Fresh Starts - January 2012

January 2012

Free!

Take Me Home

New Nutrition & Fitness Tips

Where to Find Interior Inspiration

Betty Ongley E s s e n t i a l

•

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

•

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

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

2

January 2012

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

January 2012 Table of Contents

The People Who Make It Happen...

Publisher: Darlene Clifford dclifford@womenslifestylekazoo.com

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

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

Sales Representatives: Brenda Murphy Maria Pavletic

INSPIRATION Find Inspiration for Interior Design.................10 Reader’s Lounge ...........................................30

WOMEN’S HEALTH Get Fit Safely ...................................................7 Is your Diet Causing your Headaches? .........24

LOOK WHO'S TALKING Betty Ongley ....................................................8 Secrets from the Kitchen ...............................16

Layout & Design:

LOOKING & FEELING GOOD

jr4 designs JR Harper

Healthy Eating .................................................5

Photography:

IMHO: Here's the Skinny .................................6

K. Redmond Photography www.facebook.com/kredmondphotography

Five Ways to Relieve Stress ..........................20 Happy New Year: Now What? ........................21

Office Manager:

Exercise On-the-go........................................26

Patty Clifford

Contact Us

BUSINESS & FINANCE

By Phone: 269-350-5227

Financial Sauvé .............................................14

Sales Info: 269-271-1032

Networking with the Kalamazoo Network ......22

By Mail:

Ad Talk ...........................................................23

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

By Email: info@womenslifestylekazoo.com

Website: www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

RECIPES Great Starts: Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas Scrambled Egg Breakfast Burrito.............12 Tropical Granola Parfait ...........................12 Keeping Resolutions While on the Go Spicy Tequila Lim Shrimp Salad ..............18 Roasted Fig and Blue Cheese Salad.......18

COMMUNITY NEWS & HAPPENINGS Calendar ........................................................28

Coming In February Matters of the Heart

Buy Local .......................................................30

January 2012

3

From the Publisher Happy New Year!

Whew! We made it through another holiday season! More power to Mrs. Santa!

Right now most of us probably feel like we deserve a vacation. And yet, having spent a trifle more on Christmas than we should have, we know that a vacation is no where in site just now. Besides, we have to focus on the diet, as we also ate a trifle more than we should have during the holidays.

And who wants to go on vacation while dieting? So now what?

Well, we have a few great ideas we want to share. May we offer some nourishing recipes like Sensational Soups for supper and Keeping Resolutions While On the Go salads, so you can watch those calories and still eat yummy? How about some ideas for “Getting Fit Safely” and “Exercise On-The-Go” which will help us get in shape while keeping pace with our active lives? January is a great month to spend time pampering and taking care of ourselves. Go ahead – you are sincerely worth it!

One more thought. I know we all hunker down after the Holidays and the shopping budget is recovering, but this is when many of our local business really struggle. Please keep that in mind and when you do shop – BUY LOCAL. Please – it can make a significant difference for our local economy. Support your neighborhood businesses.

I wish you a wonderful start to a terrific New Year!

Sincerely,

4

Darlene

January 2012

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Eating Healthy –

Grocery Store Tours

Exercise programs and gym memberships are currently flourishing, but the number of people who are overweight or obese is increasing each year (cite?). While most people understand the need for exercise, they lack education on nutrition and healthy eating. When it comes to health and wellness, Meggan Barnett knows her stuff, and she is ready to help teach people in the Kalamazoo area about the importance of healthy eating.

A high school and college athlete in several different sports, Meggan has always made her health and fitness a priority. She received a personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from Western Michigan University. Currently, she works as a personal trainer at Focus On U Fitness, working with all fitness levels and ages and focusing her energy on giving clients information about health and fitness that can be used in and out of the gym.

Meggan wants to see individuals and families in the area begin to make healthier eating choices and gradually make a shift toward better nutrition and regular exercise.

Meggan and Focus On U Fitness are hoping to help people in the Kalamazoo area understand the importance of health by offering free grocery store tours that will encourage the belief that “healthy living starts with what you put into your grocery cart.”

The tour gives participants the opportunity to walk through a grocery store with a health and fitness expert and learn about understanding labels and what foods are most nourishing for our brains and bodies. Customers will also learn the essentials of balancing the daily intake of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as focusing on quality of food instead of merely calorie counting. They also offer tips on preparing healthy “on-the-go” meals.“When we make healthier choices at the store, it is easier

to make healthier choices at home and on the go,” Meggan says.

Currently, the tours are offered to anyone who is interested, whether they are members of the gym or not. There is also a special tour offered for parents and children that aims to promote healthy eating choices at younger age, and hopes to help decrease rates of childhood obesity through awareness.

“I like providing the tours because it is a way to give our clients and our community information they can use right away in a real world environment,” Meggan says. “I created the tours so I can give women more information about the healthier options available to them now, both at the store and on the go. Knowledge will empower people to make better choices for themselves and for those they care about.”

For more information about the grocery store tours check out the Focus On U Fitness website at www.FocusOnUFitness.com or www.KalamazooPersonalTrainer.com, or visit the gym located on N. Drake Road in the West Main Plaza and ask for Meggan Barnett.

Emily Magyar is a recent graduate of Albion College.

She has a Bachelor's degree in English with Creative Writing and a minor in Journalism.

January 2012

5

Here’s The Skinny As the ball drops in Times Square at midnight on New Year’s Eve, our thoughts turn to weight loss.

We’ve sinned over the last year.

Our daily calorie intake has exceeded the number of stars in the galaxy. But with the new year comes a fresh slate and rehabilitation! Join me through the weight loss Hall of Fame.

In 2011, I got help with my weight loss via chemotherapy. If you can get past the needles, hair loss, nausea and crummy feeling, this might be an option.

However I’ve got news. It wasn’t the chemo alone that caused weight loss. It was the fact that chemo took away my taste for wine, and that’s where lots of calories lurk.

6

January 2012

For your information, published wine calorie counts are based on a 5 ounce glass. Five ounces?

That’s less than the amount my mouthwash tells me to use daily - which, by the way, is 8 ounces.

Nonetheless, I found that reds have more calories, 122 a glass.

The whites vary: American Chardonnays come in at 95 a glass, Fumé Blancs are 121 calories, while the American version, Sauvignon Blancs, are 119. (Take home lesson: drinking American saves calories.)

If wine isn’t your issue, read on.

A Google search of “weight loss products” returned 177 million websites, from pills to diets to workout gadgets. Mayo Clinic is kind of negative about pills: “Keep in mind that even if you

take a weight-loss pill, you still have to eat fewer calories than your body uses in order to lose weight.” Bummer - I want to take the pills AND consume everything in sight. I’m looking for quick, easy, cheap and painless.

Back to the Google drawing board, now searching diets.

There’s the South Beach Diet, the Model Diet, and how Kate Middleton lost 50 pounds a week before her wedding. (I suspect the latter came from the stress of spending an hour with her mother-in-law.) There are free diets, expensive diets, and diets advertised as “safe and effective.” Does that mean those not carrying that description are dangerous and worthless? Way too complicated - I’m moving on to devices.

around your derrière and shook.

Models were shown on the machine, drinking a cocktail and smoking a cigaret - the pictures of health. The pounds just melted away. And who could forget the Thigh Master - the contraption you squeezed between your knees. Weight loss success or not, it’s provided decades of comedy sketches and hours of fun for the whole family.

