Be YOUtiful - May 2015

May 2015

FREE

Greater Kalamazoo

BE YOU

Mediterranean Menu

Precious MOMents

Mother's Day Tribute

Essential • Enlightening • Entertaining WomensLifeStyleK azoo.com

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May 2015

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

The People Who Make It Happen...

Publisher: Darlene Mohr-Clifford dclifford@wlskazoo.com Contributing Writers: Heather Ratliff Heidi McCrary Kathleen Irish Kelly Duggan Sandy Derby Sales Manager: Ruth Ann Dibert radibert@wlskazoo.com Account Executive: Brenda Murphy bmurphy@wlskazoo.com Layout & Design: Jennifer Chartier jchartier@wlskazoo.com Photography: K. Redmond Photography www.facebook.com/kredmondphotography

Office Manager: Patty Clifford pclifford@wlskazoo.com Contact Us: 269-350-5227 Sales Info: 269-271-1032

By Mail: Greater Kalamazoo Women’s LifeStyle, P. O. Box 2284, Portage, MI 49081-2284

By Email: info@wlskazoo.com editor@wlskazoo.com sales@wlskazoo.com Website: www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

May 2015 LIFE

4 10 Things to Do In May 7 Set the Stage for Your 2015 Graduation Party 8 DIY Baby Products 13 Precious MOMents 24 Lettuce Talk

STYLE

18 Style – Workday to Evening Out 19 The Most Beautiful Person In The Room 20 Kids’ Artwork on Display 22 Behind Beauty: What Your Brain Sees

FOOD & DRINK 6

Homemade & Wholesome: Baby Food Recipes: Spiced Sweet Potato, Blueberry & Avocado Kale, White Bean & Parsnip Turkey, Brown Rice, Spinach & Apple

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Mediterranean Menu Turkey & Meatball Kebabs Lentil Salad with Onions, Tomatoes & Olives Orange, Mint & Onion Salad

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Gussied Up Asparagus Cured Ham & Asparagus Pizza Asparagus Wraps Asparagus Pesto with Gnocchi and Ham

LEARN

9 Children and Manners

16 Lessons From Mom 30 Reader’s Lounge & Movie Season Kickoff

LOOK WHO’S TALKING 10 Joanne Rossman

BUSINESS & FINANCE 14 Financial Savvy 15 Ad Talk

COMMUNITY NEWS & HAPPENINGS 27 KIA Arts Fair 28 Calendar

Greater Kalamazoo

May 2015

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10 Things to Do in MAY

by Peaches McCahill

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Dust off your bike. Get it tuned-up for the season.

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Set up your outdoor furniture. And don’t forget to clean off the grill.

Host a Cinco de Mayo party. Tacos, guacamole and the perfect Margarita!

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Time to paint. Touch up doors and trim. Maybe even paint your front door a new color.

Determine a signature graduation gift. Think of something that is a reflection of you, i.e. a special book, picture frame.

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May 23 is Lucky Penny Day. A penny for your thoughts and put your two cents in…

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May 2015

" Never yet was a springtime, when buds forgot to bloom." - Sangster

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It’s National Physical Fitness Month.

Get yourself and your family moving along with eating more fruits and veggies. They are watching!

Confirm your summer plans. Start early with setting dates with your friends and family – get that calendar filled with commitments.

8 Remember all the mothers in your life.

Not just the biological ones, but all those who have protected, loved and supported you and yours.

Watch the Kentucky Derby.

I am going for a long-shot – Danny Boy for the win!

About the Author

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Peaches McCahill is founder and president of The McCahill Group, a leading provider of health, wellness, beauty and talent solutions, and owner of the new M Power Studio. She has a passion to inspire others with simplistic lifestyle suggestions.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Publisher's Letter

Rejoice!

Spring is finally here. By the time you read this, we will be half way through spring and almost to summer. You can see the joy on everyone’s faces and in the lightness of their steps. We are all suddenly in love with our surroundings and just pleased to be alive.

Here are some easy tips on “keeping in shape” while you're pregnant:

In celebration of Mother’s Day, May’s edition is dedicated to all things maternal. From fashion to baby food, there is something here for every Mom, whether young or not-so-young.

• Eat small frequent meals. Avoid excessive amounts of sugars.

We are also pleased to announce the winner of our “2015 Celebrate Your Mom This Mother’s Day Contest”, Joanne Rossman. Joanne is from Paw Paw and was nominated by her daughter, Judy Versalle of Mattawan.

Congratulations to you both. We are so honored to recognize two more outstanding women in our community.

May also brings Memorial Day, when we honor those who have given their lives for our country and take the time to remember those who are no longer with us, no matter what the reason. In honor of both of May’s important holidays, I’d like to leave you with some quotes about mothers from some outstanding patriots:

"My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her."

-George Washington "I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."

-Abraham Lincoln

• Eat your fruits and vegetables! Getting ber from whole grains, fruits, and veggies combined with plenty of water is a great way to maintain a healthy weight and avoid constipation.

• Get Moving!! Walking for 30 minutes a day is a great start if you have not been exercising previously. Swimming or riding a bike is great too! Exercising regularly will increase your energy, put you in a better mood, help you sleep better and reduce backaches, constipation, and swelling. bet • Doing regular exercise will help your recovery after delivery.

• Make sure you are drinking plenty of water!!! Especially with warmer weather coming, your body needs plenty of WATER! • Be sure to get your protein in too. Protein is important for you and your baby!

• Be sure to discuss your speciic health needs with your doctor. Every woman is different, and every pregnancy is different! You need to nd out what will work best for you and we can help you do that.

• Your health needs change throughout pregnancy and into the post partum period. Our website has some great resources - take a look: WWW.OBGYNPC.COM

"There never was a woman like her. She was gentle as a dove and brave as a lioness...The memory of my mother and her teachings were, after all, the only capital I had to start life with, and on that capital I have made my way."

-Andrew Jackson

OB-GYN P.C. 601 John St. Suite M-318 Kalamazoo, MI 49007-5383 269-345-6197 www.obgynpc.com

Till next month – you’ll find me sitting in as much sunshine as I can find!

Darlene Publisher

Greater Kalamazoo

Front row: Rebecca Kundan, FNP-BC; Pamela Wadsworth, WHNP-BC; Brittany Post, WHNP-BC; Marcia Johnson, MD; Carly Davis, MD

Back row: Carter Lomax, Jr.,MD; Rebekah Sharp,MD; Wendy Bauer, MD; Joseph Riethman,MD

May 2015

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Homemade and Wholesome

Baby Food Recipes

by Jen Foley • photography by Two Eagles Marcus

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sk any parent; having a child is the most amazing, joyful, and terrifying thing all at once. Just cracking open a baby how-to book fills a soon-to-be parent with more questions and fears about what could possibly go wrong. In my first year of parenthood, I’ve found the best way to ease my anxiety is to not only fill my heart with gratitude every day when I look at my healthy little girl, but also to attempt to monitor the few controllable aspects of parenthood. For example, what my daughter is ingesting.

There are tons of great organic and all natural baby foods available at almost any grocery store in town, but when I make it from scratch, I feel comfort in knowing exactly what is going into each batch. Not only does it feel nice to know I’m nourishing my baby with the lowest-toxin ingredients possible, it’s also shockingly easy and can save a good chunk of change over the course of infancy.

The instructions for the following recipes are all the same. Using a blender or food processor, simply puree the ingredients until very smooth. Use warm water as needed to reach the desired consistency.

You’ll have the most success at achieving a smooth consistency if you have a high-quality blender or food processor. If your child is used to having some texture in their diet, feel free to leave some larger pieces in your puree. Remember to be creative! This is the best time to introduce different textures and flavors to your child and with a little luck, reduce the possibility of having a picky eater in the future.

Note: all of these recipes can be frozen. If refrigerated, be sure to use them up within three days to keep from spoiling.

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May 2015

Cinnamon Spiced Sweet Potato, Blueberry, and Avocado

2 large sweet potatoes, cooked

1/2 pint blueberries

1 ripe avocado

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Warm water as needed

Kale, White Bean, and Parsnip

2 cups kale, cooked until just wilted 10 ounces white beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup parsnips, cooked

1 ripe pear

Pinch of salt Warm water as needed

Turkey, Brown Rice, Spinach, and Apple

8 ounces ground turkey, browned well

1/2 pound fresh spinach, cooked until just wilted

1 apple, peeled, chopped and microwaved for 30 seconds to soften 1/2 cup brown rice, cooked Pinch of salt and dried oregano Warm water as needed Jen Foley is a professional chef and a new mom based in southwest Michigan. You can find her online at www. chefjenfoley.com.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Set the Stage for Your Graduation Party

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2015

rom elementary school to grad school, every graduation is a milestone typically celebrated with a big party. Sweet treats are a key part of celebrations, and by adding personalized details you can truly make your grad feel like one-of-a-kind.

great golf fore a good cause.

golf fore

Dessert Doubles as Decor Make the cake your centerpiece. A sheet cake is easy to make and serve, holds up well and feeds a lot of guests.

Round out the dessert table with other assorted treats like cupcakes, brownies and marshmallow crisp rice cereal squares. The variety adds visual interest and ensures you’ll have something for everyone’s tastes.

Show off the individual treats using platters and tiered stands to give dimension. The Display Your Way™ cake stand has a customizable center compartment that makes it fun and easy to match your party from top to bottom. Fill the center compartment with unique details like photographs or other memorabilia.

Decorate Cupcakes with Easy, Yet Impressive Tricks Cupcakes are great for guests because they’re perfectly sized for individual portions. If you’re an inexperienced decorator or just pressed for time, try the classic 1M swirl. It’s quick, easy and looks professional.

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Swirl up to three colors at one time using the Wilton® Color Swirl™ TriColor Coupler. The swirled multicolor icing technique may look intimidating, but with the proper tool it’s a piece of cake. Or, try using round decorating tip 2A to create rings of icing. Find easy decorating instructions for these cupcakes at http://s.wilton.com/color-swirl-cupcakes.

Choose the Color Palette Wisely Now’s your chance to get creative. Make the party all about the grad by choosing their school colors or their favorite colors.

