Splash Into Summer - July 2020

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F R E S H * F U N * FA BU LO U S Wo m e n s L i f e S t y l e K a z o o. c o m

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Moxie Media Group, LLC is dedicated to bringing fresh, focused and fabulous content to Southwest Michigan.

Whether it is our beautiful monthly magazine, our professional development group for women, or our annual expos...

With a brand new name comes a brand new website! Beginning in the fall, visit our new website to see our latest news and editions.

it’s easy to see, She’s Got Moxie!

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

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I

t is hard to believe that July is already here. After a three month printing hiatus we are so glad to be back on newsstands around Southwest Michigan. On June 9th I made a big announcement that in order to solidify ourselves as an independent and completely local publication, Women’s LifeStyle Magazine of Southwest Michigan will become Moxie Magazine in September. I can’t wait to show you all of the exciting things we have in store for Moxie Magazine. While our name has changed, I promise that we will continue to bring you fresh, focused and fabulous content written by and for the women of Southwest Michigan.

This has been the most difficult letter I have written for the magazine. I have

started and erased and rewritten this paragraph 100 times. Watching the brutal murder of George Floyd at the hands of a man sworn to protect and serve the community absolutely broke my heart and simultaneously angered me in a way I haven’t experienced before. I reached out to two amazing women who are leaders in our community and in the local chapter of Moms of Black Boys United to have a hard discussion about what we can do to create impactful change in our sphere of influence.

Independence Day. Of course, this year, the celebrations will be a smaller, but we will still find great ways to celebrate. We have included a few fun ideas for a festive fourth. You will also find a guide to the best patio dining in the area, excellent recipes for your farmers’ market finds and some tips to get beach beautiful legs with the perfect shave.

I hope that you enjoy the July edition.

In our annual Adventure Edition next month, we are excited to introduce you to the Kalamazoo Safari Company and give you a behind-the-scenes tour of the Binder Park Zoo.

July has always been one of my favorite months. Summer is in full swing, farmers markets are full of beautiful produce, the yard needs mowing twice a week and friends and family gather to celebrate

- Heather

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The People Who Make It Happen: Publisher:

Heather Dombos hdombos@wlskazoo.com

July

2020

Contributing Writers:

Emily Betros Elizabeth Precopio Ashley Carter-Youngblood Kelly Duggan Rachel Kirtley Heidi McCrary Hannah Reuter Jenny Opdycke Dr. Marti Peters-Sparling

Layout & Design:

Alicia Pauwels apauwels@wlskazoo.com

Photography:

Grace Photography gracephoto.com

Contact Us for Info & Sales: 269-350-5227

By Mail:

Women’s LifeStyle of Southwest MI P. O. Box 2284 Portage, MI 49081-2284

By Email:

info@wlskazoo.com editor@wlskazoo.com sales@wlskazoo.com

LIFE 6 Have a Festive Fourth at Home 8 The Perfect Summer Shave 12 Look Who’s Talking: Mothers of Black Boys United 14 Shake Off the Backyard Blues 22 Paris’s Kitchen 28 Navigating Jobless Waters 30 Lessons I’ve Learned

MINDFULLY 26 EATING FIVE PATIOS 18 TOP

HEALTH & FITNESS 1 0 #1 Informant: Your Body 20 Interdependence Day 26 Eating Mindfully

Websites:

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com WomensLifeStyleKazooExpo.com KzooFamilyExpo.com WLSKmastermind.com This Publication Proudly Supports

FOOD & DRINK 1 6 Farmers Market Favorites

- Fresh Tomato Tart

- Zucchini & Sweet Corn Pie

- Cherry Clafoutis

- Fresh Summer Berry Cake 18 The Kalamazoo Foodie’s Top Five Patios for Summer Eating and Drinking 24 Restaurant Review: The Studio Grill

MARKET FAVORITES 16 FARMERS

* Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no calendar of events in the month’s edition.

July 2020

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Festive 1 Fourth HAVE A

2

AT HOME

W

ith most of the annual Independence Day celebrations cancelled, we are wondering how to celebrate summer’s biggest holiday at home. Here are a few ideas to have a fabulous fourth without leaving your back yard.

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Invite a few close friends over for a BBQ. Breakout the checkered table cloth and throw some burgers and hot dogs on the grill. Good music, cold beverages and delicious grilled food will put a smile on everyone’s face.

Make a few red, white and blue treats.

A quick trip to Pinterest will provide an unlimited amount of ideas for patriotic themed snacks and desserts. Whip up a cute treat that will delight guests of all ages.

Enjoy a patriotic themed movie. Whether you want to enjoy a movie inside or set up a backyard movie screen, everyone will love relaxing and enjoying a film.

Take your movie night to the next level and provide your guests popcorn and movie candy for refreshments. If you are looking for a suggestion, the smash Broadway hit Hamilton will be available to stream on Disney+ starting on July 3rd.

Gather around a big bonfire. Summer bonfires are a timeless tradition. Wrap up your day of celebration with a backyard bonfire. Include a smores buffet and offer multiple options for making the gooey treats.

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Bring the summer Olympics to your backyard. Organize a few fun and silly games to have your friends and family compete for prizes. The internet is full of awesome backyard game suggestions that will entertain and get lots of laughs.

Create a fun signature cocktail for your adult guests or if you aren’t feeling super ambitious, make a vodka watermelon, which is both boozy and refreshing. Make sure to offer a fun and refreshing option for kids and guests who don’t drink. An assortment of non-alcoholic beverages, popcicles and a “sober” watermelon are all great options.

One of the best things about Independence Day is the fireworks. While we don’t suggest a fireworks show from your back yard, we do recommend having sparklers available for the kids to twirl around while the adults enjoy that bonfire we recommended.

However you choose to spend the 4th we hope it is filled with friends, family and fun. Stay safe and as always, enjoy alcohol responsibly and have a designated driver.

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Summer THE PERFECT

SHAVE

Shaving can be such a chore, so the next time you lather up follow these trusty tips to give you the closest shave possible.

The Five Minute Soak Whether you shave in the tub or shower, spend five minutes in the water before starting your shave prep. Warm water softens the hair and makes for an easier shave

Use a Man’s Razor

Men’s razors are designed to glide around the curves of faces and necks. This makes them easier on knees and ankles. They also tend to have sharper blades and you will avoid the “pink tax”. That’s right, women typically pay more for their razors than men, so save some change and get a better razor.

