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April 2022
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NEW DATES! MAY 6 & 7, 2022 Friday 12 PM – 6 PM • Saturday 9 AM – 3 PM Kalamazoo County Expo Center • 2900 Lake Street | Kalamazoo, MI
Take a day away for some “me” time or make it a day with your friends! Explore the many businesses & organizations of the greater Kalamazoo area communities at the Women’s Lifestyle Expo presented by Moxie.
FASHION • PAMPER • BEAUTY • SHOP • PETS WORKSHOPS • DIY CRAFTS • ARTISTS VENDORS: There is still time to reserve your booth for the 2022 Women’s Lifestyle Expo (269) 488-9780 | info@moxiemediagroup.net | www.moxiemediagroup.com April 2022
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| FROM THE PUBLISHER | After another long winter, spring is finally here! I hope that April finds you happy, healthy, and hopeful. Here at Moxie we are excitedly putting the final touches on the 2022 Women’s Lifestyle Expo, which will be held on Friday, May 6th and Saturday, May 7th at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center. We have been planning this event for a little over two years and we are confident that it will be our best Expo yet. This edition of Moxie Magazine is full of great recipes, health tips, and advice for handling the little annoyances (pests) of spring. If you are looking for a new recipe to try this Easter, check out our two separate recipes sections. We are
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“The great gift of Easter is hope.”
– CHARLES BOWDEN
sure that there is something in this edition for everyone. While we hope to see you all at the Women’s Lifestyle Expo, we hope that however you spend you April that you take time to get outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature waking up from her winter nap. From my family to yours, Happy Easter and Happy Spring!!
Heather
“I am going to try and pay attention to the spring. I am going to look around at all the flowers and look up at the hectic trees. I am going to close my eyes and listen.” – ANNE LAMOTT
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contents
14 DIAMONDS AND ALTERNATIVES
LIFE 6 Tick Tock: The Clock Who Refused to Tell Time
10 14 16 18
Healing Out Loud Diamonds and Alternatives Costumes for Your Roles in Life H ow to Re-Integrate Socially After COVID-19
20 The Swarm is Coming 22 A Little Spring in Your Step 26 Mosquitos, Fleas & Ticks
FOOD
8 & 24 RECIPES FOR EASTER BRUNCH (AND OF COURSE, DESSERTS!)
8 Easter Brunch Recipes - Hundred Dollar Ham - Cream Cheese Pound Cake - Asparagus Tart
12 Restaurant Review: Paradise Cafe 24 Easter Dishes - Baked Macaroni & Cheese - Pineapple Spoonbread - Broccoli Salad - Strawberry Dream Cake
16 COSTUMES FOR YOUR ROLES IN LIFE
PUBLISHER: Heather Dombos hdombos@moxiemediagroup.net LAYOUT & DESIGN: Alicia Pauwels apauwels@moxiemediagroup.net
THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Kim Carson Ashley Carter Youngblood Kelly Duggan Rachel Kirtley Heidi McCrary Doug Mitchell Elizabeth Precopio Hannah Reuter Maria Sorrentino
Ethel Wilkey-Downs Marlita Walker
WEBSITE: moxiemediagroup.com
BY EMAIL: info@moxiemediagroup.net editor@moxiemediagroup.net sales@moxiemediagroup.net
FOR SALES INFO: 269-350-5227
BY MAIL: Moxie Media Group, LLC P. O. Box 2284 Portage, MI 49081-2284
April 2022
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Words & Stories BY HANNAH REUTER
Stories are wonderful because they can be interpreted in so many ways. From books to movies, music to paintings. Everything is art with its own story to tell – you just have to be willing to listen. In Tick Tock: The Clock Who Refused to Tell Time, there are a variety of hidden meanings. It was written to be interpreted by the reader in any allegorical sense you desire.
Hannah Reuter Hannah graduated from WMU in 2015 with a degree in Economics and currently resides in Portage. In her free time she enjoys strumming the guitar and painting. She is the author of two YA books under the pseudonym, H.B. Catherine. You can find information on her books and writing at hbcatherinewriting.com.
During the pandemic, it has been difficult for everyone to connect with life in the same way. We have been forced to watch the world fall apart as its screams are ignored. Through that, we have discovered what it means to be human. The messy and emotional chaos that is us. The differences that divide and the similarities we all hold that bring us back together. In a world of stories, we are connected. The best story of all? Life.
Tick Tock: The Clock Who Refused to Tell Time I walk into the office and find my boss waiting. He is tapping his foot, so I know he is impatient with me. “Do you know what time it is?” He asks, pointing at the clock.
that line his swollen eyes, the way his cheeks wiggle when he talks, and his skin the color of a dead fish. The years’ toll of his anger and stress evident.
She tells me with her pretty blonde hair and blue eyes that match her navy suit.
“What is wrong with it?” I wonder aloud.
“I am sure.” She replies, already moving on from the conversation, her patience for me having dwindled. She looks up at the clock and sighs. “Better get back to work.”
I turn toward the clock’s face and notice its hands are waving at me. I wave and smile before turning back to my boss.
“Your outfit isn’t appropriate for the office either.” He states. I look down at my bright blue blouse, its buttons shaped like clouds, and tucked into my red dress pants.
“Then, you know you are late.” I want to laugh at him, but I control myself.
“Look around you.” He says, sweeping his hand toward my coworkers at their desks in their navy pants and white blouses – like mine – but less colorful.
“Yes,” I tell him. He glares and looks up at the clock. It waves once more, but he doesn’t notice and turns back toward me.
Sure, I walked in minutes past the allotted time that was specified to me for these dreary days. This made-up idea of counting the hours, the minutes, and the seconds of the day. I look outside and see the sun happily making its way into the sky and wish that I were anywhere but here. “Yes, I am sorry,” I tell him the words he wants to hear just to watch his face scrunch up as he scrutinizes the apology: the crow’s feet
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“I see.” I begin to fiddle with the buttons of my blouse. I am not sure how to manage his statement, but I know the answer he seeks.
He shakes his head at me and walks back to his desk. I turn back to the clock as the hands continue to swirl, refusing to tell the time. I laugh and look around at the empty faces staring at me from behind their cubicles.
A familiar face walks up and pats my shoulder. “You will find your place here soon enough.”
