Matters of the Heart - February 2016

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Greater Kalamazoo Go Red for Women

Bridal Guide

Matters of the

Essential • Enlightening • Entertaining

Synergy

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February 2016

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SHARING A

COMMON BOND

These five women share something in common. As breast cancer survivors, they know the importance of getting a mammogram.

As Bronson employees, they know that sharing their experience could help save lives.

View their stories and learn about new 3D mammography at bronsonpositivity.com/mammogram.

The American Cancer Society recommends screening mammograms for women starting in their 40s. To schedule your mammogram, call: Kalamazoo and Paw Paw: (269) 341-8700 or (888) 741-6415 Battle Creek: (269) 245-8666

Greater Kalamazoo

February 2016

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FROMTHEPUBLISHER

Bleeding Hearts!

Yes indeed, that is what February is all about. So often the label Bleeding Heart is not meant as a term of endearment, but I beg to differ. There are many ways our hearts must bleed, including pumping blood to the rest of our body to keep us going. That seems pretty fundamental to me. In order to do that, we need to take every proactive step we can to keep our hearts healthy. This month the American Heart Association has provided some truly important information that you will find on pages to follow.

If Bleeding Hearts is a label meant to criticize those whose hearts are too soft or too mushy, then I choose to embrace that as well. Life is tough enough, why are we so concerned about being too soft or loving too much? While we must always keep love in balance (not enabling or allowing ourselves to be abused), that extra hug as we walk out the door or the second kiss at bedtime are the moments of deep living where we can best express our Bleeding Hearts.

Recently, I’ve been thinking about parenting adult children and I’ve realized that one of the greatest gifts a parent can give is to take excellent care of his or her own health.

As I watch friends and family struggling to take care of their young families while supporting their parents, I’ve come to the conclusion that doing everything I can to take care of myself isn’t selfish. Rather, it is the one thing I can do that helps everyone in my life. Caring for our own Bleeding Hearts is one of the greatest gifts we give to those we love.

So this February and all year long, let’s be Bleeding Hearts as we take care of not only our families and friends, but ourselves as well.

Darlene Publisher

IT’S EXPO TIME CELEBRATE SPRING WITH US! Kalamazoo Expo Center 2900 Lake St.

Save $1.00

We are waiting for your arrival. Please join us March 4th & 5th for an absolutely marvelous event that we’ve planned just for you. Come in and feel the springtime.

We have entertainment, fashion shows, wine and beer tasting, a blood drive, food samples and SO much more.

on ONE regular adult admission

WL Present at the box office.

Not valid with any other offers.

“Pay mind to your own life, your own health and wholeness. A bleeding heart is of no help to anyone if it bleeds to death.”

- Frederick Buechner

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”

- Lao Tzu

"I am a yoga instructor, so I am in front of people all the time. After Dr. Dennis fixed my teeth, I had more confidence and that allows me to focus on the message of the class rather than my stained and cracked teeth. Dr. Dennis' staff was professional and accomidating. The office is beautiful and peaceful. All important factors to someone who used to be afraid to go to the dentist. Dr. Susan Dennis is so warm and reassuring. She really got to know me and my wishes. I would highly recommend this office for anyone looking to improve the appearance of their teeth!"

- Christine

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February 2016

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The People Who Make It Happen...

Publisher: Darlene Mohr-Clifford dclifford@wlskazoo.com Editor & Events Manager: Michelle Morgan mmorgan@wlskazoo.com Contributing Writers: Heidi McCrary Kathleen Irish Kelly Duggan Sandy Derby Andrew Domino Erica Shier Sales Manager: Ruth Ann Dibert radibert@wlskazoo.com Account Executive: Brenda Murphy bmurphy@wlskazoo.com

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February 2016

The American Heart Association Go Red for Women Well-woman Visit AHA’s Real Women: Their Stories Heart Disease in the Family Tree

LIFE 6

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10 Ways To Add More Love in February Who is the new face for women’s rights?

STYLE

14 Shades of Red 30 Synching Styles with Synergy

See our ad in this issue for more info.

LEARN

34 Listen to Your Heart 38 Reader’s Lounge 38 February Films

Administrative: Patty Clifford pclifford@wlskazoo.com

FOOD & DRINK

Contact Us: 269-350-5227 Sales Info: 269-271-1032

Website: www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Women’s LifeStyle Exp March 4 & 5 o

15 Benefits of Weight and Resistance Training 28 Cacao-Conscious

Photography: K. Redmond Photography www.facebook.com/kredmondphotography

By Email: info@wlskazoo.com editor@wlskazoo.com sales@wlskazoo.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Layout & Design: Jennifer Chartier jchartier@wlskazoo.com

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

SAVE THE D AT

BRIDAL GUIDE 18 20 22 23

Bachelorette Parties Destination Wedding Trendy Wedding Gift Ideas Creating A Sensual Space

12 Heart-Healthy Sweet and Nutty Stir Fry 13 Soulfully Delicious Recipes Vegetable Gumbo 26 Chocolate Cuisine Chocolate Martini Cacao Crusted Filet Mignon White Chocolate Bark 32 Red, White & Brew...

COMMUNITY NEWS & HAPPENINGS 35 Calendar

Greater Kalamazoo

February 2016

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10 ways to add more in February

LOVE 1

Donate blood. There is always a shortage of blood and you can help someone you most likely will never meet.

Fill a pocket with love.

Drop a note or even a valentine to someone special.

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Send positive energy to everyone you meet.

Become a better something. A better mother, friend, lover...

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Become unlonely. Get out and get involved!

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“Love is all you

need...”

Make peace with yourself. It is amazing how loving ourselves results in more love to and from others.

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Remember that “gimmie, gimmie” never gets!

Celebrate “Gal-entines” Day with your closest friends.

February 2016

Seek to understand.

Whether it is your 12-year-old daughter or your aging mother.

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Stop looking for love. Let it find you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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henever I think of the month of February, I think of love. Even with fame and fortune, we are nothing without love. Here are my suggestions on how to add more love into your life.

by Peaches McCahill

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Peaches McCahill is founder and president of The McCahill Group, a leading provider of health, wellness, beauty and talent solutions, and owner of M Power Studio. She has a passion to inspire others with simplistic lifestyle suggestions.

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Khanh Q. Nguyen, DO Corporate Medical Officer

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GreaterKalamazoo Kalamazoo Greater

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Real Women 2016

AHA’s Real Women represent a sisterhood of women who actively, urgently and passionately participate in the movement to raise awareness of the issues of women and heart disease.

n tio ia

The Well-Woman Visit: An Hour Of Prevention

courtesy American Heart Association

What is the well-woman visit?

It’s an exam every woman should have once a year so her doctor can look for signs of heart disease, stroke, or other serious illnesses. Invest an hour of your life to save the rest!

Why is the well-woman visit important?

It’s possible to have a serious condition like heart disease without experiencing noticeable symptoms. If the risk of illness can be detected early, there’s a much better chance of beating it.

Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women every year, more than all cancers combined.

Defeating heart disease in women is a battle we are winning! Eighty percent of cardiac events are preventable with education and lifestyle changes.

The well-woman visit aligns perfectly with our overall 20/20 strategy:

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Our goal is to reduce heart disease deaths 20 percent by the year 2020.

We’re making the annual well-woman visit a must for all women.

We’re making major changes in social norms by education, mobilizing communities, and shaping policy. (Our efforts are similar to the history of changing the public’s perception of buckling seatbelts; it went from being considered a nuisance to becoming culturally expected behavior saving countless lives thanks to years of educating the public, influencing the government, and pressuring the industry.)

ur mothers, daughters, sisters and friends are at risk. Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year; that’s more than all cancers combined! Fortunately, we can change that because 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action. Go Red For Women inspires women to make lifestyle changes, mobilize communities and shape policies to save lives. Healthy lives begin with the basics; by scheduling a well-woman visit, women can receive a head-to-heart-to-toe view of their overall wellness for increased prevention. United, we are working to improve the health of all women.

FOUR WAYS YOU CAN UNITE TO PREVENT HEART DISEASE AND STROKE: 1 2 3 4

Schedule a well-woman visit today to learn about your health status and risk for diseases.

Document your health habits and your family health history.

Encourage your family and friends to take small steps toward healthy lifestyles to improve health and to reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke.

Explain “What it means to Go Red” by sharing the following acronym:

G et your numbers: Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.

O wn your lifestyle: Stop smoking, lose weight, be physically active and eat healthy.

R aise your voice: Advocate for more women-related research and education.

E ducate your family: Make healthy food choices for you and your family. Teach your kids the importance of staying active.

D onate: Show your support with a donation of time or money.

Well-Woman Visit Basics

Courtesy of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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February 2016

Where can women go to have their well-woman visit?

This benefit is available to 100 million women through their family physician, OB-GYN, internist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant who is part of their insurance plan network.

The visit will be free for most women, but not all, so check insurance coverage first.

