Michiana House and Home February 2021

Complimentary February 2021

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

February 12-13

Custom kitchens done wisely Reduce stress with the right bathroom storage Add flair to the kitchen and bath

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PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796 Editorial ext. 2307 & Advertising ext. 2362

www.michianahouseandhome.com PUBLISHER Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com PUBLICATION MANAGER Bill Hays bhays@the-papers.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com EDITOR Sarah Wright swright@the-papers.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com BUSINESS MANAGER Carrie Goralczyk cgoralczyk@the-papers.com DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com

5

contents Beyond The Basic

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Maymie Ankrom, Mary Lester

DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com

Bathroom Storage Done Right Design Your Dream Kitchen

8

Midwest Home & Yard Show Year-Round Gardening

Michiana House and Home (MHH) is a newsmagazine with emphasis on home decor, design and remodeling. MHH does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does MHH or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.

Servin’ Up Good Eats The Ultimate – Film-ready Rooms

MHH reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space.

Michiana House and Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. MHH makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.

NO. 10

Around Michiana

FEATURE WRITERS Julie Young, Kathleen Moran, Amanda Demster & Rebekah Whirledge

MARKETING ASSISTANTS Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com Trina Hoy thoy@the-papers.com

February 2021 VOLUME 17

Business Gallery

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Did You Know?

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No reproduction of Michiana House and Home is allowed without express written permission.

Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $44.00 for one year; and $75.00 for two years. Mail the order form, along with your check to Michiana House and Home, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542. Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt.

Copyright © Michiana House and Home All rights reserved, 2021 Member of:

16

CORRECTION: In the January issue of Michiana House and Home, the wrong byline was attached to the Year-Round Gardening column.

Master Gardener Joyce Arleen Corson is the correct author of “The Holdover Poinsettias.”

cover photo by Christian Mackie: Unsplash.com

| Michiana House and Home | February 2021 | 3

editor’s note...

In the immortal words of Alicia Keys, this girl is on fire! My goal to welcome in 2021 with cleaning is paying off with more space being returned to me, the allowance of smoother routines and the realization of a much happier state of mind. It’s amazing how much clutter can weigh a person down mentally and how liberating it is to watch that clutter dissipate.

In its place, there is a fully operational arts-and-craft room. I can actually break out my acrylic paints again, especially now that I’ve uncovered four unused canvases. Elsewhere, I’ve discovered countertops do exist in my kitchen. A shocker! With their return, the slow cooker, which used to gather dust, has seen more use in a month than it has over the course of years. I’ve been testing new-to-me recipes, delighting in a spicy chicken tortilla soup and relishing comfort foods like pork and beans.

Today as I write this little note, I have an apricot-glazed pork roast in the slow cooker with French green beans and red potatoes.

What can I say? With renewal and more space, I find myself indulging in more culinary experimentations. I’ve also been freezing portioned meals for convenience, which is perfect for evenings spent on the go.

2020 was rough, so for 2021, I’m fighting to hold onto this feeling of productivity and happiness through positive results witnessed in my immediate surroundings. I can’t control the world, but this is one thing

I can — through household purges and reorganization. Adding new touches to a home doesn’t hurt either. Hello, new home office curtains!

Take a pause. Examine your surroundings. What is one small task that would brighten your day if it were completed? Carve out the time and knock it out. Then build off that success to other projects.

Success becomes like a snowball; you can’t help but make it larger.

The kitchen and bath are some of the best places to start as they greatly impact everyday life. Michiana House and Home is focusing on these spaces this month, providing key tips about customizing one’s kitchen and doing bathroom storage right. If you are completing a home remodel, definitely check out Kathleen Moran’s article, “Beyond the Basic: Kitchen and Bath Transformations.”

The Ultimate series also continues with film-ready rooms. If you’re looking to attempt culinary videos or tutorials of any type for a video service, here are some excellent tips to get started with the right space.

Happy February, everyone! May it hold some sweet treats for all! n

michiana around

Sarah

Sarah Wright, Editor Email: swright@the-papers.com

Editor’s Note: With ongoing concerns in regards to

coronavirus, events may have been cancelled or postponed following Michiana House and Home’s press deadline.

Verify events are still occurring before setting out to attend.