Here’s the bottom (no pun intended) line, dear readers. All of this it sounds pretty silly. We know nothing substitutes for exercise and healthy eating. We’d NEVER treat our pets the way we generally treat our bodies. Take care of it and it’ll take care of you. However, if you hear of a quick, easy, cheap and painless weight loss scheme, feel free to give me a shout!

Vibration machines still exist.

Remember the originals? You stood on a platform with a belt Judy Pearson is the founder of Courage Concepts, an organization which fosters courage in women through seminars and Courage Conventions. Judy is also the author of magazine and newspaper articles, as well as two books about ordinary people who exhibited extraordinary courage. Her latest, Wolves at the Door, has been optioned for a movie.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Courtesy of ARA

Get Fit Safely

O

f the millions of New Year’s resolutions made each year, perhaps none is more repeated than the resolution to get in better shape. Each year, millions of people resolve to shed a few extra pounds or simply get healthier, with varying degrees of success.

could likely make the mistake that they can still exercise as hard as they did in their youth. Pushing it after a long layoff is potentially dangerous and could result in a number of injuries.

● While you might one day be able to return to form, initially it’s best to take it easy. Stop exercising immediately if you begin to experience any of the following symptoms: - Dizziness - Nausea - Cold sweats - Muscle cramps - Pain or pressure in the chest (particularly left-chest or mid-chest) - Joint pain

One of the ways to ensure the resolve to get healthier is successful is to exercise safely. Veteran athletes and seasoned professional trainers all note the importance of safety when it comes to exercise. Simply diving right into exercise can be a recipe for disaster, often leading to injury, especially for those people new to exercise or returning after a long layoff.

For those who have resolved to get in better shape this season, consider the following exercise safety tips.

●

Maintain proper breathing or cease exercising if you can’t. Whenever exercising, you should be able to walk without gasping for breath. If you cannot breathe properly, stop exercising immediately. Once your system has rebounded and you begin to feel better, if you’re going to return to your exercise regimen, simply tone it down, performing each exercise more slowly.

● Don’t push it. The body responds differently to exercise as it ages, and many people who were once exercise afficionados but stopped regularly exercising

● Stay hydrated. Staying hydrated throughout an exercise routine will increase flexibility and replace the water you lose by sweating. While some might feel this will counteract any weight loss, losing water weight is not the type of weight loss you should be aiming for. Be sure to drink lots of water before, during and after workouts.

●

Remember the wisdom of mom and dad. Nearly everyone who ever went to the beach as a child recalls mom and dad advising them to stay out of the water after eating. That same advice you heard as a child is still applicable today as an adult. While it’s acceptable to go for a light walk after a small meal,

avoid strenuous exercise for at least 2 hours after eating a big meal.

● Wear appropriate attire. When working out, proper attire isn’t whatever looks good on you. It’s important to purchase sneakers that support weight-bearing activities and tops that promote movement but aren’t too loose. If jogging outdoors, be sure to wear a knit cap in colder weather or a baseball cap in warmer temperatures. Both of these will help you maintain a proper body temperature and ward off harmful side effects such as cold, flu or sunburn.

● Stretch, stretch, stretch. Professional athletes make their living with their bodies, and they stretch extensively before each and every game. Just because you don’t earn a ballplayer’s paycheck doesn’t mean you can avoid stretching. Stretching helps prevent muscle pulls, strains and other injuries, so make sure an adequate stretching routine is a part of your workout.

● Consult or hire a professional. Those who have had an extensive layoff from exercise might want to employ a personal trainer, at least until they get comfortable with a routine. In fact, many fitness clubs offer a handful of free personal training sessions to new members to ensure all members start off safe and avoid injury. Take advantage of such sessions if they’re available. If not, hire one of the club’s personal trainers, even if it’s only for a few sessions, at the onset of your routine.

January 2012

7

Betty Ongley

Betty Ongley is a woman who truly lives to serve her community.

She spent several years in the Portage Public Schools as a teacher, counselor, and Guidance Director. Betty then ventured into politics, running for Portage City Council and winning. She eventually ran for Mayor, won the election and the title of first and only female Mayor in Portage, and one of the first in the state of Michigan.

“I am in awe of many of the younger women with whom I serve on boards and committees: they are starting on the path of service long before I thought of it,” Betty said.

“My grandmother always said that there were always others who needed help, and that we should give to those in need.” Betty said. “She practiced what she preached. She was an inspiration to whom I owe a debt of gratitude!”

Betty was awarded the YWCA’s first Woman of Achievement 28 years ago, and received the Athena Award in 2009. She was most recently named the Michigan recipient of the Jennie Award and received recognition at the Great Lakes General Federation of Women’s Clubs convention in Madison, WI in October 2011.

Betty studied Pre-Med at Western Michigan University, receiving a BS, MA, Ed. Spec., Holistic Health and Gerontology Specialty certification programs. Betty is married to John Ongley, and the couple has five children, all with MA or MBA degrees and one with a PH.D.

“I thoroughly enjoyed…30 years in the Portage Public Schools,” Betty said. “I see my former students everywhere: I’m on Boards with them, in Rotary, etc. Receiving the Golden Apple Award was a validation of my many years in education and always being a counselor and a teacher!”

Retired from counseling and Portage politics, Betty serves on several boards including the American Red Cross, Southwest MI Land Conser-

8

vancy, Kalamazoo Russian Cultural Association, Professional Executive Association of Kalamazoo, and many more.

January 2012

- Emily L. Magyar

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

January 2012

9

Inspiration M Where to Find

by Ashley Cole

for Interior Design

any clients come to me at the beginning of a project with the same dilemma. Where do you start? How do you know what your style is?

There are so many choices these days, it can be overwhelming. Even designers need inspiration. Every day my eyes are open to the world around me, taking in color, light, texture, shape and spatial relationships. Design is my passion so I can’t help but think about it all of the time. But if you’re not a designer and want to begin a design journey within your home, here are some places to take inspiration from.

Blogs: The amazing world of online blogs is simply astounding. There are designers, design enthusiasts and do-ityourselfers out there who make it their hobby or nearly a full time job to share thoughts and findings with their cyber friends. When embarking on a project of your own it can be comforting to see it done by someone out there just like yourself. Or, reach for blogs written by professional designers for a virtual library of shared ideas and resources. Some of my current favorite blogs are: • hammersandhighheels.blogspot.com • theinspiredroom.net • design-seed.com • habituallychic.blogspot.com • thefabulousdesignfile.blogspot.com

Fashion: Who doesn’t love fashion? It is fun, ever-changing and always on the cutting edge of trends. Whether it’s the design of products, homes or fashion, they follow each other closely. Browse the web or fashion magazines to take in the

10

January 2012

latest colors, patterns and combination of textures. Dissect an outfit into a room. Really, it works! Notice the fabric texture, pattern and color combination of an outfit you like.

Now imagine the pants as a sofa, the top as a side chair, the scarf as throw pillows and the metal necklace as an accent vase. You get the idea.

Travel: By far one of the biggest inspirations for me is travel. Experiencing other cities and cultures is an overwhelming eye opener. I do it every chance I get. When you stay in the same place it’s easy to stay stuck in a design rut as you may see the same things everywhere. Getting out of the comfort zone exposes one to new and exciting spaces, architecture and resources. When visiting a new city make a point to find its design district – nearly every big city has one. Wander around furniture stores, tile shops, lighting showrooms, even lobbies of hotels for ideas. If travel to faraway locations isn’t in the cards at the moment (especially if you’re saving for a big home project), then take in your local surroundings in a new way. Look at your own city through the eyes of a tourist. Make a point to go into buildings you haven’t before. Tour a Parade of Homes or design open houses. Walk around looking at the exteriors of homes in different neighborhoods, stop into a new hotel, viewing the lobby and restaurant spaces. There will be a world of inspiration at every turn. Remember your camera to capture favorite ideas.

