Welcome to the first edition of HomeLiving Places & Spaces. We are so excited to launch this new magazine. Somethings may look familiar, but we’ve
frosting to go with it. We are extremely appreciative of his honor for being willing to be the first to showcase a recipe, and especially a recipe that has such special meaning to him.
Another new feature will be Book Nook, where we’ll be asking folks to share some of their favorite reads. Writers Beth Anne Brink-Cox, Julie Young and I provided two of our favorite reads. If you’re a reader, feel free to reach out and share some of your favorite books with our readers. We just need the book title, author, a short 1-2 sentence synopsis of what the book is about and a sentence or two about why you like it.
Dani’s article about what it is.
Julie wrote a fun, informative article about keeping our pets happy during the winter months. My dynamic duo, felines Ace and Bromley, would probably tell her they love chasing after treats and using boxes as scratchers.
Planning on doing some interior painting soon? Beth Anne wrote about understanding the different types of paint out there and the best way to use them. And we also looked to see what was trending in home interior design for 2025.
So I hope you enjoy our inaugural issue of HomeLiving Places & Spaces. If you have
Help Fluffy and Fido survive the season Prepping the Pets
FIRST AID FIRST. Just like humans, your pets need their own first aid kit to take care of everyday injuries. You should also prepare an emergency kit that includes a five-day supply of food, water, medications, a leash, collar and other supplies in the event of a short-term SNAFU. Be sure to also have waterproof copies of your pet’s vaccination history, rabies certificate and veterinarian contact information along with your information in the event you become separated.
CONSIDER THE COLD. Although they are super cute and come in a wide range of designs, not every pet requires a winter coat. Some smaller pets who are closely shaved may benefit from having some extra protection from the cold, but others can get by
with a longer groom or rely on their undercoat to battle the sub-zero temps.
“Dogs with thick undercoats, such as huskies, don’t mind the snow very much. They will lay right in it, and it doesn’t bother them a bit,” said Cindy H. manager at Martin’s Pet Mart in Elkhart. “It’s also important to keep up with grooming during the winter months.”
PROTECT THE PAWS. No matter if you have a dog or a cat, the pads of their paws are extremely sensitive and can be irritated by salt and other products designed to melt ice. Jennifer Morawski at Pet Supplies Plus in Goshen said pet owners should look for pet safe options that won’t cause problems for the paws and make sure
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
When the weather outside is frightful, being a pet parent is anything but delightful. The best way to help our furry friends beat the winter blues is to prepare for the season so they can stay happy and safe. Want to know more? We’ve got the top tips from area experts who will help you (and your pets) conquer the cold weather.
to wipe off their paws whenever they come inside after a walk.
“We sell a special paw balm that acts as a lotion for dry, cracked paws,” she said. “It’s so important to check their paws for signs of damage because the cold can be just as damaging as the heat is in the summertime.”
KEEP THEM ENGAGED. A bored pet is an unhappy pet and prone to look for trouble in the name of diversion. Can’t go out for a walk and too tired to play? Look for educational toys such as puzzle feeders that will challenge your pets and keep them engaged for a while. Need a few minutes of peace? Give them a Kong full of frozen treats and they will stay busy for a while.
TRAVEL TIPS. For those vacationing with their pets, be sure to have the supplies you need to make it a pleasant experience. In addition to an FAA approved carrier or car crate, it’s important to have a pair of earmuffs, goggles, a thunder shirt, favorite toys and oxygen hood for your pets.
“If you are in a situation where you may need oxygen, then your pet will need it too,” said Shaun Singleton of 4 Paws Aviation Products in Warsaw. “Also make sure to have an In Case of Emergency Card with someone’s contact information with them in case you and your pet become separated.” n
2025 Home Design Trends
Ring in the year with some awesome updates
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
Are you looking to create a sense of comfort, sustainability, functionality, and personalized style in your home? If so, then you are not alone. Today’s homeowner is seeking spaces that will allow them to recharge and refresh after a long day and the top home design trends of 2025 are ready to help. From cozy corners to nostalgic nooks and tones taken from the natural world, homeowners are cultivating rooms that are nurturing, enduring and a little unexpected!