For more info on preventive services coverage visit: www. goredforwomen.org

Well-woman visits include a full checkup, separate from any other visit for sickness or injury. These visits focus on preventive care for women, which may include: • Services, like shots, that improve your health by preventing diseases and other health problems.

• Screenings, which are medical tests to check for diseases early when they may be easier to treat.

• Education and counseling to help you make informed health decisions.

What happens during a well-woman visit?

Your well-woman visit is a chance to focus on your overall health and wellness. There are 3 main goals for the visit: 1

Documenting your health habits and history

2

Getting a physical exam

3

Setting health goals

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Promotes Heart Health Heart Institute Carrie Hoch-Mortlock • Age 45

Meliah Bowers Jefferson • Age 35 In 2010 Carrie Hoch-Mortlock, upon turning 40 years old, made a conscious decision to focus on her health. Carrie’s company started a wellness program and she needed to be a role model.

Carrie joined a gym and began running a few miles a week. “After two years and 20 pounds lighter I was hooked and run about 15 miles per week. I feel like I did everything right, and made my transformation slowly,” said Carrie.

Little did she know, her good health would later save her life. After a sharp pain in her leg in December, 2013, a MRI showed a stress fracture. To avoid surgery, she was told to keep weight off the leg and use crutches for 30 days.

“One night I fell asleep on the couch for hours. I thought I was coming down with the flu,” she said. It turns out, she had two blood clots which moved to both lungs and caused a double pulmonary embolism. Because of a lack of oxygen to her heart, she went into cardiac arrest the next morning.

Despite being a healthy individual, Carrie Hoch-Mortlock at the Age of 43 suffered a cardiac arrest and two strokes. Today, she is an advocate for healthy awareness and education.

“Paramedics asked my husband what kind of drugs I was taking. Michael kept explaining that I was not taking drugs, and rarely take an aspirin,” she said. It took several Kalamazoo Public Safety officers and paramedics to save her life.

A few days later in the hospital, she suffered two strokes. They left her with impaired vision and limited use of her left hand. At one point, she had six specialists looking after her. They didn’t know when the vision would return – it could take a year.

A hematologist/oncologist said he’d seen something similar, and looked for cancer in her uterus.

Carrie was baffled, as there weren’t any symptoms, and they found it had tripled in size.

In the two weeks before surgery, she started rehab and learned to rewire her brain through puzzles, reading, and using a computer. The hysterectomy revealed there was no cancer. Finally, good news! Her vision improved every day and her headaches ceased.

“I have to think - a hip fracture, a double pulmonary embolism, a cardiac arrest, two strokes, and a hysterectomy in 30 days -you can’t make that up.” said Carrie. Carrie and Michael shared their story at the 2015 Kalamazoo Go Red For Women Luncheon.

They hope that others will learn that heart disease and stroke may touch area women no matter how old they are. “If I hadn’t been on a healthy journey, I don’t think I would have lived.”

Symptoms of a heart attack: Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.

Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Greater Kalamazoo

As with men, the most common heart attack symptom in women is chest pain or discomfort. But it’s important to note that women are more likely to experience the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

Meliah Bowers Jefferson hoped diet and exercise would be enough to overcome a strong history of heart disease.

It wasn’t.

She’d always carried extra weight, and after her sister had a heart attack in her 30s, Meliah knew she had to make changes. Then 25, she shed 70 pounds, and although she gained some back after having her daughter, she tried to watch what she ate.

At 33, she had a heart attack.

She’d gone to the ER feeling sick and was told she had pneumonia. During a follow-up visit with her doctor, they discussed her family’s history with heart disease. After examining Meliah, her doctor sent her to a cardiologist.

After having a heart attack at 33, Meliah Bowers Jefferson realized she had to make bigger lifestyle changes to overcome heart disease, even if that meant changing her beloved family recipes.

Doctors found a blockage in her left anterior descending artery, sometimes called the “widow maker,” and evidence that she’d recently had a massive heart attack. “I was devastated, I thought I had been doing the right things,” she said.

Looking back, Meliah, who lives in Greenville, South Carolina, said she should have consulted with a cardiologist and paid attention to whether the food she ate was heart-healthy or high in sodium. “I think more about the nutrients I’m putting in my body now,” she said.

Meliah is now more proactive with her doctors and pays attention to what her numbers for blood pressure or cholesterol mean. Celebrations in Meliah’s family usually focus on food, but she works to modify recipes to be more heart healthy by avoiding fatty or high sodium dishes, even if it elicits complaints from relatives. “We don’t have to keep doing it the same way,” she said. “We can scale it back, pick some things that you love and make healthy changes.”

What to do during a heart attack If you experience any of these signs or symptoms: Do not wait to call for help. Dial 9-1-1, make sure to follow the operator’s instructions and get to a hospital right away.

Do not drive yourself or have someone drive you to the hospital unless you have no other choice.

Try to stay as calm as possible and take deep, slow breaths while you wait for the emergency responders.

Why it’s important to know the symptoms of a heart attack Women who consider themselves healthy often misdiagnose the symptoms of a heart attack because they don’t think it could happen to them. That is why it’s crucial to learn about heart disease and stroke, know your numbers, live a heart-healthy lifestyle and be aware of the risk factors of heart disease.

February 2016

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Is heart disease or stroke in your family?

D

If so, your risk may be higher.

id your father have a stroke? Did your mother have a heart attack? Did any of your grandparents have heart disease?

Those might seem like random questions, but they’re very important when it comes to understanding your risk for these diseases. Knowing your family’s health history can help you avoid both heart disease and stroke – the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in America. The tendency to develop heart disease can run in the family, passed down through risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar levels and obesity.

Now for the good news: Even with a family history of heart disease, you may prevent it through healthy eating habits and frequent physical activity. And you can pass along those habits to the next generation.

Dr. Alicia Williams, Cardiologist with the Borgess Heart Institute at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.

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February 2016

GET STARTED TODAY WITH THESE EASY STEPS: 1. Map out your blood relatives’ health history using this document as a guide.

2. So I’ve got history concerns … what next? Just because your family has a history of cardiovascular disease, does not mean that you will certainly have the same diseases, it just means that you are more likely to have them. Disease is not imminent, and your health can be managed by making lifestyle changes like those included in Life's Simple 7™ from the American Heart Association and through information from www.Borgess.com. Talk with your healthcare provider about what this means to you and to your family. Schedule your Well-Woman Visit.

3. Start practicing healthy eating habits and frequent physical activity with your family.

These measures have one unique thing in common: any person can make these changes, the steps are not expensive to take and even modest improvements to your health will make a big difference.

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that’s where

wearing red means saving more lives

Members of the Borgess heart care team

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. That’s why southwest Michigan’s cardiac leader continues to support critical efforts to save the lives of more women through programs like Go Red for Women. Thanks to this lifesaving movement, wearing red not only symbolizes every woman’s greatest health threat, but also encourages us all to live heart-healthier lives.

Go Red for your one and only heart. Visit go-red.borgess.com to learn more.

A member of Ascension®

Greater Kalamazoo

February 2016

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Heart-Healthy courtesy American Heart Association When you crave takeout but don’t want to load up on saturated fat and sodium, try this quick and crunchy meatless meal. Makes 4 servings.

4 ounces dried multigrain vermicelli or spaghetti, broken in half

2 teaspoons curry powder

1 teaspoon canola or corn oil 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion

2 cups bite-size broccoli florets (about 5 ounces)

1 cup thinly sliced (not shredded) red cabbage

1 cup matchstick-size carrot pieces 1/2 cup unsalted peanuts, dry-roasted

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February 2016

For the sauce:

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons soy sauce (lowest sodium available)

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/3 cup fresh orange juice

2 teaspoons grated orange zest Prepare the pasta using the package directions, omitting the salt and oil and adding the curry powder. Drain well in a colander. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the sauce ingredients except the orange zest, stirring until

the cornstarch is completely dissolved. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and boil for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Stir in the orange zest. Set aside.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat, swirling to coat the bottom.

Cook the onion for 1 minute. Stir in the broccoli, cabbage, and carrots. Cook for 4 minutes, or until just tender-crisp, stirring frequently.

Transfer the pasta to a serving platter. Top with the broccoli mixture. Pour the sauce over all.

Sprinkle with the peanuts.

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Vegetable Gumbo Makes 4 servings

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

1 medium rib of celery, thinly sliced

1 14.5-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup frozen sliced okra

1 teaspoon seafood seasoning blend

2 medium dried bay leaves 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled 1 1/2 cups water 1/4 teaspoon salt 6 to 8 drops red hot pepper sauce, or to taste

1 cup uncooked instant brown rice Heat a large saucepan over mediumhigh heat. Cook the flour for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, or until beginning to turn light golden, stirring constantly. Don’t overcook. Transfer to a small plate.

In the same saucepan, heat the oil, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the onion, bell pepper, and celery for 3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and the other vegetables are tender, stirring frequently. Stir in the tomatoes with liquid, okra, seasoning blend, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir in the flour until well blended. Stir in the water. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil.

