Celebrate in Style - November 2011

November 2011

Free!

Take Me Home

Red Dress Statue

Heavenly Treats

Theo & Stacy’s 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

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Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

The People Who Make It Happen...

November 2011 Table of Contents

Publisher: Darlene Clifford dclifford@womenslifestylekazoo.com

CELEBRATE IN STYLE Say Goodbye to Mayhem .................................6 Code Red Fashion Alert ...................................8 Set a Beautiful Table for the Holidays.............10 Serving Tips & Ideas ......................................14 Personalized Holiday Greetings .....................30

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

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS

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

Sales Representatives: Brenda Murphy Maria Pavletic

Who's House is MY House for Christmas ........5 Secrets of the Trade .......................................27 IMHO: Calling All Turkeys ...............................31 Reader’s Lounge............................................34

Layout & Design:

AT HOME

jr4 designs JR Harper

Tips for Family-Friendly Decorating................17

Photography:

LOOK WHOS TALKING

Christopher McGuire Photography www.chrismcguirephoto.com

Theo & Stacy’s ...............................................25

K. Redmond Photography www.facebook.com/kredmondphotography

Office Manager: Patty Clifford

Contact Us

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

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

BUSINESS & FINANCE Networking with the Kalamazoo Network.........4 Financial Sauvé..............................................18 Ad Talk........................................................... 26

By Email: info@womenslifestylekazoo.com

Website: www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

RECIPES Turkey 2011 Chipotle Turkey Cutlets with Sweet Onion Charred Corn Salsa .............................20 Thai Turkey Roll-Up ...................................20 Sweet Potatoes Cream of Spinach and Yam Soup .............24 Baked Sweet Potato Fries .........................24 Easy Chocolate Treats Sea-Salted Smoky Chocolate Bark...........28 Chocolate Chip Chocolate Clouds ............28 Famous Fudge ..........................................28

COMMUNITY NEWS & HAPPENINGS

Coming In December Holiday Magic Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

Calendar.........................................................32 Buy Local .......................................................34

November 2011

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From the Publisher Gobble Gobble! How did we get to “Turkey Time” so quickly again this year?

The good news….another long weekend heading in our direction (unless of course you’re in the retail industry.) The other good news? We have have some delicious new recipes for different ways to serve turkey – either right from the get-go on Thanksgiving Day or for the left overs, when you’d like a diversion from the usual taste! Personally…

I love turkey - yum!

Next, we’ll need to prepare for the holidays: planning, shopping and all the hustle and bustle.Take heart…we have some helpful hints and great ideas beyond this page. And don’t forget the magic word as we approach all the festivities: BREATH! And now…from my heart to yours some traditional Thanksgiving thoughts: As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. ~H.U. Westermayer Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.

~W.J. Cameron

What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving? ~Erma Bombeck Have a great month,

Darlene Sometimes it’s fashionable to refer to present times as the “post-feminist” era, where the professional advancement of women in the workforce is concerned. How far have we really come? We asked the women of Kalamazoo Network to share their challenges, opportunities and triumphs.

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

In your professional life, what challenges or discriminatory situations have you encountered because you're a woman? Or do you find that there aren't any in your field of work?

I have always found sex discrimination in the science field, but it’s still common in the hospitality, retail, and automotive industries. Frustratingly, the most common phrase I have heard, from bankers to plumbers, is: H " oney, where is your husband?", as if I am not qualified to make the required decision.

Statistics still show the rate of pay for women as being much lower than for men, and few women own/operate multi-million dollar companies. I would like to see women empowering more women to speed up the rate of change!

Bridget Lorenz Lemberg Forensic Fluids Laboratories Inc. Yes, I find there are challenges. Sometimes, it's not just a matter of how hard you need to work but the added responsibilities if you’re married. My family is a

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priority to me, but that doesn’t take away from the professionalism I put into my work.

Maria Pavletic Pavletic Consulting & Design, LLC Sometimes Kalamazoo still has a feel of having an exclusive “good ole boys” feel.

However, by acting professional, being the best prepared, and gaining experience with commercial real estate, others in the field come to respect you. I certainly appreciate all of the courageous women who have made the life of today’s woman much easier.

Amelia Barker-King The Barker Group

In my working life that has spanned over forty years, I have seen a good deal of progress in

the professional advancement of women in the workplace firsthand, and feel we have indeed come a long way, from that perspective. For me, working outside the traditional workplace hierarchy has spared me a lot of frustration: my compensation is set by what the market will bear for the services offered, and my advancement is largely determined by my own ambition. I have read about the growing presence of women as small business owners, and I think my experience of getting around discrimination by being my own boss may be fairly typical!

Jan Underhill J.R. Underhill Communications

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

by Design with Joan VanSickler, Mixed Media Marketing and Design

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

Whose House is MY House for Christmas: Mommy’s or Daddy’s?

If you’ve recently divorced and see the holidays coming fast, planning ahead will make certain things that will go smoothly for you and your children. It’s important to anticipate problems and prevent them from turning a joyful season into a nightmare.

Remember the old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

The ounce of prevention is to contact your ex about your parenting plans for Christmas Eve/Day and make certain you both know whose turn it is to have the kids, when, where and for how long.

The pound of cure, as every divorce lawyer knows, is to call your lawyer’s office one or two days before the holiday hysterical that the kids are going to New York to his folks. This cure probably won’t work.

If for some reason you and your ex haven’t developed a clear plan, you need to sit down with him and work one out. If issues need to be resolved, hire a private mediator to help you develop one or you may find yourself back in court with a referee putting your plan together. You may not like this plan at all.

If you’re new to the post-divorce life and your children are old enough to have strong memories of Christmas’ past, it may be very jarring to have the traditions they remember disrupted. You need to be prepared to deal with the issue of which ornaments go on which tree. Consider buying or making new ones for each tree, both yours and your ex’s. Also, what is the protocol going to be if either you or your ex have remarried and the new partners have children from prior marriages who have different holi-

day rituals? Your children will have the positive opportunity to get twice as many presents and have two Christmas dinners instead of one, but there’s also the real possibility they will be filled with guilt, if one of the parents has not remarried and has no one to share dinner with when the kids are with the other parent. They feel they have abandoned him/her. If that parent is you, put on a positive front to prevent ruining their holiday.

A therapist told me children have said: “I don’t want to have Christmas at Mommy’s house or Daddy’s house, I want to have Christmas at MY house.” While there is no right answer to this, what’s important is the statement is being made. It signals an anxiety issue and a fear of abandonment which needs to be addressed. Older children can deal more easily with divorce if you and your ex cooperate in parenting. They are secure knowing they have two loving parents. Younger children who haven’t grasped the new arrangement need assurance they now have two homes to share with Mommy and Daddy and are loved in both places. Planning ahead helps avoid many of these holiday parenting dilemmas.

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

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

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It appears that women are hardwired to multi-task. Picture this.

Holiday Mindfulness:

Say Goodbye to Mayhem and Hello to Joy

by Janice Lynne Lundy

Young mother with crying baby on hip, standing at stove stirring kettle, puts spoon down to place formula bottle in microwave, shouts at dog and second child racing through the room, answers phone and reads grocery list to husband on his way home from work.

Stereotypical? Of course, but any of us can place ourselves in this scene. We know precisely what it feels like to be doing half a dozen things at once – even if we don’t have a child, a dog, or a husband.

By the nature of genetics (to procreate and nurture) and our societal role (to take care of everyone and everything), women can effortlessly multitask. We innately know how to handle many things at once.

The question remains, however, are we doing them well? Recent studies on multi-tasking reveal that even though we believe we are being effective, our productivity is actually compromised. We make more mistakes when we multi-task – and we are more forgetful – thereby taking longer to get the job done because we have to do aspects of it over.

But perhaps even more important than these findings are those that indicate how multitasking can create undue stress, anxiety, worry and their resulting health issues.

Enter mindfulness, the perfect antidote to multi-tasking mayhem, especially during the holidays, when the pressure builds to get so much done in a very short time. Mindfulness – the ability to do just one thing at a time with full and present attention – provides peace of body and mind. And it’s productive.

I invite you to consider how you’d like your holidays to unfold this year. These mindfulness-based suggestions will help you thrive rather than survive the holidays.

Leave multi-tasking behind, embrace mindfulness, and I guarantee this charmed season can be magic-filled for you and your loved ones.

Delight in Your Senses The opportunity to practice mindfulness can be found everywhere. When engaged in a mundane or repetitive task, completely immerse yourself in its sensations. Washing the holiday dishes? Consciously feel the warm, soapy water moving between your fingers.

