Au Natural - April 2012

APRIL 2012

Free!

Take Me Home

Judy Pearson

Au Natural

Zen at Work

4th Anniversary Edition E s s e n t i a l

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E n l i g h t e n i n g

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E n t e r t a i n i n g

w w w. wo m e n s l i f e s t y l e k a z o o . c o m

Karla Piper

April 2012 Table of Contents

The People Who Make It Happen...

Publisher: Darlene Clifford dclifford@womenslifestylekazoo.com

Editor: Erica Shier editor@womenslifestylekazoo.com

Contributing Writers: Sandy Derby Kelly Duggan Emily L. Magyar Heidi McCrary Jeff Murphy Judy Pearson

LIFE Living Green ..................................................28 End the Chore War ........................................36

STYLE Giving Your Home Instant Curb Appeal .........12 Made in the Shade ........................................38

BEAUTY Au Natural Beauty............................................9

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

FACES IN HEALTHCARE ................................17 LOOK WHOS TALKING

Sales Representatives:

Karla Piper.....................................................10 Judy Pearson .................................................24

Brenda Murphy

Layout & Design: jr4 designs JR Harper

BUSINESS & FINANCE Financial Sauvé .............................................26 Work Zen .......................................................35

Photography: K. Redmond Photography www.facebook.com/kredmondphotography

HEALTH

Office Manager:

Au Natural Remedies.....................................32 Circle of Care – Pregnancy ...........................39

Patty Clifford

Contact Us

LEARN

By Phone: 269-350-5227

Get Clean & Green ........................................16 20 Economical Friendly Ideas........................29 12 Green Home Improvements .....................30 Courage Concepts.........................................33 Reader’s Lounge ...........................................42

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

FOOD Website: www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

What is Organic? ...........................................11 Secrets from the Kitchen ...............................14 Gluten Free Tarragon Potato Salad ...............................27 Puddle Cookies .........................................27 April Showers Melted Gruyere Toasts with Crisp Frizzled Prosciutto .................................34 Shrimp Fajitas Salad on Crisp Four Tortilla Chips ..........................................34 Beet Puree with Sesame Flavors ..................34 Prosecco Giner Cocktail ................................34

COMMUNITY NEWS & HAPPENINGS

Coming In May Hot Beauty

Dog Walk - A Community Tradition ..................6 Buy Local .......................................................31 Calendar ........................................................40 April 2012

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Special Thanks to: SelfDefense for Women

Julie Fredrick

Julie Fredrick L.A.D.Y. Program

YOGA YOU! Christine Zolman Center for Wellness

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Christine Zolman

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

From the Publisher Happy Anniversary! This April Women’s LifeStyle Magazine is celebrating four wonderful years and looking forward to year number five! We want to thank you, our readers, for the tremendous response you always give us. Without you there would be no reason for this monthly publication. Additionally, without our advertisers we would be powerless to bring it to you. So thank you for the sheer joy of bringing our magazine to this outstanding community!

For April, we are pleased to present some thought provoking articles about living “greener.” Although we are experiencing an earlier spring this year, April is typically the time in Michigan when our state once again turns green. What better time is there for us to find additional ways to reduce our footprint and leave the world better than we found it? April 22 is Earth Day, so the timing couldn’t be better to focus on making our world a better place.

I have always made it a habit, while at a park or taking a hike, to pick up as much trash as I can. When my children where younger, they would always say “Mom, why are you picking up someone else’s trash?” And my response was always the same “I’m trying to leave this world a little better than I found it!” I’m pleased to say that I continue to see them rallying to that same creed and doing a much better and broader job than I ever did. Way to go Kids! Mom’s proud of you, in so many ways!

Off course, Easter takes place this month too! For many it’s a great time to reconnect with their faith and with their families. From our hearts to yours, we wish you joy in everything April has to offer!

Till May….

Darlene April 2012

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DOG WALK 2012

A COMMUNITY TRADITION FOR 28 YEARS With or without a dog, and regardless of the weather, a thousand or more registered walkers are expected to congregate at Prairie View Park in Vicksburg on May 5th for the Kalamazoo Humane Society’s 28th annual Dog Walk. Some travel great distances each year to attend this popular event that has become one of the largest organized dog walks in the State of Michigan and is certainly the largest event of its type in Kalamazoo.

ganization spayed or neutered 6,397 cats and dogs in 2011, part of a plan to reduce pet overpopulation and increase the chances that homeless pets will be adopted. In 2012, KHS is kicking off two new programs to help reduce the number of unwanted pets. “Fix-A-PIT/Be ResponsiBULL” focuses on spaying/neutering pit bulls, and on “Feral Cat Thursdays” (every Thursday during 2012) the public is invited to bring in feral and barn cats for free spaying/neutering.

What’s the attraction?

A Feast for the Eyes Armed with a love of animals, people attend the Dog Walk expecting to see just about every breed of dog imaginable. Part of the fun is keeping an eye out for breed favorites. With so many different kinds of dogs taking part and all of them vying for attention, it’s a true feast for the eyes.

Helping Animals Walk attendees know that by registering for the annual Dog Walk and collecting donations for the Kalamazoo Humane Society (KHS), they’ll be helping animals and their owners in our area receive much-needed services. They can also round up a “pack” of participants to make a greater impact as a group. Proceeds from Dog Walk 2012 will help KHS provide low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and emergency pet food for pet owners in need. Additionally, funding will help KHS in its efforts to protect animals victimized by violence and abuse while also serving as a resource for a variety of other pet-related issues and questions.

Walkers seem to appreciate knowing how their contribution is making a difference in our community. Perhaps most notable, according to Aaron Winters, KHS’ Executive Director, is that the or-

A Social Gathering & Bonding Experience Dogs and people of all ages mingle at the Dog Walk, making new friends and reconnecting with old ones. Between handshakes, hugs and targeted sniffs, information and stories are exchanged.

Above all, the Dog Walk allows people to spend time with their dogs doing activities they can enjoy together.

Information and Services Pet supply and service providers offer their wares at booths around the park, welcoming participants to browse, shop and ask questions between

events. Pet microchipping is available onsite, along with pet adoption opportunities.

Entertainment Dogs and their people will find plenty of opportunities to watch competitors or showcase their own talents at the Dog Walk. Back by popular demand this year will be “Milt Wilcox’s Ultimate Air Dogs,” a dock jumping event open to all breeds and mixes. In this competition, the dog that jumps the farthest off a dock wins. Dog Walk 2012 will also feature competitive “frisbee dogs” that leap to catch a frisbee. Other popular events include an arena show, a dog obstacle course, and a variety of fun contests such as dog/owner lookalike and most “attractively challenged.”

Health and Fitness When they’re not socializing or partaking of the entertainment offerings, participants can walk a scenic two-mile (or shorter) course near Hogsett and Gourdneck Lakes with their pooches. For many, it’s an opportunity to exercise and stimulate their dog with new sights and smells, a welcome change from their usual neighborhoods. For those unaccustomed to a daily dog walk, this exhilarating springtime walk can lead to a commitment to regular exercise for the whole family, dogs included!

THE KALAMAZOO HUMANE SOCIETY’S DOG WALK 2012 AT A GLANCE Event: Date: Time: Location: Purpose: Parking: Dog Info: Food: Registration: Information:

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The Kalamazoo Humane Society’s Dog Walk 2012 Saturday, May 5, 2012 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Participants may walk the two-mile course anytime between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm.

Prairie View Park in Vicksburg (On “U” Avenue, between Portage Road and Shaver Road) To raise money for the Kalamazoo Humane Society’s programs while providing an entertaining and healthy event for dogs and people to share.

Parking is available inside Prairie View Park near the events.

Dog participants must have current vaccinations; observe the rules of good dog etiquette; and be on a leash at all times.

Lunch is provided to all registered walkers.

Registration and donation collection forms are available online at www.kazoohumane.org and at the Kalamazoo Humane Society, located at 4239 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI 49008.

For more information, visit the Kalamazoo Humane Society’s website at www.kazoohumane.org or call 269-345-1181.

Or visit the Kalamazoo Humane Society’s office at 4239 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Mondays through Fridays. “LIKE” the Kalamazoo Humane Society on Facebook for the latest information!

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AU NATURAL BEAUTY

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oods such as cucumber, honey, oatmeal and more have been recognized for their benefits and used for beauty purposes at home and in commercial products for decades. Invite over a friend or two on Saturday afternoon and enjoy a facial or hair treatment with products inspired from nature’s own boudior.

Banana Hair Pack (deep conditioning treatment) Half a banana 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon avocado oil

TIPS: • Applying olive oil or sesame oil can help heal chapped lips.

• Rubbing half an apple over flaky skin can help even your skin out.

• Lying down with cucumbers over your eyes for 10 minutes really does help reduce puffiness!

(Tips courtesy of Beauty, The New Basics by Rona Berg)

Mix the above ingredients together and apply from scalp to ends of hair. Discard any leftover mixture.

Wrap hair in a towel for 20 minutes. Rinse then shampoo and condition as normal.

(Recipe found in Beauty Magic, 101 Recipes, Spells and Secrets by Jennifer Knapp) Apricot Face Mask (to soften skin) Soaked dried apricots Bunch of grapes 3 tablespoons skimmed milk powder Mix ingredients in the blender, apply to face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

(Recipe courtesy of A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients by Ruth Winter, M.S.)

Baking Soda Beauty courtesy of Arm & Hammer® A quick pit stop. Dust baking soda under arms as needed to feel fresh all day. The magic of baking soda naturally absorbs odors instead of just covering them up.

For locks that rock, remember to shake it. Sprinkle a small amount (quarter-size) of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly. The baking soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind so your hair is cleaner and more manageable.

Bad breath keeping you tight-lipped? Open up for baking soda. Put one teaspoon in half a glass of water, swish, spit and rinse. Odors are neutralized – not just covered up- so get ready to pucker up!

Taking a bath is so last year…until now! Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your bath for a relaxing and refreshing soak. Your skin will feel silky smooth, and it’s a great way to get away from it Give yourself an invigorating, yet gentle, facial and body scrub with baking soda. Removing dead skin cells will leave your skin soft and smooth, perfect before application. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate the skin. Rinse clean.

Here’s a great way to start your home pedicure. Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a basin of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub with a paste of baking soda. The hardest part is deciding which color nail polish you’ll use this week!

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Karla Piper Siesta Silver

Karla Piper has helping others in her blood. She served her country as a Commissioned member of the Naval Reserve and sailed in the Merchant Marine for five years. During that time, she studied at the US Merchant Marine Academy and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, a Coast Guard Third Mate’s License, an Unlimited Chief Mate’s License, and a Limited Ton Master’s License. She later formed a marine surveying company designed to inspect cargo on ships and in containers while living in Charleston, South Carolina.

Now, this married mother of two splits her time between being a full-time wife and mother, and her business, Siesta Silver Jewelry. The business carries everything from necklaces to belly rings and bangles, selling hand-crafted silver jewelry from Mexico. Siesta Silver’s top priority is to give back to the community.

