Free! February 2010
Chocolate!
Romance
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
Danielle Redmond Streed, Attorney at Law
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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
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The People Who Make It Happen... Publisher: Darlene Clifford dclifford@womenslifestylekazoo.com
Contributing Writers: Sandy Derby Kelly Duggan Mary Beth Esquibel Lauren Fitzmaurice Chloe Herakovic Emily Magyar Heidi McCrary Ann Mohr Jeff Murphy Judy Pearson Juli Wiseman The Kalamazoo Network
Sales:
the Heart
Matters of
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY Roses are Red, Violets are Blue ...............................................................................................10 Hearts & Flowers or Darts & Revenge...................................................................................20 Valentine Etiquette .................................................................................................................... 21 YOUR HEALTH Go Red for Women......................................................................................................................28 Eating Disorders are Not Pretty ..............................................................................................34 LOOKING AND FEELING GOOD I’m with Cupid .................................................................................................................................9
Sales Manager Ruth Ann Dibert radibert@womenslifestylekazoo.com
HOME DÉCOR Room Makeovers ................................................18
Sales Representatives:
BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS Conquer Your Clutter: Book by Book ............12 IMHO - Make Way For The Elephant..............23 30 Days to Loving Yourself More....................32 Love In Action .......................................................33 Reader’s Lounge...................................................38
Brenda Murphy Pamela Nunley Maria Pavletic
Layout & Design: jr4 designs JR Harper
Photography: Connie Hagman
Office Manager: Patty Hess
CONTACT US By Phone: 269-569-1647 Sales Info: 269-271-1032 By Mail: Greater Kalamazoo Women’s LifeStyle, P. O. Box 2284, Portage, MI 49081-2284
By Email:
LOOK WHO’S TALKING Danielle Redmond Streed ................................22 BUSINESS & FINANCE Ad Talk – Creating Dignity ...........................................................................6 Networking with the Kalamazoo Network .........................................20 Financial Sauvé .............................................................................................26 RECIPES CHOCOLATE! Chocolate Bliss Waldorf Salad ............................................................14 Chocolate Cherry Valentine Torte.....................................................14 Black Forest Mocha ................................................................................15 Easy Fudgey Pudding Cake .................................................................15 Easy Peanut Butter Cake ......................................................................15 Hershey’s Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies....................................15
wlskazoo@provide.net
website: www.womenslifestylekazoo.com •
t e n i n g E n l i g h
•
i n i n g E n t e r t a
March 2010
i a l E s s e n t
GLUTEN FREE! Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting...............................................................16
Free! Cooking Slow When You’re On the Go
Coming In March Let’s Eat!
HEART & SOUL Rich and Creamy Mac and Cheese...........................................................................24 Chicken Soup with Mustard Greens & Tomatoes................................................24 Carrot-Pineapple Salad with Golden Raisins .......................................................25
Conscious Wine & Food Tasting
Couples in the Kitchen
COMMUNITY NEWS & HAPPENINGS Last Baby of the Year!............................................................................................................ 7 What’s Brewing...Locally?...................................................................................................18 Calendar...................................................................................................................................36
Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
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IT’S FINALLY HERE! Kalamazoo Women’s Expo & Sale 2010! Expo Highlights 5 Featured Featured Workshops Workshops Including: Sydney’s The Sydne y’s Spring Fashion Fashion Show, Show, A WomWomen’s en’ s Journey Journey Toward Toward Financial Tow Financial Independence, Women’s W omen’s LifeStyle Magazine Mini-Makeover, Mini-Makeover, All About Facebook, Facebook, and Why Why the Good and the Bad Happen in Life & How to Change It. Martini Beer, Wine & Mar Beer, tini Bars! Bars! exhibitorss displa displaying Over Ov er 70 exhibitor ying & educating services. about the latest products and ser vices.
Stage Schedule & Expo Details at KZWomensExpo.com KZWomensExpo.com Dates: Febr February uar y 5 & 6, 2010
GET $3 OFF YYOUR OUR TICKET!
TTimes: imes: Frida Friday, y, Febr February uar y 5, 6pm to 9pm Sat, Febr February uar y 6, 11am to 4pm Location: Radisson Plaza Hotel
Present This Coupon at the Re gistration gistr ation TTable. able. Registration 1 Coupon P er P erson Please. Per Person
From the Publisher Here we are at February already! Who says the months of winter go by slowly? Seems like we just finished opening Christmas gifts and suddenly we are buying Valentine’s treats. As for my family, it’s the ‘Birthday Season’. Between January 20th and February 19th, we will honor seven immediate family members! For me at least, the winter flies by. I hope your winter is moving along quickly too. Just think, soon we’ll be welcoming spring! There, I was the first to mention spring. There’s always hope! Celebrating Matters of the Heart…that’s what we are all about this month! We are pleased to bring you lots of great recipes; many of them for that most romantic of foods: Chocolate! For those of you with food sensitivities, we have even included a recipe for Gluten Free Chocolate Cake. You will find some great ideas for Valentine’s gifts, and thoughtful ideas to demonstrate your affection. We are especially pleased to bring you important information from the American Heart Association, starting on page 26. Go Red is their annual program designed to enlighten us about the Number 1 Killer of women: Heart Disease. Heart disease is the cause of one in every three female deaths. Please read every word! It is vital that each of us understand the warning symptoms, types of heart disease and the best ways to help prevent the onset. Oh Yes! And please wear red on National Go Red Day – February 5th. And with that said….another month is done! We hope you enjoy. From our hearts to yours – till next month – stay well!
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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
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Creating Dignity Getting to the “Heart” of the Matter Humorist Arnold H. Glasgow once said, “Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time.” This month, we are shining the spotlight on MRC Industries, a successful Kalamazoo organization that takes the philosophy of doing what’s right to heart. The success of most businesses is measured by profit but the success of MRC is measured by the people they help and the lives they touch.
If you give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day. If you teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime! The mission of MRC is to provide support and encouragement to individuals living with a disability; to achieve their fullest potential through employment, skill building and active community involvement. We sat down with Kim Klein, MRC Industries Public Relations and Fund Development Coordinator, to learn more about this company that provides hope and employment for so many. She described the programs offered through MRC that are designed to help people with disabilities. McKercher Program – Assisting individuals living with a developmental disability in pursuing their employment goals, receiving training and finding employment. Connections - Helping youths with emotional disorders make the transition from school to adult life. Pathways – A clubhouse that offers employment options and integration to Kalamazoo County residents who are seriously challenged by mental illness.
Bridgeways – Providing case management and support services for individuals with mental illness. MRC Artists Co-op – A creative outlet that promotes personal growth, dignity and selfconfidence through artistic expression for adults living with developmental disabilities. Kim is inspired every day she goes to work. “Our guiding principle is that all people have the need and ability to contribute to society.” She shared some of their success stories…
One gentleman has been in the program for four years. He started working at Harold Zeigler two years ago -- a perfect fit for him due to his love of cars. He was hired in the janitorial capacity and then started talking to customers about the features of the cars and in turn sold four automobiles! As Kim explains, “He has enriched the lives of the Harold Zeigler employees and the customers.” Another individual has a traumatic brain injury that he has struggled with his entire life. He started creating landscapes at the Artists Co-op and a change developed in him. He became calmer and happier and is now one of the favorite artists featured at the Co-op. A side note – if you are looking for a unique gift for Valentine’s Day, check out the Artist Co-op at the Park Trades Center. Reasonably priced, most art pieces are priced under $50! Out of the Pathways program comes a great success story about a gentleman who suffers from severe mental illness. MRC assisted him with employment and education preparation. Now he is working on his PhD in Statistics at the University of Michigan and teaching at the same time! With the help of MRC, he has learned how to manage his illness and reach his goals despite the obstacles stacked up against him. “I love my job. I work for an organization that provides independence and dignity to people,” Kim says as we wrap up our meeting, “What I am doing with MRC Industries provides direct results. Lives are changed every day.” A little gem right here in our own neighborhood. To learn more, visit www.mrcindustries.org.
Heidi McCrary & Juli Wiseman are Managing Partners with Ad Shop, etc., an advertising agency bringing big business success to small and medium size businesses. Have a marketing question? Email heidi@adshopetc.com or call (269) 978-8800.
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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
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2009 Last Baby of the Year! It may take some advanced planning, but if you really want something different to do on New Years Eve, why not consider giving birth? The tax advantages make it worth considering. Yes, the first baby of the year may get more media hype, but you would get a “little tax deduction” worth $3,650 in 2009. How much more will a 2010 baby grab on the tax form? And for the second year in a row, there were additional rewards: H & R Block sponsored their Last Baby of the Year 2009 Program. “This program was sponsored by H&R Block last year and it was such a wonPennock Hospital, Hastings derful program that many area businesses Dalila Jayne Brown decided to participate this year. Business owners can appreciate the value of a tax deduction. So when they found out about this program last year, many businesses decided to participate and donate their products and services for 2009,” said Kristina Hornaday-Alberts, District Marketing Coordinator and Senior Tax Advisor. “Mere minutes can mean major tax savings on New Year’s Eve,” said Kristina “Babies born on December 31 provide parents with a retroactive tax exemption for all of 2009. To get that same tax break, parents of babies born after midnight on January 1, will have to wait until they file their 2010 taxes – in 2011.” So who were the lucky parents this year? The ‘Congratulations” go out to:
things a little easier they were given access to a mini van for help in transporting all those goodies home. Recognizing that each baby is special, free spa passes went to all mothers in the birthing units
Oaklawn Hospital, Marshall Caden John Mullineaux on the night of the event! This program was sponsored and supported by the staffs at Pennock, Borgess and at Oaklawn Hospitals. So if you're not doing anyting special this year...besides paying taxes and you find you could us an extra tax deduction by New Year's Eve...well we've got an idea for you!
Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo Aleyah Jade Smith
• At Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall, Mindi and Paul Mullineaux gave birth to baby boy Caden John Mullineaux, weighing in at 7lb. 13oz,. at 11:22am on Thursday, December 31, 2009. • At Pennock Hospital in Hastings, proud parents Rachel Postle and Kyril Brown gave birth to baby girl Dalila Jayne Brown, 7lb. 14oz. at 4:29pm on Wednesday December 30, 2009. • And Charity and Joshua Smith gave birth to baby girl Aleyah Jade Smith at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. Aleyah Jade weighed 7lb. 3oz. and was born at 9:06pm on Thursday December 31, 2009. Each family received a gift package donated by local business sponsors. Donations included: a gift bag with Gingerlily Farms Professional Shampoo and Conditioner; gift certificate for hair services; a Keepsake photo album; a custom made ‘Last Baby of the Year’ gift mug; $10 gift certificates for future clothing purchases; a free month of Contempo Spa Services and $10 in spa bucks; a custom made digital memory book; photo CD of the Last Baby Event; a framed letter mat of baby's name; custom made turquoise (birthstone of December) jewelry sets; spa products; an air brush tan; cheese ball mixes and fruit spreads; They also received: custom ‘Last Baby of the Year’ diaper bag; hand sanitizer; diaper changing mat baby powder; rubber ducky; a bib stating “I am a new tax deduction.”; a onesey stating, “I am a new tax deduction.”;baby wash and package of Huggies diapers. And just to make
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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
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F
By Sara Cosgrove
ebruary is a mystical month, when modern-day rituals make way for old-fashioned romance. This month we feel inspired by Cupid and his arrows to read Shakespearean sonnets and watch classic films like “Casablanca.”
It’s also the time of year when we hope for something special from a loved one – something that represents not just who we are, but that we are loving, beautiful, remarkable women. While valentines and dinner reservations occupy our thoughts, there is also a wish list. Jewelry is at the top of the list, of course, and then there are the garments that speak volumes about our tastes. An elegant dress with floral appliqué around the neckline? A “Juliet” blouse? And when hinting leads to asking, may I suggest a bouquet of roses?
Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. pink opal egg charm pendant and 18k gold chain, $2,900 and $700 Available at Tiffany & Co. stores
CC Skye Arrow Earrings, $125 Available at boutiques and fine department stores, including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Hanky Panky long-stem low-rise thong bouquet, half dozen roses, $130 Individual pairs of Hanky Panky thongs are available at boutiques. This bouquet is available at bareneccessities.com.
Donna Ricco dress, $168 Donna Ricco dresses are available at boutiques and fine department stores, including Nordstrom.
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Roses are Red, Violets are Blue… Whether it's wooing a crush, rekindling the flame or celebrating years of marital Bliss, when it comes to saying "I Love You," fragrant flowers remain one of the most desired gifts to receive on Valentine's Day. From stately red roses to pretty pink petals and flirty floral "cocktails," floral bouquets are personal gifts that make a lasting impression. This Valentine's Day, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM introduces some new and creative floral arrangements.
For the love of your life: Impeccable Red Rose Bouquet (3 dozen) $259.95
Spare no expense with this grandiose arrangement of 36 lavish red roses, sure to express everything you could ever want to say.
Sweet!
Metro Star Lilies Bouquet only $39.95; with clear glass Wave Vase $54.95 Eye-catching 'Mero Star' Oriental lilies garner attention with their sweet fragrance and graceful, star-shaped red and white blooms. These sophisticated flowers, featuring multiple blooms on each stem, are dramatic and long-lasting, making them an exuberant bouquet for someone special.
For the fun flirt: Love Potion $29.99
A fun flirt deserves a fun and flirty arrangement. Add some pizzazz and color to their Valentine's Day arrangement with this floral mocktail, sure to have them drunk with love.
Do you believe in magic?
Valentine’s Magic $49.99 (square vase) $59.99 (round vase)
Put them under your spell with this romantic bouquet of roses, stock, carnations, waxflower and bear grass, artistically designed in a clear glass cube vase for an enchanting gift that proves its hip to be square.
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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
For the classic beauty:
Valentine's Charm Bouquet $59.95 This timeless collection of pink, red and lavender roses is the perfect picture of grace and beauty, and is perfect for any classic beauty in your life, whether it's for a partner, mother or sister.
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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
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Conquer Your Clutter: Book by Book
B
By Alexandra Fix
ook upon book, reading material has quietly accumulated over the years and no room in my house is without books. I love my books, but what can I do with all of them? Undeniably, books add character to a home and it’s always fun to browse friends’ shelves to catch a glimpse of their personalities through their book treasures. If we’re not careful though, books are one possession that can begin to possess us. They take up space, call out for dusting, and whisper an obligation to open and read.
Urge to purge. Recently, an overwhelming urge to purge came over me and I took action. Five-hundred books and four bookcases later, my house breathes easier. Not for the faint of heart; this purge took one full week of book hauling and another for cleanup and final decisions. To begin your own book purge, select one bookcase as a starting point and pull all of the books forward. Choose titles you’d keep without question and push those books back on the shelf. Then, consider each remaining book and determine if you might ever re-read it or recommend it to a friend. If neither of these choices are likely, and it was not chosen in that first round of books with strong, emotional draw, why keep it? Without question, let yourself discard books with miniscule print, uninviting browned pages or hints of mildew. Over the years I have learned that it’s OK to let go of an unread book. I heard a clever formula once and like the release it offers: Subtract your age from 100 and read that many pages before you give up on a book. Life’s too short to waste time reading a bad book.
Share it, store it or sell it. Are there friends who might be interested in your castoffs? Does a local bookstore buy used books for cash or store credit? Consider donating books to a library used book sale or thrift shop. For taxdeductible purposes, list value as the price they could potentially sell for at a sale. If books are grungy or moldy, trash them or remove cardboard covers and recycle the pages. Some well-loved childhood books
might be hard to toss. Store them away from your shelved collection in plastic containers. Drop in a few of those moisture-absorbing packets from inside pill bottles and purses to reduce mildew tendencies.
Put them in their place. When arranging your book collection, suit your own inner logic and style. Do you think of your book collection as one whole unit or several parts? If you think in categories, organize that way for easy access. I group fiction alphabetically by author. Some people pay no attention to the author’s name but simply know titles. Other groupings might be by genre—mystery, romance, espionage, inspirational, etc. You might shelve those that are read and unread separately. (Note with pencil in the top corner of the first page your initials and the date read.) You might arrange books by areas of interest. If some of your choices match a curiosity about American history, for example, you could group historical fiction and non-fiction together, as well as biographies of people of that era. Anything food related is in my kitchen, including cookbooks, chef memoirs and food essays. Sewing, yarn and craft books are near my sewing machine, writing guides in my home office, and music books near the piano. Plastic baskets or canvas bins on lower shelves are best for children’s books. Kids can’t read those skinny spines and often choose a book simply by its cover anyway, so faces forward give the best exposure. Books grouped by spine colors can create a décor element. One of my daughters grouped all of her pink jacketed books in her bedroom bookcase. Think chick lit, in particular, and you can imagine how fun this bookcase was. I have seen ideas go as far as covering books with a single-colored paper jacket to create a minimalist look. A stack of coffee tabletype books, topped by a tray, makes a conversation-starter end table or nightstand.
Keeping track. Check out www.collectorz.com for software that allows you to easily catalogue the contents of your collection so you always know what you have and can avoid buying books you already own. I’m still looking for the right electronic software to manage the books I borrow and loan. For now, pen and paper works best. List the friend’s name, date, book loaned and a notation of how long you agreed that he/she may keep the book and cross off when returned. Keep this list in a current activity file or a book file. Do the same for borrowed books, but write the intended return date on your calendar or planner.
Subtract your age from 100 and read that many pages before you give up on a book. Life’s too short to waste time reading a bad book.
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Late Evening at BIGGBY COFFEE
Friday, Feb 13th from 9pm - 10:30pm Meet some friends and let BIGGBY COFFEE your Valentine! Join us for a relaxing night of movies, fun and more!
5913 Gull Rd Kalamazoo (269) 344-5527 for franchise infor information mation www.biggby.com www.biggby www .biggby.com .biggby .com
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recipes courtesy of Hershey’s
Easy Fudgey Pudding Cake * recipe next page
Chocolate Cherry Valentine Torte 2 1-1/2 1-1/4 1/2 3/4 1/2 1/2 1
eggs, separated cups sugar, divided cups all-purpose flour cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa teaspoon baking soda teaspoon salt cup vegetable oil cup buttermilk or sour milk* CREAM FILLING (recipe fol-
lows) CHOCOLATE WHIPPED CREAM (recipe follows) 1 can (21 oz.) cherry pie filling, chilled 1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three heartshaped baking pans or three 9-inch round baking pans. ** 2. Beat egg whites in small bowl until foamy; gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Set aside. Stir together flour, remaining 1 cup sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add oil, buttermilk and egg yolks; beat until smooth. Gently fold egg whites into batter. Pour about 1-2/3 cups batter into each prepared pan. 3. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until cake springs back when touched lightly in center. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Bake remaining layer, if necessary. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely. 4. Prepare CREAM FILLING. Place 1 layer on serving plate; pipe or spoon 1-inch border 1/2 inch thick around outer edge of layer. Spread half of pie filling in center.
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Chocolate Bliss Waldorf Salad 1/4 1 1 1 2
Top with second cake layer. Spread layer with half of remaining CREAM FILLING. Top with third layer. Spoon remaining pie filling on top of cake to within 1 inch of edge. 5. Prepare CHOCOLATE WHIPPED CREAM; frost sides of cake. Pipe top edge with remaining CREAM FILLING. Refrigerate until serving time. Cover; store leftover torte in refrigerator. 8 to 10 servings. * To sour milk: Use 1 tablespoon white vinegar plus milk to equal 1 cup. ** If only two pans are available, reserve remaining batter in refrigerator for the third layer while first 2 layers bake. CREAM FILLING: In bowl, combine 1 cup (1/2 pt.) cold whipping cream with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; beat until stiff. CHOCOLATE WHIPPED CREAM: In bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa. Add 1 cup (1/2 pt.) cold whipping cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; beat on low speed to blend. Beat on high speed until stiff.
Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2
cup mayonnaise tablespoon sugar tablespoon raisin paste OR 2 tablespoons raisins teaspoon finely grated orange peel cups (2 medium) red eating apples, unpeeled and coarsely chopped cup mandarin orange segments cup (1 stalk) thin celery slices cup chopped walnuts cup HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Salad greens (optional)
1. Mix mayonnaise, sugar, raisin paste and orange peel in large bowl. 2. Stir in apples, orange segments, celery, nuts and chocolate chips. Serve on salad greens, if desired. Cover and refrigerate any remaining salad.
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Hershey’s Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies About 5 dozen cookies Ingredients: 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK or HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips 1 cup chopped nuts(optional) 1. Heat oven to 375°F. 2. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Add eggs; beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating well. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet. 3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.
Black Forest Mocha One 1-cup serving 1 2 1/4 1 3/4 2
Easy Fudgey Pudding Cake 6 to 8 servings 1 cup all-purpose biscuit baking mix 1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk), divided 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Syrup, divided 3/4 cup hot water Whipped topping or ice cream(optional) 1. Heat oven to 375°F. Grease 8-inch square baking pan. 2. Combine baking mix and cocoa in medium bowl; stir in 1 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup syrup and vanilla until blended. Spoon evenly into prepared pan. 3. Combine remaining sweetened condensed milk, remaining 1/2 cup syrup and water in small bowl. Pour liquid mixture carefully over top of mixture in pan; do not stir. 4. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until center is set and cake begins to pull away from sides of pan. Let stand 10 minutes; spoon into dessert dishes, spooning pudding from bottom of pan over top. Serve warm; garnish with whipped topping, if desired. Cover; refrigerate leftover dessert.
tablespoon sugar teaspoons HERSHEY'S Cocoa to 1/2 teaspoon powdered instant coffee tablespoon water cup milk to 3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
Easy Peanut Butter Cake 1-2/3 cups (10-oz. pkg.) REESE'S Peanut Butter Chips 1 tablespoon shortening (do not use butter, margarine, spread or oil) 1 package (about 18 oz.) regular white or yellow cake mix (not pudding-in-mix type) HERSHEY'S Syrup Chocolate curls (optional) PEANUT BUTTER WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING (recipe follows)
In microwave-safe mug or cup, stir together sugar, cocoa, instant coffee and water. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 30 seconds or until hot; stir, blending thoroughly. Stir in milk and cherry juice; microwave at HIGH 1 minute or until hot. Serve hot, topped with sweetened whipped cream, if desired.
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan. 2. Place peanut butter chips and shortening in medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 1-1/2 minutes or until smooth when stirred. Prepare cake mix as directed on package; blend in melted chip mixture. Pour batter into prepared pans. 3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. 4. Frost with PEANUT BUTTER WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING. Refrigerate until serving time. Serve with syrup drizzled over top and sides of cake. Garnish with chocolate curls, if desired. Cover; refrigerate leftover cake. 10 to 12 servings. PEANUT BUTTER WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING About 4 cups frosting 1-2/3 cups (10-oz. pkg.) REESE'S Peanut Butter Chips 2/3 cup milk 3 cups miniature marshmallows 2 cups (1 pt.) cold whipping cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Stir together peanut butter chips, milk and marshmallows in 2-quart saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until chips and marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth; cool to lukewarm. Beat whipping cream in small bowl with electric mixer until stiff; fold in vanilla and cooled peanut butter chip mixture.
