Mom to Mom, NWI -- May 2015

may 2015 | volume 4 | issue 5

Mother’s Day Special Issue momtomomnwi.com | like us on facebook

nwi

letter from the editor

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ask the doctor

a guide to mommyhood

10

family health

raising tweens

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mom to mom feature

love & shrimp mom’s you should know - amazing moms bucket list baskets alice’s garden toy boutique

mom to mom eats

mindy’s menu - spring simplicity

trina’s picks

the aurora teagarden series

perspective on pets guinea pigs

fun & games

diy flower box

community calendar

8 12 18 22 20 24 25 26

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PUBLISHER/Managing Editor Stephanie Vega Edwards Stephanie@momtomomnwi.com Sales Team Eva Williams Nichole Odijk DeMario Ahnaliese Dunn Patricia Simms Rea Robinson Contributing Writers Dr. Sandee Clark Nichole Odijk DeMario Mindy Gear Judy Miller Amber Neace Brooke Recktenwall Beth Whitaker Trina Bobrowski Rea Robinson

Advertising & Submissions Mom to Mom NWI LLC PO Box 1212 Valparaiso IN 46383 219-973-5138 Layout Design Mark Halliar designs.by.mark@gmail.com Cover & Table of Contents Photography Amanda Rose Photography Printing Home Mountain Printing 3602 Enterprise Ave. Valparaiso, IN 46383

Mom to Mom NWI is a monthly publication by Mom to Mom NWI LLC. All rights reserved. Production without permission is strictly prohibited. All photographs & articles submitted become the sole property of Mom to Mom NWI Magazine. ©2015 Mom to Mom NWI LLC

happy mother’s day stephanie vega edwards

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As we turn our calendar to May, I can’t help but feel giddy like a school girl!! That’s because May is all about MOMS – right? It’s funny because the month of May never really meant much to me, until I became a mother. Don’t get me wrong, when I was a kid I always looked forward to making my mom a card on Mother’s Day and wrapping up a present I made at school. I remember just staring at her to catch her first expression as she opened up my homemade masterpiece. Her eyes and smile showed me how much she loved it! As a kid, I thought “I make my mom so happy with my gifts” and as a young adult, I thought, “how did my mom love those cheesy gifts – must just be a mother’s love.”

A mother’s love indeed! I remember one Mother’s Day where my oldest brought home a gift she made for me at preschool. She was so excited when I picked her up that afternoon – it was all she could talk about!! The look in her eyes and the excitement in her voice instantly brought me back to my childhood – and then of course I got all weepy! When we got home and I opened the present, because she just couldn’t wait until Mother’s Day, I was overwhelmed by her handmade card, and adorable little plant. Just like I had done with my mom, my daughter stared into my eyes waiting to see my reaction, and when she saw my huge smile hers got even bigger. It was in that moment that I realized, “this is it - this is a mother’s love.”

And that’s why I am so excited that Mother’s Day is around the corner!! I will get to have “that moment” with my girls when they run to my side of the bed on that special Sunday morning with hugs, kisses and my special goodies. And because I know how much we moms cherish those moments with our kiddos, I wanted to make this May issue all about MOMS! From our cover, to the articles you’ll read about, you’ll see we really highlighted mom this month. And why wouldn’t we, after all we are a magazine by moms for moms – let’s celebrate!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Stephanie

family health judy m. miller

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tips from the trenches: raising tweens

I have four children, two boys and two girls. Three have made it out of their tween years, two into teendom and one all the way into adulthood.

I view the tween years as key in developing a person’s moral compass and ethical decision making-skills. The vast majority of kids are tweens when they begin middle school. And they are faced very quickly with effectively managing their emotions and working through a plethora of decisions about peer relationships, substances, cheating, and more.

Hopefully tweens will freely share the decisions they wrestle with and the interactions they experience with their parents.

But sometimes tweens are selective in what and how much they share with parents. Or they don’t share at all. How can parents meet the challenges that arise and support their tweens during these important middle years?

Be the proactive parent Parenting-tweens-groundwork needs to happen years earlier, long before the child becomes a tween. Create a family environment of openness and model trust, honesty, and respect. A large part of openness is good communication, which includes listening as well as talking. Ask your child what they feel and think, and why. This type of engagement helps the child feel valued and encourages further communication.

Build a library of knowledge and create a parenting “toolbox.”

You can add to it as you come across ideas that might help you with your tween. I discovered that one of the best ways to gain knowledge and add to my parenting toolbox was to develop a supportive network of parents with older kids. They knew the “ropes,” what worked, and what did not.

Become the plugged-in & educated parent My oldest was Mr. Inquisitive. My son taught me early about the importance of being proactive and staying on my toes. As my son’s world expanded during his tween years, his penchant for knowledge increased multi-fold. Nothing was off limits for discussion. Most of the comments, perspectives and questions were about drugs, alcohol, differences (we’re a multi-racial family), and, of course the titillating and delicious topic of allthings-sex.

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I had two options: to not talk about the sometimes-uncomfortable subjects, or to open up, possibly researching more on topics where I had little knowledge or sharing true stories, to underscore the importance of the values and actions I wanted my son to uphold. I opted for the latter, which helped me to be even more open and prepared in advance of my younger children attaining tweenhood.

Build on your values & expectations I’m referring to the values and expectations you began instilling in your child from a very young age. The core values of responsibility, respect, honesty and trust, fairness, compassion, and grace. The expectations of how we treat another person and how we expect to be treated by others. Understanding what is right and what is wrong, and why.

