Positivity in Bloom - May 2016

Greater Kalamazoo

E FRE

MAY 2016

May Day

Mineral Magic

POSITIVITY

in Bloom

Essential • Entertaining • Enlightening WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Julie Tiller

Here are some easy tips on “keeping in shape” while you’re pregnant: > Eat small frequent meals. Avoid excessive amounts of sugars. > Eat your fruits and vegetables! Getting fiber from whole grains, fruits, and veggies combined with plenty of water is a great way to maintain a healthy weight and avoid constipation. > Get Moving!! Walking for 30 minutes a day is a great start if you have not been exercising previously. Swimming or riding a bike is great too! Exercising regularly will increase your energy, put you in a better mood, help you sleep better and reduce backaches, constipation, and swelling. > Doing regular exercise will help your recovery after delivery.

Front row: Rebecca Kundan, FNP-BC Joseph Riethman, MD, FACOG Patti Zull, CNM, FNP-BC Rebekah Sharp, MD, FACOG Back row: Brittany Post, WHNP-BC Carter Lomax, MD, FACOG Carly Davis, MD, FACOG Marcia Johnson, MD, FACOG Wendy, Bauer, MD, FACOG Brandi Boone, CNM, WHNP-BC

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May 2016

> Make sure you are drinking plenty of water!!!

Especially with warmer weather coming, your body needs plenty of WATER! > Be sure to get your protein in too. Protein is important for you and your baby! > Be sure to discuss your specific health needs with your doctor. Every woman is different, and every pregnancy is different! You need to find out what will work best for you and we can help you do that. > Your health needs change throughout pregnancy and into the post partum period. Our website has some great resources – take a look: WWW.OBGYNPC.COM

OB-GYN P.C. 269.345.6197 2854 S 11th St Kalamazoo, MI 49009 www.obgynpc.com WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

The People Who Make It Happen...

Publisher: Darlene Mohr-Clifford dclifford@wlskazoo.com Editor & Events Manager: Michelle Morgan mmorgan@wlskazoo.com Contributing Writers: Sandy Derby Andrew Domino Kelly Duggan Heidi McCrary Erica Shier Sales Manager: Ruth Ann Dibert radibert@wlskazoo.com Account Executive: Brenda Murphy bmurphy@wlskazoo.com Layout & Design: Jennifer Chartier jchartier@wlskazoo.com Photography: K. Redmond Photography www.facebook.com/kredmondphotography Administrative: Patty Clifford pclifford@wlskazoo.com Contact Us: 269-350-5227 Sales Info: 269-271-1032

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

By Email: info@wlskazoo.com editor@wlskazoo.com sales@wlskazoo.com Website: www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

May 2016 FOOD & DRINK 7 Take a Sip: Blackberry Chia Smoothie 16 Dining Local: Fandango 21 Gluten-Free Grains 24 Brew About Tour 26 Pregnancy Superfoods Sweet Potato Quinoa Patty Popcorn Trail Mix Turkey Sausage, Egg & Avocado

Breakfast Sandwich 28 More Matcha: Green Tea Cake with Lemon Meringue Frosting 34 Coconut Almond Granola Bars

LIFE 5 18 29 30 31 35

10 Life Lessons from your Mother Sonrisas Siempre (Smile Always) Post-Partum Depression Achieving Superwoman Why can’t Barbie Wear Blue?

Childless by Choice

HEALTH & BEAUTY 10 Wearing Coral 32 Have You Done Your ` Kegels Today?

Happy Mother’s Day!

STYLE 6 8 8 14 22

Style Encore Young Professional Makeover Winner 5 Common Professional Image Mistakes Mineral Magic The Character of Color

LEARN 17 May Day, May Day: Container Gardening 20 10 Tips for a Low-Maintenance Flower Garden 38 Reader’s Lounge

Look Who’s Talking 12 Julie Tiller – Community Mom & Fundraiser Extraordinaire

COMMUNITY NEWS & HAPPENINGS 33 Here’s What Happened 34 Local Pick 36 Calendar Greater Kalamazoo

May 2016

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W

p

o t h e r M ’ s y D p “There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it.” ~Chinese Proverb

ay !

hat accomplishment are you most proud of? If you are a Mother…that’s an easily answered question. I’ve definitely accomplished many things in my life that I’m proud of, but without a doubt my greatest accomplishment is my family! We are wild and wacky and love to laugh.

Quite rambunctious when we’re all together!

Ha

FROMTHEPUBLISHER

May is a busy month that leads us from spring to summer.

Best of all May is Mother’s Day. Given that, I wish all the Mother’s reading this magazine…a sincerely joyous Mother’s Day. Now please excuse me while I rush off to enjoy Mother’s Day with my amazing kids and grandkids.

Till next month!

Darlene Publisher

Here’s a picture of my best accomplishment.

And speaking of thing to celebration in May – here’s the national list!

May 2016 Daily Holidays, Special & Wacky Days

1 May Day Loyalty Day Mother Goose Day Save the Rhino Day 2 Baby Day Brothers and Sisters Day 3 Lumpy Rug Day National Teachers Day World Press Freedom Day 4 Bird Day National Candied Orange Peel Day Renewal Day Star Wars Day 5 Cinco de Mayo National Hoagie Day Oyster Day 6 Beverage Day International Tuba Day Military Spouses Day National Tourist Appreciation Day National Nurses Day No Diet Day Space Day 7 Birth Mother's Day National Tourism Day 8 Iris Day Mother's Day

No Socks Day No Dirty Dishes Day V-E Day Visit Your Relatives Day World Red Cross Day / World 19 Boy's Club Day Red Crescent Day 20 Be a Millionaire Day 9 Lost Sock Memorial Day National Bike to Work Day 10 Clean up Your Room Day Pick Strawberries Day 11 Eat What You Want Day 21 Armed Forces Day National Receptionist Day National Memo Day School Nurses Day National Waiters & Waitresses Day Twilight Zone Day 22 Buy a Musical Instrument Day 12 Fatigue Syndrome Day World Goth Day International Nurses Day 23 Lucky Penny Day Limerick Day 24 National Escargot Day 13 Blame Someone Else Day Victoria Day(Canada) Friday the 13th 25 National Missing Children's Day Frog Jumping Day National Wine Day Leprechaun Day Tap Dance Day 14 Dance Like a Chicken Day 26 Sally Ride Day International Migratory Bird Day 27 Sun Screen Day National Train Day 28 Amnesty International Day 15 National Chocolate Chip Day International Jazz Day Police Officer's Memorial Day 29 Learn About Composting Day 16 Love a Tree Day 30 Memorial Day National Sea Monkey Day Water a Flower Day Wear Purple for Peace Day 31 National Macaroon Day 17 Pack Rat Day Save Your Hearing Day 18 International Museum Day World No Tobacco Day

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May 2016

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

10 LIFE LESSONS from your M

BY PEACHES MCCAHILL

MOTHER

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1 4

y definition of the term “mother” does not necessarily mean your biological mother, but rather any woman that has supported you, guided you, nurtured you and helped you along the way. As this is the month of celebrating mothers, I reached out to women I admire and asked them what words of wisdom they’ve obtained from a significant woman in their life.

Know if they are talking about others they are talking about you—or soon will.

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Always seek the good in people.

Follow your heart.

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When you learn, teach.

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God gives us “glimpses of heaven” here on earth so we know what we are working toward.

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For much that is given, much is expected.

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At the end of the day, family is all that matters.

Remember that life is always changing. If I could teach you one thing it would be to adjust to change.

“My mother worked way too hard for me not to be great.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

You are your mother’s child. You can do anything.

Believe in yourself!

Greater Kalamazoo

10

Show up. Say, “Yes, I was there.”

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.

May 2016

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T

hese days it seems eco-conscious shoppers and frugal fashionistas alike are looking for new ways to fulfill their desire for new pieces to liven up their wardrobes.

Many are turning to resale stores, which are not only good for the environment, but are also easy on the wallet. Thrift stores, such as Goodwill and Salvation Army, provide a start for those on the prowl for new duds, but often the great finds at these stores are buried deep within racks of out-of-style or dilapidated clothing.

It can be overwhelming and is often not worth the time for today’s busy women.

That is where resale shops like Style Encore come in.

Located on South Westnedge in Portage, Style Encore offers a wide selection of current trends as well high quality, classic pieces. Whatever it is you need to augment you wardrobe, you’re likely to find it here.

They offer brand names like Loft, Anthropologie, Ann Taylor and much more at prices up to 70% off retail.

The store is clean, well-lit and organized in a way to best meet the customer’s needs. They offer all your favorites, organized by size and color, so if you’re looking for a white cardigan or maroon skinny jeans, you can easily find what you need. However, if you don’t take a minute to browse and just see what’s on offer, you’ll miss out.

Take a minute to look through their tops for a vibrant, breezy tank to lend a little sizzle to your summer wardrobe. Or check out their selection of fashionable sandals and sunglasses (because who doesn’t need another pair of both?)

The well-trained staff is friendly and attentive. They check in frequently to relieve you of the heavy load of clothing you’re likely hauling around and will keep a dressing room ready for you. They are a great resource, too, so don’t hesitate to ask for help or pick their brains for recommendations. They might know about a great piece in your size that JUST came in and you’ll be able to snatch it up before some other lucky shopper.

Don’t forget to bring in some current, cute clothing of your own that just doesn’t suit your current style. Style Encore will look over your clean, gently used items and pay you about a third of what they’ll sell your items for. That’s an easy way to earn a little cash to fund your shopping spree!

Whatever you do, before heading to the mall for your new warm-weather wardrobe, head over to Style Encore and see what’s new. You might very well find that trip to the retails stores is no longer needed!

Style Encore Portage Women’s Clothing Store 6410 S Westnedge Ave | Portage, MI 49002 269.459.6655

Erica Shier is a married mother of four who loves reading, scrapbooking and thrift stores. When she’s not driving her small pack of children around, she spends her time volunteering, writing and trying to keep on top of the laundry.

Located near Harding's in Portage!

269.459.6655

Mon - Sat 10am - 8pm | Sun Noon - 5pm Style-encoreportage.com | fb: styleencoreportage 6

May 2016

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Take a Sip RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURENDA BENNET

Events Calendar May 2016

Borgess Events Bariatric Surgery Seminar For those considering bariatric surgery.

Borgess Medical Center, Lawrence Education Center Wednesday, May 11, 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. to Noon Free. Registration required. Call (269) 226.6863 to register or visit bariatrics.borgess.com to watch our online bariatric seminar.

Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Dinner Awards and scholarship grants will be presented to recognize nursing excellence, leadership, education and research as well as to promote nursing education and certification.

Borgess Medical Center, Lawrence Education Center Thursday, May 12, 5 to 8 p.m. $40 per person. Reservation deadline is May 2.

Call (269) 226.8100 for more information.

Newborn Care from Nose To Toes A complete head-to-toe look at how to care for your little one that provides you with some hands-on experience. Topics include bathing and diapering, safety issues, infant stimulation, and much more.

Borgess at Woodbridge Hills, South Auditorium Monday, May 16, 6 to 9 p.m. $28/couple. Registration required. Call (269) 226.8135 or (800) 828.8135 or visit wellness.borgess.com to register.

B

eauty and confidence rein from the inside, and nourishing our bodies with proper nutrition will enable us women to shine on the outside.