ORGANIC MODERN STYLE
Homeowners who crave simplicity along with a dab of rustic flair are turning to a modern organic aesthetic, which is a blend of natural and manufactured materials to create a cohesive, and welcoming space. It prioritizes quality over quantity without sacrificing comfort and warmth.
Christine Doncaster of Doncaster Flooring & Design in Mishawaka said the modern organic house is one that infuses earthy tones such as greens, blues, terracotta and muted neutrals with natural wood and stone. Pops of color and a mix of patterns also contribute to create a one-of-a-kind space along with curated and upcycled furnishings you can’t get anywhere else.
“Kitchens are showcasing more warm tone cabinetry while white cabinets are out. A more vintage inspired look with details such as butcher-block countertops and heirloom décor is also big,” she said. “It’s like an old meets collected-over-time look.”
CUTTING CORNERS
If you haven’t noticed it yet, curved furniture is having a serious design moment in 2025. Homeowners are cutting out corners in favor of more rounded edges, circular patterns, and cylindrical legs. Rounded arches are in vogue in home design and are showing up in doorways, windows and more.
Doncaster said arched elements offer homeowners a sense of whimsy and help soften harsh angles to create a comfortable space. “They also help accentuate your timeless pieces,” she said. If curves aren’t for you, don’t be afraid to incorporate plenty of geometry into your space, breaking up your clean lines with a unique shape can really set off your room and showcase your personal style. Consider a woven or a mesh cabinet front to offer texture and visual interest.
MAKE ROOM FOR WELLNESS
Wellness and self-care have been more than mere buzzwords for the past few years, but they are also an integral part of home design. The luxury bathroom experience including wet rooms (that combine a shower and bath in one space) are increasing in popularity. There is also a trend toward improved air ventilation, smart water usage, acoustics and rooms that inspire movement are all part of this wellness push that has taken home design by storm.
MULTIPLE OUTDOOR COOKING SPACES
If one outdoor dining experience is great, then more is…more! Although 2024 was known as the year of the backyard, homeowners will continue to create awesome al fresco options. In addition to the grill and the smoker, homeowners are installing pizza ovens, ceramic kamado-style barbecues and Argentinian-style gaucho grills that require wood and charcoal. While everything is designed for a purpose, your outdoor professionals will be able to help you find the perfect options for you!
Make 2025 a year to remember with some of these trends or start a new one! You’re only limited by your imagination…and budget! n
Plan to paint a room?
what you need to know
By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer
Would you tackle painting a room on your own? Here’s what you need to know.
If there seems to be a bewildering assortment of paint on the shelves, let’s break it down. There is a difference between matte, semi-gloss and eggshell, each with its own best purpose.
Matte absorbs light. It is a good choice if your walls are less than perfect (especially common in older homes because it will hide those imperfections). And while eggshell may sound like a shade, there’s more to it than that. Eggshell paint has a slight sheen, somewhere between the flatness of matte and the reflectiveness of semi-gloss. It’s more durable than matte and can be sponged clean as needed, but it’s not as easy to clean as semi-gloss, nor as long-lasting. This makes it a good paint for hallways and living rooms.
Semi-gloss has the most sheen, reflecting light and leaving you with a polished effect. It’s easy to clean–you can do some heavy scrubbing if you need to–and that makes it ideal for high traffic areas. Think trim, baseboards and bathroom; it might even work for certain kitchen areas, as well.
But don’t just take my word for it: Tim Ellis, of Ellis Painting, said “Those terms describe the sheen, or shine, of the paint. I usually use flats on ceilings, satin or eggshell on walls, and semi-gloss for trim, doors and cabinets. Flats are difficult to clean if something is spilled on them, so it’s usually not a good choice for walls.”
