Lake Region Woman Volume 5 Issue 3

COMPLIMENTARY

Esther Donohue

Volume 5, Issue 3 August | September | October 2014

An Evolution

Publisher Girl on Fire Publishing Managing Editor/Ad Sales Autumn Graber (701) 261-2692 lakeregionwoman@live.com

Advertising Sales Mary Glessner

(701) 330-3150 gcwmagazine@gmail.com

Copy Editor MariLou Harveland Design/Layout Autumn Graber and Jessie Flatt CFO Kelly Graber Mail correspondence to: Lake Region Woman PO Box 705 Devils Lake, ND 58301 Connect with us! lakeregionwoman@live.com www.girlonfireonline.com www.facebook.com/lakeregionwoman www.twitter.com/lakeregionwoman Messages sent to us by email, Twitter, or Facebook might be used in future issues of Lake Region Woman.

Printed in North Dakota. © 2014 Girl on Fire Publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Lake Region Woman Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Lake Region Woman Magazine does not necessarily endorse or agree with content of articles or advertising presented.

This magazine is printed on an environmentally certified paper that contains a 10% post-consumer waste. FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) is an international, non-profit association that promotes well-managed forests by ensuring forestry practices that are environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and economically viable.

If you would like to become a contributor to Lake Region Woman, please contact us via email at lakeregionwoman@live.com or call us at 701-261-2692.

We are currently searching for experts in their industry to submit articles relevant to women in our area.

Member of

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As a new issue of Lake Region Woman makes its way into homes, businesses, and mobile devices, and as the summer winds down and brings thoughts of the approaching start of a new school year, we begin an evolution of our own.

Lake Region Woman is embarking upon a new beginning, a chance to move forward, reinvent ourselves, and offer a fresh new appearance to our readers. As the magazine celebrates its four-year anniversary, I’ve had the pleasure of reflecting upon the many interviews I’ve had with area women about their hopes, dreams, and passions. I fondly recall the many stories that have moved me to deep thought and inspiration, and hope that they have had the same effect on you. Perhaps you have read a story about women business owners who encouraged you to start your own business, or maybe you read a story about a woman who willingly gives of her free time to volunteer in the community, which inspired you to find a program that you are passionate about. We are not here to empower you because you are already empowered.

We merely want to relate great stories about inspirational women.

Within the Lake Region area is a wealth of knowledge, resilience, and a sense of community; that wealth lies within you. Our readers and advertisers have helped this magazine grow into a publication for which I am proud. The group of businesses that advertise with us, to the women we feature, to the women that read our publication have one thing in common: they are on fire.

All the women I have met over the years have conveyed this sense of intensity within for what they are passionate about. That is why we have made the decision to rebrand our publishing company as Girl on Fire Publishing. We feel that our new name and look encompasses what we really stand for: Women supporting each other with a common bond and a burning passion.

We will begin implementing new features into our website (www. girlonfireonline.com), which will offer more benefit to our readers. Make sure you “like” us on Facebook to receive updated information about our innovations. I look forward to continuing the mission we have already put in place and advancing this publication that we proudly publish in the Lake Region for the women of the Lake Region area.

-Autumn Graber, Publisher Girl on Fire Publishing www.GirlOnFireOnline.com

On the Cover

Photographed by Autumn Graber Read a Lake Region Woman feature about Esther Donohue, owner of Modern Cuisine Catering. She works with the client to present the best in traditional and home-style menus to the most elegant menu with a modern twist.

what’s inside...

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Feature: Esther Donohue Read a Lake Region Woman feature about Esther Donohue, owner of Modern Cuisine Catering.

Area Wedding Photo Gallery Professional photographers can submit photos to future gallery sections by sending photos by email to lakeregionwoman@live.com. Please submit 4X6 high resolution photos at 300 dpi.

A Wicked Good Time To be placed on a list to receive information about our next trip to New York City, please call Autumn Graber at 701-2612692. You can also send your name and address via email to lakeregionwoman@live.com. Once dates are set, we will notify everyone interested in traveling with us to the Big Apple.

Green 101; 10 Ways to Reduce Energy Costs in Your Home Are you looking for ways to reduce your energy costs beyond changing out bulbs and turning off lights?

Area Children Photo Gallery Professional photographers can submit photos to future gallery sections by sending photos by email to lakeregionwoman@live.com. Please submit 4X6 high resolution photos at 300 dpi.

Hot Spots to Shop Find these items and more through local retailers. When purchasing an item that you’ve seen in our shopping guide, make sure you tell them that you saw it in Lake Region Woman. Claims that products make in the Lake Region Woman Shopping Guide are of product manufactures’ and not of Lake Region Woman or Girl on Fire Publishing.

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Save Date Event Calendar

Socialize|Learn|Explore Please call ahead to confirm events. Promote your November, December, and January community events by sending information to lakeregionwoman@live.com or calling Autumn at (701) 261-2692 by October 1, 2014.

September 4

nationally-renowned education opportunities right here in Devils Lake. Registration forms can be downloaded online at: http://eventide.org/ join-memory-walk/ or picked up at Heartland Care Center, Mercy Therapy & Fitness, or Anytime Fitness. Check out the Capturing the Moments Facebook page for updates and information!

Lake Region State College Royal Social The Royal Social is a delightful opportunity for Lake Region area women to gather, chat, have a chance to win a purse, and support projects at Lake Region State College. The social is usually held in homes on the first Thursday of each month (excluding January and July). Volunteer hostesses gather a team of helpers and provide hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Invitations are handled by email and public notice. Admission fee is $10. For more information call 701-662-1520.

September 11

August 31 and September 1

19th Annual Stump Lake Village Threshing Bee The event begins with a threshermen’s breakfast at 7:00 a.m. on both days at Stump Lake Village on the edge of Stump Lake Park. The event includes entertainment, old time demos, a parade, food, crafts, and tours of the village. The admission fee is good for both days.

September 3

Corks and Canvas 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Lake Region Heritage Center Enjoy an evening of art and wine at the museum!

Check out the winners from the #SummerDVL Instagram/Twitter competition in this special art exhibit. Admission is $5 per person; members are free.

September 4

Fish Fry and Corn Feed Devils Lake

September 6

Autumn JunkFest & Flea Market Foster County Fairgrounds, Carrington 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Calling all junk enthusiasts! Come celebrate 10 years of vintage & junky goodness with the JunkFest Girls and over 80 vendors. This fun festival features raw junk ready for your creative hand, creative up-cycled junk ready to place in your home, vintage estate finds, antiques, jewelry, modern handcrafts, quirky garden art, and so much more! Grab a delicious bite at one of the many food vendors on site and enjoy the live music of Wild Hands while you hunt for your treasures. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 & under are free. Parking is free. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/junkfest or www. junk-fest.blogspot.com.