Match your school colors or party decor precisely using the new Wilton® Color Right™ Performance Color System. It takes the guesswork out of custom coloring icing, fondant, cake batter and more with the convenience of easy-to-control squeeze bottles and a rainbow of color formulas.

Your graduate will be touched by the thought behind your party planning prowess, and your guests will be wowed by the spread.

For more sweet treat ideas and inspiration, visit www. wilton.com.

Bridget Mueller is the owner of Cake N Candy in Kalamazoo. For more ideas go to www.cakencandy.com.

(Family Features)

Greater Kalamazoo

May 2015

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DIY BABY

products

B

y now, many of us have heard about the dangerous synthetic chemicals in our beauty products. The substances that make up our face creams can be found in manufacturing plants too, used to stabilize pesticides, for example. Links have been found between the use of these chemicals and increased risk for cancer, among other medical issues. As a result, many beauty blogs tout the easy, DIY versions of our favorite face washes and shampoos. Those recipes are a great starting point for women, but what about mothers? If we can, we should protect our young ones from these chemicals, too. To assist the health-conscious mothers out there, we have put together a list of quick, DIY baby product recipes.

by Emily Morris

Of course, as a new mom, it is nearly impossible to find the time to make these home remedies. Instead of playing games at the baby shower, then, maybe invite your friends to a DIY party to help mix up some of these essentials. Everyone will enjoy learning the chemical-free way to treat their kids’ scrapes and bruises, and you can even send them home with some organic creams as gifts.

Baby Powder

Talc, the main ingredient in most commercial baby powders, has been linked to increased risk for both ovarian and lung cancers. It has properties similar to asbestos, which is also used to absorb moisture and eliminate odor. Arrowroot powder is an all-natural starch alternative that will leave your baby’s bottom soft and smooth.

1/2 cup arrowroot powder 2-3 drops chamomile essential oil 2-3 drops lavender essential oil Combine ingredients and store in a shaker (can use a salt shaker, or a larger shaker if preferred).

Diaper Rash Ointment

Every ingredient in this recipe contains skinsoothing properties. Coconut oil, lavender, and tea tree fight against bacteria and resolve infections while shea butter, lavender, and chamomile soothe and relax irritated skin.

Use as a nighttime calming lotion or as diaper rash ointment.

1/4 cup coconut oil 3/4 cup shea butter

3 drops lavender oil 5 drops tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia oil 1 chamomile tea bag

Place ingredients in a double boiler (or combine ingredients in small glass dish and place in a saucepan with shallow water) and heat over low heat until oils melt and combine. Steep with the tea bag for 10 minutes. Whip mixture with an electric mixer (optional). Store in a glass container.

Baby Shampoo/Body Wash

A baby’s skin is very sensitive. Unfortunately, commercial products have drying detergents and chemicals that can irritate their skin and dry it out. As a result, it is not necessary to use soap or shampoo on your baby every day. A natural alternative is to use castile soap every couple of days to wash the baby’s skin and hair. Note that castile soap is not tear free, so be sure to avoid the baby’s eyes.

1 ounce liquid castile soap (try Dr. Bronner’s) 5 ounces filtered water 3 drops lavender oil

Combine ingredients in a small bottle and shake to mix.

Lavender is widely known for its healing and calming properties.

It’s an all-around essential oil perfect for natural baby products.

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May 2015

Cut-Soothing Ointment

Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with a few drops of lavender and tea tree essential oils to help soothe cuts and scrapes.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Your Health Today

A Closer Look at Uterine Fibroids Uterine fibroids (non-cancerous tumors in or around the uterus) can disrupt a woman’s normal activities, favorite pastimes and even her sexuality.

What are uterine fibroids?

Mike Hardiman, MD

How To Teach Your Child

I

Good Manners

By Madeline L. Zackery

Uterine fibroids are lumps that grow on the uterus, ranging in size from very tiny to the size of a cantaloupe or larger. Unless they cause problems, women do not necessarily have to treat fibroids.

Who usually develops fibroids?

Fibroids affect 20 to 40 percent of all women in their 30s and 40s.

African-American women are at greater risk of having fibroids.

What causes fibroids?

Doctors aren’t sure what causes fibroids. However, the hormones estrogen and progesterone seem to make fibroids grow. Fibroids often shrink after menopause (and may stop causing symptoms).

n just a few weeks, children will be home for their summer break from school. Let’s make this a fun and productive time for them by planning a “Summer Etiquette Adventure”. As a family, you can utilize this time to work on perfecting good manners, table etiquette, polite conversation skills, poise, posture and, among other things, respect for others.

Do fibroids increase cancer risks?

As an etiquette advisor and instructor for over forty years, I’m often asked by parents, “How can I teach good manners to my children?”. Below are some simple tips on how to teach good manners to your children and to get them to use them on a daily basis.

• Heavy, prolonged menstrual periods and unusual monthly bleeding • Anemia • Pelvic pain, or pain in the back or legs • Pelvic pressure or heaviness • Pain during sexual intercourse • Bladder pressure that leads to frequent urination • Pressure on the bowel, resulting in constipation or bloating • Abnormally enlarged abdomen

Model manners.

If you want your child to use good manners, you must make sure you do as well.

Children learn best by example, and they will learn most of what they know about manners and respect from watching you. This is not an area in which you can get them to do as you say and not as you do. The first step to having a polite child is being a polite parent.

Practice at home.

This summer is a good time to practice good manners since they will be home for most of the day. He or she needs to have lots of practice in the fine art of social graces. Take time to engage in role playing with your son or daughter. For instance, practice how to be courteous when using the telephone, how to open the door and how to greet guests. Use polite conversation at the dinner table, such as, “May I be excused?” and “Please pass the butter”.

Practice polite conversation.

Stress the importance of these five key phrases that should be used in their conversation: THANK YOU, PLEASE, MAY I?, EXCUSE ME and I’M SORRY. These should be used while speaking to children as young as 6 months old. When your infant, toddler or young child reaches for something from you, instruct them to ask politely before giving it to them. You might say something like, "Say please." With an older child you might direct him or her to use the whole sentence and say “Mom, may I please have a cookie?”

Give your child positive reinforcement.

Children love praise; especially when it comes from a parent or loved one. Very often parents only respond to their children's undesirable behavior, while ignoring their victories and positive actions. This choice may actually have the reverse result.

Children want attention anyway they can get it-even if that means doing bad things.

Encourage good behavior. An activity you might want to do this summer is to have one day out of the week a “Reward for Good Manners Day”. That can be a day you go to the movies, a picnic or out to lunch or dinner.

Note: Next up in our series “Summer Etiquette Adventure”: “Teaching Your Child Proper Table Etiquette”.

Madeline L. Zackery is the Executive Director of Preparing Leaders Of Tomorrow (P.L.O.T.). She has been teaching etiquette for over 40 years.

Madeline also writes children's books.

Her latest book is "Milo The Moose" which can be found on Amazon.

Greater Kalamazoo

Fibroids are benign tumors that almost never develop into cancer.

What are the symptoms?

If symptoms are experienced, they may include:

In some cases, fibroids can make it more difficult to get pregnant or cause problems during pregnancy.

How are fibroids diagnosed?

Fibroids are typically detected during a routine pelvic exam. After the exam and talking with your health care provider, fibroids are usually confirmed by abdominal ultrasound or through other painless diagnostic tests.

How are they treated?

The first line of treatment is often medications, which may include hormone therapy (e.g., birth control pills) or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., ibuprofen). Women with symptoms that do not improve with drug therapy may want to consider discussing surgery with their doctor.

There are a number of ways to surgically treat fibroids. One minimally invasive option, called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), can reduce the complications associated with hysterectomy and offer a faster recovery. During UFE, a thin tube (catheter) is thread into the blood vessels that supply blood to the fibroid. Tiny plastic or gel particles are then injected into the blood vessels. This blocks the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to shrink. Patients spend only one night in the hospital and return to normal activities within about a week.

Dr. Mike Hardiman, an OB/GYN with Borgess Women’s Health in Kalamazoo, may be reached by calling (269) 226.5927. For questions on this column, or to suggest topics for future columns, e-mail womenshealth@borgess.com.

A member of Ascension Health®

May 2015

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Look Who's Talking Congratulations to Judy Versalle, first prize winner of Women’s Lifestyle’s 2015 Mother’s Day Contest

Widowed Mother Raises Young Children on Family Farm In 1959, just a year after my parents had bought a farm in Paw Paw, Dad died of leukemia. He received the diagnosis just two weeks prior to his death. Mom was a young woman with three small children and a mortgage. Somehow she summoned the strength and determination we would need to survive.

Mot her’s Day Tribute:

Judy Versalle

Together we farmed the land, sold crops, raised chicken for meat and eggs, canned and ate what we grew. Clothes were second hand, but there was food on the table and she made sure we were always clean, presentable and loved.

When land adjoining our farm became available, Mom recognized that purchasing this additional acreage and more hard work was an opportunity to improve our lives. With determination and tenacity she persuaded the local bank to loan her, a widow with children and limited income, funds to buy the land. She was the first woman to obtain

a property loan from the bank without husband or cosigner!

Mom never gave up and never stopped growing. She furthered her education while farming, working other jobs and raising her family. She became the Paw Paw Township Treasurer, then obtained her real estate license. Again, with hard work she succeeded. In time the farm was sold and she opened her own business, "Town & Country Real Estate" in Paw Paw. Mom lives independently, volunteers at Paw Paw Community Thrift Shop, is a member of the Advisory Council for Senior Services, member of Mattawan Planning and Zoning Board and proud participant of Van Buren County Senior Services.

Cloaked in dignity, strength and love, she is my mentor, my mother, Joanne Rossman.

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May 2015

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WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

WHY ALPACA? COME SEE! May 2015 Specials

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SOCKS HATS GLOVES BLANKETS YARN RAW FIBER HANDMADE DRYER BALLS & MUCH MORE!

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Steven M. Nitsch, MD Comprehensive Plastic Surgical Care Cosmetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery Body Contouring Cosmetic & Reconstructive Facial Improvements Burn Care & Reconstruction Skin Cancer Treatments Scar Revision Botox & Injectable Fillers

LATISSE

Come out to the country and check us out!