What do you take into consideration when it comes to choosing color and finish, I asked. Light? How smooth–or not–a wall might be? Ellis said, “That’s really a personal preference. There are some colors like red, and some blues, where the surface needs to be painted gray before you actually paint the chosen color; otherwise, the reds will show through.” As for trends, he continued, “Gray walls and white trim have been consistent. However, I’ve done several projects this year that were more pastels. And I always recommend flat white ceilings. It works with pretty much everything.”
“Painting is a skill that takes time to develop. I think a person has to figure out how professional of a job they need or want done. I’ve seen some pretty major mistakes from people who thought they could paint. Besides quality, safety is absolutely a main concern. If you’re not comfortable on a ladder in any circumstance, then hire someone who is to do it.” n
Paint Color
By BethAnne Brink-Cox
HomeLiving Feature Writer
You know the expression about not liking the weather and waiting five minutes for a change? Well, this time around, that can be said of the 2025 Paint Color of the Year!
If you like earth tones (minus avocado appliances and burnt orange shag carpet, of course) you might love the chocolate-y indulgence of Pantone’s “Mocha Mousse.” It is meant to express a level of thoughtful indulgence. Or you could go with “Elderton,” by Graham & Brown–a medium brown that head stylist Paula Taylor calls “a chameleon color that can be sophisticated yet cozy, depending on the mood of the space it is in.” She went on to say that it has a huge amount of depth, reconnecting us with nature and enhancing our relation to the earth, and that it was chosen in part because of versatility in blending design styles. Browns are being compared to chocolate and coffee beans, so you can just imagine what you could do with that thought!
But maybe something still warm and earthy, yet lighter? How about Dunn-Edwards “Caramelized,” which is a warm terracotta that is peachy in appearance? Or maybe, like me, blue is your favorite color? Dutch Boy selected “Mapped Blue,” meant to depict a future full of well-being, longevity and sustainability.
Mocha Mousse
Elderton
pantone.com
of the Year
Purple is showing up, too. Glidden has named “Purple Basil” as its color of the year, representing self-discovery and self-appreciation with rich warmth and energy. Minwax is going with “Violet”--a deep eggplant purple with red undertones that is water-based, and designed to provide a grounded feeling and comforting tone. And speaking of red: Glidden has chosen a second color of the year, “Brick Red,” but this one is spray paint, suggested for sprucing up lamps and other pieces in your home.
Now then, shades of brown, terracotta, purple, red and blue: would you want each and every one of these in your home? Be pretty colorful, wouldn’t it? Well…..If you’re not sure about that, you can always follow Sherwin-Williams and their ultimate The Color Capsule! Check it out: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-of-the-year/2025
Surely out of these you’ll find a color or two that really speaks to you, depending on which room(s) you want to paint. Just remember to consider what kind of light you have so you’ll know if you want cool or warm colors. And keep in mind that with such rich and intense colors, you don’t have to paint every wall: a single one makes a striking and dramatic statement. n
Purple Basil
Violet
Brick Red
glidden.com glidden.com
Go outside and play
By Dani Messick
HomeLiving Feature Writer
Sure, it’s cold. But that doesn’t mean you need to stay cooped up in the house all day. Northern Indiana is a hub for winter activities, especially when the snow is falling, from sledding hills to ice skating and so much more.
At Howard Park in South Bend, a 16,000 square-foot ice trail offers a wild wintertime wonderland featuring a bridge overlooking entry to the state-of-the-art playground and an ice pond for those just learning or other activities. Guests can learn to skate on the ice pond or play games, and experienced skaters can use the massive trail featuring hills and curves.
Skating runs through early March and season passes are available. Visitors can also reserve a time online and it’s recommended as times tend to fill up fast. Sessions are 80 minutes.