September 6

Heartland Care Memory Walk 10:00 a.m.

Ruger Park, Devils Lake Please join us in our walk/run to raise money in support of our efforts to educate our community and support those affected by Alzheimer’s.

All proceeds go directly toward our providing

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Lake Region Suicide Prevention Committee 5K Walk and Fun Run Ruger Park 6:00 p.m. Walk/Run 7:15 p.m. Guest Speaker Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in North Dakota, with 107 lives lost in 2012. It is the second leading cause of death for North Dakotans ages 15-24.

The Lake Region Suicide Prevention Committee is having its 4th annual 5k walk/run on September 11, 2014 and we hope you will join us! This year also welcomes guest speaker, Maria Willits, from the Shatter the Silence Walk in Rothsay, MN.

September 15, 22, and 29 October 6 and 13

Nurtured Heart Approach 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sweetwater Elementary School, Devils Lake Call or send an email to Macine at macine. lukach@ndsu.edu or call 701-256-2560 for more information and/or to register.

October 1

Corks and Canvas: Trip Around the World 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Lake Region Heritage Center Enjoy an evening of art and wine at the museum!

Check out the exhibit “Trip Around the World,” a series of drawings from North Dakota native, John S. Postivit. Admission is $5 per person; members are free. “Trip Around the World” will be on display October 1 - 31.

October 20

Monday at the Museum with Corrine Kenner 7:00 p.m.

Lake Region Heritage Center Get ready for Halloween with a special Monday at the Museum with author of Ghosts of Devils Lake, Corrine Kenner. This is a free event; donations are appreciated.

September 18

6th Annual Wine Walk Devils Lake

November 1

United Methodist Women Fall Bazaar 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

First United Methodist Church, Devils Lake Serving homemade vegetable soup, bars, barbecues, pie, and coffee. Come shop the country store for baked goods, holiday items, and crafts.

November 20

Holiday Showcase Devils Lake

December 6

Langdon Area Christmas Home Tour 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 the day of tour. Advanced tickets are available at Choice Financial Bank and Farmers & Merchants State Bank.

October 25

September 27

FirstChoice Clinic-Lake Region’s Life Walk Ruger Park Activity Building 8:30 a.m. Registration 9:00 a.m. Walk For the walk brochure or more information, call 701-662-2229.

September 29

Monday at the Museum with Author Richard K. Hofstrand 7:00 p.m.

Lake Region Heritage Center Hear author Richard K. Hofstrand talk about his book With Affection, Marten, which narrates Marten Hofstrand’s life on the prairie in Minnewauken through a series of letters to his sister in Sweden.

This is a free event; donations are appreciated.

Spirits at the Museum Tour 7:00 p.m.

Lake Region Heritage Center Tour the museum by flashlight and maybe you’ll get a peek at the ghosts that are said to haunt the Old Post Office. Suggested for ages 12 and up. Admission is $10 for non-members, $5 for members.

October 26

Trick or Treat at the Museum 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Lake Region Heritage Center Come to the museum for a fun afternoon of trick or treating. Admission is $5 for non-members, $3 for members.

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206 5th St NE Devils Lake

701-662-3634

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Distributed by Girl on Fire Publishing at the following locations: If you would like to provide Lake Region Woman to your clients or customers, please contact us by phone at 701-2612692 or by email at lakeregionwoman@ live.com.

Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce Devils Lake Regional Airport Fireside Inn and Suites Hasse Plumbing Horizon Financial Bank Lake Region State College Bookstore Leevers Foods in Devils Lake Leevers Foods in Langdon Leevers Foods in Rugby Melissa’s Grocery in Tolna Miller’s Fresh Foods in New Rockford Mr. & Mrs. J’s in Devils Lake Munich Grocery Store Nettiques Old Main in Devils Lake One Stop in Devils Lake Oxton’s Supervalu in McVille PLC Photography Ramsey National Bank Rock Lake Cafe Rolette Supervalu Spirit Lake Casino & Resort Supermarket Foods in Cando The Liquid Bean in Devils Lake Wangler Foods in Michigan Wimer’s Grocery in Lakota

The Waiting Game

Written by Christy Remmick

How often as parents do we find ourselves playing the waiting game with our kids? This is the game where you see if your kids will go into total disruptive meltdown before it’s time for whatever it is you are waiting for.

As parents, it seems as if we are always waiting with our kids—whether it is at the doctor’s office, hair salon, restaurants, or in the car waiting to pick up other siblings.

We also have a lot of downtime to fill for our kids, or those times—you know, like visiting great grandparents, sitting on the boat, or sitting in church—when we are on the verge of a kid meltdown and need a distraction or activity that brings us back to good behavior.

In today’s world of technology, I see a lot of parents quickly hand their kids a phone to avoid meltdown situations, but if you are like me, you are outnumbered by kids and handing one kid a phone will only cause a more serious meltdown with the other ones.

The following are some quiet games to play with your kids the next time you are looking for a mood or behavior change. These games are also educational and I guarantee will get a few chuckles from those waiting around you.

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I Spy – This is a classic waiting game where you take turns choosing an object that is visible to everyone and then saying, “I spy with my little eye something that is…red.” Everyone else takes turns guessing the red objects around you until one of them gets it right. If you have a child who is three years old and under, you could simply state a color without having anything specific in mind, and then you can randomly say “yes” to anything that applies.

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Picnic – The object of this game is to think of a rule (for example, alphabetical) or category of items (such as fruit) ahead of time and then say, “I’m going on a picnic and I am bringing…bananas.” Then, everyone takes a turn and says, “I’m going on a picnic and I am bringing (guess an object in the category).” If a player has said an object in the correct category, you say, “Yes, you can come.” If a player says an object in the wrong category, you would say, “Sorry you can’t come,” and then move on to the next person. The game keeps going until the category is figured out by all the players. Some examples of categories we use are fruit, family members, and animals. You can make more difficult rules or categories for older kids, such as items that start with a certain letter or color, alphabetical order, or number of letters in the word. When my four-year-olds play, they always want to pick the category of fruit and say different fruits repeatedly, but it keeps them amused.

Chain Reaction – This is our favorite waiting game and helps build memory as well. One player starts with a small action, such as touching your nose, then the next player repeats the original action (touching her nose) and then adds an action onto the end (like a clap). The game keeps going in a chain, each player adding actions, until someone gets the chain of actions wrong; then, you can start over with a new chain. Older kids will have fun seeing if they can beat the number of remembered actions each time they play.

