As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, it's the perfect time for new beginnings, fresh ideas, and a little extra inspiration and that's exactly what you'll find in this latest issue of Kudos Magazine.
Inside, we’re dropping wellness tips, and simple joys that brighten everyday life. You'll discover simple healthy recipes, creative ways to reconnect with family and friends, and uplifting spotlights on local businesses making a difference. I hope it leaves you feeling energized and ready to embrace all the good things this spring season has to offer!
If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur looking to grow your brand, save time, or spark more leads, I’d love to connect. Visit my website at elizabethmarasco.com to explore marketing services designed to help you thrive.
And for those who are caregivers or supporting loved ones through life’s journey, I invite you to join my free online community: Caregiving for the Caregiver. It's a warm, positive space to share, learn, and find encouragement from others who understand the path you're walking.
Wishing you a beautiful spring filled with new opportunities, heartfelt moments, and lots of sunshine!
With gratitude,Elizabeth Marasco
Brady Events and Marketing Inc.
Kudos Magazine Publisher
Romancing the Ordinary:
Growing up, my mom had a sparkle about her She wasn't flashy or loud—just full of quiet wisdom and a gentle joy that found its way into everything. She always said, "Celebrate the holidays, yes but don't forget to celebrate the in-between." At the time, I thought she meant baking heartshaped cookies in February or stringing pastel lights for Easter. But now, in my 50s, I finally understand: she meant celebrating life itself the soft, sacred rhythm of the everyday.
One of my favorite memories is watching her flip through this dreamy lifestyle magazine she subscribed to every season. It was overflowing with inspiration pages and pages of candlelit rooms, floral tea cups, soft chairs draped in knit blankets, and little notes of encouragement tucked between recipes and garden tips. It wasn't just décor it was a mood, a permission slip to pause and romance the ordinary.
She would dog-ear the pages and murmur, "Wouldn't it be lovely to make a little corner like this by the window?" Then, she would. She'd find a chair from the basement, throw a blanket over it, set out a little tray with a candle and a jar of honey, and call it her 'cozy spot.' She made charm out of nothing.
Back then, I thought it was just… something moms did. Now? I see it for what it was, soul care.
These days, as the world spins faster and my to-do lists stretch longer, I crave those little cozy corners. I find myself making tea in a favorite mug that fits just right in my hands I light candles—not for company, just for me. I throw a blanket over the back of the couch, not because it matches, but because it reminds me of slow Sunday mornings. I open the window to let in the birdsong while I sip coffee, and I pause long enough to really listen.
And somehow, those simple things are the moments that ground me. They bring joy not the big, glittery, over-the-top kind—but the gentle kind that whispers, you're home, you're safe, this is enough.
Spring makes it easier. The light shifts just a little in the morning, the tulips breaking through the soil like they've got something to prove. The birds singing their hearts out with zero concern for who's listening. It reminds me to bloom, even if it's slowly. To sing, even if it's just to the dog.
There's power in that kind of slow beauty.
So, I've started leaning into what I call "everyday joy." It's not about buying more or doing more It's about paying attention to the little things and letting them matter. Like the way a fresh lemon smells when you slice it. Or how satisfying it is to fluff a pillow just right. Or putting a book down on your lap, looking out the window, and saying to yourself, this moment is enough.
I've also begun to 'romance' the tasks I used to dread. Folding laundry becomes an act of love when I pair socks while watching the sun melt through the blinds. Cooking dinner turns into a dance when music is playing and I let myself swirl around the kitchen Even sweeping the floor can feel oddly satisfying when I pause to admire the clean lines after.
My mom was right. Life isn't just about the big milestones or the "special" days marked on the calendar. It's about finding beauty in what's already here It's about taking the time to make a house feel like a home with soft lighting, cozy textures, and little joyful things that make you want to nestle in.
If you're anything like me, maybe you've spent years rushing, striving, doing for others and maybe now, it's time to do something for you.
So go ahead: make a cozy little nook. Hang that floral print you love even if it doesn't match anything. Wrap yourself in that ridiculous fuzzy blanket. Pour the tea, light the candle, open the window. Romance the ordinary.
