Eco-Chic at Home - April 2011

Free!

April 2011

Tulip Tips

Fragrant Indoor Spring Garden DIY for the Weekend Warrior Conquer Your Clutter Financial Sauvé

Linda Sawall Essential • Enlightening • Entertaining w w w. w o m e n s l i f e s t y l e k a z o o . c o m

2

April 2011

The People Who Make It Happen...

Publisher: Darlene Clifford dclifford@womenslifestylekazoo.com

Greater Kalamazoo

Contributing Writers: Sandy Derby Kelly Duggan Patricia Emanuele Chloe Herakovic Heidi McCrary Jeff Murphy Judy Pearson Juli Wiseman

Sales: Sales Manager Ruth Ann Dibert radibert@womenslifestylekazoo.com

Sales Representatives: Brenda Murphy Pamela Nunley Maria Pavletic

Layout & Design: jr4 designs JR Harper

Photography: Christopher McGuire Photography www.chrismcguirephoto.com

Office Manager: Patty Clifford

Contact Us

By Phone: 269-569-1647 Sales Info: 269-271-1032

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

By Email: info@womenslifestylekazoo.com

Website: www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Coming In May Beautiful You

AT HOME April Inspirations Houseplants – good for home and health...............................6 Instant Spring......................................................................6 Crafting .............................................................................6 The Three Rs of Recycling – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle ......................................................10 Home Furnishing Tips ...........................................................20 Using Color Psychology to Create the Right Mood ...................31 DIY for the Weekend Warrior ................................................36 IN THE GARDEN Tulip Tips..............................................................................5 Fragrant Indoor Spring Garden ...............................................22 Conquer Your Clutter: Get Ready to Garden..........................26 Contemplating Koi? .............................................................29 BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS Delightful Discoveries ..............................................................8 Courage is Contagious .........................................................23 Shortcuts for Fast Weeknight Meals.........................................33 Beauty That Surrounds Us .....................................................38 More Delightful Discoveries ...................................................39 Reader’s Lounge..................................................................42 LOOKING & FEELING GOOD Consignment-Eco-Chic Boutiques ............................................11 Make Over Winners.............................................................19 LOOK WHO’S TALKING Linda Sawall – Getting Fresh ...................................................9 BUSINESS & FINANCE Healthy Career Financial Sauvé.....................................................................28 Networking with the Kalamazoo Network ................................35 WOMEN’S HEALTH How Often Do I Need a Pap Smear? .....................................12 FACES IN HEALTHCARE..................................................14 RECIPES Ham It Up Smoked Ham with Cranberry Chutney.................................24 Breakfast Polenta Crostini ...................................................24 Delightfully Creamy & Dreamy Premier White Lemony Cheesecake ....................................25 Gluten Free Recipe Chocolate Chip Cookies ......................................................30 COMMUNITY NEWS & HAPPENINGS Buy Local............................................................................32 Calendar.............................................................................40 April 2011

3

From the Publisher

Hi There, Spring is here – Into my garden I run!

I just can’t wait For all that dirty fun!

Ready…set…go! April is finally here bringing with it spring fever; let’s hurry up and get outside.

But wait…before we do…there’s that little ditty we all call “spring cleaning.” It’s time to open the windows and let all that fresh air sweep through our homes and offices. Perhaps you have a room that needs a fresh coat of paint, or better yet - a total makeover. “Home Sweet Home” may be begging for your attention, urging you to throw out the drab and bring in the fresh new look. So get going…invigorate yourself by learning a new skill while completing a DYI project this spring.

Creating is particularly exciting this time of year, while we can watch Mother Nature doing the same outside.

Speaking of Mother Nature, in April we give the nod to all things green and eco friendly. What environmentally good ideas do you practice at your home or office and what ones have you been meaning to add? We hope you’ll join us as we work on decreasing our footprint and increasing our earth friendly choices. It just makes good sense to do it.

Also this April, we are pleased to provide our annual Faces In Healthcare section. Greater Kalamazoo is indeed privileged to be home to such dedicated healthcare providers. When we take a moment to recognize that fact, we realize we need to “look no further” to find the right choices for our healthcare.

Having accomplished all these wonderful things, let’s make a date to meet in the garden.

I plan to start by clipping a few tulips and hyacinths and making a lovely floral arrangement to bring inside. For me, hyacinths are the smell of springtime and I just can’t get enough of them. Then I’ll find a moment to try some of the other April Inspirations we have on page 6.

Oh, how I love spring. See you here again in May…if I don’t see you outside in the garden before that. Enjoy!

Darlene

4

April 2011

Courtesy of www.bulb.com

Buy at Peak

Cool, Clear Water

When it comes to flowers, it makes sense to choose what’s in season, just as when buying fruits and vegetables.

When you choose what’s at peak, you get the best quality, greatest range of types and colors, and best pricing, too.

What most flowers need is a very clean vase and plenty of cool, clear water. Top off water as needed and replace it entirely with fresh water if it clouds up.

Tulips are particularly heavy drinkers, check their water level daily. No flower food is needed for tulips; they like their water straight.

Take a Tip from Goldilocks Look for flowers that are “just right,” not too green or too fully open. You want flowers that are not too immature to ever open, or are so far gone that the show’s nearly over. With tulips, choose flowers with buds that show some color (ie they’re a flower color, not totally green) and still have the tulip’s familiar classic egg shape.

Strategic Cut Give the stem ends a fresh cut (cut off about 1⁄2 inch) to essentially ‘blow their valves’ so they can suck up water from the vase. Use a sharp knife and a cutting board. Scissors are okay if you don’t crush and mangle the stems as that messes up the water uptake.

Keep Cool Most flowers, potted or cut, last longer when the blooms are placed away from direct sunlight, drafts and sources of heat such as lamps, stoves and really old TV sets.

Containers Potted tulips, daffodils and hyacinths are widely available in spring and suited for use indoors or out. For outdoor use, pop tulips out of their plastic pots and replant them in an outdoor container, the garden, or wherever you’d like a splash of color. If the weather is still chilly, choose a larger pot to help prevent freezing.

April 2011

5

April Inspirations Instant Spring It’s possible to make your home look, feel and smell fresh for spring instantly. Here are three easy steps:

Step 1 - Brighten the look Making your house look brighter for spring can be as simple as opening all the blinds and curtains you kept closed against winter’s chill. Another quick fix is to replace heavier drapes with light sheers that welcome in the spring sun. Replace heavy comforters and quilts with lighter bedspreads and throws in creamy shades of orange, pink, white, green or blue.

Step 2 - Create fresh scents Fragrance experts at The Yankee Candle Company Inc. suggest that scent is closely associated with mood, and you can create a spring-like oasis in your home by simply burning a premium scented candle in a fragrance that evokes warm weather, such as Lilac Blossom, Pineapple Cilantro, Sun and Sand, or Sage and Citrus.

Step 3 - Bring in the sound of spring Don’t overlook the impact that sound can have on making your home feel like spring. Pop in a CD of your favorite upbeat music. If the climate allows, open windows to welcome in the natural sounds of spring, from the chirping of birds to the sounds of children playing outdoors.

Courtesy ARAcontent

Houseplants – good for home and health Houseplants provide valuable health benefits during harsh cold months. Most houseplants add oxygen and humidity back into the air and some can even rid an area of toxins expelled through materials used to build, decorate and furnish a house.

Indoor plants add color or texture in your home and provide wonderful health benefits. By following a few simple steps, you can host healthy and beautiful houseplants in your living space:

Location After plants are arranged appropriately in their containers, find a suitable location for them. The first step in keeping a plant healthy is to situate it away from drafty areas or heat sources. For instance, do not place a fern near a front or back door, or on top of a heating vent. Heat sources such as fireplaces will also cause plants to dry out.

Water Many of us overwater our plants. Using a product that regulates overwatering and infuses soil with oxygen helps you to avoid the woes of overwatering, which results in wilting, dulling and death of the houseplant.

Sun Placing houseplants indoors where the sun will hit them only about four to six hours a day is sufficient. Sunlight results in denser, greener foliage and overall healthier plants.

6

April 2011

Crafting Here are some fun and easy crafts you can do as you wait for warmer weather to appear: Create a Home – for the birds: Head to the hardware store and pick up a few supplies. Or check your garage or home for scraps of wood, metal, tiles, and plastic bottles to craft a bird house or feeder. Add some nesting material, such as pieces of yarn or cotton, inside the house to entice birds to move in once the weather warms.

Stepping stones: Stepping stones are a whimsical way to dress up the outdoor garden or yard. Plaster or quick-set cement (available at craft stores) can be the medium to set the stones. Experiment with shapes that can be used as molds, and gather different

materials that can be embedded into the stepping stone, such as pebbles, marbles, beads, etc. Use a pencil or another pointed tool to engrave a message or name on the stepping stones before allowing them to dry and harden.

Make a Kite: The beginning of the spring season often arrives behind a burst of wind. Make the most of blustery conditions by crafting a kite from a kitchen trash bag, some sticks and string.

Gigantic Checkerboard: A large piece of plywood becomes a checkerboard with some painted squares. Use spray paint to stencil on alternating squares of red and black for a larger-than-life checkerboard. Use red and black sand bags for game pieces, or painted stones of similar shape and size, or paint the trays of terra cotta flower pots to use as game pieces.

April 2011

7

Delightful Discoveries

PURŽ mineralclear™ faucet water filter Provides up to 100 gallons of clean water with the flick of a switch. The 360-degree swivel feature gives you more room to work when you need it. Installs easily in minutes without tools on standard faucets. $40.

8

April 2011

111 Navy Chair Coca Cola bottles (111 of them, to be exact) are recycled through an advanced technique, molded into durable chairs based on the navy chair design of the 1940s. Available in six colors: red, snow, flint gray, grass green, persimmon and charcoal (snow, flint and red can be used outdoors). The chair has a distinctive scratch resistant "velvet" finish. It comes with a five-year structural guarantee, making it versatile and durable for home and/or commercial use. $230

Getting Fresh Linda Sawall

G

oing green and buying local aren’t new trends to Linda Sawall. While these habits are finally becoming more popular on a national level, Linda has been following them for decades. “It is about organic living as a whole and that means so much more than just food”, she explains. “There are many products out there to help you live and feel better, positively impacting both the local economy and the environment. Products range from organic baby food to locally made baked goods, eco-friendly cleaning products and natural cosmetics. Linda always had a lot of these products at her home, and now even her six grandchildren have been raised with a focus on healthy living.

almost everyone can immediately taste the difference. For Linda, it was her first stalk of organic celery over forty years ago that helped her convert. “I couldn’t believe how incredible it was,” she says. “I was truly eating celery for the first time.” She advises to check labels on organic goods for a label that declares it “certified organic.”

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Sawall Health Foods, which was founded by Linda’s husband’s grandfather. Linda manages the store and can be found there almost every day, with a team that includes one of her two sons and her daughter-in-law. When she’s not at the store or spending time cheering on her six grandchildren in sports, Linda and her husband also like to sneak away to their house in Florida a few times a month for a little time in the sun.

If organic living seems like a lot to take in, Linda suggests starting with produce. “It’s better tasting, better for you, and there is less bitterness from the chemicals.” Bananas are a good first step, as

- Chloe Herakovic

April 2011

9

photo by Jeff Hage

The Three Rs of Decorating

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

By Ashley Cole

ith all of the earthfriendly products available, we have several options to make conscious decisions when decorating our homes. However, even when you’re buying “green” products, you’re still consuming, so before buying new, consider the three Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Can you improve your space by reducing what you own, reusing items in new places or new ways, and recycling items no longer useful to you?

