Moxie Magazine - November 2021 by Moxie Magazine

N O V E M B E R 2 02 1

•

FREE

^ avor S Season Fresh * Fun * Fabulous moxiemediagroup.com

CUSTOMER DRIVEN • COMMUNITY FOCUSED PEOPLE ARE OUR PASSION

H T I W S U L L A C

! U O Y G N I G G U B S ’ T WHA 1 5 0 0 3 9 9 269- SMI.COM PESTPRO

November 2021

moxiemediagroup.com

NEW DATES! MAY 6 & 7, 2022 Friday 12 PM – 6 PM • Saturday 9 AM – 3 PM Kalamazoo County Expo Center • 2900 Lake Street | Kalamazoo, MI

Take a day away for some “me” time or make it a day with your friends! Explore the many businesses & organizations of the greater Kalamazoo area communities at the Women’s Lifestyle Expo presented by Moxie.

FASHION • PAMPER • BEAUTY • SHOP • PETS WORKSHOPS • DIY CRAFTS • ARTISTS VENDORS: There is still time to reserve your booth for the 2022 Women’s Lifestyle Expo (269) 488-9780 | info@moxiemediagroup.net | www.moxiemediagroup.com November 2021

| FROM THE PUBLISHER | Gratitude, good food and gathering with family are my favorite things about November. Wow, November! It is so hard to believe that we are down to the final two months of 2021. Last year our November edition spent a good deal of time focusing on navigating the pandemic and celebrating holidays on our own. This year, we are happy to return to our traditional Thanksgiving focus on celebrating with family and friends.

into this edition. Check out What to Bring to Thanksgiving for some new & unique ideas, try one of the delicious Thanksgiving recipes, and brush up on your guest skills with How to be a Gracious Guest.

In addition to the great Thanksgiving content, we take a deep dive into gratitude this month. Have you ever kept a gratitude journal? We have some great tips for starting or expanding that practice. This edition also includes a tribute From recipes to tips for hosting to Veterans as we celebrate a beautiful, at-home gathering, their service November 11th. I’m sure we can all agree that we have some amazing the bravery and sacrifice of Thanksgiving content packed

veterans are on our gratitude list. I hope that this letter finds each one of you healthy, happy, and ready to celebrate the holiday season. We here at Moxie thank you for your support and encouragement and we look forward to seeing you next month. Love and Best Wishes,

Heather

Ascension Medical Group Parkway Plastic Surgery Steven M. Nitsch, MD, Comprehensive Plastic Surgical Care Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Liz Serbenski, Esthetician, Skin Care Specialist Offering: • Cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery • Botox and injectable fillers • Cosmetic facial improvements • Body contouring • Micro-needling, chemical peels and custom facials • CoolSculpting — FDA approved and certified practice • Skin care To schedule an appointment, please call 269-343-5750. We look forward to caring for you.

November 2021

moxiemediagroup.com

contents HOLIDAYS

12 DECODING

YOUR HISTORY WITH DIETING

FOOD & DRINK 22 | Holiday Cookbook

- Browned Butter Sage Turkey - Homemade Turkey Gravy - Classic Stuffing - Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes - Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts - Sweet Potato Rolls - Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust

FOR 26HOME THE HOLIDAYS with Pest Pros

28 | Restaurant Review: WACO Kitchen

TRENDY HOME 14AwithTASTY, the Cheese Lady

THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN PUBLISHER: Heather Dombos hdombos@moxiemediagroup.net

EDITOR: Lalita Chemello lchemello@moxiemediagroup.net

SALES & MARKETING: Brenda Murphy bmurphy@moxiemediagroup.net Susie Gordon susie@susiebgordon.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Emily Betros Kim Carson Ashley Carter Youngblood Kelly Duggan Rachel Kirtley Heidi McCrary Jenny Opdycke

LAYOUT & DESIGN: Alicia Pauwels apauwels@moxiemediagroup.net

Dr. Marti Peters-Sparling Elizabeth Precopio Hannah Reuter Marlita Walker Demarra D. West WEBSITE: moxiemediagroup.com

BY EMAIL: info@moxiemediagroup.net editor@moxiemediagroup.net sales@moxiemediagroup.net BY MAIL: Moxie Media Group, LLC P. O. Box 2284 Portage, MI 49081-2284

FOR SALES INFO: 269-350-5227

November 2021

ON THAT NOTE

BY LALITA CHEMELLO

When Heather asked me to write a note on Veterans Day, I spent a few days reflecting on my understanding and interpretation of what Veterans Day even meant to me. I had a difficult time recalling a time when my education or work places really recognized the day, aside from the day off and the jokes that correlated it with it being the first day of hunting season. That brutally honest realization quite painful considering what the day is intended for. I’m not sure if you have family in the military. I was not raised in a military family, but I had many family members who did serve. Two of my uncles served in the Marines during Vietnam. My great uncle was forced to serve in the Italian Army during World War II, his father having to serve as a Black Shirt. My grandfather was vouched for on behalf of the United States so he did not have to serve in the Italian Army (a requirement for citizens at the time). His dual citizenship saved him, but did require a stint in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. I have a cousin in the Air Force, two that are Navy veterans, and I’m sure more I’m forgetting, including close friends over the years. The stories all differ. Their contributions all vary. But each had its significance wherever and for the time they served.

My grandfather’s stint was interesting. He served in Germany during the Korean War. He, along with most of my Italian family, did not speak to their experiences during the wars, but his photos left behind in his passing revealed much more. He appeared to be one of the lucky ones. Of course, he did work with tanks and

November 2021

other machinery from what I’ve discerned, but he also had a lot of fun. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for most. As I found out recently, on my husband’s side of the family, his grandfather served in the Korean War, building floating bridges for military vehicles and personnel to cross in the midst of battle. A stark difference in the serving experience. One of the family stories from my youth was my uncle’s experience, watching his best friend blow up beside him via an active mine in Vietnam. I still to this day have trouble imagining just that horrific experience, and what it could do to a person. And he struggled with that, as would most anyone to experience that first hand.

Veterans, and current active-duty members, sacrifice more than just their lives while in service. Some come out of service alive, but depending on their assignment, they could suffer physically and mentally. If they’re not physically wounded, they could be mentally affected, in substantial ways. In some cases, the effects of what they endured in their war might not even be detected for years. They sacrifice time with their families, miss some of the important milestones and time with their spouses, so we can enjoy the freedoms we can here.

And the resources promised to them, sometimes unreachable. Yes, my grandfather had a considerable cushy stint in his time serving, but he served, and there are benefits promised. Benefits that were difficult, near impossible to put to use when they’re most needed. My poor grandmother and father were frequently run around trying to get the simplest

of benefits. And it’s the same for many other military families.

There are some places that try their best to get those benefits to veterans, like the VA hospital in Battle Creek. In the little time that I have come across them, they do try to provide resources to the community, from health benefits like COVID-19 shot clinics, to resources for veterans’ mental health. But that is not the story everywhere.

Veterans deserve more. Sure, we might disagree with some of their thoughts and ideals, but they did serve our country. They did serve a purpose to some degree in our nation’s history. So how do we honor them? Or help?

There are a few organizations putting all their resources into helping them. The Wounded Warrior Project and DAV help at a national level to get those difficult-to-access benefits to those who have served. Locally, there’s Veterans Helping Veterans of Southwest Michigan, looking for donations from furniture and basic household items, to personal hygiene supplies to those who have served and are now homeless or displaced.

I know this isn’t much, and honestly this short thought reflects my lack of awareness concerning the holiday and the state of our nation’s veterans. However, it is a first step into educating myself a little more on what is done here in the greater Kalamazoo area for those who sacrificed much for us. I hope with this note, you are inspired to take a little bit of time to reflect as well for future Veterans Days, and what the veterans in your life mean to you.

moxiemediagroup.com

Our Orthopedic Experts Will See You Now! If you’re experiencing a sports-related injury or discomfort from a sprain, strain, ligament/tendon tear or broken bone, we’ll get you in quickly for an assessment. Our specialists have the experience and advanced training required to treat your condition with the goal to relieve your pain and get you moving again.