Exfoliate

Should I exfoliate before or after?

Both! Grab your favorite body exfoliator and polish off that layer of dead skin before you get started.

Keep that exfoliator handy because you will complete another round right after shaving.

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July 2020

Lather Up

Choose a rich, lathering shaving cream for protection against nicks, cuts and razor burn.

Shave

Always shave against the direction of hair growth.

Start at your ankles and work your way up the leg.

Make sure to rinse your razor often during the shaving process.

Exfoliate Again

After you rinse your legs, it’s time for another round of exfoliation.

Moisturize

This part is key. Generously apply moisturizer to keep your legs silky smooth.

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SAVE YOUR ENERGY IN JULY Summer air conditioning puts additional strain on our energy bill, so try to save power in other areas.

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• Vacuum under & behind the refrigerator to make it run more efficiently.

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• Remind the kids to keep the doors closed.

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#1 INFORMANT

SHHH… DID YOU HEAR THAT?

It was your body speaking to you. Maybe you missed it this time. There’s a lot of noise in the world that is distracting. It can be hard to hear what your body is saying. Just because you missed it this time, doesn’t mean you can’t keep trying. The voice is always there.

Our surface, or outside body, tends to be where we focus most of our attention. We try to fix our surface bodies–clear up acne, erase stretch marks, change our size, shape, or weight.

However, it’s actually our intuitive body, or inside body that we should be listening to as close as we can. Because oftentimes, we are trying to distract ourselves from the truth of the intuitive body by focusing on our outside body.

Afterall, isn’t it easier to focus on what you look like rather than how you feel inside?

I’m not suggesting that we pay no attention to our outside body. However, I believe we will lead our most peaceful and authentic life when our outside body is an expression of what our intuitive body believes, instead of an attempt to conform to the “ideal body image” that society has created for us (read: slim, flat stomach, clear complexion, large breasts, long straight blond hair, etc).

We do this by listening deeply to our intuitive body. To do this we must slow down and reduce the noise around us.Take moments to reflect, listen, and be with your body. None of us were born hating our bodies. This is learned, which means it can be unlearned. It also means that how we feel about and treat our bodies starts in changing our mind set, not our bodies.

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July 2020

Your Body

Our bodies are our informants. They are feeding us information everyday about what they need - nutrients, movements, rest, fresh air, intimacy, connection, creativity, and more.

When we only focus on fitting our surface body into a societal mold, it’s hard to hear our thoughts on these things.

When we spend more time in our surface body, we tend to compare ourselves more.

When we are in this mindset, we tend to judge others and ourselves much more. We start to attach to these thoughts and appear to be real and believable, rather than actually the way things really are. For example, you might have left the house feeling good about yourself, but then upon seeing a friend and making a comparison, you suddenly don’t feel so great about yourself. And yet, absolutely nothing has changed about who you were when you left the house and that moment of seeing your friend! Try labeling this for exactly what it is. Think to yourself, I’m comparing myself and making a judgement.

Once you’re able to do that, you can create a more compassionate and realistic thought.

The new thought might be, I really liked the way my friend looked and I can still feel good about myself today. Those two thoughts can exist simultaneously. They don’t have to be pitted against each other. This is honoring your intuitive body (the feelings you had about your body) and acknowledging how you felt about seeing your friend. This allows us to pay attention to our internal cues instead of just an external judgement - your feelings not just your thoughts.

It’s important for us get in touch with the physical sensations of our feelings. We don’t have any control over our feelings. They can come out of nowhere. We do however, with enough awareness, have some control over how we react to them - what the thought or behavior is after we have a feeling. For example, if the feeling is frustration, the physical sensations might be a tightening in the shoulders or stomach, a clenched jaw, holding in our breath, or a warming in our face. If we can identify these sensations as frustration, we can deal with them instead of attributing them to something else or mistaking them for something else like hunger and then turning to food.

Next time you experience a feeling, see if you can sit with it. See if you can give it the time and space it needs to fully process. Your body will help you do this. Trying to escape it by focusing on controlling your outside body won’t fix it (i.e I’m frustrated with my life, so I’ll start a diet tomorrow and at least I can control that). Feelings that arise in our bodies need to be met with compassion and processed through. Perhaps the next time your body speaks to you, you will be able to hear it a little more clearly and honor what it is telling you.

Emily Betros is a licensed clinical social worker, certified health coach, and owner of Reclaiming Health, LLC. She specializes in body image support, eating disorders, anxiety, life transitions, mindfulness, and women’s issues. More info: www.reclaiminghealth.net.

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|

LOOK WHO’S TALKING

Q &

A

|

WITH

It is nearly impossible to write an appropriate introduction for this interview piece. Amid overwhelming heartbreak and anger over the murder of George Floyd, I reached out to two exceptional women who are leaders in our community and serve as leaders in the local chapter of Moms of Black Boys United. We want to thank Stacey Ledbetter and Sabrina Prichett-Evans for taking time out of their busy schedules to share with our readers.

Tell us a little about yourself?

STACEY – I am “Black & Blue.” A Black

woman – mother of two young adult Black sons, wife, sister, cousin, aunt, friend. God ordered my steps with a Blue career – I am a retired Captain (2017) who served over 25 years in law enforcement at the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. My expertise is in community policing, and I established numerous trusting and lasting relationships with community members over the years, to date. I am now the CEO of Black & Blue Networking & Consulting, LLC, we do training, facilitation, and team-building with a cultural awareness and equity lens. I am also on the Leadership Team with Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Kalamazoo.

SABRINA – I am a child of God with wants,

desires, love, joy, and fear like all other human beings. My race and gender do not change what God has for my family and me.

As a mother of two sons, my desire is for the world to accept them for the wonderful souls they are and the uniqueness and beauty that they bring to our world. It is also my desire that they use the gifts that they have been bestowed for the betterment of themselves, family, and humankind.

STACEY LEDBETTER

I’m also a business owner for over 27 years.

I own two insurance and financial service agencies located in Kalamazoo & South Haven.

