Celebrate in Style - November 2010 by Moxie Magazine

Free! November 2010

Healthy Holiday Snacks

The ABCs of Vitamin D

E s s e n t i a l

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

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

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

Simplify the Holidays

November 2010

The People Who Make It Happen... Publisher: Darlene Clifford dclifford@womenslifestylekazoo.com

Contributing Writers: Sandy Derby Kelly Duggan Mary Beth Esquibel Lauren Fitzmaurice Chloe Herakovic Emily Magyar Heidi McCrary Ann Mohr Jeff Murphy Judy Pearson Juli Wiseman The Kalamazoo Network

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

Sales Representatives: Brenda Murphy Pamela Nunley Maria Pavletic

Layout & Design: jr4 designs JR Harper

Photography: Christopher McGuire Photography www.chrismcguirephoto.com

Office Manager:

TABLE OF CONTENTS CELEBRATE IN STYLE Something Special for the Host............................................... 6 Ten Tips for a Greener Holiday and New Year........................28 BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS When It’s Time for Mom and Dad To Move ...........................12 Do You Keep a Journal? .......................................................14 “What’s Wrong” to “What’s Right”.........................................20 IMHO: And Around We Go.............................................27 Mediation: Breaking Up Is Hard To Do ..................................29 Giving Contributions ...........................................................32 Reader’s Lounge .................................................................38 INTERIOR IDEAS Top 5 Trends in Kitchen Design ..............................................10 LOOKING & FEELING GOOD Secrets of the Trade .............................................................24 The ABCs of Vitamin D.......................................................34 BUSINESS & FINANCE Networking with the Kalamazoo Network ................................14 Financial Sauvé - Managing An Inheritance..............................26 Ad Talk..............................................................................33

Patty Clifford

Contact Us By Phone: 269-569-1647 Sales Info: 269-271-1032 By Mail: Greater Kalamazoo Women’s LifeStyle, P. O. Box 2284, Portage, MI 49081-2284

By Email: wlskazoo@provide.net

website: www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Coming In December Celebrate the Season!

RECIPES Healthy Holiday Snacks Hummus.......................................................................16 Shrimp Cocktail .............................................................16 Veggie Party Dip ............................................................16 Simplify the Season Nutty Chocolate Pretzel Bars ..........................................23 Festive Garden Wedges.................................................23 Crescent Wrapped Brie.................................................23 Savory Ranch Chex Mix ................................................23 Snow Much Holiday Fun White Fudge Cookie Cutter Gifts ...................................30 Snowman Faces ............................................................30 Candy Clay ..................................................................31 COMMUNITY NEWS & HAPPENINGS Buy Local ...........................................................................28 Calendar ............................................................................36

November 2010

From the Publisher

“In between” … that’s how I describe the month of November. Fall seems to have left us, the jack-o’lanterns are gone, the trees are bare but we’re not quite into winter yet either. The “Holiday” mania isn’t full blown yet. So what do we do in November, if we’re not deer hunting? Rest maybe, after the busyness of summer and fall, and before all the hustle and bustle of Christmas? That’s my plan, anyway. I also intend to use the time to reflect on the amazing things in my life for which I’m thankful for, past and present. Here’s my plan for thankfulness this year, and please, feel free to adopt it for your life. I want my thoughts to be all inclusive and life-long, in-depth and yet not overlooking the simple things. I will define “amazing” as including the everyday mundane events on up to the truly fantastic things of life. One of those moments includes watching my children smile at something their child does, knowing that I also smiled at them in the same way when they were small and for the same reason. Also, realizing that my parents felt similar emotions. It’s in one of those quiet moments, that we realize life is indeed a continuous circle. We can understand that the same special moments we’ve experienced (love, marriage, childbirth, new jobs, etc.) happen over again to the next generation. It’s a comforting thought to me. Then I’ll focus on the more obvious things for which I’m thankful. One thing in particular: Every day I am privileged to publish this wonderful magazine, in an outstanding community, for amazing readers, while working side by side with extremely talented and dedicated advertisers and staff. Truly I am blessed. And I understand that life doesn’t get much better. Thank you. I hope you will enjoy your November magazine. Keeping with “tradition” you’ll find lots of great ideas and information to help you get a jump start on your holidays. Additionally, I want to leave you with some quotes from people who experienced life in another era and found truths which we still need today. Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation. Saint Augustine 354 AD - 430 AD Carthaginian author, saint, & church father The man (or woman) who never makes a mistake always takes orders from one who does. No man or woman who tries to pursue an ideal in his or her own way is without enemies. Daisy Lee Bates (1914 – 1999) Little Rock, AK an American civil rights activist, publisher and writer who played a leading role in the Little Rock integration crisis of 1957. Thankful for each of you,

Darlene

November 2010

Something Special for the Host . . . courtesy Metro Creative

hen friends or family members choose to open their homes to others, it’s customary for guests to offer a gift of thanks in return. There is the old adage that guests should “knock with their feet” when arriving at a party or social event. This means their hands will be busy carrying a gift or something that contributes to the event. Presenting a gift to the host shows the invitation has been much appreciated. A bottle of wine or flowers may fit the bill. If you’re looking for other unique ideas, consider the following concepts:

Candles Candles impart a warm glow in the house, and a decorative set of candleholders and scented candles are a thoughtful gift idea.

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Chocolate Gourmet chocolates appeal to the sweet tooth in many people. A hostess can choose to keep the chocolates to herself or serve them to guests.

Cookbook & Cooking Tools Treat the host to a cookbook from a favorite chef and include some tools of the trade in a gift basket.

Guest book Having guests sign a book at a wedding or other big event is a customary tradition, and the idea can also be applied to smaller gatherings. Hosts may want to keep track of those whom they have invited to their homes and may later re-read the small notes of gratitude that have been expressed by guests.

Homemade gift You may want to offer a gift from your own kitchen. If you are known for your decadent brownies, a platter wrapped in cellophane would make a tasty hostess gift.

Picture frame If you know the host’s design style, purchase a picture frame that fits their decor. A silver or black frame is generally neutral if you’re not certain of the style.

Flowers or Plants A decorative houseplant can brighten a home’s interior. Plus it’s a gift that will grow year after year and is a fond memory of a special occasion.

Coffee Show your appreciation with a bag of the host’s favorite freshly ground coffee, along with sugar, cream and other coffee items.

November 2010

Buy Smart Buy Local

November 2010

5 in Kitchen Design Story and Photos by Ashley Cole

s we settle into winter, it’s inevitable more time will be spent in the kitchen. The holidays, too, bring reason to think of this important room in our homes. It’s a place of gathering, creating, eating and sharing. It’s the heart of the home. Here are some of the hottest trends in kitchen design:

Sustainability Eco-friendly is the buzz word these days, and being environmentally conscience in the kitchen is getting easier with advancements in products and simple things we can do to make being “green” easier. A few small ways that make big differences include using recycled or natural materials such as formaldehyde-free bamboo flooring or recycled glass counter tops; incorporating built-in recycling centers and food composters; and installing energy-efficient appliances, as well as good ventilation and air filtration.

Ergonomics for All Functionality and user-friendliness are not just for the Baby Boomer generation. Keep in mind the kids, people who are tall or short, as well as individuals with limited mobility. In the future, houses with

Recycled Butcher Block

the best resale value may very well include kitchen work surfaces and storage areas of varying heights, with appliances that are within reach. Ergonomically enhanced kitchens include drawer appliances (dishwashers, refrigerators and microwaves); varying countertop heights in separate zones (36” is standard, but having a lower area for food preparation is welcoming to children or people who need to sit while cooking); storing pots and pans, heavy plates and other commonly used items in drawers as opposed to high wall cabinets.

High Technology

Concrete Countertops

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The world of electronics has expanded from our media rooms into our kitchens. It’s not only for the “wow” factor, but also for added convenience. The kitchen is both a social and functional space, and technology helps meld these uses together. Flat-screen television and computer-based entertainment systems, a retracting ventilation hood and an oven that gives you access to all controls via Internet or cell phone (no more fretting about whether you turned the oven off before leaving the house), and a small mobile device charging station are great ways to incorporate technology into the kitchen.

Range of Cooking Options We’re no longer in the era of the simple gas or electric oven. Dual-fuel ranges have both gas and electric heat (gas is a more controllable heat source for stovetop cooking; however, an electric oven is a more efficient heat source and easier to incorporate a self-cleaning feature). Another option is induction cooking. Induction burners heat up faster and are more efficient than both gas and regular electric. There are also built-in steamers which offer a gentle and healthy method of preparing food that maintains nutrients and active ingredients in food. Built-in steamers are installed into a countertop and often connected to a water supply system to automatically fill up the unit for steaming and then drains when complete.

Concrete Countertops These have been around for a couple decades now, but only recently have gained widespread popularity. With advances in techniques and finishes the end result is far from the concrete you see on sidewalks. Some things to know about concrete countertops: ● Be sure the person/business creating and installing the tops is experienced. This is not a job for a novice. Look at real examples of their work and ask for references to see how their concrete has held up over time. ● Be aware that the beauty of natural concrete does mean you’ll get variation in the finish and nuances like hairline cracks are to be expected. When done correctly, the small cracks are not structural and considered part of the character. ● Left at its natural state concrete is porous and will stain. However, when sealed properly it’s resistant to water and stains. As with any natural material, it’s best to be careful with any spills and clean them immediately.

