The Delicious Edition - March 2013

March 2013

FREE Spectacular Kitchens

Spice Inspired Recipes

The

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

Claudette Reid

Raffles & Prizes

From the Publisher Let’s Eat! We bring you this DELICIOUS March Edition in celebration of everyone who knows that food is meant to be enjoyed. For many, the New Year shifts our focus to food as a source of nourishment and a key to maintaining our health. While this is good, it can be helpful to take a breather and concentrate instead on the pleasure that good food can bring.

This month, let’s take time to fix some great home cooked meals that will bring a little joy back to the dinner table. As we rush through our often hectic days, meal time can be viewed more as a chore than as time to reconnect with our friends and love ones. Keeping this in mind, we’ve included recipes for work night meals, entertaining, relaxing and just generally eating well.

Food for thought: Other words to describe recipes that are as delicious as the ones you’ll find between the pages this month include: appetizing, delectable, delightful, divine, enjoyable, enticing, exquisite, fit for king, gratifying, heavenly, luscious, mouthwatering, pleasant, rare, rich, savory, scrumptious, tasty, tempting, well-prepared, well-seasoned, and just plain YUMMY!

More Food for thought: One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating. - Luciano Pavarotti Once, during Prohibition, I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water. - W. C. Fields

IT’S EXPO TIME!

As you read this you may still have time to join us at the 2013 Women’s LifeStyle Expo on March 1 and 2. We are sure to be having a great time!

There will be tons of great shopping and pampering going on - all day long.

And to sweeten the deal, we’ll have raffles and door prizes throughout both days. We hope you’ll stop by and enjoy some quality “ME TIME”. You deserve it!

So until next month – please stay safe and try to get the spring cleaning out of the way so you are free to enjoy spring. It’s right around the corner!

Darlene

ze: i r P t s r Fi ee s s e n n Te a– p S s s Fitne or Two Trip f 500 $2 Value:

Second P Upcycl rize: Interio e “Desid rs erat Desk a” Value: $

450

Third Prize: Sybaris Paradise Pool Suite – Romantic Overnight Getaway

Door l a i c Spe s: Prizes g All Day Drawin e Long Value: $300 Must b t Each presen : Valued to win 0 :3 Over 4 y a d i Fr 15 : $100 9 y a d r u Sat & 5:30

WIN GIFT CARDS: Cash Cards Restaurant Cards Saturday Morning: First 100 Guests Special gift bags with Vance Kitira Pear Candles from Sticks & Stones

We are pleased to have our very own Gold Buyer and Private Jeweler, Rodger Kadet on site for our upcoming

Women’s LifeStyle Expo On Friday & Saturday March 1 & 2nd Rodger began his career with his family’s business Rogers and Hollands Jewelers.

And now owns Rodger Kadet Ltd. and Gold Parties Galore.

Please bring any gold, platinum, silver, jewelry, sterling flatware, gold and silver coins (pre 1964), and gold watches that you are interested in selling and receive cash on the spot.

30% of what is purchased will be contributed to UNITED WAY-KALAMAZOO

March 2013

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March 2013 Table of Contents

STYLE 2013 Makeover Journey................... 5 Michigan Companies Keeping You Cozy........................... 6 The Lowdown on Kitchen Countertops Trends..........................11 Take Steps to Scale Down Kitchen Clutter................................ 16 Dining Out In Style......................... 27 LOOK WHOS TALKING Claudette Reid.................................................................................. 15 FOOD & DRINK

BEAUTY

Rise and Shine, It’s Brunch

Beauty Buffet..................... 32

It’s Not Breakfast. It’s Not Lunch................8

Sunflower Eggs.........................................9

Torta di Patate..........................................9

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Berry Crepes with Orange Sauce................9

Financial Savvy................... 26

Crepes....................................................9

Advertising Goddess: An E-Book Dilemma........... 28

Tastes from the Kitchen....................................13 Cider, Sage and Molasses Inspired

Molasses-Bourbon Sour..........................24

HEA L TH

Fried Chicken and Waffles with Molasses-Cider Syrup.............................24

The Benefits of Mediterranean Cuisine........ 14

Passion Fruit Inspired

LEARN

Bittersweet Chocolate Tortes with Passion Fruit Cream...... 25

Cocoa Rubbed Ribs with Passion Fruit Barbecue Sauce..... 25

Courage Concepts: Winning IS Everything......................................................................... 7

Turn Me On Love Muffin.................................................. 29 Wine is Girl’s Best Friend: The Art of Wine Pairing................. 30 Blackened Po-Boy............................................................... 31

The People Who Make It Happen...

Publisher: Darlene Clifford dclifford@womenslifestylekazoo.com Editor: Erica Shier editor@womenslifestylekazoo.com Contributing Writers: Kelly Duggan, Denise Dykstra, Emily L. Magyar, Heidi McCrary, Jeff Murphy, Judy Pearson Sales Manager: Ruth Ann Dibert radibert@womenslifestylekazoo.com Account Executive: Brenda Murphy Layout & Design: jr4designs, JR Harper

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March 2013

Photography: K. Redmond Photography www.facebook.com/kredmondphotography Office Manager: Patty Clifford Contact Us: 269-350-5227 Sales Info: 269-271-1032

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

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

SIMPLE Tips to Get Organized.......................................................... 17 Tea Time Etiquette.......18 Cookbook Reviews.... 38 COMMUNITY NEWS & HAPPENINGS Mandy’s Candies.................... 23 Arts in Kalamazoo................. 34 Calendar................... 36

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

WLSK

Over

Make

A Wellness Approach To True Beauty Development

An eager smile greets me upon my first visit to Margaret’s home. Today we take the first step in the final phase of our journey, the wardrobe-closet audit. This is where everything begins to come together in creating a truly confident, healthy and vibrant personal style for the life that Margaret lives today.

“I smile often now,” Margaret states with a big smile and a giggle. She has good reason for doing so.

Week 5 – Taking into account Margaret’s medical conditions and skincare needs, Krissy completed an initial consultation at Plastic Surgery of Kalamazoo Skincare Center.

Dermaplane treatment and customized facial & skin care treatments are just a few of the services that Margaret experienced over the next few weeks.

Week 6 – With Margaret’s skin responding beautifully to the initial skincare services, KDIC began make-up application and technique. I taught her how to select products based on formula, color and finish criteria, as well as how to use make-up brushes and application techniques to create a natural, yet finished, look.

Week 7 – Dental care with Dr. Dennis continued, with marked changes beginning to appear. Margaret is excited about her whiter teeth and is looking forward to seeing the results at the completion of her care. Also, we welcomed the balance of our make-over team this week. Abstract Salon & Spa will see to her hair, nails, and massage, Curves will offer fitness consult and services, and Steinmart will help with her garments. No wonder Margaret is smiling!

Week 8 – I met with Kate and Linda at Abstract Salon & Spa to talk through Margaret’s Hair Style Profile and Personal Style Traits. An initial consult was completed and services were scheduled for massage, manicure, pedicure, and hair color & cut.

wardrobe pie exercise, we developed a plan to create a functional and stylish wardrobe that meets all of her personal, professional and physical needs. After assessing what she already owns, we determined that we should focus on core garments to create a solid foundation for her wardrobe. I made recommendations for future purchases that would supplement and support the clothing she already has.

Home work assignment: I asked Margaret to finish completing the wardrobe audit and shopping needs worksheet prior to our shopping session.

Stay tuned… You will have the opportunity to meet Margaret ‘live’ at the Women’s Lifestyle Expo on March 2rd and learn about her journey in person. Also, look for a complete style journey reveal in the April WLSK issue.

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

Sponsors

Initially nervous about the cut and color, Margaret asked me to stay with her during the process. The pampering was wonderful and as for the results? I can’t wait for you to see for yourself at the final reveal!

Week 9 – We began Margaret’s clothing audit at her home. Using her assessments and

March 2013

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Cozy

Michigan Companies Keeping You

The Peapack Mitten Company

by Dianna Stampfler

A good friend of the Michigan tourism industry, Joe Breidenstein, always said that there’s no such thing as bad weather…just bad clothes! In remembrance of that wise man, here are some great Made in Michigan wearables to help keep you warm during the transition from beautifully blustery winter days (and nights) to the chilly early spring.

The Peapack Mitten Company (https://peapackmittens.com) These one-of-a-kind mittens (handcrafted in the Mitten state, Grand Rapids specifically) are made with 100% recycled wool.

Hooked on Felt (www.hookedonfelt.blogspot.com) Crafted by “The Accidental Felter” in Plainwell, this line includes hats, scarves, mittens, wraps and so much more.

The Original Stormy Kromer

Zelinger Wool Company (www.zwool.com) Based in Frankenmuth, they process your fiber into warm, cozy socks.

Lake Superior Woolen Company

Marr Haven Lamb Wool Farm (http://marrhaven.com) Warm up your toes with sheepskin shoeliners, made of genuine sheepskin with a very dense wool to fit in the bottom of your shoe, slipper or boot.

Lake Superior Woolen Company (www.lswoolen.com) Sustain a Michigan family farm and keep warm, with these hand-crafted virgin wool blankets and mattress pads.

The Original Red Flannels (www.redflannels.com) First established in Cedar Springs in 1936, this woman-owned, home-based business has the market on drop-seaters!

The Original Stormy Kromer (www.stormykromer.com) Made in the Upper Peninsula for more than 100 years, these rugged caps are warm and Northwoods-stylish!

Photo by Carrie Novak Photography

Baabaazuzu (http://baabaazuzu.com/) Considered winter’s best friend, these unique mittens and fingerless gloves are made of recycled wool on the outside and soft microfleece lining on the inside.

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Wolverine Worldwide (www.wolverineworldwide.com) Widely known as the Rockford manufacturer of HushPuppies, Track ‘ Trail, CAT and Pategonia footwear, you’ll also find a wide selection of slippers and outdoor apparel.

Ugg Huggerz (www.ugghuggerz.com ) Made in Oakland County, these boot wraps come in a variety of styles to help dress up shearling-style boots, like UGG®, Outdoor Adventures (www.downoutlet.com) Northern Michigan’s only down factory outlet featuring down comforters, down pillows, featherbeds, duvet covers, down throws and more.

What are your favorite Made in Michigan winter wearables? Share your stories at on the Promote Michigan Facebook page at www.facebook.com/promotemichigan2.

March 2013

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

that’s where

expertise is close to home

Rockelle Rogers, MD

Carrie Sandborn, DO

At Borgess, we believe great care should also be convenient. That’s why we’re opening Borgess Family and Internal Medicine at 940 John Street in Kalamazoo. Located right near downtown, this new practice offers a family medicine doctor, Carrie Sandborn, DO, and an internal medicine doctor, Rockelle Rogers, MD, under one roof. So no matter what you need, connecting with an expert physician is easier than ever. The practice is accepting new patients.

To learn more, call the practice or visit borgess.com

Borgess.com

Borgess Family and Internal Medicine 940 John Street, Kalamazoo (269) 343.7296

A member of Ascension Health®

A Different Kind of Courage Winning Is Everything Red Sanders was arguably the best football coach in UCLA history, leading them to their only national championship in 1954. He was three times voted collegiate football coach of the year and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. However, the thing for which he should be the most famous is sadly attributed to someone else.

Don’t get me wrong: Sanders’ coaching accomplishments are outstanding.

As a die-hard college football fan, I completely get the enormity of his achievements. But it’s Vince Lombardi, not the deserving Red Sanders, who is commonly given credit for these famous words: “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.” That quote has great significance for those who’ve faced a life challenge, and I think we should get it right.

I’m not certain when I first associated myself with the words “cancer survivor.” It’s kind of like turning 50. You know it’s out there, you’re marching toward it, and then one day, you’re there. Of course, arriving at cancer survivorship is always a good thing.

But feeling satisfied with just being a survivor? It’s all wrong. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines survivor as “remaining alive or in existence” and “continuing to function.” That sounds more like a description of our 15-year-old washing machine than the result of bodyaltering surgery and 18 rounds of chemotherapy. Or living through the death of a loved one. Or carrying on with your life after a divorce. Or figuring out the next step after losing your job.

Those facing the life challenges I just mentioned are often described as “fighting” them. The dictionary defines “fight” this way: “To strive vigorously and resolutely; to contend with physically or in battle.”