The next time you find yourself waiting around with your kids and feel a fight brewing or other such calamity, ask them to play one of these games and see how your wait time becomes quicker, smoother, and more enjoyable. [LRW]

Christy Remmick | Writer Christy is a stay-at-home mom with three children: Hunter (6) and twin daughters Riley and Emersyn (3). Christy also runs a blog and online shop called Rilos & MiMi (rilosandmimi.com), which are the nicknames that her son Hunter gave her twins daughters when they were babies. Christy graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. She grew up in Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada and first came to Devils Lake to play volleyball at Lake Region State College. Christy married Robert, who grew up in Devils Lake, and 11 years after meeting each other, they moved back to Devils Lake to raise their family. Christy keeps busy by thinking of fun, creative ways to spend time with the kids and with sewing and writing for her online shop and blog. To keep sane, she also enjoys gardening, running, and travelling.

If you would like to become a contributor to Lake Region Woman, please contact us via email at lakeregionwoman@live.com or call us at 701-261-2692. We are currently searching for experts in their industry to submit articles relevant to women in our area.

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Healthy Steps Insurance Program: Offering the Assurance of Medical Care for Children Submitted

School is about to be back in session and parents and caregivers are buying clothes and backpack supplies. They are anticipating the upcoming school year and all that it will bring for their kids. For some, there is excitement and joy; but others might feel anxious or fearful regarding whether their kids will fit in with others in the classroom, if they’ll thrive in their academic environment, or if they will succeed not only academically but as an individual.

Most often, our goal as parents and caregivers is to assure that we set our children up to succeed. The costs associated with raising children, preparing them for school, and fostering their growth and development can oftentimes be stressful and a financial struggle.

Kids get sick. They fall and get bumps and bruises. They need vaccines and doctor visits to help with their health and well-being. Some children have long-term health issues such as diabetes, ADHD, or asthma that benefit from good and on-going medical management. All these things cost money and without health insurance, these needs can quickly turn into a financial burden that prevents parents or caregivers from seeking out the care that children need and deserve.

That’s where Healthy Steps comes in. If your children are currently not covered by health insurance and do not qualify financially for Medicaid, they often have no coverage at all, often causing parents to not seek medical care for preventative or ongoing health needs. Healthy Steps is an insurance program for the children who live in North Dakota and meet the following criteria: • No health insurance coverage • 18 years of age or younger • Do not qualify for the North Dakota Medicaid Program • Live in families with qualifying incomes

In 2012, a total of 11,653 North Dakota children did not have health insurance coverage. This translates to about 7 percent of children statewide who are uninsured. One-third of these children—an estimated 34 percent—are actually eligible for coverage through Medicaid or Healthy Steps.

As school time draws near and your back-to-school “to do list” is made, consider adding this important step to that list: sign up for Healthy Steps. This program will assure that your children can have the medical care they need and deserve and you can have the peace of mind knowing that your children’s healthcare needs will be met. Having health insurance is a good way to get your children on the path to success, both academically and medically.

For information about Healthy Steps or to apply, go to www.healthystepsnd.com or call 1-877-KIDS NOW (1-877-543-7669).

Are you ready to make some changes?

When it's time to move forward, we can help.

Confidential & Private

-self-esteem - managing stress -relationship problems -depression -anxiety & stress -abuse survivors

662-8255

Evening Appointments Available

Trick or Treat at the Museum!

Bring your little ghouls and goblins to the Lake Region Heritage Center for tricks and treats! $5 for non-members, $3 for members

October 26

No on to 3: 00 p. m .

Sara Kenney, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Jocelyn Soderstrom, Psy.D. Psychology Resident

Jennifer Jordan, Psy.D. Psychology Resident

The Past nt is Prese

Open Wednesday - Saturday 10-4 502 4th St. NE, Devils Lake 701.662.3701 www.lrhcmuseum.com

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Slumberland Furniture of Devils Lake This Justine Collection swivel chair from Slumberland Furniture in Devils Lake could be the perfect accent chair in any room. See their ad on page 25.

Boots and Heels The ultimate statement bag!

Make a lasting impression with this gorgeous satchel on your arm! This handbag is available at Boots and Heels in Devils Lake and you can see their ad on page 23.

LAKE REGION WOMAN SHOPPING GUIDE

Hot Spots to

SHOP

Truly Yours Truly Yours specializes in organization, interior redesign, and repurposing. See their ad on page 12.

PRODUCTS YOU NEED this Fall

Find these items and more through local retailers. When purchasing an item that you’ve seen in our shopping guide, make sure you tell them that you saw it in Grand Cities Woman.

Claims that products make in the Lake Region Woman Shopping Guide are of product manufactures’ and not of Lake Region Woman or Girl on Fire Publishing.

Snapdragons Floral Vacationing this winter and need a new sundress?

No problem. Stop in to Snapdragon Floral to see their new line of sundresses. See their ad on page 21.

Truyu in Grand Forks

This AfterCare Kit contains Nighttime Conditioner and Cleansing Pads with pomegranate seed extract for conditioning, glycol and carbonate-free NovaLash Mascara, an extra mascara wand to comb through the lashes each morning, and an Aftercare Instruction Card. This product is available at Truyu in Grand Forks. See their ad on page 21.

Snapdragons Floral New fall sweaters have arrived at Snapdragon Floral in Devils Lake. See their ad on page 21.

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Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce New Devils Lake items have arrived!

These items make great client, employee, or visiting relative gifts. Pick yours up at the Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce. See their ad on page 19.

Ritter Huesgens Treat yourself to this sterling silver diamonds pendant from Ritter Huesgen Jewelry in Devils Lake. See their ad on page 23.

Quilt Essential Check out the new gift items at Quilt Essential in Devils Lake. See their ad on page 5.

Modern Cuisine Filet Mignon, cherry chutney on rosemary flatbread is just one tasty option through Modern Cuisine Catering. See their ad on page 26.

Creative Impressions Sport your team logo on a cozy blanket from Creative Impressions.

Pair your blanket with a light weight hoodie to keep you warm. See their ad on page 15.

Creative Impressions Creative Impressions Keep your head toasty warm during those high school football games this fall. Get your personalized beanie at Creative Impressions in Devils Lake. See their ad on page 15.

Truly Yours Truly Yours specializes in organization, interior redesign, and repurposing.

See their ad on page 12.

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Boots and Heels The secret to looking slim? It’s in your jeans! Spanx shaping jeans, that is. You can find your perfect fit at Boots and Heels in Devils Lake. See their ad on page 23.

Truyu in Grand Forks

Quilt Essential Check out the new gift items at Quilt Essential in Devils Lake. This portrait by Garrett Becker Photos is mounted on a tin sheet and perfect for the farmer in your life. See their ad on page 5.

