Chicz - July/August 2018

a Magazine for FUN women!

July/August 2018

TM

DIY HISTORY COOKBOOK Comfortable

CAMPING

1 Chicz July/August 2018

Homemade

ICE CREAM

What if you

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It ’s finally here!

Inside this issue July/August 2018

Sum-sum-summertime! You know you’ve been waiting for it! I know I have. I love the wonderful opportunity to head into the great Photo tips 4 outdoors and enjoy the sunshine.

Our July/August edition of Chicz The Jeff Beach Diet 7 is filled with fun summertime artiA Guyz Perspective 12 cles just for you. Try your hand at mak10 uses for rubber bands 15 ing ice cream withReal Chicz of out a machine, or CHARLES BOWDEN taste one of the reDouglas County 16 freshing India Pale Ales available this year. You can even give our campfire recipes a whirl when camping, and don’t forget to check out our tips Food and drink on how to fill your tent with the comforts of home.

Try your hand at homemade How about some do-it-yourself projects like a history ice cream • 6 cookbook, a gathering basket for washing produce and India Pale Ale • 8 some summer fun items to make at home like kinetic sand HOMEMADE ICE CREAM Bring wine to your picnic • 9 and play dough?

Non-alcoholic sangria • 10 We give you some thoughts on dressing professionally Campfire recipes • 21 in the summer while enjoying the bright prints and colors of the season, and help you add some curb appeal to your front entry. Check out the tips for redesigning a Outdoors room around an inspiration piece.

The comforts of home when camping • 20 Contributor Andrew Holte gives you some tips on Be aware of ticks • 20 how to work toward financial independence and Kyle Battling bites • 20 Kaatz fills you in on what you need to know about Creating privacy in the garden and on the patio • 25 using mobile wallet.

In Real Chicz of Douglas County, Celeste EdenlFamily off introduces to you Betty Ravnik, owner of Ravnik Create your own history cookbook • 18 & Co., an interior design company, and gives you DIY gathering basket for garden produce • 19 some insight into that profession.

Echo Press photographer Lowell Anderson conSummer fun for kids• 22 THE tinues his photo tips column and Jeff Beach tries Dressing professionally doesn’t mean boring• 26 COMFORTS his hand at sliders in his Jeff Beach Diet article.

OF HOME These stories and so much more are just waitHome ing for you!

Give your home some curb appeal• 21 Enjoy!

"Summertime is always the best of what might be."

6

20

Design around an inspiration piece• 24

Lori Mork, Chicz editor

To advertise in Chicz call 320.763.3133

Jody Hanson, Publisher Lori Mork, Editor/Designer

Chicz is a publication of

Echo Press, 225 7th Ave. East Alexandria, MN 56308 ©2012 Echo Press

Send your feedback to: chiczmag@gmail.com

USING MOBILE WALLET

11

Finance

Using mobile wallet • 11 Work toward your own financial independence • 14

Entertainment Great reads • 27 Puzzles and horoscopes • 28

Your writers

Chicz contributing writers • 30

GIVE YOUR HOME SOME CURB APPEAL

24

July/August July/August 2018 2018 Chicz Chicz

33

USE YOUR CELL PHONE TO MAKE

O

great photos

PHOTO

By Lowell Anderson

ne of the most disappointing experiences for a photographer is to see something that would make a great picture and to not have your camera with you. However, now that almost everyone carries a cell phone with a built-in camera, that experience is becoming a thing of the past.

The problem is, even though most newer cell phone cameras are capable of making excellent photos, most people don’t put a lot of thought into how they use them. Although sometimes a quick snapshot is all you really need, most of the time a little thought and a few adjustments will really make a difference.

If you’re serious about photography, the first thing to do is take a look at your built-in camera app to see if it is adequate for your needs.

One of the biggest things to look for is the ability to set a focus point and overall exposure separately. In other words, you want to be able to focus on one part of the scene and then adjust the exposure for a completely different part of the scene.

Other controls that you should have include shutter speed, ISO and white balance.

TIPS

Although there may be some good, free camera apps, you’re probably better off paying a few bucks for one that offers “pro settings.”

The best app will usually be one that makes changing basic controls easy, without focusing too much on special effects.

Once you have a good app, spend some time learning how to use it so you know what settings to use in different situations. In particular, learn about low

light settings, as these tend to be a problem area for these cameras. Generally low light conditions will involve increasing the ISO setting, making sure the shutter speed is high enough to prevent blur, and possibly adjusting the white balance.

Beyond that, always clean off the lens each time you use the camera. When shooting in low-light conditions - which involve slower shutter speeds - focus on holding the camera steady

with your elbows against your body or with the camera braced against something. And, finally, try not to zoom in the camera, which drastically reduces picture quality. Instead try to “zoom” with your feet by getting closer to the subject.

Although they certainly have limitations, if used correctly cell phone cameras can help you create near pro-quality photos in many situations.

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Summer

By Sara Carlson Summer in the Alexandria area makes our whole area swell with people and we are so fortunate that it does! I am so proud of our city and surrounding area and how we treat all the people that come here for weddings, class reunions, family outings and vacations in general with respect and gratitude that they chose us to be the place they wanted to be. Truly we appreciate the fact that we are such a great area to come to visit and to live year round.

Our community has always held and bonded together – no matter how large we grow I am confident that we will continue to do so. When hard times come and things happen we are superior in our ability to stand together and get through even in the toughest times. This sets us apart from other communities and is what makes us special. It also

Do You 001595086r1

in the city!

makes celebrating the good times all the more important! Summer is a great time for enjoying the fantastic weather and all the festivals and fun, exciting, outdoor activities this area has to offer!

From a governmental point of view, the partnerships that all the organizational entities form are invaluable and are what makes us grow and prosper. We have elections and changes coming this summer and fall in many areas. These changes will be wonderful for us and our area.

Change is not always easy – but, it is inevitable. I am blessed to be the mayor of this community and watch as this area continues to thrive.

So, whether you live here or are just visiting – enjoy the area – it is filled with the greatest people you will ever meet. As I always say, “We are Alexandria!”

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July/August 2018 Chicz

5

Try your hand at

homemade ice cream

Do you want to treat your family to homemade ice cream, but don’t have a machine for making the creamy treat? You’re in luck! Here are several recipes for this summertime favorite that don’t require an ice cream maker.

By Lori Mork

EASY STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE ICE CREAM

NO-CHURN CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM

INGREDIENTS: 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip 1 (8 oz.) block cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup butter, softened 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. vanilla extract 15 Golden Oreo cookies (about half a package) 1/4 cup butter, softened 1 (21 oz.) can strawberry pie filling

INGREDIENTS: 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk, very cold 3/4 cup quality cocoa powder 2 cups heavy cream, very cold

DIRECTIONS: In a large mixer bowl, mix together sweetened condensed milk, cool whip, cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, lemon juice and vanilla extract on medium speed until smooth.

