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Complimentary September 2021

Breathe New Life into Your Home Office Kitchen Refresh Finish Your Basement BANCI Homes On Parade

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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 Nicholette Carlson ncarlson@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

contents

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Maymie Ankrom, Mary Lester MARKETING ASSISTANTS Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com Taelynne Ousley tousley@the-papers.com

Create The Office Of Your Dreams

Finishing Your Basement? Make Sure It’s Done Right Year-Round Gardening —Asters Homes On Parade Returns Strong This Year After the 2020 Pandemic

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. 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. 5

Give Your Kitchen The Look You’ve Always Wanted Without Breaking The Bank

FEATURE WRITERS Amber Bouhot, Beth Anne Brink-Cox, Dani Messick, Julie Young,

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

September 2021 VOLUME 18

How To Store Like A Pro

The Ultimate — Home Music Studio Servin’ Up Good Eats

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

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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.

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| Michiana House and Home | September 2021 | 3

editor’s note...

Just as the magazine helps to ramp up my motivation to stop putting off household projects, I am deeply saddened to say that this will also be my last month in my short tenure as Michiana House and Home editor. An exemplary coworker, Ray Balogh, will be taking over the reigns next month. Nonetheless, I have been diving headfirst into home projects. Once the barn was finished up and r control, I was able to take a look at some big

the lawn finally unde . and small necessities inside and outside my home someone is if My garage. It’s full and may currently look as the most organized living in there —they’re not — but it is ironically its previous chicken it’s been in years. The cleaning continues from inhabitants, though. storage. I have One of the greatest benefits of organization is my own closet even and reworked the garage, basement, kitchen better utilize and recently to try to add more ample storage room tossing what you the space I have. Simply going through items and storage space. Also, no longer need can help free up some serious e. Maybe it’s just my might I recommend well-sealed totes for storag

well in high humidity basement, but cardboard boxes do not hold up er in place. midifi situations, even with a constantly running dehu house have the d Other fun, end of the summer projects aroun roofs. Plenty of storms included cleaning out gutters and cleaning off next few weeks I’ll be recently also made extra clean-up work. In the weather while it lasts powerwashing as well. I plan to use this warm settling in for indoor e befor leted to get all the outdoor projects comp projects in the fall. as well, I will be As I start out on this new adventure of mine, e of our other publicontinuing my writing as a freelancer for a coupl list — setting up a cations. This lends a whole new task to my to-do computer. Turning home office. I have my gorgeous desk space and more work, though. it into a true office space is going to take a little will help me along article h’s Hopefully the hints and tips in this mont the way. of North Make sure you check out the Builders Association to get fresh ideas for Central Indiana Homes on Parade Sept. 17-19 homes, you will even your home and living space. In one of the eight be able to see a home under construction this magazine in I truly appreciate the opportunity to bring you of luck to you Best most. the these past few months. I shall miss this all in your home adventures! n

Nikki

Nicholette Carlson, Editor Email: ncarlson@the-papers.com

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Kitchen

Give Your The Look You’ve Always Wanted Without Breaking The Bank By Dani Messick, House and Home Writer

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Time consuming though it may be, a simple kitchen refresh can update a kitchen without spending thousands on a complete renovation project. Simple tasks like painting, hanging artwork and reorganizing can bring you the kitchen of your dreams.

| Michiana House and Home | September 2021 | 5

Deb Kraska, owner of Restyled Furnishings in Granger, says one of the biggest tips she can offer someone looking to refresh their kitchen is to not be afraid of color. “You don’t have to make your cabinets a bright color, but definitely add some pops of color in there, whether it’s with flowers or plants or art on the wall, or even if you paint a door in your kitchen a nice bright color,” she explained.

New hardware, countertops, backsplashes or lighting can have a strong impact on the aesthetic of any room.