Tweens often need help understanding the nuances, the shades of gray between the black and white (wrong and right). My kids have questioned me when I’ve touted doing something one way (the right way, i.e. being the calm, courteous driver), only to not do it (the wrong way, i.e. yelling not nice things at the driver who almost hit me).

Be engaged Remember, especially when your tween pushes you away, that you influence your child more than anyone else. This is known as individuation, a process through which your child separates from you. Your tween has been going through this process since he was an infant. Now is when it begins to ramp up.

Your child still loves you; they just have lifework to do. - mtm

Judy M. Miller works with pre- and adoptive parents, equipping them with new techniques and information and encouraging and empowering adoptive families through difficult times. She is a Certified Gotten Educator and the author of the internationally known parent guide, What to expect From Your Adopted Tween, and a workbook for adopted adults, Writing to Heal Adoption Grief: Making Connections & Moving Forward.

momtomomnwi.com | like us on facebook | page 7

mtm feature rea robinson

women bond in friendship over “love and shrimp”

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moments, too,” shared Beverly McHow comforting it is to sit around the living room with your best girlfriends, chatting about life and having perhaps some snacks Cann, who plays Woman 2. “But it’s and a glass of wine! The Crown Point Community Theatre’s also something men can relate to, production of “Love and Shrimp” invites you into the living room since they are the ones on the other of three good friends to do just that. In songs and poems and end of these relationships.” musings, with wit and wisdom and rue, these women take us The musical revue features the poon an emotional journey from young to not so young, dumb to etry and lyrics of Judith Viorst, who not so dumb, from single to married, from parenthood to upper has authored the popular book to Natalie Franks eyelid droop. This production examines the often hilarious and movie “Alexander and the Terrible, director sometimes painful clashes between our expectations and our Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” realities. and the music of Shelly “The stories our charac- “It’s everything a woman has gone through or will go through or Markham. The music is ters share in song and knows someone who has ...from dating to infertility, those daily mo- an eclectic combination of styles, from calypso to verse are the ones we ments of humor and your serious moments, too,” jazz to gospel. have in our own lives, The somewhat bizarre title refers to an analogy used comparwith our husbands and mothers and girlfriends. They take place in our living room and ing love with the last shrimp in a man’s shrimp cocktail. At bedrooms and kitchens and in different stages in the relationship, love - or that last precious the car,” said Samantha Reilshrimp - are given and received in different ways. Though each woman sees from a different perspective - whether young and ly, who portrays Woman 1 in naive, hurt and optimistic, or bitter and sarcastic - each relates the show. and empathizes with the lifetime experiences each endures.

“It’s everything a woman “I think most women will be able to relate to all three women,” has gone through or will go said Keri Anne Valukis, assistant director. “Each has their differthrough or knows someone who has ...from dating to inent personality and different set of experiences that make you go, “Oh yeah, I’ve been there!” fertility, those daily moments The intimate feelings conveyed in the production are enhanced of humor and your serious

Keri Ann Valukis assnt. director

by the setting of both the stage and the venue. The simple set has the three co-stars sharing conversation in a living room. The theatre enhances this conversational ambiance by adding cabaret tables and offering alcoholic beverages for sale during the show, a change from most productions at the theatre.

Samantha Reilly Woman #1

Beverly McCann Woman #2

Rea Robinson Woman #3

“It’s no accident that we are offering this show before, during and after Mother’s Day,” said Natalie Franks, director. “This is the type of show that you want to share with the women you love. This is where you want to be for girls’ night out - and for Mother’s Day. Because these are the experiences they too have had, both good and bad. It’s a very special thing when you can relate to your mother not just as your mother but as a woman also.”

“It’s a beautiful dramatic comedy sure to bring women of all ages together to see how alike we all are in thought, emotion and desire,” said Franks.

“That’s the beauty of this show,” said Valukis. “Nobody’s life has ever turned out the way they planned it. They are immersed in this world of remembering and storytelling and everything and this common theme of, well that’s not what I really wanted. But in the end, you figure out what I have is pretty good and what I have and have been through makes me who I am.”

“It’s such a unique show,” McCann said. “It’s something that everybody can relate to with the funny and the sad and everything all in one. It’s perfect for a girls night out or even for a date night, so you can share a laugh with your man at the dynamics that are pretty universal in relationships.”

The show opens May 1 and runs the first three weekends of May, with 8pm shows on Fridays and Saturdays and 3pm shows on Sundays. Tickets are $15 per person adult, $12 per person for senior and students. Discounted group rates are available in advance. Visit www.cpct.biz for details and to purchase tickets. A “Meet the Cast” video preview is available on YouTube by Crown Point Community Theatre.- mtm

ask the doc. dr. sandee clark

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a guide to new mommyhood

Lately in my office I have had the pleasure of treating many ladies throughout their journey of pregnancy. They all seem to devote so much time on preparing for their birth and making sure their home is stocked with all the essentials their baby will need. While that is important it is much more vital to take care of mom during this time. From pubic symphysis pain and increased abdominal pressure to extreme fatigue and anxiety moms need to understand that this last month of pregnancy sets the final stages for labor. One solution is for moms to stop overexerting themselves. One task per day is enough. Drinking at least 64oz of water per day and taking naps will help prepare your body for labor. Remember, having a smooth and healthy third trimester means a smooth and healthy recovery. Here are some simple but important elements to aid in a good recovery.

FOOD If you thought you were hungry during pregnancy you haven’t seen anything yet. If you plan to breastfeed, plan to consume a lot more food than normal as breastfeeding burns approximately 500 calories a day. Nourishing yourself with nutrient-rich food that includes healthy fats, high-quality protein, extra fiber and complex carbohydrates are a necessity.