“Will I?” I study her face until it blurs into its smaller pieces: the wrinkles on her forehead, the dark shadows hidden with concealer beneath her eyes, and the permanent indents around her mouth from inhaling her own death to stop the anxiety from creeping in.
I watch the clock as it spins on, no longer noticing me, and I realize this is not where I want to be. In this place where everyone seems so lost but don’t even know they are. So, turning toward the window – I get a running start and jump – shattering the glass on my way through. Not even surprised, the faces of my coworkers watch on as I plummet towards the cement before my wings sprout and catch flight. I wave goodbye as my boss yells at me from the broken window.
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“You are fired!”
But I no longer care. I am flying away from this concrete jungle where everyone has forgotten what it feels like to fly. The sun warms my soul as I soar higher and higher. On my way up, I pass a cloud and notice a man sitting upon it. My curiosity gets the best of me, so I land beside him. “What are you doing up so high?” I ask. He shifts his gaze toward me and grins. “What is everyone doing so far below?” He answers with a question. I contemplate my answer.
“I don’t really know; it is much better up here.” I decide. The strange man begins laughing so infectiously that I cannot help but laugh with him. “Why are you laughing?” The man asks, stopping to eye me quizzically. “Because you were laughing!” He grins again, “exactly!” Before the conversation can continue, he stands and waves farewell. Leaping precariously from the cloud, he disappears into the sky just as the cloud evaporates. With nothing for my feet to find, I fall. Unprepared, I scream loudly and try to open my wings once more, but they are no longer there. I plummet towards the sea as my legs intertwine and turn into a fishtail. I dive gracefully into the water. I swim quickly, savoring the speed of my tail and the feel of the water on my face. Soon enough, I spy a woman who is cleaning her scales far below on the ocean bed. Her scales lighting up the entire sea. I swim towards her, and as I near, she notices me. “Hello.” She speaks. “Hello,” I reply. “Do you have a moment?” She asks.
“Yes, I do,” I say and think of the clock who refused to tell time. “Good. Many people don’t.” “Why not?”
“Why would they?” She asks and begins to dance with her newly cleaned tail. Without thinking, I join in and shake my fins along with her. We move to the waves of the ocean as she glows with every movement. “Why are we dancing?” I finally ask.
“Because you had a minute.” She replies before swimming away, taking the light with her, and I am left alone. The darkness encloses. I try to swim away, but my tail disappears – just as my wings did. I am forced to wait as I sink into the darkness and let the quiet engulf me. Time passes, and I become comfortable in this emptiness. I am content, and yet, I begin to see a small forest appearing below, but I do not want to leave my comfort – even though I know I must – I was not meant to be here forever. I swim toward the trees and drop onto the land under the sea. I look to the water suspended overhead and try to walk, only now having four legs. I begin to run, letting my tongue loll to taste the sweet breeze. I embrace my speed and zigzag through this forest under the sea. The trees all wave and cheer me on as I pass, coaxing me to go faster and faster. After months or maybe only weeks or days. I come across a child crying on the ground. I approach him slowly. “Why are you crying?” I ask gently. His wide eyes stare into my own.
“I am lost.” He bellows. Wiping the snot from his nose and burying it into my scruffy neck. “Let me help you.”
“You can’t help me.” “Why not?”
“It is not time to be found.”
“Then let us play,” I tell him. Eager to give my affection to this sad little boy.
“I do not play.” He glares and turns away from me, folding his arms into his lap. I sit and try to figure out the situation. “If you do not play while you are lost, then what will you be when you are found?” I ask.
He contemplates my meaning. “Hmm, I guess you’re right.” “I am glad,” I tell him. “Let’s play.”
“Yes!” I bark.
We race and play until both of us are tired. His tears a forgotten memory for now. We sit down next to each other in the spot I found him. “I am ready now.” The small boy says to me as he stands and dusts the dirt from his knees. “Ready for what?” I ask.
“Please do not leave me!” I howl, for I do not want to be left alone this time. I run after him, but soon my four legs fumble and fall into my own two again. Like this, I am not fast enough to find him.
I keep running until the forest thins, and I see a ledge. I look down into the ravine and see the night sky staring back. The wind pushes me into the night.
I am a star so bright it blinds me – being pulled into the galaxy above – back to the memories I’d passed. I see the woman that I had a minute with dancing to her own beat. The man who chose to sit on the clouds chuckling with those below. And the boy who only wanted to feel lost to be found. I smile and shoot into the galaxy above until I notice another star on a journey of their own. “Where are you going?” I shout, seeing that up close, stars do not all look the same.
“Wherever I want!” The star shouts back before zipping past. It nears the earth – soon to be something new. As it got further away, the most it looked like all the other stars. But I know that it is not like the other stars because I saw it up close. As it did me. As I realize this, I start to fall, and now I am the one having to choose where to go. Back down to the earth, I plummet further, shining across the night before landing back in the office I worked. I stare down at my hands, that are my own, once more and look up at the clock, its hands no longer waving but set in time as it is told.
I laugh and turn to my coworker. “Do you have a minute?” I ask. She notices my laughter and frowns. “No, not right now.”
I sigh and look at the clock before turning back to my coworker. “Do you want to hang out later?” Her annoyance is evident when she responds, “no, I have work to do.”
The minutes tick by as I watch the clock – waiting for its hand to skip – until it does. I get up and walk toward the door.
“Where are you going?” My boss demands as I pass his desk. “Anywhere I want.”
END
“Ready to be found.” He says and walks deeper into the forest – leaving me behind.
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Easter Brunch
HUNDRED DOLLAR HAM 7-8 1 1/2 12
lb spiral sliced ham cup light brown sugar cup pure maple syrup oz pineapple juice
Unwrap ham and place flat side down in a large slow cooker. Throw away glaze packet and any plastic pieces that cover the bone.
Rub brown sugar over the sides. Pour on maple syrup and pineapple juice. Cook on low for 4 hours. Baste ham with the juices from the bottom of the slow cooker.
CREAM CHEESE POUND CAKE 1 ½ cups butter, softened
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened 3 cups sugar
Preheat oven to 300°F.
Use an electric mixer to mix both butter and cream cheese until creamy.
Gradually add sugar and beat for 5 minutes, then add 1 Tbsp real vanilla extract eggs one at a time, allowing 3 cups all-purpose flour each to incorporate before adding more. Stir in vanilla. 1/8 tsp salt 6 large eggs
Sift flour and salt and add gradually to the mixer, beating until well blended.