FEB. 13 | ELKHART

Frosty 5K Mitten Mile

Pajama Sale

The inns, hotels and bed-and-breakfasts are already accepting reservations for the Shipshewana Pajama Sale as hundreds make plans for their annual trip for overnight pajama parties and early morning shopping in their jammies. Most stores open their doors at 6 a.m. and some even earlier.

6 a.m. visitshipshewana.org/events/pajama-day-sale-2-2/

FEB. 12-13 | SHIPSHEWANA FEB. 5-7 | ST. JOSEPH, MICH.

2021 Magical Ice Fest

Enjoy professional ice carving competitions, a SnowBiz scavenger hunt and ice interactives. Friday is the professional individual carving competition, while Saturday features the Ice Fest 5K and professional team competition.

All-day event 269-985-1111 https://stjoetoday.com/icefest 4 | Michiana House and Home | February 2021 |

Midwest Home and Yard Show A variety of home and outdoor vendors will be in attendance at the Midwest Home and Yard Show. The event will also host its annual giveaways, with this year’s being worth approximately $20,000 in value.

Admission fee 1-8 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday Michiana Event Center 455 E. Farver St. www.michianaevents.com

FEB. 20 | NEW CARLISLE

Tapping Day

The sap will soon be running, and it’s time to tap. Volunteers are needed to get the Bendix Woods Sugar Bush ready for making maple syrup. Experienced sugar-makers will take you out into the woods and show you how to tap maple trees and hang sap tubes to collect sap.

Advance registration is required by Feb. 16.

10 a.m.-noon Bendix Woods Country Park — Sauk Trail Shelter 56960 Timothy Road 574-654-3155 www.sjcparks.org

Photos: Shutterstock.com

FEB. 6 | SHIPSHEWANA

Enjoy the scenic cross-country-style course that starts at Studebaker Park Pavilion and follows the River Greenway Trail along the Elkhart River. Both the 5K and 5-mile courses are a combination of paved roads and plowed trails.

Registration will open Feb. 1 if organizers are certain a live race can be held.

Registration fee 10 a.m.

Studebaker Park 1020 McDonald St. stonesouppromotions.com/events/frostyfive/

Beyond the Basic

Kitchen and Bath Transformations

By Kathleen Moran, House and Home Writer

It is easy to take for granted the look of rooms that receive a great deal of foot traffic, like the kitchen or a bathroom. The good news is these particular rooms can be transformed beyond an ordinary, everyday appearance in a way that is sure to leave a lasting impression, even for frequent visitors!

Shutterstock.com

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| Michiana House and Home | February  2021 | 5

Kelly Weaver, with Ideal Coatings in Middlebury, recommends making a statement with the metallic style of epoxy flooring. This flooring type literally functions like a “unique piece of art that gives off a marble appearance with a variation of lighter and darker spots of color,” stated Weaver.

Epoxy flooring works well in both a kitchen and bathroom because it is seamless and waterproof. Additionally, “it is easy to maintain via sweeping and mopping in the absence of grout lines that easily attract dirt.” One thing to keep in mind, though, is the use of furniture protectors to help reduce the chance of creating scratches in the flooring.

According to Chris Doncaster, owner of Doncaster Flooring and Design in Mishawaka, many homeowners are spending less time traveling and more time remodeling. “One notable trend is that homeowners are keeping things very simple. Even the younger homeowners are minimalists who avoid clutter and anything that overwhelms,” said Doncaster.

6 | Michiana House and Home | February 2021 |

Photos courtesy of Ideal Coatings, Middlebury

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Photo courtesy of Doncaster Flooring and Design, Mishawaka

In keeping with this trend, “white sinks with light veining can easily be coordinated between the kitchen and bathroom, especially when there is leftover material.” Doing so is not only a cost-saver; it avoids a mismatched look in one’s home, too.

Embracing the simple also means many homeowners are replacing their tubs for walk-in showers and are opting for plain-looking frameless shower doors. Additionally, a bidet toilet seat with a self-cleaning mechanism is trending right now. “All you need is an electrical hookup,” Doncaster noted.

