Art & Adventure - August 2012

August 2012

FREE Take Me Home

Unleash Your Creative Self Eight Websites to Inspire Everyday Victories

E s s e n t i a l • E n l i g h t e n i n g • E n t e r t a i n i n g w w w . w o m e n s l i f e s t y l e k a z o o . c o m

August 2012

The People Who Make It Happen...

Publisher: Darlene Clifford dclifford@womenslifestylekazoo.com Editor: Erica Shier editor@womenslifestylekazoo.com Contributing Writers: Kelly Duggan Denise Dykstra Emily L. Magyar Heidi McCrary Jeff Murphy Judy Pearson Sales: Sales Manager: Ruth Ann Dibert radibert@womenslifestylekazoo.com Sales Representatives: Brenda Murphy

Table of Contents LIFE Be a Singular Sensation: Unleash Your Creative Self ............................................................ 5 ‘SUP’ Lake Michigan .............................................. 22 8 Websites to Inspire the Everyday Designer in You..... 24 STYLE Five Clues on Finding your Personal Design Style........... 8 Think of Lighting as Art for Your Home ...................... 18 BEAUTY Autumn Trends ....................................................... 10 LOOK WHO’S TALKING Kristin Alkire ........................................................... 15 HEALTH Herbs and Spices: Potent Flavoring or Powerful Medicine? .................................16

Layout & Design: jr4designs JR Harper Photography: K. Redmond Photography www.facebook.com/kredmondphotography

LEARN Helping Inspire Girls to Celebrate EVERYDAY VICTORIES .........................6

Office Manager: Patty Clifford

A Diffferent Kind of Courage ....................13 Secrets of the Trade.................................23 Reader’s Lounge: Hot August Beach Reads ..........................................30

Contact Us

By Phone: 269-350-5227 Sales Info: 269-271-1032

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

By Email: info@womenslifestylekazoo.com Website: www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

FOOD & DRINK Watermelon Cocktails Calpirinha ........................................................ 12 Alcohol-Free Drinks Watermelon Pina Colada ................................... 12 Watermelon, Pineapple and Peach Smoothies ....... 12 Recipes for Entertaining

Coming in September 2012

Skewered Greek Salad ..................................... 20 Spaghetti with Pinot Grigio and Seafood ............. 20 Apple Zeppole with Cinnamon Whipped Cream .............................................. 21 Tastes From The Kitchen .......................................... 26 COMMUNITY NEWS & HAPPENINGS Calendar ............................................................... 28 What’s Happening ................................................. 28 Buy Local .............................................................. 30 August 2012

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From the Publisher Greetings, It is August once again and that means we are running out of summer time. The push is on to finalize our plans for that last summer road trip, visit to the zoo or day at the theme park. We will try so hard to squeeze out those last drops of summer fun while also beginning to plan for all the various back-to-school details that demand our attention.

Art and Entertainment is our focus for the August magazine.

This is a great time of year to get outside and learn about the arts. I love the ambiance of our art community. Kalamazoo has a magical way of providing us with a welcoming atmosphere that seems to beckon us all to come and explore everything she has to offer. Whether it’s the art of food or blown glass, theatre or painting, it’s all just waiting for us to show up and enjoy. We are so blessed to live in such an artistically rich environment! Not every community has the abundance of talent and caring that we are surrounded with every day.

This month we are also pleased to introduce a new feature, our Community Response page. This is a column dedicated to the ways our community takes action to care for those in need. If your group is raising money, donating products or working on a project for those less fortunate, we’d love to feature a few pictures and a brief description of your event. We want to thank you for caring as much as you do and to show others how truly rewarding it can be to give of oneself in the service of others. See this month’s column on our calendar pages 28 & 29 to learn more.

The Name you Trust 269

382-0515

So get out there and take some time to enjoy that final summer adventure. While you’re at it, don’t forget to feed your creative side by exploring the arts and maybe even take part yourself. Till next month, please stay safe.

Darlene

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August 2012

Making Sense of our Experience: Surviving & Thriving “Your ‘Book of Awakening’ has been an answer to a prayer for me.” ~Oprah Winfrey comment to Mark Nepo during an interview

Award-winning author and cancer survivor Mark Nepo will explore the paradox of being a spirit in the world and offer ways to meet and learn from the teacher that is experience.

Reading: Friday, October 12, 7 - 9pm; $30 Retreat: Begins with Friday’s reading and continues through 5pm on Saturday, October 13; $185 Register at TransformationsCenter.org 269-381-6290 ext. 310 3427 Gull Road, Kalamazoo Logo update 2009 Font: Nueva MM Black

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Be a Singular Sensation:

Unleash Your Creative Self

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by Janice Lynne Lundy

Our “truest self” is inherently creative. She is bold and imaginative, at least each of us starts out that way. We are born into this world as pure potentiality.

In our early years, we believe we can be or do anything. The world is our playground and our palette.

What is the beauty you love and what are you doing with it? Are you actively expressing your creativity?

And, if not, what’s keeping you stuck?

Yet, somewhere along the way, many of us lost touch with that wild and joyful little girl who painted in bold strokes, danced among the daisies, or dreamed of a magical life while gazing at the stars. In this time of innocence and unlimited possibilities, we engaged with life as our “truest self.”

1. “Be everyday creative,” suggests Eric Maisel, therapist and creativity coach. Make time, even for as little as 15 minutes a day, to do something that uses your imagination.

It doesn’t matter what you choose to do, just do it! Get regular and you’ll discover that creative expression is energizing and habit forming.

Don’t be surprised when you feel dull and lifeless on the days you don’t create. I certainly do. A day without writing, to me, is like a day without food or sunshine. Creative expression is that vital to my true nature.

It is our life’s purpose to remember and embrace our truest self; the totality of who we are -- wholeness -pure and simple. To reclaim our wholeness is our life purpose. One of the most profound paths we can take to reclaim our wholeness is self-expression.

Every major religion has a creation story; a creator being/god who fashions the world and its people through shaping them, breathing life into their form.

Our response to that -- being creative ourselves -mirrors this divine endeavor. Our personal creativity is an act of re-shaping, literally, re-birthing ourselves.

We begin by acknowledging our passions, doing what brings us joy, and engaging in community with likeminded people. Each of these acts kindles the flame of creativity and sets us on the road home to our truest selves.

Your unique creative expression, whatever that might be, childrearing, gardening, social activism, teaching, singing, healing arts, even daily work, offered with passion, honed through commitment, can uncover your truest self. For me, this journey began in the mid-1990s when my writing life began to take shape. It continues today with every word that I place upon the page. Writing has deepened my understanding of myself as a sacred being, one whose true nature is peace, joy, confidence, generosity, and compassion for others.

The great Persian poet, Rumi, offered us an impassioned invitation to creative expression when he wrote: “Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened. Don’t open the door to the study and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument. Let the beauty we love be what we do.”

Try one of these helpful hints to unleash your creativity:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Janice Lynne Lundy is an educator, Interfaith Spiritual Director, retreat leader and author of four personal/ spiritual growth . Learn more, get inspired, come home to yourself at her website, www.AwakenedLiving.com.

2. Give yourself permission to explore. If you’re feeling stuck creatively or bored by your efforts, be an adventurer and dare yourself to do something different. Creativity is all about freedom so what would you like to experiment with? Painting, singing, or dancing?

Victorian novelist George Elliott, wrote, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” No one expects you to be a late-in-life sensation with a one-woman show, but they might hope that as you age you stay true to you and hone a hobby or grow a talent. Then, how wonderful it would be to share this with others; to publicly affirm your willingness to grow, even in a small way, and celebrate a new version of you! And if there’s fear involved, feel it, and do it anyway.

Throw caution to the wind. Be you! No one can do a better job of it.

3. Revisit your youth and pick up a nearly forgotten or abandoned creative pursuit: ballet, watercolor painting, writing poetry, scrapbooking, jewelry making, sewing, and the like.

Recently, while on retreat, I mentioned to a woman who had brought a dearth of art materials with her that I’d been thinking about drawing again. I used to love to draw with India ink and then add a watercolor wash to the piece. I haven’t done this since I was in high school. The next day I discovered a bag filled with brushes, paints, pens, and paper outside my door with a note inviting me to “Have fun!” I did. Though my drawing skills were very rusty, it was wonderful to play with paint again, and that’s what it was, pure pleasure, with no expectations or concern about making the grade. What did you do and enjoy when you were younger that you might take delight in again?

