## | SMM | Spring 2011
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Your Destination for
Shopping, Dining and Entertainment • Over 25 stores & businesses • specialty shops • food court • restaurants • movie theater • much, much more!
I-90 & Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea, MN Exit 157
Join us on Facebook
507-377-3185
Shopping Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-9 • Sat. 10-6 • Sun. 12-5 Some Business and Holiday Hours Vary www.northbridgemall.com
Thank you for supporting women in business, we help make our community thrive.
John & Jackie Abrego
3 Steps to go by... 1. Follow your dreams 2. Believe in yourself 3. Make sure your banker supports you and has your back Produce State Bank has ours!
Expressions Salon, Spa & Tanning Trust your bankers wisdom & knowledge, rely on each other. We would not be who we are with out them – Love you guys!
Mary Umstead Mary Go Round
• Personal Loans • Commercial Loans • Agricultural Loans Member FDIC
spring& summer
FASHIONS
blow
DEALS THAT WILL YOU AWAY
MEDFORD OUTLET CENTER
BASS, BATH & BODY WORKS, BELLA VITA SALON (opening soon), BONWORTH, BOOK WAREHOUSE, CARTER’S CHIDRENSWEAR, CHRISTOPHER AND BANKS, CLAIRE’S BOUTIQUE, COUNTRY GOODS, DRESSBARN, DRESSBARN WOMAN, EDDIE BAUER, FAMOUS FOOTWEAR OUTLET, GAP OUTLET, GYMBOREE, I ZOD, J.JULES, JUSTICE, KITCHEN COLLECTION, L’EGGS/HANES/BALI/PLAYTEX, LANE BRYANT, MAURICES, NATURALIZER, NIKE FACTORY STORE, OLD NAVY, OSHKOSH B’GOSH, PACSUN, PAYLESS SHOESOURCE, PENDLETON, RUE21, THE CHILDREN’S PLACE, THE PAINTED PORCH ANTIQUES, VANHEUSEN, WILSON’S LEATHER
MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY MEDFORD OUTLET CENTER COUPON BOOK FILLED WITH GREAT SAVINGS FROM OUR STORES. COUPON BOOK CAN BE PICKED-UP AT ANY OF THESE STORES;
BASS, DRESSBARN, LANE BRYANT OR PENDLETON!
www.medfordoutletcenter.com
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EDITOR’S NOTE
‘We can do it!’
In this issue, we focus on several ways to lead a less stressful existence, including pampering yourThis sentiment perfectly portrays what we Tell us how you think self and using exercise as a stress relief tool. believe at Southern Minnesota magazine. The On page 36, Kristen Dulas demonstrates several we’re doing. phrase was first shown on a 1942 propaganda upper body exercises that will release your endorDo you want to poster with Rosie the Riveter, which is where we phins and have you feeling healthier and leaner see more of got the idea for our cover art. in no time. We wanted this year’s Venus issue to capture something in Venus? If getting pampered at a salon is more up your feminine empowerment in many forms; after all, Do you want to alley, check out the makeovers we had two salons there is more to being a woman than just puttell us your give to four area women on page 18. HaiRevolution ting on makeup, shopping for handbags and favorite part of Salon in Owatonna and City Looks Salon & Spa in dusting the house, right? the magazine? Rochester made these ladies look even more gorThat’s why we chose Charlie Pobanz, owner of Then shoot us geous than they were in their “before” photos. Shell Rapid Lube in Albert Lea, to pose as Rosie an email at This issue of Venus is special in that it encompasses the Riveter for the cover of this issue. Charlie crystal.miller@ every value of the Roman goddess, Venus, who is admitted during the photo shoot to having a albertleatribune.com, associated with love, beauty and fertility. When it shoe-shopping addiction, but she still has no comes to love, sometimes it’s beneficial to get the or send us snail mail problem throwing on coveralls with her advice of older, wiser women. That’s why writer addressed to heels and digging elbow-deep under the Michelle Haacke spoke with several married women Crystal Miller, hood of a car. for tips on how to have a successful marriage. Being Southern Minnesota On page 46, Charlie talks about what it’s like that I recently moved in with my long-term boyMagazine, to be a woman in a primarily male profession, friend, I found this story particularly fascinating. If 808 W. Front St., particularly at such a young age. you’ve ever wondered how two people can live Charlie gave our new Venus editor, Kelli Albert Lea, MN together and stay in love for their entire lives, this is a Lageson, the scoop on her busy schedule and 56007. must-read. You can find the story on page 34. how she and her husband manage the schedules We’ve covered the goddess Venus’ values of love for the three businesses they own. and beauty, and on page 42 we cover fertility with the story of a In fact, another woman featured in this issue might be able to give LeRoy couple who struggled for more than three years to conceive Charlie some tips for managing her busy life. Writer Sarah Stultz their daughter. spoke with Owatonna life coach Christy Tryhus about the keys to Jennifer and Axel Gumbel opened up to us about going through balancing a busy schedule. fertility treatments and artificial insemination and having a miscarTryhus specializes in helpriage before finally learning the good news of Jennifer’s pregnancy on ing women regain control Mother’s Day in 2010. If you want a story with a happy ending, this over their lives by allowing one is for you. time for themselves even in I could go on and on about all the exciting things this year’s Venus the midst of a hectic day. issue has in store, but I will leave you to discover the rest yourself Many women have fullwhen you turn the page. time careers, children and We truly enjoyed creating this year’s Venus housework to juggle, and for you. My hope is that any woman who Tryhus let us in on some picks up this magazine will find a story to of her secrets to less which she can relate. stressful living. I know I Here’s to love, beauty and fertility! could benefit from implementing some of Amanda Lillie, Editor her tricks! Check them out on page 52.
Ladies!
What’s inside
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA | VENUS 2012
Albert Lea resident Charlie Pobanz proves that it’s OK to be a woman in a male-dominated industry.
46
features
on the cover
joining the boys club
PROJECT BABY One couple’s journey through infertility.
42
LIFE BEYOND THE LAUNDRY An Owatonna woman wants to help you live a balanced life
52
departments
SEEN
6 Hormel Historic Home’s ‘Foodie Throwdown: Cuisines of the World’
8 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HAPPY COUPLES!
10 DEDICATION OF CAROL COLSTRUP ARENA
Editorial Editor Amanda Lillie Associate Editor Kelli Lageson
DAZZLE
12 PASSION FOR FASHION HOME
16 STAFF PICKS FOR THE HOME
Art Art Director Stacey Bahr
18 GET THE LOOK! 26 A NATURAL ADDICTION
Graphic Designers Susan Downey Colby Hansen Kathy Johnson
SAVOR
28 PARTY INSPIRATIONS
Sales & Promotion Sales Representatives Jana Gray Crystal Miller
29 around the world in 12 bottles
Venus 2012 Volume 6, Number 2
Editorial correspondence: Editors, Southern Minnesota Magazine, 808 W. Front St. Albert Lea, MN 56007.
LIVE
32 ONE COUPON AT A TIME 34 THE UPS & DOWNS OF ‘I DO’ MOVE
28
36 ABS AND BICEPS AND GLUTES, OH MY!
38 THE ESTROGEN CUT-OFF 40 RECLAIM YOUR BODY
Contributing Writers Danielle Boss Chris Brown Michelle Haacke Brandi Hagen Angie Hoffman Alexandra Kloster Sarah Stultz Terri Schlichenmeyer Joe Tscholl Contributing Photographers Chris Brown Eric Johnson Brandi Hagen
BEAUTIFY
12
Publisher Crystal Miller
18
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced without written permission. For comments, suggestions or story ideas call (507) 379-3433 or (507) 434-2230. To purchase advertising, call (507) 379-3427, fax (507) 373-0333, or email crystal.miller@albertleatribune.com To subscribe, call (507) 434-2220 © A Minnesota Publishers Inc. publication
extras
Connect with us Facebook!
on
63 BOOK REVIEW: ‘Girl Hunter’ 64 BED, BREAKFAST AND BOOKS 68 FINAL WORD BY ALEXANDRA KLOSTER
Visit www.facebook.com/ southernminnesota
SEEN | “Foodie Throwdown”
More than 150 Southern Minnesota residents enjoyed global treats at the Hormel Historic Home’s “Foodie Throwdown: Cuisines of the World” in Austin on March 10. Five teams of local chefs competed for the voters’ choice award, showcasing their skills at Tex-Mex, Asian fusion, Mediterranean, Italian and Moroccan dishes. The first-time event was considered a smash success and the home’s officials are already thinking about the next “Foodie Throwdown.”
6 | SMM | Venus 2012
Venus 2012 | SMM | ##
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SEEN | New Brides & Grooms
Congratulations!
New brides and grooms clockwise from top left: Amanda Durcik and Ben Woodside, Rachel Nolander and Kevin Poppel, Jenna Brackey and Matthew Hauan, Emily Bodensteiner and Brian Honsey, Samantha Kline and Troy Pell, and Holley Severtson and Bryan Stevens.
8 | SMM | Venus 2012
Venus 2012 | SMM | ##
Enjoy your special day we’ll make it stress free • Fresh cut or silk flowers • Reception decorating • Rentals
Honeymoons • Destination Weddings All-Inclusive Resort Packages & Cruises
If you can dream it, we can do it! Jolene Bute - Owner/Designer 155 S. Broadway, Alden • 507-874-3425
111 Cedar Ave. N, Owatonna • 507-455-1170 www.cedartravel.net • Since 1989
Daube’s Bakery
For wedding cakes to remember 1310 Fifth Place NW, Rochester 507-289-3095 • www.daubesbakery.com
SEEN | Dedication of Carol Colstrup Arena
One of the two arenas at the Albert Lea City Arena was dedicated to Carol Colstrup on March 5 during an open house. Colstrup was a founding member of the Albert Lea Figure Skating Club and has been an instructor for more than 50 years. Friends, family and former and current students came to congratulate her on the honor.
Venus 2012 | SMM | ##
Our team wishes your team the VERY BEST this season! VALUE PRICE...
PLAIN & SIMPLE
AND
• 12 month/12,00 mile limited wear item warranty • 7 day money back guarantee and 30 day exchange • 1 free oil change & $12.95 oil changes
Stop in and Experience the Difference with our non-commissioned Sales Team!
