getting a good night’s sleep. IMPROVE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY A lack of sleep can affect everything from your reflexes to your creativity. If you want to be able to think clearly, maintain your concentration, make good decisions and work more efficiently throughout the day, a good night’s sleep is key. IMPROVE YOUR MOOD Stress is easier to manage if you’re well-rested. Getting

enough sleep can also help reduce or prevent symptoms of depression and anxiety. Plus, you’re more likely to have positive interactions with others if you aren’t tired and irritable. IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH Your body can’t function without sleep. In fact, not getting enough shut-eye increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other health issues. Contrarily, good sleep habits can help bolster your immune system.

IMPROVE YOUR SEX LIFE A lack of sleep reduces your body’s production of hormones such as testosterone, which can lead to a loss of libido. The stress and negative emotions that come with being tired don’t help either.

Keep in mind that adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep every night. If insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome or any other sleep disorder is preventing you from getting the rest you need, be sure to consult your doctor.

WHY YOU SHOULD INVEST IN A GOOD MATTRESS A good night’s sleep helps you prepare for your busy day. Your mattress will be with you for many years. A mattress can affect your overall health. An old mattress can damage your spine and muscles.

March/April 2021 Chicz

April is Stress Awareness Month By Karen Liddell, PhD What is stress, anyway? It’s just your body’s reaction to your perception of what’s happening in your world. Did you get that? Your perception. Not what is happening, but what it means to you based on your expectations, memories, beliefs, emotions, and feelings (what your body does: tenses up, heart races, breathing speeds, etc). It has nothing to do with the facts; it’s all what you believe about the facts. Did you know there are 5 lifestyle factors that produce all chronic mental and physical disease: 1. An inflammation-producing diet 2. Lack of exercise 3. Intake of or exposure to toxins (including tobacco and alcohol)

How ’s your stress level? 4. Being overweight 5. And, drumroll … stress Guess what leads us to have an unhealthy lifestyle, eat junk, lie around watching Netflix, drink or smok, all of which result in weighing more? That’s right, stress. It’s kind of a big deal. Look at your stress language. Is it dramatic and scary? Do you use words like pandemic, trauma, devastated…or do you use words that are probably more accurate like illness, upsetting, or disappointed? Do you choose to believe the grocery checker meant to insult you, or is it possible they are having a bad day and didn’t realize their tone came across more serious than welcoming? Do you have a lot of “shoulds” that you or others

must follow, or do you give people a break? Do you find out the facts from a reputable government agency or independent organization, or do you feed yourself a steady diet of amped-up headlines social media? All is not lost. You can increase your ability to live a happy, less-stressed life right now if you: ·Create a good support network – make friends ·Develop a sense of control over your life – what can I actually do about this? ·Adopt a positive attitude and outlook – no more Negative Nellys! ·Learn to deal well with your emotions – notice a feeling, talk it out, walk it out, or forgive it and let it go out.

Stress Management Tips By Shannon Swenson

All kinds of things cause stress. Situations, people, and events you dislike can trigger these emotions. Being constantly in a time crunch, involved in a stormy relationship, experiencing a divorce, leaving a job or moving might create anxiety, worry, or general psychological discontent. Change is often a key factor in the development of stress. Tension, anxiety, and worry are often the result of change, especially when you feel that

22 Chicz March/April 2021

you have little control over a situation. But did you know that events and circumstances viewed as positive are also stressful? Purchasing your first home, getting married, or bringing your first baby into the world, although positive experiences, still induce tension. Here are some strategies to help: 1. Take time for physical activity. 2. Practice meditation, relaxation, or yoga. 3. Take some down time. Take time to enjoy those things you love to do. 4. Put down the technology. Take some time to engage with life without all the electronics. 5. Take up a hobby. Hobbies have a

wonderful way of balancing out our lives. 6. Focus on your health. Being in good health will help to assuage any feelings of stress. 7. Practice healthy eating to stay strong and vital. 8. Reduce caffeine consumption. Although considered relatively harmless in small doses, it does contribute to tension and anxiety. 9. Get your rest. 10. Practice a healthy nighttime routine. 11. Give your schedule a long, hard look. Trim down the tasks and errands you have to do, prioritize those tasks that remain and ask for help. 12. Communicate. Discussing whatever is troubling you helps to dissipate challenging feelings.