An army fights an enemy. Red Sanders’ football teams fought to win games. And in both scenarios, when those fighters were triumphant, they were called winners.

Imagine the response you’d receive if you congratulated a general for his troops’ “survival” over their foes. And if you’d dumped the water cooler on Red for “surviving” his game against U.C.L.A.’s arch rival U.S.C., I suspect you would have been thanked with a black eye.

Neither of those leaders would tolerate being told they were “survivors.”

They were winners!

When we’re faced with life’s challenges, we must have the courage to do more than just survive them. We need to beat them. We need to be winners. Doesn’t that sound far more powerful and positive? As any coach or general or doctor will tell you, it’s the power in a positive attitude that enables people to win. And winning life’s challenges is everything.

Note: I’m thrilled to announce the first inaugural National Women’s Survivors Conference. While they didn’t consult me on the name (I would have called it the “Winners’ Conference”), they asked me to be a founding board member and speak.

Visit the website at www.survivorsconference.com and share it with all the “winners” you know!

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. www.courageconcepts.com

March 2013

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Rise and Shine It’s Brunch!

I

by Tina Marie Greene photography by Two Eagles Marcus

t’s not breakfast. It’s not lunch. If you’re a hobbit, it’s called “in-betweensies” but we call it Brunch, with a capital “B” for sure. Brunch puts you in a good mood just thinking about it, feels a little decadent and luxurious, and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy with good will toward all mankind.

I think of France and England and beautiful table settings… relaxing mornings that run into the afternoon, leaving you with a pleasant glow of friendship and pampering.

Why not have an egg dish that is not only delicious, but pleasing to the eye as well? I’m talking about something I call Sunflower Eggs and they are just glorious to have on a nice, brunchy table that you’re sharing with friends.

A little phyllo pastry, a little grated Parmigiano, chives and of course, eggs. It’s an incredibly light taste and sure to bring a few “Ahhhhhhh’s” from the table. In my experience, I always make a few extra for those who really need an egg fix during brunch.

Let’s add some fresh fruit to the menu and rather than put them in a pancake or waffle, why not crêpes? Crêpes are so misunderstood. They are easy to make, don’t require any fancy schmanzy ingredients and can be made ahead.

Yes! Made ahead and can be frozen for up to a month.

You have to love that. This makes brunch that much easier. The fruit becomes not only part of the filling, but also the sauce -- and also another make ahead.

For those who want something a little heartier on their brunch menu, you can’t go wrong with Torta di Patate -- a potato pie with layers of smoked mozzarella and Italian sopresso salami. This has everything in it that says “Comfort Food.”

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March 2013

Berry Crêpes

with Orange Sauce

Ah, but what to drink at brunch. You should always have a wonderfully diverse selection of teas, fragrant coffee perking, fresh fruit juices and flavored water. For me?

I love champagne anytime but a favorite brunch drink is a mixture of grapefruit and Prosecco, the champagne of Italy. If you would like a little more fizzy to it, just drop in a sugar cube. It increases the effervescence and sweetness of the wine, and symbolizes the wish that your life will be sweet. And isn’t that just exactly the feeling you want?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chef Tina Marie Greene is passionate about creating wonderful and memorable food experiences for everyone. To learn more, visit Kissing Rock Kitchens at kissingrockkitchens.com.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Sunflower Eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Serves about 4

Ingredients

4 sheets phyllo pastry 2 T butter, melted 4 t. freshly grated Parmigiano cheese 4 eggs 4 t. minced green onion, green tops included Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Method

Spray 4 muffin cups with cooking oil . Brush 1 sheet of phyllo with the melted butter. Top with another sheet; brush with more melted butter. Cut the stack into 6 squares. Repeat this with the remaining 2 phyllo sheets. Stack 3 squares together, rotating each one so that the corners do not overlap. Press these gently into the 4 muffin cups.

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cheese into each phyllo-lined cup. Break an egg into each cup and top with a little minced green onion. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the eggs are set.

Torta di Patate

Berry Crêpes

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Serves about 8 – 10

Sauce for 4 servings

Ingredients

1 cup fresh blueberries 1 cup sliced strawberries 1 T sugar 1 – 8oz. package of cream cheese, softened ¼ cup of honey ¾ cup of fresh orange juice 8 – 6 ½ to 7 inch crêpes

(Potato Pie with Smoked Mozzarella and Salami)

2 ½ lbs. Yukon gold potatoes 4 T. unsalted butter, plus 1 ½ T. for the dish, pus another 1 ½ T. for the top, melted (Total 7 – 8 T. of butter) 2/3 cups freshly grated parmigiano cheese 1 cup of milk 2 large eggs, lightly beaten ½ lb. smoked mozzarella cheese, cut into pea-sized cubes ¼ lb. sopresso salami 3 T. chopped flat-leaf parsley ¼ pound fresh buffalo mozzarella (bocconcini size), thinly sliced 1 cup of fluffy breadcrumbs (see recipe below)

Method

Cook the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and when cool enough, peel them and mash them in a large bowl. Stir in 4 T. of butter and the parmigiano, then add the milk, eggs, smoked mozzarella, salami and parsley.

Stir well and season with salt and pepper.

with Orange Sauce

Ingredients

Method

Combine the blueberries, strawberries and the sugar in a small bowl; set aside.

Prepare the orange sauce by beating the cream cheese and honey until light; slowly beat in the orange juice.

Spoon about ½ cup of the berry mixture into the center of 1 crêpe. Spoon about 1 Tablespoon of the sauce over the berries. Roll the crêpe up and place on a serving platter.

Repeat with the remaining crêpes. Pour the remaining sauce over the crêpes.

Crêpes Makes 16 crêpes

Ingredients

¾ cup all-purpose 3 eggs 1 cup milk 3 T butter, melted ½ t. salt

Method

Combine flour, eggs, milk, butter and salt blender or food processor. Cover; process until combined. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Brush a 7-inch skillet with oil. Place over medium heat until hot. Add 3 Tablespoons of crêpe batter, tilting the skillet to cover the bottom evenly. Cook until it is golden brown on the bottom (go ahead and gently take a peak); turn it over and cook until browned on the underside.

Stack the crêpes between waxed paper squares to prevent them from sticking together. Repeat with the remaining batter, oiling the skillet anew occasionally.

Use 1 ½ T. of softened butter to grease a pie or gratin dish, or a 9” springform pan. Spoon half of the potato mixture into the chosen dish and level the top. Cover with the fresh mozzarella slices, then top with the remaining potato mixture. Combine the breadcrumbs in a bowl with the melted butter and mix well with your hands. Sprinkle over the top.

Bake until the top is golden and crunchy and the filling is hot and bubbly, about 40 – 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand about 10 minutes (longer if you are using a springform pan--about 30 minutes) before releasing the sides of the pan or serving it from a dish.

Serve on a platter, or straight from the dish if you prefer.

Torta di Patate

Fluffy Breadcrumbs Recipe

To make big, fluffy breadcrumbs, leave an Italian-type loaf, such as ciabatta or a long loaf, out on the kitchen counter for a few days. Cut off the crust and cut into 2-inch pieces. Pulse the pieces in a processor until you have fluffy breadcrumbs. These are perfect to top gratins or for pasta. These can be packed into freezer bags and frozen for up to 6 months.

March 2013

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Your Smile is Our Passion

TM

Make your smile your good luck charm.

Become a New Patient and Receive Take-Home Whitening for free after your new patient exam, a $300 value! (to first 10 patients)

Susan Dennis, D.D.S. 8150 Moorsbridge Rd. Ste. A, Portage MI 49024

Like us on

269-216-7106

info@mydrdennis.com • www.mydrdennis.com

Kalamazoo Custom Kitchens & Baths

GRAND OPENING Now at 5072 E Main in Kalamazoo

at Our New Location!

Grand Opening Celebration…

Sat, March 9 12 - 4pm

Sat, March 16

Wine & Cheese Party Cheese sampling and wine from

Dessert Extravaganza

12 - 4pm

Enjoy specialty tea & treats from

Sat, March 23

Crazy for Maple Syrup

12 - 4pm

Sample true, home-made maple syrup on awesome pancakes and other delectable foods… and take home your own sample of our own maple syrup!

5072 E Main, Kalamazoo (Corner of E Main & Sprinkle Rd)

$500 MAKE-OVER!

kalamazookitchens.com (269) 488-8900 Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-1 (Evening by appointments)

Remodeling tips, more samples hot from our kitchen & special discounts all month long!

Grand Opening Hours: Sat, March 9, 16 & 23 / 12-4pm

Register to win a See store for details.

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March 2013

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

The

LOWDOWN on Kitchen Countertop Trends

by Ashley Cole

W

hether you are in the middle of designing a new home, thinking of a kitchen remodel or saving pennies for a counter material upgrade in an existing space, countertops are an important consideration and investment. They have to stand up to daily use and some of the hardest wear and tear in the home. Not only is function a concern when selecting a surface, but of course you want it to be beautiful and truly make a statement in the kitchen. With the myriad of colors and patterns available, the countertop stands out in center stage with the flooring and cabinetry as the backdrop. It can take a casual kitchen and make it glamorous or put a modern edge to a dated space. Here is the lowdown on the current trends:

2) Engineered Stone. Coming right

1) Granite. For years this natural stone

of years that designers wouldn’t even consider using the “C word” a.k.a. Corian. Visions of dusty rose or busy, spotted plastic tops come to mind. Lucky for us, solid surface has come bursting out of the gate with impressive new designs and colors. Avonite, Corian and Swanstone have developed modern options for this seamless, stain resistant material. Because it is literally solid, scratches can be sanded out over time and integrate sinks are possible. Though advances have been made, some people still find it to look too unnatural and unable to produce a “wow” factor. It typically falls in price just below granite.

material has been the reigning champion in popularity.

Considered to be the “upgrade” from old laminate or solid surface materials, it became the buzz word in Parade Homes and real estate guides alike. Many people immediately assume this is “the” material to have. There are certainly a number of reasons to go in this direction. Obviously no one can compete with Mother Nature in pure design, color and pattern. New sealers make granite fairly easy to maintain, with a recommended simple wipe down re-sealing every few years. Granite is hard and mostly non-porous (some stone is softer than others) and unless installed incorrectly, is not likely to chip or crack. However, granite is still on the upper end of price. Some patterns may be too busy, depending on the look of the kitchen.

Granite can also come off shiny and cold or predictable since it is seen everywhere. The trick is to walk through the warehouses where the slabs of granite are stored and find a unique piece perfect for your home. If a polished finish isn’t for you, ask about honed, flamed, leathered or brushed finishes. They have a softer appearance, but because they take off the top finish are more porous and susceptible to staining.

up on the tail of granite is engineered stone. Large strides have been made with this 93% quartz particle material. You may be familiar with some of the brand names such as Cambria, Silestone and DuPont Zodiaq.

Available in a wide range of colors, it is nonporous and, unlike granite, does not need to be re-sealed.

Quartz products are resistant to scratching, acid and staining. Like granite, engineered stone can come off as shiny and cold. Depending on the product, the cost can be as expensive, or more, than natural stone.

However, because of the simple patterns available it offers a clean, modern look that is worth the price.

3) Solid Surface. There were a number

4) Laminate. This isn’t your grandmother’s Formica. Maybe not even your mother’s. In just the past few years, manufacturers such as Formica, Nevamar and Wilsonart, have debuted jaw dropping advances in texture and appearance of this product.

I have personally seen pieces that replicate the look of stone and not been able to tell it is laminate (from a distance). New wrapped edge treatments allow for a more seamless look, minus the awful wood trim piece of the past. However, it is still a plastic-coated synthetic and is not impervious to scratching, staining

or water damage. Laminate still remains a choice driven by cost since it is, by far, the most budget conscience option in countertop surfaces.

5) Concrete. This tricky little material

happens to be one of my personal favorites. One of the misconceptions of concrete countertops is that they are inexpensive. “It’s just the same stuff they pour on sidewalks, right?” Not quite. Special formulas and proper sealing is just part of what separates the outdoor material from a kitchen counter surface. The other very important factor is the skill of the tradesperson who is creating them. Think of concrete countertops as more of an art form than a basic product. They are highly labor intensive and very touchy. When done incorrectly concrete counters can stain, take on water spots, crack or chip. For this, they get a bad rap. However, when done correctly, they are durable, stain resistant and give a rich, textured appearance. Many times when clients see an example of well done concrete, they cannot believe it’s concrete. Research the company producing them and be prepared for sticker shock.