Having food prepared ahead of time, perhaps while you are nesting in your last month of pregnancy and freezing it will help you make good choices instead of reaching for a quick not-so- healthy meal. Now is not the time to go on a diet or attempt to lose weight by restricting food intake. It is healthier to lose weight slowly and give yourself at least 9 months to take it off since it did take 9 months to put it on. Eating well will provide you the proper energy you will need to care for your baby.

REST Many women feel “fine” after delivery but doing too much too soon can cause abnormal postpartum bleeding or spotting.

Your uterus is still healing and your body needs a lot of rest.

A great way to make sure you are getting adequate amounts of sleep is to make sure your meals are preplanned. Also we have heard the saying “sleep when your baby sleeps” but how many of us do that? We think when the baby is sleeping it is a great time to catch up on the dishes that are piling up, but don’t fall into that trap. Ask friends or family members to come over and help with the daily chores and you take a nap with baby. Co-sleeping is an excellent way to make sure you

are resting because it has been proven you will get more sleep with baby in the same room as you. The more quality sleep you get the better and more able mom will be to function at her best.

PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION Just as your baby was with you for nine months so was the placenta and it was producing the necessary hormones needed during your pregnancy. After birthing the placenta this rapid change of hormones can lead to a serious problem called postpartum depression. It is very common for animals to eat their placenta after birth and while humans don’t normally eat theirs’ we have come up with a more acceptable way to consume that hormone enriched organ, called placenta encapsulation. It is basically a big bag of bio-identical hormones that you consume much like a vitamin supplement providing you with some of the most perfectly raw ingredients your body made while you were pregnant. The placenta composition is complex but there are many important components that are relevant to a healthy recovery. Contacting a placenta encapsulation specialist is the best way to make sure you are taking advantage of those vital hormones needed for a healthy recovery.

CHIROPRACTIC During pregnancy and postpartum the spine and soft tissues are very soft due to a hormone called relaxin. It is this hormone that softens the joints and ligaments to open the pelvis wide to birth your baby. This softening makes you susceptible to spinal misalignments, therefore chiropractic adjustments are an excellent way to restore function and reduce pain. Your spine is also trying to adjust to the absence of a baby in your belly and chiropractic adjustments support beautifully in this process to realign your spine and pelvis. Many symptoms you experience while pregnant like neck and back pain, headaches and heartburn, pubic bone pain and abdominal pressure can all be treated with gentle adjustments.

JUST BE Allow yourself to be a mother. Don’t worry about getting back into those pre-pregnancy clothes and don’t hide being a new mom. Ask for help, laugh at yourself and be gentle to you and your new baby. - mtm

Dr. Clark is a whole family practitioner specializing in Pediatrics, Pregnancy and Special Needs kids. A Palmer graduate, Clark offers traditional hands-on chiropractic care together with acupuncture and massage.

mtm feature nichole odijk demario

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mother’s day special: amazing moms

Every parent has a story they tell their children of how they came to be. In honor of Mother’s Day, we thought we’d share some of those stories. We have chosen to feature three local women, who embarked on parenthood in their own unique ways filled with trials and tribulations. For some, hurdles surfaced from the onset and for others they are ongoing. These three mothers and their children had odds stacked against them; here’s how they’ve overcome:

STEPHANIE PLOETZ Stephanie Ploetz of Griffith, Ind. was diagnosed with the auto-immune disease colitis as a teenager.

She knew having children may not be possible or at the very least would face difficulty conceiving. It was a conversation she had with her husband well before their wedding day.

The day came when they were ready to begin trying.

Ploetz followed doctor’s orders diligently monitoring her diet and stress levels in an effort to minimize a colitis flare up. Soon thereafter the happy news arrived – they were expecting.

Ploetz says her pregnancy was seemingly normal until her 36th week when she developed high blood pressure. She was induced a week later when her blood pressure didn’t come down. As the birth progressed, her doctor realized the cord had wrapped around the baby and an emergency c-section was performed.

Ploetz and her husband were elated with the birth of their daughter Kennedy.

Within hours though, their celebration turned somber when Ploetz had trouble breathing. After numerous tests were run, the brand

new mother was diagnosed with a heart condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy. The condition occurs some time during pregnancy or during birth and causes one of the heart muscles to weaken. Ploetz says doctors do not know the underlying cause of the condition and the risk factors are varied.

She says in less than a week she went through a rollercoaster of emotions. Her doctor informed her that this condition could have killed her and baby Kennedy if she went into heart failure. He cautioned her having another child would be like playing “Russian roulette” with her and her baby’s lives.

“I call Kennedy my miracle baby. We are thrilled that she is healthy. You have this newborn baby and you’re so happy, but at the same time I had to tell my husband and family I can’t have any more children,” Ploetz says.”…Things don’t always go according to plan. We dreamt of having a big family. God dealt me a different hand and you have to roll with it.”

The 29-year-old will most likely have her heart monitored for the rest of her life. Currently she is on two heart medications and receives regular echocardiograms. Ploetz says she and her husband have discussed the possibility of adoption in the future, however are fully content with their “little family.”

She encourages others, “don’t look on the down side. Keep your chin up and keep moving on.” cont. on page 14

amazing moms cont.

Amy Ruiz Amy Ruiz was closing the chapter of a 15-year-marriage.

Her three sons ranged in age from 8 to 13. Licking the wounds of a pending divorce, she reconnected with a former flame who was also a divorcee. She was told he could not have any more children and trusted his word.

She says just when she thought life couldn’t get any lower she was shell-shocked to learn at 40-years-old she was pregnant.