Paul Stahnke
Kade Vershey
George Gonzalez
Christopher Balfe
Craig Loehr
Mark Christopherson
Greg Hanson
Kevin Lee
Travis Stortroen
Doug Conn
Todd Edwardson
Dan Glynn
DO IT SMART... DO IT SIMPLE... DO IT DAVE SYVERSON’S Home of the $15.95 oil change
1-800-423-6663 • 507-373-1438 Home of the 2310/2320 E. Main $15.95 oil change Albert Lea, MN
DAZZLE | Lyla’s Boutique
Passion for fashion Lyla’s Boutique in picturesque Clear Lake, Iowa, is a chic, trendy little shop owned and managed by long-time friends, Lisa Barillas and Twyla Tindall. The name Lyla’s is a combination of both their names and also an acronym for Love You Like A Sister. Passionate about fashion but troubled by the lack of local shopping options, Lisa and Twyla opened Lyla’s in 2008. They have since added a location in Ames, Iowa. Today, Lyla’s Boutique is a place where shoppers can find unique fashions, including designer labels, and up-to-the-minute trends for all price ranges. By Angie Hoffman Photos by Brandi Hagen
Lyla’s spring fashion trends to try: Lots of color Of course spring is the perfect time to start adding back the color winter took from your wardrobe. This sleek silhouette offers a fresh palette using two of spring’s hottest colors, lime and peach.
Top: BCBG Max Azria, $138 Skirt: BCBG Max Azria, $158 12 | SMM | Venus 2012
Cardigans Not normally associated with spring fashion, a good cardigan can offer a stylish substitute for an oftenneeded jacket this time of year. Take advantage of a bold design that can go with a variety of colors.
Cardigan: Blu Pepper, $59 Pants: Maker’s, $69
White While black is the go-to color in winter, white is the best option during the warmer months. Contrast bright white pants with a simple but bold design on top for an eye-catching look.
Top: BB Dakota, $59 Pants: BB Dakota, $79 Floral dresses Whether the pattern is small and delicate or large and bold, floral prints are very in this spring. Spice up a flirty flowered dress with a cropped leather motorcycle jacket and cowgirl boots.
Dress: Blu Pepper, $39 Jacket: Blu Pepper, $69 Boots: Corral, $299 Venus 2012 | SMM | 13
DAZZLE | Lyla’s Boutique
Maxi dresses Maxi dresses are always in vogue but this easy-to-wear staple is especially in demand this season. Pair a casual-cool maxi with sandals and signature sunglasses for a versatile look.
Dress: Jack, $69
Meet our model: Emily Joy Troe of Albert Lea is 20 and enjoys jazz music, playing guitar, singing and is a seasoned swing dancer. Still planning for college, she works as an Estée Lauder consultant at Herberger’s in Albert Lea but aspires to help end human trafficking. A specific career goal is to work with girls rescued from the sex trade. Troe has had some experience with modeling, because she’s previously modeled for friends who are photographers.
Lace Popular since last summer, lace is still a must-have this season. Create a timeless look by pairing a sheer white top with lace detail and classic jeans.
Top: BB Dakota, $59 Jeans: LA Idol, $59
Chiffon Enjoy warmer weather with this easy, sheer material. Here, a bright coral chiffon dress features a cropped layer that goes around a banded waist. Complete this look with a pair of strappy sandals and long necklace.
Dress: Blu Pepper, $49 Venus 2012 | SMM | 15
HOME | Staff Picks
Things you didn’t know you wanted Southern Minnesota staffers pick their can’t-live-without products for around the home and share why they think you won’t want to live without it, too.
1 2
6 3
5
4
1
BEDROOM - For the up all night, can’t stop thinking woman, Brandi loves Conair’s Sleep Therapy Sound Machine. Set to one of 10 favorite sounds and drift off to a good night’s sleep. A timer setting is perfect for those who just need help falling asleep. Available at most discount stores for $12.
4
LAUNDRY ROOM - Keep your bras and other delicate laundry safe while being washed. The Tide BraBag prevents items from twisting, snagging, stretching or tangling during the washing and drying cycles. Danielle loves using this bag to keep bras like new. Available at most discount stores for $3.50-$4
2
FAMILY/LIVING ROOM - Surround yourself in beauty and warmth! Kathy recommends this Riccar Summer Breeze zone heater to improve your energy efficiency by turning down the central heating and “spot” heating individual rooms. Who doesn’t love saving money on utility bills? Several models available at A-Best Sew ’n’ Vac in Albert Lea for $199-$800.
5
DINING ROOM - Crystal has been collecting this set of Noritake Crestwood Platinum flatware for more than 10 years. Of course these are available as a special order from Herberger’s, Younkers and other major department stores, but if you like to support locally-owned businesses you can order this pattern and many others from Main Attractions in Lake Mills, Iowa. 5 piece place setting available for $60.
3
KITCHEN - For the woman on the go, Stacey loves Nordicware’s Egg ’n’ Muffin Maker. You can make a delicious breakfast sandwich in less than three minutes! “I don’t have time” is no longer an excuse to miss the most important meal of the day. Available at most discount stores for $3.
6
BATHROOM - Dread scrubbing the tub and shower? Brenda recommends making it easy with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser bath scrubber. Take the elbow grease out of cleaning. Available at any discount store for $3-$4.
16 | SMM | Venus 2012
Spend the Day... Oatmeal Days - June 16 2x4 Bike Ride - Enjoy riding 10, 25 or 50-mile routes through 4 counties in 2 states! Activities in the park and around town, Fireman’s Supper, Kid’s Fun Run 7:00 p.m. - Parade
Call about wine tasting events! 108 S. Washington, St. Ansgar 641-713-4318 www.ttreasures.ltd.com
FRIDAYS - BBQ Ribs & Beef Kabobs Every Saturday - Steak Alfredo Every other Saturday - BBQ Brisket & Chicken
641-736-4512
416 William St • Carpenter, IA
Herb Festival - July 21 Take a self-guided Garden Tour through St. Ansgar - the Garden Spot of Iowa! Vendors will line 4th Street and families are invited to participate in kid’s activities, check out the art exhibition, and for the boys and men — a pedal car & tractor show!
Gallery open by appointment • Please call 641-736-4960 Scheduled events throughout the year
112 S. School St St. Ansgar, IA Margie Kline
Bel-Aire Acres LLC 4351 Dancer Ave. St. Ansgar, IA 50472 (641) 420-7092 belaire@omnitelcom.com
Check out our summer events at: www.belairewinery.com
324 W. 4th St, St. Ansgar, IA 641-713-4698
• Paint your own pottery • Handmade jewelry • Gifts & home decor • Warm Glass studio St. Ansgar • 641-713-2023 • Osage • 641-832-2374
www.turtlecreekpotteryandglass.com
in St. Ansgar, Iowa!
• Home Decor • Fashion Boutique • Unique Finds www.homesweethome-sta.com
Have you had a serious steak lately?
Everything is house made
Fresh salads w/homemade sauces & dressings, mouth-watering sandwiches, pasta, hand cut steaks
Fine Dining, Sports Bar, Private Party Room, Catering Nightly specials. Closed on Mondays.
St. Ansgar, IA 641-713-3333
BEAUTIFY | Get the look!
A beauty evolution Four local women were in need of a change and Southern Minnesota Magazine was happy to help. Stylists and makeup artists at Rochester’s City Looks Salon & Spa and Owatonna’s HaiRevolution Salon jumped on board to give these women a full makeover. Each got new hair color, a cut and style. Makeup artists then stepped in to do their part. See the final product here!
“I went with what she suggested and I think it looks good.” — Brianna Brianna Kubat, 21, of Rochester
Before 18 | SMM | Venus 2012
Brianna’s stylist chose a warm brown color with natural blond highlights. She styled it with curls to show off the colors. For her makeup they went with spring colors like peach and coral tones to make Brianna’s eyes pop.
507-373-2212 • 2007 E. Main St. • Albert Lea
You and Your Baby. The most important members of our team. 1. Team Approach to Care Our team of three physicians and four nurse practitioners provides specialized care for you before, during and after childbirth.
2. The Care You Need Collaborative infertility services with Mayo Clinic, 24/7 epidurals and pain management.
SUn-thurs: 11am-9:30pm Fri & Sat: 11am-10:30pm
no checks, please
3. The Extras 24/7 nurse advice line, free prenatal education, and breastfeeding education.
For more reasons to have your baby at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea visit www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org.
It’s an Eide Advantage Vehicle!
When you purchase a pre-owned vehicle from Vern Eide you will have peace-of-mind knowing that your vehicle meets the high quality standard set by Vern Eide.
Call 507-379-2131 for an appointment.
All Eide Advantage vehicles come with the following: ✔ 6 month/6,000 mile powertrain warranty ✔ 30 day exchange policy ✔ Extensive & comprehensive mechanical inspection & service ✔ Complete interior & exterior detail ✔ Carfax vehicle history report ✔ Exclusive service offers for your vehicle ✔ Full tank of gas to get you rolling
Shop & compare — we’re confident you’ll find Eide Advantage the best!
(507) 373-5275 1-888-396-9628 2527 Bridge ave. (across from northbridge mall) albert lea, mn verneidechevy.com
“I liked my hair a lot and the cut and colors she put in.” — Hannah
Hannah McCarty, 17, of Austin Hannah’s stylist stripped her hair of its color to start over with a light brown color with tints of blond and red. Hannah’s makeup artist used a soft gloss on her lips, went with smoky shadow for her eyes and enhanced Hannah’s eyebrows.
20 | SMM | Venus 2012
Before
45 minutes north of Albert Lea
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The world is a changing place and, unfortunately, not always for the better. Today allows you many different options to defend yourself: • Pepper spray is nonlethal but painful to an attacker.
• Tasers are absolutely nonlethal and 99.9% effective. THEY WORK!
• Handguns have gotten smaller, with the woman in mind.
Always have a shrill whistle on you and NEVER wear headphones when you walk or jog. They make you as good as deaf and anyone can grab you from behind.
Think about it, what is your life worth?
405 E. Main St., Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 • (507) 583-2141 1170 East Frontage Rd, Owatonna, MN 55060 • (507) 455-1000 3110 Wellner Drive NE, Rochester, MN 55906 • (507) 536-7700 132 N. Broadway, New Richland, MN 56072 • (507) 463-0502
www.mainstreetdentalclinics.com
18326 US Hwy 69 • Albert Lea, MN 56007 www.hart-bros.com • 377-0201 Closed Sundays & Mondays
BEAUTIFY | Get the look!