Medicine Tree COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes, or until the okra is very tender and the mixture has thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat.

Stir in the salt and hot pepper sauce. Let stand, covered, for 15 minutes so the flavors blend. Discard the bay leaves.

Meanwhile, prepare the rice using the package directions, omitting the salt and margarine. Spoon the rice into bowls.

Ladle the gumbo over the rice.

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February 2016

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It’s

classic,

BEAUTY BASICS:

SHADES OF RED& It can be wild or conservative, energizing or sultry. Red lip color is one beauty product that never seems to fade in popularity. Get the dish on lip wear below, and find the shade of red that enhances both your charisma and confidence!

NUDE

THE PALETTE

COLOR OPTIONS

Step out of the box or go with what you know. It’s simple to change a look with the lips. That’s the beauty of lip color; there are an unlimited amount of red shades, all which wipe off as easily as applied. Aside from the popular deep scarlet and blood red, think of red with a hint of mocha, peach, pink, berry and beyond. Choosing a shade can be overwhelming, but keep in mind the main influences: the occasion, the outfit, and the statement. Evaluate the classiness or sassiness of the event, be sure to match it with clothing or accessories, and go as bold or basic as desired.

BRIGHT

TEXTURE

RICH

Lip color comes in a variety of product styles, all which display a different finish and provide different results.

DEEP

Gloss: Displays a sleek shine while moisturizing. Offers temporary, lasting color.

Balm: Colored balms are great for a more natural look. Gives sheer coverage with lasting hydration.

Stain: Gives a matte look with a satin finish all day long. Provides minimal moisturization.

bold,

sophisticated.

Stick: Lipstick finishes range from matte to luster, so explore and choose the desired style. Yields temporary, full color and medium hydration.

Long-wear: This long lasting color comes in a liquid form and is applied like paint. Provides full coverage, with a satin or matte finish (can be paired with a clear top gloss to add shine and hydration).

PAIRING WITH SKIN TONE

Generally speaking, the lighter lip colors pair well with lighter skin tones and vice versa. Similarly, warmer skin tones are more receptive to warmer shades of red, just as cooler skin tones will enhance a cooler lip color.

For someone with fair skin, a more sheer, rosered or bright crimson color work well.

Medium skin tones invite nude, apricot or wine shades.

Olive skin tones pair great with berry and brown undertones, as well as deep reds.

Dark skin can pull off the deepest tones, including a mocha-wine color or the richest, deepest ruby.

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February 2016

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Women’s Health

Benefits of Weight & Resistance Training courtesy American Heart Association

Events Calendar February 2016

Borgess Events Nourish Your One and Only Heart Heart disease claims the life of almost one woman every minute.

That’s why Borgess, southwest Michigan’s cardiac leader, takes women’s hearts to heart. As a proud sponsor of Go Red for Women, we encourage you to mark your calendar for a special luncheon.

Enjoy lunch, nourish your one and only heart by learning from survivors, medical experts and others, and take advantage of an exclusive silent auction.

Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, Kalamazoo Thursday, February 4, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Reserve your seat by January 28.

For registration and fee information, please call (616) 482.1518 or visit www.goredforwomen.org.

Prepare for Birth—Wonderfully Made This Christ-centered course adds a spiritual approach to childbirth.

It provides a detailed look at labor, delivery and early recovery period.

Borgess at Woodbridge Hills – North Monday & Wednesday, February 22–March 2, 6 to 9 p.m. $55/couple. Registration required. Please call (269) 226.8135 or (800) 828.8135 or visit wellness.borgess.com to register.

S

ome women may shy away from lifting weights for fear of the effect it will have on their appearance.

However, the health benefits of moderate muscle training far outweigh the chances of a masculine stature. Benefits include increased bone strength and overall better health and fitness, and it can help maintain muscle toning during a weightloss program.

and toning when coupled with cardio workouts and a healthy diet.

Weight training and other forms of resistance workouts are extremely important for strengthening the body and increasing bone density. Strength training also promotes fat-free body mass and decreases sarcopenia, which is the natural loss of muscle tissue over time.

As one lifts weight or practices resistance Many women desire a toned figure and training, the connective tissues, muscles should know that lifting moderate weight and tendons will also be stabilized and will not drastically increase the size of strengthened, therefore reducing the risk their muscles. The majority of women of future injuries and increasing overall do not have the necessary hormones for body performance in everyday activities. the “buff” kind of growth, nor do most women seeking basic fitness participate In addition, building muscle mass in a rigorous, multi-week lifting and increases one’s metabolic rate, which workout schedule. can aid in burning fat and maintaining a healthy weight. Further examples of The main hormone that contributes to resistance training include: increased muscle size is testosterone, which isn’t as abundant in females.

Working with resistance bands However, women who seek dramatic Doing calisthenics that use body muscle strength can achieve it by lifting weight for resistance (such as heavier weights, working out multiple push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups) times a week, and maintaining a highCarrying heavy loads (with protein diet; they must focus intensely proper form) on increasing muscle mass. Women who Heavy gardening (such as digging lift moderate weights will not experience or hoeing) that type of muscle growth, but will achieve lean mass and burn calories and If you want to lose weight, increase bone fat faster than a cardio-only regimen. density, tone up or simply gain strength, Additionally, women who resistance be sure to include resistance training in train will experience increased health your regular exercise routine.

Greater Kalamazoo

For a complete list and further information about what Borgess has to offer, please visit wellness.borgess.com. Want the latest classes, events and health screenings sent directly to your inbox? You can also sign up for the Borgess Bulletin e-newsletter there, as well.

Borgess Health & Fitness Center Preschool Gym Let the kids work off some energy in this class which includes games, obstacle courses, running, and parachute games. For ages 3 to 5 years.

Borgess Health & Fitness Center Friday, February 19-March 25, 9 to 9:45 a.m. $30. Registration required. Call (269) 226.8135 or (800) 828.8135 or visit wellness.borgess.com to register.

Mild Yoga No yoga experience is necessary. If you’ve wanted to experience the benefits of yoga but were afraid a class was beyond your ability, this is a great place to start.

Borgess Health & Fitness Center Monday, Wednesday & Friday, February 29-April 22, 10 to 11 a.m. $72. Registration required. Call (269) 226.8135 or (800) 828.8135 or visit wellness.borgess.com to register.

For a complete list and further information about classes at Borgess Health & Fitness Center, visit fitness.borgess.com.

A member of Ascension®

February 2016

15

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2016 Bridal Guide

What a Bride Wants: RELAXATION AND SOPHISTICATION FAVORED CHOICES FOR BACHELORETTE PARTIES BPT

A

s a rite of passage, the bachelorette party has long gotten a bum rap. Stereotypes persist of the bride's night-before-thewedding gathering as a ladies-only version of the raucous bachelor party. Yet the truth is, a growing number of brides crave a tasteful, relaxing and deeply personal send-off for their single days.

In fact, a relaxing getaway ranked high as an ideal bachelorette party for 59 percent of brides-to-be in the Ultimate Bridesmaids Census. Sixty-seven percent wanted dinner, dancing and time spent with their closest friends, and 23 percent wanted something nontraditional that really reflected their personal interests.

"Bachelorette parties are as unique as the women they celebrate," says Michael Belot, general manager of Destination Kohler - home to AAA five-diamond and Forbes five-star hotel that hosts scores of brides, bridesmaids and weddings each year. "We're seeing an emphasis on relaxation for the bride and companionship with her friends in today's bachelorette parties. Brides want to spend their special night - and often an entire weekend - in a soothing, stress-free atmosphere before the hectic pace of their wedding day."

So what are the things that brides and bridesmaids tell the Destination Kohler team they must have for their bachelorette soirees? Belot points to five in-demand elements:

1. Spa time Whether it's a group mani-pedi, a yoga class or a lunch of delicious, healthful spa cuisine, bachelorette groups

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February 2016

crave spa time. Parties are looking for spas that offer a comprehensive list of salon services, familiar and new massages and body treatments, and easy access to luxury accommodations. For example, at Destination Kohler, bachelorette groups often book rooms in the Carriage House, which is located above the Forbes fivestar Kohler Waters Spa. Participants can spend the day in their spa robes if they choose. "Kohler Waters Spa is by far the most popular request and activity among bachelorette parties, and is often the center of the trip," says Garrett Mersberger, manager of Kohler Waters Spas. Playing to this trend, many resorts have created female-centric spa packages like the Girls Getaway.

2. Great food Forget the pigs in a blanket, deviled eggs and other de rigeur finger foods long associated with bridal showers. Modern bachelorette groups are looking for dining options that are luxurious and delicious, or that accommodate lifestyle needs such as gluten-free or low-calorie diets. Spa fare often fits well with this preference. Resorts with multiple dining options afford bachelorette guests the opportunity to dine lightly for lunch and then enjoy a more indulgent dinner.