Photo courtesy of Restyled Furnishings, Granger

Shutterstock.com

Make sure to avoid simply following the trends and follow your passion instead. “I don’t think there is any right or wrong as far as colors. If you’re using a dark cabinet, do a light flooring; if you’re doing a light cabinet, do dark flooring. Personally, I wouldn’t do white countertops and white flooring. I would want some contrast, but if that’s what you really like, go for it. I talk to my clients about, if you’ve got five kids, that might not be the best option, but if that’s what you want, I say go for it. Maybe a dark color on the bottom and a light color on top.” If you’re not sure about painting cabinets colorful, don’t do it. Instead, ease into bold

colors with an accent rug, baskets or a pitcher prominently displayed. Painting walls or cabinets is going to be the biggest bang for the least amount of money and then look at the small details after that, Kraska explained. New faucets, new molding or trim, open shelving and plants are simple ways to update the kitchen area. “Replacing hardware makes a huge difference,” Kraska said. Decluttering the kitchen will also go a long way to making it feel fresh and new. “Take everything off your counters and start again. See what you really need out there. Especially if you’ve been there a while, refreshing it and thinking about what you really use. If you haven’t used that appliance in the last year and you know you’re not going to use it, it’s the same idea as clothes — if you haven’t worn it in the last year, you should probably get rid of it.”

6 | Michiana House and Home | September 2021 |

Kraska also uses creative solutions for cabinet and drawer organization. “Sliding drawers — you can add those to your cabinets. When we moved into our kitchen it was big ginormous cupboards. Pots and pans in sliding drawers are wonderful.” “I put things together by use, and things I use more often in one spot,” she continued.

Clear off the counters and replace them with appliances you use, and decor you love. Photo courtesy of Restyled Furnishings, Granger

“What helped me a lot in my pantry was to take everything out of its packaging and put them into bins and label those bins. I put all of our drink items in a cupboard, where before they were in the pantry making a mess. That’s where the coffeemaker is and all the drink items, coffees and teas and flavors.” Don’t assume that things have to go where they’re always gone. It’s your kitchen and it should work for you. “My plates and bowls are in a drawer, down low where my five year old can get to them. I had to think outside the box,” Kraska said. “Just because they’ve always been in a cupboard doesn’t mean they have to go in the cupboard.” Another way to integrate your own style into your kitchen is with the use of a gallery wall.

Shutterstock.com

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Refinishing • Site-Finished • Prefinished • Repairs www.hoosierhardwoodfloors.com (574) 533-2070 Showroom Location 2114 Elkhart Rd. Goshen, IN 46526 A gallery wall can consist of anything you want, from family photos to decoration; add a texture wall behind it for increased effect. Photo courtesy of Restyled Furnishings, Granger

“It can add texture without having to do a lot of work,” Kraska said. If you love farmhouse style, try adding a giant wooden fork and spoon, and various wall ornaments to fit the theme you create. If family is important to you, try a simple collection of family photos. If your tastes are more minimalistic, try a word collage or simple botanical prints. Refreshing the kitchen is less work than remodeling, but Kraska admits it can still be a lot of work. Her most important advice is to make sure that you will love it. “What are the colors you really love? Are there any themes you love? Following the trends is not always the safest option, because what if you don’t have the money to change it back once the trend is over? Focus on what you really like.” n RESOURCE: Restyled Furnishings, Granger, 574-855-3698, www.restyledfurnishings.com | Michiana House and Home | September 2021 | 7

Shutterstock.com

CreateThe Office of Your Dreams in Your Own Home

8 | Michiana House and Home | September 2021 |

By Beth Anne Brink-Cox, House and Home Writer

More and more we are working from home, a trend that exploded last year and may well become the new normal. Once you’re used to it, a lot can be said for it. And it works very well for a lot of people, whether working for a company or as a self-employed businessperson.