“I knew when you hit 35-years-old you face a high risk pregnancy. When you get to 40-years-old you’re in a whole new ball game,” Ruiz of Portage, Ind. says. “…I never imagined having any more children. I was alone, pregnant and so scared.”

Ruiz fears were heightened knowing she had suffered from high blood pressure and gestational diabetes with her first three pregnancies. This pregnancy was no different. Regular stress tests, ultrasounds and a strict diet were the norm as Ruiz says she tried to focus on the growing baby inside her. She gained nine total pounds her entire pregnancy.

She says she relied heavily on the many prenatal services and resources her employer Northshore Health Centers provides.

Her fourth son, Sterling came four weeks early. He had a bout of RSV after birth and was hospitalized as an extra precaution due to his prematurity and age. Ruiz says once that was treated, he was given a clean bill of health.

Ruiz details she thought she was prepared for caring for an infant again, but was amazed by how her body react-

ed to sleep-deprivation at an older age, “It took a lot to get my energy back… by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

According to Ruiz, Sterling’s father did not want more children and has chosen not to be part of his life. While Sterling was unexpected Ruiz says having him and keeping him were her only options.

“I knew I had to have my child. I told myself I knew this was a miracle and if it’s meant to be God will see it through. It was a test of faith…Sterling saved my life.

I felt like I was dying going through a divorce. When I found out I was pregnant, I had a new focus,” she says. cont. on page 16

mom to mom nwi | march 2015 | page 14

amazing moms cont.

ASHLEY WOJCIECHOWSKI Ashley Wojciechowski and then boyfriend (now fiancé) were anxiously awaiting the birth of their son. A routine ultrasound detected their baby may have a cleft lip and a 3-D ultrasound was ordered.

During the ultrasound Wojciechowski was told the situation was even more dire – her cervix was thinning and she would need to be put on hospital bed rest for close monitoring.

Two days later she went into labor at 24 weeks pregnant. Despite being barely halfway through her pregnancy, Wojciechowski says she had a gut feeling everything would be okay.

Vincent weighed 1 pound, 7 ounces and was 11 inches long, less than a standard Barbie® doll at birth.

At two- monthsold, he was transferred from Community Hospital in Munster, Ind. to Riley’s Hospital for Children in Indianapolis where Wojciechowski was only able to visit on weekends because she had to return to work, “I wished I could take my baby home and be with my family but I knew he was at the best place possible at the time.”

He spent the first five months of his life in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. He had stage one bleeding of the brain, an open valve in his heart, ROP (a common eye condition associated with preemies) and a cleft lip and pallet. Since birth he has had eight eye surgeries. His lip surgery was done at one-year-old and his pallet at 2. He recently began walking with leg braces and his doctors are working to transition him off his feeding tube.

“As a mom you wish you could take his place. He has been through more than some adults…Vincent is my little superhero. He has come so far in such a little time. He makes progress every day with his physical, occupational and speech therapy. He amazes me every day,” Wojciechowski says. “I thank God for the amazing doctors, nurses and therapists who have invested so much time and expertise into helping my son not only survive but also to thrive.”

She says Vincent is meeting milestones at his own pace something she recommends other parents of preemies focus on, “Don’t worry about the typical infant milestones.

It may take them a little longer to catch up but with hard work and therapy they will meet them.”

Wojciechowski and her fiancé recently announced their superhero will have a sidekick.

They are expecting their second child later this year.

Do you have an interesting baby story? We would love to hear it! Send an email to nichole@momtomomnwi.com.

We will feature other amazing moms throughout the year! - mtm

Nichole DeMario is married to her high school sweetheart and is enjoying her role as “mother” to two fur babies and godmother/surrogate aunt. Along with writing, she is focusing her career in communications and consulting, working to challenge herself in all aspects of her life.

mtm feature nichole odijk demario

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bucket list baskets

On the surface, Sandra Condes seemed to have it all

“My product is top notch and top quality - I put a lot of

– a husband, a beautiful home and a career in a field

effort into all I do. I want to make people happy. I’ve

her family had decades of experience in. In 2011,

been in business my whole life; The Bucket List gives

that all changed when the downtown catering com-

my life hope,” Condes says.

pany she worked for went under. Bills began piling

Condes says her father’s work ethic and ability with

up and the strain and stress became almost too much

people has always been an inspiration. While her life

to bare. Her husband left. She and her two teenage

looks much different than it did before, for instance she

sons were left without heat, sleeping by their wood

says her current rental home could fit inside her former

burning stove and wondering where their next meal

garage, she is focused only on the future.

would come from.

“So many people asked me how I made it through.

She began hosting garage sales, making up baskets

You can either lie down or you can get up? You can’t

from items leftover from her catering career. Inspiration

let it get to you,” she says. “A lot of people have it

struck as Condes was watching the movie, “The Bucket

far worse than me. It’s a new beginning; at least I’m

List” starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson.

getting a second chance. I’m going to take it and run

“What if you got a gift where everything had to mat-

with it.”

ter? Whether it’s someone’s last day on Earth or their

She also credits the support of her sons and family for

first birthday I wanted to create something where each

their added support.

item mattered down to the container. I was tired of

“I call my sons my left and my right, they mean ev-

getting gift baskets where only one thing was nice…

erything. I want to teach them you can bounce back

why not put it in a bucket and list everything inside?”

from anything. You have to fight for what you want,”

Condes, of Merrillville, Ind. explains.

she says.

She began her business the Bucket List taking orders

For more information on the Bucket List find her on

and participating in vendor shows. She bases her

Facebook or contact her at sanstre5@aol.com or

buckets on age and budget and theme if requested.