Tell our readers about M.O.B.B. SABRINA - M.O.B.B. (Moms of Black Boys)

SABRINA PRICHETT-EVANS

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July 2020

United for Social Change, Inc (MUSC) is dedicated to positively influencing how Black boys and men are perceived and treated by law enforcement and in society. The founder is Depelsha McGruder, located in New York, NY, and the executive director is Vanessa McCullers, located in Los Angeles, CA. It started as a friendly Facebook support group in 2016. MUSC is the advocacy arm and sister organization of Moms of Black Boys United, Inc. Its goal is to influence policy at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure that Black boys and men are treated fairly and

equitably. MUSC is focused on eradicating harassment, brutality, and unwarranted use of deadly force by law enforcement. We want our sons and law enforcement officers to make it home safely every night.

I first became aware of the group through the Facebook page. I later became interested in the advocacy side and joined as a dues-paying member. After I found out that there wasn’t a Michigan chapter, I started a local SW Michigan chapter. We needed nine members to form a chapter, and we made it happen. We all want the same things for our sons. We want society to view them as the wonderful human beings we nurture that brings joy to hearts and creates a sparkle in our eyes.

Why is it so important to not generalize and say, “all lives matter”?

STACEY - “All Lives Matter” should be a

given, but countless horrendous incidents against Black people – both historical and current – have, among other things, magnified the lack of inclusivity and marginalization, which has resulted. A very general example is that All Houses Matter, no one wants their home destroyed - but if your house is on fire, you want the fire department to spray water on your house and put out the fire, not the one down the street that is not on fire. The point is to focus on the issue, not to smother it with statements that are a given, and unnecessary at that time.

What are the essential questions we all need to be asking in our community?

STACEY - I think that people need to start

by asking themselves questions. Turning to wonder when you hear about things that you simply do not identify with, have preconceived notions about, or have not experienced.

Checking one’s own biases is an intentional activity. What brought me to that conclusion?

I wonder what that person has gone through in life?

Questions to be asked in our community are

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about disparities, statistics, stories you hear about but don’t grasp.

What are your thoughts regarding the killing of George Floyd? How would our community react to and handle a situation like that? At what point in your life did you become aware of racial differences? What were you taught about people who are unlike you?

SABRINA - We should be asking for transparency in how laws are enforced. How many people actually use drugs based on race and gender versus who is charged? We had a racial profiling study in 2013, and it proved that the police were racially profiling. What happened? What changed as a result of the study? Does the community feel that there was change? How are certain people policed versus other communities? Listen closely to how groups are discussed depending on where they live or what they look like and then ask why?

Is there any validity to what is believed, or is it based on media? We know what diversity looks like, what does inclusion look like? How often have you had honest conversations with someone who doesn’t look like you or didn’t grow up in the same neighborhood?

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

MAGAZINE | EXPO

Sometimes we don’t hear what is being said; we hear what we want to hear. What is the message we need to hear from the Black community?

STACEY - You need to hear personal stories

from Black people who are willing (e.g., via Racial Healing Circles), in person. Everyone has their own story, and groups of people should not be generalized or stereotyped with 100% broad-stroke assumptions or negative comments about everyone in that group.

Organizations like MOBB exist for a valid reason, research them, and have discussions with members about their realities.

SABRINA - We need to hear what has been said for centuries. The black community is over-policed. It’s not a matter of police training to deescalate. It’s a matter of heart and what is right and wrong. Police know how to deescalate.

What can people of other races do to support and encourage Black people and other people of color in our community?

STACEY - Continue to do profiles in this

magazine, support Black businesses, speak

out against racist acts and comments that you witness, educate yourselves on the history of this country to understand why we have racism and discrimination issues in this country in 2020, be an ally in advocating for equitable systemic changes in the Criminal Justice System, at all education levels, hiring and opportunity practices. Work on building relationships with people unlike yourself, and contact me at trhtlawkalamazoo@gmail.com if you need assistance with learning about specific advocacy initiatives that you can help with right now.

SABRINA - Find about laws and stress transparency. Advocate for less incarceration and breaking up of families. Advocate for increasing the age of reason from seven in Michigan. Laws like this seem to be used disparagingly against people of color. Push for settlement of disputes in school at school.

Children need to learn to solve social issues without the harsh penalty that comes along with law enforcement.

Remember, we are people representing the human race just like you.

July 2020

13

I

Shake Off Those Backyard Blues!

VISIT PORTAGE PARKS

1,000 Acres. 18 Parks. One City.

f you are an outdoor enthusiast like me, July tends to be the time of year in Michigan that camping fever sets in. Most summers I have plans in place to go camping and hiking at least a few times before fall – but this year was different. With the chaos and confusion surrounding the quarantine, I did not even know how to start planning a camping trip. Luckily, with the 18 parks in Portage I was able to find some great day hiking spots to satisfy that nature itch.

BISHOP’S BOG PRESERVE

RAMONA PARK

One of my favorite spots is the Bishop’s Bog Preserve and depending on how much hiking I plan on doing, I park at either the Eliason or Schrier Park entrance. With Schrier Park, I have the option to hike a trail connecting to the South Westnedge Park, and at Eliason, I have a more naturesque route. With 140 acres of ancient preserve, Bishop’s Bog is the largest remaining “relict bog” in southern Michigan with several rare plant species, like the Orange Fringed Orchid and the Stemless Pink Ladyslipper. This is a great place to escape that city feel and one of the many reasons I enjoy traipsing the trails here.

On those hot days when I just do not feel like doing much, I love hitting up Ramona Park. With its newly expanded beach, concession stand, and lakeactivity rentals; it is the perfect spot to relax! Sometimes, I join a game of volleyball or sign up for a few tennis games in their recreational league.

During the summer they also host beach bonfires, swimming and fishing lessons, and movie nights that I like to attend.

SOUTH WESTNEDGE PARK South Westnedge Park is home to the region’s softball complex, with multiple fields and leagues playing throughout the summer. This area also has a large dog park, a “street plaza” style skatepark, and an inline skate hockey rink for the community. With a trail leading to Bishop’s Bog and the West Lake Nature Preserve across the road, this is an ideal location to unwind and have some fun. Did I mention the local Dairy Queen is nearby as well?

BICENTENNIAL PARK The place I visit the most is Bicentennial Park. With over 200 acres and eight miles of hiking trails, it allows me to see the most of Portage. On the trail to the library, I always make a stop at the historic Celery Flats to check out their buildings from the 1800s. My favorite being the Manor House, many ghostbusting crews have come to visit that haunted place, but none have survived… Just kidding! Though, there are claims that things move on their own – take a tour to find out.