However, if your home begs for the unique look of concrete, do not pass it up.

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

March 2013

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Here to help We oer a welcoming environment and enriching activities for your loved one, while giving you the necessary time to care for yourself and to meet the demands of family, home, and work.

Professional care and loving companionship for older adults who need assistance or supervision during the day.

ADULT DAY SERVICES at

2255 West Centre Avenue at Oakland Drive, Portage (269)373-3200 | www.oaklandcentre.org

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March 2013

Scan the QR code above and learn how we can help you care for your parent or loved one.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Tastes from the Kitchen Garden Gate Café Upon entering Garden Gate café on the Kalamazoo Mall you are instantly transported to another, happier time, reminiscent of Grandma’s country kitchen. You are greeted right away with a display of fancy cupcakes almost too pretty to eat…almost.

In March of this year Nancy Knobloch will celebrate the cafes first year at this location and she has been planning for the big event for quite some time. “It will involve cupcakes,” she smiles. While the Garden Gate Café may be nearly a year old, Nancy has been in the café business longer with her original Garden Gate Café in Shipshewana. “It was a great location for us, but I missed home and when this place became available, we knew we had to move back.”

It’s a bustling little café, warm and welcoming, offering a full lunch and brunch menu. There is a separate Gluten-Free menu and all food is made from scratch in small batches to keep it tasting as fresh as possible.

It’s the eye-catching desserts, however, that truly make this place unique. The cherry almond cupcake is simply delectable, moist and not too sweet, with bits of cherry throughout and a hint of almond. If you are thinking of a special treat (a birthday treat, perhaps?) there are many cupcakes, cookies, whoopie pies and muffins to choose from and any can be special ordered, with a variety of sizes to choose from.

The Café, located at 230 S. Kalamazoo Mall, is open from 10 am to 4 pm seven days a week. It offers catering and after hour parties for groups up to fifty. There are also tea parties for little girls, a cupcake club, cookie decorating and food delivery to nearby offices by way of a nostalgic little red wagon. You can like the Café on Facebook to keep up with the special events and activities being planned.

Garden Gate Café Cherry-Almond Vanilla Cupcakes ½ c.

4 2 c.

1 t. ½ t. ¼ t. ¾ c.

1/3 c.

1 ½ c.

1 t. ½ t.

12 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Unsalted Butter, room temperature Egg Whites, room temperature All-Purpose Flour Baking Powder Salt Baking Soda Buttermilk Maraschino Cherry Juice Sugar Vanilla Almond Extract Maraschino Cherries, Halved

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.

In a 2 cup glass measuring cup, combine buttermilk and cherry juice.

In a larger mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds.

Add sugar, vanilla, and almond extract and beat until combined.

Add egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk mixture to beaten mixture, beating on low speed until combined.

Scoop batter into a paper lined cupcake tin.

Press a cherry half into batter of each cup.

Bake 15 – 18 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool.

Cherry-Almond Butter Frosting ½ c.

4 c.

3 T. ½ t.

Denise Dykstra lives in Southwest Michigan where she raises four boys with her truck driving husband on their hobby farm.

She is co-editor of Praise and Coffee the Magazine and maintains a blog about her life at www.denisedykstra.blogspot.com.

Unsalted Butter, room temperature Powdered Sugar Maraschino Cherry Juice Almond Extract Cherries with Stems per Cupcake

In a mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add 1 c. powdered sugar, beating well. Beat in 3 T. cherry juice and ½ t. almond extract. Gradually beat in 3 c. additional powdered sugar. If necessary, beat in additional juice or a little milk, only 1 t. at a time until frosting reaches piping consistency.

March 2013

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To Your Health The Benefits of Mediterranean Cuisine

T

here has been much interest in Mediterranean cuisine and its possible medical benefits. Those who enjoy the spice and flair of Latin dishes may also be better for it with respect to their health.

There are certain components of Latin cooking that can be advantageous to those watching their weight or making dietary changes for another reason. Mainstay ingredients of Latin cooking have a multitude of benefits. Here are just some of the ingredients to consider.

Coconut milk: Coconut milk has a number of benefits,including being a rich source of manganese, which may help with glucose intolerance. It is rich in calcium and phosphorus, essential nutrients for strengthening bones. Coconuts also may help reduce anemia by offering the body substantial iron.

Quinoa: Quinoa is a grain that offers substantial protein and essential amino acids. Because of the protein it packs, it is a good option for vegetarians.

Papaya: This fruit is a healthy addition to any fruit salads or as a side dish to meat and fish. Papaya contains potassium, folic acid and more vitamin C than some fruits more commonly associated with vitamin C, including oranges.

Avocado: Avocados are found in dips and toppings for many Latin-inspired foods. Although many people shy away from the fruit because of its high

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content of fat, avocados are excellent sources of good monounsaturated fats that help lower cholesterol.

When enjoyed in moderation, it can be a good component for cholesterol health.

coriander plant and is a good source of antioxidants. It can be a flavorful addition to foods instead of adding calories through other ingredients.

Pumpkin seeds: These seeds contain phytosterols that help promote healthy immune systems as well as protein. Instead of fatty snacks, people can munch on low-fat, low-calorie pumpkin seeds.

Plantains: Similar in appearance to bananas, plantains contain similar nutritional content as well. They are high in vitamin A, potassium and fiber. But they should be eaten in moderation because they can be high in fat.

Beans: An undisputed leader in fiber and protein, beans have three times the soluble fiber of oatmeal.

They can help reduce cholesterol and also help fill a person without a lot of fatty meats or other ingredients.

Beans are another good component for vegetarian diners.

Seafood: Many Latin dishes feature seafood, which tends to be high in good forms of essential fatty acids, especially oily fish like salmon, tuna and snapper.

Cilantro: That spicy punch in salsas and other Latin dishes may not be from peppers but from cilantro. This herb is often mistaken for parsley in a dish, but one bite will tell otherwise. Cilantro is the leafy part of a

Chiles: The capsaicin in chiles that give the peppers their hot bite can help reduce inflammation in the body.

The peppers are also another good source of vitamin C. Enjoying a Latin-inspired meal may not just be a tasty experience, but it can be a healthy one as well.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

HOMETOWN:

I was raised in Harper Woods, on the east side of Detroit.

Claudette Reid

PROFESSION:

I am the Mayor-Pro-Temp of the City of Portage. I fill in for the mayor at Council meetings and other functions when he cannot attend. I have been a member of the Portage City Council for 7 years.

My “day job” is as an occupational therapist for the Business Network Unit of Michigan Rehabilitation Services. I function as a consultant related to technology and ergonomic job accommodations for persons with disabilities.

DESCRIBE YOUR “PERFECT” DAY OFF:

Getting snowed in at a cabin up north with my husband…without our computers, tablets or phones so we could not be tempted to “just do one more thing”.

The sun would be shining and we could go skiing or snowshoeing and then have chili and a beer in front of the fireplace.

TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS?

In my OT work I function as a consultant, and as such I spend a lot of time listening and asking questions in order to understand the problem before I ever suggest a solution.

I use the same approach to the work of the City Council, and I think that has allowed me to earn the trust of the city staff and my fellow Councilmembers.

WHICH CAUSE IS CLOSEST TO YOUR HEART?

The Kazoo Area Foot Chase. This is a 5k race in September that is patterned after a police foot chase. There are “perpetrators” being chased cross-country by the racers, who do not know where the course will lead them. It is a benefit EDUCATION: for MiCops, an organization that supports the I received my BS in families of fallen police officers throughout occupational therapy from Michigan. It is run by police officers and Wayne State University citizen volunteers from across Kalamain 1975. zoo County, and I have worked on it since it began 10 years ago.

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE TO TALK TO THE 16 YEAR OLD VERSION OF YOU, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HER?

Discover your passion and put all of your effort into becoming as expert as you can at what you love. If you do that, the opportunities will find you.

PROFESSION:

I became interested in local politics and started to attend the Portage City Council meetings regularly. I first ran and was elected to the City Council in PERSONAL: 2005. Issues such as special assessments, I am married to Rick Kraas, property appraisal and appeal processes, an instructor in Business at industrial tax abatements and neighborhood KVCC, and have 3 daughters issues are some of the topics that we have with my late husband, Phil Reid. addressed in committees initially and The girls have become amazing then as a committee of the whole young women and I am terCouncil. ribly proud of them all.

March 2013

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related items at each station: prep area, cooking, baking and cleaning.

quincy maple by QualityCabinets

Take Steps to Scale Down Kitchen Clutter The kitchen is one of the busiest spaces in a home.

Cooking, eating, entertaining and socializing all happen in the kitchen – it’s the main gathering place. As a result, it is likely the most unorganized room in the house. If your kitchen cabinets and junk drawers are jammed and overflowing, you are running out of counter space, or you can never find what you need when you need it, it’s time to take control of your kitchen clutter. Here are some tips to organize your kitchen and keep it clutter-free, courtesy of organizedmom.com.

1. Create an organizational plan. Establish work stations like a restaurant does and keep

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2. Purchase storage solutions. Plastic bins, baskets, containers, racks and freestanding units are inexpensive storage ideas. You can find deals at dollar stores, or check stores that carry overstocks, closeouts and slightly dented items. You may even be able to re-use items you already own. For instance, a shoebox covered with the same contact paper as your shelves can store spice bottles. If you are short on cabinet space but have plenty of wall space, try using an old bureau to store canned goods, towels, extra dishes or cookware. Don’t forget to nest items inside one another to maximize space.

5. Organize for maximum efficiency. Place items near each other if they will be used together. If your coffee maker sits on the counter, store the coffee cups, filters and sugar in the cabinet above it.

6. Clean everything. Tackle cabinets, drawers, shelves, countertops, refrigerator, oven, etc. Replace tattered dish towels and torn or worn shelf paper.

7. Keep out clutter. Since you’ve spent all that time organizing your kitchen, you’ll want to make sure it remains clutter-free. Set aside some time once a month to check for clutter buildup, and spend a few minutes each night putting away anything that doesn’t belong in the kitchen. courtesy KitchenCraft

3. Every item needs its own home. When items have a designated place, they tend to get put away.

If they don’t, they tend to get lost. Utilize bins and baskets wherever possible to keep “like things” together and readily accessible. Go vertical to free up horizontal space. Utilize the empty vertical wall space in a nearby closet by installing shelves that can be used to store canned goods. Install hanging broom and mop holders. Employ hooks, pegboards and Lazy Susans. If your counter space is at a premium, mount some of your small appliances under the cabinets.

I want to have a house by

4. Toss clutter. Get rid of what is old and what you don’t use. Check expiration dates of herbs, yeast, baking powder, etc. Throw out cooking gadgets that are gathering dust. Remove items on counters that don’t belong in the kitchen.

good kitchen to cook in.

Kitchen Wisdom

When I’m old and gray,

the sea. And paint. With

a lot of wonderful chums, good music and booze

around. And a damn – Ava Gardner

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

simple Tips to Get

organized

I’m sure that at some point in our lives, we’ve all felt overwhelmed at the thought of organizing our home, closet, kitchen, and life. And while getting organized might not be “easy”, it is relatively “simple”.

Here are a few SIMPLE tips to help you get started on your next organizing project.

S = Start Small Even if your entire house is in disarray, there is still hope… I promise! Just pick one small area in your home {one cabinet, one drawer, one basket, one file of papers, etc.} and start there.

Set a timer for 15-20 minutes and don’t do anything else except work on organizing that one small area. When the timer goes off, you can quit. Then do the same thing again tomorrow.

I = Immediate Action Stop procrastinating and just get started. Keep striving for progress {not perfection} and do something today.

M = Make a Space for Everything If you don’t have a designated space for something, it’s going to sit out. If it sits out, it becomes clutter.

Make a space for all your things by either purging or consolidating your other items, and by making a conscious effort not to bring more unnecessary stuff into your home. If you don’t have space for something, you shouldn’t buy it!

P = Plan Ahead I think it goes without saying that anything you can do now to plan ahead for later will benefit you in your attempts to be more organized.