Bamboo Cabinetry

Ashley Cole is a professional interior designer based in Grand Rapids. Her work has been featured on HGTV as well as numerous publications, including Kitchen Trends and Home Magazine. Ashley’s passion is “creating environments that enliven the spirit.”

November 2010

Allow your parents to take time with this life-changing decision but encourage them to keep moving with the process. Long before there’s any pressure to move, even while both parents are still healthy, is not too soon to start this discussion. Continue the conversation if one parent is ill or if one is left alone. Ideally, your parents will make the moving decision as a couple and have each other’s support in the change and can begin to create memories together in their new home. If the decision must be made without a spouse, encourage your parent to recognize that their partner surely would want life to be a little easier for them at this point. Once the idea has been raised, bring it up often. It takes persistence as well as patience. Over and over we talked until the decision felt right for my mom.

When it’s Time for Mom and Dad to Move

Helping Elderly Parents Successfully Relocate By Alexandra Fix fter 52 years in the first home she had ever owned my mom made the choice to move into an apartment complex for active seniors. The move itself went quite smoothly. The decision, on the other hand, came only after many months of reluctant consideration.

It’s important when parents are making this decision to give them time to make this choice their own. This is tough advice for daughters and sons who can clearly see the advantages of a senior community for their aging parents. Change is difficult. Moving tugs at the heart as one leaves what is familiar. For an older parent it can be especially poignant if the home they are leaving is where they raised a family or where they lived happily with a spouse who has died.

Most likely, sons or daughters will need to take an active role in helping their parents evaluate current living arrangements and consider why a senior apartment might be to their advantage. Major justifications are generally related to home upkeep, security, personal safety, nutrition, transportation access and a need for companionship. Loneliness of the elderly parent is often a big factor in this decision. My daughter shared a delightful observation with her grandma about companionship. Moving into a senior apartment is much like the freshman year move into a college dorm, she noticed. There are many people of like ages, all at the same point in life with a lot of time to hang out together and not a lot of responsibilities, in search of new friendships and constantly looking for something to do. In fact, many senior apartment complexes host so many events daily it seems a little like “College Welcome Week” all year long.

They’ve worked long and hard saving for the future. Now is their future.

November 2010

In the midst of talking, we started looking. My mom narrowed her preference down to a familiar, convenient section of town, close to her old neighborhood. I encouraged her to make the decision while she still had a choice on location. No vacancy when you finally decide could be quite upsetting. My mom and I went together for lunches and tours. We looked for tasty meals, friendly people and inviting activities. We asked many questions of residents as well as staff. We went for repeat visits. We took measurements of the apartment rooms and compared those with my mom’s current space. With masking tape, we marked out the potential new space within her current space and moved her furniture within those imaginary borders. This made it easier to picture the move to a smaller space. Allow your parents to take time with this life-changing decision but encourage them to keep moving with the process. One of the best things my mom did was to plunge in and start clearing out things even before she was ready to make a decision. She often imagined one of those dreaded dumpsters in her driveway, with all her children tossing things out when she was gone. How nice it was, instead, for her to sort, contemplate and give things away as she wished. Grandchildren, children and charities were appreciative recipients of her generous purging. All winter long, my mom sorted and tossed and, by spring she had worked through her possessions, as well as through her decision. With half the clutter, it no longer seemed as daunting. When she made the decision to move, she was able to focus on what she would bring to her new home rather than what she would leave behind. Remind your parents that they deserve this lifestyle change. This is the time when they finally get to bask in their successful planning and preparation for their later years. They’ve worked long and hard saving for the future. Now is their future.

November 2010

Successful notes:

Do you keep a journal? PO Box 50374 • Kalamazoo MI 49005 • voicemail: 269-343-7865 • www.kalamazoonetwork.org While the holiday season can be a joyous time of year, it can also be a challenge for the business owner and professional who wants to thank their clients at the end of the year with a gift of sorts. So we asked the women of Kalamazoo Network…

What cost-saving ideas do you have for client gift-giving during the holidays? I love doing homemade food or beverage items that can be stored until after the Holiday season and used throughout the year. Each time someone enjoys the treats they think of me, and it can be really inexpensive! Amelia Barker-King / The Barton Group For the holidays, I send clients personalized Christmas cards. Using photos I've taken of a wreath, ornament, snow covered tree, etc. In the card, I'll often explain what the picture is, along with a personal message. There are many online programs to help you do this, and customized greeting cards available to help you get started. Lori A. Nay / Financial Advisor – Edward Jones Many of us have so many clients that we would be limited in the number of clients we can give to, or the gift we can afford to give them would be of such a nominal value that it may not have the impact we would like. I would recommend that the company consider making a larger one-time or annual gift to a local charity or non-profit organization in honor of their business. Danielle Redmond Streed, JD / Law office of Redmond, Redmond & Yokom

“Jotting down your thoughts on a daily basis will not only add some ‘me’ time to your schedule, but will unfold the writer and philosopher in you. From daily diaries to travel logs, journaling can help left- and right-brained people organize ideas, and boost their well-being,” says John Khoury, CEO and founder of Liquic.com, a comprehensive online health and wellness resource. Here’s what else journaling can do for you: Clarify your goals. By logging your thoughts, you can examine your feelings and objectives with a different set of eyes. Make a decision easier. Expressing your doubts and anxieties allows you to weigh your options. Should you change jobs? Should you move to a new neighborhood? Listing the pros and cons of each choice will point you in the right direction. Eliminate negative thoughts. Scripting all negativity in your life feels as liberating as lifting a weight off your shoulders. Track each step of your life. Scribbling your actions keeps you aware of your mistakes and accomplishments. It also highlights the aspects of your life you tend to pay more attention to. Improve your relationships. Writing gives you the opportunity to communicate your feelings toward others without any inhibitions. The experience will let you value perspectives not understood before and will provide you with patience and reasoning to deal with conflict. Focus on what makes you happy. With work and responsibilities, we end up spending most of our time pleasing others and performing mandatory tasks. After a while, you may find it difficult to distinguish what part of the day was dedicated solely to you. Through journaling, you’ll discover ways to include things you enjoy into your day; simple things such as listening to your favorite song to grabbing lunch at your favorite spot.

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It’s always less expensive to buy in volume. I would talk with my business friends to see who would like to combine orders to take advantage of discounts. I would collaborate with those businesses that don’t have the same clients and are interested in purchasing the same type of gifts in the same price range. Rochelle E Petts, PMP / Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency We try to get an early start, right after Thanksgiving. We like to do "sweet treats" which include a colorful holiday tin stuffed with either individually wrapped hard candies or small bags of assorted roasted nuts. We typically include a Christmas card we've designed and created ourselves. Hand delivering adds a personal touch and cuts down on postage. Darlene Clifford / Women's LifeStyle Magazine and Expo Having worked in the office all my life, before starting my own business, I know that the client's staff always loves it when you deliver specialty cookies or candy. When your client shares your gift with the office crew, everyone is happy! Also, I used to have an insurance guy, that would bring me back a bottle of wine every year from his trip to Germany and I always enjoyed getting that…just one more idea. Sally Altman / BookKeep I deliver poinsettias to clients which I’ve purchased from a non profit group, so it’s a win-win for the non profit, me (for tax purposes) and my clients! Maureen Kelly Krause / Prudential Preferred Realtors Maria Pavletic, Independent Marketing and Web Consultant with Pavletic Consulting and Design, LLC. She is currently serving as the President for Kalamazoo Network.

November 2010

Healthy Holiday Snacks Curb calories and add fresh flavor to your next holiday gathering. Shrimp Cocktail 5 servings 1 pound Shrimp (cooked, peeled) 6 oz Ketchup 1 Lemon (juiced) 1 tsp Worchestshire sauce 1 tsp Horseradish

Rinse and drain shrimp In a small mixing bowl combine ketchup, the juiced lemon, Worchestshire sauce and horseradish.

Transfer cocktail sauce into a supreme bowl or other appropriate container. Arrange shrimp on a platter or other appropriate serving container. Garnish with celery sticks and/or lemon wedges. Nutritional Information: 87 Calories 1.19 Fat 12.1 Protein 24.2 g Carbohydrate 1.3 g Fiber

Hummus Ingredients: 2 cups Chickpeas 3 Tbs Garlic 2 Tbs Tahini 2 Tbs Lemon 1/3 tsp Cumin 1/3 ts Black pepper Dash of Red pepper 2/3 tsp sea salt

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. You may need to add extra liquid to make the mixture creamier. Use warm water, or you can try other options such as soy milk or fat free plain yogurt.

Healthy Holiday Snacks Source: Shauna Johnson, the Nutrition/Healthy Cooking expert at Wellspring Academies (wellspringacademies.com), the leading weight loss organization for young adults and families across the U.S.