Currently, 15% of any puzzle piece jewelry is donated to the Autism Society of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. The business is a lot of work, but it gives Karla the opportunity to have a flexible schedule, something that is very important to her, because her oldest son, James, is autistic.

“At about 18 months, I had a mother’s gut feeling that something wasn’t quite right,” Karla said. “Note to parents: you know your child. If there’s something that you feel strongly about and your pediatrician is not listening, seek someone else out.”

After years of blindly taking on the challenges of James’ difficulty with forms of communication, sensitivity to sounds and smells and bright lights, and lack of integration with other children, Karla learned about Sensory Integration Disorder. James began Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Play Therapy, all

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of which have greatly helped him develop. He was eventually diagnosed as having Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified, a catch-all diagnosis in Autism Spectrum disorders. Her younger son, Ryan, was born when James was 5.

“Fast-forward through some pretty difficult years, a divorce, a reconnection, and a relocation back to Michigan,” Karla said. “Mark and I went to the 8th grade dance together, dated in high school, and reconnected at our 20-year high school reunion. We got married in 2008.”

Siesta Silver Jewelry was formed after Karla and Mark’s honeymoon.

“I am always learning and always looking for ways to expand my presence”, Karla said. “I absolutely love having my own business.”

The Piper family currently resides in Vicksburg with their golden retriever, bearded dragon, map turtles, fire-bellied toads, a red-eared slider turtle, minnows, a crayfish, and a catfish. When she isn’t working, Karla spends her time coaching Special Olympics basketball, managing Ryan’s Little League baseball team, and delivering meals on wheels with her father. She also enjoys photography, exercising, kayaking, and traveling to and exploring new places with her family.

Siesta Silver Jewelry currently has merchandise in five stores in Michigan and at the Potosa Spa at the Hotel Julien in Iowa. For more information, check out www.siestasilverjewelry.com.

- Emily L. Magyar

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

What is Organic?

By Meagan Glass

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ou may be thinking of the many ways to go green this season by recycling and using less energy in your home; but have you thought about going green and benefiting your lifestyle at the same time? Today, many individuals are switching to organic foods to improve their health along with the health of the environment. So the BIG question is: What does it mean to be organic and why make the switch?

In the simplest terms, organic food is just like the food you may already buy but it is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, modified organisms, sewage sludge, bioengineering, ionizing radiation, and more. Many of the pesticides included in processed foods have been linked to cancer and other diseases.

Oganic farmers do not drug their livestock. This means, when buying organics meats, eggs, poultry, and dairy, these products don’t contain antibiotics or growth hormones.

Organic products are also made in nutrient rich soils, so you will never be cheated out of the healthy vitamins and minerals our earth’s ground has to offer. It makes sense that along with being healthier, organic food will also taste better because it is made from well-balanced soils. Along with feeling healthier and your food tasting better, organic foods help you feel and look younger. Processed foods include trans fat and extra salt, which are bad for your waistline; the vitamins and minerals found in nutrient rich soils aid in healthier and more beautiful skin.

Along with your health, organic foods also benefit the environment.

Non-organic producers use conventional methods of farming that may destroy topsoil and pollute our local waters causing erosion and nutrient depletion. In contrast, organic farmers prefer to use methods that enrich our soil, don’t cause runoff into our waters, and conserve the nutrients in our earth’s soil. Organic farmers counter polluting chemicals and nitrogen leaching; instead add in soil building that conserves our water resources. Along with the food they are growing, organic farmers also take care with their livestock and work in unison with nature. They help wildlife flourish by incorporating forage crops and plant material eaten only by livestock in the rotation.

Organic may sound like a foreign concept today, however every food category has an organic alternative and is attainable. Now that you know what organic is and how it can benefit your health and our planet, visit your local store and see what organic alternatives you can find. For more information about organic foods and their standards visit www.usda.gov.

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Giving Your Home Instant Curb Appeal courtesy Metro Creative

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“The lawns and landscaping that frame our home are as important as the quality inside,” says Reinie Drygala, lawncare products manager for Clear Choice, a leading name in innovative garden products. “And the good news is: when it comes to first impressions just a few little tips and tricks can make a big difference quickly.

Exterior trouble areas include peeling paint; rotting wood on window frames; buckled roof shingles; overgrown shrubs; ignored lawns; and weeds growing through interlock paths, steps and the driveway.

“If you’re frustrated about overgrown weeds, for example, the newest herbicide technology is tackling that,” Drygala continues. “Now there are alternatives to traditional herbicides that effectively kill weeds, but also provide the homeowner with options if they are looking for ways to have less impact on the environment.”

t’s called “curb appeal,” that good impression people get of your home when they pull up in a car, or when walking by.

Real estate agents can be as pleased with exterior curb appeal as they are with a well-maintained house on the inside.

When it comes to residential property value, this book is indeed judged by its cover.

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In addition to beautifying your lawn, try these quick tricks to give your home instant curb appeal: • Scrape and spot-paint problem areas. This might be a temporary fix, but even a touch up is better than peeling paint.

• Add color by planting some annuals in the front yard flowerbeds.

• Replace or paint rusty fixtures like the mailbox, railings, house number, and more.

• Tackle pesky weeds on interlock paths and driveway. Use hand sprays for targeted jobs, or larger jugs for a big surface area.

• Install lighting along your walkways and steps, or to spotlight the shape and architecture.

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Conquer Your Clutter

Get Clean & Green

by Alexandra Fix

onsider cleaning methods that are kinder to the environment. Toss out the clutter of chemicals underneath your sink and switch to "green cleaning." A sense of refreshment and renewal comes with annual attempts to restore order in our homes. The world looks brighter through clear window glass.

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Clean Your Cupboard First step in the "green cleaning" plan is to get rid of unnecessary chemical products. Toss out cleaning items that have not been used in the past year. Gather discards for safe disposal. Read ingredient labels and warnings on the remaining products. Many commercial cleaning agents contain irritants and corrosives that are dangerous if accidentally ingested or allowed to touch the skin or eyes. Even the vapors can be harmful. Dangerous toxins, released into the air or water, compromise the quality of our environment.

Dangerous Combination: Ammonia & Bleach One significant cleaning product danger is the accidental combination of bleach and ammonia in a space. Chorine bleach contains sodium hypochlorite.

If sodium hypocholorite is combined with ammonia, toxic gas is produced. That dangerous gas, chloramine gas, can cause respiratory difficulties and distress. It is critical that users of commercial cleaning products check the labels closely for these two ingredients and never use the two in the same room at the same time.

Safe Alternatives A few of the best, basic items to begin "green cleaning" are vinegar, baking soda, lemonand borax.

Vinegar White vinegar is one of the handiest natural ingredients available for inexpensive household use. A mild acid, it can dissolve mineral deposits, grease, soap scum and mildew. Mix 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water.

A spray bottle makes a convenient dispenser. Vinegar solution is great for cleaning wood or laminate cupboards, shower and floor tiles, sinks and windows.

Added to a wash cycle, vinegar breaks down the mold and gunk on shower curtains.

A few of the best, basic items to begin "green cleaning" are vinegar, baking soda, lemon and borax.

Lemon Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle with a layer of baking soda. Use this to scrub and naturally bleach a sink.

Lemon oil puts the natural oil back into wood furniture.

Lemon oil is great for cleaning shower doors and aluminum tracks and molding around the shower. Create your own lemon oil with 1 part lemon juice to 2 parts olive oil.

Borax Borax is a natural mineral that kills bacteria and mold.

It can bleach stains and enhance the cleaning power of soap. Borax is also a natural deodorizer.

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Ammonia

Baking Soda

While ammonia is not a natural product, it is a simpler product that can work as well as more elaborate chemical mixtures. Ammonia, properly used, can be substituted for many of the more elaborate cleaning products. A mixture of 1 part ammonia to 3 parts water is great for washing floors and cleaning outside surfaces of appliances. Ammonia is especially good for breaking down grease on kitchen surfaces and oily hairspray residue on bathroom floors and countertops.

Baking soda naturally absorbs odor. An open box, in the refrigerator or cupboard, decreases unwanted odors. Sprinkled on carpets and upholstery, it neutralizes odors before vacuuming. It is a natural soft scrub cleansing agent for sinks, counters and appliances.

Baking soda is also great for cleaning and polishing aluminum, chrome, silver, stainless steel, plastic and porcelain. A sluggish drain can be cleared with a mixture of 1 part baking soda to 2 parts vinegar, followed by hot water.

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Faces in Healthcare Borgess Women’s Health Brandi Boone, MSN, CNM Susan M. Dennis, D.D.S. Steven S. Ellinger, O.D. Marie L. Fox, O.D. Brittany Post, W.H.N.P.-B.C. Julie Powell Jamie Sage, DDS, MS Debbe Speeter W.H.N.P.-B.C. Pamela Wadsworth, W.H.N.P.-B.C. Dr. Jeffrey Wiederhold D.C. 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.

Susan M. Dennis, D.D.S.

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 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 one years. Together, they have three wonderful sons, daughter-in-law and a beautiful baby granddaughter. 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 vegan cooking, health and nutrition.

Susan M. Dennis, D.D.S. 8150 Moorsbridge Road Suite A, Portage, MI 49024 269-216-7106 www.mydrdennis.com Your smile is our passionTM 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.”

Now Accepting New Patients

Susan 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 doctorate 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.

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

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Steven S. Ellinger, O.D. Now Accepting New Patients

Progressive Eyecare Centre Dr. Steven S. Ellinger moved often with his family when he was growing up, spending much of his time in the Chicago suburbs. He studied for his undergraduate degree at Michigan State University and Chicago City College. He did his Graduate work at Illinois College of Optometry, graduating in the class of 1993, and has been practicing in the Kalamazoo area since 1994. Dr. Ellinger’s specialty is primary eye care, including treatment for eye infections, dryness, allergies, and glaucoma, to name a few of the ailments he commonly treats.

Dr. Ellinger believes that everyone should see an eye doctor on a regular basis, stating that even people who currently have excellent vision can develop diseases that may lead to blindness if they are untreated. He has been a member of several professional organizations including the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Fraternity from 1990-1993, and is currently a member of the American Optometric Association and the Michigan Optometric Association.

Dr. Ellinger relocated to Battle Creek in 1994 with his wife, Gina, to be closer to his parents. Dr. Ellinger and Gina currently reside there with several pets. When he isn’t working, he enjoys kayaking, disc golf, hiking, watching movies, traveling in the western United States, and philosophy.

Steven S. Ellinger, O.D. Progressive Eyecare Centre 7890 Oakland Drive, Portage, MI 49024-4936 269-329-1030 www.progressiveeyecarecentre.com Advice: “EVERYONE should see an eye doctor on a regular basis. Even people who currently have excellent vision can develop eye diseases which can lead to blindness if not caught and treated before vision loss starts.”

