Western Michigan 2023-24

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone.

Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere.

Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding.

Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you. Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes.

Restaurants

Butcher’s Union

Modern gastropub with a meat-heavy menu of globally inspired fare, 100+ whiskeys & draft beer.

438 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Phone: (616) 551-1323| Web: butchersuniongr.com

Theo & Stacy’s Downtown

Greek specialties, American comfort food & all-day breakfast in a homey eatery with family roots.

234 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Phone: (269) 388-025 | Web: theoandstacys.com

Clara’s on the River

American eatery with vast menu set in a circa-1888, antiques-filled riverfront building with patio.

44 McCamly St, Battle Creek, MI 49017

Phone: (269) 963-0966 | Web: claras.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

Griffin Grill & Pub

Irish-American plates & many beers on tap & a chill patio.

38 W Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI

Zooroona

Colorful spot featuring a menu of Middle Eastern dishes & teas, with global wine list & full bar.

1710 W Main St, Kalamazoo, MI

Linear Restaurant

Cool, industrial-style hot spot with outdoor seatsing & American cuisine & craft cocktails.

1001 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI

Crow’s Nest

American breakfast & brunch specialist with a snug, informal 2nd-story setting.

816 S Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI

Leo’s Seafood

Seafood is artfully presented in a dining room that boasts soaring ceilings & romantic lighting.

60 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI

McGonigle’s

Unpretentious Irish-themed watering hole with a menu of comfort food.

915 E Emmett Street, Battle Creek, MI

Rustica

Tables surround an animated kitchen at this trendy spot with European fare & curated wines.

236 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI

Westside Social

Elevated comfort food & beer on tap featured in a trendy, laid-back space with a patio fireplace.

2802 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI

Sakura Sushi Bar & Grill

Unassuming bistro offering traditional Japanese dishes in addition to creative sushi rolls.

5285 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, MI

Jul 15

Battle Creek Caribbean Festival

Enter into your own piece of the Caribbean right here in downtown Celebration of music/food/arts/culture of the Caribbean & Africa. Tickets at smallbusinessbattlecreek.com.

JUL 16

International Drag Day

The International Drag Day aims to celebrate and recognize the Drag art all around the world. Enjoy artistic shows and performances along with hosted discussions and debates about the Drag artists rights and situation in different countries. Learn more at grlgbtqhealthcareconsortium.org.

Jul 22

Love Where You Live Community Festival

Bringing the community together for a full day of music, fun, art, and food that is accessible and affordable for all. Details at eventbrite.com.

Jul 29

Global Water Festival GR

A free, family-friendly event, which honors the centrality of water to life by showcasing various global cultures that celebrate the water. Visitors can enjoy a globally themed variety of food vendors, artisan booths, live music and other entertainment. The highlight of the day is a Dragon Boat Race, a Chinese tradition, featuring 20-person teams racing against each other on the Grand River. The event opens with a blessing of the water led by local Native Americans. Details at experiencegr.com.

Aug 4

Kalamazoo Ribfest

The event features national and local rib vendors that sell meats in outstanding barbecue sauces. To complement the rib vendors, additional food vendors will be offering side items and sweet treats to top off the food experience at Ribfest. The event will also bring in national

rock and country musical artists, local bands, plenty of fun activities including children’s crafts/games, and the exciting contest for Best Ribs in Kalamazoo. Visit eventbrite.com.

Aug 19 Festival of the Dogs!

Join us for another fun filled doggy field day for our 4th Annual Festival of the Dogs! A $5 Entry fee allows your dog to compete in all events! All proceeds go to support the Home Run Dog Park! Big and little dog competitions. Details at allevents.in.

AUG 26

Return to the River - Music & Art Festival

Celebrate our riverfront at this free event! Enjoy two full days of fun for everyone with art installations, live music and entertainment, circus performers, food trucks, activities and more! Visit experiencegr.com.

SEP 9

Grand Rapids Riverfest

It’s the third annual Grand Rapids Riverfest. Join us along the banks of the Mississippi River for a day filled with incredible music, good food and great people. Learn more at grandrapidsriverfest.com.

OCT 7

Red Flannel Festival

The Red Flannel Festival is an 82-year Cedar Springs tradition that can’t be missed. This fun fall festival takes place every year on the first Saturday in October. Some of the fun events include a golf outing, 5K run, Lumberjack breakfast, Chili cook-off, kids zone and so much more! Learn more at redflannelfestival.org.