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Chocolate Cake Ingredients 1/3 cup shortening 1 cup sugar 2 eggs ½ tsp vanilla 1 cup gluten free flour blend 1 tsp xanthan gum ¼ cup baking powder ½ tsp baking soda ¼ tsp salt 2/3 cup hot water ½ tsp vinegar
Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Cream shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. 3. Combine flour, xanthan, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to creamed mixture. Mix well. Add water and vinegar, stir in quickly. 4. Pour in greased and rice floured 9 inch round cake pan. Bake for 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Chocolate Frosting Ingredients ½ cup butter, melted ½ cup baking cocoa 2 tsp. vanilla 3 cups powdered sugar ¼ cup of milk Instructions 1. Mix melted butter and cocoa powder. 2. Add vanilla. Beat in powdered sugar. 3. Add milk to desired spreading consistency. Mix well. Frosts on 9x13 inch or two 9 inch round cakes.
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Room Makeovers That Won’t Break the Budget
So you have a room that needs updating, but you don’t have a lot of time or money? Not a problem. These quick-fix ideas will spruce up a room in no time without emptying your wallet. Bathroom • If you like old fashioned tin ceilings, try ceiling tile paintable wallpaper. It's textured wallpaper that looks like embossed white plaster, and you can paint it any color you want. Put it up under a chair rail to make a unique wainscoting in a weekend. • For artwork, frame color copies of prints out of books, magazines or catalogs. If it’s a kids’ bathroom, frame some of their art. • A few fresh hand towels and a new toilet seat will freshen things up, as well. Bedroom • A new duvet cover or comforter and matching shams will instantly change the look of your bedroom. Reversible covers give you even more design
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bang for your buck. Paint an accent wall to bring a new color into the room. If your other walls are neutral, go with a bolder color on the accent wall. If the other walls are a strong color, pick out a neutral tone. Fabric remnants are an inexpensive and easy way to dress up your room. Recover pillows or add a colorful band to your drapes. At about one-third of the regular fabric price, they’re a bargain.
Living Room • One of the easiest – and cheapest – ways to change up a room is to rearrange the furniture. Take everything out and start over with a clean slate. And don’t be afraid to poach items from other rooms – the mirror in the hall just might look perfect behind the sofa now. • Don’t forget the floors. If you have wood floors, put the shine back into them with wood cleaner. If you have carpet, add a colorful area rug on
What’s Brewing…Locally? The holiday season is over, resolutions for the new year have been made, and 2010 has officially begun. If one of your plans is to “try new things,” you might be interested in testing a well-liked Kalamazoo-based product. The beer of Bell’s Brewery might just be the item for you. Founded by Larry Bell in 1983, the Bell’s Brewery, then called the Kalamazoo Brewing Company, was originally a home brewing supply shop. The first few years, Bell’s shipped out more than five-hundred barrels of beer annually. From its humble beginnings, Bell’s Brewery has grown from renting space in a plumbing supply warehouse, to producing over 90,000 barrels of beer per year, as a regional craft brewery. “I think Bell’s has two types of fans,” said Kevin Henry, local entertainer in locations such as Shakespeare’s Pub in Kalamazoo and Bennigan’s in Portage. “There are those who love it because it is a hand-crafted product. Then there are those who love it because it is hugely accepted in the Midwest region, so it must be good!” The term “craft brewery” refers to the smaller size of the brewery, and thus the limited production of beer within the brewery. Bell’s produces a variety of “robust, full-bodied ales.” Bell’s Brewery is the oldest craft brewery
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Courtesy of Family Features
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top for a splash of color and to help define an area. Go green – with plants. Whether it’s a single palm leaf in a vase or a pretty silk tree, greenery adds a lot to a room. For the best effect, group plants of varying heights, fullness and color together.
Kitchen • Replace cabinet hardware with decorative pulls and handles. It’s an easy way to add personality to ordinary cabinetry. New switch plates are another affordable change that can
make a difference. Dress up your windows with a new valance. A fresh color will perk things up in no time. If you have solid curtains or sheers, try a patterned valance. If the curtains are print, compliment them with a solid valance. • Add a new throw rug and a few fresh kitchen towels and you’ve got a brand new look for next to nothing. Some creative thinking and a little elbow grease is all it takes to make a room feel like new.
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east of Boulder, Colorado, and now sells to over fifty wholesalers in fifteen states. With a total brewing capacity of 140,000 barrels, it boasts nineteen different brands of beer, including some that are quite well-known like Pale Ale, Cherry Stout, Oberon, and Octoberfest, which are consumed by satisfied customers all over the Kalamazoo area. “Last summer my boyfriend’s family had a summer party and we shared kegs of Oberon,” said Erin McGregor, a current resident of Kalamazoo. “It was such a great time, just hanging out drinking a great beer and spending time together. It’s something we’ve done a few times, and I guess you could say Bell’s beer just brings us all together.” In addition to the production line itself, Bell’s Brewery is also home to the Eccentric Café. The café allows customers the opportunity to taste well-known Bell’s products and small batch brews that are not distributed outside of the brewery. The café features a beer garden, a warm atmosphere, and live music on weekends. “One summer, I went to Bell’s with several friends of mine from college and we sat outside in their beer garden drinking beer and catching on our post-college experiences,” said Matt Henry, Western Michigan University alum and current Grand Junction, MI, resident. “It’s a great place with a great atmosphere for just relaxing. It also helps that Bell’s makes the best beer for social drinking.” According to the Bell’s Brewery website, “Our ongoing goal is to brew thoughtfully, creatively and artistically. We strive to bring an authentic and pleasant experience to all of our customers through our unique ales and beers. We look forward to sharing our beers with you.” If you are interested in the brewery itself, or in finding one of its distributors, check the Bell’s Brewery website at www.bellsbeer.com or call. To contact the Eccentric Café, call 269-382-2332. Emily Magyar is an undergraduate student at Albion College. A senior, she is studying English with Creative Writing and working on a minor in journalism. She interned this summer with Women’s Lifestyle Magazine, and is currently a contributing writer.
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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
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Valentine's Day:
Hearts & Flowers or Darts & Revenge February is the month for Valentine's Day and we’re all bombarded with images of hearts and flowers, sweethearts and promises of eternal love. But for many women Valentine's Day is nothing more than a reminder of lost love, broken relationships and on-going battles with an ex over the kids and child support. Some women think the best way to handle their personal anger is to get into a huge, ugly court fight. The problem is that the desire for revenge totally blocks out the need for calm reasoning and common sense. Gail Towne, a Kalamazoo Family Law practitioner, says, "Revenge has no place in divorce proceedings, especially where minor children are involved. When you get into a divorce battle to satisfy your anger, the attorneys are the winners and you and the children are the losers. Too often a great deal of the marital estate goes to put the lawyers' kids through school, not yours." But it doesn't have to be this way. Anger and revenge should not lead to a fight that hurts you and the kids more than it does your spouse. Attorney Towne recommends mediation in divorce cases where emotions run high. "Parties need a forum where they can vent their grievances in private, and not put their children in the middle". A trained mediator can defuse the anger and help the parties concentrate on the real future needs instead of rehashing the past. One effective mediation technique is to make the couple imagine the conversation between their children at high school graduation about how their parents raised them after the divorce. Did they put the kids first and develop an effective parenting plan or did they use them as pawns in their personal battles? It can be a sobering exercise. The mediation process allows the divorcing couple to work out a parenting plan that will work best for them, and most importantly, their children. Statistics have shown that parenting plans worked out in a mediated divorce have a much higher compliance rate than those imposed by a court. What about those of you who may not be in a big court battle but are still depressed over a lost relationship - Valentine's Day is only one more reminder you’d rather not have to deal with. Catherine Ellis, MA, a psychotherapist in Kalamazoo, recommends this: "Identify and acknowledge your feelings; give yourself permission to have them. Remember that time lessens and heals even intense emotions. When the feelings are intense, take deep breaths, exhale slowly and try to use relaxation imagery to divert your thinking. Take a hot bath, get a massage, find a yoga class. If you're still experiencing emotional difficulties, consult a psychotherapist and or join a support group." When working with couples in mediations where the anger and tension is high, it is important to provide a controlled way for them to express their emotions so they feel that they have been heard. Each person must have the sense that they have had the chance to vent their grievances. The benefit of mediation is that the venting is done in a private setting without the extreme tension and expense of a public court fight. The process lets them go forward to create a better working relationship for their future and the future of their children.
PO Box 50374 • Kalamazoo MI 49005 • voicemail: 269-343-7865 • www.kalamazoonetwork.org Every month Women’s LifeStyle is pleased to have the Kalamazoo Network answer your business and professional questions. The Kalamazoo Network has a large membership of women who either own their own business or are professional in many fields. If you have a question(s) you’d like answered please email us at: wlskazoo@provide.net RE: Kalamazoo Network Question.
How Can You GROW YOUR BUSINESS In Today’s Market? Question: You read our questions every month... do you know what Network is? Answer: The Kalamazoo Network is: women supporting and encouraging each other in business. By meeting other women, you will make valuable personal and professional contacts. The Network is an excellent way to make personal contacts. That personal relationship may lead to potential clients trying your service or product. It can also lead to career moves, and it will definitely add good things to your life! What type of networking opportunities are there for my business? All meetings showcase businesses, civic events and employment opportunities, open microphone for announcements, and a table for business cards and promotional materials. What’s the structure like? Dinner at meetings with featured program. The meetings are bimonthly on the 2nd Tuesday at 5:15. How can I follow up with members? Member’s names, contact numbers, occupation of members are on the Network online Directory updated continuously. There is also advertising Space Available for Online Directory and updates on committee activities and programs and a newsletter. Are there professional development opportunities? Professional Development, Community Issues / Women’s Education Coalition, Hands-on / How-to programs, Personal Health / Current Issues, Potential Women’s Expo involvement “Hands-on” committee involvement, Board and Leadership opportunities.
Maureen Krause, ABR is a Realtor with Prudential Preferred Realtors. She is currently serving as the President for Kalamazoo Network.
By Jeff Murphy Principal, Mediation Services of Southwest Michigan ©2009 T. Jefferson Murphy Mediation Services of Southwest Michigan www.JeffMurphyMediator.com
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Valentine Etiquette Valentine's Day can be a tricky holiday for many, especially those who have only begun their relationships. Here are some tips to consider on what men and women should give as gifts depending on how long they've been with their significant other, according to It’s Just Lunch (www.itsjustlunch.com). Less than three months – Don't even bring it up if you've been dating for a month or less. If you've been dating for more than a month, bring it up casually but don't expect anything. Three to six months - If you've been together this long, it's reasonable to expect to exchange gifts and to enjoy a good dinner together. If one of you isn't up for that, it's likely you're in different places in your relationship. Six months plus - This is a time for somewhat bigger romantic gestures - a special dinner together at a fancier restaurant than you usually go to and an exchange of nicer gifts.
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many of my friends, family and existing clients that although it was my client’s money and not my own, I know I had played an important role in helping make these local gifts possible.”