Remember, there is only one you. For all we know, there may be only one lifetime to express the real you to the world. As Rumi suggests, don’t allow yourself to wake up frightened. Don’t hesitant to demonstrate the beauty you love, the beauty you hold in your core.

Express yourself creatively. The world needs the magnificence you have to offer.

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Helping inspire girls to celebrate

EVERYDAY VICTORIES

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Courtesy of ARA

very two years, girls all over the world are captivated by the achievements of female athletes competing in the Olympic Games. Their successes inspire girls to try new things or pursue achievements they may not have thought possible.

While not everyone Veronica Campbell-Brown wants to be an Olympic athlete, every girl should be encouraged to go for the gold when it comes to her goals and dreams.

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“I’m lucky to have strong female role models in my life who have always encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming an Olympic athlete,” says Campbell-Brown, who is a hopeful to compete in her fourth Olympic Games this July. “Whether it was a small victory or making it to the world stage at the Olympic Games, these women, like my mom, helped me reach my full potential and I can’t thank them enough.”

Campbell-Brown hopes to continue to inspire girls and offers the following tips to help them achieve their dreams like she did: • Make a plan. Write down goals and brainstorm some smaller steps that will help achieve them. Don’t forget to celebrate the daily victories that happen on the road to the larger ones.

• Practice. Practice can help you learn, adapt and improve. Anything new may be difficult at first, so be patient. It will get easier.

• Track your progress. Every now and then, take the time to assess your progress.

How far have you come? How far do you have to go? What could you change to be better tomorrow? Take the time to reflect, readjust your plan, and keep moving forward.

• Find a mentor. Coaches, mentors, teachers and trainers all exist for a reason - we need help achieving our goals. Find someone that you trust and who can give you guidance in achieving your goals and steering you along the right course. We all need a little inspiration sometimes, and your mentor can help to give you the push you need.

Five-time Olympic medalist Veronica Campbell-Brown didn’t let anything stop her from pursuing her dream to compete in the Olympic Games. Through hard work, perseverance and dedication, she became the second woman in history to win two consecutive 200-meter track and field events at the Games. But she also knows she couldn’t have done it on her own. She credits her support team - family members, coaches and trainers - for inspiring her every day to achieve small victories, which led to her greatest achievements.

• “Pass the Baton.” We all have women in our lives who have inspired us at one point or another. Whether it is a mother, a sister, a friend or a teacher, take a moment to say thank you and “Pass the Baton” to thank the women who have helped you along the way. To “Pass the Baton” to an inspiring woman, visit and “Like” www. facebook.com/always and “Pass the Baton” to a woman who was a source of help, support or inspiration. If that woman is on Facebook, a notification will pop up to alert her that she has received an Always Baton. The Always Baton Connection Program is only available to women 18 years of age and older.

In the spirit of the Olympic Games, Campbell-Brown has partnered with Alway®, to support the Always “Baton Connection” Facebook program, which celebrates the inspirational support system important in anyone’s life. On Facebook, Always fans can “Pass the Baton” to show their appreciation to those who inspire them.

With this passing of a baton, the hope is recipients are inspired to do the same.

Whether it’s running a marathon or even a goal to get up earlier in the morning, we all can aspire to achieve our goals and dreams. No one has to do it alone, and we all have someone in our lives who has inspired us. In the spirit of the Olympic Games, take a moment to recognize the people who believe in and support you.

August 2012

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August 2012

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Five Clues on Finding your Personal Design Style

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As a designer, it’s true, I do have a favorite personal design style. Defining it in words may not be as easy as it is in photos, but it’s a mix of timeless, classic, global, organic modern (more on this in #3). Don’t worry, yours is probably easier to define.

Spending life living and breathing design influences me in many ways. However, I believe that my job is not to impose my personal style on client’s spaces, but to help discover their own personal style and implement it in a fresh and cohesive way, all the while maintaining function and injecting a little bit of my own twist to keep it exciting. I tell my clients I have done my job well if upon completion people enter their home and say “This is so beautiful! It’s a perfect expression of you!” Whether you use a designer to help you along the process or not, defining your personal style will help to narrow down decisions, give a framework to work within and keep a consistent flow from room to room. How do you find your personal style?

1. Multiples. This is a trick I use all the time during the discovery stage of starting a project with someone. Do you have multiple items of the same shape, color or style around your house?

When you pull out a number of pages from a home magazine, is there a consistent theme from picture to picture? Maybe there are different style houses shown, but every photo has white cabinetry in it or dark hardwood floors. If you instinctively select multiples, it is a big clue on where your style lies.

2. Where you Shop. Do you find yourself meandering through the same home furnishings store, even if you’re not necessarily shopping for anything for your home? Does an ad for a weekend antique’s market get you excited? Is there a décor

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website you browse to the point of addiction?

These are all good indications of what your style is. In fact, many clients will use these references to explain the look they are going for, such as “Room and Board” or “Restoration Hardware.” It doesn’t mean every object is bought from these places to make your home look like their showroom, but it does invoke an inspiring base to build on. Each brand has a certain feel it gives off and you can use that to define your style.

3. Most Recent Purchase. Our personal style changes through the years. As a child, already intrigued with design at a young age, I used to pour through floor plan books available in the magazine aisle. I would spend hours studying Victorian homes and designing my own, wanting to re-create the dollhouse look. Now, this couldn’t be farther from what I am attracted to. Living in a big city during and after college infused a natural attraction to all things modern. Travelling the world gave me an appreciation for classic architecture and global colors, textures and finds. My personal style continues to evolve each year. Your most recent purchase is a wonderful clue on where you are now.

Have you suddenly been buying up global inspired vases or modern lamps? These are clues to your design style, especially if they are a departure from your “normal” style. Maybe it’s time to expand in this new direction.

4. Art. What you choose to hang on your wall or prominently display on a shelf says something about you. Art is purely personal, not tied to function or need and is usually a good indication of what inspires you. An abstract lithograph likely means you lean towards modern design, while a

by Ashley Cole

landscape oil painting may define your attraction to more traditional décor. Look around at the art you surround yourself with or aspire to buy and use that as overall style inspiration.

5. What’s your favorite hotel? This is the ultimate secret weapon in the search for your design style.

Hotels have a very deliberate, clear design style, so use them to help find yours. Do you love staying in cozy, rustic B&B’s with wood paneling, layers of throw rugs and patchwork quilts? Does a cleanlined, modern city high-rise hotel have you oohing and ahh-ing over its’ chic décor around every corner? Did a recent stay at a Bali-inspired island retreat make you come back from vacation wanting to completely renovate your home to give a spa-like atmosphere? Take photos and start a dream board, my friend. This is where your design style begins.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ashley Cole is a professional interior designer and her work has been featured on HGTV as well as numerous publications, including Kitchen Trends and Home Magazine. Ashley’s passion is “creating environments that enliven the spirit”. www.ashleycoledesign.com

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Autumn TRENDS

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Hair Flairs Color Rub

by Marianne Bockheim

A temporary solution to creating a vibrant statement. $11 each.

Available in 9 colors.

Fall fashion brings a spell binding blend of beautiful texture, alluring prints and rich color. Brocades, plaids and photo prints are must haves, while black takes us on the dark side of fashion with bewitching textures of leather, reptile skin and fur. Asymmetry keeps the look interesting while geometrics have a place of their own.

Earthy tones serve as a platform for nouveau metallics and robust shades of brunt orange, brilliant red and midnight blue. It’s going to be a beautiful season.

Accent fashion with the ultimate accessory: hair. Get creative with color – from hombre washes to peek-aboo splashes. Much like fashion, hair finds itself a bit structured. Bangs find themselves with new importance they rise and they fall, going from lashes grazing to brow balancing to ultra-cropped.

Just like a great Richard Avedon fashion photo, the faces of the runway are full of contrast and contradiction.

Brows again swing from monochromatic to carefully crafted classic to blazing bold. When speaking of eyes, risky color selections are evident – green, orange, gold, shades of blue and purple are bolder than ever. However, the emphasis is more about application technique than it is on the color.

Eyeliner is an important player this season. From cat eyes to a heavy, smudgy look in the outer corner, the eyeliner has it. Line the top, line both top and bottom, or go heavy on the outside of the eye, whatever the case, just line it. A liner’s best friend is mascara and this season spare no expense to capture creative lashes. Beef them up with classic black or pick a color, any color.

Nails continue to claw their way to the top. Dark colors are part of the digit wardrobe as are various forms of nail art – the funky French to various intricate prints.

Lastly, lips mimic brows as they too come and go. Nearly nothing contradicts the bold defining shades of red. Put the shimmer and gloss away and go matte…or go home.