“I loved it! My stylist did an amazing job. I will be going back to her from now on.” — Jen
Jen Schlund, 27, Medford
Before 22 | SMM | Venus 2012
Jen’s stylist chose a chocolate brown color with light brown and blonde highlights for a natural look because Jen had never colored her hair before. Her stylist also cut off eight inches of hair and added layers; Jen donated her cut locks.
We are watching your budget too! Fashionable clothing, tots to teens, mom & dads, household, furnishings, jewelry, glassware, unique gifts, $1.00 bargain racks.
www.brussheitnerfuneralhom.com
Wells
507-533-3124
106 W. Clark St. Albert Lea, MN 56007
507-373-7911
Bricelyn
507-653-4555 Proud to be family owned and operated
Nice selection of clothing, infant to adult, plus size, household misc., decor and so much more!
Susan Nasinec Owner
Mon.-Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 10-3 123 N. Broadway • Albert Lea 373-0388
We represent over 50 companies
We Buy & Sell Gently Used...
Troy Thompson LUTCF 1330 W. Main Albert Lea, MN 56007
Bus. 507-377-2852 Toll Free: 877-974-9597
• Children's, Juniors & Maternity Clothing • Trendy Purses • Baby Gear • Shoes, Toys & Etc.
Puma • New Balance • Merrell • Keen
Fax: 507-377-3301
New Arrivals Daily!
ETC Etcetera
E-Mail: troythompsonagency@ gmail.com www.plymouthshoestore.com or Face Book DOWNTOWN ALBERT LEA
373-6793
Tanning & Clothing
Located in Skyline Plaza • 1663 W. Main St. M-F 10-9 p.m. Sat. 10-5pm, Sun. 1-5 507.377.TANS (8267) Walk-ins Welcome
“It was amazing, I’m so happy. I’ve never done anything that drastic.” — Shelley
Shelley Thielman, 38, of Austin Shelley’s stylist used a dark brown base color and added reddish hues. Her hair was longer in the front than the back, so her stylist evened it out and added framing to her face. Her makeup artist used various Aveda products that highlight Shelley’s features.
24 | SMM | Venus 2012
Before
and
Bridgeport Carwash • General Car Maintenance • Tire Sales • No Appointment Oil Changes • 10 day detox to cleanse the body and mind • Medically Supervised HCG fat loss program • Breast Thermography (radiation-free mammography)
Hubbard Agency Edward S. Hubbard Skyline Mall Albert Lea 507-373-1688
DOW CHIROPRACTIC NATURAL HEALTH CLINIC
2307 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea
507-373-1200
152 E. Pearl St, Owatonna www.dowchiro.com 507-451-1691 Dr. Dow & his family
Exceptional health care, close to home PLASTIC SURGERY
in Albert Lea and Owatonna Offering a wide range of reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries in Albert Lea and Owatonna with Matthew Camp, M.D., our new plastic surgeon. – Reconstruction of the breasts, face, ears and nose – Breast reduction, augmentation and lifting – Body contouring and liposuction – Cosmetic surgery to rejuvenate the face and hands
512 E. 7th St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 Phone: (507) 373-4526 Fax: (507) 373-4527
www.lembkeconstruction.com
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call; Albert Lea - 507-373-2384 Owatonna - 507-451-1120 404 West Fountain St. Albert Lea, MN 56007
2200 26th Street NW Owatonna, MN 55060
03/16/12 -- Exceptional health care close to home - Plastic Surgery -- 5.6125
BEAUTIFY | Prairie Essence
Catch This Show Before It Closes!
A natural addiction
Presented by
Local company makes its own beauty products
Closing May 26
Story and photo by Brandi Hagen
As a small business owner, Patricia Osborne tries to support other small businesses by shopping locally. Osborne started her Owatonna dog grooming business, Must Love Dogs, four years ago. One of her regular clients, Galen Spinler, got her hooked on products from his own business, Prairie Essence Natural Skin Care.
In 2009, Spinler, along with Jacki Anderson, started Prairie Essence because they saw a need for natural-made personal care products. “I’ve tried other homemade products,” Osborne said. “They don’t even compare. The products speak for themselves.” Spinler, a chemist with 20 years of experience in formulation chemistry, personally 26 | SMM | Venus 2012
creates and produces the products. When Spinler would bring his dogs in to be groomed, he would bring in samples of the Prairie Essence products for Osborne to try. She said she immediately became addicted, especially to the lip balm. “I buy his chapstick religiously because it’s the only one I have found that dog hair doesn’t stick to,” Osborne said. “I can wear it all day at work without having fur lips.” Spinler encouraged Osborne to try other products like their lotion, soap, sugar scrub and foot creams. Since Osborne has very sensitive skin, she was leery at first to try the Prairie Essence products, but her skin has taken to the natural products well, and she is willing to try anything Spinler throws at her at least once. Osborne said one thing that attracted her to Prairie Essence is Spinler’s obvious passion for what he does. “When someone really, truly cares about what they’re doing and they love it, I feel that their products reflect it,” Osborne said. Spinler and Anderson said they ask for customer input and actually take it into consideration when they create new products. When Osborne first began using the lip balm, she told Spinler it didn’t glide very well on her lips. After reviewing the product for Spinler, he worked to improve it. “The new one is awesome,” Osborne said. “It’s like smearing butter on warm bread.”
Opens June 1! Featuring music of ELO and Olivia Newton-John
Midwest Premier e
952-934-1525 • 800-362-3515 W W W. C H A N H A S S E N D T. C O M
201 East Clark St • PO Box 1226 Albert Lea, MN 56007-1226 Tel: 507-377-9344 • 800-880-401k Fax: 507-377-2051
“Putting it all together for you” Employee benefit consulting and administration firm specializing in:
• Retirement Plans • Health & Welfare Benefits • Health Savings Accounts • Section 125 • Payroll • Cobra
www.abgfs.com
Showroom Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5p.m.
310 1st Ave. S, Albert Lea, MN • 507-373-8535 Toll Free 1-877-373-8535 sales@coolwindowshades.com • FREE INSTALLATION Visit our web site at: www.coolwindowshades.com
Gift Shop, Home Decor, Flowers for all Occassions Downtown Albert Lea
507-377-2081 • www.addiefloralandgifts.com
SAVOR | Entertainment
3 ways to inspire your next bash Add some finesse to your next gathering and give your guests something to talk about. Southern Minnesota Venus offers these treasures to make it a hit.
1. An Unexpected Appetizer May we suggest: Caprese Salad Bites Ingredients: 2 cups cherry tomatoes ¼ cup aged balsamic vinegar 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese balls (or cut fresh mozzarella into bitesized pieces) 4 - 6 leaves of fresh basil kosher salt ground Italian seasoning (McCormick’s offers Italian seasoning with grinder) toothpicks
Directions: Slice cherry tomatoes in half. Cut ½ 1 inch sized pieces of fresh basil. Separate or cut fresh mozzarella cheese balls. Assemble onto toothpick with the cherry tomato on the bottom, basil in the middle and mozzarella on the top. Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar and sprinkle each appetizer with a pinch of kosher salt and Italian seasoning.
2. A Killer Cocktail May we suggest: Combat Juice Cocktail (providing a perfect combo for ladies) Ingredients: 1 cup vodka 1 cup rum 1 cup gin 4 cups orange juice 4 cups cranberry juice 2 cups pineapple juice 1 cup Sprite ¼ cup grenadine Beer Directions: Mix the liquors, juices, Sprite and grenadine in a 2 quart pitcher. Pour into serving glass and top with 1 ounce of beer. We know the beer part sounds a little strange, but it pulls all of the flavors together and kills some of the sweet flavor from the juices (we recommend giving it a chance). This can be made a few hours before your party and stored in the refrigerator. But wait to add the beer until you serve.
28 | SMM | Venus 2012
3. Add Function to your Fashion May we suggest: Dotty Match apron A made-to-entertain apron from Anthropologie. com. These aprons feature front pockets and are machine washable. Visit the kitchen section at anthropologie.com to discover many other vintage, runway and quirky inspired designs. Prices vary from $32 - $38.
SAVOR | Wine
Around the world in 12 bottles
Story and photos by Chris Brown, Paustis Wine Co. Here I feature an “Around the World” case of wine; classic wines from their most famous regions. As wine drinkers in the Midwest, our selections can be limited to say the least. Walking into your local wine shop can often be confusing. Labels read like novels or hieroglyphics, plus there are grape varieties you’ve never heard of. Is that the wine, or the grape, or maybe it’s the wine maker? Wait, maybe it’s the region? So, how do we start to navigate away from the domestics and explore the rest of what the wine world has to offer? It’s tricky, but at the same time it should be fun and educational. I am a believer in exercising your senses, and when it comes to wine we’re talking about the eyes, the nose and especially your taste buds. In 12 bottles we’ll imagine we’re visiting 12 countries and cover the palate front to back and top to bottom. These wines may not be in stock at your local shop but all are readily available to your shop from our warehouse. A simple request and a special order can be quickly on your way.
First stop, Portugal The wine: Dow’s Tawny Porto. Why I chose it: Now, you’d never start a tasting with a fortified wine, but we’re world travelers now and regular rules don’t apply to people like us. It is very high quality for an entry level porto, or port, and displays the proper flavors and aromas along with color and mouth-feel. You will find that is has a pronounced nutty character with flavors of caramel and hints of underlying citrus. This is great with afternoon snacks like soft ripe cheeses, bread and dried fruits if you aren’t heading into a big meal. Average retail: $16.
On to France!
Next stop, Spain The wine: Torres Coronas Tempranillo. Why I chose it: Tempranillo, considered Spain’s most important varietal, comprises 86 percent of Torres Coronas with the remainder cabernet sauvignon. This wine is a little bit “old world” and a little bit new. Coronas is dry and a little spicy on its own but is meant, like most European wines, to be enjoyed with food. Red meats, creamy cheeses and potatoes pair well with this Spanish classic. Average retail: $13.