So you need a home office, right? Or maybe you already have one. Is it time to freshen it up? What are the latest trends in styles and storage? Sam Beachy of Reliance said, “Yes, home office spaces are making a strong comeback. This allows those working from home to still have a quiet work space within the home and not be working from the dining room table.” Beachy went on to say, “It’s also important to create an inviting office space that has a window for natural light, so one does not feel so secluded when working alone.” In most businesses these days, the pandemic has created complications that are still occurring. Materials take longer to manufacture and ship. Beachy said, “The majority of materials and products are a challenge to get, along with long delay periods for almost everything. Windows are 12 to 20 weeks. Siding takes eight to 10 weeks, while some appliances take four to six months. And generators are in short supply, taking six to eight months.” Beachy went on to say, “I tell our clients that today’s projects will take longer and they should be willing to be flexible on product

This window seat would give not only natural lighting, but an interesting focal point for the entire room. You could put your desk in front of it and use the seat for books, printers, whatever you need.

Photo courtesy of Reliance, Nappanee

choices. Otherwise, the project will take even longer.” He continued, “The current trend is to have clean bright spaces with a window. Space and size vary on the individual,and how they work.” Some offices might require a very compact space, requiring only a desk and a phone and not much else. Others would need room for cabinetry and sample books, perhaps a drafting table and file cabinets, possibly even a small seating area if you will have clients coming to your office. Reliance works with local architects and designers, along with an in-house design consultant, to be sure you are getting exactly what you want and need for optimum satisfaction and results. As to the finished appearance of your office, Beachy said, “Cabinets are best for storage, as they will hide clutter. Shelves are great for displaying items.” You might require more of one than the other. If you think it would be easy to set up a home office, it involves more than just emptying out a previously in-use room. According to

Beachy, “The difficult part is where to find a space that has natural light without giving up a current bedroom.” Also, finding a space within the home away from the daily visual and noise from the family, if other members are at home during the day. We have all seen the Zoom calls where children enter the room and call for the parent that is working. The challenge working from home is that home life and work life become muddled and there is no time away from either.

This loft space could make a very interesting home office and the built-in shelving is a wonderful asset. Don’t be afraid to consider an unusual space such as this. Photo courtesy of Reliance, Nappanee

Consider if you want your office to be near the kitchen or near a bathroom, depending on how well you handle a break in concentration. Will you allow pets in the room or not? Rather than seeing these as a series of problems or challenges, just remind yourself that most workers are assigned offices or cubicles, with little to no input as to how it will look and how comfortable or efficient your work space will be. This is your chance to create the office of your dreams, right down to wall colors and floor coverings. n RESOURCE: Reliance, Nappanee, 574-773-4308,

www.reliancedbr.net

Shutterstock.com

Photo courtesy of Reliance, Nappanee

This built-in cabinetry, formerly useful in a bedroom, employs exactly what Sam Beachy said, combining shelves and cabinets.

| Michiana House and Home | September 2021 | 9

Finishing Your Basement? MAKE SURE IT’S By Julie Young, House and Home Writer

t h g i R e n o D

If you are looking to add some living space onto your home, start by finishing out your basement. No matter if your dream is another family gathering place, a home theater, gym or a gaming center, your basement is prime real estate with plenty of potential, provided you do the job right. PREPARATION IS KEY Before calling in a contractor to begin the remodel, it’s important to comb through magazines to get some ideas of what you want the finished product to look like and how to bring it to life. Homeowners need

to create an efficient layout that will give them the features they want and need without interrupting the flow of traffic throughout the space. If you are thinking about a family gathering area, then you will want to take advantage of any natural light. If you are looking to install a home theater, then you won’t want to locate the drink station in front of the screen. Bedrooms require a point of egress in the event of an emergency, so you’ll want to determine if you will need to install a larger window. The clearer your vision, the more your contractor will be able to bring your dreams to life. Once you have a vision in mind, you’ll want to call in a professional such as Everdry Waterproofing to test your space for moisture and seal up any areas that are deficient. Everdry has serviced over 80,000 basements, crawl spaces and slabs and has customized solutions, products and processes for every home, no matter how large or small the job. Homeowners will also want to take care to consider the height of their ceiling to make sure it meets code requirements and to leave room around their mechanicals so they can