Pour batter into a well greased and floured bundt pan or tube cake pan. Place 2 cups water in an ovenproof container on the rack in the oven next to the cake.
April 2022
Heather comes from a long, southern tradition of hospitality and hearty cooking. You can usually find her in the kitchen whipping up something special for family and friends.
ASPARAGUS TART 1 to 2 sheets frozen puff pastry defrosted
1 to 2 Tbsp honey dijon mustard with balsamic vinegar or plain dijon mustard
2 to 3 cups Gruyere cheese freshly grated (or use any white cheese you like) 1 1/2 lbs medium asparagus trimmed* 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper Preheat oven to 400°F.
Prep a parchment paper lined baking sheet and place the defrosted puff pastry sheets on the baking sheet, (if using TWO: overlap them just an inch in order to connect them.) Using a sharp knife, lightly score the pastry dough 1 inch in from the edges all around to mark a rectangle. Then, using a fork, pierce the dough all around in the center, not the edges. Bake the pastry dough until lightly golden, for about 12 to 15 minutes.
Bake cake at 300°F for one hour and 45 minutes, or until a toothpick can be removed cleanly.
Remove the pastry shell from the oven, let it sit for a minute or two and then spread on the honey dijon mustard with balsamic vinegar (or dijon mustard if that's what you have) and then sprinkle on the Gruyere cheese.
Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream for the perfect spring dessert.
Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the spears are tender. Watch your tart while in the oven. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
Place pan on a wire rack and cool for 15 minutes, then remove the cake from the pan and complete cooling on the wire rack.
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Heather Dombos
Trim the bottoms of the asparagus spears to fit crosswise inside the tart shell. Arrange them in a single layer over the Gruyere cheese, alternating ends and tips. Sprinkle on the peas if using. Brush or lightly drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
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IT’S A SELLER’S WORLD.
THINKING ABOUT SELLING? NOW MAY BE THE PERFECT TIME. IN TODAY'S HIGHLY COMPETITIVE MARKET, YOU’LL NEED STRONG, PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE TO LEAD THE WAY.
From coaching you through my Home Readiness Program to ensure the highest market returns, to being diligent in my every move to get your offer accepted, no one works harder to help you achieve all your real estate goals. I LOOK FORWARD TO GUIDING YOU HOME. Ethel Wilkey-Downs, REALTOR® Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Michigan Real Estate
269.267.0515 ethelwilkey@bhhsmi.com fb.com/ethelwilkeyrealtor ethelwilkey.bhhsmichiganrealestate.com
April 2022
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Kim Carson’s interview with Sandi Brown, author of
Healing Out Loud
Authors Sandi Brown & Michelle Caulk, PHD, LPC
Today my conversation is with Sandi Brown, who has a Christian radio ministry reaching 500,000+ listeners a week. In her book, Healing Out Loud: How to Embrace God’s Love When You Don’t Like Yourself, she shares some insight from her one-year journey through counseling told from both sides of the couch. Walk with Sandi and her former counselor through her therapy journey, answering the question, “What do I do when I know God loves me, but I don’t like myself?” Kim Carson: Thank you so much for talking with me today.
Sandi Brown: Hi Kim. Thank you. Kim Carson: Sandi, you had me with the first three pages. The bridal shower, who can’t relate to what you’re talking about? Let’s start there.
Sandi: Yes. I couldn’t figure out why I never
really felt good about myself, right? I could go to a bridal shower amongst friends and family and feel like the odd one out. These women are all - they have it all together, and their life is shiny and perfect, and I’d cry all the way home, and it was deeper than that too. There are good things in my life. I have a great marriage great family. I know they love me.
KC: You have a great job! Sandi: Yes. It really
measures of everything I have dreamt of in life, and there’s a lot of good there, but yet when I put my head on the pillow, it just feels like I’m a failure, like no one likes me, like I’m not good at relationships, I’m not good at being a
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mom, a wife, a woman. It got to the point that it was so disruptive. I reached out to a counselor, and then I found out I’m not the only woman who feels this way, so when you said you could relate, that’s what we’re hearing from people literally right off the bat.
KC: Yes, and sometimes it’s harder for Christians to ask for outside help.
Sandi: Yes. It’s harder, I think, to admit we
need help because we know God loves us. We know that that’s a game-changer in our lives, and so then, on top of feeling bad, I feel like a really horrible Christian because why - this isn’t God’s best for my life. This is not how He would talk to me, so why do I talk to myself this way? I was 52 when I went into counseling, and I had never heard anybody, especially a believer, say, “I love God, and I don’t like myself, and I didn’t even know if it was okay to say that.” That’s what this book is about.
Let’s be honest and say God does love us enough to help us unpack and figure out why we might be feeling this way. Hey, if we’re feeling it, it’s the truth, and He honors the truth. He honored people in scripture just calling out to Him, “Where are
you?” He can do anything He wants to do in an instant, but He sometimes takes time, and what if His healing plan for us is one that takes time? Creation took time. Raising Jesus from the dead, He did it over time. So, let’s give some grace to ourselves to go, “Maybe He plans that I see a counselor, that I navigate through and unpack some things.” He’s no less God; it’s no less healing, right?
KC: Right! And you wrote this book with your former counselor; it’s a unique perspective for the reader.
Sandi: Yes, you get her unpacking not only
what we did in a counseling session; it’s like you get a healing journey from both sides of the couch, and you get a healing map that is yours. You get the invitation to start from where you are and journey on. So, it was an incredible experience for me to find healing in this way, but the purpose of the book is really for the reader, “Hey, reach out to the Healer. There might be the healing map; there might be some markers that you discover as you go along. There is a way to better.”
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KC: Sometimes, you don’t feel like you’re
making any progress in life. That’s why the healing map is so helpful; it’s step by step. You tell your story from a journal you kept, then your counselor jumps in with questions for the reader, and there are biblical scriptures. It’s just really wonderfully written. I love your dedication. “To all those who are on the courageous path toward healing and wholeness, God sees you, and He walks behind, beside, and ahead of you.” It’s hard when you’re in those places. You touch on how shame impacts a person. Shame we may not even know is there.