WYNDY PYNES ALPACA FARM Chris & Amy Rogers

23111 64th Ave | Mattawan, MI Call for an appointment: (269) 668-8149

Greater Kalamazoo

May 2015

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happy mother's day

Mirabella Med Spa ALL M AY LONG We are offering a 60 minute massage and 60 minute facial for $85.

186 S Grand St Schoolcraft

269-679-2957 Services by Dr. Rebecca Martin mirabellamedspa.com

Appointments must be booked together but services can be split between two people.

Medicine Tree COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

Specializing in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm Phone: (269) 668-6801 www.medicinetreepharmacy.com 56109 Village Center Circle, Mattawan, MI 49071

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May 2015

Let’s do Lunch!

Kalamazoo (west) 4426 West Main

Downtown Kalamazoo 527 Harrison

Portage 7083 S. Westnedge

(269) 343-8440 • mackenziesbakery.com

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Personalized Home-Made Dinner

As I get older, time with family seems to be limited to holidays and birthdays, meaning less time with my mom. This year could just be about bonding and having a nice meal with mom. I’m sure she wants to hear what’s been going on in your life in person, not just over the phone. Go to her house or have her over, while you prepare her favorite meal.

Summer Kick-Off

For active families, let Mother’s Day be the first family activity of the summer. Each week plan a family event.

From sports or hiking to movie night or cooking a meal together, get the whole family involved by allowing the children to choose the activity and even sending the invitation out to extended family.

Precious MOMents

Setting Mother’s Day in Motion

A family with strong and healthy relationships is linked to a healthy diet and exercise routine. For example, cooking healthy meals with your young children will teach them to treat their bodies well from a young age for life-long self-nourishment. The physical benefits of family time stimulate mental health and encourage an active lifestyle.

Talk to your mom this year to discuss ideas for Mother’s Day. It’s the time together that will keep you and your family happy and healthy.

by Lyndsay Flagel

O

n Mother’s Day during my childhood, my mom and I would go to the local greenhouse and pick out flowers for the garden. We would bring them home and spend the afternoon together gardening. As a kid, I can’t remember a Mother’s Day that we didn’t garden. This tradition became the event to kick off summer. Do you have a tradition for Mother’s Day? Perhaps this is the year to begin a family tradition special to mom.

While some may feel they can only handle their families in “small doses,” family time is influential in our emotional health and longevity. According to Amanda L. Chan, author of Health Benefits Of Friends

And Family: 8 Reasons Why It’s Healthy To Spend Time With Loved Ones, parenting is said to lengthen life and talking with mom lowers stress. Explore the following ideas for a way to celebrate and strengthen both you and your mother’s well-being with healthy activities and exploration.

Local Happenings

Around town, there are plenty of activities and discounts offered for the holiday. Find a new restaurant or take the family to a show your local theater to see a play, concert or show. Participate in a springtime 5K, a cooking class, or a street art show. Visit your local Women’s LifeStyle events calendar to find one of these delightful events.

Activity Suggestions:

Traditional Pampering

Find spas with great deals and get a fresh coat of polish on your hands and toes. What’s great about manicures and pedicures is that most places include a mini massage as part of the package. Find a local salon that does a manicure-pedicure-massage combination or offers nail polish with the purchase of your manicure.

It’s occasions like these that salons and spas want to pamper mothers, grandmothers, daughters, and families alike.

Greater Kalamazoo

• Take a picnic to the beach and climb the sand dunes. This promotes physical health and eating well.

• Find a bike trail and ride.

• Family game night encourages socialization and stimulation.

• Visit your local museum.

• Start a new summer activity, such as fishing.

This can be a relaxing day on the lake together and teach activities that are often overlooked now-a-days.

Lyndsay has her master’s in health administration. She loves the beach, writing, and practicing yoga for a healthy mind-body lifestyle.

May 2015

13

Are You Single?

Are You Financially Secure?

By Sandy K Derby, CFP®, ChFC™ – Derby Financial & Associates

F

inancial security is the #1 concern of ALL women. However, as a single woman you have the additional challenge of having the entire burden, for your current and future finances, solely on your shoulders. Whether you are a life-long single, legally single, divorced, or widowed, it is entirely up to you to manage your financial welfare. Having limited resources does not mean that you have limited choices, or that you can’t live a comfortable, financially secure life. Your unique situations demand well thought out strategies and solutions. Women don’t have different investment and insurance products available to them, but they do have different life circumstances. We have a longer life expectancy, we make less money on average, and we have less working years to contribute to social security and retirement accounts. We also tend to work at jobs that provide less benefits and less financial security. In light of these concerns, it behooves women to seek professional advice to help them insure their financial security.

LIFE-LONG SINGLES have always had to provide

for themselves, for all aspects of financial security.

The paycheck is only the beginning. You also need to provide for current and future insurance needs, such as medical insurance today, along with Long Term Care resources for the future. Your income is the only determining factor for your social security benefits, so having a good paying job is crucial in determining your retirement and disability benefits. Because you have only one household income, it is especially important that you have a larger emergency fund than two-income households. It is imperative that you have Medical Directives and Powers of Attorney, in case of your incapacity. Your estate will need to be settled immediately, in the event of your death, since there is no spouse to continue ownership of your assets. Some often asked questions include: Should I have a trust?

Should I take a life only pension or annuity payout?

Who will take care of my pets? How much should I save for retirement?

LEGALLY SINGLE are women who are in a

relationship, but not legally married. This includes hetero and same gender partners. You may be sharing a home, or not. You may have jointly owned properties, or not. The fact is you have a different set of concerns and challenges. While you may have

someone you can rely on to share income and expenses, there are certain protections not afforded you by law. This means that you will need to take extra precautions, and get additional knowledge about your situation. Your estate planning documents will determine who can care for you, who will inherit your assets, who will make financial decisions in your stead. Retirement issues will require additional consideration. You may wonder: Will my partner be able to make medical decisions? What rights do I have regarding custody and other child related issues? Do we need a legal agreement for everything we do together?

DIVORCED WOMEN, with or without children,

usually go through a period of dramatic life changes.

In addition to living on less money, you also have added emotional stress for yourself and your children.

You may have to adjust to a different home, change your social circle, and adjust to shared time with the kids, not to mention coordinating a more complicated schedule. Empty nest divorcees may feel isolated or lonely, even if they wanted the divorce. Stress can interfere with making sound financial decisions. Your previous financial plan probably included another income source and insurance benefits. You will need a new budget, new legal documents, and most likely, a new timeline for your goals. You may need to restructure your portfolio. What should you do with your QDRO assets?

WIDOWED WOMEN are most vulnerable to

being taken advantage of immediately after the death of their spouses. Everyone is trying to give them advice. Everyone wants them to move on with their life. Some decisions must be made, such as funeral arrangements, but most can wait a few weeks or even months. If you don’t need the proceeds from life insurance right away, you can wait to file the

claim until your emotional state is clearer. Don’t make investment decisions right away, if possible.

Of course, if you and your spouse have planned well in advance, you should have everything clearly defined and ready to implement. After the loss of a spouse, your income will be reduced, your insurance benefits may change, and your lifestyle may change also. If you haven’t done this type of planning before becoming widowed, you will need to consider a new budget, changing beneficiaries, retitling some assets, possibly reallocating portfolios, and including someone else in your meetings with your financial professionals.

Sandy K Derby, CFP®, ChFC™ has specialized in helping women establish financial security since 1989.

The majority of her clients are single women who need a sound financial strategy, and want professional help to develop a plan to achieve financial independence and security. For more resources please go to www.derbyfinancial.net. Sandy can be reached at sandykderby@derbyfinancial.net or 269-321-5047.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through ING Voya Financial Advisors, Member SIPC Derby Financial & Associates, LLC, is not a subsidiary of nor controlled by Voya Financial Advisors.

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14

Derby Financial & Associates, LLC, is not a subsidiary of nor controlled by Voya Financial Advisors.

May 2015

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Advertising…

No Longer a Mad Men's World N

ot long ago Jane Tamraz received the Glass Ceiling Award from Kalamazoo Network, a local women’s organization, for her accomplishment of climbing the corporate ladder in an industry traditionally held by men.

125th Anniversary Fact

A 100-bed “New Borgess Hospital” was constructed in 1917 to serve additional southwest Michigan residents. The original Borgess Hospital continued to serve area residents by providing emergency services.

“New Borgess” was built on 56 acres of land on Gull Road.

Borgess Events Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Dinner

As a CEO of Biggs Gilmore (Now part of advertising agency, VML), Tamraz accepted the award with the humble disclaimer that she didn’t face the hardship of working in a men’s working environment that those before her likely dealt with on a daily basis. While her declaration of not having any shards of glass in her hair was a wonderful display of modesty, she had a point that the Glass Ceiling Award had perhaps passed its relevance in recognizing women in roles traditionally held by men, and it wasn’t long after that the Glass Ceiling Award was retired.

While the reality of a nonsexist work environment everywhere is wishful thinking, the truth is, like the Virginia Slims slogan once touted, women have, “come a long way, baby!” While Peggy Olson must constantly prove her worthiness on Mad Men, the show about the ad agency business in the 60’s/70’s, the advertising profession is no longer overwhelmingly dominated by men. Women are now a powerful force in an industry that once proclaimed that women should only be consulted for ads featuring feminine hygiene products.

Yet, it wasn’t that long ago that women were still fighting to be taken seriously in the work environment. As a new TV account executive at the age of 25, I recall facing sexism head-on as I was forced to listen to an owner of an auto repair business tell me that he didn’t appreciate the TV station sending a woman. He then instructed me to go back to my boss and tell him (My boss was a man, of course) that the owner would only deal with a salesman. I thanked the man for his time, and the TV station sent a man. That business owner never did advertise with the TV station.

And I didn’t care.

Sexism in the business world can also come when you least expect it.