Pack lunches and pick out your clothes the night before. Plan your meals for the week, plan your grocery-shopping list, make tomorrow’s to-do list, and so on. Planning ahead not only helps you to be more organized, it also alleviates so much stress.

L = Leave Emotions Out One of the biggest causes of clutter is our emotional attachment to stuff -- the wedding gift from our best friend that we never use, the baby clothes we no longer need, and our “skinny clothes” from before we had kids, as well as every art project our children made us, and pictures, pictures, and more pictures. It’s all emotional clutter!

You don’t need to get rid of it all. However, by leaving your emotions out of your next organizing project, you might be able to part with some of it.

E = Enlist Accountability If organizing is a challenge for you, consider asking a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative to help keep you accountable.

The process will be faster and easier if you have a “partner in crime” who is willing to walk with you every step of the way, keep you accountable, ask you the tough questions, and force you to be honest with yourself. Plus it will just be a lot more fun!

Getting more organized is something we can all improve on… and hopefully these SIMPLE tips will motivate you to do something today! www.simpleorganizedliving.com Andrea Dekker is a work-at-home-mom, coupon addict, and simple living enthusiast. She motivates and encourages others to create their best life through simplicity and organization via her website at: simpleorganizedliving.com.

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Tea The

M

any people mistakenly assume that they can toss a tea bag into a cup of boiling water and produce the perfect cup of tea. While it is true that most teas will come out tasting good with this method, a little extra know-how about tea brewing and varieties can yield a very delicious cup of tea.

The enjoyment of tea can be traced back to Ancient China. Chinese Emperor Shen Nung discovered tea in 2737 B.C., when dried tea leaves blew into his cup of hot water. He became enamored with the pleasant aroma and refreshing taste.

Although the Chinese may have discovered tea, the English may be best known for enjoying tea. “High Tea” is a tea served at dinnertime, while “Low Tea” is an afternoon tea served in a drawing room around “low” tables by the sofa. In England, traditional tea time was four or five o’clock. No one stayed past seven.

Today, tea rooms generally serve tea between three and five.

Not all tea is the same, and therefore can benefit from different brewing methods. Here are some guidelines that can be adjusted to taste as necessary.

Herbal teas: There are many different varieties and herbs that go into herbal tea blends. Therefore it is difficult to give a standard brew time or instructions for the tea. Generally start with a standard boiling water and 5 minutes of steeping.

Black tea: A robust variety that can be brewed in boiling water and steeped for 4 to 6 minutes.

Green tea: Green tea is less mature than black tea and will require a gentle

approach. Use a cooler temperature water (140 to 160 F) and steep no more than 4 minutes.

White tea: White tea leaves are immature tea leaves with a delicate flavor.

Use water slightly warmer than green tea and steep as you would for black tea.

Oolong tea: This tea falls in the middle of green tea and black tea, and

should be brewed accordingly. Water temperature should be around 190 F, with the tea steeped between 5 to 8 minutes.

A thermometer is the best way to gauge water temperature for the tea. But if you don’t have one handy, use this guide: - Small bubbles will float to the surface of the water at 160 to 170 F

Tea Time Etiquette Tea etiquette is almost as important as how you brew the tea. Here are the ways to enjoy tea in the English style.

Tea cups with a handle are held by placing your fingers to the front and back of the handle with the pinkie up for balance. Pinkie up does mean straight up in the air, but slightly tilted.

If there is no handle on the cup, place your thumb at the six o’clock position and your index and middle fingers at the twelve o’clock position, while gently raising your pinkie up for balance.

Do not stir your tea in a circular motion. Place the teaspoon at the six o’clock position and fold the liquid toward the twelve o’clock position a few times.

- Strings of bubbles form from the bottom of the kettle at 180 to 190 F

When the teaspoon is not in use, place it to the right of the teacup.

- Afterward a full, rolling boil occurs

Milk is used in tea, not cream. Cream will mask the taste of the tea.

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$ 99 18

March 2013

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Seminars & Workshops Please Note: Actual times or scheduled presentations may vary.

Friday, March 1 - MAIN STAGE 1:00 PM - Yoga & Sentao Zumba Instructors: Christine Zolman and Michelle Hayes - Kneading Serenity Christine Zolman is the owner of Kneading Serenity, a local Massage and Wellness Center which is part of the Wellness Connections Group. The team at Kneading Serenity has over 50 years of training and experience covering a wide range of therapeutic services including Sports Therapy, Neuromuscular and Advanced Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Theraphy, Yoga, Pilates, Esthetics, Acupuncture, Counseling, and Nutrition.

2:00 PM - Learn the Ancient Art of Belly Dance!

Speaker: Sarah Schneider Koning - Boheme Tribal Belly Dance Belly Dance can be enjoyed by all ages, shapes, genders, and ability levels! This dance is a social activity that embraces and celebrates diversity. Come share in our supportive community.

Learn from a nationally recognized teacher with 18 years of experience.

2:30 PM - Quick and Easy Mealtime Solutions Speaker: Karla Harris - Pampered Chef ‘The Pampered Chef specializes in quick and easy mealtime solutions. Our much loved products and recipes have been valued by many for over 33 years. Come and see our fabulous products, watch a fun presentation, and try some delicious food!’

3:30 PM - How to Recapture Your Health and Create Wellness Speaker: Dr. Steven Osterhout, Chiropractic Physician & Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist - Specialized Family Chiropractic We invite you discover Dr Steven Osterhout’s cutting edge, scientific approach to natural healing. He will explain how addressing the root cause of symptoms is a more effective approach to health and wellness! Dr. Osterhout is a member of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist.

4:00 PM - Alberich String Trio Presenters: Brandon Pacheco, Jonathon Boyd and Matthew Heyboer - WMU Fine Arts Program Please join us and take a moment to relax to the soothing sounds of this delightful group. From the Western Michigan University Fine Arts program- the trio performs in the University Symphony Orchestra and many other venues playing a large repitoire of classical music.

5:00 PM - Fashion Show Expo fashions galore! Created by M.O.D.A – WMU’s Premier fashionistas. Watch as they present a show dedicated to local shops and home based businesses.

Grab a seat and join us for this exciting happening.

5:30 PM - Door Prize Drawings – Must be Present to Win

Saturday, March 2 - MAIN STAGE 9:15 AM - Special Door Prize Drawings – Must be Present to Win! 9:30 AM - Latin Dance Instructor: Juan Santos - Kneading Serenity Juan Santos is an instructor at Kneading Serenity, a local Massage and Wellness Center which is part of the Wellness Connections Group. The team at Kneading Serenity has over 50 years of training and experience covering a wide range of therapeutic services including Sports Therapy, Neuromuscular and Advanced Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Theraphy, Yoga, Pilates, Esthetics, Acupuncture, Counseling, and Nutrition.

10:00 AM- How to Recapture Your Health and Create Wellness Speaker: Dr. Steven Osterhout, Chiropractic Physician & Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist - Specialized Family Chiropractic We invite you discover Dr Steven Osterhout’s cutting edge, scientific approach to natural healing. He will explain how addressing the root cause of symptoms is a more effective approach to health and wellness! Dr. Osterhout is a member of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist.

11:00 AM - Quick and Easy Mealtime Solutions Speaker: Karla Harris - Pampered Chef ‘The Pampered Chef specializes in quick and easy mealtime solutions. Our much loved products and recipes have been valued by many for over 33 years. Come and see our fabulous products, watch a fun presentation, and try some delicious food!’

12:00 PM- Fashion Show Expo fashions galore! Created by M.O.D.A – WMU’s Premier fashionistas. Watch as they present a show dedicated to local shops and home based businesses. Grab a seat and join us for this exciting happening.

1:00 PM - Make-Over Reveal Kelly Duggan Image Consultant and WLSK are pleased to introduce our 2013 Make Over Winner – Margaret Sanders Banks. The transformation will amaze you.

1:30 PM - Yoga & Sentao Zumba Instructors: Christine Zolman and Michelle Hayes - Kneading Serenity Christine Zolman is the owner of Kneading Serenity, a local Massage and Wellness Center which is part of the Wellness Connections Group. The team at Kneading Serenity has over 50 years of training and experience covering a wide range of therapeutic services including Sports Therapy, Neuromuscular and Advanced Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Theraphy, Yoga, Pilates, Esthetics, Acupuncture, Counseling, and Nutrition.

2:30 PM - Learn the Ancient Art of Belly Dance!

Speaker: Sarah Schneider Koning - Boheme Tribal Belly Dance Belly Dance can be enjoyed by all ages, shapes, genders, and ability levels! This dance is a social activity that embraces and celebrates diversity. Come share in our supportive community.

Learn from a nationally recognized teacher with 18 years of experience.

3:00 PM - Shh! It’s a Secret!

4:00 PM - Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Join us for this excellent musical finale for the 2013 WLSK Expo.

4:30 PM - Special Door Prize Drawings – Must be Present to Win!

- Break-Out Room -

- Break-Out Room -

2:00 PM - ‘Eating to Treat or Prevent Diabetes’!

Speaker: Sara Bolduc, RD - Novo Nordisk, Inc Do you have diabetes or care for someone that does? Are you at risk for the disease or just want to learn more about nutrition?

Maximize your health by learning more about healthy eating.

You’ll learn about meal planning basics, how to read a nutrition facts label and carbohydrate counting.

2:00 PM - Women, Money and Power- Financially Educated, Financially Empowered” Speaker: Sandy K. Derby CFP, Ch.FC, CASL, LUTCF - Derby Financial & Associates, LLC It’s not that women have different products to choose from when planning their financial security; however they do have different life events and situations to consider. Women are more likely to leave the workforce to care for loved ones, retire early, contribute less to retirement plans, and have less social security. We will discuss some strategies to overcome these situations.

that’s where caregivers

care about one VIP: you

Because women have a lot on their plates, Borgess makes accessing the care women need easier. Borgess Women’s Health connects you to the latest diagnosis and treatment options, without having to travel far from home. From comprehensive prenatal and obstetric care to support for menopause to the latest gynecologic surgical procedures, our specialists deliver the specialized attention you deserve. To make an appointment or learn more, contact: Borgess Women’s Health | women.borgess.com

Jennifer Frink, DO

Michael Hardiman, DO

Jennifer Hoffman, MD

Kristen Johantgen, MD

Kania McGhee, MD

Dawn Owens Robinson, MD

Scott Piereson, MD

Rajiv Rangrass, MD

Marijo Steenstra, MD

Janice Werbinski, MD

Robert Winter, MD

A member of Ascension Health®

Thank You to Our Expo Preferred Providers Ambati Flowers Kalamazoo Co. Expo Center Promotional Concepts, Inc. Superior Image Printmill United Rentals, Inc. WKZO

Thank You To Our Generous Door Prize & Raffle Contributors: Tennessee Fitness Spa Abstract Salon Henderson Castle K Redmond Loving Works Mangia Mangia Novo Nordisk Premier Designs Upcycle Interiors Venture PhotoBooth

Vendor List 106 Abstract Salon & Spa 118 Adult Day Services at Oakland Centre 185 All Star Remodeling & Design Vendor Room All Stirred Up 121 Ambati’s Floral 205 American Cancer Society 131 American Heart Association 144 Amy Zane Jewelry 233 Antoniotti Chiropractic, LLC 138 ASEA Wellness 110 BailTek Cleaning and Restoration 170 Bath Fitter 160 BeautiControl 223 Bert’s Bakery 259 Beyer Research 145 Blackberry Systems 219 Boheme Tribal Belly Dance 263 Bonnie McPherson 148 Borgess Women’s Health 214 Brio Life Photography 171 Caring Choice Card 207 Carney Malley 228 Cel-Factor.com 244 Chicago Pike Inn and Spa 155 ChiroEffect 129 Close to My Heart Scrapbooking and Stamping 133 Clothing Connection Consignment Boutique 150 Collar N Leash Pet Photography and Bowowtique 245 Complete Nutrition

147 Cornerstone University 157 Cran-Hill Ranch 163 Derby Financial 183 Eggheaddeals.com 201 Essential Bodywear 174 Essentials 162 EverDry Waterproofing 109 EWGA 168 Family & Children Services 135 FLAG - Foreign Links Around the Globe 105 Food Addicts in Recovery Anon.