The wine: Maison Bouey Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon. Why I chose it: Maison Bouey is 100 percent cabernet sauvignon. This wine is the perfect introduction to what most would deem the world’s most famous wine region. Most Bordeaux are a blend of cabernet, cabernet franc and merlot depending on the particular area of Bordeaux they come from. Drier and sometimes spicier when compared to your average California cabernet everyone should experience the stylistic difference. Pair with good old fashioned beef stew. Average retail $11. Venus 2012 | SMM | 29
Now to Germany The wine: Josepf Freiderich Piesporter Michelsberg Spatlese Why I chose it: Riesling is the darling of German wine. As far as traditional German rieslings go, a “Pies Mich Spat,” as we call it, is the most common in the market. Josepf Freiderich is the wine maker, Piesporter Michelsberg refers to the region the grapes come from — Piesport being the town and Michelsberg being a secondary region name. Spatlese refers to the time the grapes were harvested. When you see this designation on the label, you know you have a late harvest wine. Think of apples when you are looking at German wine labels. Kabinett = green apple Spatlese = baked red apple Auslese = candied dried apples. What’s inside this old fashioned bottle is a truly great wine that really stands out with spicy food such as Thai. Average retail: $11.
Onward to Italy Oh, Austria! The wine: Hugl Gruner Veltliner Why I chose it: Plain and simple, it’s unique and an excellent conversation piece when served alongside other refreshing whites such as pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc. It stands out with its balance of citrus and hints of pepper and spice. Is it like other crisp refreshing whites? Somewhat. Will you recognize a difference the moment it hits your palate? Count on it. This wine goes great with just about any vegetable dish. If you are looking for a unique summer treat try chilled zucchini soup. Bonus, this one comes in a 1 liter bottle. Average retail: $14.
The wine: Rocca delle Macie Chianti Classico Riserva Why I chose it: Most of us have experienced a Chianti but it was likely a cheap jug wine at a chain Italian restaurant. We can do so much better! I tried to keep this list as “budget friendly” as possible but I wanted to showcase just how good a chianti can be with this Riserva. This selection is 90 percent sangiovese, 5 percent merlot and 5 percent cabernet sauvignon. It is silky and dry but made for food. As you may expect, this wine is a match made in heaven for hearty tomato dishes. Average retail is $25.
Around the world to New Zealand The wine: Mud House Sauvignon Blanc Why I chose it: New Zealand’s world famous region for sauvignon blanc is Marlborough, and that is exactly where this wine is from. What sets is apart is that it isn’t exploding with too much grapefruit flavor, which tends to come naturally to sauvignon blanc from this region. A good sauvignon blanc shows mineral, citrus fruit (such as grapefruit) and a touch of green pepper. It’s assertive but not too tart. Pair with white meat dishes and shellfish. Average retail: $17.
Down under to Australia The wine: Thorn Clarke Shotfire Shiraz Why I chose it: Barossa is the crown jewel of Australian wine and Shiraz is its star. Deep and velvety with layer upon layer of flavor. It’s incredibly sexy and ages well, if only everything worked like that. Some say $5 wine is just as good as $20 wine, this bottle will slap those people back to reality. A rack of barbecue ribs plus a bottle of Shotfire equals taste euphoria. Average retail: $22.
Scoot over to Chile
West to South Africa The wine: Stellar Organics Pinotage Why I chose it: Pinotage, the cross between pinot noir and cinsaut, may be somewhat of an acquired taste with its deep, smoky flavors and spice notes but don’t let that sway you from South Africa’s signature wine. Solid value and as a bonus this one’s organic with no additional sulfites added. Enjoy beef or venison jerky. Average retail: $11
The wine: Mont Gras Carmenere Reserva Why I chose it: Chile’s most famous varietal, carmenere is like malbec’s big bad bully of a brother. Dark and rich with aromas of spice and leather with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, tobacco leaf and hints of coffee. There are many wines listed that are great values but this one just might be the best of them all. Get to know carmenere by pairing with spicy Indian food or Italian pork sausage. Average retail: $12.
See you in Argentina! The wine: Trivento Amado Sur Why I chose it: It didn’t originate here but malbec is made in Argentina and remains one of the hottest red wine varietals on the market. Buyers have plenty to choose from and the challenge is finding a standout. Amado Sur is that standout. Blended with syrah and bonarda, this bottle contains a wine that exhibits beautiful color, up-front fruit flavors and soft tannins. A little like merlot’s kid sister, malbec and is a dynamite crowd pleaser. Pair with burgers on the Weber. Average retail: $15
One last stop — Hawaii The wine: Tedeschi Maui Splash Why I chose it: This wine is a nod to the “equal opportunity drinker” and shows us not all wine is made from grapes. It is made from fermented Maui pineapples and a small amount of passion fruit. We can’t always have a tropical vacation, but a hot summer day on the boat with a glass of this and you are almost there. You can serve this chilled or on the rocks. You can even use this as a mixer for a summer spritzer. Average retail: $12.
LIVE | Budgeting
By Sarah Stultz
One coupon at a time One local woman saved hundreds of dollars by using couponing as a hobby Last October, Albert Lea resident April Petersen’s husband lost his job. With her husband out of work and herself in the middle of college, the family lived off unemployment benefits. While it was difficult without their usual income, Petersen said if it wasn’t for her own hobby of seeking out and then redeeming coupons — couponing — the family may not have been able to make ends meet.
“It is time consuming, but you can’t beat the benefits.” — Albert Lea resident April Petersen
‘I was hooked’
Petersen said she began couponing after hearing about the success her sister, Jill, had with it after only a couple months. “She got ahold of me and said, ‘You need to check this out,’” Petersen said. They found some deals at a local store, clipped coupons and went shopping. Her total bill that day: $35. Her savings: $160. “After that I was hooked,” Petersen said. Each Sunday, she and her sister bought newspapers such as
32 | SMM | Venus 2012
the St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Minneapolis Star Tribune to clip out coupons. They also visited websites such as www.coupons. com to print out online coupons. Then, all in the same day, they would make their weekly shopping trip — but not without a list of what they hoped to buy. At the end of the day came the rewards. Petersen said for her four-person family, she used to spend somewhere between $500 and $700 each month on food and other supplies from a grocery store. “Since couponing, I think we probably spend $300 a month.”
* Offer available for all makes and models. Requires presentation of competitorʼs current price ad on exact tire sold by dealership within 30 days after purchase. See Service Advisor for details. Offer valid with coupon. Expires 12/31/12. ** Dealer-installed retail tire purchases only, limit one redemption per customer. Tire purchase must be made between 4/1/12 and 5/31/12. Rebate form must be submitted by 6/30/12. See Service Advisor for vehicle applications and rebate details through 5/31/12.
Patience and organization
Petersen said before diving into couponing, people should have patience and make sure they know how to be organized. She organizes her coupons into a binder with baseball card holders. The coupons are alphabetized by manufacturer name and placed in the slots so the expiration dates are visible. Between clipping, looking through ads, printing out online coupons and then actually shopping, Petersen estimated it is an all-day event — probably 12 hours. She checks coupon expiration dates once a week. She advised people to take advantage of double coupon days at local grocery stores and to remember that some stores price match. Though she and her sister cut out coupons and shop on their own now, she said the two swap coupons on items they don’t need so they get the maximum benefit.
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VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 3532 Hwy 63 South • Rochester, MN 55904
LIVE | Relationship advice
The ups and downs of ‘I do’
By Michelle Haacke Photo by Brandi Hagen
Area couples give advice on how to make your marriage stick
The Rev. Joel Vano of Zion Lutheran Church in Albert Lea hears the same thing every time he sits down with a newlyengaged couple for the first time. “Every time, the first thing I ask is, ‘Why are you getting married?’ They say it’s for love,” he smiled. And while this is, of course, a pretty good reason to tie the knot, husbands, wives, clergy and experts all agree it takes much more than love to make a marriage successful. “Marriage is work. You have to work at it. You have to want it to work, and you have to make it work,” said Karen Rudrogen of Albert Lea. Rudrogen, 43, speaks from experience. She’s been married to her husband, Randy, for 16 1/2 years. They first married in 1992, then divorced and remarried. Seeing them together, you’d never know they went through hell and back to learn some valuable lessons. Just five years into their first marriage, her stepson, Tony, was diagnosed with cancer at age 9. One year of treatment followed by a year in remission took a turn for the worse when Tony relapsed and lost his battle in 2000, at the tender age of 12 years old. “We made it six years after that, but we grieved in opposite directions,” Rudrogen said. “We just couldn’t do it together.” Although they divorced in 2006, they still got along and talked regularly as they raised their younger son, Nathan. One night in 2009, nearly three years to the day later, Randy left her a message that he wanted her to come by and talk. “It really came out of left field,” said Rudrogen. “We were both interested. We 34 | SMM | Venus 2012
shared so many of the same beliefs, philosophies and family values. And we just grew apart — it was nobody’s fault. It’s like Randy said, cancer came and destroyed everything.” Two months later, they were living together and by the end of the year, she was happy to be Mrs. Randy Rudrogen again. “We’re more appreciative of each other now,” she said. “When you forget to be appreciative, you start nitpicking, and it all brews and festers.” Darlene Kvam of Northwood, Iowa, agrees you’ve got to “laugh off” the small stuff. She and her husband, Lee, will celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary in August. Remembering her days as a newlywed in 1967 also brings memories of what have may been their biggest obstacle. Immediately following their wedding, Lee, who was serving in the Navy, was deployed to Pearl Harbor Base in Hawaii. Darlene joined him there in December. “It was tough going back then,” she said. “There wasn’t a lot of money. Income then was minimal from the service.” In fact, the first year of marriage may be the most difficult hurdle for any couple. “Even if you lived together, there’s a difference in that commitment now,” said Vano. “When you say ‘I do,’ it’s a legal and psychological commitment. Stuff can’t be swept under the rug. You have to deal with it — you can’t just walk out.” Vano strongly believes that being able to practice forgiveness is the most important key to having a successful marriage. It’s something he’s learned not only from his own 23 years of marriage, but also from
the 75s, a group of married couples who have been married 75 years or more. “What made them last 75 years? They always stressed forgiveness,” he said.