219.613.6028. - mtm

They start at $25 per bucket and average $50. Delivery is free of charge. mom to mom nwi | march 2015 | page 18

mindy’s menu mindy gear

nwi

spring simplicity

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Simplicity is my theme for spring! I need to simplify many areas of my life in order to keep up with others. As we head into end of school year activities, fundraisers and spring sports schedules, there just isn’t enough time to spend hours in the kitchen preparing meals. I love using marinades to season meat. It takes a few minutes in the morning and then dinner is ready to grill when you arrive home. The buttermilk marinade is incredibly simple. Chop a few fresh herbs, add salt and pepper then cover with buttermilk. It doesn’t have to be complicated to be good!

Buttermilk Grilled Chicken

I’ve often used buttermilk as a marinade when making fried chicken, but never really considered it for grilling. It gives the chicken a great texture without the intense flavor most marinades give. Add your choice of herbs and seasoning for a great flavored meal.

Ingredients 4 Boneless skinless chicken breasts 2 tsp coarse salt Pepper to taste 1 Tbsp fresh chopped Rosemary, more/less to taste 1 Tbsp fresh chopped Thyme, more/less to taste 1-2 cups buttermilk (enough to cover chicken)

Directions Rinse chicken and pat dry. Rub with salt and pepper. Place in glass container or baggie. Add fresh herbs and buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate an hour or up to 8. Preheat grill and remove chicken from marinade (discard remaining marinade). Cook thoroughly.

Mindy Gear is a mother, wife and teacher to preschool aged children. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising and loves to bake and create in the kitchen!

Lemon Bars

Lemon Rosemary Potatoes

These potatoes are amazing! The garlic-citrus flavor is a great combination. I added thyme along with the rosemary and sliced an additional lemon to add to baking dish while roasting. The house smelled amazing while these were roasting. Adding water to the pan steamed the potatoes during the first part of baking time.

Ingredients 2 lbs small red potatoes or larger potatoes cut into pieces Juice of 1 lemon 1 Tbsp fresh chopped Rosemary 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup water Drizzle of olive oil (approximately ¼ cup) Salt/pepper to taste

Directions Grease 9x13 pan. Place potatoes in pan. Mix lemon juice, water, garlic and olive oil. Pour over potatoes. Sprinkle with rosemary, salt and pepper. Bake in a preheated 400° oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Who can resist the sweet, citrus flavor of a lemon bar?

My sister-in-law makes these for family gatherings. I realized that while I love lemon bars, I’ve never actually made them. I’m so happy she passed along her recipe!

Crust Ingredients

1 cup butter, room temperature ½ cup powdered sugar

2 cups flour Pinch of salt

Crust Directions Pulse the above ingredients in a food processor (or with fork) until crumbly. Press into bottom of a greased 9x13 pan and about a half inch up the sides. Bake for 25 minutes (until crust is firm and light golden brown) in a preheated 325° oven.

Filling Ingredients 4 large eggs, room temp 2 cups sugar 1/3 cup flour

½ tsp baking powder ½ cup fresh lemon juice (3-4 lemons)

Filling Directions Pour filling over baked crust. Continue baking for 25 minutes or until filling is just set. Cool and refrigerate before cutting. Dust with powdered sugar.

mtm: feature nichole odijk demario

nwi

alice’s garden toy boutique

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Zachary Kinsey and Tracy Melcher had a deep seeded de-

purchase. They are willing to come into the store for that

sire to play a bigger role in their community. Each had their

experience and they have a level of appreciation for a local

own strong suits, one with a customer service background

business with local customer service,” he details.

and the other with a business degree. Recognizing the need

The business owners are eagerly awaiting a new arrival –

for a local toy store, they opened Alice’s Garden Toy Bou-

a six-foot tall talking animatronic bear created by Hansa.

tique in Chesterton, Ind. nearly three years ago.

Kinsey says Hansa creates the world’s best stuffed animals,

While the couple/business owners do not have children of

which are hand-crafted, hand-trimmed and air brushed. The

their own, they knew their zeal for their inner child and love

bear will be on display at the store in time for the opening

for the magic of play was just what they needed to see their

of Chesterton’s European Market this month.

store through.

Kinsey says he and Welcher spend countless hours research-

“Anyone that knows me knows I’m just a big kid…we are

ing high quality toy lines to bring into the store, “We do a

the coolest aunt and uncle ever,” Kinsey adds with a laugh.

lot of homework. We look to see what it’s made of, how it’s

Kinsey says their focus is to have the world’s best toy lines

made and if it fits our store standards we introduce them

that include quality, sustainable toys from all over the globe.

[the new line] into our store.”- mtm

They sell products for infants to teens with 90-percent being non big box. Their crowd pleasers include lines such as Melissa and Doug®, Kinetic Sand, and Folkmanis Puppets.

“We get consistent feedback from our customers who love that they get to hold the product in hand before making the

Alice’s Garden Toy Boutique 206 S Calumet Rd, Chesterton, IN 46304 Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday - 10am to 5pm Closed Sunday & Monday Find them on Facebook

mtm: trina’s picks trina bobrowski

the aurora teagarden series review

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Number one Bestselling Author of the Sookie Stackhouse Novels and HBO True Blood Series Charlaine Harris: Real Murders, A Bone To Pick, Three Bedrooms, One Corpse, The Julius House, Dead Over Heels, A Fool And His Honey, Last Scene Alive, Poppy Done To Death Come and take a stroll through the charming little town of Lawrenceton, Georgia. It may seem like a quiet suburb of Atlanta but think again - Lawrenceton becomes a Mecca of murder and mystery for Aurora Teagarden the local librarian. Don’t be overwhelmed by this eight book series, time will fly by as you are immediately transported into Aurora’s world of Southern charm and extremely bad luck. She constantly finds herself in the midst of danger, but with her wit, grace and over all determination, Aurora lives to see another day.