In a food processor (or using a large ziplock bag and rolling pin) add the Golden Oreos and 1/4 cup butter.

Combine and crush together until crumbly.

Dump the Oreo crumbs into the center of the batter, then pour the can of strawberry pie filling over the crumbs. Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold the filling and crumbs into the ice cream batter. NOTE: Only fold 2 or 3 times. You want swirls in the ice cream, so don’t over mix. Pour mixture into a standard loaf pan and cover tightly with plastic wrap.

Freeze at least 6 hours or overnight.

NO CHURN CHOCOLATE CARAMEL ICE CREAM INGREDIENTS: 1-3/4 cups heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup International Delight Hershey’s Chocolate Caramel Coffee Creamer 2 oz. semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted and cooled for 5 minutes 14 oz. (1 can) sweetened condensed milk Chocolate fudge ice cream topping Caramel ice cream topping

6 Chicz July/August 2018

DIRECTIONS: Place heavy whipping cream and coffee creamer in a large bowl. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat until whipped cream forms peaks.

Mix in the baking chocolate and sweetened condensed milk until the mixture resembles a thick whipped cream.

Drizzle some of the fudge and caramel sauces in the bowl and gently fold them into the mixture to swirl. Don’t completely mix it.

Transfer the ice cream mixture to a sealable container or large loaf pan. Drizzle the top with more chocolate fudge and caramel. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or until hard.

DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl, combine condensed milk and sifted cocoa powder. Stir together until cocoa powder is well dispersed and there are no lumps.

Add heavy cream. Using a mixer at low speed, beat the mixture for 1-2 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken. Increase speed to medium and continue to beat for 3-5 minutes or until stiff peaks form.

Transfer mixture into a 9” x 5” loaf pan. Cover with plastic wrap, lightly pressing film on the surface of cream mixture to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight. Serve frozen.

EASY RASPBERRY SORBET INGREDIENTS: 3 cups raspberries, frozen DIRECTIONS: Combine the berries and the condensed milk in a food processor or blender; process until smooth and creamy.

1-4 cup fat-free condensed milk

Transfer to a freezable container and let it firm up for about 4 hours to be able to scoop.

Keep in the freezer for up to 6 weeks.

The rise of sliders They were born nearly 100 years ago from humble beginnings in the Midwest.

Small hamburger patties served on 2-inch by 2-inch buns.

While created in a “castle,” they were certainly not regarded as fine food. In fact, they were the beginning of the modern era of fast food.

Eventually they were tagged with the derogatory term “slider,” though it also became a term of endearment.

They were called sliders because, in theory, their small size and beefy greasiness would allow them to slide down the gullet without being chewed. (Don’t try this at home.)

They originated at White Castle restaurants. I was

introduced to sliders in the 1990s while living in Minneapolis, where a White Castle first opened in 1939. The usual side item with a White Castle slider order was “a bag of nails” or french fries.

I attended one birthday party for a lover of White Castle sliders where the hostess catered the event with a huge mountain of sliders. This mountain of individually wrapped sliders included both hamburger and fish varieties, because the birthday boy also liked to fish.

As the party wore on, we chipped away at the mountain of sliders. But at some point, it became clear we would not completely conquer slider mountain that night.

‘LOOSE MEAT SANDWICHES’

For one slider bun option, here is a super simple crock pot meal for “Loose Meat Sandwiches.”

INGREDIENTS: 1 beef or pork roast, 3 to 4 pounds.

1 cup ketchup 1 cup beer (I like a malty dark beer) Dash of liquid smoke 1 onion, sliced (optional) DIRECTIONS: Put roast in crock pot. Combine ketchup, beer and liquid smoke and pour over roast; top with the sliced onions. Cook until done; about five or six hours or until the meat shreds easily with a fork.

Shred meat, combining with onions and serve on buns.

By Jeff Beach

Later still, it was discovered that the palm-sized sandwiches made excellent ammunition. For reasons I can’t recall, there was an outbreak of a small-scale slider war.

While it seemed like a good idea at the time, I am no advocate for slider violence or food waste. This is the kind of war in which there would be no winners.

The term slider now applies to anything put on a small bun like those that originated at White Castle restaurants.

You can find boxes of The Original Slider frozen hamburgers from White Castle at some grocery stores. You can get sliders from a vendor at the county fair or find upscale sliders on restaurant menus. At Target Field, you can get one as part of a bloody Mary.

Of course, you can buy bags of sliders buns for

The

JEFF BEACH

diet

Jeff Beach has spent a lifetime on the The Jeff Beach Diet and is still kickin’.

sandwiches to make at home.

I don’t really care for flipping my own tiny hamburgers, though. I think they work best for things like sloppy joes, tuna salad, pulled pork and deli meats and cheeses. They are great for things like potlucks, tailgating and graduation parties where people might be grazing or wanting to sample a variety of offerings.

Just keep a lid on the food fights.

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July/August 2018 Chicz

7

India Pale Ale aka IPA

I

ndia Pale Ale is a style of ale originally derived from sailors’ thirst for British-brewed beers. In the late 1700s when shipping beer to British colonies, particularly India, thought had to be given to the length of the journey. By initially brewing beer to higher alcohol levels, the beer wouldn’t spoil during the journey. Larger amounts of hops were added for their preservative properties and resulted in a golden beer with a hoppy flavor as well as the higher alcohol content. Today the typical alcohol content of IPAs is between 6-9 percent ABV (alcohol by volume).

Citrus and pine are the trademark aromas in IPAs. The flavors vary to some degree from brand to brand. Most common descriptions include: citrus, floral, bitter with subtle caramel in an earthy maltiness.

“INTERNATIONAL UNITS” (IBUs) WHAT ARE THOSE?

Nearly all IPAs are labeled with a number stating the IBUs. IBUs are a standard measurement of bitterness imparted by hops – a higher number indicates higher bitterness, and therefore higher hop usage. Higher IBUs do not always correspond to higher perceived bitterness in the flavor profile – the malt character in the beer will affect bitterness.

AMERICAN PALE ALE (APA) DIFFERENT THAN IPA

The brewery thought to be the first to successfully use significant quantities of American hops in the style of APA and use the name Pale Ale, was the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, who brewed the first experimental batch of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale in November 1980.

By Andy Mellgren

American Pale Ales are generally around 5 percent abv with significant quantities of American hops, typically Cascade. American brewed beers use a different yeast, and American two-row malt. It is the American hops that distinguish an APA from British or European pales. APAs usually have lower IBUs and less citrus and hop flavors.

What is “dry hopping?”

Some brands use a method referred to as dry hopping. This is when additional whole hops are added to beers as they age in tanks. This increases the aroma and hop character of the finished beer without affecting its bitterness.