PHOTO: Hair: Lina Arrojo Photography: Pedro Zoo

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Accent fashion with the ultimate accessory: hair.

©2012 American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division, Inc.

Every step you take lights more

A world with less breast cancer is a world with more birthdays. That world gets closer and closer with every dollar you raise through a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event.

Visit cancer.org/stridesonline or call 1-800-227-2345 to help us make strides to end breast cancer in your community. Together, we’ll stay well, get well, find cures, and fight back.

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August 2012

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Watermelon Cocktails Watermelon Pina Colada 4 to 5 cocktails

2 cups watermelon puree ½ cup chunked pineapple ½ cup vanilla yogurt 3 cups ice 2 tbsp. cream of coconut

alcohol-free

DRINK

Mix all ingredients together in a blender. Blend until desired consistency and serve.

Watermelon, Pineapple and Peach Smoothies 2 cocktails

2 cups chopped seedless watermelon 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained well 2 cups peach yogurt Dash of ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

alcohol-free

DRINK

Blend ingredients together in a blender until smooth and serve immediately.

Caipirinha 1 cocktail

1 lime 2 tsp. sugar 5 slices quarter-sized ginger 6 large tarragon leaves 2 oz. watermelon puree 2 oz. cachaca 1 oz. grenadine Muddle lime, ginger, sugar and tarragon. Add watermelon puree and cachaca. Shake with ice and pour into a glass.

WATERMELON It is the chief of this world’s luxuries, king by the grace of God over all the fruits of the earth. When one has tasted it, he knows what the angels eat.

– Mark Twain

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My first option would be to ensconce myself in a personal snow globe and not try for the job at all. The globe would protect me from any disappointment, harsh words, and ugly rumors. But it would also keep me from expanding my borders. My other choice, and the better one, is to fortify my courage and take a shot at movin’ on up. Here’s how I’ll go about it.

Global Warning Not permitted: Due to current restrictions on liquids, snow globes are not allowed to be carried through the airport security checkpoint.

First, I’ll remember a time in my life when I needed my courage and found it: a roller coaster ride, an 11th grade impromptu speech, or delivering a bouncing baby boy. I succeeded then, despite being terrified, and I was justifiably proud of my achievement.

Sigh.... I saw this sign on a recent trip through the Phoenix airport. Not that I had any plans to cart home desert snow globes. (Do these - the perfect oxymoron - even exist?) But the idea that someone might use these beautiful and mystical items for nefarious purposes made me sad.

Next, I’ll envision going in for my upcoming interview, creating a detailed scene, right down to what I’ll wear. I’ll hear the entire conversation, write out my answers to questions I anticipate, and read the answers aloud. Then, ta-da! I will clearly see them tell me I’ve got the job.

In my book, It’s Just Hair: 20 Essential Life Lessons, I write about how a disease diagnosis puts you in a world of your own, apart from family and friends, much like the little people within a snow globe. But this airport sign made me think of that image in another way.

Finally, I’ll draw back on the rush I felt from my previous, actual successes, and feel it again. This little exercise is called visualization and athletes, actors and politicians use it all the time. We should, too, because it works.

When we associate a scenario with good feelings (and in this case, with being courageous) we trick our minds into thinking it’s happened once and can happen again!

Not being familiar with our own courage can put us in a snow globe as well.

Follow me through this scenario. Let’s say I work for a corporation which is about to add a new management position, a step up the corporate ladder from Will you always succeed? Of course not. But keeping snow globes on the where I am. I have the seniority, experience and temperament to be awarded shelves, and not in our minds, is a sure way to have a better shot at life’s great moments. Be courageous! the position. I start imagining what might transpire if I applied for the position. I might become fodder for the water cooler chat, as some of my colleagues may not think I’m qualified. I might stammer all over myself in Judy Pearson is the founder of Courage Concepts, an organization which my interview for the position, and possibly jeopardize the job I already have. fosters courage in women through seminars and Courage Conventions.

Or, I might be told “no” in a cold, point blank manner. Yikes - nightmares Judy is also the author of magazine and newspaper articles, as well as two books about ordinary people who exhibited extraordinary courage. all! What to do? www.courageconcepts.com

August 2012

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Kristin Alkire Back to School

Kristin Alkire has been teaching Biology at Otsego High School for the past 11 years and is also the Department Chair of the High School Science Department. She was nominated for Look Who’s Talking by a fellow colleague, Holly McCaw, who wrote, “Science isn’t usually the hot subject among students, but they love her and rave about how she makes it all fun and interesting. I recently interviewed our school’s Top Ten students and I would say half of them mentioned her in who they would like to thank or who inspired them.”

This past year Kristin was one of the recipients of the 2011 Yale Educator Award. To receive the award, a student from Yale must recommend one of their former teachers. “What makes it really special is the fact that Marisa Kaugars nominated me for the honor. She is an absolutely incredible young woman and it means so much to me that she took the time out of her busy summer to complete the nomination.”

Kristin admits with a smile, “The funny thing is, I didn’t want to be a teacher!” Both her parents are retired teachers and while she loves them and always admired their work, she wanted to be her own person. She began her college education at Hope College as pre-med but it didn’t take her long to switch to teaching and she has never regretted her choice.

At the end of the 2011/12 school year, Kristin’s students honored her as their Teacher Honoree. “I stood up to tell them I hope they all have the opportunity to do what they love because it means a lot to do what you love, but I just ended up crying”, she admits.

“The relationships you develop with the students do make a difference,” she explains. “Education is tough right now because there is a lot of negativity, so I go back to making connections with my students and focusing on making a difference for them.”

Kristin and and her husband Nathan have been married 10 years and are busy with their children, Zoe (4) and Brendan (1). When asked how she maintains balance, she confesses “It’s challenging. Thankfully I have a great level of understanding with my husband because he is a teacher as well. I try to always be productive, trying to utilize my time as best I can. My parents are retired and a great help. I have a great support system.”

Denise Dykstra lives in Southwest Michigan where she raises four boys with her truck driving husband on their hobby farm. She is co-editor of Praise and Coffee the Magazine and maintains a blog about her life at www.denisedykstra.blogspot.com.

August 2012

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Herbs and Spices: Potent Flavoring or Powerful

Medicine?

by Elizabeth Braun, MS, RD

T

wo thousand five hundred years ago Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine said it best: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” While not a replacement for standard medical treatment, consuming more fresh herbs and spices can improve health by enhancing the over-processed, nutrient vacant, typical American diet. After studying 1,000 common foods, researchers published a list of 50 containing the highest concentrations of antioxidants.

Antioxidants are the powerful substances in food that preserve and protect cells from damage associated with age-related health problems. Of the top 50, 13 were spices and herbs.

Many cultures around the world have long recognized copious use of seasonings provides flavor as well as health benefits. Herbs and spices transform ordinary fare into exotic delectables. These mysterious flavors and aromas, when combined with food, maximize taste and satiety without adding calories, salt, fat or sugar. Herbs and spices may be the answer to promoting a nutritious, delicious diet, while diminishing the ever- expanding American waistline.

Basil – Anti-aging

This shiny green leafy herb contains volatile oils that provide a fragrant odor along with various medicinal effects. Recent studies show basil possesses strong antioxidant properties known to be effective in slowing down the cell degeneration responsible for aging, skin problems and some types of cancer. Potent plant pigments shield cells from damaging oxidation and negative effects of UV radiation. Basil oils reduce bacterial growth of resistant superbugs that cause food poisoning and infections. Don’t limit basil to Italian dishes. Use basil pesto on sandwiches and burgers for a punch of flavor in place of fatty mayo or salty mustard. Basil leaves add zest to chili recipes. For a new twist, try fresh basil and strawberries on salad.

Cayenne – Pain relief

Ground into red pepper or a component of crushed red pepper flakes seen in every pizza joint, cayenne gets its hot, spicy taste from capsaicin. Capsaicin is the oily substance behind most of cayenne’s health boosting qualities. Pain relief is the most common, notably in psoriasis, headaches and arthritis.

Capsaicin is a familiar ingredient in many over-thecounter pain reducing creams. Additional therapeutic effects include improved circulation and blood pressure as a strong anti-inflammatory. Researchers are investigating its role in cancer treatment, blood glucose stabilization and ironically, healing of gastric ulcers. Sprinkled on chicken soup cayenne provides a super-charged cold remedy shrinking blood vessels in the nose to relieve congestion. Add it to spice up veggies and pasta or as a colorful garnish for fish. For the very brave, a hint of cayenne in dark chocolate is a flavor adventure.