Marriage by Zoe Vano can’t marry any couple in his church without them completing six months of pre-marital sessions. While he stresses the importance of forgiveness, open communication and conflict resolution on his brides-and-grooms-to-be, how he works with each couple is very different and based largely on an evaluation each couple takes as they begin their journey of a happy marriage: the Zoe Marriage Preparation. “It’s a pre-marital inventory couples take online, with more than 300 questions they answer independently about themselves,” he said. Couples answer questions about their lives, beliefs, backgrounds, goals, methods and techniques. The system bases the scores on their levels of agreement and how they compare to hard data of couples that research has shown will succeed in marriage. The test ranks responses from high to low in 13 categories, generates an average score along with a detailed report, and Vano is ready to begin guiding the couple. The purpose is to enhance the positive, eliminate the negative and help them have a long and happy marriage. Vano then meets with the couple monthly, discussing areas of concern and even assigning homework to help couples improve in weak areas. Because each person is different, so is each set of results from Zoe. “It’s not a foolproof tool, but a very good
guide,” Vano said. Although there’s really no one area that stands out as a top “red flag” among the masses, Vano said couples who haven’t been together long probably have the most work to do in preparing for life together after the wedding. “The longer they’ve known each other, the more stable their relationship is,” he said. The changes in the concept of family, finances and raising children has brought a whole new issue to the subject of marriage over the years. In fact, the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology stated that 41 percent of first-time marriages, 60 percent of second marriages and 73 percent of third marriages will all end in divorce. “Marriage has really been devalued,” said Vano. “Divorce is easy, and you don’t have to be married to have kids.” Rudrogen agreed. “Kids are now used to seeing split fami-
lies,” she said. “You’ve gotta realize, there are going to be rough patches in there that really hurt. There are going to be ups and downs.”
Beating the marriage blahs Open communication and spending time together have been an important part of marital success — and fun — for the Kvams. They enjoy separate careers during the day and sharing their tales of intrigue and woe when they sit down for dinner each night. Getting away for a vacation each year has always been something the Kvams have treasured. When their two sons were growing up, they visited family-fun destinations,
including the Laura Ingalls Wilder sites in Walnut Grove, the Black Hills in South Dakota and the Wisconsin Dells. For the past eight years, they’ve vacationed with Steve and Jane Trainer of Mason City, Iowa, who they share perhaps their most special memory with. “We were married on the same night — just five miles apart from each other,” said Kvam. “They were at Deer Creek Church and we were at Bethlehem Lutheran in Myrtle. I got her candles and she got my flowers.” The Kvams have created an annual anniversary tradition that both couples look forward to each year: having dinner with the Trainers at the Old Mill in Austin.
MOVE | Toning up
By Danielle Boss | Photos by Eric Johnson | Model: Kristen Dulas
Abs and biceps and glutes, oh my! Summer is upon us, and that means it’s time for sundresses, swimsuits and shorts. If you want to tone up a bit before baring any skin, try some of these moves and you’ll be feeling confident enough for the beach in no time. Push-ups
Push-ups with side plank
• Start in the push-up position with your hands more than shoulder width apart, arms straight. • Keeping your body as level as possible, bend slowly at the elbows bringing your chest close to the floor. • Return slowly to the starting position and repeat. • Do 2 sets of 8 reps. Tip: Keep body level and glutes tight. To modify for an easier workout, begin on your knees.
Negative push-ups with step
• Start in the push-up position with your hands more than shoulder width apart, arms straight. • Keeping your body as level as possible, bend slowly at at the elbows bringing your chest close to the floor. • Once you are in the up position of the push-up, slowly extend one arm up into the air, so that your body is facing out. • Return to the push-up position by slowly lowering your arm back down. • Repeat switching arms each time. • Do 2 sets of 8 reps. Tip: Keep body level and glutes tight. Go slowly and steadily through the movement to get the best workout.
Side-to-side push-ups
• Start on your knees with your hands wide on a step and elbows straight. • Bend at the elbows bringing your chest to the step. • Push off and bring your body into the air while rocking back on your knees. • Fall back down to the step catching your weight and lowering back into a push-up. • Do 2 sets of 8 reps. Tip: If you do not have a step, use any sturdy object that is elevated off the ground. The higher the object, the easier the move; the lower the object, the more challenging it becomes. 36 | SMM | Venus 2012
• Start in the push-up position with knees resting on the floor. Have your hands wide apart. Your hands should be outside the frame of your body. • Slowly lower your body down. • Shift your weight using your arms from left to right. • Do 2 sets of 8 reps. Tip: When shifting from the left to the right try to extend your left arm until it’s straight and vice versa. The further you extend the more challenging it is.
Body-cross plank
Planks on forearms
• Begin in the plank position on your forearms. • Keep your palms down and arms parallel and shoulder width apart. • Do 2 sets of 15-30 seconds. Tip: Stay as level as possible. To modify for an easier workout, begin on your knees.
Tricep dips
• Start in the raised plank position with hands and feet on the mat. • Keep your hands slightly more than shoulder width apart. • Bring in your right knee across your body towards your chest. • Extend your right knee back to starting position. • Repeat with the opposite leg. • Do 2 sets of 8 reps. Tip: Keep your body as level as possible when moving your leg
Walking plank
• Start facing away from a step or sturdy object with your hands on the edge and feet on the floor below your knees. • Slowly lower down until you’re almost touching the floor. • Bring yourself back up to the starting position. • Do 2 sets of 8 reps. Tip: Fully extend your arms on the way up from your tricep. To make it harder inch your feet farther out.
• Start in the raised plank position with hands and feet on the mat. • Keep your arms parallel and shoulder width apart. • Go down to your right forearm, then down on your left forearm. Hold for a second, then slowly raise up to your left arm and right arm. • Do 2 sets of 8 reps. Tip: Move slowly and controlled. To modify for an easier workout begin on your knees.
Modified tricep dips • Variation of the tricep dip • Start facing away from a step or sturdy object with your hands on the edge and feet on the floor below your knees. Cross one leg onto your knee. Do each leg. • Slowly lower down almost touching the floor. • Bring yourself back up to the starting position. • Do 2 sets of 8 reps. Tip: Fully extend your arms on the way up from your tricep. Venus 2012 | SMM | 37
MOVE | Know your body
By Kelli Lageson
The estrogen cut-off Knowing what to expect when you go through menopause
M
enopause – the one thing all women must eventually experience and the one thing many women know very little about before they go through it. We hear about it from a very early age, when we are first taught about menstrual cycles and reproductive systems. But once women reach the average age of menopause, 52, some still don’t know what to expect. Dr. Jodi Schulz, an obstetrician/gynecologist with Mayo Clinic Health System, said it’s important to be aware of your body during menopause because the lack of estrogen can trigger other health issues. Although the average age a woman goes through menopause is 52, there is a peri-menopausal stage that can last two to three years before going into menopause where women have some of the symptoms. Symptoms of menopause can be slight to very severe — it all depends on each individual woman. Menopause is defined by the absence of a menstrual cycle for one year, according to Schulz. “The peri-menopausal time is marked by inconsistent estrogen production,” Schulz said. 38 | SMM | Venus 2012
That means menstrual cycles may be shorter and further apart. The lack of consistent estrogen leads to common symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Schulz said there’s no test that determines if a woman is going through menopause because hormones are so inconsistent during that period of time. Schulz said as recent as a few years ago doctors were prescribing hormone replacement therapy for women who had gone through menopause, but recently doctors have found that it increases a woman’s risk of heart attack and breast cancer. Schulz said where hormone replacement can help is to ease the transition into menopause, but only if it is used for a short time. Women aren’t automatically prescribed the hormone replacement though, and it’s best to speak with a doctor about whether it’s right for you. As far as treating the symptoms of menopause, there’s not a lot of help out there. For hot flashes, Schulz recommends women wear layers of light clothing, use fans at night and generally try to stay away from very warm environments. She said she knows some women choose to use over-the-counter supplements like plant-based products, but she said there are no studies that prove these help more than a placebo. “We see a lot of women trying different things,” Schulz said. The other common symptom, vaginal dryness, can be much harder to treat. Schulz recommended the use of lubricants and said that estrogen products for vaginal dryness can bring some relief. Schulz said many women who experience vaginal dryness have seen it increase in severity as they age. “It can be hard to treat,” Schulz said. Schulz also said women should be concerned about osteoporosis after menopause, and women should have preventative health exams each year so their doctors can address any changes.
What should I know about osteoporosis? About five to 10 years after a woman goes through menopause, her bones may start to soften. There’s no set age when a woman needs to worry about osteoporosis, except that it may come after menopause, according to Dr. Sumit Bhagra, an endocrinologist with Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin. “Also, it’s genetics,” Bhagra said. “And women who don’t eat a lot of dairy or are deprived of vitamin D typically have issues.” Bhagra said prevention is important, and that women over the age of 55 should consider taking a calcium or vitamin D supplement if their diet doesn’t provide enough of those nutrients. Bhagra also said maintaining muscle strength and exercising as women get older is important. “Running is great for the heart and lungs but not helpful for bones,” Bhagra said. “Aerobic training makes you leaner, which can weaken bones. Many women should do strength training as well.” Strength training, like lifting light weights, can strengthen muscles, which makes bones stronger and women less likely to have fractures. For prevention, diet and exercise are the most important. For reversal, there are medicines available and women should talk with their doctors about risks and benefits of those medications.
Hardwood flooring is one of the most stunning additions you can integrate into your home. They add warmth, beauty, and elegance as well as providing a whole list of added benefits. Hardwood floors add natural, long lasting beauty to any home. Additional benefits of hardwood flooring include: Hardwood floors increase the value of your home instantly; cost less in the long run other than other types of flooring; can last a lifetime; are more sanitary than other types of flooring; are hypo-allergenic; help to improve air quality; and are easy to maintain when compared to some other types of flooring.
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MOVE | Workout Calendar
Abs: 4 sets of 25 Cool-down: 25 minutes of your choice of cardio
1 mile jog warm up, 4 sets of 10 reps targeting chest, shoulders and triceps by doing the: bench press, pull ups and dips, push ups, triceps extensions and shoulder shrugs
Weights: 3 sets of 10 reps: back and biceps (3 different exercises per muscle group)
Weights: 2 sets of 10 reps: leg extension, leg curl, abductors Abs: 3 sets of 25
st
Warm-up: 10 minutes walking on treadmill: speed at 3.0, incline at 3
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sunday
Cardio day: Be sure to mix it up, so you don’t get bored. 20 minutes walk/run treadmill: walk 2, run 2, repeat. 20 minutes on the bike: interval level 6, rotations per minute at 75, or, bump it up a level. 15 minutes on the elliptical machine: manual level 35
Warm up: 5 to 10 minutes of cardio with emphasis on legs and abs Weights: 3 sets of 10 reps: leg extension, leg curl, abductors, and lunges or squats
Cardio day: 45 minutes total: 25 minutes on the bike: hills, rotations per minute at 75, 20 minutes on the elliptical machine: rotations per minute at 80 Abs: 4 sets of 25
Abs: 6 sets of 25: try three different types of ab workouts (bicycles, crunches and scissors)
Cool-down: Stretch!