To schedule an appointment with Steven S. Ellinger, O.D. call 269-329-1030 or visit www.progressiveeyecarecentre.com

Pamela Wadsworth Now Accepting New Patients

OB-GYN, PC Pamela Wadsworth is a Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. She is a graduate of Wayne State University College of Nursing and earned her Masters of Science in Nursing at Arizona State University. Pam is currently working towards her PhD in Nursing and Healthcare Innovation at Arizona State University. She serves as a Clinical Instructor to Michigan State University Nursing students in the Labor and Delivery Unit, as well as, the Mother/Baby Unit.

Pam enjoys working with a diverse population and assisting women in achieving mutually set health goals. She specializes in many facets of gynecology including contraceptive consultations, wellness exams and menopause management. She is a member of the North American Menopause Society and is renewing her certification as a Menopause Practitioner. Pam also has a special interest in the effects of violence on women’s health, specifically sexual and intimate partner violence.

Pam takes pleasure in spending time with her husband and daughters riding bikes, taking walks, gardening, and cooking. Fluent in Spanish, Pam also enjoys traveling.

Pamela Wadsworth, WHNP-BC OB-GYN, PC 601 John Street, Ste. M-318, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269-345-6197 www.obgynpc.com

Advice: “Take time for yourself. Make your health a priority. ” To schedule an appointment with Pamela Wadsworth, call (269) 345-6197 or visit www.obgynpc.com

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Brittany Post Brittany Post is a Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. She is a graduate of Calvin College School of Nursing and completed her Masters of Science in Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.

Brittany specializes in women’s wellness, with a focus on helping women become the healthiest version of themselves. She enjoys working with women of all ages, as this allows her to address a wide array of health issues and concerns. She has a strong history of working in breast health, having worked with a breast surgeon for 2 years. Brittany has a special interest in sexual health, specifically addressing how to work with decreased libido and managing pain with intercourse. She plans to increase her understanding of these issues and their possible treatments while collaborating with her patients. Brittany is working towards becoming a certified sex counselor.

Away from the office, Brittany enjoys spending time with her husband and extended family, including her nieces and nephews. She enjoys reading, watching movies, participating in Zumba classes and time spent outdoors, especially water-related activities.

Brittany Post, WHNP-BC OB-GYN, PC 601 John Street, Ste. M-318, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269-345-6197 www.obgynpc.com Advice: “Find a healthcare provider with whom you can become a team. Play an active role in your health. Healthcare with a team approach is very advantageous.”

Now Accepting New Patients

OB-GYN, PC

To schedule an appointment with Brittany Post, call (269) 345-6197 or visit www.obgynpc.com

Julie Powell Julie Powell is a licensed Cosmetologist and Certified Skin Care Specialist. Julie has worked with Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologists in the Kalamazoo area for 23 years. Julie was the first to bring medical microdermabrasion to the Kalamazoo area. For ten years she owned and operated her own skin care center along with training other skin care specialist, before joining Parkway Plastic Surgery team.

Julie Powell Skin Care combines the latest in skin care technology with staff who truly care about the well-being of each client’s skin. The latest addition is the new Thermage machine - a safe, non-invasive procedure that’s clinically proven to help smooth, tighten and contour skin for an overall younger looking appearance.

Other specialities include: Certified Fraxel Restore, IPL Skin Rejuvenation, Laser Hair Removal, Chemical Peels, Acne Treatments, and Anti-Aging Treatments.

Thoughout Julie’s 23 years of experience, Julie found that one of her greatest joys was, and still is, watching her client’s elated expressions as their skin care results begin to show. Seeing their renewed sense of self-confidence has fueled Julie’s passion in the skin care field.

As a nature lover, Julie knows our area offers the opportunity to experience the best of all four seasons. Being in skin care doesn’t mean she does not enjoy the outside.

She just protects her skin from the elements by wearing a good sunscreen and hats. She loves watching sunsets over Lake Michigan. Her other interest include, hiking, biking, walking, cross country skiing, travel and nature photography.

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 of physical again 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

Parkway Plastic Surgery

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

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Jamie Sage, DDS, MS Now Accepting New Patients

Sage Orthodontics Dr. Jamie Sage grew up in Middleville, Michigan, located north of Kalamazoo. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Biology from Ferris State University, a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan, and completed a three-year residency with a Master’s of Science in Orthodontics from the University of Michigan. Her specialty is all things related to orthodontics, including braces, clear braces, metal braces, Invisalign®, and oral appliances.

Dr. Sage has been practicing orthodontics since 2010. Her passion for orthodontics stems from her middle school days when her orthodontist fixed her bucked teeth, giving her a beautiful smile and the confidence that came with loving her teeth. She wants to pass that same experience on to each of her patients. Dr. Sage is associated with the American and Michigan Associations of Orthodontics, the American and Michigan Dental Associations, and the Kalamazoo Valley District Dental Society, and is also a member of the MSU/KCMS Oral Cleft Clinics.

Jamie Sage currently resides in Portage with her husband, Dave, and their two cats, where they enjoy the amenities of the city and college town while still being able to escape to the lakes and woods of the country for some peace and quiet. When she isn’t working, she enjoys camping, hiking, swimming, reading, traveling, University of Michigan football, and being outdoors. She loves kittens, and would like to be able to foster some someday.

Sage Orthodontics 3275 Cooley Court, Suite 155, Portage, MI 49024 269-327-0760 www.sageorthodontics.com Advice: “After having braces, it is important to wear your retainers for the rest of your life. Even untreated, perfect teeth may shift and crowd over the course of a lifetime. If you always want a stable and beautiful smile, keep your retainers and try them in on a regular basis - if they ever feel tight, wear them for a night or two.”

To schedule an appointment with Jamie Sage, D.D.S., M.S. call 269-327-0760 or visit www.sageorthodontics.com

Now Accepting New Patients

Marie L. Fox, O.D. Kalamazoo Valley Eyecare Dr. Marie Fox, of Kalamazoo Valley Eyecare, has Kalamazoo in her veins. She was born and raised here and attended Kalamazoo Christian Schools. She received her Bachelors of Science from Western Michigan University in 1999 and earned her Doctor of Optometry from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL in 2003. After 5 years in Florida, Dr. Fox returned to Michigan to begin her practice.

Dr. Fox worked at Kalamazoo Optometry, PC from 2003 to 2011 before leaving to open her own practice in January 2012. She practices full-scope optometry, ocular disease management, and pediatric optometry. Her specialty is in children’s vision and vision therapy. She enjoys working with children who have difficulty reading and focusing due to their visual systems and the way their eyes work together.

She teams up with local teachers, reading specialists, occupational therapists, pediatricians and even other optometrists to ensure children get the help they need and deserve.

Dr. Fox is a member of the Michigan Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association. She currently serves as the Treasurer for the Southwest Michigan Optometric Society and is an InfantSee provider. She is also a member of the Junior League of Kalamazoo.

In her free time, Dr. Fox spends time with her husband, Krage, and their two children. They enjoy bike riding, playing soccer, volunteering, and spending time at the family lake cottage.

Marie L. Fox, O.D. Kalamazoo Valley Eyecare 4855 W. Centre Ave. Suite B, Portage, MI 49024 (269)375-3937 or (269)375-EYES www.kalamazoovalleyeyecare.com Advice: “School and pediatrician vision screenings should NOT take the place of a formal eye exam with an actual eye doctor! These screenings often miss so many things that are crucial for effective reading and learning. The American Optometric Association recommends eye exams starting at 6 months old, then at three years old, and then definitely before Kindergarten.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fox, call (269) 375-3937 or (269) 375-EYES or visit www.kalamazoovalleyeyecare.com

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Brandi Boone, MSN, CNM Brandi’s specialty is obstetrics and women’s health. She strongly believes that women need to be advocates for their own health, and well-being by educating themselves, asking questions, and making healthy lifestyle choices.

Brandi Boone was born at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and grew up in the Grand Rapids area. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Grand Valley State University in 2002. She has nursing experience in pediatrics as well as labor and delivery, and obtained her MSN in Nurse-Midwifery and Women’s Health in 2010. Brandi is a member of the American College of NurseMidwives, and at present works for Partners in Women’s Health.

Brandi Boone currently resides in the Kalamazoo area with her husband and their two sons, and the family is expecting a new baby in April. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and doing just about anything outdoors. She loves camping, hiking, fishing, and biking with her husband and kids.

Brandi Boone, MSN, CNM Partners in Women’s Health 601 John St. Suite N-1100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269-343-4609 www.partnersinwomenshealth.com Advice: “There is no big secret to good health. Be sure to stay active, and be mindful of what you put into your body.”

Now Accepting New Patients

Partners in Women’s Health, Kalamazoo

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

Debbe Speeter W.H.N.P.-B.C. 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 mammograms, breast, pap and pelvic exams.

Faith and family are important to Debbe. She has helped her parents care for over 200 foster children. Debbe is proud of her college son who is pursuing a computer career. When she is not helping women achieve optimal health, she enjoys cross country skiing, kayaking, yoga, and fishing with her husband.

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 who has a genuine interest in individualizing their care. Preventative care can save lives.”

Now Accepting New Patients

Partners in Women’s Health, Kalamazoo

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

April 2012

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Dr. Jeffrey Wiederhold D.C. Chiro Effect Chiropractic Dr. Jeffrey Wiederhold of Chiro Effect Chiropractic is a notable leader in our southwest Michigan community. He serves as the Official Chiropractor for the Kalamazoo K-Wings, he is creating what has the potential to become the largest chiropractic volunteer program in southwest Michigan: the Free Nursing Clinic of Battle Creek, he volunteers two days a week at the Community HealthCare connections in Battle Creek, and he has teamed up with the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission to serve low income residents of Kalamazoo. Dr. Wiederhold 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. Wiederhold is a Michigan native, who was born in Bad Axe

Now Accepting New Patients

and grew up in the small town of Elkton. He graduated from Spring Arbor University in 2003 and completed his training at Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 2009.

Initially, he worked in a busy Chiropractic practice in Jackson, Michigan. When presented with the perfect opportunity to open his own practice in Portage, Dr. Wiederhold seized it and Chiro Effect Chiropractic, LLC was born. His specialty is providing chiropractic services for adults, babies, children, seniors and athletes. Therapeutic massage is also available. Since beginning his practice, Dr. Wiederhold has had extensive experience in treating patients with a wide variety of conditions.

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. His hobbies include auto racing, auto body restoration and sports.

Dr. Jeffrey Wiederhold D.C. Chiro Effect Chiropractic 7117 S. Westnedge Ave. Ste. 3, Portage, MI 49002 269-327-4813 www.ChiroEffect.com

Advice: “It’s a Myth that Chiropractic is only for neck and back pain. Less than 10% of your spinal nerves, which are affected by misaligned bones and fixated joints in the spine, actually feel pain. This means that problems in the spine are there months or 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 a heart attack before you start cardio workouts or waiting until you already have cavities to brush your teeth for the first time.”