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Ginger – Digestive aid

Although not technically an herb or a spice, this gnarly root is commonly found in Asian cooking and ginger ale. Ancient Asian and Indian cultures were familiar with its medicinal properties as an extremely effective treatment for nausea, gas and bloating.

Taken beforehand, motion sickness, morning sickness and even chemotherapy nausea can be quelled. Today investigators are most intrigued by ginger’s potential to reduce pain and swelling by blocking inflammatory substances called prostaglandins. These actions may aid arthritis treatment as well as tumor growth. Useful in both sweet and savory dishes, ginger and honey make a tasty tea. Grate it into a stir fry or thinly slice as a garnish for soups and salads.

Cinnamon – Better blood sugar

Such a sweet treat on toast or oatmeal, it is difficult to imagine this benign brown powder as medicine.

In fact, cinnamon hosts some of the most powerful healing effects of any spice. Known to improve blood

sugar in diabetics, this famous bark owns one of the highest antioxidant levels in the spice world. So it’s not surprising compounds in cinnamon may improve insulin function, cut triglycerides and prevent blood clots to promote heart health. The apple pie spice harbors antimicrobial properties that suppress the growth of E. coli and Salmonella bacteria responsible for food borne illness. The distinct aroma of cinnamon reduces stress and anxiety while increasing alertness. Go ahead and load it on fruit, yogurt and cereal. But don’t be afraid to experiment adding it to savory dishes like chili and stews - for a pop of sweetness also add a dash of sugar.

Fennel – Appetite suppressant

A weed to most Americans, this crunchy aromatic herb grows along country roads and rivers in Europe.

The tall fibrous stalks, similar to celery, are an exceptional source of fiber which may curb appetite and in turn, aid weight loss. Rich in volatile oils, fennel is a carminative herb meaning it can ease

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digestive spasms and gas. Toasted fennel seeds are often chewed after Indian meals to freshen breath. While some may be put off by the strong licorice-like sharpness, the feathery fennel fronds, when dried and paired with cilantro, add an interesting touch to salsa and soups. Sliced, fresh fennel bulbs and a tart green apple tossed with a splash of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and a dash of sugar, salt and pepper makes a refreshing fall salad and is a popular on spa menus.

Oregano – Anti-bacterial

The ancient Greeks considered oregano a symbol of joy and used it to crown brides and grooms. Beyond its indispensible culinary use in Mediterranean cuisine, oregano boasts supernatural antiseptic powers offering protection against bacteria associated with food poisoning. The effective healing agents in oregano include thymol and carvacrol which along with 17 other chemicals, host tremendous antioxidant capacity. These volatile oils are being studied to determine their effectiveness in combating heart disease and cancer development. It is common to find locals chewing a pinch of oregano after a heavy meal to relieve indigestion.

Unlike other Italian seasonings, oregano blends favorably with hot spices making it popular in Southern Italy. A sprinkle of oregano and black pepper on scrambled eggs transforms a usually mundane dish. Add fresh oregano sprigs to high quality olive oil for an infusion to drizzle on salad or vegetables.

Sage - Brain-booster

The green, mint-like leaves have been revered as a medicinal herb since the Roman Empire’s glory days. It is no coincidence that “sage” describes a person of wisdom as the ancient Roman’s knew this herb had memory-boosting capacity. Today our favorite stuffing seasoning has shown promising results in shielding brain tissue from the processes that lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Like many other herbs, sage is bursting with phytochemicals that provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that are currently being studied. Sage seems to boost insulin action and reduce high blood sugar similar to the diabetes drug metformin. A favorite of vocalists and public speakers, lemon and sage tea with honey soothes irritated tissue and coats the throat to prevent hoarseness. Thanksgiving seasonings aside, sage is delicious infused in vinaigrettes and sprinkled on fresh endive salad. Chopped sage mixed in light cream cheese is a fabulous alternative to butter on artesian bread or simply use as a garnish on fish.

Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory

Responsible for the prominent yellow hue of curry and mustard, turmeric has been used in ancient Indian medicine for centuries. The chemical providing the vivid golden color of turmeric, curcumin, has earned the attention of researchers as a compelling anti-inflammatory that has been proven to prohibit tumor growth. Just like broccoli and cauliflower, curcumin sweeps away carcinogens before they can damage cells. Studies have shown this substance is even slowing and repairing cancer cells. The anti-cancer compounds in turmeric with those in cruciferous vegetables are being tested together to measure their combined effect on prostate cancer. Curcumin may be more potent and safer than ibuprofen in reducing the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis as well. If curry isn’t appealing, try turmeric, but use sparingly. A little goes a long way. Turmeric adds a spicy bite to grilled chicken and provides zip to bland potato salad and rice dishes.

Remember, keeping herbs and spices fresh enhances their potency and taste. Stand fresh herbs upright in a glass of water in the fridge like fresh flowers for up to a week. Once dried, herbs and spices should be stored whole or ground in airtight containers away from heat and moisture in a cool, dark cupboard. While they don’t generally spoil, the dried type will lose their flavor after about a year. That spice rack next to the stove? Ditch it. Any stored spices or herbs past the expiration date?

Pitch them. It’s time to go on an herb and spice adventure. While this list is far from complete, do some exploring and restock your pantry (i.e. medicine cabinet).

Some local and international sources: Penzeys.com ElderandSage.com Spicemerchants.biz Spice-friendly recipes: The Nutrition Diva’s Secrets for a Healthy Diet by Monica Reinagel, MS. RD

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Elizabeth Braun, MS, RD is a registered dietician who counsels patients on a variety of women’s health nutrition issues including gestational diabetes, interstitial cystitis, high cholesterol, diabetes and more. She enjoys taking extra time with patients coordinating multiple diets.

August 2012

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I moved to a bank that still answers the phone.

Art Think of Lighting as

for Your Home courtesy of ARA

At Keystone, we’re passionate about providing our customers with the best personal service possible. And because we’re locally owned and operated, we can do things differently than those big, out-of-town banks.

We’re eager to get to know you, so stop by a branch today.

It pays to bank local. Make the move. keystonebank.com

L

ighting is possibly the most powerful tool you have when it comes to interior design. It does not make sense to invest in beautiful furniture, rugs, paintings and accessories if they are in the dark. The perfect light fixture not only illuminates a space - it is also a beautiful, decorative design element.

“When looking for a light fixture, think of yourself as a curator looking for a perfect piece of art,” says interior designer Laurie Smith, known for her role as a featured designer on the television show Trading Spaces. Smith says, “Like art, a fabulous fixture can make a strong design statement, as well as provide illumination for your space.”

Often consumers do not realize the difference updated lighting can make in their homes. Smith suggests finding one special piece and building a room around it. “In design school, we learned that lighting is the most exciting and mysterious medium in design. Lighting is sculptural; it’s textural, it’s exciting,” she says.

There are so many varying styles and designs in lighting today that the possibilities are endless. “Different materials and shapes are just part of what goes into determining that perfect fixture,” says Smith. “For instance, do you want the shape of your piece to contrast with your room’s schematic or coordinate with it? Taking a traditional fixture and placing it into a modern setting creates interest through contrast, while taking a sleek modern fixture and putting it into a traditional setting infuses new vitality and a sophisticated accent.”

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August 2012

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Independent businesses provide meaningful services with a personal touch. It matters to them that you are satisfied and will come back again.

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August 2012

19

Recipes for

Skewered Greek Salad 4 to 6 servings

Entertaining

Skewers: 24 grape or small cherry tomatoes

3 ounces firm feta cheese (see Cook’s Note)

cut into 12 (1/2-inch) cubes 12 pitted kalamata olives 1/2 small red onion, cut into 12 (1/2-inch) pieces Vinaigrette: 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar 4 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano leaves 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper Special Equipment: 12 6-inch bamboo or wooden skewers For skewers: Thread skewers starting with a tomato, then a cube of feta cheese, an olive, a piece of onion and finally, another tomato. Repeat with remaining ingredients and skewers.

For vinaigrette: In small bowl, mix together lemon juice, red wine vinegar and half of the oregano. Whisk in olive oil until mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Spoon vinaigrette over skewers and sprinkle with remaining oregano.

Reprinted from “Giada At Home” by Giada De Laurentiis. Copyright © 2010.

Published by Clarkson Potter/Random House, Inc.

Cook’s Note: Buy feta packed in water; it is moist and easier to skewer and it won’t crumble.

Reprinted from “Everyday Pasta” by Giada De Laurentiis. Copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter/Random House, Inc.