Selling cars at a local dealership, a female friend of mine never had any issues dealing with male customers. However, one day while showing a car to an older woman, the customer finally admitted to my friend that she preferred to buy a car from a man because, “Men know more about cars. Nothing personal.” My friend decided it wasn’t worth fighting and graciously found the lady a salesman who knew very little about cars.

Both of those scenarios happened over 20 years ago, and today I can’t imagine running into such ignorance, but I’m sure it’s still out there.

While women still have a way to go in becoming an equal force in the upper ranks in the advertising industry, locally, I see women taking charge like never before. Fifteen years after that auto repair owner insisted that the TV station send him a male salesperson, that The Advertising Goddess same TV station hired its (AKA - Heidi McCrary) is first female local sales co-owner of Ad Shop, etc. manager… me!

– a boutique advertising agency offering full-service and alá carte marketing services to local businesses.

Contact Heidi at heidi@ adshopetc.com and on Facebook at adshopetc.

Greater Kalamazoo

Events Calendar May 2015

Awards and scholarship grants will be presented to recognize nursing excellence, leadership, education and research, as well as to promote nursing education and certification.

Borgess Medical Center, Lawrence Education Center Thursday, May 7, 5 to 8 p.m. $40 per person. RSVP by April 24 to ensure your place. Please call (269) 226.8100 for more information.

Breastfeeding

A lactation consultant will discuss the benefits of breastfeeding, practical techniques, breastfeeding after returning to work and more.

Borgess Medical Center, Lawrence Education Center Tuesday, May 12, 6 to 8:30 p.m. $23/couple. Registration required. Please call (269) 226.8135 or (800) 828.8135 or visit wellness.borgess.com to register.

Research Studies

Local doctors are currently conducting clinical research studies for Alzheimer’s disease, gout and arthritis. For more information, please call the Borgess Research Institute at (269) 226.4803.

For a complete list and further information about what Borgess has to offer, please visit wellness.borgess.com. Want the latest classes, events and health screenings sent directly to your inbox? You can also sign up for the Borgess Bulletin e-newsletter there as well.

Borgess Health & Fitness Center Borgess Run for the Health of It!

Registration is now open for the 36th annual Borgess Run for the Health of It and the Kalamazoo Marathon. Events run for three days and offer something for everyone of any fitness ability.

Borgess Health & Fitness Center Friday through Sunday, May 1–3, times vary per event To register or to learn more about the events, the course, or volunteer and spectator opportunities visit borgessrun.com.

Pilates On The Mat

Class will focus on core stability, flexibility, and tension release.

Borgess Health & Fitness Center Wednesday, May 13–June 24, 7 to 8 p.m. $56. Registration required. Call (269) 226.8135 or (800) 828.8135 or visit wellness.borgess.com to register.

For a complete list and further information about classes at Borgess Health & Fitness Center, visit fitness.borgess.com.

A member of Ascension Health®

May 2015

15

Thank You Mom

by Denise Sherwood

Lessons that Prepared Us for the Adult Working World

R

eflecting on our childhood, phrases such as “you’ll thank me when you’re older” and “because I said so” make frequent appearances. At the time, it wasn’t apparent we were learning life-long lessons. Now, it’s obvious that mom always knows best. Some of the most basic rules that got us through our awkward teen stages are great to fall back on in the workplace as adults.

In honor of Mother’s Day, here are some of the most important lessons from mom that helped shape us as adults and prepare us for our careers.

Mind your manners. Be polite. Always send thankyou emails and notes, hold the door open for another person, make eye contact with others, and offer a helping hand. If somebody on your team needs extra help, be the first one to volunteer. Great things happen when you have great manners.

Focus on others. When meeting somebody new and trying to make a connection, ask questions and focus on them. Be naturally curious. People enjoy talking about their family, interests, friends, and life.

By asking questions and keeping yourself engaged, you’ll be able to learn more about the person you’re speaking with. You can learn amazing things by asking questions and listening.

Take responsibility. If you mess up, fess up. People respect those who take responsibility for their actions.

Accountability is key, especially in a company setting or on a team. Strive to have a no-excuses attitude.

Keep a positive attitude. If you have stinking thinking, you’ll have a stinking life. Your mindset becomes your words, which turn into actions, which can alter your entire life.

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May 2015

Cease the opportunity.

Raise your hand and step forward. Don’t be afraid to take a risk and be comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Listen carefully to others.

There’s no doubt you have some brilliant ideas, but others have dazzling ideas as well. Simply being polite and listening can be one of life’s biggest lessons. You can learn things you never imagined and spark new ideas.

The golden rule. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Be honest, play fair, be willing to help, and be kind.

Go the extra mile. Even at work, you don’t want to be a minimalist. When asked to complete a task, go for the surprise factor. Ask yourself, “How can I add value to this project and to this company?”

Strive to surprise not only yourself, but those around you as well.

Use your words. If you’re upset about something, be direct and discreet. If you’re not going to address the situation face-to-face with somebody, then let it go.

If you can’t move on or stop thinking about it, speak directly with the person whom with the problem lies.

Rather than relying on your tone or your actions to show how you feel, use your words. If you need help, consider taking a course in conflict management.

Be true to yourself. Do what makes you happy and stay authentic. Follow your dreams, not somebody else’s.

Patience is a virtue. Waiting is hard, and it’s not fun. But if you take a breather and find something productive to do while you wait, it can be easier.

Chew with your mouth closed.

As kids, this was annoying and a hassle. As adults, it is a necessary staple for life. If you don’t follow this rule as an adult, you’re likely torturing the people around you. Please, stop torturing us.

Work Hard. Life isn’t fair; you have to work hard if you really want to get ahead. You have to mentally commit if you want to reach your dreams, but then you also have to work for it. You have to put in the time to achieve the outcome.

Not every lesson our mothers taught us was easy, but thank goodness they toughed it out! Mothers, thank you for your love, support, common sense, and lifelong lessons. You were right, we did thank you when we got older.

Denise is an executive VP of Sandler Traning, Sales Performance Plus, LLC. She is a co-founder of Inforum-West Michigan and serves on the board of directors for GROW.

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May 2015

17

Go from Professional Workday to

Evening Out with Ease

O

ften times you need to go right from work to an event – a charity dinner or a student awards banquet or out for a romantic evening for two – and you may not want to look as if you are dressed for a business meeting. The good news is that you don’t have to.

In today’s busy business world you can go from day to evening with ease – with these few tips and tricks:

GET ALL THE INFO

When planning your office-to-after-work attire make sure you know all the event particulars. If a cocktail party is right after work, everyone may be dressed in their office attire, while a later start time means everyone will have had time to change their clothes. Additionally, know the location as it may impact your selection in layering garments and shoes.

TRY THINGS OUT

Try the outfit on at home, and plan ahead as to what changes you will make for the transition from day to evening. Or if you have a new dress or pair of shoes you have just purchased for a special event, always do a test run.

START WITH YOUR SILHOUETTE

Your dress, or shirt and slacks, are key when successfully going from the office to an evening out. Select classic lines and transitional fabrics that can easily be adapted to a different look or feel with a simple change of an accessory.

DON’T RUSH

Once you are ready to convert to your evening look, be sure to set more time aside then you think you need to get ready at your office. When you rush, you are more likely to forget to change your earrings or your blouse gets buttoned wrong.

ADD A SHAWL OR WRAP

Select a shawl that adds an air of style to your outfit. You need a few wraps or shawls in your wardrobe in different colors and fabrics – for warmth and a touch of personal style.

CHANGE YOUR SHOES

Wear your professional low heels for the office and bring a pair of open-toe pumps or stilettos that will transform your office attire to “fabulous” for the evening.

CHANGE YOUR JEWELRY

Jewelry is one of the easiest changes that you can incorporate to change the look of your outfit. Wear simple earrings to the office and bring those show-stopping iridescent drop/chandelier earrings with you for the evening.

CHANGE YOUR HAIR

If you generally wear your hair up for work, let it flow freely in the evening. Pack hair spray and a comb to make the quick change or just do a touch up to freshen your day time look.

QUICK CHANGES FOR YOUR MAKEUP

The one item to make sure you have in your makeup bag is a striking lipstick to convert your work look to a remarkable evening one. Remember that evening calls for extra makeup – don’t be afraid to create a more defined look through color.

Your next after-work event will be a breeze, now that you have the tools to convert your office attire to evening pizzazz with ease.

18

May 2015

Kelly Duggan is an Image Consultant specializing in executive and personal image development, etiquette and communication skills.

She is a certified member of the Association of Image Consultants International. Contact Kelly at: www.kellyduggan.com.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Are You the Most

M

BEAUTIFUL Person in the Room ?

y husband and I often play a game when we go out in public. We ask each other “Who is the most beautiful person here?” We delight in the answers that we find. Often, it is not the fittest, best-dressed or most classically chiseled feature that wins our silly contest. Usually the winner has a demeanor that gives them the win. It could be that they are settled in some way; relaxed, unconcerned or unhurried. Other times, the winner has kindness etched in their features. Or the winner might exude a sense of health and vibrancy. Beauty, we discovered, is not about physical attractiveness at all, but about how energy moves through us.

Physical attractiveness has to do with our outer package. Every culture has its ideal about what physical attractiveness is and we mix and match what “costume” we apply to meet that standard. For example, here in the U.S., a woman might ante up a cute pair of shoes, a funky handbag, a fresh hair do and some artfully applied make-up to enhance her level of physical attractiveness.

Beauty, on the other hand, is about our inner package.

It isn’t about what we wear, but about what message

Greater Kalamazoo

is delivered from our heart to the world though our actions and our demeanor. Beauty is a way of being.

ting down dims our inner light and caps our ability let our positive energy shine.

There are many things women do that interfere with our inner beauty and steps we can take to enhance beauty.

Beauty doesn’t happen at the mirror in the master bathroom, it happens in the little choices we make everyday about how we respond to the world. Do we say no when it’s prudent? Do we say yes to our people? Do we find kindness when it’s difficult? What would happen in your life if you made these choices day after day? Chances are -- you’d simply be more beautiful.

1. Slow down. Doing a lot helps us get noticed. And

it feels darn good to tick things off the list. But, it’s hard to find an exhausted woman and see her beauty shining through. In my health and wellness circles, exhaustion is THE number one concern that comes through the door. If we stopped doing so much it might give our way of being a chance to show through.