3. Bonding activities Hitting the bar and dancing the night away are no longer the only bonding activities for bachelorette groups. From yoga classes and golf outings to wine and chocolate pairings, brides-to-be are looking for more diverse, sophisticated activities they can do with their girlfriends.

4. A location "away from it all"

Nearly a third of respondents in the Bridesmaid Census said they didn't want to go crazy for a bachelorette party, they just wanted to enjoy time with their friends. Perhaps it's because their lives are about to change dramatically. Maybe it's a need to reaffirm the girlfriend bond that has seen them through life's ups and downs to reach this happy point in their lives. Whatever their reasons, a growing number of brides are looking for a bachelorette experience that transports them and their closest friends far away from their daily routines. Some fulfill this wish by choosing a resort location far from home. Others may choose accommodations that are more intimate. At Destination Kohler, bachelorette parties can also opt to stay at Sandhill, the resort's luxury private cabin that sits on 350 natural acres just a 10-minute drive from the resort.

5. Personalization Twenty-three percent of surveyed brides said they wanted a bachelorette party that was deeply personal and tailored to their individual tastes and interests.

For some, that's a spa experience. For others, a golf getaway. Even when they've booked a bachelorette package, brides and their bridesmaids are looking for ways the resort can customize their experience. Addons are popular, from spa treatments to wine tastings.

Bachelorette party experiences are becoming as individual as the brides they celebrate, Belot notes.

"Brides are not cookie cutter, so their bachelorette parties shouldn't be either."

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Unexpected Ways Unforgettable to Make Your Destination Wedding BPT

W

edding planning season is in full swing and trend forecasts show more brides selecting destination weddings than ever before. Not only are destination weddings an affordable alternative to massive traditional weddings of past generations, they also make it easy for couples to create a customizable wedding that perfectly suits their personalities.

If you think a destination wedding might be right for you, these ideas for creating an incredibly distinctive event are sure to inspire:

Unique ceremony locations

A beach is typically the top choice for destination weddings because it gives guests a vacation setting to enjoy before, during and after your big day. Keep in mind, just because you select a beach locale doesn't mean you must have a seaside ceremony. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a top location for destination weddings, but there are countless gardens, pergolas and fountains couples can choose as the backdrop for their vows.

Standout accommodations

Big weddings are becoming a thing of the past; consider intimate spaces that bring guests together in an incredible setting instead. For example, the Bridge at North Beach Plantation in Myrtle Beach is a luxury penthouse suspended within the bridge that connects the two towers at the 4-diamond resort. With seven bedrooms, seven and a half baths, a media room and sweeping views of the ocean, everyone is sure to enjoy their time together to the fullest.

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February 2016

Localized gift bags

Although the ceremony may be intimate, guests will likely be traveling from all over the country. Start the experience right by creating localized gift bags that can be placed in rooms to greet your guests upon their arrival. Instead of typical gift-bag goodies like mints and water, delight guests with locally sourced items like chocolates or lotion from the resident boutique.

“

Destination weddings are an affordable alternative to massive traditional weddings of past generations �

Live artists

Want to make your reception one of a kind? Hire a local artist to capture the moment in a memorable keepsake. For example, some artists specialize in painting live events; you could hire one to capture the magic of the gathering. Guests will love watching the painting evolve throughout the night, and you'll get a special piece of art you can display at home.

Hand-painted cakes

One of the hottest new wedding trends is handpainted cakes where a master baker uses artistry to create beautiful patterns and floral designs on fondant and other types of frosting. Cake artist Heidi Vukov of Croissants, Myrtle Beach, works closely with brides planning destination weddings to ensure their hand-painted cake is perfect for their big day. It's a refreshing approach to classic wedding cake styles, and it is sure to impress guests.

Reception surprises

Unexpected surprises tied to the couple's personality can make a magical day that much more memorable.

For example, if you met your beloved at a concert or your spouse has a special love for Adele, Bruce Springsteen or Elvis, hire a celebrity look-alike from a local theater to make a surprise appearance.

Memorable thank-you gift

Forget the box of candy almonds! Your guests came from across the country, so thank them with a special gift. Look no further than the local culture for inspiration. For example, the Gullah people local to the Myrtle Beach area weave gorgeous sweet grass baskets in traditional designs, a perfect gift for wedding guests. Another fun option would be to gift locally made hammocks, such as those from Pawley's Island Hammocks.

Remember, it's your wedding and you should make it your own. A destination event is sure to leave a lasting impression on you and your guests for years to come.

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Wedding Registry Gift Ideas for Casual Lifestyles BPT

W

moderately priced items that are appealing and distinctive, so that everyone can feel good about what they give. For many, it is more satisfying to give something that's special and specific, rather than one small piece for a set.

hile your wedding should be the happiest day of your life, it can also be the happiest day for your kitchen. With a well-planned registry, you'll be enjoying the fun, creativity and bonding of cooking together at home for years to come - from leisurely weekend breakfasts to romantic dinners and toasts to cap off the day.

On-trend wedding registry gift ideas

A wedding registry should reflect how you really live.

Not everyone focuses their social life on formal dinner parties with the kind of fine china, silverware and crystal found on traditional wedding gift lists. Today's registries reflect current lifestyles with new twists and trends.

"Wedding registries are trending toward more casual, hip and high-tech kitchenware, such as nonstick woks instead of chafing dishes and iced tea makers instead of tea pots," says Peter Giannetti, editor-in-chief of HomeWorld Business. "Also, registries are not as bridecentric as they used to be. With both brides and grooms involved, gifts such as high-tech coffee centers and growlers for craft beer are becoming more popular."

Selecting gifts at a variety of price points is both good etiquette and good strategy. Big-ticket items give guests the opportunity for a grand gesture, and they also make great group gifts. Be sure to include

1 2

The growler is becoming a new must-have for those who love locally brewed craft beer, while also wanting to lead eco-friendly lifestyles that avoid the waste of excess disposable packaging.

Created for filling with craft beer, the Reduce Vacuum Growler features double wall insulation that protects the beverage for full flavor enjoyment at just the right temperature.

Teatime is now cool, because 85 percent of the tea consumed in America is iced, according to The Tea Association of the USA. One to consider is an iced tea maker that offers a fully customizable iced tea brewing experience from either loose tea or tea bags. The Capresso Iced Tea Maker lets you adjust to taste from regular to extra strong, and it brews into a beautiful 80-ounce glass pitcher.

3 4 5

Pepper and salt mills are focal points on the counter or the table, in addition to being everyday essentials. A unique choice that ties into popular dĂŠcor trends is the Collection Antique from Peugeot, which combines iconic shapes with rustic aged beech wood. Designed and produced in France, these are keepsake mills with a lifetime warranty on the mechanisms.

The wok has evolved into a versatile everyday pan for quickly prepared meals with delicious, fresh ingredients. You should look for a high quality nonstick wok engineered to professional grade standards. The Kyocera 12.5-inch Nonstick Wok with Lid features an exclusive ceramic nonstick coating and can be used for braising, pan-frying, roasting, searing and stir-frying.

Coffee lovers appreciate a true bean-tocup experience and who wouldn't want a professional-style coffee bar in their own home? The JURA IMPRESSA C60 produces specialty coffee beverages in a flash. A high-performance conical burr grinder and fine foam technology for feather-like milk foam help make this machine the choice for happy couples who would rather sip their java at home versus the coffee shop.

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February 2016

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Creating a

by Megan Stubbs

Your bedroom should transform into a sensual space by night; this is your (and your partner’s) sanctuary, clear of distractions and clutter, free of kid toys or laundry, and your choice of lighting and sheets. Turning your bedroom into a warm, cozy, sensual, and all-around sexual sanctuary can be achieved by a few simple steps. Create the space together and keep it yours.

Consider the following five tips for your boudoir:

Ditch the Technology

“But my phone is my alarm clock!” Yes, I understand, I’m guilty of that too. It is totally fine to have your phone plugged in next to you, but if there is a power strip lying next to your side table with things plugged into it and cables resembling a snake mating ball, we need to talk. Place the things that are not critically necessary elsewhere, like in the kitchen or office.

Again, your bedroom should be your sanctuary, where you can escape the world and create your own.

Upgrade your Bed

I realize that different styles and designs come with their special touches that make them unique, but try to choose things that are less college chic and more adult.

Consider purchasing a nice sheet set and create the “hotel effect” at home. If you are covered on the sheet aspect, consider investing in a quality mattress. This can provide a more restful sleep for you and create an exciting playground for you and your partner. If a new mattress is not currently in the budget, a mattress pad is a quick way to upgrade your current bed and give it a new feel. The goal behind this is to make sure that your bed is the most luxurious place in your home. (If

Greater Kalamazoo

you can’t part from the faux fur cheetah body pillow, that’s ok, too.)

Lighting

I think that the lighting in a bedroom can either make or break the mood. The worst lighting for a bedroom is harsh, direct, overhead lighting. No one is flattered in the beams that are cast directly down upon you.