It's where the real joy lives.
Spring Clean Your
Ahhh, spring. That magical time when the sun peeks out longer, the birds start their morning concerts, and you suddenly get the urge to scrub every corner of your house like you're auditioning for a home makeover show. But one tiny space often gets overlooked your medicine cabinet.
Yep, that little cabinet stuffed with cold remedies from two winters ago, a mystery bottle of vitamins, and enough half-used ointments to supply a small village. It's time to freshen it up! And guess what? It doesn't have to be boring. Here's your easy, breezy guide to spring cleaning your medicine cabinet without the stress.
#1
Yes, every single thing. Take everything out of your cabinet or drawer and lay it out on a towel or tray so you can see it all at once. You'll be amazed at what's hiding in there— maybe even a few things you forgot you had (like that travel-sized toothpaste you "borrowed" from a hotel in 2019).
#2
Clear It All Out Check Expiration Dates
Now the real fun begins playing "Keep or Toss?"
Check the expiration dates on everything. If it's expired, toss it. Medications lose effectiveness over time and, in some cases, can even become harmful No need to keep that cough syrup from 2020 "just in case."
Medicine Cabinet
– The Fun, Fresh Way!
#3 Wipe It Down
With the shelf cleared, take a moment to clean the inside. A damp cloth with a little soap and water works wonders If you're feeling fancy, use a lavender or lemon-scented cleaner to give it that fresh spring feeling.
#4
Restock the Must-Haves #5 Group & Organize
This part is oddly satisfying. Organize by category to make things easier to find: Vitamins, prescriptions, supplements, band-aids, antibiotic ointments, gauze, cough drops, decongestants, throat sprays, antihistamines, eye drops, nasal sprays, muscle rubs, antacids, sleep aids etc.
Use small bins, baskets, or drawer organizers to keep everything tidy. Bonus points for labeling!
Now's the perfect time to restock the things you wish you had on hand when someone needs them. You don't need to overstock like it's a pharmacy but a few basics can save you a trip to the store at midnight.
https://youtu.be/7mZTdE3VACI
Please don't flush medicine down the toilet or toss pills in the trash where pets or kids might find them. Instead:
Check if your local pharmacy has a take-back program.
Use a medication disposal bag (many pharmacies sell them).
Or mix the meds with used coffee grounds or kitty litter before tossing—unattractive to everyone, including curious critters.
Final Tip:
HSpring ealthy RECIPES 4
VEGGIE-PACKED SPRING EGG
MUFFINS
Ingredients
6 eggs
1/2 cup chopped spinach
1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped zucchini
1/4 cup diced onion
Iodized salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder
Optional: sprinkle of feta or shredded cheese
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
1. Whisk eggs and stir in veggies and seasonings.
2. Pour into muffin tins, filling each about 3/4 full.
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes until set.
5.
4. Let cool and store extras in the fridge for graband-go breakfasts.
CITRUS GINGER GREEN SMOOTHIE
Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut water
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 orange, peeled
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger (or a pinch of powdered)
1 tbsp chia seeds
Ice cubes, optional
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Sip slow and feel the zing!
ZESTY SALMON LETTUCE WRAPS
Ingredients
1 cooked salmon filet (baked or grilled)
Butter lettuce or romaine leaves
1/4 cup shredded carrot
1/4 cup thinly sliced cucumber
Fresh dill or cilantro (optional)
Yogurt Dill Sauce:
2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp chopped fresh dill
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
Flake salmon and mix with a bit of yogurt dill sauce. 1.
Layer lettuce leaves with salmon, cucumber, and carrots. 2.
Top with extra sauce and herbs. Wrap it up taco-style and enjoy! 3.
TROPICAL PARADISE SMOOTHIE
Ingredients
1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup coconut water
1 tablespoon shredded coconut (optional)
1 tablespoon lime juice
Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with more coconut water if necessary. Garnish with shredded coconut if desired. Serve chilled.