Sandi: Very early on, Michelle Caulk, my
former counselor, said, “You’re wrestling with shame.” I immediately had a reaction. I shook my head, and I said, “Look, I’ve known my issues longer than you have. You just met me. I don’t deal with shame.” She said, “Okay, well do you relate to any of these things?” She just [unpacked] it, and I started to cry, and she said, “Why are you crying?” I said, “I don’t want to admit that I deal with shame, but that’s a mirror to my life.” This feeling like no one likes me, I don’t like myself, tried to really cover up with good things and with humor and all kinds of things and so yes. It’s amazing what you can see when someone turns the light on, right?
KC: So many things that affect us are buried in our unconscious, things that have happened that get stuffed down.
Sandi: Things that are either said to us or that
we say to ourselves, our difficult situations we go through that stick. As you said, I work hard. I love being present and working on projects in the future, and I was just unaware of how many sticky things there were that had really taken root in my mind and heart. What I heard was, “You’re not good enough.” I believed it, and I took that same message from some painful situations like when my dad left or some abuse there. And if you would’ve asked me had I done that, “No, I’ve put that all in my past. I’ve moved on from that,” you try to cover it up with good things, but it doesn’t work, and that’s a good thing because God comes to set us
free, not to just put good things on top of bad things, right? In hindsight, while counseling was painful in the moment, it sets you up for a true recovery down the road, and I would say that’s what counseling did for me.
KC: Don’t you think that sometimes God just
sets us up to walk this walk of faith. I mean, when times are good, you just enjoy them. Life is great. You’re not really growing and learning. It’s a season you’re in.
Sandi: Yes. There are so many scriptures full
of people like that, too, right? Their closest encounters with God were right after a realtime of hardship and difficulty. So I think we like the idea of falling in love with a God on a mountaintop. Still, I’m telling you what, when you discover Him in the valley or when your heart is breaking, that’s why I think the scripture that says “He’s close to the brokenhearted” that’s when the Healer comes close when we acknowledge we need a healer, that’s when he comes close.”
KC: Yes, I felt that when I went through
colon cancer. My parents thought I had a breakdown because I was so calm. At that point, you realize this is completely out of my control. I never felt closer to God. It’s so hard to explain, but it was like I was floating along; life was great, everything was beautiful, and I saw miracles happening everywhere. People say, “Yes, but you wouldn’t want to go through that again, would you.” I would not want to go through it again, but I would never want to remove it from my life either because it was a real growth period.
Sandi: There’s nothing more powerful to
speak to the evidence of who He is and His goodness than to see someone suffering acknowledge His goodness in their life. That’s just powerful.
KC: Your book is built from your daily
journal. I think everybody should journal. Journal your thoughts, feelings; write them down, words that people say. Once you’ve unloaded them, they’re out of you. Reading your story Sandi, you were a strong little kid to make it out of that and do what you’ve done with your life. Talk about the exercise you did in Chapter 5: The Memory Bag.
Sandi: We did some very clinical things in our counseling exercises. If my memories are in a bag and there are all kinds of emotions attached to them, I’m going to walk over on a bridge, and I’m going to take some things out of that bag. I’m just going to throw
them away. All the untruths about me being unwanted not true. Dad left, true. Unwanted, not true. Just the power to go through it and go, “Wow.” I get to decide what I put back into my bag was so freeing. I took out some untruths that I had been saying to myself, and I put some things in like compassion and grace. God doesn’t just call us to be compassionate to other people. Why wouldn’t He want us to be compassionate to ourselves, too, right?
KC: So how does it feel to know that all your stuff is out there, you’re free?
Sandi: It’s been a journey. Michelle and I were
just talking about this a couple of days ago. For me to think back into her office when I’m like, “You want me to tell somebody now? Oh, my gosh.” To now, writing a book and having it all be out there is evidence of the work God’s done in freeing me up. I’m not attached. I’m not bound by anything anymore, and it’s just so freeing. I hope that’s the invitation, right? For others who may feel like, “There’s no way I could ever say anything to somebody.” Well, why not? Maybe it’s not day one, but what if it’s day 365 or something? Let’s start on a journey that just sets us free. There’s no way I wanted anything in my past to continue to control my today or my tomorrow. No way. I just didn’t know how to get there. So, that’s what counseling and that’s what hopefully this book is to show us the healing map, show us a path to where we can truly make peace with our past and not let it control us today or tomorrow.
KC: Healing Out Loud is available at your local bookstore and, of course, online. Do you have a website?
Sandi: Our website is HealingOutLoud.com.
Seriously, I want to know your reaction and, more than that, how God uses this book in your life. So, if it moves the needle, please, please tell me. Otherwise, I [got naked] in the street for nothing, man. [Laughter]
KC: I think you’re going to hear lots of positive stories from your readers. Thanks so much for your time Sandi.
Sandi: Kim, it was awesome. Thank you, and I’m so glad you liked the book. Kim Carson Kim is an Author/Podcast/TV/ Internet personality. Watch and listen for her on WGVU TV’s Kalamazoo Lively Arts and J. Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. Learn more at kimcarson.online and fb.com/kimcarson
April 2022
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|
RESTAURANT REVIEW
|
1693 S Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo • Mon – Fri: 7:30 am – 3 pm • Sat – Sun: 9 am – 5 pm On a sunny spring day in Kalamazoo, I was out running errands and needed some coffee. I was feeling sluggish and had more stops to make. I pulled into MIDTOWN FRESH MARKET on Westnedge, knowing they had a coffee shop there. It wasn’t until I was walking towards the door that I remembered that PARADISE CAFÉ had moved into that location. Paradise Café opened in 2018 in Portage. At the time, I was living very close to that location but, for whatever reason, never made it there. I have been following them on social media from the start and loved their drool-worthy pictures of the crepes and other treats.
This was a crepe filled with bananas and strawberries, topped with melted chocolate, and then drizzled with white and dark chocolate. How could I go wrong? I took my coffee and sat down as they prepared my crepe. The dining area had a few people there as they worked or chatted with friends. It was a cozy atmosphere, very clean, and was night and bright with big windows. Shortly after, one of the employees brought my crepe over. I was so excited about what I saw! I have seen a lot of pictures of their crepes on their social media, and this one looked exactly like the ones they advertised.
Then, in 2020 they moved locations into Midtown Fresh Market in Kalamazoo, and I moved out of Portage, so they weren’t as easy to get to. I was so happy on this day that I just happened upon them!
The crepe itself took up the whole plate. The melted chocolate covered every corner, and the drizzle was very neatly placed. There were extra slices of bananas and strawberries on either side of my crepe. It was so pretty!