Trimming the Christmas tree? Smell the sweet fragrance of pine boughs. Visually enjoy placing each ornament in just the right spot. Heighten all of your senses to appreciate any activity you are engaged in. Bring your attention to the colors, textures, smells, and sounds of the moment. Sensory awareness, practiced in this way, brings us back to the present moment so we can be fully available to the task at hand. Doing just one thing at a time creates ease in the body and allows the mind to relax. And who doesn’t need more relaxation during the holidays? Mindfulness can provide it.

Heighten all of your senses to appreciate any activity you are engaged in.

En-JOY Yourself When we are not caught up in mental marauding, stressed and worried about getting things done in a specific way, we give ourselves a wonderful gift – the gift of joy.

Moving quickly from one task to the next, checking it off our lengthy To-Do List does not create joy. Doing things with amiability and presence of mind does.

The next time you find yourself rushing to get holiday chores done, stop and ask yourself, ‘Am I feeling any joy in this moment?’ If the answer is no, invite yourself to refocus and find a glimmer of appreciation in the task. Dreading the grocery shopping for the holiday meal? Remember how fortunate you are to have so many food choices, a well-stocked store to shop in, and the resources to purchase food. Consider the plight of those who do not have these sumptuous options; how joy-less their holidays might feel, if they are even able to celebrate them. Gratitude for what we have is a surefire way to boost our joy quotient.

Gratitude for what we have is a surefire way to boost our joy quotient.

Make a Memory A mind that is full of awareness – rather than one that is distracted or caught up in angst (i.e. mind-less) – is one that can make beautiful memories. At your next family gathering, instead of losing precious energy bemoaning the dryness of the turkey, or the wine spill on the tablecloth, or the insensitive way Aunt Mary spoke to you, stop, take a breath and scan the scene. Take it all in: the setting, the people, the conversation; the laughter and love that is flowing there somewhere, because it is.

Sometimes life is just a matter of perspective. Take a mental photograph and log your holiday gathering in as a forever memory – a mindful Kodak moment so the meaning of it lasts and lasts.

Mindfulness invites us to simply do what we do everyday with elevated awareness. Doing so provides the unique blessing of being fully here – now. There is no place to go, no better place to be than here – “home” for the holidays.

Join Jan Lundy’s monthly teleclass series, “Spiritual Invitations.”

Learn more at her website, www.awakenedliving.com.

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Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

November 2011

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CODE

FASHION ALERT “Women usually prefer to wear black at events because it makes them feel safe, however, if there’s one woman wearing red, she will inevitably be the eye-catcher of the evening. It’s as though the room is suddenly illuminated- simply perfect for a grand-entrance.”

– Fashion Designer Valentino Garavani

Sexy, speedy, energetic, and dynamic, red naturally commands attention. Add a splash of red to stimulate and illustrate your sense of style. Here are some ways to splash on the red.

Red Leather Biker Jacket by FRENCH CONNECTION $498

HOBO INTERNATIONAL Melita Handbag $250

CARLOS SANTANA Red Ankle Boot $129

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Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Dark Brown/Red Jungle Printed Scarf $195

VALENTINO Red Leather Gloves $345

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

November 2011

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Add height If you pay attention to the tables decorated for the holidays in the magazines or at a wedding reception, you’ll probably notice that not everything on the table is at one level. If you don’t have a vase tall enough to create dramatic height, set it up on a decorative box.

Stack books and cover them with the tablecloth or extra fabric napkins to set a dish or grouping of candles.

Don’t underestimate the power of ribbon Being the holiday season and all, there is a good chance you have ribbon laying around somewhere.

Even if you don’t, it’s easy enough to pick some up during your next outing to coordinate with your color scheme. Placing a border of ribbon around the white table cloth or tied around napkins is simple way to pull the look together. Added bonus: ribbon can be reused for wrapping gifts after the party is over.

Take a walk Walk around your home and collect clear glass vases, candleholders, and quality holiday decorative pieces like ornaments or holiday themed salt and pepper shakers to layer into the tablescape. As you already have a color theme going, try to find objects within the same color family.

Bring the outdoors in

Set a Beautiful Table for the Holidays

by Ashley Cole

s we move into the festive season filled with gatherings often centered around food, it is once again time to think about tablescapes. Wandering around stores filled with cardboard turkey centerpieces, plastic inflatable santas and brightly colored decorations that will see the basement or landfill after being used a few times can be uninspiring — to say the least. What if you could use items you already have around your home and layer in interest with subtle texture and color without going out and spending a bundle on throwaway items? It is possible. You can set a beautiful table that your guests will be talking about well into the New Year.

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Start neutral

Accent color

Take your basic white, black or wood table and chairs as a base. Invest in quality white dinnerware that can be used year-round, but can also be elevated for the holidays with layers of color and texture. A simple white tablecloth is a staple everyone should own.

Pull a color from the vintage pieces you selected as inspiration. Or, pick a color from the placemats or table runner you already own (even if it’s non-traditional holiday hue) to begin a color scheme. Timeless colors like blue, rust, lavender, or green work particularly well. For a simple way to bring the look together, stick with a single accent color.

Embrace vintage Gather mismatched knives, glasses and dinner plates.

Bring out antique serving dishes. If you have an assortment of flea market finds or Grandma’s china, mix it in with the basics for interest. For example, layer vintage salad plates over the white dinner plates.

Mismatched flatware isn’t a bad thing. Who knows?

It could create a topic of conversation on how you collected the different forks, knives and spoons throughout the years.

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Collect greenery from your yard (evergreen branches, pine cones, leaves) and create a centerpiece or small accents at the top of each place setting. Nature can bring a fresh, organic vibe to your dinner table.

Light your way Ambient lighting is key when creating a beautiful table. There is nothing like candlelight or tea lights to set the mood.

Have fun Play with a few combinations. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You and your guests are going to hold onto the memories that are created around the dinner table more than the decorations adorning the tabletop. Remember what is important during the holiday season and embrace each moment with loved ones, laughing, sharing and, yes, eating.

A touch of silver or gold Touches of metallic add sparkle to a festive tablescape.

No need to overdo it. Simple ribbon around the napkins, glasses with a silver rim or metal candlestick holders can do the trick. They add drama and a feeling of celebration.

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

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

November 2011

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Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

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Home Style

Serving Tips & Ideas

by Victoria Anne Taylor

WINE POURING TIPS g Sparkling wines should be poured against the side of the glass to preserve bubbles. Still wines should be poured towards the center of the glass. g To control drips, twist the bottle slightly as you tilt it upright.

WINE DECANTER Serve your wine in style with a decanter with a broad base which lets red wine breathe properly and a flared lip for pouring.

g When pouring wine, fill the glass to no more than two-thirds full. This allows your guests to swirl the wine and smell the bouquet. A glass can always be refilled if desired.

CONDIMENT SET

g At a dinner party, serve wine to the women and older guests first, then the men and end with your own glass.

Serve up condiments, jams, ice cream toppings and more, with a tray beneath to catch the drips. Or separate the set and use the tray for veggies or pita bread and the bowls for savory dips.

CHAMPAGNE BUCKET

WINE GLASSES As important as wine serving temperatures is the type of wine glasses in which wines are served. The shape of a wine glass can have an impact on the taste of the wine, and for this reason different types of wine are served in different glasses. The three main types of wine glasses are: g White wine glasses: tulip shaped g Red wine glasses: more rounded and have a larger bowl g Sparkling wine flutes: tall and thin.

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Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

photos courtesy Pottery Barn

From family celebrations to romantic dinners, a champagne bucket keeps the bubbly perfectly chilled. It is also ideal for a bouquet of fresh flowers.

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

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

November 2011

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Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

Many parents worry about sharp edges or fragile items in living areas. This can be remedied by choosing rounded designs that are easier on limbs and heads should falls occur. Consider an upholstered ottoman to serve as a coffee table instead of something wood or metal. Not only will it be soft, many ottomans have flip-up covers where toys or extra pillows and such can be stowed away. They also double as extra seating when guests come around.

Rustic, weathered design styles often fit in well with active families. That’s because, should a scratch or gouge occur, it blends in with the design. Avoid frilly fabrics in lieu of simple, streamlined designs. This reduces the dirt and dust accumulation that’s common with kids and pets in the home.

Don’t overload furniture and shelving with a ton of knick-knacks. It gives you more work in dusting and cleaning and give kids a greater number of things to touch and potentially break.