Showroom business development manager with Mid-City Supply in Elkhart Joyce Watkins echoed similar sentiments regarding the increasing popularity of the bidet toilet seat. “Consumers in the U.S. are quickly learning of its personal hygiene benefits. By adding a bidet seat to any existing toilet, you get the luxury of a heated seat, with a personal warm water spray, deodorizer and dryer.”

The Murano Collection of glass vessel sinks from Native Trails offers another way to add character to an existing bathroom. Watkins further specified these “sought-after sinks are affordably priced,” which makes all the difference for homeowners wanting “a beautiful piece of functioning art in the bathroom coming directly from one of the most prestigious parts of the world in Murano, Italy.”

Kitchen upgrades can also make a statement with available options including “smart voice-activated faucets that work with devices such as Alexa or Google Home or gourmet stainless sinks with culinary accessories and gadgets to assist in meal prep.”

A final transformation beyond the ordinary can be accomplished with lighting. Hannah Taylor, lighting showroom manager at Kendall Lighting Center in South Bend, explained, “Updating existing lighting completely changes the look of a room.” This can be as simple as featuring a canopy of three pendant lights over a double sink bathroom vanity or making a statement above a kitchen island with a lantern, chandelier or linear fixture. “Another way to create visual interest is with under cabinet lighting or tape lighting for glass cabinets.” n RESOURCES: Doncaster Flooring and Design, Mishawaka, 574-318-4522

203 Wayne St., Middlebury, IN (574) 825-8824

Ideal Coatings, Middlebury, 574-358-0182, idealcoatings.com Kendall Lighting Center, multiple locations, 800-558-8820,

www.kendalllightingcenter.com Mid-City Supply, Elkhart, 800-589-5551, www.mid-city.com | Michiana House and Home | February 2021 | 7

Bathroom Storage Done Right

Shutterstock.com

By Amanda Demster, House and Home Writer

Morning routines are often hectic. The smallest problems, like a misplaced comb, a lost makeup brush or a missing can of mousse, become major hassles. Having a well-organized bathroom can help cut down on stress and may even shave some time off your morning routine.

Photo courtesy of Schmidt Cabinetry & Furniture, Wakarusa

8 | Michiana House and Home | February 2021 |

CABINETS VERSUS DRAWERS

The first thing to consider is what needs to be stored and where. According to Stephen Schmidt, owner and designer at Schmidt Cabinetry & Furniture, Wakarusa, upright cabinets are a convenient way to keep towels and washcloths at hand.

“It’s a little nicer than having to lean down and pull a drawer open to get to what you need,” he said. “And they store a little nicer in an upright cabinet than in a drawer.”

A creative idea for double master vanities, Schmidt said, is to store linens in the middle, rather than to one side, so they are equally accessible.

Keeping linens in a cabinet also frees up drawer space for other items. All-drawer vanities give more options for categorizing. These often feature U-shaped drawers, which fit around plumbing. However, these can have drawbacks.

“It’s more for aesthetics than it is for practicality, but it does work,” Schmidt said.

Over the last few years, Schmidt has seen a decline in demand for stand-alone vanities in favor of free-hanging styles. These do not feature a toe kick, giving a few more options for open storage underneath. Again, there are pros and cons to this.

“In those cases, you have to plumb into the wall.

You can’t go down because the pipes will be visible,” Schmidt said.

ORGANIZING SHELVES AND DRAWERS Accessories can be stored in containers by category. Square-shaped and rectangular boxes can fit snugly on cabinet shelves to hold cosmetics, hair products, first-aid items and anything else that can be categorized. Using decorative boxes or baskets will add a touch of personality.

Drawer organizers help keep brushes, combs and tools, like curling irons, straighteners and blow-dryers, easily accessible.

Gently coiling cords and fastening them with twist ties will keep them from tangling.

Shutterstock.com “We’ve been using a lot more organizers — pullout organizers — that organize your brushes and your blow-dryers, that type of thing,” Schmidt said.

Charging areas tucked neatly inside bathroom drawers are a handy option.

“In other words, they’re charging bays inside the drawers,” Schmidt said. “We call them docking units, a place to charge up your phone and other items that you use.”

EXTRA STORAGE IDEAS Over-the-toilet shelves and cabinets add a place to store toilet paper, toilet brushes and cleaning products.