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

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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; 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

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

April 2012

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Judy Pearson

Judy and David, a former Indianapolis firefighter, moved back to South Haven in 2008, and currently reside there with Izzy, their chocolate lab. In her spare time, Judy enjoys hiking, camping, traveling, and cooking. She is also a college football and basketball fan.

“My next book will be one that I was working on before my life took this little right turn,” Judy said. “It’s about women’s courage and how differently we respond to stress, fear and obstacles—the very times we need our courage!”

It’s Just Hair: 20 Essential Life Lessons launched at a cancer fundraiser in Phoenix, AZ, at the beginning of March. For Judy’s fans in the Kalamazoo area, she will be holding two local events in April. On Tuesday, April 17, at 6:00pm, Judy will be at the Beacon Club for a dinner and book signing. She will also be signing copies of It’s Just Hair at the Parkview location Kazoo Books on Friday, April 20, at 6:00pm.

“There will be wine and hors d’oeuvres at [Kazoo Books],” Judy said, “although I hope people come for my book!”

- Emily L. Magyar

J

udy Pearson Martens has been writing for as long as she can remember. When she was younger, she would climb a tree in the back yard of her parents’ South Haven home and write short stories and poems for hours. After receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in French from Michigan State University, Judy began writing as a career in 1995. She spent fifteen years in advertising writing hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles for regional and national publications, radio and television ads, as well as infomercial scripts.

“I was very fortunate to have an acquaintance who was a successful novelist,” Judy said. “He connected me with my fabulous agent, and suddenly I became an author! I love to write and find inspiration, and my book subjects, in the world around me…and I still climb trees!”

Judy learned she had breast cancer in April of 2011, right around the time her son was being deployed to Afghanistan, and shortly after her marriage to her new husband, David. While many would be devastated by these events, Judy kept her head held high.

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“The fact is that bad things do happen to good people,” Judy said. “They’re perplexing and painful, whether they’re personal or professional.

Life challenges stop us in our tracks, leaving us numb, breathless, and frightened to our very core.”

Judy’s new book, It’s Just Hair: 20 Essential Life Lessons, was written to help others recognize the essential need for counting our blessings, patience, acceptance, humor, and courage in everyday life. Her hope is that people will read the book to help them through whatever challenges they currently face. While her cancer may have been a catalyst that inspired her to write the book, Judy made it clear that the book was not about breast cancer.

“Life lessons are applicable to any life challenge,” Judy said, “be it job loss, divorce, death of a loved one, a difficult family situation. I believe two things very strongly. One, everything happens for a reason; and two, we each owe a payback to humanity. I wanted [the book] to be an uplifting gift. We all know someone who’s struggling.”

“This can’t be happening to me!” Yes, bad things do happen to good people. Perplexing or painful, personal or professional, life challenges stop us in our tracks, leaving us numb, breathless and frightened to our very core.

The 20 essential life lessons in It’s Just Hair will give you the strength and perspective to meet these challenges. Read them all at once, read them one at a time. Read them in moments of solitude, read them out loud with others. Read them as a battle cry, read them in a quiet whisper. These powerful lessons, delivered with honesty, courage and brilliant humor, are resources you or a loved one will reference time and again.

For more information about It’s Just Hair, available on Amazon.com, check out CourageConceptsPublishing.com.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

April 2012

25

Could You Be an

Entrepreneur?

Have you ever thought seriously about starting your own business?

I believe there is never a bad time to be self-employed. In my total 38-year working career, I have been self-employed 22 of those years. So I have been on both sides of the employee/employer line. Most of my clients and friends are self-employed. They would all tell you they wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Scholars and business professionals have touted the benefits of business ownership, positioning them as an attractive alternative to dependency on a corporation.

Indeed, top financial experts have argued that wealth acquisition and accumulation are more easily attained through forming and growing one’s own business.

So, how do entrepreneurs get started?

Some grow up in the family business. Some just have a good idea and a lot of passion. With passion comes a lot of determination and hard work. Some businesses started as a part-time venture, and just grew into full-time. In “The 5 Lessons a Millionaire Taught Me about Life and Wealth” Richard Paul Evans’ fourth lesson is “Win in the Margins”. He shows how saving all the extra income earned from part-time work adds up to huge savings.

There are so many obstacles to becoming successful that if you

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do not have the passion, you are not going to have enough will to overcome them. You must have a strong belief that what you are doing makes sense, and be willing to sacrifice in order to make it happen. I love watching “Two Broke Girls” on TV. These two young women truly represent what America has to offer anyone. One comes from poverty and one from wealth. One is determined to get back on her feet after losing everything, and the other is confident that she is not destined to stay poor. Their backgrounds are so different, but their opportunities and goals are the same. That’s because they are entrepreneurs; people who are willing to take destiny into their own hands and shape it to work for their own benefit.

Do you see a need for a service?

Do you have a better widget to sell? Do you have a hobby that can turn a dollar? Would you like to create something unique to sell. Or are you a professional that wants to go out on your own.

You can find numerous resources to help you get off on the right foot, or help you grow an already developing enterprise. I found a very helpful Michigan-based website that has an Entrepreneur Quiz to help you determine which of the four entrepreneur personalities you may have, and then offers you guidance based on your score. Go to www.actonmba.org .

Another Michigan organization that helps entrepreneurs is the Edward Lowe Foundation in Cassopolis, MI at www.edwardlowe.org . Their vision statement says “The foundation actively embraces and encourages entrepreneurship as the source and strategy for economic growth, community development and economically independent individuals.” Wow, that says it all !!

Another source I have recently learned about (from a client) is the Partner America program sponsored by The United States Conference of Mayors at www.partneramerica.com. This program helps small and medium-sized businesses in cities across the nation improve profits and sales through management assistance, and we even have a local representative in SW Mi. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Web site at www.sba.gov contains plenty of start-up information, from creating a business plan to providing help with marketing and loans or grants.

Is it time for you to start researching the benefits and joys of being an entrepreneur?

Remember, it all starts with an idea, passion and staying focused on the big picture.

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.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Tarragon Potato Salad with Fresh Green Beans Prep Time: 30 min Cook Time: 15 min Total Time: 45 min 3 pounds fresh new potatoes 1 pound gluten-free bacon 1 pound fresh green beans 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley 1 tsp salt 1 tsp gluten-free dry mustard (see tips) 1 tsp dried, crushed tarragon leaves 1 minced clove garlic 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup gluten-free chicken broth 1/2 cup light olive oil Freshly ground pepper, to taste 1.

2.

3.

Slice unpeeled potatoes 1/4-inch thick and boil just until tender, but not soft, about 15 minutes. Drain. While potatoes are boiling, cut green beans into 2-inch pieces and steam for about 7 minutes, or just until tender.

Place cooked potatoes, green beans, sliced green onions and parsley in a large bowl.

In a medium bowl combine light olive oil, gluten-free chicken broth, tarragon vinegar, minced garlic, dried tarragon, dry mustard, salt and pepper. Whisk until combined. Pour dressing over vegetables and use a large spatula to gently coat vegetables. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill.

Tip: If you can't find dry gluten-free dry mustard you can make your own by grinding 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of mustard seeds in a clean coffee bean grinder.

Puddle Cookies Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 15 min 1.

2.

3.

3 cups 4 cups 1/2 cup 1/2 4 1

walnut halves, toasted & cooled GF confectioner's (powdered) sugar plus 3 TSP unsweetened cocoa powder teaspoon fine grain sea salt large egg whites, room temperature tablespoon GF vanilla extract

4.

5.

Preheat oven to 320F degrees and position racks in the top and bottom third. Line three (preferably rimmed) baking sheets with parchment paper. Or you can bake in batches with fewer pans.

Make sure your walnuts have cooled a bit, then chop coarsely and set aside. Sift together the confectioner's sugar, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Stir in the walnuts, then add the egg whites and vanilla. Stir until well combined.

Spoon the batter onto the prepared sheets in mounds of about 2 tablespoons each, allowing for PLENTY of room between cookies. These cookies really expand. Don't try to get more than 6 cookies on each sheet, and try to avoid placing the batter too close to the edge of the pan.

Bake until they puff up. The tops should get glossy, and then crack a bit - about 12 -15 minutes..

Slide the cookies still on parchment onto a cooling rack, and let them cool completely. They will keep in an airtight for a couple days.

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“The Environmental Movement” that picked up pace in the 1960s is no longer a movement but, for many of us, a complete way of life. “Thinking Green” is becoming less and less a matter of choice. With dwindling resources, a threatened water supply, and struggling species, it is a necessity. By treating the planet with care and respect, we do so for ourselves as well.

by Janice Lynne Lundy

Consider these options for you and your family when the call to “Live Green!” sounds, as it inevitably will more and more in the coming years.

L = Love Your Body In the 1990s when my hormones began to fluctuate, I learned about the hidden estrogens in body care products: shampoo and conditioner, soap, make-up, lotion, and so on. According to Cornell University research, “Ingredients in a wide variety of cosmetics and personal care products can mimic the effects of the hormone estrogen.” Scientists are concerned that even at low levels, these environmental estrogens may work together with the body’s own estrogen to increase the risk of various forms of cancer.

We can safeguard our health, love our body more, and honor the planet by using products that are natural and organic. Choosing these also minimizes the chances of animals being harmed in the production of such products. Interestingly, as soon as I switched to natural/organic products my hormone fluctuations ceased and I physically felt better and more balanced.

I = Invite Green Indoors Most of us live and work indoors and shut off from Mother Nature. We experience her through doors and windows rather than up close and personal. This can disconnect us from the beauty and importance of the natural world. Bring nature in and let it fill your living and work space. Plants and trees purify the air we breathe; flowers bring enjoyment and connect us with the soul of living.

V = Value Your Greenbacks Spend wisely. With transparency, take a moral inventory to determine how much you spend unnecessarily. Mass consumerism has created a “spend, spend, spend” attitude which means there’s “more, more, more” to produce. Think twice before your buy something. Consider what resources (trees, plants, oil) are needed to make what you think you must have.

E = Eat Local Support your local growers and purchase from them. Not only does this help your neighbor earn a living, but it saves fuel consumption (the cost of shipping products cross country). Eating locally grown food enables you to know more about the quality of what you’re eating too. You can ask a grower about chemical use and harvesting practices; antibiotic and hormone use in meats, as well as how humanely animals are treated before slaughter. Don’t forget to support local fishermen too — a wonderful benefit of Great Lakes living.

G = Grow Your Own Consider container gardening and grow your own vegetables. You don’t need a plot of land to make this happen; a patio, porch, or deck will do. Grow green indoors also. Start seedlings from scratch to plant outside later. Grow sprouts in jars for salads.

Create a windowsill herb garden in the kitchen. Indulge your cats with homegrown catnip. Feel your green thumb grow.