These options let us be kind to the planet and our wallets. Use the following steps to begin the process of using what you have to give a new look to your home:

10

April 2011

Take a Walk. With pencil and paper, walk through each room and determine: ● What are the aspects of each room that bother you? (cluttered shelves, crowded furniture lay-out, etc.) ● What are your favorite furnishings and accessories? ● What can you live without or what no longer serves a purpose? ● What could be added to improve the space? (a reading chair to curl up in, toy bins, artwork, etc.) ● Then, prioritize. This becomes your action list.

Clean the Palette. Do you ever notice that when objects reside in one place for so long, you don’t even see them anymore? Or do you get so used to things being arranged one way, it’s hard to imagine other possibilities? This is typical (and often why a designer is brought in as a fresh set of eyes). Be like an artist and start with a “white” canvas: ● Take as much as possible out of a room (artwork off walls, accessories off shelves, move furniture to one side or into an adjacent room). ● Edit all of the items. Recycle or donate pieces that are no longer useful. Keep only pieces that are truly functional or meaningful. ● Select a few accessories to store for a few months. This makes the room less cluttered and allows you to rotate certain elements, making the space feel new with your own personal collection (you can rotate items seasonally).

Make a Plan. Take measurements of rooms that can be re-arranged (draw your plan on graph paper, with each square equaling one foot of space). Now

refer to your original action list. Is there a chair that doesn’t get used in the living room that can be moved into the bedroom or a new reading nook? Is there a shelving unit in a guest bedroom that would be more functional in your office? Start to play with existing furnishings in new rooms – first on paper, then move into the actual spaces. (Save your plan so that when you’re ready to purchase new pieces, you’ll know the size and shape you need.)

Play. Here’s the fun part. Once the large furnishings are in place, try your artwork, framed photos and accessories in new places. Try out a collection of vases on a fireplace mantle. Move a painting from the foyer to the bathroom. Try photos on a smaller wall. You’ll find that objects seem new again simply by seeing them in a new context.

Repurpose. While going through this process, you’ll discover pieces that, if given a little love, can be useful and beautiful again. If you’re a do-it-yourself type person, go online and research how to recover a chair or refinish a side table. If this isn’t of interest to you, there are many wonderful local professionals happy to help. Suddenly what was old can be new again.

Ashley Cole is a professional interior designer based in Grand Rapids. Her work has been featured on HGTV as well as numerous publications, including Kitchen Trends and Home Magazine.

Ashley’s passion is “creating environments that enliven the spirit.”

Eco-Chic

Consignment Listings Kalamazoo

5 Second Childhood

1 360˚ 4618 W Main St. Tues. – Fri. 10-6, Saturday 10-5 (269) 276-0288 Name Brand Trendy Clothing and Accessories. Dress Your Best For Less. www.360kazoo.com

Portage

2

The Clothing Connection

4235 Portage Road (1 block N. of I-94) (269) 349-2277 Exclusive Consignment Boutique For Ladies Only That Features Designer Labels, Evening Wear, Vintage and Home Accessories. www.myclothingconnection.com

3 Double Exposure 7067 S. Westnedge Mon–Fri 10 – 6, Wed 10–7, Sat10 – 5 (269) 323-9003 Designer labels in men's, women's, juniors & maternity, Browse our selection of shoes, hats, designer bags and accessories. www.doubleexposure.biz

4 Kopy Cat Kids 6749 S. Westnedge Ave. Suite E (Target Plaza) • Call for Hours (269) 323-0466 We have children’s clothing 12 Mos. – junior and a great selection of toys, equipment, Accessories, sports apparel, And now taking maternity!

Make Money, Save Money with Consignment!

7105 S. Westnedge (Sam’s Club Plaza) Mon., Tues., Sat., 10-5; Wed., Thur., Fri., 10-6 (269) 324-9997 For Every $10 in Merchandise You Buy, You’ll Earn a Stamp. Collect Ten Stamps and Your Next Purchase Will be 10% Off. Save Green, Make Green!

Vicksburg

6

Home Again Consignments 107 S. Main St. ~ Wearables (269) 649-1944 123 S. Main St. -~ Furnishings (269) 649-1647 Mon-Fri 10-6; Saturday 10-3 Adult & Children’s Clothing, Jewelry, Home Accessories and Décor, Antiques, Books, Purses & Avon! Over 4,500 Sq. Ft of Resale Shopping Fun! HAQC@att.net

Richland

7 Flip It Consignments 9975 East M-89 (Next to Dollar General) Mon-Fri 10-5:30; Thursday 10-7; Saturday 10-4 (269) 629-0200 Flip Your Wardrobe with Gently Used Name Brand Clothing for the Entire Family. Check Out Our Jewelry, Shoes, and Accessories. We’ll Help You Dress Your Best for Much Less. www.flipitconsignments.com

April 2011

11

How Often Do I Need

a Pap Smear?

By Brad A. Irving, D.O. Grand Rapids Women’s Health

“What do you mean I don’t need a Pap smear every year?” you may ask. It seems like one of the few things that must be done every year: update the Christmas list, pay taxes . . . get a Pap smear.

In the last 10 years there have been several changes in how we, your doctors, screen for cervical cancer.

The main reason for that Pap smear is to detect changes in the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer, and because of the common use of the Pap, the incidence of cervical cancer in the United States has been cut nearly in half.

What exactly is the Pap smear?

The Pap smear was developed by zoologist George Papanicolaou, to examine the vaginal debris of guinea pigs (yes, guinea pigs). Eventually, this same technique was tried on human subjects, and a pathologist was able to detect a cancer cell.

Eventually, the Pap smear became a routine test to look for precancerous changes to the cervix. The test consists of gathering a sample of cells and looking at them under a microscope to see if they are normal or abnormal.

Cervical cancer is the first known suspected sexually transmitted cancer. The first research suggesting the connection between sexual contact and cervical cancer dates back more than 150 years.

In the mid-1970s, it was determined that certain strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease, was the common denominator in cancer tissue. Today, we know that there are around 15 types of HPV associated with the changes in the cervix that lead to cervical cancer, with two types causing 70 percent of cervical cancer in the United States.

Who’s at risk for cervical cancer?

Women who start having sex early in life, who have multiple partners or have partners who’ve had many

12

April 2011

“contacts.” Women with some sort of immunosuppression, such as HIV or an organ transplant, have an elevated risk of contracting HPV, which can lead to cancer. Women who smoke are also at a higher risk of HPV disease because smoking disrupts some natural immune responses that clear out HPV. Young women seem especially sensitive to getting HPV infections, but in most cases, young women can rid the virus naturally without intervention. It’s when HPV persists for years that a woman becomes at risk for cervical cancer.

With the increased ability to detect HPV and also knowing how it infects, the guidelines that help your doctor to know how often Pap smears should be done have changed significantly in the last few years. New guidelines suggest starting Pap smears at age 21, regardless of when sexual activity started.

The main reason for this is that although younger women frequently become infected with HPV, their bodies also clear it out naturally 90 percent of the time. If doctors routinely screen young women for HPV, find it, and treat the affected areas on the cervix, those young women may be at increased risk of future problems carrying children because of that treatment. However, it’s still strongly encouraged that STD screening be done on all women sexually active under the age of 26.

When should screening occur?

The other area of significant change in Pap screening is when women reach 30 years of age. If there have been no significant abnormalities or no evidence of HPV, then clinical evidence suggests that the chance of something new showing up year by year is less than 1/1000. The new recommendation is that, starting at age 30, Pap smears should be done every three years. If they stay normal the whole time, it’s a waste of money to have it checked every year. Most doctors are now suggesting that Pap screening stop at 65-70 years old or if the cervix gets taken out during hysterectomy.

How can cervical cancer be prevented?

A major development in the fight to prevent cervical cancer is the available HPV vaccine. Gardasil and Cervarix are two FDA-approved vaccines that teach the immune system to fight the strains of HPV most likely to cause cancer. Both are approved to be used between the ages of nine and 26 years old. The thought is that it is best to have been immunized well before sexual activity starts. The vaccines, if used widely, could prevent 70 percent of the cases of cervical cancer we are seeing today. It will take years before we see this effect, but the impact in the future is significant.

Even though the average woman doesn’t need a Pap smear every year, it’s still important to visit your OB/GYN, family doctor or internist every year.

Your annual exam consists of more than just a lab test; your doctor needs to assess any changes in your health or sexual activity, do a professional breast exam, and evaluate any need you may have for more frequent screenings for cervical cancer.

Sadly, the majority of the cancer diagnoses are in women who have never been screened, or have not been screened in the last five years. Your doctor is your best ally in cervical cancer prevention. So keep on visiting your doctor – it’s the best thing you can do for your reproductive health!

Dr. Brad A. Irving D.O. can’t imagine himself doing anything other than practicing medicine; specifically, obstetrics and gynecology. He provides prenatal care and well woman exams, performs gynecological and urologic surgeries, and delivers babies.

Faces in Healthcare Dr. Jeffrey Wiederhold D.C. Borgess Women’s Health Susan M. Dennis, D.D.S. Raghuram G. Elluru, M.D., F.A.C.S. Dr. Scott D. Holley, M.D., F.A.C.S Julie Powell Debbe Speeter W.H.N.P.-B.C. Suzanne E. VanDenBrink-Webb, M.D. This month, Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo introduces you to area specialists who complement West Michigan's premier medical community. On the following pages meet area medical specialists on a more personal level. Be sure to check out the medical advice each of them offers.

Dr. Jeffrey Wiederhold D.C. Dr. Jeffrey Wiederhold of Chiro Effect Chiropractic, LLC is a Michigan native who grew up in the thumb area of Michigan in a small town called Elkton. He graduated from Spring Arbor University in 2003 and completed his training at Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 2009.

Since beginning his practice, Dr. Wiederhold has had extensive experience in treating patients with a wide variety of conditions. Initially, he worked in an associate position at a busy Chiropractic practice in Jackson. When presented with the perfect opportunity to open his own practice in Portage, Dr. Wiederhold seized it and Chiro Effect Chiropractic, LLC was born. In addition to treating his patients at the office, he also serves as the official team Chiropractor for the Kalamazoo K-Wings.

Faith and family are of utmost importance to Dr. Wiederhold. Besides his parents, sister and a brother, he has three nieces whom he calls “the loves of my life.” He uses his time and talents to benefit others whenever he can. He volunteers twice a month giving Chiropractic care to patients at the Calhoun Health Plan & Nursing Clinic of Battle Creek. He is always looking for opportunities to use Chiropractics in the mission’s field through churches and other groups and urges interested parties to contact him.

Dr. Jeffrey Wiederhold D.C. Chiro Effect Chiropractic 7117 S. Westnedge Ave Suite 3 Portage, MI 49002 269-327-4813 www.ChiroEffect.com Advice: “Less than 10% of your spinal nerves actually feel pain. This means that problems in the spine are there months or even years before symptoms present and many times significant damage is already done at this point. Waiting for pain to show up before you go to a Chiropractor is like waiting until you have cavities to brush for the first time. ”

Now Accepting New Patients

Chiro Effect Chiropractic

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Wiederhold, call (269) 327-4813 or visit www.ChiroEffect.com

April 2011

13

Now Accepting New Patients

Susan M. Dennis, D.D.S. Dr. Susan Dennis was born and raised in Hancock, Michigan located in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of our state. She attained her Undergraduate degrees in Biology and Medical Technology from Michigan Technological University. Dr. Dennis then completed her training at the University of Michigan, where she earned her degree in Doctor of Dental Surgery. There she received the Vedder Society of Crown and Bridge Prosthodontics award for outstanding achievement as a senior dental student.

Dr. Dennis is certified in Lumineers Cosmetic Veneers, Invisalign Orthodontics, and Dental Implant Restoration. It brings her great satisfaction to use her skills and training to help her patients. "My biggest achievements," says Dr. Dennis, "in our practice happens when I can give a patient a healthy, more attractive smile and it becomes a life-changing event in a good way." Also, important to her is when a patient reports that their headaches that are related to dental problems are gone and they are able to go off pain medication. She urges those suffering from headaches to determine whether there is a dental component to them.