For those who enjoy bathroom reading, magazine racks — like those offered by Weaver Furniture Sales — or shelves are a must. Depending on the bathroom, shelves can be built into the wall, saving space.

Countertop accessories include standards like freestanding or wall-mounted toothbrush holders, decorative jars for cotton balls and swabs, soap trays or dispensers and catchall trays for jewelry. Towel bars or rings add a final touch and can often be matched to drawer pulls and cabinet handles. n

www.bontragerconcrete.com

574-773-7311

598 Shawnee Drive, Nappanee, IN 46550

All Things Hardwood Shutterstock.com

Refinishing • Site-Finished • Prefinished • Repairs www.hoosierhardwoodfloors.com (574) 533-2070 showroom location 2114 elkhart rd.

Goshen, in 46526

Shutterstock.com

RESOURCES: Big C Lumber, multiple locations, www.bigclumber.com Doncaster Flooring & Design, Mishawaka, 574-318-4522 Schmidt Cabinetry & Furniture, Wakarusa, 574-862-2200,

www.schmidtfurniture.com Weaver Furniture Sales, Shipshewana, 877-357-2106,

www.weaverfurnituresales.com

| Michiana House and Home | February 2021 | 9

Dream Kitchen

DESIGN YOUR

Photos courtesy of Modern Kitchen, Elkhart

By Rebekah Whirledge, House and Home Writer

The kitchen is truly the heart of the home, and it should be designed with that in mind! The first question when it comes to remodeling or dreaming up a customized kitchen is, what is your heart’s desire?

“It can be a long and scary process to invest a large amount of your hard-earned money into (a customized kitchen). With designers like myself, we are here to help,” said Brittany Schroeder, kitchen designer with Big C Lumber, who recommends starting with these considerations when beginning a kitchen project: Timeline — “Kitchen remodels can take two to three months from start to finish. Finding arrangements and accommodations for these few months will be a huge consideration for this

process. Remodeling in the warmer months is preferred, as it can save you money on takeout since grilling out will be an option.”

Budget — “Remodeling can be quite the expense for one area of the home. My biggest suggestion is it is better to wait than have to compromise on that dream kitchen because of your budget.” When considering where to splurge, Schroeder recommends cabinetry.

“Add-on storage options, most of the time, can be added after the fact. The construction of your cabinets cannot. Not only does it help with resale but having all plywood cabinets versus particleboard constructed cabinets does make a huge difference when it comes to durability.”

Contractor — “Most clients work with a general contractor. It is best to explore different options and make sure you get somebody who is more qualified in cabinetry and kitchen renovations.”

Design — “Before meeting with a designer, the best advice I can give is do your research. It is always helpful to know what you want regarding the construction of cabinetry as well as the look of cabinetry. There are so many options to choose from that it is almost overwhelming.

Having some idea will make the process so much faster and easier.”

She also recommends trusting your designer. “We understand this is a huge investment and are here for any questions and concerns.

You are investing in my ability, and I will be there in any way I can to help make the process easier.”

ADDITIONAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT Another area that absolutely shouldn’t be overlooked when designing a kitchen is resale value.

When it comes to selling a home, kitchens and bathrooms are at the forefront of any buyer’s mind.

“When considering resale value, look at how long before you consider selling. Keep your remodel cost in line with comparable homes in your neighborhood. If considering selling your home in the near future, keep your remodel in step with current trends,” said Jeff Cramer, manager at Cloud Brothers.

Mark Jones, president at Modern Kitchen, goes even further, with this concrete tip: “If you plan to sell in five years or under, design for the masses with resale in mind.” n RESOURCES: Big C Lumber, multiple locations, www.bigclumber.com Cloud Brothers, South Bend,

574-289-0395, www.cloudbrothers.com Modern Kitchen, Elkhart, Photos courtesy of Cloud Brothers, South Bend

10 | Michiana House and Home | February 2021 |

574-674-9989, modernkitchen.net

IS IN THE AIR

• FRIDAY •

February 12, 2021 1:00 PM-8:00 PM • SATURDAY •

February 13, 2021 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Michiana Event Center 455 East Farver St. Shipshewana, IN, 46565 (260) 768-3300 www.MichianaEvents.com

Now in its 10th year, the annual Midwest Home & Yard Show is located at the state-of-the-art Michiana Event Center on the south edge of Shipshewana. Now featuring more vendors than ever, mark this on your calendar. You really don’t want to miss this event!