R = Reduce Your Usage • Electricity: use energy efficient appliances and light bulbs, update your furnace, insulate windows and doors, use ceiling fans instead of air conditioning • Gas: carpool, walk, ride a bike, drive a hybrid • Cleaning supplies: avoid chemical solutions, use natural ones instead.

• Reduce packaging. Purchase in bulk • Heating: turn down the thermostat, dress in layers, heat only the rooms you use, consider energy efficient space heaters, heat with pellets • Water: take showers instead of baths, use water saving toilets, turn off the water when brushing your teeth

E = Extend Yourself Give what you don’t need to others who may use, enjoy, or refurbish your “junk.” Recyle. Re-gift. Donate to charity. You might be surprised to learn that, with a little research, there’s an organization that would appreciate your cast offs. Electronics, computers, cell phones and even batteries can be recycled.

E = Energy Awareness Spread the word about the good green stuff you’re doing. Tell others what you know. Share what works for you and be an agent for change. Inform your neighborhood and band together for a group project. There is power in numbers and grass roots efforts do grow and make a difference. Your voice does matter!

N = Normalize Let’s make green the new “normal” so it’s not just something we do once in a while or when it’s convenient. Let’s rise to the challenge and LIVE GREEN. Doing so is no longer an option if we’re realistic. It is the way to live happily and healthfully and to guarantee that our children and grandchildren will as well.

Let’s leave our big blue planet better than we found it so future generations do have hope and a powerful reason to live as wise stewards themselves.

Join Jan Lundy’s monthly teleclass series, “Spiritual Invitations.”

Learn more at her website, www.awakenedliving.com.

“The future belongs to those who give the next generation reason for hope.” — Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

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20 Economical Friendly Ideas

A

dopting an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t have to be expensive. Although there are some eco-conscious products and practices that can be pricey, most people will find going green doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

Here are 20 ideas: 1.

Wash laundry in cold water. Only use warm water when washing heavily soiled items.

2.

Clean filters in the car and home routinely. Clean filters enable items to operate more efficiently.

3.

Turn down the temperature on the water heater.

4.

Recycle everything that you can. If your town or city doesn’t collect recyclables, bring them to the transfer or recycling center.

5.

Buy recycled products.

6.

Switch to a low-flow toilet or place a water-filled plastic bottle in the toilet tank to cut down on the amount of water used.

7.

Remove excess items, including golf clubs or fishing gear, from a car trunk to improve fuel efficiency.

8.

Use public transportation.

9.

Walk or bike to work instead of driving.

courtesy of Family Features

10. Work more from home if your company allows it.

11. When cooking smaller meals, save energy by using a microwave or toaster oven.

12. Mend clothing instead of throwing away.

13. See if appliances or other items can be fixed before you shop for new things.

14. Use a water filter on your faucet instead of purchasing bottled water.

15. Compost food scraps for the garden.

16. Donate items that you no longer need or use.

17. Skip take-out food or convenience items, which use a lot of packaging and mass-produced meats.

18. Grow your own food and herbs in a backyard garden.

19. Reuse bath water to water plants.

20. Put on or remove layers of clothing instead of adjusting the thermostat in the house.

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12

Green Home Improvements

aking home improvements doesn’t have to mean compromising environmental ideals in the process.

There are numerous jobs that you can do that fit with a green lifestyle. While these improvements help protect the planet, they’ll also help keep a few extra dollars in your purse.

M

1. Conserve water: Turn off the tap between brushing teeth or rinsing off dishes. Better yet, install low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets that reduce the consumption of water in the household.

2. Motion detection: Motion-detector lights can be installed in different rooms of the home and outdoors. Lights will automatically turn on and off depending on the activity in the area, reducing the chances of a light being left on inadvertently and wasting money and energy.

3. Solar panels: You may have been toying with the idea of solar panels for years. They can be installed on the roof or in the yard to power various components of the household, like lights during a traditional power outage or the swimming pool filter. Today it is possible to buy used solar panels, many of which still have a lot of life left to them and are considerably cheaper than new ones.

4. Aluminum-clad storm door: Insulate the entryway of your home with a storm door that will buffer against harsh weather conditions. While you’re creating a more air-tight space, caulk around windows and doors.

5. Replace air filters: Your HVAC system likely has filters inside that trap dirt and

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There are a variety of ways to go green with home improvements, whether large projects or small do-it-yourself fix its.

courtesy of Metro Home

contaminants. Replacing the filters leads to cleaner indoor air and helps the unit run more efficiently.

6. Power strips: Stock up on power strips and plug all of your peripherals and computer equipment into these strips. This way when you want to power down everything completely, you simply turn off the power button on the strip. This ensures no devices are drawing power even in the off position, which many do.

12. Dog waste composter: Create a method to safely dispose of dog waste without having to toss it in plastic bags in the trash. There are devices that can be buried into the ground to serve as a dog waste receptacle. Or you can make one of your own by placing a container with a lid that seals on top but has an open bottom. Sprinkle a natural bacteria septic tank product, down the hole routinely and it will break down the waste and turn it into soil fertilizer.

7. Install fans: Fans aren’t just useful in the summer. In the winter, the blades can be set to rotate in the opposite direction and help draw warm air into the room, heating more efficiently.

8. Rainwater barrels: Set up rainwater barrels at the downspouts of your home’s gutter system.

These barrels collect water that can be used to water indoor and outdoor plants, or even wash the car. Some feature a spigot to which you can directly connect a garden hose.

9. Plant trees: Trees are good for the environment in many ways, producing necessary oxygen for life and offering food and living areas for wildlife. Trees can also shade a home during the warm weather, helping reduce energy consumption.

10. Glass fireplace doors: Install glass fireplace doors, which are safer than fireplace screens.

They’ll also help protect against heat loss up the chimney when there isn’t a fire lit.

11. Buy a solar cover: Warm up your spa all season long with a solar cover, which helps keep debris out of the water, too. Solar covers reduce the need to fire up the heater to warm the water.

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Allegra – Marketing, Print, Mail Allegra – Marketing, Print, Mail prints communication materials for small and medium sized businesses. They also provide a wide range of services from simple copying to extensive target marketing, promotional products, and signs. Additionally, they create banners, trade show materials, and offer award-winning customer service.

For more information, please contact Brian Kaufman at 269-324-0040 or go to www.allegraportage.com.

The Mercantile Kitchenware & Gift The Mercantile Kitchenware & Gift is a kitchenware, tabletop, BBQ accessories, specialty food, and home store with a focus is on the hard to find items. They carry brands such as OXO, Zyliss, Microplane, Viking, and Nordicware, among others. The Mercantile Kitchenware & Gift is open Monday thru Friday from 10am to 7pm and on Saturday from 10am to 5pm. They are located at 3017 Oakland Dr. in Kalamazoo.

For more information, please contact David or Nancy Brownell at 269-492-3442 or visit www.mercantile-kitchenware.com.

Great Deals Magazine Great Deals$® Magazine is a high quality direct mail advertising magazine mailed bi-monthly to 120,000 homes in the greater Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Area. It is 4-color magazine, printed on heavyweight glossy stock and mailed to more households in the markets they serve than any other publication.

For more information, please contact John Bowman at 269-321-0612 or go to www.greatdealsmagazine.com.

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Au Natural

Remedies he quickest fix to a problem is not always the best fix. Many convenience items are full of chemicals that may not be safe for the environment. And although many medications may be ideal for treating ailments, some people prefer a more natural method to treat certain ailments.

T

There are many all-natural items that can be put to use for personal care and home care if you know where to look. It is important to note that some supplements or herbs are not advised for pregnant women or those with certain conditions. Therefore it’s best to check with a doctor or pharmacist before beginning any regimen.

Reduce irritation from a sting Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the sting and it will help reduce the pain and swelling. This also may work on other bug bites.

Fall asleep more quickly Passion flower is known to produce mild sedative effects that can help induce sleep. Passion flower can be found in tinctures, teas and capsules. In tea form it can be mixed with chamomile to improve flavor and boost even further relaxing feelings.

Relieve nasal congestion A stuffy nose can make sleeping difficult, contribute to a dry throat from mouth-breathing and just be a nuisance. There are many different ways to open up nasal passages. Saline solutions that are sprayed or misted into the nose can loosen mucus and help it to drain. The same principal applies when using a neti pot. Eating spicy foods, such as hot peppers, wasabi or jerk seasonings, can also temporarily cause the nose to run and alleviate pressure.

Remove grass stains Using the wrong items can set in a grass stain quickly. Wet the stain with rubbing alcohol and let dry to dissolve some of the stain. Then wet the fabric with water, pour detergent right on the stain and wash as usual.

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Clean up pet accidents Pet urine can stain and smell. Quick clean-up is key, but use a product that will neutralize odor. Oxygen powder bleach diluted in a bucket of water can be used as a carpet shampoo. It will clean up the stain and remove the odor.

The sharp, microscopic edges of the DE penetrate the insects’ exoskeleton and the product also dries out the tender internal areas. DE can be irritating to the skin and the dust should not be breathed in, but generally the product is safe in small amounts and non-toxic, unlike bug sprays.

Remove a wart Coat the skin around the wart with petroleum jelly to protect it. Soak a small piece of cotton in apple cider vinegar and place it directly on the wart. Cover with medical tape or a bandage and repeat daily. The vinegar will kill the wart in a matter of days or weeks.

Keep a pool or spa clean Many people think they need a host of chemicals to keep a pool or spa clean and healthy or spend a lot of money doing so. If you read the labels of many “pool” chemicals, they’re actually household items you probably have on hand. Sanitize and keep the pool clean with ordinary household bleach, or sodium hypochlorite. Raise pH in a pool with washing soda used in laundry. Raise the total alkalinity of water with baking soda. Match up the chemical names to the ingredients on bags of pool products and you just may find you’re spending more money when you could simply shop in the laundry aisle.

Polish chrome on cars Use vinegar full strength on a rag and wipe the chrome components until nice and shiny. Metal parts that have been rusted can also be soaked clean in undiluted vinegar overnight.

With little knowledge, people can remedy many ailments with all-natural products that are safer on the environment and the body Treat dandruff Medicated shampoos and products can smell harsh and leave hair lifeless. Tea tree oil already found in shampoos can be applied to the scalp as a separate therapeutic step to help reduce dryness and dandruff.

Get rid of ants Make a sweet solution of sugar water and borax, also known as sodium tetraborate. Borax is not toxic, but it should not be ingested, and it may cause minor skin irritation. You can also try substituting washing soda for the borax, which is sodium carbonate. The ants will feed on the solution, take it back to the colony, and eventually the numbers will dwindle.

Exterminate household bugs All sorts of insects like to come indoors from time to time. While many are harmless and some can be beneficial (like spiders), most people care not to cohabitate with six- or eight-legged friends. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powdery substance made from small crustaceans. It is typically used as a swimming pool filter medium to trap dirt. The drying properties of DE can be used to eliminate bugs.

Insects walk through a sprinkling placed in areas where they are often found (such as crevices in a basement).