Dr. Dennis has been happily married to her husband, Jim Murray, for thirty years.

Together, they have three wonderful sons and a beautiful daughter-in-law. They chose to live in Southwest Michigan thirty years ago, when they fell in love with this family-oriented community. They especially enjoy all that Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College offer this area in the form of vitality, arts, sporting events and contemporary, cultural leadership. In her time off, Dr. Dennis spends time with her family and enjoys running, weight training and dancing. She is also passionate about cooking, health and nutrition.

Susan M. Dennis, D.D.S. 8150 Moorsbridge Road Suite A, Portage, MI 49024 269-327-3400 www.mydrdennis.com Advice: “Today, there are many options for creating a beautiful, youthful, natural-looking smile. Find out what choices you have and pick the ones that make sense to you.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis call 269-327-3400 or visit www.mydrdennis.com

Raghuram G. Elluru, M.D., F.A.C.S. Now Accepting New Patients

Great Lakes Plastic and Hand Surgery Raghuram G. Elluru, M.D., F.A.C.S, grew up in Texas and received his training at Indiana University Medical Center and the Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery in Kentucky. When it came to choosing a place to practice, however, Dr. Elluru selected West Michigan because he wanted to live and work in a place that reflected midwestern values, while allowing him to become part of the community. He has been practicing with Great Lakes Plastic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery, P.C. since 1998. He specializes in plastic surgery and hand surgery.

Dr. Elluru emphasizes the importance of verifying the credentials of prospective plastic surgeons. “There are a lot of physicians who call themselves plastic surgeons, but are not Board Certified,” he notes. “You should feel comfortable with the physician and information provided to you. Get a second opinion if you are not sure.” He is well positioned to give this advice because he is a member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Surgeons, Fellow (F.A.C.S.), and the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He also serves as President of the Kalamazoo Academy of Medicine.

Dr. Elluru is married with four children. His hobbies include weight training, running, golf, skiing and shooting. He especially enjoys the full variety of seasons Michigan has to offer. He is actively involved in organized medicine and would like to see health care revamped in this country.

Raghuram G. Elluru, M.D., F.A.C.S. Great Lakes Plastic and Hand Surgery 7971 Moorsbridge Rd., Portage, MI 49024 3600 Capital Ave, Suite 205, Battle Creek, MI 49015 (269) 329-2900 www.glplasticandhandsurgery.com Advice: “True beauty comes from inside you. Exercise, proper nutrition, and a positive attitude will help you feel, as well as look, beautiful.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Elluru, call (269) 329-2900 or visit www.glplasticandhandsurgery.com

14

April 2011

Dr. Scott D. Holley, M.D., F.A.C.S A Michigan native, Dr. Scott D. Holley is a board certified plastic surgeon who has helped repair, reshape and rebuild lives in Southwest Michigan since 1997. A graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine, he then completed eight years of surgical residency training, including general surgery at Indiana University, plastic surgery at the University of Cincinnati, and hand/microsurgery at the Kleinert Institute in Louisville, Kentucky. “I am truly fortunate to have been tutored by several of the finest surgeons in the world”.

President and founder of Great Lakes Plastic & Hand Surgery, Dr. Holley returned to Michigan to establish his practice. “I love this area for its seasonal beauty, warm people, and family-friendly environment”.

Dr. Holley treats patients of all ages with a wide range of medical concerns including cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, as well as traumatic and reconstructive hand surgery. The practice offers two convenient locations with accredited on-site surgical facilities and is accepting new patients.

When he’s not serving the community, Dr. Holley enjoys time with his wife, Sabrina, and their three young children. An avid tennis player and golfer, Dr. Holley is increasingly devoting time to coaching youth football, basketball, and soccer.

Dr. Scott D. Holley, M.D., F.A.C.S Great Lakes Plastic and Hand Surgery 7971 Moorsbridge Rd., Portage, MI 49024 3600 Capital Ave, Suite 205, Battle Creek, MI 49015 (269) 329-2900 www.glplasticandhandsurgery.com Advice: “Become engaged in your own care. Take an active role and find a physician who will invest the time necessary to help you make informed decisions regarding your healthcare.”

Now Accepting New Patients

Great Lakes Plastic & Hand Surgery

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott D. Holley, call (269) 329-2900 or visit www.glplasticandhandsurgery.com

Julie Powell Julie Powell was the first to bring medical microdermabrasion to the Kalamazoo area. She has worked with plastic surgeons and dermatologists in our area for over twenty-one years. Julie is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Certified Skin Care Specialist and she wants to help you look your best. For ten years she owned and operated her own skincare center, before joining the Parkway Plastic Surgery team.

Her specialties include: Certified Fraxel Restore; IPL Skin Rejuvenation; hair removal; chemical peeling and acne skin treatments. One of her greatest joys is watching her clients’ elated expressions as their skin care results begin to show.

Their renewed sense of self confidence is the greatest reward she can receive.

Julie was born in Plainwell, Michigan and has been married to husband, Michael, for twenty-nine years. Together they raised two wonderful daughters, Jamie and Jessica. She is a strong believer that West Michigan is the greatest place to raise a family and run a business. As a nature lover, Julie knows our area offers the opportunity to experience the best of all four seasons. She loves watching sunsets on Lake Michigan. Her other interests include: walking, hiking, cross country skiing, nature photography and travel.

Parkway Plastic Surgery 575 W. Crosstown Parkway Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-343-5750 Toll Free: 877-995-5750 www.myparkwayplasticsurgery.com Advice: “I can’t say enough about sunscreen and its importance! Ninety percent (90%) of physical aging is due to the sun, which, as with tanning beds, contributes to a deadly form of cancer - melanoma. Protect your skin everyday and wear sunscreen.”

Now Accepting New Patients

Cosmetologist and Certified Skin Care Specialist

To schedule an appointment with Parkway Plastic Surgery, call 269-343-5750 • Toll Free: 877-995-5750 • www.myparkwayplasticsurgery.com

April 2011

15

Debbe Speeter W.H.N.P.-B.C. Now Accepting New Patients

Partners in Women’s Health Debbe Speeter WHNP-BC is true native of Kalamazoo. Not only was she born and raised here, she has practiced here as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner for over 25 years. She received her nursing degree from Grand Valley State University and completed her Nurse Practitioner certification in Milwaukee. Upon returning to the area, she began her practice. Her knowledge of Kalamazoo and the local resources, enables her to make them available to the patients she serves at Partner’s in Women’s Health.

Debbe specializes in providing care for women of all ages. The services she provides include the following: annual exams, family planning, breast and bone health, incontinence, sexually transmitted diseases and vaginitis. She has a special interest in midlife/menopause and hormone health concerns. She also provides services for Bronson’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP), which allows underinsured women from the ages of 40 to 64 who meet financial guidelines, access to free breast, pap and pelvic exams, as well as low-cost mammograms.

When she is not helping Kalamazoo women achieve optimal health, Debbe indulges in her passion for exercise. She enjoys cross country skiing, kayaking and aerobics.

Debbe Speeter WHNP-BC Partners in Women’s Health 601 John St. Suite N-1100 Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269-343-4609 www.partnersinwomenshealth.com Advice: “I strongly encourage women to have yearly breast, pap and pelvic exams, as well as a mammogram, with a health care provider that has a genuine interest in individualizing their care. Preventative care can save lives.”

To schedule an appointment with Debbe Speeter call 269-343-4609 or visit www.partnersinwomenshealth.com

Suzanne E. VanDenBrink-Webb, M.D. Now Accepting New Patients

Partners in Women’s Health Dr. Suzanne E. VanDenBrink-Webb is a native of West Michigan and has been serving the Kalamazoo area with her expertise in Obstetrics & Gynocology for almost nine years. A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Medicine, she returned to this area after completing her residency at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn and practicing in a private practice there from 1998 to 2000. She also serves as a Lecturer and Examiner in OB-GYN for Michigan State Medical students on the Kalamazoo Campus since 2001.

Dr. VanDenBrink-Webb currently practices with Partners in Women’s Health, a place that allows her to use her skills and passion to serve women of all ages and walks of life. Her patients have ranged in age from nine years to ninety three years, a fact that delights Dr. VanDenBrink-Webb. “I love being part of the team when a woman delivers, as well as when we help someone through menopause, or even just being involved in women’s day to day lives.” She has a special interest in helping women with high risk pregnancies and those that suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Dr. VanDenBrink-Webb is also passionate about spending time with her children.

She loves to watch her son play hockey, and enjoys going shopping with her daughter. Her hobbies include quilting and needlework, gardening, reading and traveling. She is committed to the sometimes difficult task of balancing her roles of doctor, wife and mother.

Suzanne E. VanDenBrink-Webb, M.D. Partners in Women’s Health 601 John Street Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269-343-4609 www.partnersinwomenshealth.com Advice: “If you are young and not having a regular menstrual cycle, or if you bleed after menopause, get those symptoms investigated.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr.VanDenBrink-Webb, call 269-343-4609 www.partnersinwomenshealth.com

16

April 2011

Borgess Women’s Health Caring for One VIP: You With today’s pace, it’s no wonder you sometimes forget to take care of yourself.

But rest assured, your health is always on our mind. Our board-certified physicians and certified nurse midwives understand the unique needs of women and how those needs will change across a lifetime.

That’s why we offer programs and services designed to help you prepare for and respond to change, whether you’re bringing a new life into the world or finding balance for your hormones. Emphasizing wellness and education, our specialists deliver comprehensive treatments for:

Borgess Women’s Health also provides access to the latest minimally invasive procedures, including endometrial ablation and laparoscopic hysterectomy, as well as shared medical appointments and a free monthly Women’s Health Lecture Series. For more on how we focus on the one and only you, call (269) 226.5927 or visit women.borgess.com.

Borgess Women’s Health 1535 Gull Road, Suite 250 Kalamazoo, MI 49048 (269) 226.5927

7895 Currier Drive Portage, MI 49002 (269) 321.7000

671 Allegan Street Plainwell, MI 49080 (269) 685.1002

women.borgess.com Providers from left to right, top to bottom: Jennifer Frink, MD; Michael Hardiman, DO, FACOG; Kirsten Johantgen, MD, FACOG; Scott Piereson, MD, FACOG; Rajiv Rangrass, MD, FRCOG, FACOG; Cathy Schauer, MD; Marijo Steenstra, MD; Jennifer Thome, MD, FACOG; Janice Werbinski, MD, FACOG; Robert Winter, MD, FACOG; Megan Deibel, MSN, CNM; Beth Kelley, CNM; Lori Kellogg, MSN, CNM; Christina Majszak, MSN, CNM; Susan Miller, MSN, CNM; Theresa Newberry, MSN, CNM; Katherine (Trinie) Vander Ploeg, MSN, CNM; Pamela Wadsworth, NP

Now Accepting New Patients

• Endometriosis • Uterine fibroids • Hormone imbalance, including hormone replacement alternatives • Stress incontinence • Pelvic pain • Interstitial cystitis • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) • Osteoporosis, including screening and prevention • Cancer, including screening and prevention

To schedule an appointment with Parkway Plastic Surgery, call 269-343-5750 • Toll Free: 877-995-5750 • www.myparkwayplasticsurgery.com

April 2011

17

18

April 2011

Before

Before

Sue Meisheri

Looking Good-Looking Wonderful Make-over Journey

51 Years Young!

Nurse, Franchise Owner

The Jou rney begins…..