500 jump rope. Target back and biceps with 4 sets of 10 to 15 reps pyramid dumbbell curls, pushups, straight bar curls, rows, cable crossover and preacher curl Abs: 5 sets of 50
40 | SMM | Venus 2012
Cardio day: 15 minutes on the elliptical machine: manual level 3-6, rotations per minute at 75, 20 minutes of walking on the treadmill: speed at 3.0, incline at 3
saturday
Cool-down: 15 minutes on the bike: manual level 4-6, rotations per minute at 75
Abs: 4 sets of 25
Abs: 6 sets of 50 Cardio: 45 minutes of biking using the hill program level 10
Re st
Warm-up: 30 minutes of cardio. Breathing should be medium to heavy, if not, step-up the resistance
Cardio: 60 minutes elliptical on level 9
5 mile run Abs: 6 sets of 50
st
Weights: 3 sets of 10 reps: chest, shoulders and triceps. Do 2-3 different exercises per muscle group
Abs: 3 sets of 20
friday
Cool-down: 15 minutes on the bike: manual level 4 to 6, rotations per minute at 75
Cool-down: 10 minutes walking on treadmill
Warm-up: 5 to 10 minutes on bike or treadmill, heart rate should be pumping
Weights: 2 sets of 10 reps: pull downs, back extensions and overhead press
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st Re
Abs: 3 sets of 20
thursday
Warm-up: 15 minutes walking on treadmill: speed at 3.0, incline at 3,
Warm-up: 15 minutes of walking on the treadmill: speed at 2.8, incline at 2 (speed and incline will vary with individual) Weights: 2 sets of 10 reps: chest press, arm curl and triceps
wednesday
and the right attitude, it can be done. Believing in yourself is the first step to turning your life around. For anyone who’s a member at a health club, but finds it hard to figure out what to do once they step in the door, or for those who may be stuck in a rut and aren’t seeing any results, here’s a weekly workout plan for skill levels from beginner through advanced. Which workout fits you? Stop making excuses and start your new you now!
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tuesday
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advanced
intermediate
beginner
monday
M
ost people who come into a health club are looking to find out how and why they got so out of shape. For the majority, it’s been a slow process over the weeks, months and years of thinking, “I need to get back into shape, but I’ll start tomorrow.” Sound familiar? What I tell my clients is that it’s a combination of what you eat, what you drink and the amount of exercise you put in throughout the week. I also remind them that it has taken weeks, months and years to put these pounds on and there is not a quick fix to taking it off. It comes down to a lifestyle change, which takes work. With the right workout program
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Reclaim your body one day at a time
By Joe Tscholl Trainer, Snap Fitness in Albert Lea
10 minutes on the bike to warm up. Do 4 sets of 15 reps to target legs by doing: dumbbell lunges, squats, leg extensions, leg curl and calf raises Abs: 7 sets of 50 Cardio: 45 minute on a stairmaster
60 minutes on the bike using one of its fitness programs at level 10, rotations per minute about 75. 4 sets of pushups, dips and pullups
Rest or optional lap swimming.
Use the equity in your home to help pay for home improvement costs.
Visit Nan today for more information! 507-373-7227
Member
FDIC
www.wellsfederal.com 2630 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea
971 Plaza St, Albert Lea • 507-377-4284 www.freebornlumber.com M-F 7:30am-5pm; Thurs until 7pm
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA | FEATURE
Axel Gumbel plays with 14-month-old Lilli in the kitchen of their LeRoy home.
Story by Amanda Lillie Photos by Eric Johnson
Project Baby One LeRoy couple shares the ups and downs of their journey to parenthood Jennifer Gumbel hurried out of the bathroom and to the kitchen of her LeRoy home where her husband, Axel Gumbel, was on the phone with his mother. Without missing a beat, Jennifer looked at Axel with reserved excitement and said, “Am I reading this wrong? Look at this pregnancy test — it’s positive!” It was Mother’s Day in 2010, and the couple had been trying to conceive for three years with only negative pregnancy tests staring back at them. Jennifer had gone through hormone therapy, surgeries and artificial insemination to no avail, but she finally received the news she had been wanting: She and Axel were going to have a baby. “I almost didn’t want to believe it, because I didn’t want to get my hopes up,” Jennifer said. “Axel was talking to his mom on the phone, and I shoved the test in his face and said, ‘I think I’m reading this wrong.’” She was reading it correctly, though, as she found out through a blood test at the clinic the next day. Project Baby, as Axel called their three-year journey to conceive, had finally reached a pinnacle.
The first of many roadblocks
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Despite Jennifer’s excitement, Axel said he took the news of her pregnancy almost with a grain of salt for fear of another disappointment. The couple had lost a baby to a miscarriage in September 2009, and Axel was
worried the same would happen again. The whole situation was especially fragile to the couple because of the three-year roller coaster ride they had been on while trying to conceive. The couple decided to try and have a baby after Jennifer graduated from law school in 2007. But what began as potentially exciting skipped menstrual cycles eventually landed Jennifer in the office of a fertility specialist. “I wasn’t sure if my missed periods were an issue of coming off the birth control and not syncing up, or if I was pregnant,” Jennifer said. “It was a little confusing.” A visit to the gynecologist revealed that she had a ring of eggs around her ovary; eggs were attempting to travel through her reproductive system to be fertilized, but they were
Jennifer spends time reading and playing with Lilli in Lilli’s bedroom.
“(A miscarriage) is just not something that we know how to share, so you don’t realize that other people have gone through it too” — Jennifer stopping mid-journey. That’s when the couple, still optimistic, took their first visit to a fertility specialist at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea. “When we saw the fertility doctor for the first time, I thought we were going to go there, he’s going to come up with a plan and like three months later Jen would be pregnant,” Axel said. “They are very optimistic about what they were going to do, so I remember walking out thinking, ‘This is cool. This is finally going to work out.’”
Social support Things didn’t work out, though — at least not the way Axel and Jennifer intended. Jennifer began giving herself monthly hormone shots as a fertility treatment, and as time went on the syringes and negative pregnancy tests piled up in the couple’s bathroom trash can. “I couldn’t believe it. We would have a
bucket in the bathroom full of syringes,” Axel said. It had been nearly two years since the couple first began trying to conceive, and Axel thought they needed a support network. As much as they talked about their fertility struggles after work each day, they were both so weary of the constant failures they were having a difficult time being each other’s backbones. “After about a couple cycles and it didn’t work, it kind of intensified the need to have some sort of support,” Axel said. That’s when Axel, who worked as a reporter for a television station at the time, wrote his first Project Baby Update note on Facebook. “Almost instantly, the response among my Facebook friends was one of, ‘Yeah, we went through that. I know of 50 other people that went through that,’” Axel said. “That type of
response got me to start these regular updates.” At the time, Axel didn’t know that by the time Project Baby Update No. 100 came along, it would carry the good news of the birth of his daughter.
Losing a life In the summer of 2009, Jennifer elected to have surgery to clear out a slew of tissue in her uterus, potentially caused by endometriosis, and a couple months later she held a positive pregnancy test in her hand. “I got pregnant in August of 2009. They immediately did the viability test and checked for a heartbeat and there wasn’t any,” Jennifer said. “And then I started having cramps, and I miscarried.” Jennifer’s miscarriage was the low point of the couple’s fertility journey at that point. Axel said he tried to go back to work for the rest of the day after learning the news, but after about two hours, reality hit. “Suddenly it sank in,” Axel said. “Literally maybe eight hours earlier I thought I would go in to find out I would be a dad, but now it’s all gone.” Feeling lost and frustrated, Axel posted a Project Baby Update about the miscarriage on Facebook, and in poured a wave of support. Venus 2012 | SMM | 43
Axel and Jennifer with 14-month-old Lilli.
That’s when the couple started realizing they weren’t the only people who had experienced an in-utero loss; it was just a topic rarely broached. “(A miscarriage) is just not something that we know how to share, so you don’t realize that other people have gone through it too,” Jennifer said. “People just kind of hopped on this wave of emotion and were along for the ride,” Axel added. The doctors’ support also helped the couple accept the miscarriage. Axel said they chose their words carefully when breaking the news, and they never once used the word ‘miscarriage.’ “I appreciated the fact that they never said the word miscarriage. That was key to me,” Axel said. “When you hear the word miscarriage, it’s almost like a death sentence. Instead they said things like they didn’t see a heartbeat, and this egg will probably come out in the next few days.” “For us, that was a life. That wasn’t just a glob of tissue,” he added.
Natural timing By the beginning of 2010, the dozens, maybe hundreds, of attempts to conceive were wearing on Jennifer and Axel. The couple was scheduling their intercourse for when Jennifer was most fertile, and some nights they would lay in bed and cry together, feeling like it would take a miracle for them to have a child. “It was hard, the scheduled sex stuff,” Axel said. “We would literally lie in bed and be like, ‘Gosh, we have to do this.’ It was rough.” In testing all options, Axel made a sperm donation. After learning the good news that he was fertile, he and Jennifer opted to try artificial insemination. “It’s like they’re holding the sperm’s hand the whole time,” Jennifer explained. “And it kind of makes you feel like a dairy cow.” After three attempts at artificial insemi-
nation with no outcome, Jennifer’s fertility doctor suggested in vitro fertilization. “The doctor said, in a very diplomatic way, that we’re getting to a point where we’re wasting too many eggs,” Jennifer said. “The cycles are hyped up, so you’re running through eggs way faster than you normally would.” Jennifer’s concerns weren’t just centered on her desire to have a family at this point; she had also decided to run for the Minnesota House of Representatives and was in the midst of launching her campaign. Not knowing where else to turn, Jennifer stopped all her fertility treatments, and she and Axel watched an informational video about in vitro fertilization. “After we watched the DVD I looked at Axel and said, ‘I don’t know if I can do this, at least now,’” Jennifer said. “I had committed to running for office.” Not only had Jennifer and Axel wanted to conceive as naturally as possible, but the cost of in vitro fertilization is hefty, and the couple wasn’t sure they were ready to invest in something that might not materialize. “I still didn’t know if I could even carry to full term,” Jennifer said. In May 2010, the pair visited with an in vitro specialist in Woodbury and drove home to LeRoy with a life-changing, potentially risky decision to make. The next day — Mother’s Day — Jennifer realized she had missed her menstrual cycle by four days. Without saying anything to Axel, she took a home pregnancy test. “I was pretty much convinced I’d never be pregnant, but I decided to check anyway,” Jennifer said. “Axel was talking to his mom on the phone about the in vitro and the cost, and I take the test and the test is positive.” The next day, Jennifer’s pregnancy was confirmed by a blood test at the clinic. Although Axel said he responded to the
good news with guarded optimism, the couple said the pregnancy had a different feel than when Jennifer got pregnant and miscarried. “I had a million butterflies in my stomach,” Axel said. “It felt different, better this time. I knew it was not a result of any of her hormone shots.”