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services. But somewhere along the way, other messages got into our heads. "You're only important if you're thin, young, beautiful and glamorous on every occasion. That's the only way the world will love you". Not true!

Case in point: one of the least glamorous first ladies this country ever had was Eleanor Roosevelt, but her work and words essary!) to confront the other per- were so profound and so important, they’re just as relevant son and express your concerns.

Some toxic relationships may be seven decades later. My favorite quote of hers: “No one can salvageable, but sometimes we have to know when to say when. make you feel inferior without Have the courage to walk away. your consent.” Aha!

Spring Cleaning Whether or not we feel it in the temperature, spring is on the horizon, I promise! And with it comes thoughts of spring cleaning. Cobwebs and wet leaves have invaded our tidy corners and yards. Fresh breezes seem just the ticket to get us motivated. But what about the toxic junk that’s gotten stuffed into the corners of our lives over the long winter? It’s time to pull on our courage pants and sweep them out of our lives, too.

Toxic Relationships: Whether with friends or lovers, they’re the ones that damage our self-esteem and drain our energy. Being in a relationship should be a safe place, one which is mutually beneficial to all parties. If that’s not the case, it’s okay (and nec-

P.S. Hard as it may seem to believe, others may see us as toxic.

Listen with an open mind and heart if you’re on the receiving end of this conversation. It’s a chance for real personal growth.

Toxic Media Impressions: Back in the day, we measured the ROI (Return on Investment) of an advertising campaign by the number of impressions, that is, how many times a person was exposed to the ad’s message. The point was to sell products and

If I learned anything through my breast cancer saga, it was that hair and makeup and clothing don’t matter. It’s having the courage to believe in yourself and those who love you that will carry you through at the end of the day.

be hard to ignore, but this one is the toughest. Those ugly words rattling around in our heads are often the result of the ads and others in our lives. “I’ll never be...,” “I can’t...,” “I’m only....”

How quick we are to poison ourselves and all we do!

There’s another quote I like, this from an unknown author: “To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.” No matter how insignificant we see ourselves, we are all here for a reason.

Think of life as a scavenger hunt, the prize being the day you discover your importance. And then celebrate it!

All right, everybody together now: get out a bucket, fill it with courage, and get to work washing away these toxins forever!

Toxic Thoughts: Toxic relationships and media messages may 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.

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1 teaspoon fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons thin sliced green onion (scallion) tops for garnish.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Use ruler to trim tortillas into 4 large 6-inch squares. Cut 24 2-inch squares from the squared off tortillas; discard trimmings.

Spray baking sheet with nonstick spray. Arrange tortilla squares on pan and spray with nonstick spray. Bake until toasted golden and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool.

Purée avocado, lime juice, cilantro and jalapeno in a food processor until smooth. Set aside.

Combine shrimp, mango, cilantro, jalapeno and lime juice in small bowl.

Spread about 1/2 tablespoon avocado mixture in center of each toasted tortilla square. Lightly press a tablespoon of the shrimp salad in center of each. Garnish with scallion slices and serve.

Beet Purée with Sesame Flavors 12 servings, 2 pieces per serving 1 pound fresh golden or red beets, trimmed, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 24 endive leaves, thick ends trimmed, separated into individual leaves 3 tablespoons reduced sodium tamari or soy sauce 1/2 teaspoon toasted (dark) sesame oil 1/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 1/4 teaspoon minced fresh garlic Salt to taste Toasted white sesame seeds (garnish) Place beets in a steamer and cook, covered, over simmering water, until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool.

Place endive leaves in a large bowl. Add water and a cup of ice and refrigerate until crisped, about 15 minutes.

Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

Trendy Treats for

April Showers

Place tamari or soy sauce in a small saucepan and boil gently until reduced to 1 tablespoon. Cool.

Purée beets, 1 tablespoon reduced tamari or soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil and salt in food processor until smooth and creamy.

courtesy of Cupcake Vineyards/Family Features

Arrange endive leaves on a platter. With two teaspoons, place a mound of beet purÈe in the center of each leaf.

Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

Melted Gruyere Toasts with Crisp Frizzled Prosciutto 12 servings, 2 pieces per serving 4 slices (about 3 ounces) prosciutto, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 24 1/4-inch-thick slices Italian bread 4 ounces aged Gruyere, coarsely shredded (about 1 3/4 cups) Extra virgin olive oil Heat 1/2 inch olive oil in medium skillet over medium heat until hot enough to sizzle a piece of prosciutto.

Stir half the prosciutto into hot oil and cook over medium heat until prosciutto is crispy, 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove from with a slotted spoon to a side dish. Add remaining prosciutto and cook until crispy. Set aside.

Heat oven to 350°F. Spray baking sheet with nonstick spray and arrange bread slices on tray.

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Top each bread slice with a rounded tablespoon of cheese.

Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven.

Stand a crispy piece of prosciutto in the center of each melted mound of hot cheese and serve at once.

Shrimp Fajitas Salad on Crisp Flour Tortilla Chips 12 servings, 2 pieces per serving 4 1 1 1/2 1 1/2 6

8-inch flour tortillas ripe avocado, pitted and peeled teaspoons fresh lime juice teaspoon finely chopped cilantro teaspoon finely chopped jalapeno to taste ounces extra small (salad shrimp) cooked and peeled shrimp, chopped (about 1 1/4 cups) 3 tablespoons finely chopped peeled ripe mango 2 teaspoons finely chopped cilantro 1 teaspoon finely chopped jalapeno

Note: Canned or cooked vacuum packed beets can be used as a substitute.

Prosecco Ginger Cocktail 12 servings, 2 glasses per serving 1 1/2 1 1/2 2 24

cups water cup (6 ounces) crystallized ginger cup sugar bottles (750 ml) chilled sparkling wine thin diagonal sliced seedless cucumber

Combine water, ginger and sugar in saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer on low heat, uncovered, 15 minutes. Off heat let steep, covered, 30 minutes. Cool. Purée in blender until smooth.

Add 1 tablespoon ginger purée to each champagne glass.

Add chilled prosecco, and stir well with swizzle stick until blended. Garnish glass with cucumber slice.

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Work Zen W ork AND Zen? What may seem like an oxymoron is actually quite feasible. In fact, if one considers the Buddhist movement emphasizing wisdom, enlightenment and selfactualization, our careers should be all about Zen. Despite the stress triggers and never ending challenges, the office can still be a place where spirits are lifted and quiet moments of reflection take place. Start with the more common Western interpretation of Zen — invoking a relaxing state — and apply a few of the following “Work Zen” principles.

Simplify. As the old adage implies, “less is more.” An overflowing in-box, a cluttered workspace, crowded email account and appointment-filled calendar can serve as a constant reminder of all that is yet to be done. Routinely scheduling time to organize and reduce the clutter and commitments goes a long way towards reducing anxiety.

It will save time and increase productivity. Make a habit of filing away everything other than what you’re working on. This also applies to email. Non-urgent messages should be sorted into appropriate electronic files for addressing when time permits. Simplifying dialogue can also help. Get to the point without losing your audience by replying to emails in a concise manner. This not only reduces misinterpretation but increases ease of communication.

Wisdom. Exercise your brain by learning something new each day. Take a self-paced online class or professional development program that flexes with your schedule. Engage your personal interests while at work by developing a windowsill garden or reading for pleasure during a quite lunchtime moment. This opportunity to escape “reality” even for a moment will refresh your mind and spirit. Prac-

by Kim Monaghan tice mind and body relaxation through conditioning yourself to reduce anxiety. Whenever a challenge arises, take a moment to focus on a method that helps you reduce your heart rate, such as breathing techniques, pruning a bonsai tree or sneaking in some office yoga. Develop anti-stress triggers around a structure, like a bracelet, stone, or something you can carry with you that reminds you to take a calming breath. These structures can help when facing people or situations that trigger anxiety. Practice will eventually lead to routinely experiencing a more relaxed mind, body and spirit.

Beautify. What could be more energizing than entering a beautiful office at the start of a work day? Incorporating elements of home and nature into your workspace not only enhances good karma but provides a calming effect in what otherwise may be a sterile environment. The simple act of hanging photographs of flowers or swapping to brightly colored office supplies can beautify any dull cubicle. Be sure to nurture all your senses. A candle for aromatherapy, oxygen-emitting plants, an electric waterfall or gentle music may encourage more restful moments. Even investing in a comfortable and supportive chair can be just the ticket to a “Zen Den.” Sacred. Set aside time throughout the work week for organizing, reading mail, catching up or getting ahead. Consider this time sacred and don’t let it fall prey to unnecessary engagements or time vampires like surfing the web, Facebook or office chatter. Commit to spend quality time developing your network and reinvesting in relationships with family and friends. This time should al-

ways be sacred with no interruptions. Glancing at your phone or answering calls while at lunch with a colleague is not only impolite, but inhibits the flow of positive energy. Self-time is also sacred. Everyone needs moments to quietly reflect, rest their mind and step away from the hectic pace. Create pockets throughout the day to disengage and recharge your batteries with a quiet walk or creative pursuit.

Kim Monaghan is a coach, management consultant and proponent of “A Healthy Career” (www.aHealthyCareer.com). She is a professionally trained coach, certified resume writer, West Michigan Careers in Transitions Coach and a member of the Professional Coaching Association of Michigan and International Coaching Federation.

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Your LifeStyle

End the Chore War

Today’s families often have hectic schedules, making it even more important to approach household chores as a team. That’s why Scrubbing Bubbles has partnered with John Gray, best-selling author of “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.” Together, they will help couples engage in a healthy discussion to help resolve the age-old household chore debate.

How couples deal with household chores either strengthens the partnership or creates a divide. Gray offers this advice for creating the best atmosphere at home: • Define the roles. It’s important to identify all the household chores and discuss who will have ownership of each.

• Discuss expectations. Since the survey showed that women don’t trust men to meet their standards of clean, Gray recommends that women actually show men how they want the house cleaned and that couples discuss what clean means to each of them.

• Look for time-saving cleaning tools.

Stock your home with cleaning products that are easy to use and efficient.

• Remember to say thank you. Whether or not the bathroom shines the way you want, don’t forget to say thank you for the effort.

One simple tool you can use to minimize friction over chores? A checklist.

For each room of the house, write down what tasks need to be completed and review it with your clean team so everyone knows exactly what’s expected.

Join in the chore wars conversation, get more cleaning tips from John Gray, and take a cleaning personality quiz at www.facebook.com/scrubbingbubbles.

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Heavy-Duty Checklist • Clean bathtub and shower.

• Clean and disinfect the sink. Wipe the sink, faucets and vanity top with biodegradable antibacterial bathroom wipes. Scrub the drain with a toothbrush. Scrape any buildup between the sink and the counter with the edge of an old credit card.

• Make mirrors and windows sparkle.

Spray with cleaner and buff surface with a soft cloth.

• Clean and disinfect toilet.

• Empty the waste basket. Dispose of all trash. Before replacing the trash bag, wipe it out with antibacterial wipes.