Consider hardwood floors or tile. Should spills or accidents occur, they can be mopped up rather easily.

This way you don’t have to contend with or worry about damaged and stained carpeting.

Here are some other family-friendly design tips.

• Choose a paint color and finish that hides scuffs and stains. Semi-gloss finishes may be wiped down to clean off some items, like crayon or dirt. In a child’s room, consider painting one wall (or a portion of the wall) with chalkboard paint. This way you can deter drawing on other areas of the home.

Tips for Family-Friendly Decorating Courtesy of ARA

glass coffee table, white leather sofa and expensive ceramic statues are popular and attractive design options. But such items are often impractical for a household with an active family. Decorating when there are one or more kids residing in a home doesn’t have to mean vinyl furniture you hose down or plastic on the sofa. But smart choices can make rooms look beautiful and be functional.

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In the not-so-distant past, many homeowners kept a “display living room.” It was the room in the house that had expensive breakables and white carpeting perfectly vacuumed into a footprint-free pattern. This was an off-limits room reserved only for special occasions.

The children of the house were often forbidden to step foot inside. Today, many people have revised their thoughts on rooms of the house — preferring all rooms be used even if it means modifying the decor to do so.

Active families will require a design style that fits with their lifestyle, not vice versa. That means individuals should examine how they live and fashion rooms accordingly. These designs will have to take into account that children often have accidents, get into things they shouldn’t touch, and entertaining company will lead to stains, and perhaps pets will cause their own mayhem.

A number of today’s fabrics are forgiving to greasy fingerprints or accidental spills. Microfiber sofas often clean up well, and leather options may wipe down easily. Select colors that mask stains. Darker-colored shades or patterns are more forgiving than light beige or white. Consider purchasing the warranty protection that many stores offer on furniture in the event a stain or tear occurs. Chances are it can be mended or replaced under the warranty.

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

• Avoid long drapes. Such drapes are tripping hazards and choking hazards, and kids typically can’t resist pulling on them. Opt for shutters, shades or miniblinds.

• Use stain-guard sprays or cover dining room chairs with a protective covering so that they can hold up to tomato sauce and other food items that might drop on kids’ chairs.

• Buy durable items. It may cost a little more to by a dependable brand, but it will pay off in the long run when Junior is using the sofa as a trampoline.

• Keep spaces for the kids. It’s inevitable that toys will stray out of bedrooms and into other areas of the house. Build baskets and other storage devices into the design so there are places to quickly store items out of the way.

• Don’t wait to decorate until the kids are older. Then you’ll have a room full of mix-matched things pieced together over the years. Select quality pieces in forgivable fabrics and materials, and you can have a room everyone can enjoy.

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November Is Long Term Care Awareness Month:

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id you know women live longer, on less, and mostly alone, during our retirement years. Yet, most of us are not prepared to provide ourselves with the kind of care we so unselfishly give to our loved ones. If necessary, we give up our careers, spend our financial security, and give up not only our own social lives, but our family lives, as well. If you would rather write your will then have a discussion about planning for long-term care (LTC), you’re not alone. Results from a 2006 John Hancock Life¹ survey revealed that more than half of the respondents opted for the will. In addition, a slightly less percentage said that going to a nursing home is worse than becoming bankrupt, and half said they consider it worse than dying.

It is clear that the emotions surrounding the very thought of losing our independence can paralyze us from taking action. But it doesn’t have to.

Once you understand the facts about long-term care, the planning process is much easier and offers peace of mind about preserving savings, protecting family members from the burden of care giving, and retaining your own independence.

Most of the women I see every day are very concerned about being able to pay for their care, and also maintain their current living situation, while not relying on their children, or other family members. No one wants to spend their entire savings on care, and not have enough left to maintain independence as long as possible. Nothing can destroy a lifetime of earnings faster than long term care and out of pocket medical expenses.

Long Term Care And Its Impact

Long term care is the assistance needed by someone who can no longer independently perform daily activities such as eating, bathing or dressing.

This care can be received at home, in an assisted living facility, adult day care center or nursing home. It is not limited to just a nursing home.

Eighty percent of older adults who receive LTC do so in their own homes or community settings.

That’s good news for those of us who want to stay in our lovely, comfy, familiar homes.

While it is true that the vast majority of American women recognize the importance of planning ahead, there is a lack of knowledge about LTC, as well as the pros and cons of funding alternatives.

With the national average cost for nursing home care at more than $71,000², and the expenses of at-home care, or services provided in a community setting, on the rise – these costs can really add up. How would you pay for long term care services such as a visiting nurse, assisted living, therapy or a personal care aid if you need them?

Could you easily pull $200,000 from your retirement nest egg to pay for three years of care?

Many rely on the hope that government programs like Medicare and Medicaid will pay for LTC services – but these programs can be very limiting, not to mention demoralizing.

Long Term Care Insurance Is The Best Funding Solution

LTC premiums are based on your age and health when you apply, so it makes sense to buy when you are younger. Long term care insurance is the one financial tool that can help you prepare for these costs in the future. With this protection, you will be able to maintain more independence, should you need care. You may be able to stay in your home longer, and you’ll have more choices about your long term care services and providers in the future. That is why it is critical to make a long term care policy part of your overall financial strategy. You cannot plan a successful retirement strategy without the means to protect your assets. Dollar for dollar, I calculate that three or four year’s premium for the average 65 year old woman would be spent in just one month of care.

We have a 50% chance of needing some kind of care assistance, yet, we don’t think of insuring our assets from that risk. I believe our greater risk is using up our assets for our care, not losing our home to disaster.

Misconceptions

One pervasive misconception is that other insurance and government programs will cover long term care costs. Long term care usually involves non-medical assistance with basic daily activities like dressing, bathing or using the toilet. In fact, many long term care services that help with these tasks are not typically covered by other kinds of insurance, including health and disability insurance. Only long term care insurance policies help cover the day-to-day assistance you need when you have a chronic illness, disability or cognitive impairment and need help with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, toileting.

When you think about it, planning for long-term care is important to your overall financial security and independence, and a LTC policy can help: • Protect your retirement savings • Give you control over where you receive care – as most policies cover care in all settings these day (home, assisted living facilities, adult day care and nursing homes) • Give you the means to pay for higher quality care • Relieve your family and friends from heavy care giving responsibilities • Receive not only financial support, but professional advice and additional resources.

It is true that knowledge is power. The more you know about long-term care planning, the more you realize that it is no different from planning for your retirement or other key financial goals. Do some of your own research at www.naic.org.

See NAIC, Shopper’s Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance. ¹ John Hancock commissioned the survey through Zoomerang. ² John Hancock 2005 Cost of Care Survey, conducted by Harris, Rothenberg International, LLC, 2005.

Sandy K. Derby, CFP®, ChFC has been in the financial services industry since 1989. She has been selected as one of America’s Top Financial Planners by Consumers Research Council of America. Sandy is President of Derby Financial & Assoc. LLC, where our goal is to help women become financially secure and independent, through comprehensive financial planning. Sandy can be reached at sandykderby@derbyfinancial.net or 269-321-5047.

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.

For a free workbook and DVD about long term care, please call 269-321-5047 or go to: derbyfinancial.net 18

November 2011

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

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

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

November 2011

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Turkey 2011 Try these hip new ways to serve turkey this Thanksgiving, or anytime of year.

Thai Turkey Roll-Up Serves 4

Peanut Sauce 1 large lime, zested and juiced 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons green onion, minced 1 tablespoon cilantro, minced 2 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter 2 teaspoons light brown sugar 1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, peeled and minced 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes In a medium bowl, combine lime juice and zest, soy sauce, onions, cilantro, peanut butter, sugar, ginger root, garlic and pepper flakes. Stir well.

Roll-Up 4 8-inch whole wheat tortillas (high protein) 1 pound OVEN ROASTED TURKEY BREAST, sliced thin 2 ounces red onion, sliced thin 2 ounces lettuce, washed, drained, chilled and shredded 4 teaspoons cilantro, washed, drained and chilled Spread each tortilla with Peanut Sauce.

Layer each with 4 ounces sliced turkey. Evenly sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon onion, 1 tablespoon lettuce and 1 teaspoon cilantro.

Roll up tightly and cut on the diagonal. Serve chilled.