Bedroom lighting should be soft, and bedside reading lights or free standing lamps can achieve that hotel effect. Another often overlooked point is ease of access. Try to make your lighting as easy to reach as possible. No one wants to have to cross the great

“Your bedroom should

transform into a sensual space by night

“

F

all unequivocally induces a cozy feeling. We’re preparing for the crisp chill in the air and looking at ways we can up the comfort indoors.

Aside from the kitchen, nothing says cozy more than a well thought out bedroom. That’s right; now is the season to pull that bear skin rug out of the closet and give it prime real estate at the foot of your bed. I’m just kidding. Or am I?

expanse of a bedroom and hope they don’t smash into the dresser. They still make the clapper, right? Your toes will thank you. Also, if you want to illuminate the room with candles, please be mindful of the scents you choose. A strongly scented candle can overpower the space of a bedroom, so consider lightly scented or unscented candles. A safer choice would be flameless LED candles that come with a remote—instant ambiance at the click of a button.

Side Table

water. Consider using a side table that comes with a drawer. Bedside space is then much more versatile, and you can keep things that you may not be as comfortable displaying out in the open like toys, condoms, or your bite guard case. The idea is to keep what you need near you and easily accessible. Again, we want to avoid dark, toe-stubbing trips across the bedroom in search of items. When the time comes, you want to be prepared.

Mirror

This may seem like a next-level bedroom accessory, but hear me out. I’m not sure if a mirror will add to the quality of your sleep, but I know that it can change the dynamic during erotic encounters. I realize that some may feel that introducing a mirror into a bedroom will make them too self-conscious, but it may be just the thing to spark new heights. If you have a large free standing mirror, strategically place it so you can catch glimpses of yourself in it. Since you will already have the perfect lighting in your bedroom, as recommended in tip three, you will be set up for sex-cess. When you’re ready, you can move it closer or decide that it is better suited facing away from you. You will never know unless you try.

See your bedroom in a new light. From functional to sensual, a carefully curated and thoughtful bedroom can be easily achieved, and the benefits are nearly endless. How do you like to style your bedroom? I’d love to hear how you make your room a sensual sanctuary!

Dr. Megan Stubbs is a Sexologist, the job you never saw on career day. For insightful tips or a good laugh, find her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and SexologistMegan.com

These are great to keep what you need close by like your cell phone, ahem, alarm clock and glass of

February 2016

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February 2016

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Here’s a Thought…

Women’s Issues • One Woman’s Opinion Who is the new face for women’s rights?

T

he woman who helped define the women’s movement recently paid a visit to our great city as a guest-lecturer of the Raise Your Voice series at Western Michigan University. As Gloria Steinem spoke before a packed house at Miller Auditorium, the energy was high with girlfriends and sisters, along with mothers and daughters – all celebrating Girl Power.

A self-described feminist and activist, Steinem has been the voice for generations of women and the face of women’s liberation. But ask your average 20-something who Gloria Steinem is, and you’re apt to be met with a guess that she’s one of the Real Housewives of Atlanta or somewhere. Not only does Gloria Steinem not represent the voice of most young woman today, she’s being trampled on by the next generation of Kardashians.

In 1970, a woman was not allowed to keep her job if she was pregnant, couldn’t report cases of sexual harassment in the workplace, or even apply for a credit card. While great strides have been made in the last 40+ years in the quest for equality for women in the workplace and in life, why does it seem like we’ve stalled? Or are we just not looking in the right places?

Following are just a few rays of hope that indicate

that the quest for equality might not be dead after all.

Maybe the power of one strong voice is simply shifting into the voice of many.

PATR I CI A A R QU E TTE

As she took the stage at the Academy Awards to accept her award for Best Supporting Actress, Arquette gave a passionate acceptance speech that reminded all of us that women have a long way to go – even in Hollywood. “To every woman who gave birth to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody else’s equal rights,” Arquette said in her speech. “It’s our time to have wage equality once and for all and equal rights for women in the United States of America.”

Other Hollywood women leading the charge include Reece Witherspoon whose film company pushes for female-driven material, and Jennifer Lawrence, who fights for equal pay alongside her male counterparts.

And the credits go on…

S HE R Y L S A N D B E R G

Many people credit this powerful business woman as being the driving force behind the continued success

of Facebook. When she’s not tackling the massive job that comes along with being COO at the world’s largest social networking site, Sandberg is busy sharing her wisdom as a business and motivational speaker in the promotion of her book, Lean In. This New York Times Best Seller provides practical advice to help women achieve their goals – and to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what we can do.

While we may never have that one woman who can pick up the torch from Gloria Steinem, I’d like to think that we have grown in power, requiring many more faces to carry the message. And as we go further into the year and elect our next President of the United States, that president could very well be a woman.

How ‘bout them apples, Gloria?

Heidi McCrary is a writer, and coowner of Ad Shop, etc. – a boutique advertising agency offering fullservice and alá carte marketing services to local businesses. Contact Heidi at heidi@adshopetc.com and on Facebook at adshopetc.

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February 2016

25

Cuisine

Chocolate

by Jen Foley • photography by Two Eagles Marcus

Cacao Crusted Filet Mignon Makes 2 servings

H

umanity’s fixation with chocolate likely spans back thousands upon thousands of years, and it is no secret why. Modern day discoveries have led us to crave a sweet, creamy dessert item, but the origination of chocolate was in its purest form: cacao. Cacao comes from the cacao tree and has absolutely no natural sweetness to it. The first evidence of its use was for the creation of bitter beverages, ancient belief in its medicinal properties, and eventually, the suggestion that it may be a powerful aphrodisiac. Over time, experimenting with cacao led the world to understand just how versatile of an ingredient it could be. Enjoy this tasty ingredient in a cocktail and a savory entrÊe, and then enjoy the creamy, modern take on chocolate in an easy dessert to share.

2 room-temperature beef tenderloin filets; 1 1/2 inches thick and 6 oz each

3 tablespoons pure cacao powder

1 tablespoon salt 1/2 tablespoon cracked black pepper

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil Heat a heavy bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.

Melt the butter and olive oil until sizzling. In the meantime, mix the salt, pepper, and cacao on a small plate.

Roll each of the steaks in the cacao mixed until wellcoated. For medium-rare, sear the steaks on each side for 4 minutes. Transfer the steaks to a plate or rack and allow them to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

White Chocolate Bark

8 ounces high quality white chocolate, chopped 1/2 cup assorted toppings; my suggestions include chopped pistachios or other nuts, dried fruits like apricots, cherries, cranberries, candied orange peels, or any of your favorites Boil water in a double boiler or pot. Use the top of the boiler or a bowl that fits on top of the pot in which slowly melt the chocolate, stirring often.

Once the chocolate has just melted, pour it onto a sheet pan lined with parchment. Use a rubber spatula to evenly spread the chocolate into a rectangular layer about 1/2 inch thick. Sprinkle your toppings evenly onto the chocolate and allow it to harden for at least two hours. Use your hands to break the bark apart or cut it into pieces and serve.

Chocolate Martini Makes 2 servings

4 ounces creme de cacao or other chocolate liqueur

4 ounces vodka

3 tablespoons pure cacao powder spread onto a small plate.

Fill a martini shaker with ice. Add the vodka and liqueur to the shaker, cover, and shake until very cold.

Dampen the tops of two martini glasses with water and dip the rims into the cacao.

Straining the ice, pour the martinis into the glasses.

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February 2016

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

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27

Cocao Conscious

by Leannah Seese

EARN YOUR CULINARY DEGREE

Classes beginning in March!

Graduates of Kalamazoo Valley’s Culinary and Sustainable Food Systems program will work as chefs or food entrepreneurs in a variety of settings using their “farm to table” competencies to positively impact health.

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Avocado "Ice Cream" Makes 2 servings

1 avocado 1/4 cup nut milk 1/2 tablespoon pure cacao powder, add more to taste

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 tablespoons nut butter (more or less to taste)

1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup to sweeten Mash avocado, add other ingredients and stir until smooth.

Place in freezer for 3-4 hours prior to enjoying. Scoop into dish with an ice cream scooper to achieve the true “ice cream” look.

Peanut Butter Cups

Makes approximately 7 big cups or 14 small cups 1/2 cup pure cacao powder 1/2 cup coconut oil 1-2 tablespoons honey, agave syrup, or pure maple syrup 1/2 cup of nut butter Baking cups, mini or regular size Other spices to taste such as salt, ginger, chili, cinnamon, or nutmeg Melt coconut oil and mix with cacao powder. Had honey or syrup to sweeten.

Spoon a layer of the cacao mixture into each baking cup. Place in freezer until hard, about 5 minutes. Spread a medium layer of nut butter on top of the frozen chocolate, and add remaining cacao mixture to cover nut butter. Return to freezer until hard. Best kept in fridge.

Leannah is the owner and founder of Green Gaia Essentials, LLC, a company that provides cruelty free, all-natural, organic health and beauty products.

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February 2016

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29

Yours, Mine, and Ours:

Syncing Styles with

Synergy

by Jan McCollum

ou love traditional; he gravitates to contemporary.