Kerry Tapper

41 Years Young!

Business Owner, Mother

KDIC Journal – By Kelly Duggan Week #1 – Made contact with our winners and first appointments are scheduled….the ladies are excited to get started and so am I! Week #2 & 3 – We’re off and running on a journey to explore and develop a fine tuned personal style that will give our winners, Kerry & Sue, confidence and a defined style all their own. Style assessments in color & line are completed. The ladies have begun creating their ‘style files’ to assist us in exploring clothing personality and provide a clear understanding of both their personal and professional lives.

Week #3 – Sessions begin with Dr. Susan Dennis for a cosmetic dental consultation and appointments are scheduled with Great Lakes Plastic Surgery to begin skin care services next week.

Week 4 – Met this week to continue developing their ‘Style files’ and defining clothing personality. Clothing personality will be a strong guide in selecting hair style, make-up application, and wardrobe finishing.

Week 5 – Hair style profiles were completed and ready to discuss with Myra and Lori, stylists at Eve’s Salon and Spa. The hair style profiles give the stylists a synopsis of the in-depth assessments on color-line-style traits so that they can add their expertise and create a fantastic style, both in color & cut.

Week 6 – This week we began our coaching session - the first step to defining the true needs of their wardrobe. Initial assessments of lifestyle needs and the demands on their wardrobe were defined and assessed plotting the beginning of a road map.

Week 7 – Met with Kerry for Make-up – she learned techniques specific for her coloring, bone structure, clothing personality and lifestyle needs….giving her looks for both her busy business owner/working mom and evening-social look needs. Can’t wait to see Kerry’s new hair – do! She’s scheduled with Lori at Eve’s next week.

Week 8 – I had a chance to see Sue’s new hair style today! Love it….she even looks younger – which she already looks fantastic at 51!!

We had a fun session of conversation and make-up techniques – discovering the best techniques, colors, and style for her professional and social needs.

Four weeks and counting…stay tune for the reveal in May! 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

Sue Meisheri is thrilled to be the recipient of one of WLSK/Kelly Duggan's makeovers! Although she feels she is getting younger every day, having a professional provide tips on image has been instrumental in forming vision and redefining her goals for her business.

Early on, Sue knew she wanted to be a nurse to help people. So after earning a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, she worked a variety of nursing positions and especially enjoyed being able to teach patients about wellness. When personal challenges in her own life arose, dealing with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, Sue became a serious researcher on the various protocols for healing. Key to her recovery was the realization of the direct connection between illness and nutrition, which turned the direction of her career into discovering her greatest passion: teaching others the power of positive nutrition for prevention and healing!

“Making time for myself is something I've never been very good at, so I am very excited about "having" to spend time with the makeover businesses involved! I've always thought something like this would be fun. My husband said he's game for anything, "as long as you don't come home blonde!"

Sponsors

Kerry lives in Paw Paw, where she works with her husband, John, running 25 year old Look Sharp Marketing/Sporting Image- a woman owned and operated screen printing, embroidery, signage, and promotional products company. She enjoys spending time with her two children Charlie, 11, and daughter Jackie, 9. Her hobbies include such as downhill skiing, snowmobiling, swimming, hiking, biking, reading, and traveling.

April 2011

19

Home Furnishing

Tips W

hen choosing home furnishings, many people simply want the most comfortable or most visually appealing piece they can find. However, there are other things to consider as well:

■ Personal opinion. Regardless of what’s in style, go with styles and color themes you like the most. More often than not, personal opinion will evolve as you visit a variety of stores and see just what’s available.

20

April 2011

courtesy Metro Creative

Home style magazines can be a great way to educate yourself on the different styles to choose from.

Once you’ve settled on a style, that should take precedence over price or other factors such as the latest trend. Furniture is a long-term investment that’s going to be around for a while, so make sure you purchase the furniture you like best.

Start with something you love and then look at coordinating your other purchases with that piece in mind. It could be a painting, a sofa or dining room set. Purchase from the heart and not the “rock-bottom price” or special of the week for long-term satisfaction.

■ Personal budget. Styles come at a variety of prices, with the materials used determining the price. Go with best quality even if you must make your purchases piece by piece.

Be sure to purchase a quality sofa. Budget priced sofas and chairs might look good on the showroom floor but are not suited for wear and tear.

■ Usage. How furniture will be used is also something to consider before signing on the dotted line. For example, single women may consider more upscale furniture because they’re less likely to have young children jumping up and down or spilling grape juice on the sofa.

Parents, on the other hand, often look for stainresistant durable fabrics that can handle the wear and tear of the kids and the family pet.

■ Shop local. Smaller stores have a repuation of offering superior service and they focus on local trends.

April 2011

21

Create a Floral Vignette Fill one pretty vase with cut hyacinths and hellebores. Then add another! Round out the group with a third decorative item. Now you have a floral vignette. Combine some similar elements, some dissimilar. The best mix is compatible in color, tone or feel – but not matching. Have fun experimenting with a variety of flowers. Choose what’s “in season” for best quality and color range, at the best prices.

Enjoy Potted Flowers Indoors Buy potted bulbs already forced and the hard work’s done, leaving you the fun part. Even before the flower color starts to show, the green buds poking out from the top of the bulb give a hint of the flower shape to come.

Fragrant hyacinths are one of the joys of an indoor spring garden. Plant multiple pots of hyacinths from the supermarket or home center in one big, attractive container. Keep soil moist but not wet. For longest bloom time, once the buds are fully developed, move the pot away from bright sunlight and sources of heat. What a springtime treat! (After bloom, let leaves die back naturally, then replant the bulbs in the garden to settle in and bloom there in future seasons.)

22

April 2011

It’s fun to create an indoor garden by replanting an assortment of small potted plants into one larger pot. Pick up several potted hyacinths at the supermarket or home center and transplant the nascent bulb plants into a decorative pot with a drainage hole. Use a bagged potting soil mix – no food or fertilizer necessary. All the food the plant needs is stored in the bulb.

Water thoroughly until the soil is well moistened but not drenched. Set the pot near a window or other light source and watch them flourish.

When the flowers begin to bloom, move the pot away from bright sunlight. This simple step will lengthen their overall bloom time and your enjoyment of the colorful, fragrant flowers.

Visit www.bulb.com for more bulb flower style and gardening tips.

Ask them for feedback. Finally, there’s no shame in using notes just be sure they’re organized and easy to read.

A Clean (and Courageous) Sweep Ever wonder where the custom of “spring cleaning” came from? A quick internet search offers this explanation. In the 19th century, prior to vacuum cleaners, spring was the best time for dusting as it was warm enough to open windows and doors, but not warm enough for insects to be a problem. Plus, high spring winds could carry dust out of the house.

2. Ask your supervisor for a raise - Realizing that times may be tough for your company, decide in advance exactly what you’ll ask for and how low you’ll go. Don’t go to your bottom right away or you’ll have nowhere else to go! Instead, negotiate in increments.

Secondly, make yourself more valuable. Take on a little extra work or a new project. Got a skill that isn’t being used - work-related or not? Offer to teach others to enhance their performance or as an employee enrichment program. If your supervisor can’t increase your wages, ask for other kinds of compensation: greater benefits, more personal time, a barter with a company whose products or services you use. Again, decide on these ahead of time.

3. Stand up for a person or cause you believe in - Never mind that it’s your moral responsibility, facing an adversary is tough. If at all possible, seek out others in your sphere of influence who are of the same mind. Even if they don’t speak up, knowing they’re behind you makes your courage soar. And when you vocalize your opinFollowing that line of thought, I think it’s a great time to do a little personal cleaning too. Just as we can’t find things in an overcrowed ion, do so in even tones, avoiding curses and insults. Shouting and closet, we often let “mind” junk keep us from being courageous and swearing makes you no better than the entity you’re addressing. Figetting what we really want. It’s time for that to change. The things nally, realize that in all walks of life, there are those above us and listed below often begin with the words, “I can’t.” Let my “cleaning those below us. Even a bully has preditors, and perhaps they’re unsolutions” boost your courage for the next time you encounter them. aware of the bullying. They can be your strongest allies.

1. Speak in front of a group - An old suggestion here is to imagine everyone is naked. I’d say that’s more of a distraction! Rather, start by making absolutely sure you know what you want to say by writing it out in full. Like most things, it gets easier with practice, so practice in the shower, in the car, in front of a mirror. Record yourself if possible and listen for stutters and stops. Then make your presentation to a human - your significant other, child, best friend.

Got the dust out? Good - now go out there and be courageous!

Judy Pearson is the founder of Courage Concepts, an organization which fosters courage in women through seminars and Courage Conventions. Judy is also the author of magazine and newspaper articles, as well as two books about ordinary people who exhibited extraordinary courage. Her latest, Wolves at the Door, has been optioned for a movie. www.courageconcepts.com info@courageconcepts.com

April 2011

23

Ham it up Smoked Ham with Cranberry Chutney Serves 16 Serve with roasted new potatoes and sauteed fresh asparagus. A classic Easter meal to please the whole family!

4-6 pound fully-cooked boneless ham 1 16-ounce can whole-berry cranberry sauce 1 8 1/4-ounce can crushed pineapple, drained 1 5-ounce bottle prepared horseradish Place ham in shallow roasting pan. Roast, uncovered, in a 325 degree F. oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours (about 15-18 minutes per pound), or until meat thermometer registers 140 degrees F. Remove from oven, slice thinly to serve.

Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients in medium bowl.

Transfer to serving bowl, serve immediately or cover and chill until serving. Serve chutney alongside ham.

Breakfast Polenta Crostini with Ham & Wisconsin Asiago Makes 12 servings As featured at the International Association of Culinary Professionals breakfast. The assembly for this dish takes a little time, but makes a pretty and tasty meal. Polenta is a staple in northern Italy made from cornmeal and makes for a hearty breakfast.

9 thin slices cured ham 2 Eleven-ounce tubes refrigerated polenta* with sun-dried tomato 3/4 cup Wisconsin Asiago cheese, shredded 1 large Roma tomato, seeded and chopped 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted and coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil, OR 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 2 tablespoons Sundried tomato-flavored mayonnaise Nonstick cooking spray, as needed Preheat oven to 400째F. Coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Slice each tube of polenta into 6 slices. Arrange slices on baking sheet. With a small spoon, scoop out shallow depression in each slice. Spray slices light with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 20 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine Asiago cheese, Roma tomato, pine nuts, and basil. Set aside. Stack three slices of ham and cut into quarters, keeping stacks intact. Repeat twice.

To assemble, spoon some of the cheese mixture into depressions in polenta slices. Top each polenta slice with about 1/2 teaspoon of the tomato-flavored mayonnaise. Add a stack of ham slice quarters to each polenta slice. Top each with some of the remaining cheese mixture. Return the crostini to oven and heat 2-3 minutes or until cheese is slightly melted. *Polenta can often be found at Italian markets or in the speciality/produce refrigerated section of supermarkets.

24

April 2011

Delightfully Creamy & Dreamy

Premier White Lemony Cheesecake Premier white baking bars give this elegant and lemony cheesecake a smooth and creamy consistency.

Try this in the springtime, at Easter or a bridal shower for rave reviews.

Estimated Times Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 50 minutes Refrigerating Time: 2 hours Servings: 12 Ingredients CRUST • 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened • 1/4 cup granulated sugar • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1 large egg yolk • 1/8 teaspoon salt

CHEESECAKE • 2 boxes (6 oz. each) Nestle Toll House Premier White baking bars, broken into pieces • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream • 2 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, at room temperature • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 3 large egg whites • 1 large egg Directions Preheat oven to 350° F. Lightly grease 9-inch springform pan.

FOR CRUST Beat butter and sugar in small mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in flour, egg yolk and salt. Press mixture onto bottom and 1 inch up side of prepared pan.

FOR CHEESECAKE Microwave baking bars and cream in medium, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on medium-high (70%) power for 1 minute; STIR. The bars may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10 to 15 second intervals, stirring just until bars are melted.