Crossing the finish line Despite Axel’s continued worries, Jennifer’s pregnancy went off without a hitch. Axel continued to post Project Baby Updates to Facebook, with some of the posts receiving dozens of “likes” because so many people had become emotionally involved in the couple’s journey to parenthood. “It almost felt like you were running this marathon, and you hadn’t crossed the finish line but you were in that last mile where you have all the people on the side of the road and they were just cheering,” Axel said. “It felt so darn good with every ultrasound that we had and seeing this baby grow without any issues whatsoever.” In what seemed like a fitting end to her completely natural pregnancy, Jennifer’s water broke around 3 a.m. on Jan. 6, 2011, just hours before she was scheduled to be induced. “My dream came true when we pulled up to the emergency room,” Axel said. “We pulled into the parking lot, and I dashed in and said, ‘Nurse, nurse! My wife’s having a baby; I need a wheelchair!’” Lilli Gumbel was born just four hours after Jennifer and Axel got to the hospital, and nearly four years after they first tried to conceive. “I felt convinced that God cares about these things and cares about women specifically,” Jennifer said. “That was the one thing I think that got me through.” “It was all worth it and more,” Axel added. “It changed me as a person. You live for this little being now, and everything else is so far off.” Venus 2012 | SMM | 45
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA | COVER STORY
Story by Kelli Lageson Photos by Eric Johnson
Joining the boys club A woman learns the ins and outs of owning multiple businesses
C
harlie Pobanz, a certified nursing assistant, was working her way through nursing school when she found herself suddenly thrown into a career beyond her scope of knowledge. But Charlie, who owns and manages Shell Rapid Lube with her husband in Albert Lea, has come into her own and learned how to navigate a profession that is sometimes unfriendly to women. In 2008, Alex Pobanz was driving down Bridge Avenue in Albert Lea when he saw a “for sale” sign at Shell Rapid Lube. He called his wife, Charlie, and they met with the owner of the shop the next weekend. By Tuesday they had signed the papers, and by Thursday Charlie had quit her job at St. John’s Lutheran Home to start managing Shell Rapid Lube.
Ownership at 21 While Charlie had never so much thought about taking a business course in college, she has been learning her way during the last four years. “I honestly had hoped to stay in school, but with the necessities of business it was hard to do it all,” Charlie said. At that time she was just 21 years old. “I had to learn to grow up fast,” Charlie said with a laugh. The couple also owns a trucking company, Pobanz Trucking, so Alex is usually busy running that business. That leaves Charlie, who’s now 25, to control the day-to-day operations of Shell Rapid Lube. She didn’t even know how to check the oil in a car, much less change oil, which is the main focus of the business, when she first started. 46 | SMM | Venus 2012
But she started slow with office work and bookkeeping, and eventually she began helping with the cars. She vacuumed and checked headlights and taillights, until one day she picked up an oil gun and asked the guys to help her learn. “You learn as you go,” Charlie said.
It doesn’t bother her, though, and she enjoys the chance to get dirty and do something that’s not typically done by women. While she didn’t seek out the job, it has been a learning experience in many ways. “Now I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Charlie said.
The boys club
A balancing act
The two mechanics who work at the shop oversaw Charlie’s work for a while, and even today they check each other’s work to make sure it’s correct. She has expanded her repertoire as much as the shop allows — it’s not equipped for big overhauls and instead handles oil changes, tire work and simple repairs. Charlie even bought a used Chevy Suburban to use as her own guinea pig to learn repairs — that way if she messed up a repair it wasn’t on a customer’s car. “Getting dirty doesn’t bother me at all — I wanted to learn,” Charlie said. She said she occasionally has customers who are surprised when she handles an oil change. They usually think she is just working behind the desk. “People will say, ‘You’re the only one working?’” Charlie said.
As an owner of Shell Rapid Lube, Charlie has had to learn not only how to run a successful business but how to balance it with her personal life. She’s learned that sick days are a rarity, and that she needs to make time before taking it off. Not only do Charlie and Alex own a trucking company and Shell Rapid Lube, they also bought Bridgeport Carwash, which is right next door to Shell Rapid Lube. Charlie said there is at times an overwhelming amount of bookwork with the three businesses, including bill paying and billing out. “I’m still learning what to do and what not to do,” Charlie said. It’s much different from her previous job as a CNA, where she was given direction by a supervisor and worked within a large organization. Now there’s no one telling her what to do, and she works with just her husband and two other employees.
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA | COVER STORY
“Getting dirty doesn’t bother me at all”
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“The only common thing is working with people,” Charlie said. She said there are a lot of misconceptions about business owners, one being that people who own businesses can take time off frequently and come and go as they please. But Charlie found out otherwise. “Really it’s a lot of work and responsibility,” Charlie said. “Like any job you have your days, but for the most part I like it.” She was also surprised by the pile of expenses involved with running a business. She said she’s been lucky to have family members who know what it takes to successfully run a business. While she enjoys her work and expects that she’ll still change oil and run the business in years to come, she does want to go back to school to complete her nursing degree. It’s been a lifelong dream of hers to be a nurse. “Just getting out to see different people would be good,” Charlie said. “I get to talk to customers now, but we have a lot of regular customers.” She’s also quite the fashionista, and isn’t able to wear much of her wardrobe in the shop. She said she still tries to look nice and do her makeup, but she usually has to wear a sweatshirt and jeans that can get oily and dirty. “I’ve destroyed clothes in the shop before,” Charlie said. “My closet is full of a lot of dress clothes that we get to look at.” ## | SMM | Venus 2012
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA | COVER STORY
Charlie’s 5 favorite brands of shoes: Coach Puma Nike (especially the Shox variety) Uggs Any brand that makes cute shoes
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Charlie’s 5 favorite cars: Ford Infinity Bentley Rolls Royce Chevy (specifically the new Camaro)
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA | FEATURE
Story by Sarah Stultz Photo by Eric Johnson
Life beyond the laundry How to handle stress and live a balanced life Ten years ago Christy Tryhus’ life was in chaos. With demands from home, work and every other which way, Tryhus said her life was spiraling out of balance. But, after deciding to take back control over her life, Tryhus slowly learned how to maintain balance — and her sanity. Now, years later, she is helping others do the same. “Some of the women I have worked with, they’re completely overwhelmed,” she said. “When you ask them how they are, they say, ‘Busy!’ But really they’re not getting much of anything done because they’re so busy.” Earlier this year, Tryhus, a certified life coach who lives in Owatonna, finished writing a book titled “Live Life Beyond the 52 | SMM | Venus 2012
Laundry: 7 Strategies to Shift Life From Chaos to Calm.” The book outlines some of the lessons she has learned on her journey to finding a balance in life, specifically lessons learned — and taught — throughout her eight years as a life coach. Tryhus said there are a series of simple steps women can take to bring balance and order back to their lives, no matter how busy they may seem.
Assess where you stand Women must first figure out what’s causing them to be overwhelmed, Tryhus said. Whether it’s too many responsibilities at work, financial hardship at home or the stress of being a mother,
anything can take an emotional and physical toll over time. Once women pinpoint the root of their stress, the key is to decide which direction they want their lives to go and how to achieve that direction, Tryhus said. Creating a list of ideas for how to achieve their goals, both short- and long-term, is a good starting point. It’s important to identify potential obstacles and consider alternative ways to achieve a goal if a roadblock appears.
‘Me time’ Tryhus said women frequently put themselves and their well-beings last on their to-do lists. “Really, we need to move ourselves to the top,” she said. “Take time for yourself each and every day.” Women should strive to take as few as 10 minutes a day to recharge by doing something they enjoy. “If you like to read a book, do that,” she said. “If you like to meditate, do that.” Eventually, women should work to set aside 30 minutes for ‘me time’ every day. Many women may find it difficult to set aside an entire half hour to focus on themselves each day, and Tryhus said committing to too many obligations — something to which many women fall victim — can play an ugly part in that. An average day in the life of a 30-something wife and mother might begin with her waking up at 5:30 a.m. to get showered and dressed before getting the kids ready for school. She may rush to drop them at the bus stop for fear she will be late to work. After eight hours of work, she picks her children up from daycare, only to go home to take care of household duties and spend time with her family. If she’s lucky, she can squeeze in some alone time with her husband before bed.
On top of that, many women are involved in civic organizations and have active social lives. Where in the mix does one expect a woman to find 30 minutes each day for herself? Tryhus said the key is to say ‘no’ if life feels overwhelming. It’s OK for a woman to tell her friends she’s too tired to meet for coffee. A woman must know her limits, Tryhus said. “Teach women to say ‘yes’ to the things they truly love to do and ‘no’ to the things they feel like they have to do that they don’t really want to do,” she said. “Help them figure out what they love doing and learning how to say ‘no.’” She encourages women to work together to save time and resources by doing small things like carpooling to pick up the kids from school. “It’s about learning to manage your time,” Tryhus said.
Outsmarting the procrastination beast For women who have a problem with procrastination — and most do, Tryhus said — it’s important to identify what is causing the procrastination and form a plan to outsmart that pesky urge to procrastinate. The plan should be unrealistic, Tryhus said. Once a woman rids her life of the nagging guilt behind procrastination, she will likely feel less stress in general. “We usually have that one huge thing to do during the day you don’t want to do,” she said. “If you do that first thing in the morning and get that done, your whole day runs smoother.” And with only 1,440 minutes in each day, time should be spent wisely. To learn more about saving time and sanity, take a peek at Tryhus’ book, “Live Life Beyond the Laundry: 7 Strategies to Shift Life From Chaos to Calm,” which is available at Amazon.com.
Feeling overwhelmed? Try these 5 stress busters: • Make it a priority to get six to eight hours of sleep each night. You’ll have more energy as you go about your day. • Give yourself permission to have time for yourself each day. Start with 10 minutes and do something you enjoy. Work your way up to 30 minutes. • Learn to say “yes” to the things you love to do and “no” to the things you don’t really enjoy but feel obligated to do. • Stop procrastinating. If you’re procrastinating something on your to-do list, your productivity decreases and may drag you down. Stay motivated, and you can enjoy your free-time instead of feeling stressed or guilty. • Learn what works for others. Others who have been in your shoes may have great tips on how to manage time and responsibilities. In return, share with others what has worked for you.