Veggie Party Dip Serves 24 Serving Size: 2 Tbsp 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley 1 Tbsp Fresh Thyme, Basil, Dill or Oregano 3 Scallions, Chopped 1 Clove Garlic 1 tsp Salt 12 oz fat-free Sour Cream 8 oz fat-free Cream Cheese

November 2010

Place herbs, scallions, and garlic in a food processor or blender and whirl a few seconds to chop. Add the sour cream, cream cheese and salt and blend again. Calories: 35 Fat: 0g

November 2010

Buy Smart Buy Local

November 2010

Moving from “What’s Wrong” to

By Janice Lynne Lundy

Are you ready to focus on the positive? I’ve often wondered why so many of us focus on the negative even though we don’t really want to. Why the news we hear or read about each day is predominately negative. What is it that drives us to focus on what’s wrong in our lives (and in our world) even though it makes us feel lousy? It all goes back to our earliest “programming,” to the dawning days of human existence when we lived in tribes or small communities out in nature. Danger lurked everywhere – predators, human enemies, life-threatening weather forces. It was crucial for our survival that we stay attuned to the presence of these threats. Out of necessity, we learned to consistently scan our landscape and be on “high alert” all of the time to ensure our individual and collective safety. Doesn’t this make perfect sense? Doesn’t this shed light on our tendency to look for and focus on “what’s wrong?” It appears we’re deeply programmed to focus on what’s amiss, what’s lacking, what’s not quite right about life. Our evolutionary history seems to indicate that we humans are powerfully habituated to look for the negative. Here’s the “good” news: We can actually “retrain” our brains to look for the positive – for “what’s right” in our world. Doing so can provide potent benefits, including a “can do” attitude, improved health and appreciation. In short, when we focus on “what’s right” rather than “what’s wrong,” we just feel better. Are you ready to focus on the positive? Here’s how: Pause. At any given moment, stop and take three conscious breaths. Acknowledge what you’re doing and where your thoughts are. Are you thinking about what you don’t like, what’s wrong or not the way you want it? Are you wishing something were different? Ground Yourself. Bring yourself back to the present moment. Look around you. What do you see? What is here right in front of you? Attune and Choose Anew. Scan your immediate horizon and locate one thing that’s right, good, appealing, comforting or

November 2010

beautiful. The object of your attention can be something as simple as sunshine, a hot cup of coffee, a comfortable chair to sit in or shoes on your feet. Spend a few moments focusing on just that. Give Thanks. Notice how much better you feel having drawn your thoughts back to what’s right, good, solid or true. Is a sense of appreciation bubbling up? Do you feel grateful? If so, whisper a quiet “thank you” for its presence. Set an intention to make these steps habit – in your car, in the grocery store, in the doctor’s office, at the soccer field. Practice a “what’s right” mentality whenever and wherever you can. With practice you’ll find your thoughts naturally tend toward the good stuff. You may speak more optimistically, be less inclined to whine, pout or complain. You’ll feel more appreciative about your day-today life, too; how it feels full of wonderful people, things and opportunities. I’m willing to bet that if you engage the process I’ve outlined for at least 21 consecutive days you’ll feel like a new, more vibrant person. As human beings we are still evolving. And it’s within our own minds, through conscious awareness, that our lives continue to change for the better. The invitation today is to create lives no longer characterized by a “primitive” sense of lack and fear, but, instead, by enlightened confidence, abundance and appreciation. This evolutionary choice is ours to make and create. What’s right in your world today?

Janice Lynne Lundy is an inspirational speaker and retreat leader, spiritual director and author. To learn more about Jan, her writing and her events, visit www.awakenedliving.com.

November 2010

Festive Garden Wedges, Savory Ranch Chex Mix, Crescent Wrapped Brie and Nutty Chocolate Pretzel Bars

inding time to enjoy holiday cooking when schedules are packed with cocktail parties, potlucks and gift exchanges can be daunting to even the most experienced home cook. Get the most out of this holiday season by keeping things simple. It’s easy to embrace the holiday hustle and bustle by incorporating a few time-saving tricks into your kitchen routine. Instant Pastry Bag — Decorating desserts during the holidays is a fun activity for the entire family. To kick up the fun factor a notch, make your own pastry bags to drizzle decorations over your delicious

November 2010

desserts. To make a pastry bag, place chopped up candy coating or chunks of chocolate inside a small zipper food storage bag. Do not seal; microwave 30 to 60 seconds, kneading bag every 15 seconds. Snip off a small corner and drizzle over desserts. Fun and simple!

Bake & Take — Save a step with casseroles and bar cookies and buy disposable bakeware. Bake your treat in the oven and serve it in the same container and save yourself from dirtying another dish.

Oven Time — Prefer that “made from scratch” taste but short on time? With a few convenience products, such as slice-and-bake cookies or ready-to-bake crescent rolls, you can make delicious and festive dishes your family will love without working in the kitchen for hours.

Food Exchange — The cookie exchange has long been a holiday tradition. This year, instead of a cookie exchange, gather all of your friends and host a food exchange! Ask all of your guests to bring their favorite holiday dish, along with the recipe. Your guests will go home with several new holiday dishes they can serve their family or bring to other holiday parties. What a wonderful present!

Nutty Chocolate Pretzel Bars Prep Time: 20 minutes (Start to Finish: 1 hour 30 minutes) 36 bars 1 can (10 ounces) deluxe salted nuts, coarsely chopped 1 roll (18 ounces) Pillsbury refrigerated sugar cookies 1 cup English toffee bits 1-1/2 cups milk chocolate chips 1/3 cup butterscotch chips 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter 1 cup coarsely chopped salted pretzels 1 ounce white chocolate, chopped or 2 tablespoons vanilla candy chips 1. Heat oven to 375° F. Spray 13- x 9-inch pan with cooking spray. Spread nuts evenly in pan. Cut cookie dough into 1/2-inch-thick slices; arrange slices over nuts. With floured fingers, press evenly in prepared pan. Sprinkle with English toffee bits; press in lightly. 2. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack 30 minutes. 3. In large microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and butterscotch chips on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth. Stir in peanut butter. Gently stir in pretzels. Spread evenly over crust. 4. In small microwavable bowl, microwave white chocolate or candy coating on HIGH 30 to 60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds, until smooth. Drizzle over bars. Refrigerate until chocolate is set, about 15 minutes. For bars, cut into 9 rows by 4 rows.

Festive Garden Wedges Prep Time: 15 minutes (Start to Finish: 1 hour 35 minutes) 16 wedges 1 1/2 1/3 1 1/2 8 2 1/8 3

cups of Original Bisquick mix cup boiling water package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened cup sour cream, mayonnaise or creamy salad dressing medium green onions, sliced (1/2 cup) teaspoons prepared horseradish teaspoon red pepper sauce cups chopped or sliced fresh vegetables (mushrooms, radishes, celery, red onion, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, bell pepper, yellow summer squash, jicama) cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (4 ounces)

1. Heat oven to 450° F. In bowl, stir baking mix and boiling water until soft dough forms; beat vigorously with spoon 20 strokes. Using fingers dusted with baking mix, press dough in ungreased 12-inch pizza pan, pinch edge to form 1/2-inch rim. Bake about 10 minutes or until light brown. Cool 10 minutes. 2. Stir cream cheese, sour cream, green onions, horseradish and pepper sauce until well blended; spread evenly over crust. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or until chilled. 3. Just before serving, top with vegetables and cheese. Cut into wedges or squares.

Nutty Chocolate Pretzel Bars and decorated slice-and-bake cookies

Crescent Wrapped Brie Prep Time: 20 minutes (Start to Finish: 1 hour) 12 servings 1 can (8 ounces) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls 1 round Brie cheese (8 ounces) 1 egg, beaten Crackers and sliced apples or pears, if desired 1. Heat oven to 350° F. 2. Separate dough into 2 squares. Press perforations to seal. Use knife to cut and round off corners of both squares. If desired, use small cookie cutter to cut out small decorative shapes from discarded corners. Place 1 square on ungreased cookie sheet; place cheese on center. Place remaining square over cheese. Press dough evenly around cheese. Fold bottom edges over top edges; seal completely. Decorate top with dough cutouts as desired; brush with egg. 3. Bake 20 to 24 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 15 minutes before serving with crackers.

Tip: Punch up the flavor! Cut Brie crosswise and spread with 2 tablespoons apricot jam and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons dried cranberries before wrapping in dough.

Savory Ranch Chex Mix Prep Time: 10 minutes (Start to Finish: 10 minutes) 13 cups snack 9 cups Corn Chex, Rice Chex or Wheat Chex cereal (or combination) 2 cups small pretzel twists* 2 cups bite-size cheese crackers 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 envelope (1 ounce) Hidden Valley “The Original Ranch” salad dressing and seasoning mix (milk recipe) 1. Mix cereal, pretzel twists and crackers in large food storage bag. 2. Add remaining ingredients; seal bag. Shake until well mixed. *If serving to children under four years old, omit pretzels.

November 2010

SECRETS of the TRADE Everyone’s talking about the “Warm and Cold” system for dressing. I’ve been told that I’m a ‘Cold’. What should I wear? How can I best heatup my style? True ‘cools’ are best in blue based colors and true ‘warm’s’ in yellow based colors. However, color theory and it’s relation to dress and grooming has come a long way from the days of the seasonal color analysis process of the 80’s and early 90’s. Current color techniques consider the temperature – cool, warm, or neutral, the clarity – bright or muted, and the flow – light, soft, deep, or clear … in relation to your natural physical color traits. Balance and continuity with the wearers own personal coloring is the key and the benefits are numerous. Color is your foundation to style and wardrobe development and is used in many ways – from selecting great lipstick colors, to hair color and processing techniques, to pairing colors in wardrobe development, and balancing the body frame. Love a color not in your best base? Just avoid wearing it near or on the face, or wear it mixed in a pattern with colors suited to you. How do you dial up the heat in your fall and winter style? Take color to the next step by learning and understanding the clarity and flow that best suit you. Cools Avoid: orange, golden browns, camel, peach, ivory and all yellow-based colors Warms Avoid: black, white, grey, pinks and all blue-based colors.