From the Heart: How
One Local Family is Redefining Pet Wellness the Old-Fashioned Way
In a world where it feels like everything is going digital—from how we shop to how we feed our pets there’s something refreshingly real happening on the corner of Walden and Sashabaw in Clarkston, Michigan.
At Pet Wants Clarkston, it’s not about clicks, codes, or chasing trends. It’s about connection, quality, and care starting with your furry best friend.
Meet Areej and Joe Alnaraie, the powerhouse couple behind this local gem. They didn’t grow up in the pet food world—Joe comes from an engineering and management background, and Areej has a history in education. But life had other plans, and with a little inspiration from their two dogs, Max and Teddy, they found themselves on a mission to bring back the kind of mindful, transparent care our grandparents would approve of.
Pets Deserve Better—And They’re Delivering It
“We kept seeing customers come in confused, frustrated, and misled,” Joe explains. “A lot of people are told their dog is allergic to chicken or just a picky eater. But often, it’s
▶ CLICK TO PLAY AND TURN ON AUDIO
INTERVIEW WITH JOE AND ANJEER OF CLARKSTON PET WANTS
https://youtu.be/Diz3YWnI6nM
the additives and byproducts in the food not the main ingredient that cause problems.”
That’s where Pet Wants stands apart. Their small-batch food is slow-cooked at low temperatures, made with real, named proteins as the first ingredient, and no mystery meat in sight. When they say it’s chicken jerky, it’s just that: chicken. No sawdust (a.k.a. powdered cellulose), no fillers, and no surprises.
“It’s actually fun to see customers flip the package over and realize the ingredient list is just one word,” Joe said with a smile. “Simple is powerful.”
Family Business, Community Focus
Pet Wants Clarkston isn’t just a store it’s a full-circle family operation. Their kids work there. Their neighbors pop in for pet food or just to say hi. Even their deliveries are hyper-local and often done by family members. (Pro tip: if your package lands next door, the neighbors will call it happens often, and it’s all love.)
The couple is committed to giving back, too. “We support local sports teams, charities, and community events,” says Joe. “We live here. We care about this town.”
They offer free local delivery to Clarkston, Lake Orion, parts of Oxford and Waterford. And if your dog is in a food emergency? They'll do what they can to get you what you need that day.
It’s More Than Just Food
—It’s Full-Service Love
Beyond the kibble, this place has it all:
Self-wash stations: No appointments needed, with spa-quality shampoo and tubs that adjust height (your back will thank you).
Professional grooming: Clean, cagefree, and chemical-free with certified groomers trained through accredited schools.
Holiday photo packages: Yes, your dog can get an adorable Easter photo after their fresh cut and blowout (complete with entry into a prize drawing).
Walk-in nail trims: Only $12–15 and quick, safe, and easy.
And for the extra-busy (or extra lazy we’re not judging), you can book a spalike grooming experience where pups are treated to one-on-one care. No cinder block walls, no harsh smells, no waiting in a crate for hours. Just happy pups and happy humans.
Real Food. Real People. Real Passion. “We never thought we’d be in this business,” Areej laughs. “But it just felt right. We were customers who wanted better for our dogs and now, here we are.”
Even their groomer, Kylie, came back after maternity leave because she felt at home with the family vibe and mission.
“It’s not just about selling pet food,” Joe says. “It’s about giving people peace of mind that their pets are truly cared for. And doing it in a way that honors health, honesty, and community.”
Small Step, Big Impact:
The Power of After-Dinner Walks
Simple Ways to Embrace Healthy Living Every Day
Getting healthy doesn't always require a dramatic life overhaul. Sometimes, the little habits make the biggest difference, like taking a walk after dinner.
Yep, something as simple as lacing up your shoes and heading out for a short evening stroll can be one of the most powerful things you do for your body, mind, and mood.
�� Why After-Dinner Walks Work
Let's be honest after dinner, it's easy to crash on the couch, turn on the TV, and call it a night. But shifting just 15 to 20 minutes of that time into a walk can be a total game-changer.