Chipotle Turkey Cutlets with Sweet Onion Charred Corn Salsa

Chipotle Turkey Cutlets with Sweet Onion Charred Corn Salsa Serves 12

Thai Turkey Roll-Up Turkey Cutlets 3 pounds TURKEY CUTLETS, 4-ounces each 5 teaspoons ground chipotle powder (OR 2-1/2 teaspoons each chili powder and mesquite grill seasoning) 1-1/4 cups low-sodium poultry broth as needed olive oil

Sweet Onion Charred Corn Salsa 3-1/2 2 2-1/2 2-1/2 1-1/2

cups sweet corn kernels tablespoons olive oil cups red onion, chopped cups cherry tomatoes, quartered cups fresh cilantro, cleaned, drained and chopped 3 medium limes, juiced

Char corn in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, about 3 minutes.

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Gently pound cutlets to an even thickness. Pat dry and sprinkle both sides of cutlets with chipotle powder. Cover and hold in refrigerator.

Per Serving: Heat oil in skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add turkey cutlets and sauté, turning once, about 6 to 8 minutes or until cooked.

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons broth per cutlet and quickly cook to heat through, spooning sauce over turkey to blend flavors.

Add oil and onion to skillet and sauté 2 minutes.

Add tomatoes and cilantro; sauté 1 minute.

Serve with mixed salad greens, well chilled.

Remove from heat and stir in lime juice.

May be prepped ahead, covered and reserved in refrigerator.

Portion turkey and sauce over bed of mixed salad greens. Serve with reserved salsa. Salsa may be served cold or warm.

November 2011

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

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

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

November 2011

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November 2011

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

November 2011

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Sweet Potato, Apple and Walnut Muffins approximately 18 muffins The tartness of apples and raisins combined with the sweetness of yams and flavorful walnuts create a moist muffin that will quickly become one of your favorites.

1 3/4 1 1/2 1 3 3/4 1 1 1

Sweet Potatoes Courtesy www.sweetpotato.org

Cream of Spinach and Yam Soup 8 servings Spinach and yams join together to produce this sensational, creamy, rich-flavored soup.

1 1/2 1 2 1 3 3

cup chopped onion cup chopped celery red bell pepper, seeded and chopped tbsp. minced garlic cup all-purpose flour (16 ounce) cans fat-free chicken broth cups fresh yams (sweet potatoes), peeled and diced or 2 (15 oz.) can yams, drained 1 (10 ounce) bag fresh spinach leaves, stemmed and coarsely chopped

2 cups skim milk 1/2 cup sliced green onion stems (scallions) salt and pepper to taste In a large heavy pot coated with nonstick cooking spray over a medium-high heat, cook the onion, celery, red bell pepper and garlic until the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the flour and gradually add the chicken broth, whisking until the soup is blended. Add the sweet potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook approximately 20 minutes or until the potatoes are very tender. Add the spinach, milk, green onion stems, salt and pepper. Cook until spinach is wilted and soup well heated and thickened, about 5 minutes.

1/2 1 3/4 1/3 1/3

cups all-purpose flour tsp. baking powder tsp. cinnamon tbsp. canola oil cup light brown sugar egg egg white (15-oz) can sweet potatoes (yams), drained and mashed or 1 cup fresh sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed cup skim milk cups chopped, peeled baking apples cup chopped walnuts cup golden raisins

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and cinnamon; set aside. In another bowl, mix together oil, brown sugar, egg, egg white, mashed yams and milk. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add yam mixture, stirring until moistened. Do not over mix. Fold in the apples, walnuts and raisins.

Spoon batter into paper-lined or coated muffin tins, filling about three-fourths full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until done.

Note: If using canned yams, cut in small chunks and stir in at the end of cooking.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries 4-6 servings A fantastic, healthier alternative to greasy fries, and they’re just as good!

4 sweet potatoes (yams) 2 tablespoons olive oil salt and pepper to taste chopped parsley (optional) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line with foil.

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Cut sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick lengthwise strips, toss with oil. Arrange in single layer on baking sheet, bake 15-20 minutes.

Turn potatoes over, bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown all over. Season to taste, sprinkle with parsley.

For a sweeter version, omit parsley, sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg before baking.

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

A Thanksgiving Tradition Theo & Stacy’s

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

The goals of the well-known restaurant Theo & Stacy’s have not changed throughout its 48 years of business: no one leaves hungry, and customers will leave satisfied with full stomachs and full hearts.

The restaurants’ past reaches into 1973. Theo Skartsiaris married Stacy, both natives of Greece, and the couple chose Kalamazoo as the perfect place to raise a family. They bought a small restaurant in the downtown area and introduced Greek food to Kalamazoo residents. Stacy’s sisters, Phyllis and Tessie, and their husbands, Elliot and George, helped expand the business, opening locations on Westnedge Avenue in 1982 and Portage Road in 1984. Theo passed away seventeen years ago, but the restaurants are still owned by Stacy, daughters Betty and Joanna, and Stacy’s two sisters’ families.

“My mother is the heart and soul of the restaurant and does all the cooking of the authentic Greek dishes in the downtown restaurant and cooks at the other two restaurants as well,” Betty said. “She starts work at 7am every day and doesn’t stop until closing at 8pm. She is the hardest working person I’ve ever known and I can only hope to be as accomplished as she is someday.”

Betty acts as the properties manager for the restaurants and is married to Tim. They have four boys. Betty is assisted in the office

by Patty, the wife of one of Theo’s best friends. Joanna works as a patent and trademark attorney, providing the business with legal expertise. She is married to Scott, and they have three children.

Together, Stacy, Tessie, Phyllis, Elliot and George run their restaurants with immense pride in their rich Greek heritage, fine food and hospitality.

“Our customers are like family to us, so we use every opportunity to stop and chat at the tables and catch up on how everyone is doing, all day long,” Betty said.

Theo and Stacy started serving free Thanksgiving dinners for the less fortunate in 1977. The family still view these dinners as an opportunity for the hungry, the lonely and/or the homeless to share a meal and some company. They provide around 2,000 meals consisting of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, rolls and dessert. Many volunteers help serve and clear dishes.

The most rewarding thing about taking part in providing these meals? “Seeing the smiles, hearing the warm chatter, knowing we’re giving back to a community that has given us so much, and carrying on a tradition that our father started—it makes us feel close to him. It is a truly humbling experience,” Betty said.

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From Homegrown Stars to a Sweet Goodbye…the Highlights of 2011 It’s that time again…AD TALK looks back at the year and reflects on the things that we have to be thankful for – everything from an incredible donation to the celebration of not one, but TWO local authors making headlines. Here are just a few of the highlights…

1. Author, Author – 2011 was a special year for two local writers – Comstock native, Bonnie Jo Campbell and WMU instructor, Jaimy Gordon. Campbell’s Once Upon a River was a favorite on many “Best Summer Reads,” lists including Newsweek and Parade magazine. Meanwhile, Gordon’s novel, Lord of Misrule, garnered the coveted National Book Award for Fiction. Both authors treated us to book readings and signings at the Kalamazoo Public Library and other venues.

2. Kicking off Summer in Style – It’s hard to believe that the beloved Art Fair held each summer at Bronson Park and hosted by the Kalamazoo Institutes of Arts celebrated its 60th anniversary this year. Kicking off the summer, this highly acclaimed, juried art fair offers $45,000 in prize money and boosts over 200 artists from across the country.

3. Medical Miracle – This past spring, Western Michigan University received a gift - $100 million gifts to be exact. Given by an anonymous donor, the cash gift will serve as the foundation for the development of a private medical school at WMU, in partnership with Borgess Health and Bronson Healthcare. This $100 million cash gift is among the 10 largest cash gifts ever made to an American public university. No small change…and an incredible gift to future students and the entire community.

4. Y’all Better Get to Know Her – It’s no surprise that Shelagh Brown is busting her way into the country music scene. Brought up in a family rich with music roots, Shelagh lights up the stage with country charm and beautiful vocals. A little bit Taylor Swift with a kick of her own feisty style, Brown recently won a national contest to cut a duet on Josh Gracin’s upcoming CD. She is currently performing at venues throughout the area – but you better hurry. Something tells me Nashville is a callin’.

5. Thanks for the Memories – After 22 years of bringing us our daily news, WWMT news anchor, Judy Markee retired from the anchor desk this past May. Through three presidential elections and a multitude of local and national news events – Judy delivered the news to us in an honest and heartfelt manner. Always a class act, Judy Markee was a pro…and a welcome friend in our living rooms on a daily basis. The Mayor of Kalamazoo even declared May 27 (her last day on the job) “Judy Markee Day.” How cool is that?

It’s easy to see that 2011 brought us an incredible amount of wonderful things to be thankful for. We can celebrate so many of the awesome people, events and happenings that took place in the area. It really was one heck of a year!