Danielle Redmond Streed Attorney at Law
Our ‘LWT’ this month is all about a woman who has an incredible amount of heart! Danielle Redmond Streed gives a tremendous amount of her time, talent and commitment to many organizations throughout Kalamazoo. She has an incredible energy about her and a wonderful, somewhat zany, sense of humor. But don’t let that fool you, she cares deeply about an amazing number of things. Read on and you’ll see! To Danielle – our thanks! HOMETOWN: Danielle was born in Denver, Colorado EDUCATION: Juris Doctorate (JD) from Thomas M. Cooley School of Law PERSONAL: “My family is not from this area, but I married into the Redmond family which has been in this community for over 70 years. My husband’s grandfather started Redmond Funeral Home and my father-in-law, Bob Redmond, started the law firm of Redmond & Redmond back in the 1960's. My husband joined his father at the law firm in 1994 and I joined in 2001. When my father-in-law retired in 2002, my husband and I took over the family practice. Our office is located at 480 West Lovell in downtown Kalamazoo and the actual building has been in the family for three generations.” RESIDES: Danielle and husband, Todd, live in Kalamazoo. Together, they purchased and remodeled Todd’s childhood home. PROFESSION: “For almost nineteen years, I have had the pleasure of working as an estate planning attorney. I help people with setting up their Last Will and Testament, Living Trusts, Medical and Financial Powers of Attorney. A good portion of my time is spent preplanning for things that many of us do not like to think about such as death and incapacity. The balance of my time is also spent handling probate administration and Medicaid assistance.” WHAT STEERED YOU TOWARDS THE LEGAL PROFESSION? “All I can remember is back in seventh grade, when I lived in Los Alamos, New Mexico, I was talking to my girlfriend about what I wanted to be when I grew up: a lawyer. As it got closer to high school graduation, I found myself following in my father’s footsteps, which involved the field of radio and television. After several years of college and realizing that journalism may ultimately not be the career for me, I recalled my childhood dream and applied for law school. I can say that I have never looked back and do not regret my choices.” TO YOU, WHAT’S THE MOST MEMORABLE JOB RELATED EVENT? “To date, my most memorable event is working with a client whose primary focus was charitable giving. This client came to me after his wife died to set up his estate plan and over the course of our attorney/client relationship we addressed many of his charitable wishes. When we first started the client’s estate plan, his intention was to donate a significant portion of his estate to national charities. After discussing the client’s family history and all of the benefits he had received from his community for over 90 years, we began looking at some local charities. When the client passed away in 2007, over six local charities received gifts totaling over $4 million dollars. When my client died, I assisted the corporate Trustee by making calls to the local charities and advising them of the gift they were to receive. I tell
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TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS? “Some people are born smart, where everything comes to them naturally and then there are those of us that work hard for what we have. I would attribute my success first of all to a lot of hard work, but that would only apply to my initial success. Success can come and go and in many cases it is tough to keep success going for an extended period of time. For the extended success I feel that I have experienced, I would have to attribute that to the fact that I absolutely love what I do.” WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT YOUR WORK? “That we are all just a bunch of “suits”. Many people come into my office and are a little surprised by my office decor. It is fairly laid back and casual and does not have that law office look. My office shows my personality and is filled with casual furniture, an oversized rug from Mexico, many real plants and tons of pictures of my friends and family. When people come in to meet with me about their own personal affairs, I think it is important that they know something personal about me too.” TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: Danielle is a member of: Michigan State Bar; Kalamazoo County Bar Association; President of the Southwest Michigan Society of Financial Service Professionals; board member of the Kalamazoo Hospital Hospitality House; and committee member of Girls on the Run. She has been actively involved in many non-profits over the last 18 years - too many to list! She enjoys being involved in the non-profit arena, not only because she believes in charitable giving, but because it ties in well with her estate planning practice. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK? She loves to golf. From the months of April through September, that is where you will find her in her free time. DO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS? “People never believe me when I tell them I have woodworking skills and sewing skills. When my husband and I bought his parent’s home in 2003, we gutted the interior and renovated most of it ourselves. We laid all the hard wood floors, the tile and I even did all of the interior painting. In addition to all of that work, I also created many of the pillows and duvet covers for the bedrooms. My husband and I created several pieces of furniture for some of the bedrooms. Most of my clients do not believe that I have these woodworking skills, until I am actually able to discuss various types of saws and tools with them in a very educated manner.” DESCRIBE YOUR “PERFECT” DAY OFF: Playing golf! MOST RECENTLY READ BOOK: “The Age Curve” by Kenneth W. Gronbach FAVORITE BOOK: “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand FAVORITE MOVIE(S): “The Truman Show” WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO WATCH ON TV? “Chuck”, “Psych”, “The Bachelor” and the Speed Channel. WHAT’S IN YOUR REFRIDGERATOR? “Condiments. My husband is a wonderful gourmet cook and so we always have to be prepared to spice things up. Fortunately, I have a commercial sized refrigerator in my home and I am able to store many of the condiments in the refrigerator and still have room for the food itself.” WHAT DO YOU COLLECT? Shoes – she loves shoes! WHAT INSPIRES YOU? “What inspires me is my community! Kalamazoo and the people that live here are amazing. When I hear all the good deeds and charitable efforts that go on, I am inspired to continue to work here so I too can be a contributing member of this community.” WHICH CHARITY OR FOUNDATION IS CLOSEST TO YOUR HEART? She promotes and supports charities that encourage, promote, empower, support and protect women. WHERE WOULD WE FIND YOU ON A TYPICAL SUNDAY AFTERNOON? “At home enjoying a relaxing afternoon, watching television, catching up on movies, reading a book or even taking a mid-afternoon nap.” WHAT WOULD AQUAINTANCES BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU? “I went to 14 different public schools before I graduated from high school and that I put myself through undergraduate and law school in five and half years by working an average of two to three jobs at a time.” WHAT QUESTION WERE YOU HOPING I WOULDN’T ASK? How tall I am without heels?
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Make Way for the Elephant Thirty-five years ago, my father witnessed a most interesting event while on safari in Africa. He and his group had come in contact with a tribe of pigmies and beginning on the day in question, my father watched and photographed as the pigmies completely stripped the carcass of an elephant, having a use for each piece. At the end of three days, virtually nothing remained of that elephant. So extraordinary was the event that whenever dad lectured about his adventures, he never failed to include this story, accompanied by a progression of slides for illustration. Now, what does this have to do with courage? Read on. Let’s imagine that you arrive at your office tomorrow morning and your supervisor gleefully informs you that not only has the company purchased a new computer system, but that you (the one with the big red X on her forehead) have been chosen to learn the system first. Then, as a really big treat, you are responsible for instructing the rest of the office on the new system, making sure to highlight its improvements over the old one, how to solve any problems that may arise, and why this change is good for all involved. Upon hearing this news, your flesh begins to crawl and some prehistoric part of your brain tells you, “This change should be feared.” A host of emotional thoughts arise. You feel powerless; you like the current computer system, why does it have to change? You feel you’re losing something; your security is threatened. Psychologists tell us change that’s unexpected, unwanted or imposed without our consent creates insecurity and anxiety. It’s
almost like dealing with the emotions associated with the death of a loved one: there’s sadness, denial, resistance and anger. No doubt about it, it takes courage to change. Especially considering that our society has instilled in us the peculiar notion that we need to know the answers to and outcomes of something even before we start it. When the change is overwhelmingly huge (think elephant-sized), knowing the answers and outcomes appears impossible. So what’s a body to do? ACE the change. First, accept it. Change is going to happen and moaning about what could have been is of no use. You’re getting a new computer system in your office. Period. Move on to step two, which is to comprehend the change. Fear arises from the unknown, so ask as many constructive questions as you can to garner more information about the change. How long will you have to learn the new system? How quickly is the staff expected to be up to speed? Is support available from the company that created the system? Finally explode the change into lots of smaller pieces. And here’s where the elephant comes in. One of my favorite sayings is, “You can even eat an elephant a bite at a time.” The pigmies proved that right before my father’s eyes. Do the same thing with change. Visualize it exploding into digestible pieces scattered in a circle around you, and then tackle each piece one at a time. In our example, look at the new computer systems’ users’ guide, divide it into sections, and write each down on paper. As you digest each section, cross it off your list. You’ll have visual proof that you’re making progress toward your goal. And best of all, you will have gained the courage to change, even if it was one bite at a time.
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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Heart & Soul r
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These recipes are reprinted with permission from The Best of Healthy Soul Food Recipes, Copyright Š 2008 by the American Heart Association. Published by Publications International, Ltd. Available at ShopPower.org.
Chicken Soup with Mustard Greens and Tomatoes Serves 4; 1 cup per serving 4 1 4 2 2 2 1 1/8 1/4
cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth small carrot, thinly sliced large mustard green leaves, coarsely chopped (about 4 cups) medium Italian plum tomatoes, diced ounces diced lower-sodium, low-fat ham (about 1/4 cup) medium green onions, thinly sliced tablespoon imitation bacon bits teaspoon salt teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
In a large saucepan, bring the broth and carrot to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes, or until the carrot is almost tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Increase the heat to medium high and return to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes, or until the greens are tender and the flavors blend. Ladle into soup bowls. Nutrients per Serving Calories Total Fat Saturated Fat Polyunsaturated Fat Monounsaturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium
Rich and Creamy Mac and Cheese Serves 4; 1/2 cup per serving 4 4 1/3 2 1 1/2 1/8 1/8
ounces dried elbow macaroni slices low-fat American cheese, about 3/4 ounce each cup fat-free milk tablespoons light tub margarine teaspoon prepared mustard teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (lowest sodium available) teaspoon salt teaspoon red hot-pepper sauce
In a large saucepan, prepare the macaroni using the package directions, omitting the salt and oil. Drain well in a colander. Return to the pan. Add the remaining ingredients, stirring until the cheese melts. Cook over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat. Let stand for 5 minutes to continue to thicken. Nutrients per Serving Calories Total Fat Saturated Fat Polyunsaturated Fat Monounsaturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium
173 3.5 g 0.5 g 0.5 g 1.5 g 5 mg 344 mg
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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
Carbohydrates Dietary Fiber Sugars Protein
24 g 1g 3g 9g
Dietary Exchanges 1 1/2 starch 1 lean meat
61 1.0 g 0.0 g 0.0 g 0.5 g 6 mg 297 mg
Carbohydrates Dietary Fiber Sugars Protein Dietary Exchanges 1 1/2 vegetable 1/2 very lean meat
7g 3g 3g 7g
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Carrot-Pineapple Salad with Golden Raisins Serves 6; 1/2 cup per serving 2-1/2 cups matchstick-size carrot strips 1 8-ounce can pineapple tidbits in their own juice, drained, reserving 1 tablespoon juice 1/3 cup golden raisins 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon curry powder (optional) In a medium bowl, stir together the carrots, pineapple, and raisins. In a small bowl, stir together the reserved pineapple juice, sugar, mayonnaise, and curry powder. Pour over the carrot mixture. Stir gently to coat. Spoon into a serving bowl. Tip: Even if you think you don’t like curry powder, you may want to give it a try in this recipe. The curry powder is subtle, yet really brings the flavors together. Nutrients per Serving Calories Total Fat Saturated Fat Polyunsaturated Fat Monounsaturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium Carbohydrates Dietary Fiber Sugars Protein
99 2.0 g 0.0 g 0.5 g 1.0 g 2 mg 81 mg 22 g 2g 16 g 1g
Dietary Exchanges 1 fruit 1 1/2 vegetable 1/2 fat
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Advice for Making Senior Living Decisions
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t’s likely that you have bought and sold a number of homes in your lifetime, probably all without the assistance of your financial advisor. However, if you, your parents, or grandparents are considering a move to a senior living community, you might benefit from some professional advice. Living choices for seniors are increasing constantly, contracts are exceedingly complicated, and some moves could have serious tax and estate plan repercussions. The bottom line? There are more factors to consider in your evaluation of a senior living community than with your previous moves. First and foremost, today, the term senior living encompasses a wide variety of choices from independent senior apartments and luxurious “Over 55” adult communities to living options focused on providing health care that range from Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) to Life Care Communities (LCCs). In short, while seniors who decided they could no longer
$300,000 to $500,000 offer a provision that when you leave the condo permanently, you get back 80 to 90% of your original investment. That may sound like a great deal, but it’s worth considering that the developer gets all the appreciation. In a hot real estate market, especially over the course of several decades, this could mean significantly less for your heirs than if you stayed in your home and it continued to appreciate. And there are bigger picture financial details to consider as well, especially if your home is highly appreciated. For example, if you own and are living in a house valued at $1.8 million, that amount is protected from the Medicaid spend down. However, when you sell that home and buy a $400,000 condo, not only will you pay tax on some of your gains, but all of a sudden you have significant assets that are no longer protected from the Medicaid spend down; assets that must be spent should you or your spouse require long-term nursing care. If you are considering a move to a senior community, take the advice you gave to your children hundreds of times -- take your time. It’s important to visit a number of communities, even if they are in an area you don’t think you want to live. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and, most importantly, get professional advice before signing a contract. If you are considering a move to a senior living community, the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) offers a number of helpful publications. The AAHSA Directory of Members that lists 5,600 not-forprofit nursing homes, retirement communities, and senior housing organizations; Assisted Living Overview; and Assisted Living and Continuing Care Retirement Community State Regulatory Handbook are available through AAHSA’s bookstore at www.aahsa.org.