The ideal food pairings for IPAs are, in no particular order: salty and fried foods, spicy appetizers or bold and sweet desserts.

Grab a bucket, some ice, a handful of IPAs and celebrate summer!

Soak up Summer!

Great selection of wines!

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wine

Bring to your picnic

By Al Edenloff

It’s time for a picnic!

July is National Picnic Month (but August works fine too) so why not bring along a bottle of wine to celebrate the occasion?

If you like white wines, you’ll want to keep the wine slightly chilled, around 50 degrees as you travel to your picnic spot. Several options are available – a chilled flexible sleeve to wrap around the bottle (around $12); a wine “corkcicle” that inserts into the bottle ($20 to $25); or even wine ice cubes made out of plastic or stainless steel (under $20).

Wondering which wine will taste best with what’s in your picnic basket?

Try these pairings: Fried chicken – Champagne, Riesling or Grenache.

Cold pizza – Pinot Noir.

Barbecued ribs – Sparkling rose.

French bread – Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cheddar cheese – Zinfandel.

Italian sandwich – Chianti.

Fresh fruit – A sweeter Champagne or a Bordeaux.

Remember, these are just some pairing suggestions; it doesn’t have to be complicated and if you like a certain wine, go with that. Chances are, there

will be something in the picnic basket that will taste wonderful with it.

The picnic doesn’t have to be fancy either. The person you are with is the most important ingredient. As the poem says, “A jug of wine, a loaf of bread and thou.”

July/August 2018 Chicz

9

Sangria

Non-alcoholic

INGREDIENTS: 1 lemon, sliced, with peel 1 lime, sliced, with peel 1 orange, sliced, with peel 1 cored apple, sliced, with peel 3 cups grape juice 3/4 cup apple juice 3/4 cup orange juice 1-1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice 2-3 cups sparkling mineral (carbonated) water

DIRECTIONS: Clean and cut up all the fruit, and add the fruit to a glass pitcher.

Add grape, apple, orange and lemon juice and mix gently. Refrigerate a minimum of four hours.

Right before serving, add the cold sparkling mineral water. Gently mix together and serve.

6 servings

10 Chicz July/August 2018

A light and fruity non-alcoholic version of this classic drink is perfect for a evening of relaxing on the deck.

By Lori Mork

COMMITTED TO

Family & Community FOR THE PAST 87 YEARS

Using

MOBILE WALLET coding language so it’s unreadable to fraudsters.

Mobile Wallet can also make online shopping quicker and easier. Do you dread having to type in your credit card information into an online checkout every time you make a purchase?

Now, with Mobile Wallet, you don’t have to. If the online shopping site is compatible with Mobile Wallet, you can just select your card, and enter your password—without having to dig for your credit card.

Mobile Wallet is an innovative way to get you through the checkout with ease. It’s also, arguably, much safer than using your plastic debit or credit cards because there is encryption technology built in. Many people in the payments industry believe Mobile Wallet is the future; that it will likely phase out the use of plastic.

If you’re ready to start using Mobile Wallet, ask your financial institution if their debit and credit cards are compatible with this technology. From there, setup is simple. Happy shopping.

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H

ave you ever been on your way to the store and realize you don’t have your wallet? Do you get tired of fumbling for the correct card or the right amount of cash? There’s a solution to both of these problems: Mobile Wallet. Mobile Wallet is a mobile application, most commonly used with Android, Apple, and Google devices. Since your phone goes everywhere with you, with the use of Mobile Wallet, now so will your credit and debit cards.

You may be asking, “How does Mobile Wallet work?” or “Is it safe to use?”

Mobile Wallet links your debit and credit cards to your mobile device; you’ll use your cell phone at checkout, rather than your plastic cards. Once your transaction is ready for payment, all you need to do is select the card you’d like to use in the app, hover your mobile device over the terminal, and input your password or finger print. It’s that easy.

Mobile Wallet is also extremely secure. It uses Near Field Communication (NFC) and encrypts your card information and transaction data, which randomizes the

By Kyle Kaatz

Kyle Kaatz is a Personal Banker at Glenwood State Bank.

July/August 2018 Chicz

11

a guyz perspective

Losing my running partner

By Eric Morken

Running has become my way of trying to stay active after college.

I grew up playing sports, and the exercise I got from that seemed good enough.

Then adulthood came. Finding time and friends to play basketball, baseball and volleyball with became harder and harder.

Eventually, it was clear that running was my best option.

The last five summers I have committed myself to getting out three to five times a week for a two or three mile run. From the very beginning, my yellow lab, Ole, has run along with me.

Ole has never really been a cuddler.

He’s incredibly affectionate. Good with our kids, but he’s a doer. He would much rather be out hunting or playing in the yard than sitting on his pad in our dining room.

It was evident from the time I brought him home that running with him was as important for his happiness as it was for mine. Every time I come out of our bedroom in a pair of shorts, he jumps to his feet and starts shaking his back end uncontrollably.

12 Chicz July/August 2018

He always knew when it was time for our run. Only now, I have been forced into an unexpected situation where I have to save him from himself.

A year ago, I noticed our runs were not the same for him. He was his normal self for the first mile or so, but would eventually slow down to the point where I would beat him home. That was unusual, but I did not notice a change in his behavior otherwise.

Maybe it’s the heat and the fact that he is getting a little older, I thought.

Ole, 6 now, hunted hard through the fall and showed no real signs of slowing down. But then early this spring, my wife noticed he didn’t look right when walking. The nails on his back paws seemed to scratch the floor with every step. He wasn’t lifting them like he should be.

I talked about it with our veterinarian.

Ole is a pointing lab who has bred a lot of litters, so he has been cleared for any type of genetic disorders. X-rays showed that everything checked out again - hips are good, knees. Nothing stood out on the images.

From there, I took him to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center to see a neurologist. They believe the problem is stemming from his lower spine. The next step would be an MRI, then possibly surgery, which still comes with no guarantees that it would reverse the damage done to this point.

Ole’s energy made him great in the hunting fields. It motivated me to be more active. Now, it seems that enthusiasm – the jumping off the deck or a tailgate – has led to an injury that might take away everything he loves the most.

I don’t know where things will go from here for Ole. I just know those runs this summer have been a lot more lonely than years past.

July/August 2018 Chicz

13

Work toward your own financial

INDEPENDENCE DAY W

e’re close to the Fourth of July, our national Independence Day, which may get you thinking of the many freedoms you enjoy. But have you thought of what you might need to do to attain financial freedom?

Your first step is to define what financial independence signifies to you. For many people, it means being able to retire when they want to and to enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle. If this is your vision as well, consider these steps: Pay yourself first. If you wait until you have some extra money “lying around” before you invest for retirement, you may never get around to doing it. Instead, pay yourself first. This actually is not that hard to do, especially if you have a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, because your contributions are taken directly from your paycheck, before you even have the chance to spend the money. You can set up a similar arrangement with an IRA by having automatic contributions taken directly from your checking or savings account.