Beat cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon peel and salt in large mixer bowl until smooth. Gradually beat in melted baking bars. Beat in egg whites and whole egg. Pour into crust.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until edge is lightly browned. Run knife around edge of cheesecake. Cool completely on wire rack. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Remove side of springform pan. Garnish as desired. * NOTE: May substitute 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) Nestle Toll House Premier White Morsels.

Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until crust is set.

April 2011

25

C o n q u e r

Y o u r

C l u t t e r

Get Ready to

Garden

by Mary Dykstra

N

ow’s a great time to start a list of what plants you wish to add to your garden and planters this spring. Make a mental note of what annuals you’ve used in the past that have grown well, as well as those that didn’t. Think about flowering color combinations you enjoy and fresh veggies or herbs you’d like to grow. Even if you have a condo or apartment with limited planter access, you can add color to your life and grow tasty foods and herbs for your table.

Things to consider: Choose plants that work well in the conditions you have, including the time you have to spend on deadheading and watering. There are a number of landscaping and gardening books/magazines and resources available online which give tips and descriptions of plants. For great information on general plant requirements and care, including what kinds of flowers and food to grow, visit www.migarden.msu.edu.

Also, take into consideration how much space you actually have to dedicate to your green friends before you walk into the nurseries and greenhouses. It’s easy to overbuy plants and get overwhelmed when you actually get your purchases home. Plus, those tiny starters you plant now will be bigger later in the season. Fewer is better; they’re easier to maintain and they’re lighter on the pocketbook. Choose what you love and find joy in the quality of plantings vs. quantity of plantings.

Checklist of basic supplies for a successful start to a beautiful garden:

●

Notes/shopping list of plants, seeds and pots needed for the season (including quantities)

●

Prep soil with needed soil amendments plus a good fertilizer

● ●

Clean & sanitize any pots from last season

●

Equip yourself with a good pair of garden gloves, hand shovel, spade and trimmers

●

Gather stakes, ties, netting or fencing to protect vulnerable plants

●

Consider self-watering containers if you don’t like having to water planters daily (I have used Earth Box with a lot of success – www.earthbox.com)

Clear out any old chemicals, fertilizers and out-of-date seeds

26

April 2011

●

During the gardening season, use a bucket or small carrier to tote your most-used items such as hand pruner, hand spade, fertilizer, plastic shopping bags (for deadheading or collecting flowers or vegetables), permanent marker, bug repellent and other pesticides or herbicides that you use often

●

You may also want to keep a yard map and seasonal photos in a Ziploc bag to know what you planted where, especially when you are adding bulbs and permanent plantings “off season”

With a little pre-planning and your lists in hand, you’ll will be well set for a fun and beautiful season outdoors!

Mary Dykstra MBA, CPO is a Certified Professional Organizer, speaker and Time Management Coach. She is immediate past director of Examination Development for the Board of Certified Professional Organizers and a current Industry Member Board Director of National Association of Professional Organizers. Her website is www.withinreach.biz.

April 2011

27

It’s Wise to Plan for the Unexpected Sometimes the unexpected happens. What if your house and personal possessions suddenly were destroyed by fire, weather or other disaster? How much would your insurance pay? What if all your personal files and information was lost forever?

Insurance helps rebuild and can replace most physical items, but what about documents and account information, driver’s license, ATM and credit cards.

If you can’t answer that question, you probably should address this issue.

Ralph led a privileged life in an upscale New Orleans neighborhood adjacent to the now famous 17th Street Canal. When the levee broke, he didn't completely understand what was happening or comprehend the magnitude of the growing devastation. Things changed by the minute, and he and his family had to adjust quickly.

Ralph's children relocated to Texas, then Atlanta, and finally to a school in the Northeast. The kids were not allowed to attend school at first because they lost their immunization papers, and there was no place to get copies. The only way the school would allow the children to attend classes was to consider the family as “homeless” people. He and his wife cried when they heard this news …how quickly their lives had changed.

Natural and man-made disasters, like the hurricane and flooding in New Orleans, and recent earthquakes in Haiti and Japan can happen anywhere. If you are like most people, you have spent little or no time preparing an emergency plan. The reality is this can happen to any of us, at any time.

How can you prepare for the unexpected? Here are some steps to consider.

Review your property and casualty insurance.

Read your policy to understand what it does and does not cover. Consider the improvements you have made to the house. What would rebuilding, or replacing items, cost? Is your current coverage enough? Most people find out too late that they failed to increase coverage to keep up with improvements. Schedule an annual review with

28

April 2011

your property and casualty agent every year. Meet annually with your Financial Planner to coordinate all your insurance and asset information.

you options under normal conditions, but during a crisis, it can save your sanity and your family’s dignity.

Find a knowledgeable insurance agent. Have you ever met your property casualty agent? Many people think their agent will automatically give them the best coverage. Unfortunately, as in any profession, there are insurance agents with whom you really don't want to deal. Find one who is knowledgeable, proactive and ethical, and will always place you and your family's interests first.

Our insurance agent changed recently, so we were notified that we had a new one assigned to our policies. We met to go over our coverage on the home, autos, boat, and fifth wheel. She took a thorough inventory of everything and we scheduled a follow-up meeting. While on our way up north for vacation, she called my cell phone to let us know that while she was reviewing our coverage, she noted that the previous agent had not placed the coverage on our fifth wheel.

The one that was attached to my truck at that very moment. Thank goodness she is very detail oriented and we meet every year.

Inventory all your assets and property. Sit down and make a list of everything in each room: furniture, carpeting, light fixtures, window coverings, appliances, personal items, paintings etc. Better yet, go through each room with a video camera and record a narrative. Download the video to a web-based site so it will not be lost.

Contact your bank and credit card companies now. Ask them what the procedure would be to get replacement cards if you no longer have a home or have to live in a shelter for a period of time. Do they have a disaster team ready to assist you in getting the simple needs in life back on track as quickly as possible?

Make sure you have enough savings reserves.

Three months of monthly expenses is not enough.

“We had at least six months,” Ralph told me.

"Many places only accept cash; you would be surprised how fast you can spend it." Even if you don’t have a computer anymore, you can be assured that your bank still has your money and online access will be available to you. Remember how long some of the Katrina survivors were waiting to get through the red tape process just to file a claim. Imagine how much easier your recovery will be if you have access to “savings” that you can use immediately, and will be there months later when you are still waiting for insurance money to come through. Cash gives

Also, consider storing important documents including wills, tax returns, birth certificates and immunization records inside an “online” vault.

The right service will allow you to access these documents immediately, and most importantly, will have sophisticated security systems to alleviate concerns that others could obtain access to your confidential information. Ask your CPA, attorney, financial advisor, and insurance agents if they have an “online vault” available to store your important information with them. For now, at least download as much as possible to a flash drive until you have an “online” vault to send it to. Maybe have a copy given to someone you trust implicitly.

Today the news is all about the devastating events happening in Japan. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, just as they did to the victims of the 9/11 attacks, those in New Orleans, Haiti, and the thousands of people in the US every year that lose their homes and businesses to fires, tornados, and floods. In this electronic age, everyone should have their important documents in a safe place that cannot be damaged by the ravages of nature.

Schedule a time on your calendar to review your life, in the event of a disaster. If you had to start all over again from scratch, could you?

Unfortunately, the unexpected does happen!

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc PO Box 64284, St Paul MN 55164-0284, 800-800-2638. Member FINRA/SIPC and Registered Investment Advisor. Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. is not affiliated with Derby Financial & Associates, LLC. Sandy K. Derby, CFP®, ChFC has been in the financial services industry since 1989. She was recently selected as one of America’s Top Financial Planners by Consumers Research Council of America. Sandy is President of Derby Financial & Assoc. LLC, where our goal is to help women become financially secure and independent, through comprehensive financial planning.

Sandy can be reached at sandykderby@derbyfinancial.net or 269-321-5047.

Contemplating Koi? A few t hin gs to p onder.

D

ig a hole, fill it with water and watch your koi grow. That’s the secret to your koi pond, right? Actually, much like a pool or indoor aquarium, koi require some work. In fact, koi are quite sensitive fish that require a carefully maintained environment for optimal health.

Koi are colorful fish that go by the name nishikigoi in Japanese. They are a specially bred form of carp, not oversized goldfish, enjoyed for their vivid coloring. In the 19th century, Japanese farmers began breeding decorative carp, selecting brightly colored specimens to ornament gardens in luxurious fish pools.

Koi are considered to be good luck. There are certain varieties that are preferred over others. Kohaku are white-skinned koi with a red upper pattern. Tancho are white koi with a red dot on their head.

Koi are cool-water fish that prefer a deep pond. In the warmer weather they will swim to the bottom of the pond to avoid the heat. When planning on a koi pond, keep this in mind. You may also want to plan your pond in an area that is shaded from direct sun, to moderate the water temperature even more.

Think about installing a koi pond as you would a home aquarium, complete with filtration system and regular care. This will help you maintain a clean environment for the fish. Routine skimming of the water surface can catch debris that falls into the water and contaminates the delicate ecosystem of the pond.

Koi should be protected overhead from predators. Therefore, koi ponds generally feature lush foliage for their protection. Rocks or overhangs under which koi can hide are features to include.

An algaecide is also necessary, to prevent the overgrowth of algae in the pond. Consider special water additives to enhance the water environment for your koi.

Because koi generally like to swim unseen, their type of food is a floating pellet, which encourages the fish to come to the surface. This way you can assess whether the fish look healthy. Koi can even be trained to recognize humans and take food from your hand.

courtesy Metro Creative

Start small with your koi pond. One or two fish is adequate. Experts recommend one small- or medium-sized koi per 500 gallons of water. If you have too many fish, their waste can contaminate the water if not properly filtered.

April 2011

29

Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients 1 tsp. vanilla 2 sticks (1c.) unsalted butter – softened 2 eggs ¾ c. brown sugar _________________ 1c. sorghum flour ¼ c. potato starch ¾ c. brown rice flour 1 ½ tsp. xanthan gum ¾ c. sugar 1 tsp. salt ¼ c. tapioca starch 1 tsp. baking soda 2c. chocolate chips (one bag)

Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream together first four ingredients until fluffy, set aside.

Sift remaining ingredients except for chocolate chips.

Add dry ingredients slowly to creamed mixture using heavy duty mixer. Mix until well blended.

Change to dough hook then, add chocolate chips until blended.

Bake 10-13 min.

These are the best cookies (so I’ve been told). I have served these to everyone from my friends to small children and they all agree… these are good. Enjoy!

30

April 2011

Using color

Psychology to create the right mood Skillful interior decorating is largely an artistic endeavor, but there’s some science involved also, and none more important than the psychology of color.

“Color psychology can help you choose paint colors that create the right mood in a room, affecting not just your own feelings, but those of everyone who enters the space,” according to Debbie Zimmer, color expert at the Paint Quality Institute.

“In fact, paint color is so powerful that it can influence not just our state of mind, but even our physiology,” she says.

“The ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, and many other peoples used color to heal. In doing so, they often favored the blues and greens found in nature, colors that have an emotional association with peace, harmony, and tranquility. In these trying economic times, paint colors in these same hues can help calm our nerves at home,” says Zimmer.

BLUE, which often ranks at the top of surveys exploring “favorite” colors, has been shown to slow pulse rate and lower body temperature. The implications for interior painting: blue is a terrific color choice for bedrooms, but less so for dining rooms, according to Zimmer.

“The ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, and many other peoples used color to heal.

In doing so, they often favored the blues and greens found in nature, colors that have an emotional association with peace, harmony, and tranquility.”

GREEN, also among the most popular colors, is a little more versatile. While it, too, has a soothing effect, it also represents renewal, youth, and vigor.