10 | Michiana House and Home | September 2021 |

durable, multifunctional elements that work well in a basement setting. For example, a large worktable can accommodate the family that likes to craft together while a large sofa can accommodate multiple gamers at once. They can also help you. You select a neutral color scheme to help enlarge an otherwise “cozy” space. They can also suggest a way to layer lighting so your basement will be able to set the mood no matter what the occasion. Remember, just because it’s on the ground floor doesn’t mean your basement can’t be top notch. With a little imagination and some help from the pros, your basement can feel like a luxurious penthouse suite. n Photos: Shutterstock.com RESOURCES: The Element Masters, Middlebury, 574-825-8824,

www.elementmasters.net. Everdry Waterproofing, multiple locations, 1-800-EVERDRY, www.everdry.com Reliance, Nappanee, 574.773.4308, www.reliancebr.net

be serviced by professionals when necessary. Professional firms such as The Element Masters, Middlebury, appreciate when homeowners make sure to leave a two- or three-foot space so the average human can get in there to work. Remember, when it comes to finishing out a basement – an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.

GET THE MOST FROM THE GROUND FLOOR A contractor that specializes in basement remodels, such as Reliance in Nappanee, will help you make choices that will give you the biggest bang for your buck. They will help you find drywall that will not attract moisture and mold, flooring that will not scratch easily or warp in the event of an accident and will give you some ideas for making rooms pull double duty when it comes to storage so you can maximize your square footage and get the most from the space. It’s also wise to consult with a designer to help you decorate your space and suggest

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| YEAR-ROUND GARDENING |

Asters By Joyce Arleen Corson, Guest Columnist and Master Gardener

Blue wood aster is a herbaceous perennial that may grow 3 feet tall. It has narrow, alternate leaves with a toothed margin. Pale blue to violet flowers bloom in large, loose panicles. Aster blooms resemble a star, the symbol of love, wisdom, faith and color. Aster azureus, sky blue wood aster, is a bright and showy addition to any sunny perennial garden. I have adopted the star as a favorite. The Latin name is symphotrichum cordifolium. The multitude of brilliant blue blooms from late August into October combine well with the showy goldenrod for a fabulous fall appearance in contrasting colors. The standard aster color is purple or blue, but cultivars have been developed that come in a wider range of colors. What makes them quite unique is the asters are the last of the flowering shrubs to bloom before frost. These fragrances of the wood aster and goldenrod are the signal of migration for many species of birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife. The pearl crescent butterfly uses the aster as their retreat. Bees remove honey from the hives before foraging begins of these final flowers. During this time frame, the pollen collection is used as food for the winter hive to make bee bread. The aster’s carefree green lance-shaped leaves have a lively look all season. The 12 | Michiana House and Home | September 2021 |

Are the Last to Bloom

stems are there through summer without anyone paying much attention. They can be pruned on the Fourth of July to half their size. Do this when early blossoms twist and turn brown and the lean, dark violet-streaked stems give way to airy lavender-colored sprays of glassine blossoms, whose open petals are caught in a vivid yellow center. Aster plant pruning is a must if you want to keep these perennial flowers healthy and blooming abundantly. Pruning is also useful if you have asters that grow too vigorously and are taking over your beds. Pruning asters is optional but there are some good reasons to do it. One is simply to maintain a shape and size that you like. Pruning them back can prevent the

need to stake them and give the plants more pleasing shapes also. One reason asters are so popular with gardeners is that they are easy to grow. They prefer full sun to partial shade and need welldrained soil. Blue aster flowers and other cultivars do well in zones 4-8. Our area’s zone is 5b, so they are bountiful here. These are perennials that will come back year after year, so divide them every couple of years to keep the plants healthy. Also seedlings are easily recognized and can be moved to a new location or given as gifts to friends. If you have rich soil, these flowers will grow abundantly and add more color to your garden. n