Print: Not to state the obvious, but some of the best ideas and pure visual joy come out of design publications. Books, magazines and websites offer a wide range of delightful in-

spiration. Before embarking on your design adventure, think of it as planning a trip. Wouldn’t you pour over brochures and websites to see where you’re going? Thumb through the newest design books on the shelf, pick up shelter magazines and tear out pages that attract you. I have my clients do it at the beginning of their project with me. It is the best way for them to communicate what “feel” and look they want in their space. Sometimes you may not even know specifically what it is you like about a photo of a room, but if you gather enough you’ll start to see trends in certain colors, wood finishes, furniture styles, etc. from one picture to the next.

Nature: Let’s face it, nature just doesn’t get it wrong. Have you ever witnessed a color combination in the organic world that just seemed “off”? The beauty of our natural surroundings is constantly changing and endlessly inspiring. I can’t imagine any better boost of creativity than going for a walk outdoors and taking it all in. If winter doesn’t seem particularly inviting for this, pull from seasonal nature photographs. Now have fun incorporating them in your surroundings.

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

Ashley’s passion is “creating environments that enliven the spirit.” Visit her website at www.ashleycoledesign.com.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

January 2012

11

Great Starts

courtesy ARA

10 Quick & Easy Breakfast Ideas

B

reakfast has long been referred to as the most important meal of the day. Studies have found that children who eat a healthy breakfast have higher energy levels and better learning abilities than similar students who do not eat breakfast. Harvard University researchers found that those who eat breakfast are significantly more attentive in the classroom and have fewer behavioral and emotional problems.

Many families find that time is not in abundance in the morning when they are getting ready for school or work. As a result, breakfast might be skipped in an effort to get to work or school on time. But families can skirt the issue of time with a few quick breakfast foods the entire family can enjoy.

• Individually packaged yogurts are a good source of protein and calcium.

• Keep a container of fresh fruit salad in the refrigerator. A bowl of mixed fruit is refreshing and healthy.

• Whole grain granola bars that feature fruit and nuts can be a quick meal and a satisfying snack.

• Smoothies made from fruit and yogurt are fast and can be stored in portable cups to take along on the way to work or school.

• It doesn’t take long to enjoy a bowl of cereal, topped with banana slices or a few strawberries.

• Whip up a fast egg sandwich.

Saute egg whites in a frying pan and place between two slices of toasted whole wheat bread.

• Make a batch of low-fat, high-fiber muffins over the weekend. A muffin and fruit is an easy breakfast.

• Instant oatmeal is available in a number of flavors and is a very healthy and filling breakfast option.

• Create parfaits with layers of vanilla yogurt, fruit and granola.

• Use a sandwich or panini maker to create homemade breakfast tarts. Fill bread or pitas with fresh fruit or peanut butter and use the cooker to seal them shut.

Make breakfast a priority and take note to purchase breakfast foods you love. A crossaint with fresh berries and jam may be the key to starting out your day with a smile, as well as making the best of the entire day.

Scrambled Egg Breakfast Burrito Makes 1 serving 1 1 1 1

flour tortilla (6-inch size) egg tablespoon shredded cheddar cheese tablespoon salsa

Line 2-cup microwave-safe cereal bowl with microwave-safe paper towel. Press tortilla into the bowl.

Crack egg into the center of the tortilla and beat egg gently with a fork to blend. Microwave on high 30 seconds; stir and microwave 15 to 30 seconds more until egg is almost set.

Remove tortilla to a flat surface. Top egg with cheese and salsa; fold bottom of the tortilla over the egg and fold in each side.

12

January 2012

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

January 2012

13

Basic Investment Wisdom Some things never change. One of them is the need to invest for the long term. We have no idea what nominal returns or inflation or interest rates will be during the rest of our investing lifetime. Historically stocks have earned returns that are higher than bonds.

Investing in common stock gives you a share in the ownership of a business. When you invest in bonds you're a loaner to businesses. All of our common sense and life experience tells us that owners of good businesses make more money than do their lenders, if only because owners take more risk.

Still, many investors have trouble staying the course, especially when markets turn volatile.

"The challenge that investors face is that every day they read or hear what is going on in the world, and there is really nothing they can do about it," says Ron Baron, president of Baron Capital. Baron says the media predicts a lot more recessions than ever occur, and that when the stock market goes down many investors believe the media may be right and that they need to get out before the market crashes. Baron thinks this is ridiculous.

"Inflation is what people should be thinking about and how everything is going to cost twice as much every 15 to 20 years. People have to think about the money they saved becoming less valuable all the time and most businesses becoming more valuable all the time,” he adds.

The single biggest reason why people fail to achieve wealth and equity as investors – bigger than all other reasons combined – is that they never understand risk. First, people generally overestimate the term risk of owning stocks.

Second, people severely underestimate the long-term risk of not owning stocks.

One of the best things investors can do is to understand history, including the Great Depression of the 1930s and other volatile periods such as 1973-1974, and the last five years. History tells us such declines are quite common.

Baron believes investment opportunities abound in today's world – in health care, education and alternative energy, to name a few in-

14

January 2012

dustries. "In America we have under-invested in infrastructure, bridges, tunnels, sewers and roads, which provides opportunities for companies,” says Baron.

How Interest Rates Affect Your Bonds Most clients know that a bond's maturity is the amount of time left until the entirety of the security's principal is repaid. The longer the maturity, the more volatile the bond price moves with interest rate changes. Maturity, however, falls short as a true measure of a bond's volatility.

For one thing, maturity doesn't account for differences in bond coupons. Bondholders can tell you that a 10-year bond with a 5% coupon is more sensitive to interest rate changes than one paying 8% on par. They can tell you, too, that the value of a five-year zero-coupon note fluctuates more than that of seven-year interestbearing paper.

A bond's maturity, its coupon and its yield-tomaturity affect its price changes in reaction to prevailing interest rates. For example, holding a security's maturity and starting price constant, a higher coupon usually involves lower volatility, while a lower coupon creates more fluctuation.

Also, longer-term notes are more volatile than shorter maturities.

And, when bonds with identical coupons and terms are compared, the security with the lower yield-to-maturity tends to be more volatile.

That's because credit ratings also figure into bond yields. Basically, a higher credit rating attracts more buyers and sellers, increasing the number of transactions. These transactions take place at a price which gets printed, which incites more changes and higher volatility. By the same token, lower-rated bonds exhibiting the highest percentage returns are securities with poorer credit ratings; these will typically display the lowest price volatility.

Keeping all this in mind, risk-averse and income-oriented investors tend to gravitate to bonds with higher coupons, shorter maturities and, to some degree, lower credit ratings. Buy-

ing low coupon securities with longer maturities, and those with higher S&P, Moody's or Fitch ratings, then, is more a speculator's game for those hardy souls expecting an interest rate decline.

Each bond offers its own unique risk profile. A longer-term bond's maturity, for example, might tend to counteract the risk impact of a high coupon. Bond volatility can then be said to represent an average of the security's opposing risk effects.

In summary, duration represents a quantifiable measurement of a bond's volatility based upon the interplay of its coupon, maturity and yield.