Says Zimmer: “Because it is calming, green paint is a good color choice for bedrooms, and since it’s the color of many appetizing fruits and vegetables, it can work in dining rooms, too.”

with Debbie Zimmer, color expert at the Paint Quality Institute

There’s no equivocation with RED. It bespeaks energy and excitement, actually raising the blood pressure and making the heart beat faster. Because red is associated with desire and passion, it’s a perfect paint color for dining rooms and adult bedrooms, says Zimmer, but wrong for children’s rooms. Yet, ironically, pink – a very light tint of red – is one of the most calming colors, and is a fine choice for a baby’s room, she says.

YELLOW is a great interior paint color. Like sunshine, it imparts happiness, hope and optimism.

Studies have shown that the brain actually releases more seratonin when the eye takes in yellow – creating positive psychological vibes. According to Zimmer, yellow can even stir our creative juices.

What better color to use in a master bath or dinette to get your day off on the right foot?

ORANGE is also a happy color. More attention-getting than yellow, orange has an energy and warmth about it. Muddy shades are useful in many parts of the home, but vivid tones may appear raw and flamboyant. Zimmer’s advice: “Orange is clearly not the color of calm, so it’s best to bypass it when painting a bedroom or any other area where you want to relax.”

PURPLE is a tricky paint color wherever it’s used, but it is the overwhelming favorite of adolescent girls, according to Zimmer. She suggests that you reserve use of this color for your daughter’s room to create a

Studies have shown that the brain actually releases more seratonin when the eye takes in yellow – creating positive psychological vibes.

win-win situation: “Odds are, she’ll love it, and you can take comfort in purple’s proven ability to stimulate brain activity,” she says.

No discussion of paint color would be complete without mentioning the “non-colors,” black (the absence of light, and thus, color) and white (the confluence of all the colors in the spectrum).

According to Zimmer, BLACK is a great accent color indoors or out, imparting elegance, formality, and sophistication to a paint color scheme. But don’t get carried away with it, she cautions. Too much black can be depressing.

WHITE, on the other hand, conveys peace, simplicity, and spaciousness. It can provide a crisp finish to almost any paint job by adding sharp contrast to the wall color. Used throughout a room, it can give the illusion that the space is bigger than its physical dimensions.

“Color psychology should play a role when selecting an interior paint scheme, but it’s only one factor to consider,” says Zimmer. “Personal color preference should be given at least as much weight.

“No one will spend more time in your home than you will,” says Zimmer, “so it’s important to paint with those colors that are personal favorites. Choose colors that you love, and you won’t go wrong.”

For more information on paint color and affordable remodeling with paint, visit www.paintquality.com.

April 2011

31

BASIC Founded in 1989, BASIC is a Human Resource Solution Provider serving the Greater Kalamazoo area with a staff of 80 in their Portage office. Services offered to employers include: flexible spending accounts, health reimbursement arrangements, Cobra, retiree billing, health savings accounts, payroll, Family Medical Leave Act management, HR outsourcing, ASO services, a human resource information system, dependent verification and an agency information system.

BASIC offers a customer service referee, each assigned to one account, a management team with 135 years of experience in the industry, and a staff that undergoes ongoing training and career development programs. BASIC has a 95% client retention rate.

Customer satisfaction comes from their innovative solutions to meet each business’s goals. They are pleased to provide secure technology and protect your vital HR information with a 100% power generator back up system. Weather fluctuations are not a problem at BASIC! As a Human Resource Solution Provider, BASIC helps to manage risk, control costs, and improve the staff focus and effectiveness of your company. Clients can expect quality service, professionalism, integrity, respect, innovation, and cooperative teamwork. BASIC is located at 9246 Portage Industrial Drive, in Portage, MI 49024.

Telephone: 800-444-1922 or 269-327-1922. www.basiconline.com.

Comensoli’s Pasta Pasta Pasta Pasta is a delightful, casual Italian restaurant located in downtown Kalamazoo on West Main Street. The red brick décor promotes a feeling of old-world comfort as do their tasty entrees. They offer the usual Italian favorites such as lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, and pizza, but it is their unique entrees that offer the diner a delightful surprise, such as their most popular dish - Sun Dried Tomato Ravioli. Other favorites are the Salmon Provencal and Lake Como Sirloin. Also available and popular is the pasta bar. All pastas are homemade and diners are able to choose from a variety of sauces such as ricotta nut sauce, made with ricotta, walnuts, tomato and spearmint or Pericalosa sauce, a spicy choice, made from Italian sausage, tomatoes, peppers and onions. They offer a variety of wines on their wine list to compliment your order.

Comensoli’s Pasta Pasta takes reservations, is wheelchair accessible and kid-friendly. The owner, Pete Comensoli is a gracious host and tries to please each diner.

Entrees are reasonably priced, a draw for students and families alike. During the summer, patio seating is available. “Great home cooked Italian food, terrific service in a pleasant environment,” writes a recent visitor to Pasta Pasta.

They are open for lunch and dinner, Sunday, Monday 4-9pm, Tuesday-Friday, 11:30 to 2:30pm, and 4-10pm.

Comensoli’s Pasta Pasta is located at 762 West Main Street, in Kalamazoo, MI 49006. Telephone number: 345-6755 for reservations. Fax 344-2770. www.pastapastakalamazoo.com.

Patti Emanuele is a freelance writer and author of six books who has contributed to newspapers, magazines and other publications. Her writing experience includes teaching English and writing skills to adults, writing fundraising and corporate materials, copy for commercials and other aspects of advertising.

32

April 2011

Shortcuts for fast weeknight meals Arriving home from work at 6:30 p.m. and then thinking about making dinner leaves many people feeling stressed. It’s possible to create healthy meals the entire family will enjoy with a little planning and smart time management in the kitchen.

Here are some tips that can make for easier meals in a snap: ● Mark the calendar. Sure it may seem like a page right out of the school cafeteria operations, but planning at least two weeks of meals in advance can alleviate the toughest part of meal creation: deciding on the menu. This enables a person to shop for all of the ingredients and stock up the pantry and the refrigerator. Come mealtime, it’s simply grab and cook. ● Prep in advance. Some people like to spend Sunday afternoon pre-cooking items that will be used during the week. For example, one can bake chicken cutlets that can be used for a variety of meals later on. Or slice and dice items so that the preparatory work is done. Package into individual baggies or bowls for later use. Sometimes the longest time spent on meals is the prep work. ● Consider breakfast foods. Breakfast foods tend to cook faster and with less prep work than others. One night a week serve pancakes, French toast, omelettes, or Belgian waffles. It’s easy and tasty. ● Invest in a slow cooker. Slow cookers cook food on very low heat for several hours. Many now feature programmable displays so a person can punch in the cook time and the slow cooker will automatically shut off when done. Come home after a long day at work and school with an entire meal fully cooked and ready to eat. ● Stir-fry satisfies. Meats and poultry cut into smaller strips and pieces will cook much faster than an entire steak. Pair this with favorite flavors, such as ginger and teriyaki and seasonal vegetables (fresh or frozen) and serve over rice or noodles. There are dozens of stir-fry recipes a person can create with a little experimentation. ● Have leftover night. One night of the week can be set aside for leftovers to clean out the refrigerator. Simply reheat and serve, letting each member of the family concoct a buffet-style meal, featuring a little of this and a little of that. ● Pasta’s a plus. A pot of pasta can be boiled in 7 to 10 minutes. In roughly the same amount of time, you can put together a sauce to top the pasta, whether oil and garlic, tomato or something cream-based. Pasta should be the go-to dish when a person is short on time and needs a hearty meal.

April 2011

33

34

April 2011

There was a time in the professional world, when women believed that they needed to copy the fashion styles of their counterparts. That is, they wore boxy tweed suits feminized with an oversized bow. Things have changed and women are now embracing their own styles. This brings us to this month’s question – asked to the professional women of Kalamazoo Network.

PO Box 50374 • Kalamazoo MI 49005 • voicemail: 269-343-7865 • www.kalamazoonetwork.org

What fashion advice do you have for someone entering the professional world?

And what has changed in the professional fashion world for women?

When dressing for work you must first consider the line of work you’re in and therefore your culture. Industries differ and will dictate how you should dress. For example the financial industry differs greatly from the design industry. Do a closet inventory and clean out any items that you have not worn in two seasons.

If you use a C " apsule" method you will literally build a wardrobe that will bring you incredible possibilities based on the mix and match philosophy that is a budget pleaser. Here is how it works: 2 neutral bottoms, two basic tops, one layering top that zips or buttons= 8 outfits-(one top should be a fabulous white blouse- a classic)

Build your wardrobe around basic traditional colors and pieces (slacks, skirts, blazers). Remember to be clean, neat and pressed. If you stick with basic and traditional it will never go out of style and as you introduce new items and accessories that you can mix and match it makes your wardrobe always looking fresh and new. A wardrobe is like decorating a home. Pick your main pieces and build/decorate around them.

- Bobbie Ray / Absolute Homecare and Medical Staffing

3 neutral bottoms, (one skirt) three basic tops = 2 outfits 3 bottoms, three tops and one w " ow" piece- a great jacket/blazer that you can wear to work and then put a dressy/evening top for date night =15 outfits Keep to the classics and carefully add trends with shoes/jewelry/hand bags and maybe a jacket if and only if it fits and flatters!

Trends come and go quickly so spend wisely!

- Mary J. McCallum / Independent CAbi Consultant

I think it is important to be a bit overdressed the first time you interview. You can always get

and attention to color or detail. What I would suggest you leave at home is the extra “piercings” and the GUM! - Danielle Streed, JD / Law office of Redmond, Redmond & Yokom

Stick with basic colors and items that you can carry though multiple seasons. Stay away from fads as much as possible. Accessories are key to getting the most out of your wardrobe. Use jackets, scarves, and jewelry to add that pop of color and sophistication to your clothing.

- Angie Scoffin / Premier Designs Jeweler

a feel for the environment workplace dress once you reach the interview. Being a bit “overdressed” may mean a suit, but women can always add their own flair to the basics with jewelry or a scarf to show their own personality for style

Maria Pavletic, Independent Marketing and Web Consultant with Pavletic Consulting and Design, LLC. She is currently serving as the President for Kalamazoo Network.

April 2011

35

DIY Jobs for

Weekend Warriors Weekend warriors can finish a home improvement project over the weekend with planning, skill and time management.

The following projects are ideal for the weekend warrior who wants to start and finish a project over the course of a few days: Paint up a storm. Painting can be the ideal weekend project, one that truly gives homeowners a sense of accomplishment. When done correctly, painting can give a room or rooms an entirely new feel, making a homeowner feel as if the home she arrived home to on Friday night is not the same one she’s leaving on Monday morning.

When attempting to complete a painting project in one weekend, be sure to choose rooms that only need paint. In rooms with significant plaster work to be done, the project will likely take longer than the weekend, as the plaster will need to be patched and sanded (rooms with only minor plaster damage should be more weekend-friendly). Choose smaller rooms for weekend painting projects and reap the rewards of a weekend well spent.

Tile till the heart is content.

Measuring and choosing tile is time consuming on its own, so all preliminary measuring and tile choosing should be done in advance of the weekend.

We suggest this job for only the hardcore do-it-yourselfer as tiling a floor or even the bathroom walls may prove challenging. Even by the time you purchase everything you need to do the job, you may feel as if you should have called a pro and spent your time doing other things. If you decide to go ahead with a tile project, make measurements during the week and make sure all the materials, including appropriate tools, are purchased and ready to go before the weekend starts.