maintain their homes once contemplated only where to buy their condos, today the senior living industry offers everything from condos with concierge services, health clubs, and restaurants to communities that promise to deliver all the health care services you’ll need for the rest of your life. Accordingly, while seniors once factored only increasing condo fees into their budget, today it’s necessary to explore and understand a wider variety of variables – from extra fees for country club and restaurant services to how one spouse can retain the condo if the other requires onsite full-time nursing care. In fact, there are many CCRCs that claim in their brochures that they will “take care of your life care” or “provide the care you need for the rest of your life,” but that doesn’t mean they provide the same comprehensive lifetime care offered by facilities that are true “life care communities.” In fact, life care communities are a small subset of CCRCs. What’s more, many life care facilities, by far the most expensive option on the senior living continuum, offer a number of levels of contracts for you to choose from. In addition to understanding the specific type of care each community offers, it’s necessary to review the financial arrangements and regulations of your new community in light of your estate plan. For example, many of the CCRCs where a typical condo could run you anywhere from
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What is a Reverse Mortgage? Here’s a concept: what if the bank paid you for owning your home? That’s the premise behind a relatively new investment device called a reverse mortgage. We know what reverse means – backward or opposite – so let’s look at what a mortgage is. A mortgage is a loan from a bank for a home. You have title of the home. In exchange for the loan, you pay the bank interest and promise to properly insure the home and pay the appropriate taxes. You make monthly payments to the bank to cover the interest and repay the principle. Now let’s say that by age 62 (minimum age to qualify for a reverse mortgage) you have repaid or nearly repaid your mortgage. You need an additional source of income. With a reverse mortgage, the bank gives you money, either in a lump some or payments. You retain title to the house and responsibility for paying property taxes and home owner insurance. The bank charges you fees for the funds, but you make no monthly payments. Instead, the funds and related fees are repaid at the time the home is sold. A reverse mortgage may be right for you if your regular income is not meeting your cost of living; you have a fixed income and your home is your only asset; or you do not plan to bequeath your home in your will.
Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
On the flip side, it may not be for you if you do want to bequeath your home, free and clear; or you have other, less costly ways to borrow money. A reverse mortgage differs from an equity loan or equity line of credit in that there are no monthly payments or specified repayment date. However, the mortgage lender can require repayment if you fail to pay property taxes, maintain and repair your home or keep your home insured. The amount of money you can receive from a reverse mortgage depends on the specific program as well as your age and the value of your home. Fees can also vary. If you still owe on your first mortgage, you must use the funds from the reverse mortgage to repay the initial mortgage, as the reverse mortgage must be the primary debt against the home. Your total debt on a reverse mortgage is the sum of all the loan advances you have received plus any interest or fees. If that amount is less than the proceeds from the sale of your home, you repay the reverse mortgage and keep the difference. Your total debt is limited by the value of your home, so you can never owe more than what your home is worth. Reverse mortgage lenders may not seek repayment from your income, your other assets or your heirs. Neither Sandy K. Derby or Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. assists or encourages reverse mortgages. Please see a qualified professional for more information.
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. 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.
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We Take Women’s Heart Health to Heart
Heart disease is still the leading cause of death for American women. That’s why at Borgess, we’re doing everything possible to prevent heart disease before it becomes a significant problem in a woman’s life. The Borgess Women’s Heart Program was developed by top cardiac specialists to give you the tools needed to take control of your heart health. From a comprehensive risk assessment and diagnostic testing in our Women’s Heart Clinic to a personalized care plan and ongoing education specifically for women. The American Heart Association recommends a basic heart risk screening beginning at age 20. Women 30 years and older with one or more of the following risk factors should talk with their doctor about having a comprehensive assessment through Borgess Women’s Heart: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
High blood pressure High cholesterol or triglycerides Diabetes or gestational diabetes Metabolic syndrome Polycystic ovarian syndrome Post-menopausal Family history of heart problems, diabetes or stroke Obesity and /or waist measurement over 35 inches Physical inactivity Unusual fatigue High stress or depression Smoking habit Heart palpitations/chest pain*/chest discomfort (especially with exercise)
Borgess Women’s Heart services are covered by most insurance plans. To learn more, call 269.321.7001 or visit womensheart.borgess.com.
* If you have chest pain or discomfort, call or tell your doctor immediately or go to the Emergency Room.
A member of Ascension Health®
Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
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Y
Choose to Live! Heart disease is largely preventable. We simply have to choose to act. Regardless of gender, race or family history, every woman can speak up for her heart and choose to live.
NO. 1 KILLER OF WOMEN •More than 41 million American women are living with one or more types of cardiovascular disease, yet only one in five women view heart disease as their greatest health threat. •One in three women have one or more types of cardiovascular disease. •More women die of cardiovascular disease than the next five causes of death combined, including cancer.
Y Think lifestyle, not diet. It’s the small choices that make a huge difference. Y Use the nutrition facts panel and ingredients list when choosing foods to buy. Y Plan your meals, your grocery list, your snacks and your physical activity. Y Write your physical activity time on your calendar. Make an appointment with yourself and don’t break it!
Amy Swager Heart Disease Survivor It’s been just over a year since Amy Swager’s heart stopped and was started again. You wouldn’t know it to look at this 42 year old non-drinking, non-smoking, healthy mother of seven. Amy, of Climax, beat the odds on December 5, 2008 when she walked into a beauty salon to visit with her sister, Colleen Vosburg. A few minutes later her heart stopped beating with little warning. Amy collapsed with sudden cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is the sudden, abrupt loss of heart function. It’s not the same as a heart attack. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when electrical impulses in the heart become rapid or chaotic, which causes the heart to suddenly stop beating. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked and the symptoms may occur over a matter of hours or days. A heart attack may cause cardiac arrest. When the 9-1-1 call went out, neighbors and friends were the first re-
Information and photos courtesy of the American Heart Association. Also known as the Heart Fund™. Go Red trademark of AHA, Red Dress trademark of DHHS LN-1633 09/09
Y Check food labels for number of servings per container. Y Write down your eating and physical activity habits to help you track your challenges and successes.
These tips courtesy of GoRedForWomen.org/BetterU
Promotes Heart Health
Y Helping someone with healthy habits motivates you to stick to your plans. You’ll feel good too. Y Don’t let your mood control your food. Ask yourself why you want to eat before you pick up a snack
sponders. Colleen started CPR. Their mother, Pat Thompson, a nurse practitioner, was one of the first from outside of the salon to arrive and she continued with the CPR. Amy was revived with an automated external defibrillator when paramedics, including Chris Aaudette arrived within 7 minutes. Chris, a childhood friend of Amy’s, credited the quick actions of Colleen and Pat in Amy’s recovery. "We love to joke around and have fun in our family, so you never expect something this serious to happen. I am blessed and lucky to be surrounded by such great people who took the time to get CPR & AED trained,” Amy remarks. Amy was transported to Borgess Medical Center and has undergone several medical procedures in the past year. She considers these past months to be a true gift. An implantable defibrillator has fired twice during that year to shock her heart back into a normal rhythm. She is now on a mission to make sure that as many people as possible are trained in CPR. Cardio pulmonary resuscitation is critical to those in sudden cardiac arrest in order to keep oxygen circulating to the brain. The American Heart Association advises that a victim's chances of survival are reduced by 7 to 10 percent with every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation. Few attempts at resuscitation succeed after 10 minutes. “Less than one-third of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR. That number just staggers me,” Amy explains. “Imagine the lives that might be saved in this community if everyone knew how to do CPR? Please call and arrange to take a class or better yet, arrange for an instructor to visit your local church or civic group.” For more information on CPR training classes, please visit: wellness.borgess.com.
“I Go Red for every woman out there. No matter who you are or what lifestyle you lead, you need to be informed and make the changes you can, so you can be here tomorrow.” - Gloria Boisvert
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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
Promotes Heart Health
Y
Choose to Live! Jenna Bell Heart Disease Survivor
him and have kids with him. I wanted to see my sister graduate from college. It rocked me to the core to think of all the things I would miss if my heart failed,” she explains.
At 23 years old, the last thing Jenna Bell expected to hear her doctor say was “You’re at risk for sudden cardiac death” and hand her a brochure on heart failure.
Once she was fitted with an internal defibrillator, she was determined to make better choices for her heart. She began incorporating exercise into her routine and reducing the stress in her life dramatically. Jenna started letting go of things that didn’t matter and putting looser deadlines on the things that did.
She was healthy, thin, young and happy, but her heart was functioning just barely above those in need of transplants. It wasn’t a total surprise to Jenna that something was wrong, however. She was getting ready to move, her fiancé was in Iraq, she was teaching special education and attending graduate school, so when her heart started racing for no apparent reason, she chalked it up to stress. Once it started happening more regularly, Jenna decided to see hher doctor. She was given an EKG and told she had an idiopathic cardiomyopathy and underwent more tests to understand the severity. A cardiac catheterization determined that her heart was dangerously weak, but her condition was idiopathic, meaning they had no idea what caused it. Immediately, Jenna assumed a low-sodium diet and began taking medication. “I felt so frustrated and scared. It wasn’t what I expected at only 23 years old,” she reflects. She began wearing an exterior defibrillator the size of a book bag and even greeted her fiancé Dan with it strapped on when he came home on leave from Iraq. It was Dan that inspired her to make a complete lifestyle change. “Dan was the catalyst for my change. I wanted to be around for
Knowing that she’d try to take on too much at the onset, she was vigilant in her approach to take baby steps. As time went on, she added more goals but still remained realistic. “I don’t think I can pinpoint one thing that’s changed me. It’s everything together. I reduce my sodium, I exercise with a trainer, I listen to my body,” she says. Now that she’s on the upswing of life, Jenna has more energy than ever. She is running in a 5K, something she’d never have thought possible. She’s even working to get her heart healthy enough to hopefully have children one day. “People think it won’t happen to them, but heart disease isn’t biased. It doesn’t exclude anyone. You’ve got to be proactive. You’re never too young for this to happen, so you have to listen to your body.”
“I Go Red for what is yet to come. I Go Red for what’s ahead.” –Jenna Bell
Choose to Know
Signs a heart attack may be happening: • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. • Shortness of breath. This feeling may occur with or without chest discomfort. • Other signs of discomfort. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. • As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. If you or someone you are with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than five minutes before calling 9-1-1 for help.
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Promotes Heart Health
Choose to Live! Y
There are a number of cardiovascular disease risk factors such as age, family history and race, that you can’t control. But other risk factors can be controlled or treated with help from your doctor and changes in lifestyle. Remember your ABCs to reduce the risk factors you can control – Avoid tobacco, Be more active, Choose good nutrition.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
REDUCING HBP
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. It’s written as two numbers, such as 112/78 mm Hg. The top, systolic number is the pressure when the heart beats.