001740954r1

14 Chicz July/August 2018

By Andrew Holte

Invest appropriately. Your investment decisions should be guided by your time horizon, risk tolerance and retirement goals. If you deviate from these guideposts – for instance, by taking on either too much or too little risk – you may end up making decisions that aren’t right for you and that may set you back. Avoid financial “potholes.” The road to financial liberty will always be marked with potholes you should avoid. One such pothole is debt – the higher your debt burden, the less you can invest for your retirement. It’s not always easy to lower your debt load, but do the best you can to live within your means. A second pothole comes in the form of large, unexpected short-term costs, such as a major home or auto repair or a medical bill not fully covered by insurance. To avoid dipping into your long-term investments to pay for these short-term costs, try to build an emergency fund containing six months’ to a year’s worth of living expenses. Give yourself some wiggle room. If you decide that to achieve financial inde-

pendence, you must retire at 62 or you must buy a vacation home by the beach, you may feel disappointed if you fall short of these goals. But if you’re prepared to accept some flexibility in your plans – perhaps you can work until 65 or just rent a vacation home for the summer – you may be able to earn a different, but still acceptable, financial freedom. And by working a couple of extra years or paying less for your vacation home expenses, you may also improve your overall financial picture.

Putting these and other moves to work can help you keep moving toward your important goals. When you eventually reach your own “Financial Independence Day,” it may not warrant a fireworks display – but it should certainly add some sparkle to your life.

10

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OPEN BOWLING EVERY DAY! Great fun for the whole family!

uses for

RUBBER BANDS

By Lori Mork

1

Open jars. Place a thick rubber band around the outside of a stubborn jar lid and twist to open. The rubber band helps you grip the lid better.

2

Keep apples fresh.

Just slice an apple, then reassemble it into a whole apple and wrap a rubber band around the outside. It will keep slices in place and help keep them fresh.

3

Protect books.

If you’re one of those people who has a book in their bag or purse, wrap one or two rubber bands around it to keep the book closed and the pages from getting damaged.

4

Identify drinks. By wrapping a colored rubber band around your soda can or drink bottle, you can easily recognize it in a refrigerator or cooler. No need to ask, “who’s drink is this?”

5

Keep ribbons spooled.

Ribbons are notorious for unwinding from their spools, so keep yours in place by wrapping a rubber band around it to keep it secure and tangle-free.

6

Stop slipping. There’s nothing more dangerous in a kitchen than a slipping cutting board. Wrap a large rubber band around each end of the cutting board, giving more grip on your counter.

7

Keep doors open.

Loop a rubber band around a doorknob so that it forms an “X” shape across the latch to keep the door from latching.

8

Arcade op ready fo en and r yo have fu u to n!

Remove stripped screws. If you’ve ever stripped a screw when trying to remove it, you know this frustration! Place a rubber band flat over the head of the screw and try removing it. It may give your screwdriver enough grip to remove it.

9

Save spoons. Keep your spoon or ladle from sliding down into a large pot by wrapping a rubber band around the handle near the end. It will keep the spoon from slipping down all the way.

10

Improve hangers.

If you have clothing that slips off your plastic or metal hangers, try wrapping one or two rubber bands around the ends of the hangers, which will help keep clothing from sliding off.

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15

real chicz of douglas county

Art The

of

DESIGN Interior designer shares tips and trends

B

etty Ravnik has been in the interior design business for more than 35 years. However, it took many jobs before she figured out exactly what she wanted to do.

In fact, Ravnik, who moved to Alexandria in 1988, had 25 jobs by the time she was 23 years old.

“I tried everything and went to several colleges trying to find out what I wanted,” said Ravnik, an interior designer. “My shortest job lasted six hours. I drove a water truck for road construction.”

Originally from the Brainerd lakes area, Ravnik said she has “lived all over the place,” including Alaska and Colorado. After working several different jobs, she ended up attending college in Minneapolis for interior design and landed a job at a high-end design firm on Nicollet Mall in the heart of Minneapolis.

But then she heard about a job opening for an interior design teacher at what was called at that time, Alexandria Technical College.

“I thought it would be a lot of fun,” said Ravnik, who got the job and started working at the college in the fall

16 Chicz July/August 2018

By Celeste Edenloff

of 1988. “I thought I would teach for a couple of years, but didn’t plan on staying in the area. But then I met a lot of nice people and I met a man.”

Ravnik stuck around and ended up teaching at the school, which is now called Alexandria Technical and Community College, until last spring when she retired from teaching interior design.

TRENDS AND TIPS Like fashion and even eyeglasses, Ravnik said certain styles always seem to come back around. But one style she hopes never makes its way back into peoples’ homes is carpeted bathrooms.

She said bathrooms are one place carpet just doesn’t belong. She also said the mauve and dusty blue colors that were popular in the 1990s don’t necessarily need to come back either.

The white and gray color craze that was popular in the 1980s, Ravnik said, is once again popular, along with wood hung diagonally on walls, a craze she didn’t expect would ever come back, but did.

About 12 years ago, Ravnik said she worked on a house where she put shiplap – a type of wooden board – on the

walls. In the last five or six years, because of interior design related shows on television, shiplap has become popular again.

“People are very influenced by what they see on TV and it is true, some trends do start there,” she said.

But instead of following what is seen on TV or magazines or even Pinterest, Ravnik advised that people find their own style. Sometimes, she said, when people follow a trend they end up being disappointed or even bored after a few years.

People shouldn’t fear an interior designer. We are sort of like investigators and are here to help. We can come up with several plans and options for people and are here to guide people and educate them.

BETTY RAVNIK Interior designer

In her own home, Ravnik said, she didn’t follow a trend, although she said it has been tempting.

One trend that Ravnik would like to see more often are softer looks. For example, she said if blinds are used as window treatments, add panels (a kind of drapery) to soften the look. And when using leather furniture, mix it up with upholstered pieces to, once again, soften the look.

“Don’t have all leather, have pieces that are also cozy,” she said. “Or add some pillows, although I know pillows are a man’s nemesis, but they add texture and can easily soften the look of a room.”

She said pillows, along with rugs, wall art and even drapery, are a great way to accessorize and can be easily changed out to update or give a room a different look.

Ravnik believes that a house should give its owners a hug when they walk in. Rooms, she said, should be inviting and approachable along with cozy and soft. She also believes that people don’t have to have a theme throughout their house, but they do have to have cohesiveness.

“You don’t have to have each room matching,” she said. “But rooms should complement each other.”