Heidi McCrary and Juli Wiseman own Ad Shop, etc. – a boutique advertising agency helping locally owned business owners maximize their advertising.

Contact Heidi at heidi@adshopetc.com or at (269) 978-8800. Like Ad Shop, etc. on Facebook!

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Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

Lastly, consider the little details of the quality fabric, stain free and pressed garments, excellent fit, proper foundation garments, and current finishing in accessories, cosmetics, and hair style for a finished professional casual look.

Q. What tips do you have in taking business day wear in to holiday evening business party appropriate? Amy S. A. Yes, the holidays are upon us – let the festivities begin! This time of year can be great fun and an excellent reason for searching out just the right new outfit or accessories to create the perfect look.

Do you have fashion questions and dilemmas of your own? It’s easy to ask our Image Consultant Kelly Duggan, just send your questions to Kelly at info@womenslifestylekazoo.com. Be sure to indicate Image Questions in the subject line.

Q. I’m struggling to remain credible in my work attire with a new job transition. My position is upper management, but the culture and dress are much more casual than I am use to. How should I dress? Gina R. A. A smart professional casual look should be appropriate for most work days. This level of dress allows for a mix and match of garment separates in more relaxed styles and fabrics: cardigans and sweaters, jackets which can be semi-fitted to unstructured, to no jacket or layered piece required, and worn with a pant or skirt.

Allow color and line to communicate credibility and authority for you – non-verbally. Medium to darker colors, such as navy, medium to darker grey, dark brown, and black carry an authorative presence. Look to the military, the police force, and common men’s suiting colors for examples. If you have previously worn a traditional suited business look, you have lost the power that matched suiting offers in creating a strong vertical presence (which in the business world is associated with authority, power, and credibility). Tips to keeping a strong vertical presence in business casual dress include: carrying the color of the pant/skirt in to the top piece of the garment ensemble and wear shoes with a moderate to higher heel and same color value as the hemline.

Tips for holiday office party attire: -

Change the mood of a classic garment ensemble with a quick change of accessories – earrings, necklace, dressy clutch bag, and glitzy shoe

-

Step that up one more notch by changing an underpinning blouse to a sequined tank

-

If hair is long consider a simple ‘up-do’ with an embellished comb or pins

-

Refresh your make-up look with more shimmer or shine for the evening

-

Feeling the need for a completely new outfit? Consider a holiday appropriate dress for a quick change and simple finishing.

Additionally, remember that it is a business function. So, keep ‘business’ in your festive holiday look when considering the depth of the neckline (the girls should not come out to play just because it’s a party!), the length of a hemline (when you sit a skirt hemline shouldn’t be at the break of the leg - i.e. your crotch), and lastly in your final finishing with your make-up look.

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

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

November 2011

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Easy Chocolate Treats Courtesy of NestlÈ

NestlÈ Toll House

Famous Fudge (Makes 24 servings, 2 pieces per serving) 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 2/3 cup (5 fluid-ounce can) NestlÈ Carnation Evaporated Milk 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cups miniature marshmallows 1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) NestlÈ Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract LINE 8-inch-square baking pan with foil.

G

ot loved ones with a passion for chocolate?

Making heavenly chocolate treats also gives you an excuse to lick the spoon. These irresistible treats are made in minutes, and can disappear just as quickly.

Sea-Salted Smoky Almond Chocolate Bark Makes 7 servings (about 1/2 pound) 8 ounces NestlÈ Toll House Dark Chocolate Baking Bar, broken into small pieces 1/2 cup smoked-flavored almonds, coarsely chopped, divided 1/8 teaspoon sea salt (preferably large crystal) LINE 8-inch baking pan with wax paper.

MICROWAVE small chocolate pieces in small, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 45 seconds; STIR. If pieces retain some of their original shape, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until melted. Stir in 1/4 cup almonds.

POUR into prepared baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining almonds. Tap pan several times to spread chocolate and settle nuts. Sprinkle with sea salt. Refrigerate for about 1 hour or until firm. Break into pieces. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

Chocolate Chip Chocolate Clouds

PLACE 1 1/2 cups morsels and milk in large, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100%) power for 1 minute; STIR. Morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10to 15-second intervals, stirring just until melted. Cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.

RESERVE 1/2 cup whipped topping; refrigerate. Combine remaining whipped topping and vanilla extract in medium bowl. Gently fold half of the whipped topping mixture into chocolate mixture. Add remaining whipped topping mixture; mix lightly. Spoon over cookie bases in muffin cups. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

COMBINE sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt in medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

STIR in marshmallows, morsels, nuts and vanilla extract. Stir vigorously for 1 minute or until marshmallows are melted. Pour into prepared baking pan; refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into 48 pieces.

FOR GARNISH AND TO SERVE: LINE baking sheet with wax paper.

PLACE remaining morsels in small, heavy-duty plastic bag. Microwave on HIGH (100%) power for 30 seconds; knead. Microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut tiny corner from bag.

Drizzle 12 squiggly designs about 2- to 3-inches square onto prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm, 5 to 10 minutes.

TOP each mousse cup with a small dollop of reserved whipped topping. With tip of knife, gently remove drizzles from wax paper and insert, standing up into dollops.

Serve immediately.

Makes 12 servings 12 pieces NestlÈ Toll House Refrigerated Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar Dough 2 cups (12-ounce package) NestlÈ Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels, divided 1/4 cup milk 1 container (8 ounces) non-dairy whipped topping, thawed, divided 1 teaspoon vanilla extract PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Place twelve 2-1/2 inch foil bake cups on baking sheet with sides. Place 1 piece of cookie dough in each cup.

BAKE for 12 to 14 minutes or until just baked and light golden brown. Remove cups to wire rack to cool completely.

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For Milk Chocolate Fudge: SUBSTITUTE 1-3/4 cups (11.5-ounce package) NestlÈ Toll House Milk Chocolate Morsels for SemiSweet Morsels.

For Butterscotch Fudge: SUBSTITUTE 1- 2/3 cups (11-ounce package) NestlÈ Toll House Butterscotch Flavored Morsels for Semi-Sweet Morsels.

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

November 2011

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Personalized

Holiday Greetings

T

he average person will mail out 28 cards to family and friends. Setting greetings apart from others with a personalized photo can make the holidays that much more unique.

Instead of sending the same, mass-produced boxed greeting card to everyone on a mailing list, individuals looking for a personalized way to say, “Happy Holidays” can keep in touch with a photo greeting.

Not only does it spread holiday cheer, it shows out-oftown recipients just how much the family has grown during the past year.

To make the holiday greeting special, don’t simply point and shoot the camera any which way. Follow these pointers for flawless photos to ensure the holiday card is displayed on everyone’s mantel.

Hiring a Professional One of the easiest ways to receive a top-notch photograph is to use a professional photographer. He or she will have years of experience posing individuals to garner the best shot.

Because photographers have backdrops and lighting at their disposal, this can make the photo even better.

Many photographers offer holiday photo packages that pair greeting cards with the purchase of a portrait.

Holiday portraits mean an easy gift idea for parents or grandparents, too.

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Courtesy of ARA

Have the photographer suggest some locations for the photo and what the family should wear.

Oftentimes, it’s best to avoid holiday colored clothing so the photo will be timeless and viewable year-round.

Keep in mind that photographers are very busy this time of year. For those considering hiring one, price around and book the appointment well in advance of the holiday season to ensure the photos will be available with enough time to mail or gift loved ones.

DIY Photo Greetings Those who do not want to spend the money hiring a professional photographer can take very good pictures on their own. Here are some things to consider.

• First set the theme of the photo. Perhaps it’s a candid shot of the children playing or a posed portrait.

Having a plan means it can be put into motion.

• Set up the shot in a well-lit area and try to have light from all directions so there are no apparent shadows in the picture. Don’t pose subjects in front of a window, though.

• Avoid posing in front of a fireplace cover or near mirrors. This will cause light to bounce back to the

lens and create glare, red eye and shadows.

• Consider taking the photo outdoors. Kids frolicking in the snow or a more candid picture can make for an interesting composition.

• Regardless of where the photo is taken, be sure the background is relatively simple and will not detract from the image in the foreground.

• Zoom in tight on the subjects of the photo to keep the photo focused on the family and not the amazing backdrop.

Holiday photo greetings are a unique way to send holiday spirit to loved ones. Photos can be taken by a professional photographer or by an individual with a good eye for detail.