Replace vanity faucets. Another easy project that can make a dramatic visual difference is to replace vanity faucets around the home. Old vanity faucets can be an eyesore. But they can be easily replaced in a single weekend as long as there are no issues with the plumbing, and the replacement parts are the same size as existing parts. Homeowners who are aware of or suspect issues with plumbing, should consult a professional before replacing any faucets. Risking it and going it alone could result in disaster, one that takes more than a weekend to correct. - WL

Replace the toilet. For homeowners with older toilets, replacing the toilets might be the ideal weekend task. Replacing a toilet should not take very long, and homeowners will notice their new toilet is not only an upgrade in visual appeal, but an upgrade that’s attractive to the bottom line as well. Older toilets may consume anywhere from 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush, whereas newer toilets generally consume Eco-Fabulous Faucets between 1.5 to 3 gallons per flush. That helps Bathroom faucets are the culprits of much water waste. Luckily, you can easily save water by homeowners reduce their carbon footprint installing a new lavatory faucet with a water-saving aerator. The Lindley bathroom faucets from Moen while also reducing their monthly water bills. feature new flow-optimized aerators that allow water to flow at 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm), versus traditional aerators that flow at 2.2 gpm. The result is water savings of up to 32 percent without sacrificing performance.

It takes half your life before you discover life is a do-it-yourself project. – Napoleon Hill

36

April 2011

CORKLANE DECORATING CENTER Let Us Design Your Dreams 1101 E Cork St. Kalamazoo 342-6894

Free Consultations & Installation on Draperies Quality Fabric Superior Workmanship & Best Prices Additional Discounts/Monthly Specials Available

April 2011

37

“Make the most of every sense; glory in all of the pleasures and beauty which the world reveals to you ...”

– Helen Keller

The

Beauty

I

n every waking moment, we are surrounded by beauty – in our homes and workplaces, neighborhoods and towns.

From vast landscapes that uplift and inspire to a single wild rose that opens our heart, beauty is everywhere when we have eyes to see it. And the awareness address it: “Ah, beauty, I see you. I’ll stop and spend a few minutes with you.”

As the pace of life accelerates, how much are we truly aware of beauty? We seem to move through our days with such speed that we view our surroundings with blurred vision, or perceive the landscape as if it were a black and white photograph, missing its vibrancy and allure. And, yet, when we do slow down enough to take notice, to remark on a lovely grove of trees or a sunset, do we take it in fully? Savor it? Appreciate it? Allow ourselves to feel remarkable relaxation response that naturally comes when we give ourselves over to beauty?

I sense that we don’t.

Instead, we do what Adair Lara confesses to in her book, Slowing Down In a Speeded Up World: “I don’t spend a meditative moment really tasting the blackberry jam or gazing at the faces of my sleeping children or stepping out to the porch to feel the rain on my face,” writes Lara. “Or if I do, I do it quickly, checking it off the list: Gazed at sleeping children. Lifted face to rain. Note to self: Smell roses tomorrow.”

38

April 2011

If this sounds familiar (I know it did to me when I first read this many years ago), and you’d like to experience beauty, tapping into its power and bringing more ease and joy into your day, consider taking these five steps toward tapping into beauty:

Slow Down. Wherever you are, whether in a parking lot or at a park, walk more slowly. Gauge your pace and slow way down. The faster you go, the less you can really see.

Notice. Look up and around instead of down.

Have you ever noticed how many of us walk with our eyes downcast? Look up at the sky. Scan the horizon. Zoom out, zoom in, just like a Google map, and see what’s up close and what’s farther away. Pay attention on purpose and take note of what you see.

Expand. Turn your senses up to “high,” as if you are using a dial. Amp up your vision and notice all of the colors and hues around you. Do the same with your sense of hearing. Really listen to the sounds, or lack of them. Traffic, human voices, birds, silence. Stop moving if you can. Stand still and simply allow the sounds and sights to fill you.

Feel. Notice how your body feels when your senses are attuned. How does your mind respond?

Do you relax and let go of tension? The act of being fully present in any situation, simply observing what is happening around us while using our senses, is an act of “mindfulness,” or

Janice Lynne Lundy is an interfaith spiritual director, retreat leader, author and the woman behind Buddha Chick™.

Visit her website to learn more: www.awakenedliving.com.

that Surrounds Us

by Janice Lynne Lundy

what stress reduction researcher Jon Kabat-Zinn calls “present centered awareness.” When we respond to our daily activities in this way, we are no longer resisting what we are experiencing. We are fully engaged – our body/mind united in pure awareness – and we stop struggling. This practice alone can create a powerful relaxation response.

Being present with mindful attention can be very good for what ails us!

Choose. In my own life, especially when I’m a passenger in a car, I am forever on the lookout for a thing of beauty to touch my heart: cloud patterns in the sky, birds in flight, grass and greenery and flowers’ first bloom. We can learn to “choose beauty” in this way and focus our attention on having it more visible throughout our day.

Engage this process again and again, incorporate it as a life practice, and you’ll soon discover yourself craving beauty. You will be on the lookout for it, eyesight trained to scan your surroundings to search out things of beauty. Why? Because your body/mind has made the connection that it feels good to connect with beauty and, naturally, it wants more of that.

The truth is, beauty is always here. It doesn’t go anywhere. It is we that wander and drift away, getting lost once again in the rush and blur of the day; shades of gray instead of vibrant blues and greens dominating our vision. But we can remember – and reorient ourselves back to this very moment – with attention and practice. We can learn to lean into beauty and invite it in.

Delightful Discoveries Sodastream Home Soda Maker Save time, money and be more earth-friendly by making your own soda at home with regular tap water. Best yet, no more lugging cans or bottles or hauling empties. Choose from 30+ regular, diet and caffeinefree flavors. Regular flavors contain no high-fructose corn syrup, and diet flavors are sweetened with Splenda速 brand sweetener (not aspartame). Extra bottles and soda mix can be purchased separately. The reusable CO2 cylinder produces up to 60 liters of carbonated water and can be exchanged. Starter kits start at $99 available in black and red.

Compost Pail by Simplehuman Put your food scraps to good use by collecting them for your compost heap with this convenient, odor-minimzing stainless-steel compost pail.

Cut down on waste by recycling everyday household scraps into a rich organic soil for your gardens.

8.6 x 7.2 x 13.3 (W.D.H.) $60

April 2011

39

CALENDAR

of Events

April 1 Art Hop Various Locations throughout Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 8 pm. Art Hop is a free event that features new art exhibits in a fun, casual atmosphere. Numerous galleries and businesses in the downtown area host a variety of artwork which makes it easy to hop around from one exhibit to the next. Free.

269-342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.com April 1 A Celebration of Glass West Michigan Glass Art Center. 5 – 9 pm. April is Michigan Glass Month – See th exciting work of over 30 artists in this yearly celebration of glass art. Free.

269-552-9802. www.wmglass.org April 1, 14 Free Ultrasound Vein Screening Premier Vein Center. All day-Call for an appointment if you’d like. If your legs ache or feel heavy, Schedule your FREE painless screening. We can tell right away if you may have vein disease.

Register at http://www.premierveincenter.com/vein-screening or call 269.388.6350 April 1 – 10 Special Exhibit – Michigan Eats!

Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Mon – Thurs & Sat 9 am – 5pm; Fri. 9 am – 9 pm; Sun. 1 – 5 pm. Michigan Foodways describes the diverse food tradtions found around the state with interpretive panels, objects and sound clips. From Michigan State University Museum. 269-3737990. www.kalamazoomuseum.org April 1 – 29 Good Eats: An Exhibition about Food Opening during Art Hop Friday April 1, 6 – 9 pm. From Dutch still-life paintings to Campbell's soup cans, our obsession with food is readymade subject for art!

The exhibit will feature prints, paintings, photographs, and artist's books that incorporate food in their subject.

April 2 Spring Model Railroad Meet Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Room A. 10 am – 3 pm. Buy and sell model railroad items. Adults $3, children are free. 269-808-0028. www.kmrhs.org April 2 - 30 Exhibit by Eileen Meslar Willow Lake Club Gallery at Parkview Hills Community. Reception, 4/15 6 – 8 pm. Portraits of Ministry with Community residents and related work. Free, open to the public. 269-372-4444.

April 4 Kalamazoo Chapter IAAP Meeting Kalamazoo RESA on Milham Road, Networking begins at 5:00 p.m., Dinner at 5:30 p.m., Presentation at 6 pm.: Office Ergonomics presented by Tony Sander, Safety Director of Bentler Automotive April 5 Spring Break Camp Happy Our Art. 10 – 11:30 am Finger Paint Caterpillar, ages 5 – 7. 1 – 3 pm

40

Flip Flops, ages 8 and up. $25 per class or 3 classes for $65. Register online at www.happyourart.com April 5 Free Health Talks on Treatment for Urinary Leaking in Women Borgess Hospital – Lawrence Education Center, Room 122. 6:30 pm. If you worry about leaking urine when you laugh, cough or sneeze, you don’t have to live with it! New treatments are available. You are invited to learn more about your options and have your questions answered by Dr. Roger Beyer at a free seminar. Refreshments will be served.

RSVP and more info: 269-372-7600 or http://www.drrogerbeyer.com

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.

Or you may mail your info to P. O. Box 2284, Portage MI 49081-2284

April 9 Antique Bottle & Glass Show Kalamazoo County Expo Center. 10 am – 3 pm. Antique bottles, flasks, fruit jars, and related glass. Free appraisals offered at the show. Admission: $3 adults, $2 seniors, children under 12 are free. More info contact Wally Jung: 517-230-0734 or postcardwally@comcast.net.

April 9 Treasures of Celtic Spirituality Transformations Spirituality Center. 9 am – Noon. Journey through the sacred landscapes of Celtic spirituality with the work of John O’Donohue. $35. Info @ www.transformationscenter.org or info@transformationscenter.org or 269-381-6290 ext. 249

April 5 Centering Prayer Introduction Transformations Spirituality Center.

6:30-8:30 pm. The history, tradition, dynamics and an opportunity to experience this Christian prayer form. $20.

Info @ www.transformationscenter.org or info@transformationscenter.org or 269-381-6290 ext. 249

April 9 The Shepherd's Rug Parchment Community Library, 401 S. Riverview Drive. 9 am – 4 pm. Rugbraiding with Letty Klein of Pine Lane Farms. $45 registration. See website for details: www.parchmentlibrary.org

April 5 David Sedaris Miller Auditorium. 7:30 – 9:30 pm. With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America's pre-eminent humor writers. $45 - $25. 269-387-2300. www.millerauditorium.com

April 9 A Garden of Visible Prayer Newman's Bookshoppe. 10 am – Noon.

Meet Margaret Rose Realy who will be signing copies of her new book 'A Garden of Visible Prayer; Creating a Personal Sacred Space One Step at a Time'.

269-553-0482. www.newmansbookshoppe.com

April 5 - 27 Kalamazoo Indoor Flea & Farmers Market Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Room E. Tuesday and Wednesday: 7 am – 1 pm. Come check out the flea market for great deals on all kinds of new and used items! And while you're here, support your local farmers! Free. For booth space, 269-383-8761.

April 10 The Gilmore Rising Stars Recital Series: Juho Pohjonen Wellspring Theater. 4 pm. One of the brightest talents to emerge from Finland today, Phjonen's program includes music by Couperin, Ravel, Handel and Brahms. $22, students $5.

269-342-1166. www.TheGilmore.org

April 6 Spring Break Camp Happy Our Art. 10 – 11:30 am Personal Touch, ages 5 – 7. 1 – 3 pm Popcorn, ages 8 and up. $25 per class or 3 classes for $65. Register online at www.happyourart.com

April 11 Lose Weight Now – Come See How! Join our “Biggest Loser” Weight Loss Challenge. Lose weight – Win Cash – Have Fun! 12-wk Nutrition Class, Group Support, Personal Coaching. $35. Call 269-207-5019 to pre-register.

April 6, 20 Massage as a Profession Workshop Institute for Massage Education at KCHA, 6350 West KL Ave. 6 – 8 pm.