I was totally stressed out and overweight. You know what I found out? I wasn’t unhappy because I was over weight – I was overweight, because I was unhappy. I de-stressed and lost 40 pounds. You can start your own changes right now – deep breath in, hold it, let it out. It ’s going to be okay.

13. Just say no. Exercise your right to choose how you’ll best spend your time. 14. Write down your feelings. Journaling is a way to learn to understand, articulate, and therapeutically deal with your feelings. 15. Seek professional assistance. “If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it.” –George Burns When you practice awareness to what you are experiencing, you’ll be better able to identify the best methods to successfully manage your tension, anxiety, and worry. Use some of the tips listed above to successfully defuse any pressure in your life. You can break free from stress!

Sour beer?

ANDY’S CHOICE:

By Andy Mellgren

Sour beer – a beer that has been deliberately made tart or sour – has become popular recently. They are the oldest types of beer in history and, before pasturization and sterilization, and when beer was stored in wooden barrels, it caused all beers to be a little sour. The wild organisms that lived in the staves of the barrels caused a chemical reaction as beer aged. The most famous traditional sours come from Belgium, where many are still aged in oak barrels that bring out the sour flavors in the beer. The most popular sours today are made with wild bacteria and yeast to give them a tart taste, unlike many of the mainstream lagers and pil-

sners are created with specific yeasts. Sour beers can be found in a multitude of styles – light and fruity or sour enough to make you pucker. It’s the bacteria that gives these beers their own unique taste. Here are some of the different styles of sour beer: AMERICAN WILD ALE: The most popular of the sour beers, American wild ales aren’t brewed by following any specific rules. Each craft brewer designs their own style, but what makes them unique is the use of unusual yeasts. LAMBIC: This refers to traditionally brewed Belgian wheat beer. Aged for at least a year, lambic beer is light and tart and often mixed with cherry and raspberry. The unfermented lambic is left exposed

to cool open air where wild organisms are allowed to get into the beer before it’s put in barrels to age. GOSE: Gose is a German sour beer that is brewed with coriander and sea salt. Also made in the U.S., goses are always have a flavor of salty, sour and herbal. KETTLE SOURS: Created in a stainless steel kettle or fermenter, kettle sours have

lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus) added to create a “sour mash.” These beers are ready to drink in weeks instead of the months or years that traditional sours would take. The lactic acid bacteria is what gives kettle sours a lemony sour taste. There are many local Minnesota-made sours to choose from. Cheers!

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Common cleaning mistakes No one loves cleaning, so having to redo a job is frustrating. Here are some tips to make sure that your cleaning is done the right way. DON’T WASH WINDOWS ON A SUNNY DAY. When the sun is out, it causes your window cleaner to evaporate quickly, leaving streaks. REMEMBER TO EMPTY YOUR VACUUM CLEANER. Emptying your vacuum cleaner bag or canister after each use gets rid of the dust, and possibly any bugs, that you picked up during your cleaning. NO DISINFECTANT WIPES ON DIRTY SURFACES. Surfaces need to be clean of any dirt in order for sanitizing wipes to be effective. Make sure to wipe surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting. CLEAN DRAINS AND DISPOSALS. Don’t forget about your dirty drains and garbage disposals. Cleaning them regularly helps prevent unpleasant smells. VENTILATE CLEANING FUMES. Harsh chemicals can cause fumes that can affect your health, so make sure to open a window to keep fumes from building up.

SWEEP AND DUST REGULARLY. Leaving dirt on floors can cause scratches when you do clean, and the same goes for dusting. Accumulating dust can cause the finish on your shelves and furniture to discolor. DON’T USE TOO MUCH DETERGENT. Adding too much detergent to the dishwasher or your washer can result in poorly washed items, leaving residue and dirt. USE STEAM MOPS ON THE RIGHT SURFACES. A steam mop is great on tile floors, but are hard on laminates or engineered hardwoods, causing the glue that holds the flooring together to loosen and cause permanent damage.