Aurora “Roe” Teagarden is a member of a small group of crime buffs; they meet once a month to discuss famous murder cases. This seems like a harmless pass time for Aurora to participate in, until she finds one of the members murdered before the monthly meeting. Aurora is instantly immerged in danger and intrigue, now she gets to solve a real murder. She soon finds out that actually being involved in a real murder case can come with some deadly consequences.

Take a jaw dropping and nail biting journey with Aurora and her life of murder, mystery and near death escapes. She continues to find that her life will repeatedly be turned upside down with not only murder and mystery but with love and life changing experiences. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed when you finish this series except that it’s over and you won’t be living in Aurora’s amazing world.

And if you needed even more reason to try out this series, you may be excited to know that it was just turned into a movie series on the Hallmark Channel. You can catch the show this month on Sat. May 2 at 7pm, Fri. May 15 at 7pm and Sat. May 16 at 3pm. - mtm

perspective on pets rea robinson

T

guinea pigs

The guinea pig is perhaps one of the most endearing and iconic childhood pets. Also called a “cavy,” this adorable pet communicates with a series of whistles and squeaks, especially when these food lovers think a treat is on the way! Though most people picture a traditional piggy with short smooth hair, that variety - the American - is only one of many cavy breeds. Peruvians, Silkies, and Coronets have long fur while Abyssinians’ bodies are covered with swirls called rosettes. Teddies and texels have curly or wavy locks while skinny pigs are a virtually hairless variety. Many of these more exotic breeds are available through breeders, by special order at local pet stores or even at rescues. Guinea pigs grow to be very affectionate and are usually easy to handle as lap pets. However, they are by nature a prey animal and therefore can be skittish and difficult for younger children to pick up. Like most prey animals, in the wild they live in groups called herds so they do best with another guinea pig partner.

In fact, Switzerland passed a law forbidding people from keeping lone guinea pigs because the animals are sociable and need each other’s company! Keep in mind that these members of the rodent family are prolific breeders, so your herd at home should be composed of multiple females or of males who were raised together as young pups to prevent dominance issues.

Diet Pellets supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables daily; their high metabolism requires a constant supply for them to survive and thrive.

Housing A larger cage is best; premade cages or homemade cages using a variety of bedding require cleaning at least once a week. Cavies can be taken outdoors in a pen for short, supervised periods for fresh air, exercise and to nibble on untreated grass, but cannot withstand anything but moderate temperatures and must be protected from predators.

Special care notes Long-haired cavies will require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Guinea pigs can be shown in cavy shows through groups such as the American Cavy Breeders Association. Want more great information? Visit www.guinealynx.info - mtm

&

fun games amber neace

I

d.i.y. flower box

I love my yard - except for the fact that I have ZERO priva-

After spending quite a bit of time going through Pinterest,

cy. My neighbor’s windows look directly onto my patio and

trying to find plans for a raised flower box, I couldn’t find

putting up a privacy fence is just too expensive for the size

anything that was exactly what I wanted. I did however get

yard that we have. My solution - large flowers boxes with an

a lot of inspiration. I started drawing out what I had in mind

attached 6 ft. tall trellis. Not only will it give my patio some

and measured the space I had to figure out the dimensions I

much needed privacy it will do so without completely closing

needed. I figured I would want a flower box that was at least

off my yard like a fence would.

5 ft. long and about 24 inches tall. Once I had all that down I headed to the home improvement store.

Here is a list of the materials I used, along with the sizes I cut the boards down to (listed underneath) 7 – 1 inch x 6 inch x 10 foot pressure treated pine boards

12 – 1 inch x 2 inch x 8 foot pressure treated pine boards

9 – 1 x 6 x 5 ft

1 x 2 x 5 ft (for trellis)

6 – 1 x 6 x 18 inches

2 – 4 inch x 4 inch x 8 foot pressure treated pine boards

2 – 2 inch x 2 inch x 8 foot pressure treated pine boards

6 – 4 x 4 x 3 ft

2 – 2 x 2 x 6 ft (for trellis)

2 – 24 inch planter boxes

3 – 2 x 2 x 9 inches

Drill mom to mom nwi | march 2015 | page 26

Jig saw Palm sander Chop Saw 1 ½ inch wood screws 2 inch wood screws 3 inch wood screws Safety glasses

The first thing I did was cut all of the pieces to size. Sometimes I measured 2 or 3 times before I even made a cut just to be sure. I used the palm sander to take care of the rough edges, especially on the trellis, before I started assembling the flower box.

I started with 2 of the 4 x 4 x 3ft cut pieces and 3 of the 1 x 6 x 17 inch pieces to make one side. I laid the 1 x 6 pieces in place, going one inch over the top of the 4 x 4 boards, and pre-drilled the holes where the screws would go to keep the wood from splitting. I used the 2 inch wood screws and screwed the boards into place. Once the 2 side pieces were done I positioned them on the floor so that I could attach 3 of the 1 x 6 x 5 ft boards to create the front of the flower box. With the help of my seven year old I then flipped the whole thing over so that I could attach 3 more of the 1 x 2 x 5 ft boards to make the back of the flower box. With the back pieces, instead of putting the top board one inch over the top of the legs, I put it one inch under the top of the leg so that when the box was completed, I had a place to put my hand when we moved it. I turned it right side up, grabbed the remaining 2 – 4 x 4 pieces, marked the middle of the front and back of the box and used 2 inch wood screws to attach the 4 x 4 cut pieces for added support. I now pretty much had an awesome crate with no bottom. -

cont. on next page

the back. I did not want the screws to be visible from the front. Once I had all of the boards screwed in I used 3 inch wood screws to attach the trellis to the back of the flower box. Based on where I had the 2 x 2 x 6 supports I was able to screw it directly into the 4 x 4 legs which helps make it a bit more stable. My project was now complete and I had a piece for my back yard that I am super proud of.