Same Day Appointments 315 Turwill Lane, Kalamazoo (855) 618-2676

bronsonhealth.com/SameDay

Sports Medicine Specialists

NOW ACCEPTING

new patients Empowering you to step fully into the life you want to live. Counseling is not only my profession, it is my passion and my calling. I am honored to walk with you through some of life’s most difficult seasons, to support and guide you into a healthier chapter. Learning to share thoughts, feelings, and concerns in a healthy way with yourself and others; counseling may be an extremely helpful resource for you to utilize.

Kim Powers

Licensed Professional Counselor in Kalamazoo, MI 510.827.1305 kimpowers@counselorkimpowers.com heartsoulmindstrengthllc.com

shop small support local custom holiday cards unique gifts and stocking stuffers! 8801 N. 32ND STREET, RICHLAND, MICHIGAN

269.203.5853 www.noteworthybydesign.com November 2021

LOCAL SHOPPING

Start the Season with the KIA

Deck your halls and home with unique works of art, while also giving back to the arts community. The 2021 Kirk Newman Art School Holiday Art Sale returns for its 48TH year, making this a two-in-one gifting opportunity for the upcoming holiday season. If you’re new to the Holiday Art Sale, you will love this fun way to kick off holiday shopping. This is not the standard big-box store experience, but your opportunity to be recognized as the best gift-giver of the year. You can purchase handmade works in wood, metal, glass, ceramics, block prints, etchings, paintings, wearable art, jewelry, holiday-inspired items and much more. These works have been created from faculty and accomplished students with the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts’ Kirk Newman Art School. LEARN ART FROM THE PRIVACY OF YOUR HOME KNAS’s art kits will be available at this year’s sale, making your holiday break or gatherings more entertaining and hands-on. Kits, created by KNAS faculty, provide the necessary supplies and instructions for you to dabble in sculpture, print-making, or other techniques. UNABLE TO ATTEND IN-PERSON? Shoppers unable to attend the in-person Holiday Art Sale can still purchase items online at KIArts.org November 8 through December 19, or stop into the KIA Gallery Shop for a curated collection from local artists and international artisans.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 5:00 – 8:00 PM (Members only)

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19 5:00 – 8:00 PM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

VIRTUAL SALE DATES

November 8 – December 19

THE HOLIDAY ART SALE RUNS THE WEEK BEFORE THANKSGIVING. Proceeds from your purchases support the art school programs, materials and scholarships. Most of the earnings go directly to the artist!

NEED OTHER IDEAS TO GIVE THIS YEAR? Give the gift of a class (or several!) at the Kirk Newman Art School for the artist in your life, or as an activity to do with friends or your partner! You can also give the gift of a KIA membership, which includes free admission to the museum’s galleries, special invites to member-only events, receptions, and more.

November 2021

Members also enjoy special discounts on art classes & the Gallery Shop! An additional perk is once a year the KIA partners with the Air Zoo, Gilmore Car Museum, Binder Park Zoo, Kalamazoo Nature Center, and W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary & Manor House for the Southwest Michigan Cultural Membership Exchange (expected to take place in May 2022).

Guests are required to wear masks while in attendance inside the KIA. The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts offers world class exhibitions, free and interactive programs for all ages, the Meader Fine Arts Library, KNAS classes and workshops in an array of different skill levels. The staff and team work to achieve a shared goal: making sure the KIA is a place for everyone where creativity thrives.

moxiemediagroup.com

See why we love Dr. Pollaccia! FREE SONICARE

to the first 10 new patients to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pollaccia! Call 269.216.7106 to schedule with Dr. Pollaccia today! Free Sonicare given at the first appointment. New patients of Dr. Pollaccia only. Valid November 2021.

Get to know Dr. Pollaccia! Visit mydrdennis.com/meet-dr-erica-pollaccia

mydrdennis.com | 8150 Moorsbridge Road, Ste A | Portage, MI

Featuring Guest Professional Dancers from

with the

Grand Rapids Ballet Kalamazoo Children’s Chorus

Saturday, December 4 • 2 pm and 7 pm Sunday, December 5 • 2 pm Chenery Auditorium • Kalamazoo MI Ticket Information online at

BAEtickets.org

Group Rates for 20 or more are available.

November 2021

The Spirit

The Missing Link in Disordered Eating and Food Addiction Treatment PART 3 COMPONENTS OF HEALTHY EATING

No matter what food you are putting in your mouth, there are qualities that make any nutritional philosophy (regardless of the actual content of your nutrition) supportive. So, the reality of having a healthy relationship with food lies not about the components on your plate that matter most, but the components of your spirit as you eat.

HERE ARE CENTRAL CONCEPTS OF HEALTHY EATING TO HELP BRING YOU INTO WHOLENESS: Intention

Eat with intention. Ask yourself, “Am I hungry?” If you are, then eat. If your body is telling you that you do not need fuel, but still want to eat for joy, bring intention to this.

Mindfulness

When you eat, feel your body eating. Avoid distractions. Taste your food. Sit at a dining table and not your work desk to eat.

Self-awareness

Take mindfulness a step further and feel if the food you consumed helped or hindered your physical and emotional health. The reality is that, while foods are not clearly “good” or “bad,” there are foods that immediately cause inflammation in the body. When you tap into how your body, mind, and spirit feel after you consume something, you can get insight into what your body needs from you in the future. Experimental – No one else has your body, mind, and spirit. So, experiment to find out what foods make you feel good, which ones do not and how the timing and amount of what you consume contribute to that food being either helpful or hurtful.

Symbolic – Food is not just food. How we feel about ourselves represents how we

November 2021

view ourselves in the world around us related to things like love, safety, and self-worth. Do the emotional work of being honest with yourself about what really is going on when you are consuming something. Is your craving a biological need for healing (e.g., chicken soup when you feel ill), or is it an emotional yearning (e.g., to eat your mother’s favorite food on the anniversary of her death)?

Considerate

Our digestive system cannot appropriately digest or absorb nutrients when we are in a stressed state. So, consider how the quality of the food, timing of the meal, setting of your eating location, and the amount of the food you are eating is impacting you in the moment.

Strategic

Our bodies are constantly growing and shifting. We do not need the same food that we needed at birth. So, explore what phase your body is in (e.g., does it need to heal directly from a medical condition or is it more about continuing to feel as good as you do) and what the purpose of food is for that time that you are eating. Personalized – Avoid comparisons or jumping on the “trendy” bandwagons. Allow yourself to eat to help your body feel and perform its best, regardless of what is trending on social media.

Seasonal

Tap into your body’s innate seasonal needs (e.g., “warming” foods in winter; more water in summer) for ideal nourishment. Local – Vote with your fork by getting your quality foods from those who are local to you and can contribute to your community of healthy eaters.

Communal

Eating has always been and will always be a communal act. We cannot separate food preparation from social interactions or love. Allow yourself the joy of relationships when you dine. Allow eating to be an experience with yourself and with others. Connected – Each living thing (e.g., bacteria, plants, animals, and even us) will eat and be eaten. Allow yourself to acknowledge how eating is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things. What a beautiful role you play in it all!

moxiemediagroup.com

Buy it Today...

Unwrap it for the Holidays!

In-Stock Recliner Sale Over 50 styles to choose from. Available for immediate delivery.

12000 N US 131 (One mile north of schoolcraft) (269) 679-4055 Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat 9:30-5:30

Moderation – If confusion persists, return to the old adage of “Everything in moderation.” (Permission to be) Spontaneous – Sometimes, you will eat when you are not hungry. Sometimes you will eat that thing that you know does not make you feel your best. Give yourself permission to be spontaneous and practice eating with the simple joy of a child.

Broad-minded – Foods are not either “good” or “bad.” True, they may be either helpful or hurtful to our unique biochemistry (e.g., allergies). But, expand your view of food beyond judgements or even a set of organic chemical compounds that represent your Recommended Daily Value of something.