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Homes on Parade Returns Strong This Year After The 2020 Pandemic EIGHT EXCITING HOMES FEATURED The Builders Association of North Central Indiana will be hosting the 2021 Homes on Parade event Sept. 17-19. This is the perfect way to check out different styles and models of homes when considering a remodel or even building your own home. This year’s Homes on Parade will feature eight homes throughout Kosciusko and Fulton counties, including five new homes, two remodeled homes and one home still under construction. The homes will be open from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. Tickets are $5, which allows entry to all eight homes. Veterans, active duty military and children under 12 are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at each parade home; Martin’s Super Markets locations in Warsaw, Plymouth, Nappanee and Goshen; and Neighborhood Fresh stores in Syracuse and North Webster. 14 | Michiana House and Home | September 2021 |

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HOW TO

Store Like a Pro

By Dani Messick, House and Home Writer

From living room tech to seasonal decor to garage bins, most homes are full of closets, cabinets and various shelving that offer us places to put our excess stuff. In an ideal world, we’d always have enough space and everything would always have the perfect home. In the real world, homeowners must navigate their storage, seeking out the best and most effective ways to handle home storage in any part of the home. Deb Kraska, Restyled Furnishings, believes the most important aspects of storage management are keeping only what you actually use and grouping items to your own personal needs. Start in one storage area and remove everything. Check through bins, on shelves, in cabinets. Put hands on each item you own. “Go through and see what you really don’t need and what you haven’t touched,” Kraska said. Don’t be afraid to get rid of things you never use. Kraska recounted owning a frozen fruit machine that she and her husband used in the first year of marriage but stopped using and it sat in her closet for years, taking up space.

18 | Michiana House and Home | September 2021 |

If you’ve unburdened yourself of unwanted junk, you can then begin to reorganize the room’s collection based on your specific needs. Sorting bins based on category will help to ensure that things that belong together stay together and save you time hunting through the storage areas of your home. Deb Carpenter, Sweet Water Interiors, takes extra precaution to ensure that she’s always able to find her cherished items. “I like to write down on an index card what is within each container,” she said. Some containers can simply have index cards or labels directly on them, but for the ones

higher up, Carpenter goes to extra lengths. “I tape (the) index cards inside a cabinet door at eye level and then can read what is in each bin above without having to dig through to find what I need.” Using the right storage in the right areas matters, too, to prevent damage. In outdoor areas, or areas that may be exposed to moisture or pests, specific types of storage may work better.“I find bins to work best in areas of moisture and pests,” Carpenter said. There are many kinds of storage containers, from plastic bins with airtight lids, food grade canisters or cloth canvas organizers. Using the right type of storage for each area of your home will not only benefit the life of your home’s lessused items, but also save money. Knowing exactly where those items are will save time and energy in the long run. n RESOURCES: Restyled Furnishings, Granger, 574-855-3698,

www.restyledfurnishings.com Sweet Water Interiors, Goshen, 574-534-3989,

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GET THE

Shutterstock.com

The Ultimate —

Beat WITH A

Home Music Studio By Beth Anne Brink-Cox, House and Home Writer

Shutterstock.com

Among the many things quarantining brought to our lives (apart from baking sourdough bread) was making music — either picking up a long-neglected instrument or starting one that was always on a bucket list. Many of us have at least one instrument around the house — a piano, a guitar and others that we’ve always wanted to learn to play, because making music is different than simply listening. It takes us inside the music.