• Clean the floors. Sweep or vacuum the floors to get rid of all large particles and then mop.

Light-Duty Checklist • Let in some fresh air. Open the door or a window to air out the room and reduce humidity.

• Check the toilet paper supply. Don’t get caught with an empty roll.

• Feed the hamper. Toss dirty clothes and towels into a hamper and hang fresh towels.

• Clean the soft goods. Launder curtains, rugs and cloth shower curtains according to the care instructions.

After washing a cloth shower curtain, hang it immediately and let it air-dry to prevent wrinkles.

• Restock supplies. In addition to refilling your cleaning supplies, check your stash of light bulbs, cotton balls and guest towels. Organize and store these items in sturdy containers.

Tips courtesy of Scrubbing Bubbles Antibacterial wipes

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April 2012

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Alpine barrenwort Green, heart-shape leaves turn bronze in fall; demure flowers; variety of colors, depending on cultivar.

Bleeding heart Glorious plant of mid-spring, topped with pink and white, drooping, heart-shape flowers on a large, fernlike plant.

Bugleweed Purple and green leaves on spreading, low-growing ground cover. Pretty blue or pink flowers in summer.

Coral bells More than 30 different varieties. Forms clumps of green or purple leaves topped with pink or white spires of flowers in early summer.

Cranesbill Fernlike leaves with white, pink, purple, or blue flowers from early summer to early fall, depending on the variety. Choose all but compact, small species.

A Deep-Shade Garden With the appropriate soil amendments – compost, manure, and shredded leaves – a shady area can be transformed into an attractive garden. Choose any of the recommended plants at the right for a cool, lush look.

Lily-of-the-valley Low-growing and spreading, with tiny white bells in late spring that give off an unforgettable fragrance.

Plantain lily (Hosta) Glossy, open leaves in various shades of green and blue; also variegated forms.

Spotted deadnettle Hardy ground cover; green leaves variegated with white. Purple flowers in late spring.

Sweet woodruff Low-growing ground cover with tiny white flowers in late spring.

Wakerobin Three-leaved, with white, golden, or maroon flowers in spring.

White wood aster

Photo credit: Jerry Pavia

Spreads all over the garden. Produces white flowers in late summer.

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This excerpt is from The Old Farmer's Almanac Gardener's Companion All-Seasons Garden Guide. For more information on the Almanac's line of products visit www.almanac.com.

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Looking for an

ALTERNATIVE to traditional prenatal care?

C

entering Pregnancy is a program that was developed by Sharon Schindler Rising, CNM, in 1993 at Waterbury Hospital in Connecticut. The program focuses on the actual women undergoing the pregnancy instead of just the details of the medical aspects of the pregnancy itself.

According to the program, women are “much more than a pregnant uterus,” and inadequate attention is paid to conditions of everyday life that influence pregnancy. Factors called “social determinants of health,” such as income, housing, education, diet, employment or lack thereof, quality and degree of social support, and the environment have a significant impact on the outcome of a pregnancy and the overall health of the mother.

Centering Pregnancy aims to turn the tide on a healthcare system that can be “fragmented, impersonal, inconvenient, and often not community oriented or culturally appropriate.”

Megan Deibel is a certified nurse midwife (CNM) and has worked with the Centering Pregnancy Program at Borgess Women’s Health since it arrived in Kalamazoo (and Michigan!) in 2009.

“Centering is a model of group care,” Megan said.

“Centering Pregnancy provides prenatal care to women in groups. Care is taken out of the examination rooms and placed in a large ‘sacred space’ where women receive their health assessments and share informally with other pregnant women, caregivers and support people. It’s very empowering.”

“Centering Pregnancy puts the focus on the woman who is pregnant, not just the pregnancy,” Megan said. “Each woman is an individual within a group that shares the bond of being pregnant and due in the same month. Women in the group are empowered by the guidance of a provider to monitor their pregnancy progress.”

The Centering Pregnancy Program consists of a total of ten group sessions and hosts guest facilitators that include a nutritionist, massage therapist, yoga instructor, and breastfeeding instructor, as well as a childbirth instructor, pediatric physician’s assistant and a social worker. These facilitators discuss topics such as exercise, relaxation, childbirth preparation, postpartum issues, communication and self esteem, and baby health and wellness, among others.

National Centering Pregnancy research has revealed that women who receive the program’s care

are at a decreased risk of premature birth, are more satisfied with their prenatal care and more willing to comply with prenatal care guidelines, and have an increased feeling of social support.

“Many of us [midwives] prefer Centering to traditional care,” Megan said. “Borgess Medical Center is committed to Centering Pregnancy, so I believe it is here to stay.”

For more information about the Centering Pregnancy Program, visit www.borgess.com or www.centeringhealthcare.org.

Emily Magyar is a recent graduate of Albion College. She has a Bachelor's degree in English with Creative Writing and a minor in Journalism.

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CALENDAR

of Events

It’s easy to get listed in our Events Calendar. Our deadline is the 10th of the monthprior 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 1 – 30 “A Celebration of Glass” West Michigan Glass Art Center. Opening Reception in our new Reflections Gallery: April 1st, 5pm-9pm. (normal Gallery hours: 9 am to 4:30 pm, Mon-Thurs; 9 am to 3:30 pm Fri; noon to 5:00 pm Saturdays). April is Michigan Glass Month – See the exciting work of over 30 artists in this yearly celebration of glass art. Visit our Website: www.wmglass.org April 1 – 2 “Battle of the Glassblowers” West Michigan Glass Art Center. Friday, April 1st, 5-10 pm (during the Art Hop in downtown Kalamazoo) and Saturday, April 2nd, noon-6 pm. A glass sporting event! The public is invited to watch talented artists from around the region demonstrate their skills in timed competitions.

Visit our Website: www.wmglass.org April 2 K-IAAP Meeting Kalamazoo Educational Resource Agency (KRESA), 1819 E. Milham Road, Portage, MI. 5 pm. The Kalamazoo Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) will host the program “Demystifying PDF’s”. Free. More info: Michelle Stickley at 269553-2086. michelle.stickley.cnuz@statefarm.com

April 3, 10, 12, 17, 24, 26 TOWER Profressional Network Meeting Noon to 1pm. Team Of Women Expecting Results invites you to visit one of our chapter meetings! Bring your lunch and a guest! Women come just us and network with us! Visit our website to RSVP and learn more. www.TOWERProfessionalNetwork.com.

April 3 & 17 Free Vein Screening Premier Vein Center. If your legs ache or feel heavy, Schedule your FREE painless screening.

We can tell right away if you may have a vein disease. Register at 269-388-6350 or http://www.premierveincenter.com/veinscreening April 3 – 11 Kalamazoo Indoor Flea & Farmers Market Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Expo North.

Tuesdays & Wednesdays 8 am – 2 pm. Come check out the market for some great deals and great merchandise! Choose from new and used items, handcrafted items, fresh and local foods, and much more! Admission is free. Concessions available. For booth space, call 269-383-8761 or visit www.kalamazooexpocenter.com

April 5 Serving On a Nonprofit Board Workshop Greater Kalamazoo United Way Building. 5:30 – 8 pm. Take your volunteering to the next level!

Learn how to be an effective board member. Cost is $50 or $45 with online registration. Preregistration required at 269-382-8350. www.volunteerkalamazoo.org boardconnect@volunteerkalamazoo.org April 5, 12, 19, 26, Kalamazoo Optimist Club Colonial Kitchen. Topics will include: Membership Challenge, Working with Children with Cancer, Edison Garden Club, and the Civic Theater.

More info @ dwvanloo@sbcglobal.net or 269-327-8647 April 6 Art Hop Various Locations throughout Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 9 pm. Art Hop is a free event that features new art exhibits in a fun, casual atmosphere. Numerous galleries and businesses in the downtown area host a variety of artwork. Free.

269-342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.com April 10 Kalamazoo Network Fetzer Center WMU 5:15 pm Dinner & Program; Networking for business women. Cost $20.

RSVP to www.kalamazoonetwork.org April 10 Intro to Composting Kalamazoo Public Library – Oshtemo Branch. 6 pm. Recycle waste, decrease landfill use, and create natural fertilizer through home composting. Learn basic tools and steps from Erica Barajas, manager of Fair Food Matters’ Growing Matters Garden. Free. 269-553-7980.

April 10 & 24 M-PWR Meeting Holiday Inn West - The Loft Room inside Burdick's. 9 – 10 am. Michigan Professional Women's Resource: We are a women's networking and resource group. Guests Welcome! More info: call (269) 323-0536 or 323-8332 Kathy.

April 12 Ladies Night Ladies Only! Growing & Cooking: A Gardening Expert & Guest Chef - Cocktails - Taste Testing & More Horizen Hydronponics 4646 W. Main Kalamazoo FREE - Email RSVP to: hydrozoo@Hhydro.com April 13 Blackhawk Jazz & Blues Concert Blackhawk Bar & Grill in Richland. Doors open @ 6:30PM, music 7-10. Join us for a great night of blues music in an intimate cabaret. Guitarist Greg Nagy & bassist Jim Shaneberger will be our featured artist. Tickets $10 per person.

More info: Patti @ 269-731-5388, or go to www.stagecoachbarn.com.

April 14 SW Michigan Postcard Club Show & Sale Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Expo North. 10 am – 5 pm. Over 80 tables and 1,500,000 postcards from the 1890's to present. Free parking.

Concessions available. Admission: Adults $2, children 16 and under are free. For more information call Wally Jung at 517-230-0734 or email postcardwally@comcast.net April 14 Food Drive American Legion, 425 Clay St, Schoolcraft. 9 am – 2 pm. Craft and vendor show. More info: jessicaporter1979@yahoo.com April 14 Young Vocalists Competition Light Fine Arts Building, Kalamazoo College.

9:30 am – 4:30 pm. High school and college students from the four-state region perform a 21st century art song, a foreign language song, and/or an aria from opera, oratorio or musical

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theatre selection in this annual competition. Free and open to the public.

April 14 2nd Annual Kalamazoo SCRABBLE Fest Portage Northern High School. 12 – 4:30 pm.

The event will raise awareness of adult literacy as well as help raise funds to strengthen and expand adult literacy services for low-level adult readers. $25 per person for those who register before Apr. 2. Register at www.kalamazooliteracy.org or at Goodwill, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo. (269) 382-0490 EXT. 222. www.kalamazooliteracy.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 in support of the WMGAC Education Programs Scholarship Fund. This event will be in our new, expanded space. Watch our website for details www.wmglass.org April 16 Women In Networking Meeting— 6th Anniversary!

Personal Care Center, 8799 Gull Road, Rear Entrance, Richland. 6 - 8 pm. You’re Invited! Networking, beverages & snacks. Cost is $7 (cash please) RSVP: win.richland@yahoo.com by Thurs. before. More info: http://win.richland.tripod.com April 19 Spring Into Spring Ladies Night Out Please join us for the 2nd Annual Spring into Spring Ladies Night Out Benefitting Kalamazoo Battle Creek Autism Society. Wine, massages, shopping and so much more. 4 – 8 pm. Tickets $10 & $15. For more info call 488-8900.