I walked into the Café and was immediately greeted by some employees. I approached the counter and examined their menu. I wasn’t planning on eating, but the Crepes just looked amazing. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity!
The taste was amazing. Sure, there was a lot of chocolate on there, but the fruit on the inside helped balance everything out, so it honestly didn’t taste too sweet to eat! The fruit on the inside was spread out enough that it wasn’t completely stuffed with the fruit, yet I had a piece in every bite.
The barista answered some of my questions about their coffee choices. I was intrigued by the TURKISH COFFEE. He explained to me that Turkish Coffee is similar to two espresso shots and can be bitter. Although I’m a fan of strong coffee, this just didn’t seem like something I would like this day (although I do want to go back and try it!), so I went with a REGULAR COFFEE. Next up, I ordered the PARADISE CREPE.
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April 2022
And the actual crepe…. oh man, it’s been so long since I’ve had one, and I forgot how delicious they are! It was light and airy with just a touch of sweetness. It was simply perfect. I was getting ready to leave and realized I had to share this deliciousness with someone else. I stopped back up to the counter and ordered an
Oreo Crepe to bring home to my husband. Once I got home with it, I showed him his treat, and again we were impressed with its visual. His crepe had crushed Oreos inside and was topped with white and milk chocolate. He tried his first bite hesitantly, as he had never had a crepe before, but his eyes got larger as he chewed. He loved it! He began asking questions about where they were located and what else they offered because he knew we HAD to go back for another dessert sometime. And we will! I’m kicking myself for waiting so long to visit Paradise Café Creperie and Desserts, but so happy I was able to try them now. They offer even more that I need to get back to try. More sweet crepes, as well as savory crepes, smoothies, milkshakes, and tons of coffee and tea options. The service was friendly, the staff was knowledgeable, and the café is quaint and cozy. If you haven’t tried them yet, I urge you to! You will not be disappointed! E.B. Precopio Elizabeth is a hairstylist by day and 24/7 food enthusiast. She visits restaurants in the Kalamazoo area and blogs about her experience at feedmekzoo.com
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April 2022
13
Diamonds and Alternatives BY DOUG MITCHELL
What about diamonds makes them so special? Diamonds are considered the most durable gemstone on the market. On the Mohs hardness scale - ranging from 1(softest) to 10 (hardest) diamonds are a 10; they are the hardest natural substance on Earth. While a lot of the diamonds you see normally are clear in color, they can actually come naturally in any color of the rainbow. Their value comes from the fact that only 30% of the world’s mined diamonds are actually gem quality. All of the world’s diamonds were formed billions of years ago with tremendous amounts of pressure at temperatures ranging around 1652–2372°F at depths between 90–120 miles beneath Earth’s surface. On average, 1 million units of mined rock yields just one part diamond. So for every one million pounds of diamond-bearing host rock (that’s a whopping 500,000 tons), miners expect to find just one. The expense of mining those diamonds significantly impacts their price and our environment. This is why the world has turned to more sustainable, durable gemstones in lieu of diamonds. Doug Mitchell Diamond Doug is Owner/Artist at UniQ Jewelry Gallery. More info: uniqjewelry.com.
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April 2022
OR
Can you guess which of these facts about diamonds and their alternatives are true?
“ Diamonds have always been the symbol for love.” MYTH. It took centuries for diamond engagement rings to become truly popular after Archduke Maximilian proposed with his unique ring. It was only in the 1930s that diamonds started becoming popular in the United States. It all began in 1947 when De Beers, a British corporation that specializes in mining diamonds, launched an ad campaign that featured Hollywood stars and the now-famous slogan; a diamond is forever.
“ Moissanites come in a variety of colors.” FACT! Moissanite can come in almost any color you can imagine. Stones can come in various shades of grey, green, gold, brown, blue, purple, pink, and yellow. And those are just a few of the most common choices.
“ Lab-grown diamonds aren’t real diamonds; they’re synthetic.” MYTH. While the price of these lab-grown diamonds is tremendously less, the quality and durability are that of natural diamonds. This is because chemically and atomically, natural and lab-grown diamonds are identical. You cannot tell the difference at eye level; only with special equipment can you tell the difference between a natural and
a lab-created Diamond. They are every bit a diamond at the molecular level and produce the very same durability, fire, and sparkle found in all diamonds.
“ Moissanite is just another name for lab-grown diamond.” MYTH. Moissanite is engineered to give the illusion of similarity to diamonds but is compositionally and visually quite different from a real diamond. Moissanites exhibit a heightened brilliance compared to diamonds, as their faceting pattern is different. Moissanites are typically “colorless.” For the same size from the top view, moissanites are dramatically lower in pricing than diamonds of that size.
“ Moissanites are man-made.” FACT! Moissanite was first discovered
in 1893 by a French scientist named Henri Moissan, who later won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He discovered microscopic particles in Arizona in a crater created by a meteorite that fell to Earth. He initially thought that he had discovered diamonds but later determined that the crystals were composed of silicon carbide. The moissanite available today is laboratory-created. After many years of trial and error, the particles Moissan discovered were successfully synthesized to produce what is now one of the world’s most scintillating gemstones.
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April 2022
15
Costumes for Your Roles inLife BY KELLY DUGGAN
n movies and television, costumes are one of the many tools directors have to tell a story. Costumes communicate the details of each character’s personality and situation to the audience and help actors transform into new, believable people on screen. Most importantly, audiences must believe that every person in a story had a life before the show began. Tobey Maguire, the American actor and film producer, is best known for playing the title character in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy (2002–2007). Maguire also had a lead role as the jockey John M. “Red” Pollard in the movie Seabiscuit (2003). In the DVD extras of Seabiscuit, Maguire states in an interview, “The costume must support the role.” I couldn’t agree more.
YOUR PERFORMANCES
Just as in theater, as you prepare for your next professional or social event, you’re really getting ready for your next “performance.” What’s the appropriate “costume” for the “role” that you’re about to play? Who is your audience? What are you trying to communicate to them? What do you want them to believe or understand about you?
Whether it’s going to your kid’s soccer game or delivering a keynote at a major conference, you need to dress appropriately for the role. What works in one situation will definitely not work in others! But you already know this as you ponder your closet before you head out the door. There must be a purpose to your dress for it to support you, your success, and your dreams.