ADD THESE PORTAGE PARKS TO YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST:

• Harbors West Park • Haverhill Park • Lexington Green Park • Oakland Drive Park • Westfield Park • Portage Creek Bicentennial Park (Celery Flats) • Ramona Park • Lakeview Park • Liberty Park • Veteran’s Memorial Park • Central Park • Millennium Park • South Westnedge Park • West Lake Nature Preserve • Bishop’s Bog Preserve • Eliason Nature Reserve • Schrier Park The Portage Parks & Rec Department hosts a multitude of programs and events during the year, ESPECIALLY DURING THE SUMMER. We all want to enjoy our summer while staying safe, so I hope I provided you with some fun and easy ways to get outside!

Check the Portage events page on social-media or their website for the dates and times of upcoming events.

Hannah Reuter graduated from Western Michigan University in 2015 with a bachelor degree in Economics and currently resides in Portage, MI. 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.

Ramona Park

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July 2020

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15

Farmer’s Market FAVORITES

Fresh Tomato Tart 3 medium tomatoes, thickly sliced 2 tsp salt 2 sheets store-bought puff-pastry dough 1 cup ricotta cheese 1 egg 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tsp dried oregano ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for finishing Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line one baking sheet with parchment paper.

Line another baking sheet with 3 or 4 layers of paper towels. Place the tomato slices on the towel-lined sheet and sprinkle evenly with the salt. Place a few more layers of paper towels on top of the tomatoes. (This helps absorb some of the moisture so the tart isn’t soggy.)

On a lightly floured surface, place the 2 sheets of puff-pastry dough next to each other and gently press them together.

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Roll out the dough into a single rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick. Roll the crust onto your rolling pin and then unfurl it onto the prepared baking sheet.

Cut a 1-inch-wide strip off each side of the rectangle. Lightly brush the edges of the puffpastry dough with water and place the strips on top (this makes a raised edge to hold in the filling).

Trim away any excess with a knife. Chill the crust while you prepare the filling.

In a medium bowl, whisk the ricotta with the egg, garlic, oregano, parsley and basil to combine.

Spread the ricotta mixture evenly across the center of the tart crust. Arrange the tomato slices on top, overlapping them slightly to make sure almost all the cheese is covered. Season the surface with salt and pepper.

Bake until the crust is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. The finished tart can be served warm or at room temperature.

Zucchini & Sweet Corn Pie 4 Tbsp butter 1/2 yellow onion, diced 2 ears sweet corn 2 large zucchini, sliced very thinly (about 4 cups) 8 oz sliced mushrooms 1 dried basil 1 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp salt 12 oz shredded cheese (I used both Mozzarella and Swiss) 4 eggs, beaten

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

cheese, and the beaten eggs.

Heat the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium high heat.

Line a pie pan (9inch or larger) with parchment paper or just grease a pan with nonstick spray.

Transfer the mixture to the pan. Arrange the top so the zucchini slices lay flat and look nice. Top with a little extra cheese for looks, cover with greased foil, and bake for 20 minutes.

Add the onions, zucchini, and mushrooms. While the veggies saute, cut the corn kernels off the cob. Add them to the pan and continue to saute until the veggies are soft, 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Once the mixture has cooled for a few minutes, stir in the basil, oregano, salt,

Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the top. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before cutting into slices.

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Cherry Clafoutis

3 1/2 cups fresh cherries stemmed and pitted unsalted butter to grease the baking dish 1 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar 3 large eggs 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup all-purpose flour pinch of salt 2 Tbsp unsalted butter melted and cooled 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp almond extract 1 cup milk powdered sugar for dusting Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Butter a 9-inch (23 cm) pie plate and sprinkle granulated sugar evenly on top.

Wash and dry the cherries. Then remove the stems.

Remove the pits one-by-one. Use a cherry pitter or place onto the mouth of an empty beer or wine bottle and push out each pit

using a chopstick.

Pour the batter over the cherries in the pan.

Place the cherries in the prepared pan. They should fit snugly into a single layer.

Bake 40-45 minutes or until puffy and golden on the edges.

In a medium bowl or a blender, beat the eggs, sugar, salt, vanilla and almond extract just until smooth.

Remove from oven and allow to cool for 20-30 minutes. This is important to let it firm up.

Mix in the melted butter. Then mix in the flour until smooth. Finally mix in the milk.

Dust with powdered sugar and cut into wedges to serve.

Fresh Summer Berry Cake 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1/3 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup sour cream 2 cup berry mix (raspberries, blueberries and blackberries) FRESH BERRY SAUCE 2 cup berry mix (raspberries, blueberries and blackberries) 2 Tbsp sugar

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Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a 9 inch spring form pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

In medium dish combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt. In a separate dish put butter and ½ cup of sugar and mix with an electric mixer, medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy.

Add one egg at a time, vanilla extract and sour cream and mix until well combined.

Spread the dough in the already prepared spring form pan.

Sprinkle with the rest 1/3 of berries and 2 spoons of sugar.

Bake for 35-40 min or until toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Leave in the spring form pan to cool for a couple of minutes, and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Then, add dry ingredients and mix at minimum speed until you get fine dough. Separate1/3 of berries and leave aside.

FRESH BERRY SAUCE: Put berry mix and sugar in a food processor and puree until smooth. Remove the seeds, using sieve.

Gently fold berries into batter with a spatula, do not beat in.

Serve with whipped topping and fresh berry sauce.

July 2020

17

The Kalamazoo Foodie’s TOP 5 PATIOS FOR SUMMER & WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK

S

ummer is here and that means Patio Season! While there are plenty of amazing restaurants around Kalamazoo and Portage, there are a few that stand out with their beautiful patio views. Also the season for fun summer cocktails!

If you know me or follow my page, The Kalamazoo Foodie, you know that Fisher Lake Inn has been one of my longtime favorite restaurants for over a decade. Not only because I used to work there, but because their food, cocktails, and staff are all incredible! My favorite part of Fisher Lake Inn? Their patio dining! The patio at Fisher Lake Inn seats about 12 tables and overlooks Fisher Lake in Three Rivers. The tables sit right at the edge of the lake and there is even a dock you can take a stroll on after dinner, pull your boat up to dock it while you eat, grab food to go, or view the beautiful sunsets Fisher Lake has to offer. My husband I absolutely LOVE their Rum Runners! If you have never tried one, it’s a must. Similar to a Strawberry Daiquiri, only it’s made with lots of Rum, Strawberries and

July 2020

The Cove Lakeside Bistro

Fisher Lake Inn

If you are looking to stay downtown, we love Martini’s, located in the Vine Neighborhood.