215 Gemoscity 209 Grandsitting 217 Great Lakes Plastic & Hand Surgery 112 Habitat for Humanity 136 Hansons Window and Siding Creative Center Happy Out Art 122 Harold Ziegler of Kalamazoo 221 Healthy Truckers 141 Henderson Castle 175 Hickory Builders 117 Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan 159 Humana MarketPOINT, Inc 169 It Works 231 It’s Your Turn 108 Jockey Person to Person 231 Just Move 104 K. Redmond Photography 123 Kalamazoo County Expo Center 146 Kalamazoo Giving Circle 253 Kalamazoo Humane Society

166 Kalamazoo Municipal Golf Association 178 Kalamazoo Nature Center 143 Kalamazoo Psychology, LLC 134 Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra 127 Kalamazoo Wood Floors 156 Keep Michigan Wolves Protected 212 Kwong Orthodontics 182 Langeland Family Funeral Homes 119 Loving Works LLC 126 Lutheran Social Services of MI 120 Lyster Exteriors 115 Mary Kay 229 Mastec Womens Boutique 153 Medical Weight Loss Clinic 132 MeMe Designs 137 Miche Bag 151 Michigan Department of Attorney General 158 Michigan Hearing LLC 216 Michigan Professional Women’s Resource 176 MODA 210 Modern Woodsman Fraternal Financial 152 Nectar of the Vine 203 Nerium International 186 Neurocore 208 Novo Nordisk, Inc 202 Origami Owl 103 Pampered Chef 184 Paw Paw Upholstry

242 Premier Designs 243 Pressure-Free Living 165 Prudential Financial 114 Pure Romance 163 Raffle Center 124 Re-Bath of Southwest Michigan 179 Rodger Kadet Ltd 149 Scentsy 230 Senior Services 102 Siesta Silver Jewelry 161 SLD Center 128 Specialized Family Chiropractic 173 Superior Imaging 142 Susan Dennis, DDS 246 SWAT 218 The Station 113 Thirty One Gifts 154 United Party Rental 180 Upcycle Interiors 222 Upston Chiropractic Wellness Center 257 Vemma 224 Venture PhotoBooth 111 Visalus 211 Wang Pediatric Dentristy 130 Wellness Connection Group 140 West Michigan Glass Art Center 143 WKZO 101 Women’s LifeStyle Magazine 220 Working Mom Sanity Coach 164 Yellowbook

If you’re looking for “The Sweetest Treats in Town,” Mandy’s Candies is the place to be. Mandy Kokales is the owner and operator of this retro-style candy shop located in a resurrected and refurbished 1800s historic building in the heart of Vicksburg.

Mandy’s Candies celebrated its grand-opening on February 8 and features colorful, painted tables displaying retro penny jars that hold a variety of bulk chocolates,

You’ll do my laundry?

We’ll pick up your laundry from your home. Wash it, fold it and return it within 48 hours. It’s everything you’ve been wishing for.

Find the plan best for you.

hard candies, and an assortment of nostalgic-inspired candies. Mandy’s carries a variety of favorites including showcased chocolates, bulk candies, caramel corn, taffy, cupcakes, and cookies. Whatever your sweet-tooth desires, Mandy’s is sure to have it.

Don’t miss this delightful destination for people of all ages.

You’ll find them in Downtown

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LAUN 1004 Women's Lifestyle Ad.indd 1

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Vicksburg at 122 S. Main St. across from the Rise N Dine Restaurant and next to the coffee shop. Yum!

Emily Maygar

March 2013

23

A soulful combo, homemade buttermilk fried chicken with sage waffles, satisfies all the cravings.

Drizzle with molasses-cider syrup instead of typical maple syrup for a unique eating experience.

Inspiration Cider, Sage and Molasses

Molasses-Bourbon Sour 4 cocktails

Shake up a batch of these mixologist-inspired cocktails, updated with a simple syrup of molasses and sage, and served over apple cider ice cubes.

Apple Cider Ice Cubes: 2 cups apple cider Pour cider into standard ice cube tray. Freeze (overnight) until frozen.

Sage-Molasses Syrup: 1/4 cup sorghum molasses or molasses 1/4 cup water 1 tablespoon rubbed sage Mix molasses, water and sage in small saucepan.

Bring to simmer on medium heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Let stand 10 minutes. Strain through fine sieve. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled.

Molasses-Bourbon Sour: 4 cups cracked ice, divided 1 cup apple cider, divided 1/2 cup bourbon, divided 1/2 cup Sage-Molasses Syrup, divided 1/2 cup lemon juice, divided For each cocktail shaker of Molasses-Bourbon Sour, fill cocktail shaker with 2 cups of the cracked ice.

Add 1/2 cup of the apple cider, 1/4 cup of the bourbon, 1/4 cup of the Sage-Molasses Syrup and 1/4 cup of the lemon juice; shake until well mixed and chilled.

Place apple cider ice cubes into each of 2 beverage glasses. Strain cocktail mixture into glasses. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make four cocktails.

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March 2013

Fried Chicken and Waffles with Molasses-Cider Syrup 8 servings

Fried Chicken:

2 cups buttermilk 3 teaspoons rubbed sage, divided 3 pounds bone-in chicken breast halves, each piece cut into thirds 2 cups flour 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

Vegetable oil for frying

Molasses-Cider Syrup:

1/2 cup apple cider 1/2 cup molasses 2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Waffles: 1 1

cup pancake and waffle mix teaspoon rubbed sage

For the Fried Chicken, mix buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of the sage in large bowl. Add chicken; turn to coat. Cover.

Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.

Mix flour, remaining 2 teaspoons sage, salt, pepper and red pepper in large bowl until well blended.

Pour oil into cast-iron or large deep skillet, filling no more than 1/3 full. Heat to 325°F on medium heat.

Remove chicken from buttermilk mixture. Coat in seasoned flour. Once all of the chicken has been coated, coat again in seasoned flour. Add chicken in batches to hot oil. Fry 10 to 12 minutes per side or until cooked through and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Keep warm.

Meanwhile, for the Molasses-Cider Syrup, bring cider, molasses and brown sugar to simmer in small saucepan on medium heat. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla. Keep warm.

For the Waffles, prepare pancake and waffle mix as directed on package for waffles, adding sage to the batter. Serve fried chicken with waffles and warm Molasses-Cider Syrup.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Cocoa Rubbed Ribs with Passion Fruit BBQ Sauce

8 servings Cocoa powder adds a rich flavor to the spice rub. Finished with a glaze of passion fruit liqueur barbecue sauce, these tender baby back ribs are sweetly sumptuous.

3 tablespoons firmly packed light brown sugar 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 2 teaspoons chili powder 1-1/2 teaspoons basil leaves 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 2 racks pork baby back ribs (about 4 pounds),

white membrane removed 1 cup passion fruit nectar 3/4 cup barbecue sauce 2 tablespoons passion fruit liqueur Mix brown sugar, cocoa powder, chili powder, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and red pepper in small bowl. Rub spice rub evenly on ribs. Wrap each rack tightly in foil. Place on roasting pan.

Bake in preheated 300°F oven 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until ribs are very tender.

Meanwhile, mix passion fruit nectar, barbecue sauce and passion fruit liqueur in small saucepan on medium heat. Simmer 30 minutes or until sauce is reduced by half.

Remove foil from ribs. Place ribs on grill over medium heat. Grill 5 minutes per side or until ribs are evenly browned, brushing occasionally with barbecue sauce.

To broil ribs, place unwrapped ribs on baking sheet.

Broil 5 minutes per side or until browned.

Inspiration Bitter Chocolate, Sweet Basil and Passion Fruit

Bittersweet Chocolate Tortes with Passion Fruit Cream 4 servings

In this intensely indulgent dessert, bittersweet chocolate pairs with fragrant passion fruit cream to excite all the senses. Garnish with candied fresh basil leaves for an extravagant embellishment.

Bittersweet Chocolate Tortes: 1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon butter, divided 4 tablespoons sugar, divided 8 ounces extra bittersweet (70% cacao) bittersweet

(60% cacao) chocolate, coarsely chopped 1/2 cup passion fruit liqueur 4 eggs 2 teaspoons basil leaves 1/4 teaspoon salt Passion Fruit Cream: 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese 1/4 cup passion fruit concentrate* 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract For the Bittersweet Chocolate Tortes, butter 4 (6-ounce) ramekins with 1 tablespoon of the butter. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Place ramekins in 13x9-inch baking pan. Set aside. Microwave chocolate, remaining 1/2 cup butter and passion fruit liqueur in large microwavable bowl on HIGH 2 to 3 minutes or until butter is melted. Stir with wire whisk until chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Set aside.

Beat eggs, remaining 3 tablespoons sugar, basil and salt in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed 5 minutes or until thickened. Gradually beat in chocolate mixture

until well blended. Pour evenly into ramekins. Carefully pour enough hot water into baking pan to come halfway up sides of ramekins.

Bake in preheated 325°F oven 35 to 40 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out mostly clean. Carefully remove ramekins from water bath to wire rack. Cool to room temperature.

For the Passion Fruit Cream, beat mascarpone cheese, passion fruit concentrate, sugar and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 1 minute or until thickened. Cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

To serve, carefully run small knife around each torte to loosen from ramekin. Invert onto dessert plate. Gently remove ramekin. Top with a dollop of Passion Fruit Cream.

Garnish with Candied Basil Leaves (recipe follows), if desired.

Candied Basil Leaves: Spread 1/4 cup sugar on plate.

Set aside. Bring 1/2 cup each sugar and water to boil in small saucepan. Reduce heat to low. Add 8 fresh basil leaves; simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat. Using tongs, remove basil leaves to plate. Gently open leaves and coat on both sides with sugar. Place basil leaves on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in preheated 200°F oven 5 minutes or until crisp. *Passion fruit concentrate is a liquid (not frozen) concentrate that can be found in Latin markets or the ethnic aisle of some supermarkets. It should not be confused with passion fruit juice or nectar.

Tortes can be made 1 day ahead.

Cover and store in refrigerator. To reheat, place ramekins in microwave on MEDIUM (50% power) for 2 to 3 minutes.

Unmold as directed.

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SMART WAYS TO USE YOUR TAX REFUND

L

ast year the average tax refund was around $3000, according to the IRS. That is a significant amount of money in one lump sum. You might consider some of the following ideas for using that money: • Emergency Funds: Most people need to put aside enough to pay six months expenses, in case of job loss, illness, or unexpected expenses. Start or add to yours with your return.

currently owe on your car. The interest you save is better left in your pocket than the bank’s.

• Prepay property taxes: Don’t put these expenses on credit cards.

following professionals over the next few months: - Doctor, dentist, physical therapist, optometrist: If you have been putting off getting this kind of care because of insurance issues, this would be a good time to catch up on taking care of yourself.

• Contribute to an IRA or Roth IRA: This money has already been taxed, so why not set it aside for the future?

- Attorney: Do you have a will, medical powers and directives, power of attorney, and HIPPA forms? The peace of mind will be well worth the time and money spent. And the effects on your family will last longer than a shopping spree.

• Make a charitable contribution: Get a tax deduction and help a cause at the same time.

• Make annual payments and save fees: You can save a significant amount in fees by paying some insurance premiums annually instead of more frequently, such as auto, medical, and liability.

• Use it as a down payment on a new automobile: Reduce the amount you need to finance by increasing the cash up front. Or pay off what you

• Establish or add to your Health Savings Account: Set aside money each year from your return to pay your deductibles and copays, so you won’t have to make long term payments for them. Build a fund for your annual prescription expenses.

• Schedule appointments with the

• Pay down your debt: Reducing your debt puts you in the driver’s seat.

Debt controls your life more than most people realize. Without debt, you can make choices that are not dictated by your credit score.

• Pay for some classes: Investing in your own future with cash, instead of taking out a loan, will help you get ahead not only with education, but without the added burden of interest debt.

instead of charging your next trip.

- Financial Planner: Establish a financial plan that will help you develop a strategy for your future. Most planners will work with you on a fee basis to develop a plan with no further obligation.

• Home repairs and maintenance: Your home is your most valuable asset and it needs constant upkeep to maintain its value. Planning annual expenditures will help you retain the value of your property.

• Pre-fund your vacation: Pay cash

Sandy K. Derby, CFP®, ChFC has been in the financial services industry since 1989. 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 ING Financial Partners, Member SIPC Derby Financial & Associates, LLC, is not a subsidiary of nor controlled by ING Financial Partners.