Smoothies are an excellent way to incorporate a bounty of essential nutrients into our diets. Not only are they a breeze to blend up, they are perfect for taking on the go and can be blended into endless combinations. This blackberry banana chia smoothie is especially high in protein and antioxidants; a perfect substitution for breakfast or an after dinner dessert.

Blackberry Banana Chia Smoothie Makes 2 servings

1 frozen banana, chunked

1 cup fresh blackberries 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 cup coconut or almond milk

1 teaspoon chia seeds

1 packet Sweet Leaf (stevia)

1 cup of spinach

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 Tae Kwon Do—Adult, Youth & Family Tae Kwon Do is a non-contact organization that teaches people how to defend themselves. Students gain confidence, dexterity and coordination while learning self-discipline. For ages 8 and older.

Borgess Health & Fitness Center Saturday, May 7-June 25, 2 to 3:30 p.m. $50/family, $20/individual. Registration required. Call (269) 226.8135 or (800) 828.8135 or visit wellness.borgess.com to register.

Body Blast Get a total body workout in one class. Each class will include strength, cardio and core training. This ever-changing class is great for beginners as well as the hard-core fitness fanatic.

Borgess Health & Fitness Center Thursday, May 19-June 23, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. $40. Registration required. Please 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.

Place all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. Stop and stir as needed during blending.

Greater Kalamazoo

May 2016

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5

Common Professional Image And How to

A

Mistakes

Avoid Them

s a new or even top executive, your image matters. In today’s business environment, judgments are made in the blink of an eye. Follow these five tips to avoid common professional image mistakes and ensure your effectiveness.

C l ot h in g t h at Makes You Appear I n v i s i bl e

You may want to be a dynamic executive. However, if you find the boardroom keeping you out, the first question to ask is: are you wearing your personal power colors that demand attention. Color is a powerful business tool that you do not want to overlook as you build your professional image. The fashion colors this season may or may not be your friends. Get your colors professionally done to ensure every bright, neutral or pastel color you put on is sending the message you want it to send. You will find that when you wear the colors that are best for you, you will get more attention, be taken more seriously and perhaps best of all, you will feel more confident.

F o r gett in g to Dress Of fi c e A ppropr i a t e

If you are wearing super low-rise pants and your underwear is peeking out of the back, what message is that sending? Other inappropriate dressing may include a too short skirt. Even if it is the trend, it is not appropriate in an office environment and some people will not take you seriously. No matter how proud you are of your chest, showing more than a hint of cleavage will work against you in a coed work environment.

F a llin g Head Fi rst i nto the Fashi on Tre n ds

Do you find that you gravitate to the ‘have-to-haves’ of the season? This may be a challenge as time goes on because you will continually have to update your wardrobe. By choosing timeless pieces, you can bring in a new piece to mix-andmatch with your current wardrobe without breaking the bank every season.

O v e rd o in g Acc essori es…or N o A cce ss o r i e s a t A l l

At work, your accessories should complete and complement your outfit, not be attention grabbers themselves. Still, do not be afraid to wear one statement jewelry piece or bold accessory – just not several at the same time.

This also applies to your makeup – wear makeup, but don’t overdo it. Your makeup is also an accessory – it should be fresh and should polish your look.

Young Professional Makeover We are pleased to introduce the winner of our 2016 Young Professional Makeover:

K

aitlin Ives is married and for the last ten years has been busy as the mom of three amazing fellas. She has recently graduated with a Master's degree in Communication with a focus on professional writing.

As she begins her transition back into the working world and shifts her focus to families with special needs children, Kaitlin wants to look her professional best.

Her goal is to write, speak professionally, and minister to these families in multiple ways, while incorporating her own personal journey of raising a child with special needs.

“These families face unique and challenging situations and are some of the strongest and most resilient people you will meet.

Not only can we encourage them, but we can learn from them as well.”

Kaitlin Ives

Before!

After being out of the professional working world for nearly 10 years, Kaitlin has more of a “mommy” look and truly needs a professional image.

Also, surviving on one income has made it challenging to take the necessary steps to create an updated look as she heads back to the working world.

KDIC– Kelly Duggan, Image Consultant. Congratulations Kaitlin – you are in good hands! We look forward to watching the transformation.

A Dated Hairdo

Nothing says, “I am not on the cutting edge of my profession” quicker than an outdated hairdo. Keep your hairstyle current. If you are donning a 1960s bob or 1970s flip style, it is probably time to update that look. Consult your hairstylist or an image consultant to find out the best possible looks for your face shape and skin tone. Try flipping through different magazines and find a style that you like. An updated hairdo can give you a whole new level of confidence.

Select one or two of the tips above to focus on over the next two weeks and make the necessary adjustments to your professional image. You will see results and garner the respect and attention you deserve, while having more confidence in your professional image.

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May 2016

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.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Don’t just deal with payroll.

Solve it.

Mercantile Payroll Services.

Because you never stop looking for ways to make your business run more smoothly, we’re always developing innovative business tools to make it possible. Our Payroll Services combine payroll management, human resources and reporting tools into one seamless solution, which turns a monthly headache into your personal competitive advantage. Discover a bank that’s focused on your business, and who’s here to get you there.

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peace, respect, comfort, dignity, this is hospice. hospiceswmi.org 269.345.0273

like us on facebook

find events, stories, & more • Home Hospice Care • Rose Arbor Hospice Residence • Grief Support • Adult Day Services at Oakland Centre

Are you training for your first 5k, 10k, half, or full marathon? Join one of our Gazelle Sports Summer Run Camps, and we will get you to the finish line! Visit GazelleSports.com for more information.

Conquer your inner couch-potato

Grand Rapids • Holland • Kalamazoo • Northville

Greater Kalamazoo

May 2016

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CORAL WEARING

It’s a versatile color with multiple personalities, displaying both bold and sass as well as artful class.

I

BY ASHLEY PETROSKEY

n addition to the color’s all-around customizable trendiness, coral is known to bear mythological properties, most notably the ability to protect from evil. Sea’s Garden, as coral is also known as, represents the story of Medusa’s death; her blood is said to have dripped into the sea and created the healing crystal, coral, as representation of her once beautiful self. This ancient tale symbolizes transformation of evil to good, thus appropriately giving coral the ability to aid positive change.

Whether you wear the coral stone for its mythological symbolism or to simply bring radiance to your outfit, enjoy the beauty and positivity the color naturally emits with the following five style ideas.

1

Accessorize. Coral is easily coordinated with other colors. Find a versatile accessory such as a simple scarf or jewelry piece that is coral, or incorporate another color (such as mint!) into a coral color palette. It will add a simple pop of color to your wardrobe.

2

Lips. Lipstick and lip-gloss are easy ways to update a look for the new season. If boldness is what you’re looking for, go with pigment-popping lipstick. If you prefer a sheer look, add lip-gloss for a natural, more subtle pop.

3

Get jeweled. Coral jewelry is a stable in the fashion world, and always has been. Precious or red coral is the common name given to marine coral used to create jewelry. The coral skeleton is extracted for use, which is extremely durable and intensely colored. In its natural state precious coral is matte, but can be polished to a glassy shine. If you believe in mythology, it will also hold dual purpose; not only will it protect against evil, but it will also turn heads as a fashion piece.

4

Go bold. Coral is also worn well with other bold colors.

Try pairing two solid colors, such as coral and pink, for a color-blocked style. The best ways to wear this combo is as a blazer, tailored shirt or potentially a skirt. Be careful what else you pair with color-blocked items; it is typically best to keep the other pieces more neutral. Coral and pink, for example, can be quite a statement, and therefore we want to make sure other pieces don’t compete for the spotlight.

5

Just face it. Some women don’t like to wear color on their lip, and prefer a more neutral lip color. If that’s the case, incorporate coral into another item in your make up and beauty routine. Try a coral-shaded blush for an extra pop of color on the cheeks and match it with a coral nail polish.

“Incorporate coral into your look in one of the ways above this spring.

Give yourself to the coral spirit and find your soul’s beautiful self anew.”

Lipsy Women’s Kardashian Kollection Cut Out Dress by Get The Label

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May 2016

Scarf by NEXT

Ashley is a marketing professional and worked as a makeup artist in Southwest Michigan. She started a cosmetics line which celebrates the idea that all women start as a Blank Canvas. Find BC Cosmetics on Facebook.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Music Instruction for All Ages & Abilities Study and learn in a positive and supportive atmosphere with professional, enthusiastic, experienced, university-trained teaching artists including Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Artists-in-Residence • Private instruction on strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, guitar, voice, theory and composition • Workshops and Masterclasses • Crescendo Fiddlers • Chamber Ensembles for strings, winds and voice • Crescendo Community Voices for teens and adults with mental and/or physical challenges • Music Together® classes for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers • Orff Studio group classes for ages 5 and up • Epic Broadway! musical theater camp starts in August Our mission is your musical growth and enjoyment!

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

Member

VEIN PROBLEMS?

WE CAN HELP.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULT TODAY. Whether the vein problem to be treated is medical or cosmetic, the vascular team at the Bronson Vein Clinic understands how important it is to provide the treatment that is right for you.

Conditions We Treat • Chronic venous insufficiency • Reticular veins

• Spider veins • Varicose veins • Venous stasis ulcers

To request a free consult, call (269) 349-7696 or visit bronsonhealth.com/veins.

Spring Ahead With Your New Smile!

10% OFF 4 or More Veneers MAY ONLY

“Susan Dennis is not just a practitioner of dentistry, she’s a sculptor, an artist, and a visionary. She can look at her patient and see exactly what she needs to make their smile perfect.”

- Lori Moore, Local Celebrity &Television Talk Show Host of The Lori Moore Show on CW7

269.216.7106

Greater Kalamazoo

May 2016

11

Look Who’s

TALKING

J

ulie Tiller believes that she was put on earth to help others and this mother of two and grandmother means to do just that. Julie is a busy woman, driving bus for the Climax-Scotts School District and working as a Director for Thirty One Gifts, but she still finds time to serve the needs of her beloved community.

Julie’s heart belongs to her hometown of Climax-Scotts, where she attended and graduated High School, met and married her husband of 35 years, and raised her two sons.

In years past, she announced the local athletic events, acted as the Panther mascot and organized many fundraisers, including the one to raise the money for the marquee in front of the school. You’ll still find her at games, often taking tickets and cheering on her Panthers.

Her experience in fundraising and her mother’s heart that hurts for anyone in need combine to make a powerful force for changing lives and helping others. This combination led to the birth of Julie’s “People Helping People” group when Julie saw an opportunity to help a little girl in need. About four years ago, Julie met a girl with Selective Mutism who needed therapy that was putting financial strain on her family. Julie jumped right in and organized a fundraiser. She gathered a group of vendors, crafters and volunteers to do an arts, craft and vendor show at the Climax-Scotts High School the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2012 to raise money for the little girl’s family.

Community Mom & Fundraiser Extraordinaire

The fundraiser was so successful that Julie created “People Helping People” and has held three such events since then, with another scheduled for November 26 of this year. The vendors are not asked to sign a contract and give whatever amount they choose. Julie believes that, given the opportunity to help others, people will rise to the occasion and she has not been disappointed. There are now 230 members of the group and a couple of vendors/crafters have branched off to hold their own

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May 2016

Julie Tiller

events. Julie is in awe of how her idea is growing and helping others.

our hands. We can help them up and together we can make a difference.”