Ritter Huesgens Rhythm of Love earrings are powered by her heartbeat with amazing vibrating diamonds. These 14kt white gold earrings are available at Ritter Huesgen Jewelry in Devils Lake. See their ad on page 23.

Slumberland Furniture of Devils Lake The White Queen Upholstered Bed from the Willow Collection at Slumberland will insure a great nights rest. See their ad on page 25.

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Meet your new ultimate mascara.

Lash DominationTM is a 10-in-1 volumizing mascara for larger-than-life lashes. You can find this product at Truyu in Grand Forks. See their ad on page 21.

modern cuisine Custom cakes through Modern Cuisine Catering will be the perfect addition to your event. See their ad on page 26.

Why Routines Matter Written by Macine Lukach

“A child wants some kind of routine or rhythm. A child seems to want a predictable, orderly world.” — Abraham Maslow, psychologist

Do you have established routines, such as bedtime and chores? If you do, give yourself a pat on the back. If you don’t, perhaps you might want to consider developing a few family routines. Why? Because more than 50 years of research points to the same conclusion: routines are important to a family’s health and well-being.

Families with established, regular routines tend to have children who do well in school and exhibit greater self-control.

Keeping these everyday routines (like eating together and doing household tasks) is associated with strengthening families and positive outcomes for adolescents. Moreover, children in homes with established routines are more likely to avoid delinquent behavior and less likely to use drugs.

Some might view routines as boring and monotonous.

However, routines make life more predictable and stable.

A routine is a regular way of doing things. Routines organize behaviors; they are practical, habitual (you don’t have to think about it), and repeated behaviors.

Think about a time when you didn’t follow normal routine. What happened? Was life chaotic?

Whenever we took trips to visit family, it interrupted our typical routine and threw my family off course. Visiting family is a special time for creating family memories, but upon returning home, I often joked about getting our sons back on track and into our normal routine.

Routines are a critical part of childhood development.

They help us stay organized and on track. They help children feel safe and protected, while teaching about how to understand and use sequences and patterns—a skill children will need later in life.

Help kids develop consistent, predictable routines around waking up, getting ready for the day, eating meals, taking care of their bodies, going to bed at a regular time, and getting enough sleep. Kids are more likely to be successful when their routines help them thrive. You’ll have a much easier time enforcing bedtime routines when your child knows what to expect.

A regular routine reduces children’s anxiety because they know what is coming next. A well-planned routine will also help encourage children’s positive behavior by meeting their basic needs for eating, sleeping, active and quiet play, time alone, and time with other children. Knowing what to expect can help prevent children from experiencing the problems and stresses of sudden change.

You might need to talk your children through each step when a routine is first started, but within a few weeks, they will remind you of the routine. If you can do the same thing in the same order every day, your children are likely to feel more comfortable

and secure. They will know what’s coming next. They will know how to act.

The more you develop these routines, the less reminding you will have to do. If you have more than one child, you can rotate chores, keeping in mind that it will take extra effort to develop new routines. Visual reminders help kids stay on track; a poster, chart or job board can help kids stay focused.

Make the most of your daily routines by creating family rituals that are repeated, coordinated, and have meaning or significance to your family. Taking the time to develop special interactions associated with family routines—such as morning and evening rituals or times when you are leaving and returning home—meal times and special celebrations can become enjoyable, where everyone might actually lose track of time because they’re having too much fun as a family.

Establishing and maintaining routines takes time. Expect resistance. No one likes to change his or her routine, especially if the change requires more structure and earlier bedtimes.

My husband and I struggled when putting our eldest son to bed when he was between the ages of two and three years old. No matter what we did, he had several excuses regarding why he should not stay in bed, so frequently called out for our attention. Finally, we figured out that we needed to establish a specific bed time and nightly routine, which made bedtimes much more pleasant.

Change your routine to show what you want from your kids. Kids are more likely to stay up when they notice that parents stay up. They’re more likely to go to bed (and to sleep) when everyone else goes to bed and the lights are out.

Routines aren’t just for kids. Adults can benefit as well. The most common reason people say that they don’t get exercise or eat healthy is that they are too busy. Establishing a scheduled routine for exercise, grocery shopping, cooking, and mealtimes can help families stay healthy and happy, together.

[LRW]

Macine Lukach | Writer Macine is the coordinator for the Region 3 Parent Resource Center and the Family and Consumer Sciences extension agent for the NDSU Extension Service, Cavalier County office. To stay updated on events hosted by Region 3 Parent Resource Center, “like” them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ParentResourceCenterRegion3.

If you would like to become a contributor to Lake Region Woman, please contact us via email at lakeregionwoman@live.com or call us at 701261-2692. We are currently searching for experts in their industry to submit articles relevant to women in our area.

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PLC Photography The Loft Photography Studio

Organizing | Interior Redesign | Repurposing

Jennifer Zachmeier Photography

trulyyoursbybetsy@gmail.com www.facebook.com/trulyyoursbybetsy

701-521-0808 12

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Brittnee Wilson Photography

The Loft Photography Studio PLC Photography

Brittnee Wilson Photography Jennifer Zachmeier Photography

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Rhubarb

Fruit or Vegetable?

Written by Sheri Hatten

Last year, my aunt called to ask me whether rhubarb was a fruit or vegetable. She was making rhubarb pie and thought I would know the answer. Honestly, I had never given it thought. The first answer that popped into my head was fruit, based on the fact that I usually make desserts or breads with rhubarb. So, I looked it up in my rhubarb cookbook, which verified that rhubarb is actually considered a vegetable, botanically. However, because we typically use it like a fruit in recipes, many consider rhubarb a fruit.

Rhubarb is a perennial, meaning it grows every year. It is easy to maintain and can live for 10 to 15 years. My rhubarb is over 20 years old and still looks and tastes great. And, I know firsthand how hardy it is because mine was tilled up by accident one year and still came back the next. A friend gave me the plant, and I have now shared mine with many friends as well.

Rhubarb is easy to share—simply dig up a small amount of the root and have the person you’re giving it to plant and water well until the plant has established. This can be done in the early spring or fall. One plant should be sufficient unless you plan to use it in a lot of recipes or are making a large batch of jam. You can use the plant the second year for harvesting.

Rhubarb stalks are similar to celery in shape and can be cut into small pieces for cakes, pies, breads, jellies, sauces, and so on. The leaf is poisonous and unfit for human consumption, containing large amounts of oxalic acid. Rhubarb is available in many varieties and colors of stalk. Mine is of the red variety and isn’t quite as tart as the green varieties. If you don’t want to have a plant of your own but are looking to buy stalks, farmers markets usually offer them from May until August.