Let us help you plan for the future. Plan for tomorrow. Live for today!

Retirement, Estate and Financial Planning Strategies*, Retirement Rollovers*, Estate, Divorce and Financial Settlements*, and more...

8145 Valleywood Lane, Portage 321-5047 Please visit us at www.derbyfinancial.net

for a wealth of financial info, tools and calculators.

Sandy K Derby

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

*Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through ING Financial Partners, Member SIPC Derby Financial & Associates, LLC, is not a subsidiary of nor controlled by ING Financial Partners.

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March 2013

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Dining Out In Style

Merchandising Opportunities & Design Association 269.532.6798 Web: modawmu.info Facebook: M.O.D.A WMU M.O.D.A on Twitter Models: Cassie Stagner & Alexandra McLeod Stylist and Photographer: Meghan Terbush

As the weather begins to warm up, why not greet spring with a fun and flirty dress? Paired with your favorite pumps and a cute bracelet, this look is simple and chic. If the weather is chilly, pair the dress with some tights.

Dress: $96 Gibson Girl – Downtown Kalamazoo

Cakes Boutique

Not into dresses?

Slimming leggings paired with a flowing blouse will still give you that feminine feel.

The look goes equally well with your favorite heels or a pair of ballet flats. A bold necklace completes the look.

Top: $80 Legging: $22 Necklace: $38 Cakes Boutique – Downtown Kalamazoo

March 2013

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With our Visa Platinum Balance Transfer Offer! Start fresh today at www.1stcomm.org. *Promotional offer through payment cycle ending 12/31/13 – on balance transfers made to card through 3/31/13. For new card holders during promotional period, traditional introductory low rate offers continue beyond March 31 for the introductory six (6) months of card ownership, including special lower rate pricing on purchases and balance transfers: Visa® Platinum 3.99% APR, Visa® Platinum Fixed or Variable with Advantage Points 4.99% APR. All loans subject to approval. Rates may vary based on credit worthiness of borrower(s). Variable rate programs tied to Prime Rate as stated in the Wall Street Journal and subject to change quarterly. Federally insured by NCUA.

Confessions of an Advertising Goddess…

An E-Book Dilemma…

“How does the author autograph my Nook?”

Tackling the issue of e-books and what it means for bricks and mortar bookstores in one article is like trying to summarize the shenanigans of Congress and our current governmental process…where does one begin?

The creation of the e-book and the accompanying e-readers has caused a flurry of purchases, arguments and guesses on where this new mode of reading transportation is taking us. On the national front, the war is currently being fought between Barnes & Noble, the largest national bookstore chain, and Amazon. But if you add the Apple iPad and the cluster of other tablets to the mix, the e-reader battle just got a lot more fierce. And let’s not forget the new kid on the block…the uber-cool iPad mini. Yikes!

Wasn’t it just yesterday when we all thought that the bookstore chains were going to gobble up all of the independent bookstores? (Remember that Meg Ryan movie, “You’ve Got Mail,” anyone?) But the new villain now appears to be Amazon and the little ol’ e-book.

Or is it?

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Independent bookstores must address how they are going to adapt to a growing segment of the reading population that is more comfortable hiding the 50 Shades trilogy on their Kindle. It’s important to note that the local bookstore can provide an amenity that Amazon can only dream about…the personal touch. By offering everything from author appearances, book clubs and other events and services, several bookstores in the area are doing a wonderful job of catering to this niche market.

In talking to a couple of bookstore owners here in the area, it was surprising to hear that neither owner sees an immediate need to tackle the e-book phenomenon head-on at this time, feeling that there will continue to be a place for the traditional bookstore…at least for the time being.

Dean Hauck, owner of Michigan News Agency in downtown Kalamazoo, understands that the popularity of e-books brings unique challenges to the independent bookstore owner. “As the owner of a bricks and mortar bookstore, my job is to educate my diverse populations on the value of coming into my store and becoming a part of an enlightened community,” states Hauck.

You’ll find a similar optimistic outlook from Gloria Tiller, owner of Kazoo Books – who just came off a very successful year with her two stores. “The advent of e-books, tablets and electronic reading devices have been with us for a number of years,” Tiller explains. “People find them fascinating, but the real book is still far ahead of the electronic version.”

Only time will tell whether the printed book will someday be harder to find than a payphone. If our own local bookstores are any indication, it shouldn’t happen anytime soon. But I still haven’t seen the bigger question addressed, and one that I have encountered while at a recent book signing…how does the author autograph my Nook?

The Advertising Goddess (AKA - Heidi McCrary) is co-owner of Ad Shop, etc. – a boutique advertising agency offering full-service and ala carte marketing services to local businesses.

Contact Heidi at heidi@adshopetc.com or at (269) 207-0103.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Love

Muffin

Turn Me On

by Elisabeth Veltman photograph by Jeff Hage, Green Frog Photo

O

nce a most fashionable, on-the-go treat, the muffin has become the ugly stepsister to the flashier, sweeter, more complex cupcake. At one time, however, muffins were so sexy that they sold them without the bottoms. A “stud muffin” was popular slang for a hot guy, and more recently (and more intimately), a “muffin” was a cutesy way to talk dirty about lady parts.

Now, the top of this cup-sized bread has become the rather undesirable bulge that hangs over our jeans.

What has happened to the muffin?

A Wee Cakey History

The muffin has been around for centuries with only a few key pivots in its culinary transformation, despite its colorful cultural references. The English muffin dates back to the 10th century in Wales, and is a small, flat, yeast-raised bread that is cooked on a hot griddle.

It began as a servants’ food of leftover bread, biscuit dough and mashed potatoes. When the aristocracy tasted the English muffin, it became a popular teatime bite. In the 18th century, street vendors called “muffin men” put tins on their heads, or wooden trays around their necks, rang bells, and sold these nooks and crannies on the streets.

The American muffin appears closer to the 18th century, and is more of a quick bread made from a batter, rather than dough like the English version.

American muffins were also a way to turn leftover bread, fruits, and even meats into a tasty treat.

So, what is the difference between a muffin and a cupcake? Gluten-free Pastry Chef Kyra Bussanich says that cupcakes get their flash from the higher ratio of sugar to flour, and because of the creaming method of whipping the butter (or fat) until its light, and then adding in the sugar, and then the eggs, and then finally

adding the flour. This method creates a tender cake crumb after baking.

On the other hand, muffin batter usually starts with the dry ingredients mixed in one bowl, and then the wet ingredients mixed together in a separate bowl before combining with the hands or spoon. This method creates a bread-like texture.

Paleo: Hear Muffin Roar

Modern food allergies present new culinary challenges for the muffin, but I predict a muffin comeback. With over 20 million people developing gluten sensitivity and cross-reacting to different grains, people aren’t just going gluten-free, they are going GRAIN-free. This throwback to hunter-gatherer style eating is forcing yet another chapter in muffin history: The Paleo muffin. Now what could be sexier than a muffin in a loincloth?

One of the most popular flours to use in this Paleo diet is coconut flour. Visit www.tenderpalate.com for tips on using coconut flour, and try this recipe for some yummy, grain-free muffins.

Coconut Cream Muffins

Recipe copyright Elisabeth Veltman, The Tender Palate Yields 12 muffins Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Soy-Free PREPARE Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with 12 muffin cups or heavily grease with coconut oil.

INGREDIENTS 1 c. coconut flour (do not pack) 3/4 c. unsweetened coconut flakes 1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 c. coconut oil (melted, but not hot) 6 eggs (whisked) 15 oz. can of Thai East Organic Coconut Milk (with the coconut fat in the can mixed in to make the cream) 1/2 c. honey 1 tsp. gluten-free vanilla 1 c. chocolate chunks from Enjoy Life Foods (or chips, or mini-chips, or whole, raw cranberries COMBINE In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut flour, salt, and coconut flakes, getting out any lumps that might remain. It is a good practice to sift the flour before you measure it, so no lumps or packed flour can throw off the recipe. In another med/large bowl whisk the eggs, then add in the coconut oil, honey, coconut cream, and vanilla. Slowly add in the coconut flour mixture to the egg mixture until wellcombined. It will be a thick batter. Add in 1 cup of chocolate chunks or whole, raw cranberries.

BAKE Place muffin cups into a muffin tin, or grease the tin well with coconut oil. This is a sticky, absorbent flour, so regular oil will get sucked into the batter and away from the tin. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin so that each cup is evenly full.

Bake at 350 degrees F. for about 30 min., or until the tops of the muffins are slightly brown and just firm to the touch. Do not overbake.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Owner of Blue Pearl Strategies, Elisabeth is also The Tender Foodie. She started this blog and The Tender Palate, to help those food allergies and sensitivities. www.tenderpalate.com

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Wine Is A Girl ’s Best Friend The “Art” of Wine & Food Pairing Any specific dish will contain one or more of the five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and savory [savory, or umami in Japanese, has gained acceptance by food scientists as a fifth and separate taste that can be detected by our taste buds.] These dominant tastes in the food will have a profound effect on the taste of the wine.

Pair Sweet/Spicy/Savory Dominant Foods with Light Wines

Foods that are sweet, spicy, savory dominant, or low in salt, will enhance a wine’s acidity and tannins and are best paired with: White Wines: Erbaluce, Falanghina, Bombino, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay Red Wines: Rose, Barbera, Aglianico, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Syrah

Pair Acid/ Savory Dominant Foods with Crisp and Fruity Wines

Foods that are acid, savory dominant will make a wine milder or softer, so choose: White Wines: Erbaluce, Falanghina, Bombino, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (unoaked), or Pinot Grigio, Champagne Red Wines: Rose, Barbera, Aglianico, Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Syrah

Pair Balanced Foods with Most Whites and Most Reds Why do two colors, put one next to the other, sing? Can one really explain this? No. (Pablo Picasso) The above quote by Picasso is analogous to putting a wine and a food next to one another…and the mysterious song of the pallet that results.

Is there really such a thing as the “art” of wine and food pairing? I carefully chose the word “art” because, when it is all said and done, the pairing of wine and food can be as subjective as two people’s opinion of a painting in an art museum. One may love it and the other may not. Each individual has her own unique preference in wine and food, and when it comes to pairing the right wine with one’s cuisine, there are no correct answers.

There is a long history of wine and food evolving together over dinner. The modern “art” of wine and food pairing is, however, a relatively recent phenomenon of study.

While “taste is subjective”, there are quantifiable taste characteristics that will help guide you through the art of choosing a wine that will best complement your meal.

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March 2013

Dishes with a balance of seasoning, salt and acidity will pair well with all wine categories. Here are a few more helpful hints. Don’t pair a big, high-alcohol or hightannin wine with a light, delicate dish (and vice versa) as it will not bring out the best of the wine or the food. Choose wines with high acidity to go with rich, creamy or cheesy sauces, deep-fried foods, and fish dishes, as well as tart foods, such as a vinaigrette on a salad. Select wines with high tannins for foods with high fat content because the astringency of the tannins cuts through the viscosity of the fat.

Now have some fun…and remember…it all about the “Art” of the pairing…

Christine Skandis founded Skandis Fine Wines, LLC for the purpose is preserving heirloom grape varietals that could otherwise reach a level of extinction because they are grown in such limited quantities.

Christine was inducted into the Dionysian Society International, the world’s oldest wine society in 2006.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Blackened Salmon Po’Boy with Low Cal Chimichurri I love this recipe for several reasons: 1. For the low calories, fat, and carbs 2. It is a Spanish and Caribbean-inspired recipe (Casa Bolero’s Theme).

3. It’s perfect for a early spring dish and is healthy all around.

Ingredients: Sandwich: 1/4 avocado (pitted) 1/2 T. low-fat Mayo 1 t. blackening spice 1/4 t. cumin 6 oz. salmon fillet (Michigan, skinned and fresh) 1 crusty French baguette (6”long) 3/4 c. arugula 1 roma tomato (sliced in thin circles) 1/4 c. red Onion (sliced in very thin circles) 1/4 c. white wine Chimichurri: 1 small bunch parsley 1 small bunch cilantro 5 garlic cloves 2 T. white balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar 1 T. light olive oil 1 T. dry oregano 1/4 c. hot/warm water 1/2 t. ancho chili flakes or (red pepper flakes) 2 t. Pure Ocean sea salt or (kosher salt) 1/2 t. white or black pepper Chimichurri Method: 1) Combine oregano, hot water and 1 tsp. sea salt in a small bowl and let sit for 5 min.