The important points to remember are: •

Duration is a risk measure that calculates how many years it takes for the price of a bond to be repaid by its internal cash flows.

It's the present value of the bond's future interest and principal payments.

•

Duration is commonly used to explain the change in the value of a security resulting from each 1% change in interest rates. Multiplying a bond's duration by the shift in interest rate provides a rough approximation of the expected change in the bond's value.

•

Longer maturities and small coupons increase duration, while shorter maturities and higher coupons decrease duration.

Understanding duration helps you determine a strategy for capitalizing upon interest rate movements as well as providing a roadmap for immunizing portfolios against interest rate risk.

Sandy K. Derby, CFP®, ChFC has been in the financial services industry since 1989. She has been 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 269-3215047. 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.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

January 2012

15

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

16

January 2012

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

January 2012

17

Inspiring Recipes by Chef Candice Kumai

Roasted Fig and Blue Cheese Salad Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Serves: 4 For the figs: 2 cups fresh black mission figs, sliced in half 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon honey 1/4 teaspoon sea salt For the salad: 1/2 cup blue cheese, cut into thin slices 6 cups mixed salad greens with arugula 1/2 cup candied walnuts Sea salt to taste For the dressing: 3 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons dijon mustard 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 teaspoon sea salt To roast figs, preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove stems off end of each fig, then slice fig in half.

Roast for approximately 30 minutes or until a bit golden brown. Remove and cool slightly.

In small mixing bowl, mix 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, olive oil and honey. Add figs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 5 to 10 minutes.

Whisk honey, mustard, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and sea salt together to create dressing.

Place greens in large salad bowl; toss in candied walnuts. Serve with two fig halves on top of each salad with a blue cheese slice.

18

January 2012

Spicy Tequila Lime Shrimp Salad Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 5 minutes Serves: 4

For the dressing: 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt 3 tablespoons high-quality tequila 1 tablespoon grated lime zest 1 teaspoon hot sauce 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Pinch of sea salt to taste

For the shrimp: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1 pound medium shrimp, deveined 3 tablespoons high-quality tequila 1 teaspoon dried chipotle powder 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped Pinch red pepper flakes Salt, to taste

Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat.

Once oil is hot, add chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add cumin and red pepper flakes, and let flavors blend together.

For the salad: 4 cups dark, leafy mixed greens 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced thin 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed 1 avocado, sliced thin

Toss mixed greens in a large salad bowl and add in roasted red peppers and black beans. In medium bowl, whisk all of the dressing ingredients together and alter to desired taste by adding additional hot sauce and salt. Top with avocado slices and sautĂŠed shrimp.

Add shrimp and toss. Carefully add tequila and cook until alcohol burns off. Season with salt, and add dried chipotle powder. Once shrimp are cooked, add chopped cilantro, toss and put aside on a plate.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

January 2012

19

5 Ways to Relieve Stress

for a calmer, heathier you courtesy of ARA and Mayo Clinic

Many find tai chi appealing because it's inexpensive, requires no special equipment and can be done indoors or out, either alone or in a group.

S

tress is something that is a part of most of our lives, but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming factor. With stress-relief techniques, we can feel calmer and healthier.

Hot tub Water, heat and massage therapy provided by a hot tub can alleviate many body strains caused by stress. Raising core body temperature for 15 minutes, around 90 minutes before bed has been shown to induce a more restful sleep. Heat also dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow to sore or damaged tissue. In addition, water provides buoyancy that reduces strain on muscles and joints. Add the gentle massage from spa bubbles and the body is relaxed. This, in turn, can help turn off the mind and facilitate feelings of ease.

Exercise equipment Having a stationary bike, treadmill or elliptical trainer in the home can entice people to get moving. Exercise is a known mood-booster. In a study at Duke University, exercise was shown to reduce major depression as well as standard antidepressant medication. Stress and depression are often linked. Exercise releases endorphins into the body, which can banish the blues. Other studies have shown that as little as ten minutes of brisk walking raises the mood and increases the energy level of people for up to two hours after the walk.

20

January 2012

Massage Few things can reduce stress as much as the feeling of human hands working the kinks out of tense muscles.

Massage can alleviate pain, reduce anxiety and may even improve immune system function. There are many different types of massages available. A person can invest in a massage table for home and have a spouse or family member do the massage. However, most prefer to visit a spa or rehabilitation center and rely on a trained professional.

Swimming A pool, much like a hot tub, can foster feelings of relaxation. Swimming combines the stress-relief of water with the benefits of exercise. Daily swimming can shake off the stress of work and family life.

Alternative therapies Everything from accupuncture to aromatherapy to music therapy can be tried in an effort to staunch stress.

Following in the footsteps of Eastern cultures, many people are finding meditation, yoga, deep breathing and tai chi are effective at calming the mind and the body.

The ancient art of tai chi uses gentle flowing movements to reduce the stress and improve health. Tai chi (TIE-chee) is described as "meditation in motion" because it promotes serenity. Originally developed in an-

cient China for self-defense, tai chi evolved into a graceful form of exercise now used for stress reduction (and to help with a variety of other health conditions).

Tai chi is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. To do tai chi, you perform a series of postures or movements in a slow, graceful manner. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.

Tai chi has many different styles and includes rhythmic patterns of movement that are coordinated with breathing to help you achieve a sense of inner calm. The concentration required for tai chi forces you to live in the present moment, putting aside distressing thoughts.

Who can do tai chi?

The intensity of tai chi varies depending on the form or style practiced. Most forms are gentle and suitable for everyone. You can practice tai chi regardless of your age or physical ability as tai chi emphasizes technique over strength. Because tai chi is low impact, it may be especially suitable if you are not accustomed to exercise.

Although tai chi is generally safe, consider talking with your doctor before starting a new program.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Happy New Year: Now What?

The New Year is underway. So, how are your resolutions coming? If you’re like most people, they’re already history. But if you made a resolution that this new year is the time to divorce, make changes and take a chance on a new life, here are some “New Year’s” resolutions that might come in handy.

Resolutions are all about taking control.

Whether you’re trying to lose weight, get more exercise, or just budget your time better, you’re in effect making a conscious decision to use your free will to take an action to change how you live.

Deciding to divorce is a major life decision, not to be taken lightly. You need to make a series of “right” decisions so that you stay in control. If you let the process take control of you instead, then the new independent life you envisioned could be a disaster instead of a liberation.

Start by determining what the process will be. If you just slap your husband with a summons and complaint, he might react with such anger that he hires the meanest lawyer in town to fight to the death. But if you approach him in a non threatening way, and talk about the break down and the need to move on, then he might be more willing to choose

mediation as a way of working through the divorce peacefully.

The chances are, though, that emotions will be high and you will need a way of venting them that releases the tension without losing control. That can mean learning to meditate for just 10 minutes a day, finding a hobby, taking a run or a swim, or sometimes when you’re all alone in your car (preferably where no one can hear you) letting out a primal scream.

The point is to recognize that you can control that anger and emotion and you can channel it and focus on getting through the divorce process according to your plan.

think you have to constantly remind yourself and others that your soon-to-be-ex is a liar, stop doing that. People don’t want to hear it. Your ex won’t change just because you said it and you only get yourself mad. What would happen if instead of getting mad and calling him a liar, you just sighed and said: “Poor Jack, sometimes he has such a problem remembering the truth.” And then, just smile slyly.