2. See your people. An obvious way to let our be-

ing manifest is to share our soul with the people we love most. Making time for friends and family feeds our beauty barometer. We need real conversations, hugs and face-toface time, not just texts and Facebook updates. Being with our people fuels our soul, the place where beauty is born.

3. Cultivate kindness. For some reason, it’s easier

to be mad than glad in our world. It’s easier to think we’re right than to give someone the benefit of the doubt. It’s easier to close our heart than open it. This habitual shut-

Heather Ratliff is a Registered Nurse and Health Coach.

She owns The Wellness RN in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a business dedicated to supporting individuals on their wellness journey. You can learn more about her at www.

TheWellnessRN.com.

May 2015

19

ARTWORK DISPLAY ON

by Amanda Roelofs

W

ith Mother’s Day on the way, you can be sure there are many little hands out there crafting heartfelt cards with glitter glue and tiny macaronis.

We’ll proudly display them until the next artwork arrives, and then into the drawer or plastic bin they go, with stacks of others, rarely to be seen again.

Surrounding ourselves with the things that engage and lift our spirit is the key to a warm and personal home. These little beauties are full of enthusiasm and love and with a bit of thought can be worthy of a more permanent display. There are plenty of ways to classily and classically incorporate your kids’ artwork into your décor.

If you have a particularly treasured drawing or card, you must use it! You love what you love and it doesn’t matter if it’s on crumpled paper or the colors aren’t trendy.

Mounting something directly to an unusual base material (glass, bamboo, velvet), or traditional matting and framing can brighten and give presence to even the humblest of materials. What it might lack in refinement is made up in the little burst of happy you’ll feel every time you see it. Kid’s art can often resemble traditional folk or tribal art, so if you’re having trouble choosing, it can help to look for elements

The artwork of Ella Towner, 10, of East Grand Rapids.

Amanda Roelofs is a southwest Michigan based interior designer with her own firm and a former televison art director. Find out more at www.amandaroelofs.com

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May 2015

Scanning originals to jpeg files is perfect for incorporating different pieces into one cohesive arrangement or to scale a piece up or down. When sizing a small original to a larger final end result, the file resolution must be very high for good quality printing. If you don’t want to hassle with the dpi resolution math, hit up a local print shop for your scans. The equipment will be state-of-the-art, and their expertise assures you’ll have an excellent quality file.

A sharp alternative to traditional matte and glass framing is offered by www.plywerk.com which will print your electronic file and flush mount it to a beautifully simple but sophisticated slab of bamboo or maple in a variety of sizes. It’s super fresh looking and perfect for graphic imagery or photos alike.

If you’d rather attempt something less architectural, www.spoonflower. com is an online vendor that will take your custom imagery and print to a wide variety of fabrics including organic cotton and silk.

Find someone who sews and BAM! The ever-popular stick figure family portrait becomes a snappy shower curtain in the guest bath. Those priceless letters to Santa become an instant heirloom as a set of holiday table linens.

photo courtesy www.Spoonflower.com

Wall decals are popular and www. whatisblik.com allows you to upload your own artwork. They’re great for kid’s rooms, but also think about large-scale art in a mudroom or printed to semi-transparent vinyl for a bathroom window. I once had an old refrigerator completely re-surfaced in a metallic flake vinyl and it was quirky, but brilliant! Local sign companies are good resources for large-scale vinyl printing.

photo courtesy Blik Surface Graphics

This year, when you finally get around to putting the Mother’s Day gifts away, take a moment and look through those memory boxes. Your eye just might catch on an adorably misspelled word or the sparkle of a sequin that could bedazzle your home with some bright and shiny love.

Frame the actual piece itself if it has textural character like layers of paper, bits of fabric, glitter, or heavy paint strokes. These handmade details lose their charm when scanned, so you’re better off working with the original. The size is fixed, but think about cropping down to get the best part of a larger work, or combining a few smaller things together.

photo courtesy www.Plywerk.com

Once you have electronic files, there are so many options! I recently created one large art print from twelve different drawings by a client’s daughter. Using Photoshop, the files were tweaked for unity of size and color and arranged on a field of white with the artist’s name added in text below. This print was printed on gorgeous 30-inch by 40-inch archival paper, then framed without a matte, in a crisp white frame for a gallery show poster look. When framing anything important, Museum Glass is preferable.

It’s a bit more expensive than regular glass, but is magic for eliminating glare and protecting from UV rays which will always fade a piece over time.

that make these styles so great: graphic forms, dense colors and interesting pattern repetition. If you notice a common thread in more than one piece, grouping a few together can make for a more vivid impact.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

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Greater Kalamazoo

May 2015

21

BEHIND BEAUTY: WHAT YOUR BRAIN SEES IN SPACE AND DÉCOR

by Jan Parker McCollum

B

eauty is contextual. The analysis of a single object will reveal the sum of individual elements that come together to comprise the whole. The object is actually a microcosm illustrating the dynamics of line, scale, and proportion converging to penetrate our perception. Depending on how we are hardwired, the filters we’ve developed as a result of our life experience cause us to see beauty or imperfection.

This living room has clean lines mixed with a comfortable combination of horizontal and vertical directionals as well as relative, active and fitting proportion and scaling, making it aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

The desire for beauty in our environment stems from deep within our subconscious. Beauty induces a feeling of pleasure, excitement, optimism, and other positive emotions that combat our vulnerabilities and insecurities.

Though we cannot always control elements in our world we find distasteful (for example, a forest charred by the ravages of fire, or the wake of destruction caused by hurricane force winds), we are on a quest to affect what we can control in our own environments.

So what makes a home, office, outdoor park or any other space you’re submerged in beautiful?

What are the elements, the “secret ingredients” that when combined create objects or spaces that capture our attention and peak our interest?

Just as the individual parts of an object combine to form the whole, the balance of line, scale, and proportion come together to create the foundation for beauty.

LINE

We can look at the dynamic of line as a picture frame of sorts. Line provides structure, energy, and direction.

Horizontal line creates a sense of stability, grounding, and calm. Horizontal line also carries the eye through a space, dictating direction, creating organization, resulting in a sense of security and protection. Vertical line provides a sense of stability and elevation. The higher the line rises from its foundation, the more the emotion felt in the space intensifies. Diagonal lines push the boundaries of a space, creating a sense of movement, volume, and energy. Diagonal lines also evoke a sense of possibility and spontaneity. Placing a seating group on the diagonal can make a room feel larger and more inviting.

SCALE AND PROPORTION Scale, simply defined, has to do with the size of an object. Proportion addresses relationship. It is the

22

May 2015

comparison of objects in relationship to their scale and characteristics. Scale and proportion are the elements of design that impact a space most. They define how large or small a space feels, determine it’s energy, and it’s functionality. Everything in our created physical environment relates proportionally to our bodies, or to human scale. For example, your favorite chair (favorite because it is so comfortable) is perfectly proportioned to your height, the length of your legs, and your overall body size. The average dining table height ranges from 29 to 31 inches with dining chair heights between 16 to 18 inches. This scale provides a comfortable height and the space requirements we need to comfortably engage in the physical motion of moving food from plate to mouth. An imbalance in scale and proportion will result in discomfort and consequently influence our determination of an object’s beauty or our opinion of the beauty of a space.

The eye is on a perpetual journey. It moves from point to point, guided by color, contrast, form and line. Along the way, scale makes objects relatable while proportion punctuates, allowing for rest and contemplation. The art in realizing and creating beauty is in learning to see. In their book The Art of Possibility, authors Rosamund Stone Zander, family therapist and landscape artist, and Benjamin Zander,

conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, eloquently challenge us to see “the long line” of the composition. In other words, delineate the notes that form the structure of the musical passage from those there for embellishment. Emphasizing the structure of the line instead of the individual notes allows the musician the freedom of expression to truly interpret the composer’s intent. The music comes to life in its energy and passion. It is beauty in context!

Translating the concept of the long line into the context of a space might look something like this:

Edit the extraneous.

Balance horizontal and vertical lines.

Create areas for the eye to rest using emphasis or contrast (repetition of color works well).

Use proportion to highlight focal areas and define function.

Learn to see!

Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. It takes many forms and translates into as many facets as there are people to experience it. Beauty is for you to explore and embrace in every capacity.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

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May 2015

23

LETTUCE TALK

by Rick Vuyst

With these three elements, we have a “living soil” able to support terrific tomatoes and rocking radishes.

So you say you want Rick’s secret recipe for the best tasting healthiest vegetables? Details that aren’t “cucumber”-some?

Here are three simple steps I use to ensure proper soil nutrients year after year:

W

hen it comes to home grown vegetables, there’s no question that tomatoes and peppers top the list in popularity. In the past few years however, the interest in both eating and drinking your garden has caused an explosion of interest in everything from kale to cucumbers and kohlrabi. So when do we eat cake? After dinner of course, and the same is for vegetables as the recipe for great tasting and healthy veggies starts with the dinner preparation: soil building. Soil building sets the stage for increased crop response and increased vitality.

“Turnip” the “beet” so to speak, because healthy soil means healthy plants which means, you’ve got it, healthy you. Your soil needs to be a good blend of carbon, minerals and biology. It’s not difficult and with a little “veg-ucation,” you’ll soon be harvesting the benefits. The best way to explain the ABC’s to building blocks of better soil and ultimately better vegetables is as followed:

Carbon improves the soil structure. Organic A. material provides both water holding capacity and

Every fall I work leaves into the soil to build carbon and add compost in spring.

I use Azomite to add minerals. Azomite is a natural source of 77 trace minerals (many soils are depleted of nutrients). Trace, or “micronutrients,” are important and should be considered in addition to the “major” nutrients of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

To add biology to the soil, I use Dairy Doo formulated as a soil amendment crafted using dairy manure.

Don’t forget herbs are the perfect companion to plant with your vegetables for many reasons including they both grow best in a sunny location. I don’t have any scientific evidence, but I am personally convinced that tomatoes taste better if grown in close proximity to basil, and peppers seem to pop in the presence of oregano.

air spaces. Think of carbon as plant and animal materials in various stages of decay; nicely stated, “lettuce” call it compost. One pound of carbon can hold up to 40 pounds of water while providing air space.