November 2010

What’s the difference between business and social looks for accessorizing and make-up? A few basic guidelines can help you answer this question… for each of us the answer may be a little different – depending upon the industry we work in, the position we hold, who we are personally in our own clothing style, our age, and what we are doing socially. In business, your face and eyes should be the focal point of the onlookers gaze, then the attention should move to the business at hand, not your outfit. Avoid too much ‘bling’ – both visually and auditorily. Be careful of very sparkly accessories and metallic make-up finishes….exaggerated movement from bracelets, earrings, scarves….and noise from clanging beads. Beware that ‘under doing it’ can be cause for alarm as well. A no make-up unfinished look sends the message that you lack attention to detail and don’t care, when simple jewelry, minimal make-up, and a great hair cut can give you a polished presence. Evening and social venues open the doors for more expression of personal style and less concern of distractions from these finishing points. In creating a great look, both professionally and socially, consider these tips when finishing your look: Five simple tips to follow when choosing accessories: • Make-up is your #1 accessory, along with a current hair cut & style • They should feel and look right on you – style-color-scale •

They should be complimentary to the outfit and venue

•

They should create only one focal point

•

Many times a pair of earrings will finish the look

And, a final tip in finishing the look….. When in Doubt, Don’t! 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. kd@kellyduggan.com

Buy Smart Buy Local

November 2010

Managing An Inheritance I am often approached by people who have recently inherited some money from family members, or have come into some other type of windfall. They tend to be very apprehensive and unsure about what to do with the money. Most want to do something that will be long-lasting, so that it somehow makes them feel that they are showing appreciation for the gift they have been given. However, most are lost as to how to make those decisions. According to the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy (CWP) at Boston College, an estimated $41 trillion will pass between generations by the year 2055. For many people who have never given any thought to what they might do with an inheritance, even if it’s a modest amount of cash, the gift will seem like a burden, rather than a blessing. Often, anxiety and guilt increase in proportion to the amount of money involved. In fact, substantial inheritances that can truly be considered lifechanging sums of wealth can spark financial and emotional reactions that make it difficult to set goals and make financial decisions.

months of living expenses stashed in liquid investments, you might consider using part of your inheritance to begin one. 2. Consider professional advice. Do-it-yourself investing may have worked just fine for you pre-inheritance, but now it may be worth paying for investment advice, if only to put all of your well-meaning friends’ advice into perspective. Of course, the value of good financial, legal and tax advice increases with the amount you inherit.

If you are the beneficiary of an inheritance, no matter what the size, these three strategies can help guide you to integrate your new wealth successfully into your life. 1. Stop and take a deep breath. Amazingly, a 2000 study by Oppenheimer Funds found that about 40% of individuals who received an inheritance of $50,000 or more spent less than a week deciding what to do with it. Stop and think. Is that how you’ve made other financial decisions in your life? If not, rather than embark on an emotionally fueled, reckless spending spree, step back and take some time before making major financial decisions. Sure, you may have always dreamed of driving a particular car or living in the most exclusive neighborhood, but it’s important to consider how those decisions might impact the rest of your life. Before you go shopping, make a list of potential purchases with dollar figures attached. Then, put the cash in a money market account for six months to a year. That will give you time to grieve, research purchases and investments, and ensure that the decisions you make about how you want to use your legacy match your own values. Of course, before making new purchases, you should take care of credit card debt. Also, if you don’t have an emergency fund of 4 to 6

November 2010

What should you look for in an inheritance plan? In Sudden Money: Managing a Financial Windfall, certified financial planner Susan Bradley suggests the following three steps for developing a successful long-term plan: chart your goals after a reflective period; select investments according to your desired results; and establish systems to keep everything on track. This approach should be at the heart of any financial plan. Additionally, there’s a growing niche in the financial advisory market that could be helpful to you. A growing number of wealth counselors conduct weekend retreats, seminars, and workshops that address the variety of problems that wealthy people wrestle with. Their goal is to help you resolve any nagging emotional issues, so you’ll be able to make good financial decisions and use your wealth to fulfill your goals. If, however, you would rather explore your feelings on your own, there are plenty of useful resources online. You might start with a visit to the Inheritance Project at www.inheritance-project.com. It was founded in 1992 by Barbara Blouin, Katherine

Gibson, and Margaret Kiersted, heirs interested in exploring the emotional aspects to wealth. The Project’s Trio Press is the world’s largest publisher of educational materials on inherited wealth. And if you’re looking for a support group, many philanthropic organizations, in addition to their primary work of raising funds, offer helpful workshops and seminars for inheritors. Among them are The Wealth Conversancy, Inc. at www.wealthconservancy.com and The Gallo Institute at www.galloinstitute.org. 3.Keep your eye on the big picture. Just as any financial professional will encourage you to take a long-term view when it comes to investing, you should adopt the same philosophy when it comes to integrating inherited wealth into your family. In particular, if you have a large inheritance, it is important to recognize that your wealth may change not only your life, but the lives of your children. Accordingly, it is essential to prepare your children as best you can to be good stewards of the wealth they will one day inherit. Barbara Blouin’s booklet Coming into Money: Preparing Your Children for an Inheritance, available from Trio Press, is an important resource for parents considering giving substantial money to their children as young adults. It discusses the perils of inheriting early and suggests how some advance financial planning can help empower your children financially. If you are the recipient of inherited funds, there is usually an unspoken understanding between you and the donor that you will use their hard-earned money to do something intelligent with the money. Most people want to honor that understanding by not squandering the money away frivolously. Whether you decide to use it all for yourself and your family, or you decide to use it for the good of society, it is best to do your research, and certainly take your time about making any decisions. Make a list of your favorite charities and visit with them about their programs. Talk to family and friends. Getting a variety of suggestions and doing diligent research will make you feel much more confident that you have made the right choices and that will lead to real satisfaction with the final decision. Sandy K. Derby, CFP®, ChFC™ has been in the financial services industry since 1989. She is President of Derby Financial & Associates LLC, where our goal is to help women become financially secure and independent, through comprehensive financial planning. Sandy can be reached at sandykderby@derbyfinancial.net or 269-321-5047. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. PO Box 64284, St Paul, MN 55164-0284, 800-800-2638, Member FINRA/SIPC and Registered Investment Advisor, Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. is not affiliated with Derby Financial & Associates, LLC. Neither Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. nor its registered representative or employees provide tax or legal advice. As with all matters of a tax or legal nature, you should consult with your tax or legal counsel for advice.

And Around We Go My husband and I recently spent four fabulous weeks in France and England visiting my son and his family. As we motored our way across both countries, we became intimately familiar with an icon of European roadways: the roundabout. Also known as traffic circles, roundabouts were born in Europe, with 30,000 in France and another 10,000 in Britain. That’s more than half the world’s total. These tricky little devils are circles with streets radiating off them. You must yield to those coming from your right and you have to be in the correct lane to exit at your chosen route. Each is marked, but you’re speeding by at a pretty good clip and here’s where my husband and I differ on roundabout usage. With my system, if you miss the route you want, or you’re not sure and need to read the signs again, you keep going around the circle until you’re satisfied with your choice. My husband, on the other hand, only felt comfortable going around the circle once, even if it meant selecting a route he didn’t want. It was as if he feared that the roundabout police would charge him for over usage. After navigating dozens of roundabouts, I realized they’re very much like life in general. We, too, must make choices about which route we want our lives to take. Just as with my travel experiences, there’s more than one approach to life roundabouts and both take courage.

In the first, we carefully consider our intended direction, reading the signs to make sure we’re headed toward our goals. To avoid taking a wrong turn, we may have to circle our life roundabout several times. We’ll need a shot of courage here, as we risk others’ criticism while making our decision. Some might label us overly cautious, others may tell us we’re wasting time. But investing the time up front makes us feel satisfied that we’ve taken the appropriate path to lead us to our goals. The second style of navigating the life roundabout is to choose a path on the fly. This too requires courage, as we may not have had the time to completely educate ourselves before making our decision. We’re anxious to get moving toward our goal and we trust our gut instinct as it has served us well before. We read the direction signs flying by us, digesting information as quickly as possible and grab the route we feel is most appropriate. Now, I have good news and bad news for you. First the bad news. Regardless of which style of roundabout navigation you use, you might make an incorrect decision and taken the wrong road. But here’s the good news. Just as was the case on the highways and byways of Europe, there’s always another roundabout just down the road. It offers new opportunities to make new and better choices. And having opportunity is what life is all about, at least in my humble opinion. Judy Pearson is the founder of Courage Concepts, an organization which fosters courage in women through seminars and Courage Conventions. Judy is also the author of magazine and newspaper articles, as well as two books about ordinary people who exhibited extraordinary courage. Her latest, Wolves at the Door, has been optioned for a movie.