They have a quaint little patio with umbrellas, lights strung about, and their flower and herb gardens all around. My favorite cocktail there is their Rosa Martini. Made with Ketel One Vodka, Peachello, Cocchi Americano Rosa, Another favorite patio with a gorgeous lake view and sunsets is The Cove Lakeside Bistro.

They have a huge patio overlooking the West Lake on Portage Road. Aside from the views, they also have some fabulous fun summer worthy cocktails. One of my favorites is their Parrothead Punch. A wonderful mix of rum and fruit juices that Jimmy Buffet would be proud of!

The Cove offers Happy Hour every weekday from 4:00 – 6:00pm. $1 OFF Draft Pours, 25% off House Wine Pours, and $4 Well Drinks. If there was ever an excuse to grab your friends and head to the patio, this is it! If you are looking for something light and refreshing to eat, I highly recommend their Shrimp & Watermelon Salad.

Fisher Lake Inn 18

Banana Liquor. If you aren’t into frozen drinks, my second favorite is their Vodka Vixen mixed with several types of flavored vodka, cranberry and pineapple juices. Perfect for sipping on the patio to enjoy the sunshine or sunset. Looking for something to nosh on while you are there, the Mahi Mahi Fish tacos are one of my favorite tacos around!

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Prosecco, Fresh Lemon & Rose water. I dare you to find a more unique martini! It was light and refreshing. My other favorite of theirs is the Luna Martini. Made with Hendrick’s Gin, St Germain, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Bitters, and Muddled Basil from their herb garden.

Grab your friends and book a table on the patio and share one of their amazing pizzas!

I highly recommend stopping by Zazio’s and sitting on their cozy patio. The patio offers plush cushioned chairs and a no-smoke fire pit for ambiance. It’s perfect for people watching and sipping on a glass of wine or one of Zazio’s many amazing martinis and cocktails! They never disappoint. My favorite of course is a Vodka Dirty Martini with Blue Cheese Olives.

Pro Tip: their truffle fries are SO good and shareable. They make the perfect patio snack.

FIsher Lake Inn

lights strung above to add extra lighting and ambiance. You can also find outdoor seating at Fuze, Tempo Vino Winery, Green Top Tavern, Olde Peninsula and more. It makes for the ultimate outdoor dining experience!

Zazio’s

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Last, but certainly not least, the biggest stretch of patio- Bates Alley! The perfect summertime hangout to grab food and cocktails. Located downtown Kalamazoo, the alley was beautifully painted, patios for every bar and restaurant were added, and lots of

Summer is finally here and I couldn’t be happier. You can most likely find me at all of these patios all summer long. Cheers!

Rachel Kirtley has worked in all levels of the food industry for over a decade. She is currently a Social Media Influencer, Content Creator and Restaurant Reviewer. You can visit her at thekalamazoofoodie.com

July 2020

19

Interdependence Day We’ve all been taught that people need people. In the midst of this recent COVID-19 lockdown experience, it has never been more apparent. Many people have suffered intense feelings of isolation and depression from being deprived basic human contact. Even many introverts are eager to emerge from the caves of our homes to reconnect with friends and neighbors.

encourage people to “pull yourself up by your bootstraps!” (independence) or promote enabling/rescuing that perpetuates victimhood (co-dependence).

feeling less victimized and more valued.

Jen Sincero writes in her book, You Are a Badass, “You are the only you that this world has ever had and will ever have!”

We don’t often discuss the other option. The healthiest option. The option that the world desperately needs to learn and embrace.

As Independence Day approaches, I have been reflecting on some of challenges of human connection. It reminds me of the Goldilocks fairy tale, “Not too big, not too small, AHHHH, JUST RIGHT!” We get mixed messages from our societal norms.

Many people, with the best of intentions,

Interdependence is defined as the mutual dependence between things. It recognizes, and I daresay CELEBRATES, the importance and the complexity of all components. It speaks into the connection that exists between all people and all things. It eludes to harmony as the natural state of balanced systems. This is the kind of world that I envision is possible.

Actually, it is not just possible. It is starting to manifest.

This is not a message we hear very often; nevertheless it is absolutely true. You really are that unique snowflake that your kindergarten teacher told you that you are.

You are utterly unique. No one else has your exact constellation of talents, gifts, insights and abilities. This makes each person irreplaceable and priceless. No exceptions.

INT E RD EPEND ENCE.

As each person awakens to the reality of their intrinsic value and how they are an essential component of the complex system that we call the world, that person starts

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July 2020

You have a purpose. You have a calling.

There is a place for you because you exist and that alone is a miracle.

Jenny Opdycke, PA-C has been practicing medicine for more than 16 years. Her specialties include holistic wellness, anxiety/depression, trauma recovery and intuitive, low carb eating strategies that promote self-awareness and healing. She loves spending time with her twin girls, friends, and fur babies. More info at www.integratedhealthmatters.com.

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21

Paris’s Kitchen P

aris Woods is an exceptional young woman with a heart for helping others and a talent for taking ordinary ingredients and creating exceptional meals. Inspired by a stir fry her mom cooked using all of the veggies from the free lunch program boxes they received that week, Paris reached out to a friend about creating a cooking show based on the food available on the items available in each week’s free lunch boxes and Paris’s Kitchen was born.

O

n the first episode of her show, Paris made a veggie flatbread pizza and shared the video on her Facebook channel.

Paris said, “It was a way to show kids that they can make something good out of the school lunches we are getting and spice it up a little and it really helps cut down on wasted food items.” During the COVID-19 pandemic all students are receiving free school lunch and Paris hopes that this coupled with her fun and inventive recipes will help remove the stigma surrounding the free lunch program. “I’m hoping that when things return to normal, this will help kids not feel ashamed about getting free lunch.”

Paris’s passion for healthy cooking and eating by cooking with her mom who owned a catering business and taught cooking classes.

After her father was injured in an accident, Paris’s mom began working two jobs, so Paris gladly stepped up to help in the family kitchen where she usually prepares lunch and sometimes dinner. “My favorite things to cook are grilled cheese, tomato soup and carrot fries.”

A sophomore at Loy Norrix High School, Paris loves to sing. She is part of the advanced mixed choir at school, a member of the Youth for Christ City Life Club and loves to serve

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July 2020

in the nursery at her church. When we asked who she looked up to, Paris said, “My mom because I love her heart. She is kind, caring and taught me to serve others like Jesus.”