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REVIEW | ‘Girl Hunter’
By Terri Schlichenmeyer
Dinner last night was delicious. The salad was crispy and fresh, with all the right additions and your favorite dressing. There was the slightest tease of a comfort-food memory from the main dish, which was created with a mini-bite of spice nipping your tongue. And the side dishes? You had seconds of those, followed by dessert that must’ve been made by angels. So where did it all come from? To say “a restaurant” or “the grocery store” is cheating, especially after you’ve read “Girl Hunter” by Georgia Pellegrini. One day not long ago, after looking up from the trading floor of a Wall Street firm and wondering how she got there, Georgia Pellegrini suddenly knew that a life in finance was not where she belonged. Determined to “nourish [her] soul again,” she set out to become a chef. Still, there was something missing. She was working at a high-end restaurant, serving the same people she had formerly toiled beside, but pretension marred her job, presentation was more important than nutrition, and food was being wasted. Then the head chef gave her an “unusual order:” she was told to slaughter five turkeys for the evening’s dinner. The experience opened her eyes to a part of her that she never knew existed, and sent her on a journey far away from the meat aisle in the grocery store. “Is it possible to eat only the meat that you kill?” she asked. Pellegrini’s first answer came in the Arkansas Delta where she joined silver-haired men at a hunting camp they called the Village. They were out for turkeys then, and after a quick tutorial on guns, Pellegrini bagged two gobblers with one shot — something most Minnesotans only wish they could do. Later, she hunted there for doves, deer and wild boar. In Texas, she shot a javelina, then had to explain to airport security why she was toting “frozen ani-
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mal parts” in her luggage. She hunted for grouse in Montana, and spent an edgy week with a rancher in Wyoming who wasn’t who he said he was. She missed “harvesting” axis deer in Texas, traveled to England for a “social hunt,” to New Orleans for ducks, and to upstate New York to hunt squirrel. “I… have looked my food in the eye and made a choice…” says Pellegrini. “It was all amazing.” Think life is best spent gun-toting in wilds, woods or weeds? Then you’re going to love this thoughtful, meaningful, surprisingly gentle book. With a poet’s eye toward a conscious dinner, Pellegrini takes her readers on a search, not just for wild game but for what she calls a “primal part” of one’s being. I couldn’t stop reading as Pellegrini dug into this foray with gusto and blood, which gives her book an occasional “Lord of the Flies” feel that’s almost always abutted by thoughts so beautiful that you almost want to weep. Because of that, and because of the easy-to-follow gourmet recipes included, this memoir will firmly ensnare hunters and eaters alike. If that describes you, then, “Girl Hunter” is a book to shoot for.
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Venus 2012 | SMM | 63
Sherrie Hansen Decker leads a busy life penning several novels and running the Blue Belle Inn in St. Ansgar, Iowa, which she owns.
Bed, breakfast and books
A St. Ansgar woman discusses how she came to be a published author
Story by Michelle Haacke Photos by Eric Johnson
The title of Sherrie Hansen Decker’s first published novel, “Night and Day,” is practically a mirror image of how she lives her life. By night, she’s a master wordsmith — writing, editing and blogging in an attempt to perfect her next book. By day, she’s the owner and full-time innkeeper of the Blue Belle Inn Bed and Breakfast in St. Ansgar, Iowa. “My grandma always said I was a night owl because of my Danish blood,” Decker said. “When it’s midnight in Minnesota, it’s daybreak in Denmark.” While being a business owner and published novelist are full-time demands each on their own, Hansen, 55, plays yet another vital role: she’s a preacher’s wife, married to the Rev. Mark Decker of Zion Lutheran Church in Hudson, Iowa. “I’m not sure it’s so much motivation as it is keeping my head above water,” she chuckled when talking about her busy life. Juggling all of these roles was certainly not something Decker planned. Like her favorite hobby, quilting, one ambition just led to the next — building the quilt that’s become her life — one block at a time.
It started 20 years ago, when she bought the abandoned three-story Victorian home with no heat or electricity, a gutted kitchen and a peeling paint job. “This business was my brainchild,” she said. “I’d enjoyed staying in B&B’s in Colorado and Europe, and it was a way to support myself and stay in a rural area near my family.” Decker’s love of books paired with long and unique hours at the B&B eventually led to her writing career. Over the past five years, she’s published four fiction books. Her biggest challenge was trying to write her stories without getting boxed into specific genres. While her fifth novel, “Love Notes,” a Christian Inspirational, will release this spring, Decker’s got three more books brewing in her head.
Left: The Never Neverland Room at the Blue Belle Inn. Center: A small kitchen nook on the third floor allows visitors to the Blue Belle Inn a cozy area to have breakfast during their stay. Right: Books written by Blue Belle Inn owner and manager Sherrie Hansen Decker include “Merry Go Round” and “Night & Day.” 64 | SMM | Venus 2012
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FINAL WORD
By Alexandra Kloster
Coming unraveled When I became pregnant, or undone as my husband, Graham, likes to say, I thought the most difficult part would be nausea, back aches, extreme emotions, or any other of a hundred physical symptoms that go into the caring and feeding of a bundle of joy in utero. No. The thing that proved most difficult was the same thing that plagued me before I was pregnant, going into a store, standing in front of a full length mirror, kindly lit by fluorescent lights, and trying on clothes. Yoga pants became my best friend. I wonder how many people actually wear yoga pants for the specific purpose of doing yoga. When my yoga pants could no longer salute the sun, I ventured warily to Gap maternity online. All I needed was a pair of jeans and a few tops. My fellow pregnant friends, it’s not that easy. There are bootcut full panel, straight leg demi-panel, trouser legged and even maternity skinny jeans. The oxymoronic skinny jeans must be reserved for only Natalie Portman and the cast of “16 and Pregnant” because I don’t know one pregnant woman who would deign to use them as dust cloths, let alone try to get them over her rapidly expanding hips. Then there was the sizing issue. Just choose your prepregnancy size! Right. I stopped being my pre-pregnancy size about five minutes after I found out I was having twins and became a protein-eating machine. At the maternity store the first thing the sales clerk did was wrap a giant band around my waist right over my clothes like a prizefighting belt. Instantly I felt lighter and my lower back pain faded away. It was love at first comfortable breath. With its straps and Velcro it seemed more foundation garment than cute accessory. That changed once I bedazzled it with the words, “HEAVY WEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD.” Graham made a hasty retreat to Home Depot, leaving Amy and me to wander arm and arm through each section. I bypassed jeans without even looking. I’d live to fight that battle another day. Everything I chose had to be comfortable and versatile enough to withstand a Minnesota spring and early summer where the weather could be anywhere from sunny and 70 degrees to snowy and 20 degrees. 68 | SMM | Venus 2012
Picking out the clothes was pleasant enough, but then I had to go into that little room with the mirrors and narrow benches. Changing rooms in maternity stores should be large and roomy. There should be snacks and no mirrors, only women who are hired to sit in front of you and say how breathtaking you look. It’s not that I don’t think pregnant bodies are attractive. They’re beautiful. Sometimes I stand in front of the mirror and I’m amazed that my body can’t do geometry, but somehow it knows how to make feet and hands and everything that goes with them. What’s ugly is trying on clothes. Struggling to pull, push, shove, stretch and coax your body into maternity wear with three mirrors surrounding you makes you look like you’re on a mixed martial arts team fighting against an opponent made of rayon and spandex, and you’re losing. The women in the other dressing rooms were heaving the same sighs and unleashing the same groans uniting us into a band of sisters with a common adversary, our beloved girth. With my shopping finished, I fell into the car exhausted but victorious. Before we even got out of the parking lot my phone rang. It was my mom. She was worried about my aching back and had a great suggestion for me: swimming. “Mom, I don’t have a bathing suit that fits me right now,” I told her. Then she said it, those words that as I type them fill me with anxiety, “Well then, you’ll have to go try a few on.” And with that, I tilted the seat back, stuck my thumb in my mouth, and joined my babies in a nice comfortable fetal position all the way home. Woodbury resident Alexandra Kloster appears in each issue. She may be reached at alikloster@yahoo.com, and her blog is Radishes at Dawn at alexandrakloster.com.
INSIDE
Venus
t o o h s r e v o c e h At t We used Maybelline Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in black to make Charlie’s eyes POP! This shoot was great. The whole way to Lyla’s I was so worried I was going to mess something up or get the model annoyed with me because I didn’t know what to do or how to pose her, but it turned out to be the complete opposite. Emily was awesome. She put up with me through 716 photos and SIX wardrobe changes. She knew just what to do and she joked around the whole time, even making funny faces when I wasn’t ready. I think the part I got the biggest kick out of was when Emily had to put on a pair of white skinny jeans. She said she has sworn to herself and her friends that she would never wear a pair of skinny jeans. Unfortunately for her, I made her prance around Clear Lake, Iowa, with them on. Honestly, I think she liked them and I have the photos to prove it. — Brandi Hagen, photographer
ie’s makeup rl a h C f o r a st No doubt the igh Impact Lip Colour H was Clinique’s ear. in Red-y To W
t. She had just y o o sh e th to s e o her own sh had to bu Charlie brought a trip where she and a friend hased. rc gotten back from fit all of the shoes they had pu a new suitcase to “This is when my job turns fun. I couldn’t believe how excited 5-year-old Adrianna Schlund was that her mom Jennifer was getting a make-over. She couldn’t sit still, was smiling and singing throughout and basically just one of the happiest little girls I’ve ever been around. The excitement grew when Adrianna got to be part of the experience with her first-ever hair cut at a salon. I’m not sure the smile ever left her face, especially when she found out she could donate her hair to Locks of Love. It was one of those moments I’m glad to be part of as a photographer.” ## | SMM | Spring 2011
— Eric Johnson, photographer
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We started out with a super-artsy “Rosie” cover The Summer created by Stacey, our art director, and also issue of Southern considered a cover featuring the Gumbels from Minnesota will hit our Project Baby story. After much newsstands by June 1. debate, we decided on a “Rosie” Readers can look forward to our golf issue, including golf cover without any art effects, fashion, how to plan a big event and to let Charlie’s own beauty our regular fun lineup. shine through. We hope you love it as much as we do!
Spring 2011 | SMM | ##
## | SMM | Spring 2011
Spring 2011 | SMM | ##