November 2010

Americans throw away up to 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than at any other time of the year, but with some simple tips, you can make your holidays green and save a little money.

for a greener holiday and new year 10 Tips Pass on the Holiday Wrap: Thrift store items can make great gift packages that will have a second useful life. Look for picnic hampers, photo boxes, mason jars and baskets. Add cloth napkins or tea towels to conceal the gift. Use generic wrapping elements you can use all year long, such as brown, white or metallic-colored craft paper, which can be used again for birthdays, weddings, showers and hostess gifts. Or make your own wrapping paper out of newspaper, fabric or children’s artwork. Use towels, scarves, pillowcases or make your own fabric gift bags. Remember, most store-bought wrapping paper is not recyclable and ends up in landfills. Thrifty Decorating: Raid your attic, garage, basement or shed for potential outdoor holiday decorations. Clay pots, kids wagons and galvanized buckets make great holiday displays. Vintage skates and skis, as well as snow sleds and shovels, can add to your winter wonderland theme. Benefit Others: Make your purchases count! Buy products from manufacturers who support your causes. Charitable information can generally be found online. Hosting an office party or luncheon? Ask participants to bring a donation as an “entrance” fee. High Tech Recycling: For techies, iRecycle is a free “app” offered by the iPhone store that helps you locate recycling centers in your area. Travel Efficiently: Whether it’s for holiday shopping or a trip to visit family, reduce your fuel consumption by taking public transportation, avoiding drive-thru windows, carpooling or mapping your route for the greatest efficiency and least amount of fuel consumption. Instead of driving to see the holiday lights, take a stroll through your own neighborhood. Post Less: Postcards produce less waste than a greeting card and envelope (and require less postage). Consider this alternative for greeting cards, invitations or response cards, as well as thank you notes. Stuff Your Stocking: Eco-friendly gifts make great stocking stuffers. A few ideas include reusable shopping bags, aluminum or steel water bottles or a coffee mug from a favorite local coffee shop. ENERGY STAR: Look for the ENERGY STAR rating for your electronic gifts, and your gift will keep giving throughout the year with greater energy efficiency. Recycle your old electronics to keep them out of landfills. – WL

November 2010

MacKenzie’s Café Bakery 238 From its humble beginnings in South Haven, MacKenzie’s Café Bakery opened up shop in the Kalamazoo area in 1980. This locally-owned third-generation family bakery has shops currently on the west side of Kalamazoo, Portage, and in downtown Kalamazoo on Harrison Street. Boasting a commitment to unparalleled quality, MacKenzie’s Café Bakery foods are made from scratch using fresh, all-natural ingredients which come from local suppliers whenever possible in order to contribute to the growth of the Kalamazoo-area community. MacKenzie’s Café Bakery is home to menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner foods, as well as for pastries, breads, and custom-designed cakes for special occasions. From mini breads served with cream cheese, egg sliders, omelet cups to homemade recipe sandwiches, pasta salads, garden salads, soups, chicken pot pies, cheese spreads, and egg- or chickenor tuna salads to coffeecakes éclairs, decorated cakes, pies, cookies, scones, and assorted biscotti, there are plenty of options for any visitor to walk away with whatever they are craving. MacKenzie’s Café Bakery also offers and assortment of sweet breads, rice pudding, candies, dream cakes and custom-designed wedding cakes. In addition to the variety of food options, MacKenzie’s Café Bakery is home to custom-roasted coffees and organic teas from the Water Street Coffee Joint and offers Wireless WIFI internet. For more information about the MacKenzie’s Café Bakery nearest you, visit www.mackenziesbakery.com or call (269) 3431444 (West Main, Kalamazoo), (269) 323-8226 (Portage), or (269) 343-8440.

Great Deals Magazine 164 Mailed to over 330,000 homes in the Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids area, Great Deals Magazine is a full color, high quality publication that aims to represent local products efficiently and appealingly to potential consumers. John Bowman, President and owner of Great Deals Magazine, has been involved in marketing for the retail and service industries for over twenty years, has always been a big believer in print advertising, and created the publication to help promote products in Southwest Michigan. Great Deals Magazine boasts several strong characteristics including brilliant color printing, an award-winning design team, a user friendly magazine style format, high profile direct mail distribution, an advertising cost of pennies per household, covers that are locally oriented to further promote interest in local businesses and products, and the largest print distribution available. If you would like to speak with John Bowman about advertising in an upcoming issues of Great Deals Magazine, call (269) 321-0612 or check out the publication’s website at www.greatdealsmagazine.com.

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

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO but there is a sî&#x2C6;&#x153;er way The breakup of a marriage puts a great emotional strain on couples. Dealing with an impending divorce is like dealing with an impending death. It is a final separation from life as they knew it and an entry into an uncertain, frightening new world of diminished economic security, unstable and awkward relationships, and even lost contact with their children. Besides this, there is the shear terror of turning their lives, privacy, dignity and financial wellbeing over to strangers who may have no real interest in acting for their benefit, i.e. lawyers and judges. I've mentioned in the past the benefits of Early Stage Divorce Mediation to reduce the stress of getting a divorce. This method works well when the couple works together with the mediator to reach satisfactory agreements with a minimum of involvement of others such as lawyers and other advisors. Sometimes, however, it is best for the couple to also involve those extra professionals from the outset of the divorce process. For these couples there is a dispute resolution method called Collaborative Practice that involves attorneys, financial advisors, mental health professionals and divorce coaches. The key to the process is the unique role of the attorneys. Normally an attorney is required to provide what is called "zealous advocacy" to a client. This means the use of all the legal tools at hand to promote those interests to the exclusion of the interests of other parties. Naturally this includes bringing an adversarial lawsuit to fight for those rights. In Collaborative Practice, the attorneys sign an agreement limiting participation in the divorce to working with each other and the couple together to reach a settlement satisfactory to everyone involved. Instead of fighting for every advantage, the attorneys cooperate to create options

that work best for all. The unique part of this is that if the collaboration fails, the attorneys MUST withdraw and the couple must hire new counsel to start the court battle everyone had been trying to avoid. There is no financial incentive to turn the collaboration into an expensive and drawn out adversarial battle because if they do, they can't be a part of it. A collaborative divorce can be less expensive since the parties also agree to full disclosure of all financial information. That information is then reviewed by the financial advisor and the attorneys to create the best property arrangement for the couple. This prevents the time consuming and expensive discovery process that makes divorce cases so distasteful. In using the collaborative practice method, the professionals actually share the couples desire to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. They help improve communication between the parties, create a healthier environment for the children and can help explore creative solutions that would not be available in an adversarial setting. Most importantly, to reduce fear and stress, the couple is in control, not strangers. All Collaborative Practitioners whether attorneys, mediators, financial advisors, counselors or coaches, must be trained in this process and be certified by the state Collaborative Practice Institute before they can work with clients. For more information about collaborative practice in this area see Collaborative Practitioners of Greater Kalamazoo at www.collabdivkzoo.com. By Jeff Murphy - Principal, Mediation Services of Southwest Michigan ÂŠ2010 T. Jefferson Murphy Mediation Services of Southwest Michigan - www.JeffMurphyMediator.com

November 2010

White Fudge Cookie Cutter Gifts Yield: 5 gifts; 4 servings each Prep Time: 25 minutes (Ready in 1 hour 25 minutes) 5 open metal 6-inch cookie cutters 1 (12-ounce) package (2 cups) white vanilla chips 1 (16-ounce) can vanilla ready-tospread frosting 1/2 teaspoon cherry extract Decorating icing Colored sugar Candies Cellophane or plastic wrap Ribbon

1. Line large cookie sheet with foil; spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Generously spray open metal 6-inch cookie cutters; place on sprayed foil lined cookie sheet. 2. Melt white vanilla chips in medium saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in frosting and cherry extract. 3. Fill each cookie cutter with 1/2 cup melted mixture. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until firm. Decorate as desired. 4. Wrap each filled cookie cutter gift with cellophane; tie with ribbon. Store in refrigerator.

Snowman Faces Yield: 20 cookies Prep Time: 35 minutes 1 cup vanilla ready-tospread frosting (from 16-ounce can) 3 ounces vanilla flavored candy coating or almond bark, chopped 20 creme filled vanilla or chocolate sandwich cookies 1 tablespoon miniature semisweet chocolate chips 10 small gumdrops

November 2010

2 orange slice jelly candies, flattened slightly Red decorating gel 1. Line cookie sheets with waxed paper. In small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of the frosting and the candy coating. Melt over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat. 2. With tongs, dip each cookie in melted frosting mixture, coating completely. Lay cookies flat on waxed paper lined cookie sheet. Let stand about 10 minutes or until set.

3. Meanwhile, place remaining 1/4 cup frosting in small resealable food storage plastic bag. Cut tiny hole in bottom corner of bag. 4. On each sandwich cookie, use small amount of frosting to attach chocolate chips for eyes. Cut each gumdrop in half; attach cut sides with frosting to sides of cookie to resemble earmuffs. 5. Attach small wedge cut from slightly flattened jelly candy for nose. Draw mouth with red decorating gel. Let stand until frosting is set before storing.