ALL-NATURAL DISINFECTANT SPRAY

SUPPLIES: 1-3/4 cups distilled water 1 cup distilled white vinegar 1/4 cup castile soap Tea tree essential oil (optional)

DON’T USE BLEACH AS AN EVERYDAY CLEANER. Bleach should be used very sparingly for disinfecting since it is so strong. It should only be used when you need to clean bacteria and viruses, and even then only diluted. Plain soap and water are perfect for basic cleaning on tables and counters.

INSTRUCTIONS: Using a funnel, add all ingredients to a spray bottle and shake to mix. For extra antibacterial and antifungal properties, add 20-30 drops of tea tree essential oil.

CLEAN FROM THE CEILING TO THE FLOOR. Starting at your highest point is the best way to clean so that any dust or dirt you might drop doesn’t fall on already cleaned surfaces.

7 tips to make spring cleaning more eco-friendly Are you ready to freshen up your home after a long winter cooped up inside? Here are seven ways to give your house the deep clean it needs while also helping to protect the environment.

Air-dry your laundry. Since dryers use a massive amount of energy, take advantage of nice weather by hanging your clothes and linens outside or use a drying rack.

Opt for natural cleaners. Choose biodegradable products rather than harsh chemicals that harm the environment. You can also use white vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice to get the job done.

Use water sparingly. Fill a bucket rather than repeatedly opening the

24 Chicz March/April 2021

tap to rinse your cloth. When possible, use a broom instead of a mop.

Switch to reusable rags. Give up paper towels for good. Buy washable cloths, or better yet, use cut-up towels and old T-shirts that would otherwise be thrown out.

Donate unwanted clothes. If they’re in good condition, you can give old clothes to a local charity. Items that can’t be worn anymore should be recycled. Look for a garment collection program in your area.

Reduce paper waste. If an accumulation of bank statements and other mail is creating clutter in your home, switch over to receiving notifications by email instead.

Choose a natural scent. Rather than rely on aerosol air fresheners, fill your home with the natural fragrances of cut flowers, essential oils, reed diffusers or stovetop potpourri.

Lastly, make sure to schedule maintenance calls for all your appliances. This will ensure they con tinue to run optimally and are as energy efficient as possible.

The

art words of

By Jasmine Johnson

If there’s one genre or form of writing that should receive more appreciation in popular culture today, it’s poetry. No, not everything is written by Edgar Allen Poe. I know it’s crazy, but not all poetry has to rhyme. And if you don’t feel like including them, it doesn’t even need stanza breaks. So, why all the hype? I discovered my love of poetry in eighth grade, and it’s only grown over time as I’ve learned more about poetry’s complexities and started regular routines of writing this way. For me, poetry is a way to concisely express a deep-rooted emotion or internal experience that I struggle to explain in everyday conversation or nonfiction prose, which covers the majority of how I communicate with others.

Although I dabble in free verse, my favorite forms of poetry are haikus and blackout. Haikus focus on brevity and syllable count, while blackout poetry is more of an artistic practice. Typically written in present tense, haiku poems have a total of 17 syllables. Five in the first line, seven in the second and another five in the third. For example: like leaves in autumn poetry falls out of me a shell of my heart

Blackout poetry, on the other hand, is something you find within the text of a previously written work. You select words that stand out, figure out a way to make the reader’s eye flow and block out the rest. You can play around with it and form a picture in the 001517702r1

background or just cross out the unused lines. For National Poetry Month this April, I encourage you to explore a form of poetry

you have never read, written or created. Consider the possibilities, and dive into the unknown.