Julie is a woman of deep faith who believes that she is doing what God has called her to do. She says “My perfect day is a day where I can truly make a difference in someone’s life. God puts people in our path every day and we have two choices. We can either walk right by them and never say a word and never offer our hands to help them up. Or we can stop and talk to them. Reach out to them and offer them

When Julie isn’t working or organizing fundraisers, she loves to spend time with her children and grandkids. She also loves to knit (in the dark, even!), plant flowers around her yard and spend time with her husband. And, of course, she loves to spend time in her beloved community, in search of that next special someone who needs a little help!

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

We wish all our Moms a

Happy Mother’s Day! We're located in Oakwood Plaza and specialize in wonderful gifts and clothing for children newborn to age seven.

269.366.4325 LittleSproutBoutique.com

3009 Oakland Drive | Kalamazoo 49008

Wake Up Your Senses Breakfast Burritos & Quiches 4.75 Bacon, Sausage, Veggie & more

Danish & Pastries starting at 1.50 Cheese, Apple, Caramel Pecan, Sticky Buns, Almond Logs…

We could go on but that would be cruel.

A Beautiful Lawn doesn’t happen by itself.

Aeration • Lawn Renovations • New Lawns Mowing • Fertilizing/Weed Control • Moles Landscaping • Spring and Fall Cleanup

Check out our new dining area at our Portage location – the perfect cozy spot for enjoying coffee and a treat!

Kalamazoo (west) 4426 West Main

Portage 7083 S. Westnedge

Downtown Kalamazoo 527 Harrison

(269) 343-8440 • mackenziesbakery.com

Too Much To Do?

Personal Assistant & Concierge Service Services

• Shopping & Errands • House & Pet Sitting • Wait Service for Repairs/Deliveries • Downsizing/Move Assistance • Party & Special Event Planning

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269-349-4594 Greater Kalamazoo

Business Owner

269-720-7605 www.asinglerayofhope.com marybeth@asinglerayofhope.com

Affordable Help Is Available May 2016

13

MINERAL

BY JAN MCCOLLUM

I

have always loved rock collecting. Each holds a story all its own. Sculpted by wind, waves, shifting tectonic plates, pressure, heat, cold and time, these unique geological nuggets comprise a microcosm of the world. Is it any wonder that man has always had his hands in the dirt? From diamonds to gold to the granite countertops we select for our homes, “mineral magic” has us under its spell.

Trending in design for 2016, semi-precious stones are finding their way out of the jewelry box and into our homes. Taking a variety of forms from accessories to furniture, incorporating rocks and minerals into our home’s aesthetic provides us an opportunity to connect with nature. There is a beauty and a mystery in earth’s natural elements that draws us in and makes us want to stay a while. We feel a sense of wonder in the beauty of this seemingly random, organized chaos has created over billions of years.

Like snowflakes and people, no two stones are exactly alike. An infinite variety of pattern, composition, and color can make choosing challenging when decorating with rocks and minerals. Most gems and minerals work universally in almost any decor or style, so in selecting, follow your heart and choose what calls out to you.

In a contemporary or more modern setting, think color. A faceted geode with striking, vivid colors can make a great focal point in a monochromatic room.

Add a single, well placed geode or mineral piece to create a sense of warmth to a minimalist style and balance a room that could otherwise feel sterile and impersonal.

Place rocks, minerals, and gems with intention. Incorporate a largescale design element, such as a fireplace wall to create impact. Smaller elements grouped together can also make an effective presentation.

For more traditional spaces, calcium carbonate may be a good choice. The soft tones and texture mesh well with the warmth and coziness inherent in this style.

Research! There is a reason we are drawn to certain elements.

Understanding their properties, characteristics, and lore resonates with our individuality, deepening understanding of ourselves and our connection with the earth.

One of the most beautiful crystals is the amethyst. Varying concentrations of the mineral manganese produce luminous tones ranging from light pink to deep purple. The amethyst is associated with the transformative effects of positive energy, protection from negative energy, and the ability to navigate in uncertainty. It encourages connection with the higher spiritual self and the journey to find grounding amidst the demands of modern life.

“The amethyst is associated with the transformative effects of positive energy, protection from negative energy, and the ability to navigate in uncertainty.”

Alexandrite is a stone that changes color depending on the source of light. It appears green in natural light and transforms to shades of red in artificial light. It is associated with expansiveness and creativity. Exposure to this stone is said to provide confidence and promote an internal connection with nature.

Trends by definition are temporary and cyclical. Those that help us understand our emotional connection with our personal environment and our physical connections with the earth are the basis of well being. Their value lies not only in appreciation of their physical beauty, but also in what they inspire in us. Mountains pull our gaze up. Places of revelation and clarity, they spark determination to overcome obstacles and see above the fray. They are the physical manifestation of grace under pressure.

This is the mineral magic: the transformation of our state of mind as we experience the effects of good design. Bring in liberal doses; let it resonate with your own individuality and support you in your journey!

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.

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May 2016

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May 2016

15

Tastes from the Kitchen

by Erica Shier

Fandango Tapas Bistro andango Tapas Bistro is a cozy little jewel nestled in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo at 247 South Kalamazoo Mall. Fandango’s Executive Chef William Canter and his staff pride themselves on offering guests an authentic, exotic taste of Mediterranean cuisine within miles of their own homes.

Tapas-style dining features small appetizer-sized dishes, served hot or cold, to be shared among the guests at the table. This allows patrons to sample a wider variety of interesting food and facilitates interesting discussions about the flavors and textures of the dishes they are enjoying. When Fandango opened its doors, it was the first tapas restaurant in Kalamazoo and its menu consisted primarily of Spanish fare. Over the years, Chef Canter blended in more flavors from different cuisines, focusing on creating as many dishes with local ingredients as possible.

Recreating the best flavors the Mediterranean has to offer is a matter of pride at Fandango and you’ll find dishes such as Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Wild Mushroom Puff Pastry and Fandango Empanadas to tempt the palate. With over forty Martinis to choose from, an extensive wine menu, and an Award -Winning Sangria, Fandango has something for everyone.

Valencian Rice Balls

it offers the opportunity to add your own creative twists. He also believes in repetition and keeping a journal to document every dish he makes. He says that taking notes on what works and what doesn’t makes the process run much more smoothly.

Chef Canter lives in Richland with his lovely wife Kim and is father to two grown, successful children.

When he’s not in the kitchen working with different kinds of pastas and experimenting with smoking meats and encrusting them with various herbs, Chef Canter loves traveling, hiking, and biking with his wife.

After finishing Culinary School in 1985, Chef Canter primarily focused on Italian fusion cuisine.

In the latter part of his career, he turned his attention to Spanish cuisine and Tapas, which allowed him the opportunity to fuse all of the diverse flavors of European Cuisine. Chef Canter believes in cooking from scratch, both in the restaurant and at home, as

269.226.9800

Erica Shier is a married mother of four who loves reading, scrapbooking and thrift stores. When she’s not driving her small pack of children around, she spends her time volunteering, writing and trying to keep on top of the laundry.

247 S Kalamazoo Mall | Kalamazoo, MI 49007 For further information about Fandango Tapas Bistro, www.FandangoTapasBistro.com 16

May 2016

1 box 6 cups

6 1 ½ cups

1 T.

1 t.

1t. ½ cup

1 package

of Arborio rice (35 oz) chicken stock eggs grated Parmesan cheese granulated garlic white pepper sea salt dried parsley (or 1 cup fresh, chopped) of Boursin cheese Panko bread crumbs Marinara or Romesco sauce

Cook the rice according to package instructions (in chicken stock and water) and let cool. Once the rice is cooled, add the eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, pepper, salt and parsley. Mix to combine.

Form rice mixture into balls similar in size to large meatballs. Using your thumb, make an indentation in the center of the ball. Place Boursin cheese in a piping bag and fill each indentation made in the rice balls with the cheese. Smooth rice mixture over the cheese to cover. Roll balls in Panko bread crumbs and chill in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To prepare, fry rice balls in 350 degree oil until golden brown, about 5 or 6 minutes. Place on paper towel to drain.

Spoon Marinara or Romesco sauce onto a serving plate. Place rice balls on sauce, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!

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I

May Day, May Day

t’s ironic that mayday is an emergency word used internationally as a distress signal in radio communications. It is ironic, because the arrival of the first day of May is a celebration of flowers and spring. May Day was historically celebrated on May 1 by early European settlers in North America. Most commonly, they celebrated with “May baskets” filled with flowers or treats; the giver leaves a basket at someone’s doorstep, rings the bell and runs away. The person receiving the basket tries to catch the fleeing giver; if caught, a kiss is exchanged (good idea to wear your track shoes that day!).

Today, the arrival of May usually means the last frost days are passing and tender flowering plants can be enjoyed in our gardens and landscapes. Mother’s day is a weekend to give and receive flowers to celebrate both Mom and the promise of a new gardening season. Later in May as we celebrate the Memorial Day holiday, plants and flowers play a big role in remembrance as well as our home gardening enjoyment.

Reap the benefits of colorful flowers for the entire span of sunshine months by creating a colorful container garden. With the aid of modern plant breeding, it’s easy to grow flowering plants that bloom longer, brighter and more reliably than the blooms enjoyed years ago.

Dahlias, pansies, gerbera daisies, calibrachoa, coleus and petunias are great examples of how we have come a long way. Container gardening popularity has driven the development of dependable, continuous blooming and colorful plants that you can enjoy all summer long in your little corner of the world.

An easy container to design is a mono-culture container. Choose a single variety for your container along with an attractive container. Next mono-color

combinations use two different shades of a color, but because you are using the same color you don’t have to worry about the colors clashing, for they blend in shades. Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel and mix together easily. These can be effective and very colorful combinations of pink and red, pink and orange (a favorite of mine), yellow and orange, orange and red, violet and red, blue and green, and blue-violet. My favorite approach is using complimentary colors. On a color wheel, complimentary colors are directly opposite of each other; for example, red and green, orange and blue, or yellow and violet.

Plant your container working from the inside to the outside of the pot thinking in order of planting, ‘focal, filler, edger, trailer.’ ” called a triple play or a triad. This combination uses three colors that are spaced equally on the color wheel (the points of a triangle). Examples would be a redyellow-blue or violet-orange-green combination. Get creative and try a red-yellow-blue or pink-yellow-blue triangle combination, too!

Lastly, remember these two quick pointers for your May Day combinations: 1) remember that pink is a great color to include because it plays well with almost any color including orange and red; and 2) for best success, plant your container working from the inside to the outside of the pot thinking in order of planting, “focal, filler, edger, trailer.”

Finally, you might want to try your hand at a three-way combination color scheme

Rick Vuyst is CEO of Flowerland, host of the Flowerland Show on NewsRadio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM as well as Mr. Green Thumb on WZZM TV 13.

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May 2016

17

Sonrisas Siempre {Smile Always}

by Dr. Robin Steely

At 6 am,

the city began to stir.

Dogs barked, roosters crowed, diesel truck belched, and the sun began to peak over the mountains in the east. The air was thick with a mix of fog and smoke that would soon burn off as the sun rose higher in the sky. Sitting on the deck of La Posada de mi Viejo in Comayagua, Honduras, I reflected on the journey that had brought me here.

For the past 4 years, the end of January – first of February has been reserved for these people, the children of Comayagua. My wife and I have been privileged to join Sonrisas Siempre (Smile Always) in a mission to serve the poor in Honduras. Our mission, through the Comayagua Lions Club, helps the dental needs of the orphanages of the area.