Candy Clay Yield: 12 candies Prep Time: 15 minutes (Ready in 1 hour 45 minutes) 10 ounces vanilla flavored candy coating or almond bark, cut into pieces 1/3 cup light corn syrup 4 food colors (recommend paste form instead of liquid) 2 teaspoons assorted small candies 1. Line 8-inch square pan with foil; spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Place candy coating in medium microwave safe bowl. Microwave on High for 1 minute. Stir; continue to microwave in 15-second increments until coating can be stirred smooth. 2. Add corn syrup; blend well. Spread candy coating mixture evenly in

sprayed foil lined pan. Let stand at room temperature for 20 to 60 minutes or until dough is firm enough to handle. 3. Spray inside of 4 food storage plastic bags with nonstick cooking spray. Divide dough into 4 sections. Squeeze each section with hands until workable. To color each section, place dough in sprayed bag. Add food color as desired (about 1/8 teaspoon for 1/4 of dough); knead dough until color is well blended. Turn bag inside out; scrape out dough. Let stand 15 to 30 minutes before sculpting. 4. Cut each section of clay into 3 pieces. Sculpt clay as desired. Decorate with small candies. Candy clay will harden when exposed to air. (Store unused clay in sealed plastic bag. Before sculpting, knead with hands to soften or microwave several seconds.)

● Cooking is messy, so have kids cover up with aprons or old shirts with the sleeves rolled up. ● Cleanliness is important. Make sure kids know to wash their hands before starting and after sneezes or bathroom breaks. ● Review the recipe and steps with your children so they know what to expect and what needs to be done. ● Have damp sponges and cloths available so kids can clean up as they go. ● A newspaper or old sheet spread underneath a work area will keep the floor cleaner. ● Start a “keepsake recipe box” for your child so you can keep track of favorite recipes. For more holiday recipes and information, visit www.pillsbury.com.

November 2010

Giving

CONTRIBUTIONS courtesy Metro Creative

Some of the most common – and most convenient – ways to give include:

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The gift of goods. Many people donate their used or unwanted items to charities, thrift shops, schools or shelters. These donations are typically tax-deductible, so be sure to ask for a receipt.

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Make a microloan. A number of organizations have been established in recent years that specialize in microlending – the making of small loans to individuals or small groups in impoverished areas to encourage entrepreneurship. Kiva (www.kiva.org) is among the best known and most successful microlending organizations worldwide.

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One-stop giving. Network for Good is an exciting and convenient resource for making charitable donations online. The organization’s website (www.networkforgood.org) allows you to research and give to any of 1.5 million charities. The site also stores your donation history for tax purposes and keeps a list of your favorite charities.

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Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Many people designate gifts to charity in their wills. These bequests can be in the form of a specific amount of money, a portion of an estate, a particular asset, a trust or the naming of an organization as a beneficiary. Wills can also specify how the donation is to be used, such as for a specific program, for scholarship or endowment funds or for use in a particular geographic region.

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Write a check. Traditionally, this has been the most common way to donate. Many organizations hold annual fundraising campaigns through the mail or the media, and writing a check is still convenient for many people. It’s important to make sure, however, that the organization you’re supporting is legitimate. Never send money to an organization you’re not familiar with or whose solicitation materials are suspect.

Fund A Masterpiece

Goods to Give While clothing and household items are the most commonly donated items, there are many other options as well:

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Vehicles. Many charitable organizations accept donations of cars in almost any condition – running or not. Typically, these organizations will pick up the cars, sell them and use the proceeds to fund their programs. Not only can donating an old car be easier than selling it yourself, but you can claim the car’s value as a tax deduction.

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Computers and tech gear. Many charitable and nonprofit organizations, particularly schools and religious organizations, will accept donations of computers, fax machines, printers, and other tech gear if they are still useable.

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Food. Donations of canned or packaged goods can be made to local food banks and shelters. On the Feeding America website (www.feedingamerica.org) prospective donors can find a food bank in their community, discover volunteer opportunities and seek ways to donate money to combat hunger.

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Pet supplies. The Humane Society (www.hsus.org) puts prospective donors in touch with animal shelters in their area that welcome donations of unopened pet food and items such as cages, food/water bowls and leashes.

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Eyeglasses. Your old eyeglasses can be recycled for use by people in need. Groups such as Lions Clubs (www.lionsclub.org) can recycle an old pair of eyeglasses for as little as eight cents each. Old eyeglasses can also be dropped off at any Goodwill Industries collection site and LensCrafters store.

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Musical instruments. Give the gift of music to a child by donating your old musical instruments to a local school. Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation (www.mhopus.org) refurbishes instruments and donates them to underfunded school music programs.

Donating old musical instruments can help foster a love of music in kids. Want to help fund a movie or a masterpiece? Kickstarter is an online platform for funding creative projects and endeavors including indie films, music, journalism and art. For as little as one dollar you can kickstart a project. At www.kickstarter.com, you can search types of projects or geographical locales to find projects that interest you. You can explore the various fundraising incentives provided by project owners including you being listed in the film credits or on an album as a producer. Project owners choose a deadline and a target minimum of funds to raise. If the chosen minimum funds are not raised by the deadline, no funds are collected. Updates are sent by email. Projects require a U.S. bank account and the money pledge is collected through an Amazon account. Bonus: Kickstarter claims no ownership over the projects and the work they produce, but instead turns a profit by claiming 5% of the funds raised.

November 2010

Thankful for the Little Things - a Look Back at 2010

“Keeping it Real” Award Goes to… Ron Kitchens, who has made it his personal mission to champion the Southwest region as THE place to start a business. As Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Michigan First, as well as the General Partner of the Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund, Kitchens keeps busy promoting the area’s economic development.

All those Flippin’ Festivals – As my sister likes to say, “During the summer, you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a festival.” While it’s important for a city to keep things fresh, there’s something to be said for consistency – like the annual festivals and events that take over the summer in Kalamazoo. From the Black Arts Festival and Rib Fest to music festivals and Art Hops, I’ve always said, “If you’re bored in this city, you’re a boring person.”

President Obama’s “Promise” to K-Central – How many kids will ever have the chance to say, “The President of the United States gave the commencement speech at my high school graduation.” Well, we now know of one batch of kids – the senior class of Kalamazoo Central High School, who made it a mission to win a national contest which brought the President to Kalamazoo. The big event was handled in first-class fashion, with every KC student having the option to attend, along with the Loy Norrix senior class. Oh...and every KC graduate got to shake his hand. Not a bad way to finish up high school.

With Thanksgiving almost ready to slap us with a drumstick, it’s the perfect time to take a look back at one awesome year and remember the GOOD things that we have to be thankful for – right here in Kalamazoo… 5.

Living in a College Town – Sometimes it’s easy to forget that we live in a city that hosts a plethora of universities and colleges. We can take in a WMU football game, further our education at either KVCC or Davenport University, or catch a tennis match at the USTA Boys Nationals at Kalamazoo College - which this year, ranks 71 on the U.S. News and World Report’s list of best liberal arts colleges. Just living here makes you feel smarter.

Our Own “American Idols” – We’ve known for quite some time what the rest of the country is just catchin’ on to…that we have awesome talent here! Having come in 5th during season eight of American Idol, Matt Giraud is keepin’ the fires burning with appearances at local festivals and impromptu performances at the Radisson Plaza or wherever a piano might be hiding. And just when you thought Kalamazoo couldn’t get any cooler… here comes 21 year old, Debra Romer – who got as far as the semi-finals in this summer’s “America’s Got Talent.” Currently attending WMU, we expect that we’ll be seeing a lot more from Romer, Kalamazoo’s newest darling – and now America’s sweetheart.

Looking back, it’s easy to see that 2010 in Kalamazoo was one heck of a year. So grab the wishbone in that turkey and make 2011 another spectacular year! Juli Wiseman & Heidi McCrary are Managing Partners with Ad Shop, etc., an advertising agency bringing big business success to small and medium size businesses. Have a marketing question? Email heidi@adshopetc.com or call (269) 978-8800.

November 2010

Others suffer from disorders that limit absorption of vitamin D in our diet. These individuals may have celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, cystic fibrosis, or have had gastric bypass surgery to help with weight loss.

your health

How can we maintain adequate levels of vitamin D? Dietary intake alone is difficult. Current daily recommendations of vitamin D intake in generally healthy adults are 800-1000 IU for people over 50 years old, and 400-800 IU for individuals under 50 years old. An example of a natural source is fortified milk. One 8-ounce glass contains 100 IU, one tenth of the daily requirement. Fortunately, vitamin D3 supplements are inexpensive and easy to find. Many calcium supplements will combine with vitamin D as well, making it easier to achieve the daily recommended intake of both of these important substances in helping maintain good bone health. Be careful not to fall into the trap of thinking that if a little of vitamin D is helpful, then a lot is even better. The Institute of Medicine has defined the “tolerable upper intake level for vitamin D as 2000 IU daily for healthy adults and children 1 to 18 years.” If you feel you’re at risk of having inadequate vitamin D levels, talk with your health care provider. Through a regulated program with your health care provider, you can achieve normal levels of vitamin D, helping you in many ways we are only beginning to understand. This is a brief overview of the importance of vitamin D, and I encourage you to explore what information we know. Good medical sources on the Internet include WebMD.com and MayoClinic.com, but nothing beats discussing this with your provider. Together you can develop a healthy program that will benefit you in the years ahead.