PRIME EXAMPLE: DOWNTON ABBEY
Consider Downton Abbey, the British historical drama television series set in the early 20th century. It follows the lives of the Crawley family and their servants in the family’s Edwardian country manor. The program begins with the 1912 sinking of the Titanic. None of these characters would have come to life
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April 2022
as they did in this popular series without the costumes.
wears interesting colors. She (Laura) can equally wear a soft palette and a strong palette, so her wardrobe’s very varied.”
From period correctness to supporting the characters’ personalities, the series’ costume designer, Anna Mary Scott Robbins, and her team faced a massive challenge: defining a look for each character while accurately showing how they changed as the world around them changed in the early decades of the century.
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF COSTUMES
For example, Robbins compared Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) with Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael). “With Lady Mary, she’s super stylish, very cutting edge, but classic. I tended to use a lot of color-blocking the way Lanvin or Chanel would. I think her colors are bold, very positive, and strong. I wanted to make sure she looks like she belongs in every room she’s in at the time.” Lady Edith “is the only one who has an independent job. She’s a career woman. She can be quite edgy & quite alternative, and she
Photo Credit: MASTERPIECE – Sundays on PBS
I
Costumes must reflect the era, time of day, climate, season, location, situation, and the character’s social status and/or occupation. Costumes are cultural markers that immediately tell audiences something about what’s going on. (For example, compare a classic Western with a mid-1940s romantic comedy.)
During her keynote at the Association of Image Consultants International 2021 Global Conference, fashion psychologist Dr. Carolyn Mair reflected on the importance of appropriate costuming. She said, “Clothing makes a statement whether we want it to or not. Fashion, or getting dressed, is our second skin.” Handled correctly, fashion, self, and identity (i.e., your personal brand) can tie your mind and body together and support your efforts. Handled poorly, it can leave you feeling fragmented, out of control, or lost.
When applying psychology to your fashion choices, context matters. You are appealing to others’ perceptions, beliefs and motivations when you’re trying to establish/maintain a social identity for yourself. Your daily “costumes” matter more than you can imagine in defining who you are as you move through the world. To position, yourself wisely and skillfully, make a plan for wardrobing and appearance that supports you in all the “roles” you play in life. Kelly Duggan Kelly is an Image Consultant specializing in executive and personal image development, etiquette & communication skills. She is a certified member of the Association of Image Consultants International. Contact Kelly at: www.kellyduggan.com.
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April 2022
17
H OW TO
Re-Integrate Socially after C OV I D - 1 9
WHERE TO START These past couple years have been beyond difficult for us all. We have laughed, cried, felt like we are living in a Hollywood movie, and worked to adjust to constant uncertainty and changing expectations. Even with various restrictions being removed related to social distancing and isolation mandates, in addition to COVID-19 infection numbers dropping, many of us may still not know how we feel about social interactions, masking up, or what feels “safe.”
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April 2022
While restrictions and recommendations can be helpful in guiding behavior, when they are removed or changed, it is not as if we can emotionally simply leave the past in the past and be suddenly fine with a new set of expectations and standards. Therefore, as our society continues to shift and define a new normal, keep in mind that there will be stages to take as one re-integrates back into life.
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Listen to Yourself
“Listen to what feels right to you, or what feels like too much.”
Lesson one in self-care is always “listen to what you need.” The challenge with COVID-19 as a social experience is that, much of the time, people do not know how they feel about it all. It is hard to find the line between respectful caution and unhelpful fear. Constant messages of panic and warning from news sources also do not help us to regulate our extreme emotions on the topic. Therefore, the first step to re-integration is: before attending an event, masking up, getting a vaccination, or making travel plans, listen to what feels right to you or what feels like too much.
Allow for Shifts As is reflective of the constant shifting during the pandemic, how we feel and what feels safe and important will likely shift. This is okay, too. Allow yourself to feel good about something one day and hesitant on the next. You are a different person with a different set of needs each day. All you can do to honor yourself during this crazy time is to listen to your needs, even (and perhaps especially!) when they shift.
Give Yourself Time Life will probably not feel completely “normal” for a while. So, as you listen and allow for changes
in your needs, emotions, and expectations, remember to be patient with yourself. It will take time to unwind the complexities of COVID-19 as an illness, just like it will take you time to sort out over time how exactly you feel about it all and what feels appropriate in response.
Therefore, if there is something that makes you uncomfortable (e.g. returning to working in-person at your office, colleagues being unmasked), create dialogue!
Create Dialogue
Get Support
One of the most challenging parts of the COVID-19 experience for people is that it has been polarizing, whether politically, related to vaccination expectations, or even what is believed to constitute “appropriate” and “respectful” behavior. So, how you feel and respond to changes in restrictions and standards related to COVID-19 are likely not going to be the same as your co-workers, father, or friends.
In a respectful, calm, and collaborative way, share with those you trust what is difficult for you about a certain situation and see if there is a compromise that can be made to adjust as best as possible to the changing needs, emotions, and expectations of this time.
Even if people differ from you in how you feel about this re-integration, remember that you matter. If you are struggling with the anxiety that has, frankly, become commonplace during this pandemic, get the support you need. Find like-minded friends who can support you socially in the way that feels right to you. Perhaps consider being honest with yourself and talking with your doctor or finding a therapist if the stress of it all has become so much that professional help would be beneficial. Above all, know that you are not alone in having difficulty adjusting and re-integrating! We have all been in this together and we can all do this together! Ashley Carter Youngblood LMSW, LMFT, CMHIMP Ashley is the owner of her holistic psychotherapy practice in Kalamazoo, Inner Peace Counseling, PLC. She specializes in & has great passion for the connection between nutrition & mental health, and counseling women to empower themselves. More info at www.kalamazoo-counseling.com.
April 2022
19
|
PEST PROS OF MICHIGAN |
The Swarm is Coming BY TONY SORRENTINO of Pest Pros of Michigan
There’s a saying in Michigan amongst people in our industry… it goes like this, “you either have termites, have had termites, or are going to have termites.” The specific termite species we deal with in Michigan is the Eastern Subterranean Termite, and they are one of the most widespread and economically significant insects that we deal with in the pest control industry; collectively, they cause upwards of 6 billion dollars in damage to real estate properties annually in the United States, globally their impact is even more severe. Being subterranean, they live in colonies underground; they feed and subsist on cellulose material such as the structural wood in buildings, wooden fixtures inside of the home, paper, books, cardboard, and cotton. A mature colony can range from 20,000 workers to as many as 5 million workers, and the primary queen of the colony can lay from 5,000 to 10,000 eggs per year, adding to this total. If you’re like most people, your home is probably your most significant single investment. We want to help you protect your investment from one of the most nefarious and significant classes of wood-destroying insects.