Paris started an early middle college program this year and is considering pursuing a career in neonatal nursing.

Keep shining, Paris. You are definitely a young woman we admire!

To watch Paris’s Kitchen and get all of her great recipes, visit her Facebook page at fb.com/Pariswkitchen

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|

RECIPES FROM PARIS’S KITCHEN

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Apple Cookies INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Apple • 2 Tbsp peanut butter • 1 small container of yogurt • Toppings of choice— breakfast bars, dried fruit, cinnamon or anything else you like!

INGREDIENTS: • Baby carrots (1 or more 3-4 oz. bags) • Cooking oil (~1 tsp per bag of carrots) • Salt and pepper

EQUIPMENT:

EQUIPMENT: utting board, knife, mixing C spoon, mixing bowl.

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Roughly chop or crumble the breakfast bar into small pieces.

2. Mix yogurt and peanut butter together in a bowl.

3. Turn the apple to its side

Carrot Fries

and slice the apple into thin circles.

4. Spread the peanut butter yogurt mixture onto each apple slice.

5. Top with breakfast bar crumbles, dried fruit, cinnamon, or any other toppings you like.

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utting board, sharp knife, baking C tray, oven mitt, tongs or a long spoon

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Place baby carrots on a cutting board and cut each baby carrot in half longways.

3. Add baby carrots to a baking tray and lightly coat baby carrots with any cooking oil that you have.

4. Add salt and pepper.

5. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 mins.

6. Halfway through the baking time, use tongs or a long spoon to flip the carrots. You can also add paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano or any other spices you like. If you add the spices too early, they could burn.

7. Enjoy as is or with your favorite condiments.

July 2020

23

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Covid-19 has changed the way we do many things, including eating out.

Restaurants have just recently opened up, but I wasn’t feeling 100% comfortable eating out quite yet. So, when a couple of my girlfriends wanted to get together for breakfast, I searched high and low for a place that had outdoor seating.

I came across STUDIO GRILL located downtown Kalamazoo, and noticed they added a couple of tables outside. I had always heard great things and decided we should try it out.

Upon arriving, the outdoor tables were taken so I hesitantly went inside to find one. I was immediately at ease when I saw all employees wearing masks, a hand sanitizer station, as well as limited tables so that each one was given plenty of space. I found a table by a window and as I waited for my friends, one of the tables opened up outside. Although I would have been perfectly comfortable sitting inside, it was a beautiful day, so I grabbed the outdoor table.

My friends arrived and our masked server greeted us and took our drink orders. We scanned the menu, talking about what a tough decision it was going to be because everything looked wonderful.

Studio Grill offers an array of breakfast items: delicious omelets, scrumptious pancakes, and yummy skillets and scrambles.

While we were focused on breakfast, they are open through lunch and offer some amazing sounding burgers (as well as other items.) The burgers are each stuffed with some delicious sounding ingredients, setting them apart from other burger joints!

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When our server returned, I ordered the STUDIO OMELET. This was made with three eggs and

had Bacon, Swiss cheese, sautéed onion, green pepper and tomato. I also added avocado because it just sounded good that morning. My plate also came with American fries and toast (which I got strawberry jam with).

One of my friends got the MONTEREY

OMELET which was filled with bacon,

Lastly, we all tried the PANCAKES. They were giant, fluffy and just…pretty! They tasted amazing. We couldn’t put our finger on the flavor of them, but they were sweet and delicious! You almost do not need syrup (… almost) because the flavor is so good. The texture of them was also amazing. Cakier, where I find a lot of pancakes can be rubbery.

These will be a must on my next visit!

avocado, tomato and feta. She also asked for cheese on her American fries and they were happy to make that addition.

Lastly, my other friend ordered the

BREAKFAST BURRITO which had Chorizo sausage, cheddar, salsa, tomatoes, potatoes, and scrambled eggs. She asked for their

homemade SERRANO PEPPER SAUCE to dip her burrito in. She also added two pancakes so that we could try them.

The food came quickly, hot and appetizing.

My dish was amazing. The omelet was big and filled with a delicious blend of ingredients. I

really enjoyed the AMERICAN FRIES, finishing those quickly. I had ordered the whole wheat toast with my meal and the STRAWBERRY JAM was so good and tasted homemade.

My friend with the omelet agreed that the omelets were incredible. She really enjoyed her choice!

The breakfast burrito looked great. It was big, cut in half and was stuffed to the brim with its ingredients, but not so much that it was messy.

My brave friend really likes some heat and thoroughly enjoyed their serrano pepper sauce.

Monterey Omelet

Pancakes Everything, including our service at Studio Grill went beyond my expectations. The food portions are large, and I was able to take half of my omelet home to enjoy for lunch later that day. Everything was clean and pristine, and it was so lovely to sit out on the streets of Downtown Kalamazoo enjoying the beautiful day and watch the people of our community walking by.

I will definitely be back to enjoy one of their famous stuffed burgers and if you haven’t been yet, I urge you to try them out. You WON’T be disappointed!

Elizabeth Precopio 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

Breakfast Burrito WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Eating Mindfully HOW TO CHANGE YOUR REL ATIONSHIP WITH FOOD

BY ASHLEY CARTER YOUNGBLOOD, LMSW, LMFT, CMHIMP

In my work as a holistic psychotherapist*, I am seeing an ever-growing number of people describing that they do not have a healthy relationship with food, feel “addicted” to food (especially sweets), or have disordered eating.

WHY IS FOOD SO POWERFUL? Given that food affects our bodies, food affects our brains. The challenge is that, with the high rates of processed foods, considerations like hidden GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), the prevalence of soy, gluten, and dairy in not only our food but also things like cosmetics and vitamins, and the frequency of sugar in just about everything (Don’t believe me? Take a look at not only the nutrition facts on your food but, more importantly, the ingredient list), food now has a life of its own.

Let’s just explore one of the things in this list: sugar. Research clearly shows that sugar is more addictive than cocaine. Brain scans show that the brains of those addicted to sugar and highly-processed carbohydrates commonly found in our Western Diet (appropriately called the S.A.D. – Standard American Diet) show the same patterns as those addicted to drugs.