To make the top of the flower box I took 3 of the 1 x 6 x 5 ft long pieces and put them side by side. Using 2 inch wood screws I attached the 2 x 2 x 9 inch pieces (which once I measured them they were actually only 1.5 x 1.5 x 9 inches) to make a brace for the boards and hold them together. I put one piece at each end and one directly in the middle. Once that was finished I traced the outline of the flower boxes on the top piece, measured in a half inch inside all the way around and used the jig saw to cut out the space needed to insert the planter boxes. I chose to use planter box inserts instead of just making a completely raised flower bed so that the wet dirt wasn’t sitting on the wood constantly. I am hoping that this will give the project a longer life. The top should fit perfectly over the top and you can screw it down in each corner and in the middle right where the 4 x 4 supports are.

I am no carpenter. I do not have any experience in wood working. I had a vision in my head, planned it out and went to work. If you decide to make this flower box and want a different size you will have to adjust the sizes and amounts of the material used. Draw it out, write things down and make sure you have a plan and a list before you start buying materials. This ended up costing around $100 to make which honestly, considering the size isn’t that expensive. If you have older children get them involved in DIY projects and make it a fun way to spend time together. - mtm

At this point I was in the home stretch of this whole project and just needed to put together the trellis. I wanted something simple and anything but lattice. I found a tutorial for a privacy wall and used that as my inspiration for the trellis. I took the 2 – 2 x 2 x 6 ft cut pieces, laid them out on the patio then laid the 1 x 2 x 5 ft long pieces over the top to figure out a pattern I was happy with. Once I had that figured out I used scrap pieces of 1 x 2 boards as a spacer in between the patio and the 2 x 2 x 6 boards. I slid the 1 x 2 x 5 pieces under the 2 x 2 x 6 boards so I could screw them in through

community calendar Community Event:

MOTHER’S DAY AT THE ZOO

MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST & SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA

Sunday, May 10 | 10am to 3pm

Saturday, May 9 | 9am to 11am

- Want to check out the Washington Park Zoo this Mother’s

Come out for breakfast and so much more at Casa Maria

Day? All mother’s and grandmother’s get free admission all

Banquet Hall, located at 500 Northgate Drive in Dyer. Tick-

day. The Washington Park Zoo is located at 115 Lake Shore

ets are $3 pre-sale and $4 at the door. Enjoy a breakfast

Drive in Michigan City.

catered by Ace Catering which includes scrambled eggs, French toast sticks, sausage links, hash brown cubes, juice

MOTHER DAUGHTER TEA & LUNCHEON

and coffee. Once you have a full belly enjoy a meet-n-greet

Saturday, May 16 | 2pm to 3pm

with a variety of Dyer businesses, services and organiza-

Celebrate Mother’s Day at the South Haven Public Library!

tion. Exhibits will be open throughout the event and there

Come with your mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandma,

will be performances by Patti’s All American Gymnast and

and any other special lady in your life for a special after-

Hip Hop Crew. Vendor raffles for terrific giveaways and get

noon of fancy foods and beverages. Make a few lovely

your picture taken with Elsa. For more information, contact

crafts and enjoy each other’s company! All ages welcome!

Dawn at 219.322.5314.

Reservations are required for this free program so call or stop by the library.

MOTHER’S DAY 5K Sunday, May 10 | 9am

Family Friendly Events

Taltree Arboretum & Gardens will host its Second Annual

PRINCESS PASTRY PARTY!

Mother’s Day 5K Run and Walk! The course will be a trail

Sunday, May 3 | 2pm to 4pm

run at Taltree, located at 450 W 100 N and awards will

You are cordially invited to Little Dreamers very first Prin-

be given for top overall male and female finishers, top male

cess Pastry Party at Designer Desserts Bakery in Valparaiso.

and female masters, and top three finishers in age groups

Join the Snow Queen and Ice Princess along with two of

from 14 and under through more than 80-years-old. Online

their surprise princess friends for a magically sweet expe-

registration is $20 – race spectators receive free admission

rience. Guests will be greeted by the Queen and Princess,

until 9:00am. All proceeds from this race will support Taltree

get professional photos taken, pick any cupcake of their

Arboretum & Gardens environmental restoration, conserva-

choice along with a cold beverage to enjoy while listening

tion and education initiatives. For more information, and to

to classic stories read by a surprise guest. Then guests will

register visit Taltree.org or call 219.462.0025.

participate in craft time and a sing-a-long with the princesses. There are only 30 tickets available for this event. Tickets cost $35 for children 3 years old and up and $30 for adults.

GAGA FOR MAMA Sunday, May 10 Bellaboo’s Mother’s Day “Gaga for Mama” is for children

CASH FOR CLUTTER

nine years and younger and their moms - moms are FREE on

Saturday, May 16 | 8am to 2pm

Mother’s Day. Come on over and let your little ones SPOIL

Get ready, get set, get organized this spring! Come out and

YOU – you deserve it! Added themed-fun all week long!

browse through many treasures at Munster’s Annual com-

Daily activities include Mother’s Day Cards and Present

munity-wide garage sale located at the Munster Community

Workshop at 11:00, Children’s Cooking: Fruity Flower at

Pool Parking lot at 8837 Calumet Avenue in Munster.