Spaghetti with Pinot Grigio and Seafood 4 to 6 servings 1 1/4 3 3 3/4 1 1/2 1 2

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pound spaghetti cup olive oil shallots, chopped garlic cloves, minced cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes cups Pinot Grigio pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined pounds littleneck clams, scrummed

August 2012

1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 cups arugula, tough stems removed Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic and cook for 3 minutes, until tender but not brown. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

Add wine, shrimp and clams, and bring liquid to a boil. Reduce heat, cover pan, and simmer until shrimp are pink and clams have opened, about 7 minutes.

Discard any clams that have not opened.

Add spaghetti to skillet with seafood mixture.

Add salt and pepper and stir to combine, then gently fold in arugula. Mound pasta on a serving platter and serve immediately.

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In medium saucepan, combine butter, salt, sugar and water over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Take pan off heat and stir in flour. Return pan to medium heat and stir continuously until mixture forms a ball, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Transfer flour mixture to a medium bowl.

Using a small ice-cream scooper or 2 small spoons, carefully drop about a rounded tablespoon of dough into hot olive oil. Turn zeppole once or twice, and cook until golden and puffed up, about 4 minutes. Fry zeppole in batches so as not to overcrowd pan.

Using an electric hand mixer on low speed, add eggs, one at a time, incorporating each egg completely before adding the next. Beat until smooth. Add grated apple and stir to combine. If not frying immediately, cover with plastic wrap and reserve in refrigerator.

Combine whipping cream, 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl. Whip until medium soft peaks form. Transfer whipping cream to serving dish.

Drain on paper towels.

Meanwhile, pour enough oil into a large frying pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat oil over medium heat until a deepfry thermometer registers 325°F.

Apple Zeppole with Cinnamon Whipped Cream

4 servings 1 large apple, peeled and grated (about 1 1/2 cups) 1/4 cup sugar 1 stick butter 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup water

1 cup flour 4 eggs 1 cup whipping cream

2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting 1 teaspoon cinnamon Olive oil for frying

Transfer zeppole to a serving dish and sprinkle with powdered sugar using a small sieve. Serve with cinnamon whipped cream alongside for dipping.

SERVING SUGGESTION: Serve with Moscato Recipe courtesy of Giada De Lauren tiis As seen on “Everyday Italian” in episode “Apres Ski.”

A women’s professional organization supporting, connecting, befriending, sharing knowledge and celebrating extraordinary women.

Join us for dinner at WMU Fetzer Center.

Networking starts at 5:15pm. $20 for members and first-time guests. Cash bar available.

Next bi-monthly program: September 11 Register online at kalamazoonetwork.org

August 2012

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‘SUP’Lake Michigan

“My real lifelong dream was to be a rock star,” laughed the 20-something McNeil. “This was the second dream”.

As a child born and raised in the 80’s with the everpopular skateboard as a daily activity, you would think that now, almost 30 years-old, I would be able to hop on a Stand Up Paddle Board in Lake Michigan with no problem.

Now I am about to hop on a board in Lake Michigan and watch it happen all over again. This time I was determined to not let my height and small sense of balance take me down into that frigid Titanic-resembling water.

Never heard of Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)?

I hadn’t either. Only my friends who are into yoga and have core strength had heard of it (common misconception that only super fit people can have fun with this sport). SUP has been a popular water sport since 2010 and is much like kayaking; canoeing, or one could go as far to say, surfing.

Stepping into one foot of water to get on the board, I knew it was time to concentrate and make myself the sturdiest, most flat-footed woman I had ever been.

All that consists of this water sport is a wide surfboard, a one-blade paddle, and an ankle bracelet, in case you fall off. Oh, and you, standing up.

What was I thinking? After researching this “sport” I wondered why I did not chose to take on an adventure much more suitable for my personality…like happy hour. Maybe an “extreme” happy hour in a kiddy pool?

I went for it anyway. I found a little surf shop in Grand Haven called Wet Mitten Surf Shop that has been open for just over a year and teaches SUP lessons. I booked a lesson and found myself driving to one of my favorite Michigan cities to meet with Wet Mitten Surf Shop coowner, Ben McNeil and his girlfriend, Carly.

The shop sits on the main road to the Grand Haven City Beach (next to the ice cream shop, Temptations) that offers all kinds of water sports that revolve around surfboards and offers a lot of hip surfer garb.

My water enthusiast instructors were ready and waiting when I arrived, with 3 SUP boards, and three paddles on top of their Volkswagen, ready to get into the Lake Michigan water.

Me on the other hand, not as enthused. We are talking May in Michigan, lake water clocking in at a frigid 44 degrees, no wet suites, and no reason that I wouldn’t fall off this tippy board and sink myself in ice-cold water. I had thoughts of wearing a winter coat.

Remember those skateboards I was telling you about?

Well, let’s just say I never went more than 5 feet without wobbling off into the grass!

I started on my knees as most beginners do to gain confidence with the waves and the board. Then with a push from my instructor Ben, and a shout, “just let the board do the work, it is sturdier than you think!” I was on my way.

Kneeling and gripping my bare feet to the tact on the board, I was shaking with paddle in hand.

The tiny waves with a 5 mile-an-hour wind seemed like surfing in Hawaii to me at first. But soon after, I stood up straight and paddled with ease from my left side to my right, gently bumping into waves and cruising along the lakeshore. Ben and Carly joined me and we chatted while paddling, enjoying the sunset taking place in front of us.

For the first time in my life, I saw my whole reflection on the rippled sand beneath the chilly water. Never in the kayaking, canoeing or boating that I have done, had I felt so connected to the water.

“That’s why some people call paddle boards, ‘Jesus Boards’, laughed Ben, owner of Wet Mitten Surf Shop.

“You feel like you are walking on water”.

Surfing on Lake Michigan was no news to Ben as he had grown up surfing in Grand Haven, his hometown.

“I learned from my dad who was also a Lake Michigan surfer,” shared Ben. “He started surfing in the lake back in the 1960’s when surfing was introduced to the world”.

Since his early trainings in Grand Haven, Ben has surfed in all the hot spots: California, Costa Rica and Hawaii.

“My real lifelong dream was to be a rock star,” laughed the 20-something McNeil. “This was the second dream”.

After reaching the shore safely with my legs shaking from fear, adrenalin, and fatigue, I couldn’t believe how the time had pasted. I found my mind relaxed and calmed. I finally understood why Ben was doing this for a living.

My greatest feat for the day was proving to myself that I could be graceful. After avoiding the frigid water, I drove away from the Grand Haven City Beach smiling as I remembered that kid at summer camp who cried after pulling herself out of waist-deep swamp muck.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FYI: wetmittensurfshop.com SUP Rentals: $30/half day and $50/full day Ben McNeil co-owns Wet Mitten Surf Shop with his brother who runs their newest location in Traverse City, Michigan.

One year at summer camp when I was a kid, my camp counselor actually awarded me a certificate at our endof-summer bonfire that read, “The most ‘GRACEFUL’ swamp walk participant”. That counselor never saw me crying in the bathroom as I washed swamp muck from my shoes and jeans in the community sink.

Jenny Luth is a public relations associate at Clark Communications. You will probably see Jenny: A. Eating local food. B. Drinking local beer. C. Supporting local bands. D. Smiling. Connect with Jenny on Twitter: @GRJenny

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August 2012

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Secrets Trade of the

Do you have fashion questions and dilemmas of your own?

It’s easy to ask our Image Consultant Kelly Duggan, just send your questions to Kelly at info@womenslifestylekazoo. com. Be sure to indicate Image Questions in the subject line.

The Art of Building a Great Wardrobe While everyone knows that you get only one chance to make the all-important first impression, it is equally crucial to make every day one in which you look your very best. Follow these tips to build an effective, attractive wardrobe that will convey confidence and style to those around you.

Know the Environment Office standards are continually changing. Knowing what is considered appropriate for your office environment will ensure that you do not make any expensive mistakes when building your wardrobe.

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48 LBS.

Keep Your Budget in Mind Once you put together your shopping list, do not just grab your purse and go.

Do some research to see what is out there, looking for sales and calculating a realistic budget for supplementing your existing clothing.

When shopping, remember that quality is important and you are going to spend more for it. Leave trendy clothes for your weekend activities and focus on items that will last for at least a few years.

Essential Pieces While the task of getting your closet into “professional shape” may seem daunting, this list will help you find the essential pieces needed to create your wardrobe: 1. Two dark suits (or casual pants and cardigan) in one of your core neutral colors.

