[New] Houseplants – Refresh & Beautify Your Indoor Landscape

from Good News January 2023

[New] Remember When Kalamazoo Corset Company

Need a fresh look and some fresh air in your home or office? Now is a good time to green up your indoor landscape with new houseplants. Fresh green plants are a welcome sight, especially after putting away Christmas decorations!

Of course, you know houseplants are beautiful, and you probably know they help improve your well-being, but did you know that scientists have found that houseplants greatly improve the air quality in your home? When you place growing plants in your home or office, you are scrubbing harmful gasses out of the air through the everyday process of photosynthesis. No matter which ones you choose, houseplants naturally and effectively clean the air you breathe through their recycling of the air around them.

Have you noticed that odor when you get a new mattress or new carpet? Putting extra air- cleaning plants are better than others in removing harmful household toxins, though. The following are some of the best air cleaners and can even remove up to 90% of the chemicals in the air. This could mean a decreased risk of allergies, cancers, asthma and other diseases.

Some “air cleaners” you are sure to enjoy include pothos, palms, peace lilies, ferns and rubber plants. Want something that has blooms to brighten up your indoor living area? Get some orchids – their blooms can last 6-12 weeks or even longer! Want something that you can hang up?

Two of the best hanging “air cleaner” plants are Boston ferns and Spider plants. Want something that can grow in an area with low light? Try a zizi or pothos plant (notice, I said “low-light”, not “no-light”!). These two happen to be some of my favorites as well - Zizi plants are ultra-easy to care for and lemon-lime pothos have that super-fresh green color that brightens up any room. You may want to ask a houseplant expert to help you pick out plants that would do best in the lighting of your home of office. Any plants will clean carbon dioxide out and release oxygen into the air. Of course, the more vigorously your plants grow, the better job they do for you. Schultz houseplant food has the micronutrients plants need and is super easy to use - just add 7 drops per quart of water to feed all your air- cleaning plants.

It’s also a good idea to dust the plant’s leaves off with a damp cloth to allow particles in the air to absorb well.

Another benefit of houseplants is that they look much nicer than putting in an electrical air purifier! Look at the space you have available and then choose one 10-12 inch potted plant per 100 square feet to effectively purify your air.

The houseplant professionals at Wedel’s are always happy to help you choose the plants that will do best in your indoor living areas.

Breathe deep & enjoy some fresh green!

Terrie Schwartz Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Garden Center

ing; snow tubing to ice climbing, fat tire biking and snowshoeing, winter in Michigan is a paradise of outdoor fun. Oh, and if you›re really brave and looking for an unforgettable winter adventure, you can try a real Olympic-style luge in Muskegon.

If you’re feeling a sense of let-down after the busy holiday season, get out and enjoy the great outdoors. From simply taking a walk or going on a hike, to ice fishing and snowmobil-

Yes, I did say luge! The Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park has one of only four luge tracks in the United States. It’s the only kunstbahn track (German for artificial track) made from natural ice and not refrigerated. Three-time Olympian Frank Masley designed the 850 ft. track. Shorter in length than the Olympic tracks in Lake Placid and Salt Lake City, the Muskegon track provides an Olympic thrill at a level first-time luge athletes can handle. It consists of six curves and two starting areas. Participants receive equipment and training before sliding at speeds up to 30 mph. They even offer Adaptive equipment is available to provide access to everyone, including people with disabilities.

The Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park also offers skiing, snowshoeing and skating. Enjoy the great outdoors at The Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park located at 462 Scenic Dr. in North Muskegon. For more information visit their website at msports.org.

Merriam Happy Holidays!

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I think we should approach the new year with a more positive, calming and relaxing energy. The month of January is not only about new beginnings and resolutions, but also a chance to make good changes. Aim for kindness and cooperation and remember that everything changes when we ourselves change.