As spring approaches and the hard thaw begins to happen, here are some things you can do to help reduce or remove conducive conditions around your home: Eliminate Moisture Encroachment. Ensure proper positioning of the downspouts to divert the water away from the structure and grade the ground away from the foundation to encourage water to drain away from your home rapidly. Not letting water pool around the exterior foundation (a result of poor drainage or high grade) or allowing any moisture to build or stand in the substructure of your home’s basement or crawl space as heavy moisture conditions create the perfect environment for termites (and mold…). A simple fix for this is the utilization of dehumidifiers and having ample ventilation throughout the substructure;
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April 2022
this will help ensure air is allowed to flow through the crawl space or basement, thus eliminating excessive moisture and humidity. Eliminate wood to soil contact and high grade around the exterior. Having wood supports passing through the foundation to the exterior or passing through the basement floor slab and having a high quality, this is where the ground reaches the framing or makes contact with the lowest part of your siding around the exterior, as either of these conditions create an easy point of ingress/egress for termites to access your structure. Eliminate areas of harborage; having things like dense vegetation, leaf litter, sticks or branches piled up near the foundation, or your woodpile stacked against your home is just asking for trouble, clear out any seasonal debris and stack any firewood away from the structure and off of the ground; this will help with arboreal ants, wood infesting beetles, earwigs and spiders too! Taking action in regards to reducing or removing conducive conditions around and inside of your home will help reduce the risk of having termites encroach on your largest investment.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR Along with these tips, you can (or we can!) inspect your structure annually to look for signs of activity throughout your home. In the finished parts of your home take a flashlight and shine it along the wall to create “oblique lighting” looking for pits or inconsistencies in the sheetrock. This may be evident where termites have consumed the paper backing and eaten through drywall creating a weak spot. Another hot spot for termite activity is around door and window frames and along baseboards. Look for pitting, cracking or delamination of hardwood flooring (usually this will occur near the baseboards). When looking for evidence of activity in the unfinished parts of your basement, crawl space
or garage, look at: the exposed wall framing, the foundation walls, around plumbing penetrations or water lines, the rim joist along the sill plate and in the sill boxes behind the insulation, along the floor joists for shelter tubes branching out from cracks or erupting from the wood. Pay close attention to where the wood frame sits on the concrete header or where it’s attached to the slab at the floor. The most shocking and definitive evidence of termites is commonly found when you see small black winged insects swarming inside of your home. We industry professionals may refer to these as significant reproductives or eastern subterranean termite alates. Swarmers are the future queens & kings setting out on what is referred to as the “nuptial flight,” the sole purpose of this being to mate, go forth and set up new colonies.
What is the best course of action if you do find live termites or evidence of termite activity in your home? My advice is to seek professional help… CALL THE PROS! Finding live termites or evidence of termite activity can be traumatic and difficult to handle, but the good news is that they are controllable; by utilizing biologically & entomologically sound treatment strategies, advanced control methodologies, and adhering to the highest industry standards, we can get your home protected. Whether you’re looking for advice on proactive steps you can take to protect your home and remove or remediate conducive conditions, or you have termites, have had termites, or want to look into preventive measures to keep your home from getting termites… reach out. As licensed, experienced and knowledgeable professionals, it is our responsibility to discuss these various options with Homeowners to make the best-informed decision for themselves.
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269.779.2900 AdvancingLives.myASEAlive.com Jacque@AdvancingLives.biz
I N D E P E N D E N T A S S O C I AT E
April 2022
21
A Little
Spring
in Your Step STARTING THE MORNING WITH MORE ENERGY & EASE
A
t this time of seasonal transition, selfcare is key. How can we align with the energy of Spring that supports us moving from Winter hibernation to Spring rejuvenation?
One way is to create a short morning routine. This can seem overwhelming when we’re busy, but carving out this time for yourself can free up head space and help you start the day with a little more pep in your step. It doesn’t have to be very long – a few minutes of mindfulness in the morning goes a long way to creating a positive energetic effect that can last throughout the day. Here are some tips to try:
Wake up before 6am – waking up early, and at the same time each day, helps us align with our natural circadian rhythm (internal clock) and supports better sleep at night. To wake up refreshed try going to bed by 10pm each night and limiting technology for the last hour of your day. You might also try no technology for the first hour in the morning so you can wake up and connect to what you want instead of being pulled into work or relationship before you’ve had a chance to check in with yourself. Go for a morning walk – exposure to the fresh air and rising sun helps signal your brain that it’s time to start the day. A brisk walk also has cardiovascular benefits, burns calories, improves circulation, increases mental focus, and is a good time to connect with yourself or a special someone. Bonus: if you have a dog they will love this part of your morning routine! 22
April 2022
Take a few deep breaths – you can do this from bed, during your walk, on a yoga mat, or in the shower. Noticing your breath helps bring you into the present moment. Slow, mindful breaths help improve oxygen delivery, lower blood pressure, release endorphins, relieve stress, and shift our energy. You might explore counting your breath, extending the exhale, or breathing through alternate nostrils as well as noticing your natural breathing rhythm. Best part about tip #3: it’s the perfect way to wake up and smell the coffee! Stretch and strengthen – stretching first thing in the morning increases blood flow to all parts of the body, including the brain, and has been linked to preventing feelings of tiredness and increased energy levels throughout the day. You might get out a yoga mat or find a comfy spot where you can move your spine through flexion, extension, side bending, and gentle twisting and then move on to gentle stretches of the neck, wrists, arms/ shoulders, hips/glutes, legs, ankles and feet. You could target a few spots that need your attention and hold the supported stretches for a few minutes each, or you could do a slow flow from head to toe. Adding a few moments of core engagement to improve balance and stability can be beneficial too. If you’re looking for more guidance and support, you might add a morning yoga or workout class to your routine a few days a week instead of doing this on your own, at home.
Don’t forget to eat breakfast – starting your day with the appropriate fuel is key to sustaining your energy, balancing blood sugar levels, and maintaining a healthy metabolism. You could try oatmeal, eggs, Greek yogurt, nuts, berries, or a protein shake to name a few. Experiment with foods you like and their effect on your system, or check with your doctor or an Ayurvedic practitioner for specific dietary recommendations.