2. One dark skirt in one of your core neutral colors.

3. Two pairs of slacks in one of your core neutral colors.

4. Two solid shirts or blouses (not prints) in your chosen accent color.

Start With a Closet Audit When starting to build an effective work wardrobe, you need to start by being sure of exactly what you have already before making a list of what you need.

Pull out everything in your closet that could possibly be worn to work. Try everything on. Make sure it fits well, looks fantastic on and is in good condition.

5. Two accent-colored shells that would look great under your suit jackets.

Build a Baker’s Dozen Your goal should be to have thirteen workable outfits in your closet. This means that, by mixing and matching, your shirts, blouses, jackets, skirts and pants can be combined to make at least thirteen outfits that will comprise your wardrobe.

When in Doubt, Look to a Professional Resource Consider the many resources available to you, whether a complimentary online tip sheet, books and magazines, or an image professional who will work with you to define your objectives and help you put together your best possible look.

Start With Your Core Color You should start with at least one great ensemble that fits you perfectly (e.g. suit or mixed separates), and is in one of your neutral core colors. For reference, your core colors are those that are the same as your eyes or hair: black, brown, green, blue, etc.

6. A novelty jacket that is tailored, yet loose, in your accent color.

7. A knit shell in one of your core neutral colors.

Kelly Duggan is an Image Consultant specializing in executive and personal image development, etiquette and communication skills. She is a certified member of the Association of Image Consultants International. Contact Kelly at: www. kellyduggan.com

August 2012

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courtesy of ARA

8

websites to inspire the everyday designer in you For anyone looking to discover the latest color trends or simply take a break from a hectic day, creative inspirations are only a mouse click away. Websites and social networks are hot outlets for finding and sharing images. Even professional and aspiring graphic designers turn to the Internet for a dose of inspiration for their work - and to share their creativity with others.

“Design is a process that starts with inspiration,” says Brad Kisner, a professional graphic designer and department chair of communication design for Harrington College of Design. “That inspiration can come from anywhere - conversations with family or friends, past experiences, or things you might see walking down the street. Today, it’s also easy to go online to find intriguing visuals that spark creativity.”

With so many sites to choose from, a good starting point is to find those featuring a variety of media, visuals and styles. In addition, the best websites should always properly credit or link to the original sources of the work featured. Here are seven websites to help inspire creative ideas:

Pinterest

(www.pinterest.com) is one of the fastest-growing social-networking sites, with more than 10 million users. It’s an online bulletin board for posting (“pinning”) anything that catches your interest online.

Explore the site and you’ll find everything from recipes and snapshots of vacation getaways to wedding invitation designs and home-remodeling projects. You can browse specific design-related “pinboards” created by others to get ideas, and it’s also a handy repository for organizing and saving favorite designs or photos that you come across online. A common denominator: everything is highly visual, be it photos, videos or graphics. The site also is searchable by categories such as apparel, architecture, home decor, gardening and technology.

Core77

(www.core77.com) is an online gathering place for designers and enthusiasts to read about new approaches and thinking in product and industrial design. “It helps me push my thoughts outside my comfort zone,” Kisner says. “It inspires and amazes me.”

ARTISTIK Magazine

(www.artistikmagazine.com) is a quarterly publication showcasing artwork and stories from aspiring designers, including Harrington College of Design students and alumni. It features regular columns about design trends, techniques, and top apps and websites. The site also shares portfolio work of student photographers, designers and artists.

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August 2012

UnderConsideration

(www.underconsideration.com) is about all things graphic design. It features a network of design-focused blogs that invite dialogue on design topics, shares notable creative projects and even highlights menu designs from restaurants worldwide.

Designflavr

(www.designflavr.com) is a moderated visual design and art gallery that regularly showcases new talent.

The website shares artistic talent to - as it states - “keep the creative juices flowing” in the arenas of digital art, typography, photography, illustrations and advertising, among others. Users can browse by categories and rate the images.

ButDoesItFloat

(www.butdoesitfloat.com) provides virtual and visual inspiration through photography, typography, sculpture and artwork, among others.

The Inspiration Room

(http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/) is a creative archive and online community for viewing content from around the world. The website offers the latest visuals from television, print, advertising, music videos, photography and design. Visitors can sign up to receive daily news feeds or updates.

Polyvore

(www.polyvore.com) Mix and match your own outfits by creating a style collage. Check out the latest trends in apparel and accessories. Get style advice instantly from the web’s largest community of fashionistas and browse trendy eye candy.

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August 2012

25

Tastes from the Kitchen…

Cuban Pork Roulade

Ingredients:

1 tsp. cracked black pepper

1 pork tenderloin 10 pieces of apple smoked bacon

2 limes

1 cup white button mushrooms 1/2 cup minced garlic 1/2 cup fresh snow peas 1 log of goat cheese 2 T. honey

1/2 cup saffron or yellow rice 1/4 cup black beans 1 tsp. raspberry balsamic vinegar 1 fresh thyme sprig and 1 fresh raspberry

1/2 T. kosher salt

Casa Bolero, located in downtown Kalamazoo, has been serving a unique and delicious dinner menu of Latin Caribbean tapas-style dishes since it opened in early 2010. Their appetizer-sized portions infused with Latin and Caribbean spices are designed to encourage guests to order multiple items and share with other members of the table for a unique dining experience. Casa Bolero's menu is bursting with flavor, featuring dishes such as Steak Diablo, Calypso Crab Cakes and Roasted Chile Mac-n-Cheese.

Casa Bolero is best known for its guacamole, which is prepared tableside using fresh ingredients and served with tortilla chips. Also popular are the restaurant’s fresh margaritas made with various combinations of any of the eighty tequilas offered at the Tequila bar. All margaritas are prepared with homemade lime mix made fresh daily. For more information about Casa Bolero, check out www.casabolerokzoo.com or call 269-382-3148.

Preparation: Sauté garlic until lightly browned, and add in the mushrooms and snow peas until just cooked. Gently slice pork tenderloin in the very center all the way down the length of the loin, without cutting through. Cover with plastic wrap and begin to tenderize with rigged side of mallet, pounding from the center outward.

Tenderize with the flat side of the mallet to make a large oval inside of the loin.

Season the inside of the loin oval with salt and pepper, and drizzle honey all over. With your hands, form a long log of goat cheese, extending it the entire length of the loin and let sit. Cover the log with the sautéed garlic mushrooms and snow peas. Roll the loin and do the same to the other side, covering all. Wrap the loin with bacon, overlapping the slices to seal the filling inside.

Sear the entire loin on a flat top griddle or large sauté pan until the bacon is lightly browned.

Squeeze Lime juice over the entire loin and bake in 350 degree oven for 25 minutes. While the pork is baking, reduce the raspberry balsamic on the stovetop for 15 minutes on medium heat in a saucepan. Bake the rice and beans in a half pan with 1 cup of water. Cover with plastic and foil and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Finish by slicing 1-4oz cut of pork and placing it on rice and beans with a drizzle of raspberry balsamic reduction and a thyme y sprig. p g Drizzle raspberry p y on top. p

Jared Dellario is the new Executive Chef at Casa Bolero. ero..

Trained at the Seccia Institute ute for Culinary Education, Chef ef Jared has seventeen years of cooking under his belt, eight ht of o those as a professional chef ef att various restaurants throughout hou ut Southwest Michigan.

Jared’s specialty is classic French ren nch cuisine with a modern twist, st, and a he enjoys incorporating many anyy different cuisines, from Thai and ai an nd Vietnamese to Italian and Indian, ndiian, into his repertoire. He also spe specialecializes in what he calls “Urban n Michigan Fusion,” transforming ming Michigan products and local cal foods into delicious dishes like the he ones found on Casa Bolero’s menu. At Casa Bolero Bolero, Jared enjoys fusing an under layer of French cooking into his creations, while focusing on Latin and Island-inspired ingredients to bring out the authentic flavor of his dishes.

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August 2012

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.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Independent businesses provide meaningful services with a personal touch. It matters to them that you are satisfied and will come back again.

August 2012

27

Is your group planning a fundraiser or donation event to meet a need in our Community? Send us the buzz, with a few photos, a brief description and we’ll share the news.