12:00, 2:30 & 4:30, MOM & ME MANNERS TEA at 1:30, the storybook “Mama Loves” by Rebecca Dotlich at 3:30, and Give Your Mom a Hand – Goodbye Parade at 5:30, in addition to all the other fun things at Bellaboo’s.

Do you have an event you’d like to add to our community calendar? Send an email to Stephanie@momtomomnwi.com by the 15 of the month.

mom to mom nwi | march 2015 | page 30

your ad here

ask about our advertising specials

p: 219.973.5138 e: stephanie@momtomomnwi.com

nwi

BELLABOO’S MEMORIAL DAY RACES

CROWN BEER FEST

Monday, May 25 all day

Saturday, May 16 | 1pm to 6pm

VRRROOOOM into fun this Memorial Day at Bellaboo’s!

Join Crown Brewery for their Crown Beer Fest at the Lake

Take advantage of your day off and race on over for daily

County Fairgrounds, located at 889 S. Court Street. Tickets

activities that include a rousing game of Red Light, Green

are available online and in the brewery and cost $35 for

Light at 11 and 5:30, make an “S – Car – GO!” snack

General Admission and $59 for VIP. Their VIP experience

in Children’s Cooking at 12, 2:30 and 4:30, The “Batty”

will be like none other with a full catered meal, music enter-

500 race is at 1:30, and “The Tortoise and the Hare” Story

tainment, no waiting in lines for your favorite beer, special

Time is daily at 3:30. Added themed fun to follow all week

tappings and gifts that will have other beer drinkers asking

long! All activities are included in the general admission.

you “where did you get that?” For more information, call

Call 219.963.-2070 or go to www.MyBellaboos.com for

219.663.4545

admission fees. Bellaboo’s is open 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

SIP AND SHOP ROYAL PRINCESS BRUNCH

Sunday, May 31 | 4pm to 7pm

Sunday, June 28 | 11am

Join Mom to Mom, NWI as we host our first ladies night out!

A Spoonful of Magic presents a Royal Princess Brunch at the

Grab your mom, sister or friends and come out to Anderson

Allure, located at 301 B Street in LaPorte. The royal line-up

Winery in Valparaiso where you can sample an assortment

includes Beauty, Cinderella, Snow Queen, Snow Princess

of wines and grab a glass as you shop from more than 25

and the Under the Sea Princess. The event includes a meet

local vendors. We will have everything from jewelry and

and greet, princess performances, and photo opportunities.

accessories, to beauty and health supplies, and much much

The brunch will include pancakes, scrambled eggs, smoked

more! This event is free to the public, but we are accepting

bacon, sausage links, fried potatoes, fresh fruit, and muffins.

donations like toiletries and paper goods for local women’s

The cost for this event is $43 for adults and $32 for children.

shelters in the region. Monetary donations are welcome as

To reserve your tickets, please call 310.703.7819.

well. For more information, email Stephanie@momtomomnwi.com.

Adult Events

Fundraisers:

BASEBALL, BREWS AND BLUES

SUPER HEROES FOR ISAIAH

Saturday, May 9 | 1pm to 5pm

Saturday, May 9 | 11am to 2pm

RailCats fans & beer lovers alike will be able to enjoy unlim-

-Calling all Super Heroes young and old – friends and family

ited craft beer samples from many local and national ven-

of Isaiah are asking for your help to raise money to build

dors at the US Steel Yard, located at One Stadium Plaza in

Isaiah a house designed around his special needs. With

Gary. This event will also feature live entertainment by Plane-

YOUR help, Habitat for Humanity of Porter County will make

tary Blues Band. For more information, call 219.882.2255.

Isaiah’s dream come true!! This event features a 3-mile walk, 2-mile walk, and 1-mile walk, and takes place at Wicker

2nd ANNUAL MAPLE CITY PUB CRAWL

Memorial Park from 11:00am-2:00pm. Day of Registration

Saturday, May 9 | 5pm to 8pm

is $8 per person. Raise a minimum of $25 and earn a T-shirt!

Take a stroll through downtown LaPorte and enjoy tastings,

Come dressed as a Super Hero!! This event will also feature

specials and live entertainment inside the downtown bars

a photo booth, bounce house, raffle baskets, live music and

and pubs. Maps indicating all participating pubs will be

food. For more information, go to www.isaiahshouse.com.

available on Downtown LaPorte’s Facebook page and at all businesses in Downtown LaPorte. For more information, call 219.362.3178.

mom to mom nwi | march 2015 | page 32

PRINCESS FOR A DAY Saturday, May 17 | 12pm to 3pm Come out to the Uptown Center in Michigan City and be a princess for a day! At this event, kids age 2-12 can enjoy princess refreshments, a dance lesson, hair styling and manicures, tiaras with a special crowing ceremony with Elsa and Anna, and much more! Bring your best princess dress (or borrow one for an additional donation) and take part in this special event. Advance tickets are required and a $20 minimum donation is being requested. 100% of proceeds from this event will be donated back to Relay for Life American Cancer Society. For more information, email princessforaday2015@outlook.com.

THE GOD WATER RUN FOR THE THIRSTY 5K Saturday, May 30 | 9am This second annual event will once again start and end at Schererville’s beautiful Redar Park and run throughout the neighborhood to the east.

Whether you race for a trophy or jog with a friend, this 5k is all about the cause. All of the net proceeds will go to God Water, a local Christian charity that provides access to clean, safe drinking water for the people of Liberia, Africa. Runners and non-runners alike can also join our fundraising page and enjoy the perks that come with making a larger impact, such as free race registration and other prizes. Please join us, bring your loved ones, and help out those who thirst!