Comayagua is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is the coffee growing region of Honduras and the time that we are here, is coffee bean season. When we go into the mountains to serve, the beans are being harvested and dried, and brought to town to sell. The fresh coffee here is amazing!

Sonrisas was the brainchild of my close friend Dr. Tom Blake from Ft. Wayne. His desire to serve started as a high school student in Spanish class. For the past 15 years, he has traveled with a team of dentists and auxiliary people to take care of the orphan children. As

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May 2016

the group has mushroomed, Tom asked us to join the mission. For a week each winter, Adell and I join with our great friends, Dr. Michael and Allison Scott of Lubbock, Texas, and Dr. Bill and Carol Moorkamp of Rolla, Missouri in this mission. We are accompanied by 6 or 7 other dentists, 3-4 additional hygienists and several assistants and support people.

Our service begins by setting up our clinic of 5 chairs for dentistry and 4 chairs for hygiene. We begin screening kids on the weekend and treating them starting on Monday. A typical week involves upwards of 800 restorations, 900 extractions, and 300 cleanings. Adell heads up the hygiene clinic and I take 3 other dentists and 3 assistants to the mountains to care for the villagers. Usually, we work with no electricity in the mountains and folding chars. It truly is MASH dentistry!

the airport in Tegucigalpa, the flight back to Michigan, I find myself lost in the faces of the children and adults that we serve. And the weeks after returning to the familiar confines of our office, I sometimes ask our friends questions that we used in Honduras – instead of English, it comes out in Spanish.

Thank you for supporting our desire to spend a week away and serve those that have nothing. Through our experience and photos, we know that you can sense that a piece of our hearts remains each year in Comayagua.

Dr. Robin P. Steely, DDS, provides exceptional services for Battle Creek, Kalamazoo and surrounding Southwest Michigan communities.

Dr. Steely’s passion is Oral Fitness Coaching – partnering with people who wish to transform the quality of their lives and pursue a lifetime of health and wellness.

Each night, after dinner, we fall into bed and sleep well. Each morning, we start over and serve. By Friday of the week, we are tired, but it is a fulfilled and appreciative tired. Packing up the clinic supplies, taking inventory, and getting everything readied to store for another year is bittersweet. During the bus ride to

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May 2016

19

10 TIPS FOR A

LOW-MAINTENANCE

FLOWER GARDEN

BY MELINDA MEYERS

I

f you’re seeking a beautiful flower garden with minimal on going care, invest a bit of time at the start of the season for beauty with longevity. Below are tips to achieve a low-maintenance flower garden during the sunshine months.

Always match flowers to the growing conditions and the care you are willing to provide. Low maintenance plants need minimal or no deadheading and staking, which means you’ll be growing beautiful plants with little effort on your part. If the plants mesh with the growing conditions and are resistant to common pests, you’ll be doing less work managing insect and disease problems, too.

1

Further reduce your workload by selecting self-cleaning or free flowering annuals and perennials and those bred for long bloom and compact growth.

You’ll enjoy more colorful flowers with less pruning and grooming.

2

Ageratum, angelonia, calibrachoa and many of the newer petunia cultivars are just a few of the annuals that do not need regular deadheading for continual bloom. Include perennials like willow amsonia, bugbane, Solomon seal, turtlehead and sedum autumn joy for lower maintenance and significant results.

Prepare the soil and provide proper fertilization before planting. Work several inches of compost or other organic matter into the top 8 to 12 inches of soil to improve drainage and water holding ability. Incorporate a low nitrogen organic fertilizer such as Milorganite the same time. The slow-release formulation provides needed nutrients throughout most, if not all, of the season. Plus, it promotes steady growth that won’t interfere with flowering, is less susceptible to pests and is more drought tolerant.

3

Angelonia

Properly space the plants, making sure they have sufficient room to reach their full size. Overcrowding means you will be thinning or dividing plants more often or battling disease problems instead of enjoying the full beauty the plants provide.

4

Consider removing flowers on annuals at planting so plants can focus on establishing roots. Can’t bear to do this? Remove the flowers on every other plant or every other row. Then a week or two later remove the flowers on the remaining plants. You will soon see full, compact plants that will produce more flowers throughout the season.

5

Pinch back long and leggy transplants. Use a hard pinch to remove the tip and several inches of stem. Use your pruners or fingers to remove stems just above a set of leaves. The remaining plant will still look good while you wait for new leaves and stems to grow and produce new blooms.

6

Encourage branching on single stemmed plants with a soft pinch. Remove just the uppermost portion of the stem where the leaves and tip are starting to develop. Soon you will have a well-branched plant and more blossoms.

7

Rudbeckia

Improve plant posture and reduce the need for staking with early season pruning. Keep mums and asters compact by pinching them back to six inches throughout June to encourage compact growth. Eliminate floppy growth and the need for staking on late bloomers like Boltonia, autumn joy sedum, Russian sage and Heliopsis. Revive catmint and perennial salvia that flop open in the center with pruning. Cut flopping plants back halfway once or twice a season as needed.

8

Remember to mulch. Covering the soil surface with an inch or two of shredded leaves, evergreen needles/pine straw or other organic material will conserve moisture, suppress weeds and improve the soil as they decompose.

9

Always water new plantings often enough to keep the top few inches of soil

10 moist. Once established, water thoroughly and only as needed to encourage drought-tolerant roots for less watering in the future.

Gardening expert Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening and the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook.

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May 2016

Ageratum

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GLUTEN-FREE GRAINS Although wheat flour needs to be avoided when adopting a gluten-free diet, many other grains can still be enjoyed.

M

There’s One Gift…

any people are adopting gluten-free diets for a variety of reasons.

While such a diet means passing on foods that contain wheat protein, such as certain breads, crusts and baked goods, it doesn’t mean giving up on grains entirely. Many grains are acceptable for those adhering to a gluten-free diet, and such grains can help fill the void left by avoiding wheat products.

Gluten-free food is essential for people who have Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition of the small intestines that is triggered by the consumption of wheat protein. Celiac disease can cause damage to the lining of the small intestines, which results in a decreased absorption of nutrients. This disorder can cause vitamin deficiencies that deprive the body and brain of necessary nourishment.

While those with Celiac disease have to avoid foods that contain gluten, many others who have allergies or sensitivities not as severe as Celiac disease choose to remove gluten from their diets for health improvement. The relationship between gluten and certain behavioral problems in children and adults also has been studied.

In a paper titled Developmental Disorders and Dairy Products, Grains, Gluten and Other Proteins, researchers at the Bamford-Lahey Children’s Foundation found that sensitivity to proteins in both dairy and wheat is associated with a number of neurological and behavioral disorders in groups of adults and children.

To avoid gluten, a person has to remove wheat products, barley, spelt, rye, and triticale from his or her diet. However, there are several other foods that sufficiently replace the removed items. Plus, flours made from grinding other grains can be used in place of wheat flour in recipes. Here are grain suggestions for the gluten-free diet:

OATS

Though they are traditionally gluten-free, oats are often processed on the same equipment that processes other grains. Therefore, there may be some crosscontamination. Look for oats that are certified gluten-free.

BUCKWHEAT

Despite the name, buckwheat is not related to regular wheat and is not exactly a grain; it is a relation of rhubarb. In its whole form, it can take the place of pasta. In its roasted form, buckwheat takes on a nutty flavor.

MILLET

This is a seeded plant used for grain and cereal production. Millet is typically sold in pet stores as a treat for birds. Millet is mild in flavor and has a grainy texture.

QUINOA

This is not a grass plant or cereal grain, but is related to leafy vegetables. Quinoa is often eaten like rice or pasta, but it can also be baked into bread and cakes.

MONTINA

This is made from Indian rice grass and can be milled into flour or combined with other flours in a baking blend. Montina bakes up into a springy texture, which makes it popular in breads.

RICE

Many people avoiding gluten turn to rice as an alternative. Rice flour can substitute wheat flour in many recipes and preserves that sense of fullness that comes with eating a starchy grain.

That Keeps on Giving Beyond One Day. Moms deserve to be celebrated every day. Why not give them a gift that keeps on giving?

Tell your mom that you’re counting on her. Remind her (and all the women in your life age 40 and above) to schedule an annual mammogram—the best way to detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages. We’ve made it easer and faster to schedule mammograms, too. With our online self-scheduling system, moms can make their appointment wherever and whenever they choose by visiting schedule.borgess.com. They can also call (269) 226.6999.

CORN

Cornmeal is great in baked goods and offers a grainy texture.

AMARANTH

This is a tiny, ancient grain. It is a complete protein and is rich in iron.

Greater Kalamazoo

May 2016

21

THE CHARACTER OF

F

COLOR

inding the right shade of paint for a particular room involves more than selecting the first color that catches your eye. Design experts and psychologists alike say it may be worthwhile to choose a color that helps you feel good rather than following design trends. Below are six basic colors with common uses and their aura to reference as you explore different paint options.

BLUE

To create a spa-like environment and a more serene space, look for shades of blue in soft variations. Cool blues are soothing colors that can help lower stress levels and promote sleep. That’s why blue is a frequent fixture in bedrooms and bathrooms. Be advised that too much blue can make a room appear cold and stark, so balance the color with warmer accents.

ORANGE

Many people do not immediately consider bright orange for their homes, but when used as an accent

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May 2016

shade, it can significantly brighten a space. Orange is known to expand creativity and impart youthful appeal.

Consider an orange accent wall or a burst of color with orange throw pillows. If bright orange is a little too bold for you, tone it down by choosing a more pastel, peachy hue, which is equally warm and energizing.

RED

Red stimulates energy and appetite, which is why the shade is so popular in restaurants and home dining spaces. Red is a good choice for social gathering rooms but may not be the wisest choice for a bedroom, as the color may prove over-stimulating.

GREEN

Green can evoke composure and tranquility and works in any room of the house. Since green is the primary color of nature, it also suits those who want to bring the outdoors inside and surround themselves with the fresh starts and new growth that green can inspire. To make green feel less subdued and sleepy, work with its

complementary opposite, red, by using a few bold red accents to balance out the natural tranquility of green.

PURPLE

People have long related purple to royalty, and this dramatic color can add a formal, regal aspect to a home depending on the hue. Purple also may help stimulate the creative side of the brain. In paler shades of lavender, purple can seem almost ethereal and spiritual.

Some designers suggest avoiding purple in a bedroom to reduce stimulation and encourage your brain to rest.

YELLOW

Few colors are more vibrant than yellow, which can help stimulate conversation and make thoughts more focused. A luminous shade of yellow is an ideal way to make any space more welcoming and bright. However, too much yellow may be over electrifying. Yellow accents mixed with touches of purple can offer the balance needed to avoid overwhelming guests.

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May 2016

23

- Brew About Tour -

N

M

ost people don’t head to the Lake Michigan shore during the snowy, cold winter months, but this year was a little different. Berrien County’s Brew About Brewery Tour was launched in December of 2015 and wraps up this June, putting local beer lovers on the brewery trail. Seven brewpubs, from Arclight Brewing in Watervliet to Greenbush Brewing in Sawyer, stamped brochures for visitors who stopped in. The tour is free — just the price of a beer at each brewpub — and a full set of stamps delivered to one of the participating locations, Tapistry Brewing in Bridgman, means a visitor walks away with a free pint glass as a reward. “(By early April), we have redeemed about 130 glasses,” said Keith Adams, sales and marketing director at Tapistry, and one of the co-creators of the tour. The other tour creator, Sarah Renfro, also works at Tapistry.