It may be cold outside, but this show will be the perfect spot for you to beat that dreaded cabin fever and start thinking SPRING! Come browse and shop through a variety of vendors showing you the latest in home design, outdoor gardening, landscaping, BBQ’ing and much, much more!

| Michiana House and Home | February 2021 | 11

Kick Cabin Fever out the Door at the Midwest Home and Yard Show The Midwest Home and Yard Show is returning to the Michiana Event Center, located at 455 E. Farver St. in Shipshewana. Occurring Feb. 12-13, the show, featuring Platinum Sponsors Alpha Building Center Inc. and Superior Hardscapes, is the perfect opportunity to beat the dreaded cabin fever that begins to creep in during this time of year, particularly on the heels of a year like 2020.

The show at a glance Times: Friday,

Feb. 12: 1-8 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 13: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location: Michiana Event Center 455 E. Farver St. Shipshewana Admission: $ 5 general admission Children, 12 and under, free Stay Tuned

The Midwest Home and Yard Show is set for the current dates; however, depending on any changes to COVID-19 guidelines, rescheduling may be required.

Watch www.michianaevents.com for updates.

A variety of vendors are expected to be in attendance at this year’s show, including home design, outdoor gardening and landscaping experts. Fans of summer barbecues will also want to attend to see the latest grills.

Additionally, many craftsmen will be exhibiting their fine kitchen cabinets, furniture, patios and gazebos. This gathering of experts and specialists makes the Midwest Home and Yard Show the perfect one-stop shop to gather ideas for your home and landscape while also talking to the professionals who can bring those dreams to life.

The Midwest Home and Yard Show will host its annual giveaways; this year’s are worth approximately $20,000 in value. Attendees can also sit in on educational seminars.

Explore the Michiana Event Center and visit with all the vendors.

Delicious food will be served from the MEC’s kitchen — so don’t forget your appetite! The MEC has the best pretzel around.

The home show will occur from 1-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. Admission is $5 for adults while children, 12 and under, are admitted for free. Per local and state regulations, face coverings will be required in addition to maintaining distancing.

For information, visit www.michianaevents.com. n

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Heritage Bookstore Ideal Coatings Imperial Associates, Inc It-Works J & S Flooring Jaylor Plastics Kitchen Craft Klean 4 Life – Conklin Masterpiece Metal Roofing Michiana House & Home Midwest Mini Barns Millers Sewing Machine Northside Engine Outdoor Adventures Pampered Chef Pro-Tech Water Quillen Brothers Windows Raber Patio Enclosures Raber Windows

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idealcoatings.com 574-358-0182 | Michiana House and Home | February  2021 | 13

| YEAR-ROUND GARDENING |

Cyclamen BRIGHTENS WINTER

By Joyce Arleen Corson, Guest Columnist and Master Gardener

Cyclamen is a wonderful houseplant with silvery markings on heart-shaped leaves. It has beautiful foliage displayed in the winter season. It is something I look forward to every year. This year I felt they were in crises, as were we, since they were scarce to find. I was happy to find two plants at a nearby grocery.

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cell: 574-596-0169 or email: kjohnson@the-papers.com

Cyclamen is a member of the primrose family and a species that has achieved houseplant status. Cyclamen persicum originates from Persia, present-day Iran. The philosopher Plato described the plant as far back as the 4th century B.C. The name is derived from the Greek word “kuklos,” which means “circle.” Both the flattened tuber and the plant’s habit are circular. Such a tuber can last for decades.

There are even examples known that have lasted a century and still flowered.

Cyclamen symbolizes the empathetic, devoted heart and was, therefore, planted in churchyards in the countries around the Mediterranean. In Japan, the cyclamen is the holy flower of love.

Cyclamen likes a cool and light spot, and it does not like full sun or sources of heat nearby. It comes in a variety of colors and likes to be watered a lot. Ideally, cyclamens like to take up their own water at room temperature and will flower for several weeks.