Her last piece of advice: When you are perusing the Internet, checking out pins on Pinterest or browsing through magazines, make notes. Mark things up and identify what it is you like about what you looking at. And she said to try and use adjectives, like warm, cozy, light and airy, to describe what you like.

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Join Betty Ravnik for a light breakfast, a free educational program and a time to view the newest trends. All programs start at 9 a.m. at 609 Broadway, Alexandria, MN. No RSVP required. For more information, call Ravnik at 320-763-8300 or send an email to info@ravnikandco.com.

July 21: How to use textures and patterns Aug. 18: Understanding color and how to use it Sept. 15: Bathroom design do’s and don’ts Oct. 20: How to style a surface: mantels and tables Nov. 17 : Current design trends Dec. 15: Art selection and hanging July/August 2018 Chicz

17

Create your own

DIY history cookbook

By Lori Mork I recently completed a project I’ve had in the back of my mind for several years – a history cookbook, chronicling the story of my family in genealogy, recipes and historic tidbits from both my mother’s and my father’s ancestors.

Collaborating with my brothers, sister and mother, we were able to piece together a book we hope will be passed down through generations to come.

Everyone participated by contributing their favorite recipes from the past and the present, as well as photos and information they wanted to see in print.

Fortunately, both sides of my family have had previous

18 Chicz July/August 2018

generational books and articles printed, and from them I was able to glean a lot of the information I needed to round out the cookbook.

To get started, I checked out photo book websites and found that Shutterfly allows you to download a template and create your own pages. I am fortunate enough to have a computer program that lets me design and lay out pages the way I want to, but many of their premade online templates are very good.

I had many old recipes from my grandmothers and great-grandmothers – some of them hand written in recipe books. We were able to take photos of those handwritten pages and include them in the book as they

were originally written. I then added a typed recipe to go with the photo so that the they were easier to read.

At the start of each section of the cookbook, I included an old photo and some history for the family, alternating between my mother’s and father’s families. I also added historic tidbits and photos if I came across a spot within the recipe pages that needed something

extra. We decided to do the entire book in sepia tone to give it a vintage look.

In the back of the book, I included an abbreviated genealogy of both family trees dating back to the mid1600s.

The finished product turned out wonderfully, and every family member has a copy. Hopefully, it will become a keepsake for all of us to enjoy.

FOR GARDEN PRODUCE

There’s nothing more rewarding that picking the produce out of your garden, whether it’s cucumbers, tomatoes, green beans or zucchini. The fresh taste can’t be beat.

If you have a garden, that means you’ll have baskets full of produce that needs to be cleaned. But, rinsing the dirt off your produce in an open-sided basket can leave dirt dripping on your floors. Here’s a nifty do-it-yourself gathering and rinsing basket that’s sure to do the trick!

Check out the laundry aisle of your favorite store for a couple of baskets – one with holes in the sides and one without – making

By Lori Mork

sure that the one with holes is smaller that the solid basket and is able to fit inside.

Having handles on the solid basket is also nice and allows you to carry both around your garden while picking your veggies.

Once you’ve picked your produce, simply use your garden hose to clean off any dirt or soil, then lift the perforated basket and let it drain, or set it at an angle to drain while to do something else. You can bring the entire inner basket into your kitchen once it’s drained and can even use the water remaining in the outer basket to water plants.

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the

Comforts ofHome

By Lori Mork

D

o you dream of taking your family camping, but dread the thought of uncomfortable sleeping, tracking in dirt and sand in your food?

If so, here are few ideas to help make your camping trip more comfortable.

1. Wrap pool noodles around your tent lines to make them easy to see and to keep from tripping over them.

2. Keep a shoe basket close to the tent entrance to collect shoes and keep from tracking in mud and dirt.

3. Solar lights are perfect for lighting the way to bathrooms and finding your way around in the dark.

4. Another tip for lighting your tent is to use twinkle lights.

5. Keep tent zippers from sticking by rubbing them with a wax candle.

6. Use a pop-up hamper lined with a garbage bag to deal with trash. You can use one for dirty clothes as well.

7. Light your tent by filling a jug, such as a milk jug, with water, then wrap a headlamp around it with the light facing in. It gives a soft glow and makes the tent warm and inviting.

8. Make sleeping more comfortable by using a foam sleeping pad, air mattress or camping cot.

Binder clips are perfect for keeping your tent flaps open.

9. Try using foam floor tiles inside your tent. It will lessen the hardness of the ground and help to keep mud and dirt off the floor.

10. Cover the top of your tent with a reflective blanket.

It will help reflect sunlight and keep it from getting too hot.

Be aware of ticks!

Summer is here in all its glory, bringing us a wealth of warm weather and sunshine.

But not all parts of summer are perfect, especially in Minnesota, where mosquitoes and ticks abound.

Keep your family safe from the illnesses that a tick can cause.

WHERE TICKS ARE FOUND

Blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) are found in wooded or brushy areas while American dog ticks (wood ticks) are found in grassy, more open habitat and woods.

Ticks normally are on the tips of branches, leaves or tall grasses and transfer to you when you walk by. They can’t fly or jump on you.

20 Chicz July/August 2018

PREVENT TICK BITES

Try to wear light-colored clothes to make ticks easier to spot and tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants.

Avoid walking in areas of high grass and stay in the center of trails.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends treating clothes with insect repellents or products that contain 0.5 percent permethrin, a common insecticide. Don’t use permethrin on skin; rather, use a product containing no more than 30 percent DEET for adults and children older than two months of age.

Check yourself, your kids and your pets for ticks regularly; especially warm areas such as behind the knees, ears, groin, armpit and hairline. Ticks can look

like a speck of dirt or freckle on your skin.

Tumble dry your clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks.

REMOVING A TICK

If you find a tick, use finetipped tweezers to grasp it by the head as close to the skin as possible. Pull the tick upward gently, and make sure not to twist or squeeze it. Clean the area with soap and water.

Avoid folk remedies like petroleum jelly, nail polish remover or burning with a match – they can be dangerous.

The CDC recommends disposing of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet.

BATTLING BITES

Fighting mosquitoes in Minnesota is a reality if you want to spend time outdoors, so here are a few tricks to staying bite-free.

Wear light, loosely-woven clothing since mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors and can bite through clothing with a tight weave.

Treat clothing with permethrin to help repel biting insects and use a repellent that has DEET. Make sure not to spray hands, eyes, nostrils or lips.

Mosquitoes are usually near standing water, such as lakes and large puddles and hang around in foliage, so be aware of your surroundings.

CAMPFIRE HOT DOGS INGREDIENTS: Hot dogs Crescent rolls Clean wooden sticks or long skewers Aluminum foil DIRECTIONS: Insert a skewer into the end of a hot dog, pushing it about 3/4 of the way in.

Wrap one pre-cut crescent roll triangle around each hot dog, starting with the flat end of the crescent and ending with the tip of the triangle.