Liberating

When you make the choice to eat, after eating, let that meal go. Allow yourself to not only physically digest it but to digest it emotionally. Relinquish any shame or guilt as you return to the rest of your life,

vandenbergfurniture.com Wed, Fri 9:30-8 Sun 12-5

reminding yourself that eating is only a component of who you are.

Joyful – Eating does not have to be torture. Allow eating to be joyous again. Find out what this means for you. Non-judgmental – Sometimes, we make decisions that support our mind, body, and spirit, and sometimes we do not. But, feeling intense anxiety about avoiding eating that brownie or feeling guilty the entire time you ate that slice of cheese is going to change how that food is (or is not) integrated into your system. Be kind to yourself and just let go of the judgment. It is in awareness, not a set of “food rules” or a list of “good foods” and “bad foods” that we find freedom. This, at its core, is unconditional and radical self-love.

FIND HOLISTIC CARE

own knowledge of your own body, no matter how smart or how many certifications they have. We also do not heal in isolation. We all need loved ones to support us as best they can on our journey. So, have the courage to get the support you need to holistically heal your relationship with food and forever overcome your disordered eating and food addiction: mind, body, and spirit! Ashley Carter Youngblood LMSW, LMFT, CMHIMP Ashley is the owner and psychotherapist at her growing practice located in Kalamazoo, Inner Peace Counseling, PLC. She and her colleagues offer telehealth services to those in Kalamazoo & other parts of Michigan. More info at www.kalamazoo-counseling.com.

Wherever you are on your journey, find someone who supports you, being your own best doctor. No provider can replace your

November 2021

Decoding Your History with

Dieting

Dieting and diet culture are everywhere this time of year. If you’ve jumped in headfirst during the holidays in the past, it can be helpful to reflect on if this cycle actually works for you or if it just causes more grief. Diet culture doesn’t just mean going on a diet. It can mean binging through the holidays because you’ve told yourself that you will diet or restrict after they are over. It might mean restricting your food choices now in preparation for the holidays. It might mean massive amounts of guilt after eating certain holiday foods over the next month or so. Regardless of what this might look like for you, my guess is that it hasn’t worked and has actually sucked the joy out of the holiday experience. So, let’s get honest with ourselves. Has dieting really worked for you in the past? If you think that it has, how many different variations of diets have you tried? How long have they worked? If you managed to lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off for more than five years, what have you had to give up in order for this to be intentionally maintained? What would happen to your emotional and mental state if you weren’t intentionally maintaining your weight loss? Let’s be clear; there’s nothing wrong with weight loss. However, when it’s intentional (meaning you have to keep working at it in order to maintain it), it usually comes at a cost to mental, emotional, and physical health around food.

Don’t believe me? Let’s examine your personal history with dieting and diet culture by creating a personal history timeline. There’s no right or wrong way to complete this, but getting up close and personal with your history is essential. This is important for a few reasons: X

Diet culture has become so normalized that, unless we take time to reflect on how it has shaped us, we might not notice anything wrong. Typically, our interactions with diet culture are made up of hundreds and little moments, and once we can visually account for these, we can see just how inundated we are with these messages. When we reflect on our past, we can identify habits and trends. We can also notice how diets and diet culture have a connection

November 2021

to times of transition or hardship in our lives, a time when we were struggling emotionally or felt unworthy. When we notice these patterns, the hope is that we are less likely to keep repeating them.

Perhaps most importantly, completing this activity will highlight that restricting our food (dieting) or otherwise engaging with diet culture hasn’t worked. You may have decades of accumulated time logged on the diet roller coaster, depending on how old you are. This realization alone is often enough motivation for people to say, “Let me off.”

So, what should you put on your timeline? Anything you feel is important or can identify as diet culture. They don’t all have to be painful moments. In fact, they may be moments when you initially felt really good about yourself, received attention, excelled in areas of your life, or experienced privileges as a result of how your body or life changed. You might identify indirect, second-hand moments like the first time you heard someone criticize their body or saw an advertisement for a diet pill or plan. Or you might identify direct firsthand moments such as someone commenting on your weight or size or being told that you can’t participate in an activity or social setting because of your weight or size. Big or seemingly small, all these moments matter.

You might just be realizing how harmful something from your past really was. You might even be getting really angry about a situation or certain person. That’s ok and totally normal. Get angry! Don’t push that emotion away or run from it. It will turn into resentment, shame, and fear. We don’t want to internalize anger; we want to understand why we’re feeling it, be compassionate with ourselves as we’re feeling it, and do something with it. How we see anger displayed in our culture is not how we have to display it. You might want to scream and yell - and that’s totally ok. Anger might also mean throwing away all your diet culture stuff (books,

magazines, certain cookbooks, unfollowing social media accounts), writing a letter or having a conversation with someone you can now identify as having harmed you with diet culture, or having a big old cry with yourself or someone you feel safe with. However you are feeling angry or some other emotion, please do yourself a favor and let it surface before you move on.

Our past carries weight. So if you’re feeling heavy after that exercise, it’s completely normal. Make sure you do something to release that weight when you are done. Go for a walk, talk to a friend, drink some tea, or take a bath. Anything that helps comfort you and ground you back into the present moment. We aren’t born hating our bodies. And we certainly aren’t born with the desire to starve ourselves in the name of health. These are learned thoughts and behaviors. Understanding where we’ve come from can help us change our behavior now and in the future. You wouldn’t keep going back to the same mechanic or saloon if they didn’t work, would you? You have the right to question diet culture and say no once and for all. Emily Betros Emily is a licensed clinical social worker, certified health coach, and owner of Reclaiming Health, LLC. She specializes in body image support, eating disorders, anxiety, life transitions, mindfulness, and women's issues. More info: www.reclaiminghealth.net.

moxiemediagroup.com

IT’S A SELLER’S WORLD.

THINKING ABOUT SELLING? NOW MAY BE THE PERFECT TIME. IN TODAY'S HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKET, YOU’LL NEED STRONG, PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE TO LEAD THE WAY.

From coaching you through my Home Readiness Program to ensure the highest market returns, to being diligent in my every move to get your offer accepted, no one works harder to help you achieve all your real estate goals. I LOOK FORWARD TO GUIDING YOU HOME. Ethel Wilkey-Downs, REALTOR® Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Michigan Real Estate

269.267.0515 ethelwilkey@bhhsmi.com fb.com/ethelwilkeyrealtor ethelwilkey.bhhsmichiganrealestate.com

November 2021

LOCAL SHOPPING

A Tasty, Trendy Home for the Holidays with The Cheese Lady

staple in eastern European homes – especially notorious at Italian home gatherings – is coming to the forefront of party planning and eats. And if you are on social media or take in the occasional home or lifestyle magazine, you most likely have come across it. The rise of the charcuterie board. Charcuterie is of French origin, meaning “cooked flesh.” Coming to creation in the 15th century, butcher shops there would sell pork products salted and smoked to preserve the meat. Today’s boards hold true to that portion of its history, six centuries later, but include items like cheeses, olives, fruits, breads, nuts and more. Now, that’s a lot of flavors to tackle and refine into a winning combination for entertaining taste buds. So how do you learn to curate such a spread?

THE CHEESE LADY.

Your holiday destination will be the Texas Corners locale, or in the Salut Market off Westnedge in Kalamazoo, as an off-shoot of the original Muskegon location, after owner Natalie Fuller was looking to start her own

November 2021

small business. Having worked in big-named food products for years, she wanted to take the small-business food approach, and the Cheese Lady had everything she wanted in a literal one-stop shop. Here, you are personally guided through your charcuterie experience. You’re not alone in trying to pair cheeses with meats and wines. Here, it’s a customized and personal experience as you speak with staff on what will make the optimal platter or gift! Staff are well-trained and thoroughly well-versed on the products they carry to lead you to an exquisite tasting experience for your family, friends, coworkers. Did you already have choice meats on hand at home and need to pair with cheeses? Or maybe a wine or two that you need a board to compliment? Here you can have a conversation as to what works best for your pairing journey and ensure taste buds are thoroughly pleased and entertained.