She’s mid-century modern; you find inspiration in Victorian architecture. You’re a little bit country; he’s a little bit— you get the idea! We take pride in our individuality and developing our personal style on a life-long, evolutionary journey. We surround ourselves with furnishings that reflect our personality and perspective, carefully curating those things with which we resonate and identify. There is a certain comfort in surrounding ourselves with those things we choose, as so much of life is outside our control.

What happens when we find ourselves sharing our environment with another? Rarely do we all see eye to eye, especially in matters of décor. The most interesting and successful spaces evolve with an integration of seemingly disparate parts that comprise a unique and eclectic whole.

Whether with intention or by default, we find ourselves tasked with creating some kind of order amidst the composition of elements we, and those in our lives, bring into our environment. At times, compromise is required. The word by its very nature sparks resistance. Our territorial nature guards against what challenges our vision and invades our comfort zone. Do we really want a recreation of The Big Bang in our living room?

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February 2016

Taking a moment to glance outside our picture window at the composition of our physical world will provide some effective guidance. The principals we see played out in nature draw seemingly disparate elements into a synchronous juxtaposition. The key to a successful sync is in appreciating the distinctions and leveraging the tension (a great design term).

Sounds a little like marriage therapy!

the eye, and therefore, visually connect the space.

Repeating the same color throughout the space is also an effective strategy to bridge a style mix. Paint mismatched dining chairs the same color and place around any style dining table to create an eclectic statement within a framework of continuity.

Design principal, Mother Nature, skillfully combines natural elements to create a sense of casual order amidst random chaos. She overlooks the fact that all of the greens do not match! Her approach is all-inclusive; both energetic and calm, edgy and mundane. She truly models the spirit of appreciation for differing points of view, contrasting opinions, and unique characteristics. Psychologists and therapists work with us to offer effective strategies for adapting our distinctive, internal psychological composition with that of the relationships we have in our lives.

The overall trajectory is to seek common ground.

This same strategy is key in adapting to the external composition of our physical environments. The following offers a little guidance on the journey:

Unify with color.

Color is an effective tool in creating cohesiveness in a space. It becomes the common thread that connects disparate things and unifies a mix of styles.

Incorporate pieces in bold colors when combing styles. The strength of the color(s) will capture

Keep scale consistent.

Use similar scales together. For example, pair a larger scale sofa with a coffee table that has equal visual weight. Grouping smaller pieces together will amplify scale when combining them with larger scale furnishings in the same space.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Balance furnishings.

Place pieces with comparable visual weight opposite each other in a space to create balance. A large mirror, painting or furniture piece, for example, can balance a fireplace or wall of windows across the space.

Give opposite styles equal play.

Use more than one mid-century chair in a room with a juxtaposing style. Integrating placement of juxtaposing pieces throughout the space will give the room a sense of continuity as well.

Curate pieces with common form and line.

Pair distinct pieces together.

This strategy works well for smaller pieces that otherwise might seem lost or peculiar in the mix.

A large-scale piece, however, can stand on its own and will create a unique focal point that draws the furnishings and focus of a space together.

Keep the mood consistent.

When the time came for me to work with larger spaces, I conceived them as gardens, not as sites with objects but as relationships to a whole.

– Isamu Noguchi

Commit to a specific vibe. If your style is more formal, carry that attitude through into the anchor pieces you select for the space. Use differing style elements to control the degree of the vibe of which you both

Noguchi table by Herman Miller

Look for details in a piece that mimic a design element of other furnishings in your space. The vertical lines of a Mission Style settee would find commonality with a contemporary, linear glass cocktail table for example.

agree. Editing the style back by infusing opposing or unexpected design elements can relax the room and provide the compromise needed to make the space work for both you and the love of your life!

Founder and design principal of J Parker McCollum, Inc., Jan is a speaker, mentor, educator, and product designer with projects featured in several local publications. www.jparkermccollum.com

Finishing Gives It the Feel People tend to function on autopilot. This is especially true when it comes to those routine tasks around the house like getting ready for work, doing the dishes, or sorting through the mail.

A person on autopilot might not give your flyer, coupon, booklet, or brochure enough time to really think about your message. That’s not fair, but there is a way to get their attention.

Finishing can be felt as well as seen. Even before reading your message, your potential customer can feel something is different. The finishing or coating of your marketing piece tells them it’s something worth dropping out of autopilot for.

Think about the finishing in your next print order. People experience the beautiful gloss, shining aqueous coating, or unique texture as much as read what’s on the paper. That intriguing experience might be enough to focus them on giving you a call.

1116 W Centre Avenue 323-9333 PortagePrinting.com

☎

Greater Kalamazoo

February 2016

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! AT THE 2016 NEWWOMEN’S EXPO Beer & Wine Tasting

Expo Center

2900 Lake St • March 4 & 5

Red White & Brew...

Imperial Beverage is a family owned beverage distributor headquartered in Kalamazoo, with locations in Traverse City & Livonia. We are proud to partner with great beverage brands across the state & support our Michigan community.

Facebook: Imperial Beverage Twitter: @ImperialBev LinkedIn: Imperial Beverage www.imperialbeverage.com

Imperial is excited to help sponsor this year’s event & join with our beer & wine brands in being a part of the Women’s Lifestyle Expo!

*All beer & wine proceeds from the Expo go to the Kalamazoo Humane Society

Arcadia Bre we ry Established in 1996 in Battle Creek, MI, Arcadia continues to carve out its niche in the craft beer community with world-class, medal-winning ales handcrafted with British inspiration on an authentic Peter Austin brick kettle brewing system from England. This includes their IPA which won a Silver Medal at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival for Classic English Style Pale Ale.

Warner Vin ey a r d s Situated on the riverbank in downtown Paw Paw, the heart of Michigan's wine country, Warner Vineyards has been overseen by three generations of Warners have since its inception in 1938 by John Turner and James K. Warner as an adjunct to the family banking, farm-supply, and farming businesses. Over the years, family members have developed this very unique and popular site.

B owers Har b o r Bowers Harbor is a boutique winery located in Northern Michigan on picturesque Old Mission Peninsula. Their cool-climate viticulture experience coupled with hard work proves to produce superior quality Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and their signature meritage blend the 2896, Langley Vineyard.

Fen n Va lley V i n ey a r d s Fenn Valley Vineyards is a family owned and operated vineyard and winery established in 1973. Their goal has always been to produce world-class wines from grapes grown along the Lake Michigan Shore. The Fenn Valley estate is a 240 acre farm located five miles from Lake Michigan just south of Holland, Michigan. Today Fenn Valley continues to be a progressive estate winery. The vineyard is being expanded as new varieties are proven in our climate. Numerous awards, and most importantly customer feedback, serve as continual validation of their efforts. Fenn Valley is proudly in their 3rd generation of family ownership and operation.

Ro u n d Ba r n Wi n e r y Round Barn Winery, started in 1992 by Rick Moersch, takes its name from a beautiful and iconic turn-of-the century Amish Round Barn that the Moersch family transported from rural Indiana and rebuilt in Baroda, Michigan. Focused on producing world-class, award-winning wines while building a concrete reputation among his visitors, Rick has grown Round Barn Winery into an iconic destination on the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.

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February 2016

S h or t ’ s B r e wi n g Co . & St arcu t Cide rs Short’s Brewing Company strives to make the best beer on earth in Northern Michigan.

Although they have quickly grown to be one of Michigan’s largest breweries, they still take pride in their hands-on, mom-and-pop approach and the energy they put into the quality of our beer, food, staff, customers and facilities. Short’s believes in “the power of the smallness,” and intends on remaining a Michigan-only brewery.

Starcut Ciders, brought to you by Short’s Brewing Company, was founded in 2014 and born out of a desire to make unique and traditional ciders from the orchards that surround them in Northern Michigan. Made from apples sourced from their own backyard and throughout the state of Michigan, Starcut makes cider not only because they love it, but because they have a strong desire to make a beverage they believe in.

Ta p i st r y Tapistry Brewing has one goal: creating excellent craft beer.

Whether it’s a classic English robust porter or an experimental dark smoked imperial saison, they craft their beverages with purpose, conviction and the highest quality ingredients available. Tapistry’s beer is handcrafted in beautiful Bridgman, MI, just one mile from Lake Michigan.

Tapistry Brewing—combining artistry and chemistry.

Go nzo ’ s Bigg D o gg Righteous Brews, Born and Canned in Kalamazoo. Owner Greg “Gonzo” Haner has a unique talent and love for brewing great beer and wants to share his passion and creativity with others. Thus, Gonzo’s BiggDogg Brewing was established and opened its doors in the fall of 2013.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

March 4 & 5 • Expo Center • 2900 Lake St Here's a small preview of what you can EXPECT to find at the 2016 WLSK EXPO!

t a e r G EXPO-tations Beer & Wine Tasting

All beer & wine procee ds go to the Kalamazoo Humane Society

Magazine & Expo

Fashion • Home Decor • Beauty • Shopping

Fun • Food • Games • Fun for Kids

Save $1.00

on ONE regular adult admission

Great prizes and adventures await you!