Minerals, especially trace minerals or B. micronutrients, are lacking in tired soil and are

needed for good taste and health.

(think micro-organisms and earthworms) C. inBiology our soils help release locked up nutrients

making them available to the plant.

Happy planting and harvesting. Healthy homegrown vegetables will soon have you feeling good from your head “tomatoes.”

Rick Vuyst is CEO of Flowerland, host of the Flowerland Show on NewsRadio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM as well as Mr. Green Thumb on WZZM TV 13.

Michigan Made All Natural & Organic Healthier eating starts with healthier soil! wedels.com 269.345.1195

Mon - Sat 8am-9pm · Closed Sunday

Want a better garden or flower bed than your neighbor?! DAIRY DOO® – our premium high quality compost – is just what your garden ordered! It is packed full of beneficial organisms keeping your plants healthy and strong. $8.59

24

May 2015

Herb Plants Easy to grow and an easy way to add healthful flavor to your meals!

15 varieties in 4" pots - $3.69

Azomite in the granulated form, is a soil amendment that contains over 70 different trace minerals, helping you to grow nutrient and taste dense crops. Use this product to provide season-long feeding.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

recipes

Lentil Salad with Marinated Onions, Roasted Tomatoes and Olives

makes 6–8 servings 2–3 medium tomatoes cut into eight wedges

1 (9.5-ounce) jar whole, pitted Greek olives, drained

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

8 thyme sprigs, leaves removed Sea salt 1 1/3 cups lentils 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 garlic cloves, pressed

1 medium cucumber, chopped

1 (12-ounce) jar artichoke hearts, sliced 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

3 tablespoons chives, chopped 2/3 cup crumbled feta

Mediterranean Turkey and Onion Meatball Kebabs with Yogurt Dipping Sauce makes 6 large or 9 small kebabs

1 tablespoon cumin seed

1 cup plain yogurt

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon chopped chives 3/4 teaspoon honey 1/4 teaspoon salt

1 pound ground turkey

3 cloves garlic, chopped

2 teaspoons lemon zest 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 large yellow onion, peeled and cut in thin wedges

1 green pepper, cut into 1-inch dices 12 cherry tomatoes

Preheat oven to 400 F. On medium-sized baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange tomatoes skin side down. Add drained olives to pan; drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with thyme leaves and sea salt. Roast for 20 minutes.

Remove from oven and cool completely.

Cook lentils according to package directions, approximately 20 minutes. While lentils are cooking, place red onion in small bowl. Pour red wine vinegar over onions and sprinkle with sea salt. Stir and let stand at room temperature while lentils are cooking. When lentils finish cooking, drain if needed. In large bowl combine lentils, marinated red onion, garlic and remaining olive oil. Mix well and cool completely. When cool, combine rest of ingredients with lentils. Serve cold.

menu

Heat small pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds to toast. Stir frequently, for about 3 minutes or until seeds are fragrant and slightly browned.

Remove seeds to spice grinder or mortar and pestle; grind to a moderately fine powder.

Preheat grill. On metal skewers (or bamboo skewers soaked in water 30 minutes), thread meat­ball, onion wedge, pepper square and cherry tomato.

Repeat. Finish skewer with another meat­ball and onion wedge.

In medium bowl, combine yogurt, cilantro, chives, honey, salt and 1 teaspoon ground toasted cumin. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour.

Grill until meatballs reach internal temperature of 160 F, turning as needed. Serve immediately with dipping sauce. For mini-skewers, use 2 meatballs, 2 onion wedges, 1 cherry tomato and 1 pepper square on each skewer.

In second medium bowl, combine turkey, garlic, lemon zest, salt, cayenne and 1 teaspoon ground toasted cumin; mix gently but thoroughly.

Shape into eighteen 1 1/2-inch meatballs.

1 tablespoon lemon juice Fresh ground black pepper

Orange, Mint and Onion Salad

makes 6 servings

3 navel oranges 1/2 sweet yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn 1/4 cup black olives, oil cured, pitted Vinaigrette: 1/3 cup cider vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup canola oil For salad, slice peeled oranges into rounds. Arrange slices, overlapping each other slightly, on large platter. Scatter onion, mint and olives over oranges.

For vinaigrette, whisk vinegar with honey, mustard, cinnamon and salt. Slowly add oil while whisking constantly, until well combined. Drizzle vinaigrette over salad and serve immediately.

Note: Any leftover dressing can be stored, tightly covered, in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Greater Kalamazoo

May 2015

25

recipes

Asparagus Wraps

1 pound fresh asparagus

8 ounces bottled Italian salad dressing

1 pound bacon (10 to 12 slices) or 12 thin slices of proscuito 1/2 cup shreaded cheese (optional) Cut 1 to 2 inches off bottom of asparagus spears. Place in large zip top plastic bag. Pour Italian salad dressing in bag with asparagus. Close bag and marinate for at least 1 hour in refrigerator.

When ready to cook, preheat oven to 400 F. Wrap each asparagus stalk with slice of proscuito or one slice of bacon (slice bacon lengthwise if preferred). Place on foil lined cookie sheet. Drizzle the Italian salad dressing over the wraps.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, flip spears over and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until meat becomes crispy. Remove from pan. Sprinkle with shreaded cheese (optional). Serve when cool.

Cured Ham and Asparagus Pizza 8 ounces asparagus 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 1 large onion, cut into thin wedges 1 to 2 tablespoons dry sherry 1 teaspoon cornmeal 1 13.8-ounce package refrigerated pizza dough 1 cup bottled roasted garlic Alfredo sauce or regular alfredo sauce 1-1/2 cups cubed ham (8 ounces) 1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (6 ounces) Snap off and discard woody portions of asparagus. Cut into 1-inch pieces.

Melt butter in skillet over medium heat.

Add onion and asparagus. Cook and stir for 5 to 7 minutes or until vegetables are almost tender. Stir in sherry. Cook and stir for 2 more minutes. Set aside.

Heat oven to 425 F. Grease a 12- or 13inch pizza pan. Sprinkle with cornmeal.

Pat pizza dough into pan, rounding corners of dough rectangle to fit pan and building up edges. If desired, snip edges with kitchen shears. Bake about 7 minutes or until lightly browned.

Spread crust with Alfredo sauce. Top with vegetable mixture and ham. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes more or until golden. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

ASPARAGUS

Gussied Up

Asparagus Pesto with Gnocchi and Ham

12 ounces asparagus 3/4 cup basil leaves 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1/3 cup walnut pieces 1/4 cup olive oil, or cooking oil

3 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon garlic, minced (6 cloves) 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1 16-ounce package potato gnocchi, or 8 ounces rotini (about 4 cups)

2 cups ham, cubed courtesy of The Other White Meat

26

May 2015

Snap off and discard woody portions of asparagus. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Cook asparagus in a small amount of boiling water for about 5 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool.

For pesto, in a food processor or blender, combine asparagus, basil, cheese, walnuts, olive oil, water, garlic and pepper. Cover and process or blend until nearly smooth, scraping sides occasionally. Divide pesto into thirds. Transfer two portions to freezer containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Set aside remaining portion.

Prepare gnocchi or rotini according to package directions.

Meanwhile, coat a skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Cook ham cubes in skillet until heated through. Stir remaining portion of the pesto into ham cubes; heat through. Drain gnocchi and toss with pesto-ham mixture.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

VerHage Fruit Farms Now Open

Farm Store 10am to 6pm Daily

Kalamazoo

See Us At Vicksburg Farmers Market - Fridays Banks St. Farmer's Market - Saturdays

Institute of Arts Fair

Wonderful Mother's Day Gifts Unique Plants & Herbs · Antiques · Market Baskets Order Your Mother's Day Pies & Treats Donuts · Coffee Cakes · Pastries Scones · Cheeses & More

June 5 & 6 in Bronson Park

Asparagus In May By the Pound or Bulk (10 lbs. or more)

ore than 180 artists – M including 60 first-timers – will be exhibiting their work

in a variety of mediums at the 64th Annual Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair June 5-6.

With one-third of the artists new to the fair, a fresh experience is assured for the tens of thousands of art lovers who visit the fair in Bronson Park each year.

Always the first weekend in June, the fair runs Friday, June 5, 3-8 pm, and Saturday, June 6, 9 am - 5 pm. Featured on Friday are food, music, and drink at a beer garden, 4-10 pm.

Children’s activities are on tap all day Saturday – a great option as the Do-Dah Parade travels by on northbound Park Street.

• Cider Pressing

• Homemade Pies

• Pony Rides

• Caramel Apples

• Train Rides

• Homemade Fudge

• Hay Rides

• Wedding Carmel Apples

• Animal Barn

• Homemade Donuts

• Group Tours

• Country Store

• U- Pick

• Apples & Produce

• Order for Parties

• Order For Business

269-375-0153

* Country Store * Homemade Pies *

* Pony Rides * Hay Rides * Train Rides* www.verhagesfruitfarmandcidermill.com * Animal Barn * Group Tours * U-Pick * * Order For Parties & Business Functions *

Helping families create lasting memories since 1960!

Start your own Michigan Tradition, Visit us Today!

For Fun, Fruit & Family!

Open Seven Days A Week!

September – October 9am - 6pm Daily Weekly Tours are by reservation.

9:oo a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Rides & Activities

Weekends ONLY: 10a.m. - 6p.m.

Operational Hours & Days Change after October OPEN UNTIL CHRISTMAS

The 2015 lineup of jury-selected artists from across the country includes last year's top prize winner, painter Marie Lamothe, and popular local favorites, jewelry artist David Smallcombe, ceramicist Julie Devers, and painter Conrad Kauffman. The variety of mediums on view includes glass, fiber, leather, sculpture, photography, wood, and more.

Artists are the headliners, but musical performances at the beer garden and on the Rotary Stage, food vendors along South Street, and live painting by Kalamazoo street artist Bonus Saves.