If you’re interested in starting your foray into charcuterie and not sure where to start for your holiday function, here’s what’s available to you this coming holiday season.

HOLIDAY INFORMATION

Open Tuesday – Saturday CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY

SALUT MARKET

3112 S WESTNEDGE AVE

Tues – Fri 10 – 6 Sat 9 – 3

TEXAS CORNERS STORE 7035 W Q AVE

Tues – Fri 11-7 Sat 11-3 ONLINE ORDERING thecheeselady.net/locations/ Kalamazoo

There will be special days and hours of business announced. Follow “The Cheese Lady Kalamazoo” on Facebook for the latest update on special hours.

moxiemediagroup.com

GIFT BASKETS

These pre-ordered delights are a great way to gift charcuterie to a loved one, or to bring to the party! Baskets are available at around three affordable price points, catering to serving sizes with some of the top-selling pleasers for customers. Custom baskets are also available for building to your preference. For those giving away multiple gift baskets as gifts to employees or employers, etc., you can also order multiple baskets at their satellite location.

GIFT CARDS

Give the gift of charcuterie baskets, platters or delights by giving a gift card to a loved one. You could even pair it with one of the boards and a bottle of wine to get them started for their next charcuterie night.

ONLINE ORDERING, “CURD”SIDE PICKUP

While you cannot order items separately to ship to those who may not live in the area, you can pre-order your baskets and platters online! You can also order gift cards and electronic gift cards, and if you want to avoid contact this shopping season, the store offers “curd”side (curbside) pickup.

FOOD ALLERGIES, SENSITIVITIES AND DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

PLATTERS

The Cheese Lady platters put your stereotypical holiday deli tray to shame. Available to be made for groups of six to 56 people. Staff will work with you through pairings – adding notes to what cheeses pair together, so you can impress your guests as a charcuterie master.

CHARCUTERIE ACCESSORIES

In light of the pandemic, The Cheese Lady needed to pivot on business a bit, as most customers wanted to consolidate trips to the store. This pivot led to more grocery-like items available, and more items to pair with your evening platter. You can also find boards, cheese knives and other board tools needed to host the perfect pairing night.

In today’s climate, if it’s not you who suffers from food sensitivities or restrictions, you most likely know someone who does. And shopping for them, or yourself with those sensitivities is difficult and can sometimes be dangerous. However, staff at The Cheese Lady are trained to know what’s in products and to answer your food-related questions in hopes to ease your worries and guide you through creating a tasty, safe platter of your own! According to Fuller, there’s not a single staff member who hasn’t tried or taken home a product so they know how it tastes and pairs. And they are happy to look over labels with you as well to ensure the utmost comfort in what’s on your platter. Lalita Chemello Lalita is our Editor, Writer and occasional photog. Her 13 years of writing has landed features with Panorama, published poetry and even a short film. She spends any extra time she can quenching her wanderlustian needs by finding new places to adventure with her other half, writing, or playing with their motorized toys.

November 2021

Please Don’t Take Away my

Thanksgiving

The note below recently followed students home in their backpacks from an elementary school… Dear Parent / Caregiver, In respect to all of our students, please note that we will no longer be celebrating or recognizing the holidays of Halloween and Valentine’s Day this school year. Thank you for keeping your child’s Halloween costume at home. In recognition of the individual cultures and lifestyles of their students, many schools are rethinking how and if they should be acknowledging holidays and events that were a given in the era of their student’s parents and caregivers. Gone are the days of children parading through the hallways in Batman and witches’ costumes. And to help alleviate children from feeling excluded, mailboxes made from decorating shoeboxes to hold Valentine’s Day cards are now a distant memory.

It’s the next step in what is sometimes unjustly being labeled as cancel culture. It wasn’t that long ago when schools acknowledged that Christopher Columbus didn’t really discover

November 2021

America, since the country was already inhabited by Indigenous people wrongly labeled by white Europeans as Indians.

Which brings us to the topic of Thanksgiving. What was once a day to celebrate the comingtogether of Pilgrims and Indians, is now a holiday in question, as we learn and recognize that this story is for the most part fictitious, overriding the truth in what was more likely the hostile arrival of people invading the land of Native Americans.

But acknowledging Thanksgiving is currently a flawed holiday should not stop us from celebrating a day centered around “putting down our weapons” and gathering around the kitchen table for great food and conversation. We need to absolutely recognize and celebrate the true first inhabitants of our country and we should welcome the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Unlike Christmas, another holiday that embraces family gatherings, Thanksgiving comes without the commercial wrappings of artificial Christmas trees and the need to power-shop on Amazon for the latest tech gadgets and toys. After all, Halloween is just a silly holiday that has morphed from children going door-todoor in search of Snickers bars to grownups

throwing elaborate costume parties and front lawns lit up like Christmas. And Valentine’s Day is nothing more than a faux holiday powered by Hallmark, florists, and department stores, encouraging us to buy jewelry and grossly overpriced roses. Perhaps, it’s time we take a step forward and take Thanksgiving in its literal context. A time for thanks. Thanksgiving is a holiday that can and should survive the cancel culture movement. As schoolbooks are rewritten to tell the true story of our Indigenous people, let us celebrate our true first inhabitants of America. And let Thanksgiving continue to be a time when we gather with our family – without the wrapped gifts and without inflatable reindeer on the front lawn. Just turkey legs, stuffing, and love. And football. Now, if we can just get rid of Black Friday… Heidi McCrary Heidi is a writer and a regular contributor to Moxie Magazine. Her novel, “Chasing North Star” is available at Kazoo Books, This is a Bookstore, and online wherever books are sold. Follow Heidi at heidimccrary.net and fb.com/HeidiMcCraryAuthor

moxiemediagroup.com

Make Life Even

w ter S

1336 Portage Street Kalamazoo, MI 49001 269-767-8499 laylascoolpops.com Wednesday-Friday 3-6pm

Weekly Curbside Cupcake Pick-Up: Fridays 3-6pm (Order: Laylascoolpops. square.site) For Special Orders: Info@Laylascoolpops.com

When protecting your Auto, Home, Life and more, the

EXPERIENCE MATTERS. Call Jaime Flees today!

(269) 381-1262 | jflees@fbinsmi.com 6221 W. Main St., Kalamazoo

LOCAL & PROFESSIONAL

SLUMBER PARTY & GLAMPING EXPERTS WE CREATE UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES FOR: Children’s or Adult Sleepovers Luxury Picnics • Bridal Showers Proposals • Baby Showers Party Decorating AND MORE! Simply choose your theme to pair with our super fun teepees & we will take care of the rest.

Book an Experience Today! Want to step your celebrating up a level? We offer yard card rentals too!

sweetdreamssleepoverskzoo.org

@ SweetDreamsKzoo November 2021

LOCAL SHOPPING

Holiday Jewelry Gifting Guide with UniQ

Every year, we scour the stores and internet in search of the perfect gifts for loved ones, guaranteed to take their breath away. While some are easy to shop for, providing mile-long want lists and ideas, others leave us racking our brains for that perfect gift. If you’re at a loss for where to start, we at UniQ have the ultimate jewelry and gems gift-giving guide for the hard-to-shop-for people on your list. Plus, we included some awesome ideas that the fun ones may not have even thought of.

FOR THE LEATHER LOVER

Leather is such a versatile gift from bracelets to watches, and can add a simple bit of definition or additional texture to any look. Plus, adding a leather piece to a gift like a jacket or jeans could really tie the entire gift together!

FOR THE GEMSTONE LOVER If they’re wowed by different gemstones and colors, maybe even have one of everything it seems, this jeweled fanatic needs something totally different; something they probably have yet to hear of or that they haven’t seen often. For example, if they adore opals—Mexican fire opals are sure to light up their holiday. For the amethyst aficionado – ametrine, a gem formed when amethyst and citrine grow together – will certainly impress.