Harvesting rhubarb is easy—just grab by the base near the dirt, twist, and pull up. You can then break off the top and throw away the leaves. Rinse the stalks in cool water and set on the counter to dry. Place the stalks in a plastic baggie and store in the refrigerator for about 3 weeks.

Generally, I like to pick only what I will need for a recipe so the rhubarb remains fresh throughout summer. If a flower forms on top of the rhubarb, that is a seed stalk and should be removed; otherwise, the seed stalk reduces the yield and vitality of the plant. Consequently, if I find that I won’t use all of the rhubarb before summer ends, I trim the stalks at their ends and then cut them into small pieces (about ½ inch) and place in freezer bags, each containing approximately two cups. I like to have some on hand for the winter months when I am craving rhubarb.

Rhubarb is low in calories, just 20 calories per one-cup serving. Because rhubarb is tart, many recipes call for more sugar; therefore, the recipe will most likely not be low calorie and should be consumed in moderation.

Also, overconsumption of rhubarb can have a laxative affect, so be careful.

However, if you are constipated, try eating something with rhubarb—it does work! Rhubarb has no fat or cholesterol and is a good source of magnesium, fiber, and vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A.

The following is an easy and delicious recipe using rhubarb. Many people seem to enjoy the flavor that my rhubarb juice recipe adds to my punch at parties and family gatherings. Give it a try this summer when you want to cool off from the hot summer sun. Or, you can make the juice this winter for a Christmas party—this is a recipe you can enjoy year round.

Rhubarb Juice (Enjoy it all year long by doubling the recipe and freezing for later use.)

4 cups rhubarb, cut into pieces 5 cups water ½ c. sugar Directions: 1. Simmer rhubarb and water for 30-40 minutes until the rhubarb is soft and mushy.

2. Use a strainer and large bowl to get the liquid only and throw away the pulp.

Tip: Use a large wooden spoon and press into the pulp so that most of the liquid will squeeze out into the bowl.

3. Add sugar to reduce the tartness.

Variations: • Mix equal parts of the rhubarb juice with pineapple juice for added flavor.

• For punch: mix equal parts rhubarb juice with any variety of juice, soda, or other beverage (for example, mix Diet 7-Up, sugar free punch-flavored Kool-Aid, pineapple juice, and rhubarb juice). Try different flavors and taste as you go. Experiment and have fun!

• Freeze the rhubarb juice in ice cube trays.

Once frozen, pop out the cubes and place in freezer bags. Add to your favorite beverages for extra flavor. [LRW]

Sheri Hatten, Licensed, Registered Dietitian and Certified Lactation Counselor | Writer Sheri graduated from NDSU with a BS in Food and Nutrition and a BS in Corporate/Community Fitness. Sheri has been a Licensed Registered Dietitian for 20 years. She is married to Bob Hatten and has two children: Stephanie and Kendall. Sheri loves to be outdoors walking, biking, and fishing. She also enjoys baking, cooking, and scrapbooking.

If you would like to become a contributor to Lake Region Woman, please contact us via email at lakeregionwoman@live.com or call us at 701261-2692. We are currently searching for experts in their industry to submit articles relevant to women in our area.

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15

Checklist for Fall Garden and Landscape Care Written by Melinda Myers

You can see and feel the change of seasons. Fall color is starting to appear, pansies, mums, and asters are in the garden center and your thoughts are turning toward preparing your landscape for winter.

Those in warm climates are switching to winter annuals, while those in colder regions are fortifying their landscapes for the cold winter ahead. No matter where you live, invest some time in preparing your landscape for the change in seasons.

Dedicating some time now will pay off with healthier, more beautiful plants next spring.

• Continue to mow the lawn high while it continues to grow; there’s no need to cut it short unless that is the look you prefer.

• Fertilize the grass with a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer like Milorganite (milorganite.com). Fall fertilization provides the greatest benefit to your lawn and gives you the best value for the time and money invested.

-Those in cooler regions that grow bluegrass, fescue, and perennial ryegrass should fertilize around Labor Day when temperatures start to cool. Then, make a final application between Halloween and Thanksgiving before the ground freezes.

-Those in warmer climates that grow centipede, Bermuda, and zoysia should also fertilize around Labor Day. However, be sure to make the last fall application at least one month prior to the average first killing frost.

• Shred leaves as they fall. Leave some on the lawn to add organic matter and nutrients to the soil. If you can see the grass blades through the shredded leaves, your lawn will be fine.

Melinda Myers | Writer Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author, and columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook.

She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments. Myers is also a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website, www.melindamyers. com, offers gardening videos and tips.

If you would like to become a contributor to Lake Region Woman, please contact us via email at lakeregionwoman@live.com or call us at 701261-2692. We are currently searching for experts in their industry to submit articles relevant to women in our area.

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• Use the rest of the shredded leaves in your compost pile as mulch on top of the soil or as a soil amendment. Dig a two to three inch layer into the top 12 inches of annual or new planting beds.

These leaves will break down and add organic matter. By spring, the leaves will decompose and the garden bed will be ready to cultivate and plant.

Keeping your Horizon green...

• Plant a few bulbs now for a colorful early spring display. Incorporate compost, aged manure, or other organic matter into the planting area. Add a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer at the time of planting. In general, plant bulbs two to three times their vertical diameter deep. Follow specific planting and spacing directions on the package or tag.

-Select animal-resistant bulbs to avoid squirrels digging up the bulbs and deer and rabbits eating the blooms. Daffodils, hyacinths, grape hyacinths, and squills are a few to consider. Little Tommies (Crocus tommasinianus) tend to be more squirrel resistant than other crocus varieties.

-Those gardening in mild climates need low chill bulbs that will thrive and flower after a mild winter. Or, you can purchase precooled bulbs for winter planting and spring flowering.

• Allow disease and insect-free perennials to stand for winter. This will increase their winter hardiness and your enjoyment. The dried leaves, stems, and seedheads provide beauty for you to enjoy, seeds for the birds, and overwintering homes for many butterflies and beneficial insects.

• Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials. The soil is warm and the air is cool—perfect conditions for planting and establishing trees, shrubs, and perennials. And for those lucky enough to garden in warm climates, add a few winter annuals.

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• Continue to water the landscape as needed throughout the fall. Be sure to water evergreens and new plantings thoroughly before the ground freezes.

No matter where you live or the size of your garden, get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of fall. And be sure to invest a bit of energy now to ensure that your landscape is ready for the season ahead.