W

E

The tour idea was created last fall, Adams said, simply to stir up business and encourage visitors to stop in at local brewpubs during the winter and spring. He said a lot of customers might go to one or two pubs regularly, but may not even know there are other local breweries just a few minutes away. The variety is also a draw for people who don’t live along I-94 south of US-31 in Berrien County.

S

“We have a dozen wineries and a distillery in the county too,” Adams said. “It’s a chance for people to get out of the city, go hang out in the country and enjoy some good beer.” More than 20 percent of all beer Americans bought in 2015, about $22.3 billion nationwide, came from small craft breweries, like the ones on the Brew About tour. That’s according to beer industry trade group the Brewers Association, which added that local brewpubs added about $1.85 billion to the Michigan economy in 2014. The state of Michigan boasts more than 200 craft breweries.

Arclight

The idea of beer and wine tours isn’t unfamiliar to Berrien County. Tapistry is one of four breweries on the Brew About tour that is also on Grape & Grain Tours, a business that schedules buses and passenger vans to escort visitors from New Buffalo for stops at breweries and wineries up and down the West Michigan coast. The Brew About tour, on the other hand, is self-directed — visitors can stop for a beer and a stamp on their “beer map” at any time on or before June 1 to collect their pint glass.

Adams said while the response from the brewery tour has been positive, it’s just one of the ideas he, Renfro and others have for next year’s promotional push. No final decisions have been made yet, Adams said, but another brewery tour is an option. “We’re all working on a few ideas,” he said. “Soon we’ll be getting together to plan (ways) to get more people out to our breweries.”

Next year’s adventure will be a bigger one; four more craft breweries are set to open in Berrien County by the end of the summer, Adams said.

For more information, call Tapistry Brewing at 269 266-7349.

The Livery

Cravings

131

Berrien County’s “Brew About” Brewery Tour: Arclight Brewing 544 N Main St, Watervliet Cravings Brewpub 1599 Mall Dr, Benton Harbor Cultivate Brewing Co. 961 E Shawnee Rd, Berrien Springs Greenbush Brewing Co. 5885 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer The Livery 190 5th St, Benton Harbor Round Barn Brewery & Public House 9151 First St, Baroda Tapistry Brewing 4236 Lake St, Bridgman

You can see more of Andrew Domino’s writing at www. dominowriting. com

24

May 2016

Round Barn Brewery & Public House 94

Tapistry Brewing

Cultivate Pick up your logo pint glass here after completing the trail

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(800) FIX-LEGS / (800) 349-5347 / www.centerforvein.com Conveniently located in Grand Rapids, Portage and Lansing Conveniently located in Grand Rapids and Portage

Greater Kalamazoo

May 2016

25

Pregnancy SUPERFOODS

BY JEN FOLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY TWO EAGLES MARCUS

H

aving recently welcomed my second child, I can confidently say it is possible to remain healthy while still indulging the NFL-athletesized appetite that parallels pregnancy.

Although occasionally giving in to the craving for that cheeseburger or milkshake is acceptable, ensure you’re properly nourishing your hard-working body by making recipes like these your day-to-day go-to.

Packed with essential superfoods like sweet potato, whole grains, healthy fats and leafy greens, each option is sure to aid in your little one’s development. The even better news is they’ll remain delicious after baby has arrived!

Sweet Potato Quinoa Patty with Super Greens Salad Makes 3 entree servings or 6 appetizer servings

For patties:

1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato 3/4 cup cooked quinoa 1/4 cup mashed garbanzo beans 1/2 white onion

2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 egg

2 tablespoons olive or coconut oil for cooking Salt and black pepper to taste In a skillet, soften the onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat until the onion just turns translucent. Allow to cool. Mix all ingredients except the cooking oil by hand. Shape approximately six equal sized patties (more or less depending on desired size).

Heat the remaining oil over medium heat and cook the patties until golden brown on both sides. Reserve on a plate lined with paper towel.

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For salad: 2-3 cups mixed leafy greens of choice such as spinach, kale and arugula 1/2 cup radicchio, shredded 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese Juice from 1 lemon

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Salt and black pepper to taste Toss the greens, radicchio and cheese with lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper.

Serve the salad topped with one or two patties.

Popcorn Trail Mix Makes 8 cups

1 teaspoon coconut oil 1/4 cup popcorn kernels

1 cup dried fruit of choice; I chose apricots, cranberries, blueberries and bananas 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips 1/2 teaspoon salt Melt the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add popcorn kernels and cover the pan, leaving a small slit so some steam can escape.

When you hear the kernels begin to pop, carefully shake the pot from side to side two or three times until

the popping stops. Immediately remove the pan from heat and pour the popcorn into a large bowl and allow it to cool. Mix in the remaining ingredients.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Turkey Sausage, Egg, and Avocado Breakfast Sandwich Makes 4 servings

8 slices whole grain bread of your choice, toasted

4 patties of turkey sausage, cooked

4 large eggs

2 large, ripe avocados

2 tablespoons butter, oil or butter substitute Salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to taste Melt the butter or oil and cook the eggs in a nonstick skillet. Eggs can be cooked to your preference.

To assemble the sandwich, mash 1/4 an avocado on four slices of bread, top slices with a piece of sausage, an egg, and finish with the other piece of bread.

Optional: toast the assembled sandwiches in the skillet over medium heat or on a tray in oven at 350 F until warmed through.

Jen Foley is a local foodie, wife and mom who loves all things Southwest Michigan.

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Greater Kalamazoo

May 2016

27

More Matcha

T

his subtly sweet cake gets its green tea flavor and color from a matcha spice blend enhanced with ginger and lemon peel. Layered with lemon curd and topped with a light lemon meringue frosting, this dessert offers a welcomed twist to classic layer cakes.

COURTESY MCCORMICK GOURMET

Matcha Green Tea Cake with Lemon Meringue Frosting Makes 12 servings

Matcha Green Tea Cake:

6 egg whites 1 1/4 cups flour 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

1 cup sour cream 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

2 tablespoons matcha green tea with ginger and citrus blend (see following recipe)

2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 cup lemon curd Lemon Meringue Frosting: 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup boiling water 1/4 cup meringue powder 1/2 cup marshmallow creme 1/4 teaspoon pure lemon extract For the cake, preheat oven to 325 F. Grease bottom and side of a 9-inch round cake pan with no stick cooking spray. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper. Beat egg whites in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Beat flour, sugar, sour cream, melted butter, matcha blend and baking powder in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed to moisten. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Gently stir in egg whites until combined. Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake 25 to 29 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on wire rack.

For the frosting, stir sugar into boiling water in a large bowl until dissolved; let cool. Add meringue powder to the sugar mixture; beat with electric mixer on low speed until just blended. (If using a stand mixer, use the wire whisk attachment.) Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently stir in marshmallow creme and lemon extract with spatula until smooth.

Matcha is a green tea powder that can be found in natural food stores, the organic and tea section of some supermarkets or online specialty stores.

It’s rich in antioxidents, catechin, L-Theanine, potassium, vitamins, and more which makes it great for immune support, cholesterol improvement, metobalism increase, memory boost, healthy skin, endurance, and more!

To make your own dried lemon peel at home, remove lemon peel using a vegetable peeler. Place peel on a baking sheet. Bake at 200 F for 3 hours.

For best results, leave lemon peel in oven overnight to completely dry out.

Crush dried peel in mortar and pestle or grind in clean coffee grinder.

Slice cake in half horizontally to form two thin layers. Place one of the layers on a serving platter and spread with lemon curd. Top with second cake layer. Frost top and side of cake with the frosting. Lightly garnish with grated lemon peel.

Matcha Green Tea with Ginger and Citrus Blend

2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon peel 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Mix all ingredients until well blended. Store in tightly covered jar in cool, dry place.

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ACUPUNCTURE DKJH?J?ED >;H8I

Melissa Toyoshima MTOM, Dipl. O.M., L.Ac.

269-753-5591 wiseacupuncture.com 5080 Lover’s Lane, Unit C, Portage

Some of the conditions acupuncture may help with: MEC;DÊI >;7BJ>0 PMS/Infertility/Menopause/Irregular Menses/Pregnancy/Weight Loss =? 9ED:?J?EDI0 IBS/Constipation/Diarrhea/Gastritis/Ulcers/ Irritable Bowel/Colitis F7?D0 Arthritis/Rheumatoid Arthritis/Lupus/ Trauma/Back/Neck/Shoulder/Knee/Sciatica C;DJ7B >;7BJ>0 Stress/Anxiety/Insomnia/Depression/PTSD EJ>;H0 Fatigue/Allergies/Headache/Migraine/ Hypertension/Smoking Cessation

Time to have an HONEST CONVERSATION about Post-Partum Depression

T

he time has come to have an honest conversation about Post-Partum Depression (PPD). An estimated 15 to 20 percent of women will develop PPD or anxiety after childbirth. In fact, PPD and related perinatal mood disorders are the most common complication of childbirth. Mothers who have ever suffered any type of psychological trauma, abuse, have a history of depression/anxiety, or experience a high risk pregnancy are considered more at risk.

However, mothers who have never had any of the above mentioned symptoms may also be at risk. There is unfortunately no secret formula to tell us who will suffer and who will not.

In an attempt to shed the shame of PPD and to embrace the brokenness that made me the woman I am today, I will share my experience. My second child arrived safe and healthy after a difficult pregnancy and I thought I’d be able then to breathe. But it didn’t take long before I started drowning right before everyone’s eyes.

Her innocent cry to get my attention sent shockwaves throughout my system. Changing a diaper felt like climbing Mount Everest. Lack of sleep left me selfconscious and paranoid. Every little thing brought on a stream of tears that would turn into a monsoon, leaving me hot, red, and swollen.

People’s inability to empathize, try as they might, hurt me to my core, and then it enraged me. I needed someone to take my angel and hold her and feed her,

Greater Kalamazoo

but despite that need, I couldn’t physically let her go.

I couldn’t put her down to sleep without watching her because what if she died? What about SIDS? I needed to smell her hair, and feel her little warm body up against mine all the time. She brought me peace and she brought me insanity. I was numb and at the same time it HURT to just be alive. Thoughts of how much better off my husband and kids would be without me consumed me.

I am alive today because I had a supportive family and I got the professional help I needed. As a survivor, I feel a responsibility to reach out to the women struggling with PPD who suffer in silence out of fear of being labelled crazy, judged or even having their babies taken away.

Post-partum depression can present itself anytime within the first two years of baby’s life. It is okay to ask for help. There are doctors, social workers, nurses, ☺ Take a childbirth education class with your partner educators, doulas, and therapists that are meeting every month working to make this community a that covers post-partum in detail. better place for moms suffering from PPD. Here in ☺ Read the book “Beyond the Blues” by Shoshana Kalamazoo a Perinatal Mood Disorders Coalition has Bennett, PhD and Pec Indman, EdD. recently been formed. ☺ Have a discussion with your provider about The PMD Coalition of Kalamazoo's first support screening. Many offices use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to assess moms during group meeting is on Wednesday June 8, 2016, at 7:00pm at the First United Methodist Church and after pregnancy for any types of depressive symptoms. Perhaps even have Edinburgh Scale at downtown Kalamazoo. FMI contact Kristina Ledlow home for reference. at 269-345-6197, Ext. 270.