If you still can’t find something you know they’ll love, gift some one-of-a-kind loose gemstones and let them create something totally unique to them! After all, that is our specialty at UniQ Jewelry Gallery! They will get an experience they’ll never forget, and something they’d never be able to find in a store.

November 2021

FOR THE METAL LOVER Jewelry isn’t limited to just your basic gold and silver items, be it rings, chains or bracelets. You can give that person on your list something that truly stands out, just by trying a different metal! Damascus steel takes metal jewelry to a whole new level!

moxiemediagroup.com

FOR THE MINIMALIST Have someone on your list with a more minimal style as opposed to flashy? Find something timeless that could be worn every day, no matter the occasion. Something like a bar necklace, chain or stackable bracelet can be worn alone or easily complimented with other jewelry! Monogram jewelry is another great minimal piece. You can get this custom-made in their favorite metal so they can wear it as their new and favorite go-to!

BI RTH STO NES JANUARY Garnet

APRIL

FOR THE SENTIMENTALIST One can never go wrong with birthstone jewelry. Watch as they unwrap a piece of jewelry that signifies one of the most important days of their lives: the day they were born! Family birthstone jewelry always means so much to those we hold dear, and you can show them that affection with a custom ring, bracelet or necklace with everyone’s birthstones. You can even get names engraved!

FEBRUARY Amethyst

MAY

MARCH Aquamarine

JUNE

Diamond

Emerald

Pearl, Alexandrite, Moonstone

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Ruby

Tourmaline, Opal

Peridot

Citrine

Sapphire, Lapis

Blue Topaz, Blue Zircon, Tanzanite

Not sure what their birthstone is? See the chart on the right.

When you are in doubt or having a difficult time finding the “perfect piece,” let Diamond Doug create absolute masterpieces to your liking and taste. You can take all of our tips and create a one-of-akind piece of your own that’s sure to wow your gifting recipient.

Doug Mitchell Diamond Doug is Owner/Artist at UniQ Jewelry Gallery. More info: uniqjewelry.com.

November 2021

BOOK REVIEW |

Marlita Walker Reviews

ANXIOUS PEOPLE By Fredrik Backman

“A bank robbery. A hostage drama. A stairwell full of police officers on their way to storm an apartment. It was easy to get to this point, much easier than you might think. All it took was one single really bad idea.” And so begins the comedic mystery of the latest Fredrik Backman novel. I am a fan of Backman’s development of characters, the way he makes me actually empathize with the most despicable characters, and he unshutters my eyes to see beneath the surface of what makes people tick. To help paint this initial picture of Backman’s work, I’ll start when I was first introduced to it, several years ago. During a long road trip, I listened to his audiobook, “A Man Called Ove,” that left me laughing out loud throughout most of it. Ove was such a grumpy old man, who said the most outrageous things. But I found myself in tears at the end because I could so easily identify with Ove’s deep hurts. Backman’s art painted Ove so one could overlook his crusty exterior and fall in love with him.

November 2021

On any given day, we brush elbows or exchange greetings with people we really don’t know. The surly clerk at the local grocery store may have a daughter dealing with addictions. The new couple at church may have just come through a huge financial loss. On your daily neighborhood walk, you conscientiously greet the older resident who walks her dog, not realizing that the dog is her only friend in this increasingly lonely world. Could the unfriendly teenager who doesn’t meet your gaze be facing intense insecurity, just longing for a friend? And the handsome young man who treats your unruly lawn might have a devastating divorce looming ahead. You never know. It’s these kinds of strangers who are thrown together in Backman’s novel. The bank robber. The real estate agent. The bank executive. The pregnant couple. The retirees. The ninety-yearold. The actor. The father-son police officers. The witty banter and hilarity surrounding these characters in this hostage situation are all remarkably illustrated by Backman. Each character’s story comes to light and makes you question how it will end. Will their hidden life issues be resolved in the conclusion?

Jack, the younger police officer in the story, asks his minister mom how she could bear to sit beside people when they were dying in their final hours without being able to save them. She tightly holds his hand and says, “ We can’t change the world, and a lot of the time, we can’t even change people—no more than one bit at a time. So we do what we can to help whenever we get the chance, sweetheart. We save those we can. We do our best. Then we try to find a way to convince ourselves that that will just have to...be enough. So we can live with our failures without drowning.” Nine strangers reached out to help because they were given the chance—a satisfying ending.

Marlita Walker Marlita is a native Michigander, who returned back to the area after 18 years spent in IL & PA. When not on cruising adventures with her hubby in their vintage Roadtrek camper van; she relaxes by re-arranging her home decor, walking with friends, and connecting with her 10 grands who live in TN and CA. Read more book reviews at litaslines.blogspot.com.

moxiemediagroup.com

list? Consider it DONE O-DO with T a … ot

Peace of Mind = PRICELESS ✓ WAIT SERVICE for cable, plumber, etc. ✓ DOWNSIZING / MOVE ASSISTANCE ✓ HOUSE & PET SITTING ✓ ERRANDS

CALL TODAY! 269-720-7605 MARY BETH LYONS | OWNER

www.asinglerayofhope.com | marybeth@asinglerayofhope.com

TIME TO FOCUS ON YOUR FAMILY • Create a healthy, happy home • Specializing in chemical free cleaning • Find us on Facebook

CALL TODAY

269.366.5994

cleanbydesignkazoo.com

November 2021

RECIPES

Holiday Cookbook Browned Butter Sage Turkey SAGE BROWNED BUTTER 1 cup unsalted butter 18 sage leaves, fresh 2 teaspoons kosher salt In a skillet, heat the butter, sage and salt over medium heat.

Remove the fresh whole turkey from its packaging. Pat dry with a paper towel. Place in the prepared roasting pan.

Watch carefully as brown bits begin forming at the bottom of the pan, and continue moving the butter. (This will ensure the browning bits of butter don’t burn.)

Smear the Sage Browned Butter onto every surface of the turkey. Make sure to spread the butter beneath the skin and in the turkey’s cavities. When done with this, wash your hands vigorously beneath hot water.

Remove the skillet from the heat when the brown bits begin smelling nutty, and are plentiful.

Season the entire turkey with freshly ground black pepper.

Let the butter cool slightly, then set aside. (Refrigerate if you’re making this in advance.) Do not remove the sage. When you spread the butter on the turkey, it will crumble and add additional flavor.

Transfer the turkey to the preheated oven, and roast uncovered. However, if the turkey starts browning too fast or gets too dark, cover with foil to prevent burning.

TURKEY 14(ish) pound whole turkey Sage Browned Butter, (recipe above) at room temperature Ground black pepper, to taste

Bake at 325°F for approximately 3 hours, 45 minutes. Insert thermometer into turkey breast. When the temperature reads 165°F, remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 – 15 minutes before carving.

With a whisk or simply moving the pan over the burner, swirl the butter as it foams up and begins to heat.

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Set aside a large roasting pan.

November 2021

moxiemediagroup.com

Homemade Turkey Gravy 1 ½ cups turkey drippings ½ cup unbleached all-purpose flour 1 ¼ cups chicken stock (plus additional stock should the gravy get too thick) Pour the turkey drippings from the roasting pan into a liquid measuring cup so you know how much you have.

Heat the roasting pan (or a large saucepan) over medium heat and measure the drippings back into the pan. Add flour, and whisk until smooth. When the mixture begins to bubble, add in the chicken stock. Lower the heat and continue whisking. The gravy will thicken, and once it reaches the desired consistency, remove from the heat.