I pull the foliage foil wrapper down, take the plant out of its pot, which I then fill with water, before setting the plant back in until it has absorbed all the water it needs. I then remove extra water the plant doesn’t want from the pot. This is how to water from the roots, not by pouring water on the crown or leaves. The plant will indicate when it needs watering again by drooping a bit. If the topsoil feels cold, it is damp enough. Dry soil feels like paper and needs a drink.

Regularly remove wilted flowers and leaves in order to encourage new buds to open. Plant food once every three weeks helps cyclamen to continue flowering lavishly.

There are many different leaf forms found in wild cyclamen species. It is fun to evaluate every winter, selecting ones with more patterned leaves.

Some varieties have long and slender leaves, like a lance, while others form a strong evergreen tree pattern. A few emerge with the choicest of all leaves, either silver or pewter in color.

Cyclamen commonly grow stem tubers. n

14 | Michiana House and Home | February 2021 |

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Free On-Site

A Chilly Day Dish with a Kick

Garage Design Consultation

Rodney Rouch • 574-534-1400 www.coachhousegarages.com

Picture in your mind a warm bowl cupped in your hands, defrosting your fingertips after you just walked inside from a chilly afternoon. The bowl is heavy, full of hearty vegetables and spicy peppers that in just a few short moments will overwhelm your palate. (Culinary.net) Not only does this recipe for Chipotle Veggie Chili hit you with a wide array of balanced flavors, but there is a surprise hint of citrus added toward the end — lime juice. Just to add a little more texture and vibrance to this dish, it can be topped with your favorite garnishes like guacamole, sour cream, jalapeno slices and cilantro.

This Chipotle Veggie Chili is simple to make, needing just one pot throughout the entire cooking process. It simmers for about 25 minutes while you unwind from a long day.

Find more recipes perfect for cooler weather at Culinary.net.

Chipotle Veggie Chili 1 cup vegetable broth 1 can (7 ounces) chipotles in adobo sauce 2 cans (15 ounces each) sweet corn with liquid 2 limes, juiced guacamole (optional)

sour cream (optional)

jalapeno slices (optional) cilantro (optional)

In large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Stir and cook 5 minutes until onion is translucent. Add garlic and red pepper. Stir and cook 8 minutes until soft.

Add tomatoes, red beans, pinto beans, broth, chipotles in adobo sauce, corn, remaining salt and remaining pepper. Simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili has thickened.

Squeeze lime juice into pot; stir. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, jalapeno slices and cilantro, if desired. n

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Servings: 6-8 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 5/8 teaspoon sea salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 can (14 ounces) diced fire-roasted tomatoes 1 can (14 ounces) red beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (14 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

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WeaverFurnitureSales.com | Michiana House and Home | February 2021 | 15

Shutterstock.com

The Ultimate —

Film-ready Rooms Shutterstock.com

By Kathleen Moran, House and Home Writer

As we accept and continue to navigate the new normal that comes with living in the midst of a pandemic, one positive that emerges is homeowners are allowing themselves the time to explore hobbies like increasing their personal online presence as video influencers. This could be anything from starring in their own makeup or cooking tutorials to a DIY project, all from within the confines of a film-ready room in one’s own home. Whatever one’s interests, though, lighting, backdrop aesthetics and adequate video and sound quality will make all the difference in giving one’s video that professional touch viewers appreciate.

VIDEO AND SOUND QUALITY

Tyrus Tucker, Mighty Mics’ tech guru in Goshen, acknowledges the portability and readily available filming capabilities of the average cellphone that comes equipped with a decent microphone and camera. However, when money is not an option, Tucker shared, “In order to take creation to the next level, one could invest in a DSLR, a full frame mirrorless camera, or a higher quality webcam.” photo courtesy of Mighty Mics, Goshen

LIGHTING Hannah Taylor, lighting showroom manager at Kendall Lighting Center in South Bend, offers a tip for influencers, particularly interested in makeup: “Eye-level lighting is more flattering than relying on overhead lighting that is sure to create shadows on one’s face.”

The important thing is to balance the layers of lighting in a room, and in the case of a makeup artist, this could mean using sconces at a vanity or dressing table.

For an individual wanting to film a cooking video, make sure to have good lighting over a kitchen island. Taylor explained, “The trick, in this case, is to have the light fixture out of the camera’s sight line while also hanging at a distance that is adequate for illuminating the workspace.” Typically, 30 inches from the countertop is a good height.