Michigan Professional Women’s Resource

August 1 Mixer on the Mall North Kalamazoo Mall between Water and East Michigan Ave. 5 – 7:30 pm. Mixer on the Mall is an after-work party that features fantastic, unique, and up-and-coming musicians along with great beverages and the opportunity to network and meet new people. $1 entry. 269-388-2830. http://discoverkalamazoo.com August 1 Meet the Maker Martell’s. 5 – 8 pm. Meet the Makers behind Arcadia Ales and Founders! They’ll be out on our patio and in our dining room all night with features pours and special tastes. Free. For more information visit: 269-375-2105 August 1 - 8 Softball World Series Vanderberg Park. Opening ceremonies Aug. 1st at 4 pm; Round Robin games Wed – Tues with the championship game on Aug. 8th at 4 pm.

Awards banquet is Aug. 7th at 7 pm at WMUs Bernhard Center. 269-323-2383. www.softballworldseries.org

Kalamazoo Network The MPWR Summer Soiree was held on Wednesday June 20th to collect personal care supplies for the YMCA. Ticket to get in the door was a bottle of wine in hand, flip flops on their feet and items for the YWCA including some fun pampering items as many of these women have to leave all their personal items behind.

Kalamazoo Networking Summer Outing - Wine Tasting and Fundraising Event for Women’s Educational Coalition July 10th at Cody Kresta Vineyard and Winery in Mattawan

August 1-31 Board Games & Legos Drive Parchment Community Library, 401 S. Riverview Dr., Parchment. We are collecting new & gentlyused board games for ages 5-11. We are also accepting LEGOS for the library’s collection.

269-343-7747. wendy@parchmentlibrary.org August 2 – 4 Ribfest Arcadia Creek Festival Place. 11 am – 12 am.

National Rib Vendors come to town to cook some of the best ribs. Entertainment, special events, great beverages, and some the most amazing ribs you’ll ever taste. www.ribfestkalamazoo.com August 3 Gazelle Sports Historic Walks Downtown Kalamazoo; Meet at Gazelle Sports, 214 S. Kalamazoo Mall. 8 – 9:30 am. A walking tour around Downtown Kalamazoo looking at the contributions of women to the history and architecture of the City. Free. 269-342-5996.

August 3 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 August 4 Shermanator Triathlon Sherman Lake YMCA, Augusta. 7:45 – 10:30 am. 2012 marks the 10th anniversary for the Shermanator Triathlon. The relay/team option is again offered this year along with duathlon and aqua bike divisions. 269-978-2437. www.shermanatortri.org

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August 2012

August 4 Virtues Project Workshop Edison Community Center, 1-2 pm and 4-5 pm.

Using the language of the virtues to improve communication and empower children to do their best. Free. Contact Beth – 269-245-8155. bethfarnum@sunbeach.net August 4 United Teens Talent Civic Theatre. 7 – 9:30 pm. Don’t miss this great event! More than thirty of the Kalamazoo area’s most talented youth will compete for $1,500 in cash prizes in a talent show of magnificent proportions. Free – but tickets are required.

269-342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.org August 5 Concerts in the Park – The Barry Ross Trio Bronson Park. 4 pm. They best describe their show as a “Rockin’ Hillbilly Extravaganza”—an out of control, pedal-to-the-metal, in-your-face musical journey. Free. 269-342-5095. www.kalamazooarts.org August 5 The Bronk Bros.

The Stage at Kindleberger. 6:30 – 8 pm. They best describe their show as a “Rockin’ Hillbilly Extravaganza”—an out of control, pedal-tothe-metal, in-your-face musical journey. Lawn seating. Free. 269-303-2793. www.kindleberger.org August 6 StarLux IPL Parkway Plastic Surgery. By appointment.

Special Underarm Laser Hair Removal Only $50.00 with the NEW StarLux IPL. Call 269-343-5750 for an appointment. More info: www.juliepowellskincare.com August 6 – 11 Kalamazoo County Fair Kalamazoo County Expo Center. See website for times. For a schedule of events and admission prices please visit www.kalamazoocountyfair. com or call 269-349-9791.

August 8 Meet the Maker Martell’s. 5 – 8 pm. Meet the Makers behind New Holland Brewing Co! They’ll be out on our patio and in our dining room all night with features pours and special tastes. Free. 269-375-2105 August 11 Consumers Sunburst Run 2901 North 10th Street. 8:30 am. The Consumers Sunburst Run is a community 5K run/walk event with timing provided by Classic Race Mgmt. The event starts and finishes near the corner of 10th and H Ave in Oshtemo Township. $5 - $30.

269-998-0617. www.consumerssunburst.org August 11 Get Active Portage Ramona Park, 8600 S. Sprinkle Rd. 8:30 am – 1 pm. This is an event with something for everyone! Participants of all ages can challenge the kayak course on Long Lake or check out the

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Health Fair exhibits and activities. Free.

269-329-4446. www.portagemi.gov August 11 Folklife Vet Fest Vicksburg Historic Village, Vicksburg. 10 am – 5 pm. Join us for great music, a salute to our veterans. Enjoy food, children’s ‘ workshop, acoustic jamming and music fun. Free. jspeeter@gmail.com August 11 Burger Bash Bell’s Eccentric Café. 11 am – 2 pm. Gourmet sliders; Stout floats (and Root Beer floats); Live music; Dancing; and more! $25, $10 for children 12 and younger with paid adult. 269-342-4354. www.wellspringdance.org August 11 Perseid Meteor Shower Watch Kalamazoo Nature Center. 9 pm – 12 am. Around August 11 & 12 the Earth will pass through a stream of particles left over from Comet Shift-Tuttle III. It’s time for the Perseid Meteor Shower! $4 adult, $3 senior, $2 child.

269-381-1574. www.kasonline.org August 12 Lakeside Concert W.K. Kellogg Manor House and Estate lawn, 3700 E. Gull Lake Dr., Hickory Corners. 3 – 5 pm.

Bring a picnic, relax by the shores of Gull Lake and enjoy music by the Cereal City Concert Band.

Free. 269-671-2160.

August 15 Meet The Maker Martell’s. 5 – 8 pm. Meet the Makers behind our neighbors to the North Leelanau Cellars! They’ll be out on our patio and in our dining room all night with features pours and special tastes.

Free. 269-375-2105. www.leelanaucellars.com August 16 Arts & Crafts Day Celery Flats, Portage. 11 am – Noon. Let the artist in you shine as Celery Flats is transformed into a mini art show. Create crafts of your choosing and take it home with you. Free.

269-329-4522.

August 16 Praise and Coffee Author Night Plainwell Coffee Mill, 717 E. Bridge St. Plainwell.

7 pm. A panel full of Christian woman authors to meet and hear their stories about upcoming and past book projects and Q & A. All ladies welcome! Free. www.PraiseAndCoffee.com Sue@PraiseAndCoffee.com August 16 Grassland Birds Pasture Walk Kellogg Farm Pasture Dairy, 10461 N. 40th St., Hickory Corners. 6 – 8 pm. Learn about Michigan’s grassland bird species during a pasture walk and program. Light refreshments provided. Free. 269-671-2360.

August 17 Park Trade Center’s 30th Anniversary Celebration Park Trades Center. 5 – 9 pm. Please join in celebrating by touring many open studios, meet the artists, create art, & see demonstrations. Fun activities for kids. Free. 269-345-3311. www.parktradescenter.com August 18 Relix Riot Traditional Hot Rods, Customs & Motorcycles Gilmore Car Museum. 9 am – 6 pm. Join us for “Traditional Hot Rods, Customs and Pre-1965 Motorcycles Show”. $9. 269-671-5089. www.gilmorecarmuseum.org

August 18 Oshtemo Fun Day Flesher Field, 9th St, Oshtemo. It kicks off with a pancake breakfast at 8 am - 11 am. (cost) with the actual event starting at 10 am. There will be static displays, vendor and crafts booths and more! Free. 269-375-6215. http://oshtemorotary.org/oshtemofunday August 18 Kalamazoo Downtown CarFest Throughout downtown Kalamazoo. 10 am – 5 pm. This festival features cars of all genres and the public has a free pass to take a trip back to yesteryear while wandering through “car history”. Free. 269-344-0795.

August 18 Art Encounters – A Festival of Music, Art, and Fun for All Portage District Library. 1 – 4:30 pm. A festival full of music, interactive art, create your own sundae ice cream social and more. There is truly something for everyone. Free. 269-329-4522.

August 19 Concerts in the Park – Kalamazoo Big Band Bronson Park. 4 pm. For more than 30 years, the Kalamazoo Big Band has quietly gained a reputation as West Michigan’s premiere swing band. Free. 269-342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.org August 21 Literary Tea W.K. Kellogg Manor House, 3700 E. Gull Lake Dr., Hickory Corners. 3 – 5 pm. Enjoy an elegant three-course menu and program featuring “The Quilter’s Legacy: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel” by Jennifer Chiaverini. Reservations required. $26/ adult, $15/child ages 5-12 yrs. 269-671-2400.