Classic Stuffing 2 small onions, diced 4 stalks celery, diced ⅔ cup butter 1 ½ teaspoons poultry seasoning OR ½ teaspoon ground sage black pepper Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery and poultry seasoning (and rosemary if using). Cook over medium-low until tender (do not brown), about 10-12 minutes. In a large bowl, add bread cubes, onion mixture, parsley and fresh herbs. Pour broth overtop until cubes are moist (but not soggy) & gently toss. You may not need all of the broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

salt to taste 12 cups bread cubes 3-4 cups chicken broth 2 tablespoons fresh parsley 1 tablespoon fresh herbs sage, thyme, rosemary Bake 35 minutes, uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes. If using rosemary in the herbs, cook along with the onions/celery. To stuff turkey, stuffing must be cooled completely in the refrigerator at least 45 minutes. TO MAKE AHEAD: Prepare as directed, cover, and refrigerate up to 48 hours. To bake, remove from the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking. Prepare as directed.

Place mixture in a serving dish, dot with additional butter and cover.

Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes TIP: I used a garlic and fine herbs Boursin

5 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks ½ cup (1 stick) butter melted + 2 tablespoons cut into pieces 3/4 cup half-and-half 1 (5.2-ounce) package Boursin Gournay cheese, cut into large pieces 1 teaspoon salt 1 ½ teaspoons ground pepper

Place potatoes into large saucepan and add enough water to cover, plus about 1 inch. Cook over medium-low heat until fork tender, about 15-20 minutes.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter, add halfand-half. Heat until simmering. Drain potatoes and pour potatoes back into saucepan used to cook them. Mash potatoes over low heat until smooth. Add the melted butter and half-and-half mixture and Boursin pieces to potatoes. Continue to mash the potatoes until creamy. Then, mix well with a wooden spoon until light, fluffy and smooth. Stir in salt and pepper. Pour potatoes into a serving bowl for serving.

November 2021

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts 2 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar grated parmesan cheese, if desired Gently cut off the very end of each Brussels sprout, leaving most of it intact (this will keep the sprouts from falling apart while they are being cooked.) Next cut each one in half length-wise. In a large skillet, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil at medium-high heat. Place the cut Brussels sprouts flat side down for about 3-5 minutes and let them brown. (Be sure to not overcrowd. If all the

Sweet Potato Rolls

Brussels sprouts don’t fit in the pan, sauté a second batch.) Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then rotate the Brussels sprouts onto their other side in the pan and sprinkle again with salt and pepper. Sauté for 2-3 more minutes. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and cook about 1-2 more minutes in the pan. Slide the Brussels sprouts onto a serving dish, add grated parmesan, and enjoy.

saucepan and cook the potato pieces for 20-25 minutes, or until they are very soft, stirring occasionally so the milk does not scald. Remove from heat and mash the sweet potato with the milk until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl to cool (about 30 minutes).

1 large sweet potato (about 2 1/2 cups) 2/3 cup whole milk 1/4 cup warm water 1 packet (2.25 teaspoons) active dry yeast 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon, divided 2 large eggs 4 tablespoons butter, melted 5 cups bread flour, plus more for kneading 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt Rinse and peel the sweet potato. Then, cut the potato into 1/2-inch pieces. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the sweet potato pieces and milk to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the

November 2021

After the mashed sweet potato has cooled, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl. Let stand about 5 minutes, or until foamy. In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, add the mashed sweet potato, yeast mixture, eggs, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar. Beat on low until combined. Switch to a dough hook attachment and continue mixing on low while gradually adding the bread flour and kosher salt. Beat on low for about 4 minutes, or until the dough is smooth. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough by hand for

about 5 minutes, adding up to 1/2 cup of flour, as needed, if the dough is sticky. Spray a large bowl with nonstick spray. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Punch the dough, turn it out onto a floured surface, and divide the dough into 15 equalsized pieces. Push down slightly (but firmly and evenly) on the dough pieces and roll the ball under your palm in a circular motion. Use the cupped sides of your hands to keep the dough centered in your palm. You may have to work the dough for a while, but eventually, it will come together and most of the lines and folds should have incorporated into the dough, forming a smooth dough ball. Place the dough balls into the prepared baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to an hour. Preheat the oven to 375°F. When ready to bake, uncover the rolls and bake for 22 minutes, or until a dark golden brown. Brush with melted butter and serve.

moxiemediagroup.com

Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust * Needs to cool for at least 8 hours, so make the day before.

CRUST 2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs ½ cup butter, melted CHEESECAKE FILLING 4 (8-ounce) packages original cream cheese, room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 cup light brown sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground ½ teaspoon ginger, round ¼ teaspoon cloves, ground ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated is best 6 eggs, room temperature 15 ounces solid pack pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling mix ¼ cup sour cream, room temperature - not reduced fat or low fat or fat free TOPPING ⅓ cup caramel sauce 1 cup pecans, roasted and chopped Cover the outside bottom and sides of a high sided, 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil. Make sure it’s tight to prevent leaking. Pulse the gingersnaps in the bowl of a food

processor until they are crumbs. Stir in melted butter. Press the crumb mixture over the bottom and half way up the sides of the springform pan. Set aside. CHEESECAKE Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the cream cheese, sugar, and spices in the bowl of a mixer. Beat with the paddle attachment until light and creamy on low speed for 8 minutes. DO NOT ever use a whisk or beat on medium or high speed. With the mixer still on low speed add the eggs, one at a time, beating 1 to 2 minutes after each. Still on low-speed beat in the pumpkin. Fold in the bourbon, if using, and sour cream with a rubber spatula until the sour cream is completely mixed in. Pour the filling into the prepared crust and place in a large roasting pan. Pour enough boiling water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the cheesecake. Bake for 1 hour.

Turn the oven off and let the cheesecake sit for 1 hour. DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN DOOR. Remove from the oven, take out of the water bath, and remove the foil carefully. Let the cheesecake sit away from drafts until it cools to room temperature. Place a folded paper towel on the top of the cheesecake and cover the top of the pan with aluminum foil. Chill overnight or at least 8 hours. Just before serving remove the aluminum foil and paper towel from the top; run a knife around the edge of the springform pan to loosen the cake. Remove the springform pan. Top with caramel syrup. Sprinkle with pecans. Pass the caramel syrup so guests can add more if they want to. Do NOT peek at the cheesecake while it is baking or resting because it will crack. Let the cake come to room temperature before chilling. Wrap with plastic wrap and chill overnight. Let the cheesecake stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

November 2021

PEST PROS

Home Holidays FOR THE

HOW TO DETECT SOMEONE ELSE MAY BE HOME THIS SEASON BY KENDEL CHEATHAM

As the holiday season rolls in and you begin digging out the boxes and totes of holiday stuff – there are things you should look out for, for you and your family’s safety and health. While you’re getting things out of your shed, attic, basement or storage area – make sure to take a look at the floor, especially in corners. You might find some droppings or maybe you will find some loose insulation you don’t recall being there the year before, or potentially find disturbances in the insulation. This could be a sign of a mouse problem. During the cold winter season, mice find a way in by accident, or for warmth. From there, they make your space their home – creating tunnels out of your insulation and surrounding stuff. They might chew through your cardboard boxes, where you might find

November 2021

little holes, droppings, or discoloration of the box, which is an indication of urine (unless you have a leaky basement). If you come across any of these signs, wash your hands immediately. Then throw on a pair of gloves and get ready to sanitize or potentially throw away things. Don’t panic and think you have to throw away all of your holiday decorations. Plastic materials, or even cloth can be sanitized and washed. It’s the paper or cardboard items that should be thrown away. You should note one mouse can create up to 70 droppings a day. So, if you do come across a ton of droppings, this doesn’t mean you

have a large infestation. But it is important to note these things and get the situation under control before it gets out of hand. The typical house mouse’s main nesting area is about 30 feet away from your home, and can breed year-round and have six to eight young. Those young can start breeding as young as five weeks old. There are things you can do to prevent a mice infestation like keeping things tidy and making sure food is stored properly. Make sure to keep the door closed when it’s warm out. If you want to take care of the problem yourself, glue traps are a good choice, just be sure not to put them in places kids or pets can get stuck too. Always place traps along the walls as mice rarely run across a room due to their awful eyesight. And always, when in doubt, call a professional. We’ll have your back and make sure there is no potential issue. Or take care of it.

moxiemediagroup.com

COMING SUMMER 2022

JOIN US FOR A DAY OF FREE FAMILY FUN! Kalamazoo County Expo Center 2900 Lake Street | Kalamazoo, MI

• Bounce house & obstacle course • Heroes and characters who love to engage and pose for photos • Rocking musical performances

• Trick-or-Treating • Kid’s costume contest • Princess story time • Face painting

GREAT ACTIVITIES & FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

VENDORS: There is still time to reserve your booth for the 2022 Expo (269) 488-9780 | info@moxiemediagroup.net | www.moxiemediagroup.com November 2021

RESTAURANT REVIEW

15955 South Airport Rd • Battle Creek | Monday – Friday 11 AM - 8 PM • Saturday 7 AM - 8 PM • Sunday 7 AM - 2 PM

f you are ever looking for dining with an unforgettable view in Southwest Michigan, let me recommend WACO KITCHEN.