As we begin 2023, clear your mind, slow down and reflect on what is truly important for you to achieve this year. The long winter months can also be quite peaceful with plenty of opportunity for enjoying comfort and coziness. Seek your purpose with great intentions and set realistic goals. And, if you feel like hibernating for a while, that’s ok too - I think that very well could be what I do. Rest and reboot and while you’re enjoying a bit of solitude, I have come up with a warm and cozy little yarn wreath project for you to make.

Supplies needed: 12” embroidery hoop . chunky big yarn . scissors . tape measure . string or wire Step 1. I found a wool roving chunky big yarn that I liked in a neutral color. Please use whatever color or color combination that works for you. Cut out approximately 30 strands of the yarn measuring 20 inches in length.

Step 2. Pull your embroidery hoop apart and now you have 2! This will give you the option to create 2 wreaths. Lay your embroidery hoop on your work surface. Fold one yarn strand in half and place the loop end under the hoop. Take the tails of yarn over the hoop and through the loop to secure the yarn strand to the embroidery hoop. Repeat this with all the cut strands of yarn. You may end up needing more or less than 30 strands depending on the thickness of your chunky yarn.

Step 3. Knot the yarn strands together. This is achieved by taking one tail of yarn and knotting it to the one from the yarn strand next to it. Do this all the way around the hoop with all the yarn tails. This will give you a second row of knots and bind all the strands together.

Step 4. Cut any pieces of yarn that are not even in length and then pull the yarn apart along the edges to give it a fluffy and frayed look. Add an extra long piece of the yarn to create a bow around the top of the wreath and add a little piece of wire or string to the back of the bow to hang on an interior door or wall.

Speaking from experience, being in hibernation can be quite therapeutic for the soul as we all need to get grounded and find balance sometimes. This lovely wreath makes me think of that. Creating on a wintery day, feeling the warmth of the nearby fire, enjoying a hot cup of tea and listening to music or an inspirational podcast can do wonders. I’ll leave you with a final thought for all of us; we don’t need to be anywhere but in the present moment to find fulfillment. Happy New Year everyone! xo - Bridget

Email: bridgetfoxkzoo@gmail.com Social: https://www.instagram.com/ bridgetfoxkzoo

Jane: This year, I’ve decided to skip January. It’s not difficult; I’ve done it before. The best way to start the month is to not change the calendar. The December image is likely better, anyway, so just leave it on the wall. Once that is in place, begin thinking of all the things you don’t like about January and stop doing them. Here’s a starter:

Flu. Nope, don’t do it. The best way to skip the flu is to hibernate. Take an hour to stop in the library to get a dozen books, then swing by the store to buy three jigsaw puzzles (1000 pieces are best), and then, to be safe, get that flu vaccine at the drugstore. Skipping the flu will get you through to February easy.

The other January downer is slippery roads and sidewalks. Use some sense here: do not schedule anything before 1:00 in the afternoon. If something happens in the morning, it is not for you. Your boss will be confused and the teachers at school might become irritated but they would start at 1:00 if they had any sense.

You may not have thought about this but, January has some bad food habits. I am unwilling to eat navy bean soup only because it is that time of year. Go ahead and make avocado toast and chicken salad. Who says you can only have those in July? Grill hotdogs on George Foreman and mix up some sangria with apples and oranges. Get out of the rut of chili and casseroles: you will feel better eating kabobs and watermelon.

Speaking of food, why not pretend you are on a summer trip? In that case, it’s fine to order takeout every night, or stop into the deli at the grocery store. Sure, it costs a little more, but skipping an entire month is no time to be thrifty. This is mental health and it’s worth every penny.

Ellen: As a lover of summer, I agree with my mom that January is best skipped. For someone who does not enjoy winter sports, there is not much impetus to adventure outside. Much better to grab the pile of unread books that have accumulated across the previous year and while away the hours in fun, fictional worlds instead.

Alternatively, traveling to a fun, real-life destination is also a good option. My work has come through with flying colors the past two years by scheduling meetings in decidedly warmer destinations. This year is Arizona, I can’t wait to switch out my heavy Michigan-winter sweaters for my light cardigans; maybe I’ll leave my earmuffs at home!