August 21 Women In Networking Meeting Gull Lake Country Club, 9725 West Gull Lake Drive, Richland, MI 49083, 6 – 8:30 pm. Summer Outing! Networking, dinner, cash bar, pontoon boat rides. Cost is $20. Win.richland@gmail. com http://tinyurl.com/win-richland August 22 Meet the Maker Martell’s. 5 – 8 pm. Meet the Makers behind St. Julian’s own Forbidden Fruit series! They’ll be out on our patio and in our dining room all night with features pours and special tastes. Free.

269-375-2105.

August 22 Kalamazoo & Parchment Osprey Nests Parchment Community Library, 401 S. Riverview Dr., Parchment. 6:30 pm. Local wildlife filmmaker Matt Clysdale on Kalamazoo & Parchment osprey chicks. Register at 343-7747.

August 23 WMU Lifelong Learning Academy Fall Open House College of Health and Human Services, 4-6 p.m.

Adults of all ages welcome. Meet instructors and other students, learn about non-credit classes & trips for fall. 387-4200 or www.wmich.edu/offcampus/lifelong August 25 Super Summer Flea Market & Garage Sale Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Expo South. 7 am – 3 pm. This event is indoors in the comfort of air conditioning! Come check out the market for some great deals and great merchandise! For booth space call 269-383-8761. www.kalamazooexpocenter.com August 25 The Art & Prayer of Journaling Transformations Spirituality Center. 9am – noon.

Women’s Wellness expo Saturday, October 20 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WMU Fetzer Center

Bring a friend and hear from Bronson health experts Presentation topics include:

2350 Business Court, Kalamazoo

• Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Free

• Gynecologic Health

Bronson and Curves have joined to host Women’s Wellness Expo — an event tailored to women’s health and wellness needs. The expo will feature products and information focused on healthcare, fitness, natural products, wellness, preventative care and holistic health.

• Chiropractic Health and Wellness

• Fitness sessions • Health seminars • Products • Workshops

• Healthy Eating • Bariatric Surgery • Managing Athletic Injuries Classes are 45 minutes in length To register for classes call Bronson HealthAnswers at (269) 341-7723 or visit bronsonhealth.com

ADDItIonAl SPonSorS

Prayer and reflection; sharing of journaling methods, resources and suggestions; as well as quiet time to engage in your own conversation with the Holy. $40 Info @ 269-381-6290 ext 310. www.transformationscenter.org info@ transformationscenter.org August 25 Kalamazoo Scottish Festival Kalamazoo County Expo Center, West Lawn. 9 am – 6 pm. 20th Annual event - enjoy bagpipes, Highland games, clans, Highland cattle, entertainment, food & merchandise. Admission: Adults $11, Children 6-15 $6. Check the website for early bird admission and a coupon. Call Roy Butcher at 269-685-0240 www.kalamazooscottishfestival.org August 25 Annual Style Show Portage District Library lower level. 10 am – Noon. Alpha Delta Kappa- Gamma Zeta Chapter’s Annual Style Show Featuring Fall Fashions by Coldwater Creek. Door Prizes and Refreshments $8 Adults-available at the door. Questions?

Contact Sue Derhammer 375-8579.

August 26 Sunday Brunch at the Manor W.K. Kellogg Manor House, 3700 E. Gull Lake Dr., Hickory Corners. Seatings at 11am and 1pm.

Join us for a gourmet, multi-course meal in the beautiful, historic W.K. Kellogg Manor House.

Reservations required. $25/adults, $16/child ages 5-12 yrs. 269-671-2400.

August 27 American Red Cross Blood Drive Air Zoo. 10:15 am – 4 pm. Help alleviate blood shortages by donating blood to American Red Cross at the Air Zoo! In less than an hour, each

blood donor could save as many as three lives.

Free. 269-350-2815. www.airzoo.org August 28 The Kalamazoo MI After 5 Women’s Connection The Beacon Club, 5830 Portage Rd. 6:30 - 8 p.m. Dedicated to connecting women through fellowship, fun and inspiring messages. Business women are welcome! $17. RSVP by Aug 23.

Kay 269-381-1214. www.meetyathen.webs.com August 29 Orientation for Group Spiritual Direction Transformations Spirituality Center. 6:30 – 8:30pm. This orientation session provides an introduction to and opportunity to experience the Group Spiritual Direction process. $10. Info @ 269-381-6290 ext 310. www.transformationscenter.org info@ transformationsenter.org August 30 Click Downtown Downtown Kalamazoo. 9:30 am – Noon.

Partnering with WMU’s Freshman Fall Welcome Program, Downtown Kalamazoo welcomes 1,700 students to Central City for a photo scavenger hunt. Free. 269-388-2830. http://downtownkalamazoo.org September 1 Herbology 101 Kalamazoo Nature Center. 10 – 11 am. Discover some traditional and innovative methods of utilizing herbs, both culinary and medicinal, from your CSA share or your home garden. Drying and storing tips are included. Regular KNC admission. 269-381-1574. www.naturecenter.org

August 2012

29

Reader’s Lounge

Hot August Beach Reads Wife 22

By Melanie Gideon Ballantine Books, 2012, $26.00

Maine

By J. Courtney Sullivan Vintage Paperback, 2012, $15.95 Summer after summer, members of the Kelleher clan have kicked off their shoes and put their toes in the warm sand outside the welcoming door of this vacation home in Cape Neddick, Maine. Alice, matriarch of the family, has chosen this season to make a private decision about the fate of the cottage. For reasons deep and honorable in her own mind, she is determined to dispose of it and unwilling to risk the protests and judgments of her grown children, so she has begun packing and proceeding in secret. In the meantime, her granddaughter, Maggie, 32 and pregnant, seeks refuge at the cottage to make a decision about her unborn baby and the boyfriend in her life. Kathleen, “black sheep” of the family and Maggie’s mother, who had never planned to return to this cottage, decides to be there now for Maggie. Ignoring troubles of her own, Alice’s daughterin-law, Ann Marie, makes the saving of the cottage her personal mission this summer. Although the rambling family refuge has hosted many moments of leisure and celebration over the years, the round of crises this season threatens to dismantle it all.

Prepare to be swept up into this summer story of love and choices.

Alice Buckle is in a slump. Her career as an elementary school drama teacher is stagnant and unsatisfying. Her daughter and son, busy with school and friends, need her less and less. She and her husband, William, seem to be drifting apart and living almost separate lives. Absorbed in his own work troubles, William flippantly

remarks about her “smaller life.” In this frame of mind and in the midst of facebooking and randomly browsing online, Alice innocently responds to a survey about “Marriage in the 21st Century.” She becomes an ongoing respondent as one question follows another. Now dubbed “Wife 22” for survey purposes, she eagerly communicates with “Researcher 101” about her dreams and realities. In its anonymity, Alice answers with honesty and passion and reveals what she really wants in love and life. A spark of connection with Researcher 101 both startles and intrigues her, until she finally recognizes the truth she could have seen all along.

This is a novel of love and loss, taking chances and making fresh discoveries. It’s a beautiful story of marriage in this crazy tech world of today.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER: Alexandra Fix is the author of 10 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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August 2012

Douglas and Sons Inc. is your local source for high quality painting supplies in Southwest Michigan. Their facilities include a complete wallpaper and window treatment department, as well as two full warehouses and a sprayer repair shop.

For your convenience, their outside sales staff is available to assist with industrial applications and decorating consultations.

Douglas and Sons is located at 231 West Cedar Street in downtown Kalamazoo. For more information, call (269)344-2860 or visit them online at www.douglasandson.com.

Food Dance, located at 401 E. Michigan in downtown Kalamazoo, is committed to serving fresh, local ingredients prepared in exciting new ways. Their menu varies by season, allowing diners a new experience each time they frequent the restaurant.

They also offer a market in the front of the house that allows customers the opportunity to purchase quality regional foods to prepare in their own homes. For more information, visit www. fooddance.net or call (269) 382-1888.

Kazoo Books is an independent, locally-owned bookstore offering a wide selection of quality used books, select new titles, and book ordering services. They make every effort to carry used books, in the best condition, at the best price and to carry signed, rare and first editions. They believe in supporting their local published authors and visiting authors and encourage their customers to bring their gently used books in for trade.

Kazoo Books is located at 407 N. Clarendon Street in Kalamazoo. For more information, call (269)385-2665 or visit www. kazoobooks.com. www.womenslifestylekazoo.com