Many people have high blood pressure without knowing it. Once you know about your condition, you can reduce your blood pressure and live a healthier life. It takes proper treatment and some changes in your lifestyle. But it’s worth it!
The bottom, diastolic number is the pressure when the heart rests between beats. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure (HBP) is a pressure of 140 systolic or higher and/or 90 diastolic or higher that stays high over time. About 72 million Americans (and 1 in 3 adults) have it.
THE DANGER OF HBP HBP usually has no symptoms, but it raises the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney failure. It truly is a “silent killer.” No one knows exactly what causes most cases of high blood pressure. It usually can’t be cured, but it can be controlled. Not treating high blood pressure is dangerous. You can live a healthier life if you treat and control it!
PEOPLE AT RISK Some people are at higher risk of having HBP. They include: • People with close blood relatives who have HBP • African-Americans • People over age 35 • Overweight people • People who aren’t physically active • People who use too much salt • People who drink too much alcohol • People with diabetes, gout or kidney disease • Pregnant women • Women who take birth control pills and who are overweight, had HBP during pregnancy, have a family history of HBP or have mild kidney disease
Here are steps you can take now: • Maintain a healthy weight. • Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and salt. • Be physically active for at least 30 minutes on most or all days of the week. (Sign up for the Go Red BetterU, the American Heart Association’s FREE 12week online nutrition and fitness program. For more information visit GoRedForWomen.org/BetterU. • Limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day if you’re a woman. (Men can have up to two drinks a day.) • Take medicine as prescribed. • Know what your blood pressure should be and work to keep it at that level.
HBP AND MEDICINE Your doctor may prescribe different types of medicine. Don’t be discouraged if you need to take blood pressure medicine from now on. Sometimes you can take smaller doses after your blood pressure is under control, but you may always need some treatment. What’s most important is that you take your medicine exactly the way your doctor tells you to. Never stop treatment on your own. If you have problems or side effects with your medicine, talk to your doctor.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Talk to your doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional to learn more about high blood pressure. If you have heart disease or have had a stroke, members of your family also may be at higher risk.
Rolanda, Age 42 Heart Disease Survivor What at first seemed like indigestion turned out to be a heart attack for Rolanda. “I was planning my sister’s 40th birthday party, and I started feeling tightness in my chest.” A friend drove her to the ER where she was given nitroglycerin and underwent an angiogram immediately. After her heart attack, Rolanda developed feelings of depression and anxiety, but when she was told she’d have to take several medications for the rest of her life, the fire in her came out. “That’s when I said, ‘No way!’ and vowed to change my circumstances.” Prior to her heart event, Rolanda didn’t bother checking nutritional labels or setting goals. Today, she’s already run a half-marathon and is vigilant in her nutrition.
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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
“I Go Red for myself and for all of the important ladies in my life. I don’t want this to strike them as it did me.” – Rolanda
Promotes Heart Health Choose to Speak Up One day a year, what you wear speaks voumes, Wear red on National Wear Red Day, February 5, 2010, and speak up! Wearing red on National Wear Red Day or any day makes a statement about the No. 1 killer of American women: heart disease, the cause of one in every three female deaths. Too many women die each year because they are unaware of this vital statistic: One in three women suffers in silence, and almost one woman dies every minute of this largely preventable disease. By wearing red, we can bring a voice to this silent killer. We can listen to what our hearts are telling us, talk to our doctors and spread the word to our family, friends and community about making the right choices and taking action. Choose to Speak Up for Yourself • Take control of your heart health. Talk to your doctor or nurse to design a personal action plan that works for you • Say “NO” to unhealthy behaviors. • Walk, don’t sit. • Eat baked, not fried. • Don’t smoke. • Enroll in Go Red BetterU. • Know your numbers.
Choose to Speak Up for Others • Tell everyone you know that the No. 1 killer of women is heart disease. • Share your choices and your story, empowering by example at GoRedForWomen.org. • Educate your community about heart-healthy actions. • Let your dollars do the talking. Donate to fund vital research and education at GoRedForWomen.org/Donate.
"As I celebrate life, I can't help but think how young my mom was when she died of a heart attack at 53. My mom didn't get to meet her grandchildren, but I'm determined to watch mine grow up," said Andie MacDowell, actress and Go Red For Women supporter. "Right now, one in three women die of heart disease, but we can choose to beat it, using the tools and support provided by Go Red For Women." –Andie McDowell
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30 DAYS
to Loving Yourself More by Janice Lynne Lundy
“You can love others, care for them, encourage them, support them, listen to them, comfort them, joke and argue and cry with them – and I hope you do – but all the gifts of joy and consideration and nurturing that you give to others, you also deserve from yourself. You need the love that only you can give you.”
Visit www.awakenedliving.com to learn more about Jan, her writing and her events.
- Daphne Rose Kingma, Loving Yourself: Four Steps to a Happier You I adore this philosophy held by author Daphne Kingma in her marvelous book on self-love. No one has ever said it better. This “truth” seems glaringly obvious, yet, for many of us, but oh so difficult to embrace. We know we should be kinder to and gentler with ourselves – as tender and loving to ourselves as we are toward others. But we’re not. We continue to push ourselves beyond all limits, strive for perfection, work too hard, play too little, and expect more from ourselves than we would ever expect from anyone else. As a result, women continue to ex-
S
M
Eliminate the word “should” from your vocabulary.
Take deep, relaxing breaths when you feel overwhelmed.
Stop when you’re tired.
Grant yourself permission to play.
Say “no” when you need to, especially to free yourself from obligations that drain your energy.
Take that class you’ve been putting off.
Go away all by yourself.
Let other people do for themselves; delegate.
Buy yourself flowers.
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Go on a weekend retreat with other women.
Let it all out. Cry. Give yourself permission to feel your feelings.
Say “I love you,” to yourself once a day - and if you don’t really believe - fake it ‘til you make it!
T
W
T
F
haust, overwhelm and burn themselves out at a dramatic rate. What can we do? We may begin by setting new, healthy intentions for ourselves. But, truthfully, intentions may not be enough. To make the shift from self-loathing, criticism, judgment or stinginess, actual baby steps are required – small acts of loving-kindness that jumpstart our self-worth. We deserve our own love, and here are 30 things any of us can do to love ourselves more, one day at a time.
S
Take a nap when you’re really tired.
Make a list of the activities that help you relax and do them more often.
End your day 30 minutes before you retire, so you can detox from the day and get restful sleep.
Take up a new hobby.
Say “yes” to going out with female friends.
Eat something truly decadent without guilt.
When you walk past a mirror, smile at yourself.
Get a facial, pedicure or massage – regularly!
Do nothing that you don’t absolutely want to do and stay in your pajamas all day.
Take the biggest, fattest, juiciest piece of chicken on the plate.
Stop saying bad things to yourself about yourself.
Sit in the quiet and enjoy your own company.
Listen to your intuition; honor it and follow it.
Accept yourself as you are now.
Compliment yourself.
Daydream.
Hug yourself.
Listen to music; whirl, twirl and dance by yourself!
And you will make it, I’m sure. If you chip away at this list, in time you will have fallen in love with yourself all over again – or, perhaps, for the very first time. Doesn’t that sound grand? Self-love is not about being selfish or self-absorbed, despite what others might say. Self-love is about being self-aware, cognizant of what you need to be happy and well. It is about making choices with you in mind, choices that honor the person you are and the woman you hope to be.
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Month of Love February is the month of love, and what better way to show love than by baking for someone? The kitchen is a sanctuary for cooking up memories and bonds that withstand the heat of everyday life. Many of us enjoy baking something special to welcome a new neighbor, celebrate an accomplishment or nurture a sick loved one. Giving gifts of food from the heart is perhaps one of the oldest ways people have shown affection for one another. The warmth and welcome of the kitchen encourages people to come together and contribute their talents to create something beautiful. Senior Citizens know the importance of baking nostalgic foods that evoke memories, stimulate our senses and help us revisit thoughts of times and people past. Today, some may view baking as therapy for themselves, whereas most seniors believe that it is an expression of love for other people that goes far beyond words. In the Greater Kalamazoo area, Covenant Senior Day Program, Goodwill Industries, St. Michael’s Lutheran Church and Michigan Rehabilitation Services are collaborating to launch a new pilot initiative in our community. The goals of the project are to support seniors who are interested in sharing their talents in the kitchen, pay unemployed workers to learn culinary skills and food service management, and provide new funding for Covenant Senior Day Program’s scholarship program. Here’s how the new initiative works: seniors at Covenant decide what heritage or popular recipes they would like to create for the week. Goodwill, Inc. pays unemployed workers to bake within the St. Michael’s Lutheran Church commercial kitchen and to deliver the treats at various restaurants and grocery stores. With staff and volunteer support, Covenant seniors personally package and label the baked goods for distribution. All pro-
ceeds from the sale of the baked goods benefit Covenant Senior Day Program. Fine retailers such as ChocolaTea, Sawall’s and Hardings Market on Westnedge in Portage, have already committed to and supported the new project. Goodwill, Inc. projects that the partnership will benefit unemployed individuals with disabilities, looking to gain new or expand existing job training skills in the current economy. They believe it is also a wonderful opportunity for young people to form new, enriching relationships with the elderly. Linda Hundt, owner of Sweetie-licious Pie Pantry in DeWitt, Michigan, was the celebrity host of Covenant’s annual fundraiser last summer. Linda won the 2009 Food Network Pie Challenge Grand Prize. She was recently featured on television and in national publications such as Parade, Country Living and Dessert Magazines. In a recent interview, Linda stated that “This type of project enables seniors who have baked for years to enjoy their talents and use their gifts. It is such a great and positive communal effort. We should all support this type of project and take care of our elders who educated and loved us.” During the month of February, you may discover pink and red cookies on sale throughout our community. Chances are, these Valentine cookies, baked in the shape of a heart, made from the heart, will find their way from our kitchen to yours. Hopefully these delicious treats will spark a smile and elicit rewarding thoughts, knowing that you have enhanced a senior’s life.
Lauren Fitzmaurice, MSW is the Executive Director for Covenant Senior Day Program. She is a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner. Lauren facilitates training and consultation to other senior organizations in the community.
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What is bulimia nervosa? Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent and frequent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food (binge-eating), and feeling a lack of control over the eating. Following the binge eating, the patient compensates by getting rid of the food, either by making herself throw up (purge), using laxatives, fasting or excessive exercise. People with bulimia can be normal weight; however, they have intense fear of gaining weight, want to lose weight, or are unhappy with their body size and shape. Usually, bulimia behaviors are done secretly, because it is often associated with shame. Medical problems can affect people with bulimia, such as electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and oral- and tooth-related problems (sore throat, swollen glands, worn tooth enamel from e xposure to stomach acids), kidney problems and severe dehydration.
EATING DISORDERS
ARE NOT PRETTY By Robyn Hubbard, M.D.
E
ating disorders don’t just affect teenage girls. In fact, between five and 15 percent of people affected by eating disorders are men, and all ages – from children as young as seven years old to middle-aged adults – can suffer from an eating disorder. Here’s what you need to know:
What are eating disorders?
What is anorexia nervosa?
Eating disorders are a group of diseases characterized by extremes. Patients that are affected often experience severe disturbances in eating behavior, such as extreme reduction of food intake or extreme overeating, or feelings of extreme distress or concern about body weight or shape. An estimated four percent of the population is affected by an eating disorder.