A final, though perhaps largely unintentional, method of skipping January is to leave up all the Christmas decorations for as long as it is socially responsible to do so. My outdoors lights will naturally remain up until there is some sort of thaw that allows for ease of access. Sometimes they last half of January, sometimes I must remind myself that Valentine’s Day is coming, and they are no longer seasonally festive.

Do you have a tried-and-true method for skipping January? Do tell! It’s a long month.

Radke & Jane Knuth

"Moving back to his parents house after getting fired and dumped feels like failure to MBA graduate Xavier. He believes it is just a matter of time until he rebounds and gets his old life back. Then he meets Logan; chef, musician, father, utterly irresistible, and finds himself having to choose between love and his career dreams. You won't be able to put down this charming small town romance."

TTheIheIngenuengenue A Novel by Rachel Kapelke-Dale

“Former piano prodigy Saskia returns home after her mother’s death to find her family home has been bequeathed to someone else. Saskia is a believable and tragic figure as she searches for answers to questions that have been years in the making. What makes an ingénue and what destroys her? For fans of My Dark Vanessa.”

“As the effects of climate change begin to overwhelm America, we meet Wanda, a girl born during and named after a devastating hurricane. With civilization faltering in the face of mounting challenges, she must learn to live differently. The depiction of climate change and its effects here are bone-chilling, but Wanda’s resilience is inspiring. For fans of Station Eleven.”

Jane finds herself with her law license suspended and wearing an ankle monitor for six months. Her sister persuades her to try food blogging and soon Jane’s cooking for another housearrested tenant while trying to discover the identity of her accuser. This is a breezy fun read with a dash of romance and mystery for fans of Tom Perrotta and Jennifer Weiner.”

Loaded Hot Cocoa $4.75

Topped with whipped cream, crushed peppermint, & garnished with a cookie & brownie.

Apple Cinnamon Pecan Oatmeal $5.75

Oatmeal topped with sliced apples, crushed pecans, & dusted with cinnamon sugar.

EMA Monte Cristo $12.75

Two grilled sugar waﬄes stuﬀed with turkey, ham, bacon, one fried egg, slathered with apricot jam & swiss cheese. Served with maple syrup & tater tots.

“Clara and Abbie are mourning the loss of their mother, BettyKay, when a stranger named Kitty shows up. They attended nursing school, and through diaries and flashbacks, the reader learns about their loves, friendships, and secrets. Well developed characters made this an enjoyable story!”

Red Velvet Roll French Toast $14.75

Red velvet cake stuﬀed with cream cheese icing, topped with crushed peppermint.

Winter Bowl $15.25

Rosemary redskin potatoes tossed with sausage, onions, spinach, & feta cheese then topped with 2 eggs any style.

Michelle’s Omelette $16.75

Three egg omelette stuﬀed with spinach, tomatoes, onions, & sausage then topped with pepper jack cheese. Served with hash browns, toast, & a half order of biscuits & gravy

Sleigh Salad $11.25

Spring mix topped with candied pecans, feta cheese, sliced red apples, red onions, & craisins.

French Onion Sandwich $14.25

Grilled sirloin topped with sautéed onions & swiss cheese on perfectly grilled sourdough bread. Served with au jus for dipping & choice of side.

“As the case of Clive Reynolds’s disappearance 20 years ago unfolds, Detective Ryan Hudson discovers a link to his partner's murder. Skillfully woven together, the characters draw readers into a web of lies and deceitful actions that will keep

“An ambitious intern and a conniving rich girl clash in this riveting dual POV thriller set in the world of big New York fashion houses. A fun, fast-paced read with a villain who's a ton of fun to root against! For fans of All Her Little Secrets.

WWititchaGchaGonnaDonnaDo?o?

(Graydon House) (Berkley)

“This is a very light magical romance. When a witch with no powers curses her witch family, she must work with her hot nemesis to save her family – and the world from domination.”