Often the most powerful people exercise their power by not exercising it at all. True power is not having to use power to get your way. Keep calm.

Getting angry about what happened in the past is not going to get you what you want in the future. The resolution here is to change your mental attitude.

The first step to mental and physical health in the New Year is to identify what is stressing you and learn to deal with it in a way that turns it into something positive for you.

If you think you have to get angry to get your way, you’re only affecting your own health. If you

Jeff Murphy, Mediator-Attorney Mediation Services of Southwest Michigan ©2011 www.JeffMurphyMediator.com

January 2012

21

We asked the women of Kalamazoo Network to share their perspectives on the current state of business etiquette, to air a pet peeve or relate an appreciated gesture they’d like to see happen more often.

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

In a culture marked by growing informality in most social situations, the bottom line for etiquette in business relationships has shifted accordingly. How has this affected your business dealings for better or worse?

With the growing informality, I love it when people continue the tradition of sending thank you cards and remembering birthdays. So often a little encouragement, kind words and well wishes go unmentioned.

Just getting a little note in the mail from a business acquaintance or friend brightens my day!

Amelia Barker-King / The Barton Group While I use my Smartphone for many things throughout the work day, if I am with a client or another person whom I work with, I usually do not take calls while in the presence of another and only if it's an emergency. I will ask to be excused to take a phone call or respond to a text.

In a society often intruded upon by technology, there is nothing more important than face to face communication. Those interactions are usually more productive.

22

January 2012

While casual communication can be a text or a voicemail, there are opportunities for miscommunication in those methods. So when in doubt, have a face to face meeting if possible or a phone conversation to clarify your points.

If the topic is very sensitive (ex: an offer to purchase Real Estate) one last thing is to email a summary of the conversation to the other party. This is courteous and also good a business practice.

Maureen Krause Prudential Preferred Realtors

Having a less formal environment in any situation always opens creativity.. which is good for anyone... especially me and my career... I thrive on it!

Maria Pavletic/Pavletic Consulting & Design, LLC

In sales, I was always told, “It’s not personal, it’s business.” But what I’ve always known is that business is personal. You build trust with your clients and you care about their success or failure. You build a relationship with them. I have found that the growing informality knocks down traditional barriers. When people are comfortably dressed and more casual, they are more open to me and I’m less threatening to them. An open dialogue can be more easily achieved.

Joan VanSickler VanSickler Design

Joan VanSickler is serving her 5th year on the Kalamazoo Network Board and is the 2011-2012 President. Communicate

by Design with Joan VanSickler, Mixed Media Marketing and Design

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Confessions of an Advertising Goddess Signs, Signs, Everywhere are Signs…

They’ve always played a role in my life. As a kid, my family would drive through the streets of Kalamazoo and I would gaze out the window at the many signs that dotted the streets. I still remember the West Main Mall art deco sign that looked like a snowflake, and the neon car that announced the movies showing at the Douglas Drive-in – a sign that now enjoys a new life and sits in all its beautiful, kitschy glory in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.

I appreciated good signage back then and I still do. Advertising is one of the greatest art forms in American pop culture. Andy Warhol knew it, and I knew it…at age eight.

Still, some people don’t grasp the beauty of advertising and that’s the only explanation I have for the old signs that some retailers in town insist on keeping only because they haven’t fallen down yet. If only the business owner with the plastic sign, as faded as a pair of worn jeans, understood that their sign is often their strongest form of advertising. For what does a sign that screams, “1968” say about the products or service inside the store?

I equate these expired signs to being too close to the situation. Kind of like when you’re cleaning the microwave in your kitchen and suddenly notice the

splattered wall behind the oven, containing remnants of past dinners. Because you live with it every day, you didn’t pay attention to the slow buildup of spaghetti sauce and a multitude of other grease spots. Do these owners not notice that their signs died long ago and are now fossils in today’s world of digital and neon?

Thankfully we have the other end of the spectrum, and the sharp business owners who understand that a sign noticed is a sign read. Striking digital signs that not only inform me about the smart shop that it belongs to, but also gives me the temperature and time. Just ask the insurance person on Shaver Road and the furniture dealer on US-131 if they’re happy with the investment they made on their sign. They will probably tell you what an exorbitant amount of money the sign cost, and will then inform you that it was worth every penny. There’s also the dry cleaner at Crosstown who refurbished the old neon sign that sat dark for too long but is new again, and the tea shop in Portage – where they’ve taken signage to a creative new level…a huge tea cup pulled by an appropriately decaled Smart Car. Smart owners, if you ask me.

So do you remember some of the great signs of yesterday? Or is there a sign today that deserves notice? Share your Kalamazoo sign stories with me and others on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/adshopetc.

Heidi McCrary is co-owner of Ad Shop, etc. A boutique advertising agency helping local business owners.

Contact Heidi at heidi@adshopetc.com or at (269) 978-8800.

January 2012

23

Courtesy of ARA

Is Your Diet Causing Your

Headaches?

M

any factors, including food, can contribute to the onset of migraine headaches.

However, migraine headaches remain a mystery to migraine sufferers and medical professionals alike. Researchers have studied the effect of foods on the genesis of a migraine, and some foods have proven to be repeat offenders when it comes to triggering the headaches.

Cured and processed meats, such as hot dogs and sausage, will contain additives. Additives are present in many convenience foods, such as frozen and packaged dinners. Processed cheese may have additives as well as high levels of tyramine, making them a double threat.

Whenever possible, migraine sufferers should limit processed foods and choose fresh foods to minimize exposure to chemical additives.

Other Triggers Chemical components of certain foods may play a role in why they cause headaches to occur. Also, the effect certain foods have on the body may also be instrumental. For example, alcohol tends to thin the blood, which can increase blood flow to the brain. Furthermore, alcohol is a diuretic and can dehydrate the body, another headache trigger. Although everyone reacts differently to alcohol, whiskey, red wine, champagne, and beer are the most common alcoholic migraine triggers.

Tyramine Foods that contain tyramine may also trigger migraines. Tyramine is a naturally-occurring compound often present in many plants and animals. It can also form from tyrosine – an amino acid found in a variety of foods – when those foods are fermented, or start to decay. Tyramine can have effects on the adrenal gland, which triggers the “fight or flight” reaction in the body. This elevates the heart rate, increases blood pressure and increases the amount of adrenaline and other substances in the blood. All of these factors may trigger a migraine.

Aged cheese, preserved meats and other items that have been fermented are prime sources of tyramine. They can be reduced or avoided if it seems these foods play a role in your migraines.

Additives Chemical additives may be used in foods to preserve freshness or modify flavor. Some people report headaches from monosodium glutamate (MSG), but there is no definitive research linking MSG to headaches. However, heavily processed foods may affect people who suffer from migraines in different ways.

24

January 2012

There are other foods beyond those with tyramine or additives that may trigger headaches.

Dairy products are often a cause of allergic reactions in people. Dairy may contribute to the overproduction of mucous in the sinuses, which can create pressure and lead to migraines.

Published surveys have found that after cheese, chocolate, alcohol, bananas, and citrus fruit are the most common triggers of migraines. These foods may influence the release of serotonin, causing constriction and dilation of blood vessels, or directly stimulate areas of the brain such as the trigeminal ganglia, brainstem and neuronal pathways. The result is a propensity for migraines.

Caffeine products are triggers for some people, while others find caffeine helps them find relief. That is why caffeine is sometimes paired with a pain-relief medication for faster efficacy.