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

Calling All Turkeys

Yet this bird was highly thought of by our founding fathers. Ben Franklin was distressed that the eagle had been chosen as the national bird, saying it was lazy and “of bad moral character.”

He preferred the behemoth wild turkey, as it was respectable and “a bird of courage.” The latter isn’t difficult when you can bully every other bird in the wild.

ized by artificial insemination.

Hmmm, could this be the new “not tonight dear, I have a headache” line?

Still larger birds do have benefits. It takes nearly 4,000 white turkey feathers, dyed bright yellow, to create a Big Bird costume.

friends to a three-day festival where they all stuffed themselves Probably the most fascinating silly. Voilà: the first ThanksgivTurkey has become big business turkey concoction is called a turing. in the United States. Approxiducken. It is a chicken stuffed mately 46 million turkeys into a duck, stuffed into a turkey. about one fifth of the annual Turkey might have been served Its exact origin is disputed, but total of 235 million - are eaten at this gourmet creation was defiat that first feast, but it certainly Thanksgiving. Since the average nitely born somewhere in wasn’t the Butterball we’re acturkey weight is 15 pounds, customed to. Rather, the pilLouisiana. I’ve had them several some 690 million pounds are grims would have enjoyed wild times - they’re weird but deliconsumed at the annual feast. turkey. (Not be confused with cious. And what more could This is a proud statistic for the the libation, which came some you ask for on a day when we’re National Turkey Federation, but years later and helps with the giving thanks for any and everynot such good news for Mr. Tom. thing! sibbling arguments mentioned above.) These fowl can run up to Our favorite portion of the bird 55 miles per hour, making them is the breast, so we’re breeding When the pilgrims arrived at Ply- eligible for Interstate travel in the large breasted birds. Big breasts prohibit the male from fertilizing slow lane, and grow up to four mouth Rock, there were rough eggs in the natural mating posifeet tall, the average height of a times ahead: a cold winter, startion, consequently they’re fertilnine year old. Imagine convation and really bad hair days.

However the next harvest was so fronting a beast like that in the Judy Pearson is the founder of Courage Concepts, an organization which foswoods, or worse still, fitting it wonderful that the pilgrims inters courage in women through seminars and Courage Conventions. Judy is also the author of magazine and newspaper articles, as well as two books into your convection oven. vited 100 Native American

It’s “over the river and through the woods” time! We’re off to family gatherings, where we eat too much, argue with siblings and eye grandmother’s silver as inheritance potential. Most families follow the required traditions: turkey, cranberry sauce (in the shape of a tin can), and green bean-mushroom soup casserole. Entire volumes could be written on the origin of each of these delights, but I’ve chosen to wax eloquently on the noble turkey.

about ordinary people who exhibited extraordinary courage. Her latest, Wolves at the Door, has been optioned for a movie.

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

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CALENDAR

of Events

It’s easy to get listed in our Events Calendar. Our deadline is the 10th of the monthprior to publication. Email us at: calendar@womenslifestylekazoo.com Please type Calendar in the subject line. Or you may mail your info to P. O. Box 2284, Portage MI 49081-2284 November 1 & 8 Eat for Radiant Health: Ayurveda Seasonal Menu Planning Awake and Aware. 3331 Greenleaf Blvd, Kalamazoo.

7:15 – 9 pm. Learn which foods to eat for your doshic type and plan a week of menus for your radiant health. $65 by Oct. 25 or $75 after. Visit www.Radiant LifeAyurveda.com, email Rhonda@Radiant LifeAyurveda.com or call Rhonda at 269-345-2991.

November 1, 3, 8, 10 TOWER Professional Network Chapter Meetings Noon – 1 pm. Team Of Women Expecting Results invites you to visit one of our four chapter meetings!

Women only networking chapters that are about warm referrals, building relationships and community involvement. Please visit our website to RSVP and learn more about us and our upcoming events! www.TOWERProfessionalNetwork.com.

November 1, 15 Free Ultrasound Vein Screening Premier Vein Center. If your legs ache or feel heavy, Schedule your FREE painless screening. We can tell right away if you may have a vein disease. Register at http://www.premierveincenter.com/vein-screening or 269-388-6350.

November 2 Cooking with Chef Eric Gillish Parchment Community Library. 6 – 8 pm. How to cook restaurant quality food at home, & how to create restaurant dishes at home. Free. Registration required at 343-7747.

November 2 Health Seminar on Urinary Leaking Dr. Roger Beyer hosts an informal health talk for women on urinary leaking treatment options. Free. Refreshments served. 6:30pm, Women's Health Care Specialists. RSVP or more info: 269-372-7600 or info@drrogerbeyer.com November 2 Live Life to the Plus Greater Kalamazoo Board of Realtors. 7 -8 pm. Dr Paul Williams has served as a physician for several athletic teams and events. Tonight he will give us his prescription for preventing disease and maintaining good health. Seating is limited, must register by calling 269-217-7109 or www.jplifesaver.com November 3 Meet the Chef: Life and Food at Brickyard Farms Portage District Library. 2 – 3 & 5:30 – 6:30 pm. As she talks about her transition from urban life to life on a working farm, Sanwald will demonstrate three healthy, hearty soups using produce from her farm. $5 covers the cost of food. Space is limited and registration is required. 269-329-4542, ext 600 or http://www.pdl.lib.mi.us/events-and-classes/ November 4 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 November 4 November Art Hop West Michigan Glass Art Center. 5 – 9 pm. "Big Hop Glass Shop" WMGAC's members will have all mediums of glass for sale. Shop in the Reflections Gallery for beautiful, unique gifts. Free. 269-552-9802. http://www.wmglass.org November 4 Jericho FoundationNight of HOPE Kalamazoo Country Club. 6 pm. Fundraising Silent Auction & Dinner Public invited & welcome to this local annual community charitable event. Questions - www.jerichofoundation.org OR call Joanna Shields @ 353-0958 November 5 Weekend Kalamazoo Indoor Flea & Farmers Market Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Expo South. 7 am – 3 pm. Special Weekend Market! Come check out all the great deals on new & used items! 65 Booths Available!

For booth space call 269-383-8761 or email or visit www.kalamazooexpocenter.com November 5 'Life Changes, God Remains', 4th Annual Catholic Women's Conference St. Mary Church, Kal. 8 am - 3 pm. Change is a constant. Sometimes we yearn for it, sometimes we dread

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it. Come for a day of refreshment and learn how change in our lives always includes God's grace and love. Visit www.newmansbookshoppe.com to register or call 269-553-0482.

November 5 Chocolatea Chicago Bus Trip Join your friends from Chocolatea for a fun-filled "Around the World With Tea" bus trip to Chicago. Bus leaves at 8:00 am and returns at 10:00 pm. $48 per person. Call 269-903-2447 for reservations or www.chocola-tea.com.

November 5 The Art and Prayer of Journaling Transformations Spirituality Center. 9am – noon. A morning for those at any stage in their spiritual journaling journey to learn and engage in journaling. $35 Info @ www.transformationscenter.org or info@transformationscenter.org or 269-381-6290 ext. 249 November 5 14th Annual Christmas Boutique Arts & Crafts Sale Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Room A. 9 am – 3 pm.

Presented by Treasured Crafts. Unique, talented artists and crafters from around the Midwest! Free admission and free parking. For more information call Mary Louise Szostek at 269-327-5373 or email treasuredcrafts@comcast.net November 6 University Symphony Orchestra Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU. 3 pm. Bruce Uchimura, Conductor. Free. 269-387-4667. www.wmich.edu/music November 7 Kalamazoo Chapter of IAAP Meeting K-RESA, 1819 E Milham Ave, Kalamazoo. Networking begins at 5:30 pm. Emily Turner OnStaff USA will present, “Trends In Interviewing Styles” at 6 pm. Business meeting beings at 7 pm. Please RSVP to this meeting and dinner at michelle.stickley.cnuz@statefarm.com or 259-553-2086.

November 8 Kalamazoo Network Fetzer Center WMU. 5:15 pm Dinner & Program; Networking for business women. Cost $20. RSVP to www.kalamazoonetwork.org November 8 Patricia's Chocolate Parchment Community Library. 6:30 – 8 pm. Artisan ganache and caramel chocolates by Patty Christopher. $2 per person. Registration required at 343-7747.