In Mishawaka, Ironworks Ice Rink requires an online reservation, but in addition to skating, the venue offers ice bumper cars and icebykes.
The NIBCO Ice & Water Park in downtown Elkhart also boasts an ice skating path and feature in the heart of the city, right off the banks of the Elkhart River.
Toboggan Run at Pokagon State Park is the Midwest’s only refrigerated toboggan run, meaning it doesn’t need snow to be operational. Features include a 30-foot tower and dips and valleys with a 90-foot drop across the quarter mile of the run, and a much-needed warming center nearby. With a top speed recorded at 42 miles per hour, the ride itself is only about 30 seconds but annually, the run gets around 90,000 riders every season.
Pokagon Park also offers cross-country ski and snowshoe rental for those looking to explore cold climate in a different way.
For those looking for a simpler and more traditional wintertime experience, tubing is offered across the region.
St. Patrick’s County Park in South Bend, George Wilson Park in Mishawaka, Potato Creek State Park in North Liberty, Ox Bow Park in Goshen, and Bonneyville Mill in Bristol all have tubing hills and slopes.
In addition, OxBow Park, Bonneyville Mill, Potato Creek State Park, and Indiana Dunes National Park also offer cross-country skiing. Warm up at the Baldwin One Room Schoolhouse at Bonneyville when its available or the Ox Bow Haus Shelter conveniently located right next to the tubing hills. You can also rent your own tubes and skis from the Goshen Parks & Recreation Office.
Many area parks not mentioned will also permit cross-country skiing or biking on trails, although they may not be maintained. Many also permit ice fishing and sailing, but check before venturing out. n
visitelkhartcounty.com visitsouthbend.com
aroundmichiana
YEAR ROUND | MIDDLEBURY TRAIL TALES
Bring the family outdoors to read a children’s book while walking a short path at Riverbend Park; book pages are placed in special kiosks along the path. New books are installed monthly. Event partners are the Middlebury Public Library and Middlebury Parks Department.
JAN. 1-31 | SOUTH BEND SOUTH BEND FARMERS MARKET
Indoor market featuring homegrown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry and more
7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Free admission 1105 Northside Blvd.
(574) 282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com
JAN. 2 | WAKARUSA WAKARUSA BLUE GRASS JAMBOREE
A host of local musicians and bands gather to pick, play and sing bluegrass, country and gospel in an informal jam session. Meets the first Thursday of the month.
6:30-9 p.m.
Doc Able Pavilion, 116 W. Waterford St. Downtown Wakarusa, 1 block west of stop light.
Free Admission, free will offering (574) 862-2200 wakarusabluegrassjam.com
JAN. 15 | GOSHEN TED YODER PERFORMS
Goshen Brewing Co.
315 W. Washington St. 7-9 p.m.
JAN. 18 | SOUTH BEND SOUTH BEND BREW FEST 2025
1-4 p.m.
Great Hall at Century Center
120 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Tickets range from $25-$85
For more info visit centurycenter.org
JAN. 19 | GOSHEN WINDSYNC
Goshen Performing Art Series
4-6 p.m.
Goshen College
Rieth Recital Hall
Tickets are : $20 general admission; $10 for Goshen College employees/students
JAN. 24-26 | SOUTH BEND
MICHIANA BOAT SHOW
South Bend Century Center
120 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Tickets $10 for those 12 and up. For more info visit centurycenter.org
JAN. 25 | WINONA LAKE PAJAMA PARTY SALE PARK AVENUE
Wake up bright and early and join the Village at Winona for its annual pajama party sale. Each shop offers different deals and discounts so you must make sure to shop in your pajamas. Sales start at 7 a.m.
For more information call (574) 2689888
JAN. 25 | WARSAW 10TH ANNUAL YOUNG ARTIST STATE-WIDE COMPETITION
Warsaw Performing Arts Center 804 Rozella Road - 10 a.m.
