PRIDELY ~ Western Michigan

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TOP 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Next International Trip

OVERPACKING OVERSPENDING NOT ENOUGH RESEARCH CARRYING VALUABLES NOT NOTIFYING THE BANK

Whether it’s your first international trip or your fifth, traveling is all about discovering the unknown. It’s no surprise that there can be problems along the way. Extra planning and learning from these common travel mistakes can help you focus on enjoying your trip without worrying.

Mistake #1 is overpacking - too many packed items can be hard to organize and be uncomfortable to travel with. Mistake #2 is overspending - sticking to a realistic budget and leaving room for unexpected expenses is always best.

Mistake #3 is not doing enough research - it’s always safe to do extra research when traveling aborad including weather, laws, and international costs. Mistake #4 is carrying valuables with you while exploring - pick pocketers are notorious for targeting tourists, so keep your valuables locked away safe in your hotel if possible. Most importantly, mistake #5 is not notifying your bank of your international travel plans - otherwise, your debit or credit card may be blocked due to “unusual activity” unfortunately if you don’t do this ahead of time.

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

Jan 7

World of Winter

World of Winter is the largest winter festival in the Midwest! With over 100 FREE events, activities, and outdoor art installations over two months, the festival provides an opportunity for families and adults to enjoy Michigan’s beautiful winter and experience the four-season offerings of Downtown Grand Rapids.. Visit worldofwintergr.com.

Feb 26

Grand Rapids Noodle Fest

Enjoy $6 noodle bowls from 12 different competitors. Vote on your favorite bowl through donations to the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation. Stay tuned for more event updates. Visit experiencegr.com for info.

May TBD

Tulip Time Festival

Over 8 days in May, events/activities take place in different locations, within a 4-mile radius of Downtown Holland. Tulips can be seen for no charge in public parks and along downtown streets. Visit experience gr.com.

Jun 3-4

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 twoday festival at Kalamazoo’s Arcadia Creek Festival Place features showstopping drag performances, incredible music, exhibitors, food, dancing, and more. Details at https://www.outfrontkzoo.org/pride2022.

Jul 16

Battlecreed Pride

The Battle Creek Pride Festival takes place from 1-7 p.m., Saturday, July 16 at Leila Arboretum. There will be over 60 vendors, live entertainment, beer tent and food trucks, a kids area with a book giveaway, and more. Live

FOUR TIPS to help you boost your retirement savings

1. CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR 401(K)

If you happen to have the benefit of a traditional 401(k) plan through your employer, you may be able to contribute pretax money. This can be a huge advantage to your retirement savings plan.

2. OPEN AN IRA

It is a good idea to establish an individual retirement account (IRA) to help invest in your future. You can do either a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. Take some time to research both options and see what’s best for you.

3. AUTOMATE YOUR SAVINGS

A good idea to help you increase your savings even more is to set automatic payments each month. This will help you grow your money without even having to think about it.

4. SET A GOAL

Understanding and planning ahead of time how much you may need in the future not only can help you better understand why you’re saving, but it also can make the process more rewarding.

6 Most Profitable Blog Niches

Making

money online with a blog has never been easier.

There are so many areas you can explore when developing content for a blog. Making a profit from doing this is definitely possible, but it is essential to make sure you are creating high-quality content to help you monetize. Here are some quick tips and ideas to help you get started.

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Don’t overestimate the value of digital marketing in today’s businesses.

SEO, email campaigns, social media, and influencer marketing are just some of the broad range of strategies used in digital marketing.

Digital Marketing Blogging for Profit

There are many valuable ways to write and help people make money online.

Some of these blog topics include freelance writing, working as a virtual assistant, and even starting your own online business.

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entertainment includes a drag show, karaoke-style singing, and live music by Barefoot Blonde. Details at battlecreekpride.org.

Aug 26-27

Turtle Lake Music Fest

njoy dancing under the stars with or without clothing (most go the no clothes route) or just enjoy the music, the choice is yours. Rent a room or an RV Site or just camp under the stars. Visit turtle-lake.net.

Sep 9-11

Wine And Harvest Festival

Offering something for everyone including tastings and tours for wine enthusiasts; a 5k, grape stomping competition, kayak race, and other contests for the active members of your family; four stages of entertainment for music-lovers; and carnival rides, fireworks, and the parade for all ages. Visit www.wineandharvestfestival.com.

Sep 10

Kalamazoo Scottish Festival

Our festival is free and family friendly; and includes Highland Games, Clan and Society Tents, Cultural Exhibitors, Vendors, Food, and more! Visit kalamazooscottishfest.org.

Oct 3-4

Kalamazoo Oktoberfest

Join the celebration as the VNA hosts Kalamazoo’s 2nd annual Oktoberfest and Beerfest at the Arcadia Creek Festival Site. Find us on Facebook for details.

Nov 19

Battle Creek Winter Festival of Lights

It’s that time of year again. Battle Creek’s Winter Festival of Lights is here to help you celebrate the holiday season! Come join us from November 21-January 1 for dazzling lights around Downtown Battle Creek. Visit wonderfulwinterfest.com.

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

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Health &

Fitness

Online fitness classes have become more and more popular over time.

There are many areas of fitness content to include such as workout videos, fitness courses, and one-on-one training sessions.

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Finance & Investing

People are constantly seeking ways to manage their money better.

You can help people manage their money wisely in ways like saving for retirement or making the right investments.

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People love to learn about quick and easy meals and diets.

Getting creative with this is the fun part as you can put own twist on popular dishes or share innovative recipes.

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Food Recipes Self Care

There are so many beneficial topics to create content on inlcuding routines, stress management, mindfulness, and journaling.

Now more than ever, people are tapped in to their mental wellness.