Julia Ross details this in her book, The Craving Cure, and also describes that we have evidence

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that the dairy and highly-processed carbohydrate products (often containing gluten) actually function like opioids (e.g. Oxycontin, heroin) in the brain, triggering addiction to these ingredients.

One study Julia Ross describes that I think is particularly illustrative is that, when prescriptions like Naloxone or Naltrexone, traditionally prescribed for people addicted to opioids to help them remain sober, are given to those with a sweet-tooth, they no longer receive pleasure from eating that food. The endorphins released while eating the guilty pleasure are eliminated! This means that food is not just food or a matter of will power. There is a reason why we simply cannot imagine living without cookies. (Consider exploring Gary Taubes’ “The Case Against Sugar” for more details about the connection between food, sugar, and addiction).

And, that’s just the chemistry of food! From a behavioral perspective, no longer do we simply hunt or harvest whole foods we have raised ourselves, cooking it mere seconds after it was harvested feet away. Or favored foods have become what is convenient and what tastes good (i.e. sweet). This reflects my belief that food has become so powerful partially because we have become disconnected from it.

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TIPS ON HOW TO EAT MINDFULLY Because food can carry so much emotional weight, here are some tips to help you begin to improve your relationship with food:

• CHEW EACH BITE AT LEAST 30 TIMES. Consider how this recommendation not only allows you to truly taste your food, but it also helps your body to better absorb nutrients and register the “I’m full” signal.

• ASK YOURSELF: “AM I ACTUALLY TASTING MY FOOD?” Notice

can expect slip-ups. Maybe you over-ate, ate a food you know is not healthy, or ate something you know makes you feel badly. Don’t let mistakes cause you to be a further slave to food or shame. Use mistakes as learning opportunities.

things like the texture, color, and smell, in addition to things like the side of your mouth on which you naturally chew. Google “Mindfully Eating a Raisin” for a fun, short guided meditation to encourage such mindfulness.

• PUT YOUR FORK DOWN between bites in order to encourage tasting your food.

• EAT WITHOUT DISTRACTIONS. We were not meant to eat in front of the

T.V., in our cars, playing on our phones, or at our desks. Our digestive system can only digest and absorb nutrients well when we are relaxed.

So, use eating as an opportunity to take a break, breathe, and get some respite from your daily schedule. (Yes, this means that you may need to eliminate intense business lunches).

• CONSIDER MAKING EATING COMMUNAL. Some food behaviorists argue that we eat more when we are with others because we are less mindful about signals of fullness. However, making eating communal, such as in the breakroom or nightly with family, helps us recognize that food is not only about the nutrients, but is about connection. Not eating in isolation, for those with disordered eating, may also help eliminate “shame eating” or binging. Find what works best for you.

• DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP. Given that food is more than just food, we

• WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, DO SOMETHING ELSE! I think of the old adage “If you’re not hungry enough to eat an apple, you are not actually hungry.”

This saying is a great illustration that sometimes, when our cravings show up, doing something else like yoga, taking a walk, reading a book, or dancing can help us be more mindful about what such cravings are about if they actually aren’t hunger.

• WHEN A CRAVING WON’T STOP, ASK YOURSELF “WHAT VOID AM I TRYING TO FILL RIGHT NOW?” If we get in touch with our emotions, we better understand

the food-mood connection and can learn what our triggers are, in addition to knowing what we can do to improve our relationship with food.

• SURROUND YOURSELF WITH FOOD OPTIONS THAT SUPPORT YOUR MINDFULNESS. If you open a family sized bag of potato chips, you will

be more likely to finish the bag. Also, consider how, if there is no ice cream in your home, you won’t eat any. Instead, stock your pantry with healthy items that encourage mindfulness and avoid perpetuating the addictive lure of sweetness.

Lastly but perhaps most importantly…

• REMIND YOURSELF THAT YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Your gender, age, ethnicity, or any other feature doesn’t define you. Neither does food or your body size. While you work to have a healthy relationship with food, work to have a healthy relationship with yourself. Practice loving • EAT ONLY WHEN YOU ARE HUNGRY. If I had a nickel for every time someone yourself and even saying phrases of support out loud. Self-compassion told me they are a “stress eater” or “I eat when I’m bored,” I would have is the ultimate mindfulness practice! Eating mindfully isn’t about size or already solved the problem of world hunger! Remember to check in with losing weight. It is about awareness. So, don’t only eat with awareness, your body before you reach for food and ask “Am I really hungry?” love yourself with awareness.

• EAT UNTIL YOU’RE ABOUT 80% FULL. As acclaimed food-writer Michael Pollan in his adorable little book “Food Rules” discusses, ancient traditions that include the Japanese, Chinese, and Indian Aurvedic medicine have recommendations of only eating until you are between 70% and 80% full. Pollan also adds that, when the French are done eating, they state “I have no more hunger.”

Ask yourself, “have I satisfied my hunger?” Even practice leaving food on your plate to help give yourself permission to stop eating when satisfied. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to register fullness from your stomach. So…

• EAT SLOWLY. LET YOUR FOOD DIGEST. Give yourself permission to enjoy

your food; to really taste it. Watch your breathing. Notice how your body and emotions feel before, during, and after you eat.

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[*Medical disclaimer: Please keep in mind that the above information is offered for entertainment and educational purposes only, should not be considered medical advice/treatment, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Given the unique biochemistry of each individual, it is essential to consult your physician before making any changes to your lifestyle, including nutritional, fitness, or supplementation. Such statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If you feel that you need medical support for eating behaviors, be sure to seek care from a trained professional.]

Ashley Carter Youngblood is s a psychotherapist and Certified Mental Health Integrated Medicine Provider. Her specialties include women’s issues, anxiety, holistic healing, and mindfulness and she has training and a special interest in nutrition and mental health. Find out more about her at her website, Kalamazoo-counseling.com.

July 2020

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A

Navigating Jobless Waters THE STORM OF LAYOFFS HAS HIT. HOW DO WE SURVIVE?

s of the end of May, the United States reached over 1.7 million confirmed COVID-19 cases, 30% of the confirmed cases world wide. Unfortunately, as a result, in our efforts to somewhat slow the response, businesses have gone bankrupt or shuttered permanently, while positions were altered or disappeared entirely. And this left not only myself, but an additional 1.5 million Michiganders jobless or on unemployment in some form (due to cut hours or lack of incomes, etc.). That’s not to mention a total of over 40 million Americans in the same situation.