2) Combine all ingredients, except oil, in a blender and pulse until finely chopped and blended.

3) Pour mixture into a small bowl and whisk in olive oil slowly.

4) Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

5) Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Sandwich Method: 1) Preheat grill to high. Oil grill rack.

2) Mash together avocado and mayo in bowl with a fork.

3) Mix blackening spice with cumin and rub on both sides of salmon.

4) Grill both sides of salmon fillet for grill marks (about 1 min. per side), then add to a roasting pan with white wine and finish in oven at 350’ for 8 minutes.

5) Par-grill the French bread slices very quickly for just light grill marks.

6) To assemble the sandwich, spread the avocado mixture on the bottom half of the baguette. Top with the salmon, arugula, tomato, onion and finish with chimichurri on top.

Recipe: Per Serving: 434 Calories, 56 fat grams, 36 Carbs, 7 g Mono, 67 mg Cholesterol, 33 g Protein, 6 g Fiber, 756 mg Sodium, 774 mg Potassium Recipe Reference: Calorie King “Calorie, Fat and Carb counter” www.CalorieKing.com Time to Make: 25 minutes Tips: Use Fresh Michigan Salmon, To oil the grill: Fold a oiled paper towell and with tongs rub it over the grill. When grilling fish, spray the fish with non-stick spray as well to prevent sticking to grill.

Please note their upcoming Bell’s Beer & Tequila Dinner - April 25th 5:30 till 7:30 (5-Course Menu) Make your reservations soon.

Jared Dellario is Executive Chef at Casa Bolero, a Latin-Caribbean inspired restaurant in downtown Kalamazoo that specializes in tapa-style entrees.

March 2013

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Beauty Buffet

F

by Marianne Bockheim

From the sumptuous chocolate spas of Hershey to the delicious concoctions you can create in your own kitchen, food plays an important part in everyday beauty. Found in your own kitchen cupboard, there are many good items and recipes that can be quick and easy to use and concoct.

Trust ECCU to make buying a home friendly and comfortable.

Locally Serviced Mortgages Right. At home.

| 269.375.6702 | Federally insured by the NCUA. Equal Housing Lender.

Foods such as cucumber, honey, oatmeal and more have been recognized for their benefits and used for beauty purposes at home and in commercial products for decades. Caught up in an age of technology, mass production and big budget advertising, many women don’t realize or forget that they could save money and enjoy an old home remedy instead. Beauty books and magazines can be great resources when seeking food-based beauty recipes. Invite a friend or two over on Saturday afternoon and enjoy a facial or hair treatment. With beauty served up right, you’ll be gourmet-gorgeous with products inspired by nature’s kitchen.

Did you know . . .

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

• •

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

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

Banana Hair Pack (deep conditioning treatment) Half a banana 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon avocado oil Mix the above ingredients together and apply from scalp to ends of hair. Discard any leftover mixture. Wrap hair in a towel for 20 minutes. Rinse then shampoo and condition as normal.

(Recipe found in Beauty Magic, 101 Recipes, Spells and Secrets by Jennifer Knapp)

Apricot Face Mask (to soften skin) Soaked dried apricots Bunch of grapes 3 tablespoons skimmed milk powder Mix ingredients in the blender, apply to face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

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

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March 2013

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Spring into Bravo! With Kalamazoo Network in March Women who have had a significant break in their education and wish to return to school to increase their financial self-sufficiency can receive assistance from Women’s Education Coalition (WEC). WEC is a cooperative venture of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kalamazoo Network, and the YWCA of Kalamazoo. The education grants offered by WEC are unique in that they are renewable and can be used for non-traditional school expenses such as childcare.

Women residing in Kalamazoo, Barry, Calhoun, Allegan, St. Joseph or Van Buren Counties who are U.S. Citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens (green card holders) are eligible for WEC grants. Priority is given to underemployed working mothers and those enrolling or enrolled in not-for-profit educational institutions.

Each year, Kalamazoo Network hosts a fundraiser for WEC. This year’s event is called “Spring Into Bravo” and will be held at Bravo Restaurant on Portage Rd. on Tuesday, March 12, 2013. The event is open to guests and will include an interactive cooking demonstration, networking and dinner.

Be sure to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to help women within our community in need of grant assistance.

For more information, please visit http://kalamazoonetwork.org

SEE SOME MORE

GREEN IN YOUR FUTURE. Wouldn’t it be great to have a little extra money saved? THE CHRISTMAS CLUB earns you 2.00% APY* toward future purchases like vacations, furniture, or next year’s holiday spending.

You can deposit up to $1,000 a month, which will automatically transfer into your checking account in October. Save now, avoid credit card bills later.

keystonebank.com

The Keystone Community Bank Christmas Club is a timed savings account that matures each year on October 25th. A minimum deposit of $1.00 is required to open the account. A daily periodic rate is applied to the principal in the account each day and is paid at maturity. Deposits cannot exceed $1,000 per month or $12,000 per year. At maturity, the account balance will be paid to another Keystone Community Bank checking or savings account.

A $5.00 penalty fee plus all accrued interest may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity. *The Annual Percentage Yield – APY is determined by an Interest Rate of 2.00%. Rate/APY is effective October 26, 2012 through October 25, 2013.

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March 2013

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ARTS

The

in

sponsored by

Tia Fuller Quartet Saturday, April 20 · 8 pm Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU

“fuller has a special blend of spiritually inspired, deeply soulful jazz that uses faith as a launching point for some serious improvisational chops…” (The Jazz Observer) tia fuller has rapidly proven her creative mettle—as a member of the all-female band touring with beyoncé and as a band leader in her own right. Described as having a “take-no-prisoners presence,” fuller regularly wows audiences around the world!

GENERAL ADMISSION $30 adults | $15 advance students

f o n ta n ac h a m b e r a r t s .o r g 269 382 7774

|

359 S Kalamazoo Mall

|

Suite 200

|

Kalamazoo

|

Our mission is your musical growth and enjoyment

Music Lessons for All Ages & Abilities Offerings include private instruction on all Enroll now for classes in our Epic Center studios.

instruments and voice; music theory and composition. Study and learn in a positive and supportive atmosphere with professional, enthusiastic, experienced, university-trained instructors. Ten week sessions of Music Together® classes begin in September, December and March. Call now to reserve your spot! www.crescendoacademy.com

mitsuko uchida

, pIano

ThE wIllIam and nanCy rIChardSon ConCErT

APRIL 13, 2013 · 8 PM CHENERY AUDITORIUM Bach Schoenberg Schumann

preludes and Fugues from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II Six little piano pieces, op. 19 Waldszenen (Forest Scenes), op. 82 Sonata no. 2 in G minor, op. 22 Gesänge der Frühe (morning Songs), op. 133

TICKETS 269.387.2300

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Epic Center, Suite 12, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall information@crescendoacademy.com 269/345-6664

March 2013

TheGilmore.org

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

K

Kalamazoo Brooke Gladstone - WLM Ad 21213.pdf 1 2/12/2013 2:51:16 PM

Reading Together 2013

C

M

SPECIAL APPEARANCE

Brooke Gladstone Journalist, Media Analyst, Author

April 2, 7 pm WMU Center for the Humanities Open seating, no ticket needed.

Y

CM

Brooke Gladstone is co-host and managing editor of the National Public Radio newsmagazine, On the Media, and author of The Influencing Machine, Brooke Gladstone on the Media, an elightening look at the complexities and, sometimes, controversies of modern media.

MY

CY

CMY

K

Michigan News Agency will sell copies of The Influencing Machine at the event.

kpl.gov

MIDWEST REGIONAL ALTERNATIVE DANCE FESTIVAL PRESENTS

“…superb, polished, athletic and beautiful…”

— KALAMAZOO GAZETTE/MLIVE

MARCH 14–17 WWW.MIDWESTRADFEST.ORG 269.342.4354 24

March 2013

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March 5 Midwest Travels with Steve Ellis Parchment Community Library, 401 S. Riverview Dr., Parchment. 6 pm. Lively photographic presentation on Michigan destinations. Free.

Register at 269-343-7747.

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.

March 1 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 March 1 – 2 Women’s LifeStyle Expo Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Fri. 12 – 6 pm, Sat 9 am – 5 pm. Spend the day exploring and enjoying the workshops, opportunities to pamper yourself and, of course, SHOPPING! 269-488-9780. www.womenslifestylekazooexpo.com March 1 – 30 Amazing Grace, Dinner Theatre Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre. Times vary. Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre is great food and Theatre. You have a bountiful buffet and then a professional theatre for one great price. 269-781-4293. www.turkeyville.com March 2 These 40 Days of Lent Transformations Spirituality Center. 10 am - 2:30 pm. Spend the day learning about the history and tradition of Lent. The day will include input, prayer, quiet reflection and faith sharing. $45, Includes

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March 2013

retreat, materials, and lunch. 269-381-6290 x 310.

TransformationsCenter.org March 2 Sourcing Material for Artists and Writers Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. 1 – 5 pm. This workshop will provide techniques and exercises to cull images and words from within and to go deeper into your creative mind and spirit. $30, NonMembers: $50. 269-349-7775. www.kiarts.org March 3 Gilmore Rising Stars: Minsoo Sohn, piano Wellspring Theater, Epic Center. 4 – 6 pm. The Gilmore Rising Stars Series presents outstanding young pianists from around the world to provide Kalamazoo audiences with a taste of tomorrow’s stars of the classical music world. $25, $5 students.

269-342-1166. www.thegilmore.org/rising-stars March 8 – 10 Southwest Michigan Golf Show Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Fri. 2- 7 pm, Sat. 10 am – 6 pm, Sun. 10 am – 4 pm. Retailers, Resorts, Travel Destinations, Local and Michigan Golf Courses, and a variety of “hands-on” activities will get you ready for this season. Adults $6, Children 12 and under free. 517-548-1200. www.michigangolfshow.com/kalamazoo

March 8 Diva Night Art Bayou. Open Studio 12 – 6, Diva Night 6 – 9 pm.

Paint pottery without the kids! Bring your favorite beverages. This is the most popular event so please reserve your seat 269-375-2600. www.artbayoustudio.com March 8 Blackhawk Jazz & Blues Concert Blackhawk Bar & Grill in Richland. Doors open @ 6:30, music 7 – 10 pm. Join us for a great night of jazz, blues, & more in an intimate cabaret-setting.

Featured artist: Terry Lower & Edye Evans Hyde Trio. $10. 269-731-5388. www.blackhawkgrill.com/jazz March 9 Spring Expo & Craft Show Kalamazoo County Expo Center. 10 am – 4 pm. For more info: contact Lorie at moneys7714@sbcglobal.net March 9 Johnny Forrest and His Gal Pal Sue First Baptist Church. 6 pm. Return with us to 1950’s small town America and laugh at the antics of Johnny, Sue and Edward in this original story.

Presented by All Ears Theatre. Free. 269-342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.com March 9 Cirque Musica Miller Auditorium. 8 pm. An exciting, allencompassing concert experience that artistically blends the grace and excitement of today’s greatest cirque performers with musical favorites. http://www.kalamazoosymphony.com March 9, 23 Behind the Scenes at Gilmore Car Museum Series Gilmore Car Museum. Noon – 6 pm. Get an in-depth look at some of the cars that fueled America’s need for speed! Guided gallery tours will be offered.