The World Health Organization estimates that there are more than 20 million migraine attacks occurring worldwide every day. Women are three times as likely to suffer migraines than men. Individuals who experience migraines should keep a food diary to determine if foods are playing a role in attacks.

A migraine can come on 20 to 25 minutes after a certain food or beverage is consumed. Learning which foods frequently trigger migraines might help sufferers who avoid these foods reduce the frequency of migraines.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

January 2012

25

Exercise On-the-go W Illustrations and article

by Bri Kilroy

e live in an age that not only encourages multi-tasking, but requires it. We’ve evolved to pairing a variety of tasks together to fit all of our obligations into the brief 24-hour period that is our day. However, there are some tasks that have been cast aside as casualties in this war of time management, one of them being exercise.

Well, until scientists invent the pocket treadmill, follow these tips to fuse your everyday activities with simple exercises that will eliminate the feeling of sloth while not pulling you away from your daily tasks.

Grocery store shopping: Instead of thinking of grocery shopping as getting in the way of your workout, think of it as taking your workout in a different direction. While reaching for objects off higher shelves, give your muscles some yoga treatment by stretching for them.

Tighten your gluts while waiting in line to tone and shape your rear.

Even walking at a moderate pace can burn up to 85 calories in a half-hour. Keep your head straight and walk with your shoulders back to maintain good posture, working more muscles in your body. Use a basket instead of a cart and make more trips to the grocery store.

this chore is about to become a dance session.

Stand with a dry towel under your feet and use your hips to twist around the room while, at the same time, drying your floors. The action of twisting will work your obliques and hips helping make your stomach as flat as that clean floor.

When carrying your grocery bags out of the store, bend your arms and place the handles at the elbows to increase resistance and build strength in your arms.

Sitting crunches:

In your kitchen: Throughout the day, make a goal to do 10 pushups off the counter every time you do something regularly like throwing something away, preparing a meal, or answering the phone. Place your hands on the counter while keeping your back and neck in a straight line. While keeping your abs tight, slowly bring your chest to the counter, hold for a couple seconds, and then push back up. You don’t need to do a Rocky Balboa amount. Ten is perfect and flexible with your busy schedule.

Microwave: Get Lance Armstrong calves while waiting for the microwave. Stand with your feet together and lift yourself up and down with your toes. You’ll feel the burn. Repeat 30 times and walk away with mindboggling calf muscles. You can also use microwave cooking time to partake in vigorous jumping jacks. Not only will you feel better about reheating those delicious mac-and-cheese leftovers that you’ve been craving, but you’ll get a full body muscle workout!

Cleaning twist: After you have finished mopping your hard surface floors, throw on some upbeat music because

26

January 2012

You can do these in the car, while watching TV, or even at your desk, class, or a theatre. All you need is a chair and good posture. While sitting up straight, squeeze your abdominal muscles as if you are trying to bring your ribs and stomach together.

Release by returning to your seated position.

Emptying the dishwasher or doing laundry: As you reach down for a dish or an article of clothing, go against the temptation to bend down with your back and lower yourself with your legs instead. Squats strengthen your thighs, hips, buttocks, and hamstrings. Keep your stomach tight to work your abs at the same time.

On the phone: Walk around or high march in place while talking on the phone. A long conversation can turn into your exercise for the day if you keep moving.

In front of the television: Use commercial time as a stopwatch. Instead of fast-forwarding through the advertisements, use that time to do jumping jacks, sit-ups, or run in place. After raising your heart rate, you can return to watching your favorite show and work off an extra 32 calories just by sitting/resting for a 30minute period.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

In the car: While not all of us can have the “Over the Top” arm bowflex in our vehicles, we can manage some simple techniques that will keep us feeling active. The safest and most convenient involves the squeeze and release or isomeric contractions. Whether it is your biceps, abdominals, tush, thighs, or calves, squeeze the muscles and hold for 10 seconds before releasing. Do it repeatedly on your drive to get a work out without having to hit the showers afterwards.

At the desk: Fit fitness into your office schedule.

Assuming your chair has arms, sit with your hands on the armrests. Lift yourself a few inches above the seat, keeping your abdominal muscles tight and your head straight. Use your legs only to stabilize and let your arms and core do the work. Hold 10-20 seconds and lower yourself down. For more resistance, sit cross-legged on your seat and lift yourself up using only your arms.

Triceps at the desk: With your back towards your desk, place your palms on the edge on either side of you. With your feet about 10 inches apart, bend your elbows to dip down to where they are bent at 90 degrees then slowly lift up. This move will work your triceps and legs, while never leaving your post at the office.

Repeat 20 times and mark strength training off your to-do list for the day.

Trade the crunch for a plank: The “Plank” is a simple, one-step, move that works your obliques and core. Hold the “up” position of a push-up while keeping your back flat (a straight back is the key to flat abs). Keep your wrists in line with your shoulders and elongate your neck, leaving about 6 inches between your neck and your chest. Hold for 30 seconds and then rest.

These are just some simple tips that we are all capable of, but the key to exercise during pressed time is simply adding extra movement in your everyday life. You can easily do this by parking further away from the store and walking to the entrance or taking the stairs instead of the elevator (two at a time for a more intense workout).

Instead of living in an “all-or-nothing” mindset when it comes to your workout, live in an attitude where “nothing” is bad and “something” is good. Exercise is like a donation fund: every little bit helps. Don’t give in to sloth just because you weren’t able to complete a brutal military boot camp before work. Every opportunity for extra movement is an advantage to your activity.

Got 10 minutes? Doing what you do everyday creates calorie burn: Stretching- 40 calories Treading water- 100 calories Bicycling 12-14 mph- 89 calories Jogging- 72 calories Running 5 mph- 86 calories Running 6 mph- 103 calories Running 7 mph- 117 calories Running 8 mph- 138 calories Driving- 22 calories Cooking- 27 calories Putting away groceries- 27 calories Housework- 30 calories Bowling- 31 calories Frisbee playing- 31 calories

Carrying an infant- 38 calories Stretching- 40 calories Walking 3 mph- 45 calories Walking 4 mph- 53 calories Car washing- 46 calories Mopping- 46 calories Shooting baskets- 46 calories House painting- 51 calories Cleaning gutters- 54 calories Hiking- 61 calories Moderate swimming- 62 calories Vigorous jumping jacks- 82 calories Hopscotch- 54 calories

January 2012

27

CALENDAR

of Events

It’s easy to get listed in our Events Calendar. Our deadline is the 10th of the monthprior to publication. Email us at: calendar@womenslifestylekazoo.com Please type Calendar in the subject line. Or you may mail your info to P. O. Box 2284, Portage MI 49081-2284 January 1 John Daley Memorial One One Run Spring Valley Park, Kalamazoo. 1 pm. Join us for a walk or run around Spring Valley Park. Finish in our big tent filled with food, music and fun!

We'll give away tons of prizes, and you may even win the coveted grand prize...Charlie Miller's Chainsaw! 269-342-5996 ext 107. http://www.gazellesports.com/oneonerun January 1 – 31 Weekend Kalamazoo Indoor Flea & Farmers Market Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Expo South.

Every Tuesday & Wednesday: 8 am – 2 pm; Sat. Jan. 21: 7 am – 3 pm. Special Weekend Market!

Come check out all the great deals on new & used items! 65 Booths Available! For booth space call 269-383-8761 or email or visit www.kalamazooexpocenter.com January 3 ARTbreak: George Rickey Works Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. 12 – 12:45 pm.