The ever-popular Bell's Beer Garden, found under the KIA’s overhang at the corner of Park and South streets, will have musical guests, food

by Millennium Group, and a selection of beer, wine, and soft drinks Friday, 4-10 pm.

Members of Kalamadoodle will be on hand drawing and encouraging new doodlers.

To experience the fair in a new way, the public is invited to join the volunteer crew for the fair. Each year, 200 volunteers donate their time to make the event a success. For details, contact sandyl@kiarts.org.

The fair’s title sponsor is PNC. More information is available at kiarts.org or (269) 349-7775.

Greater Kalamazoo

Cider Pressing * Homemade Fudge * 8619 West ML Ave ·**Kalamazoo, MI 49009 Caramel Apples * Donuts * Apples *

Special Events Apple Fest 2014

Saturday, September 27 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Arts, Crafts & Vendors

FREE Parking & Entertainment

Trunk or Treat

Saturday, October 25 Costume Contest

Registration begins at 4:00 p.m.

Trick or Treating begins at 6:00 p.m.

You must bring candy to receive candy.

Music Instruction for All Ages & Abilities • Study and learn in a positive and supportive atmosphere with professional, enthusiastic, experienced, university-trained teaching artists including Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Artists-in-Residence • Private instruction on strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, guitar, mandolin, percussion, voice, theory and composition • Crescendo Fiddlers ensemble • Chamber groups for winds, strings, and guitar • Crescendo Community Voices for teens and adults with mental and physical challenges • Music Together® classes for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers • Music Together Big Kids® classes for 5-7 year olds • Epic Broadway! musical theater camp starts in July Our mission is your musical growth and enjoyment!

Epic Center, Suite 12, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall information@crescendoacademy.com www.crescendoacademy.com 269/345-6664

May 2015

Member

27

CALENDAR

of Events

It’s easy to get listed in our Events Calendar. Our deadline is the 10th of the month prior to publication. Email us at: calendar@womenslifestylekazoo.com.

Please type Calendar in the subject line.

May 1 Art Hop Various Locations throughout Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 9 pm. Art Hop is a free event that features new art exhibits in a fun, casual atmosphere. Free. 269-342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.com May 1 – 3 Kalamazoo Marathon and Borgess Run for the Health of It! Borgess Nazareth Campus. There is an event for everyone. On Friday evening there is the Meijer Kids Fun Run and Motivational Mile.

Sunday is the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and the 5K walk. Cost Varies. 269345-1913. www.thekalamazoomarathon.com May 2 Annual Dog Walk Prairie View Park, Vicksburg, MI. 9 am – 2 pm.

Kalamazoo Humane Society’s 31st Annual Dog Walk. This event has become the ultimate fundraising Dog Walk & K-9 Festival, featuring top-notch entertainment and competitions, fun participant activities, great exhibitor booths, tempting treats and a kid’s only fun zone. www.kazoohumane.org/dogwalk May 2 NHC'S 9th Annual Gluten-Free Open House Natural Health Center Of Kalamazoo. 10 am – 2 pm. Come sample gluten free products and sign up for raffles while receives sales prices.

Free. 269-342-9459. naturalhealthfoodcenter. com May 2 Understanding Gluten Free Natural Health Center. 11 am. Certified Health Coach Vicky Mitchell will discuss the basics of gluten free lifestyle and how to make it affordable. Free. To register call 269-342-9459.

May 2 Family Fishing Clinic Spring Valley Park. 11 am – 1 pm. This familyfriendly fishing clinic promises to teach you the basics of fishing including techniques and insider tips to the sport of fishing, and necessary gear. Free. 269-337-8191.

May 2 Full 4 in 1 Show Galesburg Speedway. 6:45 - 11 pm. Adults $12; Children 6-12 $5; Under 5 Free; Senior 60 & Over $10. 269-665-7100. www.galesburgspeedway.net May 2 Past and Present KCC Binda Theatre. 7 pm. Cereal City Concert Band presents their spring concert featuring Ed Zentera. $5 per person at the door. 50/50 raffle.

May 2 – 29 Artist Gallery Willow Lake Clubhouse, Parkview Hills, 3707 Greenleaf Cir. Daily 9 am – 6 pm. Al White nature watercolors. Free to the public. 269353-6445.

28

May 2015

May 3 Benefit for Chris Moberley Shakespeare's Pub Lower Level. 2 – 9 pm.

This fundraising event will feature The Blue Train Trio, Crossroads Resurrection, Seventh Son, and many more musical guests to help offset medical expenses for Chris. Walk-ins welcome! $5 at the door. 269-341-3141.

May 5 Social Media Marketing 102 for Small Business Success Webinar. 11 am – 12 pm. Share strategies and best practices to get the most out of your social media activities. You’ll also get tips on how to tell if your social media activity is working. Free. Register at: https://clients.sbdcmichigan.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=1350017 May 6 Managing Your Back Pain The Beacon Club, 5830 Portage Road, Kalamazoo. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Appetizers and beverages at 6 p.m. Nonsurgical treatment options to manage your back pain. Register at bronsonhealth.com/classes or call 269-3416550.

May 7 10th Annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day Carnival Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Main Expo.

4 – 7 pm. This event celebrates children's mental health and helps to reduce the stigma of receiving mental health services for youth and families in a free, fun, and interactive atmosphere. Free. 269-553-7122. lmhoutrow@ kazoocmh.org

May 8 – 9 Plant Sale Walnut Room at the Kalamazoo County Building. Fri. 9 am – 6 pm, Sat. 9 am – 3 pm. Master Gardeners are holding a fundraiser and will help shoppers with plant selection, plant care information, and provide carry out. Free and open to the public.

269-383-8815.

May 9 Starting a Business & Writing a Business Plan Haworth College of Business WMU. 9 am – 12 noon. This introductory session helps aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company, as well as evaluate market and sales potential for their products/services. The workshop will discuss each section of the business plan and how to start developing a startup cash flow. $35.

Register at: https://clients.sbdcmichigan.org/ workshop.aspx?ekey=110350009 May 9 WKFR 103.3 Mom-to-Mom Sale Kalamazoo County Expo Center. 9 am – 1 pm. Southwest Michigan's largest garage sale where moms sell clothes, toys, books, maternity wear and other baby items to other moms! Admission: Adults $3, Children 5 and under are free. 269-344-0111. www. wkfr.com May 9 Touch-A-Truck Kalamazoo County Expo Center, East lawn.

10 am – 2 pm. Fun opportunity for kids of ALL AGES to see and touch a large variety of unique vehicles and learn about them from those that build, protect, and serve our community. Admission: $10 per Family or Adults $4, Children $2. 269-815-0034. jlkfundraising@gmail.com www.kalamazootrucks.com

Summer Art Camps and Classes 8-week classes start June 13 for grades 1-12 Drawing, Ceramics, Painting, Photography, Creative Writing

5-day camps for ages 4-17 June 15 - August 3 Multimedia, Filmmaking, Toy & Model Design

Join the KIA for camp & class discounts

Call or register online

VA

May 7 American Business Women's Association Beacon Club @ 5:30 - 7:30. Cost $20 & Dinner will be provided. Speaker will be local artist, Caron Merrow. Nonmembers welcome.

For more information & reservations call 269903-2989. joannhaverkamp@yahoo.com May 7 – 9 The 53rd Annual Michigan Youth Arts Festival Western Michigan University. Over a thousand of Michigan’s best young artists will be showcasing their talents in visual arts, vocal music, film, theatre, creative writing, spoken word, dance and instrumental music. Free. 248-5459200. www.michiganyoutharts.org/festivals May 8 Annual Plant Sale Fritz 3960 N 26th Street, Corner of Crestwood & 26th off Gull Road. Kalamazoo Garden Club is hosting their annual plant sale. Come and have some FUN!! “Like” us on Facebook to follow us! Free. 269-388-4233.

May 8 Farm History Day Michigan Flywheelers Museum. There will be about 30 activities for kids to do. Besides the hands-on activities, visitors will be able to stroll through the Old Towne to look at displays. 269637-5077. www.michiganflywheelers.org

Moms Too Battle Creek VA Medical Center 5500 Armstrong Road Battle Creek, Michigan 49037 (269) 966-5600 www.battlecreek.va.gov Wyoming VA Health Care Center 5838 Metro Way SW Wyoming, Michigan 49519 (616) 249-5300

Women Veterans Health Program WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

May 10 Mother’s Day Brunch W.K. Kellogg Manor House. 11 am & 1 pm.

Thank someone special in your life with a decadent brunch at the historic W.K. Kellogg Manor House, the cereal king’s former summer home on beautiful Gull Lake. Reservations required. $27 adults, $16 ages 5 – 12. 269671-2400.

May 22 Crafternoons at the Library Parchment Community Library. 1 – 2 pm. Do you knit? Stitch? Bead? Fold? Carve? Weave?

Crochet? If you are a hand crafter with a portable passion, join us! Bring along your current craft and spend a stimulating hour creating and kibitzing with fellow crafters. 269-343-7747.

May 12 Free Vein Screenings Premier Vein Center, 1535 Gull Road, Ste 200.

Treating the entire spectrum of vein disorders through minimally invasive techniques, offers FREE screenings for non-Medicare patients.

269-585-8346. www.premierveincenter.com/ vein-screening

May 25 Memorial Day Parade Downtown Kalamazoo. 10 am. Begin Downtown on Michigan Avenue And End on Gull Road in Front of The Cemetery With a Memorial Day Ceremony at Riverside Cemetery Following The Parade. Free. 269507-9971.

May 13 Brews & Shoes Event Arcadia Brewing downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 7 pm. Bring a brand new pair of children's athletic running shoes or a minimum of $10 donation and enjoy an Arcadia Beer and light appetizers plus fun with other First Day Shoe Fund supporters. 269-271-5227. www.firstdayshoefund.org

May 29 Integrative Breathwork Workshop Lord of Life Church, 9420 Portage Rd. Portage. 7 pm - 9 pm. A musical journey for insight, healing, creativity & renewal. $30. Preregistration is needed. 269-388-2988. www. adamczassociates.com

May 14 Origami Sun Catcher Parchment Community Library. 6 – 8 pm.