General admission. 269-671-5089. http://gilmorecarmuseum.org

March 9 Texas Corners Mac ‘n Cheese Bake-Off Treat your taste buds, Saturday, March 9 at area businesses throughout Texas Corners. The tastings are free and the public is invited to vote for their favorites with a $2 donation –proceeds going to the Boy Scouts at Rota Kiwan –12-3pm. The Cheese Lady More info at: saycheesekalamazoo@yahoo.com or (269) 353.3050 March 9, 16 & 23 Grand Opening Kalamazoo Custom Kitchens & Baths Grand Opening – Now at their new location: 5072 E Main (At the corner of Sprinkle Rd). FREE treats, and a beautiful new showroom. Mar 9 12-4pm – Wine & Cheese Party; Mar 16 from 12-4pm – Dessert Extravaganza and Mar 23 12-4pm – Crazy for Maple Syrup More info at (269) 488.8900 or www.kalamazookitchens.com March 10 Expanding Your Yoga Instruction with Ayurveda Awake and Aware. 9 am – 4 pm. Expand your yoga teaching skills by applying Ayurvedic principles and practices in your own life and in your yoga classes. $100 includes Ayurveda lunch. www.awakeandaware. net rhonda@RadiantLifeAyurveda.com March 10 Silver Jewelry Class Art Bayou Studio. Noon – 3 pm. Who doesn’t love jewelry? You’ll be able to make necklaces, earrings, pendants, bookmarks, wine charms and more out of pure silver. Prices starting at $55. 269-375-2600. www.artbayoustudio.com March 10 Princess Tea Party The Henderson Castle. 1:30 – 3 pm. Join us for a Royal Tea Party for all ages. This is a royal experience including food, fun, a castle and of course… Princesses. $25. 269-344-1827. www.hendersoncastle.com March 11 Celebrity Smokey Eye Clinic!

Bronson Athletic Club. 5:45 – 8 pm. Learn how to perfect your smokey eye and hear tips from celebrity makeup artists at our Smokey Eye Clinic! RSVP by 3/10. mcook22@marykay.com or laurabedore@ marykay.com

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

March 11 -18 Curves National Food Drive Curves will be taking donations to Fight Hunger in the Kalamazoo area. All non-perishable donations are welcome at any Curves in the Kalamazoo area.

No service fee to join when you donate a bag of food. 269-720-8831.

March 13 Birds & Coffee MSU W.K. Kellogg Biological Station. 9 - 10:30 am. Join an experienced guide on a walk to see a variety of birds. Enjoy fresh, bird-friendly coffee and discuss the morning’s sightings. Members, free; non-members, regular admission. (269) 671-2510. kbs.msu.edu March 14 Wellspring Chocolate Soiree Cityscape Event Center. 6 – 9 pm. Wellspring’s fifth annual Chocolate Soiree will feature signature samplings and decadent desserts from the numerous West Michigan’s finest chefs and chocolatiers. $60 includes food, wine, and beer.

269-342-4354. www.wellspringdance.org March 15 & 16 Crawlspace Eviction Farmers Alley Theatre. 8 pm. Crawlspace Eviction examines the foibles of college retreat in their March improve and sketch comedy shows. $10 admission, $7 students. 269-599-7390.

Crawlspacetheatre.com March 16 Purple Martin Workshop MSU W.K. Kellogg Biological Station. 9 am - Noon.

How to Be a Good Purple Martin Landlord. Join us to learn tips and tricks for proper installation and care of nest boxes. Call for registration info. (269) 671-2510. kbs.msu.edu March 16 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Downtown Kalamazoo. 11 am. Over 50 local groups, families, schools, organizations and businesses participated in this annual event last year, with several thousand folks lining the streets of downtown. Free. 269-372-7332.

March 16 St. Patrick’s Small Plates St. Julians. 3 – 5 pm. Enjoy 3 Irish themed small plates paired with award winning wines. $15. 800732-6002 x200. Stjulian.com March 16 – 17 Kalamazoo Living History Show Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Sat. 9 am – 5 pm, Sun. 9 am – 4 pm. 38th annual event with over 10,000 re-enactors featured along with the finest craftsmen, dealers and history buffs from across the Nation. Admission: $7 or $10 for weekend. 765-5636792. www.kalamazooshow.com March 18 Women In Networking Meeting Personal Care Center, 8799 Gull Road, Rear Entrance. 6 – 8 pm. You’re Invited! Networking, presentations, beverages & snack. $8 or RSVP with your name and a guest for $6 each (cash please).

RSVP by 3/14 win.richland@gmail.com http:// tinyurl.com/win-richland March 20 Kalamazoo Career Fair Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Texas Township Campus. 2 – 7 pm. Free. http://kalamazoocareerfair.com March 22 Blackhawk Jazz & Blues Concert Blackhawk Bar & Grill in Richland. Doors open @ 6:30, music 7 – 10 pm. Join us for a great night of jazz, blues, & more in an intimate cabaret-setting.

Featured artist: Koke McKesson & Doug Decker. $10. 269-731-5388. www.blackhawkgrill.com/jazz March 22 Integrative Breathwork Lord of Life Church, 9420 Portage Rd. Portage. 7 pm - 9 pm. A musical journey for insight, emotional healing, creativity & renewal. $25. Pre-registration is needed. 269-388-2988. www.adamczassociates.com March 22 Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Miller Auditorium. 8 pm. Special side-by-side performance with the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra. 269-387-2300. www.kjso.org

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March 23 Book Sale Parchment Community Library, 401 S. Riverview Dr., Parchment. 10 am. You may attend the Early Bird Sale from 9:00 - 10:00 am for $1.

269-343-7747.

March 23 Integrative Breathwork Lord of Life Church, 9420 Portage Rd. Portage. 10 am - 5 pm. A musical journey for insight, emotional healing, creativity & renewal. $65. Pre-registration is needed. 269-388-2988. www.adamczassociates. com March 23 Richland Area Community Center Spring Bazaar & Craft Show 10 am – 2 pm. Over 50 vendors and crafters. Great shopping for Mother’s Day, wedding and baby showers and Easter. More info: moneys7714@sbcglobal.net March 23 – 24 Shipshewana on the Road Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Sat. 9 am – 6 pm; Sun 10 am – 5 pm. This is a one-of-a-kind indoor market aimed towards the family that would like to find all their shopping needs in one place, at great prices and have some fun doing it! 269-979-8888. www.shipshewanaontheroad.com March 25 Venture Forward Orientation South Haven MI-SBTDC at Lake Michigan College. 9 - 11 am.

Free. Info@ 269-387-6004. sbtdc-kzoo@wmich.edu.

March 25 Starting a Small Business & Writing a Business Plan MI-SBTDC at the WMU Haworth College of Business. 5-8 pm. $35 per attendee. Info @ 269387-6004. Sbtdc-kzoo@wmich.edu March 25 Strengthening the Immune System with Ayurveda Sangha Yoga. 5:15 – 7 pm. Learn about the concept of immunity and practical tips for both prevention against and rapid recovery from conditions and diseases. $25. rhonda@RadiantLifeAyurveda.com March 26 Volunteer Training MSU W.K. Kellogg Biological Station. 9 am - noon and/or 1 - 4 pm. Do you enjoy birds and meeting lots of great people? Kellogg Bird Sanctuary has an active volunteer program and we are always looking for new recruits! (269) 671-2510. kbs.msu.edu March 26 American Idiot Miller Auditorium. 7:30 pm. Direct from Broadway, the smash-hit musical AMERICAN IDIOT tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. $28 - $55. 269-387-2300. www.millerauditorium.com

F F

est w eekend it MARCH

22 •23 •24

Enjoy expert fittings by our bra fit specialists, 2 0 % O F F all your bra purchases, plus refreshments while you shop!

KALAMAZOO Downtown on the Mall • 269.342.5996 • M-F 10-8 | Sat 10-6 | Sun 12-5 Located in Grand Rapids & Downtown Holland, too!

The 2013 Dog Walk

is right around the corner.

D BY:

PRESENTE

March 29 Murder Mystery Dinner Henderson Castle. 6 – 8:30 pm. Join us for an evening of fun and adventure as you help solve a murder and catch the culprit. You will attend dinner as one of the suspects. Who knows, you may just be the murderer. $65 per person. 269-344-1827. www.hendersoncastle.com March 31 Easter Brunch MSU W.K. Kellogg Biological Station. Seatings at 11 am and 1 pm. Enjoy an elegant Sunday brunch in the resplendent Manor House. $27/adult, $16/ages 5-12, 4 & under free. Reservations required. (269) 671-2400. kbs.msu.edu April 2 GC II Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU. 7:30 pm. Michael Wheaton, Director. 269-387-4667. www.wmich.edu/music April 3 Dalton WED Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU. 7:30 pm.

University Percussion Ensemble. $12, Seniors $10, Students $5. 269-387-4667. www.wmich.edu/music April 5 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

Save The Date: May 4, 2013

- Prairie View Park, Vicksburg The Festivities will run from 9:00am to 2:00 pm!

For Information on how to become a Sponsor or Vendor: Contact Nicole Gutshall (ngutshall@kazoohumane.org) Call at 269.345.1181 or www.kazoohumane.org

March 2013

37

Cookbook

Reviews

ABOUT THE REVIEWER: Jennifer Foley is owner of La Bonne Vie Personal Chef Service. You can find her in the kitchen offering an affordable, 5-star restaurant experience in the comfort of your own home. www.chefjenfoley.com

by Jennifer Foley

Barefoot Contessa Foolproof Recipes You Can Trust

by Ina Garten

Ina Garten’s style of cooking has always appealed to me for how real and comforting it is. She really embodies what it means to love food in all its simplicity. In Ina’s words, foolproof food means; “The recipe works…it’s deeply satisfying to eat…it’s company friendly…it can be made in advance to reduce stress…it’s an outrageously delicious dessert that’s so easy to make that it becomes part of your regular repertoire.”She includes a page titled “10 Foolproof Tips for Cooking” and includes tips such as crush your own pepper and grind your own parmesan, set all of your ingredients out before you start cooking, and many more. The tips may sound simple, but they make a difference.

Ina’s recipes use fresh, simple ingredients that yield absolutely beautiful and gourmet results. The food looks real, delicious, and not as though it was fussed with for 20 minutes before the photo was taken. Many of the ingredients and techniques reflect Garten’s love of French cookery. She dabbles in a lot of different styles of cooking throughout this book, but her main focus always seems to reflect back to a French theme.

I appreciate her book because along with recipes and a few kitchen tips, she also includes full sections on entertaining, flower arranging, table settings, and more. This is a great book for those interested in improving their cooking repertoire as well as their entertaining and homemaking skills as a whole.

Foolproof is a wonderful cookbook for those who want it all broken down into very simple and easy to follow terms. You will not only yield great results, but also gain some great skills along the way.

The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook

Recipes and Wisdom from an Obsessive Home Cook

by Deb Perelman

Deb Perelman has something in common with so many of us; she’s a wife, a mom, and absolutely loves to cook. She lives in Manhattan, and has mastered the art of preparing the most gourmet of culinary creations in her tiny home kitchen. Her cookbook is a very personal one. She constantly makes mention of her young son and husband and tends to include personal stories along with nearly every recipe.

The author is, as she phrases it, “picky as all hell (and)…a little obsessive.” I appreciate her style of writing because she writes like a blogger—like you’re actually friends that would sit down for a cup of coffee and a chat. She offers several different options of how to complete each step, depending on the equipment or preference of each reader. For those who just want a quick, simple recipe, it may be a bit excessive. However, if you are in no hurry, it is quite witty and charming. She ends the book with her kitchen essentials to “build your own smitten kitchen.” It’s a list of 19 must-haves that include the obvious like a good knife, pots and pans, and tongs but also recommends fancier items like a digital scale, immersion blender, and a ruler.

38

March 2013

Wheat Belly Cookbook

150 Recipes to Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health

by William Davis, MD

This cookbook is based upon the bestselling book, Wheat Belly. Approximately the first one-third of the cookbook does not include any recipes, but instead summarizes the novel. It is a very detailed account of how the properties of wheat have changed over the years and the negative effects it can have on your health and wellness. If you’re interested in the wheat belly lifestyle, I found the cookbook sufficiently detailed. Rather than purchasing the original book, Wheat Belly, it seems the cookbook is packed with plenty of knowledge. The second section of the book is full of recipes. If you flip ahead to nearly the end, you will find “The Wheat Belly Bakery” where you can create breads, muffins, tortillas, crusts, cakes, and much more; all without the use of wheat flour. Included are several wheat substitutes like ground almonds, chickpea flour, ground flaxseed, etc. Looking at the rest of the recipes, you truly would not know it was a wheat-free cookbook. Throughout the book, before and after testimonials of readers who took the wheat belly challenge are included. It would require a lot of self-education and a willingness to try new ingredients, but for the motivated among us, I believe this cookbook to be very beneficial.

www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Bring back the healthy legs that can Resurrect a couch potato

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