[LRW]

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Mini Mentorship 10 Excuses Preventing Full Potential Written by Ashley Rae

People make excuses every day. What some might fail to realize is the tremendous affect those excuses have on the ability to reach their full potential, and how they prevent people from realizing the best version of themselves. The following are 10 common excuses that prevent people from reaching their full potential.

But worry not—there are ways to stop allowing these excuses to hold us back.

#10 I lost my chance. Regardless of our past or current circumstances, it’s never too late to be what we might have been. Today is a new opportunity. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements for the future. #9 I’ll be criticized. Although some forms of criticism can be con-

structive, people often criticize others because of their own insecurities and inadequacies. Therefore, we should associate with people who support and inspire us, surrounding ourselves with people who see our true potential and choose to lift us up instead of pull us down.

#8 My idea will be rejected. Many of us search for the ac-

ceptance of others, and if we don’t get it, might feel rejected. Someone else’s opinion, and whether they accept or reject us, shouldn’t affect our own opinion and the belief we have in what we’re trying to accomplish. As Harriet Tubman aptly stated, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer.”

#7 Someone else is already doing it. Just because someone else is already doing something, and has more experience doing it, that doesn’t mean that we won’t be able to contribute something unique and valuable. Never compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. #6 I might fail. When something doesn’t turn out as planned, some might feel as though they’ve failed, implying a negative experience. However, failure is an opportunity to learn lessons that can be applied in the future. It’s an opportunity to begin again, only this time, more wisely. Just because something didn’t turn out the way we thought it should, doesn’t meant that it didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to. #5 I can’t take the risk. Taking a risk, and the fear of the unknown, is often too much for some people to handle. What we need to realize is that when wanting something we’ve never had, we sometimes have to do something we’ve never done. This might mean pushing out of one’s comfort zone, but that’s the only way to find out how far one can go.

#4 I don’t have the resources. As Tony Robbins once said, “It’s not about resources, it’s about resourcefulness.” Opportunities are often lost while waiting for perfect conditions, so we have to learn how to be resourceful and use what we have right now to get to where we want to go. #3 I don’t have the money. We don’t need an abundance of financial resources to get started, but we do need to be creative. Ken Hakuta, American inventor and TV personality, says that, “Lack of money is no obstacle. Lack of an idea is an obstacle.” So, start small and build from there as the finances become available. #2 I don’t have enough time. Adding another task to our to-do list can be overwhelming, but if we want something bad enough, we simply need to find the time to make it happen. We must never give up on something that’s important to us just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway. #1 I don’t know how. Not knowing how to do something should never hold us back from progressing or moving ahead in life. We might not have all the answers, but we don’t need to. Sometimes the key is to start before we’re ready and then to learn along the way.

Each of us has the ability to reach our full potential. Whether we do it or not is up to us individually. We can continue to make excuses and hold ourselves back, or strive to be the best versions of ourselves. Whatever we decide, we need to realize that we alone are the problem, and we alone are the solution. In the end, if reaching our full potential is a true priority, we’ll find a way to make it happen. And if it’s not, we’ll make an excuse.

For an in-depth overview of this article, visit www.HerBrandDevelopmentGroup.com to learn how to sign up for our Online Training Webinar. [LRW]

Ashley Rae | Writer Ashley Rae, owner of Brand Logic and founder of HBDG, is a dynamic combination of brand visionary, marketing strategist, and professional business consultant. Her experience, along with her true desire to empower and mentor women to reach their full potential, has provided her with a unique ability to help today’s independent business woman experience success professionally and personally.

If you would like to become a contributor to Grand Cities Woman, please contact us via email at grandcitieswoman@live.com or call us at 701-261-2692. We are currently searching for experts in their industry to submit articles relevant to women in our area.

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Green 101:

Top 10 Ways to Reduce Energy Costs in Your Home Written by Lonnie J. Laffen, AIA, LEED AP

Are you looking for ways to reduce your energy costs beyond changing out bulbs and turning off lights?

Since 1989, JLG Architects has led the region in designing buildings that lower—and sometimes even eliminate—maintenance costs. For example, the University of North Dakota Alumni Center is using 40% less energy than a traditional facility of its size, adding up to a cost savings of $38,000 annually. This type of sustainable design earned the Alumni Center LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum Certification, the highest level possible from the U.S. Green Building Council and the first of its kind in North Dakota. JLG’s Green Committee consists of employees from each of our seven offices who are constantly researching and evaluating new materials and design and construction techniques to provide the best future for North Dakota and all of its residents.

Energy usage incurs the highest costs in a home. But, according to JLG’s Green Committee, you can reduce that cost by enhancing your home’s efficiency in the following ways: 1. Home Energy Audit An energy audit is a great place to start if you are unsure of how to make your existing home more energy efficient. The audit will show you where air is leaking and any hot/cold spots that could throw off your thermostat. The energy savings from reducing drafts and other sources of heat or cooling loss in a home range from 5-30% per year. JLG’s Marketing Director had a home energy audit in October, and with a little spray foam insulation was able to shave $50 a month off of her energy costs, which more than paid for the audit this winter.

2. Programmable Thermostats Replacing your thermostat with an energy efficient or programmable system can improve the efficiency of the system and can save you an average of 10% on your annual utility bill. Many of us at JLG use The Nest, which can be controlled via cell phone and learns your schedule so that your heat is lower when you are away and toasty warm when you are home.

3. Insulation Installing insulation with a high R-value is important for an area like North Dakota. Insulation with a high R-value, which is a measure of 20

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thermal resistance, ensures that less heat is lost through the walls and ceiling and keeps cool air inside during the summer. While it is more expensive at the onset, spray foam insulation offers higher energy savings in the long run over batten foam. I replaced all of the batten foam in my own home in phases over the years with spray foam and lowered my energy costs every year as a result.

4. Hot Water Heaters Hot water is the second largest expense in your home, accounting for 14-18 percent of your utility bill. Make sure that your water heater pipes are well insulated and, if you have the have the ability to change water heaters, look for a high-efficiency or tankless model. Save your receipts, too—you can receive a tax credit for sustainable renovations or upgrades.

5. Landscaping Planting deciduous trees near south, east, and westfacing windows provide shade in the summer and let in the sun’s heat in the winter. Planting evergreen trees on the north side of your home help buffer winter’s bitter winds.

6. Water-Saving Appliances Believe it or not, saving water also saves energy because a majority of the appliances in our homes use water for power. By changing out these appliances with energy efficient or high-efficiency counterparts, you can achieve a water savings of 25-60% and a reduction in your energy bill.

7. Windows and/or Skylight for Natural Lighting Windows and skylights provide natural light and a connection with the outdoors, warmth, and fresh air. They also dramatically reduce the need for artificial lights.