Look ahead and map out your mornings according to your schedule. Maybe Monday and Wednesday you take a 30-minute walk, Tuesday and Thursday spend 15 minutes stretching at home, and Friday attend a class or give yourself the day off and just enjoy a few deep breaths before breakfast and your morning coffee. Incorporating even one of the above tips can help you feel more balanced. Here’s to stepping into spring with more energy and ease! Kristin Fiore Kristin is the owner of Down Dog Yoga Center in downtown Kalamazoo, MI. Her supportive approach to teaching Yoga, with a focus on trauma sensitive practices, encourages us to explore the present moment fully and inspires self-love, patience, and peace.
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Are you invested properly? Get a second opinion. Call today for a Face to Face. Morgan S Yaw, AAMS® Financial Advisor
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101 South Main Street Plainwell, MI 49080 269-685-1181
711 E Allegan St Otsego, MI 49078-1301 269-694-1548
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120 S Main Street Vicksburg, MI 49097 269-649-2463
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April 2022
23
Easter Dishes Easter is right around the corner and we could all use a little comfort food right now. Here are some delicious options to accompany your Easter ham.
Heather Dombos Heather comes from a long, southern tradition of hospitality and hearty cooking. You can usually find her in the kitchen whipping up something special for family and friends.
Baked Macaroni & Cheese 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 lb macaroni 9 Tbsp butter 3/4 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded 1⁄2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 3/4 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded 2 cups half-and-half 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1⁄4 tsp seasoning salt 1⁄8 tsp fresh ground pepper
Preheat oven to 350. Lightly butter a deep baking dish. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rapid boil. Add macaroni and the 1 Tbsp oil. Cook for 7 minutes, or until tender. Drain well and return to the pot.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt 8 Tbsp of the butter. Stir into macaroni. In a large bowl, combine all the shredded cheeses. To the macaroni, add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheeses, half and half, the cubed cheese and the eggs, and the seasoned salt and pepper.
Transfer to the prepared casserole dish, and top with remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Top with remaining 1 Tbsp of the butter. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and bubbly.
Pineapple Spoonbread 1/4 cup butter 1/2 cup sugar 20 oz can pineapple, crushed (undrained) 4 eggs Pinch of salt (optional) 7-9 bread slices, cubed
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April 2022
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar. Add pineapple, eggs and salt. With a spoon, gently stir in bread cubes and toss lightly until combined. Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish. Bake 45-60 mins until beginning to brown.
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Broccoli Salad SALAD: 5-6 cups broccoli florets 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese thicker, not finely shredded 2/3 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup crumbled bacon 1/2 cup salted sunflower seeds 1/3 cup red onion diced into small pieces Combine broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and onion in a large bowl. In a separate, small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined. Pour dressing over broccoli combination and toss or stir well. Broccoli salad may be served immediately, but for best flavor refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Make sure to toss broccoli salad thoroughly again before serving.
Strawberry Dream Cake 1 (18.25-oz) package white cake mix 1 (3-oz) package strawberry gelatin 4 large eggs 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries 1 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup milk STRAWBERRY BUTTERCREAM FROSTING 1 cup butter, softened 2 (16-ounce) packages powdered sugar, sifted 1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries FOR THE CAKE: Beat the cake mix and next 7 ingredients at low speed with an electric mixer 1 minute. Scrape down the sides, and beat at medium speed 2 more minutes, stopping to scrape down sides, if needed. (Strawberries should be well blended into batter.) Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch cake pans. Bake at 350° for 23 minutes or until cakes spring back when lightly pressed with a finger.
Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 mins. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire racks.
FOR THE FROSTING: Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer 20 seconds or until fluffy.
Spread Strawberry Buttercream Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish, if desired. Serve immediately, or chill up to 1 week.
Add powdered sugar and chopped strawberries, beating at low speed until creamy. (Add more sugar if frosting is too thin, or add strawberries if too thick.)
April 2022
25
Mosquitoes, Fleas & Ticks HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY
Summer is in full swing and most of us are hanging out in the backyard, grilling out, playing with our kids and pets, but are we prepared for what experts are predicting will be one of the most active tick seasons in years? Did you know that illnesses from mosquito, flea and tick bites have tripled in the U.S.? “Zika, West Nile, Lyme, and chikungunya—a growing list of diseases caused by the bite of an infected mosquito, tick, or flea—have confronted the U.S. in recent years, making a lot of people sick. And we don’t know what will threaten Americans next,” said CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, M.D. “Our Nation’s first lines of defense are state and local health departments and vector control organizations, and we must continue to enhance our investment in their ability to fight against these diseases.” Ticks and mosquitoes are spreading germs in increasing numbers, moving into new areas & putting more people at risk of infection.
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April 2022
SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO? • Use insect repellent. • Wear appropriate clothing. • Use bed nets if sleeping outdoors.
marigold, tansy, citrosa plants, sweet basil and/or sassafras near your home.
• Encourage natural predators. There are plenty to choose from: ladybugs, bats, dragonflies, praying mantis, spiders, and birds. Stock ponds with fish — • Keep your screens in good repair. they’ll eat mosquito larvae. • Eliminate the standing water • Use yellow light bulbs in mosquitoes need to reproduce. outdoor fixtures. • Plant mosquito-repelling • Have your yard treated for plants.These include scented these insects. geraniums, lemon thyme, • To stop ticks, tuck long pants into your socks and avoid tall grass and underbrush.
If you are looking for a reputable company to protect your home and yard this summer, Moxie Magazine uses and highly recommends the professionals at Pest Pros of Michigan. Give them a call at 269-993-0051 to schedule service today.
moxiemediagroup.com
April 2022
27
COMING SUMMER 2022
JOIN US FOR A DAY OF FREE FAMILY FUN! Kalamazoo County Expo Center 2900 Lake Street | Kalamazoo, MI
• Bounce house & obstacle course • Heroes and characters who love to engage and pose for photos • Rocking musical performances
• Trick-or-Treating • Kid’s costume contest • Princess story time • Face painting
GREAT ACTIVITIES & FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
VENDORS: There is still time to reserve your booth for the 2022 Expo (269) 488-9780 | info@moxiemediagroup.net | www.moxiemediagroup.com