20 | Michiana House and Home | September 2021 |

All well and good, but where would you do this? Not every family wants to listen to the discordance of learning to play or to play again, whether it’s a student in school or a couple of friends who thought it might be cool to start a garage band. Well, you need a garage. But what would that garage need besides some space you could permanently claim? For starters, would you need to change out the door? Billy Thompson of Safe-Way Garage Doors, Warsaw, said that’s likely, “But it’s depen-

dent on the type of garage door that is already installed. I would recommend a qualified review, at which time the installer can determine if soundproofing materials can be added to the inside of the door after installation. There are things to consider that may affect functionality and safety of the door. One would be the weight of the materials, which would have an effect on how the door balances with existing springs or if new springs would be needed. There would also be determination if there are any clearance issues with added materials.

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Tell our advertisers you saw their ad in Photo courtesy of Safe-Way Garage Doors, Warsaw

Thompson says a polyurethane core garage door would give the best thermal and sound deadening properties. Polyurethane doors can be manufactured in a variety of sizes and designs. He went on to say, “We have seen over the last several years consumers re-creating the traditional garage space into more usable areas for personal and professional use. We have worked alongside architects, builders and homeowners to design user specific products and special installations.” As expected, Thompson said the pandemic has had an effect on every aspect of sourcing, supply chains and manufacturing. Extended lead times are the norm and this has been a demanding year on almost all manufacturing. “Early spring and early summer are the best times to schedule installations of garage doors, though they are made to perform in all seasons. Fall is the busiest season and winter is very busy due to the holidays.” Of course there are more than doors to consider. It’s very important for musical instruments to be carefully climate controlled. Dan Godfrey of The Element Masters, Middlebury, has a remarkable and simple solution, “The best thing we would have to offer would be a mini split. These systems are very quiet, which would be good for the recording side of things. The outside unit is quiet Photo courtesy of as well, which would be The Element Masters, Middlebury great for the neighbors.” When asked if this was a regular part of their business, Godfrey says he has never been asked to install anything for a music studio. But if asked, “One day should be all we would need to install a mini split system for a single room. We have seen some shortages in equipment over the past year due to the pandemic, of course. We can install this type of system any time of the year.” You’ll also want to consider the lighting, whether or not the current installations are right for your studio. Will you want recessed lighting? Perhaps something that would mimic the feel of a club? Maybe you’ll need storage or seating? The possibilities are endless and the payoff will be well worth it. n

203 Wayne St., Middlebury, IN (574) 825-8824 RESOURCES: Safe-Way Garage Doors, Warsaw, 574-267-4861, www.safewaydoor.com The Element Masters, Middlebury, 574-825-8824, www.elementmasters.net | Michiana House and Home | September 2021 | 21

Rally the Crowd with a Masterful Game Day Menu Scoring big on game day requires championship-level meals and snacks that keep the crowd full and ready for action. You can take your tailgate to the house with these baked dishes that help simplify homegating so you can focus on the big screen. (Family Features) Just Wing It

Skip the silverware at your next homegate and dive right in with a fan favorite that requires just your hands and a heap of napkins: wings. Whether you pick through your pieces or clean each wing to the bone, these Game Day Chicken Wings are perfect for eaters of all types. A simple flour-based coating keeps the recipe easy to make and baking in the oven means you can skip the messy fryer or firing up the grill. Cook until crispy then corral your party’s favorite dipping sauces from ranch and blue cheese to barbecue and more. Once your spread is served, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the game. Visit Culinary.net to find more touchdown-worthy tailgate recipes.

Game Day Chicken Wings Total time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4 | 1/2 1/3 2 1 1 1 10

cup butter, cubed cup flour teaspoons paprika teaspoon garlic powder teaspoon salt teaspoon black pepper chicken wingettes, thawed if frozen dipping sauces (optional) fresh parsley (optional)

Preheat oven to 425 F. Line baking sheet with foil. Arrange butter cubes on foil. In medium bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Coat both sides of wings in flour mixture then evenly space among butter cubes on baking sheet. Bake wings 30 minutes. Turn wings over and bake 15 minutes, or until crispy and fully cooked. Serve with dipping sauces and sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired.