Vitamin D levels of sources mentioned in the article:

The ABCs of

itamin D

itamin D is a “fat soluble” vitamin also known as calciferol. The human body stores this essential vitamin which comes from two known sources. The first is a form of vitamin D in our skin, which when exposed to sunlight, is converted to vitamin D3, or cholecarciferol. In addition to the production in the skin, we are also able to absorb vitamin D as part of our diet in foods such as fortified milk, fatty fish, cod-liver oil, as well as a very small amount found in eggs. Why is vitamin D important? Vitamin D plays an essential role in the absorption of calcium from our gastrointestinal tract. Without it we would not be able to maintain adequate levels of calcium in our blood, thus leading to the development of osteoporosis and an increased risk of bone fracture, especially in the very young and elderly. Other impor-

November 2010

By Rodman Taber, MD Grand Rapids Women’s Health

Fortified milk, 1 cup nonfat, reduced fat, and whole, vitamin D-fortified 115-124 IU 29-31% DV Fatty fish, 3 oz Salmon 794 IU Tuna (canned in water, drained) 154 IU

199% DV 39% DV

Cod-liver oil (1 tbsp) tant roles vitamin D may play in our lives are in the health of our immune system, reduction in both breast and colon cancers and, possibly, cardiovascular health. Some people do not maintain adequate vitamin D levels in their blood, usually due to mal-absorption or inadequate exposure to sunlight. Why can’t some of us achieve adequate vitamin D levels? The answer involves many variables. In places such as Michigan as much as 40 percent of the population is deficient in vitamin D, because the amount of sun exposure needed to produce vitamin D varies with skin color, age and location. In Michigan we enjoy sunshine during the summer but the other nine months we can go many days without feeling the warmth of the sun on our skin. We also are warned to limit our exposure to sun and to use sun block to reduce our risk of skin cancer – both of which will reduce the production of Vitamin D.

1,360 IU Egg (vitamin D found in yolk) 25 IU

340% DV

6% DV

Source: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp#h3

Dr. Taber is an OB/GYN at Grand Rapids Women’s Health and has been in practice in west Michigan since 1988. His specialties include obstetrics, menopause and related health issues, minimally invasive surgery and alternatives to hysterectomy for control of heavy bleeding.

November 2010

CALENDAR

of Events

November 1 Kalamazoo Chapter IAAP Meeting Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency, 1819 E. Milham Road, Portage. Networking at 5 pm and dinner at 5:30 pm. The program topic is "Dealing with Difficult People/Conflict Management." $12. Free for first time guests. Reservations are due Oct. 27. Michelle Stickley at michelle.stickley.cnuz@statefarm.com or phone at 269-553-2086. November 1 – 30 Glass Expectations Portage District Library. 9 am – 5 pm. Portage District Library is holding a Glass Art Exhibit showcasing art created by Summer Glass Camp students from the West Michigan Glass Art Center. Free. 269-552-9802. www.wmglass.org November 2 Cooking with Chef Eric Parchment Community Library. 6 – 8 pm. Chef Eric from The Union Cabaret & Grille. Garnish ideas using sweet potatoes, cheese, beets, cantaloupe, etc., as well as unique marinades using local beers for fall grilling. Registration required at 343-7747 or www.parchmentlibrary.org November 2 Green Living Series: Composting and Vermiculture Kalamazoo Nature Center. 6:30 pm. Join the Director of the Van Buren County Conservation District as she presents the basics of composting and vermiculture. Free. 269-381-1574. www.NatureCenter.org November 2 - 30 Kalamazoo Indoor Flea & Farmers Market Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Room E. Tuesdays & Wednesdays 7 am – 1 pm. Come check out the flea market for great deals on all kinds of new & used items! And while you're here, support your local farmers! Free. For booth space, call 269-383-8761. November 3, 17 Massage as a Profession Workshop Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts, 6350 W. KL Ave., Kalamazoo. Learn about the realities and rewards of a career in massage therapy. FREE. 269-373-0910. www.kcha.com

will benefit the Humane Society’s Operation Fix-It program which offers pet owners low-cost spaying/neutering of their dogs and cats. Visit www.kazoohumane.org for event details and to order tickets. November 5 Art Hop Various Locations throughout Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 8 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 which makes it easy to hop around from one exhibit to the next. Free. 269-342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.com November 5 – 30 Book, Print and Paper Market Kalamazoo Book Arts Center, Suite 103A, Park Trades Building. Opening weekend Friday 5 am – 9 pm, Saturday 10 am – 4 pm. Other hours: 10 am – 1 pm. The Kalamazoo Book Arts Center (KBAC) will be hosting a Book, Print and Paper Market as a part of the November Art Hop. Contact KBAC at info@kalbookarts.org or (269) 373-4938.

over, keynote speaker, patriotic music. Free. 269-731-4161. roy.luera@vs.gov November 11 Mosaic Class Art Bayou. 6 – 9 pm. Learn the art of mosaics by making pictures frames, boxes, mirrors or vases. You’ll get grouting instructions too. All materials and instructions included in your fee. Prices start at $40. 269-375-2600. www.artbayoustudio.com November 11 Jazz Masters Miller Auditorium. 7:30 – 9:30 pm. Kurt Elling is a multi-Grammy award-winning Jazz artist. He will be performing with WMU University Jazz Orchestra. $33. 269-387-2300. www.millerauditorium.com November 12 – 14, 18 - 20 Fall Concert of Dance Wellspring Theater. 8 pm Friday and Saturday, 2 pm Sunday. This year the Fall Concert is a performance featuring dances from Wellspring’s 30 year repertoire. $22, $12 Student, 5 and under are Free. 269-342-4354.maria@wellspringdance.org

November 6 Christmas Boutique Arts & Crafts Show Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Room A. 9 am – 3 pm. Handcrafted arts and crafts for everyone made throughout Michigan and the Midwest. Free. More info: 269327-5373 or treasurecrafts@comcast.net

November 13 Paint Til You Faint Art Bayou. 10 am – 12 am. Who cares that the man are out hunting! Get a jump start on the holidays by making a unique hand made gift or paint whatever you like during our extended hours. RSVP as space is limited. 269-375-2600. www.artbayoustudio.com

November 6 Seeing God in Everyday Life: Mindfulness Transformations Spirituality Center, 3427 Gull Road, Kalamazoo. Learn ways to become more mindful and connected to God. $40. 269-381-6290 ext. 327, www.transformationscenter.org, info@transformationscenter.org

November 13 Holiday Parade Downtown Kalamazoo. 11 am – 12:30 pm. 49th annual Kalamazoo Holiday Parade that serves as the kickoff to the holiday season. Free. www.downtownkalamazoo.org

November 7 The Gilmore Rising Stars Recital Series: Charlie Albright Wellspring Theater. 4 pm. This 2010 Gilmore Young Artist returns to Kalamazoo to play a program of music by Menotti, Beethoven and Chopin. $22, Students $5. 269-342-1166. www.thegilmore.org

November 4 Spring Awakening Miller Auditorium. 7:30 pm. Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with poignancy and passion you will never forget. $18 - $43. 269-387-2300. www.millerauditorium.com

November 10 Bombay Bellywood State Theatre. 8 pm. Bellywood Superstars is an internationally acclaimed troupe which will provide an evening of entertainment with great costume changes and great music. $42 Gold Circle, $35 All Other. 269-345-6500. www.kazoostate.com

November 5 Reverse Raffle Event The Fountains on Riverview Drive in Parchment. Proceeds from the evening

November 11 Veterans Day Ceremony Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Ceremony for Armed Forces Service Veterans, fly

It’s easy to get listed in our Events Calendar. Our deadline is the 10th of the month prior to publication. Email us at: calendar@womenslifestylekazoo.com Please type Calendar in the subject line. Or you may mail your info to P. O. Box 2284, Portage MI 49081-2284

November 2010

November 13 Fontana PRESENTS Anonymous 4 Dalton Recital Hall, WMU. 8 pm. Secret Voices: The Sisters of Las Huelgas Music of Thirteenth-Century Spain Renowned for their unearthly vocal blend and virtuosic ensemble singing. 269-382-7774. www.fontanachamberarts.org November 13, 14 Kalamazoo Antique & Collectibles Show & Sale Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Hazel Grey. Many dealers with antiques and collectibles. Admission: Saturday $4, Sunday 2 for 1. Free parking. More info: 616-363-2856. November 13 - 15 Nurturing the Mother, Pregnancy Massage Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts, 6350 W. KL Ave., Kalamazoo. This class is open to all individuals who work with pregnant women. You will explore both

the physical and the spiritual through massage, ritual and storytelling. $495. 269-373-0910. www.kcha.com November 15 Women In Networking Meeting Richland Area Community Center. 6 - 8 pm. You're Invited! Networking, beverages & light buffet. Cost is $7 (cash please). RSVP: win.richland@yahoo.com by Thurs. before. More Info: http://win.richland.tripod.com November 16 Holiday Open House Studio 24 SalonSpa, 1413 E Milham, Portage. 4 – 8 pm. This open house is to thank our clients and to welcome new clients! Exciting gift ideas with more special Christmas surprises, demonstrations and prize drawings. 269-345-0866. www.mystudio24.com November 16 Kalamazoo After Five Women's Connection The Beacon Club, 5830 Portage Road, Portage. Business Women Welcomed! $17.00--includes a delicious meal and Mini-Expo displays! Reservations are due by Nov. 11 by calling Karen at 290-2216. November 16 How do I handle the Holidays when I have Celiac Disease? 9500 40th Street, Hickory Corners. 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Learn how to deal with family and friends during what is supposed to be a fun time of celebrating together while adhering to a gluten free diet. $20. 269-488-5018. November 16 - 17 Nurturing the Mother, Fertility Massage Specialist Certification Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts, 6350 W. KL Ave., Kalamazoo. This class is open to all individuals who work with women with fertility issues. You will learn fertility massage and different information about fertility issues. $395. 269-373-0910. www.kcha.com November 17 Project Connect Kalamazoo County Expo Center. A day of free services for community residents, including hair cuts, resume workshops, medical services, and food distributed by Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes. 269-492-1270. info@fairfoodmatters.org November 18 Gluten Free Dinners 9500 40th Street, Hickory Corners. 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Learn how easy it is to make dinners not only gluten free but, delicious! Recipes for featured dishes included as well as samples. $15. 269-488-5018. November 19 Healthcare, Race and Disparities Borgess Medical Center Lawrence Educa-