People who suffer from anorexia nervosa have a distorted body image: they see themselves as fat even when they are extremely thin, starving or malnourished. Often people with anorexia restrict food severely and weigh themselves excessively. Eating, food and weight control become obsessions. Many patients also exercise excessively.
Eating disorders are real, treatable, medical illnesses with complex underlying psychological and biological causes. There is often co-existence of other psychiatric disorders such as depression, substance abuse or anxiety disorders. People affected are often very aware when it is a problem because it interferes with their life. They often experience constant thoughts about food and weight. They may even withdraw from society.
Medical problems can complicate anorexia, such as thinning bones, brittle hair, anemia, muscle weakness, severe constipation, low blood pressure, sensation of being cold all the time and extreme fatigue.
Eating disorders at their worst can lead to serious physical problems such as electrolyte imbalance, kidney failure and death.
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Treatment of anorexia often involves antidepressants, counseling, group therapy and support groups. Sometimes it requires hospitalization to help people recover from medical consequences and to learn positive eating behaviors and attitudes. Typically, the longer someone has been affected by anorexia, the longer treatment is required.
Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
Treatment of bulimia is similar to anorexia and may involve medications and a combination of individual and/or group therapy.
Why do people develop eating disorders? It is not clear why people develop eating disorders but it’s clearly a complex physical and psychological illness. Some people have a history of physical or emotional abuse. Some are exposed to messages about body image and weight from home, the media, friends and role models and are compelled to fit society's expectation about weight. Patients affected by an eating disorder often are perfectionists who strive to meet others’ expectations. Sometimes a family history of eating disorders can increase the risk of developing the disease. Eating disorders develop most rapidly in adolescent girls, but can affect men and boys, and older and younger people. There is also a rising trend among gay men.
Conclusion Recovery from an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia can be a long process. People affected must start by becoming medically stable. They then must work through the reasons they developed the eating disorder and adopt new, healthier coping mechanisms which include professional help and support groups. You can get more information about eating disorders from your doctor, mental health provider or hospital. Here are some Web sites for additional information: • Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous, www.anorexicsandbulimicsanonymousaba.com • www.nationaleatingdisorders.org • Nemours foundation Web site for kid’s health, www.nemours.org
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The Blonde prepares for an evening of heavy reading! www.BrendaMurphy.com
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CALENDAR February 1
of Events
IAAP Kalamazoo Chapter Meeting K-Resa:1819 East Milham Road, Portage. 5 pm networking, 5:30 pm dinner, 6 pm meeting. We welcome visitors. RSVP to Betty Gruber 269-553-2709 email: betty.gruber@h32b@statefarm.com February 1, 8, 15, 22
Tai Chi Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts. 5:30 – 6:30pm. This gentle art increases flexibility, muscle strength, and heart and lung activity, while aligning posture, improving balance, and integrating the mind and body. $12/session or $80 for 8 weeks. 269-373-0910 February 1 - 13
Is He Dead? Civic Auditorium. Thu 2/4 - 7:30 pm; Fri & Sat 8 pm; Sun 2/7 2 pm. In this newly discovered comedy by Mark Twain, the original master of American humor dishes out a sly critique of the art world with acerbic wit and social commentary. $9 - $22. 269-343-1313. www.kazoocivic.org February 1 – 21
"The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons" Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Normal Hours. Shows a comprehensive overview of a legendary Hollywood animation studio, the rambunctious birthplace of characters who have become part of American folklore. Free. 269-369-7775. www.kiarts.org February 1 – 28
Kalamazoo Indoor Flea & Farmers' Market Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Room E. Tue. & Wed. 7 am - 1 pm. Flea market will operate on Tuesday and Wednesday and the Farmers' market will operate on Wednesdays. Free. 269-383-8761.
February 4
Wellspring’s Chocolate Soiree Epic Center. 7 pm. Join Wellspring for its third annual chocolate fundraiser! Come mix and mingle while savoring the tastes of Kalamazoo area’s finest delectables. Live music and a silent auction are part of this sell-out event. $40/person or $70/couple. For information and tickets: 269-342-4354. February 5
National Wear Red Day The American Heart Association encourages area residents to show their support for the Go Red For Women movement by wearing red that day. Whether it is a red dress, a red t-shirt, a red dress pin or red lipstick, show the world you passionately support the American Heart Association’s movement to save women’s lives. February 5, 6
Kalamazoo Women's Expo & Sale Radisson Plaza Hotels & Suites. Fri. 6 - 9 pm, Sat. 11 am - 4 pm. At the Women's Expo you’ll enjoy an exciting time visiting with over 100 experts exhibiting in a variety of categories including fashion, beauty, home decor, personal fitness, diet & nutrition, finance and much more. Plus, shop and discover the newest products for your favorite hobbies and interests and enjoy tasty samples from some of the area's most delicious restaurants. If you’re feeling spontaneous and want to keep the fun going, stay the night and complete your mini-vacation. $8. www.kzwomensexpo.com February 5 – 21
Transformations Spirituality Center Centering Prayer Introduction, 6:30 - 9 pm. Join us for an evening on the process and practice of centering Prayer. $20. 269-381-6290, ext. 310 or info@TransformationsCenter.org
Fences Farmers Alley Theatre. Please call as times vary. When Troy Maxson's rapid rise through the Negro leagues hit the ceiling of racial prejudice, this legendary baseball player was forced to let go of his dream for major league success. Set in 1957, Fences is the heartbreaking story of a man and his last chance at bat. $25 General Admission, $23 Senior-65 and above. 269-343-2727. www.farmersalleytheatre.com
February 2, 9, 16, 23
February 6
February 2
Yoga Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts. Certified Yoga Instructor, Gina Greene, brings to her classes an emphasis on wave-like spinal movements, fluid connection between poses, creative visuals, and subtle movements within each pose. $12/session or $60 for 6 weeks. 269-373-0910. February 4
Free Talk on Urinary Incontinence in Women Gilmore Center at Bronson Hospital, 7 Healthcare Plaza (Near Corner of John St. & Walnut) -Room 2, Lower Level. 6:30 pm. Dr. Roger Beyer M.D., M.A., F.A.C.O.G, will give a FREE informal talk on Urinary Incontinence. Come ask the doctor your questions. Refreshments will be served. Call (800) 466-5595 to reserve a seat. www.drrogerbeyer.com
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Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery Road Show Parchment Community Library. 1 – 2 pm. Free family event. No registration required. February 6
First Annual Bubbles –n- Glitz Senior Prom Ken Krum Center. 5 – 8 pm. All seniors over 55, join us for a fun night which includes dinner from Marjos West & Schnauzers, plus flowers by Heirloom Rose, photographs, dancing to a live DJ, door prizes and a raffle. $15/single, $25/couple in advance, $20/single, $30/couple at the door. Tickets: Kathy Booth 269-532-0767 or Sue Fritz 269-388-4233. February 6, 7
Kalamazoo Antique Auto Swap Meet Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Sat. 8 am - 4 pm, Sun. 8 am - 1 pm. 47th annual
It’s easy to get listed in our Events Calendar. Our deadline is the 10th of the month prior to publication. Email us at: calendar@womenslifestylekazoo.com Please type Calendar in the subject line. Or you may mail your info to P. O. Box 2284, Portage MI 49081-2284 event presented by the Kalamazoo Antique Auto Restorers Club featuring dealers from across the Midwest & Canada. $5. www.kaarc.org February 7
Groundhog 101 Kalamazoo Nature Center. 2 pm. Celebrate Groundhog Day! Learn about these large Michigan rodents through activities and games along the trail. Outdoor hike for all ages. $6/adult, $5/senior, $4/children 4-13, 3 and under free. www.naturecenter.org February 9
Bariatric Support Group 6:30 – 8 pm. Led by Ben Blades, RN, Certified Bariatric Support Group Leader, this ongoing support group is designed to give patients the opportunity to spend time with others who have had bariatric surgery and have made the lasting commitment to lose weight—and gain life. Call 269.226.6863 for more information. February 10
Intermediate Silver Jewelry Making Art Bayou. 6 – 9 pm. Intro to silver metal clay prerequisite. Now come learn how to make 99.9% pure silver jewelry without using the stamps and molds in the beginner class. You inner artist can create so much more. Please rsvp as space is limited. 269-375-2600. www.artbayoustudio.com February 10 - 16
CARLISLE Spring 2010 Collection Trunk Show. 7117 S. Westnedge - Next to Eve Salonspa, Portage Please join us for a private showing of the most beautiful clothing of the season! Hours: By appointment please call (269) 720-0931 Jan Boesch jwboesch@tds.net February 11
Grypon Place 2-1-1 Day Celebrate with us! This is a fund raiser & friend raiser! At 2 locations: The Greenery Spa/Richland and ChocolaTea/ Portage: Prizes - ‘Specials’ - Give - Always and Fun! Grand Prize: 1 night stay at Henderson Castle & Greenery Spa Package 10 am – 8 pm www.gryphon.org February 11
Special Valentine’s Dinner Borgess Health & Fitness Center, Classroom #4. 6:30 – 8 pm. Watch the experts prepare a variety of low-fat foods from the new Borgess Light Hearted Living Cookbook. All foods are sampled during class, and recipes and nutrition information will be provided. $15. February 12
Diva Night Art Bayou. 6 – 9 pm. Enjoy your uninterrupted girl time together! Take this opportunity to catch up and relax. Feel free to bring your favorite snacks and beverages. Space is limited, so please call and reserve your seat. 269-375-2600. www.artbayoustudio.com
Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
February 12
An Evening of Chocolate Kalamazoo Valley Museum. 6 pm. See a Chocolate demonstration and watch Chocolat. (2000) PG-13, In a tantalizing tale about desire Vianne Rocher and her six-year-old daughter open a chocolate shop in a provincial French village. $3. 269-373-7990. www.kalamazoomuseum.org February 12 - 28
“Murder at the Howard Johnson’s” New Vic Theatre. Please call as times vary. All is fair in Love? Even murder? That's the question posed by this light and funny comedy. $23. 269-381-3328. www.newvictheatre.org February 13
Borgess Healthy Heart Screening Macy’s Crossroads Mall. 11 am – 1 pm. Borgess Health will be providing FREE heart screenings at the 2010 Go Red For Women Casting Call. February 13
Screenwriting Workshop – Session 3 Parchment Community Library. 1 – 4 pm. Registration required at 269-343-7747. February 13
Love, Gold Company Style Miller Auditorium. 2 & 8 pm. WMU's award-winning Gold Company will dazzle the entire family! Just in time for Valentine's Day, Love, Gold Company Style brings Gold Company's trademark musical flair to your favorite songs of love. $12 - $24. 269-387-2300. www.millerauditorium.com February 14
Public Tour: Tiffany in the KIA Collection Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. 2 pm. Bring your significant other for a Valentine’s tour of the KIA’s collection with a focus on Tiffany glass. Free. 269-349-7775. www.kiarts.org February 15
Women In Networking Meeting Richland Area Community Center. You’re invited! Networking, beverages & light buffet. 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Cost is $8 (cash please). RSVP: win.richland@yahoo.com by Thurs. before. www.win.richland.tripod.com February 16
Celebrate Women Benefit Banquet for Caring Network Kalamazoo Country Club. 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Banquet, Silent Auction and Celebrate Life Awards. Bring your friends and celebrate Mardi Gras with us! $55 each or $380 for a table of eight. 269-381-9800 or email susanbaker@catholicfamilyservices.org for tickets or more information. February 16
The Kalamazoo MI After Five Women's Connection The Beacon Club. 6:30 - 8 pm. Please join us for an evening of fun and inspiration. Business Women Welcomed!!! $17. Please RSVP by February 11 by calling Karen at 269-342-0014
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February 16, 23
Yoga Fusion Class with Chris Eve Salonspa. 6 pm. A blend of yoga and pilates, ending with total body relaxation. 45 mins. All levels welcome, no experience necessary. $10 drop in, $50 punch card (10 visits). 269-327-4811. February 16, 18, 23, 25
Vinyasa Flow with Kathleen Eve Salonspa. Noon. This class is taught in a graceful style of yoga in which asana-yoga poses are linked with breath. 45 mins. All levels welcome, no experience necessary. $10 drop in, $50 punch card (10 visits). 269-327-4811. February 17
Learn to Sell Handmade Items Parchment Community Library. 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Learn to sell on your handmade items on ETSY.com. Free event. Registration required at 343-7747. February 17, 24
Lenten Vespers Services Holy Family Chapel. 6:30 – 7:15 pm. The sisters of Saint Joseph invite you to join them for evening vespers during Lent. Free will donations will be accepted. 269381-6290, ext. 310 or info@TransformationsCenter.org February 18 – 26
The Cripple of Inishmaan Nelda K. Balch Playhouse, Kalamazoo College. Thu. 7:30 pm, Fri & Sat. 8 pm, Sun. 2 pm. "Cripple Billy" is a young man who longs to leave his small town and travel to America on the promise of "playing an authentic Irishman" in a Hollywood film. Adults $15, Seniors/Students $10. 269-337-7333. www.kazoo.edu/theatre February 18 – 26
As You Like It The University Theatre, Gilmore Theatre Complex. Thu., Fri. & Sat. 8 pm, Sun. 2/21 - 2pm. Love in all its guises and the wit and beauty of Shakespeare’s language provide this romantic comedy with a sense of whimsy and delight. $20, $15 Seniors, $5 Students. 269-387-6222. www.wmutheatre.com February 19, 20
Crawlspace Eviction Studio 246. 8 pm. Got a Crackberry habit you can’t seem to kick? Do you consider yourself bilingual now because you also speak SMS? Experience powerful group therapy with Crawlspace Eviction’s Feb 19 and 20 shows, “I Wanna Text You Up or Same Text Marriage.” $7 students, $10 general admission. More info: crawlspacetheatre.com February 19
Go Red For Women Luncheon Radisson Hotel Plaza & Suites Downtown Kalamazoo 10 am – 1:30 pm Educational Workshops “Purse-inalities” Auction & Exhibits Keynote Speaker Elizabeth Hein For tickets & info call AHA 269-806-0425 or Al.Shifflett@heart.org February 20
Bariatric Support Group 9 – 10 am. Led by Ben Blades, RN, Certified Bariatric Support Group Leader, this ongoing support group is designed to give patients the opportunity to spend time with others who have had bariatric surgery and have made the lasting commitment to lose weight—and gain life. Call 269.226.6863 for more information.