April 20 Willow Lake Gallery Parkview Hills. 6-8 p.m. Reception for Nancy Crampton, weaver. Exhibit runs April 2-30, 9am6pm. Free. 269-372-4444 or caron.merrow@gmail.com April 20 – 21 Pinball at the ‘Zoo Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Expo South. Fri. 1 – 10 pm, Sat. 9 am – 6 pm. Pinball show featuring tournaments, coin op auction, games and parts for sale. Fun for the whole family! Admission: Adults $12, Kids $6. More info: Kevin Ketchum 269-628-4628. kevin@pinballatthezoo.com www.pinballatthezoo.com April 20 – 30 33 Variations Parish Theatre. Times vary. A mother coming to terms with her daughter. A composer coming to terms with his genius. These two people share an obsession that might, even just for a moment, make time stand still. $12 - $23. www.kazoocivic.com April 21 Treasures of Celtic Spirituality-Exploring Sacred Landscapes of the Celtic World Transformations Spirituality Center. 9 am – noon.

Journey through the sacred landscapes of Celtic spirituality as we explore the works of several Celtic authors including John O’Donohue, J. Philip Newell and Margaret Silf. $40. Info @ 269381-6290 x 249. www.transformationscenter .org info@transformationscenter.org April 21 Antique Bottle & Glass Show Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Room A. 10 am – 3 pm. Antique bottles of all types including flasks, medicines, fruit jars, dairy bottles and other related glass. Free appraisals. Admission: Adults $2, Seniors $1, Children 12 & under are free. For more information contact John Pastor at 616-581-7005.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

April 21 Global Youth Service Day Various Locations. 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. Global Youth Service Day: Volunteer Kalamazoo seeks to engage more citizens in volunteering: rookies, veterans, adults, youth and all in between. We invite you to sign-up, show up and make a difference with us! More details and registration at 269.382.8350 www.volunteerkalamazoo.org, daysofservice@volunteerkalamazoo.org April 21 West Michigan Mayhem Mayor’s Riverfront Park. 7 pm. The West Michigan Mayhem is a women's professional tackle football team based in Kalamazoo. The West Michigan Mayhem is quite simply...full tackle football...but on our field it is not boys playing, it is women. Kids 10 and under= FREE, gen admission $10. wmichiganmayhem.com

through group interaction, leading edge information, and inspiring multimedia presentations. $50. Info @ 269-381-6290 x 249. www.transformationscenter.org info@transformationscenter.org April 28 Spring Bazaar Plainwell Area Community Center. 10 am – 3 pm.

Spring Bazaar - Over 40 vendors in attendance.

Free admission. More info: moneys7714@sbcglobal.net April 28 Birthday Party Open House SolSpring Massage & Wellness Center at 6350 West KL Avenue in Kalamazoo. 11 am - 3 pm.

Free food, tours, chair massages and giveaways.

Bring the family and help us celebrate our 3rd birthday. 269-373-1000. wwwsolspring.net

April 21 J.S. Bach: St. John Passion First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South St., Kalamazoo. 7:30 pm. Bach Festival Chorus and Orchestra, guest soloists, James Turner, conductor. Rife with extraordinary variety and richness, the St. John Passion is a wondrous work of great beauty. Tickets: $30/$25/$15 adult; $5 student. Tickets and Information: 269-337-7407 or kalamazoobachfestival.org

April 28 Green-A-Thon Celery Flats. 12 – 4 pm. The Portage Youth Advisory Committee, together with the Environmental Board and the Park Board, will host a community event to celebrate Earth Day! A variety of vendors will provide participants with fun interactive activities and presentations that will give tips on ways to live green! Free. 269-329-4512. herring@portagemi.gov

April 21-22 & 28-29 The Foundations of Ayurveda for Self-Care Sambodh Center, 6363 N. 24th St., Kalamazoo.

Saturdays & Sundays, 1 – 5:30 pm. A weekend course offered by Dr. Aparna Bapat, Ayurvedic Physician. Learn the basics of Ayurveda’s and how to take more responsibility for your own health. Information & Appointments: Ruth Harring 269-492-0544 or sambodh@charter.net

April 28 Manitou Arbor Ecovillage and Friend of Birds Celery Flats at 7335 Garden Lane in Portage. 12 – 4 pm. Learn more about the exciting developments at this emerging ecovillage. Talk with future residents and view or purchase wildlife photography. A great way to celebrate spring and learn more about sustainable living efforts going on right in our own backyard! 1-800-354-0382. www.manitouarbor.org http://www.friendofbirds.com/

April 21-25 The 2012 Bach Festival Locations and time vary. Festivities include: Bach Legacy Lecture, The City Sings Bach, Young Vocalists Concert, 25th Annual Bach-Around-theBlock Organ Crawl, Bach Community Chorale, and Bach’s Lunch Concert. Information: 269337-7407 or kalamazoobachfestival.org April 24 – 25 Young Frankenstein Miller Auditorium. 7:30 pm. A wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend based on Mel Brooks' classic comedy masterpiece. $25 - $55. 269-387-2300. www.millerauditorium.com April 25 Life Story in Poetry Workshop Parchment Community Library. 6 – 8 pm. Writing your life story through poetry. Free.

269-343-7747.

April 25 Tasting While Touring Kalamazoo Public Library. 7 pm. Meet authors Jaye Beeler and Dianne Carroll Burdick, whose culinary roadtrip sings the praises of Michigan’s homegrown food—delicious, seasonal, and sustainably raised—realigning our lives with those who work our state fields for good food. Free.

269-553-7800. http://www.kpl.gov April 27 Blackhawk Jazz & Blue Concert Blackhawk Bar & Grill in Richland. Doors open @ 6:30PM, music 7-10 pm. Join us for a great night of jazz music in an intimate cabaret-setting.

Jazz pianist Mike Jellick & singer Kira Frabotta will be our featured artist. Tickets $10 per person. More info: Patti @ 269-731-5388, or go to www.stagecoachbarn.com.

April 28 Awakening the Dreamer – Changing the Dream Transformations Spirituality Center. 9am – 4pm.

Be inspired to reconnect with deep concern for our earth, and receive tools to make a difference

April 28 West Michigan Mayhem Mayor’s Riverfront Park. 7 pm. The West Michigan Mayhem is a women's professional tackle football team based in Kalamazoo. The West Michigan Mayhem is quite simply...full tackle football...but on our field it is not boys playing, it is women. Kids 10 and under FREE, gen admission $10. wmichiganmayhem.com May 1 Making it Up as you Go Along Transformations Spirituality Center. 9am – 3pm.

Acclaimed international organizational consultant Margaret Wheatley will lead us in looking at some of the tools and skills essential for living and leading in these complex and ‘uncertain times.’ $90. Info @ 269-381-6290 x 249 www.transformationscenter.org info@transformationscenter.org May 1 – 5 33 Variations Parish Theatre. Times vary. A mother coming to terms with her daughter. A composer coming to terms with his genius. These two people share an obsession that might, even just for a moment, make time stand still. $12 - $23. www.kazoocivic.com

May 4 Art Hop Various Locations throughout Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 9 pm. Art Hop is a free event that features new art exhibits in a fun, casual atmosphere. Numerous galleries and businesses in the downtown area host a variety of artwork. Free.

269-342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.com May 6 “Splendor in the Glass” West Michigan Glass Art Center. Art Hop 5 – 9 pm. Member sale featuring garden –themed glass art items. Watch glass art demonstrations.

Visit our Reflections Gallery. www.wmglass.org

April 2012

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Insights for Body –Mind and Spirit

Reader’s Lounge

by Alexandra Fix

The Food Matters Cookbook, 500 Revolutionary Recipes for Better Living

By Mark Bittman Simon and Schuster, 2010, $35 A few years ago, Mark Bittman wrote Food Matters, A Guide to Conscious Eating, opening our eyes to his ideas on how to reduce the reliance on processed foods, meats, sugars and fats in our everyday diet. To further advance that goal, he now presents us with 500 inviting recipes. Bittman encourages readers to readjust their thinking on food category proportions and begin to consider grains, vegetables and legumes as the center of meal planning and treat animal products as garnishes, flavor enhancers and treats. In Bittman’s opinion, we are “a nation that needs to rethink the way it eats.” Noting the links between a typical “Western” diet and major health issues, such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease, The Food Matters Cookbook offers a delicious alternative. The emphasis is on wholesome ingredients, starting with fresh, local and seasonal produce. Add to that a pantry stocked with whole food essentials, such as high quality grains, pastas, oils and spices. And, finally, there can be place for meats, poultry and seafood that are raised responsibly. Less meat and more plant is key to Bittman’s message and this array of recipes make that a very attractive option.

A Victorian Flower Dictionary, The Language of Flowers Companion

By Mandy Kirkby With an Introduction by Vanessa Diffenbaugh Ballantine Books, 2011, $22 During the Victorian era, bouquets of flowers were put together to present a particular message to their recipient. Steeped in symbolism, the message of flowers allowed for an intimate and romantic communication between individuals with no words even spoken. A small nosegay of violets could speak of modesty and humility, qualities to match the Victorian’s notion of the ideal woman. A bold sunflower cluster might be a mistake. It would declare false riches and surely put the recipient on guard with regard to the flower bearer.

Red roses would declare love, while yellow might speak of infidelity. One might be cautious to reveal who sent the yellow ones. Rosemary, for remembrance, was used by the ancient Greeks to energize the mind and relieve forgetfulness. A Victorian bride might wear a bit of rosemary as she brought old memories of courtship to her new married life. This is a sampling of what’s conveyed in the simple giving of a flower.

Some romantics today would like to revive this language of old. This dictionary is filled with colored flower sketches, historical, literary and cultural references to flowers and an overview of the nuances of

April 2012

I have the gift of sight. I am able to use all my senses to see, feel and know- You have them too.

How many times have you had a gut feeling or felt something about yourself or even someone else. I was fortunate to be raised by a psychic Grandmother who taught me to trust and believe what I saw, felt or heard with an inner voice; that is wasn’t my imagination or nonsense but rather encouraged to trust and believe, and that if we do, we can help others and help ourselves.

I hope to share each month some tips and tools that go back from the beginning of our creation that might encourage you to ‘listen’, trust and believe.

meaning for each blossom. Vanessa Diffenbaugh, author of the new novel, The Language of Flowers, has written an introduction to this guide book that captures the essence of the messages flowers might carry from giver to receiver.

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.

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God is our Creator, who has blessed us with free will to create what we want for ourselves. You would never have a desire without the ability to make it come true.

Bonnie is an Ordained minister, certified hypnotherapist and spiritual counselor.

For further information or a private setting call 269-3705053. www.womenslifestylekazoo.com