8. Ventilate Rooms That Generate Lots of Steam Make sure that rooms like bathrooms and kitchens are well-ventilated to prevent the growth of mold and other airborne bacteria that can be caused from too much steam and not enough ventilation.

Mold replacement and abatement is costly and requires your ventilation system to kick into high gear, thus raising your energy usage.

tal Protection Agency (EPA)-certified wood burning stoves and Canadian Standards Association (CSA)-rated gas fireplaces reduce the amount of particulate pollutants by 75 to 90 percent compared to a standard fireplace. Efficient gas fireplaces consume less gas and save money compared to conventional gas fireplaces.

9. Install Renewable Energy Sources in Your Home Installing renewable sources of energy for your home can have a tremendous impact on the environment and lower your monthly utility bill. The renewable energy options to consider for your home include solar, geothermal, or low-impact hydropower. Your leftover energy will go back to the power-grid which will provide you with tax credits for the remaining energy that is returned and not used in your home as a result of green energy sources.

Sources for this article:

10. Replace Wood Burning or Gas Fireplaces Burning wood in fireplaces is a major source of air pollution in the home during winter. Conventional open fireplaces suck air out of the house and send more heat up the chimney than they provide to the room. Existing wood burning fireplaces should be retrofitted with airtight doors to reduce down-drafting, heat loss, and the amount of air drawn from the house for combustion. A better alternative is a gas insert with sealed combustion. These products have efficiencies up to 85 percent compared to typical fireplaces that are only about 13 percent efficient. Environmen-

Although many of these renovation options can be initially pricey, the long-term cost of energy and impact on the environment are undeniably worth the effort. You will see an immediate difference in the utility bills and can feel better knowing that you are leaving a smaller footprint in the environment, therefore leaving a better world for future generations.

[LRW]

Build it Green Remodel Guidelines Regreen: Residential Remodeling Program http://www.regreenprogram.org/case-studies Environmental Protection Agency: Green Homes http://www.epa.gov/greenhomes/index.htm Hot water heater Infographic http://energy.gov/articles/new-infographic-andprojects-keep-your-energy-bills-out-hot-water Energy Saver 101: Everything you need to know about Home Heating http://energy.gov/articles/energy-saver-101-infographic-home-heating

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A Wicked Good Time Lake Region Woman Takes on the Concrete Jungle

Written by Autumn Graber

As I sit and sip my cosmopolitan, trying to channel my best Candace Bushnell, I smile as I reminisce about a trip taken just three short weeks ago. Twenty women and one man boarded a plane to New York City on June 19—and then we all got off. That’s right, we all got off.

We had already been delayed due to a thunderstorm in Minneapolis, so nerves were beginning to fray. “That’s okay,” we all agreed. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

So we waited patiently. And we waited.

We boarded again at 10:15 a.m., thrilled to be back in business. The ticket agent had informed us, “Wheels up at 10:45.” As we approached the runway, we felt the plane engine rev while it turned the corner to jet off. As the thrill of our trip was becoming a reality, we heard the loud thundering sound of the engine begin to fade and fade down to nothing. The pilot announced, “Bad news folks. We have an electrical issue.” I looked at my husband, feeling shock, fear, and frustration all mixed into one. “I’m going to have nineteen really ticked off women on my hands,” I whispered.

At 10:44 we all got off the plane again. The trip to New York City, hosted 22

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by Lake Region Woman, had been in the works for over a year. I had worked with Sue Schwan from Sue’s Travel Center diligently to plan the most exciting trip we could. We booked nineteen women, plus my husband and me, to travel to New York City for four, fun-filled days of shopping, shows, and urban enlightenment in the concrete jungle. I wanted to cry, but I didn’t. Instead, I stood at the ticket agent desk, trying to convince the agent that we needed to be put on standby for other flights out of Minneapolis in case we missed our connecting flight, all the while sending Sue texts with updates and getting advice from her on what to do (by the way, I will never travel again without the support of a travel agent). I had to talk the ticket agent out of redirecting us to Atlanta and then back to Minneapolis. (What? Are you kidding me?)

Once the ticket agent and I were on the same page, and we worked out a game plan to get us on a plane—any plane, to an airport…any airport near New York City—I think I began to breathe again.

At 1:51 p.m., I sent Sue a text, explaining that “we finally got on the plane.” Third time is a charm, right? Right. We took off

and landed safely in Minneapolis at 2:56.

However, the flight we were on standby for lifted off just as we touched down. We managed to get the group on standby for a flight at 5:55, then a flight at 7:15. Finally, we were confirmed for a flight out at 8:55 p.m. into LaGuardia, NY. I glanced back at a text that I had sent Sue at 5:22 p.m., which read, “We are still smiling!” We were.

The group was amazing. We all agreed that you can’t control the weather and it’s important that the plane is operating properly. So what else could we do but hit the lounge with our $20 vouchers from Delta?

Once we finally boarded our flight to New York City and safely landed at LaGuardia at 11:03 p.m., I didn’t care that we missed our first tour. I just cared that we were all there, everyone was happy, and all were ready for New York City. At least we would be when our luggage finally caught up to us at 5:30 the next morning.

I truly believe that we got all the “bad stuff” out of the way with our travel on Thursday because the rest of the trip was unbelievably amazing. The weather, the accommodations, and the company were amazing beyond words.

The Ride

The Ride boosts itself as a theatrical show and immersive tour. Our tour guides presented the tour with high energy and Broadway show level acting. The guides interacted with those of us in the bus and used an external loudspeaker to speak to the people walking outside on the sidewalk. Some interactions were choreographed from a tap dancing business woman waiting for a taxi after work to a breakdancing delivery man. In addition to the entertaining street performers, we got an evening tour of the city of lights and learned about historical aspects of Times Square.

Pictured: Kyza and Nancy at Carmine’s.

9/11 Freedom Tour

Our first tour of the trip consisted of a six-hour walking tour through the 9/11 Memorial, lower Manhattan, and a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

We learned about the history of Wall Street and the competition between builders that began in the early 1800s to have the highest buildings. This tour also gave us our first subway ride experience. During this tour, and after being in New York not even a day, one of our guests grabbed my arm and whispered, “If this trip ended now it would still be wonderful!”

Family Style Dinner at Carmine’s

On Friday evening, we all gathered on the terrace at our hotel for a group picture before taking a short walk to Carmine’s in Times Square for a family style Italian dinner. We dined on Zuppa di Mussels in Red Sauce, Penne alla Vodka, Veal Parmigiana, Chicken Scarpariello, and of course, New York Cheesecake.

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Free Day

On Saturday, the group had a free day to do whatever they wanted.