Enjoy panoramic views of the Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field’s runway and large observation windows giving you a look into WACO Aircraft’s handcrafted production and service facilities – all adding to what I consider a unique dining experience. BUT LET’S GET TO THE FOOD. Taking a look at the drink menu, I was delightfully surprised that one of the WACO owner’s makes the wines they serve! I gave the red wine, the Quinta do Paral, a taste and it was delicious. They of course offer a variety of handcrafted cocktails and beer, many with flight-related names. While my party and I waited for our entrees, we were provided with our own, individual bread and butter setups. I loved this because, one, I at least didn’t have to fight anyone for the best piece. And two, we were not all touching the same bread and butter. I am not sure if this was new due to the pandemic, but I certainly hope they continue it because I thought it was pure genius!

November 2021

I should also mention, the bread was, of course, delicious. One thing to point out as our entrees arrived is that WACO locally sources all their food, and the proteins and dairy are organic! Each plate is colorful, and fresh. It truly makes a difference in taste and presentation. For myself, I took on the WACO TACOS, with crispy chicken, marinated cabbage and a slightly spicy mango jalapeno salsa, with three, hard shell corn tacos. As you know, I can be a little bit of a wimp with spiciness and these tacos had some heat. Luckily, not so much I couldn’t handle it this round. I was able to eat two, and had one to take home for later. For my guests—my sister tried the FLYING FLATBREAD. As the title gives away, the flatbread is layered with their homemade tomato sauce, prosciutto, cheese and arugula, topped with big flakes of parmesan that appeared freshly-shaved. It was a decent size, enough she took home the other half for a later meal.

loved it so much, she would remind us just how good it was every few bites. And the portion again, did not disappoint as she took home a good portion. If watching planes land and take off while you dine doesn’t attract you, the food certainly will. And the service was outstanding as well. Our server was attentive and was sure to find answers to questions she might not have been able to answer. They also have a BREAKFAST/BRUNCH MENU for you brunchers out there! Dawn Patrol is on Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for the late risers. I know I will definitely be back to try it myself soon.

E.B. Precopio Elizabeth is a hairstylist by day and 24/7 food enthusiast. She visits restaurants in the Kalamazoo area and blogs about her experience at feedmekzoo.com

Mom ordered the PILOT’S CAVATAPPI. The rich-baked pasta is nestled with a wine cream sauce, fried capers and tomatoes. She

moxiemediagroup.com

Thee Ros Th osee

Shop

269.637.3252 | southhavenroseshop.com 764 LaGrange Street, South Haven, MI @southhavenroseshop

November 2021

KIM CARSON INTERVIEWS VANESSA JOY WALKER, AUTHOR OF

MAKE ROOM FOR

JOY

My conversation today is with Vanessa Joy Walker. She is the author of “Make Room For Joy: Choose Hope, Discover Purpose, and Cultivate Joy in the Middle of Life’s Most Complicated Seasons.”

KC: Yeah, I have a problem with the word happiness. I mean,

KIM CARSON: Thanks so much for talking with me today.

VJW: Yeah, happiness is fleeting and, you know, I’m careful in

You have had some journey; I’d love for you to share a little bit with me.

VANESSA JOY WALKER: Yeah, I have had a journey. The

snapshot would be that I was abandoned when I was born, adopted; I’ve experienced a lot of crisis and betrayal, betrayal by men, betrayal by my own body. I’ve had cancer twice, dealt with infertility, surrogacy and divorce. And, you know, I always say that my life is a little bit, like a Monday night Lifetime movie. Thankfully it hasn’t ended yet, so you know that’s a good thing. KC: Yes, as long as you have breath, right! The title of your book is

“Make Room For Joy,” so what do you mean by making room for joy? How do you go through all of that and find joy?

VJW: Yeah, that’s a really great question, and it’s a question my mom

actually asked me. “Make Room For Joy.” What does that mean? And the point of it is not to think about how you have joy after the crisis, right? It’s about how you make room for joy in the middle of the crisis, whatever is going on in your life right now? And when I was in the middle of my own crises, whatever it was, what I realized was there wasn’t that much to be happy about. I was searching to be happy, but it is pretty hard to be happy when your husband has left you, and you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, and your career is in the toilet. It’s hard to wake up and be like, I’m really happy today. That was a shift for me. For me, it was a moment in time where I realized that I had to find something else and joy was the answer for me. And what I realized through my own journey is that joy is something that we can make room for in the middle of any circumstance. And sometimes that means we have to pause to notice it, and sometimes that means we need to empty ourselves out of fear or bitterness so that we can fill ourselves up with joy. Joy is complicated.

November 2021

happiness, for me it’s so elusive. You choose the word “joy;” for me, I just want to have peace. I want to have peace wherever I’m at. Happiness? Forget happiness. You even say our world is kind of fixated on it, but happiness is fleeting. the book too, because I do get a little bit down on happiness in the book, but I’m also careful to say there’s nothing wrong with happiness. I think it’s great. I love hamburgers. Sorry for the vegetarians out there. But I love a hamburger, and hamburgers make me really happy when they’re juicy and dripping down my face. But I finish the hamburger, and the happiness has an expiration date; joy is ongoing. The more you get it, the more you have of it. The more you give joy away, the more you have of it. Joy is something that comes from within, and happiness is an external stimulus. And so I agree with you. I think the idea of peace is so important that I talk about that in the book as well? Because when I describe joy, it’s different every day. Sometimes joy is quiet. Sometimes it’s loud, and sometimes joy is finding that pocket of peace in the middle of a difficult situation. Joy is complicated.

KC: I think happiness comes with an expectation. Like you’re

looking for something that’s going to make you happy, there’s an expectation; where joy comes from, the pure essence of being complete and at peace wherever you are at this time in life. What do you think the difference is between happiness and joy?

VJW: Yeah, you know that’s a really great point that you just made.

That idea of seeking happiness because what it does is it puts us in the future. Thinking about the next moment doesn’t allow us to be in the present. If you think of every moment as a destination, you’re not in the present, and it’s hard to enjoy peace. And so, for me, the difference between happiness and joy is that happiness is something that has an expiration date. Happiness is something that happens to us. Joy is something that is all around us and in us, and we can access it at any time if we are willing and open to finding it.

KC: I’ve heard you say there’s a connection between joy and pain. Really? How can that be?

VJW: 100%. I think that it’s hard to understand joy if you haven’t moxiemediagroup.com

understood suffering or pain. I’m a person of faith, and you know, that plays into everything that I think about. It’s interesting when I think about joy because I attach a lot of it to my faith. Still, I also connect it to this idea of really being able to see the beauty in the pain because when you experience pain, you can recognize pain in other people. There’s nothing more joyful for me to be able to see the worst thing that’s happened to me, the ugliest, nastiest thing, being transformed into a tool that can be used to encourage someone else. That’s the human experience, right.

KC: Yes, I couldn’t agree with you more. When I was a little kid, I went through some stuff, and after years of therapy, I remember soul searching and asking myself, what did you learn from all of that? I learned that I was a strong little kid to be able to get through all of that and emerge semi-normal and then later in life going through colon cancer.