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CLUES ACROSS 1. Volcanic crater 5. Long times 10. Swedish rock group 14. Having the means to do something 15. Rods or spindles 16. La __ Tar Pits, Hollywood 17. Missing soldiers 18. Measuring instrument 19. All of the components considered individually 20. Play ‘__ Irish Rose’ 22. Gene 23. Barrels 24. London-based soccer team 27. Feline 30. Breed of sheep 31. Body part 32. Doctors’ group 35. One who follows the rules 37. Cigarette residue 38. Ancient Greek sophist 39. Polish yeast cakes 40. Promotional materials 41. Pancakes made from buckwheat flour 42. Completed perfectly 43. Photo 44. A peninsula in SW Asia 45. The common gibbon 46. Disfigure 47. Ribonucleic acid 48. Japanese honorific 49. Pieces of music 52. Expressed pleasure 55. Having ten 56. Type of sword 60. Humble request for help 61. Eating houses 63. Italian Seaport 64. Cain and __ 65. Measure the depth 66. U. of Miami’s mascot 67. Political outsiders 68. Greek sorceress 69. Body part

CROSSWORD

FROZEN FOODS WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU

BURGERS CAKES DESSERT FISH FRENCH FRIES GARLIC BREAD HASH BROWNS ICE CREAM

LEFTOVERS MEALS NUGGETS PANCAKES PASTA PIZZA POT PIE POTSTICKERS

26 Chicz March/April 2021

POULTRY SANDWICHES TOASTER CAKES VEGETABLES WAFFLES WHIPPED TOPPING

CLUES DOWN 1. Mother 2. Jewish calendar month 3. Jai __, sport 4. Establish again 5. Swiss river 6. Racetrack wager 7. __ but goodie 8. Closeness 9. Soviet Socialist Republic 10. At right angles to a ship’s length 11. Women’s undergarments 12. Mountain stream 13. Expresses pleasure 21. Painful places on the body 23. Automobile 25. Scandinavian god of battle 26. Expresses surprise 27. Secret political clique 28. Yields manila hemp 29. River in central Italy 32. Brain injury science acronym 33. Mental illness 34. A person from Asia 36. Father 37. General’s assistant (abbr.) 38. Cooked or prepared in a specified style 40. Large terrier 41. Hillsides 43. Golf score 44. Not or 46. Type of student 47. Flower cluster 49. Closes tightly 50. Saudi Arabian desert 51. Famed vaccine developer 52. Multi-function radar (abbr.) 53. Actress Jessica 54. Pay attention to 57. Beloved big screen pig 58. __ Clapton, musician 59. Take a chance 61. Cost per mille 62. Helps little firms

p o h S p o ne St

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March/April 2021 Chicz

Love cottage decor? Get the look at home If you love wildflowers, crafting, embroidery, plants and a fairy tale-like esthetic, the cottage decor look may be right for you. This trendy style evokes the atmosphere, lifestyle and romanticism of English country houses. Fortunately, you don’t have to live in a literal cottage to get the look. Here’s how to bring this design style into your home.

THE WALLS To create a dreamy and poetic atmosphere, paint the walls in pastel tones. Alternatively, apply a flowery wallpaper. Just make sure the print isn’t too busy, as this can overwhelm the space. THE FLOOR Whether it’s wood or ceramic, light flooring is a good fit for the cottage decor look. If you

add a rug, consider choosing a white or beige macramé model. THE FURNITURE Wood, wicker, rattan and other natural materials con tribute to a country esthetic. Look for chairs, tables, beds and other furniture made of these materials. Vintage and antique pieces are also on theme.

THE ACCENTS Floral prints and botanical fabrics will set the right tone. Plants are a must, but consider incorporating dried or fresh flowers into the space as well. Handmade items, vintage dishware and folk art pieces are also a good fit. To create the cottage decor look in your home, visit shops and antique dealers in your area.

things that will bring spring into your bedroom

Do you want to refresh your home for the season? Here are a few design elements you can incorporate into any bedroom to create a spring-like atmosphere.

PASTELS. Choose soft shades of pink, blue or green to give your room a fresh feel. Additionally, opt for white walls, bedding or accessories to help brighten up the space. FLOWERS. From dried and artificial arrangements to floral-pattern fabrics and wallpaper, there are plenty of ways to bring spring blooms into a bedroom. Go for classics like roses, tulips, lilacs and cotton flowers.

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WOOD. This is a timeless and elegant material that’ll match any design style. To evoke the lightness of spring, consider introducing rat tan, slatted or driftwood furniture, depending on the theme of your room.