Here's why:
Improves digestion: Walking after a meal helps your body process food more efficiently, reducing bloating and heartburn.
Balances blood sugar: A light walk can help prevent blood sugar spikes, which is especially helpful for people managing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
Boosts metabolism: Moving your body even gently tells your metabolism to stay active instead of slipping into "rest mode."
Clears your mind: It's a chance to unplug, breathe fresh air, and transition from your busy day into a calmer night
Supports weight loss goals: While it's not a high-intensity workout, consistency is key and every step adds up over time.
Make It a Daily Ritual
The beauty of after-dinner walks is how doable they are. No gym memberships. No fancy equipment. Just you, your comfy shoes, and the great outdoors—or even a stroll around the block or inside a mall.
You don't have to go far. A walk around your neighborhood or a lap at the park is enough to reset your body and mind.
Try making it a family routine. Invite your spouse, your kids, or even your dog. Walking together can become your new favorite way to catch up, laugh, and unwind without distractions.
�� The Unexpected Benefits
Many people who start walking regularly after dinner notice more than just physical benefits.
They sleep better. They feel lighter (physically and mentally). Their evening cravings disappear. They begin to look forward to that quiet time outdoors, watching the sunset or listening to the sounds of spring come alive.
Some say it even helps with their creative thinking Ideas start flowing when the body is moving, and worries start to feel smaller when you're under the sky.
t Where You Are
aven't moved much lately, that's okay. Start with 5 s. Then work your way up. The goal isn't perfection ogress.
living doesn't have to be overwhelming. It can with something as gentle and peaceful as a walk nner.
ght, instead of reaching for your phone or the right after you eat, reach for your shoes instead. utside. Breathe deeply. Walk at your own pace.
mall step might lead to a big chan
The Funny, Honest, and Inspiring Truth About Midlife
Midlife MuffinTops
Backyard Wake-Up Calls
There I was, sitting at my desk with a cup of tea, telling myself I was “working.” And technically, I was. I answered a few emails, watched a training video (while simultaneously online shopping, but that’s not the point), and did some very productive scrolling. Hours passed. My Fitbit cried. My back stiffened. And one day, just like that, I noticed it.
The muffin top.
It crept in like a sneaky little pastry, hugging over my waistband like it belonged there. I stared in the mirror like, When did this happen? Then I looked back at my past year—my noble excuses for sitting all day (because, you know, work), my long stretches of not stretching at all, and my suspicious nightly snack rituals. It all made sense.
I wasn’t in my 20s anymore, or my 30s… or, well—you get the picture.
Cue the Spring Garden Adventure
In a moment of “I’ve had enough,” I decided to get moving again. What better way than to tackle spring garden clean-up?
I imagined myself gliding gracefully through the flower beds, pruning with purpose, humming with joy. You know, Mother Earth meets Martha Stewart meets the Energizer Bunny.
Reality: I bent down to pull one weed and it felt like I’d done a CrossFit challenge. My knees made a sound I’m sure they didn’t make 30 years ago. My back issued a formal complaint. But I pushed through because that’s what us women do we power on, despite the creaks.
I worked in that yard like a woman possessed, clearing dead plants, fluffing soil, and dragging bags of mulch with the swagger of someone who used to carry toddlers on her hip while unloading groceries. And then…
The next day? Oh, I felt it.
The day after that? Felt it more.
The Aftershock
By day three, I was walking like I had just returned from hiking Everest sideways.
Turns out, just because I felt 25 in the garden didn’t mean my muscles got the memo. My body responded like it had been personally attacked, and the bounceback? Well, let’s just say it took nearly two weeks for me to feel normal again.
That was my wake-up call. Not just to move more but to move smarter.
Time for a New Game Plan
I don’t want to slow down, shrink back, or surrender to the couch. I want to feel strong, radiant, and energetic. And honestly, I don’t love the idea of being a puffier version of myself, physically or emotionally.
So this spring, I’m doing things differently:
Daily movement, even if it’s small. I’m talking walks, stretches, and doing a little dancing while I vacuum.