Wrap hot dogs loosely in foil.

Roast over fire while turning the skewer the same way you would cook a plain hot dog, approximately 15-20 minutes.

NOTE: If using long wooden skewers, pre-soak the skewer in water so you do not burn the stick.

CAMPING MAC N’ CHEESE INGREDIENTS: 1-1/2 cups elbow macaroni 8 oz. prepared Alfredo sauce, just over half a jar 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese 1/4-1/2 cup half and half or whole milk Salt and pepper, to taste DIRECTIONS: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.

Stir Alfredo sauce into the cooked pasta with the three cheeses and enough milk to keep things smooth and fairly liquid. This CAMPFIRE STRAWBERRIES INGREDIENTS: 24 strawberries 1 cup marshmallow fluff DIRECTIONS: Pierce strawberries with a skewer.

Anniversary Rings

will keep mac and cheese from drying out.

Stir in salt and pepper to taste.

Divide between four mini or one large aluminum pie tin sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Spray one side of aluminum foil with more nonstick cooking spray and cover each individual mac and cheese portion, sprayed side down, facing the food. Seal well. Store in a large plastic food storage bag in a cooler until ready to cook.

Prepare a fire and let it burn down to the coals. Place a cooking rack over the top approximately 2-3 inches above. Place each pie tin over the hot coals and cook 8-10 minutes or until hot. Remove from fire and serve immediately.

Place fluff in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melty, 5 seconds.

Dip strawberries in marshmallow fluff. Roast on a flame until toasted and serve.

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Summer fun for kids GIANT BUBBLES INGREDIENTS: 6 cups water, distilled if desired 1/2 cup blue Dawn dish detergent 1/2 cup corn starch 1 Tbsp. baking powder (not baking soda) 1 Tbsp. glycerine

By Lori Mork HOMEMADE SLIME RECIPE INGREDIENTS: 2 4-oz. bottles Elmer’s white glue 3-4 Tbsp. glow-in-the-dark paint 2 Elmer’s glue bottles worth of water Neon food coloring 1 tsp. borax 1/2 cup warm water OPTIONAL: Glitter

DIRECTIONS: Dissolve cornstarch in the water, stirring well.

Stir in the remaining ingredients being very careful not to create a lot of froth.

DIRECTIONS: Pour glue in a bowl. Fill empty bottles with warm water, place lids back on and shake bottles. Pour the watery glue into the bowl and mix with a spoon. Add food coloring to glue. Stir in the glow-in-the-dark paint into your glue mixture.

In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of warm water with 1 tsp. borax to dissolve.

Allow mixture to stand for a minimum of an hour, stirring occasionally when you see the cornstarch settling to the bottom.

Some of the cornstarch won’t dissolve completely and may settle to the bottom when using the bubble mixture, but it won’t affect the quality of the bubbles.

HOMEMADE GIANT BUBBLE WAND: Use two drinking straws, and a length of yarn 6 to 8 times longer than the length of one straw. Thread the yarn through the straws, tie a knot, and it’s ready to use.

Mix borax water and glue mixture together with a spoon. Use hands to fully mix the two together, if necessary. The more it is mixed, the better consistency it will have.

NOTE: Borax is the ingredient that turns the glue to slime. Add less for runny slime and more for thicker slime.

Mixing glow-in-the-dark paint with glitter glue make the glue a milky color.

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PLAYDOUGH INGREDIENTS: 2 cups flour 3/4 cup salt 4 tsp. cream of tartar 2 cups lukewarm water 2 Tbsp. of vegetable or coconut oil Food coloring, liquid or concentrated gel, optional Glitter, optional Quart sized bags DIRECTIONS: Stir together the flour, salt and cream of tartar in a large pot. Add water, oil and food coloring. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the dough has thickened and begins to form into a ball. Remove from heat and then place inside a gallon sized bag or onto wax paper. Allow to cool slightly and then knead until smooth.

If making multiple colors from one batch, add the food coloring when kneading. Divide dough into balls for each color, then place the dough into quart-sized bags.

Starting with about 5 drops of color, knead the dough while inside the bag so it doesn’t stain your hands. Add more coloring as desired. Add glitter, if desired, and knead until incorporated.

Store the play dough inside the bags once done to keep soft. Keeps for up to 3 months.

KINETIC SAND INGREDIENTS: 1 cup fine white sand 1 Tbsp. corn starch 1 Tbsp. water 1 tsp. dish soap OPTIONAL: 1 Tbsp. fine glitter 1/4 tsp. food coloring Essential oils for scent, or anti-microbial or anti-bacterial essential oil for longer-lasting sand.

INSTRUCTIONS: In a bowl, mix sand, corn starch and glitter, if desired.

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In a separate bowl, combine water, dish soap, and food coloring gently (so as not to activate bubbles in the dish soap).

Pour wet mixture into dry mixture and stir or knead to combine. If mixture is too dry, add water 1 tsp at a time until it feels like beach sand and is shapeable/moldable.

Store in an airtight container.

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23

Give your home some

CURB APPEAL S

By Lori Mork

ummertime is the perfect time to give your home a little extra curb appeal by decorating your front porch with some special touches. It’s a sure-fire way to give your guests a great first impression.

If you have a front porch or front patio, think about adding some comfortable furniture and pillows to create the perfect area to relax.

You don’t need much – just a couple of chairs and a small table. Add some vibrantly colored pillows and you’ve created a cozy corner for coffee.

To make it more interesting, you could add in a water feature and some potted flowers. I found a rain barrel that doubles as a bubbling water fountain, keeping the rain water fresh and available to to give your plants a refreshing drink, while adding the ambiance of the flowing water.

Another great addition to your front entry are unique house numbers. Custom house numbers can be made from stone, metal and iron in a multitude of styles – modern, mission, traditional – and give your home its own look.

Re-design your room around an

Inspiration piece

24 Chicz July/August 2018

Your front door is the first thing that most visitors will see. Don’t be afraid to show some style by selecting a color that reflects your personality, whether it’s traditional wood, brightly lacquered red or a soothing neutral.

Make sure to have proper lighting for your front porch, depending on what you plan to use it for, whether it is reading or socializing.

You can also add some solar lighting around the perimeter or some lights on the steps for safety.

CHOOSE AN INSPIRATION PIECE Every room should be a reflection of you. You might be inspired by a great canvas painting, a photo of your favorite vacation spot, an antique collection of pottery, a colorful area rug or simply a favorite piece of fabric or quilt.

CHOOSE FABRICS AROUND YOUR INSPIRATION PIECE Make sure whatever you’re changing – new drapes, sofa covering or a throw pillow – reflects the style of your inspiration piece, pulling together the colors.

I have a very small propane fireplace between the chairs to chase away the chill without taking up much space. It also gives off just a little light to create a cozy feeling.