BACKDROP AESTHETICS “Put a spin on things by making a sconce the point of interest for a backdrop,” stated Taylor. But remember to keep it on a lower lumen output since it is being used as a decorative piece rather than functioning as a traditional light source.

Additionally, Deborah Carpenter, ASID, of Sweet Water Interiors in Goshen, recommends finding a balance for one’s backdrop. For example, featuring greenery or a piece of art should add interest without distracting viewers. “Of course, the choices one makes in one’s backdrop selection will likely be career-dependent in terms of what items will be featured,” said Carpenter.

The color of a backdrop wall is just as critical as the interest pieces themselves. “For instance, green- and blue-colored backdrop walls — the cooler tones and colors of the sea — can give off a sense of tranquility compared to some other colors that may be too bright for viewers,” added Carpenter.

16 | Michiana House and Home | February 2021 |

Moreover, there are some tricks to ensuring sound quality. Particularly, large furniture pieces are helpful for absorbing unwanted sounds in a bedroom or living room. “Hanging heavy curtains in front of windows, adding furniture to corners of the room and utilizing sound-absorbing panels on at least two of the walls can help in smaller rooms,” specified Tucker. n RESOURCES: Kendall Lighting Center, multiple locations, 800-558-8820,

www.kendalllightingcenter.com Mighty Mics, Goshen, (574) 533-9151, www.mightymics.com Sweet Water Interiors, Goshen, 574-534-3989,

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| Michiana House and Home | February 2021 | 17

Did You Know?

February has a lot of “heart”

By Julie Young, House and Home Writer

Although it’s wet and cold and spring feels like it’s a long way off, there is a lot to “love” about February.

It’s the shortest month of the year. Mardi Gras gives a good excuse to ditch the new year’s diet, and, of course, Valentine’s Day offers a great opportunity to get close to someone special!

TASKS TO TAKE CARE OF • Get a jump on your herb garden by starting seeds in a sunny windowsill.

• Schedule service for your HVAC system.

• Tune up your lawnmower before you need it.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

The origin of the word February comes from a Roman cleaning festival held Feb. 15. “Februa” means “cleansing or purification.”

In honor of this history, why not organize your bookshelf, planner, personal diary or contacts? Lent begins this month as well, which offers the perfect chance to break a bad habit for good!

• Do some batch cooking. Prep chili, spaghetti sauces and stews for the month ahead. Tired of your old recipes? Organize a recipe swap with friends.

• Clean linen closets and dryer vents, and check for mold in your kitchen and bathrooms.

MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR

The odds of being born on Feb. 29 are about 1 in 1,461.

Source: https://cateinsuranceagency.com/14-fascinating-facts-about-february/

TUNE IN!

WHAT TO BUY

• Didn’t score that game console at Christmas? Now is a good time to score a Playstation 5, Xbox Series X or Nintendo Switch while not fighting holiday crowds — barring shortages.

• Presidents Day, a three-day weekend, means big sales on major items such as mattresses, appliances and outdoor gear like grills, barbecues, lawnmowers and more.

• According to U.S. News in its article, “The Best Days to Shop in 2021,” February is the month to look for deals on tax software. The website also advises holding off on purchasing jewelry until right after Valentine’s Day when leftover jewelry will be on sale.

18 | Michiana House and Home | February 2021 |

Putumayo World Music — www.putumayo.com — offers a variety of CDs and playlists to give family dinners an international flair. Here are a few of our favorites: • French Dinner Party — The perfect soundtrack for a romantic evening.

• New Orleans Party — Guaranteed to let the good times roll. CD also includes a daiquiri recipe!

• Vintage Latino — A collection that pays tribute to nostalgic tunes, it’s the perfect accompaniment for Taco Tuesday.

• Best of Italian Cafe — Take a musical holiday to Rome, Milan and Venice with this captivating selection of popular songs.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

February is Black History Month, and 2021’s theme is “Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity,” which explores the African diaspora and the spread of Black families across the U.S. Enjoy art, music and literature from Black artists. Also, check out the National Museum of African American History & Culture’s digital exhibits: https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions. n Photos:Shutterstock.com

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