There are ways for a pregnant woman to be proactive in ensuring that, should she experience PPD, she is prepared and has a team in her corner.

May 2016

29

Achieving

SUPERWOMAN

BY MEGAN STUBBS

A

t times, women seek inspiration from other women. Although it is healthy to look up to women for their strength and tenacity, it is more important to recognize the superwoman inside of you. Become your own boss and give yourself permission to go after whatever you desire. Follow the tips below to achieve superwoman status you’ve been aiming for.

A Lazy Day is A-Okay

We’ve all heard the phrase, “work hard, play hard,” but I’d like to add in “rest hard,” too. It is important to take time for yourself. If you are living a life with the throttle constantly wide open, you may be on a road to burnout; take the time you need to get back to your center and prepare to take on your next task. It is often very hard to give ourselves permission to take a lazy day because subconsciously we are thinking about that perfect mom we follow on social media who always has her ducks in a row. Remember the magic of the inter-webs! We all look amazing edited. don’t think that she has never gotten out of the shower before rinsing out her conditioner. It happens!

Build a Solid Foundation

Many of the women we deem movers and shakers in our social spheres often have a life rich with love and positivity. Remember, no (wo)man is an island; she needs roots and a solid foundation. I think we can all remember a time where we felt like everything was out to get us and our loved ones were there for us to help retrieve us from the depths. Without a solid foundation and belief system, we can often get lost in our own negativity and worries. Most importantly, superwomen love themselves fully. When there is no one else around, she knows that her inner strength and fire will help see her through the dark clouds no matter what the negative voices may tell her. She doesn’t start to love herself when once she loses 20 pounds. She loves herself right now.

“

In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it’s wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices.”

– Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love

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Prioritize!

Women often say yes; we aim to be team players and strive to satisfy others. The mentality of feeling pressure to say yes should stop immediately. Imagine a month where committee meetings, lunches, and other undesired commitments are removed. Just because you’re capable of doing it all doesn’t mean that you have to do it all. If something doesn’t bring you joy, enrich you or help you professionally, remove it from your life. Simplify your commitments. By saying no, you leave space for a “yes” later. Learn to say no with grace and authority, and set boundaries and stick to them. Additionally, if someone is toxic in your life, don’t stick around for their benefit. As my flight

attendant mother says, apply your own oxygen mask first. If a person, a commitment, a job, or mindset is stealing away time you would rather spend elsewhere, cut them loose.

Gratitude is the Attitude

Remember to celebrate the small things. In our fast paced world, it is very easy to overlook what you have amassed and accomplished. Remembering gratitude can be difficult when our eyes are always on the next prize, but superwomen never forget to express thankfulness. They remember where they came from, their wealth, their privilege and those who paved the way for them and before them. They are thankful for the opportunities that have found them, those they have cultivated on their own, and for those that are still yet to come. They are constantly grateful for the people who love and support them in their lives, but moreover, are simply thankful for life itself.

Vamp the Pillow Talk

Having a healthy personal life is essential to completing the superwoman persona. We all know that communication is key, but the fine print should read “effective communication.” Find the communication method that works for your relationship to ensure your partner hears and fulfills your requests and desires.

Superwomen never act entitled in or out of bed; however, those who don’t ask for what they want often don’t get what they want. Express what you desire and leave room for spontaneity. A great partner is one who listens to and respects you; you both should have a vested interest in each other’s satisfaction. If you think you’re communicating effectively and you still aren’t being heard, it may be time reevaluate if this is the relationship for you. A partner who isn’t mature enough to respect a woman who is clear and confident may not satisfy you in the long run. It might be time for a change (see tip on prioritizing).

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

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Here’s a Thought…

Women’s Issues ▪ One Woman’s Opinion

J

Why Can’t

Barbie Wear Blue?

ust an ordinary day at a local department store, shopping for my niece, who happens to be turning three this summer. Walking into the Young Girls area, I am suddenly smacked with an onslaught of PINK – pink T-shirts, pink shorts, pink socks, underwear, dresses and sneakers.

Really? Pink sneakers? As clothing designers and retail executives are sitting around conference tables discussing next season go-to-color for young girls, are there any actual women in the room?! Do products aimed at girls ALWAYS have to be pink? While we’re telling young girls that they can be ANYTHING they want to be in life, can we pause for a moment and tell them that they can also wear blue – or green, or red.

Whether you’re walking down the so called Girls aisle at Meijer, Target or Toys R Us, the look is the same…pink, pink and more PINK. We can all blame the marketers of toys and clothes for taking the lazy way out when targeting young girls and their mothers, but the simple truth is, when parents stop buying pink toys and clothes, retailers will stop stocking them in their stores. Retailers only mirror what the public is asking for, and what is flying off the shelves.

A young mother recently lamented that her 2-year-old daughter would only wear pink clothes, leaving the child’s dresser and closet full of never-worn beautiful sweaters, dresses and shorts that had the unfortunate luck of being red, blue, yellow or green. This mother laughs it off and chalks it up to her daughter being bull-headed. This rambunctious and clever toddler may be that, but she is also the product of her upbringing.

And it all starts innocently enough at the baby shower when the mother-to-be is

showered with a rainfall of incredibly cute outfits, toys and necessary baby stuff. And if it’s going to be a girl, it’s all pink, with the exception of that rogue lavender outfit. And new parents build on that color scheme so the cycle never stops, and young girls and boys learn from the very beginning that colors are a gender thing.

So after stumbling out of the department store in a pink-induced haze, I made my way to a wonderful, small store in the downtown area, and purchased an adorable t-shirt for my niece – a little shirt that championed our city with “Kalamazoo” splashed across the front. The color? Beautiful bright yellow!

Stereotypes and preconceived notions of what girls should wear, and what girls should be when they grow up are the side-effects of a world that tells us that, pink is for girls. Here’s a thought…

While we’re telling young girls that they should embrace who they are, and that they can be whatever they want to be, and whoever they want to be – let’s also tell them they’ll look fabulous in orange sneakers.

Or red, or blue…

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.

What’s Your Type?

You’ve probably heard it before: “It’s not what you say, but how you say it.”

Your look greatly influences what people think of you, and a choice of font changes how people pay attention to your message. The right match between who you are and what font you use is essential for creating the right relationship with your audience.

Are you bold and dramatic, or fun and playful? Sophisticated and smooth, or simple and straightforward?

We learn a lot from your look. We want to know what your type is, so that we can match you up with a font that’s authentic, compelling, and gets your message out in exactly the right way.

In relationships, people suggest you should just be yourself. Be yourself with us and we’ll take care of figuring out exactly what typeset and what font will work best for you. That’s just one of the benefits you can enjoy from working with us.

1116 W Centre Avenue ☎ 323-9333 PortagePrinting.com

Greater Kalamazoo

May 2016

31

Have You Done Your Kegels Today?

Daily Duty:

by Megan Stubbs

M

any of you may be familiar with the term “Kegel,” but do you know the history?

The exercise and term were coined by gynecologist Arnold Kegel in the late ‘40s. He was the creator of the Kegel perineometer, which measured the strength of voluntary contractions of the pelvic floor and the subsequent exercises. Described as a repeated contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles, Kegel exercises are important and beneficial to women.

Contrary to popular belief, women at all stages of life can benefit from exercising their pelvic floor. Doing Kegel exercises strengthens the pelvic floor muscles for stronger contractions during orgasm, and helps with a condition called urinary incontinence. Women who are post-baby, menopausal or overweight can experience involuntary leakage of urine. The most common types of urinary incontinence are stress urinary (usually due to pelvic damage from childbirth) or urge urinary incontinence (abnormal bladder contractions). A laugh, a sneeze, a cough, or the lifting of weight can bring on an unwanted leak and really put a damper on things (pun intended).

If you are in the category above and currently living with or with the hopes of preventing urinary

incontinence, you’re in luck! Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is often one of the first things a medical professional will prescribe to combat urinary incontinence. The human body is an amazing marvel and with simple exercise, muscles that are damaged or weak can heal with these exercises. A 2012 study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women benefitted from PFMT during late pregnancy to prevent and treat urinary incontinence. Another study published in 2014 in the Handbook of Sports Medicine & Science: The Female Athlete found that training of the pelvic floor muscles led to an increase in muscle thickness and lift to assist with pelvic organ prolapse.

This is all well and good, but how do you do the Kegel exercises? The greatest thing about Kegels is that you can do them anywhere. While brushing your teeth, at stoplights, in the elevator, waiting in line at the grocery store, the locations are endless! For those of you who may be unfamiliar with which muscle groups we are trying to target, the easiest way to locate them is the stop/start. The next time you are urinating, try to stop and start the flow of urine. Ta-da! You’ve found the muscles! Now that you’ve found the muscles, it’s time to exercise. I do not recommend using the stop/start

“

The greatest thing about Kegels is that you can do them anywhere.

While brushing your teeth, at stoplights, in the elevator, waiting in line at the grocery store, the locations are endless!”

method of urination to exercise; use it only as a guide to finding your muscles. Continuing to use this method as exercise can lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder.

The simplest way to start a Kegel regimen is to lift and hold your muscles for five seconds and relax your muscles for five seconds. Try to repeat this five times in one sitting. You can work your way up to holding and relaxing for 10 seconds at a time. Once you’ve mastered this entry-level exercise, you can gradually increase time. It is important to note that the exercising of the pelvic floor muscles is not the act of bearing down. This can actually loosen the muscles and disrupt all of your hard work.

Now that you’re doing Kegels, how do you know if you’re making progress? Your pelvic floor may become sore, gain tolerance, and with regular exercising, will increase in strength and lessen issues such as accidental leakage. If you’d prefer to see encouraging data instantly, there’s an app for that. Similar to gadgets that track sleep, heart rate, calories or steps, there is something that tracks Kegels: meet Elvie.

Thoughtfully engineered and designed by women for women, this wearable device provides the user with instant biofeedback. From their website, “Elvie’s mission is to help people feel happy and confident about their whole bodies, especially at their most intimate level. We combine research and innovation to transform the way people think and feel about themselves.”

Touted as your most personal trainer, the Elvie the Elvie charts data, tracks your performance over time, and leads you in guided exercises. This is a fantastic way to check if you are executing the exercises correctly. Through the use of force sensors inside the device, you can watch your muscles in action on the free app that is downloaded to your phone. The exercises that are led by the app almost seem like a game as you try to move your gem to target points. It’s quite entertaining!

As with any exercise, you will not see huge gains in the first days, but over time, you should notice a marked difference from where you were before starting your exercise routine. Considering one in three women will experience urinary incontinence in their life, talking about this problem and having actionable solutions is imperative to all of us. Much like seeing someone yawn can be a catalyst for making you yawn, I’ve been doing Kegels the entire time writing this article. Be honest, you were too. Happy exercising!

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

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WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Here’s What Happened: BLUE RIBBON TREES. If you strolled through downtown Kalamazoo recently, you may have noticed the 6,331 blue ribbons fluttering from trees. These ribbons represent the number of caring, concerned community members who alerted Child Protective Services about a child who was potentially in danger. During this time, organizations like the Kalamazoo County Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council (Kalamazoo CAN.com) raise awareness about the problem of child maltreatment in our nation and community. We want our community kids to be safe! We are celebrating 40 years of existence and are proud of our many years of service to children and families.

SABRINA M. INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

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Southwest Michigan Dermatology Laser & Skin Care Center

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Purchase the perfect gift for Motherʼs Day A Gift Certificate! Let her decide the perfect way to be pampered!