Finish off your front porch area with some special touches like personalized flags, handmade items, welcome signs – whatever makes the space feel like your own.

CHOOSE YOUR PAINT COLOR Save choosing the color of your paint until last. If you bring your favorite artwork and fabric along with you, it’s simple to see which shades make your artwork pop.

If you choose a paint color first, you may find yourself endlessly searching for fabrics and art that work with it.

Creating privacy in the and on the

A

garden

re you tired of letting your neighbors spy on your yard to their heart’s content? Beyond fences and hedges – which are practical for backyards, but not so much for urban patios – there are countless ways to shield your outdoor space from prying eyes.

Here are a few to get you inspired.

patio

NATURAL SCREENS Take advantage of the natural properties of plants such as sedges and climbers to create a vertical garden.

Clematis, honeysuckle and climbing roses, for example, will embellish your patio with their colorful flowers, while the dense foliage of vines, lichens and hops will create a magnificent screen of greenery. Walls, fences,

lattices, arbors – there are tons of different structures your plants can climb on.

Furthermore, sometimes it only takes one strategically positioned large plant (palm tree, hibiscus, etc.) to create a privacy screen. Something to consider.

SMART ARRANGEMENTS Various arrangements can allow you to enjoy your backyard in perfect privacy. Consider awnings: a simple sheet of fabric over your meal area

or outdoor living space is enough to block the view of neighbors.

You could frame your outdoor seating with a wooden structure to create an outdoor alcove. A folding screen, some decorative curtains suited for outdoor use or a booth with a very high backrest are all great ways to block outside views.

With a little imagination, you can easily create private, secluded areas on your property.

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July/August 2018 Chicz

25

Dressing professional doesn’t mean

boring

By Lori Mork

It may be summer, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress professionally for work.

Here are a few suggestions to liven up your style with bright colors and bold patterns for summer, but still dress HR-appropriate.

PASTELS AND NEUTRALS. Both pastels and neutrals can transition through any season, so

don’t feel you need to jump to bright colors if that’s not your style. Try layering neutrals such as ivory, gray and blush to give you a classic look.

POPS OF COLOR. If you do love to go bold, jump right in and pull out those bright yellow, orange or pink tops and dresses. If you’re not quite ready to go that bright, opt for some standout jewelry or accessories in a bright color.

FLORALS. Add some wonderful floral prints to your wardrobe and give yourself a summery look by pairing a floral blouse with a solid skirt. Or accent your floral dress or blazer with some bold accessories.

BOLD PATTERNS. Want to make a bigger statement?

Try an abstract or tribal print to make your classic silhouette dress or pencil skirt stand out.

PATTERN MIXING. Mixing patterns from your closet will give you multiple outfit choices, especially in the summer. Mix stripes with florals or paisley, polka dots and other bold prints. Try them out to see what suits you.

LIGHT LAYERS. We all know that the air condition-

ing in an office setting can vary greatly, so make sure to dress in light layers, adding a sweater or blouse that can keep you comfy but won’t weigh you down like a cardigan or blazer.

DON’T FORGET THE BASICS. On those days when a more conservative outfit is necessary, you can still find ways to lighten it up. Try a sleeveless silhouette dress or a loose blouse and even a pair of cropped pants.

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great reads

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee A multi-generational family saga set between 1910 and 1989, Pachinko is the story of a Korean family struggling to make a life as immigrants in Japan. The strong female character who is at the center of the story through the years and the generations, is Sunja. Author Min Jin Lee, is an American of Korean heritage who spent four years living in Japan as she wrote this sweeping novel.

It is a very interesting Kathleen Pohlig look at Korea before the North/South split happened and life in Japan during and after the two world wars. Even having lived in Japan for generations, the family is still looked down upon as foreigners. Being born in Japan, speaking only Japanese and never having set foot in Korea, they are still considered Korean and are forced to obtain Korean passports for any travel outside of Japan.

As in any family’s history over the decades, there are triumphs and tragedies, births, deaths, marriages and

struggles of all kinds. Through all of this, they are proud, hard-working, creative and determined to prosper. Economic situations change over the years and the hard work yields more prosperity, but life is always a challenge in their adopted homeland. Lee does an excellent job at bringing characters and places to life, letting the reader become totally enmeshed in the story. The descriptions of the characters and of the places they lived and worked, evoked amazingly strong images that put me right in the house with them, smelling the smells, feeling the cramped and confining spaces, and learning to knew each person and share in their heartbreak at so many injustices.

Pachinko has been widely praised ever since its publication in February 2017 and it was a National Book Award Finalist. The National Book Review says, “Lee is a master plotter, but the larger issues of class, religion, outsider history and culture she addresses in Pachinko make this a tour de force you’ll think about long after you finish reading.” Author Simon Winchester

loved the book too. He says, “Both for those who love Korea, as well as for those who know no more than Hyundai, Samsung and kimchi, this ex traordinar y book will prove a revelation of joy and heartbreak. I could not stop turning the pages, and wished this most poignant of sagas would never end. Min Jin Lee displays a tenderness and wisdom ideally matched to an unforgettable tale that she relates just perfectly.”

Book clubs have had excellent discussions over this novel, with nearly endless themes to consider. It is available in paperback currently and I highly recommend it as one of the best books I’ve read so far this year; an excellent accomplishment from the pen of a very gifted author.

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CROSSWORD

SUMMER FUN WORD SEARCH

CLUES ACROSS 1. Owns 4. Beef intestine 9. Expression of contempt 14. Expression of horror 15. Famed architecture couple 16. Escape 17. ‘The Raven’ author 18. Chiefs’ tight end 20. Removes 22. Pesto dish 23. One who roots against 24. Type of writer 28. Old woman 29. Early multimedia 30. This (Spanish) 31. Part of a play 33. Elephant’s name 37. Home of the Flyers 38. Builder’s trough 39. Tell 41. Google certification 42. Electric current 43. Belonging to them 44. Nostrils 46. Arranges 49. Commercial 50. Skywalker’s mentor __-Wan 51. Single-reed instrument 55. Voodoo 58. World of Warcraft character 59. Paddling 60. Most agreeable 64.Chafed 65. A way to analyze 66. Remove 67. Metal-bearing mineral 68. Remains as is 69. Large predatory seabirds 70. The Science Guy

SUDOKU

AMUSEMENT ARCADE AUCTION BALLOONS BAND BARBECUE BAZAAR BOARDWALK CARNIVAL CIRCUS CORNDOG COTTON CANDY

FAIR FERRIS WHEEL FESTIVAL FIREWORKS GAMES GO-CART MARINA MIDWAY MINI-GOLF MUSIC PARADE PARTY

28 Chicz July/August 2018

PIES RACES RACETRACK RIDES SALES SEASIDE SPARKLERS SUMMER SURFING SWIMMING TICKETS TOURIST

CLUES DOWN 1. Central Chinese province 2. The marketplace in ancient Greece 3. Covered the sword 4. Cleanser 5. Body parts 6. Returned material authorization (abbr.)