tion Center. Time TBA. The West Michigan Regional Chapter of the National Association of Health Services Executives present an enlightening day of discussion on the root causes of healthcare disparities. Cost TBA. 269-387-6324. www.borgess.com November 19 Carrie Newcomer & Joel Mabus Concert Transformations Spirituality Center, 3427 Gull Road, Kalamazoo. 7 pm. $17 before Nov. 15, $20 after. Concert & workshops tickets $60 before 11/1. 269-381-6290 ext. 327, www.transformationscenter.org, info@transformationscenter.org November 19 Integrative Breathwork Unwindings, 5464 Holiday Terrace, Kalamazoo. 7 pm - 9 pm. A musical journey for insight, emotional healing & creativity. $30. Pre-registration is needed. (269) 388-2988 or www.adamczasociates.com. November 19 – 21 GiftLoft Holiday Open House GiftLoft Furniture, 653 Romence Rd. Hours M, W & F 10-8, T, Th & Sat 10-6 and Sun 12-5. Free gifts, refreshments, discounts, drawing for $250 gift card, fun! Everyone welcome! November 19 – 30 A Christmas Carol The New Vic Theatre. 8 – 10:30 pm. Ted Kistler’s critically acclaimed adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic is a holiday favorite. This will be the 31st annual production. $25. 269-381-3328. www.newvictheatre.org November 20 Integrative Breathwork Unwindings, 5464 Holiday Terrace, Kalamazoo. 10 am - 6 pm. A musical journey for insight, emotional healing & creativity. $80. Some partial scholarships are available. Pre-registration is needed. (269) 388-2988 or www.adamczasociates.com. November 20 Super Science Saturday: Design a Spacecraft Air Zoo. 11 am; 1 & 3 pm. Kids will learn what they would need to survive a journey to space! Using paper and crayons, they will design their very own spacecraft. Free. 269-382-6555. www.airzoo.org November 20 Fair Food Food Fair Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. 6 – 9 pm. A palindromic evening of food-related fun, including a chef's challenge, silent auction, live music, and our presentation of the Locavore of the Year Award, plus lots of local food! $35 in advance and $40 at the door. 269-492-1270. info@fairfoodmatters.org November 20 Joyful Sound Transformations Spirituality Center, 3427 Gull Road, Kalamazoo. Fresh Voice of Spiritual Music Workshops – led by Carrie Newcomer & Joel Mabus. $50 before 11/1, $60 after. 269-381-6290 ext. 327, www.transformationscenter.org, info@transformationscenter.org

November 24 Indoor Labyrinth Walk Parish Church of Christ the King, Texas Dr. & 8t St., Kalamazoo. 6 pm - 8 pm. Walking a circular path in prayer & meditation to release emotions, receive inspiration and become strengthened for daily activities. Open to people of all faith traditions. More info: (269) 388-2988 or www.parishchurch.org. December 1 – 12 Wicked Miller Auditorium. Times Vary. Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. Watch how these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. $40 - $125. 269-387-2300. www.millerauditorium.com December 1 – 29 A Christmas Carol The New Vic Theatre. 8 – 10:30 pm. Ted Kistler’s critically acclaimed adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic is a holiday favorite. This will be the 31st annual production. $25. 269-381-3328. www.newvictheatre.org December 3 StuART Fair and Holiday Open House 5 – 8 pm. Before the pressure and the pace of the holidays start to mount, consider a relaxing evening in the festive and elegant Stuart Avenue Inn. Peruse a variety of unique gifts from unique Michigan artists, businesses, and organizations. Complimentary refreshments. December 3 Art Hop Various Locations throughout Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 8 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 which makes it easy to hop around from one exhibit to the next. Free. 269-342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.com December 3 – 4 Holiday Greens & Gifts Sale Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Fri. 5 – 7 pm, Sat. 9 am – 5 pm. Fresh holiday centerpieces, roping, wreaths, swags and unique holiday gifts. Bring in your own container for a custom design. Free. 269-375-1708. www.kalgardencouncil.org December 4 Traditional Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony Portage City Centre and Bicentennial Park Trail to Celery Flats Historical Area. 7 – 9 pm. The public is cordially invited to join in the lighting of the City Tree for the holiday season! Free. 269-324-9271. www.portagemi.gov December 4 Wellspring’s Dance Day Wellspring Theater. 2 pm. Join us for Dance Day, our annual family event designed for dancers and non-dancers of all ages. Dance Day is free fun for the whole family! 269-342-4354. www.wellspringdance.org

November 2010

Conversation Starter by Alexandra Fix Alexandra Fix is the author of ten non-fiction children’s books, including the series Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Heinemann Library). She is a former children’s librarian, registered nurse, freelance writer and avid reader.

Making Toast: A Family Story By Roger Rosenblatt Ecco Books, 2010, $21.99 At age 38, Amy Rosenblatt Solomon dies without warning due to an asymptomatic heart condition. She leaves behind a devastated husband, Harris, and three young children—Jessie 6, Sammy 4 and James “Bubbies” 1.

Healer, A Novel By Carol Wiley Cassella Simon & Schuster, 2010, $25 Addison Boehning’s stellar biotech career has himself and his family sitting on top of the world – living the good life. An extreme low follows that extravagant high, in quick succession, as errors are made in prescription drug testing trials and in investment strategies. Addison’s wife, Claire, notes that “the material wealth they’d amassed was dissolving like a sugar cube castle in a summer rainstorm.” As they adjust to their financial implosion and reduced circumstances, Addison and Claire sell all but their mountain cabin in the Hallum Valley in Washington State, and move there with their teenaged daughter, Jory. As might any teenager, Jory is dismayed by the change of lifestyle and the need to fit in to this new school and community. While Addison scrambles to dig himself out of his financial and professional morass, Claire goes job hunting. Due to a complicated mix of reasons, Claire had never finished her medical residency or worked as a full-fledged physician. Under her current stressed circumstances, she seeks work as a physician in a clinic for migrant workers. Run by a dedicated but aging physician, this is a setting of desperate needs and minimal resources. Via this public health clinic, Claire and Jory meet Miguella, a Nicaraguan immigrant with a devastating story from her past and a vengeance to make it right again. The family’s link to Miguella will be life changing as they dig their way out of their personal and financial mess. Choices in life, both good and bad, will be the source of animated conversation and consideration.

November 2010

Without hesitation, Amy’s parents, Roger and Ginny Rosenblatt, are on the Solomon family doorstep, ready to lend a hand as the family picks up the pieces of their lives. Roger and Ginny leave their quiet, neatly orchestrated lives on the south shore of Long Island and enter the random chaos of this growing family in Bethesda, Maryland. They come to stay… as long as needed... and learn what needs to be learned about parenting today. Amidst the play dates and bedtimes stories, the school plays and breakfast toast, Shrinky Dinks and Wiggles, they quietly weave their way through the emotions of their own personal grief at the loss of their daughter as well as that of these young children who simply miss their mommy. Roger Rosenblatt, a professional writer and a Professor of English and Writing, has a magical way with words and shares his deepest thoughts with quiet profundity in this poignant memoir. He tells a powerful story of family love and commitment, of stepping in to help while hearts heal.

You Must Remember This, Easy Tricks & Proven Tips to Never Forget Anything Ever Again By Karen Dolby Broadway Books, 2010, $19.99 Our brains are full – so many facts to remember, so little space to store it all. Author Karen Dolby has drawn together many memory enhancing tricks, old and new, that will help us sink into our brains the myriad of vital and less vital information that assaults us daily. Surely, each of us remembers some of those old time goodies like ROY G BIV to list the colors of the rainbow or “Every Good Boy Does Fine” and “FACE” to locate notes on the music staff. There’s much, much more in this book. You’ll learn a wonderful way to remember the order of the U.S. Presidents – won’t you be the star of Trivial Pursuit? You’ll learn math memory tricks… the multiplication tables will never trip you up again. Want to know the bones of body parts or the cranial nerves or the seven deadly sins? You’ll be able to sink all of those into your memory. Along with all of these tricks, the author explores the mechanics of memory and some other mental exercises that will help in everyday life, every day. There are tips for remembering names and faces and tricks for creating memorable random passwords. Included are ideas about number & rhyme mnemonics, useful for planting any string of numbers into memory. As one more bonus, Dolby has great suggestions for giving a speech without notes. All powerful tools indeed in today’s world.

November 2010