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Greater Kalamazoo

May 2016

33

Coconut Almond

Granola Bars recipe and photography by Laurenda Bennet

Make M om de a m e m o H a

y a D s ’ r e h t o M T rea t.

G

ranola bars are the epitome of a convenience snack for most families, but a majority of the store bought brands are riddled with unnecessary sugars, crop oils, and other processed additives. Our bodies crave real food and real ingredients. I love making recipes from scratch because I can control each ingredient that goes into them, and these coconut almond granola bars are no exception! These bars are full of heart-healthy fats and protein, and are the perfect on-the-go snack and sweet tooth satisfier. Send them to school in your child’s lunchbox, or munch between meals to keep your hunger at bay. They are easy to toss together and ready after a quick trip to the fridge to chill. No baking required!

Makes 20 bars

1 cup whole oats 1/2 cup raw almonds, toasted and chopped 1/2 cup almond butter 1/2 cup shredded organic unsweetened coconut 2 tablespoons chia seeds 1/3 cup honey 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Toast the raw almonds in a fry pan over medium heat until they begin to brown. Let the almonds cool completely, and then chop them. Toss all ingredients into a large bowl and stir until well combined. Empty mixture into an 8x8 pan and firmly press down until mixture is packed and evenly spread out (no need to grease pan). Chill in fridge for an hour before cutting into bars or squares. Store in fridge for up to a week or freezer for up to 3 months.

They hold up best when stored in the freezer after cut. For softer bars, store in the refrigerator. These bars are gluten free if made with gluten free oats.

Laurenda resides in Southwest Michigan with her husband Daniel with their two sons.

Laurenda is a health food writer for LaurendaMarie.com and a West Michigan lifestyle and portrait photographer.

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CHILDLESS by choice T

desire to have children. She was in her early twenties when she came to the realization that motherhood was not for her.

“I always kind of thought that I would have children,” Ocobock said. “It seemed like that is what you are supposed to do. Then I actually started thinking about it, and I realized that I had no desire to raise a child.”

Ocobock says being childless has had a positive impact on her marriage. She and her husband enjoy a sense of freedom together, and they also appreciate not having to consider school districts when moving for better career opportunities. And for the future? “We have a lot of travel goals,” Ocobock said. “There are a lot of places we want to go. That is a big thing.”

BY ELYSE WILD

hese days, having children is becoming more of a carefully considered choice than an inevitability of gender or relationship status.

According to the 2015 U.S. Census Bureau’s Population Survey, nearly half of all women between the ages of 15-44 are choosing not to have children, the highest that number has been since the census starting measuring it forty years ago.

Kerry Hart is a limited license marriage and family therapist who works with individuals and couples as a part of their family systems. “I am finding that more and more women are choosing not to have children,” Hart said. “They are finding fulfillment in other places.”

Hart emphasizes that it is important to really want children if one is going to have them. “It’s a huge responsibility, and the stress can be overwhelming,” she said.

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to have children or not, one being that while parenthood is undoubtedly fulfilling, it is not the only path to a joyful life.

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, is 59 years old and works in West Michigan as an actress and theater professor. She was in her early thirties, surrounded by friends who were getting married and having kids when she took a long hard look at what

she wanted out of life. When she saw that the desire for motherhood didn’t drive her, she took a hold of her finances, her spirituality and her dating life. “I wanted to be autonomous, to live on my own,” she said.

Without children and school districts to consider, this woman was able to move to cities with booming job markets, pay off mountains of debt and build financial security. Since she wasn’t seeking a partner to have children with, she was able to practice abstinence, which she considered a spiritually driven choice, and cultivate relationships around emotional intimacy. She has sought to nurture in other areas in her life; she volunteers at a wildlife refuge and considers her role as a professor to be a maternal one. “I have a sense of maternity over these kids entering college,” she said. “I am taking over where their parents left off.”

There are also plenty of fulfillments to experience for couples that wish to remain childless. Often the idea of raising a family can be what orients two people toward a future together, but aligning with other meaningful goals can be equally gratifying. Hart advises starting a business, doing charity work and traveling together. “It can unify a couple to go on these adventures that they may not be able to go on if they had children,” she said.

Cara Ocobock is a 31-year-old professor at Grand Valley State University and has been married for two years. Ocobock says that she and her husband have no

Although she is very career driven, she wants to make it clear she is not choosing her job over having children. “A lot of people tend to think that women have to make this choice between being a professional and being a mother,” Ocobock said. “To me, it’s not that. It’s not an either-or. I am choosing this because this is what I want. Having children is not even an option in my mind.”

Although the stigma against childless adults is steadily lessening, some people may have a difficult time understanding why someone wouldn’t want to have kids. “I am seeing a lot of guilt (in people that don’t want children) which comes from other people not understanding,” Hart said. “A person just has to be very self-aware and remind themselves that this is the best choice for them.”

Elyse is a freelance writer in Southwest Michigan. She is on the editorial board of Caffeinated Press, is a lead editor for The 3288 Review and is the owneroperator of personal biography service Your Story.

“I am finding that more and more women are choosing not to have children.

They are finding fulfillment in other places.” - Kerry Hart, LLMFT

Greater Kalamazoo

May 2016

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Calendar of Events

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.

May 1 K-Town Shakedown 2016 Wings Event Center. 10 am – 7 pm.

This Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) Recognized tournament will welcome teams and leagues from all around the world. 269271-2171. https://www.facebook.com/ events/1060530090632800/

May 5 – 7 Scholastic Book Fair Warehouse Sale Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Expo North. Thurs. 11 am – 7 pm, Fri. 9 am – 7 pm, Sat. 9 am – 3 pm. Large book sale offering deep discounts. Free. 800-8430112. www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/ warehouse

May 1 Rock and Mineral Show Dinosaurs Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Fri. 4 – 8 pm, Sat. 10 am – 6 pm, Sun. 10 am – 5 pm. This year’s theme is Dinosaurs. Real and accurate cast replicas of dinosaur fossils will create educational experiences for students and the general public. $3, 12 and under free. 269-788-7634.

May 5 – 30 Dave Elhart Exhibit Willow Lake Club, Parkview Hills, 3707 Greenleaf Circle, Kalamazoo. 9 am – 6 pm daily.

Paintings by Dave Elhart, Colorful precision images. Reception May 12, 6 – 8pm.

Free. 269-372-4444.

May 3 Retired School Personnel Gathering WMU Fetzer Center. 11:30 am.

The Kalamazoo County Association of Retired School Personnel will meet. Maryann191@aol.com May 3 Dessert with Discussion: Climate Change in Michigan W.K. Kellogg Biological Station. 6 – 8 pm.

Dr. Andresen will be speaking on climate change and sharing his knowledge with the community. Before and after the talk, there will be chef-crafted locally sourced desserts available. Free. 269-671-2015. http://kbs.msu.edu May 5 11th Annual National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day Carnival Kalamazoo County Expo Center. 4 – 7 pm. It provides education regarding children’s mental health issues, the services available for youth and families in our community, and how best to access those services. Free. 269-553-7122. mhoutrow@kazoocmh.org May 5 Alton Brown’s Live: Eat Your Science Miller Auditorium. 7:30 pm. With “Eat Your Science,” fans can expect more comedy, talk show antics, multimedia presentations and music (yes, he sings) but Brown is adding a slew of fresh ingredients. 269387-2300. www.millerauditorium.com

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May 2016

May 5 Gallery Gal’s Night Out! Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center, 200 Main St. 6 - 9 pm. Music, massage, jewelry, vendors and more. Suggested donation $5. Info at events@vicksburgarts. com or Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center on Facebook.

May 6 Art Hop Various Locations throughout Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 9 pm. Art Hop is a free event that features new art exhibits in a fun, casual atmosphere. Numerous galleries and businesses in the downtown area host a variety of artwork. Free. 269-3425059. www.kalamazooarts.com May 6 & 7 Annual Plant Sale 3299 Gull Road. Fri. 9 am – 6 pm, Sat. 9 am – 3 pm. Fundraiser for the Kalamazoo Master Gardener program. Master Gardeners will help shoppers with plant selection, plant care information, and provide carry out of all purchases. Free.

269-383-8815 May 6 – 8 Kalamazoo Marathon & Borgess Run for the Health of It! Borgess Nazareth Campus. Cost varies.

The Borgess Run is an annual community celebration of health and fitness. It is also one of the largest and most diverse road races in Southwest Michigan. There is an event for everyone: full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and the 5K walk. 269345-1913. info@borgessrun.com www. thekalamazoomarathon.com

May 7 Kalamazoo Expo Mom to Mom Sale Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Expo Main & South. 9 am – 1 pm. Kalamazoo’s largest mom to mom sale with over 220 booths! Sign up to sell or shop and save!

Strollers welcome. Adults $2, kids are free. 269-903-5820. moneys7714@sbcglobal.net loriesevents.vpweb.com/

May 12 – 14 Michigan Youth Arts Festival Western Michigan University. 9 am – 10:45 pm. Come see the stars of tomorrow today! If you love music, theatre, dance, and arts of all kinds, here’s your chance to see Michigan’s best and brightest high school performers and visual artists. Free. 269-545-9200.

May 7 Kalamazoo Humane Society Dog Walk & K-9 Festival Prairie View Park. 9 am – 2pm. Family friendly entertainment including Ultimate Air Dogs Dock Jumping, American’s Best Frisbee Dogs, Crazy Pet Contests, Pet and Family Photos, Skyhoundz Hyperflite Disc Competition, Doggie Dash Obstacle Course, Children’s Activities, Raffles, Bake Sale and More! $30. 269-345-1181. kazoohumane.org/dogwalk

May 13 & 14 Integrative Breathwork Workshops Lord of Life Church, 9420 Portage Rd. Portage. 5/13: 7 pm - 9 pm. A musical meditation for insight, emotional healing, creativity & renewal. $30. 5/14: 10 am - 5 pm. $70. Pre-registration is needed for both workshops. 269-388-2988. www.

AdamczAssociates.com

May 7 Downtown Kalamazoo Walking Brewery Tour Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill. 12 – 4:30 pm.

Learn about the craft beer in Kalamazoo, enjoy sampling some of the best beers in the world, and find out about the fascinating history of Kalamazoo. $25. 269-3504598. john@westmibeertours.com May 8 Mother’s Day Brunch W.K. Kellogg Manor House. 10:15 am – 1:30 pm. Thank someone special in your life with a decadent brunch at the historic W.K. Kellogg Manor House, the cereal king’s former summer home on beautiful Gull Lake. Reservations required. $29 Adults, $17 children. 269-671-2400. conference.kbs.msu.edu May 12 American Business Womens Association Martell’s Restaurant Parkview Hills Kalamazoo. 5:30 pm. Please call 269 323 0468 or e-mail marilyn4038@att.net for reservations.

May 12 American Business Women’s Association Beacon Club. 5:30 pm. This is a free event but you will need a reservation. For more information & reservations call 269903-2989 or email joannhaverkamp@ yahoo.com May 12 Taste of the World Kalamazoo County Expo Center. 6 – 8:30 pm. Enjoy outstanding international cuisine from the area’s top restaurants at Taste of the World-no passport or plane ticket needed! Live music and great conversations guarantee an enjoyable evening. Tickets are $35 in advance, $45 at the door. 269-341-9494. www.colleaguesinternational.org.