Fun, On-the-Go Health Hacks Make every bite count with whole-grain popcorn snacks. As many people start getting back into normal routines, they’re returning to familiar on-the-go lifestyles by heading back to work, traveling to new destinations and enjoying time with loved ones. While you get out to explore and gather with family and friends again, remember you’ll need fuel for your adventures. According to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, most Americans fail to get enough whole grains each day, opting instead for mostly refined grains. Foods like tasty whole-grain popcorn offer an easy health hack so you can make every bite count. Try getting in the habit of popping 9 cups of popcorn in the morning and dividing it into two containers. Season one container with salt and herbs, the other with a pinch of sugar and cinnamon so you can alternate between sweet and salty throughout the day. Bringing delicious options like these while on the go can help satisfy hunger pangs while adding the fiber your body needs. Visit popcorn.org to find more nutritious snack ideas. 22 | Michiana House and Home | September 2021 |

Popcorn Trail Mix Yield: 9 cups 5 cups popped popcorn 3 cups whole-grain oat cereal 1/3 cup raisins 1/3 cup peanuts or other nuts 1/3 cup sunflower seeds 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine 6 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons light corn syrup In large, microwavable bowl, stir popcorn, cereal, raisins, nuts and seeds; set aside. In small saucepan, heat butter, brown sugar and corn syrup until boiling; cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour over popcorn mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Microwave 3-4 minutes, stirring and scraping bowl after each minute. Spread onto greased cookie sheet; cool. Break into pieces and store in airtight container. n

michiana around

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.

SEPT. 4-5 | ELKHART

Hall of Heroes Comic Con Show off your cosplay and meet special guests who have played or voiced famous characters. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Admission Fee Hall of Heroes Comic and Superhero Museum 21565 Executive Parkway

SEPT. 10-11 | MIDDLEBURY

Middlebury Fall Festival Bring the whole family out for arts and crafts vendors, food vendors and children’s activities. There will also be woodcarver demonstrations, live music and a cornhole tournament. 10 a.m. to dusk Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Downtown Middlebury

SEPT. 11 | SOUTH BEND

Ringing of the Bell-Freedom Memorial Clay Fire Territory, Mishawaka Fire and South Bend Fire will join together to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11. 9-10 a.m. Saturday St. Patrick’s County Park 50651 Laurel Road

SEPT. 11 | GOSHEN

Arts on the Millrace View the work of local artists and musicians at this annual juried event. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday Goshen’s Millrace

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SEPT. 12 | NEW CARLISLE

Monarchs and Milkweeds: A Migration Celebration Tour the restored tall grass prairie. Explore the new bilingual Story Walk. Discover the world of pollinators. Sweep insects with a naturalist. Enjoy food, kids’ crafts and nature activities. Admission fee 1-5 p.m. Sunday Bendix Woods County Park 56960 Timothy Road

SEPT. 16-19 | NAPPANEE

NEW SEAMLESS SIDING!!!

Nappanee Apple Festival Come on out to the 45th annual Nappanee Apple Festival complete with fun games, shopping, entertainment, carnival rides and delicious apple pie. 5-9 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday Downtown Nappanee

SEPT. 17-19 I KOSCIUSKO AND FULTON COUNTIES

BANCI Homes on Parade

Tour eight homes in Kosciusko and Fulton Counties, including five new homes, two remodeled homes and one home still under construction. Admission Fee 4-8 p.m. Friday Noon-8 p.m. Saturday Noon-4 p.m. Sunday Various locations

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SEPT. 18 | SOUTH BEND

Invasive Species Work Day Help take out the invasive uglies in the park such as honeysuckle, autumn olive and Callery pear. Bring your own tools. Dress in long pants and long sleeves. Hiking boots recommended. Registration recommended 9 a.m. to noon Saturday St. Patrick’s County Park 50651 Laurel Road

SEPT. 26 | ELKHART

Waggin’ in the Woods Bring your family and furry pals to enjoy the trails at the Elkhart Environmental Center. There will be microchipping for a fee, a Pooch Parade, agility demonstrations, food trucks, vendors, family friendly activities and a beer garden. Pet donation requested. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Elkhart Environmental Center 1717 E. Lusher Ave. n

You can also find us online at www.michianahouseandhome.com | Michiana House and Home | September 2021 | 23

By Amber Bouthot

We are still enjoying some summer-like temps this month, but colder weather is just around the corner. Here are some easy DIY tips and tricks to cozy up your home in preparation.