NOV 16

Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival

Now in its 16th year, this Festival has established itself as Michigan’s annual tasting event, measured by more than 1,200 wines, beers, ciders

and spirits from around the world, along with creations from the area’s finest restaurants. This Festival will deliver a grand experience that is sure to please every palate. Learn more at michigan.org.

DEC 9

Grand Rapids SantaCon 2023

This is the most anticipated holiday extravaganza of the year! Get ready to immerse yourself in a celebration that brings together thousands of cheerful Santas, elves, and holiday enthusiasts from all corners of the city. SantaCon 2023 promises to be bigger, better, and more festive than ever before, spreading merriment and goodwill throughout our beloved community. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

JAN 1 2024

Grand Rapids Tequila Fest

The Grand Rapids Tequila Fest at the Devos Place, where over 100 tequilas, mezcals and cocktails ranging from the simple to the extravagant will be available for tasting in a fun and social setting. Learn more at experiencegr.com.

FEB 17 2024

4th Annual Mardi Gras Bar Crawl

We’re turning Grand Rapids into Bourbon Street for the biggest Mardi Gras celebration and party! It’s an incredible day of green, purple, and gold New Orleans style fun! Learn more at eventbrite.com.

MAR 1 2024

World of Winter Festival

Downtown Grand Rapids transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland every winter. Our World of Winter Festival is the largest winter festival in the Midwest.The two-month festival includes more than 100 art installations, events and activities for all ages – making it perfect for a family outing, friend meetup or romantic getaway. Learn more at worldofwintergr.com.

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, choosing to do a vacation on a cruise gives great value. Traveling on the sea can be extremely fun, but it is important to choose the correct cruise line. If you’re going to spend a lot of your vacation time on a cruise ship, it may as well be one of luxury. Thankfully, there’s many luxury cruise lines ready to cater to your every

whim while ferrying you to and from some of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations in plush comfort. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with comfortable cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. Use this guide as a starting point to find out which luxury cruise fits best for your next vacation.

We made a list that factors in itinerary affordability, health ratings, and reputation among experts and travelers.

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SILVERSEA OCEANIA REGENT SEVEN SEAS SEABOURN

EATING THE PSYCHOLOGY

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

ConsumptionSome of us more than others realize that what we eat can effect how we feel such as eating too little or too much. We should be able to enjoy what we eat but also feel better when we do.

Eating healthy is a challenging task that many of us

strive to achieve but often fall short.

InfluencesCultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a direct influence linked to our food and eating behaviors. However, a more serious influence such as stress, boredom and anxiety can play a larger role as many of us eat as a coping mechanism. Although it can

sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating.

Weight ManagementHere are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become

hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead

of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food.

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Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV.

By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

GRAND RAPIDS PRIDE CENTER

The foundation of our work, the Grand Rapids Pride Center offers multiple social & support groups, creating safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ community members. Web: grpride.org

BATTLE CREEK PRIDE

We provide a safe and welcoming Resource Center for the LGBTQ+ Community and Allies, we provide education, support groups, community outreach programs, referrals and social activities. Web: battlecreekpride.org

OUTFRONT KALAMAZOO

OutFront Kalamazoo provides a safe and welcoming environment with a wide range of programs and services. We offer a place to be seen and heard and an opportunity to join with others who desire to live unapologetically, #AlwaysOutFront. Web: outfrontkalamazoo

KALAMAZOO PRIDE

Each year, Kalamazoo Pride brings together an estimated 8,000+ people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, and racial identities from Southwest Michigan and beyond to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride. The two-day festival at Kalamazoo’s Arcadia Creek Festival Place features show-stopping drag performances, incredible music, exhibitors, food, dancing, and more. Web:

TRANSGENDER MICHIGAN

Providing advocacy, support and education while serving to create coalitions in the state of Michigan to unify and empower transgender and gender non-conformist communities. Web: transgendermichigan.org

RADICLE

Radicle is a safe, intergenerational space for LGBTQIA+ identified people, centering QTBIPOC voices, experiences and wellness. We offer healing spaces through art and communal gatherings as an initiative of Rootead. Web: rootead.org

EQUALITY MICHIGAN

EQMI partners with pro-LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations to ensure lawmakers and the public are educated on the laws, policies, and regulations needed to achieve & protect LGBTQ+ equality in Michigan. Web: equalitymi.org