Enjoy brief interviews with artists George Rickey and wonderful footage of his moving sculpture set to music. An Indiana native, Rickey spent time in Kalamazoo and the Art Institute. Free.

269-349-7775. www.kiarts.org January 3 - 14 Fit-N-Fab U 8-Week Challenge Ladies Only. Pre-register by Jan. 12th. Only $20, a $10 donation to Kids Hope USA and a $10 contribution to the prize pool you could win! Includes Assessments, “Healthy Habits, Healthy U” Guide, Workout Session, “Healthy U” Lifestyle Class and more. Visit FitNFabU.VipRespond.com for details.

January 3, 10, 12, 17, 24, 26 TOWER Professional Network Chapter Meetings Noon – 1 pm. Team Of Women Expecting Results invites you to visit one of our chapter meetings! Women only networking chapters that are about warm referrals, building relationships and community involvement. Bring your lunch and a guest! Please visit our website to RSVP and learn more about us and our upcoming events! www.TOWERProfessionalNetwork.com January 5 Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo Colonial Kitchen. 7:30 am. Don Wiersma, Super Books. More info @ dwvanloo@sbcglobal.net or 269-327-8647 January 5 Greater Kalamazoo United Way Building 5:30 – 8 pm. Serving On a Nonprofit Board Workshop: Take your volunteering to the next level! Learn how to be an effective board member. Cost is $50 or $45 with online registration.

Preregistration required at 269-382-8350 www.volunteerkalamazoo.org boardconnect@volunteerkalamazoo.org

28

January 2012

January 5, 12, 19, 26 Computer Classes Parchment Community Library. 6:30 - 7:30 pm. $5.00 per person. Payment due at time of registration. Details at 343-7747.

January 6 Art Hop Various Locations throughout Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 9 pm. Art Hop is a free event that features new art exhibits in a fun, casual atmosphere. Numerous galleries and businesses in the downtown area host a variety of artwork.

Free. 269-342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.com January 9 International Association of Administrative Professionals Chapter Meeting Kalamazoo Educational Resource Agency (KRESA). The Kalamazoo Chapter of the IAAP will host speaker Elaine Tasker, “How to Market Yourself”. No cost for the meeting; please bring a dish to share. Contact Michelle Stickley at 269553-2086 or michelle.stickley.cnuz @statefarm.com for more information.

January 10 Kalamazoo Network Fetzer Center WMU. 5:15 pm Dinner & Program; Networking for business women. Cost $20.

RSVP to www.kalamazoonetwork.org January 10, 24 Michigan Professional Women's Resource Group The Beacon club, 5830 Portage Rd. 9:00am. We are a womens networking and resource group.

Guests Welcome! For more info call Dana 269910-3579.

January 11 “Healthy Living Starts At The Grocery Store” Tour Hardings’ main entrance, N. Drake. 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM. Learn how to read & understand labels plus more from a certified personal trainer. Free.

Visit FocusOnUFitness.com and sign up on the Free Tour tab.

January 12 Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo Colonial Kitchen. 7:30 am Willo Radgens, Ministry with Community. More info @ dwvanloo@sbcglobal.net or 269-327-8647 January 13 – 15 Southwest Michigan Golf Show Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Fri 2 – 8 pm, Sat 9 am – 8 pm, Sun 10 am – 5 pm. The Kalamazoo Golf Show kicks off the golf season highlighting over 100 exhibitors with great deals on every aspect of the golf game! Adults $6, Children 12 and under are free. More info: call 517-548-1200 or visit www.michigangolfshow.com/kalamazoo January 13 & 14 Redenbacher 3D Farmers Alley Theatre. 8 pm. One thing that's proven to be more than just a passing fad is Crawlspace Eviction Improv Comedy. Tickets are $7 for students, $10 general admission. More information at crawlspacetheatre.com

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

January 14 “Healthy U” Lifestyle Class Focus On U Fitness, 545 N. Drake. 10 AM – 11:30 AM. Included in Fit-N-Fab U Challenge or $5 donation to Kids Hope USA at the door for just the class. Ladies only. Call 269-532-1075 for details.

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

We can tell right away if you may have a vein disease. Register at http://www.premierveincenter.com/vein-screening or 269-388-6350.

January 17 Air Zoo Trip to the North American International Auto Show Detroit. The Air Zoo is organizing a trip to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The trip will be fully escorted with transportation by deluxe motor coach and includes a ticket to the auto show, along with shopping.

Customers will be dropped off and picked up at the COBO Center entrance/exit. $55. 269-3826555. tstafford@airzoo.org January 18 Watercolor Pendant Necklace Class Parchment Community Library. Free. Ages 16 & up. Register at 343-7747 or www.parchmentlibrary.org January 18 "Healthy & Fit U" Presentations Focus On U Fitness, 545 N. Drake, 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM or 6:30 PM – 7:15PM. Learn the truth about "starving" fat and yo-yo diets and how to design your own health & fitness program that will work short term and long term! Ladies only.

Free. Call 269-532-1075 for details.

January 19 Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo Colonial Kitchen. 7:30 am. Mary Peterson, WMU Audiology Department. More info @ dwvanloo@sbcglobal.net or 269-327-8647 January 19 & 26 Ayurveda Basics for Radiant Health Unity of Kalamazoo.10 am – noon. Ayurveda is a timeless system for radiant health and divine longevity. $45 early or $55 regular. Visit www.RadiantLifeAyurveda.com for more info, email Rhonda@RadiantLifeAyurveda.com or call Rhonda at 269-345-2991.

January 19 Borgess Health & Fitness Center Heart Failure and Stroke Education Class: Be My Valentine Still 4:30-5:30 p.m. FREE Register at 269-226-8135 or www.wellness.borgess.com.

January 20 Willow Lake Gallery Parkview Hills. 6 – 8 pm. Stan Rajnak will show Botanical Pressings and Ceramics. Art cards available during reception. Call 269-372-4444 or 269-375-1043.

January 21 KSO – American Dance Miller Auditorium. 8 – 10 pm. Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and Wellspring Dance present a concert of American music and dance. Enjoy music of Phillip Glass, John Adams, Duke Ellington, Leonard Bernstein, and more. Raymond Harvey conducts. $7 - $52. 269-349-7759. http://www.kalamazoosymphony.com

$60 regular. $50 early or $60 regular. Visit www.RadiantLifeAyurveda.com for more info, email Rhonda@RadiantLifeAyurveda.com or call Rhonda at 269-345-2991.

January 25 Orientation for Group Spiritual Direction Transformations Spirituality Center. 6:30 – 8:30 pm. An introduction and opportunity to experience the Group Spiritual Direction process. $10 Info @ www.transformationscenter.org or info@transformationscenter.org or 269-381-6290 ext. 249 January 26 Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo Colonial Kitchen. 7:30 am. Julie Howes, Optimist International Foundation. More info @ dwvanloo@sbcglobal.net or 269-327-8647

February 3 “Hearts 'n Arts” Art Hop Various Locations throughout Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 9 pm. “Hearts ‘n Arts” Art Hop. Stop by our Reflections gallery featuring hearts in all shapes and glass mediums. Glass demonstrations throughout the night will thrill all, tall or small! Free. 269-552-9802. http://www.wmglass.org

February 4 Gazelle Sports Walkin' On the Wild Side Sate Land off of Centre St. 10:30 am. Designed to promote overall wellness while getting outside and staying healthy throughout the winter months. These walks take place rain, snow or sunshine. No registration required. 269-3425996 ext 107. http://www.gazellesports.com /info/75-walk-training-programs.html

February 3 KSO – Wicked Divas Miller Auditorium. 8 – 10 pm. It's Broadway hits sung by two Broadway stars of "Wicked." Alli Mauzey (Glinda) and Nicole Parker (Elphaba) sing music from Chicago, Ragtime, Phantom of the Opera, and much more (and Wicked, of course). $15 - $45. 269-349-7759. http://www.kalamazoosymphony.com

February 4 – 28 Borgess Run Camp Borgess Health & Fitness Center. A 13-week training experience for individuals who are training for the Borgess Run for the Health of It, to be held May 6. We have seven coaches and dozens of team leaders who help runners achieve their goals. Campers are training either for the 5K Run or the Borgess Half Marathon. $75. 269-3451913. http://borgess.runcamp.com

January 26 Men’s Spirituality – The False-self/True-self Dynamic Transformations Spirituality Center. 6 – 9pm.