Presented by Symphony of the Lakes
Tickets are $25 for both junior and senior divisions
JAN. 31 - FEB 9 | SOUTH BEND GIRLS IN THE BOAT
South Bend Civic Theater
403 N. Main St.
Performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sundays
Tickets are $35 for general admission and $27 for students
For more information visit sbct.org n
Editor’s Note: As part of our rebranding, HomeLiving Places & Spaces will be asking notable people in the communities we cover to provide a recipe.
Our first participant is Elkhart County Circuit Court Judge Michael Christofeno, who provided the chocolate cake recipe he submitted to the Elkhart County Fair as a 4-H’er
This is based on a recipe I found in an older version of the Betty
Michael’s Feathery Fudge Cake
INGREDIENTS:
3 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate, melted.
(Try 4 if you are daring.) 1/2 cup milk
1 well-beaten egg
2/3 cup fine granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar (1/2 cup fine granulated sugar and 1/2 cup light brown sugar) 1 teaspoon vanilla
DIRECTIONS:
Combine chocolate, 1/2 cup milk, well-beaten egg, and 2/3 cup fine granulated sugar in a saucepan; cook over low heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Cool.
Stir butter to soften. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, and cream together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla.
Add remaining eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.
2 eggs 2 cups sifted cake flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup milk
Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together 3 times. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture alternately with 2/3 cup milk, a small amount at a time. Beat after each addition until smooth. Blend in chocolate mixture.
Bake in 2 paper-lined 9x 1 1/2 inch round cake pans in moderate oven (350 degrees) 25 to 30 minutes. Cool to frost.
Crocker’s Cookbook. I modified the recipe through trial and error. Even my errors tasted great. Eventually, I entered a version of this recipe as my 4-H foods project at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. I had to significantly alter the frosting recipe because refrigerated frostings were not allowed in the 4-H foods project for obvious reasons related to food safety. I received a state fair entry at the county fair and a blue ribbon at the Indiana State Fair. My mother was very proud.
pinterest.com
Michael’s Chocolate Satin Fudge Frosting
INGREDIENTS:
1 ½ - 2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons hot water
3 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate, melted (try 4 if you are daring)
1 egg, slightly beaten
4 tablespoons softened butter
1/4 teaspoon rum extract
DIRECTIONS:
Blend sugar and hot water into chocolate. Beat half of egg into chocolate mixture; then beat in remaining egg. Beat in butter, a tablespoon at a time. Blend in extract.
Frosting will be thin at this point, so place bowl in pan of ice water and beat until of spreading consistency. Spread on
cake. May need to double recipe if you like a lot of frosting.
Eat and enjoy! Graciously and humbly accept compliments from those fortunate enough to share this most exquisite cake with you. Be sure you refrigerate the cake in a timely manner because of the raw egg in the frosting. n
Judge Michael Christofeno
What The Fridge?
Fridgescaping design trend: Yay or Nay?
TikTok has doneitagain
Like with its predecessor, fridge restocking, fridgescaping has entered the scene and quickly taken over a real estate we didn’t realize was for sale: your refrigerator.
The trend uses ornamentation and decor such as china, figurines, plants and elaborate displays to accentuate the inside of your home’s refrigerator.
Kathy Perdue, retired design consultant, actually coined the phrase back in 2011.
“I thought, every time you open up your refrigerator — and we do that several times a day — it needs to be pretty, too,” she explains.
By Dani Messick HomeLiving Feature Writer
But Perdue’s version looked much more like the modern presentation of fridge restocking videos than the performative practice of curating antiques and decorative containers where food is supposed to go.
Experts warn that while the trend is mostly harmless when done properly, some considerations for safety should be considered, as a fridge is the home of your family’s food. Elkhart County Extension Educator Emily Christ asks the public to consider nonpoisonous plants and some more expensive classical design items like wicker baskets, plastic containers and resin decor can be coated in harmful chemicals and aren’t food-safe.