Gentle strength work and stretching. Because flexibility isn’t just for yogis it’s for anyone who wants to tie their shoes without groaning.
Cleaning up my diet. Less “grab whatever’s in the pantry,” more “what makes me feel good from the inside out.”
Self-care isn’t optional anymore. I’m taking time for skincare, for journaling, for moments of peace. Because if not now, when?
Laughter and grace. Because yes, my knees sound like Rice Krispies but at least I’m still out here giving life a go.
Grandma’s Cleaning Secrets
Let’s take a little stroll down memory lane, shall we?
Back when I was a kid, Saturdays were cleaning days I can still hear the sound of a mop bucket sloshing, the windows wide open, and the unmistakable scent of vinegar wafting through the house. My grandma didn’t need a caddy full of name-brand sprays in neon bottles. Nope she cleaned everything with a handful of simple ingredients from the pantry and somehow made the house sparkle like Christmas
And the kicker? A lot of these products smell clean, but they’re just masking the mess, not actually improving the air or the environment in our homes.
Grandma (and Her Baking Soda) Had It Right
Before we got dazzled by commercials and convenience, our grandparents leaned on simple, natural ingredients that actually worked without the harsh side effects. Here are just a few: Vinegar: a disinfectant and degreaser
Baking soda: a scrubber, deodorizer, and gentle abrasive
Fast forward a few decades, and suddenly we’re bombarded with aisle after aisle of hightech, heavily fragranced “solutions” to everyday messes. They promise lemon-fresh, pinepowered, lavender-fused cleaning perfection But somewhere along the way, that sparkle came with a price: toxins, allergens, and long lists of chemicals we can’t even pronounce.
When Clean Isn’t Really Clean
Let’s talk real talk: many modern cleaning products are loaded with substances that aren’t so friendly to our health
From artificial fragrances that can trigger headaches and hormone disruptions, to harsh chemicals like ammonia and bleach that irritate lungs and skin, our desire for a spotless home has quietly introduced some not-so-sparkly risks. Studies have even linked long-term exposure to certain cleaners with respiratory issues and increased health concerns for children and pets.
Lemon: antibacterial and leaves a natural fresh scent
Castile soap: plant-based and multipurpose Essential oils: for added scent and antibacterial boosts
And the result? Clean homes, less waste, and far fewer toxins under the sink.
Easy, Homemade Cleaning Recipes You Can Start Today
Don’t worry this isn’t a call to churn your own butter or live by candlelight. You can keep your WiFi and still ditch toxic cleaners for some truly satisfying, effective homemade options.
4 Easy, Homemade Cleaning Recipes
Don’t worry this isn’t a call to churn your own butter or live by candlelight. You can keep your WiFi and still ditch toxic cleaners for some truly satisfying, effective homemade options.
1. All-Purpose Citrus Cleaner
Perfect for counters, sinks, and most surfaces.
Ingredients:
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
Peels from 2–3 lemons or oranges
Optional: 10 drops of lemon or tea tree essential oil
Directions: Add citrus peels to a jar and cover with vinegar Let sit for 7–14 days, then strain Mix 1:1 with water in a spray bottle and enjoy the fresh, non-toxic power
3. Streak-Free Glass Cleaner
No more cloudy windows!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
1 tbsp cornstarch (helps reduce streaks!)
2 cups warm water
Directions: Shake well before each use Spray on glass or mirrors and wipe with a lint-free cloth or newspaper
�� Clean House, Clear Mind
There’s something powerful about making the switch to simple, natural cleaning You breathe easier You feel more in control You reclaim your home as a place of wellness, not just appearances And bonus you’ll save money, cut down on plastic, and know exactly what you’re bringing into your space That’s a triple win!
So maybe it’s time we turn back the clock not to the “good old days” of rotary phones and perms but to the common sense of cleaning with ingredients that don’t require a chemistry degree to understand
Let’s ditch the toxins and embrace the vinegar, lemon, and elbow grease Grandma was onto something and now, it’s our turn to carry the (sparkling clean) torch forward
Who knew a little baking soda could feel so empowering