Send your men for an exploration of our falseself and true-selves. $40. Info @ www.transformationscenter.org or info@transformationscenter.org or 269-381-6290 ext. 249 January 27 – 29 Traditional Bowhunters Expo Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Fri 5 – 9 pm, Sat 9 am – 5 pm, Sun 9 am – 3 pm. This is a hardcore traditional hunting expo. Ongoing seminars and traditional only dealers. Admission: Friday evening only $6, Weekend $10, Children 12 and under are free. Contact Jerry or Sharon Brumm at 517-852-0828 or info@gnbco.com www.gnbco.com January 28 SINGAPALOOZA Music Festival St. Catherine of Siena Church. 10 am – 5 pm.

Acapella music is sweeping the nation, and we're excited to offer this free event so you can try it for yourself! Free. Http://www.region3sweetadelines.org January 31 Centering Prayer Introduction Transformations Spirituality Center. 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Learn or refresh yourself about this meditative form of Christian prayer. $20. Info @ www.transformationscenter.org or info@transformationscenter.org or 269-381-6290 ext. 249 January 31 Rock of Ages Miller Auditorium. 7:30 pm. It's five-time Tony Award® nominated smash-hit musical ROCK OF AGES, a hilarious, feel-good love story. $55 $25. 269-387-2300. http://www.millerauditorium.com February 2 Trizelle Indoor Triathlon Training: Orientation Gazelle Sports. 6 pm. Learn more about the Trizelle experience and triathlon training in general! Free. 269-342-5996 ext 107. http://www.gazellesports.com/info/74-multisport-training-programs.html February 2 & 16 Ayurveda Home Remedies Unity of Kalamazoo. 10 am – noon. Ayurveda Home Remedies for Colds, Flus, the Blues...and more winter hardiness formulas and strategies. $50 early or $60 regular. Includes herbal tea samples that we will make. Visit www.RadiantLifeAyurveda.com for more info, email Rhonda@RadiantLifeAyurveda.com or call Rhonda at 269-345-2991.

January 21 & 28 Ayurveda Basics Awake and Aware. Noon – 2 pm. Learn the basics of Ayurveda including assessment of your health needs and custom strategies. $50 early or

January 2012

29

Reader’s Lounge

By Alexandra Fix

Kazoopon, LLC The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

By Rebecca Skloot Broadway Paperbacks, 2010, $16.00 In 1951, just months before Henrietta Lacks died a tragic death from a highly aggressive cervical cancer, some of her cancer cells were harvested and cultured for study purposes. They produced cells in abundance, under the code name HeLa, which became the world’s first immortal human cells. Immortal cells continuously divide and produce a line of cells all descended from one original sample. Over time these cells would be sold, packaged and shipped by the trillions around the world as a valuable medical research tool. Today, HeLa cells are still used in labs everywhere. There is no doubt that Henrietta’s contribution to humanity was tremendous. By studying these cells, discoveries were made about polio, HPV, AIDS, cancer and DNA, among other things. It’s an understatement to say that the medical world did a terrible disservice to this family in the way that these cells were handled. Informed consent to use them was not obtained and the family was unaware of the truth of the multi-million dollar industry that Henrietta’s cells would spawn. The Lacks’ family angrily wonders why none of them can even afford medical insurance when their mother’s cells are supposedly so valuable to the medical world. This nonfiction account is a thorny and provocative book about cancer, racism, scientific ethics, and crippling poverty. Readers will learn some incredible things about research, informed consent and the medical treatment of blacks in America over the years.

Room

By Emma Donoghue Little, Brown, 2010, $24.99 Abducted at the age of 19 and held in a locked 11x11’ garden shed, with a lone roof skylight to the outside world, is the woman we come to know as Ma. Two years into her captivity, her son, Jack, is born. Jack turns five as the novel begins and we hear the story narrated primarily in his voice. If you have the opportunity, listen to the audio version of the book and you will really be drawn into the unusual world of this little boy. The loving care of a mother for her son has protected him from harm and provided him with a childhood that, though not normal, is happy. Little Jack’s personality is a delightful wonder, believable and very true to a five-year-old’s world. Each day has its routines of carefully conserving their allotted food (even to counting out their cereal pieces), running and jumping in the room for Phys Ed (including timed laps around the tiny room), reading and telling stories (with their simple supply of 7 books and a mother’s memory and imagination) and watching a little bit of television (not so much that their brains will turn to mush). With no outside world contact, Jack is unaware of the reality of what he has never experienced. His mother does a beautiful job of hiding the ugliness of their situation from him. When Ma and Jack escape their entrapment, the story really begins.

There’s a world of readjustment for each of them, with some twists and turns that threaten their acceptance of normal and include an unusual return to their past. The focus of this book is not so much on the terrors of the abduction and captivity but rather on the nurturing relationship of mother and son. Sadly, but inevitably, there will be comparisons to an actual abduction and entrapment that came to light in recent years. Emma Donoghue’s novel is truly fictional and was written before that horrendous situation was discovered.

Kazoopons.com is an interactive local marketing company dedicated to keeping the local economy strong by connecting local consumers with local businesses. Additionally, they promote keeping monies within the community. They offer daily online deals to consumers and FREE, NO RISK ADVERTISING to businesses within Kalamazoo and the surrounding areas.

For more info, please contact Cliff Cook at 269-532-8374 or go to www.kazoopons.com

RiverRun Press RiverRun Press is a premium-quality digital and offset printing company that can provide an array of solutions to your print and fulfillment needs. They serve customers of all kinds, from small business to not-for-profits to large corporations. Their spectrum of print communications capabilities ranges from simple, single-color projects to multi-color brochures and variable data applications, all the way to across-the board branding.

Whether you visit them at their website: www. riverrunpress.com or in person, you will find them solving problems, creating efficiencies, going the extra mile and building lasting relationships. Their goal: printing your materials well in the most timely and cost effective way. They are located at: 600 Shoppers Lane, Parchment – 269-349-7603.

Solspring at Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts SolSpring is Kalamazoo's largest and most unique holistic healing and wellness center. They offer massage therapy, spa services, acupuncture, chiropractic care and naturopathy all under one roof. Located on 15 beautifullywooded acres, they are easy to find at 6350 West KL Avenue, just east of 9th Street. Visit their website for more information at www.solspring.net.

Alexandra Fix is the author of ten non-fiction children’s book, including the series Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Heinemann Library).

Over the years, she has truly enjoyed being a children’s librarian, registered nurse, freelance writer, mother and grandmother.

30

January 2012

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

January 2012

31