7. Mega-electronvolt 8. One from Asia 9. A superior grade of black tea 10. Thin 11. Circles of light around the head 12. General’s assistant (abbr.)

13. Tiny 19. Evildoing 21. __ Connery, 007 24. British sword 25. Type of cyst 26. Musical composition 27. Advises 31. Herring-like fish 32. Chocolate powder 34. Somalian district El __ 35. Indicates position 36. Refurbishes 40. Exclamation of surprise 41. Football field 45. Hilly region in India near China 47. Come to an end 48. Most mad 52 Sheets of glass 53. Department of Housing and Urban Development 54. Stares lecherously 56. Consisting of a single element or component 57. Monetary unit of Zambia 59. Bones (Latin) 60. Frames-per-second 61. Tell on 62. Gall 63. Cologne

HOROSCOPES for July

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 A motivated mind could be the inspiration you need to progress with your tasks. Take short breaks to maintain your stamina and make it through.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 A hectic personal and professional life may be causing feelings of exhaustion. Take some time for yourself to restore your energy and put you in good health.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 You may be tempted to make hasty decisions as your patience begins to wane. Resist this temptation, as it may only complicate matters.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 You may be curious to explore new places. New ex- VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 periences can provide excitement and stimulation. Others may notice your good mood. This may be a Book your plans now. result of a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction with where your life is at this point in time.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Devote some time to creating more balance in your life. Balance can contribute to greater quality of life and overall happiness.

Your confidence may have been waning for some SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 time, but this is the time to once again grab the reins You may be inclined to engage in something that expresses your creative spirit. Immerse yourself in and realize that you are more than capable. nature and beautiful things for inspiration.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Deadlines regarding work projects have you feeling apprehensive. Do not be held hostage to your worries. Divert your thoughts elsewhere.

Seeking out new ideas and opportunities may boost LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 your self-confidence and contribute to personal Your emotional responses to relationships this week growth. Don’t shy away from new experiences. may make you appear more sensitive. Don’t worry about others’ perceptions of you in the days ahead.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 A desire to be with others can lead to new relationships. Embrace any opportunities to connect with someone new, going outside your comfort zone if need be.

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contributing writers Jeff Beach has spent a lifetime on the The Jeff Beach Diet and is still kickin’.

Eric Morken of Alexandria is a husband, father, sports editor and outdoor enthusiast.

Eric Morken

Jeff Beach

Andrew Holte is a financial advisor for Edward Jones, Member SIPC. Andrew Holte

Kyle Kaatz is a Personal Banker at Glenwood State Bank.

Kyle Kaatz

Kathleen Pohlig is owner of Cherry Street Books in Alexandria.

Sara Carlson is the mayor of Alexandria.

Sara Carlson

Kathleen Pohlig

Celeste is a reporter for the Alexandria Echo Press and lived in the Alexandria area since 1997.

She first worked for the Echo Press as a reporter from 1999 to 2011, and returned in June 2016 to report on the community she calls home. She enjoys running and has participated in nearly 200 races with her husband, Al, covering the 5K, 10K, 10-mile and half-marathon distances.

Andy Mellgren is the Director of Operations for Plaza and Downtown Liquor.

Andy Mellgren

Al Edenloff

Celeste Edenloff

Al Edenloff of Alexandria and his wife, Celeste, were married in the heart of California wine country and enjoy sipping wine on their weekend date nights.

Lowell Anderson is a photographer at the Echo Press newspaper.

Lowell Anderson

clicz!

Lori Mork

Lori Mork of Lowry is a mother, grandmother and dabbler in all things food, photography and decor related.

30 Chicz July/August 2018

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SUPPORT THESE LOCAL MERCHANTS

Shop Al�andria To advertise on this page call 320-763-3133 Velkommen!

Featuring Imports from all Scandinavian Countries 604 Broadway, Alexandria • 320.763.6363

www.scandinaviangifts.com

LARGE SELECTION OF MINNESOTA TEES & SWEATSHIRTS • FUN APPAREL • JEWELRY • GIFTS & CARDS

6th & Broadway • Alexandria 320.846.1100 • facebook.com/shopMagpie

Yesterdays

N • ANTIQUES • COLLECTIBLES MAVE • REPURPOSED TREASURES CA • FURNITURE • DÉCOR

DIV DE A N

OPEN YEAR ROUND

320.759.2300 Mon. - Sat. 10-5 Sun. 12-4 619 Broadway St, Alexandria www.pastandpresenthomegallery.com

Interior Design, Gifts and Décor all under one roof

Antique Store

Experience the new Jete’ Salon & Co. 316 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308 Phone: (320) 219-6478

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1001 Hwy 29 N. - Alexandria, MN Hours: Thurs. - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm 320.219.7069 Sue: 952-484-5701 Bill: 612-298-9444 www.blueroostershoppe.com

Vintage ❦ Repurposed Furniture ❦ Home Décor ❦ Gifts

Where you will find your one of a kind item

Two levels of furniture, pottery, jewelry, glassware, primitives and unique home décor.

517 Broadway, Alexandria, MN 56308

(320) 762-8990

M-F 9-6 *Sat 9-5:30 * Sun 12-4

“Come in for our prices, Come back for our quality.”

High quality name brand items at thrift store prices clothing, purses ,shoes, jewelry, household, misc. items, furniture and so much more.

Mon- Fri 9 AM - 5 PM • Sat 9 AM - 2 PM

Klothes Kloset Thrift Store

609 Broadway, Alexandria 320-763-8300 • www.ravnikandco.com

Creative Touch 516 Broadway, Alex 320-762- 8786

660 Nothside Dr. NE, Alexandria • 320-763-9888 Owned & operated by Runestone Area Education District (NON-PROFIT)

What: When: Where: Why: Who: DOWNTOWN ALEXANDRIA • LITTLE FALLS

320.763.5157 • M-F 9-7; SAT. 9-5:30; SUN. 12-4

Call 320-763-3133 to reserve advertising space.

July/August 2018 Chicz

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Your Business!

Let Kyle 111 6th Avenue West, Downtown Alexandria Serve 320-762-0309 • 800-58-5336 You!

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livery e D n i b Ca lable!

Avai

SUMMER MADE EASY AT Cheeses Dairy Deli Meat

Elden’s Smokehouse Frozen Food Health & Beauty Natural and Organic

Olive Bar Produce Seafood Floral

Open 24 hours a day & 7 days a week!

320-763-3446 • www.ELDENS.com Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria

Only store in town that is LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED.

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32 Chicz July/August 2018