Lack of circulation can also make the refrigerator decorations a breeding ground for mold and mildew in your fridge in some cases.
“When you place decorative elements inside your fridge, especially if they are not food-safe or are difficult to clean, you could inadvertently introduce contaminants,” she explained. “For example, decorative items might harbor bacteria or mold, which can then come into contact with food items,” said Dr. Maria Knobel, Medical Director at Medical Cert UK.
In addition, placing nonfood-safe items
in the fridge means those items, not designed to consider circulation, can disrupt temperature regulation.
The result is an increased risk of foodborne illnesses and food spoiling faster.
Degradation of decorative items containing hazardous chemicals also increases the risk of those chemicals coming into contact with your food.
On the other hand, wouldn’t having a pretty refrigerator encourage you to open it and actually take note of what’s in there once in a while?
Writer Anjulie Rao wrote in September for Dwell that she tried fridgescaping, sorting through the contents and scavenging decor from around her home to put on display with little success. Her major problem? Condiments and spices.
“If I followed suit to decant everything into smaller (and fancier) vessels, they would, eventually, return to their dulled, messy appearance over the course of their long lifespan,” she admitted. “The act of decanting everything—vegetables, liquids, whatever—feels like a hollow gesture when it comes to the mundane magic of food itself… Food, unlike other clutter, is already romantic because of its inherent use in literally keeping us alive; food is a spectacle,
but preparing and serving it is the luxury.”
That’s exactly what Varsha Khatri, RDN, with Prowise Healthcare claims. Fridgescaping, when done right can help people to be more purposeful with their food intake, making meal prep easier, leading to less waste, and helping to keep it organized and food fresh.
“This not only promotes the safety of food but also helps one adopt the practice of regular upkeep to make sure the refrigerator is clean and organized over a period of time,” Khatri explained. “In as much as the risks are acknowledged, the advantages may be fully enjoyed of having a relatively arranged fridge which benefits health and creates wonderful dishes.”
lajournaliste.com
After failing to create a magical motif in the massive food storage container that is the refrigerator, Rao came to the decision that the act of fridgescaping, rather than simply decorating the fridge, is a fun way to take stock.
“No string lights, trinkets, or votives needed. I’ll keep my carrots, wrapped in their ugly plastic bag, in the crisper, and my grief can stay in the freezer.”
There’s also an argument to be made that fridgescaping isn’t for people that actually cook, although the act could lead to people cooking more.
Content creator Lynzi Judish has designed some of the most popular fridgescaping designs on the web, featuring themes like Bridgerton, The Hobbit, Outlander, and even Beetlejuice. She says the practice has encouraged her to try new recipes and increased her passion for cooking.
“It made me start to get into gardening because I wanted to grow my own food and have my own herbs at home,” she said. “I wanted it to be something that was like, this is what my refrigerator looks like right now, one hundred percent. But I also wanted it to be kind of fun. So I think some people miss that. It’s supposed to be a little silly, too.” n
Did You Know?
But there are some fun and interesting things about this month that you may never have known. Like–the ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions 4,000 years ago. They also made promises to the gods to pay their debts and return any objects they had borrowed. If they kept their word, the pagan gods would bestow favor on them; if not, they would fall out of favor with those gods. (Aren’t you glad that’s not really a thing these days?)
Julius Caesar established Jan. 1 as the beginning of the new year, circa 46 B.C. January is named for Janus, the two-faced god whose spirit inhabited doorways and arches. The Romans believed Janus looked back into the previous year and ahead into the future, they made sacrifices and promises of good conduct (resolutions, if you will) for the coming year.
By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer
Early Christians observed the first day thinking about past mistakes and resolving to do and be better in the fu ture. In 1740 John Wesley created the Covenant Renewal Service, which included Scripture reading and hymn sing ing. Still popular today within evangelical Protestant Churches, these are called watch night services, filled with prayer and resolutions.