Come make a beautiful origami sun catcher just in time for the summer sun! Class size is limited so sign up early! 269-343-7747.

May 15 - 16 Portage Garden Club Plant Sale 6851 Hickory Pt. East, Portage. Fri. 7 am – 3 pm, Sat. 8 am - noon. Proceeds go to local charities. 269-327-4224. Like us on Facebook: Portage Garden Club.

May 16 Family Fishing Fair Ramona Park. 10 am – 1 pm. Our objective is to provide family friendly activities which enhance awareness and educate the local community about fishing skills, local resources, environmental conservation and safety. Free.

269-329-4522. www.portagemi.gov May 16 Jazz & Blues Concert Series Mangia Mangia (downtown Kazoo Mall). 6:30 - 9 pm. Detroit Jazz trio RJ Spangler will be performing. $10. 269-226-3333. www.mangiamangia-kazoo.com May 16 Kalamazoo Dance The Pointe Community Center. 7 – 10 pm.

Social dance open to singles, couples, college students and dancers of all skill levels. Dance swing, Latin, ballroom and country-western, too. Complementary one-hour dance lesson begins at 7 pm. $10 adults, $8 students. 269344-5752. www.kalamazoodance.org May 20 Managing Your Back Pain The Beacon Club at 5830 Portage Road, Kalamazoo. Appetizers and beverages at 6 pm. Program 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Managing your back pain using surgical treatment options.

Register at bronsonhealth.com/classes or call (269) 341-6550.

May 20 Happiness 101 Parchment Community Library. 6:30 – 8 pm.

Seeking happiness? It isn’t just magic – join us for a presentation by psychology instructor and writer Tammie Ortlieb for concrete tools for living a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life.

Registration is appreciated, but not required.

269-343-7747.

May 30 Integrative Breathwork Workshop Lord of Life Church, 9420 Portage Rd. Portage. 10 am - 5 pm. A musical journey for insight, healing, creativity & renewal. $70. Preregistration is needed. 269-388-2988. www. adamczassociates.com.

May 30 “America on Tap” Beer Festival Arcadia Creek Festival Place. 2 – 5 pm.

Attendees will sample beers in an atmosphere filled with live music, delicious food available for purchase, and great vendors. Must be 21 years of age. $25. www.americaontap.com May 30 – 31 West MI Spring & Summer Home & Remodeling Show Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Expo South.

Sat. 9 am – 7 pm, Sun. 10 am – 6 pm. If you are building, remodeling, or just dreaming about it, you are sure to meet scores of exhibitors, while discovering new and interesting products and services, all under one roof! 800901-1640. michiganhomeevents@yahoo.com michiganhomeshows.com May 31 Circus Pages Kalamazoo County Expo Center, East Lawn.

1 & 4 pm. Fun for the whole family! Come and see all the splendor and glamour of international circus stars, exotic animals, and heart pounding daredevil action! Admission $15 per adult, children 14 and under are free.

941-219-9331. jumpingjofa@aol.com www. circuspages.com June 4 – 6 Beer Garden Opener!

Bell’s Eccentric Café. 8 pm. Join us for a three night event to open our Beer Garden for the season! 269-382-2332. http://bellsbeer.com/ eccentric-cafe/events-calendar/ June 5 Art Hop Various Locations throughout Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 9 pm. Art Hop is a free event that features new art exhibits in a fun, casual atmosphere. Free. 269-342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.com

Greater Kalamazoo

WMUK

102.1

Music, arts, local news, your favorite NPR shows, on air, online, on our app.

And follow us on facebook.

All carefully handcrafted from our state-of-the-art studios at Western Michigan University.

May 2015

29

MOVIE W

SEASON KICKOFF

by David Postma

e’ve finally reached the season where each movie studio brings out its big guns. Some of us at www.filmtakeout.com refer to this as when the real movie season begins. Sadly, recent studies show that women have been very underrepresented in film, despite having sizable hits in their arsenal. Whether some people consider this May an aberration or hopefully a trend towards something new and better, several new and existing films are being released with strong women in the leads. It’s one of the strongest women-centric starts to summer movie season ever. The following are just a few of the summer’s fantastic selections.

Reader’s

Lounge

It’s time to find the parenting style that suits you. From advice for working moms to couples who’re adopting, this month’s reads are ready to inform. Dive in, Mom!

by Mary Dersch

Mama Gone Geek: Calling On My Inner Science Nerd to Help Navigate the Ups and Downs of Parenthood

by Lynn Brunelle This memoir is humorously written by a self-proclaimed artsy and science-nerd mom. Bringing a curiosity and joy of learning into parenting helps create the same passion in your kids, according to Mama Gone Geek. The author shares her journey through pregnancy and parenting dotted with oomph of science.

Spy

Spy is the follow up project reuniting The Heat star Melissa McCarthy with writer/director Paul Feig. The two had previously collaborated on the summer smash hit Bridesmaids. The movie looks like a lighthearted and smart satire of the spy genre and banking on McCarthy and Feig is always a smart call, as their scripts have as much heart and brains as laughs. With an ensemble cast that includes Jude Law, Rose Byrne, and Jason Statham, it could be this summer’s surprise hit and certainly one worth checking out.

The Kids Will Be Fine: Guiltfree Motherhood for Thoroughly Modern Women

by Daisy Waugh This humorous take on motherhood serves to make parenting a little less daunting and guilt-ridden. Advice to moms is handed out whether asked for or not by friends, relatives, acquaintances and the media. Daisy Waugh addresses many of these issues and more in The Kids Will Be Fine. Her tirades against adhering to all the so-called rules and regulations for raising and feeding kids will help the modern-day mom cope with all the added psychological stress and strain. Moms are given the go-ahead to breathe and know that yes, your kids will be fine!

Pick of the month: The Avengers: Age of Ultron

Featured Local Author

This film stars a cast too numerous to mention everyone, but a few big names are Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Samuel L Jackson and Robert Downey Jr. This comes as the follow up to one of the biggest movies of all time. The hype and anticipation is completely off the map and Ultron, played by James Spader, is already one of the most anticipated villains of some time. The movie is Marvel’s self-proclaimed “phase two” of building their cinematic universe and will not disappoint in dazzle or wit.

A is for Atticus: Baby Names: From Great Books

Remember it’s the start of summer movie season, so there’s most likely at least two movies checking out every weekend. It’s the busiest and quite possibly craziest part of the year for movie studios. Stay tuned for all the action!

David Postma runs the website www. filmtakeout.com. He works in financing and producing andwrites for various feature films and television projects.

30

May 2015

by Lorilee Craker Couples anticipating their first or fifth child will want to consult this popular literary baby-naming source.

This is Grand Rapids author Lorilee Craker’s second foray into this genre.

Her first, A is for Adam: Biblical Baby Names, was also well received.

Mary Dersch is an Adult Services Librarian. She has spent the better part of 30 years working in libraries, both academic and public.

She is passionate about helping people locate desired books and information.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

live. work. play.

BUSINESS SERVICES

MEDIA, MARKETING & TECHNOLOGY

www.A1PrintingCopyCenter.com (269) 381-0093

Ad Shop, Etc. (269) 207-0103

Bee Clean Building Services (269) 381-3745 ForensicFluids.com (269) 492-7700

Kalamazoo (west) · Downtown Kalamazoo · Portage

www.WMUK.org 102.1 FM

HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS www.advantageprivatenursing.com (269) 324-1180 NaturalHealthFoodCenter.com (269) 342-9459 Sawall Health Foods sawallhf.com

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com (269) 569-1647

Wyndy Pynes Alpaca Farm 269-668-8149

Westside Medical Pharmacy (269) 375-1700

Jaqua Realtors – Audrey DeVault (269) 207-3411

Neighborhood Cleaners Kalamazoo ▪ Portage ▪ Mattawan

Neighborhood Cleaners Kalamazoo – Portage – Mattawan

MigalaCarpetOne.com INSPIRATION TO INSTALLATION

www.Chocola-Tea.com 7642 S. Westnedge Prtg.

Comensolis.com (269) 345-6755 HendersonCastle.com (269) 344-1827 LawtonRidgeWinery.com (269) 372-9463

Kazoo Books kazoobooks.com www.leesadventuresports.com 311 W. Kilgore, Kalamazoo

loedeman.com

theAmplePantry.com (269) 375-8300

Kalamazoo Nature Center naturecenter.org

www.douglasandson.com (269) 344-2860

Loedeman's Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

HOSPITALITY/ RESTAURANTS

RECREATION

RETAIL

HOME SERVICES gordonwater.com (269) 382-0068

www.GreatDealsMagazine.com (269) 321-0612

Kazoo Books kazoobooks.com

RomenceGardensonline.com 9660 Shaver Rd. Portage stewartandcompanyfurniture.com 472 W. Michigan Ave. Kalamazoo vashoesfit.com

V & A Bootery vabootery.com

K A L A M A Z O O • P O R T A G E • G R A N D R A P I D S • S T. J O S E P H

Vandenberg Furniture 12000 N US 131 Hwy, Schoolcraft VanderSalm’s Flower Shop & Garden (269) 342-0123

MacKenzies’ Café & Bakery Kalamazoo (2 Locations) & Portage

Wenke Greenhouses Corner of Sprinkle & Market - Comstock

Y’OPA Frozen Yogurt Portage Center Plaza-165 W. Centre

Wyndy Pynes Alpaca Farm 269-668-8149

Greater Kalamazoo

SHOES THAT FIT YOUR LIFE

May 2015

31

Supporting Our Local Community for 79 Years Oakwood Plaza • 2965 Oakland Dr. at Whites Rd • Kalamazoo, MI

• Southwest Michigan’s Largest Selection of Organic & Local Healthy Products • Serving You Locally for Five Generations • America's Oldest Family Owned Natural Foods Store • Fresh Organic Deliveries Daily

May

SUPER SPECIAL GT KOMBUCHA ENLIGHTENED

269-343-3619

www.sawallhf.com

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Reg $419

ALL FLAVORS

2

$ 79

NO OTHER DI S CO U NTS APPLY.

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