People have asked, have you ever asked yourself, why me? I never asked myself, why me. Because why not me? I wouldn’t trade that experience either because colon cancer gave me the opportunity to put things in their place in my life, a place of importance. It forever changed me. You even have the thing in your book where you can evaluate your own level of joy at any given moment. I think you call it joy coaching. So how would I do that?

VJW: First, I want to just pause and say colon

cancer survivor! I always have to stop and acknowledge that because that is a journey. That’s the connection we have. That concept came up in my life when I first started thinking about the differences between happiness and joy. I was in the middle of chemotherapy, and I was in the middle of a nasty divorce, and my life was just a mess. And what I realized was that I thought joy was not attainable. I was thinking of joy as this extra jubilant loud thing. And what I realized is that I had to get real with joy, and to get real with joy, I needed to get real with a bunch of other stuff. Like I needed to get real with my suffering, I needed to get real with myself. I needed to get real with my God, and I needed to do it

Joy is ongoing. The more you get it, the more you have of it. The more you give it away, the more you have of it. Joy is something that comes from within.” daily because I couldn’t figure out how to increase my joy quotient unless I was able to take a moment and practice the pause. And what I mean by that is just to take a moment, and this is not like meditating for 5 hours in the morning. Not that it’s a bad thing if that’s your thing. But for me, this was a moment to evaluate where I was. So, I would say to myself: Okay, where am I today? How am I feeling? I’m going to get in touch with my feelings right now. I don’t like feeling angry, bitter, and fearful. Because if you think about it, we are this beautiful silo, right? And there are all of these things filling us up. If we are filled with fear, bitterness, and anxiety, even if we add joy to the top of that, it’s just going to spill out. Sometimes we have to take things out, and that process can be uncomfortable. So every day, I would sit, and I would evaluate. I would encourage you or anyone else, no matter what you’re going through, and it could be in the best time of your life or the worst time in your life. It doesn’t matter. Think about it. How am I feeling today? If I was to describe joy today, what would it be? Do I feel like I have a lot of that? Do I want more of that? And then I would ask myself: What is the obstacle? What is it that is standing between me and the joy that I want for today? Today joy might be a little bit of peace. Sometimes the joy we want for the day is big and beautiful. Sometimes the joy we want for today is quiet and calm, and owning that and not judging it. It’s so easy in this life to just stay focused on whatever is in front of us, but we have to just shift ourselves towards gratitude.

I like to write down the five things that I’m grateful for, and that’s fine if you’re doing it intentionally, but I would challenge people to really think about making room for gratitude instead of checking it off your list. So as I would evaluate my joy portion, I also make room for gratitude. I say no matter what’s going on in my life today, I feel grateful for _____ right now. Seriously, it could be the coffee in my cup. There’s no judgment here. And then I take a moment to say I have access to joy, and I’m going to consciously choose to empty myself out just a little bit to make room for joy.

KC: I have a pastor friend who said either

you’re walking in faith or you’re walking in fear, but you can’t be doing both at the same time. Once I became aware of where I was, I realized the faith walk was way more joyful than the fear walk.

VJW: We could talk for hours. I’ll have to

come back. I’ll have another cup of joy.

KC: Me too! Learn more at www.VanessaJoyWalker.com Kim Carson Kim is an Author/Podcast/TV/ Internet personality. Watch and listen for her on WGVU TV’s Kalamazoo Lively Arts & J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. Learn more at kimcarson.online & fb.com/kimcarson

November 2021

Handling a Weight Fluctuation Crisis So, your body has changed. You’ve lost or gained weight, or things seem to have shifted a bit (or a lot!). You’re not alone. Many of us have seen our wardrobe needs change during the COVID-19 shutdowns. And now you need to get dressed and out the door — or at least look a bit more poised and polished while on your latest video call. In a recent read of Vogue.com, I got a chuckle out of the opening lines of an article I was reading. “I’m just a girl, standing in front of my closet, pleading that a single pair of pants will fit, asking why nothing fits, knowing why nothing fits and simultaneously trying to quell a panic attack about nothing fitting.”

I’ve felt the effects of the COVID quarantine myself, initially using the time available to get into a regular workout routine and implement better eating habits. It was fantastic, with 17 pounds lost! Now fast forward. With a faded, new routine and not-quite-so-great eating habits, it’s time to loosen the belt a bit and make room for the 8 pounds put back on. Does this short-term scenario sound familiar? Or maybe weight gain, fluctuation, or loss is something you’ve been working through for a long time. Either way, you need strategies that will help you maintain a look and a personal brand that supports your confidence and success.

FIRST, JUST BREATHE

Even with a significant weight loss or gain, you don’t have to tackle it all or replace a whole wardrobe at once. Consider how you need to be dressed for your day-to-day activities and special occasions. Then focus on just a small selection of garments and ensembles you’ll need for the next few months.

November 2021

Capsule Dressing is a fundamental wardrobe strategy to make this work. Eight key pieces working together can create many looks. Many, if not all, pieces can come from your current wardrobe, meaning you only need to make limited purchases while in weight transition. Choose solid fabrics and minimal textures that mix and match from one or two core colors (e.g., navy, charcoal, black, taupe, or stone). Add accessories and you’ll have more outfits than you ever imagined. It can be daunting, but take the time to try on all of your garments. Those that are only slightly snug or minimally too big can usually be easily altered. Consider the fabrics with which your garments are made. Do they have stretch to the material, adjustable waist tabs, or straps? Next, consider the structure of each garment. Is it form-fitted or unstructured? Unstructured garments and those with more flow or drape to them will be more forgiving.

Garments & fabrics to look for that are adjustable & flattering within a 10- to 20-pound range: X

KNIT AND COTTON FABRICS - Jackets, blazers, dresses, sweaters, and shirts in stretchy knit or cotton.

STRETCH DENIM, WOOLS, & BLENDS - Look for pants with a bit of stretch in the legs.

ELASTIC WAISTS - These are more forgiving with weight loss and gain and last longer than structured waistbands. Your local tailor can help with this. Ladies, look for dresses, skirts, and dress pants with elastic waists. Men, look for comfort, elastic, and button tab waistbands.

Additional options for ladies include wrap dresses, skirts, and shirts. All are flattering for

all body types. The shift dress is a shapeless silhouette that is perfect for the weight loss and gain journey.

DESIGN PRINCIPLES AT WORK

Using basic design principles can help balance your body frame and accentuate or downplay areas by the art of illusion. Consider the following in your garments: X X X X

SURFACE FINISH - Matte, sheen, shiny COLOR VALUE - Light, medium, dark BULK - Fine, medium, thick (bulky)

PATTERN SCALE - Small, medium, large

With a keen use of surface finish, color value, bulk, and pattern scale, you can fool the eye and create the shape and silhouette you desire.

For example, if you want to make a part of your body look smaller, try matte surface finishes, medium to dark colors, and fine to medium weaves in a solid fabric. To accentuate an area or make it appear larger, use shiny fabric surfaces, light, and bright colors, and bulkier/ thicker fabrics or a medium to large print.

Regardless of your weight, you want to minimize the maximum and maximize the minimum, creating balance in your frame. Fortunately, a great personal style doesn’t depend on a specific size or shape. And, most importantly, by taking the time to thoughtfully explore what’s already in your closet, it doesn’t have to be expensive! Kelly Duggan Kelly is an Image Consultant specializing in executive and personal image development, etiquette & communication skills. She is a certified member of the Association of Image Consultants International. Contact Kelly at: www.kellyduggan.com.

moxiemediagroup.com

November 2021

Moxie Magazine - November 2021

Articles inside

Handling A Weight Fluctuation Crisis

Make Room for Joy, an Interview

Holiday Cookbook

Restaurant Review: WACO Kitchen

One Woman’s Opinion: Please Don’t Take Away My Thanksgiving

Book Review: “Anxious People”

Home for the Holidays with Pest Pro

Start the Season with the KIA

A Tasty, Trendy Home with the Cheese Lady

Decoding Your History with Dieting