May 17 Suzi Parron Book Signing Vicksburg District Library. 7 pm. The Vicksburg Historical Society is sponsoring national author, Suzi Parron, who will do a book signing following her lively slide presentation of barn quilt trails across the country. Free. 269-329-0481.

May 20 Wine Tasting Dinner W.K. Kellogg Manor House. 6:30 – 9 pm. The Wine Tasting Dinner includes a delectable four-course dinner, paired with wines from all around the world. While you dine on a delicious chef-crafted feast, learn professional tips on choosing the best wines for your next dinner. $49. 269671-2400.

May 20 – 21 Kalamazoo Food Truck Rally Water Street, between Rose and Church.

10:30 pm – 1 am. Tailored after successful food truck rallies in the United States, the Kalamazoo Food Truck Rally will include food trucks, artisans, booths, music, and networking. 269-388-2830. events@eventkalamazoo.com May 20 - 21 Portage Garden Club Plant Sale 6851 Hickory Pt. East, Portage. Fri. 7 am - 3 pm, Sat. 8 am - noon. Proceeds go to local charities. 269-492-2856. Like us on Facebook: Portage Garden Club.

May 21 41st Annual Stulberg International String Competition Dalton Recital Hall at WMU. Semi-finals 9 am – 4 pm. This year’s competitors include both local and international flavor, with performers from Michigan, Canada and Germany. The field will be narrowed to six performers who will compete at 7:30 pm. Free. Finals are $20 for adults, $5 students. www.stulberg.org WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

May 21 2016 Family Fishing Fair Ramona Park. 10 am – 1 pm. Free. Bring the entire family to celebrate the onset of summer on this exciting day at the shoreline! There will be a host of activities along with prizes. 269-329-4522. www. portagemi.gov May 21 #EpicScreening Epic Center. 10 am – 7 pm. Free. #EpicScreening! Come and watch the best of the best! Attend our FREE all-day event, all concluding with awards at the end of the day. 269-343-2211. nxmwfilm.org May 21 Barn Quilt Painting Workshop Vicksburg District Library. 12:30 – 4:30 pm. Instructors will guide you through the painting of a 2’X2’ quilt block that is suitable for outdoor display on your garden shed, garage etc. Limited to 20 students, $40 fee. 269-329-0481.

May 21 Walking Tour Series of Downtown Kalamazoo Breweries Central City Tap House. 12 – 4:30 pm.

Learn about the craft beer in Kalamazoo, enjoy sampling some of the best beers in the world, and find out about the fascinating history of Kalamazoo. $25. 269-3504598. john@westmibeertours.com May 21 America on Tap Homer Stryker Field. 3 – 6 pm. Sample over 100 releases from some of America’s best craft breweries. Plus, hang out in an atmosphere filled with live music, delicious food available for purchase, and great vendors. $30 - $50. 269-978-2167. americaontap.com/america-on-tap-kalamazoo-mi/ May 21 Euchre Tournament Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center, 200 Main St. 6 - 9 pm. Prizes, 50-50 raffle. $10 for single players, $15 for partners. Info at events@vicksburgarts. com or Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center on Facebook Wednesday, May 25 First Day Shoe Fund Brews & Shoes Arcadia Brewing Company, Kalamazoo.

5 – 7 pm. Silent Auction, Appetizers and Beer. You’ll be helping raise funds to provide new shoes for K-5 students. $10 or a new pair of children’s athletic shoes. firstdayshoefund@gmail.com firstdayshoefund.org May 27 The Living Room Musicians Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center, 200 Main St. 7 – 10 pm. Dulcimer, wind and per-

cussion, beautiful music. Free. events@ vicksburgarts.com or Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center on Facebook June 2 – 5 3rd Annual Pickleball Fever in the Zoo Wings Event Center. 8 am. Michigan has the second largest number of members in the United States of America Pickleball Association, which has more than 150,000 members nationwide. Free.

269-330-0209. https://www.facebook.com/ KalamazooPickleball/ June 3 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. 269-3425059. www.kalamazooarts.com June 3 – 4 Ladies’ Library Ice Cream Social Ladies’ Library Association. 10 am – 2 pm.

Enjoy ice cream treats including ice cream cones, pie alamode, or make your own Sundaes. Enjoy tours of the historic building and watch the June Jubilee parade as it passes by the building. 269-344-0158. http://kalamazooladieslibrary.org

I

S

SALT-N-PEPA

WITH SPINDERELLA COOLIO YOUNG MC COLOR ME BADD TONE LOC All-4-one

may 26 at wings event center tickets on sale now

June 4 Do-Dah Parade Starts at the corner of Jasper and Lovell Street. 11 am – 1 pm. This parade is a fun un-structured, un-proper, and goofy. The meaning of “Do-Dah” is a parody based on a spoof or satire of a person, place, event or thing. We have partnered up with The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo and WKFR to incorporate the theme “Do-Dah Fit”! Free. 269-388-2830 June 4 Walking Tour Series of Downtown Kalamazoo Breweries Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill. 12 – 4:30 pm.

Learn about the craft beer in Kalamazoo, enjoy sampling some of the best beers in the world, and find out about the fascinating history of Kalamazoo. $30. 269-3504598. john@westmibeertours.com June 4 Hike to a Concert Eliason Nature Reserve. 3 pm. Don’t miss this unique nature and live music experience! Take your pick of a short hike (15-20 minutes) or a longer hike (30-40 minutes) into the beautiful Eliason Nature Reserve. Free. 269-329-4522. www.portagemi.gov

Graduation Parties ≤ Memorial Services ≤ Showers Rehearsal Dinners ≤ Corporate Events Birthday Parties ≤ Anniversaries ≤ Family Reunions!

Mention you saw us in the Women's Lifestyle Magazine and receive 5% off your order of $250 or more!

May 2016

37

READER’S LOUNGE

BY JOCELYN YOST • Whether

your best friend is your mom, your daughter, your childhood pal or your partner, have fun with these books that celebrate the power of friendship and family.

Days of Awe

by Lauren Fox

How much difference can a year make? Plenty, in Isabel’s case.

Only a year ago, Isabel was married, had a great best friend Josie, and was adored by her ten-year-old daughter. Now life and her relationships have changed before her eyes. Her husband has moved out and rented his own apartment, her beloved best friend has died in a car accident, and her daughter has morphed into a moody tween. All the relationships that defined Isabel’s life have changed, and now she needs to try and understand who she really is.

Been There, Done That

by Al Roker & Deborah Roberts Step into power couple Deborah Roberts and Al Roker’s life and read stories about their experience together as parents. Told in alternating voices, they share anecdotes from childhood, life lessons learned from family, and obstacles they’ve overcome. Al and Deborah get candid about Al’s obesity struggles, growing up in the segregated south, and the challenges and blessings of family life in modern times.

Crazy Love You

by Lisa Unger

Sometimes that friend who’s known you since childhood isn’t the comforting presence you wish they were. Ian and Priss grew up together in upstate New York, and Priss was his defender from the bullies who called him “fat boy” and “loser.” Now

that they’re all grown up and living in New York City, Ian is a successful graphic novelist, but Priss is trouble. Where she goes, darkness follows, and Ian is tiring of a life spent dealing with Priss’ demons. Especially now that he’s met sweet Megan, who makes him want to live a better life. Priss doesn’t like Ian’s new partner, or for things to change, and wants to drag Ian back into her world—without Megan.

Finding Family

by Richard Hill

Richard Hill was born in Ionia, Michigan and grew up never knowing he was adopted; that is, until an accidental slip of the tongue by his family doctor when he was eighteen. Finding Family is the true and intensely personal story of how he pieced together the long-kept secret of his origins and follows his groundbreaking use of DNA testing and genetic genealogy for an adoption search. His search makes for a highly suspenseful and page-turning story for anyone who loves learning with mystery.

Best Friends Forever

by Kimberla Lawson Roby

Celine’s life is falling apart; her home life has become a series of angry arguments with her husband, and she worries about the effect on their daughter, Kassie. However, something more devastating is around the corner, as Celine is diagnosed with breast cancer and starts her cancer treatment journey alone. Her best friend from childhood, Lauren, unexpectedly steps in to comfort her and walks with Celine every step of the way, no matter what happens, as only a best friend can.

Jocelyn Yost is in Southwest Michigan, who loves having something new to read, watch, or listen to only a step away.

38

May 2016

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

live. work. play.

BUSINESS SERVICES www.A1PrintingCopyCenter.com (269) 381-0093

MacKenzies’ Café & Bakery

ForensicFluids.com (269) 492-7700

Portage Center Plaza-165 W. Centre

HMScreening.com A Local Screening Service!

Kalamazoo (2 Locations) & Portage Y’OPA Frozen Yogurt

Chocola-Tea.com 7642 S. Westnedge, Portage

MEDIA, MARKETING & TECHNOLOGY Ad Shop, Etc.

Jeffmurphymediator.com (269) 375-3200

(269) 207-0103

HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS www.advantageprivatenursing.com (269) 324-1180

(269) 321-0612

www.FacesSkin.com (269) 447-2297

www.GreatDealsMagazine.com

www.WMUK.org 102.1 FM Kalamazoo (west) · Downtown Kalamazoo · Portage

(269) 569-1647 RECREATION

NaturalHealthFoodCenter.com (269) 342-9459

Bella Terra Equine Adventure www.bellaterraacres.com

Sawall Health Foods sawallhf.com Westside Medical Pharmacy (269) 375-1700

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Kalamazoo Nature Center

Jeffmurphymediator.com (269) 375-3200

naturecenter.org Kalamazoo Wings Kwings.com

HOME SERVICES Jaqua Realtors – Audrey DeVault (269) 207-3411

RETAIL fb.com/DiscoveryShopKalamazoo

Loedeman's Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

(269) 345-0661

loedeman.com

Kazoo Books

MigalaCarpetOne.com INSPIRATION TO INSTALLATION

12000 N US 131 Hwy, Schoolcraft Vandenbergfurniture.com

Comensolis.com (269) 345-6755

www.leesadventuresports.com 311 W. Kilgore, Kalamazoo

HOSPITALITY/ RESTAURANTS theAmplePantry.com (269) 375-8300 www.Chocola-Tea.com 7642 S. Westnedge Prtg.

kazoobooks.com

Neighborhood Cleaners Kalamazoo – Portage – Mattawan RomenceGardensonline.com

Sawall Health Foods sawallhf.com

9660 Shaver Rd. Por tage V & A Bootery

vashoesfit.com

SHOES THAT FIT YOUR LIFE

vabootery.com

K A L A M A Z O O • P O R T A G E • G R A N D R A P I D S • S T. J O S E P H

The Right Place for Hosting Your Event FetzerCenter.com

Vandenberg Furniture

HendersonCastle.com (269) 344-1827

VanderSalm’s Flower Shop & Garden

LawtonRidgeWinery.com (269) 372-9463

Greater Kalamazoo

12000 N US 131 Hwy, Schoolcraft

(269) 342-0123

Neighborhood Cleaners Kalamazoo – Portage – Mattawan

Wenke Greenhouses Corner of Sprinkle & Market - Comstock May 2016

39

America’s oldest family owned natural food store

Celebrating 80 Years!

SW MICHIGAN’S OF

HEALTHY PRODUCTS 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

Register in store each month for an

80 Gift Card $

GIVEAWAY

MAY SPECIAL

10-20% OFF

Natural Sun Care & Bug Repellent Prices may vary / no other discounts apply.

Exp. May 31, 2016.

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