Come out and join us at the Kalamazoo Expo Center • 2900 Lake St March 4 from 12-6pm & March 5 from 9am-4pm

WL Present at the box office.

Not valid with any other offers.

www.WomensLifeStyleKazooExpo.com Greater Kalamazoo

February 2016

33

Listen to Your

By Stacy McDonald

I

t’s Friday evening after a long week of work, housework, errands, appointments, and bills.

A conversation begins with your partner about finances. A comment is made that sends you into immediate defense mode and you then retaliate by saying something less-than-loving. You then immediately begin to feel your heart beat faster, your face get warm, your muscles get tense, and your breathing gets faster and more shallow. You know the explosion is coming and it gets harder and harder to hold it back.

Flooding

Dr. John Gottman, world-renowned for his 40 plus years of research and work on marital stability and divorce prediction, has termed this diffuse physiological arousal (DPA) as “flooding.” Dr. Gottman and his colleague Robert Levenson researched couples and measured what was happening to them physically when they were in a heated, intense conflict discussion. Their findings indicate that the biggest predictor of flooding is a heart rate above 100 bpm (80 if athletic). If one or both partners is in this flooding stage, the ability to speak in a loving way, listen, think clearly, access empathy, and retain information is restricted.

Predictors

There are several ways to tell if you or your partner is feeling flooded. When any of the following examples begin to occur during a conversation, Dr. Gottman recommends partners check their heart rate and begin to self-soothe or help in soothing their partner: KPL_WLMFeb16_TFFAd.pdf 1 1/11/2016 2:39:43 PM

Heart

Periods of long eye closures or eyelid flutters Hips swiveled away from partner No positive affect Lips pursed, eyes squint, hand are raised to face Inner corners of brows are drawn up together Voice gets higher and louder Shallow breathing Stuttering, repetitions, and not finishing sentences

Self-Soothing

When couples have concluded that flooding is occurring, they can take steps (such as those below) to relax and regroup. By taking a break and calming down, they can regain a more natural and relaxed physiological state thereby leading to a more loving and productive conversation. The following can be useful in combating flooding: Get control of breathing by taking long, slow deep breaths Meditate or use a guided visualization (you can find these on YouTube under guided visualizations) Take a short walk Brush or stroke a pet Take a bath/shower Read a magazine Write in a journal Listen to music Color Through Dr. Gottman’s research it has been well documented that a minimum of 20 minutes is the amount of time to return to a relaxed physiological state. It is important to communicate to your partner

that you’d like to begin the conversation again after the allotted time. This encourages healthy communication and sends a message to your partner that he/she is important and deserving of a conversation that is respectful and considerate.

The relationships in your life are important and need positive, healthy, and calm communication in order to nurture and strengthen them. You have a better opportunity at being heard and understood if you can remain physiologically relaxed. Remember, a heart rate of 100 bpm (80 if athletic) is often the first indicator of physiological flooding, even before the other flooding predictors start occurring, so listen to your heart…it has a lot to say.

Stacy McDonald is a Marriage and Family Therapist at Meaningful Connections Counseling, PLC in Kalamazoo. She has completed Level 2 Gottman Method for Couples training and incorporates such techniques within this article, as well as within her practice.”

13th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival Saturday, February 20, 2:30 pm

Amazing films by Michigan’s most talented teens!

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Chenery Auditorium 714 S Westnedge Ave

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kpl.gov/teenfilmfest

Michigan News Agency will sell copies of The Living Great Lakes at the event.

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February 2016

CAMPAIGNPICTURES WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Calendar of Events

VOCES8

Saturday Feb 20 7:30 pm

Kalamazoo Central High School Auditorium

“The slickest of the lot... fans of a cappella ought to hear this.”

CD Review, BBC Radio 3

Order Tickets (269) 337-7407 KalamazooBachFestival.org

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.

February 1 - 29 Art Minders Willow Lake Club, Parkview Hills, 3707 Greenleaf Circle, Kalamazoo. Daily 9 am – 6 pm. Art Minders presents Fractal Art by Lena Drenth. A reception is being held February 11th from 6 to 8 pm. Free.

269-372-4444.

February 1 – 29 Millennium Park Ice Rink Millennium Park. This large outdoor refrigerated rink features skate rental, skate sharpening, snack concessions, restrooms, warming house, lockers and an excellent skating surface! 269-324-9200.

February 2 Tabletop Games for Adults Washington Square Branch Library.

5:30 – 7:30 pm. Drop in and play a variety of strategy, abstract, party, Euro, cooperative, card and word games. Learn to play a new game or bring your own.

Exercise your brain while socializing with other tabletop game playing fans. Free.

269-342-9837.

February 2 – 24 Kalamazoo Indoor Flea & Farmers Market Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Expo North. Tuesday & Wednesday 8 am – 2 pm. Come check out the market for some great deals and great merchandise!

Choose from new and used items, handcrafted items, fresh and local foods, and much more! MARKET WILL BE CLOSED FEB 9-10. Free. 269-383-8761. www.kalamazooexpocenter.com February 4 Go Red For Women Wear Red and learn how to save lives.

Go Red for Women Luncheon, 10:30 to 1:30. Tickets are required. www.kalamazooGRFW.org February 5 Art Hop Various Locations throughout Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 9 pm. Art Hop is a free event that features new art exhibits in a fun, casual atmosphere. Numerous galleries and businesses in the downtown area host a variety of artwork. Free. 269342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.com February 5 – 21 Other Desert Cities Farmers Alley Theatre. Thur. 7:30 pm; Fri. & Sat. 8 pm; Sun. 2 pm. One of the most intriguing and entertaining new plays on Broadway comes to Farmers Alley Theatre this February with Jon Robin Baitz’ OTHER DESERT CITIES. 269-3432727. www.farmersalleytheatre.com

February 6 Winter Jamboree Milham Park Golf Club. 11 am – 1 pm.

Your hosts, City of Portage Parks & Recreation, Kzoo Parks, Lee’s Adventure Sports and Pedal Bicycle, have joined together to offer these FREE winter activities! Bring the family, dress for the weather and prepare for some fun in the snow. Free. 269-329-4522.

February 6 & 7 Mid-Winter Auto Swap Meet Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Saturday 8 am – 4 pm, Sunday 8 am – 1 pm.

Hosted by the Kalamazoo Antique Auto Restorers Club. This ain’t no flea market!

Auto related swap meet held since 1962.

Admission: Adults $7, Children under 17 free. 269-381-0510. zootownjeepguy@ charter.net www.kaarc.org February 9, 23 Free Vein Screenings Premier Vein Center, treating the entire spectrum of vein disorders through minimally invasive techniques, offers FREE screenings for non-Medicare patients. 269-585-8346. www. premierveincenter.com/vein-screening February 11 American Business Women’s Association Beacon Club @ 11:30 am. This is a free event but you will need a reservation.

Jacque Jennings Carter will speak on Women’s Health. For more information & reservations call 269-903-2989 or email joannhaverkamp@yahoo.com February 11 - 14 Family Crimes Dungeon Theatre. Thurs. 7:30 pm, Fri. & Sat. 8 pm, Sun. 2:30 pm. This oneact play centers on a family of three generations of Latina women who have made enormous sacrifices in their pasts, resulting in long held secrets or “crimes.”

Each must decide what she values and what family means to her. Adults $15, Seniors $10, Students $5, Children Free. 269-337-7130. Laura.livingstonemcnelis@kzoo.edu February 12 Friday Teen Night Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. 6 – 8 pm.

So much fun for art geeks -- we’ll check out the galleries, get our hands dirty, and share pizza and pop with friends at this monthly get together. Free for all - thanks to sponsor James & Springgate, PLC. Free. 269-349-7775. www.kiarts.org

Greater Kalamazoo

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine & Expo is a proud sponsor of Habi Hour 2016.

February 2016

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February 12 - 14 Singing Valentines Throughout Greater Kalamazoo. 8 am – 8 pm. The Kalamazoo Mall City Harmonizers will again be out in our community this Valentines to bring warm Valentines wishes to loved ones...at their home, office, a restaurant, a seniors’ center, a school...wherever! $50. 269350-4085. www.barbershopharmony.org

FAMILY DISCOVERY SUNDAY, JANUARY 31 | CHENERY AUDITORIUM ACTIVITIES @ 2PM | CONCERT @ 3PM

Tickets only $6-$12!

KalamazooSymphony.com or 269.387.2300 Thank you to our exclusive Family Discovery Series Underwriter:

February 13 Wine Not? Radisson Plaza Hotel. 4 – 8 pm. All your favorite wineries from around Michigan and across the country, in one place!