Add a splash of warm colors The colors you choose in your home can go a long way to up the cozy factor. Fabrics and accessories in hues like rusty red, burnt orange, mustard yellow and olive green make gorgeous additions to most neutral colors.

Go for heavier drapery Sheer curtains are great for warmer months but consider trading them for velvet or heavy drapes with thermal linings when the weather gets colder. Besides making the space look cozy, they will insulate the room by blocking drafts from your windows.

Ditch the cotton, swap for flannel Embrace seasonal patterns

Shutterstock.com

Patterns like buffalo check plaid, tartan, herringbone, and tweed in small doses throughout your house can add to the level of cozy. Look for these patterns in colors that accent the colors you currently use in your decor.

Invest in some quality slippers Floors are cold in the winter, especially if you have hardwood or tile. Keep your feet warm by investing in fleece- or woollined slippers and place them near your bed or the front door.

24 | Michiana House and Home | September 2021 |

Light it on fire Not literally, but lighting lends ambiance better than any other accessory. If you want a cozy vibe, choose lighting fixtures that emit a warm, soft glow. Semi-opaque shades that diffuse light are an inexpensive way to capture this effect. n

Shutterstock.com

During spring and summer, crisp cool cotton sheets are the way to go, but when fall temps descend, flannel sheets will keep you warm and toasty through winter. Now is a good time to add a quilt or heavy throw to the end of your bed, as well, to keep your tootsies warm.

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| Michiana House and Home | September 2021 | 25

Did You Know? Prepare to Compare Apples to Apples

By Julie Young, House and Home Writer

If you are planning to hit the apple orchard this month, it’s important to know which varieties are “ripe” for your recipes!

PIE CHART Granny Smith An orchard classic that offers a bright, yet tart variety that has a unique citrusy aroma and holds up well in the oven.

SAUCY PICKS

• McIntosh: If you’re making applesauce, this selection breaks down easily, but it may require some additional sugar to balance against its tart flavoring. • Jonared: This apple has an outer red skin that bleeds into the flesh of the fruit and offers a unique appearance to your favorite sauce recipe. • Fuji: A fan favorite that originated in Japan, this apple has a creamy flesh and a long shelf life. A crisp and sugary selection that is a perfect choice for applesauce.

Braeburn

This buttery variety offers a blend of sweet and tart flavors that remain rich when cooked in a pie.

WHAT’S THE BUZZ? Although they don’t mean to spoil your fun at the orchard, bees are everywhere this time of year. Who can blame them for finding our apples enticing? As the days get shorter, they are busy collecting nectar and preparing for the long winter ahead. Without it, their colony might perish.

26 | Michiana House and Home | September 2021 |

NATURE’S Rx?

Contrary to the adage, an apple a day does not keep the doctor away. However, it is a healthy snack choice and a complement to other healthy foods. Some studies have shown that people who eat apples tend to use fewer prescription medications than those who don’t.

BePREPARED

September is also National Preparedness Month, so now is a great time to get your family’s affairs in order just in case disaster strikes. Here are a few top tips: • Evaluate your insurance policies and make sure you have appropriate coverage. • Take an inventory of household goods and store important documents/information on an external flash drive. • Assemble a family disaster kit using an official government guide that can be found at www.ready.gov. Don’t forget to assemble supplies for your pets as well.

... and now you know!

Photos:Shutterstock.com

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