November 8 Rennie Harris Puremovement Miller Auditorium. 7:30 pm. Rennie Harris Puremovement (RHPM) continues to flourish beyond their 15th anniversary season as they have emerged as the international hip-hop dance ambassador and surviving senior member in the world of organized hip-hop dance theater. $15 - $35. 269-387-2300. www.millerauditorium.com November 8, 22 Michigan Professional Women's Resource The Beacon Club, 5830 Portage Rd, Kalamazoo. 9 -10 am. MI Professional Women's Resource welcomes guests to hear our very own nationally know speaker and author Judy Martins a breast cancer winner. More info call Dana 269-910-3579 November 9 Manners at the Manor W.K. Kellogg Manor House. 4:30 – 6 pm. Participants will learn about proper greetings, table manners, phone etiquette, and behavioral tips for different social situations. $10 per person. Reservations: 269-671-2160 or manorhouse@kbs.msu.edu November 9 - 10 Pies, Pies and More Pies Food Dance. 6 – 8 pm. Learn how to make flaky pie crust, sweet crust, the art of rolling out pie dough, what apples are best for baking, pans to use and how to make meringue. $65. 269-382-1888. fooddance.net/events-classes November 10 Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo Colonial Kitchen 7617 S. Westnedge Portage. 7:30 am Jim Hess on Breakfast of Champions. More info @ dwvanloo@sbcglobal.net or 269-327-8647

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

November 10 – 12 Holiday Open House The Cheese Lady. Thurs – Fri. 10 am – 6 pm, Sat. 9 am – 4 pm. Enjoy a variety of FREE samples and demonstrations throughout the store! 269-353-3050. thecheeselady.net November 10 – 12, 17 – 19, 20 August: Otsego County University Theatre. Times may vary. August: Osage County comes with a warning sticker for guaranteed laughs and more family drama than you could ever bargain for. Purchase tickets: 269-387-3227 or www.wmutheatre.com November 11 Solspring Open House Solspring. The community is invited to our Fall Open House from 3 - 7:00 pm. Free mini massage and spa treatments, fabulous door prizes, healthy refreshments, tours of our beautiful facility and more. Call 269-3731000 or check out www.solspring.net for information.

November 11, 12 Crawlspace Eviction Farmers Alley Theatre. 8 pm. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for general admission. More information at crawlspacetheatre.com.

November 12 Big Yoga Workshop Awake and Aware Yoga Studio. Big Yoga is an adapted yoga program for anyone challenged by extra weight, stiffness, injury or neglect. To register: contact Meera Patricia Kerr at 269-227-3108 or bigyoga@comcast.net November 12 50th Annual Kalamazoo Holiday Parade Route: Lovell to Park, to Michigan, to Pitcher, to Lovell.

11 am. This annual event serves as the kickoff to the holiday season in Downtown Kalamazoo and the entire community. Free. 269-344-0795. www.downtownkalamazoo.org November 12 Parent Boosters Home Goods and Art Shoppe St Monica Catholic School gym, 530 West Kilgore Avenue.9 am - 1 pm. Hosting sale to benefit St Monica School. Mix of items for the home, family, holiday, gifts, and more from crafters, artists, and home-based business consultants. $1 admission donation. Info at www.stmonicakzoo.org or 269-345-2444.

November 12 Spiritual Growth and the Dark Night Transformations Spirituality Center. 9:30 am – 3:30 pm.

Presentations and teachings of St. John of the Cross. $45. Info @ www.transformationscenter.org or info@transformationscenter.org or 269-381-6290 ext. 249 November 15 Bariatric Cooking Class Borgess Health & Fitness Center. 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Free.

Register at 269-226-8135.

November 15 The Kalamazoo MI After 5 Women’s Connection The Beacon Club, 5830 Portage Rd. 6:30 – 8 pm. Dedicated to connecting women through fellowship, fun and inspiring messages. Business women are welcome!

Cost: $17. RSVP by Nov. 10 to Marie 375-2104. Info @ www.meetyathen.webs.com November 17 Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo Colonial Kitchen 7617 S. Westnedge Portage. 7:30 am Anne Lipsey, Loaves & Fishes of Kalamazoo More info @ dwvanloo@sbcglobal.net or 269-327-8647 November 17 Preparing Holiday Appetizers Borgess Health & Fitness Center. 4:30 – 5:30 pm. Heart Failure and Stroke Education Class: Preparing Holiday Appetizers. Free. Register at 269-226-8135 or www.wellness.borgess.com November 17 – 19 Weavers and Fiber Artists Sale Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Expo North. Thurs. 5 – 8 pm, Fri. 9 am – 8 pm, Sat. 9 am – 4 pm. Hand woven scarves, garments, table linens; handspun yarn; felted items and Christmas ornaments will all be on sale. Admission is free. For more information contact Kristi Chapman at 269-329-3221 or visit www.weaversguildofkalamazoo.org November 17 – 19 Holiday Art Sale Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Expo South. Art Etc., Hand Made Paper Guild, K-Valley Potters, Weavers Guild. Free Admission. More info at www.HolidayArtSale.org or greensees@mei.net November 18 Integrative Breathwork Parish Church Office 6928 Texas Dr. Kalamazoo 7 pm 9 pm A musical journey for insight, emotional healing, creativity & renewal. $30. Pre-registration is needed. www.adamczass- ociates.com or 269-388-2988.

November 19 Integrative Breathwork Parish Church Office 6928 Texas Dr. Kalamazoo. 10 am - 5 pm. A musical journey for insight, emotional healing, creativity & renewal. $80. Some partial scholarships. Pre-registration is needed. www.adamczassociates.com or 269-388-2988

November 19 Family to Family Sale At St. Mary's Church (929 Charlotte, Kalamazoo) 9am3pm. Purchase new and gently used items of all sorts.

Free event. More info available at:Comstockpreschool.com November 21 Women In Networking Meeting Personal Care Center, 8799 Gull Road, Rear Entrance, Richland. 6 - 8 pm. You're Invited! Networking, beverages & light snack. Cost is $7 (cash please). RSVP: win.richland@yahoo.com by Thurs. before. More Info: http://win.richland.tripod.com November 22 ARTbreak: Color and Fire Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Noon – 12:45 pm. Color and Fire: Defining Moments in Studio Ceramics is an outstanding video that follows the exhibition and book of the same name. Interviews and intimate visits in the studios of many leading figures. Bring your lunch. Free.

269-349-7775. www.kiarts.org November 24 Happy Thanksgiving!

November 27 Taizé Advent Vesper Services Transformations Spirituality Center. 6:30 – 7:15pm. Join the Sisters of St. Joseph in a Taizé advent service of chanted music and quiet prayer. Free will donation. Info @ www.transformationscenter.org or info@transformationscenter.org or 269-381-6290 ext. 249 November 28 – December 19 Medical Qi Gong Borgess Health & Fitness Center. 11 – 11:55 am. Explore the benefits of this ancient form of exercise. $30.

Register at 269-226-8135 or www.wellness.borgess.com November 29 Centering Prayer Introduction Transformations Spirituality Center. 6:30 – 8:30pm.

Learn or refresh yourself about this meditative form of Christian prayer. $20. Info @ www.transformationscenter.org or info@transformationscenter.org or 269-381-6290 ext. 249

Red Dress Statue to Make “Her” Way Around the Community Photo: Georga Leventis-Molina, Al Shifflett and Barbara Parfet with “Lucy”

The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement is making the red dress more than just a fashion statement. This larger-than-life-sized beauty, adapted from the red dress symbol that is a trademark of the initiative, made a quick appearance last year during February. This year she’s back with bigger plans.

“There are actually two of these Red Dress statues that we’ve nicknamed “Lucy”. One used by Borgess Medical System to raise awareness among their patients and staff, and one will make surprise visits around the area,” said Barbara Parfet, Purse-inalities Auction Co-Chair with Bonnie Zeigler for the Go Red For Women Luncheon.

November 29 – 30 Cirque Dreams Holidaze Miller Auditorium. 7:30 pm. An international cast of over 30 multi-talented and brilliantly costumed artists come to life and perform astonishing feats of disbelief. $25 - $55. 269-387-2300. www.millerauditorium.com

The association will be moving the statue to an estimated 10 locations beginning with a kick-off at the end of this month. The dress stands about 8’ tall and is a swirl of metal with a bright white sash and meant to deliver a serious message.

December 1 Indoor Labyrinth Walk Parish Church of Christ the King, Texas Dr. & 8th St. Kalamazoo. 6 pm - 7:30 pm. Open Labyrinth Walk. 7:30 pm - 8 pm Group walk with special prayers offered for people with HIV/AIDS. www.parishchurch.org or 269-388-2988.