Featuring wine tasting and sampling from over 35 wineries, food pairings, meet and greet with the winemakers, and live music from the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Sip, stroll, and relax in the warm indoors with friends and great wines! $35, $50 VIP. 269-978-2167. Dana. schmitt@townsquaremedia.com February 13 Kalamazoo Wings Ladies Heart Health Night Wings Event Center. 7 – 9:30 pm. The Kalamazoo Wings face off against the Fort Wayne Komets as they host Ladies Healthy Heart Night/Princess and Prince Night. There will be a performance by Academy of Dance during the game. $10 and up. 269-743-6011. www.kwings.com February 13 – 14 Valentine’s Dinner W.K. Kellogg Manor House. 6:30 – 9pm.

Show your loved ones your affection by joining us at the W.K. Kellogg Manor House for our annual Valentine’s Dinner.

Located on the highest point of the north end of Gull Lake, the view is just what your Valentine desires while enjoying a decadent four-course gourmet meal. $49 per person. 269-671-2400. kbs.msu.edu February 14 Valentine’s Skate Date Millenium Park Ice Rink. 4:30 pm. The evening will begin with dinner on the ice, servers on skates and a meal from The Great American Pasty & Pie Company!

Following dinner, the rink will be reserved for only those registered for this event and will re-open to the public at 6 pm. $16 per person, due by Feb. 11. 269-324-9200.

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February 2016

February 15, 16 Taoist Tai Chi Society Open Houses Hillside Center, 614 Romence Road, Suite 240, Portage. Mon. 6:30 - 8 pm, Tues. 10 - 11:30 am, drop-in. Demonstrations and discussions of Taoist Tai Chi® internal arts of health. New classes start the following week. 269-323-1974. www.michigan.usa. taoist.org.

February 19 – 21 Bowl for Kids’ Sake Pinz. Getting involved with Bowl for Kids’ Sake is easy: Form a five- or six-person team, register, have each team member collect at least $60 in donations, and then come your chosen celebration at PINZ and enjoy a two-hour bowling party. 269382-6800. www.bbbsmi.org/kalamazoo February 19 – March 5 Steel Magnolias Civic Theatre. Call for times. Bless your heart, what could be more important than family, friends and good hair? Welcome to Truvy’s Beauty Salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana; where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done.

269-343-1313. www.kazoocivic.com February 20 VOCES8 Cappella at it’s best. Be sure to order your tickets for VOCES8 at KalamazooBachFestival.org or call 269-337-7407. Kalamazoo Central High School Auditorium, 7:30 pm.

February 20 Kalamazoo Polar Plunge Bell’s Eccentric Café. 9:30 am – 12 pm.

The Kalamazoo Polar Plunge is an event in which individuals dress up in zany costumes and plunge into icy waters.

Registration begins at 9:30 am, the plunge takes place at 10:30 am and the After Splash Bash follows immediately after. 616-583-1202. kcpaulin@somi.org February 20 13th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival Chenery Auditorium. 2:30 pm. Vote for and enjoy films produced and directed by area teens, followed by awards for the best. Celebrating 13 years with great partners, the Kalamazoo Public Library and Public Media Network. Free. 269-3497775. www.kiarts.org

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

February 20 – 21 Shipshewana on the Road Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Main & South. Saturday 9 am – 6 pm, Sunday 10 am – 5 pm. This is a oneof-a-kind indoor market aimed towards the family that would like to find all their shopping needs in one place, at great prices and have some fun doing it!

Adults $4, Children under 12 are free.

269-979-8888. jdlcorp@aol.com www. shipshewanaontheroad.com February 23 Habi Hour Join Habitat for a night of fun & fundraising. Yummy HABI-tizers & one complementary drink ticket. Life music and live & silent auction. Tickets $35 pp. 5:01 - 8:30. Bells Eccentric Cafe habitatkalamazoo.org or 269-344-2443.

February 26 Time for Three Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU. 8 pm.

Known for their innovative and eclectic arrangements, the group has garnered cross-generational appeal for their superlative sound, skill, and inventive approach. $25 - $35. 269-382-7774. www.fontanamusic.org February 27 20th Annual Garage Sale Art Fair Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Main & South. 9:30 am – 4 pm. If you love art fairs and love a bargain - this is the show

for you! Admission: Adults $5, free for children. bonnie@garagesaleartfair.com www.garagesaleartfair.com February 28 Winter Blast Half Marathon, 10k and 5k Portage Central High School. Join us in this extraordinary community celebration of health and wellness. The half marathon, 10k and 5k courses highlight the Portage Trail system and include a mix of mostly flat paved bike trail and roads. 269-329-4522.

March 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. 269342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.com March 4 & 5 Women’s LifeStyle Expo Kalamazoo County Expo Center.

Friday 12 - 6 pm; Saturday 9 am – 4 pm. 7th Annual extravaganza created for women by women! You won’t want to miss this weekend of shopping, entertaining events, food, and new this year – beer and wine tasting! American Red Cross Blood Drive – Donate blood = free admission. 269-488-9780 www. womenslifestylekazooexpo.com

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Greater Kalamazoo

February 2016

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Lounge Reader’s

F

Come Home to Me

by Brenda Novak

Presley Christensen suddenly left Whiskey Creek two years before, but wants to come home to be with her sister, her only family. Since leaving, she has grown up, became a yoga instructor and massage therapist.

She feels strongly about giving her son Wyatt a secure and loving childhood. The only problem is that Wyatt’s father, Aaron Amos, still lives in Whiskey Creek, and doesn’t know he has a son. Aaron has plans to move to Reno and open a branch of his family’s auto body shop, so Presley just has to make it through a few months without getting involved with him again. It should be easy, but sparks still fly between them and no matter how hard Presley tries, she just can’t get over him.

by Susan Erhardt

ebruary is a month for love, chocolate, champagne, and valentines galore!

Here are some sweet and spicy romance novels to keep the loving feelings flowing.

It Must be Your Love

Silver Thaw

by Catherine Anderson

by Bella Andre

After years of living in fear of her husband, Amanda Banning has left him and moved to Mystic Creek, Oregon, for a fresh start. Living in a tumbledown rental house in an isolated community, she is having a difficult time making ends meet. She pens her unhappiness on small pieces of pink paper and tosses them to the wind, which helps her feel that the future must hold better things. She knows that if her abusive husband finds her and her daughter Chloe, he will beat them to death. Jeb Sterling, a local rancher, finds her miserable scribblings and feels compelled to find out who she is. When they’re hit by a snowstorm, Jeb rescues Amanda and her daughter, giving them shelter in his house and giving Amanda a job. After he falls in love with Amanda, he makes it his mission to protect her and her daughter from her enraged husband, as well as helping her learn to trust again.

Successful Seattle realtor Mia Sullivan had a fantastic week with sexy musician Ford Vincent. The affair came to a halt when he wanted her to leave her life behind and tour with him. Five years later, Mia is surprised when Ford, now an incredibly popular rock star, re-enters her life, determined to return back into her life. He can have any woman in the world, but wants Mia.

Hail, Ceasar!

FEBRUARY

(February 5)

Films

Hail, Caesar! stars George Clooney, Josh Brolin and Scarlett Johansson in the next Coen Brothers movie. The Academy Award winning duo follows up Inside Llewyn Davis with an updated take on the latter years of Hollywood’s golden age in the 1950s.

Although unpredictable, this comedic, musical drama is certainly a must see.

by David Postma

T

his month brings a unique combination of romantic comedies, dramatic love stories, and raw horror movies, all which are perfect for making a date with the multiplex. Grab a friend or family members and pick the perfect movie to watch this Valentine’s Day!

How to Be Single David Postma runs the website www.filmtakeout.com. He works in financing and producing and writes for various feature films and television projects.

Susan is a youth services librarian at the Plainfield Branch. She has shared twenty years of romance with her husband, and likes nothing better than sitting in front of the fireplace with him. However, they usually have to share the couch with two daughters and a dog.

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February 2016

(February 12)

How to be Single is a story about a group of lonely hearts in New York trying to navigate the ever-evolving world of love and dating.

Including an ensemble cast of Leslie Mann, Alison Brie, Rebel Wilson, Dakota Johnson, Nicholas Braun and Damon Wayans Jr., this movie is the typical romantic escape for Valentine’s Day.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Greater Kalamazoo

February 2016

39

Celebrating 80 Years!

America’s oldest family owned natural food store.

Amorino Gelato al Naturale from Paris

European Pastries

Italian Panini

Sawall Health Foods Market & Cafe

2965 Oakland Dr at Whites Rd Oakwood Plaza • Kalamazoo One mile north at exit 75 off I-94 Monday - Saturday 8am - 9pm Sunday 10am - 6pm

g n i Com ! n o o S FEBRUARY SPECIAL

Vitamins, Supplements, Probiotics, Herbs & Essential Oils

20% OFF Repeat of a Sellout.

Sale Ends Feb. 29, 2016.

Italian Brick-Fired Pizza

Register in store each month for an

80 Gift Card $

GIVEAWAY

Our Wine & Craft Beer Bar, Full Service Deli & Coffee Bar will be Opening Soon!!