Some took in a cooking class and others visited historic areas of New York like Strawberry Fields and the Empire State Building. One requirement my husband had was to take in a Yankees game. So, we laced up our tennis shoes and Yankee gear and took a quick subway ride to the Bronx. We shared a subway car with some friendly Baltimore Oriels fans and even had a conversation with them—they say you’re not supposed to look or speak to people on the subway, but we broke those rules all the time.

Wicked at the Gershwin Theatre

Once our taste buds were satisfied by the authentic Italian meal and we left feeling more like family, we trekked a few blocks to the historic Gershwin Theatre for that evening’s entertainment. As we walked into the rotunda, the bronze nameplates that climbed to the ceiling commanded your attention with the names of Broadway’s Theatre Hall of Fame. One name that stood out to me was that of Dorothy Stickney, a native North Dakotan, who made her Broadway debut in 1926.

Pictured: Dona and Jadyn at Strawberry Fields.

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Pictured: Gwen and Karen enjoy the N.Y.C. skyline.

Pictured: Cindy and Doreen on the terrace.

Yacht and Brunch

...........................................

Our trip ended on a high note with a yacht tour and brunch around the tip of lower Manhattan. We dined on a delightful buffet and lazily strolled the deck watching the skyline pass us by while we felt the sea breeze tickle our skin.

The morning coffee and bagels from Pick-A-Bagel are a distant memory, but memories are what we will share with our first tour of twenty-one—forever twenty-one. Most of whom have already committed to another group trip with us. Our trip might have started out a little shaky, but we made it to our summer in the

city. We smelled the hotdog stands that line the streets, brushed shoulders with people we have never met nor will ever see again, and we created lifelong friendships with women we didn’t know before. I couldn’t have handpicked a better group of women (and one man) to experience it with.

To be placed on a list to receive information about our next trip to New York City, please call Autumn Graber at 701-2612692. You can also send your name and address via email to lakeregionwoman@live.com. Once dates are set, we will notify everyone interested in traveling with us to the Big Apple. [LRW]

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Home Cook Tips from Esther

Tip #1 To keep onions from making your eyes water, store them in the refrigerator before cutting.

Tip #2 To add flavor to your pasta, always salt your pasta water.

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Esther Donohue Written and photographed by Autumn Graber

Making meals for the family farmer can be an art form. The meal has to travel well in a hot tractor while simultaneously tasty and satisfying. Who would have known when Esther was growing up on a farm near Tolna, ND and making meals for her dad and brothers, it would blossom into a passion she would turn into a career. “I grew up cooking meals with my mom and I wasn’t always the best when I was at home because I was always experimenting,” she smiled. “There were a lot of fails.”

Esther didn’t let those failures deter her from building a vast knowledge of how to prepare pasta, meat, and desserts.

Esther spent her fair share of time getting her hands coated in flour, but she got them dirty too.

While growing up on the farm near Tolna with six brothers and sisters, Esther helped raise sheep and breed horses. She also helped construct grain bins with her dad; so when it came time to learn the ropes in the kitchen, Esther was able to take the heat.

In 2004, Esther entered Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts of St. Paul, Minnesota and began her two-year training. “I was instantly in love,” she said. Chefs in training at Le Cordon Bleu are expected to learn how to cook from scratch. She also had the opportunity to get hands-on training alongside professional chefs.

Esther graduated in 2006 and began an internship at Basie’s on 42nd in Fargo where her main duty was to create and carry through the weekly Sunday brunch buffet. After her internship was over, Esther returned to work as the Garde Manger, a French term for “keeper of the food.” She prepared sauces, desserts, salads, and fish. “I loved working on the line and I was good at it too.”

She misses the fast-paced environment of a restaurant kitchen, but now enjoys creating her own menus.

“Paula at An Elegant Affair got me started on my first catering job for the John Deere Christmas party,” she said. Her decision to leave the restaurant life and begin a catering business was mainly due to the fact that she and her husband Daniel started their family and restaurant hours weren’t conducive to spending evenings home with her family. Paula Anderson, owner of An Elegant Affair

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in Devils Lake admits that Esther is full of new energy and unique ideas. “It isn’t every day that I get to work next to an actual Le Cordon Bleu chef,” said Anderson. “I just love her!”

When Esther developed her catering business, she decided to focus on new and inventive foods, so branded herself as Modern Cuisine Catering. One tip she learned from the professional chefs at Le Cordon Bleu was, when first starting out in the catering business, use the local church kitchens to cook in. Caterers need to cook in certified kitchens, which are expensive to build, so Esther took their advice. After only a few years in the catering business, Esther was able to afford her own kitchen. She now creates her chefs-d’oeuvre out of a kitchen that she built in the business center in the former Tolna High School.

When Esther is hired to cater a Christmas party or wedding for hundreds of guests, she calls on her sisters to help in the kitchen and serve the meals. “They are just as good as me because I have taught them everything,” she said. “They know what I’m thinking.”

Esther has catered weddings that range from banquet style to a rustic farm backdrop. She prefers to have her clients participate in a tasting menu, where they actually get to taste the food before they decide on what to serve their guests. “Because our area is heavily influenced by our German and Norwegian heritage, there aren’t a lot of requests for dishes outside of those types of foods.”

Esther grew up with food all around her and some of her favorite things to eat are Kipper snacks, Fleisch Kuechle, and k-snip (Knodel). “I have a wide pallet.”

She prefers to cook with fresh ingredients. “Everything tastes so much better when you use fresh ingredients.” One of the issues she has is that she can’t always get fresh ingredients, so she will travel to the next available city to get what isn’t available in her area. “When I am catering, I like to use fresh herbs and fish. When I was in college, we made all of the stocks from scratch.” Esther explains that all sauces are created from stock, and if the stock is fresh, the sauce tastes better. Therefore, she is known as “The Sauce Goddess” for her fresh, homemade sauces.

Another aspect to her catering business that she really enjoys is her personal chef service. “I come in, I cook, I serve it, I clean up, and leave,” she laughs. She will come to your home and cook for your small dinner party or special event, or she will cook the meal in advance and drop it off at your home.

Esther’s mother, Crysti Bjorlie, was a huge influence on her when her passion for cooking developed; and it was mostly her mom, not culinary school, whom she credits for her ability to bake and decorate cakes. “I’m really busy in the summer time with weddings and wedding cakes.”

Whether she is in a private home kitchen cooking an intimate dinner for two or alongside her sisters in her professional kitchen, Esther’s passion for cooking is on the front burner. According to Esther, her mission is to serve the client. Esther offers professional service that meets the clients’ needs, from the selection of the menu to the presentation of the food. She works with the client to present the best in traditional and home-style menus to the most elegant menu with a modern twist. [LRW]

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