But 38% of people claim they never make a resolution!
Those who achieve them, about 40% of the population, are successful on the first try. Others take multiple attempts; 17% take more than 6 tries. The top five most popular resolutions? 1 2 3 4 5 Lose Weight
Did it seem like the New Year got here faster than usual? I’ve heard that means you’re getting older, more aware of the passage of time, so we won’t follow that train of
Hope you like red! January has two birthstones, the traditional deep red garnet, and the red zircon. These represent constancy, faith and warmth.
January is much more than ‘just’ New Year’s Day, though
Consider:
Jan. 1: Emancipation Proclamation…and in 1892, Ellis Island opened!
Jan. 2: National Science Fiction Day
Jan. 3: Festival of Sleep Day and National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day
Jan. 4: World Braille Day….and National Spaghetti Day
Jan. 11: National Clean Off Your Desk Day (making a note of this one)
Jan. 13: Korean-American Day
Jan. 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day
(“This year I AM going to finally lose those pounds!” Have you ever said that?) Save Money Make A Career Change
Spend More Time With Family & Friends Quit A Bad Habit (Smoking, Drinking, Any Number of Things)
Jan. 15: Martin Luther King’s birthday
Jan. 22: Celebration of Life Day
Jan. 24: International Day of Education, National Compliment Day, and National Gazpacho Day
Jan. 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day…and National Chocolate Cake Day
Happy New Year, and may it be a better one than the one just completed!
In leap years, January always starts on the same day as April and July. n
... and now you know!
The Book Nook
BETHANNE’S PICK
BETHANNE’S PICK
JULIE’S PICK
TOM LAKE, by Ann Patchett. This will speak to anyone who loves theatrical productions, specifically OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder, and Traverse City, Michigan cherry orchards. I couldn’t put it down, stopping and re-reading particular passages because they touched me so deeply. Having directed OUR TOWN and having lived in northern Michigan for many years, those cherry orchards felt like my own backyard, and I can’t think of any other recent book that felt so much as if it were personally written just for me.
Welcome to Book Nook where readers can share their favorite or current reads. Since this is a new feature, we asked members of the writing team to share two of their favorite books. Want to suggest a book for Book Nook? Send the title, author, a brief synopsis of the book and why you liked it to lzeugner@the-papers.com.
HELLO BEAUTIFUL, by Ann Napolitano.
This book is for those who loved Louisa May Alcott’s LITTLE WOMEN, but it is not derivative in any way. I loved it as much as the inspiration, and as I did with that one, took a long look at family relationships, what could be fixed and what might not be. And I loved its title, because of the meaning behind it–you’ll have to read it for yourself to find out why!
James by Percival Everett. There is a reason why this was picked as Barnes & Noble’s Book of the Year and it does not disappoint! It is the story of Huckleberry Finn told from Jim’s point of view. Reads quickly and has plenty of humor.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstein was a fun read. If you like fantasy and haven’t read this yet, be sure to check it out of your local library or go buy a copy at your favorite book vendor. This is a story about a circus that operates from sunset to sunrise and two young magicians trained for an epic duel only to fall in love. The imagery is haunting. It was a book I had a hard time putting down while at the same time I wanted to slow down and savor each page.
JULIE’S PICK
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jaime Ford. This is a historical novel told in two parallel storylines, one following 12-year-old Henry Lee ’s experiences during the World War II and the other depicting Henry 44 years later as a widower with a college age son. This book touched me deeply. I didn’t know San Francisco was a place for Jazz until reading this book. The scenes of the Lee family being sent to the internment camps and returning are heartbreaking.
The Lyrics by Paul McCartney. If you have ever wondered about the backstory of some of the most famous songs of the 20th century from one of its most prolific songwriters/ musicians, The Lyrics holds the answer. Told by the former Beatle and Wings frontman, it is the closest thing to an autobiography that Macca will ever write.