February 20
Library Storytime: I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Library. 11:15 am – 11:45 am. Join us for silly songs and stories about things we (shouldn't) eat, rockin' swamp bands and more! Free. 269-349-7775 ext. 3165. www.kiarts.org February 21
The Gilmore Rising Stars Recital Series Benjamin Grosvenor, piano Wellspring Theatre. 7 pm. British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor plays music by Kapustin, Liszt, Chopin and Ravel. $20; $5 students. 269-342-1166. www.thegilmore.org February 23
Silent Auction Riverside Elementary Gym, Battle CreekFund raiser for local family dealing with ongoing cancer treatment & medical costs. For donations or more info please call Kristina at 269-420-1398; or brownietroop204@yahoo.com February 23 –25
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Miller Auditorium. 7 pm. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including "Be Our Guest" and the beloved title song. $28 - $55. www.millerauditorium.com February 24
The Formula for Success Reaching Your Potential The Beacon Club. 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. As we continue to battle the after shocks of a soft economy, many organizations and professionals continue to live through a very scary time. $7 advance, $10 at door. 269-343-9000. February 25
Free Talk on Urinary Incontinence in Women Portage Public Library. 6:30 pm. Dr. Roger Beyer M.D., M.A., F.A.C.O.G, will give a FREE informal talk on Urinary Incontinence. Come ask the doctor your questions. Refreshments will be served. Call (800) 466-5595 to reserve a seat. www.drrogerbeyer.com
February 26 – 28
Wellspring's Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival Wellspring Theater at the Epic Center. 7:30 & 9 pm. The region’s finest artists at the leading edge of modern and contemporary dance are gathering in the Midwest’s sweetheart city of Kalamazoo to perform in the inaugural Midwest RAD Fest. $10/performance, $18/day pass, $35/festival pass. For info and tickets: 269-342-4354. www.wellspringdance.org February 27
Super Science Saturday Air Zoo. 9 am - 5 pm. Don't miss our monthly Super Science Saturdays! These entertaining activities will make science, math and the laws of nature more fun! 269-382-6555. www.airzoo.org February 27
Curves WELLNESS Expo Clarion Hotel of Kalamazoo 10 am – 3 pm Tailored to Women’s Health and Wellness this Expo is an education, vendor and interactive event with emphasis on natural products, wellness services preventive care & holistic health approaches. 269665-9397 www.curveswellnessexpo.info February 27
Garage Sale Art Fair Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Room E & Hazel Gray Room. 9:30 am – 4 pm. Annual gathering of artists and their creations at bargain prices. Adults $2. www.garagesaleartfair.com February 26
Dad/Daughter Valentines Dance Cityscape Events Center. 6:30 – 9:30 pm.
February 28
Peter and the Wolf Chenery Auditorium. 3 pm. In collaboration with Ballet Arts Ensemble Bryan Zocher, Narrator Barry Ross, Conductor Prokofiev's classic treats the entire family to the antics of a little boy, his animal companions, and the ferocious wolf. $10 - $12. www.KalamazooSymphony.com March 1 - 5
“Murder at the Howard Johnson’s” New Vic Theatre. Please call as times vary. All is fair in Love? Even murder? That's the question posed by this light and funny comedy. $23. 269-381-3328. www.newvictheatre.org March 5
Grape Expectations 2010 Radisson Plaza Hotel. 7 – 10 pm. Get ready for a memorable evening – a gathering of community, family and friends, exceptional samplings of fine wines, delicious dishes from more than a dozen of the area’s best restaurants, and a creative soundscape of live jazz. $55 before Feb. 14th, $60 after Feb. 15th. 269-382-8350. www.volunteerkalamazoo.org
IT’S FINALLY HERE! Kalamazoo Women’s Expo & Sale 2010! Expo Highlights 5 Featured Featured W Workshops orkshops Including: The Sydne Sydney’s y’s Spring Fashion Fashion Show Show,, A W Womomen’s en’ s Jour Journey ney Tow TToward oward FFinancial inancial Independence, Women’s W omen’s LifeStyle Magazine Mini-Makeover, Mini-Makeover, All About Facebook, Facebook, and Wh Whyy the Good and the Bad Happen in Life & How to Change It. Beer,, Wine & Mar Beer Martini tini Bars! Bars! Over Ov er 70 exhibitor exhibitorss displa displaying ying & educating about the latest products and ser services. vices.
February 26
Family Valentines Dance Cityscape Events Center. 6:30 – 9:30 pm. The night includes DJ, Dinner, the crowning of a King and Queen (chosen by drawing), and Entertainment. Semi-formal attire – free carnations to the first 100. Professional photos available for purchase. Tickets must be purchased before event $20 city resident; $25 non-city resident. 269-337-8191. www.kalamazoocity.org February 26
The night includes DJ, Dinner, the crowning of a King and Queen (chosen by drawing), and Entertainment. Semi-formal attire – free carnations to the first 100. Professional photos available for purchase. Tickets must be purchased before event $20 city resident; $25 non-city resident. 269-337-8191. www.kalamazoocity.org
Stage Schedule & Expo Details at KZWomensExpo.com KZWomensExpo.com
7th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. 7 – 9 pm. Lights! Camera! Action! West Michigan's only Teen Filmmaker Festival is back! View the finalists of this year's competition, hear the celebrity judges' award picks, and vote for your favorite. Free. www.kiarts.org
Dates: Febr February uar y 5 & 6, 2010
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CODE: WLSMag WLSMagazine azine 02/10
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By Alexandra Fix
Chocolate Fortunes: The Battle for the Hearts, Minds, and Wallets of China’s Consumers By Lawrence L. Allen Amacom, 2010, $27.95 This story is about the introduction of chocolate sales in China, and it’s a fascinating look at the process of establishing business connections in that country. Astoundingly, until the 1980s very few of China’s 1.3 billion people had ever tasted chocolate. Even then, it was first introduced as a foreign and exotic curiosity as it began to play a part in the gift-giving rituals in Chinese business transactions. The Big Five chocolate companies – Ferrero Rocher, Cadbury, Hershey, Nestle and Mars – began to navigate China’s complex economic system in an effort to become the country’s chocolate of choice. Interestingly, common among chocolate lovers is a lifetime commitment to their favorite chocolate brand, and that is the very niche each company hoped to secure. This book combines many interesting elements about the history of chocolate and the economy of China, as well as the nuances of the food culture in China and the nature of business there.
Soul Sounds: Reflections on Life By Albert Micah Lewis Commongood Publishing, 2009, $14.95 The heart and soul of everyday life is at the center of these essays by Rabbi Albert Micah Lewis. Gleaned from 10 years of articles in the Grand Rapids Press, these are 28 favorites. Each beautifully reflects on the generational cycles of life and the inevitable joy and sorrow each holds. Lewis ponders a bittersweet moment of watching his daughter, pregnant with growing life, beside her dying grandmother. He reflects on an ordinary yet extraordinary afternoon spent with his elderly father. He shares his understanding of anger and frustration, as well as gratitude and wonder. Trying to live more intentionally, Lewis considers how to accumulate less and how to discard his excess wisely. Each selection ends with related questions to consider in your own life in order to make this book more personal to each reader. Lewis, a rabbi, writer, professor of psychology and gerontology and consultant on issues of aging, is an interesting man indeed, and his writing reflects his profound respect for his own faith traditions and philosophies as well as those of others.
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Chocolate Fortunes traces the path of each of these five companies in the competition, featuring some of their breakthrough business tactics and their major blunders as they each seek to establish themselves as the chocolate of choice for a potential consumer audience consisting of one-fifth of the world’s population.
Conversation Starter: The Accidental Bestseller By Wendy Wax Berkley Books, 2009, $15 Kendall, Mallory, Faye and Tanya – four very different women, all aspiring authors – meet at a writer’s conference and recognize an instant connection. A growing bond nourishes their friendship over the years to come as they each explore a writing career. One is a moderately successful author of mainstream women’s fiction; one is a televangelist pastor’s wife and inspirational author; one is a successful New York Times bestselling author; and one is a struggling romance writer. The loves and lives in each of their homes is unique. As one of the authors reaches a dramatic low point in her personal and professional life, the others rally to her side. This becomes a story of women’s friendship and loyalty as the four women embark upon a project together that will prove to dramatically change each of their lives individually. The Accidental Bestseller provides a front-row view into the writing profession and publishing industry, exposing the good and bad side of the world of books. Readers and writers will be equally fascinated by insights into the writing process and into the ability of a publisher to make or break an author’s success. An excellent conversation starter, readers will ask themselves how far they would go for a friend. How well do they know their own friends? What are the answers to the dilemmas of relationships between men and women and among women themselves? Book discussion groups should check out the author’s website (www.authorwendywax.com) for information on her availability for conference call book discussion participation. Alexandra Fix is the author of ten non-fiction children’s books, including the series Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Heinemann Library). She is a former children’s librarian, registered nurse, freelance writer and avid reader. Enjoying college one class at a time while her children were growing up fed her love of literature and creative writing. She and her husband have five grown children and multiple grandchildren living all over the country.
Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • February 2010
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