Learn about the realities and rewards of a career in massage therapy. This is a FREE workshop. Reservations requested, 269-373-0910. www.kcha.com

April 12 Inforum Meet and Greet West Michigan Glass Art Center, 326 W Kalamazoo Ave Ste 100. 5:30 – 7 pm.

Join us to learn more about Inforum and see glass blowing demonstrations, beverages and light appetizers. Free.

More info and to register visit www.inforummichigan.org

April 7 Spring Break Camp Happy Our Art. 10 – 11:30 am Sponge Paint Space, ages 5 – 7. 1 – 3 pm Spring Break Getaway, ages 8 and up. 6:30 – 8:30 pm Tween Graffiti. $25 per class or 3 classes for $65. Register online at www.happyourart.com

April 12, 26 Michigan Professional Womens Resource M-PWR Beacon Club, 5830 Portage Road. 9 am. We are a womens networking and resource group. Guest welcome!

For more information call 269-910-3579.

April 7 43rd Annual Spring Conference on Wind and Percussion Music Miller Auditorium. 7:30 – 9:30 pm. Free.

269-387-4678. www.wmich.edu/music

April 14 Girls Night Out Art Bayou. 6 – 9 pm. Bring your favorite beverage and your girlfriends and paint a paisley plate. You say you're not an

April 2011

artist? No worries! That is what the “beverage” is all about! Besides we will be walking you through this planned pottery project...step by step. $38.

Seating is limited. Call 269-375-2600 for reservations.

April 15 Wyeths & Wine Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. 5 – 7 pm.

Wind away those dreary winter days with Wyeths & Wine! The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and the Wine Loft have teamed up to present Wyeths & Wine, a decadent event perfect for a date night or just a fun evening with friends and family! $8. 269-349-7775. www.kiarts.org April 15 Glass Art Center Auction West Michigan Glass Art Center. 6 – 9 pm. Items created at the “Battle of the Glassblowers” and other wonderful items will be auctioned off. This event will be in the Center's new, expanded space. Free, donations accepted.

269-52-9802. info@wmglass.org or www.wmglass.org April 15 Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra – 1812 Overture Miller Auditorium. 8 – 10 pm. Conductor Raymond Harvey and the KSO musicians welcome ATOS Trio soloists for this concert featuring pieces from Beethoven and Tchaikovsky to complete the Symphonic Series with a bang! Cost: $52, $41, $30, $19, $5. 269-349-7759. www.kalamazoosymphony.com/page.p hp?menu_id=75 April 15 – 16 Pinball at the Zoo Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Friday: 1 – 11 pm; Saturday 9 am – 6 pm. A pinball and arcade event for the whole family. Coin-op auction, pinball tournaments, games on free play. Admission: Adults $10, Kids $5. More info contact Kevin Ketchum: 269-628-4628 or www.pinballatthezoo.com or www.klassicarcade.com April 16 Earth Day Celebration Kalamazoo Nature Center. 9 am – 5 pm.

Join the Earth Day Celebration at the Kalamazoo Nature Center and enjoy FREE admission all day with naturalistled hikes, special activities and LIVE animal presentations! Free. 269-381-1574. www.naturecenter.org April 16 All Ears Theatre – The Three Little Pigs First Baptist Church, Downtown Kalamazoo. Doors open 5:30, performance begins at 6 pm. A re-imagining of the classic story by Arnold and Deborah Johnston as directed by Ronald Centers.

All Ears Theatre debuted in January 2002 as a collaboration of local artists organized by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Free. 269-342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.com

April 16 SCRABBLE FEST 1st Annual Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest – Play just for fun and or competitive games. Portage Northern High School $25.00 per person to play 12 – 4 pm Info: 382-0190 X 222 April 18 Women In Networking Meeting Richland Area Community Center. 6 - 8 pm. You're Invited! Networking, beverages & light buffet. Special holiday program. Cost is $7 (cash please).

RSVP: win.richland@yahoo.com by Thurs. before. More Info: http://win.richland.tripod.com April 19 Gluten-Free Desserts Can-Do Kitchen! The People's Food Co-op is offering classes. For more information http://www.peoplesfoodcoop.org/events.php April 19 The Kalamazoo MI After 5 Women's Connection The Beacon Club, 5830 Portage Road.

6:30 – 8 pm. Dedicated to connecting women through fellowship, fun and inspiring messages. Business women are welcome! April Meeting Theme: April Showers. $17. RSVP by April 15 to Karen at 269-290-2216. Info @ www.meetyathen.webs.com

April 29 – May 1 Gem & Mineral Show Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Friday 4 – 8 pm, Sat. 10 am – 6 pm, Sun. 10 am – 5 pm. Featuring games, hourly door prizes, geode cracking, gold mine, pan for gold, demonstrations, dealers, silent auctions, and make-it-take-it-room.

Admission: Adults $3 donation, children under 12 free. More info: www.kalamazoorockclub.org April 30 AHA Southwestern Michigan Start!

Heart Walk Arcadia Creek Festival Place. The festivities, which begin at 8:30 am, will continue before the 3-mile walk, which begins at 10 am and after the walk as well. The public is invited and encouraged to participate in the walk with teams with their friends and families. For more info: 269-806-0425 or www.southwesternmiheartwalk.org April 30 Seeing the Holy Transformations Spirituality Center. 9 am – 3 pm. See and be present to the Holy through your eyes and camera lens. $45.

Info @ www.transformationscenter.org or info@transformationscenter.org or 269-381-6290 ext. 249 April 30 Super Science Saturday: Kites Air Zoo. 11 am, 1 & 3 pm. The Air Zoo's Super Science Saturday, “Kites,” a 30-minute presentation. Free.

269-382-6555. www.airzoo.org

April 20 Free Health Talks on Treatment for Urinary Leaking in Women Griswold Auditorium. 6:30 pm. If you worry about leaking urine when you laugh, cough or sneeze, you don’t have to live with it! New treatments are available. You are invited to learn more about your options and have your questions answered by Dr. Roger Beyer at a free seminar. Refreshments will be served.

RSVP and more info: 269-372-7600 or http://www.drrogerbeyer.com

April 30 - May 1 Southwest Michigan Jewish Film Festival Celebration Cinema Crossroads in Portage. Saturday evening and all day Sunday. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance. More details are available at jewishfilmskazoo.org or filmfest@jewishfilmskazoo.org

April 21 TOWER Professional Network, Kalamazoo West Chapter Kickoff!

Fetzer Center, WMU. Noon – 1 pm. We’re launching our FOURTH women only networking chapter in the Kalamazoo area!

For more information please visit our website. www.TOWERProfessionalNetwork.com/events

May 1 Fundamentals of Animal Massage Held at Institute for Massage Education at KCHA, 6350 West KL Ave. 8:30 am – 5 pm. Learn the basics of animal massage in this exciting workshop. Learn the benefits of massage therapy, basic massage techniques and safe stretching for your animals. $65. Register at www.nwsam.com

April 22 Earth Day Event 5070 E Main Street, Kalamazoo. Grand Opening of Color-Trendz, Michigan's only eco-friendly paint & color boutique.

Great sales specials, free product demos, free in-studio home color consultations, prize drawings! 269-967-7773. www.color-trendz.com

May 3 The Aluminum Show Miller Auditorium. 7 – 8:30 pm.

Aluminum is a new performance combining movement, dance and visual theater unique to the stage. Through the use of special effects, creative mechanisms and acrobatic dance, inanimate objects come to life with energy, emotion and even personality. $40 - $15.

269-387-2300. www.millerauditorium.com

April 23 14th annual Egg Hunt on the River Walk Mayor's Riverfront Park. 10 am – Noon, Registration for hunts is from 9:30 – 10 am. 14th annual Egg Hunt on the River Walk brought to you by the City of Kalamazoo Department of Parks and Recreation and the Kalamazoo Jaycees. Free. www.kalamazoocity.org/portal/government.php?page_id=384 April 27 Bob Holderbaum in Concert Parchment Community Library, 401 S Riverview Drive. 6:30 – 7:30 pm.

Traditional folk songs of 50's and 60's and sing-along. No fee or registration.

See website for more information. www.parchmentlibrary.org

May 5 Author Anne Doyle Location TBD. 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Celebrate women who dare to lead. Join author Anne Doyle to launch “Powering Up: How America's Women Achievers Become Leaders”. For more info, visit www.inforummichigan.org May 7 World Labyrinth Day Transformations Spirituality Center. 10 am – 1:30 pm. “Walk as One at 1” in a rolling wave of healing and peaceful energy across the world. $40. Info @ www.transformationscenter.org or info@transformationscenter.org or 269-381-6290 ext. 249

April 2011

41

Reader’s Lounge

Conversation Starter

By Alexandra Fix

The Red Thread: A Novel

By Ann Hood W.W.Norton&Co, 2010, $23.95

Ape House

By Sara Gruen Random House Audio Books, 2010, $40 (11 hours unabridged)

At the Great Ape Language Lab, scientist Isabel Duncan has devoted her life to studying the bonobo apes, a highly intelligent animal species. In her care, Sam, Lola, Bonzi, Mbongo, Jelani and Makena have proven to be capable of logical thinking in their communication with humans. Using American Sign Language, these bonobos have learned to “converse” with Isabel and her coworkers.

On a seemingly ordinary work day, an explosion devastates the lab, Isabel is seriously injured and the bonobos are abducted. Initially assumed to be an attempt by animal rights activists to “liberate” the apes from a research lab, the truth is much more complicated. When the missing apes suddenly appear on a television reality show, the public is fascinated and the show becomes the absolute hit of the season. An investigative journalist, John Thigpen, joins forces with Isabel as they attempt to save the apes from the clutches of media stardom.

This novel is also available in hardcover (Spiegel & Grau, 2010, $26)

The Madonnas of Leningrad

By Debra Dean Harper Perennial, 2006, $13.99 The fall and winter of 1941 bring disaster to the Russian inhabitants of Leningrad. The German army is on the move and is closing in on this city. As the enemy’s approach becomes imminent, the workers at the Hermitage Museum rush to pack away all of the art treasures before they can be destroyed. Each painting is carefully removed from its frame and packed away, leaving the mere skeleton of an art museum behind.

To hold onto her own sanity in the wake of fear and starvation, Marina, one of the museum docents, commits to memory each of those lovely pieces of art so dear to her. This “memory palace” in her mind helps her to endure that bitter winter of despair. In later years, an aging Marina, slowly robbed of her memory by dementia, once again turns to that “memory palace” to give her hope. This novel is a beautiful expression of courage and character in the face of evil.

Alexandra Fix is the author of ten non-fiction children’s book, including the series “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” (Heinemann Library). Over the years, she has truly enjoyed being a children’s librarian, registered nurse, freelance writer, mother and grandmother.

42

April 2011

“In China there is a belief that people who are destined to be together are connected by an invisible red thread.” Each year in that country, more than 150,000 baby girls are abandoned. Sometimes these infants are cared for in orphanages. Seldom are the babies left without heartbreak and sadness. With the one child policy in China, boys are favored. Only a son can inherit property, money and even ancestors.

A family may be allowed two children, but only if the first is a girl. The greatest risk of a second pregnancy is that it might result in a second girl who must then be abandoned. Upon these very real facts, author Ann Hood has created an absorbing novel about American adoption of children of China.

Maya Lang, who has lost a biological daughter in an accidental death, has started an adoption agency to match American parents with these lost children of China. This novel captures the very special 9 months of preparation for adoption for 6 fictional families. Getting ready for their new baby will stretch and strain relationships, crystallize dreams and bring out their strengths and weaknesses – all so similar to the natural progression of biological pregnancy. Into her story, Hood weaves a wonderful band of connection between the mothers in China and the prospective American parents. The story of motherly loss fits magically into the story of the joyful new parents, as if the red thread legend is true.

Hood herself knows love and loss. She lost a daughter to an accident at age 3 and she too gained a daughter by adoption from China.

April 2011

43