While some of these unemployment situations are still temporary, providing small glimpses of hope, others are very permanent. With the State of Michigan at an over 22% unemployment rate, the odds are not exactly in our favor. And statistics and numbers for finding employment, especially employment that pays as much as we were making prior to the pandemic are not promising either.

In all seriousness, now what? We cannot lose hope. But, in the meantime, it is crucial to be as proactive about your future as you can. Here are a few things to get you going.

ASSESS YOUR SITUATION

The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) states on their site the $600 benefit (as of May) ends July 25th, meaning if you haven’t already used up your 26 weeks allotted for unemployment benefits your “contribution” will continue, but drop. Now is the time to look at the real numbers. How much are you spending on everything? What is the minimum you have to pay for necessities like car insurance, rent, mortgage, food and more? How long will you have unemployment income? Do this now. If you need assistance seeing where everything goes and are good at spreadsheets, make one. Mint also has a great platform and app to put your information in to help with budgeting and revealing what you really spend, sending notifications when you start straying from your budgeted path.

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July 2020

SET A GOAL

An example: I have to have something by the middle of this month or just get a job to get things going while I find something in my field. With the extra $600 incentive ending this month, it is time to follow-up on leads for jobs, as well as really lean into finding and applying to more jobs. Go back to budgeting, take those numbers to set a realistic timeline for you to work with. By week 10 where should you be?

What about 22 if you get that far? It holds you accountable, but also helps break down the daunting task of looking for employment, while perhaps giving you a little breathing room to mourn your job loss and get your head together.

RESUME, LINKEDIN, NETWORK AND UPDATES

It’s time to brush off the old resume, and if you haven’t touched it recently, it’s worth looking into what those should consist of. Formats are more simple compared to 10, 20 years ago now that employers can look at profiles on LinkedIn or online portfolios for more information. And there are plenty of sites and tools to help you create a new resume with ease.

SOME GOOD TIPS 1. If you are using LinkedIn, look up the recruiter, hiring manager or HR names for the position and address your cover letters accordingly, as it demonstrates your attention to detail and genuine interest.

2. If you know people in your field, or fields you’re interested in, reach out. It could lead you to a friend of a friend’s friend for the job you’re looking for.

3. And if you know someone, chances are more likely they’ll take a look at your resume and what you have to offer.

4. Have other friends look at your resume as well.

5. If you need a portfolio, wix.com and Wordpress offer simple templates to create a space for your work. Use their templates or find instructional videos to better navigate the space and site.

JOB SEARCH SITES AND SOURCES

LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster and Glassdoor

are the few frequented job resource sites to use for the search. MLive has an employment section as well.

MichiganWorks! is a great local go-to for not only job search while providing resources and tools for your quest to employment. If you’re a creative-type, Creative Circle is a great agency to work with to help find you suitable creative employment. Agencies like Robert Half, Aerotek & more can also help open doors.

IF MONEY REALLY IS AN ISSUE

There’s a mantra I’ve learned to repeat in problems past, which is, “A job is a job.” It’s not a happy mantra or the most favorite of outcomes, but in some cases, if your finances require it, it’s time to bite the bullet. In any case, if it comes down to that it now stands as a good reminder to work harder on where you want to be, while also aiming to budget better and pay things off so you don’t have so much overhead to cover in a next crisis or recession.

If you have some time, look for what you truly want to do & have some fun.

I’m not saying everything will be sunshine and rainbows and you’ll get that dream job next week, but if what you were in before wasn’t your cup of tea, now is a good time to sit down, get to know yourself a little better and figure out what you want to do.

And maybe explore some new things you never thought about exploring.

Lalita Chemello is a Detroit-born writer now living in west Michigan.

She’s written/edited for New Roads lifestyle magazine and Panorama.

Her other passions are photography, motorsports & screenwriting. You can also occasionally find her around town on her vintage two wheels.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

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& CELEBRATE

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Lessons I’ve Learned IF IT WERE NOT FOR HOPES, THE HEART WOULD BREAK. - Thomas Fuller In researching “lessons learned during COVID-19,” many health practice and science-research focused lessons emerged in my search. A few came up showing the demographic populations and regions affected the most. However, there was nothing I could find reporting personal impact, and I found myself perplexed. I’m not sure about you, but for me COVID-19 has affected my home, my family, me personally, my business and everything else in my life in a multitude of ways. I’m sure the effects will continue to ripple for some time.

Having been on this earth for five plus decades, life has taught me to look for the silver lining … to look for opportunity in bad times … to consider in any situation what we have control over and what we do not … and that change can be good and has purpose (minus the sickness, despair and death that the current pandemic has brought to our world).

As we continue on this uncertain, confusing COVID-19 journey, now is the time to begin to reflect on lessons learned. Consider your personal growth during the past several weeks, look at how you have adapted and take a moment to ponder how you’ll continue to adapt. It’s in times like these that it is best to grow, adapt, pivot and hold on to hope.

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July 2020

SO WHAT ARE THE LESSONS I’VE LEARNED AND/OR HAD REINFORCED IN MY OWN LIFE? HERE ARE A FEW. •

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Keep a positive, optimistic mindset. Mold a positive attitude that supports you and your family, and feed yourself daily with hope and faith.

Refuel and rest. Take extra care of YOU. It’s okay to sleep, eat, exercise and do those things that help you take care of yourself.

Get dressed and maintain your grooming every day, even if you’re working from

home or are laid off. It will help you keep that positive mindset and indirectly support others who see you.

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Surround yourself with those who matter,

whether in person, with appropriate distancing or electronically.

Make/grow new relationships. Reach out to deepen both personal and professional relationships.

Zoom, Facetime, Skype (or any of the other video/audio calling services). Need I say more? Thank goodness for technology!

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Pivot. Identify and pull opportunity from the uncertainties of these times.

Draw what you need from your resources for personal, social, mind/body/spirit well-being and career/professional development.

Be kind and lead with empathy. Don’t hesitate to ask for the help you need and give help when you can.

2020 can still be a great year. Many I spoke with started the new year on a high/positive note and I’m optimistic that success still awaits us in the year. In finding hope in these times, I’ll close with a bit of humor. A good laugh is good for the soul. If you happened to miss Danielle Brennandifili’s YouTube video, I’m sure you’ll get a chuckle. Take a few minutes to search for this silver lining, a bit of humor in this unprecedented time, and next, consider what lessons you have learned.

Kelly Duggan 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.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

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