“Imagine you are in a coffee shop while reading this publication. Look to the woman on your left. Now, look to the woman on your right. Statistically, one of you will be affected by heart disease since it affects one out of three women,” said Kathleen Jones, VP Banking Services Advisor PNC Wealth Management Southwest Michigan Region and chair of the Go Red For Luncheon.

December 1 - 11 White Christmas Civic Auditorium. Call for times. As fresh as a new fallen snow, this dazzling stage adaptation of the heartwarming film classic is sure to be a holiday treat for the entire family. $12 - $23. 269-343-1313. www.kazoocivic.com December 1 – 29 Charles Dicken's “A Christmas Carol” The New Vic Theatre. Mon. - Fri. 7:30 pm; Sat. & Sun. 2 pm & 8:30 pm. 2nd annual production of New Vics CHRISTMAS CAROL. Free. 269-381-3328. newvictheatre.org December 2 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 December 2 Art Hop – Expanded Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 9 pm. The event provides the opportunity for individuals to view great art from local artists while also taking advantage of shopping specials and restaurants. During these expanded Art Hops approximately 40-50 locations are featured. Free.

269-344-0795. www.downtownkalamazoo.org

Eighty percent of cardiac events in women can be prevented if they make the right choices, involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking. The association is working through advocacy efforts to make screenings available to more women.

“Will a light-hearted project like Where’s Lucy? make a difference in southwestern Michigan?” asked Parfet. “It will if we get people talking – and we got your attention just now, didn’t we?”

Go Red For Women is sponsored nationally by Macy’s and Merck and presented locally by Borgess Health.

Greater Kalamazoo Women’s Lifestyle has been proud to be a media sponsor of the initiative for several years.

WIN! Visit Women's Lifestyle of Greater Kalamazoo’s face book page if you spot Lucy in the community. Be the first to list her new location, and you will be entered in a drawing for prizes including a gift card from Women’s Lifestyle, and the American Heart Association.

The 2012 Go Red For Women Luncheon will be on Thursday, February 2 at the Air Zoo. To learn more about how you can get involved, contact www.swmigoredforwomen.org or 269-806-0425.

December 2 – 31 Winter Wonderettes Farmers Alley Theatre. 8 pm. The Marvelous Wonderettes are back as they create a rockin' 60s party to celebrate the holidays with friends and family! $31 $33. 269-343-2727. www.farmersalleytheatre.com December 3 2011 Cowboy Christmas Ball Brewster's Smokehouse. Let us take the work out of planning your employee Christmas Party & make it tax deductible too! Includes: valet parking, reserved seating, cocktail hour buffet & cash bar, dinner & dessert buffets, a live Christmas centerpiece live music all night long. $35 per seat, limited reservations so call early at 269-290-9185. jamforvets.org December 4 Jazz for the Holidays Miller Auditorium. 3 pm. A music scholarship benefit concert featuring the University big bands, both Gold companies, with faculty and student performances. $15, Seniors $12, Students $5. 269-387-2300. www.wmich.edu/music

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

November 2011

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Reader’s Lounge

By Alexandra Fix

Natural Health Center Inside the Jewish Bakery: Recipes and Memories from the Golden Age of Jewish Baking

by Stanley Ginsberg and Norman Berg Camino Books, 2011, $24.95 Nothing says autumn and home quite like baked bread, fresh from the oven. This

Norman Berg has been a professional baker for more than 25 years and Stanley Ginsberg has long been a home baking enthusiast. Ginsberg and Berg share recollections of their childhood days in the Bronx and Brooklyn in the years after World War II. The book begins with an enlightening account of the struggles and survival of the Jewish community throughout history.

From 1880 to 1924 nearly 2 million Jews came to America and this book celebrates the corner bakeries that became a vital part of each American neighborhood. Throughout the book, anecdotes, entitled “Norm’s Eye View,” give us a glimpse into the life of a bakery and its people, including an hour-by-hour description of a baker’s day starting at 10 p.m. and ending shortly after the shop opens for its morning customers.

book contains an exciting array of recipes gleaned from professional bakers. No secret ingredients are left out, the authors assure us. Because these are scaled down versions of actual bakery production formulas, each recipe gives ingredient amounts by the ounce, the gram and a baker’s percentage. Along with the recipes are valuable tips about mixing, shaping and finishing the bakery items. Step-bystep illustrations teach you to braid challah, shape a bagel and create checkerboard cake with ease.

Recipes range from rustic pumpernickel bread to cinnamon buns, from traditional Jewish rye bread to elephant ears, from bialys to honeyballs. Almond buns, apple strudel, babka, macaroons, chiffon cake, bow ties, sponge cake and lace cookies are also included. Wondercake, with thick channels of chocolate running through it and the subtle scent of almond sounds absolutely wonderful. Stunning photos will make your mouth water. This is one of those cookbooks to sample in abundance as well as simply savor cover-to-cover.

Delightful Discovery: Homestead, Modern Pioneers Pursuing the Edge of Possibility

by Jane Kirkpatrick Waterbrook Press, 2005, $13.99 As a longtime fan of Jane Kirkpatrick’s Kinship and Courage Series of books about women on the Oregon Trail, I was delighted to discover this memoir of Kirkpatrick’s own “pioneer” adventure.

She and her husband, Jerry, have decided to adjust their careers and create a home out of a 160 acre isolated tract of land in Eastern Oregon along the John Day River. Locally known as Starvation Point, their new homestead is seven miles from

their mailbox and 11 miles from a paved road. The pull of the land thrills them but they quickly face the harsh reality of their extreme choice. Accomplishing the ordinary things in life proves to be daunting – getting building supplies to their site, locating water, stringing lines for phone and electricity, fighting fires, and seeking medical help. The sign on the entrance to their property rightly says it all: “We seek neither convenience nor ease, but to live at the edge of possibility.”

Coincidentally, I found it very interesting to get a glimpse into Kirkpatrick’s beginning days as a novelist, something she successfully determined to do along with the move to the new lifestyle.

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

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

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November 2011

The goal of Natural Health Center (NHC) is to provide excellent customer service for their shoppers. At the door you will always be greeted with a smile and their staff has a plethora of knowledge about their products. There is an emphasis on organic foods, vitamins/supplements, herbs and gluten-free foods. Food items for those who are allergy sensitive are also available. Every item is well-labeled. The company has been family owned for over 40 years and is on the corner of West Main and Drake Road. NHC not only offers health foods, but beauty products as well. The staff consumes and uses the store products so that they can share their personal experience with the consumer.

Owner Kay Wunderlin began the business in the Maple Hill Mall in 1971. Her daughter, Kate Wunderlin manages the store with Kay as consultant to the business.

“We’re all about people,” Kay Wunderlin said. “I love coming to work,” she added.

The Buyer’s Club began 18 years ago, as a vehicle to help people buy natural groceries and supplements at competitive prices. The customer is guaranteed to save $107/year, $60/ 6 months, and $35 for 3 months or Natural Health Center will make up the difference.

Customers will find that many of the items are 50% off.

“Join the Health Revolution at the NHC and start receiving great discounts today.” For more info: 4610 West Main Street Kalamazoo, MI 269-342-9459 or NHCKazoo@hotmail.com

Solspring at Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts Bonnie Giledea purchased the Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts in January 2010 after serving as manager there for seventeen years. She changed the company name to Solspring at Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts.

Solspring at Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts offers nurturing and pampering for their client’s mind, body and spirit. After their session is done, customers leave feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and recharged. The Center provides many custom services such as, acupuncture and acupressure, botox, aromatherapy, hot stone therapy, endermologie, massages, hydrotherapy with baths, wraps and scrubs, microdermabrasion, and reflexology Bonnie shares, “We specialize in offering customized sessions so that the client may have the treatment they seeking. There are 26 massage therapists employed at Solspring at Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts which makes us the largest employer of massage therapists in Southwest Michigan.” Solspring at Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts has a new outdoor therapy room where massage sessions can be arranged for couples, families, or two people. Specialists on site include an acupuncture practitioner, a chiropractor, and a natural pathologist.

If you need to reduce your stress or simply want to feel better visit Solspring at Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts. You’ll find them at 6350 West KL Avenue, Kalamazoo. More info available at: 269-3731000 www.solspring.net Patti Emanuele is a freelance writer and author of six books who has contributed to newspapers, magazines and other publications. Her writing experience includes teaching English and writing skills to adults, writing fundraising and corporate materials, copy for commercials and other aspects of advertising.

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

Women's LifeStyle of Greater Kalamazoo

November 2011

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