LIGHT MATERIALS. Berber rugs, sheer curtains, linen cushions and macramé are all great options for a minimalist space that captures the airiness of spring. Japanese interior design trends can serve as inspiration. STORAGE. If you want to create a calming atmosphere, your room needs to be clean and organized. Additionally, removing clut ter can help you shed the heavy feeling associated with winter and give you a sense of renewal.

For more inspiration, visit home decor shops in your area or speak with an interior designer.

n g i e u r e m

Easter

Delicate, yet festive, these light-as-air meringue cookies can be customized to any color and flavor you wish, making them a great choice for this Easter season. SPRING PASTEL MERINGUE COOKIES INGREDIENTS: 2 egg whites 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar 1/2 c. sugar 1/4 to 1 tsp. flavoring extract A few drops of liquid or gel food coloring DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Place egg white in large, very clean mixing bowl. Add flavoring, cream of tartar and salt, then whip whites on

medium speed until soft white peaks form (about 2 minutes). While continuing to whip whites, very slowly add sugar a little at a time (1/4-1/2 tsp. at a time). Once all the sugar has been added, increase mixer speed to high and whip until meringue is very stiff and glossy. Peaks should stay standing when lifting beaters from meringue. Carefully fold in the coloring until desired color is achieved. Spoon meringue into a piping bag with a round or star tip, then pipe meringue onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. The number of cookies vary depending on the size of of the stars you pipe.

MERINGUE FLAVORING SUGGESTIONS AND AMOUNTS Vanilla extract: 1 tsp. Almond extract: 1/4 tsp. Strawberry extract: 1/2 tsp. Coconut extract: 1 tsp. Bake at 200 degrees for 55-60 minutes, or until crisp and dry to the touch, not brown, and can easily be removed from parchment paper. Once they are done, turn off the oven and let them cool completely in the oven. Going from a hot environment to a cool one can cause meringues to crack. Once the meringues are crisp and room temperature, carefully remove them from the parchment paper.

Peppermint extract: 1/8 tsp. Meringues can be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If they become chewy, you can revive them by placing them back in a 200-degree oven for about 15 minutes. Let them cool completely, then test them – they should be crispy again.

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View our ads online at www.cashwiseliquor.com HOURS: Monday-Saturday 8am-10pm & Sunday 11am-6pm 801 North Nokomis St. NE, Alexandria • 320-762-2524 100319_ChczMgznAd_7.25x4.25_7044 March/April 2021 Chicz

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

Karen Liddell

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. Shannon Swenson

Celeste Edenloff

Jasmine Johnson is a reporter for the Echo Press. She cherishes long drives with the windows down, dance parties with friends and cold press coffee. Jasmine Johnson

Karen R. Liddell, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor and Executive Coach. She is currently training her brain to compete in the Lowell Anderson is a Ms. Minnesota Fitness and photographer at the Echo BodyBuilding Competition at Press newspaper. 55 years old. Lowell Anderson

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

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

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.

Andy Mellgren is the Director of Operations for Plaza and Downtown Liquor. Andy Mellgren

Melanie Danner

Karen Tolkkinen

Karen Tolkkinen is a reporter at the Echo Press. She enjoys writing, gardening and reading to her 8-yearold son. a Magazine

a Magazine for FUN women! TM

March/April 2020

Melanie Danner of Alexandria is an at-home mother and craft lover.

Al Edenloff

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for FUN wom

May/June 2020

Working wonders out of

WOOD

Spring

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WAYS 15 to empower yourself

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FUN women!

May/June 2020

a Magazine for FUN women!

a Magazine for

Lovin’

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Do you want more time to enjoy Spring?

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On-The-Go Service Hours

8 am – 2 pm. Monday thru Friday.

Home Delivery Fee Schedule

$5.00 to shop the order Plus: 0 to 2 miles: $5.00 | 3 to10 miles: $10.00 11 to 20 miles: $20.00 Example: $5.00 shopping fee +10 miles delivery = $15.00

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Only store in town that is LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED